Outdoor Retailer « Soldier Systems

Archive for the ‘Outdoor Retailer’ Category

Gerber’s Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife Big Hit at OR

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Without a doubt the best giveaway at this Summer’s Outdoor Retailer was the Bear Grylls fire starter from Gerber. Additionally, they unveiled the the first of the new Bear Grylls Survival Series; the Ultimate Knife. Available beginning October, the Ultimate Knife features a full tang, partially-serrated, stainless steel blade combined with a textured TacHide handle, pommel strike, and utility saw. Additionally, the Ultimate Knife’s sheath features a number of integrated tools including a sharpening stone, magnesium fire starter, and weatherproof survival guide.

Bear Grylls is the star of the hit TV show, “Man vs Wild”.

www.gerbergear.com and www.beargrylls.com.

Tags: Bear Grylls, Gerber
Posted in Knives, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

Klymit

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Klymit take a different approach to insulation by allowing you to control the amount in your garment. Their NobleTek insulation is safely and easily transported in the HotShot cartridges which contain 8 grams of Argon gas. Klymit offers several insulation vests including the Khameleon seen here. The amount of insulation is controlled by the wearer.

Klymit has always been interested in the military market. Level 4 Group, a military and defense consultant, recently invested $2.2 million into Klymit’s military equipment strategy. Make sure you visit them at booth #38207 if you are attending the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

www.klymit.com

Tags: Klymit
Posted in Clothing, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

See the Paladin Panel Pack at OR Summer Market

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Have you seen this thing? If not, you need to stop by Paladin’s booth #31017E at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer market in Salt Lake City, Utah. Based on S.O. Tech designs, Paladin products are manufactured off-shore in order to mitigate costs for those who don’t require Berry compliance such as the recreational and LE markets. With the Panel Pack they have hit a home run. This pack is awesome. Designed as a modular hanging panel, it can be zipped closed and carried over-the-shoulder, pack-style. In the brochure Paladin gives a couple of ideas on how to configure the Panel Pack but those are just really the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it’s use is only limited by your imagination due to the interchangeable pockets.

Paladin Panel Pack

Feature laden, the Panal Pack has a large external mesh pocket for items like jackets, helmets, fins, etc. as well as an external flat zippered pocket for booklets, medical records, or emergency documents. Additionally, it will accommodate a hydration bladder in the flex mesh external back pocket. There are also external loops for poles and tools as well as a clear vinyl “window pocket” for packing lists or ID.

If you can’t come see it in person, make sure to visit www.specopstech.com.

Tags: Outdoor Retailer, Paladin, S.O. Tech
Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Packs | No Comments »

Patagonia to Offer Alpha Green

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Patagonia is going to offer Alpha Green as a color option for their Fall 10 line up. I know it’s a way off but start saving your pennies if you want to put together a more modern version of MARS or just update some of the pieces in the kit you already have.

Tags: Patagonia
Posted in Clothing, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

MultiCam Bivy from Kelty

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Kelty is unveiling their new MultiCam bivy at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market next week in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is manufactured from a 70D Nylon outer shell with a proprietary waterproof/breathable laminate. To keep weight and cost down they are using a 70D nylon bottom with a 1.25 oz. waterproof coating. Additionally, the bivy features a hooped design using a delrin rod and has a footbox of 15 inches for boots-on use. It accommodates a sleeper of up to 6’ 9” and has a right hand zipper. It weighs in at just under 2 pounds. Finally, it is a Berry compliant MultiCam bivy.

Stop by booth #28027 and check out the bivy as well as a plethora of other tactical outdoor products.

Tags: Kelty
Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | No Comments »

SureFire Sneak Peeks

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

We had an opportunity to see a few of the new products from SureFire at the ADS Warrior Expo and Outdoor Retailer shows. Below is just a sampling of what’s next in tactical illumination and cutlery.

M300 Mini Scout Light

At half the size of the M600 Scout Light (hence the name M300), the Mini Scout Light utilizes a single CR123 battery. It makes for a more compact and slightly lighter alternative to the full-size M600. Unfortunately, it also translates into about half of the performance of the M600. However, as more compact and specialized weapons continue to see use, such a light may well find its place.

