The Backcountry Bed Duo from Sierra Designs is based on their Backcountry Bed introduced last Summer OR. Essentially, it incorporates a comforter bib into the sleeping bag in a 30 Deg Down or New for 2015, Synthetic model to bring the price down. It incorporates a foot vent and accommodates side, stomach and back sleepers. The new Duo model let’s you bring a friend.
In addition to the recent reveal of the Scorpion W2 pattern, now known as OCP, the US Army has also announced minor changes to the Army Combat Uniform to coincide with the new camouflage pattern. Beginning in Fall of 2015, the new ACU in OCP will feature lower leg pockets with button closure instead of the current hook and loop fastener. The insert pockets for knee and elbow pads will also be removed.
Additional changes being considered by the Army Uniform Board include:
– elimination of the mandarin collar and replacement with a fold-down design
– change of the infrared square identification for friend or foe, known as the IFF tab
– removal of one of three pen pockets on the ACU sleeve
– elimination of the drawstring on the trouser waistband
Again, the US Army will begin issuing the improved Army Combat Uniform in Operational Camouflage Pattern in Fall 2015. Military clothing sales stores will begin selling the improved ACU in Summer 2015. Soldiers will be given three years, between the period of initial adoption in Fall 2015 and the Summer 2018 requirement date, to transition to the new ACU.
www.army.mil/article/131259/Soldiers_to_get_new_camo_uniform_beginning_next_summer
Day One cover of the Outdoor Retailer Daily – “Hook and bullet is coming to OR”.
According to Kelty, the old way of pack fitting is dead.
Try Kelly’s Perfect Fit Suspension and Watch Out, those zombies bite!
If you’re not following SSD on Instagram, you’re missing out on plenty of OR coverage that isn’t being published on this site, or even our Facebook page. Just take a look at a few of the images posted from the show floor already.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Don’t miss out. Follow us on Instagram and join the conversation.
Sterling Ropes has redesigned one of their mainstays. The Nano IX has been slimmed down from a 9.2mm to a true 9mm rope. Intended for sport routes, ice or mixed climbing, the Nano IX, it’s certified as a single, half and twin rope. It’s available in a variety of colors including OD.
While working on making the Nano IX leaner, they also came up with two new ropes, the AERO and HELIX. They redesigned their cores. They use a thinner diameter fiver but there are more of them. Externally this means a heavier and more durable sheath for longer life with a more durable core system offering better handling. The AERO is 9.2mm and the HELIX is 9.5mm.
All of these new models you will see here are coming Spring 15. I really like the direction Salewa is moving and their styles will fit right in with niche military/tactical users.
First up is the Alp Flow featuring WL Gore’s Surround Technology. It’s based on the best selling Alp Trainer and incorporated the Gore-Tex Surround into a full grain letter upper. They were the first brand to feature this technology and it’s already available in the Escape and Ramble. For the Alp Flow, they’re using radiator technology to leverage the Surround material to force the hot air out and allow cooler air in.
Next is the Redesigned Rapace GTX (left) and Mountain Trainer Mid GTX (right). The laces are all the way to the end of the toe box. Additionally, they’ve added the new 3-piece adjustable footbed. Finally, they’ve lined the entire heel cup and collar with Ortholite foam which molds to the wearer, offering a better fit. Notably, the Rapace is also crampon capable.
Finally, Salewa is introducing a pack range to North America. Known for so clean, technical designs in Europe, they’ve chosen 9 of their proven styles to bring here. We’re giving you a taste with this Crest 25. It’s a 25 liter, lightweight alpine pack. It offers a breathable close fitting back panel and a clean design. Don’t forget, there’s also an integrated rain fly.
