Hyde Definition has revamped their website. They have an excellent interactive photo of the new uniforms that explains all of the features. Additionally you can pre-order an entire uniform or individual pieces.
Check it out at www.hydedefinition.com.
To promote their line of tactical nylon manufactured in the popular Multicam camouflage pattern, Tactical Assault Gear has launched www.tagmulticam.com.
In an update to the NY Times story of Finnish concerns over Russia’s purloining of their Army’s camo pattern, Strike Hold has published a photo of Russian troops in Georgia wearing the Finnish m05 camo as well as a copy of Brit DPM.
Recently some photos of PECOC trials webbing appeared on the net. MOD still has not settled on a camo scheme but the Hybrid Cam for load carriage seems to be catching on. In fact, as you will see in the photos, the actual nylon webbing is in the pattern and there are plans to offer camo buckles and Hypalon as well.
On the load carriage side, there are currently 14 MOLLE-style (yes, we said MOLLE) pouches associated with the PECOC program in addition to a new set of webbing, assault vest, patrol sack, rucksack (bergan), plate carrier, and armor vest. The armor vest has been slimmed down a bit from the current Osprey design in order to improve the agility of the wearer. However, an improved Osprey is in the works for use when there is a need to go in heavy.
One of the most interesting features on the assault vest is the use of Hypalon. This can be seen in the photo as Black surfaces. Non-skid has been in use for some time on the shoulders of vest in order to “lock” the buttstock in place. However, the concept’s application in PECOC goes one step further. Hypalon is also sewn to the underside of straps in order to provide improved purchase. Additionally, a large MOLLE grid is supplied in order to customize the vest.
Similar to the current Soldier 95 webbing, the new PECOC variant relies on a “Hippo” padded belt as a foundation. Added to this is a yoke with Hypalon patches on the shoulders and a family of pockets. One item still requires some additional development and that is the closure system for the pouches. Apparently, they are having difficulty establishing a consensus on which style is preferable.
It seems several years ago a paintball team in the UK commissioned a custom camo pattern to commemorate their name; the Vulcans. We will let the pics speak for themselves.
Yes, that’s Spock’s face on that smock. Thanks to a reader for the pics!
Propper has struck a major coup for Airmen everywhere by offering a 100% version of the ABU. This is an excellent alternative to the current issue garment which has drawn a lot of heat from the field due to its heavy fabric.
Men’s 100% Cotton ABUs are already available and women’s sizes will also be available in the next 2-3 weeks.
The men’s coat comes in sizes 36-48 in short, regular and long lengths and the men’s trousers are available in sizes 30-42 in short, regular and long lengths. Women’s sizes for both the coat and trousers are size 4 in short and regular lengths and sizes 6-16 in extra short, short, regular and long lengths.
The 100% Cotton ABU does not have a permanent press finish but is NIR-compliant.
Propper’s Part numbers are:
F542555 – Men’s coat
F542655 – Women’s coat
F521555 – Men’s trouser
F521655 – Women’s trouser
Contact Propper for more information.
Photos from Propper.
Not very often that you run across articles in the NY Times on Soldier System topics, but the Russian Interior Ministry’s latest camo pattern is allegedly a dead ringer for the Finnish Army’s pattern. The pattern was reportedly worn by Russian Special Operations troops during the recent hostilities in Georgia. While the Russian Government has flatly denied copying the pattern, they have been known in the past to copy US Woodland pattern as well as German Flecktarn. Additionally, tipsters have alerted us to Russian versions of the Finnish m/05 pattern for sale on ebay within the last year. Obviously, considering a sizable common border and a past history of conflict with Russia, the Finns are a bit concerned.
When we in the US were still thinking what a great idea it would be to offer quality commercial alternatives to issue Soldier Systems items, Special Air Seas Services was manufacturing and producing clothing, webbing, and packs. I have been using SASS products for 20 years and I recommend you take a look yourself.
One of SASS’ flagship products has long been the Kit Karry Smock. SASS constantly updates their designs and as a testament to this, the Kit Karry Smock is in the Mark V configuration. It features a whopping 17 pockets and is available in DPM Gabardine, Black, Olive or German Flecktarn. They are extremely accommodating and will manufacture smocks or other items from any camo pattern so long as you can provide the material.
To view Special Air Sea Services full line of kit, go to www.SASSKIT.co.uk.
Photo from SASS.
