Last night I got my hands on a prototype cap from FirstSpear called the Forager. If you know your history, a forage cap was so named because it was worn while a Cavalryman foraged for feed for his horse. Over time, it was the common name for a cap worn in lieu of full dress hats, as in a field cap. To me, it’s a modernized patrol cap.
FirstSpear has been kicking this thing around for about six months but with so many projects in the works, hasn’t gotten around to finalizing it. The second I saw it, I wanted one. It has a very innovative design with interesting lines that are square up front but assume the curve of the head as it goes back. There are several other cool features. For instance, the bill can be folded to stuff in a pocket. Additionally, it has a large pile section in front for patches and slots for eyepro storage; front or rear.
The one-size-fits-most design has a miniature hook adjustment for size with just a little of stretch built into the band. The interior is lined with mesh for comfort and there are vents located around the sides of the Forager.
Made from Softshell material like used in the Squadron Smock, I’ve seen models in Coyote and MultiCam but I hear there are also a few in Black out there.
There is no release date for the Forager since it’s still a concept design but I thought it would be really cool to show you something that is in the works. Hopefully, FirstSpear agrees.
Tags: FirstSpear
+1 for wanting one
yes that would be great! especially with the softshell material.
Looks like a modern interpretation of the old “Wehrmachts-Mütze” to me…
Totally.
I’d take one!
Lacks the ear flaps to be a true M43, but I want one as well.
Outstanding idea.
Kudos for this product! +1!
Yep, on the buy list!
Love every thing but the full Velcro front. I would still buy one for sure.
Didn’t some guys in Africa wear something similar a few years back.
It does look pretty cool though.
Sweet a modern ww 2 german m43 field hat !!!
This NEEDS to come in wolf grey. Assuming it’s released of course.
ranger green too !!! all i need to know is price and when and where
I could do without all the Velcro fuzz on the front, aka morale patch magnet. but it does look like a well thought out design, and I hope it is available for ordering sometime this year.
+1 on no Velcro. It should be an option.
Reminds me of some of Slangvel’s hats. I would pay good money for one of these First Spear hats.
Great feature set, with the usual problem: The bill geometry is bad. If they used a bill design similar to what American baseball caps had about a hundred years ago, I would by three of them.
an updated AR 670-1 compliant patrol cap would be nice.
Drop the velcro and I’m on that like a Elvis on a glazed ham…
Needs more Totenkopf!
Thats what my wife said.
Hey come on you cant denie m43 styled hats are the best feeling and fitting hat around
+1
+1 for no Velcro and no camo versions, but the strap method is interesting. Defo to-buy item if it’ll fit my planet-sized head.
Reminds me of a tan/water camo print M43 patterned hat some “Gear Guru” gave me years ago!
Great except for the mall ninja velcro.
Actually the “velcro patch” is not really nothing like your typical patch on a hat or jacket but rather an integrated part of the hat design. It almost looks like its of a suede material in pictures so no patches at all on it and it still looks sharp.
Now it will most likely be a lint magnet but I think with the right patch, possible a line also designed by FirstSpear, that are thin and cover most of that area it will be fine.
As for “no camo”….really? I’d get it in the multi-cam if that’s all they offered. Now a grey, OD or tan would be my choice but I’d also do the multi-cam
ya i dont get the no camo guys either …
It is a part of the cap and isn’t obtrusive. However, it’s the loop side of the “hook & loop” equation so theres no lint magnet here.
Thanks for the clarification. Great looking cap, I defenitely will be watching the site to see when and if they go on sale.
Would also love one, would love more colour options (camo and non-camo), would love the option of a no velcro front, or at least having the velcro match the camo or colour so as to be a bit less obvious. Would happily, happily get several of these. Please make these First Spear.
(Why the M-43 style of cap isn’t more popular has alway surprised me. Better than the six segment dome cap.)
YES PLEASE!
When? I’ll get 2 or 3!
Don’t know when or even ‘if’ yet, but I’ve asked on their Farcebook page; they can’t know if we don’t tell ’em. I’ll probably get a couple too, depending on the colour/style options.
ETA; I emailed them as well – they *say* that they’re finalising production details, but we should still snivel and wave money at them.