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Deck Jerseys; the kind you see on the Airedales rushing to and fro on a carrier deck. Oddly enough, they are an item taken for granted. They aren’t very easy to find and a simple internet search will turn up more guides on their wear than sources of supply. However, Tidewater Tactical offers made in the USA Flight Deck Jerseys in a variety of colors. What’s more, they are 100% cotton meaning no melt, no drip.
*Updated* I received a call the other day asking of I had seen the new Patagonia Combat Uniforms. I hadn’t and the last word I had received was that Patagonia was out of the contract game. But just when you think Patagonia has called it quits, they up and release new military products. Apparently, some prototypes of a hard shell were produced in Viet Nam and photos of this garment’s tag have shown up on the web incorrectly purporting to be from a Level 9 garment. But really this is just the tip of the iceberg. The plan is to develop an entirely new Berry compliant clothing system and most of it is already done. Apparently however, the combat uniform piece is still in development and won’t be the same as the PCU Level 9. The whole system is sort of a “Son of MARS” only leveraging the latest Patagonia technology. Prototypes of several of the pieces are floating around some of the units already so it won’t be long before we see photos.
Patagonia did participate in the development of the Level 9 component of PCU which is produced under contract by Ready One. Thus far, all currently issued PCU components carry a Patagonia tag and the new Level 9 garment will as well. Commercial versions of Level 9 are currently available from Beyond Tactical.
We are hoping to see photos soon and wondering how much they will go for once they hit eBay.
Thanks to Rob for confusing the hell out of me.
At the recent Warrior Expo hosted by ADS, Wild Things unveiled several garments as part of a new layering system. While they are all excellent, one level really stood out; the Lightweight Softshell Layer. For those of you familiar with the Twight System, consider it a Level 5. This level which is designed to be complimentary with other Wild Things garments or used alone, consists of a Pullover and Trousers.
Designed to be worn under armor, the Lightweight Softshell Pullover is made from a combination of a 4 way stretch nylon/spandex bonded to a hydrophobic fleece, and a 4 way stretch nylon/spandex twill fabric. The softshell fleece fabric is used on the collar, yoke, and upper sleeves, wrapping around the cuff to protect the wrist. The softshell twill is used for the body and under sleeves, reducing bulk and friction. The cuff is finished with the thinner twill, creating a flat, snug band that keeps the wind out without restricting the wrist. A quarter-zip at the neck creates an opening wide enough to pull over the end, while keeping the zipper end above the top of the armor package. A longer body gives the wearer the opportunity to tuck the shirt into the pants, reducing any chance for it to get snagged, but the dropped tail will protect the rear even if the shirt gets pulled out. Bicep pockets on the sleeves provide easy to access storage, with Velcro patches for any badges. Pit zips under the arm provide optional ventilation, but also allow for the sleeves to be converted into short sleeves, with pockets under the bicep to roll excess fabric into. Such a capability was specified by the customer due to the danger of overheating during movement to contact or while in the assault.
With a slim athletic cut, these pants are designed to look great, as well as perform. The four-way stretch nylon/spandex blend moves with the wearer and stretches with every motion yet protects against wind, water, and abrasion. The high memory ensures that the pant keeps its shape even after being used and abused. The crotch gusset and articulated knees enhance the mobility without adding extra seaming or bulk and the belt loops were designed to avoid getting snagged. The pants feature four cargo pockets, two on the thigh sides and two on the calf sides. Additionally, knife pockets are sewn onto both thigh cargo pockets for easy access to a blade and staggered Velcro on those pockets aids the user so that the whole pocket doesn’t have to open to get the knife. The pockets can be stuffed to the brim and the Velcro can still attach, or the pockets can carry a lighter load and be snapped shut for security. The angle on the thigh pockets rolls the stored goods forward so they are always where your hand is hanging. Zippered hems allow ease in pulling the pant on over boots, and gripper tape at the hem keeps the pants down around the ankle where they should be. A final touch is the addition of grommets to the hems so that they can be strapped down over boots.
The garments will not be available until Fall and while Tan will be a standard color, other shades will be announced as the release approaches. For more information visit www.wildthingsgear.com.
Beyond Clothing has released the first substantive photo of their elusive PCU level 9 uniform.
The latest version of the Advantage Tactical Pant is available now in Black, Khaki, Multicam, or UCP.
We recently mentioned that the Army is working to pair the Army Combat Shirt with a Pant. A successful Limited User Evaluation earlier this year is going to be followed up with a rather extensive Field Trial in Afghanistan early next year.
Yes, they look mysteriously like Crye knee pads.
While there is still no formal requirement for the ACP, newly revealed plans include integrating the trouser’s special features into the ACU. Naturally, by extension, any changes made to the ACU will also be made to the FR-ACU. So, perhaps by 2011 we could begin to see the ACU transform once again into an even more combat focused uniform. What will be interesting to see is if it can survive peacetime.
It seems that EOTAC has been listening to their customer base and has finally released their Operator Pants (Style 201) in the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern.
Manufactured from a fade resistant 7 ounce all-cotton ripstop, end users affectionately call this pant the “pajama pant” due to its comfort. I can attest to this claim, they are very comfortable and have a soft hand. Additionally, EOTAC applies DuPont Teflon® fabric protector to repel both water and oil based spills.
All critical seams are double-needle stitched and bar-tacked at stress points. The Action Waist has side elastic panels for freedom of movement. The 1 inch wide reinforced belt loops are strategically placed and accommodate belts up to 1 3/4 inches wide and the gusseted crotch allows for a greater range of mobility while reducing the stress around the crotch area of the pant.
There are multiple pockets to cover a wide range of uses. Two secured back pockets accommodate a wallet or ID while two larger easy access rear pockets accommodate larger gear. Like the ACU pant, there are two slant top bellows cargo pockets. They feature hook & loop closure flaps and elastic drawstring with cord lock for additional security. Inside the cargo pockets are elastic webbing loops that secure up to two 30-round magazines per pocket. The reinforced knees feature external openings with hook & loop closures for inserting foam knee pads (included). Two lower leg bellows pockets each feature a hook & loop closure flap and two chem stick holders.
“This was a natural progression for us. Our Operator Pant is based very closely on the US Army’s ACU pant. Because of that similarity in look, soldiers had asked us to offer it in the UCP. That was an easy decision to make. If it helps our soldiers, then it was worth doing,” said Fernando Coelho , president of EOTAC.
Sizes are available in 28″to 48″ waist and inseam lengths of 30″to 36″ (even sizes). In addition to UCP, the pants are also available in Khaki, Black, Navy, and OD Green. To order visit www.EOTAC.com.
You’ve seen our coverage of the ultra-lightweight ghille-style boonie hats from Tactical Distributors. Now they are on sale. So stop making excuses get one for yourself.
To order visit Tactical Distributors.
The much anticipated Lizard pattern Field Jacket (style 502) from EOTAC has finally hit the market.
In addition to the Lizard pattern shown, the Field Jacket is also available in Black, Coyote, and OD. To order visit EOTAC online. Get them before they are gone.
