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Archive for August, 2008

FiveTen’s New Tactical Footwear

Sunday, August 31st, 2008

In a recent article we discussed FiveTen’s new tactical footwear models unveiled at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The four new models can be seen in the graphic below.
The Impact – Urban Enforcer (High and Low) come in Matte Black and the Impact – Desert Enforcer (High and Low) come in Sand.

FiveTen’s New Footwear

For more information contact FiveTen.

Magpul PMAG Update

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

Magpul

By now you should be familiar with Magpul’s excellent PMAG (Polymer MAGazine). There are several models already available and more improvements on the way. The 30 round configuration has been around for awhile as a standard magazine (if you could call anything built by Magpul as standard) and a new variant called the Mag-Level version with a small window to verify the number of rounds in the magazine was recently released. There is a new translucent training mag. The training mag is designed to quickly verify whether or not a magazine is loaded. The followers, floor plates and snap covers are in a safety orange color. The PMAG is now also available in 20 round.

Magpul Maglevel PMAGMagpul Orange PMAGMagpul Pmag 20

Additionally, Magpul’s ever popular Ranger Plates have now been engineered specifically for the PMAG and are now available to easily retrofit your PMAGs. Magpul is also poised to release a maritime floor plate for the PMAG with drainage holes. These are color matched to the PMAGs and available in tactical colors.

Magpul PMAG Ranger Plate

Magpul is selling PMAGs to AAFES but unfortunately, none have been seen for sale in theater. This may be due to ITAR restrictions. Whenever they are in stock at CONUS PXs they quickly sell out.

Magpul PMAG InfoMagpul PMAG Accessories

They are available in a wide range of colors to satisfy everyone from the deployed military member to the recreational shooter. Colors include Black, Olive Drab, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Olive Drab, Orange, Bright Green, and Pink.

PMAGs are available from a wide variety of sources including Magpul, Grey Group Training, and Advanced Outfitters.

All photos property of Magpul, LLC except for the picture of the Orange PMAGs which is used with the permission of Advanced Outfitters. Caution: PMAGs are controlled by US State Department ITAR and cannot be exported from the US without proper authorization. Check local laws before purchasing/possessing PMAGs. Certain magazine sizes are restricted in some areas.

Interesting Blogs to Check Out

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

QuanticoBoot.com Blog

The Camo Side of Dominic Hyde

Strike Hold

Eagle Industries J200 Softshell Jacket

Friday, August 29th, 2008

Eagle Industries

At SHOT 08 in Las Vegas Eagle had an interesting softshell jacket hanging in their booth. It was a prototype of the new J200 series jackets. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market they had it on full display in a multitude of colors. The design is licensed from Beyond Tactical but they are manufacturing the jackets in house.

Eagle Industries J200 Softshell Jacket

It features right and left pockets on both upper and lower chest. The large lower chest pockets are readily accessible while wearing a pack. The jacket also incorporates Beyond’s signature half moon zippered shoulder pockets. Pit zips come standard. Manufactured from Schoeller WB-400, the J200 series jackets are available in Black, Khaki, Navy, and Red.

Available soon from Eagle Industries.

ALARACT Army Combat Shirt Wear Policy

Friday, August 29th, 2008

SUBJECT: WEAR POLICY FOR THE ARMY COMBAT SHIRT (ACS)

1. THIS MESSAGE SERVES AS IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ARMY COMBAT SHIRT.

2. ON 1 APR 08, THE ACS WAS APPROVED FOR FIELDING TO DEPLOYED SOLDIERS IN IRAQI, AFGHANISTAN, AND KUWAIT. CURRENTLY THE ACS HAS THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO STENCILED ON THE FRONT OF THE SHIRT. IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO WILL BE REMOVED, AS OTHER BRANCHES OF SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PURCHASING THE ACS FOR WEAR WITH BODY ARMOR. THE “TEAM SOLDIER CERTIFIED GEAR” LOGO WILL BE HEAT TRANSFERRED IN TO THE LABEL INSIDE OF THE SHIRT TO DEMONSTRATE AUTHENTICITY ONCE THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO IS REMOVED.

