Way back in May of 2008 we wrote an article about an impending Army Combat Uniform Test. Recently we received a report from the field about the test and we have been informed that at least one outcome of the trials is that the ACU will have button cuffs and trouser closures. Additionally, the Army will announce the full scope of changes soon and that they should be ready for issue as soon as this Fall.
The remaining colors are now available so the lineup includes UCP, Multicam, Desert Digital, and Coyote.
They are available at 215 Gear.
Over a year ago at SHOT Show 08, Eagle had a prototype Soft Shell Jacket hanging in their booth. At last year’s OR Summer Market we saw a much refined version of the Jacket which by that time had seen quite a bit of field use.
The production version of the Soft Shell Jacket has just been released. The three season garment features a technical fit and is crafted from Schoeller® WB-400, a 4-way stretch fabric with 3Xdry treatment to enhance wicking and water resistance. This fabric also offers offers 98% wind protection.
Design features include:
• Contoured back hem
• Velcro® wrist adjustments
• Large hand pockets with zippers
• Bottom hem adjustment pulls in pockets
• Zippered armpit vents
• Right/left chest and bicep pockets with zippers
Available in Black, Khaki, Navy, and Red from Eagle Industries.
I don’t know how we missed this. Japanese Astronaut Koichi Wakata is testing a new style of space-aged odor eating underwear during his stay on the ISS. The current garment must be changed every three days but the test item is designed to last a whopping seven days. Additionally, the wicking garment has FR properties.
So, they prevent stink for up to seven days, wick sweat, AND are FR? Sounds like heaven.
We have fielded a lot of questions recently about Boonie Hats, particularly since Crye did not re-release their previous design. The word we have received is that a Booonie will be coming from Crye in the future but it won’t have all of the bells and whistles of the previous design.
There are a lot of options out there but they are all pretty much cookie cutter copies of the US GI-issue Sun Hat. However, one design stands out and is available now and our recommendation goes to it. Last June we wrote an article about the Special Operations Department Boonie. They took inspiration from the discontinued Crye Boonie and made further improvements.
It features two Velcro patches (crown and under rear brim), a sweat band, four slash vents, and a tightening band around the crown. They are available in Multicam, Tan, Black, Night Blue, Desertico CB62 (the desert pattern of Italian SF), Desertico EI (standard Italian Army desert pattern), and Vegetato EI. Be sure to reference the original article for further details. To order go to SODgear.com. Prices are in Euros.
You asked and they listened. 215 Gear has added the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern to the Blended Operator Hat lineup.
Still manufactured in the USA and still comes with a lifetime guarantee. Available now from 215 Gear.
215 Gear has just released the first color in their new line of visors. I use the term “tactical” visor pretty loosely but these are the first visors on the market in modern camouflage patterns. In addition to the Desert Digital pattern already for sale, they also plan on releasing Multicam, UCP as well as Coyote. Great for off duty wear, I would expect to see a lot of these in team houses and other deployed locations.
In addition to the unique color scheme, each visor also features a velcro patch on the front to affix your favorite morale patch. 100% Berry Compliant and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Currently available from 215 Gear and Grey Group Training.
Arc’teryx LEAF has released a new jacket made from GORE-TEX® 3L Pro in Crocodile. While the LT shares a name with the mainstay Alpha they are not the same jacket. Originally developed as a wind shirt the Alpha LT ‘s featherweight make it a great approach jacket. The LT has a much lower price point but isn’t short on features. In order to ensure waterproofness and keep down weight zippers and hems are all laminated. The helmet compatible storm hood does not stow in the collar but does feature a quick dry chin guard. There are Napoleon pockets on either side of the chest as well as a single internal pocket. Arc’teryx has also incorporated pit zips to assist in regulating temperature,
Available from Arc’teryx LEAF.
