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Thin Air Gear Introduces the Next Evolution: Olympus Lite Deployment Bag

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

Since its introduction in 2007, the Olympus™ Deployment Bag has become a trusted loadout solution for military professionals, with tens of thousands of units fielded across the force. Developed by Thin Air Gear and refined through four generations, the Olympus™ platform continues to set the standard for durability, modularity, and mission-ready organization.

Building on that proven foundation, Thin Air Gear introduces the Olympus Lite™ Deployment Bag—a next-generation evolution designed to deliver the same field-proven performance in a lighter, fixed-volume configuration.

This is not a redesign. It is a refinement of a system already trusted in deployment.

20% Lighter. 20% More Capacity.

The Olympus Lite™ is engineered to improve efficiency without sacrificing capability:

• 12 lbs vs. 15 lbs – 20% lighter

• 8,160 cu in vs. 6,750 cu in – ~20% more usable space

Note: The 6,750 cubic inch figure represents the Olympus™ in its collapsed (unexpanded) configuration. When expanded, the Olympus™ increases to approximately 9,000 cubic inches.

Reducing weight while increasing usable capacity directly impacts mobility and loadout efficiency.

Dimensions & Fixed-Volume Design

• Olympus Lite™: 30″ x 17″ x 16″ (fixed volume)

• Olympus™ (Gen 4): 30″ x 15″ x 15″ (expandable)

The Olympus Lite™ increases internal volume through added width and height, eliminating the need for expansion panels.

Built on a Proven Platform

The Olympus Lite™ retains the core features that made the original Olympus™ a category leader:

• Wheelable, fully ruckable design

• Durable 1000D Cordura® construction

• ABS frame system with 360° closed-cell foam protection

• Modular three-shelf internal organization system with full Velcro adjustability

• YKK® #10 lockable zippers

• Double-stitched, bartacked construction

It also retains one of the most recognized features of the platform:

• Patented 4″ Shark Wheels (dual ball bearing, 200 lb load capacity)

They are retained because they work.

Enhanced Access & Mobility

The Olympus Lite™ maintains the usability features operators rely on in movement:

• Top-access lid with integrated pocket for quick access into the main compartment

• Stowable backpack straps for rapid deployment and hands-free movement

Designed for movement and transitions without friction.

Next-Generation Handle System

Derived from the upcoming Gen 5 Olympus™ platform, the Olympus Lite™ introduces an upgraded telescoping handle with a three-position locking system:

• Stow Mode – fully locked down

• Mid Position – optimized for shorter pull height

• Full Extension – standard height for rolling under load

This upgraded system improves durability, ergonomics, and control in real-world conditions.

Mission-Ready Configuration Options

The Olympus Lite™ is optimized for users who prefer a fixed-volume loadout, offering consistent capacity without the need for expansion.

For units requiring expanded capacity, the original Olympus™ platform remains available, offering up to approximately 9,000 cubic inches of storage, supporting a wide range of mission profiles.

Together, the Olympus™ and Olympus Lite™ platforms provide operators with two distinct, purpose-built configurations:

• Olympus™ – expandable, adaptable loadout

• Olympus Lite™ – fixed-volume, streamlined efficiency

Continuing the Olympus™ Legacy

As Thin Air Gear prepares to release the full Gen 5 Olympus™, the Olympus Lite™ represents the next step in that evolution—combining over 15 years of real-world feedback with targeted improvements in weight, capacity, and usability.

Availability

The Olympus Lite™ Deployment Bag is now available for unit evaluation and procurement.

For specifications, inquiries, and ordering:

thinairgear.com or anthony@thinairgear.com

About Thin Air Gear

Thin Air Gear designs and manufactures deployment-grade loadout systems and tactical travel gear trusted by military professionals. Veteran-owned and field-tested, each product is engineered for durability, mobility, and long-term use, designed to perform under operational conditions and repeated deployment cycles.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Sneak Peek Tracer Tactical – Lunger Harness

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

Named after the infamous gunfighter, Doc Holiday, the Lunger is a new low-profile, minimalist chest rig from Tracer Tactical.

These photos of are V2 Prototypes and are about 90% there. It’s combined with the Bino Placard which answers many complaints about other binoculars harnesses.

