The Alpha Project – Fall 10 Gloves from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.
Arc’teryx took two years to develop their new patented glove technology pushing not only design but also materials into new areas. They are quite simply, amazing and Dan Green is a genius.
They have been adapted for the LEAF line. Check them out at LEAF.Arcteryx.com.
Imagine a NICE frame and an ILBE had a baby. Well they did and it is called the Working External Load Bearing Equipment or WELBE. Unveiled last week at Marine South, the WELBE is the brain child of Mystery ranch founder Dana Gleason. It takes advantage of the NICE frame’s external design and Bolstered Ventilation System (BVS) technology to keep the load stable even wearing armor with a rear plate.
Game changing? Quite possibly. The Marine Corps continues to browse for a new pack and the industry is abuzz with speculation over what direction they will go. While the Marines like the ILBE, it was designed before armor with an integrated rear plate was standard issue. The interface between armor and pack bag needs some improvement and the WELBE may be just the solution. Not only would it allow the modification of the thousands and thousands of packs already in service, specialized pack bags could be also fitted to the WELBE. Additionally, odd shaped loads can be carried when the WELBE is used as a stand alone mode in a manner like the NICE frame. The ILBE pack is an Arc’teryx design manufactured by Propper. A move to modify in service packs would be good for both companies as the ILBE would remain in service longer and the Marines would be more likely to purchase more of the packs in the future.
An added bonus for the market is that the WELBE is also compatible with the Canadian issue pack which suffers from the same issue as the USMC’s ILBE.
The exclusive Arc’teryx urban line, Veilance has just released their Spring 2010 line. Those familiar with the brand will notice a few additions. Two of my favorite products are the Field Jacket LT and Cargo Pant LT. As you should remember from my article on Arc’teryx naming conventions, LT is their designation for lightweight, streamlined variants of their garments. Their combination of hard wearing Arc’teryx quality and design excellence with a high end twist, makes Veilance the perfect alternative for those who need to disappear into the urban jungle.
But don’t just take my word for it, go and see for yourself. veilance.arcteryx.com
The Rho series is available in two weights. The standard wight is made from Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric and the lightweight is manufactured from Mountain Merino Wool. Merino is inherently no melt, no drip as well as anti-microbial. In both cases, the fabrics are extremely comfortable and stand up to plenty of abuse. The tops feature zippered collars and the bottoms come with pass through crotch. The standard version is available in Crocodile (shown) and the lightweight in Black. These are high performance, mountaineering grade pieces.
Sure it’s expensive, but it’s Arc’teryx. Don’t you deserve it?
We regularly field questions about the Arc’teryx naming conventions. It can be easy to get confused as there are various versions of many of the products which are essentially modifications for specific use. Once you understand the lingo, it’s easy to see what is going on.
SV: SEVERE WEATHER
Designed for use in the harshest of conditions. The SV garments are manufactured from the most durable of materials and feature hoods.
AR: ALL ROUND
These products are crafted from mid-weight materials and are designed with versatility in mind.
MX: MIXED WEATHER
Designed for mixed weather and dynamic movement The MX clothing feature durable, highly mobile stretch materials which are breathable and moisture shedding.
LT: LIGHT WEIGHT
These are made from the lightest of materials with streamlined feature sets. In the LEAF line, the new Alpha LT Jacket is a classic example of this.
SL: SUPER LIGHT
Predominantly made with lightweight Paclite® textiles this is generally the lightest weight garment in a series.
SK: SKI TOURING SPECIFIC
The SK is a winter sports-focused design with generous articulation for ski touring and alpine climbing.
To check out the entire line of Arc’teryx products visit them online.
Grey Group is offering a fantastic deal on a Combat Pant and Jacket Combo. Both garments work great alone, as outer garments, or as part of a layering system.
The Combat Jacket features athletic patterning and high-tech Tweave® Durastretch® fabric to ensure freedom of movement and breathability.
The Combat Pant has burly, extra-wide 2¼” belt loops and is crafted from breathable, four-way stretch Tweave® Durastretch® fabric. Designed for athletic movement under rugged conditions, these pants are equally at home in coastal forests, arid deserts, or on mountain ridges.
When purchased together, the combo would normally retail for $660 from most vendors but is only $399 during this special offer. This deal is only available in Crocodile and only from Grey Group.
Arc’teryx needs no introduction to the readers of Soldier Systems Daily. Their LEAF line has set the standard for technical military wear. Now, they have brought their expertise to a new area; performance menswear. The much anticipated Veilance collection offers a new level of urban camouflage for the armed professional. Finally, the pinnacle of performance is being engineered into garments that will fit in as well on a battlefield as a shopping center. A very limited offering of Arc’teryx Veilance was unveiled in select stores beginning October 1.
