GORE-TEX Military Fabrics

Archive for the ‘Foreign’ Category

Comms Cord and Reel

Friday, April 10th, 2009

From high tech to low tech. The last article depicted the latest in intra-squad communications but there are more traditional methods. Although rarely used by US forces, the British continue to utilize a comms line when setting up a patrol harbour (base). Naturally, this can’t be used while patrolling but it is a silent means of communication while lying up. The concept is to string lines between emplacements in order to signal one another. Codes are worked out to signify different messages, for example, two tugs means stand to.

Comms Cord on a Reel from RV Ops

Comms Cord on a Reel from RV Ops

Comms cord on a reel with a handy carabiner clip is available from RV Ops in the UK.

Nomad Jacket

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

We’ve had out eye on Swedish company Tac-Up Gear for some time and we thought the Nomad Jacket was a great way to introduce them to our readers. Designed as a lightweight, windproof smock it is manufactured from rip-stop polyester. This hooded jacket features eight pockets including on the upper sleeves, flapped Napoleon-style upper and slash lower chest pockets as well as inner pockets.

Tac-Up Gear Nomad Jacket in M90K Desert

Tac-Up Gear Nomad Jacket in M90K Desert

The Nomad is currently offered in Green and M90K Desert in sizes Small – XLarge. Available on the web from Tac-Up Gear.

Multicam Basha

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

The term “Basha” is Malay for tent and is used by the British forces for tarps designed to be fashioned into expedient shelters. They are well known for their versatility, compactness and light weight. Integrated Combat Equipment of Canada is offering a Multicam version of this British classic. Fashioned from 330D Multicam cordura, it features 16 grommets along the edges and is approximately 7.5’ long by 5’ wide.

ICE Basha

ICE Basha

The Basha is available from ICE.

Vario Belt System

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

We found this interesting belt designed specifically for LE work. We have been informed that it is actually manufactured by German firm Bonowi.

Vario Belt

Vario Belt

Vario Belt

Vario Belt

Offered in the UK by Police supplier Deenside, the Vario belt comes with a complete range of accessories and pouches for weapons, batons, OC spray, etc. The modules are designed to be clipped into place and stay fast until the officer moves them. Manufactured from a “flame proof” material, the Vario belt is intended to last a lifetime.

UK Operational Note Books from Rite In The Rain

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

Rite In The Rain, makers of waterproof paper, have developed a special version of their popular Notebooks specifically for UK forces. Each Green colored waterproof sheet is perforated for easy removal and features a grid to assist with making operational sketches and clear notes. Additionally, the last 16 pages serve as an Aide-memoire. See below for a sample.

Rite In The Rain UK Operational Notebook

Check out this video from RV Ops to see the advantages of Rite In The Rain products.

Rite In The Rain products are available in the UK from RV OPS.

Galea – Future Dutch Helmet

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

The Dutch military is working to field a new helmet by 2011. The modular concept from the Integrated Head Protection Project team of the Dutch Ministry of Defense’s Ordnance Corps, began with a survey of 500 Soldiers. Details revealed that those in the field desired the ability to wear hearing as well as eye protection whether or not they were wearing a helmet. Additionally, as you can see from the illustration, modularity in design is central to the development effort. The concept has a great deal of merit. In addition to exchanging information with the Canadian military, the program won an innovation prize at a recent trade show in Prague. The program team is currently seeking an industry partner to further development.

Dutch Galea Helmet Concept
Galea is the Roman name for Helmet.

UK Hybrid DPM

Saturday, March 7th, 2009

Limited quantities of kit in the proposed “Hybrid DPM” have already been on issue to troops deployed to Afghanistan. This new camo pattern is being developed as part of the PECOC program. While it remains developmental it is interesting to see to what extent it is already being used operationally.

Hybrid DPM Battle Bag Hybrid DPM Battle Bag Tag

Recently these photos surfaced of a Battle Bag issued to a Tommy on Op Herrick.

Hybrid DPM Osprey V3 cover
Additionally, Royal Navy personnel have been observed wearing some of the 1200 Hybrid DPM Osprey V3 covers purchased last year.

5.11 Tactical DPM 3-in-1 Jacket

Friday, February 13th, 2009

5.11 Tactical has been offering exclusive products with retail partners for a couple of years now. Now in the UK, they offer a version of their popular 3-in-1 Jacket in British DPM. This is a good option for British troops awaiting the new PECOC issue.

5.11 Tactical DPM 3-in-1 Jacket

Essentially, three jackets in one, the garment features a waterproof/breathable outer shell and a removable inner fleece jacket. They can each be worn alone or together and mate via main zipper and a low profile strap system in the wrists. The handwarmer pockets are also fleece-lined and there is a removable hood that rolls up into the collar.

Another feature not often found in military clothing is side zippers which allow access to your duty belt. This is particularly useful for MPs or those who carry a sidearm. Additionally, the chest pockets are compatible with 5.11’s Back-up-Belt Systemâ„¢ or other velcro backed pouches.

Available from a variety of UK retailers including Drop Zone Supplies.

Photo from Drop Zone Supplies.