New Balance announced that on July 19, 2013 the Air Force Uniform Office approved several New Balance items for use with FR uniforms. The items on the list are intended to be worn next to skin only.
It includes a wide range of No Melt No Drip products that are appropriate for a wide range of climates. NB’s synthetic blends and proprietary Merino wool blends will offer Airmen a next to skin layering system appropriate for their unique mission.
AFR701 Flame Resistant T-Shirt
AFR105 Flame Resistant Boxer
AFR105w Flame Resistant FR Women’s Boy Short
AFR801 Flame Resistant Mid Weight Top
AFR201 Flame Resistant Mid Weight Drawers
MIL865 Flame Resistant Mid Weight Light Weight Top
MIL245 Flame Resistant Mid Weight Light Weight Drawers
MIL126 Flame Resistant FR Women’s Boy Short
MIL708 Light Weight Merino Wool T-Shirt
MIL810 Light Weight Merino Wool Crew
MIL811 Mid Weight Merino Wool ¼ Zip
MIL102 Light Weight Merino Wool Boxers
MIL211 Light Weight Merino Wool Drawers
MIL212 Mid Weight Merino Wool Drawers
More information is available at www.newbalance.com under Military. Additionally, unit and agency ordered can be handled by www.ADSinc.com
Tags: New Balance
Back in 2007, I wore SmartWool T-shirts during an eight-week class in July and August in Quantico. Everyone thought I was nuts for wearing wool in the summer, but they worked out well. Merino wool’s wicking ability is amazing and these shirts helped keep me cool and stink-free. HOWEVER merino (when spun thin enough for t-shirts) is far from durable. My body armor quickly rubbed holes through the shoulders and chest, and the sleeves got ripped apart by branches, brambles, and thorns. That being said, these are sure to be great year-round base layers – if only they weren’t so dang expensive.
It’s not pure Merino. They use a blend for durability.
Merino definitely isn’t durable, it’s a pity no one wants to spin a 50-50 merino poly blend or something. But the ability of merino to wick and breathe on hot days is great. Between merino and drifire I’m never going back to cotton.
Very retro ! looks like the Norwegian army shirt
$69.99 on their outlet site as well as their Ebay page. free shipping no tx.
I bought one, should arrive next wed., will let you know how it is.
I first saw it here, so thank you.