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Archive for the ‘Clothing’ Category

FirstSpear Friday Focus – ACM 600 Wool Lineup

Friday, December 4th, 2020

Gear up for winter. FirstSpear Advanced clothing material (ACM) is 100% sourced verified American Wool combined with high-quality materials you come to expect. In addition to warmth, wool is wrinkle-resistant, retains shape, is durable and moisture-wicking.

The FS Woobie Quarter Zip is comprised of the warmest 600 ACM lineup. It utilizes a 50/50 blend of the American Merino Wool and polyester and is 100% made in America. Built with a stand-up collar, low profile neck zipper and wrist overs with thumb holes, the Woobie is made to keep you warm in the coldest of climates. The slightly longer tail/contour adds comfort and warmth, preventing exposure and your shirt tails riding up during long days at the range or heading out the wilderness for a backcountry hunt. The ACM-Warm 600 is a heavyweight Merino Wool blend with super soft brushed fleece interior, designed for coldest temperatures. Additionally the lineup also include the Woobie Full Zip, which includes all the above mentioned features with a full-zip up jacket, two side pockets and chest pocket. Available in black, heather grey, FS sand and FS commando.

Not only does the 600 ACM lineup include the quarter zip Woobie, it also includes the Technical Woobie, the Everyday Vest (EDV) and Stalker Vest.

Some key features of the Stalker vest include the ability to remove the garment while wearing a vest thanks to the adjustable and can be opened from the sides via hook/loop and secured, if desired, with button. Sides can also open to increase ventilation. Generous hand warmer pocket and smaller internal pocket within sized for hand warmers. A very cool feature FS incorporated are button holes inside the hand warmer pockets along with cord loops along your internal zipper seams which allow the user to route ear buds or communication cables for discreet cable management. Available in black, black/heather, FS Sand and Commando.

For more information about FirstSpear check out First-Spear.com.

“That’s My Hoodie”

Thursday, December 3rd, 2020

When Varusteleka released their Särmä Yellow Merino Hoodies, they sold out. In honor of the restock, Varusteleka created this video.

Get yours at www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-merino-wool-hoodie/30651.

Naturally, there is also a ladies version.

Sneak Peek – Kadri Rash Guard

Monday, November 30th, 2020

Kadri specializes in making adventure clothing that fits women. Yeah, they intended to make tactical clothing but I’m calling it adventure clothing because women can wear it doing all kinds of cool stuff. And it’s actually designed from the ground up by women, to fit a woman’s body and that’s not much out there that fits that description, let alone clothing that can be worn in the woods, or in a firefight.

These SOF Veterans have already created a great pair of pants, with a totally new sizing system as well as a short sleeved shirt. Next up was a long sleeved top. Enter the Rash Guard. Think of it as a the equivalent of a combat shirt.

They were afforded a great opportunity to wear test prototypes of the Rash Guard at the Tactical Games National Championship.

Their thinking is that a well constructed rash guard provides an ultralight fit to protect the skin against rubbing and abrasion (even when wet and/or sweaty), and sun exposure.

While it may seem counterintuitive to put a long-sleeve shirt on in 90 degree heat, a lightweight fabric like this high-performance poly/spandex actually keeps you cool, protecting your skin from extended exposure to the sun and burning.

Additionally, fit close to the skin under plate carriers and/or packs protects your skin from the harsh nylon rubbing. The closer to the skin, the better it protects against chafing.

Depending on your use, long-sleeve rash guards also protect against cuts and abrasions.

Kadri products are manufactured by FirstSpear.

www.kadriclothing.com

First Basic Training Class Graduates Wearing Army Green Service Uniform

Wednesday, November 25th, 2020

FORT SILL, Okla. — The first class of basic combat trainees to graduate wearing the new Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) showed off their threads Nov. 16, during a ceremony at Fort Sill.

Almost 200 Soldiers from A Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery completed their 10-week basic combat training. The 434th Field Artillery command team and many of the drill sergeants also wore the AGSU.

Guest speaker Lt. Col. Jason Carter, Fires Center and Fort Sill Commanding General’s Planning Group director, highlighted the historical significance of the uniform.

