The North Face is teaming with Japanese designer Junya Watanabento release the new Terra 65 Jacket, later this Spring. Made from Gore-Tex Windstopper, it features an integrated backpack.
Archive for the ‘Design’ Category
Got $2500 For A Jacket?
Sunday, February 4th, 2018Introducing Atlas Standard
Thursday, January 25th, 2018Nestled just down the row from Crye Precision at this year’s SHOT Show is a booth with no windows and a plain, single door. Few are even allowed entry. When I stepped through the door, a scene out of the hit spy movie “Kingsman” played out before my eyes.
It was as if I had entered the Accessory Room, where new agents are outfitted. Every wall showcased weapons, clothing, and equipment.
What made this unlike the movie, is that it was real. I was the first person at SHOT Show to preview Atlas Standard.
Atlas Standard is the brainchild of Crye Precision founders Caleb Crye and Greg Thompson who have worked for the past couple of years to create a travel clothing line that rivals the combat gear they had developed for CP.
Atlas Standard is a full range which includes trousers, shirts, and jackets, with each component designed to move with the wearer and work in concert with the other pieces.
Atlas Standard doesn’t just look great, it also has some special features. Caleb opened a field jacket and showed me a panel which accepts items you don’t want others to see. That could be quite a few different things. It’s travel clothing after all. What you do in it while traveling, is entirely up to you.
He went on to tell me that the line takes design cues from European clothing to help Americans keep a low profile during international journeys.
In addition to a pouch suite which interfaces with the clothing, there are several belt options. I was told, you’ll be able to get the entire “John Wick” kit.
They don’t even have a website yet, so this is just a sneak peek of what is yet to come. Look for the Atlas Standard line, in Spring 2018.
Dynamis Alliance – ADAPTIV Denim Line Details
Friday, January 12th, 2018DYNAMIS ALLIANCE confirms the ADAPTIV denim line is in production. This update comes a week after DYNAMIS announced their acquisition of OXCART APPAREL. Leading up to the OXCART acquisition DYNAMIS had been working with S&S PRECISION on collective intellectual property to develop the ‘ADAPTIV Integrated Waistband System’ or I.W.S. DYNAMIS has been planning on integrating this low-vis technology into their ADAPTIV denim and technical line to redefine and set a new standard with concealed carry.
“We’re innovators and mission focused on creating the best low-vis equipment in the world” said Dom Raso, Founder/ CEO DYNAMIS ALLIANCE. These strategic moves and design efforts are focused on dominating the low-vis apparel market.
The ADAPTIV I.W.S. is the first of its kind and features a precision design with the ability to integrate no-vis pouches that Raso and the Dynamis team are continually developing. The ADAPTIV line will feature a performance stretch, full motion denim that has been designed, developed, and manufactured in the USA. The jeans are integrated with sleek operator designed hidden pockets to spread the EDC load throughout the pant. Exclusive patented ADAPTIV I.W.S. technology gives the end user a comfortable, fully customizable load carry system meant to keep everything you need concealed and accessible on your 1st line. The ADAPTIV Jeans will give operators a great low-vis choice when working in austere environments, while also giving responsibly armed citizens a stylish no-vis option. The ADAPTIV I.W.S. is the new standard and the customizable possibilities are endless. Keep and eye out for upcoming holsters and various technical I.W.S. Pouches.
Research and Development (R&D) is at the core of ALL Dynamis methodologies. It is an essential part of any cutting edge and innovative company that plans on leading their field. Our team has had the privilege of working through some of the most complicated and critical problems for the modern day warrior over the last 20 years. Warfare (covert/overt) and modern threats have evolved drastically throughout that period of time. In order to give each warrior the edge on and off the battlefield it is critical to arm them with the best mindset, tactics, training, equipment, weapon systems, and technology possible. Our experience has and will continue to drive our overall performance of each detail in our products. Our vow to each and everyone of you that support and believe in our mission, is that nothing will be delivered to you that hasn’t been 100% approved and tested by the Dynamis team and other modern day warriors. Keep an eye out at Show Shot for all new Dynamis products and gear updates!
ADAPTIV “changing the way you think by what you wear”.
Arc’teryx LEAF – Cold WX SVX Parka and Bib
Tuesday, January 9th, 2018Although we’ll tell more of the Cold WX SVX story in the coming months, photos and limited background data has been released by the various retailers selling Arc’teryx LEAF products. While everyone is excited to see what’s new, this has led to some confusion regarding this two-piece ensemble.
At $1500 for just the parka, many are crying foul. But, as is so often true when it comes to LEAF, if you’re complaining about the price, it wasn’t meant for you. That is double so in this case. Cold WX SVX was created for a very focused customer, operating in extreme cold weather.
If you’re someone who needs Cold WX SVX, you’ll welcome it, and as a core LEAF customer, you’ll most likely be issued it. You’ll appreciate what it does. You’ll marvel at how little it weighs compared to other arctic clothing solutions. You’ll rave about how mobile you are while wearing the suit.
