Pittman Outdoors presents AirBedz…The Original Truck Bed Air Mattress. On display in booth # BR747 at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market going on until this Friday at the Salt Palace in downtown SLC, Airbedz are now available in a digital camo pattern. Specifically, Airbedz are designed to be used in the bed of a pickup. In fact, their 3 sizes accommodate 95% of trucks.
AirBedz fit around and over the wheel wells in pickup beds creating a sleep area that utilizes the entire truck bed so you are not sleeping “between the wheel wells”. Optional inflatable Wheel Well Inserts convert AirBedz into a standard mattress for use in homes or tents. Additionally, Airbedz feature a built-in rechargeable pump for inflation/deflation.
Inflatable mattresses can develop leaks, particularly in austere environments, but the photo of the truck parked atop the AirBedz is a testament to the work that Pittman Outdoors has done to create this product. Obviously, they are going to be a big hit for those who regularly work from a pickup but we are also told that they work great in a HMMWV.
Source Hydration introduced us to several new products at the recent Warrior Expo. One that really stood out is the Diamond 3L Low Profile Armor Hydration System. Feature laden, the Diamond incorporates the following:
- Low profile 3L hydration system designed for compatibility with IOTV, IMTV and other widely used armor systems.
- QASTM “4 buckle attachment system adjusts to fit many vest configurations.
- Front panel opens wide for easy reservoir removal.
- Can be refilled through the drinking tube with UTA refill adaptor (not included).
- Tuck-away shoulder straps/sternum strap for pack-style wear.
- Over-the-shoulder or under-the-arm tube routing options.
- MOLLE for adding accessories, Velcro for ID Tags.
- Includes Source’s Diamond 3L reservoir system featuring Glass-LikeTM liner with Grunge-GuardTM delivers true water taste and superior bacteria resistance.
- Patented leakproof Widepac slider opens wide for easy cleaning and ice insertion.
- StormTM drinking valve delivers more water, faster, with no biting and weave covered tube adds UV protection and insulation.
- Source Quick Connect (SQC) seals watertight- tubes can be removed from filled reservoirs with no leaks or drips. Positive push button operation.
- Source Quick Mate Technology (QMT) offers “one-click” installation of drinking valves, UTA tube refill adaptors, and other Source accessories.
Cascade Designs has taken their popular lightweight Z-Lite folding mat and changed the color from Orange to Coyote. A simple mod but it means the world to troops who want to put the Z-lite’s egg carton-style cushioning to work in the field. It folds out to a roomy 20” wide x 72” long yet weighs in at only 15 ounces! And, unlike air mattresses, you don’t have to worry about leaks.
Previously in limited production the mat was evaluated by the Marine Corps. However, Cascade Designs put them into full production based on its adoption by an element of the US military. CPGear is the first company we have seen to offer this product.
The Hybrid Deployment Bag from Force Protector Gear is a coffin style duffel designed specifically for commercial air travel. At over 9200 cubic inches it features numerous pockets to compartmentalize gear and includes a soft frame system to give the bag body. Manufactured from 1000D Cordura the bottom of the bag is covered in ballistic nylon. It is Berry Compliant and is available in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam.
The entire line of FPG products is on display at the Warrior Expo in booth #137.
Whether you need to provide shelter for Soldiers on a patrol or on an expeditionary base, ADS has got you covered, literally. With access to solutions from brands as disparate as NEMO to Alaska Shelters, ADS can provide the right solution based on requirement, schedule, and cost. In addition to standard soft walled tents, ADS also offers non-permanent hard-sided shelters that can be configured as billeting, command posts and even hangars. For those attending the Warrior Expo at the end of this week be sure to make time for Breakout Session 3: Deployable Infrastructure & Equipment for Mission Deployments & Disaster Relief to learn about the latest in soft and hard sided shelters.
Most readers will see the initials MRO and scratch their heads but Maintenance, Repair and Operations is a vital part of any operation. It’s what keeps the equipment working whether rolling stock, HVAC, power grids, or basically anything mechanical or electrical. At the Warrior Expo this week attendees will be able to learn more about MRO and seasoned maintenance veterans will have an opportunity to see the latest and greatest tools, generators, repair parts, and services. Additionally, ADS has partnered with some of the most trusted names in the business to produce specialized kits so be sure to check them out.
Cool temps are just around the corner and it is time to start planning for Fall. Kifaru has had a handwarmer pouch on the hunting side for 12 years and has now released a tactical version. Although designed to pair with the Koala, it will also attach to anything with a PALS grid such as a plate or armor carrier via Kifaru’s Lock ‘n Load mounts. Built with a pack cloth shell, Rhinoskin lining and 6 oz. Combat Climashield insulation it will keep your digits warm to conduct intricate tasks. Whether you purchase one in Coyote, OD, Black, Foliage, UCP, or Multicam, the price is a steal.
In conjunction with Bluewater Defense ADS offers three Berry compliant Sleep Systems; the Three-in-One Sleep System, the Three Season Sleep System, and our personal favorite the Combat Mobility Sleep System.
