When you think Sitka, you think heavy duty wet weather protection and Arrowhead will definitely deliver on that front. In fact, it’s the brand’s approach of purpose-built design and efficiency of movement through the environment that has drawn military users to its unique WWP solutions, notably the Cloudburst and Dewpoint Jackets.
With Arrowhead, you’re going to be able to get full featured, Berry compliant wet weather garments made from GORE-TEX and designed for use by SOF.
Arrowhead tell us the design team has selected GTX 3L 40d Nylon Ripstop with DWR, for the WWP jacket and pant which is a highly durable, lightweight, tear resistant fabric. Resistant to contaminates including petroleum, oils and lubricants make it a best-in-class solution for the Special Operations Forces end-user.
Not only is the material waterproof/breathable, but the finished garment was taken into the lab and environmental chamber to ensure the integrity of the entire design. Additionally, Arrowhead has had garments on the backs of SOF operators to make sure it’s what they want.
From a fabrics, insulation and trims perspective, Arrowhead Equipment is focused on sourcing and developing best-in-class materials within the USA.
The long game will also see Arrowhead Equipment committed to investing and up-levelling domestic manufacturing. Developing new levels of competency, capability, and competitiveness that result in the production of premium technical apparel solutions for the USSOCOM consumer.
The WWP Jacket and Pant feature:
Jacket
– Fixed Adjustable Hood allowing for the option of a hood when static
– Internal Left Chest Zip Pocket allowing for the secure carriage of mission essential items
– Upper Torso Zip Pockets allowing for the secure and convenient carriage of mission essential items
– Upper Arm Zip Pockets allowing for the convenient carriage of mission essential items
– Underarm Zip Vents enhancing ventilation when worn with Personal Protective Eqpt. and/or Load Carriage Eqpt.
– Upper Arm Loop (4”x4.5”) allowing for the application of IR reflective and electronic IFF devices
– Adjustable Hem Closure allowing jacket to be cinched up when static during cold weather conditions
– Internal ID Label mitigating confusion when issued as a uniform item
Pant
– Adjustable Nylon Web Waist allowing for waist sizing flexibility
7/8 Side Zips allowing for the ease of donning and doffing when wearing boots
– Front Facing Thigh Cargo Pockets allowing for the carriage of gloves & accessories and dump pocket capability
– Reinforced Instep allowing for increased pant durability when conducting mobility-based platform operations
– Suspender Attachment Loops allowing for the attachment of QAD suspenders (included with this MPN)
– QAD Suspender System allowing for adjustable pant suspension if required
– Internal Waterproof Label mitigating confusion when issued as a uniform item
Be sure to check out US Elite’s blog post on WWP and tune into one of their IG or FB Live broadcasts at 1430 EDT for a giveaway.
WWP Jacket and Pant inventory will be available from Sitka Arrohead Equipment dealers beginning June 2021. They’ll be offered in MultiCam, Lead and Black in sizes Small – XXLarge for the Jacket with Short, Regular and Tall lengths on the pants with certain sizes Small – XXLarge.
Find an Arrowhead dealer here.
I’ve seen a lot about this company’s push into SOF over the last few days in several places. I look at this set of goretex and can’t help but think it looks exactly like the Arc Alpha set, the previous SOF choice. That’s not to say that they have to create a revolutionary new design to be the new in guys but why the big deal if it’s the same thing under a different name? It’s akin to buying a flapped double mag pouch in the early 2000’s. Is it an Eagle? LBT? I don’t know they are identical. Is this the same thing? Knowing about Sitka from the hunting industry, I know it’s going to be just as expensive as Arcteryx as well.
It looks like the Sitka stuff is going to be priced a little higher than the Alpha as well.
Honestly, I’m not sure why I would buy a copy of an Alpha for more than the Arc version unless it has some type of improvement I’m not seeing… Arcteryx is viewed as the gold standard by many.
Um, because it’s from a company NOT owned by the Chinese. Most apparel designed for military use will end up having similar patterns…..Arcteryx lost some very talented folks to Sitka a few years back…Shortly thereafter, Sitka Gear started taking in a whole new look and much better functionality- most due to the articulated fit and patterning….i.e., bend knees and elbows. These designs are not cheap to make but result in much more comfortable and better fitting apparel.
I didn’t care for the Chinese buy out either but at what point do we price ourselves out of the market share to be made in the US? More expensive than Arc? First I was asked how much would I pay to be comfortable right now and it was $500 in head to toe goretex. Now that same shell system is $1400. You are saying that this will be more? That’s getting crazy. For the non government money customer 2k buys a lot of crazy alternatives to a goretex shell for keeping warm and dry. Like a used car with the windows rolled down and the heat on. When your outer shell costs more than a months rent we have to ask ourselves what’s up.
My hope is that the tech and, maybe more importantly, the pattern will trickle down to their consumer-targeted gear. My experience with ArcTeryx LEAF is that it’s a hell of a lot more durable than their consumer offerings…Like you, I find it really difficult to pay retail for it…..Most of my LEAF was acquired through their outlets stores at a significant discount.
Atx wouldn’t put zips where your packs shoulder straps go.