Surefire Helmet Lights

Now in its fourth generation, the Helmet Light has integrated several changes. Most notable is the new molded shrouds for the toggles. Instead of attaching an additional part to the light, the new shrouds are an integral part of the chassis which strengthens the design and reduces production time and material. Additionally, as you can see in the photo, the new light features a threaded battery cap with an integrated lock out switch. Rumor has it that an entirely new Helmet Light is under development and while no details have been released, features are being driven by user feedback and it won’t resemble the current model.

SureFire LX1 Lumamax

The LED LX1 is compact (4.1″ long) and features two brightness levels; 10 lumens low and 80 lumens high. Press lightly on the two stage tailcap switch for low and apply more pressure for high. Twist the tail switch for constant on in either of the brightness modes or to lockout the switch to avoid light ADs. Additionally, the pocket clip is reversible. There is also an LX2 model coming out that also features a two stage tailcap but goes to 200 lumens.

Edged Weapons
SureFire is also releasing two new folding knives; the Edge and Crank. As with their previous edged weapon designs, these are made in the U.S.A.

Surefire Crank

LENGTH CLOSED 3.97″
LENGTH OPEN 6.4″
BLADE LENGTH 2.56″
WEIGHT 3.2 oz.

The blade is manufactured from polished 154 CM steel. A single hexagonal opening machined into the aluminum frame accommodates 1/2″ nuts, and a slot extension holds a coin firmly in place for use as a field-expedient screwdriver. Additionally, there is a built-in cord cutter and a bottle opener.

SureFire Edge

LENGTH CLOSED 4.7″
LENGTH OPEN 8.1″
BLADE LENGTH 3.4″
WEIGHT 5.5 oz.

The modified spear-point blade is crafted from 154 CM steel and the the 7075 aluminum frame features a liner lock. Notice the prominent hex openings along the handle and set into the blade which can be used as wrenches (7/16″, 3/8″, 5/16″, 1/2″ nuts). It also features an integral finger guard/flip-open lever and a pocket clip.

With the exception of the prototype M300 all of the products will be released soon. For additional information visit www.surefire.com.

Tags: ADS, Outdoor Retailer, Surefire
Posted in Knives, Lights, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

NEMO Gogo Shelters

Friday, August 14th, 2009

NEMO has been producing lightweight, innovative shelters for several years now. Their hallmark is the AirSupported Technology which precludes the need for traditional poles. Developed by NEMO’s founder after his work on spacesuits and inflatable architecture with NASA, AST™ is a system of low-pressure inflatable tubes (called airbeams) and lightweight pumps that provide a high performance alternative to traditional tent poles. Airbeams are made of two layers, similar to a bicycle tire. An outer layer provides the shape, strength and puncture resistance, while a thin inner bladder holds the air. Feeling winded from a long day humping a ruck? No problem. Each shelter comes with an innovative pump that can be operated by hand or foot and will not over inflate the airbeam.

Over the last year or so they have begun to adapt their innovative designs for military use. In fact, the Gogo was provided for use during the REF’s lightweight equipment demonstration.

The Gogo is a single wall, one person shelter. It includes a pump and stores in a dry-bag style stuff sack. It has 19 sq ft of floor space with an additional 4.5 sq ft under the vestibule. It’s low profile design is perfect for tactical bivouacs being just 27″ high yet the 42″ width and 113″ length allow you to spread out. It is lightweight (1.9 lbs) and packs to a compact 7” X 5.5”. It features a quick set up (15 sec) and strikes even more quickly (5 sec).

The NEMO Gogo SE™ (shown in Multicam) shares of all the same stats of the standard Gogo but features an extra six inches of length. It also boasts an additional side door for entry, exit, and ventilation.

NEMO tactical shelters come standard in OD, but can be special ordered in special colors like the Multicam shown with a minimum order requirement. All of NEMO’s tactical shelters are available from ADS.

