Aquaterro

Archive for the ‘Load Carrying’ Category

New Belt and Harness Systems from CTOMS

Monday, January 5th, 2015

CTOMS had a lot to show me during last month’s SOMSA conference. In addition to the Temba Pack, Pulley, and SlimmerLine IFAK they also showed us their line of Belt and Harness Systems.

M2/G2 Systems

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-The desire was to build a lighter and more versatile belt and harness system than the current large buckle and large webbing.
-They started with AustriAlpin designing a 1” buckle where the release tabs were flush with the frame for added safety. CTOMS also switched to their new ‘Pro’ design which claims a redesign with a lower likelihood of inadvertently only securing one side.

Chassis

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-CTOMS belts start with what they call the Chassis.
-This is an adjustable one-size-fits-most carrier for two belt options.
-The chassis fits into most trouser belt loops.
-Hypalon belt loops retain the inner belt.

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M2 Inner Belt:

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-This is a similar design to their old M-Harness belt with a non-adjustable quick release in the center and a ladder lock adjuster slightly offset. This allows conversion into their patented M2-Harness system.

M2 Leg Loops (seen above):

-These are an improvement to the original design.
-Integrated leg loop padding.
-Lighter 1” webbing.
-Field replaceable shock cord for rear leg loop support straps.

G2 Inner Belt:

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-This is simply 1” tubular nylon with end user’s choice of dual adjust ITW SR buckle, or a dual adjust Cobra Buckle. Also available is their dual adjust, but not quick release, Belay Loop Assembly.
-The Belay Loop Assembly can be worn just like a non-quick release riggers belt, but instead of a metal V-ring, it has a soft bely loop clip in point. That belay loop can be slowed in its belay loop keeper to prevent inadvertent snags.

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G2 Leg Loops (seen above):

-Shares most design features of the M2 System, but compatible with the CTOMS Belay Loop Assembly.
-This turns your G2 Belt into a traditional style climber’s harness with a belay loop.

T2 Harness:

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-2nd generation Turtle Harness
-More comfortable and less likely to stress the stitching on the plate carrier.
-Similar configuration to the M2 System for ease of donning and doffing.
-Integrates into any PALS based plate carrier without interfering or crushing contents of pouches – goes under pouches but over armor.
-Connects to the M2 or G2 Harnesses via the Leg Loops.
-Rapidly adjusts for comfort depending on if the user is walking, in the aircraft or about to go on the hoist.
-Full Class 3 with new over the shoulder straps.

ctoms.ca/Mission-Essential-Equipment/Belts-Harnesses-and-Accessories

FirstSpear Friday Focus – New FS Strandhögg Front Panels

Friday, January 2nd, 2015

In this week’s FirstSpear Friday Focus we are going to take a look at the new replacement front panels for the popular Strandhögg Plate Carrier which make it even more customizable than before. It’s important to mention right up front that there are two variants of the Strandhögg Plate Carrier; MBAV cut and SAPI cut. There are two new Front Panels so it’s important that you not only specify which style of Front Panel you want but also which type of armor you are using.

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In addition to attaching via patented Tubes connectors, both styles continue to offer the same padding and ventilation features of the standard Strandhögg Plate Carrier. The photo below gives you a side view.

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AK Front Panel

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The first Front Panel for the Strandhögg Plate Carrier is the the AK Purpose Built model. Additionally, it will fit the FS AAC Plate Carrier. Built with the same padding and ventilation features found in its modular brother this front panel features sewn on pockets accommodating 3 single 30 round magazines for the AK47 or 74 series rifles, secured with elastic cord and FS Speed Tabs. A 6/12 modular pocket attachment field is found above the magazines for utilizing 6/12, 6/9 or MOLLE style pockets. This panel will be available for purchase 1 February 2015 for SPEAR/SAPI Cut Plates in sizes M, L & XL as well as the popular MBAV Cut in sizes S/M, L/XL & XXL in MultiCam, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Black.

Modular Wing Front Panel

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The second Front Panel incorporates Modular Wings which give you some additional real estate for pouches on your vest. The panel incorporates a left and right wing with a 6/12 Pocket Attachment Field that allows you to select how you want to use the space back behind your Tubes/Cummerbund. Like the AK Panel, this version also integrates the padding and ventilation of the FS Strandhögg Plate Carrier. This panel will be available for purchase 1 February 2015 for SPEAR/SAPI Cut Plates in sizes S, M, L & XL as well as the popular MBAV Cut in sizes S/M, L/XL & XXL in MultiCam, Coyote, Ranger Green, and Black.

www.first-spear.com

Mayflower RC – Multi-Purpose Patrol Vest

Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

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Mayflower’s Multi-Purpose Patrol Vest (MPPV) is designed for patrolling situations where armor isn’t required. Resembling a hybrid of a chest rig and older-style LBV, the MPPV features a front center zip for ease of doffing and donning and a mesh back panel sized for up to a 3-liter water bladder. I realize that chest rigs and vest-style yokes have been combined before so don’t bore me with commenting with a long list of other examples.

