Pirata Series from OTB Boots - Coming March 2026!

NEMO Adds Comfort-Driven Updates Across Pack and Sleep Systems, Expands Endless Promise Fully Recyclable Collection

March 29th, 2026

New recyclable sleeping bags and liners, warmer pads, and expanded sizing, along with refined travel and technical packs for better time outdoors.

{Dover, NH—March X, 2026} — NEMO Equipment’s 2026 collection advances the brand’s commitment to better sleep, lighter loads, and gear designed to stay out of the landfill. The spring lineup brings three additions to NEMO’s Endless Promise® fully recyclable collection: the

Tempo™ Spoon® shape sleeping bag and both Tracer™ sleeping bag liners, alongside expanded sizing for the Tensor™ Elite sleeping pad and top-selling Disco™ and Forte™

Spoon® shape sleeping bags. Refined updates to the Vantage™ and Resolve™ pack collections, plus Flyer™ and Roamer™ sleeping pads, round out a lineup built on meaningful innovation and lasting performance. 

SLEEP SYSTEM UPDATES – Because Sleeping Outside Should Feel Good 

Tempo™ Endless Promise®  Sleeping Bag 

The Tempo synthetic sleeping bag joins the Endless Promise lineup with everything you want in a three-season bag. Updated to NEMO’s Classic Spoon shape, it provides ample room for side sleepers, while an insulated Blanket Fold™ collar mimics the comfort of home. High-loft recycled insulation delivers reliable warmth that packs down small, and thoughtful details elevate the experience, like a built-in pillow pocket lined with ultra-soft Fillo™ fabric. Tempo is the full package: comfort, packability, and sustainability. Available in 20F/35F. $149.95-199.95 

New Wide Sizing for Disco™ and Forte™ Spoon™ Shape Sleeping Bags 

Two of the industry’s top-selling sleeping bags, the RDS-certified down Disco™ and recycled synthetic Forte™, are now available in Wide sizes. Pair with a wide sleeping pad, spread out, and get your best night’s sleep outdoors. $169.95 – 359.95 

Tracer™ and Tracer™ Blaze Endless Promise® Sleeping Bag Liners  

Made from 100% recycled fabrics and treated with a FUZE antimicrobial finish for odor resistance while maintaining full recyclability. Add warmth to a summer quilt, keep your bag cleaner on a long thru-hike, or instantly extend your sleep system into shoulder season. Lightweight, packable warmth that lasts forever. $69.95 – 89.95 

Tensor™ Elite 

After Tensor™ Elite’s successful 2025 launch, the message from thru-hikers was clear: make it wider. The new Regular Wide Mummy joins existing Short and Regular Mummy sizes, delivering the same category-leading warmth-to-weight ratio with more room to move. For fast-and-light trips where every ounce counts, but comfort can’t be compromised. $259.95 

Flyer™ Self-inflating Sleeping Pad 

The bluesign® product Flyer™ hybrid pad gets warmer for 2026 with an R-value of 4.2 (up from 3.3) and features 2 inches of plush cushioning plus an included Vortex™ hybrid stuff sack that doubles as a pump for faster inflation. Dual-axis foam coring removes nearly 60% of the foam without sacrificing stability or comfort. $139.95 – 159.95 

Roamer™ Self-inflating Mattress  

With 4 inches of plush cushioning and an R-value of 7 (up from 6), Roamer™ rivals your bed at home. The updated Laylow™ valve speeds inflation and deflation, and the included Vortex™ stuff sack efficiently doubles as a pump. Expanded sizing: Single (76 x 25 in), Single Wide (80 x 30 in), Double (78 x 40 in), and Double Wide (78 x 52 in), ensures everyone sleeps well, whether solo or sharing. $259.95 – 449.95 

PACK SYSTEM UPDATES – Packs Get Smarter, More Intuitive, and Even More Durable 

The fully recyclable Vantage™ travel backpack and Resolve™ technical backpack  return with refined updates that enhance performance and usability. Both collections feature NEMO’s exclusive CERO™ recycled fabric, up to 2× the tear strength and 1.5× the water resistance of standard pack fabrics, and CCubed™ foam-free cushioning that’s up to 5× more breathable and 10× better at wicking moisture. The result: a drier back, a longer-lasting pack, and full recyclability at end of life. 