Tags: Nemo
Posted in ADS, Multicam, Outdoor Retailer, PALS, Shelter | No Comments »

Camelbak’s New Products

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Camelbak unveiled a couple of new technologies the recent OR Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. While they are intended for the commercial outdoor market, they have great applicability in the tactical realm as well.

The All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier kills 99.9% of bacteria. Purification is pretty easy. Fill the bottle with debris-free water. Then install the cap, press the button and in 80 seconds you have treated water indicated by a check on the LCD screen. However, you do have to flip the bottle upside down every ten seconds to make sure that it's being thoroughly treated. Once purified, remove the UV bulb, store it in the protective sheath and enjoy.

The water bottles will be offered with two different power sources. The first uses CR123 battery that will provide 70-90 liters of purified water before replacement. The second one, will use rechargeable CR123s that provide 32-36 liters per charge. The UV bulb lasts for 8,000 cycles which is enough to purify three liters per day for 6 1/2 years. The All Clear cap will fit 63-mm water bottles so you can use it with various brands.

The Flow Meter is designed to measure how much fluid has been consumed, how much remains in the reservoir, and how much time remains until the reservoir is empty. It can also be set to see if you are consuming fluid at a preset rate in order to help avoid heat injuries. While new reservoirs will be available with the Flow Meter already installed, units will be available to modify existing products.

These products will be available as early as Fall 2009 from Camelbak.

Tags: Camelbak
Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | No Comments »

OR Part IV

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Murdock Webbing Company. Inc.

Murdock featured their Jacquard woven digital camo webbing as well as elastic. The new Multicam elastic is fantastic and they have begun to integrate company logos into the design.

Full details are available at www.murdockwebbing.com.

Watershed Maritime Tactical Products

Watershed Maritime Tactical Products has a great lineup of waterproof bags, packs, and pack liners that are on issue to US forces. They recently added Multicam to their offerings of Coyote, Foliage, and Black.

Watershed also unveiled a collaboration with Granite Gear. The new waterproof packs combines Granite Gear’s popular suspension with a Watershed MTP Kodiak Pack.

Exum Mountain Guides

Exum Mountain Guides was walking the show and discussing their XMS3 (Exum Mountain Systems Safety Survival) course offerings. They provide several standard courses including multi-day mountain movement and avalanche training. Visit www.exumguides.com for more information.

Tags: Granite Gear, Murdock Webbing, Watershed
Posted in Materials, Multicam, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

OR Part III

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Gerber Legendary Blades

Gerber was handing out samples of their “new” Shard which closely resembles the Artifact but without the blade. Also, “new” is a relative term as they have been handing out samples at several shows over the last year but are just now releasing it to the market. Gerber claims it is airport friendly and I put that to the test. On my flight out of Salt lake City I put it in the bin with my other pocket litter and it went through security just fine. A simple pocket accessory, it features a bottle opener, nail puller, and phillips head.

Sea to Summit

While most products being shown at OR won’t be available until January 2010 at the earliest, there are a variety of products you can get now. One example is the Alpha utensil set from Sea to Summit. A more economical alternative to titanium flatware, the Knife, Fork and Spoon set is made from hard anodized 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy in a smooth matte finish and comes with a mini carabiner to hold it all together. The individual utensils have hexagonal holes cut out of the handle to reduce weight which provide three different size hex wrenches (3 mm, 4 mm & 5 mm). Available from Sea to Summit.

Feelmax

A lightweight, conformal design with puncture resistant soles make this Finnish footwear a show in for use in wet environments although several athletes have been conquering marathon events in the shoes. The Panka (seen below) in men’s and women’s sizes as well as the men’s Niesa both feature a lace up design, heel strap to assist with donning and a removable liner for drying.

Feelmax footwear will be available soon through OTE.

Craghoppers

Based on the popularity of the television show Man vs Wild starring Bear Grylls, British outdoor clothier Craghoppers developed a clothing line a couple of years back. Earlier this year, they conducted a direct marketing campaign for fans which laid the groundwork for the release of the 2010 line here in the US and Craghoppers’ first time exhibiting at OR.

For more information Craghoppers on the web.

