Tactical Tailor

Posts Tagged ‘FROG’

Four Roles Over Garment by r3adventures

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

I love to find products developed by someone who had a need. With a design refined over the past eight years, the Four Roles Over Garment (FROG) is the brainchild of Dan Sparks, an Army and FBI veteran who was looking for a multi-purpose garment.

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The name FROG came about because it can be used for these four purposes:

Jacket
Shelter
Blanket
Sleeping bag

In the right environmental conditions, It can be worn all of the time, even while driving, which can be very handy for those who are exposed to the elements while in transit. This is possible thanks to the large #10 side zips which give lots of mobility for your arms including operating machinery and using weapons.

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The full front zips make for easy donning and doffing as well as ventilation. You can also open it to access any gear that you wear under FROG. There is also an integrated, oversized hood as well as internal hand warmer pocket.

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Shown below is the jacket component by itself. As you can see, it’s sized quite generously and can fit over your kit. For additional camouflage, you can drape a Ghillie over it.

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There is a waist cinch so that you can tighten the FROG or hike it up a bit. While it looks long with the incorporated extension panel, it is built with enough room that you can take full strides and maneuver over rocks and logs.

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The modular design is really cool. The extension panel can be removed based on weather and features grommets for use as a sleeping pad or shelter.

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The extension panel can be zipped open to form a shelter or remain closed and crawled into sleeping bag style.

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There have been instances where one FROG has been shared between two users with one wrapping up in the jacket portion and the other using the extension panel to keep warm.

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The FROG is manufactured by Wiggy’s and insulated with Lamilite. This is a silicone treated continuous filament insulation that can be washed at home in your machine. Lamilite does a great job of regaining its loft even when vacuum packed. While Dan didn’t give me a specific temperature rating for the FROG, another user released that he had used his in wet conditions below 40 Deg F and remained comfortable.

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The FROG comes standard in MultiCam but can also be had in a variety of other colors and patterns including OD Green, Black, Coyote, Royal Blue, Purple, MARPAT and even UCP.

Bungees and 550 cord not supplied but it does come with a stuff sack.

www.r3adventures.com

Marines Seeking Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

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In January, MARCORSYSCOM released a pre-solicitation for an “Enhanced Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble” or EFRCE. While it sounds like something completely new, really what the Marines are looking for is a version of the Blouse and Trouser from the Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) that incorporates but improved fabrics and Permethrin treatment. There are no plans to alter the current cut or design of this popular uniform.

In terms of a general description, EFRCE is similar to the current Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble (FRCE) in the Marine Corps inventory; however, the design and fabrics used to construct the FRCE have been modified to increase durability (as such, producing the EFRCE)…Also, of note, following contract award, each shirt and trouser of the EFRCE must be factory permethrin treated and must conform to the permethrin concentration levels and percent bite protection requirements, as established by the Marine Corps.

They want vendors to use the following fabric types:

Cloth, Type I – Woven, Woodland, Marine Corps Pattern (MARPAT) Camouflage Printed
Cloth, Type II – Woven, Desert, MARPAT Camouflage Printed
Cloth, Type III – Woven, Navy Working Uniform (NWU) II, Desert Digital Camouflage Printed
Cloth, Type IV – Woven, NWU III, Woodland Digital Camouflage Printed
Cloth, Type V – Knit, Coyote, Solid (All Uniform Types)

Based on this, as you can imagine, the EFRCE will be offered in 4 variants:

As you can see, the Marines and Navy have no plans to abandon their camouflage patterns anytime soon. But, Marines and Sailors will have a great uniform in both woodland desert variants.

Class 1, Type I EFRCE Blouse and Trouser, Woodland MARPAT, with Durable Insect Protection
Class 1, Type II EFRCE Blouse and Trouser, Desert MARPAT, with Durable Insect Protection
Class 2, Type III EFRCE Blouse and Trouser, NWU II Desert Digital Camouflage Printed, with Durable Insect Protection
Class 2, Type IV EFRCE Blouse and Trouser, NWU III Woodland Digital Camouflage Printed, with Durable Insect Protection

As of now, the EFRCE will be produced by Hub Zone-based small businesses.

Where’s The Woodland MARPAT FROG?

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

We’ve been asking that question for awhile now, but we are very happy to report that the USMC’s Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) is now available in Woodland MARPAT. In fact, it’s already in service. According to industry sources, about one-quarter of the current production of FROG is being manufactured in the Woodland variant of MARPAT.

In addition to contract production, Propper Industries has also added the woodland pattern to their website. (a little hint, they will have NWU Types I, II and III soon as well)