TYR Tactical

Archive for August, 2012

OR – Helly Hansen

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

Helly Hansen was started in 1877 by a Norwegian sea Captain who created the first waterproof jacket from canvas impregnated in linseed oil. Today they are a global business that produces everything from high fashion to footwear. But, they still well known for their waterproof shells and Lifa, their base layer brand.

20120804-113555.jpg

This is a display of their hydrophobic Lifa Dry. Yes, it is floating on top of the water. After hours in the tank other brands soak up water and sink. Amazingly, the Lifa continues to float based on its hydrophobic properties.

20120804-113821.jpg

The Fast Pack Jacket is a lightweight waterproof breathable shell. Part of the Helly Hansen Odin series, it weighs a scant 242 grams or 8.4 oz! It’s a fully seam sealed design with a vent through pocket. It packs into the size of a baseball if you’re manly enough to squeeze it tight. Available now.

20120804-114234.jpg

Finally, I’d like to mention that HH provided garments for last year’s wounded warrior ascent of Everest. HRH Prince Harry participated in the expedition.

20120804-114432.jpg

www.hellyhansen.com

OR – Petzl

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

20120804-105554.jpg

Petzl has introduced a new climbing helmet called the scirocco. It weighs a scant 165 grams, it’s made from expanded polypropylene, the same material found in the number of your car. Yes, I know it’s orange. I’ll tell you up front, that their work with materials is so new that Petzl does not not recommend painting or dipping the helmet. It will definitely negate their safety rating. However, a mesh or cloth cover could easily be applied.

20120804-105701.jpg

Check out how much you can flex the Scirocco without breaking it. I see a lot of potential there, partially with the patented magnetic buckle. Once the two parts are close they snap into place.

20120804-110722.jpg

The new Micro Traxion is an evolutionary development of the long standing Mini Traxion progress capture pulley. Used to self belay or for hauling, the Micro Traxion is only 85 grams and features sealed ball bearing pulleys which offer a 91% efficiency.

20120804-110601.jpg

www.petzl.com

OR – Adidas Outdoor

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

20120804-102625.jpg

The FAST R features speed lacing, Adiprene midsole for forefoot propulsion and efficiency some additional special sauce and a sole made from Continental rubber, the same material used to keep tires grippy on the road.

20120804-103754.jpg

Available in both Gore-tex and non-wpb linings, the FAST R is offered in both low and mid cut variants. They feature a really cool EVA foam collar piece that molds to your instep and ankle. Look for them in a variety of color schemes with Black being the most tactical-friendly.

20120804-102927.jpg

Interestingly, I learned that the iconic 3 stripes are there for more than just good looks. Adidas founder Adi Dassler envisioned that the feature would help cradle the foot.

You can buy this Pinnacle product now from GSS Gear and Tactical Distributors.

www.adidas.com

OR – Waterford Press

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

Waterford Press produces a wide variety of pocket guides to science, travel, nature and other wilderness pursuits. Additionally, they’ve developed a few that are targeted at the military market. Their Combat First Aid and Middle East Wildlife titles are easy to use and give you a down and dirty look at the subject matter. Additionally, proceeds from the sale of both of these guides goes to the Sierra Club’s Veteran & Military Family Initiative.

20120804-075520.jpg

Additionally, at Outdoor Retailer Waterford Press launched a new series called, “Pathfinder Outdoor Survival Guide” produced in connection with Dave Canterbury of The Pathfinder School. These waterproof guides are straightforward. I spoke briefly with Dave and he reminded me t hat in a pinch, they could be used as a survival tool. While they aren’t as large or, quite as robust as the issue Evasion Chart (EVC), he’s right. I could carry water with one of these guides, need be.

20120804-100224.jpg

The other thing that Dave mentioned is that he probably wouldn’t take all of the guides with him, but rather, pretrain with them as guides and carry the ones that are more technical in nature or that you need more help with. They are very lightweight and packed with great info but I don’t know if I’d carry all of them.

20120804-100418.jpg

One such title that is great for pretraining is ‘Building a Survival Kit’ which covers the 10 essentials for survival. At $6.95 each they are a great value, particularly as an introduction to the basics of various survival skills.

Check them out at www.waterfordpress.com

OR – Military Appreciation Dinner

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

Approaching it’s 10th year, the Military Appreciation dinner at Outdoor Retailer is held one evening each Summer and Winter market. Sponsored by various members of the outdoor industry that support military applications of their technologies, the dinner brings together industry and government for an evening of good food as well as an opportunity to meet new people and share stories.

This Military Appreciation Dinner was sponsored by Camelbak, Epic by Nextec, Primaloft, Smith Optics, and Velcro USA. Thank you all!

OR – Kakadu Traders

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

I’m not sure which surprised me more, an Australian company making concealed carry clothing or that fact that I found it at Outdoor Retailer.

20120803-235258.jpg

Kakadu Traders makes rugged outdoor clothing with style inspiration from the outback. It’s good looking stuff and seems well made.

20120803-235317.jpg

www.kakaduaustralia.com

SKD 2-Day HOT SUMMER SALE

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

20120803-192920.jpg
SKD is having a 2-Day HOT SUMMER SALE starting Midnight (CST) tonight. Any order over $100 will have an automatic $10 discount applied. Limited to one order per customer. They will be running this discount again anytime the temperature hits 100 degrees in St. Louis, MO where they are based. Details at www.skdtac.com.

OR – XGO

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

XGO has developed the modern equivalent the classic headover. The new Neck Pipe is a Multi-use, moisture wicking, anti-microbial performance accessory piece. It can be used in a variety of ways and will replace several items in the Soldier’s kit bag such as the watch cap, scarf, balaclava, and neck gaiter.

20120803-171205.jpg

The Neck Pipe on the left is FR and the version on the right is Mid-weight performance.

20120803-171428.jpg

Look for the FR initially in Sand with color options expanding to Sand, Coyote and Black. Mid and heavy weight performance Neck Pipes will be offered in Sand and Black.

www.ProXGO.com