Tags: Add new tag, Gerber, Neisa, OTE, Sea to Summit
Posted in Gadgets, Knives, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

OR Summer Market Part II

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Equipped to Survive

Doug Ritter from Equipped to Survive showed me a sample of his new micro light. It weighs ounces and can easily be clipped to key chains and zipper pulls. The light will be available soon through Adventure Medical Kits.

Mountain Khaki

Mountain Khaki began showing the new Snake River line which consists of a short, pant, and pant with zip-off leg in both men’s and women’s sizing. It is their first foray into synthetics. The UVA/UVB SPF 50+, 100% nylon garments are lightweight and designed to dry quickly. Look for them in early 2010.

Surefire

Last year we unveiled the Saint headlamp and this year we have photos of the new Minimus Saint. Oddly enough, the Minimus will reach the market before the Saint and you should begin to see them within five weeks.

The Minimus Saint can be created from a Saint with a few simple mods which include removing the battery pack and cable. The Minimus runs on a single 123A and provides 0-110 lumens at a lightweight 3.3 ounces. There is an SOS preset for the lamp and the amount of illumination is controlled by a potentiometer. For more info visit www.surefire.com.

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Clothing, Lights, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

For the next few days we are going to share some information from the OR Summer Market 2009. To kick it off we wanted to share this picture of ADS rep Bill Gassett hamming it up at Deuter’s booth.

Most of the usual suspects were on hand as well.

S.O. Tech has a booth that seems a little off the beaten path but it didn’t deter them releasing their new Adventure Pack System based on their successful Mission Pack System. In addition to the current tactical panels they have developed several specifically for the civilian market and these can easily be transitioned back over for tactical use by those who require more discreet capabilities. Additionally, S.O. Tech debuted their new K9 patch to add to their ever growing family of tactical symbology.

Eagle’s booth was very streamlined and focused primarily on the Waterpoint line was well as several of the new garments they have in production. Word is that the Waterpoint line will be expanding in the future.

Arc’teryx has some great new clothing coming soon on both the LEAF and commercial side. Look for a full report soon. Shown are the Freelance Jacket and Raider Pant. Unfortunately, these two items from the commercial line won’t be available until Spring 2010.

Tags: ADS, Arc'teryx, Deuter, Eagle Industries, S.O. Tech
Posted in Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

330D Revolution? Ha! Try 20D

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

At the OR Summer Market last August we took a look at a dizzying amount of fabrics. For us, only one or two really stuck out. One such fabric was from Cubic Tech Corp. Primarily they are sail cloth manufacturers and their product was used to bring the America’s Cup home to the USA. Non-woven flexible composites made from Cuben Fiber offer customizable ply orientations which afford directional stability and strength, as well as real rip-stop. A broad selection of films add the flexibility of an array of properties including toughness, low gas permeability, and visible & UV light protection. The material is intended to be glued rather than sewn and this could ultimately lead to stronger as well as lighter equipment.

Is the market ready for this yet? Not completely, but we hope that someone will take up the charge and try it out. Arc’teryx has already released a pack with welded seams on the commercial market and issue dry bags feature RF welded seams. At least initially we expect for such products to be for very specialized applications, but as the technology is refined perhaps one day everyone will carry equipment manufactured from ultra lightweight fabrics engineered specifically for the application.

They can even offer laminates in colors.

Check out Cubic Tech Corp for more info.

Tags: 330 Revolution
Posted in 330, Outdoor Retailer, Packs | No Comments »

Ultimate Survival Technologies – Sparkie

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

The BlastMatch has been a mainstay in survival kits for many years. The BlastMatch™ utilzes a custom bar of high performance flint material which rotates 360 degrees to help prevent uneven wear. A tungsten carbide striker is built into the striker button. This combinatio0n generates three times the heat of a standard match. What’s more, it is weather proof.

UST is introducing a new product; the Sparkie. It is based on the same technology as the dependable Blastmatch but reduces it’s size and weight. Weighing in at an incredible one ounce, the Sparkie is designed to be used one-handed which can be crucial in a survival situation. The rubberized handle helps ensure you don’t lose your grip even when wet.

