B5 Systems

Archive for January, 2013

OR – 32 North – Stabilicers

Friday, January 25th, 2013

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32 North has been making this model of ice cleats under the brand name of Stabilicers for over 30 years. They supply this product to the US Military, Postal Service and the whole gamut of industry.

The mate a Vibram sole with 34 replaceable case hardened steel cleats. It features fully adjustable straps and is offered in 7 sizes that accommodate from a 4W to a 17M size shoe. Each ice cleat weighs just under a pound (size large).

It’s simple. If its icy where you are and you don’t want to fall down, use these.

www.32north.com

OR – Klymit

Friday, January 25th, 2013

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Klymit has introduced King’s Desert Camo pattern as an option for their sleeping pads.

www.Klymit.com

OR – Petzl

Friday, January 25th, 2013

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New for 2013 are the Laser, Laser Speed and Laser Speed Light. The common denominator to all of these is the new tooth. Rather than 6-7 mm tooth, they’ve cut it back to 4mm which offers quicker purchase in the ice making for a faster application of the ice screw. The orange colored shanks denote the Laser Speed Light screws which combine an aluminum shank with steel teeth press fit into the aluminum tube. This sheds about 30% weight.

Petzl has also introduced the Lim’ice, a $69 ice screw sharpening tool. No longer do you have to take a trip to Ouray Colorado to sharpen your ice screws. Now, you can do it right in the backcountry. This hand operated device allows you to file both sides of the tooth.

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The new Tikka R+ and Tikka RXP have combined the reactive lighting of the Nao with the Tikka form factor. Reactive lighting optimizes the internal rechargeable battery and adapts to the amount of ambient light.

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www.petzl.com

OR – AnyGlove

Friday, January 25th, 2013

AnyGlove offers a liquid treatment that with just a few drops will make your glove tips touchscreen compatible. It works on most fleece, knit, synthetic leather and leather gloves.

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I tried it out and it works. It does wear out but reapplication is easy.

www.anyglove.com

OR – SOLOSHOT

Friday, January 25th, 2013

Of everything I’ve seen at OR I’ve got to say that this has the most potential. The SOLOSHOT is a camera controller that pairs with an RF sensor that you put on a subject. This allows the camera to track the guy wearing the sensor. It was designed for sport use but imagine putting a camera downrange and tracking a shooter from the target’s POV! The camera will track the shooter even behind cover and as he moves across a complex range scenario.

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The RF sensor is fully waterproof with a 5 hour battery life. Both the camera controller and sensor charge piggy-back fashion from a wall outlet.

www.solosight.com

OR – Salewa

Friday, January 25th, 2013

These boots are the Pro Line from Salewa. Remember, Salewa is a 75 year old Italian mountaineering brand well known throughout the world for its apparel equipment and footwear. The footwear line was created 7 years ago in Europe and brought a technical line of mountaineering, approach and hike-approach footwear to the US 3-1/2 years ago. I’ve been wearing Salewa shoes and boots for over a year now.

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Here you see the new Vertical Pro new for Fall 2013, the Pro Guide and Pro Gator. All three incorporate the unique Walk-Climb feature. These are the only boots on the market where you can lock out the mid-sole in climbing mode to make the boot completely rigid. Conversely, you can unlock the mid-sole during the approach or ascent to get some toe flex.

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For most military users these boots are great options. He we have the Mountain Trainer Mid GTX, Alp Trainer Mid GTX and the new Snow Trainer Insulated GTX.

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I am super stoked about the Snow Trainer Insulated GTX. It features Thinsulate combined with Gore-Tex. it features a snowshoe compatible heel and built-in gaiter. The real gem here is the outsole developed with Vibram. It features a softer, sticky rubber compound with these cotton Kevlar fiber discs that help grip slick ground. They are meant for wet, cold, crappy environments.

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These are the new hotness from Salewa. This hike-approach is called the Wildfire. It’s already won Climbing magazine’s Editor’s choice award. Available in Gore-tex and non Gore models it incorporates a new anatomical last with a spherical heel cup. This heel is much like a climbing shoe but the forefoot gives you some room to walk. Interestingly, most of the upper is actually injection molded as one unit. The are few stitches and no clue on this upper.

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These feature the new 3-piece Multi-footbed system which is a insole system that allows you to custom fit the foot based on your foot and what socks you are wearing.

www.salewa.com

OR – Metolius

Friday, January 25th, 2013

Metolius is a 30 year old family owned business in Bend, Oregon. They’ve done a great job supporting the military. Here are a couple of new pieces.

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First off is the low profile Patriot harness that you can wear under body armor if needed. It’s Berry Compliant and features their Safe Tech which means all components on the harness are structurally sound, even the elastic at the rear and the gear loops. It also incorporates a locking speed buckle. This feature is actually available due to the beefy webbing on the waist.

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Next is the Strike sit and chest harness combo. Once again all Safe Tech construction, but completely stripped down, no padding. Additionally, you can use it for CASEVAC. There is no rear riser so you can slip it on a patient. One size fits most. Practically made by Veterans in Bend Oregon (Berry Compliant).

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Above, you have the Bravo series of carbiners. They’ve engineered these to make them hard to fail. They’ve eliminated gate flutter with a wire gate and incorporated a flared nose. Additionally, these are a little smaller and lighter (30 grams) than others on the market.

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The Master Cam is a family of Berry Compliant cramming units that move already been incorporated into the US Army’s MAC Kit.

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Finally, we have the Belay Rappel Descend or BRD. That’s what it does and it’s Berry Compliant. It weighs only 82 grams and accepts single or double ropes 8-11 mm.

www.metoliusclimbing.com

OR – Geigerrig

Friday, January 25th, 2013

There are three key benefits that the Geigerrig pressurized hydration system offers military and law enforcement personnel.

Water Works for You – You can use it for hydration as well as sanitation. Additionally, the pressurized stream to irrigate wounds.

Access to Additional Water – They have in-lin filters including a new 2 micron mechanical virus filter.

Maintenance – Dishwasher safe at home. In the field you can turn it inside out.

Now, they’ve introduced a dedicated tactical line. Offered in Coyote and Black, there are multiple systems available all the way up to a 1600 cu in pack.

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One standout is the Guardian. The bladder is sandwiched between two Guardian plates which increases spray pressure. The plates also protect the bladder from damage and are a slick material to facilitate getting in and out of vehicles.

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www.geigerrig.com