The latest news from the Clothe The Soldier office is that the experimental CADPAT boot is out and a new smooth leather chocolate brown version is in. Aside from technical challenges facing the CADPAT boot project, the boots would have cost more as each Soldier would receive two colors of boots. The chocolate brown blends better with both the temperate-woodland and arid versions of CADPAT.
British Soldier Systems industry sources have indicated that the MOD is poised to announce next week changes to the temperate and arid variants of the Disruptive Pattern Material camouflage. Testing of a digital version of the pattern has been halted and in its place both the arid and temperate styles will see a slight palette change in order to better accommodate scrub brush. Additionally, an entirely new variant of DPM is set to be unveiled that is intended exclusively for field equipment and is a compromise between the two current patterns.
Bulldog Equipment unveiled the new Mirage camouflage pattern at AUSA in October of last year. At SOFIC they modified their display of tactical equipment to feature their new uniform system in the Mirage pattern. The uniform consists of a Fire Resistant Undershirt, Garrison Combat Top, Summer Combat Top, and Pants. The garments are well made and include features that were developed through direct feedback from testers. These include super fabric reinforced knees, elbows and, shoulders, reinforced crotch, over-sized pen pockets to accommodate chemlights and sharpie markers as well as reinforcements in other areas of high abrasion. In addition to uniform items they have also produced versions of their assault pack and sniper drag bag in Mirage pattern. Although they are quiet about possible customers, Bulldog remains adamant that they will restrict the innovative pattern to US DoD only.
Access to the new website is available to those with .mil email addresses.