For more information contact Ultimate Survival Technologies.

Tags: SERE
Posted in Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer, SERE, Sustainment | No Comments »

Lowa Boots – Spy Photos

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

We previously wrote about Lowa Boots at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. What we didn’t talk about was a meeting the Editor sat in on with Lowa USA, discussing the development of the first US market Task Force boots. Previously, all Task Force boots have been designed for the European market and eventually brought here to the US. Based on the highly successful AL-X line, these three new tactical boots will be lightweight yet provide excellent ankle support. Also, both of the mid-height boots feature closed eyelets.

Please remember that these are all prototypes and the styles may change before they reach market. They are tentatively slated for release in Spring 09.

Below is the Desert Mid variant. It is not lined with Gore-tex.

This version is a Black Gore-tex lined boot intended for Law Enforcement.

The low top version below will probably not be lined with Gore-tex in order to keep the price point down and because a boot is really better suited to sustained wet weather. It is intended for tactical training such as hand to hand or range time as well as for light duties such as bike patrol.

The new Lowa boots will be available from AFMO.

Tags: AFMO, Boots, Lowa, Task Force
Posted in Boots, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

Energizer Hard Case Tactical Light

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Its been almost two months since I attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. One of the many companies I met with was Energizer. And so I am sure the first thing out of your mouth is, “Energizer?”. And well, quite frankly, my answer is, “of course”. Not only have they been in the battery business for over a century, they have been making flashlights as well. They sent me a Hard Case Tactical light right after the show and I have been using it in a variety of environments. Initially, I was a bit concerned over the light’s size. However, my assessment is that it is beefy but not heavy and in my opinion the perfect replacement for the old GI Anglehead Flashlight (MX-993/U).

Sure, they resemble each other; somewhat. They both have an angle head, the capacity for color filtered light, and both have a clip to attach the light to equipment but that is pretty much where the similarities end. In fact, you can’t even truly say that the Hard Case Tactical has an angled head since it swivels a good 125 degrees up and down. This comes in handy since the base of the light is flat and you can swivel the head down to illuminate a work space (or card game).

Whereas, the old Anglehead light used two D-cells, the new Hard Case Tactical uses two AA batteries and throws more light. The Hard Case utilizes four LEDs; the main white light lamp, a red LED, blue LED and IR (strobe) LED.

Due to the use of AA batteries and LED lamps the light only weighs 8 ounces and that’s with the batteries.

I only have one real complaint with the light and that would be the switches. You have to rotate the base to control the IR light. Now rotating the base for the IR light isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it mitigates NDs for the IR light which can be at the best of times embarrassing and the worst of times deadly if a foe is equipped with NODs. My other gripe is that the main switch is on the bottom, but does at least feature a momentary switch. Unfortunately, due to its location, it isn’t exactly handy if you need momentary control of the light. I really like the momentary switches for the blue and red ancillary lights located right at your trigger finger. Additionally, they are all silent switches, designed to last the lifetime of the light.

The light is molded in Black and OD ABS plastic with rubberized panels to protect the light and ensure a positive grip in wet conditions. The MOLLE clip and side panels are manufactured from Black-coated stainless steel. The MOLLE clip will attach to most anything but was designed dimensionally for use with PALS webbing.

Overall, it’s a great light.

Tags: Energizer, Hard Case
Posted in Lights, Outdoor Retailer | 3 Comments »

Pak Straps

Monday, September 15th, 2008

There is currently a dearth of bungees on the market that are well suited for military use. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I found a small company named Rok Straps. They have a really cool line of elastic cargo straps and three models in particular are well suited for military use.

The two below, the Camo Rok and Camo Sport are both often used for vehicle applications. Note the heavy duty hooks. Additionally, the Sport features a side release buckle to allow handier access to equipment that has been tied down.

They also make a specialty strap that is smaller and designed for use with individual equipment. The Camo Adjustable is specifically designed to attach to back packs and secure smaller items without damaging waterproof materials. Quick release buckles ensure fast and quiet access to gear.

