OTB Boots has completely revamped their website. In addition to the new look, you will also see several new styles such as the TAB we mentioned last week as well as the Rappel that we debuted on SSD last Modern Day Marine.
Archive for August, 2011
OTB Boots Updates Website
Friday, August 12th, 2011OR – CiloGear, The Coolest Thing at OR
Friday, August 12th, 2011
At OR everyone asked me about the coolest thing I saw. Granted, I’m a bit jaded, being exposed to new stuff all of the time. I’ve always maintained that the coolest stuff at OR can be found on the fringes and CiloGear is no exception. Well, no exception to that rule, because everything they do is exceptional. Well known within the climbing community Cilo caught the eye of a couple of military climbers. The rest is history being written.
These aren’t mainstream packs that a Grunt is going to use. They are way too specialized for that. For example, you aren’t going to see a pack covered in PALS webbing. If it’s there, it’s there for a reason. These are very specialized tools for a specialized community. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, CiloGear was started by climbers, for climbers. They build to order and keep waste to an absolute minimum.
Taking this whole philosophy into account, as you can imagine they use some exotic materials to create their packs. Early on I talked about the advantages of Cuben fabric. They’ve embraced the technology and also run with a couple of forms of Spectra.
Take for example this 75L WorkSack. That is a 75 liter beast but when you consider the weight, you ask yourself, “How?” It weighs in at just over 2 lbs.
If you are the right customer, then CiloGear has the right gear for you.
Supporting the Families of Our Fallen Warriors – UPDATED
Friday, August 12th, 2011Since last week’s tragic loss of 31 American warriors we have received several queries about where to best give in order to support the families of our fallen servicemen. Due to the joint nature of the force, the issue has become a bit convoluted. This issue has made it difficult for organizers to funnel support in the right directions. However, here is what we can recommend. All are legitimate and have a record of providing support.
The Armed Forces Foundation – They have a history for supporting the families of America’s fallen warrior regardless of branch of service, specialty, or unit. They have pledged to support not only the families SOF personnel but also the Army Reserve aircrew serving as augmentees to the 10th Mountain.
Special Operations Warrior Foundation – Big thanks to the folks at SOWF. Thanks to them, children of all of the casualties will receive a college education. Despite the fact that the aircrew were not SOF personnel, it was a SOF mission and SOWF has determined that it is the right thing to do in supporting the all of the survivors.
Navy SEAL Foundation – They will support the families of the Navy casualties, providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families. This loss has hit NSW particularly hard and they can really use your support. You can also donate via text. Text “SEAL†to 90999 to donate $10 to the Navy SEAL Foundation.
31 Heroes – There is a massive mobilization by the CrossFit community on 3 September to honor our lost warriors. Proceeds from the day’s workout will go to support the families through various charities. If you CrossFit, get involved.
ITS Tactical – They have developed a memorial patch in order to raise funds. As of right now, their proceeds will be donated to the Navy SEAL Foundation.
That Other’s May Live Foundation – Provides post-secondary education assistance to children whose USAF parents or guardians were lost in a personnel recovery mission, training, or other personnel recovery collateral mission. They act much like SOWF but cover all USAF personnel lost in PR missions regardless of specialty.
Also, if anyone wants to donate to the memorial service for CCT
Combat Control Association
PO Box 432
Mary Esther, FL 32569-0432
Special Operations Support Fund – Arc’teryx immediately set up a fund for those in the outdoor industry to support the families. However, donations are open to all. Arc’teryx is working to ensure that the funds received are distributed equitably.
Unfortunately, due to the way SOF is employed, our charitable organizations have been parochial in nature and this is the first instance in some time that both SOF and Conventional troops have been lost while working together on the same operation. This means that, with the exception of the college education provided by SOWF there is not a single source for donations that will affect all of the families. When donating, please remember that this was a joint force and their loss will be felt by all. All families will have immediate needs and most could use assistance well into the future.
Trexpo Never Looked So Good
Thursday, August 11th, 2011SSD supporters Velocity Systems, Mayflower Research & Consulting, and Protective Solutions are sharing a booth at Trexpo in the National Capital Region this week. Check out their booth.
Commercial Army Combat Pant
Thursday, August 11th, 2011PEO Soldier has finally dispensed with the awkward “Flame Resistant Improved Army Combat Uniform Trouser” and finally called it what it is, an Army Combat Pant (ACP). What’s even better is that they are taking the next step from the pre-solicitation released in late June and have a released a full solicitation for a Commercial Army Combat Pant. This methodology leaves the details open to the vendor and gives general guidelines on the construction of the pants to the vendor. Proposals are due by 25 August 2011 at 3:00 PM EST so if you have a product to offer you’d better get your submission together.
This is a photo of a prototype.
It is going to make a great companion for the Army Combat Shirt and this is a big win for the Soldier.
Make the jump to read all of the details
(more…)
OR – Klymit’s Inertia X Frame Recon
Thursday, August 11th, 2011After seeing Klymit’s new sleeping pads last year, military personnel called out for a new version specifically for their needs and Klymit listened. They have introduced the new Recon model in Coyote Sand. While you’d probably consider these more for cold weather use, at OR a Klymit rep related to us that troops have been using the Inertia XL in the heat as well. It seems that the air gaps help with the circulation.
Here you can see the new Recon bracketed by the new Inertia X-Lite, a half pad for the ultra-minimalist (6.1 oz!) and the Inertia XL which first caught our eye last year. Additionally, these other currently available models will be offered in Coyote Sand as well, and designated as Recon to differentiate them from the standard models. We are told that Extreme Outfitters has an initial stocking order in for the new X Frame Recon and we hope to update you soon on its availability.
Our Favorite MA Using a WCI Brake
Thursday, August 11th, 2011The title pretty much sums it up. Here is our favorite MA LDO shooting an M4 in IZ fitted with a WCI brake.
Some Hyde Definition Sneak Peaks
Thursday, August 11th, 2011The Badlands and GreenZone images are actual photographs of the SPECOPS MBS-1 Combat BDU being field tested in Poland. The Sandstorm image is a simulation of the SOD Gear Spectre Shirt, Para Pants and Boonie Hat featured in a typical desert / arid environment. The Badlands and GreenZone images are courtesy of Michal Olszyca, the Sandstorm simulation was done on a photograph supplied by Military Morons.