The MPPV is fully adjustable via ITW G-hooks and shock cord. The MPPV has 4 integrated magazine pouches sized to fit up to eight 5.56 magazines or four 7.62×51 mags; two of these pouches feature small frontward GP pockets sized for small items such as a compass or GPS (great for patrolling!). The side GP pouches are sized to carry 32oz Nalgene bottles or smaller items, and feature PALS webbing on the front and sides for additional pouches and other PALS-compatible accessories. Also included on the harness and back panel of the MPPV is an abundance of one-wrap Velcro for cable management.

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The MPPV uses ULTRAcomp laminate extensively throughout the vest to decrease weight and increase durability. This also helps mitigate water absorption in wet weather.

The Multi-Purpose Patrol Vest is available now in MultiCam and Coyote Brown.

www.mayflower-rc.org/store/7034/111/Multi-Purpose-Patrol-Vest

Limitless Gear – OPFOR Magazine Carrier

Tuesday, December 30th, 2014

LG OPFOR

Limitless Gear’s OPFOR Magazine Carrier is a magazine holster designed for AR-15 magazines. It features a lidless Positive Magazine Retention (PMR) system, which locks the magazine in place and allows for quick removal by applying a ‘twist and pull’ motion to the magazine. This eliminates the need for flaps or bungee cords for retention, and allows the user to mount their magazines in standard or inverted orientations. The OPFOR also features the Rapidly Scalable Equipment Ensemble (RSEE), which allows the user to mount and dismount the carrier from 2×2 PALS surfaces in seconds. Additionally, the OPFOR has attachment slots for stacking multiple OPFORs in a single configuration.

Available in Coyote Brown. Made in the USA from US materials.

Available for purchase at Shellback Tactical – www.shellbacktactical.com/opfor-magazine-carrier-limitless-gear.aspx

Maker Monday – S&S Precision SMR Dust-E

Monday, December 29th, 2014

Dust-E

Back when we first mentioned the SSP SMR, one of the main criticisms was that the business end of the magazine was exposed. But even then, S&S Precision had already planned a part that would protect the magazine from debris. That part is the SMR Dust-E which snaps into place at the bottom of the Skeletonized Magazine Retention (SMR). The 2-part installation process takes seconds. In addition to serving as a dust cover, the Dust-E offers additional magazine retention. While it is quite a tight fit at first, it will loosen up with a little bit of use.

Dust-E Construction

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This video will give you an idea of how the SMR Dust-E works.

www.sandsprecision.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Ragnar Pocket Series

Friday, December 26th, 2014

In this week’s Friday Focus we’ll take a better look at the Ragnar pocket series which we’ve briefly mentioned in past installments on different platform options such as cummerbunds. By their name you can tell that they were initially envisioned for use with the Ragnar armor vest, but that’s not all they’ll do.

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So far, FirstSpear has introduced several of these pockets which are backed in loop material and attach via hook to various platforms. The pockets include Double and Single Carbine Stretch, Mini Admin and Patrol Radio.

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You can see these pouches are highly adaptable to a wide variety of FirstSpear platforms.

Berry coming litany and offered in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.first-spear.com

Get Your Tac-Dips!

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

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GSS Gear has cornered the market in the Ops-Core Tac-Dip, having purchased the entire inventory. These won’t last long at all. Get yours from www.GSSgear.com.

215 Gear – Buy American Christmas Sale And New Products

Monday, December 22nd, 2014

Christmas Sale

215 Gear is currently having their Buy American Christmas Sale. Now through January 5th, take advantage of store wide discounts of 15-40% off.

Additionally, 215 Gear has released four new products just in time for the sale:

1

32 Inch Rifle Case, Padded

The 32 Inch Rifle Case, Padded is a full-featured, padded transport system for rifles, optics, and equipment. Built of 1000D Cordura nylon, the 32 Inch Rifle Case features 3/8th inch foam padding on all sides, with a protective zipper liner. Plastic inserts on the two main exterior walls provide additional impact protection during transport and storage. The interior main panel is Velcro lined and includes two Velcro compatible rifle organizers, a rifle crown holder and butt stock retainer. The full-length exterior zippered pocket is Velcro lined for additional accessories. Comes with a removable, padded carry strap.

Available in Coyote and MultiCam.

2

Velcro Pistol Holder, Adjustable

The Velcro Pistol Holder, Adjustable is designed to securely hold various models of full size framed pistols, with adjustable Velcro and elastic, and a closure flap for secondary retention. It is designed to incorporate onto any Female Velcro (loop) surface, via the included panel sewn with Velcro hook backing.

Available in Coyote.

Velcro M4 MAG Holder, Double

The Velcro M4 MAG Holder, Double is designed to hold two AR-15 magazines, and is tested with USGI and PMAGs. It is designed to incorporate onto any Female Velcro (loop) surface, via the included a panel sewn with Velcro hook backing.

Available in Coyote

Velcro Pistol MAG Holder, Double

The Velcro Pistol MAG Holder, Double is designed to hold two pistol magazines from single stack .45 ACP through double stack Glock 21. It is designed to incorporate onto any Female Velcro (loop) surface, via the included panel sewn with Velcro hook backing.

Available in Coyote

All four products are made in the U.S.A., and come with a lifetime Warranty

215gearstore.com