All of the camo straps are available in Black as well as a Green-based camo.

Tags: Bungee, Rok Straps
Posted in Camo, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | No Comments »

AeroVest

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Probably the most interesting product I saw at the Outdoor Retailer Summer market was a survival product called the AeroVest. manufactured by SolaTec, the AeroVest made from a lightweight metalized polyethylene, a material similar to a space blanket.
This is so it is not only durable but will reflect your body heat back towards you. Unlike a standard space blanket it is designed specifically to be worn and also utilizes trapped air as an additional insulation layer.

The 2 oz AeroVest comes standard in Orange but custom runs can be made in any color scheme. At OR they displayed an AeroVest made in UCP. Considered a one time use item it is only because it is difficult to get all of the air out of it once the 18 pockets are inflated. To inflate simply put the AeroVest on loosely, insert the straw provided with the vest into one of the two slots near the neck in the same manner as a juice pouch and blow (2 – 5 breaths) into the straw to inflate the vest. Repeat on the other side. You can remove the straw because the material is self-sealing. Small tears can be easily repaired with tape.

One size fits most and they mean it. The front opening is closed by a resealable adhesive that is good for about 30 closures. Of course use in an extremely dirty environment will reduce the number of times it will adhere.

AeroVest is made in the USA.

For more information contact AeroVest.

Diagram is property of AeroVest.

Tags: AeroVest, SERE
Posted in Camo, Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer, SERE | No Comments »

FiveTen’s New Tactical Footwear

Sunday, August 31st, 2008

In a recent article we discussed FiveTen’s new tactical footwear models unveiled at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The four new models can be seen in the graphic below.
The Impact – Urban Enforcer (High and Low) come in Matte Black and the Impact – Desert Enforcer (High and Low) come in Sand.

For more information contact FiveTen.

Tags: FiveTen
Posted in Boots, Outdoor Retailer | 3 Comments »

Eagle Industries J200 Softshell Jacket

Friday, August 29th, 2008

At SHOT 08 in Las Vegas Eagle had an interesting softshell jacket hanging in their booth. It was a prototype of the new J200 series jackets. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market they had it on full display in a multitude of colors. The design is licensed from Beyond Tactical but they are manufacturing the jackets in house.

It features right and left pockets on both upper and lower chest. The large lower chest pockets are readily accessible while wearing a pack. The jacket also incorporates Beyond’s signature half moon zippered shoulder pockets. Pit zips come standard. Manufactured from Schoeller WB-400, the J200 series jackets are available in Black, Khaki, Navy, and Red.

Available soon from Eagle Industries.

Tags: Eagle Industries
Posted in Clothing, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

Brunton BrewFire Dual Fuel Coffee Maker

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Brunton always seems to come up with the coolest gadgets.
The BrewFire is the first coffee maker to be fueled by either propane or butane fuel. This is fantastic for occasions when electricity isn’t available.

It brews 8 cups of coffee in 10-12 minutes and comes with a stainless steel carafe. It’s compact size (10″x14″x10″) makes it perfect for the deployment box. It won’t be available until February of 2009 but this is a great time to start saving up for the perfect Valentine’s Day present for the First Sergeant.

You can pre-order here.

Tags: Brunton, Coffee
Posted in Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | No Comments »

Off-Duty: LeoAdventures

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

When I was still served in the military I joined an interesting organization named LeoAdventures. They are a service organization designed to honor and serve those in Government, they are essentially a buying club but with a very exclusive membership. Membership is reserved for Government employees. They collect an annual membership fee of $19.99. This and LeoAdventures negotiating discounts for their members allows Public Servants to avoid receiving special gifts or gratuities which would violate ethics regulations.

Although I was familiar with the program I spoke with President Leslie Mellott at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. She is there every show looking for new vendors to add the the program. A wife of a long-serving Government employee, Leslie knows not only the risks her husband takes but also the sacrifices the entire family makes for their life of service. I really appreciate what she does.

