B5 Systems Retro Line

Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment – Midlayer Jacket and Hoody

Wednesday, May 5th, 2021

The Midlayer Jacket and Hoody are cross-functional pieces which find their DNA in Sitka’s Kelvin Active Jacket. However, due to material and construction, the Arrowhed Midlayer is even lighter and more breathable.

The key to this midlayer is its effectiveness as both a standalone piece and as part of a wet weather layering system. Exceptionally lightweight, highly breathable and compressible making it well suited for Special Reconnaissance tasks.

In fact, I’ve been wearing one for several months and love the comfort, both in how it feels against the skin but also how it feels as it warms up and under exertion.

The key to the success of the Midlayer Jacket and Hoody is the employment of Polartec Alpha Direct which is the newest variant of their Alpha insulation, originally invented for use in USSOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform level 3 jacket.

Alpha has become extremely popular in outdoor clothing due to its high air permeability, allowing perspiration to escape. Alpha Direct is even more breathable as they’ve eliminated the next to body layer of the sandwich-style application of the insulation. Yet, Alpha Direct retains the loft to create air pockets which create a layer of insulating air. When you’re static it insulates, but when you move, heat and perspiration can be be pushed away from the body. This process is facilitated by the use of Brookwood AEROLITE H600 30d Nylon Ripstop face fabric which offers breathability and packability.

Because Alpha Direct has direct contact with the skin or other fabric layers, it increases breathability, while reducing weight, bulk, and dry-times.

In addition to those factors, you also get zippered handwarmer pockets and a single chest mounted zippered pocket.

The backer and exterior face readily accept dyes and can be color matched to maintain a consistent subdued tone throughout the garment. It not feels good, but looks good as well.

Offered in Coyote, Black and Lead, sizes Small – XXLarge, the jackets are made in El Salvador meaning they are TAA compliant.

US Elite has posted a blog entry about Polartec Alpha. They’ll will also be conducting a concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live event today at 1430 EDT where they’ll show you the line and conduct a giveaway.

Find an Arrowhead Dealer here.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment – Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Featuring Polartec Fleece

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021

Early on in the development process, even before Sitka Arrowhead Equipment had a formal name, they teamed up with Polartec to introduce Performance Fleece to the line.

Polartec has a long history of working with USSOCOM, providing many of the fabrics used in the Protective Combat Uniform program so it was a natural fit for Arrowhead. Polartec has become the go-to fabric supplier across the US military as well as for international partner forces.

To create the Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Sitka designers selected an in-line garment called the Fanatic Hoody, as a starting point and incorporated a couple of different Polartec fabrics based on performance characteristics.

Arrowhead offered us this insight:

For the main body of the garment, Polartec® Wind Pro® with Hardface® delivers exceptional wind and abrasion resistance. Comprised of an advanced knit construction it provides four times the wind resistance of traditional technical fleece, while maintaining a high degree of breathability. The added proprietary Hardface® treatment increases abrasion resistance, durability, and weather resistance while maximizing its performance as a versatile combat layering system.

Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro, noted for its dynamic stretch and comfort, is strategically mapped under the arms, down the sides, and in the hood.

Features include Low Profile Hood with integrated face mask (for the Hoody) and Wrist Thumb Holes as well as zippered chest pocket.

Offered in Coyote and Black, sizes Small – XXLarge, these garments are TAA compliant; made in El Salvador for those of you who do the buying.

US Elite has a blog post on this subject you might want to check out and don’t forget, they’re hosting daily concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live events at 1430 EDT which include product giveaways.

Find an Arrowhead dealer here.

Introducing Sitka Arrowhead Equipment

Monday, May 3rd, 2021

After years of requests from the field for military equipment based on their innovative hunting clothing, Sitka has launched Sitka Arrowhead Equipment, a line of clothing and equipment designed for the SOF end user.

First and foremost, Sitka responded to these calls by leveraging the the materials science expertise of Gore fabric products to provide purpose built, Berry Compliant, Wet Weather Protective (WWP) solutions.

But it’s not just Gore technology. From a fabrics, insulation and trims perspective, Arrowhead Equipment is focused on sourcing and developing best-in-class materials within the USA, partnering with proven brands like Milliken & Company, Polartec and Brookwood. Sitka tells us are also committed to investing in and supporting US manufacturers as they develop new levels of competency, capability, and competitiveness in the domestic manufacturing of technical apparel.

Focused on global Special Operations Forces personnel, the initial product offering consists of WWP solutions, performance fleece and active insulation midlayers, baselayers and accessories. Future product offerings will include WWP category additions and a Cold Weather Protective (CWP) category introduction in 2022.

We’ve shared a couple of Q&A sessions from Sitka in the past (Founder Jonathon Hart Big Game Manager John Barklow) which discuss the journey to where they are today.

On their site, US Elite has added some background on the brand as well. Additionally, to further discuss items in the launch, and conduct some giveaways, US Elite will be conducting concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live events each day this week at 1430 EDT. For instance, today they’re giving away a Sitka logo tee and hat.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment is available from these SSD sponsors: O P Tactical, Tactical Distributors and US Elite.