Vantage receives targeted improvements including a redesigned back panel for better moisture management, magnetic closures for effortless access, and new collapsible water bottle pockets that expand when needed and disappear when not. Color-accented zippers make it easy to identify the laptop compartment at a glance, while adjustable load lifter straps dial in a personalized fit. $179.95 – $249.95 

Resolve sheds weight through a more streamlined design while gaining durability with upgraded fabrics. New side water bottle pockets improve on-the-move access, and the refined suspension system moves naturally with your body on swift treks and fast approaches. $159.95 – $219.95 

These updates join NEMO’s full 2026 lineup, including warmer, lighter sleeping pads; a packable reclining chair; and major refinements to the top-selling Dragonfly OSMO™ tent series. Explore the complete collection at nemoequipment.com/collections/new-for-2026

National Service Animals Monument Receives $1 Million Donation, Marking Major Milestone Toward First Federally Authorized Monument Honoring Service Animals

March 29th, 2026

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026 — The National Service Animals Monument (NSAM) today announced it has received an unrestricted $1 million donation, paid in full this month, accelerating efforts to build the nation’s first federally authorized monument honoring service animals and their handlers.

This landmark effort, led by NSAM—the nonprofit leading the initiative—and lead sponsor, the United States War Dogs Association , unites military, law enforcement, and assistance-animal communities in a historic national tribute in the Washington, DC region.

The announcement comes on the heels of a major legislative achievement. In 2023, bipartisan legislation signed by Joe Biden authorized the construction of the National Service Animals Monument on federal land in Washington, DC. Once completed, the monument will stand as a permanent tribute to the animals and handlers who have served—and sacrificed—throughout American history.

“This is a great kickoff to our capital campaign,” said Susan Bahary , founder and chair of NSAM and a renowned sculptor of national monuments honoring military and service animals. “We’re deeply grateful to the U.S. War Dogs Association for their leadership, vision, and support of this national monument that will be a tribute to those who served, both human and animal kind.”

NSAM has set an ambitious goal of raising $25 million and is inviting individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the creation of what leaders describe as a lasting national treasure.

“These animals are silent heroes of American service,” Bahary added. “They didn’t just assist—they protected, rescued, and saved lives. This monument will give them a permanent place in our nation’s heart.”

Chris Willingham , president of the United States War Dogs Association and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant who dedicated much of his 20-year career to the Military Working Dog Program, emphasized the importance of national recognition for both animals and handlers across all branches of service.

“For US War Dogs, a national monument that raises the status of our military K-9s is an essential education tool and a way to honor the legacies of MWDs past, present and future,” said Willingham. “We admire all that the board at NSAM is doing to bring this monument to life and feel privileged to play a small part in this significant project.”

The National Service Animals Monument will be the first of its kind to honor service animals and their human partners across the military, law enforcement, and assistance sectors—past, present, and future. It will highlight the extraordinary human-animal bond, including the life-changing impact of guide and assistance dogs that enable independence and transform the lives of veterans, first responders, and civilians.

Beyond recognition, the monument aims to serve as an enduring educational and cultural landmark—one that reflects core American values of service, sacrifice, duty, courage, and partnership. NSAM leaders believe its placement in a prominent, accessible location in the nation’s capital will create a powerful space for public reflection and national remembrance.

Through this initiative, NSAM seeks to elevate national awareness of the profound ways animals and humans serve one another under extraordinary circumstances, contributing meaningfully to the broader conversation about American values and the meaning of service.

CSA Observes TiC at JRTC

March 29th, 2026

FORT POLK, La. — Gen. Randy George, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer visited the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk March 19-20. The visit focused on observing a rotational training exercise and engaging directly with Soldiers in the field, including members from the 82nd Airborne Division. The emphasis was on continuous transformation and ensuring the force remains lethal, disciplined and ready.

George spent time in the “box,” JRTC’s premier training area known for its force-on-force exercises that prepare units to fight and win in complex operational environments. There, he met with Soldiers and discussed topics ranging from integrating emerging technologies to refining warfighting fundamentals. He also received a firsthand look at how Soldiers at JRTC are training in real time under the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative.

He also met with Fort Polk leadership and received briefings on current and future projects.

George explored unmanned ground vehicles, aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and other technologies that enhance the Army’s readiness and warfighting capabilities.

Leaders received updates from George and Weimer on key installation projects and modernization efforts that support the Army’s priorities, including enhancing readiness, improving quality of life and enabling large-scale combat operations.

Throughout his stay, George presented coins to Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians for going above and beyond in their line of work.

He concluded his visit by dining with Soldiers at the Geronimo Dining Facility.

By Porsha Auzenne

UF PRO Introduces P-40 Classic Gen.3 Tactical Pants

March 28th, 2026

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (26 March 2026)

UF PRO, one of the most innovative brands in the tactical clothing industry and part of Mehler Systems, has introduced the P-40 Classic Gen.3 Tactical Pants, a new generation of low-profile tactical pants designed for everyday reliability, unrestricted mobility, and comfort across a wide temperature range.

