At this point, you’ve got to have figured out that we think Slangvel builds some cool custom caps. And, we just found out that he is doing a cool recce boonie variant with a mesh panel. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it’s in Hyde Definition’s PenCott Badlands.
Check Slangvel out on eBay.
OTTE Gear has been getting requests for various camo patterns. However, the materials that they use are very expensive and custom prints require runs in the thousands of yards. Needless to say, this can get pretty expensive, pretty quick, especially if you want to offer numerous patterns. It becomes very important to properly gauge the market’s commitment to a pattern before investing in the materials. A couple of mistakes can lead to financial ruin.
So, OTTE Gear is asking for some help. They’d like to know what you think, and more importantly, what camo patterns you want to buy. Hunting, Military, or Law Enforcement.
So have at it, email them at info@ottegear.com with your camouflage pattern preferences!
We’ve been asking that question for awhile now, but we are very happy to report that the USMC’s Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) is now available in Woodland MARPAT. In fact, it’s already in service. According to industry sources, about one-quarter of the current production of FROG is being manufactured in the Woodland variant of MARPAT.
In addition to contract production, Propper Industries has also added the woodland pattern to their website. (a little hint, they will have NWU Types I, II and III soon as well)
We’ve written a couple of articles about the development and fielding of the Navy Working Uniform Type II and III designed to replace the Woodland and Desert Combat Utility Uniforms for Sailors who require them. The big hiccup in full implementation has been wear guidance from the Chief of Naval Operations and he issued it yesterday in NAVADMIN 259/11.
Here are a couple of highlights:
-The NWU Type II is DIGITAL DESERT and the NWU Type III is a DIGITAL WOODLAND pattern. These were developed for Naval Special Warfare by USSOCOM and have been referred to as AOR 1 and 2 respectively but will incorporate the Navy’s unique Anchor, Constitution, and Eagle (ACE) into the design in a similar fashion to how the Marine Corps has included the EGA in MARPAT.
-The only difference between Type II and III is pattern and not the style of uniform. The uniform style is a compromise between a combat and garrison style.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
-Sizing is NOT the same as the CUU.
-NWU Type II and II are organizational clothing. The basis of issue will be 3 blouses, 3 trousers, 2 eight point covers, 1 Goretex Parka, 1 fleece, 1 helmet cover, 1 sun hat, brown fleece watch cap, and brown belt.
-Yes, there will reportedly be a “waterproof, breathable” parka offered in the new patterns. At one point in the message it is referred to as a “Goretex Parka.” It will likely be in the current APECS cut but we have not seen any examples yet in either camo pattern.
-The Type III will replace the current Woodland CUU for everyone and serve as the standard garrison uniform. Only those assigned to NSW or working in direct support if them will be authorized the NWU Type II. This includes Coast Guard personnel assigned or attached to NSW.
-The wearout date for both the Woodland and Desert CUUs will be 1 June, 2012. Non-NSW units with an operational requirement for Desert uniforms after June of next year will have to ask the CNO permission. What is unclear is whether they will use the NWU Type II, continue wear of the Desert CUU, or get an entirely new hybrid uniform in the cut of the NWU but with the 3-color desert camo pattern. I think the NAVADMIN is vague for a reason. It gives them almost a year to decide what to do.
-Naval personnel performing duties outside the wire in deployed environments will continue to wear a mish-mash of FR clothing articles from a variety of sources.
-Sorry JB, but security forces will continue to wear the NWU Type I unless assigned to NSW.
-Some traditions never die. SEABEEs will still be allowed to embroider their logo on the pocket.
-The Navy is really worked up over which way the eagle faces. They mention it six separate times.
-Finally, one change implemented by this NAVADMIN that will affect all Sailors is that the blue fleece liner in the APECS parka can now be worn as a stand alone outer garment.
For the full message (more…)
Digital Concealment Systems, LLC, developers of the A-TACS pattern has signed Tactical Performance Corp on as a licensee. They produce a variety of innovative uniform and tactical designs in their own factory, that are available primarily overseas. Their clothing in particular is worth taking a look at due to the interesting design features. Below are some extracts from a press release from DCS describing Tactical Performance.
Beez Combat Systems just released their IOTV carrier line. Just like their previous OTV carriers, the new IOTV carriers accepts issue armor. The BCS IOTV carrier supports the Gen1 and Gen2 US Army IOTV issue body armor in a lighter and simpler body armor carrier system. The IOTV carrier has mounting webbing which makes it fully configurable to support issue groin protection, lower back protection, deltoid protection and neck-throat protection. Internal front and rear plate pockets support SAPI plates.
The IOTV carrier is available in three versions (IOTV cumber, IOTV molle, IOTV LBAV) and in multiple colors which allows the individual to quickly utilize issue armor. Colors – Multicam, A-TACS, Coyote, Ranger Green, Khaki, OD and Black. The carriers are not quick-release.
No sooner than he comes back from the dead, Libyan dictator Gaddafi’s son is seen wearing a pair of AUSCAM combat trousers used by the Australian military. Naturally, this caused quite a stir in the Australian press. Good thing that Crye is working on that new son-of-AUSCAM pattern.
