XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

The Buzz

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Well the main stream media finally caught up with us again this week. US Today published an article that the Army is going to eliminate Velcro from the cargo pockets on the ACU. This is hardly breaking news. We did a story on this last August, detailing numerous changes to the ACU. Unfortunately, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia who manages sustainment contracts for the ACU as well as the FR ACU which worn in combat, has yet to implement the improvements to any of the uniforms they are buying. PEO-Soldier on the other hand, is purchasing FR ACUs in MultiCam from a different contract so that combat troops in Afghanistan will have the advantage of the improved design.

The real irony in this, other than US Today chasing a story that is almost a year old, is that Velcro was added to the ACU based on use by Special Operations Forces. Big Army wanted what was perceived to work and they got it. Naturally and almost immediately, Soldiers began to complain. With Velcro, a little goes a long way.

Vertx Gunfighter Top

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Vertx recently posted a sneak peek at their upcoming Gunfighter top. Think of it as an alternative to “traditional” combat shirts. They’ve kept the basic concept but made it as more of a utility piece with a woven torso as well as sleeves. Additionally, they have added inset bicep pockets as well as a mandarin collar for wear under armor. One major deviation from other designs is that it has a front opening so you put it on like a jacket. As you can see in the photo the sample is in MultiCam and based on talks with Vertx they plan on offering it as well as several solid color options. Available not soon enough from www.wearvertx.com.

New Balance System 7 ADS

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

New Balance has developed a 7 layer FR clothing system. That’s right, it’s a complete system from New Balance, it’s Berry Compliant, and it’s Fire Resistant. Designed from the outset to work together as a system, NBS7 offers two types of male T-shirts and drawers as well as sports bra and boy short options for the female user. Add to this lightweight and mid-weight long underwear, fleece jacket, wind jacket, and inclement weather shirt and you’ve got some serious layering options. New Balance has also integrated a Combat Shirt and Pants into the mix. They top it all off with both soft shell and hard shell jacket and trouser options.

A quick review of the materials and you will see that they are using tried and true fabrics such as Tencate’s Defender M found in both Army and Marine Corps issued FR garments in addition to layering materials from Cocona and Drifire. Sizing options are unmatched from XX-Small – XXXX-Large. Did we mention that NBS7 will be available in Coyote as well as MultiCam? Available this Fall, check out the entire system at www.ADSinc.com/NBS7. They have prepared an excellent page detailing all of NBS7’s finer points for each component.

Be sure to attend the ADS Warrior Expo July 15 & 16 at the Virginia Beach Civic Center and check out the NBS7.

Arc’teryx LEAF 2010 Catalog

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

This is kind of like when I was a kid and the Sears Wish Book would arrive. Lots of new stuff to digest in addition to the compound armor compatible clothing system. You also have gloves and base layers to learn about. Additionally, the catalog tells their materials story so you will get some insight on how they maintain the edge.

Arc’teryx LEAF Catalog 2010

For those of you fortunate enough to be attending SOFIC you can can check out the new line in person at the Campbell Conference Room at the Embassy Suites.

leaf.arcteryx.com

Stuff We Didn’t Write About

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

Global Supply Solutions, LLC and Falcon Marine, LLC Form Strategic Alliance
M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle
iPhone 4 revealed
Swedish Manufacturer Snigel Design
Magpul’s Quad Stack Magazine

Arc’teryx Gryphon Jacket Details

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Folks are clamoring for info on the new Arc’teryx LEAF Compound clothing system and they have just released two videos on the Gryphon Jacket including on detailing how the sleeve roll-up system works. Both of the videos give you a good idea of the jacket’s lines and how it is designed to interface with armor.

The new Arc’teryx LEAF Gryphon Jacket from Arc'teryx LEAF on Vimeo.

Arc’teryx LEAF Gryphon Jacket Roll-up Sleeves from Arc'teryx LEAF on Vimeo.

Plate Carrier by Mayflower Research & Consulting.

EAW Scarves from Tac-Up Gear

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Swedish brand Tac-Up Gear has just introduced their Expeditionary Air Wing Scarf in both M-90 and M-90 K Desert. Sized at 1 meter x 1 meter, the EAW Scarf is so sheer you can see right through it if you use it as a base for a scrim net.

Wild Things Releases Tactical Outer Layers

Friday, June 4th, 2010

About a year and a half ago Wild Things began development on a variety of new tactical clothing items. Combining decades of climbing and expedition experience with user feedback, Wild Things was able to create a fusion of Alpine and Tactical. The line sticks to Wild Things’ core competencies yet is very extensive consisting of High Loft, Low Loft, Soft shell, and Hard shell options. The pieces are designed to be used as part of a layered clothing system but several stand out for use individually. Additionally, everything in the new line has stood up to the rigors of combat and is now available for sale to both individuals as well as units from Wild Things’ new website. Did we say that it’s all available now and in MultiCam? All of the styles are available in X-Small through XX-Large.

Hard Shell Jacket

-Designed to be worn over body armor
-Made of 3-layer eVent® waterproof/breathable fabric
-Waterproof zippers
-Fully adjustable hood is helmet-compatible
-Two inset sleeve pockets with pile tape patches
-Two handwarmer pockets

Hard Shell Pants

-Made of 3-layer eVent® waterproof/breathable fabric
-Waterproof zippers
-Adjustable waistband features belt loops, Velcro® side tabs, and back elastic with suspender loops
-Two cargo pockets
-Zippered hems to pull on over boots

High Loft Jacket

-Designed to be worn over body armor
-Shell is made of 70 denier textured nylon fabric
-6 oz PrimaLoft® Sport synthetic insulation
-Fully adjustable hood is helmet-compatible
-Two hand warmer pockets are lined with 2 oz quilted PrimaLoft®
-Two interior mesh pockets provide storage and a place for wet goods to dry out
-High collar keeps neck worm even when hood is down

High Loft Pants

-Shell is made of 70 denier textured nylon fabric
-4 oz PrimaLoft® Sport synthetic insulation
-330d Cordura® reinforces the rear, knees and instep
-Grommets for cords to keep bottom hem down during movements
-Elasticized waist and side seam zippers

Low Loft Jacket

-Body is made of 70 denier textured nylon fabric
-Nylon rip stop lining is quilted to 2 oz PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation
-Sleeves feature abrasion resistant panels from elbow to cuff
-Two inset sleeve pockets with pile tape patches
-Two handwarmer pockets

Soft Shell Jacket Lightweight

-Tight weave nylon/spandex fabric provides stretch as well as wind and water resistance
-Two inset sleeve pockets with pile tape patches
-Zippered hand pockets are made with mesh pocket bags
-Articulated stow away hood
-Pit zips

Soft Shell Jacket

-Four-way stretch nylon/spandex blended fabric bonded to hydrophobic polyester fleece (Body)
-Two inset sleeve pockets with pile tape patches
-Zippered hand pockets are made with mesh pocket bags
-Articulated stow away hood
-Pit zips

Soft Shell Pants Lightweight

-Tight weave nylon/spandex fabric provides stretch as well as wind and water resistance
-Five belt loops are designed with first line in mind
-Two cargo pockets on the thighs
-Zippered hems to pull on over boots

Soft Shell Pants

-Four-way stretch nylon/spandex blended fabric bonded to hydrophobic polyester fleece
-Five belt loops are designed with first line in mind
-Four cargo pockets, two on the thighs and two on the calf
-Knife pockets are sewn onto both thigh cargo pockets for easy access
-Zippered hems to pull on over boots with gripper tape at the hem

www.wttactical.com