While the video does an excellent job of giving an overview of the bags, we thought we should point out a few things. The options available not only meet differing price points, but are designed for different applications, whether for use in a FOB or on an isolated mountain patrol.
The new Special Forces Travel Set from Paladin Designs combines 4 S.O. Tech designed products into one modular kit to meet any of your luggage needs. Additional accessories can be combined with the basic set to increase the flexibility of the system. The integrated nature of the SFTS allows you to hit the ground running by building out “plug and play” mission specific modules. This brochure goes into great detail to demonstrate how the SFTS can work for you no matter if you are deploying to a war zone or heading for a weekend at the beach.
It turns out that NEMO is about more than just cool shelters with AirSupported Technology. They are all about the entire sleeping experience. In fact, their Fillo pillow and Cosmo sleeping pad are simply awesome.
The Fillo stuffs smaller than a 1 liter water bottle yet relies on a combination of a 3″ thick inflatable cell with engineered baffles and 1″ of memory foam to provide adjustable height and comfort. What’s more, the Fillo features an elastic cord laced along the back to attach an extra piece of clothing for additional height. The cover is made of a velvety-soft (literally) washable microfiber fabric with an integrated stuff sack. It’s light enough to at least take to the ISB at about 5 oz without the memory foam and just over 10 oz with it inserted.
The Cosmo is a horizontally baffled sleeping pad that is 3″ thick when inflated and 76″ long x 25″ wide. Take a look at the photo and notice that Gray bit at the bottom of the pad? That is a built-in foot pump to make setting up that much easier. The Cosmo can be combined with a Pillowtop to create the combo. The Pillowtop is a memory foam cover with a comfy microfiber outer that makes the whole she-bang 4″ thick!
On both products the microfiber covers feel like chamois and come in earth tones as you can see in the photo. I was able to give them a whirl at OR Winter market and I can say that they are certainly comfy. It’s like laying on a bed. You can see all of NEMO Equipment’s products online or visit the ADS Warrior Expo next week to see them in person.
Mustang Survival, manufacturer of survival and dry suits has introduced the ECV-100, a new evaporative cooling vest. Currently under evaluation by US Navy’s NAVAIR for use by maintenance crews, the vest was on display at the NAVEXFOR expo in Virgina Beach held earlier this month. The vest is manufactured from a WL Gore fabric that allows water contained in a continuous tube formed in the fabric to slowly evaporate through the material. It attaches to a standard hydration bladder for a water supply. It really works, as soon as I felt the vest my hand immediately cooled. In a hot dry environment it would feel great. Additionally, it was very lightweight weighing a scant 25 ounces when full.
The display sample was a combination of orange and black but the government test article is all black. However, any color(s) can be produced and it can be worn under or over outer clothing so it could very well serve as a safety item or tactical equipment. Mustang Survival
McNett outdoors is offering a new version of their Aquamira Frontier Pro water purification filters that fits popular sports bottles. The Aquamira line consists of numerous products capture 99.9% of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and other pathogens. Since it’s a filter, it keeps you from ingesting foreign objects that standard tablets won’t catch. Additionally, you won’t get that iodine taste so you’ll be inclined to drink more. Each filter is designed to filter 50 gallons of water.
So you think you’re a real chef with the ingredients of an MRE? Maybe you have a zip-loc bagful of fast food condiments you use to zest up your creations. Well how would you like to take it to the next level? Packit Gourmet carries a veritable grocery list of eats for the trail but their condiments larder is amazing. If you’re interested in individualized packets of A1 sauce, they got it. Balsamic vinegar? check. They’ve got packets of common and not so common name brand condiments and have even put together kits of some of the most popular items. Condiments and more are available online at www.packitgourmet.com.
I realize the initial surge is over but troops, aid workers, and security professionals continue to pour into earthquake stricken Haiti. ADS has compiled an online catalog of products suited for those responding to that devastated nation. They run the gamut from shelters to generators and medical kits to tools. It is not only a great resource for those deploying to Operation Unified Response but can serve as a tool for anyone planning for humanitarian, rescue, or security operations.
Jakpak is a modular 3-season sleeping and shelter system consisting of a jacket, shelter, and sleeping bag. While slightly bulky in this configuration, all three components can be stored inside the jacket and quickly deployed for use.
Jacket
The hooded jacket is a simple affair manufactured from an unspecified 2-layer waterproof breathable fabric and features pit zips as well two exterior and one interior pockets. The integrated hood has a visor and pull tabs to keep foul weather out.
Tent
The detachable hooped tent uses two metal rods and covers the head and upper torso. The tent can also be used as a pack cover.
Sleeping Bag
The sleeping bag component is actually of elephant foot design and mates to the jacket via a #5 coil zipper along the rear of the mouth. Additionally, there is an angle two way zipper to facilitate entry and exit. It also allows you to fully expose the feet in order to walk around. While the bags looks to be roomy, there is also elastic at the mouth in order to keep it snug if needed and built in suspenders help support the weight. The bottom of the bag is waterproof and the top is made from an unspecified waterproof breathable fabric.
