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Nite Ize S-biner Plastic

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Nite Ize makes an entire line of widgets like flashlight accessories and pouches for electronics. One of the coolest things they came out with last year was the S-biner. The original stainless steel S-Biner was recently awarded the 2008 Backpacker Magazine Editorâ€™s Choice Award. Not bad.

This year they are launching a plastic version of the S-biner. Its a low profile, double gated, carabiner style clip, made from fiberglass reinforced nylon. Its dual opposing gates allow you to organize things such as keys. Available in both the #2 (2″ x 1″) and #4 (3-1/2″ x 1-9/16″) sizes color choices include Black, Red, Blue, Olive, Yellow and Pink. The new larger size #10 (10-3/8″ x 4-7/8″) is also available in Black.

For more information contact Niteize.

Warning: Not to be used for climbing or other life support applications.

All photos courtesy of Niteize.

Tags: Niteize, S-biner
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Joby Gorillapod

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Joby’s Gorillapod is a grippy tripod with flexible legs that looks inspired by a Martian walker from “War of the Worlds”. It supports a variety of cameras and you wrap the legs around a fixed object in order to steady your shot. Its compact size and lightweight make it fantastic for tactical use. There is also a monopod version called the Solo that works well when coiled like a snake ready to strike.

The new Go-Go has interchangeable adapters at its tip, to support more than just cameras. Imagine the uses for other items like digital music/video players, Cell Phones, GPS, etc. It’s still equipped with the standard camera tripod mount, but now it also comes with a suction cup to attach to the back of flat shiny gizmos as well as an adhesive-backed pad for a more permanent attachment.

The Gorillapod is available in Black with White, Gray, Blue, Green, Pine Green, Pink, Red, and Yellow accents.

Visit Joby’s website for more info.

Tags: Gorillapod, Joby
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Hydrogel from Amron International

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Amron has been a DSCP Prime Vendor for Special Operations equipment as well as a major player in the tactical industry for many years. Originally a manufacturer for equipment for hard hat divers, Amron now offers an entire range of Soldier Systems products from a variety of vendors. In keeping with SSB’s commitment to introducing new and innovative products to a wider audience we were pleased to run across Amron’s newest home run; Hydrogel. Hydrogel originated in the medical industry but breachers soon determined that it’s inherent properties made it perfect for affixing charges to walls and doorways. You see, its stick on both sides, very sticky.

Hydrogel comes in rolls or 12 packs of individual sheets.

To order contact Amron International.

Tags: Hydrogel
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AeroVest

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Probably the most interesting product I saw at the Outdoor Retailer Summer market was a survival product called the AeroVest. manufactured by SolaTec, the AeroVest made from a lightweight metalized polyethylene, a material similar to a space blanket.
This is so it is not only durable but will reflect your body heat back towards you. Unlike a standard space blanket it is designed specifically to be worn and also utilizes trapped air as an additional insulation layer.

The 2 oz AeroVest comes standard in Orange but custom runs can be made in any color scheme. At OR they displayed an AeroVest made in UCP. Considered a one time use item it is only because it is difficult to get all of the air out of it once the 18 pockets are inflated. To inflate simply put the AeroVest on loosely, insert the straw provided with the vest into one of the two slots near the neck in the same manner as a juice pouch and blow (2 – 5 breaths) into the straw to inflate the vest. Repeat on the other side. You can remove the straw because the material is self-sealing. Small tears can be easily repaired with tape.

One size fits most and they mean it. The front opening is closed by a resealable adhesive that is good for about 30 closures. Of course use in an extremely dirty environment will reduce the number of times it will adhere.

AeroVest is made in the USA.

For more information contact AeroVest.

Diagram is property of AeroVest.

Tags: AeroVest, SERE
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S.O.Tech Tactical Symbology

Monday, September 1st, 2008

At the recent Trexpo East exposition near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, Special Operations Technologies showed their new Tactical Symbology system. Mil-Std 2525A military symbology really only goes down to the squad level and there is no standardized system for military and law enforcement to depict individuals during sand table exercises. Based on Mil Std 2525, the S.O.Tech symbology goes one step further toward the increased granularity of information required for tactical ops at the micro level, say conducting a vehicle checkpoint or clearing a room. Whenever possible they utilized standardized symbols but created new, intuitive symbols where none existed. Additionally, they extended the concept to support LE operations.

The idea sprang actually from another initiative. S.O.Tech developed a set of patches to designate the specialties of both individuals and their equipment. They are available for Leader, Assaulter, Sniper, Breacher, and Medic. EOD is under development. The patches are embroidered and backed with Velcro. Additionally, the patch features a tab that allows it to be attached via 550 or cable tie to bags or other items. S.O.Tech also offers T-shirts and ball caps featuring the copyrighted symbols.

The symbols depicted above are: (Clockwise from top left) Sniper, Leadership, Medic, Assaulter.
For more information contact S.O.Tech.

Tags: S.O. Tech
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Interesting Blogs to Check Out

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

QuanticoBoot.com Blog

The Camo Side of Dominic Hyde

Strike Hold

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Esbit Cookers

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

I don’t know how I would have made it through my tour in Germany without my trusty Esbit Cooker. Issued as part of the German Ration Pack (EPA), Esbit fuel was readily available all over Germany. The tablets burn for between 7 and 12 minutes depending on the size and should boil half a liter in about 7 minutes. What I really liked about them was lack of smell or smoke.

The cooker itself is a simple design. Its stamped galvanized steel with riveted folding legs that once folded flat, carried its own solid fuel bars. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The legs are adjustable by detents stamped into the legs. The larger the cooker, the more settings. For example, the small cooker’s legs can be set at 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or closed. You can see in the picture the indentations in the legs for the settings. I tossed mine years ago but the only place it ever showed the slightest sign of rust was at the rivets. I never thought I would be able to find another one, until now.

And now they have mugs!

Esbit products can be found here on the web but I purchased mine at Eddie Bauer.

Photos from Esbit GMbH.

Tags: Esbit
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Brunton BrewFire Dual Fuel Coffee Maker

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Brunton always seems to come up with the coolest gadgets.
The BrewFire is the first coffee maker to be fueled by either propane or butane fuel. This is fantastic for occasions when electricity isn’t available.

It brews 8 cups of coffee in 10-12 minutes and comes with a stainless steel carafe. It’s compact size (10″x14″x10″) makes it perfect for the deployment box. It won’t be available until February of 2009 but this is a great time to start saving up for the perfect Valentine’s Day present for the First Sergeant.

You can pre-order here.

Tags: Brunton, Coffee
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