We see promotional material for various camo patterns all of the time but this ad from New Zealand-based Huntech’s Habitat Camouflage System is the best yet.
What do you think?
Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category
Best Camo Plug Ever
Friday, February 25th, 2011A-TACS Updates Web Experience
Thursday, February 24th, 2011Next time you visit the A-TACS web site you will notice a couple of changes. Namely, they have added a “Manufacturer Info” page with info on fabric availability, pulls and finding info, solid color specs, and hydrographics as well as a “Where to Buy at Retail” and additional photos to “In the Field” page. A-TACS is now also on Facebook.
In addition to the website update, here are a few unpublished photos of the A-TACS pattern.
Kick Ass Caps
Thursday, February 24th, 2011Have you ever found yourself looking for classic military cap styles in modern camo patterns? Well, some of you may have but I bet after seeing these most of you will want them too. Slangvel, a disabled US Army vet who later went on to work for the Veterans Administration hand crafts various styles of military caps. Many camo and militaria collectors will recognize the significance of the name. The term Slangvel is Afrikaans for snake skin and was used to used to refer to SADF para smocks which featured texturised nylon elbow patches.
Slangvel currently manufactures M43-styles, Bigeards, Recce Hats, 2″ Brim Boonie Hats, Berets, and Rhodesian Kepis. Currently, all offerings are made via eBay as they come off the line so you have to check back regularly to ascertain available styles and patterns. Word is that Slangvel will undertake commissions in patterns he does not stock if you can supply the fabric. Additional charges may apply.
Two weeks ago I ordered a MultiCam M43-style as well as a MultiCam and AOR2 Recce Hats. Overall, craftsmanship is excellent and the patterning follows the original caps. Stitching is flawless. The M43 fits like a glove and had the perfect crumple right out of the box. The Recce Hat is a Short Brimmed Boonie with shock cord cinch strap, Crye Boonie-style slash air vents with mesh lining and a Day-Glo Orange signal panel sewn into the crown that pulls double duty as a pocket. I can’t say enough good things about these caps.
Those interested in his services should visit Slangvel on eBay. myworld.ebay.com/slangvel
He has also asked me to provide his email address for those interested in custom work. graywolf47@comcast.net
New Camo Patterns from Slovenia
Monday, February 21st, 2011Lots to talk about these days when the subject of camouflage comes up. For example, Slovenia-based School of Survival from Nature has developed the LandCamo SUB-3D combat camouflage pattern family. It seems that companies are no longer developing single patterns anymore but rather taking a lead from the US Army’s camouflage requirement and preparing full families. Below is a photo simulation example of the Desert Shadow variant. It is joined by Transitional, Woodland, Snow, and SWAT patterns. Fabric is currently in production featuring IRR and FR properties.
SPECOPS Unveils Uniform Prototype in Mirage Camo – Updated
Monday, February 21st, 2011
This is a SPECOPS MBS-1 uniforms in Bulldog Equipment Company’s Mirage camo. This pattern will run against Roggenwolf, A-TACS, Multicam, PenCott (updated), and possibly a Hyperstealth developed pattern in the upcoming Polish Army Camo Trials. We have already shown the Roggenwolf versions.
Military Wraps May Mask More Than Just Color – Updated
Monday, February 21st, 2011Even though the Army issued guidance last year on how to paint rifles in order to better blend in to the environment, it seems that the practice just isn’t that wide spread. One reason may be that it is so difficult to restore the weapons to inspection order. Another issue is that the guidance was only issued for rifles and carbines and not for the myriad of other weapons that find themselves on the battlefield. UPDATE: In fact, we have recently heard that there are no plans to authorize painting of additional weapons.
For the past two years, Military Wraps has produced MW Gripz. They are die-cut applique kits that can be applied at the operator level to various individual weapons. The material is also available in sheets that can be cut to shape as needed. Additionally, the non-marring material leaves no residue when removed. As you can see from the photo below, they do a great job of breaking up the visual signature of small arms.
But there’s more. During a recent demonstration, it was noted that weapons covered on MW Gripz didn’t emit a significant thermal signature. In fact, it appeared to be about half that of unprepared weapons. Based on this, Military Wraps has secured lab time in order to determine exactly how much Grips mask the weapon’s IR signature. We look forward to their report and will pass on what we find out. In the interim, MW Grips can be applied and removed repeatedly with no damage to the weapon not additional cleaning requirement. It is important to note that the current versions of Gripz is designed for use with weapons that are employed in the semi automatic role, a new version is on the way that can take the increased heat of sustained automatic fire.
Updated: Military Wraps shared these photos with us of a few weapons wrapped in the Gripz technology. As you can see, the MultiCam (oops, OCP) makes a big difference. Additionally, an evaluation by a military unit came in over the weekend from Afghanistan stated that while a single kit is designed cover two carbines it could also easily be adapted for use with other weapons. Additionally, the break up of the weapon’s outline was significant in both daylight conditions as well as under night vision devices.
MW Gripz are available in a variety of patterns and can be manufactured using to match the operational environment. For more information visit www.militarywraps.com.
First Lite Merino Wool Clothing
Friday, February 18th, 2011First Lite specializes in Merino wool clothing for hunting. We have gone over the many merits of Merino in the past but summarize; warm even when wet, inherent anti-microbial which inhibits odor, and inherent FR. Several friends of SSD have been raving about First Lite’s garments, particularly their underwear and hats so we thought we should introduce the brand to you.
This is the Gila Hunting Pant. It’s tough to find wool pants these days, and Merino has an increased comfort range so you can wear them in a wider variety of environments than most pants. Plus, if you get wet, you’ll still be warm and if you sweat, you won’t stink to high heaven. Plus, Merino isn’t scratchy like traditional wool.
You will notice the odd camouflage pattern which is called ASAT. To give you a little history on ASAT, you need to know is that it stands for All Season All Terrrain so it was envisioned as a “universal” camouflage pattern. Dating back to 1986, ASAT was developed for hunting and features a Tan base. Interestingly, in the late 80s, Brigade Quartermaster commissioned an “urban” variant using a Grey base with dark bands. Based on this, we guess you could look at ASAT as a family of patterns dating back over 20 years.
Remember, First Lite manufactures hunting clothing and their color options reflect this. They offer Black, ASAT, Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity, and Real Tree Max-1. Additionally, some products may be offered in more of fewer color options. Since we are in late winter, many colors are currently sold out.
Finally, in addition to the Gila Hunting Pants above, First Lite offers several next to skin layering options as well as headwear.
A-TACS SHOT Show 2011 Roundup
Thursday, February 17th, 2011Digital Concealment Systems released a great roundup of all things A-TACS from SHOT Show 2011. Rather than steal their thunder, we thought it best to show you a couple of our favorites and then send you on over to check out the entire list.
We’ve mentioned the upcoming TAC-U combat shirt from Propper. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Tactical Assault Gear unveiled their Combat Sustainment Pack at SHOT Show. We figured the web would have blown up already over this one but it looks like it is starting to receive some attention. Designed to be used to augment a chest rig load or as a bailout bag, one of this pack’s coolest features is that it includes a CCB (combat casualty bag) used to carry a down man’s kit while he is being moved, treated and extracted. Our friends at TAG have sent one along to us so be on the lookout for a review soon.
Make sure you read the whole thing so you can dig into the details at A-TACS.com.