The P-40 Classic Gen.3 builds on the proven concept of the P-40 platform, focusing on functional improvements in fit, adaptability, and long-term comfort. Designed for professional users who require a clean, low-profile appearance without compromising performance, the pants are suitable for operational environments, training, and everyday duty use.

The pants feature a hybrid construction combining durable PolyCo Ripstop fabric with bi-elastic stretch panels, providing high wear resistance while allowing unrestricted freedom of movement. The ergonomic cut supports natural body movement during dynamic activities such as running, climbing, or working in kneeling positions.

A key development in the Gen.3 version is the enhanced waist construction. Integrated stretch panels, compatibility with the UF PRO Waist/Flex system, and a 3D lower-back pad improve stability, fit, and comfort, particularly when carrying equipment on the belt.

The pants are also designed to adapt to changing conditions. They are compatible with UF PRO 3D Tactical Knee Pads, with the option to add puncture-resistant Solid Pads. In colder or windy environments, an optional windproof thermal liner can be zipped into the waistband, extending the operational temperature range without reducing mobility or breathability.

With their low-profile design, modular protection options, and adaptability to different temperatures and mission requirements, the P-40 Classic Gen.3 Tactical Pants are designed to provide reliable performance across a wide range of professional applications.

For more information about UF PRO please visit: ufpro.com

Platatac – OT Shirt

March 28th, 2026

Platatac’s pitch for their new OT shirts is straightforward.

You already know the problem.

Too hot. Holds sweat. Useless under kit.

They aim to fix it.

Built to run under tactical gear or on their own — on task, in training, at work, or when things ramp up.

What matters:

Lightweight. Fast-drying. Perforated 75% Nylon / 25%

Spandex stretch. SPF 50+ UV Protection.

Already moving fast — and the ones running them aren’t giving them up.

Short Sleeve. Long Sleeve. Long Sleeve w/Hood.

Offered in 10 colours and camo patterns.

US and German Forces Compete for Coveted Marksmanship Badge

March 28th, 2026

PIRMASENS, Germany– In a display of camaraderie and tactical skill, American service members from across the Kaiserslautern and Stuttgart Military Community joined their German Bundeswehr counterparts today for the Schützenschnur, a prestigious German armed forces badge for weapons proficiency.

The not only tested the participants’ marksmanship but also strengthened the spirit of cooperation recently forged during the German-American Friendship Days in Ramstein.

The diverse American contingent included soldiers from Public Health Command Europe, Veterinary Readiness Activity, Rheinland Pfalz, security forces from the 596th United States Forces Police Squadron, a member of the 86th Medical Squadron from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and several of their Navy counterparts. This broad participation underscores the deep level of cooperation between the allied nations.

The Schützenschnur, a tradition with deep roots in German military history, is a highly respected decoration and a testament to a soldier’s shooting prowess.

Participants fired the German G36 rifle and the P8 pistol. The G36 is a 5.56x45mm assault rifle that has been the standard issue for the Bundeswehr since 1997 and the P8 is the German military’s standard service pistol.

For many of the American participants, the experience was a unique opportunity to step outside their own military’s standard procedures and equipment.

Sergeant Jhonas Lopez, Brigade S1 noncommissioned officer in charge at PHCE, shared his enthusiasm for the cross-cultural exchange.

“I enjoyed the most was getting to work with our International partners and get a feel of their weapon systems and comparing it to what we use on the U.S. side,” said Lopez.

The event was not without its trials. The demanding course of fire pushed the service members to their limits.

“The most challenging part was having to move to the next fighting position and engage the target,” Lopez explained. “My heart rate was running and it made it more interesting.”

Despite the difficulty, Lopez said his goal was to earn the highest-level badge. “Gold is the standard!” he declared.

The sentiment of partnership and mutual respect was echoed by the German hosts.

“My goal is for everyone to have fun, stay safe and earn a Schützenschnur they can wear with pride,” stated Bundeswehr Senior Master Sgt. Brian Wagner. “Above all, this was a chance to build partnerships with our allies, connect and exchange expertise.”

Notably, all participating soldiers from Public Health Command Europe achieved the gold standard. Earning the gold Schützenschnur, the highest of three levels, requires a soldier to achieve the top score on all weapon systems in the competition, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship.

The following soldiers from Public Health Command Europe were recognized for their participation:

Capt. Javier Pino

Sgt. 1st Class Marissa Henson

Staff Sgt. Tatiana Jones

Sgt. Syarra Bermudez

Sgt. Dayton Crawford

Sgt. Jhonas Lopez

By Michelle Thum

United States Space Force Awards AnySignal to Fortify MILSATCOM Against Electronic Warfare

March 27th, 2026

LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2026 — AnySignal announced it has been selected by the United States Space Force (USSF) to field their Resilient, Agile, and Interference-Defiant Network for Secure Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Space Data Network (SDN). This contract will accelerate the fielding of a combat-ready architecture designed to ensure mission continuity in Contested, Denied, and Degraded (CDD) environments. 