“The Army’s greatest generation wore the iconic greens uniform when America was in the throes of World War II. Men like (generals of the Army Dwight) Eisenhower, (Omar) Bradley, and (George) Marshall wore it,” Carter said. “Now you, as our next great generation, are among one of the first in our United States Army to wear one of the most admired and recognizable uniforms in our history as it is being reinstituted to honor our heritage.

“While the Army Green Service Uniform invokes a feeling of nostalgia, it’s what’s under the uniform that counts,” Carter said. “The heart, the character, the grit, and the resolve of the American Soldier.”

Drill Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) Hayon Ju, A/1-79th FA, said the uniform links the greatest generation to millennials. She said she loved the practicality of the new dress uniforms.

“They’re a lot easier for females to set up our ribbons and badges,” Ju said. “We just go off our pocket flaps.”

Senior Drill Sergeant (Sgt. 1st Class) Antrell Bender, A/1-79th FA, said the trainees received the AGSU Oct. 14. They learned about the historical significance of the uniform. And, last week they were shown how to properly wear the uniform with adornments.

“On Saturday morning (Nov. 14), a final inspection was given to identify any deficiencies,” Bender said.

He noted that since it was the trainees’ first dress uniform they don’t have anything to compare it to, but for him, it’s the third dress uniform he has worn in his career.

“I’ve been in since we had the green dress uniform, then we switched over to the ASUs (Army Service Uniform),” Bender said.

Graduate Pvt. Rebeca Beaird, age 19, from Houston, recalled what she and some of her fellow trainees thought when they were first issued their AGSUs.

“A lot of us were thinking: Oh, Captain America, Like yea! We get to be there,” said Beaird, who will go on for further training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to become a behavioral health technician.

She said the AGSU is about building on the women’s legacy in the Army.

“Soldiers who wear this uniform are going to be honored to wear them,” she said. “Veterans who wore them will be happy to see us bring it back.”

Graduate Pfc. Tyree Smith, 20, of Indianapolis, said he was honored to be in the first class to graduate with the AGSUs. He said the uniform makes him feel like a man, ready to achieve.

Smith moves on to training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Col. Daniel Blackmon, 434th FA Brigade commander, said the AGSU is special for him because his father and grandfather served in the Army and wore similar uniforms.

He said he’s heard a lot of positive comments when wearing his AGSU. “One, the history, and two, just the way it looks.”

By Jeff Crawley, Fort Sill Tribune

Pre-Order Responder Hoody from Amabilis Gear

Tuesday, November 24th, 2020

Designed to be worn with the Amabilis Responder Tactical Jacket, the Responder Hoody is made from 100% Polyester Heather Sherpa Fleece with Nylon shoulder patches.

Here’s designer Brian Abrams testing the Hoody in the back country.

Here I am out product testing a few weeks ago at Mt Rainier Nat’l Park. After a long climb, I topped out on the exposed ridge and if the 24degree temp wasn’t bad enough, I was blasted by serious winds at 7,500’…wicked cold. The hoody with just a short sleeve base layer under performed like a champ…I was so impressed.

Pre-Order Ends November 30th. Mid December Global Delivery. Guaranteed For Christmas.

amabilisgear.com/collections/apparel/products/responder-hoody-mens

Winter Is Come Revitalize Your Durable Water Repellent

Saturday, November 21st, 2020

It’s well past that time of year again. We originally published this article in February of 2010 but seeing as the weather is getting cold and times are tough we republish it each year. We know you pay a lot for your clothing and equipment and it is just as important to maintain it, as it is your firearm.

It looks like it’s going to be a LONG winter. During a recent shooting class I attended it started raining day one and by the middle of the second day it looked like a blizzard. Most of my fellow shooters were wearing waterproof breathable outerwear and several began to feel clammy and then damp the longer each day progressed. A couple of guys were wearing issue Gen I ECWCS parkas. Probably not the best garment available as Gore long ago decided that the basic design could not meet their “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” standards. Of course these jackets were old. More than anything, they needed some maintenance.

