In addition to the already announced buckle improvement to the Kneecap, Arc’teryx LEAF also plans on releasing new colors including a MultiCam compatible version later this year. No firm date has been set but the new color options will be cut into the line as soon as they are ready. The Kneecap works perfectly with the knee pad pocket featured on the new Compound Armor Compatible Clothing System.
About six years ago two things happened to revolutionize military clothing. Crye released the Combat shirt and pants and Arc’teryx unveiled the tactical softshell. Over the last two years we have watched Arc’teryx develop a new clothing system that takes both of these concepts to the next level. The hybrid COMPOUND system is like nothing we’ve ever seen, strategically combining Arc’teryx styling with different fabrics in one garment to garner the desired affect for different areas of the body. Named after mythical hybrid creatures, the Chimera, Sphinx, Gryphon, and Minotaur blend different fabrics and weights for specific climate conditions and situations. Key highlights include:
CHIMERA LS Shirt:
Superb hot weather performance is provided by this perspiration-shedding next-to-skin shirt made of stretch-woven Tweave® Durastretch® LT in the yoke and shoulders and wicking Cyberknit in the torso. Stretch-woven cuffs seal nicely around the wrist; while zippered biceps pockets are perfect for storing small items. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
SPHINX Half Shell:
This softshell is designed to be comfortably worn under armor, web gear, or while carrying a pack. Worn as a mid-layer or on its own, two different weights of Tweave® four-way stretch woven fabric are utilized; Tweave® Durastretch® in the yoke and shoulders, and Durastretch® LT in the torso (jacket). Available in Crye Multicam and Crocodile, summer 2010. Multicam SPHINX Half Shells are Berry Compliant (100% US labor and 100% US materials)
SPHINX Pants:
Tough, quick drying Tweave® Durastretch® combat pants with integral kneepad holders, 10 pockets and stretch scree cuffs. Crocodile and Multicam. Multicam SPHINX Pants are Berry Compliant (100% US labor and 100% US materials)
MINOTAUR Jacket:
The perfect combination of weather-resistance and windproofness in foul weather, this half-shell features 3L GORE -TEX®WINDSTOPPER ® with an easy-sliding micro-fleece backer in the sleeves, shoulders and collar. Versatile Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric with Hardface® technology is used in the torso. The Minotaur can be worn on its own or under armour, chest rigs, and packs and the long torso tucks easily into combat pants. Full-length armpit zips make for easy venting in warmer weather. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
GRYPHON Half Shell:
This robust zippered top features a unique hybrid of fabrics for all-weather duty. Waterproof and breathable 3-layer GORE -TEX® XCR is used on the shoulder yoke and sleeves, while the roll-up hood is made of light weight GORE -TEX® Pro Shell. In the torso, light, versatile and breathable four-way Tweave® Durastretch® stretch enhances freedom of movement. For added versatility, the patented roll-up sleeves allow for easy ventilation without removing armour/rig. Paired with the matching pants, the Gryphon is perfect for HALO/HAHO operations. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
GRYPHON Pants:
Move fast, stay dry and stay ready to fight with waterproof 3-layer Gore-Tex hard shell and durable, breathable Tweave® Durastretch® soft-shell in a full featured combat pant. Integral kneepad pocket, stretch scree cuff, tool loops and 6 secure pockets. Available in Crocodile, summer 2010.
ATOM AF Jacket:
Round out your mission outfit with the new Atom AF jacket. An extra thick layer of synthetic Coreloftâ„¢ insulates the torso, but is compressible enough to pack into its own pocket. Cut extra large in the torso to slip easily over plate carriers and chest rigs without extra bulk in the arms and shoulder. Packs smaller than an football in its own pocket. Available in Crocodile, early fall 2010.
KNEE CAPS:
Lightweight and anatomically-shaped, this proven field performer protects the knees and has a new low profile, quick detach, tri-glide buckle. Available in Black and Foliage Green, early summer 2010.
All of these Arc’teryx LEAF pieces will be available for sale summer, 2010. Visit www.leaf.arcteryx.com to keep up with LEAF news and product developments.
Visit Arc’teryx at ADS Warrior Expo West to see the products in action.
The exclusive Arc’teryx urban line, Veilance has just released their Spring 2010 line. Those familiar with the brand will notice a few additions. Two of my favorite products are the Field Jacket LT and Cargo Pant LT. As you should remember from my article on Arc’teryx naming conventions, LT is their designation for lightweight, streamlined variants of their garments. Their combination of hard wearing Arc’teryx quality and design excellence with a high end twist, makes Veilance the perfect alternative for those who need to disappear into the urban jungle.