They also want us to let you know that you can get their products through TSSi here in the USA, DS Tactical and Millbrook Tactical in Canada, Level Peaks Associates in the UK and Aquaterro in Australia and New Zealand.

Look for additional details on this new line throughout the week here on SSD.

Army Chief of Staff GEN McConville Models “Ike” Jacket

Friday, April 30th, 2021

General McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, was spotted at Massachusetts General Hospital sporting the optional “Ike” Jacket for the Army Green Uniform.

In recognition of their dedication to the health care of military veterans and the families of fallen heroes, leaders from Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, received two of the nation’s most prestigious honors. The Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service–the second-highest award presented by the Secretary of Defense–was presented to Tom Werner, Chairman of the Boston Red Sox and the Red Sox Foundation. The Public Service Commendation Medal–the fourth-highest public service decoration in the U.S. Army–was awarded to Peter L. Slavin, MD, President, Massachusetts General Hospital, Ross Zafonte, DO, chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mass General, and Michael Allard, chief operating officer for Home Base. Each recipient received their award, presented by Army Chief of Staff General Jim McConville, during a ceremony yesterday at the Pentagon. Congratulations to all!

Pictured here is McConville; Patrick Smith; Brigadier General (ret.) Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base; Zafonte; Allard; Jennifer Ashton; Werner; Staff Sergeant Carlton Duncan; Lieutenant General R. Scott Dingle, Surgeon General of the Army.

Photo by Massachusetts General Hospital.

OTTE Gear x Bawidamann Aloha Pua Honu 2021 Shirt Pre-Order

Friday, April 30th, 2021

With a unique pattern designed by Andrew Bawidamann that is more art than clothing, this year’s Aloha shirt is based on World War Two’s Pacific Theater’s island hopping campaign.

There will be three color options. The first two are just like the iconic reversible Marine Corps pattern from World War Two: Greenside Out or Brownside Out and are called respectively Honu Jungle and Honu Beach. A limited third, Blue variant is also available.

The pre-order period for the OTTE Gear x Bawidamann Aloha Pua Honu 2021 Shirt remains open til end of May, looking to ship early June.

www.ottegear.com

WARNORD – Sitka Technical Apparel for the SOF End User

Friday, April 30th, 2021

Visit SSD Monday morning for details Monday on Sitka’s new technical apparel program for the SOF end user.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Performance Briefs

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

• 100% American Made with American Materials, Berry Compliant
• Ultra-lightweight flex grid blend
• Moisture Wicking / Anti-Microbial
• Low profile comfort waistband
• Enhanced front panel for extra support
• Pack of 2

FirstSpear Performance Briefs are packed full of features. Constructed from a flex grid polyester/spandex blend allows the Briefs to be extremely lightweight and breathable which translates to all-day comfort.

“Very impressed with the fit and comfort. They don’t ride up, they stay cool, and they breath very well. The waistband is super nice and doesn’t dig in like some other brands of athletic wear tend to do. Tagless design is a nice touch too, plus I’m happy to support an American-made product.” — Online Review

“The Best underwear I have ever used.

I’ve been using these underwear on the job. My requires me to wear full coveralls in a very HOT production factory environment, and requires me to walk 5-8 miles per day. These underwear are by far are the most comfortable and durable I have found! Plus USA made is an absolute must for me. I highly recommend these underwear for physically active jobs. FirstSpear high quality!”
—Online Review

Superimposed flat seam technology and a soft brushed elastic waistband that won’t roll over and stay where you want it. The flex grid is a four-way stretch design with exceptional antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties. Extra room built into the front panel for extra support. Sold as a two-pack in graphite and black. They are 100% Berry Compliant; made in the USA with USA materials.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/performance-briefs.

USAF Approves XGO FR Base Layer systems as Safe to Fly

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

Southern Pines, NC – April 7, 2021. The program office for the US Air Force recently announced the Approved Safe to Fly items for the specific fabrics and garments identified for the updated USAF No Melt No Drip and FR Underlayer Product List. Selected products on this list have a 3-year certification period.

The fabrics and garments manufactured by your XGO, have been certified as Flame Resistant (FR) products which meet the FR test including No Melt No Drip (NMND) requirements. These certified fabrics and garments are for use as under layers to wear with AF FR Uniforms.

Approved Items list to include:

These certifications constitutes XGO’s guarantee to USAF customers that our quality process will ensure the product will repeatedly pass ASTM D 6413 Vertical flame Test with NMND requirement, meet Berry Amendment compliance, and other program specific requirements.

Products can be purchased either directly from XGO at www.proxgo.com/collections/airforce-air-national-guard-profession  or through one of our dealer or distribution partners.  Additionally, the products are found at Equipment Base Supply Centers supply shops, AAFES, and through DLA.

A list of our entire product line can be found at online.pubhtml5.com/pnpm/wcnv

Please contact our customer service at info@proxgo.com or John.faherty@proxgo.com to find the best supplier for your needs.