Tyler Cigard, lead designer for Patrol Incident Gear (PIG), will be leaving to take a new position as a designer for Crye Precision. While he will definitely be missed, we are excited for the new opportunities that lay ahead for him. We would like to thank Tyler for his efforts over the past 2 months in closing out numerous projects before his departure. Despite having some large shoes to fill, PIG will continue to create innovative gear solutions for our war-fighters and first-responders.
We wish you the best of luck Tyler!
Your friends at PIG & SKD www.skdtac.com
Winter is coming so it’s a good time to start thinking about overwhites. The Arc’teryx LEAF Wraith is excellent for this purpose. Since it’s available in both White and Crocodile it’s also excellent as a general camouflage garment for those that need to cover street clothing. In a snap, you can transform from urban camo to field camo.
Additionally, the Wraith is an excellent emergency shell. It’s compact and can used to quickly cover kit in inclement weather, creating a protected microclimate. Designed to fit over body armour or other layers, the mini-ripstop nylon textile of the Wraith Jacket and Pant is moisture-shedding and wind-resistant. Combined weight of 331g for the set of jacket and pant.
Both TenCate’s FR Defender M fabric as well as the A-TACS family of camouflage patterns from Digital Concealment Systems are familiar to SSD readers. What is new, is that TenCate will be offering Defender M, the standard FR fabric for US ground combat uniforms, in the A-TACS patterns. Currently, the only other camouflage available for sale in Defender M is MultiCam, making this pretty big news. Yes, there are a few national patterns printed on Defender M but they are restricted. Below is their press release.
TenCate Defender M sets the standard for flame-resistant military grade fabric, having been specified by both the United States Army and Marine Corps as the uniform material of choice for its ground troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks to its patented technology, TenCate Defender M not only provides exceptional protection from flame and heat, but also offers the level of comfort and durability required in combat uniforms. Now, TenCate and Digital Concealment Systems are proud to announce that both the A-TACS AU and A-TACS FG Camo patterns are available on Defender M fabrics. A-TACS Camo is now available on Tencate Defender M from Tencate. For more information, contact Mr. John Blackmon by email at j.blackmon@tencate.com or TenCate Customer Service by e-mail at: contactus@tencate.com.
Emma was born with a congenital condition known as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). It leaves her unable to control her arms. Her mother found out about the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX), an assistive device made of hinged metal bars and resistance bands.
WREX is designed for use in conjunction with a wheel chair so designers had to scale the system down for the tyke Emma. Tariq Rahman, Ph.D, head of pediatric engineering and research, and Whitney Sample, research designer, both from Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware set to work and were able to adapt the dimensions for her use. Additionally, the design can be refitted with larger and larger components as Emma grows. Not only are the current components produced on a 3-dimensional printed but future parts will as well. From all accounts, Emma’s life has been immeasurably improved by this technology. Already, other children are receiving customized variants of WREX.
This story affects our community on so many levels. First, there is the medical aspect. We have plenty of troops who have muscular and skeletal injuries. The lower profile, and the cheaper we can produce these robotic assistance devices the better. Second, is the robotics issue. technologies such as this may actually leap ahead of current military programs. And finally, we have the 3D printer phenomenon. The technology is becoming more powerful, more common and less expensive. It is going to drastically change how we interact with technology in the future. Stories like this should inspire us to apply these capabilities to our own community.
Sometimes we post a product simply for its attributes. The Overade bicycle helmet from France is one such item.
Overade is a folding helmet for cyclists. Considering that carting around a helmet is such a pain once you get to your destination, it’s a great idea for commuters. Additionally, the concept might just inspire someone to produce other ‘transformer’ products.
Master leathersmith David Vigil has crafted this impressive gun holster for Vigilante Leather, inspired by the one used by Nathan Drake in the PS3-exclusive ‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’. The design closely matches the in-game model in both metalwork and the dye job used to treat the leather; a model dyed in black with gunmetal-colored metalwork is also available upon request. 8 buckles, 2 to each strap, allow for easy fitting, with an option for custom fitting if required. Additionally, every holster is waterproofed and stress tested, insuring full functionality in any situation. Simply put, it’s a piece that’s usable for way more than just cosplay.
US CAV has produced a great video covering the Propper International TAC.U Combat Shirt we first mentioned during SHOT Show 2011. It features several features nit found on other combat shirts. For example, there is loop for a nametape on back of the collar, fully articulated elbow with external elbow pad openings, integrated dual cuff with thumb hole and hook-and-loop fasteners, multiple dual layer pockets on sleeves and a double layer stretch shoulder with shoulder pad pockets. That’s right, padding is integrated directly into the garment’s shoulders.
The sleeves are manufactured from a 65/35 poly/cotton “battlerip” ripstop weave, and the body of the shirt is a 60/40 knitted cotton/poly mix.