Veilance started with the question of why the philosophy of “form follows function” was not a mainstay in clothing worn in the urban environment. Spurred by developments in garment technology, as well as by wide‐reaching technology‐based shifts in society and culture at large, the potential for an entirely new type of apparel has evolved. Arc’teryx has applied its expertise in performance design, basing Veilance on aesthetic style, superior quality and extraordinary performance for the urban arena. Technical textiles provide full weather protection and personal comfort. 3D anatomic patterning augments fit and drape and creates a distinguished look. Innovative features and premium components highlight the extraordinary finishing detail. Performing well under a myriad of activities and conditions, social settings, modes of transit, physical exertion levels, interior and exterior climates, the Veilance collection creates protection that is always comfortable and projects an aesthetic of quiet confidence.
Designer Conroy Nachtigall, a graduate of Central St. Martens in London, has re‐interpreted menswear classics and combined them with state of the art manufacturing techniques and technical materials usually found in outdoor garments, creating this radically innovative menswear collection. The Veilance collection includes a GORE‐TEX® long coat and field jacket, WINDSTOPPER® blazers and pants, fine Merino sweaters, and ingeniously designed dress shirts and tees. Continuing the trajectory established in outdoor and military sectors, the Veilance collection is the company’s entry into inspired clothing for day‐to‐day urban use. The Veilance collection will be manufactured in Canada in Arc’teryx’s own Vancouver factory and available in a limited offering this October from select premium men’s clothing stores: 290 Square Meters, Amsterdam; The Tannery, Boston; The Glade Firmament, Berlin; International Gallery Beams and Beams House, Tokyo; The Hideout, London, as well as direct from Arc’teryx.
For any of you who still aren’t convinced, check out this great article from Code magazine.
For those of you ready to experience Veilance visit veilance.arcteryx.com
*Note that existing LEAF and Pro customers will not be eligible for discounts.
-Eric Graves
Editor
Propper International has partnered with Arc’teryx in a licensing agreement to manufacture and sell the Arc’teryx designed USMC Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) to Military and Government customers.
The CAP features compartmentalization for medical instruments and equipment as well as removable inserts for enhanced, customized mission configurations, and compatible with hydration system. Additionally, Arc’teryx integrated an ergonomic suspension system and made the load easy to manage via compression straps.
The Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) is planned to be available in Multicam, Tan, Green, Black, AOR1, AOR2, Digital Tiger Stripe and Army Universal.
Propper has been manufacturing the CAP for the USMC since 2003 and looks forward to bringing this battle proven product to additional customers.
Distributors, government agencies and military acquisitions personnel be sure to check out the pack today at Modern Day Marine, Booth # 1553.
Gov/Mil Sales Contact: Greg Graves
GSA purchase information will be available soon.
Note: Propper is not taking individual commercial orders at this time but as product becomes available through distributors we foresee availability coming to retail customers.
Photo Ted Tae
Advanced Armament Corporation was kind enough invite Soldier Systems Daily to attend the 2009 Silencer Shoot. Despite rainy weather the event was well attended and offered a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to fire suppressed as well as full auto weapons.
Photo AAC
The Wounded Warrior Project was a big part of the Shoot’s activities and proceeds from the raffles were donated to the cause.
Photo AAC
Attorney David Goldman gave a great presentation on NFA trusts during the Seminar held Friday evening. After hearing him speak I suggest that anyone who has a trust not specifically written to comply with the National Firearms Act take a look at his services.
Photo Ted Tae
AAC had their full line of suppressors on hand including the new Ti-RANT. Constructed of Grade 9 Titanium, heat treated 17-4 PH stainless steel, and high strength hard coat anodized 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, the Ti-RANT integrates AAC’s A.S.A.P. System (Assured Semi Automatic Performance).
Photo Ted Tae
Additionally, several vendors were on hand to display their wares in the vendor tent. Attendees had an opportunity to see the latest from a long list of suppressor and firearm producers as well as a few of our favorite soft good manufacturers. Arc’teryx displayed their entire line of LEAF products and had a couple of under the table samples of their new line coming out this Winter. Sorry, no sneak peeks; yet.
Photo Ted Tae
Photo Ted Tae
Triple Aught Designs had a great booth and was well represented by Mack and Dan. In addition to several of their new garments, they had a prototype of the upcoming Gryphon glove. They have put a lot of work into these and should be available this Fall.
Soldier Systems Daily would like to thank AAC for their hospitality as well as all of the vendors who took time to speak with us. You will be seeing future articles based on several of these products. Finally, a big thanks to Monster who provided free drinks through out the day.
