Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

OTTE Gear Releases Overwatch Anorak

Monday, August 6th, 2012

OTTE Gear has released the Overwatch Anorak that we showed you during SHOT Show 2011. Manufactured from Schoeller NanoSphere, the oversized anorak cut fits over your equipment.

We think OTTE Gear did a great job defining the product –

Designed to augment the traditional ghille, the Overwatch allows the marksman to keep his kit concealed when the environment requires both discretion and weather protection.

They’ve refined the design a little bit and it’s now available.
1. Packs down and takes little room in a rucksack
2. Oversized hood accommodates helmet
3. Loop on sleeve for I.D.
4. Elastic webbing on hood, shoulders and upper back for garnishing
5. Forearm zip pocket holds a removable 4” x 6” plastic dope card sleeve
6. Thumb loop so jacket sleeve won’t ride up
7. Cuffs have laminated die-cut hook/loop adjustments
8. Large sleeve pocket
9. Kangaroo pass-through pocket to access mags and gear
10. Anorak can be unzipped from hem to elbow on one or both sides for quick dress/removal

Available in MultiCam sizes Small – XXLarge.

www.ottegear.com

OR – Helly Hansen

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

Helly Hansen was started in 1877 by a Norwegian sea Captain who created the first waterproof jacket from canvas impregnated in linseed oil. Today they are a global business that produces everything from high fashion to footwear. But, they still well known for their waterproof shells and Lifa, their base layer brand.

20120804-113555.jpg

This is a display of their hydrophobic Lifa Dry. Yes, it is floating on top of the water. After hours in the tank other brands soak up water and sink. Amazingly, the Lifa continues to float based on its hydrophobic properties.

20120804-113821.jpg

The Fast Pack Jacket is a lightweight waterproof breathable shell. Part of the Helly Hansen Odin series, it weighs a scant 242 grams or 8.4 oz! It’s a fully seam sealed design with a vent through pocket. It packs into the size of a baseball if you’re manly enough to squeeze it tight. Available now.

20120804-114234.jpg

Finally, I’d like to mention that HH provided garments for last year’s wounded warrior ascent of Everest. HRH Prince Harry participated in the expedition.

20120804-114432.jpg

www.hellyhansen.com

OR – Kakadu Traders

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

I’m not sure which surprised me more, an Australian company making concealed carry clothing or that fact that I found it at Outdoor Retailer.

20120803-235258.jpg

Kakadu Traders makes rugged outdoor clothing with style inspiration from the outback. It’s good looking stuff and seems well made.

20120803-235317.jpg

www.kakaduaustralia.com

OR – XGO

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

XGO has developed the modern equivalent the classic headover. The new Neck Pipe is a Multi-use, moisture wicking, anti-microbial performance accessory piece. It can be used in a variety of ways and will replace several items in the Soldier’s kit bag such as the watch cap, scarf, balaclava, and neck gaiter.

20120803-171205.jpg

The Neck Pipe on the left is FR and the version on the right is Mid-weight performance.

20120803-171428.jpg

Look for the FR initially in Sand with color options expanding to Sand, Coyote and Black. Mid and heavy weight performance Neck Pipes will be offered in Sand and Black.

www.ProXGO.com

Kryptek LEAF Highlander Camo Available from Cabela’s

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Cabela’s is carrying clothing in the Kryptek Highlander pattern. Seen here is the Kryptek Vidar Scout Vest. Kryptek Highlander is their transitional pattern in their family of camouflage patterns selected as a finalist for the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. These patterns are currently in Operational Testing with the US Army.

www.cabelas.com

Stuffa Vest

Sunday, July 29th, 2012

20120729-094749.jpg

Stuffa is a new clothing concept that features empty compartments in the construction rather than insulation. The brainchild of UK-based designer Sandro Cafasso it allows the wearer to “stuff” the compartments with clothing and any other items required for a short trip. On one hand, it beats checking a bag at the airport. On the other, I can imagine some things won’t travel quite as well as others.

If you are interested, Gizmag took a look at it which you might find useful.

Aegis Parka

Friday, July 27th, 2012

20120726-221425.jpg

The Aegis Parka is a garment designed by Nieuwe Heren to protect against urban pollution. The Aegis is made from Schoeller Ceraspace, a scally fabric far more abrasion and heat resistant then leather due to being made from ceramic particles. The inner liner consists of Schoeller PCM, a textile that contains millions of microcapsules filled with Phase Change Materials that balance out temperature extremes to achieve the wearer’s personal comfort climate. LEDs on the garment light up as a sensor measures hazardous molecules in the environment. An onboard respirator with an active carbon filter helps the wearer to breath in fresh air. The Aegis also filters the surrounding air as the suit is treated with a TiO2 (titaniumdioxide) solution which cleanses the air due to its photocatalystic properties.

This article was originally published on Tactical Fanboy. I’d consider this a disruptive technology as it incorporates several new fabric technologies and integrates an onboard respirator. As the styling is civilian in nature it could easily be put to use for combat in urban environments.

www.nieuweheren.com/products/aegis-parka

Purnell – A New Brand of Workwear for Industrial Athletes to Debut at Outdoor Retailer

Friday, July 27th, 2012

This is exciting news. Originally developed for windmill techs, Purnell’s new line of performance workwear is targeted at a new audience; the Industrial Athelet. What I find fascinating about this is that we are beginning to refer to the Soldier and LE Officer as Warrior Athletes. The concept of an Industrial Athlete parallels the Warrior Athlete movement. Hopefully we’ll also see an emphasis on functional fitness as well as the development of performance clothing and equipment.

Let’s face it. Many construction and industrial jobs require the workers to face hazardous conditions and extreme weather. Items like this FR Harness Hoodie are designed to be worn by those who find themselves suspended in a harness. Also, I’d hazard a guess that this is the first time that features like bicep pockets have been integrated into industrial clothing. They’ve also introduced a lightweight as well as a non-FR version of the garment.

Purnell has developed an entire line of clothing and I’d say it’s worth a look. I’ll be sure to follow up during next week’s OR Summer Market.

purnellworkwear.com