The roots of Arc’teryx are in building clothing and equipment for athletes who conquer the most challenging environments on earth. Designed for wear in the Arctic, Cold WX SVX was created for a different class of athlete, the military elite.
Cold WX SVX is the pinnacle of Arc’teryx design, materials and manufacturing. There’s a little piece of everything Arc’teryx has learned about making clothing over the past few decades in that garment. Quite frankly, it’s amazing.
Because it’s purpose built for a very narrow application, it’s not replacing anything already in the line. And, it’s existence isn’t going to drive the price down on other cold weather items in their line. Truth be told, considering how many Arc’teryx will end up selling, they’ll be lucky to break even. They’ve spent several years developing this product and putting the infrastructure in place to make it a reality. Originally, they had planned on launching the garment a year ago, but it wasn’t quite where they wanted it, so they worked for several more months, tweaking here and there and placing the final design into production at their plant near Vancouver, British Columbia.
The insulation is Goode Down because it is meant to be worn in the Arctic. It’s cold and dry there. Yes, they’ve included a GORE-TEX face fabric, but it’s extremely breathable and intended to stop wind rather than precipitation. SVX is not intended for the average guy to wear in the rain while walking from his car into the office. You’ll be sweating long before you get there. It’s WARM. Over a year ago, I stood in the design studio at Arc’teryx and tried a prototype parka on. I began to warm immediately and had to take it off after a few minutes.
Specifically, it’s constructed with Allied 850fp Grey Goose Down packed into boxed pleated baffles constructed of nylon taffeta fabric with a shell combining panels of GORE WINDSTOPPER 2L 40d Nylon Plain Weave face fabric and GORE-TEX 3L 30d Nylon Plain Weave fabric.
“We are excited to work closely with Arc’teryx to leverage our portfolio of protective fabric solutions for their cutting-edge outerwear products,” says Tom Dykes, Application Engineer at Gore. “The combination of Gore fabrics used in the Cold WX Parka SVX will provide a broad level of protection for military and law enforcement personnel who encounter harsh weather conditions. The design and technical fabrics offer a distinctive advantage so users can remain warm and alert during their mission.”
The features are called out below.
You’re probably wondering why it’s not White if it’s intended for wear in extreme cold weather. Instead, they chose Harrier, a light Grey hue. That’s because the Arctic isn’t completely White and Harrier will blend in with many of the places that get really cold. Plus, Harrier isn’t going to show every little smudge like the color White will. Besides, guys who really need to blend in are going to use Overwhites.
If you’re in the business of exposing yourself to the coldest environments on earth, then by all means, get the LEAF Cold WX SVX Parka and Bib. It will be money well spent and you’ll appreciate the investment. If you just want to buy one because “Arc’teryx”, I understand. I just want you to understand what you’re buying and why it costs so much.
Coming soon from leaf.arcteryx.com or from your favorite LEAF outfitter.
SMA Dailey At Army/Navy Game In Prototype Pinks and Greens
Monday, December 11th, 2017You’re looking at the best leadership team the US Army has had in quite some time.
Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley is seen with Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey during Saturday’s Army/Navy Game. SMA Dailey is wearing a prototype ‘Pinks and Greens’ service dress uniform which he was recently fitted for by a team from PEO Soldier.
The uniform is referred to as ‘Pinks and Greens’ because it is inspired by an iconic World War Two-era dress uniform. This modernized version is available in male and female versions. If it is adopted, there’s even talk of an optional wear leather A-2 flight jacket.
Update: Here are a few more photos from PEO Soldier.
Paul Kim Working On Gen 2 VORTEX Suppressor Design
Saturday, October 14th, 2017For years, Paul Kim was the creative force at SureFire, responsible for the design of several of their lights. A few years ago, PK struck on his own, standing up the aptly named, PK Designs Lab. We’ve showcased several of his lights over the years, but now he’s working on a Suppressor design.
Apperently, this is his second generation, disclosing on a Facebook post, “My previous Gen 1 suppressor was never analyzed to this level of scrutiny. This time we are doing it right.”
He went to offer four images, stating, “Here is a sneak preview of the finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics analysis of our Gen 2 VORTEX suppressor design.”
FirstSpear Friday Focus – Meet The Multimag And See More At Warrior East
Friday, July 7th, 2017
FirstSpear is in the business of building advanced lightweight armor platforms and load bearing equipment designed for the professional user. Next week FirstSpear will be displaying their wares in Virginia Beach at ADS Warrior Expo East and will be debuting an all new pocket designed to secure a variety of different magazines. You get the first look at the Multimag pocket today.
I have been sworn to secrecy on the Multimag since last summer. The adjustable dial allows the user to customize tension. It’s great to see it finally coming to market. But please note, the Multimag is not available for order yet. See it, and other FirstSpear products, in person at booth #1408 at Warrior East, July 13 – 14th in Va Beach.
Acronymjutsu
Sunday, July 2nd, 2017Acronym is a German clothing brand known for their innovative design. Acronym offers their clothing in a seasonal basis, with new designs coming twice a year. This video showcases the features of their J1A-GT Jacket amd gives you an idea of the type of innovation they put into their work.
