Cold Avenger specializes in the manufacture of cold weather masks and base layers.
Their most popular product is the Ventilator which integrates a soft rubber chamber over the nose and mouth to protect the respiratory system from cold air. Warm, humid air is exhaled into the chamber to help pre-warm inhaled air as it mixes in the chamber upon inhalation.
Above is their FR Hard Hat Liner which will integrate with half face respirators. Made from two layers of Polartec Wind Pro FR, it protects from cold, wind and flame.
The first time troops are issued a cold weather system, they look at their bag full of clothing and ask how they are supposed to use it.
Wild Things has developed a layering guide to assist users with garment selection. They have tested their garments in a cold chamber and used the results to categorize their products. The resulting grid and guide of basic climactic conditions outlines garments required for specific environmental conditions.
This easy-to-use guide not only helps the end user, but supply and procurement personnel as well as they research specific clothing items to satisfy their requirements.
If you were like me, you learned about the April 24, 1980 US raid into Iran to rescue American hostages on the news the next morning. Commentators spoke of a secretive US military force and an aircraft accident. While the raid itself was unsuccessful, the units involved only became better and more determined.
My introduction to what was worn by the rescuers on this mysterious raid was from a plate in an Osprey Elite book on Special Forces.
The Black Field Jacket with taped US Flag and Watch Cap became an image burnt into my head. Turns out, like most things, it wasn’t quite that simple. A series of photographs released years later, which were taken at the intermediate staging base in Oman prior to infil, depict a wide variety of clothing and jacket mods being worn.
Dave Hall, President of the Silent Warrior Foundation charity had recently contacted me about a fundraiser in conjunction with their upcoming Whiskey and War Stories event honoring Operation Eagle Claw which will focus on the participants and the hostages they were intent to rescue.
One of the Unit members had offered to allow Dave and team access to his modified M65 and Alpha Industries had donated some Field Jackets to be modified in a similar fashion so that they could be auctioned off to benefit the charity. Knowing how much I love kit and SOF history, he asked if I was interested in helping. I jumped at the chance and put him in touch with Kory Brown of Berspitze Customs to discuss doing the actual modification.
Last Friday, I was lucky to be asked to participate in an unboxing video at S&S Precision for the project, along with Dave and Kory. The box contained quite a few surprises including some sand from Desert One.
The jacket reproductions and many other items will be available for auction on www.auctionfrogs.org during the event.
On July 1, 2021, the 123rd anniversary of the epic battle of San Juan Hill, Cuba. FirstSpear pays tribute the Rough Riders and the gallant charge made that day to secure the critical heights. This charge ultimately led to freeing the oppressed peoples of Cuba to pursue their own destiny.
This iconic photo was taken that day after the successful charge. Legendary famous Law Man and Troop CO “Buckey” O’Neil once said, “War is argument, best way to settle it is to kill the other fella.” This emboldened the Rough Riders to continue forward to victory even though he was killed in the assault.
FirstSpear has created an iconic, limited edition commemorative T-shirt with this photo and quote.
This is the upcoming Windcheater from LBT. It’s Berry compliant and made from a DWR treated nylon. It’s highly stuffable and will be offered in MultiCam Black and Woodland camouflage. This anorak features a hood, elasticized cuffs, and kangaroo pocket.
LBT products are available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.
This is a prototype so the trims aren’t color matched yet. Initially, they plan to offer it in Coyote with OCP and Black coming later. The Foray Jacket features fully seam sealed Gore-Tex construction with their torso flow venting with dual pull pit zips on either side extending all the way to the hem.
OR products are available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.