Inspired by the classic M-65 field jacket liner, the new Atom LT has taken “snivel gear” to a whole new level. Unlike it’s inspiration, the Atom LT serves duty as a layering piece as well as an outer garment. This was accomplished by a material selection of a wind resistant face fabric treated with a DWR finish augmented with Polartec Power Stretch with Hardface side panels. The trim fit allows ample movement through such design details as articulated elbows, underarm gussets, and stretch knit wrist gaskets. It also features two hand warmer pockets as well as a single internal pocket. Final details include a lower rear hem, lined collar, and main zipper with wind flap. Weighing in at a scant 11.5 ounces, the jacket compresses to next to nothing yet the Coreloft insulation regains loft almost instantly.
Available in Small – XXL in Crocodile and Black. For more information visit the LEAF program on the web. To order visit Grey Group.
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.
Grey Group has done it again, unleashing a hot deal on Arc’teryx products, but this time it’s the the Echo and Tango packs. Available starting Friday, 3 July, the Tango will be available in Crocodile and the Echo will be available in Crocodile as well as UCP.
In both cases the harness features a thermoformed suspension system to eliminate pressure points and muscle fatigue. Additionally, the Tango and Echo have ample PALS webbing to accommodate additional equipment as well as removable lids that can pull emergency duty as E&E bags. Both packs are produced in the high tenacity 725D Cordura engineered specifically for the Marine Corps ILBE program. In fact, the Tango traces its lineage to the USMC’s ILBE pack.
The Tango pack fits a torso of 18″-21″ and a waist size of 32″-37″. It weighs 3.34 Kg / 7 lbs 6 oz dry and has a load capacity of 4000 Cu In / 65.5 L. The Tango is a hybrid top/panel loader allowing you to access your equipment quickly no matter where it is stored in the pack.
Please note: Echo Pack is NOT currently available in Multicam
The Echo pack is slightly smaller than the Tango. It too accommodates a torso of 18″-21″ and a waist of 32″-37″ but weighs less at 3.09 Kg / 6 lbs 13 oz but has a smaller capacity of 3300 Cu In / 54 L. Additionally, the Echo was designed especially for airborne operations and features an attachment system for the lowering line that eliminates the need for an additional drop bag or harness. Additionally, the waist belt is removable and can be reversed for rigging.
Both of these packs are offered at SUBSTANTIAL discount from their MSRPs. Also, don’t forget, the sale on the Combat Jacket in UCP is still going on as well so pick one up before they are gone.
In honor of the Army’s upcoming birthday, Soldier Systems Daily is pleased to sponsor one of the best deals of the year. In conjunction with Arc’teryx LEAF, Grey Group Training has secured the entire run of Arc’teryx Combat Jackets in Army Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) and is offering them at a deep discount.
The Arc’teryx Combat jacket uses an athletic cut to produce a jacket that looks as good in garrison as it performs on the battlefield. Manufactured from water resistant Tweave® Durastretch®, the Combat Jacket moves and breathes with you. Best of all, the Combat Jacket is printed in Army Universal Camouflage Pattern so it will blend in with your issue equipment and help you avoid protestations of the Sergeant Major Mafia.
• Two extra roomy hand pockets
• Two zippered sleeve pockets
• Hem drawcord keeps the waist from riding up and is easily adjustable with one hand
• Soft brushed lined collar
• Micro die cut Velcro™ cuffs won’t catch or tear off
• Full front zip with interior wind flap for added protection from the elements
• Velcro on sleeves for morale patches, rank, and IFF
• Pit Zips
During this promotion Grey Group will offer the Combat Jacket in UCP for an astounding $199.99. This softshell normally retails for $450! We have never seen a deal like this.
Available at a mere $199.99 in sizes Small through XXL beginning June 1st exclusively from Grey Group Training. See size chart for more information.
Arc’teryx LEAF has released a new jacket made from GORE-TEX® 3L Pro in Crocodile. While the LT shares a name with the mainstay Alpha they are not the same jacket. Originally developed as a wind shirt the Alpha LT ’s featherweight make it a great approach jacket. The LT has a much lower price point but isn’t short on features. In order to ensure waterproofness and keep down weight zippers and hems are all laminated. The helmet compatible storm hood does not stow in the collar but does feature a quick dry chin guard. There are Napoleon pockets on either side of the chest as well as a single internal pocket. Arc’teryx has also incorporated pit zips to assist in regulating temperature,
Available from Arc’teryx LEAF.
In order to improve support for their LEAF program participants, Arc’teryx has launched an online store. Aside from speeding up order times, the site is directly tied to inventory so you will know if the item you are ordering is actually in stock in the correct color and size.
Eligibility for the LEAF program is fairly narrow but includes:
Military
• All active duty service personnel and units
Law Enforcement
• All active law enforcement officers and agencies
Other
• Select other government personnel and agencies
• Security personnel and companies on government contracts
To sign up visit the application page. Once you have received your confirmation email, log in to the online store located at leaf.arcteryx.com.
