Just a head’s up. Mystery Ranch has updated their website and they are unveiling several new products to the public that were previously reserved for specialized customers or have been in development.
Look for a full article on the evolution of the 3-day Assault Pack soon.
Beyond is going strong. At SOFIC they displayed a new FR coverall with a new pocket arrangement thus far unique to LE. Considering the cost of the Mojave cloth BDU coverall is about $200 and the new FR material, although heavier will be about $280, that is a fantastic value for those who need FR properties. The owner, Scott Jones also told me that the full Beyond PCU line will be available in standard sizes from ADS in the fall. This is a boon for individuals who want to source the system as well as units who do not have access to PCU or Gen III ECWCS.
Top five things from the SOF Industry Conference
1. BAE Visual Augmentation System and Corona
2. Tactical Distributors boonie
3. Finally, evidence of the 330 revolution
4. Timberland Force Multiplier Series boots
5. Arc’teryx Rigger’s Belt
Check back regularly for updates on these subjects
If you are as big of a fan of military gadgets as I am you are awaiting with bated breath the release of the book, “Spycraft” by Robert Wallace and H. Keith Melton. It presents a history of the CIA’s spy tools and a rare inside look at that agency’s Office of Technical Service. Release is 29 May.
I posted briefly about the awesome boonie I saw the other day made by True North. That wasn’t entirely true. It actually came from Tactical Distributors, LLC who handles London Bridge as well as True North. Tactical Distributors has committed to producing 1000 of the hats based on the overwhelming feedback they received at the show. But I digress. I asked the folks from Tactical Distributors where the True North brand came from and they explained that they had been looking for a way to provide London Bridge quality and innovation at a lower price point for those who did not require Berry compliance. They have sourced high quality manufacturers overseas and build the same products from the LBT line. They don’t skimp on materials either. They use the same cordura and mil spec webbing that have been the hallmarks of LBT’s products for decades. This is a fantastic way for the individual to more easily afford LBT’s product offerings. They plan on unveiling some designs under the True North name that have been exclusive to a certain group of customers. Expect to see lighter materials and innovative features soon.
Tactical Distributors LLC
Arc’teryx was handing these out at SOFIC. The motto is “Evolve Per Factum” or Evolution by Design.
The Army plans on testing two new variants of the ACU beginning in July. The overall goal of the test is to remedy shortcomings of the current design. Specifically, they will be testing a 50/50 NYCO Twill instead of the current 50/50 NYCO ripstop fabric. The new test fabric features more mechanical stretch than the ripstop. In addition to the current wrinkle free finish the Army will also investigate a soil release treatment. The Army also aims to reduce the amount of hook and pile tape on the uniform by 16% for the coat and 33% for the trousers. For the coat this will be accomplished by moving the top piece of velcro down and reducing the size of each piece to 1/2″ squares. The bicep pocket velcro will also be reduced in overall size and the glint tape will be moved to the velcro. The trouser cargo pockets will undergo a major overhaul and the hook and pile tape will be replaced with either buttons or snaps. Additionally, the pen pocket is being modified. There will be a pen pocket on the inside of the front closure and sleeve pen pocket will be enlarged to accommodate three sharpies in addition to a new closure flap. They are reshaping the collar so that it will stay down. Finally, the crotch of the trousers is being reinforced.
1400 Soldiers at Ft Lewis, Ft Bliss, and Ft Carson should begin receiving candidate ACUs in July. Testing will last for 60 – 90 days.
Both the Army and Marine Corps have been discussing development of a “winter” weight combat shirt. The Marines are very satisfied with the Combat Desert Jacket, but are looking for something in FR. It has been described as a pullover with a “ventable” neck. The body would be FR fleece with a means to secure the waist. The arm sections would be manufactured from a wind and weather resistant material. An RFP should be issued in a few months.
Update: 10 June, 2008. This item showed up on eBay.
