We caught up with D3O at OR and they gave us a quick glimpse of their new helmet pad system. Look for a full report soon on SSD soon.
Archive for 2011
OR – Catching Up With D3O
Friday, August 5th, 2011Whiskey 5 with Wild Things
Friday, August 5th, 2011Who
Wild Things® is a technical outerwear and gear manufacturer founded in 1981 by two accomplished alpine climbers, John Bouchard and Marie-Odile Meunier. Wild Things® has been referred to as the “Tin Shed†of alpine climbing in the United States, introducing generations of climbers to the Light is Right philosophy of mountaineering and clothing design. Under the WT Tactical™ brand, Wild Things® brings this experience to a line of gear tailored to the needs of the Military and Law Enforcement communities.
What
Wild Things designs and manufactures two lines of technical outdoor clothing and gear: Wild Things® for the alpine climber and backcountry enthusiast, and WT Tactical™ for the Military and Law Enforcement communities. Our WT Tactical™ line of technical apparel for the U.S. Military is Berry Amendment compliant. We offer a range a high quality product including a multi-layer technical clothing system designed for the SOF user as well as the USMC Happy Suit and the GEN III Level 7 (Parka and Trousers) for the U.S. Army’s ECWCS. Wild Things is also licensed to manufacture clothing under the M&P® by Smith & Wesson® brand, leveraging its WT Tactical® designs for the greater LE market.
Where
Our HQ is Newport, RI and we have a product design and development studio in North Conway, NH. We also maintain a short-run and prototype manufacturing facility in Gorham, NH. We sell our products directly through our website (wttactical.com), our retail store in North Conway, NH, and through a select group of Prime Vendors and other key distributors. We have recently expanded our reach to include the international military community.
When
Wild Things was founded in 1981 with a set of designs that were considered by many to be the first look at specialized gear and clothing for Light is Right alpine climbing in the United States. From 1981 through 1990 nearly every big climb was done with at least some items from Wild Things gear. In the late 1990’s, Wild Things attracted the attention of the U.S. Military, designing customized gear for the SOF community. In 2000, Wild Things began winning contracts to design and produce gear for the U.S. Army and the USMC, and later wrapped all of these efforts into a new brand, WT Tactical™. Today, WT Tactical™ has fulfilled over 29 U.S. Military contracts and is poised for growth with new products and through our expansion into international military markets. Wild Things will also launch a new line of alpine outerwear in time for the 2011 winter season.
Why
We perceive a need in the alpine climbing and backcountry community, as well as the Military, for durable, high-quality, lightweight gear and clothing. Our mantra, Light is Right, has been part of Wild Things since its inception. We focus on creating clean, simple designs and make them with world-class fabrics. Our purpose-built products do not have unnecessary features that add cost and weaken a garment. We believe, simply, that our approach to design and manufacturing helps our users complete their missions – granting them the freedom to move over terrain in a fast and light way, with a high degree of protection from the elements, in worry-free gear that is built to last for many years of abuse.
Have You Considered New Balance Minimus?
Friday, August 5th, 2011Since the Army has banned the wear of athletic footwear that feature, “five separate, individual compartments for the toes,†a lot of folks have been looking for alternatives. Even Vibram, makers of the Five Fingers brand, knew that their shoes weren’t for everyone and developed a more more traditional alternative sole for New Balance and Merrel. While I haven’t had a chance to try out the Merrel models yet, I have had a pair of the New Balance Minimus Trail 10 running shoe since January. They run true to size and are comfortable. I generally run them without socks and they are well ventilated so guys running in areas with lots of sand or loose dirt keep that in mind. They are super lightweight and weigh about half as much as a traditional running shoe.
Tactical Distributors has the New Balance line in stock including both Men and Women’s style of the Trail running, Cross training (crossfit shoe), Wellness/Walking shoe and the Running shoe. They offer offering free overnight shipping on all NB Minimus shoes. Use promo code “FREEOVNSHIP” to receive the offer. As an added bonus, there is a 10% discount for military members.
www.tacticaldistributors.com/New-Balance
Liquid HELLFIRE
Friday, August 5th, 2011
Liquid’s HELLFIRE ballistic eyewear uses photo chromic lenses that transition from 84% clear at night to 17% dark during the day and these lenses meet and exceed ANSI-Z87.1-2010 for impact resistance and optical clarity.
The frames are made from aircraft aluminum and use a hingeless design that insures proper fit for any face even while wearing a helmet and hearing protection. This same frame can be custom formed by the wearer to fit almost any head size and will outlast glasses that use traditional hinges. Liquid can also produce these for prescriptions as well as UV or polarized lenses for both the Gasket and Player commercial line of sunglasses in non tactical colors. All of Liquid’s aluminum products are made in the USA and come with a 1 year manufactures warranty.
OR -It’s Tasty!
Thursday, August 4th, 2011Element’s Group’s Bill Gassett gives the “drink luge” a test run at the Arc’teryx booth.
And now, he’s moved on to the Arc’teryx XX beer.
OR – What Are They Up To?
Thursday, August 4th, 2011I spy something that begins with the letter “S” in S.O. Tech’s booth (#31017E) at OR. It’s a solar panel flap for the Mission Go Bag.
OR – Aku Once Again Available in US
Thursday, August 4th, 2011The NS564 is once again available in the US. Look for a more detailed report soon.
Advanced Outfitters at BLADE Show
Thursday, August 4th, 2011From TacticalFanboy.com
This is video of Kevin Martin of Advanced Outfitters demonstrating the company’s showings at BLADE Show 2011, including the new Khyber belts, adjustable weapons sling and badge sling.
http://advancedoutfitters.com/