Jakpak is currently available in subdued two-tone Green shades, Black and Grey, as well as RealTree and a HiViz option for survival use. The mosquito net is Black but looks a dark Grey due to the mesh letting light through. Additionally, since it is based primarily on a jacket, Jakpak is sized XS (34-36) – XL (46-48).
BioLite is an affordable, ultra low emission, wood burning cook stove that cuts wood consumption in half, reduces smoke emissions by 95% and nearly eliminates black carbon. But it doesn’t just burn wood. It also consumes pine cones, underbrush, pellets, rice husks and even dung.
BioLite uses wood gassifier technology combined with a fan that is powered by the conversion of heat generated by the stove to electricity through the use of a Thermoelectric Generator made from solid state semi-conductor elements. The use of woodgas has been around for years and converts the combustible elements of wood into a highly efficient flammable gas by super heating the wood.
While the BioLite stove was developed for use in developing nations that do not have regular access to electricity or petroleum based fuels, it would be great for military personnel or other who must live off the land. The item above is a developmental model but a personal version should be available soon.
Designed to deal with the weight of the MRAP this new Tow Strap has demonstrated a straight pull strength of 98,600 lbs in testing. This product is available in two standard lengths, 15’ and 30’. However, Bulldog will do custom lengths for larger orders. The 30’ Tow Strap can be stored in less than one cubic foot and weighs less than 11 lbs and the 15’ Tow Strap only weighs 6 lbs. In addition to the user-friendly weight and size, the Bulldog Tow Strap is also buoyant and UV resistant. However, in my opinion one of the most important features is that it stores no kinetic energy, eliminating any whipping effect making it safer to use than other tow straps on the market.
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.
Imagine being able to set up concrete structures that come folded up like a tent. Just set up and spray with water. UK company Concrete Canvas created Concrete Cloth, a product that does just that. It is a concrete-impregnated material that’s flexible and becomes hard once wet. The fabric can be molded into various shapes to expedite construction.
Concrete Cloth is so good it won the Material of the Year Award from Material ConneXion, global materials consultancy. In addition to Concrete Cloth, Material ConneXion selected 10 runners up including a carrot-based biofiber that rivals carbon fiber, a sponge that soaks up oil but not water, a 3D printer that can print objects made from multiple materials, as well as a new ballistic fiber.
The Tauntaun sleeping bag from ThinkGeek.com started out as an April Fool’s joke grew some legs and is now an actual product.
The bag harkens the scene in the “The Empire Strikes Back,” in which Luke Skywalker is freezing to death on the frigid planet Hoth, and Han Solo saves his life by slicing open the stomach of a dead Tauntaun and stuffing him in among its warm guts. It looks just like a Tauntaun, complete with saddle, Tauntaun head, printed internal intestines, and a plush lightsaber zipper pull.
Sure it’s great for the kids but think how much fun it could be in the FOB.
Based on the positive response to their recent 30% off sale Ecotat has announced that through December 31st individual sales are once again offered a 30% discount from MSRP. Once again this is a phenomenal deal and gives the individual the opportunity to own the same sleep system included in Army survival kits. For those preparing to deploy to Afghanistan the multi-purpose nature of Ecotat’s entire line of products is the perfect fit.
Ecotat does not normally sell direct so to take advantage of this offer contact them via email for instructions.
Units, don’t forget that you can order Ecotat Multi-Purpose Sleeping Bags directly through the standard stock system or contact Ecotat directly for more ordering options. 35 Deg Bag NSN: 8415-01-416-6216
0 Deg Bag NSN: 8415-01-417-4001
SteriPEN handheld UV water purifiers are ideal for military use; fast, light, easy and most importantly, effective. The ultraviolet light destroys microbes in water that could make you sick and because they use UV light there is none of that odd taste associated with chemical treatments meaning you are more likely to stay hydrated. SteriPEN is effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium.
SteriPEN is a leading brand for water purification in the Outdoor Market and they’ve developed a model, the SteriPEN Defender, specifically for the military. It’s Made in the USA and can purify 32 oz (1L) in 90 seconds or 1-16 oz in 48 seconds. SteriPEN water purifiers are designed for Soldiers to collect water, keep moving, and purify at a safe location.
They will be in booth #106 at the 2009 Soldier Equipment & Technology Expo. Information on SteriPEN can also be found on the web at www.SteriPEN.com.
Check out Scientific Utility Brands in booth #708 at the Soldier Equipment and Technology Expo and Conference. Their product line demonstrates multiple everyday uses from simply starting a fire, warming up a can of soup, to disaster relief items that will conveniently help you out in situations of no power, no heat, and no light. They are great for survival, disaster preparedness, or just deployments in austere environments. They will be demonstrating and cooking with their products so be sure to stop by. Visit them on the web at www.scientificutility.com.
