When you think Sitka, you think heavy duty wet weather protection and Arrowhead will definitely deliver on that front. In fact, it’s the brand’s approach of purpose-built design and efficiency of movement through the environment that has drawn military users to its unique WWP solutions, notably the Cloudburst and Dewpoint Jackets.

With Arrowhead, you’re going to be able to get full featured, Berry compliant wet weather garments made from GORE-TEX and designed for use by SOF.

Arrowhead tell us the design team has selected GTX 3L 40d Nylon Ripstop with DWR, for the WWP jacket and pant which is a highly durable, lightweight, tear resistant fabric. Resistant to contaminates including petroleum, oils and lubricants make it a best-in-class solution for the Special Operations Forces end-user.

Not only is the material waterproof/breathable, but the finished garment was taken into the lab and environmental chamber to ensure the integrity of the entire design. Additionally, Arrowhead has had garments on the backs of SOF operators to make sure it’s what they want.

From a fabrics, insulation and trims perspective, Arrowhead Equipment is focused on sourcing and developing best-in-class materials within the USA.

The long game will also see Arrowhead Equipment committed to investing and up-levelling domestic manufacturing. Developing new levels of competency, capability, and competitiveness that result in the production of premium technical apparel solutions for the USSOCOM consumer.

The WWP Jacket and Pant feature:

Jacket
– Fixed Adjustable Hood allowing for the option of a hood when static
– Internal Left Chest Zip Pocket allowing for the secure carriage of mission essential items
– Upper Torso Zip Pockets allowing for the secure and convenient carriage of mission essential items
– Upper Arm Zip Pockets allowing for the convenient carriage of mission essential items
– Underarm Zip Vents enhancing ventilation when worn with Personal Protective Eqpt. and/or Load Carriage Eqpt.
– Upper Arm Loop (4”x4.5”) allowing for the application of IR reflective and electronic IFF devices
– Adjustable Hem Closure allowing jacket to be cinched up when static during cold weather conditions
– Internal ID Label mitigating confusion when issued as a uniform item

Pant
– Adjustable Nylon Web Waist allowing for waist sizing flexibility
7/8 Side Zips allowing for the ease of donning and doffing when wearing boots
– Front Facing Thigh Cargo Pockets allowing for the carriage of gloves & accessories and dump pocket capability
– Reinforced Instep allowing for increased pant durability when conducting mobility-based platform operations
– Suspender Attachment Loops allowing for the attachment of QAD suspenders (included with this MPN)
– QAD Suspender System allowing for adjustable pant suspension if required
– Internal Waterproof Label mitigating confusion when issued as a uniform item

Be sure to check out US Elite’s blog post on WWP and tune into one of their IG or FB Live broadcasts at 1430 EDT for a giveaway.

WWP Jacket and Pant inventory will be available from Sitka Arrohead Equipment dealers beginning June 2021. They’ll be offered in MultiCam, Lead and Black in sizes Small – XXLarge for the Jacket with Short, Regular and Tall lengths on the pants with certain sizes Small – XXLarge.

Find an Arrowhead dealer here.

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.

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.

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

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