But don’t just take my word for it, go and see for yourself. veilance.arcteryx.com
Seen here with the Atom LT jacket and Alpha LT shell, the new Beta LT pant is manufactured from Gore-tex Pro-Shell. It features an integrated belt as well as 3/4 length zippers to assist with donning and doffing. At 10.6 ounces when combined with the other two items, you get a cold weather package that weighs in at a scant 32 ounces total! Due to this lightweight construction, the entire set up packs down to a size smaller than a basketball. But don’t let the term lightweight fool you. I must admit I was skeptical when I first got my Alpha LT jacket. It felt so light I was worried it wouldn’t stand up to hard use but nothing could be farther from the truth. It is not only extremely well made and very strong, it also moves well with the body. Available in Crocodile sized Small – XX-Large from www.arcteryx.com/leaf.
Without a doubt the Mayhem TR from Arc’teryx was the coolest thing I saw at SHOT Show. This pullover hoodie design will make a great addition to the Arc’teryx line…some day.
You might have run across Vertx in the past but may be wondering where they came from. The Vertx brand is actually an internal start up of Fechheimer Brothers Company, one of the Berkshire Hathaway Companies chaired by Mr. Warren Buffett. Fechheimer is best known in the Law Enforcement community for their Flying Cross brand of Police uniforms. Vertx was created as a collaborative effort with federal law enforcement and Arc’teryx to produce a progressive tactical pant.
Can you imagine paying less than $50 for an Arc’teryx design? With the Vertx pant that is exactly what you get. It’s the result of Arc’teryx’s world class design partnered with Fechheimer‘s 168 years of producing tailored garments for law enforcement and military customers. Combine that with Berkshire Hathaway’s tradition of integrity and financial strength, and authentic design direction from federal law enforcement operators, the first Vertx product, the premium tactical pant, was created.
Word on the street is that these were designed for the most elite of law enforcement units in the country but when I pressed him on it, brand manager Dave Walsh wouldn’t comment on any federal agency that contributed to the design process. However, he did have this to say, “We took a ground up design approach. Our preference is to design with the direct input from the end user and hold informal focus groups that include Federal, state and local law enforcement as well as experienced Special Forces operators. Our goal was to produce comfortable, function-first equipment that a gunfighter can wear and not stand out.” I would say that they have succeeded.
Ultimately, Vertx looks at their customer as the “Operational Athlete.” This is a concept grounded in public service and is used to describe the persona that requires high quality yet discreet tactical clothing. It’s the person that seeks to become the best at what they do. Dave Walsh had this to say about the Operational Athlete, “Our product is for the individual who seeks the satisfaction of training for, and confidently experiencing head to head combat. The operator who appreciates that when your opponent underestimates you it gives you power. Let the potential threat think you are slow, unarmed and weak, that’s the discipline.”
Bob Getto, President & CEO of Fechheimer also sees the advantage they are offering the end user. He said, “We’re extremely excited to bring Vertx apparel to the operational athlete. Vertx is designed by and for the operator who wants the combination of low visual profile, function of a battle garment and the appearance of business casual. Try the pants, and you’ll be sold – there is a not better fitting pair in the market.â€
As for me, they are the most comfortable low profile pants I have worn. They move with you. They are articulated, but just enough so that they don’t look like outdoor pants and they are packed with features. You would never see the hidden pocket and even the cargo pockets are set in to the pant leg so you won’t notice them. Literally, you could wear these in a briefing in the morning and go right to work on the street the same afternoon, and then slip on a sport coat and meet the wife for dinner; all in the same pair of pants.
In addition to the tactical pant, Vertx also produces the Cold Black polo which reflects up to 80% of UV light making them a much cooler alternative for those who work outside. They are also introducing new styles for women but these aren’t resized men’s trousers. Vertx worked with female LE officers to develop a unique fit block, accommodating the body form that is the American Police Woman.
I think Bob Getto’s comments sum it up best, “Try the pants — as many have — and you’ll be sold. There is not a better fitting pair in the market…”
Make sure you visit Vertx in booth #11044 at SHOT Show.
Arc’teryx has just released the Fusion Jacket and Pant as part of the LEAF line. Developed as a Buy America compliant alternative to the popular Fission series, the new Fusion products are insulated pieces with windproof yet breathable shells. They are insulated using a non-quilted, laminated material called ThermaTekâ„¢ to prevent cold spots. This construction also means that they will pack down to an amazing 183 cubic inches each.
The jacket features a Napoleon pocket as well as two hand pockets as well as knit cuffs to keep wind debris out of the sleeve. The pant has full side zips to facilitate donning and doffing in addition to an integrated waist belt. Available in Crocodile, naturally.
Be sure to visit Arc’teryx at SHOT Show booth #11044 and at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market booth #1021 with beer call at both locations from 4:00 – 5:30 each day. The beer is really quite tasty and the clothing ever so toasty.
Soldier Systems Daily sponsor Arc’teryx has launched a new Law Enforcement Armed forces (LEAF) homepage. The new site simplifies the buying experience by laying all of the products out for quick comparison or allows the buyer to further narrow search parameters not just by category but also by Berry and Buy America compliance with a single mouse click.
Visit leaf.arcteryx.com.
