FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

Slangvel Introduces New Mesh Patrol Hat

Saturday, July 8th, 2017

Custom cap maker Slangvel has introduced a new variant of his mesh patrol hat made by adding full ear coverage via a flap. Additionally, the underside of the brim is done in black.

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He hasn’t posted these on eBay yet, so Facebook, it is.

$41.00 delivered in the USA. Paypal accepted.

U.S. Elite – Here’s What You Need To Know About 2017’s Most Controversial Jacket

Friday, July 7th, 2017

Behold the Infiltrator Jacket by Outdoor Research. It’s not about the price, it’s about what it can deliver. Sure, it’s a luxury at $795, but with the ongoing sale, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in unparalleled tactical apparel thoughtfulness for only $596.25.

Here’s Nathan Jenkin, Lead Designer from Outdoor Research, with Steve Keefer, giving a quick overview of the product. Click on the video only if you’re ready to have your mind blown.

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Still on the fence about the Infiltrator? Stock up on your gloves and other Outdoor Research Tactical essentials and save 25% off on your purchase until Sunday, July 9.

To read more about the Infiltrator Jacket, visit U.S. Elite’s blog.

Stuff I Like – Camber 107 Pant from Mountain Khakis

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

I was first introduced to the Camber 107 pant by Dave Kramer of Über Group a few years ago at Outdoor Retailer. They’ve since become my daily wear pant.

They feature an external cell phone pocket on right thigh, chap-style double-layer knee panels with integrated articulation at the knees. They also offer a diamond-shaped crotch and “Mudflap” reinforced heel cuffs. There are six pockets in all including the two rear patch pockets, phone pocket, two front pockets with plenty of room at the opening to get your hand in, and a watch pocket at the right. 

The material is a very comfy 9oz, 98% cotton/2% spandex canvas which has been given an enzyme wash to improve the hand. 

The Camber 107 are also quite roomy in the thighs. I think they revised the fit at some point because my first two pairs are a slimmer fit than the ones I purchased later. Also, the thigh patch pocket will fit most phones and has a silver snap closure at the center of the opening. If you don’t snap it, you will notice a slight ‘ding’ when you walk from the two halves of the snap hitting one another. Keep it snapped and it’s no problem.

Offered in Yellowstone (seen above), Slate, Terra and Tobacco. Sizing is 30-36 every size and 38-44 even sizes with 30-36 inch even inseams.

www.mountainkhakis.com

WeatherWool Updates WarriorWool Program

Monday, July 3rd, 2017

We initially mentioned WeatherWool’s WarriorWool program last March. It enables donors to provide Al’s Anoraks to members of specific units of the US Military. WarriorWool donors can choose their recipient from the Navy SEALs, as well as the recently added Air Force Arctic Survival School or the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Oftentimes, the benefactor receives a call or a note from the service member who receives the donated Anorak.

Al’s Anorak is made from American wool. They tell me they start with American sheep eating American grass and are a sheep to shirt operation. Yes, they are expensive. This is because they are American made in small batches from expensive fabric. However, the WarriorWool donation Anoraks are $350 rather than the $575 to purchase a personal Anorak.

Al’s Anorak incorporates a side zip, large kangaroo pocket, zippered phone pocket, zippered interior pocket, slotted buttons on the sleeve cuffs and front V opening, and an adjustable hood. It’s offered in sizes Small – 3XLarge.

After seeing Bill McConnell wear it on the Discovery Channel show, ‘Dual Survival’, I purchased one for myself at the 2016 NRA Show. The quality is great and the features are top notch, but I got the heavyweight model and that is a good description. Except in a pouring rain, I can wear it as an outer garment and I’m toasty down to freezing with merino underlayers but it is heavy. Venting under exertion is easy thanks to the side zip and button front. Additionally, the material is hardwearing.

The Anorak is available in FullWeight Fabric in BLACK, DRAB, DUFF and LYNX Pattern. It is also available in MidWeight Fabric in BLACK, DRAB and LYNX Pattern.

www.weatherwool.com

Stuff I Like – Stretch Operator Shirt By Black Diamond

Sunday, July 2nd, 2017

During a recent trip to Ottawa I purchased this short sleeved shirt at Mountain Coop. I really like the construction and materials. It’s made from a slightly stretchy and quite confortable, blended cotton twill (150 g/m2, 68% cotton, 27% polyester, 5% spandex) which combines with underarm panels designed to keep the shirt from riding up during a reach. Additionally, it uses slotted buttons and features a low profile, inset chest pocket.

Offered in Burnt Olive (seen above), Slate (I purchased the Grey hued option) and Denim (the color, not the fabric). Sizes are limited at blackdiamondequipment.coml so you may need to check retailers like Amazon, Backcountry and Moosejaw.

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Wind Cheater In Manatee Grey

Friday, June 30th, 2017

Back in stock in Manatee Grey the all-season FirstSpear Wind Cheater is constructed from an ultra light brushed 330D Ambush that breathes like a t-shirt and still sheds wind and light moisture with a DWR coating. Don’t expect a water proof rain jacket but rather a very light and fast drying garment that works exceptionally well as a layering component or stand alone item you can keep packed away in a small pack or pocket for year round use. Extra large hood with several points of adjustment works great with a hat or bump lid.

Orders over $150 ship with a free 32oz water bottle, seen below.

www.first-spear.com

Stuff I Like – Hyperair GORE-Tex Jacket by The North Face

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

I have been a fan of WL Gore & Associates’ SHAKEDRY membrane since I first saw it about two years ago. It’s amazing.

Initially, it was used in Gore’s running and biking line, but as the clothing is primarily aimed at Europe the sizing combined with the tight, no frills design precluded me from purchasing a jacket. Later, Arc’teryx offered a limited release Norvan SL Jacket.

Now, other brands are getting into the “ROFO”* game with its permanent DWR. Water just heads up on its face. You can literally take your jacket off and shake it dry. Moisture slides right off. Plus, it breathes very well during physical activity.

The North Face Hyperair incorporates a hood, Velcro adjustable cuffs and large zippered chest pockets with mesh liners for both weight and ventilation.

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Right now, SHAKEDRY is only available in Black. Additionally, the material is extremely lightweight at just 197g/m2. Regardless of brand, a jacket will compact into a ball the size of your fist. This is why they tend to be no frills designs. It keeps weight and bulk to a minimum. I’d say that TNF’s Hyperair is the fanciest so far on the market.

One last word. While I love the Jacket, it’s not a replacement for a hardshell parka. That Lightweight material isn’t going to put up with abrasion. It definitely has a place for physical training. Additionally, it can be used like an old Stealth Suit, worn under outer garments, like a smock.

www.thenorthface.com

*During development Gore’s stretch fabric was known as ‘TOPO’ and SHAKEDRY was called ‘ROFO’.

Kitanica – Cargoid Shorts

Monday, June 26th, 2017

Features:
-65/35 poly/cotton Ripstop
-7 Belt loops
-Dual waist cinches for fit adjustment
-Double layer reinforced seat
-Reinforced hip pocket corners to prevent knife clip wear
-26 Bar-tacked stress points
-2 large rear pockets with VELCRO® closure
-Metal button with 2 prong fastener and YKK® metal zipper
-100% American Made

Offered in Charcoal Grey, Khaki and Ranger Green, sizes 30-42.

www.kitanica.net/cargoid-shorts