FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

Stubby Boonie Hat from Drop Zone Tactical

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Canadian manufacturer Drop Zone Tactical has introduced a new Boonie Hat in order to satisfy user feedback on the shortcomings of many current designs. One of the key features of this new hat is a short brim in order to preserve peripheral vision. The camouflage band has also been reinvented by adding a second row. In order to modernize the drawstring, Drop Zone came up with an innovative solution that actually works. They mounted a Duraflexâ„¢ Muglock at the rear of the hat on one of the camo bands and have routed the drawstring through the Muglock. To adjust the drawstring, just pull the drawstring to the rear. As it is secured with a simple overhand knot it is easy to remove when not needed. Additionally, there is a pocket on the interior of the crown to stow small items. Finally, velcro patches have been added to the top and rear of the crown for IFF purposes. Ventilation is via mil-spec, black oxide, screened vents.

Drop Zone Tactical Stubby Boonie Hat

Drop Zone Tactical Stubby Boonie Hat

It is available in UCP, CADPAT TW, and Multicam and sized by 1/4 sizes from 7 through 8.

The Stubby Boonie Hat is available from Drop Zone Tactical.

Ferrosi Hoody from Outdoor Research

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Just released for Spring 09, the Ferrosi Hoodyâ„¢ is available in Black, Espresso/Oxide, and Peat/Pumice (pictured). With this color scheme it is a product that can see double duty depending on your circumstances. The jacket comes in Small thru X-Large. Be advised it is a somewhat athletic cut.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody

This softshell is manufactured from 88% Cordura®/12% Lycra® blend with a DWR finish making it very durable. The unique design is built for comfort with a dual-pull adjustable hood and a zipper with internal chin guard that has been off-set to the right at the neck. In addition to two zippered hand pockets, the Hoody has a welded Napoleon pocket as well as a drawcord hem.

All this, and at an MSRP of $125 it is a steal. Did I mention infinite guarantee? That means forever.

Available from www.ORGear.com.

ACU Test Update

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

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.

215 Gear Visor Update

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

The remaining colors are now available so the lineup includes UCP, Multicam, Desert Digital, and Coyote.

215 Gear Visors

They are available at 215 Gear.

Eagle Industries Releases Soft Shell Jacket

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

Eagle Industries

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.

Eagle Industries’ New Soft Shell Jacket

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.

Odor Eating Underwear on the International Space Station

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

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.

Boonie Hats

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

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.

SOD Boonie

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.

UCP Blended Operator Hat from 215 Gear

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

You asked and they listened. 215 Gear has added the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern to the Blended Operator Hat lineup.

215 Gear’s Blended Operator Hat - UCP

Still manufactured in the USA and still comes with a lifetime guarantee. Available now from 215 Gear.