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Thin Air Gear Introduces the Next Evolution: Olympus Lite Deployment Bag

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

Since its introduction in 2007, the Olympus™ Deployment Bag has become a trusted loadout solution for military professionals, with tens of thousands of units fielded across the force. Developed by Thin Air Gear and refined through four generations, the Olympus™ platform continues to set the standard for durability, modularity, and mission-ready organization.

Building on that proven foundation, Thin Air Gear introduces the Olympus Lite™ Deployment Bag—a next-generation evolution designed to deliver the same field-proven performance in a lighter, fixed-volume configuration.

This is not a redesign. It is a refinement of a system already trusted in deployment.

20% Lighter. 20% More Capacity.

The Olympus Lite™ is engineered to improve efficiency without sacrificing capability:

• 12 lbs vs. 15 lbs – 20% lighter

• 8,160 cu in vs. 6,750 cu in – ~20% more usable space

Note: The 6,750 cubic inch figure represents the Olympus™ in its collapsed (unexpanded) configuration. When expanded, the Olympus™ increases to approximately 9,000 cubic inches.

Reducing weight while increasing usable capacity directly impacts mobility and loadout efficiency.

Dimensions & Fixed-Volume Design

• Olympus Lite™: 30″ x 17″ x 16″ (fixed volume)

• Olympus™ (Gen 4): 30″ x 15″ x 15″ (expandable)

The Olympus Lite™ increases internal volume through added width and height, eliminating the need for expansion panels.

Built on a Proven Platform

The Olympus Lite™ retains the core features that made the original Olympus™ a category leader:

• Wheelable, fully ruckable design

• Durable 1000D Cordura® construction

• ABS frame system with 360° closed-cell foam protection

• Modular three-shelf internal organization system with full Velcro adjustability

• YKK® #10 lockable zippers

• Double-stitched, bartacked construction

It also retains one of the most recognized features of the platform:

• Patented 4″ Shark Wheels (dual ball bearing, 200 lb load capacity)

They are retained because they work.

Enhanced Access & Mobility

The Olympus Lite™ maintains the usability features operators rely on in movement:

• Top-access lid with integrated pocket for quick access into the main compartment

• Stowable backpack straps for rapid deployment and hands-free movement

Designed for movement and transitions without friction.

Next-Generation Handle System

Derived from the upcoming Gen 5 Olympus™ platform, the Olympus Lite™ introduces an upgraded telescoping handle with a three-position locking system:

• Stow Mode – fully locked down

• Mid Position – optimized for shorter pull height

• Full Extension – standard height for rolling under load

This upgraded system improves durability, ergonomics, and control in real-world conditions.

Mission-Ready Configuration Options

The Olympus Lite™ is optimized for users who prefer a fixed-volume loadout, offering consistent capacity without the need for expansion.

For units requiring expanded capacity, the original Olympus™ platform remains available, offering up to approximately 9,000 cubic inches of storage, supporting a wide range of mission profiles.

Together, the Olympus™ and Olympus Lite™ platforms provide operators with two distinct, purpose-built configurations:

• Olympus™ – expandable, adaptable loadout

• Olympus Lite™ – fixed-volume, streamlined efficiency

Continuing the Olympus™ Legacy

As Thin Air Gear prepares to release the full Gen 5 Olympus™, the Olympus Lite™ represents the next step in that evolution—combining over 15 years of real-world feedback with targeted improvements in weight, capacity, and usability.

Availability

The Olympus Lite™ Deployment Bag is now available for unit evaluation and procurement.

For specifications, inquiries, and ordering:

thinairgear.com or anthony@thinairgear.com

About Thin Air Gear

Thin Air Gear designs and manufactures deployment-grade loadout systems and tactical travel gear trusted by military professionals. Veteran-owned and field-tested, each product is engineered for durability, mobility, and long-term use, designed to perform under operational conditions and repeated deployment cycles.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Sneak Peek Tracer Tactical – Lunger Harness

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

Named after the infamous gunfighter, Doc Holiday, the Lunger is a new low-profile, minimalist chest rig from Tracer Tactical.

These photos of are V2 Prototypes and are about 90% there. It’s combined with the Bino Placard which answers many complaints about other binoculars harnesses.