The minimalist design is intended for comfortable sustained wear, low-vis operations and minimized printing. The design merges a Bino Harness style shoulder harness, eliminating the need for a back strap, and a tactical chest rig system that accommodates most placards on the market. According to Tracer Tactical, it will accommodate the most widely used tactical and competitive shooter binos on the market.

The placard features a sewn-in Bino pouch with removable padding, reinforced with Curv insert, and an adjustable/removable lid that features their Viper Closure System.

The placard also accepts 2 AICS or 2 20 round 5.56 mags and has snaps built into the bottom to support the weight of the equipment in the placard. This snap system is also built into the backside of The Lunger Chest Rig. The side of the Bino pouch also has a single column of MOLLE for attaching a Kestrel Pouch if desired.

tracer-tactical.com

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

BFG Monday: Lightweight Load-Carriage for the Warfighter

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Warfighter equipment is always in a constant state of evolution, where the difference between adequate and exceptional can be measured in ounces. For over two decades, Blue Force Gear has not just kept pace with that standard, they have set it. Ever since the early BFG days, making gear as lightweight as possible has always been their design philosophy. BFG is truly meticulous about it; they will go out of their way to design and re-design a product, simply to reduce weight by a few ounces (sometimes even grams).

The question is why? Why is this so important?

The modern warfighter carries a tremendous amount… heavy armored plates, ammo, comms gear, trauma kits, water… and the weight compounds quickly. Every pound added to a Soldier or Marine’s kit is a pound of performance, endurance, and survivability subtracted from the mission. A Pub Med study showed that “each kilogram added to the foot increases energy expenditure 7% to 10%; each kilogram added to the thigh increases energy expenditure 4%.”1

These warriors will often retire after years of service with broken knees, hips, and backs from the effect of that extra weight. Another Pub Med study stated that injuries can span from “musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/ligamentous injuries and stress fractures) to neurological injuries (e.g., paresthesias).”2 Many gear manufacturers noticed this issue, but none made it their mission to reduce weight with the same passion and dedication as Blue Force Gear.

Their design philosophy acknowledges the old military axiom: ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. It sounds simple, but acting on it requires rejecting the assumption that heavier automatically means more durable. BFG proved that wrong. By combining superior materials, precision manufacturing, and relentless user feedback driven design, BFG became known as the industry leader to systematically engineer weight out of every component of a warfighter’s load carriage system. They did this without sacrificing a single standard of strength or durability but rather, increasing performance and making gear last longer.

That obsession produced results no one had ever seen. Now, Blue Force Gear’s product line is the world’s lightest and is trusted by the most elite professionals. A few of their revolutionary technologies include Ten-Speed, a military-grade elastic pouch that offers a truly multi-use carrying capability; Helium Whisper, the lightest and strongest MOLLE pouch attachment system in the world; and MOLLEminus, the ground-breaking concept of removing fabric to create rows of MOLLE (i.e., webless MOLLE).

These innovations are only part of what sets BFG apart as the leaders in the lightweight load carriage pursuit. Reducing weight for the warfighter while also enhancing their effectiveness and survivability is and always has been the goal. Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain.

Stay tuned for next week’s article where we take a deeper look at the Ten-Speed technology.

References:

1Joseph J Knapik, Katy L Reynolds, Everett Harman; 2004 Jan;Soldier load carriage: historical, physiological, biomechanical, and medical aspects; pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14964502

2Robin Orr, Rodney Pope, Thiago Jambo Alves Lopes, Dieter Leyk, Sam Blacker, Beatriz Sanz Bustillo-Aguirre, Joseph J Knapik; April 11, 2021; Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach; pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33920426

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

New from Hill People – The Traveler Duffel

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Hill Pople Gear just released the Traveler Duffel and it is cool. It combines a duffel with a compartment for separate compartment for sensitive items. Designed to accept a broken down AR-15, its use is as limited as your imagination.

Compartments:

Fully padded 25″x12.5″x4″ 1000d Cordura bottom compartment – velcro loop lined, two daisy chains for securing items, 4 velcro onewrap straps, plastic insert in very bottom, dual locking zipper pulls. Will fit up to a 16″ AR with LAW folder horizontally.

