Gadgets | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Gadgets’ Category

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
Posted in Gadgets, weapons | Comments Off on Hydrogel from Amron International

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
Posted in Camo, Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer, SERE | Comments Off on AeroVest

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
Posted in Clothing, Gadgets | Comments Off on S.O.Tech Tactical Symbology

Interesting Blogs to Check Out

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

QuanticoBoot.com Blog

The Camo Side of Dominic Hyde

Strike Hold

Posted in Admin, Boots, Camo, Clothing, Gadgets | Comments Off on Interesting Blogs to Check Out

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
Posted in Gadgets, Sustainment | Comments Off on Esbit Cookers

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
Posted in Gadgets, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | Comments Off on Brunton BrewFire Dual Fuel Coffee Maker

MilSpecMonkey T-shirts

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

MilSpecMonkey has recently gone full time. And with this change they have begun to add new products beyond patches. One of our new favorites is the MSM T-shirt. The front features the MSM name and the back is emblazoned with everyone’s favorite monkey. Made from 100% Cotton, the shirt is avaible in a full range of sizes and colors. Check it out.

Sizes Small – XXL, in Greenish Brown with Black Ink, OD Green with Black Ink, and Light Tan with Brown Ink.

They are available here.

Tags: MilSpecMonkey
Posted in Clothing, Gadgets | Comments Off on MilSpecMonkey T-shirts

Off-Duty: LeoAdventures

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

When I was still served in the military I joined an interesting organization named LeoAdventures. They are a service organization designed to honor and serve those in Government, they are essentially a buying club but with a very exclusive membership. Membership is reserved for Government employees. They collect an annual membership fee of $19.99. This and LeoAdventures negotiating discounts for their members allows Public Servants to avoid receiving special gifts or gratuities which would violate ethics regulations.

Although I was familiar with the program I spoke with President Leslie Mellott at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. She is there every show looking for new vendors to add the the program. A wife of a long-serving Government employee, Leslie knows not only the risks her husband takes but also the sacrifices the entire family makes for their life of service. I really appreciate what she does.

One important point about this program is that it is for serving Public Safety and Military members. I feel that it is important to recognize these individuals whenever we can and I can remember how hard it was to raise a family and give them those extras on a military salary. The discounts provided through LeoAdventures membership do both. They honor our heroes and help them provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families. If you serve your community or nation I recommend you join. If you are like me and are a retiree or a supporter of our Nation’s finest then I urge to contact LeoAdventures and purchase a gift membership for someone you know.

The Brands LeoAdventures has agreements with:
Arc’teryx
Blue Seventy
Brooks Running
Carey & Company
Dell Computer
ExOfficio
Flyfishing Benefactors
GU
Highgear
Horny Toad
IBEX
ISIS for Women
Jetboil
Kelty
Larabar
MH Bertucci
Mountainsmith
MSR
Nuun Hydration
Otterbox
Platypus
Probar
Purefit
Rudy Project
Railriders
Ruffwear
SealLine
Sherpani alpina
SOG Specialty Knives
Suunto
Therm-A-Rest
Tracks
Working Advantage
Zamberlan
Zeal Optics

They can be reached at LeoAdventures.

Tags: LeoAdventures
Posted in Clothing, Gadgets, Off-Duty, Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | Comments Off on Off-Duty: LeoAdventures