The minimalist design is intended for comfortable sustained wear, low-vis operations and minimized printing. The design merges a Bino Harness style shoulder harness, eliminating the need for a back strap, and a tactical chest rig system that accommodates most placards on the market. According to Tracer Tactical, it will accommodate the most widely used tactical and competitive shooter binos on the market.

The placard features a sewn-in Bino pouch with removable padding, reinforced with Curv insert, and an adjustable/removable lid that features their Viper Closure System.

The placard also accepts 2 AICS or 2 20 round 5.56 mags and has snaps built into the bottom to support the weight of the equipment in the placard. This snap system is also built into the backside of The Lunger Chest Rig. The side of the Bino pouch also has a single column of MOLLE for attaching a Kestrel Pouch if desired.

tracer-tactical.com

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

X-Pac Tactical x Haley Strategic: Built for the Mission.

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

When Haley Strategic set out to build the next evolution of their iconic FlatPack X, they turned to X-Pac® Tactical – the laminate brand trusted by leading gear brands across the defense and outdoor markets.

The Limited Edition FlatPack X showcases the performance of X-Pac® Tactical X50, a rugged laminate built for demanding environments. Constructed with a 500D CORDURA® nylon face fabric, signature X-PLY® reinforcement, and a waterproof film backing, X50 delivers exceptional abrasion resistance, structural stability, and weather protection with optimized weight efficiency. Paired with Haley Strategic’s refined FlatPack platform featuring upgraded hardware, expanding gussets, and next-generation shoulder straps with laser-cut MOLLE the result is a pack designed to move seamlessly from the street to the field.

X-Pac® Tactical is proud to collaborate with industry leaders such as Haley Strategic Partners. Together, we continue to work in close partnership to bring high-performance, innovative products to market—driven by a shared commitment to superior quality and cutting-edge solutions for the end user. We value this collaboration and look forward to continuing our support with advanced materials that help shape the next generation of products.

For gear brands that demand the best, partnering with X-Pac® Tactical means a competitive advantage:

Superior Weatherproofing: Unlike traditional materials that absorb sweat and moisture, X-Pac® fabrics stay dry, enhancing comfort during extended wear.

Lightweight & Abrasion Resistant: Engineered for long-lasting durability without adding unnecessary weight to the end product.

Manufacturing Efficiency: X-Pac® fabrics perform exceptionally well under robotic sewing systems, showing minimal distortion and streamlining production — helping brands lower labor costs and boost capacity.

Versatility Across Applications: Trusted for a wide range of products including slings, plate carriers, pouches, packs, and more.

Proven Under Stress: Tested across fabrics including X-Pac® VX21, X33, and X50, the material holds up under real-world stressors and demanding sewing conditions alike.

About X-Pac® Tactical

Born from X-Pac® legacy on the world’s most challenging peaks and longest trails, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics are lightweight, durable, incredibly strong, and 100% waterproof. At the forefront of innovation, these fabrics offer peak performance in the harshest environments. Leveraging a proprietary lamination technology, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics combine trusted face fabrics and strategic fiber reinforcement — specifically designed for the most demanding missions. This unique construction elevates equipment’s functionality and longevity.

TRUST ONLY X-Pac® — www.x-pactactical.com and follow us @x-pactactical

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BFG Monday: Lightweight Load-Carriage for the Warfighter

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Warfighter equipment is always in a constant state of evolution, where the difference between adequate and exceptional can be measured in ounces. For over two decades, Blue Force Gear has not just kept pace with that standard, they have set it. Ever since the early BFG days, making gear as lightweight as possible has always been their design philosophy. BFG is truly meticulous about it; they will go out of their way to design and re-design a product, simply to reduce weight by a few ounces (sometimes even grams).

The question is why? Why is this so important?