The key to any modern outerwear is its Durable Water Repellent (DWR). There are quite a few treatments available and different manufacturers have their favorites but they are usually are based on flouropolymers. These are PTFE molecules that are applied to the surface and cured at high heat to make them adhere better and increase performance and have a fluorine atom at one end which is highly hydrophobic. Heat causes them to align themselves with their flourines exposed. Water tries to move away from the flourines resulting in beading. This allows the water to roll off without wetting the fabric. Interestingly, Quarpel (Quartermaster Repellent) was one of the first DWRs and used to treat field jackets and other military clothing items.

Since most of us can’t run out and purchase a new jacket every time this happens I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips with you that will not only revitalize your garment’s DWR treatment but also extend the life of your clothing.

DWR treatments work best when they are clean. I realize this seems counter to what you think is right since a DWR generally lasts about 25 washings and tactical garments get quite a beating in the field, but you need to wash your clothing. The first thing is to avoid using liquid detergents as well as fabric softeners. Additionally, avoid optical brighteners as they are not good for DWR or IR treatments. There are wash in treatments you can purchase as well as spray on options to help renew your clothing’s DWR. However, wash in treatments may affect the breathability of your membrane. One of the best spray solutions available is Revivex from McNett and it is what I have used in the past. It also serves as a stain repellent. Revivex can also be applied to garments that never had DWR in the first place so if you have hunting or field clothing that you find yourself wearing in inclement weather regularly you may want to give it a once over. If you use a spray treatment be sure to evenly coat your garment while it is still damp after washing and to pay special attention to any seams.

There are two additional ways you can put some life back into your DWR. One is to put the garment in a conventional dryer on warm and the other is to iron it on low heat. If water fails to bead up on the surface of your garment you will need to retreat.

This video by Arc’teryx gives you some pointers.

No matter which method you choose, proper maintenance of your foul weather clothing’s DWR will help keep you warm and dry and extend the life of your equipment.

Undertac Infantry Boxer Brief

Wednesday, November 18th, 2020

The biggest thing about the Undertac Infantry Boxer Brief from Sierra Whiskey Co is the design which reduces bulk under layers of belts and pant.

Next in the design is the Quick Release Ambi Fly or “H fly” as it’s sometimes referred to.

Finally, they integrated an Escape and Evasion Pocket at the rear of the waistband which appears as a simple tag. You can easily fit $300, a handcuff key, razor blade, and about 8ft of 200lb kevlar kite string in the pocket, all handy E&E implements.

Finally, they are naturally anti-microbial and made from sustainable modal fabric which is harvested from Beech trees.

Available in Nightops Black, Wolf Grey, and Reptile Green.

www.sierrawhiskeyco.com/product-page/underwear-best-boxer-brief-undertac

Army Uniform Board to Consider Changes for Expecting, New Mothers

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

WASHINGTON — The 152nd Army Uniform Board will convene on Nov. 18 to consider multiple issues, including changes to maternity clothing articles for expecting and new mothers. Specifically, the board is scheduled to make decisions on the Army Green Service Uniform-Maternity and a lactation shirt for the Maternity Utility Uniform in the Operational Combat Pattern.

In 2018, the Army produced a maternity uniform for demonstrations associated with the unveiling of the AGSU. That maternity uniform resembled the style of uniform that has been issued since the 1980s and was first designed in 1979. The AUB will discuss whether to modernize the maternity uniform or continue with the current style.

The AUB will also consider developing a lactation shirt, which would later become part of the Maternity Utility Uniform issue for new mothers. As things stand, a lactation shirt is not provided with the standard issue, and Soldiers must purchase them through private, commercial vendors.

The Nov. 18 meeting will be held virtually, and discussion will be led by the AUB Chairman, Lt. Gen. Duane Gamble, Deputy Chief of Staff of G-4. Members of the AUB include male and female Soldiers at all levels, and representatives from the active component, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. Each member has an equal vote in deciding which recommendations go forth to Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville.

The AUB meeting, which takes place twice each year, is the Army’s only forum to address the changing requirements of Soldiers’ uniforms and accessory items. All Soldiers can contribute to the Uniform Board process by providing recommendations to their sergeant majors. Incorporating the feedback from Soldiers is a big part of the AUB process.

The last AUB took place on June 25th. To read about the outcomes of that meeting, click here.