Deliveries begin this week for the much anticipated Bootistan from OTB Boots. The waterproof Bootistan mountain boot is lined with Sympatex and features a dual density Ortholite footbed covered with Dri-lex. They are currently offered in Desert Tan for use with uniforms as well as Brown with a Black Vibram sole and rubber rand for those who are looking for something a little more discreet.
Look for them at OTBboots.com or wherever OTB footwear are sold.
Days after being named by the US Army as the alternative camouflage pattern for operations in Afghanistan, the MultiCam brand website has received a new look.
One of their featured products is the Oakley Standard Issue Land, Sea, Air boot first exhibited at AUSA last year. It features cleated stipes and drainage holes. Interestingly, it still isn’t available for sale.
Visit MultiCamPattern.com.
L-3 Communications announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Insight Technology Incorporated (Insight). Insight develops and manufactures night vision and laser aiming and illumination devices. Headquartered in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Insight employs approximately 1,100 people. The purchase price was not disclosed and will be funded with cash on hand. However, according to Business Wire, “Insight is expected to generate approximately $290 million of sales for the twelve months ending December 31, 2010. Before giving effect to the present value of tax related benefits of the transaction and expected synergies, the purchase price represents a multiple of approximately nine times estimated 2010 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).”
It is anticipated that Ken Solinsky, Insight’s founder and president, will become president of L-3’s newly created Warrior Systems Sector. He will report to James W. Dunn, senior vice president and president of L-3’s Sensors and Simulation Group. The Warrior Systems Sector will include Insight as well as L-3’s existing electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) businesses currently addressing the warrior systems market and will be reported in L-3’s Electronic Systems segment. As you may remember, in 2007 L-3 purchased Eotech, producers of holograraphic gunsights. Based on this information it is a safe bet that the Eotech line will be moved into the Warrior Systems Sector. It will be interesting to see how this affects Insight’s line of Red Dot Sights.
www.L-3com.com
www.insightlights.com
The MultiCam FR Combat Uniform is sew to the official FROG specifications and is made of patented Defender M flame-resistant fabric from TenCate. The combat shirt also features an enhanced X-Static DRIFIRE knit torso which reduces core body heat, prevents bacteria growth and provides odor control. All thread, zippers and loop components are also flame-resistant. These are the exact same materials and findings used in the USMC issue FROG ensemble.
Other features include:
-Reinforced mandarin collar and zipper
-Raglan sleeves for enhanced range of motion
-Angled sleeve pockets with hook and loop panel for quick access
-Contoured, reinforced elbow
-Contoured, stretch waistband
-Comfortable, moisture wicking, fast drying torso
-Reinforced seat and articulated knee
-Bellow style cargo pockets
-NIR-Compliant
The MSRP is $289.99 for the Trouser and $189.99 for the shirt. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large in regular and long lengths.
It is important to note that Propper is the only manufacturer of the Crye designed USMC FROG.
This may be the last commercially available FR MultiCam for awhile with impending Army orders requiring the vast majority of fabric production for the immediate future. Units requiring immediate FR uniforms should take a look at this.
LTC Cummings of the Army Public Affairs Office has confirmed that the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh approved a plan today to begin the fielding of MultiCam uniforms and individual equipment as soon as possible. Sources have informed Soldier Systems Daily that the Army plans to begin issuing as early as July of this year for Afghanistan bound troops and to complete the initial fielding by May of 2011.
A DoD news release about the Secretary’s approval also stated that the Army remains committed to completing phase IV of the camouflage project which will develop a long-term strategy for the Army.
I ran across this last night on the internet. Pure comedy gold.
There has been a lot of conjecture as to whether or not 500D Cordura is up to the task for use on individual equipment, particularly armor carriers. When I spoke with Mayflower Research and Consulting about this issue, they were able to provide me with these images of an Low-Profile Assault Armor Carrier, an early modded UW GEN I Chest Rig, and Assaulter Back Panel worn in Iraq for the past six months by an Assaulter. If that isn’t a rough environment, I don’t know what is. As you can see, the kit is stained with weapon oil but overall is none the worse for wear. The vest only came back for the addition of the new ITW Quick Attach Surface Mount buckles as well as new custom shoulder pads.
My opinion? You are going to get a you money’s worth out of kit manufactured from 500D. It might just be a bit less expensive than 1000D and will certainly be lighterweight. The purveyor of Mayflower once asked me if I had ever had any kit wear out before you replaced it for a newer design. I answered that since we switched to Cordura from the old ALICE days I have not. And I think that answer says volumes on the subject.
Seen here with the Atom LT jacket and Alpha LT shell, the new Beta LT pant is manufactured from Gore-tex Pro-Shell. It features an integrated belt as well as 3/4 length zippers to assist with donning and doffing. At 10.6 ounces when combined with the other two items, you get a cold weather package that weighs in at a scant 32 ounces total! Due to this lightweight construction, the entire set up packs down to a size smaller than a basketball. But don’t let the term lightweight fool you. I must admit I was skeptical when I first got my Alpha LT jacket. It felt so light I was worried it wouldn’t stand up to hard use but nothing could be farther from the truth. It is not only extremely well made and very strong, it also moves well with the body. Available in Crocodile sized Small – XX-Large from www.arcteryx.com/leaf.