The modern warfighter carries a tremendous amount… heavy armored plates, ammo, comms gear, trauma kits, water… and the weight compounds quickly. Every pound added to a Soldier or Marine’s kit is a pound of performance, endurance, and survivability subtracted from the mission. A Pub Med study showed that “each kilogram added to the foot increases energy expenditure 7% to 10%; each kilogram added to the thigh increases energy expenditure 4%.”1

These warriors will often retire after years of service with broken knees, hips, and backs from the effect of that extra weight. Another Pub Med study stated that injuries can span from “musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/ligamentous injuries and stress fractures) to neurological injuries (e.g., paresthesias).”2 Many gear manufacturers noticed this issue, but none made it their mission to reduce weight with the same passion and dedication as Blue Force Gear.

Their design philosophy acknowledges the old military axiom: ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. It sounds simple, but acting on it requires rejecting the assumption that heavier automatically means more durable. BFG proved that wrong. By combining superior materials, precision manufacturing, and relentless user feedback driven design, BFG became known as the industry leader to systematically engineer weight out of every component of a warfighter’s load carriage system. They did this without sacrificing a single standard of strength or durability but rather, increasing performance and making gear last longer.

That obsession produced results no one had ever seen. Now, Blue Force Gear’s product line is the world’s lightest and is trusted by the most elite professionals. A few of their revolutionary technologies include Ten-Speed, a military-grade elastic pouch that offers a truly multi-use carrying capability; Helium Whisper, the lightest and strongest MOLLE pouch attachment system in the world; and MOLLEminus, the ground-breaking concept of removing fabric to create rows of MOLLE (i.e., webless MOLLE).

These innovations are only part of what sets BFG apart as the leaders in the lightweight load carriage pursuit. Reducing weight for the warfighter while also enhancing their effectiveness and survivability is and always has been the goal. Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.

Stay tuned for next week’s article where we take a deeper look at the Ten-Speed technology.

References:

1Joseph J Knapik, Katy L Reynolds, Everett Harman; 2004 Jan;Soldier load carriage: historical, physiological, biomechanical, and medical aspects; pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14964502

2Robin Orr, Rodney Pope, Thiago Jambo Alves Lopes, Dieter Leyk, Sam Blacker, Beatriz Sanz Bustillo-Aguirre, Joseph J Knapik; April 11, 2021; Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach; pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33920426

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on BFG Monday: Lightweight Load-Carriage for the Warfighter

What Makes Kitanica Different?

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

kitanica.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Manufacturing | Comments Off on What Makes Kitanica Different?

TacJobs – Tomahawk Performance Seeks Commercial & Government Sales Manager

Friday, March 20th, 2026

LOCATION: Nashville, TN (Hybrid)

POSITION TYPE: Full Time

Tomahawk Performance is seeking a Commercial & Government Sales Manager to lead sales strategy across commercial and government sectors. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in technical apparel along with hands?on experience navigating MIL?GOV?LE procurement environments. This role will shape market expansion, build critical partnerships, and strengthen our presence across both B2B and B2G channels.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Commercial Strategy & Growth

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercial strategy aligned with company objectives.

• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities within MIL-GOV-LE sectors.

• Integrate multi-year market and consumer insights from MIL-GOV-LE channels into strategic planning.

Sales Leadership

• Oversee B2B, B2G, government procurement, international, and e-commerce channels.

• Act as internal subject matter expert on MIL-GOV-LE procurement pathways and contracting processes.

• Develop domestic and international sales leads across commercial and MIL-GOV-LE markets, assessing fulfillment feasibility.

• Build and maintain relationships with key accounts, distributors, channel partners, and military procurement officers.

Pricing & Margin Optimization

• Establish pricing strategies that balance profitability with market competitiveness across commercial and B2G channels.

• Produce competitive pricing schedules and commercial documentation for government bids.

Market Intelligence

• Analyze industry trends, competitor positioning, and customer insights across SOCOM, tactical, performance wear, and MIL-GOV-LE sectors.

• Monitor requirements specifications, terms, and conditions from solicitations and translate them into clear internal briefs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Development and Design to ensure product solutions meet both commercial and MIL-GOV-LE operational needs.

• Join cross-functional contract bid teams and support development of technical data sheets, compliance records, testing reports, and bid packages.

• Identify gaps or areas of opportunity across processes to drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation.

Business Development

• Negotiate partnerships, licensing agreements, and distribution deals across commercial and government channels.

