Any guesses as to where my friend Travis took this photo?
Archive for 2015
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
Saturday, August 8th, 2015U.S. Elite Gear – Arc’teryx LEAF Blade 6 Pack
Friday, August 7th, 2015
Arc’teryx’s Blade 6 is a low-profile, 6-liter compact daypack designed for general use. It features a front pocket with organization slots, as well as a dedicated padded compartment for laptops up to 13″, and an dedicated internal sleeve for tablet computers. Additional storage includes an external stash pocket, and discreet back panel pocket for documents. The Blade 6 also features dual density shoulder straps, which provide cushioning and conform to the body, and a thermoformed back panel.
www.us-elitegear.com/arc-teryx-leaf-blade-6-pack
OR – Smith Elite
Friday, August 7th, 2015Smith Elite introduced Kryotek coatings to their line with a single frame about 18 months ago and now they’ve expanded to three frames, Prospect, Hideout and Hudson which can be pur hased with Kryptek’s Highlander or Typhon patterns. The Typhon is so subtle when matched with a grey lens that you can’t see it more than a few feet away.
These eyepro all exceed US MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1 & ANSI Z87.1 and feature anti-fog coating.
OR – Salewa
Friday, August 7th, 2015For Summer 16, Salewa is introducing two new lightweight mountaineering boots, the Raven 2 GTX and the Crow GTX.
The Raven 2 GTX is about 15% lighter than the precious model. They did this by removing material where it wasn’t needed yet retained the crampon compatibility. The Crow GTX is about 10% lighter than the existing Rapace but utilizes synthetics rather than leather. Both are 3-season boots.
Next up is the new is a leather lined, non-GTX Mountain Trainer for those guys who want an all leather boot. It continues the same features of the Trainer.
The Alp Flow GTX came out this Spring, It integrates WL Gore’s Surround technology and I absolutely love this boot. These are being adopted left and right by government agencies and are offered now in Ballisco and Smoke.
This is the Firetail 3 which is the latest update to Salewa’s classic approach shoe. Offered in GTX and non-gore versions. They’ve updated to a wider fitting last. Additionally, they are a very flat shoe and utilized a Vibram megagrip sole. Check out the Blackout and Black Olive colors!
Salewa has broken into the trail running market with new Mountain Training styles. The Lite Train (6 mil drop) and the Ultra Train (8 mil drop) both intros grate the new Michelin Outsole.
Under development for two years, the Michelin Outsole integrates materials and lugs from their two most popular mountain bike tires.
OR – Palladium/MultiCam
Friday, August 7th, 2015
You’ve probably heard of Palladium or at least seen their boots in old photos of the French Foreign Legion. Over the years lots of guys have used these boots for maritime as well as desert and jungle operations. They’ve teamed up with Crye Precision to offer the classic Pampa boot in MultiCam, Tropical, Black and Arid. Coming January, 2016.
OR – Granite Gear – 338 Jungle Ruck
Friday, August 7th, 2015Granite Gear was selected as one of three finalists for the USSOCOM Jungle Pack Program. This is their submission, named the 338.
The 38 liter pack utilizes a modified Chief frame sheet as well as a new suspension system with air channels made from a combination of mesh and soft shell fabric. The Chief frame sheet accepts the shoulder straps which plug right in. They’ve combined this with 500D Cordura and interesting Trelleborg drain hole panels.
The 338 is a Top Loader with a removable lid and a roll top closure on the bag itself, as well as dual side hydration pockets. Additionally, the pack features a removable radio pocket for an AN/PRC-117G.
Finally, in addition to the drainage panels the bottom of the 338 has four large drain grommets.
It’s not quite ready for sale yet but keep your ears open.
Here’s a little candy for you. They also developed a smaller, more assault-style, hot weather, 26 liter pack which is really cool.
It shares several features with the 338 but doesn’t have a lid or waist belt.
Arc’teryx Expands Footwear Line in 2016
Friday, August 7th, 2015Arc’teryx debuted a groundbreaking footwear line in summer 2014 and just released it for sale a few months ago but a major focus of this summer’s OR booth is the expansion of their offerings for Spring 16.
This is Arc’teryx Footwear Product Line Manager Federico Sbrissa with the Acrux AR, the boot that started the whole process several years ago. Although this double mountaineering boot concept actually came first, Arc’teryx introduced low-cut approach shoes (Alpha2 FL) and mid-cut Hiking and Light Trekking boots (Bora Mid) first, while the more challenging design matured. It’s ready now and will be available not long after the new year.
As you can see, the new Acrux AR is fully crampon compatible. Although similar in construction to the Bora, in that the liner booty is removable, the Acrux AR incorporates an integral gaiter design with a waterproof T Zip which makes uo the outer portion of the boot.
This double boot also has a PE preformed inner shell which laces tightly over the removable Gore-Tex booty and offers adaptive fit. The Vibram mountaineering outsole is part of a six component sole system which also includes carbon fiber, EVA midsole and TPU heel and toe cups.
One product that consumers have been clamoring for is a leather version of the Bora Mid and as you can see, Arc’teryx did not disappoint.
In addition to expanded color options for the existing Alpha2 FL and Bora Mid, Arc’teryx announced the Acrux SL and Arakys shoe models, in both men’s and women’s versions. The Acrux SL’s approach shoe design won’t incorporate Gore-Tex and is very light at 300 grams per shoe.
The Arakys has an interesting aesthetic and is billed as an ultralight bouldering and single pitch shoe. The heel of the upper is collapsible so that you can shove your foot right into it for causal use and the closure system can be used one-handed. Finally, it has a leather footbed for barefoot comfort.
FirstSpear Friday Focus – Padded AGB Sleeve 6/12, Slim Line
Friday, August 7th, 2015
For this week’s Friday Focus, we’re taking a look at the Padded AGB Sleeve 6/12, Slim Line. The Slim Line is a slimmer, more minimalist version of the Assaulters Gun Belt (AGB) Padded Sleeve. It allows users to attach belt direct pouches, as well as 6/12, 6/9, or MOLLE-compatible pockets and pouches, in addition to a pistol holster. The Slim Line features comfort padding with moisture wicking mesh along the whole length.
Available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, and Ranger Green.
www.first-spear.com – Padded AGB Sleeve 6/12, Slim Line
