Larry P from Arkansas has won the first shipped MultiCam Vertx Smock. Larry, if you are a reader of SSD contact us for an SSD morale patch. If you’re not, well…tough.
Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category
Vertx Declares a Winner
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011US Elite Exclusives from Arc’teryx on Special
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011US Elite is offering amazing deals on their exclusive versions of the BAJ Covert Zip and the Radiator Gamma AR.
These great deals run until Saturday 17 December, at midnight EST so don’t miss out. If you’ve been interested in getting into some Arc’teryx but were intimidated by the price, this is thd time to act.
MARSOC Purchases Additional Woodland FROG
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Earlier this year, Marine Corps Special Operations Command purchased Fire Resistant Operational Gear uniforms in the old Woodland camouflage pattern under a sole source contract from Crye Precision. Interestingly, the old Woodland pattern was specified so that MARSOC personnel would blend in with their Afghan (ANA Commandos) counterparts.
Unfortunately, MARSOC asked for the uniforms in an older variant of the FR Defender-M fabric. A little over a year ago, the Marine Corps had adopted an improved version of TenCate’s Defender-M fabric for their FROG ensembles that is more abrasion resistant and the US Army followed suit soon after. We’re still unsure why MARSOC didn’t specify the newer Defender-M from jump street but by late summer KitUp! had broken the story that the special versions of FROG were falling apart. Around the same time, a similar fate befell Australian MultiCam uniforms called Operational Combat Uniforms which also relied on the older fabric.
Since then, both MARSOC and the Australians have purchased new uniforms in the latest, more robust 6.5 oz version of Defender-M which boasts twice the tear strength of the previous variant.
Vertx Smock
Monday, December 5th, 2011
I’ve had a Vertx Smock prototype for well over a year. It’s served me well and I’ve worn it in a variety of environments. But, for me, there were two issues with the prototype. The first is that the pockets were closed with snaps and the fabric is 50/50 NYCO. Nothing wrong with the NYCO but when combined with the innovative design of the Vertx Smock, it just didn’t seem up to the task. A garment like this needs a softshell fabric and Vertx came through. They have combined the same fabric used on their Gunfighter Storm shirt (anti-microbial 40D face fabric treated with Scholler Nanosphere) and paired it with fleece in the hood and lower cargo pockets which are well suited to warming cold hands.
Almost every other smock I’ve seen on the market follows the traditional styling found on the original British smocks; fixed hood, big chest and hip cargo pockets along with a single FFD pocket on the sleeve. Vertx took an entirely different approach.
Their smock features a removable hood, pit zips (with a mesh liner to keep the nasties out), and pockets. Pockets unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The poacher’s pocket is divided in two and the opening is angled so you can get into it be reaching around behind. On both sides of the hips between the poacher’s pocket and the front hip pockets there are pockets for a single 5.56 magazine, kept at the ready. I am sure users will come up with a myriad of other uses for this pocket as well. The chest and hip pockets are of the patch cargo variety but feature rounded edges so that items won’t get caught in the corner of a pocket and the pleats keep the pockets nice and flat when empty but expand with ample room for your gear. The napoleon style chest pockets also feature integrated magazine pockets.
The bicep pockets aren’t exactly inset but their expansive design is very low profile with a vertical zipper closure. Both bicep pockets feature Velcro fields for ID or other insignia. Also, the elbows are reinforced.
The fit is designed to fit over armor so it’s got plenty of room for additional layers. Additionally, all of the buttons are of the slotted Canadian style so there is little to no chance they will fail. In fact, I’d say the base fabric will give way first.
Battleware caught up with the smock’s creator, Dave Walsh and shot this video of Dave talking about this “wearable go bag’s” various features.
If you’re looking for a combat oriented softshell then this is the one for you. The pocket configuration is unlike anything else you will find out there and this in turn, offers a unique look not found with other garments. Remember, it’s a softshell and priced accordingly. But it’s quality and innovation you are buying.
At this point I haven’t had any wear time with the production version. They just simply aren’t available. But…one lucky SSD reader is going to get a chance to win the very first smock. That’s right, Vertx is sponsoring a contest to give away the first smock out the door.
To enter for your chance to win, visit https://apps.facebook.com/webpromotions/vertxsmock. You’ll need to “like” both Vertx and Soldier Systems Daily. The contest ends on 16 December so go sign up! Visit here for full rules.
Rogue American Apparel – Good Swag and a Good Cause
Sunday, December 4th, 2011Rogue American Apparel, whose mantra is “for those who live outside the wire” has some pretty motto (I say motto because the founder is a Marine, so I can’t really say hooah) stuff. It is all American made, 100% cotton 
materials and all of it is hand distressed.
Look What’s Coming in A-TACS FG
Thursday, December 1st, 2011Propper has ACUs in the A-TACS FG print on the way for Spring 2012.
Additionally, Beez Combat Systems, Grey Ghost and TAG will be producing armor carriers and pouches.
It’s important to remember that with the release of the A-TACS FG Camo pattern, the original A-TACS Camo pattern is now known as A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) Camo.
Platatac CUTS:SP
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011Australia’s Platatac has introduced their new Platatac’s CUTS (Cool Under Tactical Shirt): Special Projects. It is a combat style shirt designed for use in hot climates and is very traditional in that the sleeves are woven and the torso is knit.
One interesting feature of the CUTS:SP is that the shoulders are constructed from 3D air mesh to facilitate cooling. Additionally, the bicep include Velcro patches as well as a webbing flap to cover up the IR Square when not needed. These pockets also feature an additional smaller zippered pocket on top of the original pocket.
Currently available only in MultiCam in XSmall – XXLarge in both Regular and Long lengths. All sizes have been issued NSNs. It is important to note, that while CUTS:SP has incorporated some interesting features it was designed for the Australian military and is not FR.
New Shirts from Magpul
Saturday, November 26th, 2011Magpul has released a variety of new T-shirt designs including this one celebrating American manufacturing. Several designs are offered including some designs for the Ladies.
Check out all of their designs at www.magpul.com.