As near-peer adversaries increasingly deploy sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities to disrupt allied command and control, the reliance on centralized, rigid satellite links has become a critical vulnerability. AnySignal is addressing this operational gap by delivering autonomous, decentralized communications architecture in the face of adversarial spectrum denial.

“The modern battlespace requires communications infrastructure that is as dynamic and resilient as the warfighters it supports,” said John Malsbury, CEO at AnySignal. “AnySignal’s Defense platform is moving beyond static links to a self-healing network that autonomously navigates the spectrum to defeat interference.”

The effort focuses on maturing and validating the system for operational deployment. At the core of the solution is AnySignal’s Defense platform bolstering hardened Military Satellite Communications and the Space Data Network.

How AnySignal’s Defense platform is Advancing Resilient Military Communications in Contested Environments: 

Autonomous Adaptation – Detects jamming in real time and autonomously adapts to maintain uninterrupted mission communications.

Waveform Agility and Reconfigurability – Allows rapid switching between Low Probability Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) waveforms for tactical concealment at the edge and high-throughput backhaul.

Advanced Threat Mitigation – Intelligent radios sense the spectrum and dynamically adjust links, power, and routing under adversarial pressure.

Zero Packet Loss – Autonomous rerouting preserves mission-critical data with no interruption, even in degraded environments.

Strategic Impact and Transition
AnySignal directly supports the Department of War’s vision for CJADC2 and the Space Data Network by ensuring reliable, assured data transport across heterogeneous platforms. As integrated defense initiatives like Golden Dome demand continuous, interference-resistant connectivity across distributed nodes, AnySignal provides the resilient communications backbone these architectures require.

Rheinmetall Marks 40 Years of Canadian Innovation and Economic Contributions

March 27th, 2026

Rheinmetall is celebrating its 40th anniversary since establishing operations in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Over the past four decades, the company has become a  trusted partner of militaries around the world and creates jobs, drives innovation, and generates economic benefits across Canada.

Since its establishment in 1986, Rheinmetall Canada has grown to be a global defence and security company providing multi-domain advanced solutions to armed forces worldwide. Its successes over the years have garnered international recognition for expertise in the design and integration of C4I solutions, vehicle systems and weapon systems and is the Canadian leader in autonomous ground systems.

Today, Rheinmetall’s solutions are deployed around the world bolstering international security and ensuring interoperability with Canada’s closest allies in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Global leaders in autonomy

Rheinmetall Canada develops sovereign technologies for autonomous ground systems, rigorously tested in collaboration with allied nations such as Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. These efforts have resulted in highly adaptable and reliable solutions designed for specific missions and capable of supporting operations in multi-domain environments.

By incorporating lessons learnt from collaboration with Canada’s key allies, the Mission Master family of autonomous vehicles and the PATH autonomy kit have established themselves as industry standards, ensuring full interoperability with NATO member nations.

Valuable economic benefits for Canada

Though its international recognition is held in high regard, Rheinmetall Canada’s focus has remained at home. With operations in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Ottawa, and Edmonton, and a supply chain of over 900 small-to-medium businesses across Canada, Rheinmetall Canada has spent the past four decades leveraging Canadian expertise to deliver more than 20 programs to the Canadian Armed Forces, generating more than CAD 1.5 billion in industrial benefits. In addition, Rheinmetall Canada is proudly engaging with Indigenous communities to strengthen their participation across its supply chain and foster inclusive economic growth.

Rheinmetall Canada has a proven track record of localizing programs such as the Multi-Ammunition Softkill System (MASS), the Mobile Air Starter Unit (MSU), and the Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). Building on this foundation, the company has grown exports of Canadian-developed solutions while maintaining economic benefits for its valuable domestic supply chain.

Global demand for the Rheinmetall Path Autonomous Kit and Mission Master suite of autonomous vehicles have further driven domestic growth, enabling expanded production capacity through international partners in the Nordics, Europe and North America—all led by Canada.

A strong advocate for research and development, Rheinmetall Canada collaborates with post-secondary institutions and research centres to advance military and dual-use technologies. By field-testing solutions in real-world environments, Rheinmetall pushes the boundaries of innovation and cements Canada’s position as a driver of next-generation defence capabilities.

A proud Canadian company

As countries around the world turn their focus to next-generation applications to modernize their forces, Rheinmetall Canada is a well-positioned industry leader while maintaining the benefits at home. A continued partnership with Rheinmetall is a commitment to modernize our forces, create high-quality Canadian jobs, grow exports, and strengthen national sovereignty – and this with Canadian-born and Canadian-developed solutions.