So get on the ball. The Multicam Combat Jackets that sold out immediately last year are back in stock and we don’t expect them to last for long.
Ok, its not a product, but it was the coolest thing there. And its Arc’teryx so its gotta be good.
And it was…
There are a lot of very well designed foul weather jackets on the market. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for trousers. They tend to be ill-fitting or the pockets aren’t well suited to the mission. Oftentimes, the wearer suffers from a sagging waist or blown out seams. But Arc’teryx has come to the rescue. They worked with a small user community to develop a purpose built pair of trousers for wet and cold environments. Arc’teryx designers incorporated features into the design normally found in combat clothing. The bib’s anatomical styling was chosen so that the garment moves with the wearer as well as protect the wearer’s lower back from exposure in extreme weather. The elastic shoulder straps keep the waist up where it belongs, even when the pockets are stuffed with equipment. The bibs also feature two roomy sets of pockets on the front of the thighs and shins.
Even more unique than the design is the material. It is a brushed face Gore-tex fabric that reduces both the noise and shine usually associated with commercial waterproof breathable clothing making it more suitable for military applications. The non-standard Mossy Oak camo blends in well with many environments and the design also features side-zips for rapid donning and doffing as well as reinforced cuffs to protect the bib’s legs from abrasion.
Arc’teryx currently has some remaining inventory from this program and is available until supplies run out. Get them before they are gone forever.
Qualified personnel can purchase them here
The market’s appetite for anything in Multicam is voracious but there hasn’t been much in the way of performance garments to satisfy the connoisseur’s sweet tooth. High end products are slowly trickling out and the next one to hit the street is the Multicam version of Arc’teryx’s Combat Jacket. Arc’teryx has built on their already successful Combat Jacket which received a design overhaul last season by offering it in Multicam. Unlike its big brother, the Bravo Jacket, the Combat Jacket features pit zips to enhance venting during intense physical activity and the cuffs feature die cut velcro stays. The jacket also has two hand warmer pockets and two sleeve pockets. Although not depicted in the photo the production version will have velcro on the sleeves like the current versions.
The Combat Jacket is made from Durastretch, a comfortable 4-way stretch woven fabric. To further enhance performance, the jacket has a durable DWR treated outer face to shed moisture.
The Combat Jacket is currently available in Crocodile and Black but the new Multicam version will be hitting retailers in July. Start looking soon because this one promises to sell out quickly.
Qualified personnel can purchase them here.
Arc’teryx has updated their successful Knee Cap pads by offering them in Grey Green. This new color complements the ACU quite well as you can see in the photos. Originally designed as telemark kneepads the Knee Cap soon saw interest from troops who wanted a lightweight, highly breathable pad primarily for urban operations. They weigh in at just over 5 ounces and in order to adequately protect the knee at such a low weight, the cap is made from Kydex. In the photos you can see the simple, yet effective camlock buckle that holds the straps in place. The upper strap is elastic and the lower strap is a lightweight nylon tape.
For authorized purchasers the Arc’teryx Law Enforcement/Armed Forces website is LEAF
Arc’teryx was handing these out at SOFIC. The motto is “Evolve Per Factum” or Evolution by Design.
The SOF Industry Conference in Tampa kicked off today. There is a lot of the usual stuff but I have run across some real gems.
Arc’teryx is offering the popular Kneecaps knee pads in foliage. They also have a very innovative rigger’s belt coming out later this year. The MC softshell is coming along as well.
True North Tactical showed a boonie made from a lightweight die cut nylon that looks to be part of a ghillie kit. It may have additional applications for those who primarily wear a helmet but want a hat to swap to while out in the field. True North’s line is manufactured by London Bridge Trading. There is a story there. Read the new post on True North Tactical to find out the rest of the story.
The folks behind the Timberland Force Multiplier Series tactical boot line are showing several new models. In addition to the mountain boot debuting in both US Cav’s and BQM’s most recent catalogs, they are also offering Jungle, Desert and Urban models in both low and high styles in a variety of colors. I appreciate their sizing system that utilizes modular insoles to accommodate a variety of foot sizes and sock preferences. I tried them on today and the fit was very comfortable. They are selling them to the NSW community as well as Federal LE. Hopefully we will begin to get some feedback from the field on how that sizing scheme is working out. I will be posting more information on each of the models.
DIY Tactical has received some patterned 1″ webbing in UCP, Desert Digital and MC. They have all of their webbing, nylon, and wares on display as well as samples of end products from some of the DIY forum members.
Eagle Industries was displaying a pretty trick assault pack. It features integral PALS in order to attach directly to the back of a vest or removable shoulder straps. It also has a fantastic beaver tail arrangement that is designed to fit a helmet with night vision mount fitted. Lots of features, good pocket arrangement, and quality manufacturing. This one should be a hit.
More to follow.