One important point about this program is that it is for serving Public Safety and Military members. I feel that it is important to recognize these individuals whenever we can and I can remember how hard it was to raise a family and give them those extras on a military salary. The discounts provided through LeoAdventures membership do both. They honor our heroes and help them provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families. If you serve your community or nation I recommend you join. If you are like me and are a retiree or a supporter of our Nation’s finest then I urge to contact LeoAdventures and purchase a gift membership for someone you know.

The Brands LeoAdventures has agreements with:
Arc’teryx
Blue Seventy
Brooks Running
Carey & Company
Dell Computer
ExOfficio
Flyfishing Benefactors
GU
Highgear
Horny Toad
IBEX
ISIS for Women
Jetboil
Kelty
Larabar
MH Bertucci
Mountainsmith
MSR
Nuun Hydration
Otterbox
Platypus
Probar
Purefit
Rudy Project
Railriders
Ruffwear
SealLine
Sherpani alpina
SOG Specialty Knives
Suunto
Therm-A-Rest
Tracks
Working Advantage
Zamberlan
Zeal Optics

They can be reached at LeoAdventures.

Tags: LeoAdventures
Posted in Clothing, Gadgets, Off-Duty, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | No Comments »

Fisher Trekker Space Pen

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

I’ve been using Fisher Space pens for quite some time but one of its major shortcomings is that everyone who sees me using it wants one too. Obviously, this means I’ve “given” lots of them away over the years. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I stopped by the Fisher booth to ask about the cool camo finish I had seen on some space pens. Unfortunately, they told me that the multi-layered finishes were difficult to deal with and the thickness kept the caps from being placed on the end when writing. However, there was some good news. They plan on a tan variant of the bullet pen soon. I related my tail of woe over constantly losing my pens and they showed me the Trekker. It has a ring for a lanyard so you can tie it down. I am currently on the lookout for a Trekker.

For more information contact Fisher Space Pens.

Tags: Outdoor Retailer, Pen, Space Pen
Posted in Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer | No Comments »

Proforce Gear Sleeping Pad

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

Proforce gear introduced a new line of sleeping pads at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City earlier this month. Multimat’s Trekker line is well suited to military use. It is made from a lightweight, 150D Polyester shell over a PU foam core. The pad also comes with both a patch kit and stuff sack, both accessories that other manufacturers make you pay for separately. The one inch thick Trekker 25 will fit most Soldiers as it is 72.5” x 20” but packs down to 10.75” x 6”. One of the things that is so cool about this pad is that it is reversible. One side is Olive Drab and the other Coyote Brown.

Proforce Gear imports the entire line of Snugpak equipment from the UK.

You can contact Proforce Gear here.

Tags: Proforce
Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | No Comments »

Surefire Saint Head Lamp

Monday, August 18th, 2008

The much anticipated Saint head lamp served as the crown jewel in Surefire’s booth at the Outdoor Retailer summer market. Early models were available at SHOT 08 but were only shown behind closed doors. OR will serve as the Saint’s coming out party.

Naturally, the Saint features all the attention to detail you would normally see in a Surefire product. First off, its an LED. Surefire promises 100 lumens for 6 hours. The low setting will run at 1 lumen for a whopping 144 hours.

The lens is a coated refractive optic engineered to work specifically with this LED. This means there are no rings and you get a uniform beam. The light source is also adjustable 90 degrees up or down and features a built in SOS beacon.

Of particular interest is the battery box. Not only can you use AAs but also CR123s depending on the orientation in the battery box.

The head harness was designed for long term use. Surefire representatives said that during testing they had worn the harness in excess of five hours with no discomfort. I found the harness comfortable when I tried it on. The lamp and battery harness are well balanced. The harness features Breathe-O-Prene (R) pads designed to allow sweat to escape instead of building up. They can also be removed for washing. I have included the following graphic from Surefire’s Saint brochure. It goes into great detail about the Saint’s construction.

The Saint is designed to be waterproof for 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water.

Surefire plans to eventually release a full line of head lamps and the Saint will be the middle of the pack.

With the exception of the first photo all other photos are courtesy of Surefire.

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Gadgets, Lights, Outdoor Retailer | 1 Comment »