• Support both B2B and B2G business development initiatives alongside CEO and COO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years in commercial leadership roles within technical apparel, outdoor gear, or performance wear.

• Proven track record across B2B and government sales, including MIL-GOV-LE complex procurement.

• Strong understanding of technical fabrics (e.g., GORE-TEX, Polartec) and performance standards.

• 10+ years of MIL-GOV-LE experience (preferred specialist background such as SOF, HRT, or ERT).

• Exceptional negotiation, leadership, analytical, and strategic planning skills.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Apple iWork, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and project management tools (Basecamp, Smartsheet, MS Project).

• Familiarity with ERP and CRM systems.

• Ability to travel regionally and internationally for trade shows, account visits, and business development activities.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered for the role, please apply directly at careers@tomahawkperformance.com.

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From Silk to Systems — How a 19th Century Textile Mill Became a Global Leader in Modern Protection

Friday, March 20th, 2026

What do silk threads and next-generation combat helmets have in common?

The answer starts in 1894, inside a small Pennsylvania silk mill that would eventually become one of the most influential protective equipment manufacturers in the world.

Gentex Corporation began as the Klots Throwing Company, producing silk fibers for different use cases. After a devastating factory fire, the company relocated to Carbondale, Pennsylvania — a move that set the stage for more than a century of reinvention.

During World War I, then operating as General Silk, the company became one of the world’s largest processors of silk, manufacturing cartridge bags for the U.S. military. In World War II, it pivoted again, producing cargo parachutes and protective containers, and experimenting with early composite materials that would shape its future.

In 1948, leveraging those materials innovations, the company produced its first hard-shell pilot helmet for the U.S. Navy. That moment marked a defining shift from textiles to protection systems. By 1958, the company adopted the name Gentex and began building what would become a global portfolio of advanced helmet systems.

Over the decades, Gentex has helped transform the helmet from simple head protection into an integrated platform for situational awareness, combining communications, vision systems, respiratory protection, acoustics, optics, and advanced materials into mission-critical equipment used by military forces, emergency responders, and industrial professionals worldwide.

Today, the company’s products support global defense forces and aerospace programs, including advanced aircrew helmet systems and integrated soldier protection platforms, all engineered from the same Pennsylvania roots.

Why this story matters now

At a time when supply chains, domestic manufacturing, and defense innovation are under renewed scrutiny, Gentex represents a rare example of continuous American manufacturing evolution, a company that has reinvented itself across two world wars, the jet age, the space era, and today’s multi-domain battlefield.

From silk fibers to next-generation protective systems, it’s a 130-year story of material science, military partnership, and industrial resilience.

Learn more at Gentexcorp.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, Industry | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: General Purpose Pockets: Small, Medium, & Large

Friday, March 20th, 2026

FirstSpear’s SMALL, MEDIUM, & LARGE GENERAL PURPOSE POCKETS deliver durable, mission-ready storage designed to organize essential equipment without adding unnecessary bulk. Available in three sizes, these pouches provide scalable capacity to support a wide range of operational requirements. Each pocket integrates seamlessly using FirstSpear’s 6/9 and 6/12 attachment technologies for secure mounting on plate carriers, chest rigs, and packs. Built from rugged materials and manufactured in the USA, our General Purpose Pockets are engineered for demanding military and law enforcement environments.

The GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET, SMALL offers a compact storage solution ideal for items such as cell phones, GPS units, or other small mission-essential tools. Its streamlined footprint maintains a low profile while providing rapid access through a durable dual-zipper closure.

The GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET, MEDIUM increases carrying capacity while maintaining a flat, efficient design. Internal elastic retention and loop-lined pockets allow users to organize gear and keep critical items secure and accessible. A dual-zipper closure with an integrated G-Hook provides additional retention when required.

The GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET, LARGE provides maximum storage in the series and is built to manage larger equipment or multiple items. Internal organization, including a zippered mesh compartment, improves visibility and equipment management in the field. Dual-zipper access and a G-Hook closure ensure gear stays secure during movement.

Choose the size that fits your mission and upgrade your kit with reliable, purpose-built storage today at First-Spear.com.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: General Purpose Pockets: Small, Medium, & Large