3. THE ACS IS A UNIFORM ENHANCEMENT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FLAME PROTECTION FOR INDIVIDUAL SOLDIERS, WHILE MAXIMIZING BREATHABILITY, MOISTURE MANAGEMENT AND COMFORT WHEN WORN AS A SYSTEM INCLUDING INTERCEPTOR BODY ARMOR (IBA) AND FIRE RESISTANT UNIFORM TROUSERS SUCH AS THE FIRE RESISTANT ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM (FRACU) OR ARMY AIRCREW COMBAT UNIFORM (A2CU) TROUSERS.

4. THE ACS IS CONSTRUCTED WITH FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS. THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL SLEEVE AND SHOULDER FABRIC PROVIDES GREATER PROTECTION OF EXPOSED AREAS. THE LIGHER MOISTURE MANAGEMENT “TRUNK” PROVIDES FLAME PROTECTION, WHILE MAXIMIZING BREATHABILITY UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL IBA.

5. THE ACS IS DESIGNED TO BE WORN WITH THE IBA AND IS CLASSIFIED AS A COMBAT SHIRT. THE RIGHT SHOULDER SLEVE OF THE ACS IS EQUIPPED WITH HOOK AND LOOP FOR THE WEARING OF THE SOLDIERS LAST NAMETAPE AND RANK INSIGNIA.

6. THE SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA AND THE INFRARED SUBDUED FLAG WILL BE WORN ON THE LEFT SHOULDER SLEEVE.

7. THE ACS WILL BE WORN TUCKED INTO THE TROUSERS.

8. THE ACS CAN BE WORN AS A STAND ALONE ITEM AND IS DESIGNED TO BE WORN NEXT-TO-SKIN, WITHOUT A T-SHIRT, IN HOT WEATHER. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE WEAR OF FEMALE UNDERGARMENTS OR T-SHIRTS CURRENTLY APPROVED FOR WEAR.

9. THE ACS CAN BE LAUNDERED NORMALLY AND DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL TREATMENT.

10. THE ACS WILL ONLY BE WORN IN A DEPLOYED OR FIELD ENVIRONMENT.

11. POC FOR UNIFORM POLICY IS SGM K. EASLEY, DSN 225-5406, COMM (703) 695-5406. E-MAIL IS KATRINA.EASLEY@HQDA.ARMY.MIL.

12. THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE DCS, G-1.

13. EXPIRATION DATE CANNOT BE DETERMINED.

Esbit Cookers

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Esbit

I don’t know how I would have made it through my tour in Germany without my trusty Esbit Cooker. Issued as part of the German Ration Pack (EPA), Esbit fuel was readily available all over Germany. The tablets burn for between 7 and 12 minutes depending on the size and should boil half a liter in about 7 minutes. What I really liked about them was lack of smell or smoke.

Esbit Cooker

The cooker itself is a simple design. Its stamped galvanized steel with riveted folding legs that once folded flat, carried its own solid fuel bars. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The legs are adjustable by detents stamped into the legs. The larger the cooker, the more settings. For example, the small cooker’s legs can be set at 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or closed. You can see in the picture the indentations in the legs for the settings. I tossed mine years ago but the only place it ever showed the slightest sign of rust was at the rivets. I never thought I would be able to find another one, until now.

And now they have mugs!

Esbit Mug

Esbit products can be found here on the web but I purchased mine at Eddie Bauer.

Photos from Esbit GMbH.

Brunton BrewFire Dual Fuel Coffee Maker

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Brunton

Brunton BrewFire

Brunton always seems to come up with the coolest gadgets.
The BrewFire is the first coffee maker to be fueled by either propane or butane fuel. This is fantastic for occasions when electricity isn’t available.

Brunton BrewFire

It brews 8 cups of coffee in 10-12 minutes and comes with a stainless steel carafe. It’s compact size (10″x14″x10″) makes it perfect for the deployment box. It won’t be available until February of 2009 but this is a great time to start saving up for the perfect Valentine’s Day present for the First Sergeant.

You can pre-order here.

MilSpecMonkey T-shirts

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

MilSpecMonkey

MilSpecMonkey has recently gone full time. And with this change they have begun to add new products beyond patches. One of our new favorites is the MSM T-shirt. The front features the MSM name and the back is emblazoned with everyone’s favorite monkey. Made from 100% Cotton, the shirt is avaible in a full range of sizes and colors. Check it out.

MilSpecMonkey T-shirt Front

Sizes Small – XXL, in Greenish Brown with Black Ink, OD Green with Black Ink, and Light Tan with Brown Ink.

They are available here.