4″x12.5″x10.5″ zippered end compartment – dual zipper pull accessible

21″x12.5″x10.5″ main compartment – dual zipper panel opening secured with side release buckle

9″x21″ mesh slot pocket – located inside top panel with zippered closure

Dimensions:

Weight: 4.5 lb
Length: 25 in
Width: 12.5 in
Height: 14.5 in
Dimensional Volume: 4531.25 in3

Comparative Volume: 4850ci / 80L
Chassis Capacity: 200lbs

Offered in Black, Elk / black, and Manatee / black.

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Order yours at hillpeoplegear.com.

Posted in Load Carrying, Packs, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: General Purpose Pockets: Small, Medium, & Large

Friday, March 20th, 2026

FirstSpear’s SMALL, MEDIUM, & LARGE GENERAL PURPOSE POCKETS deliver durable, mission-ready storage designed to organize essential equipment without adding unnecessary bulk. Available in three sizes, these pouches provide scalable capacity to support a wide range of operational requirements. Each pocket integrates seamlessly using FirstSpear’s 6/9 and 6/12 attachment technologies for secure mounting on plate carriers, chest rigs, and packs. Built from rugged materials and manufactured in the USA, our General Purpose Pockets are engineered for demanding military and law enforcement environments.

The GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET, SMALL offers a compact storage solution ideal for items such as cell phones, GPS units, or other small mission-essential tools. Its streamlined footprint maintains a low profile while providing rapid access through a durable dual-zipper closure.

The GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET, MEDIUM increases carrying capacity while maintaining a flat, efficient design. Internal elastic retention and loop-lined pockets allow users to organize gear and keep critical items secure and accessible. A dual-zipper closure with an integrated G-Hook provides additional retention when required.

The GENERAL PURPOSE POCKET, LARGE provides maximum storage in the series and is built to manage larger equipment or multiple items. Internal organization, including a zippered mesh compartment, improves visibility and equipment management in the field. Dual-zipper access and a G-Hook closure ensure gear stays secure during movement.

Choose the size that fits your mission and upgrade your kit with reliable, purpose-built storage today at First-Spear.com.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

High Speed Gear Awarded United States Army Contract to Manufacture Advanced Drone Pouches

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

SWANSBORO, NC – March 17, 2026, High Speed Gear, a leader in American-made tactical load-carrying solutions, proudly announces it has been awarded a contract by the United States Army to produce specialized drone pouches designed to support modern unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations.

This contract comes as the Army accelerates the transition of frontline-inspired innovations into operational capability. Modular drone case systems, first developed by Soldiers through the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Dragon’s Lair innovation pipeline, are moving rapidly from experimentation to fielding under the Army’s streamlined procurement model.

Initial development was supported by the Airborne Innovation Lab, a collaboration between the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities DevelopmentCommand Army Research Laboratory and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute, which enables tactical experimentation and rapid prototyping with operational units to help turn Soldier-driven ideas into deployable solutions.

High Speed Gear’s drone pouches will serve as a trusted platform for securingand protecting small UAS assets across Army units, providing rugged, durable, and adaptable carrying solutions optimized for airborne and dismounted missions. Built with the same performance-driven philosophy that defines the HSGI brand, these pouches will enhance operational readiness and soldier efficiency on today’s dynamic battlefield.

Kip Guyon, CEO of High Speed Gear and former U.S. Army Officer, commented: “Supporting and equipping the United States Army is an honor, a privilege, and a responsibility we take seriously. Our team is dedicated to delivering rugged, dependable solutions that enhance readiness and protect the warfighters who protect all of us.

High Speed Gear looks forward to working closely with Army acquisition partners and innovation programs to deliver these critical drone pouch systems on schedule and at scale. This award builds on HSGI’s legacy of equipping U.S. and allied forces with battle-proven pouches and modular gear that support lethality, versatility, and mission success.

Over the past several years, High Speed Gear has intentionally expanded its manufacturing capacity, strengthened its supply chain, and invested in both people and technology to meet the growing demands of modern defense requirements. The company stands ready to support additional mission needs with the same discipline and precision that earned this award. As requirements evolve, the HSG team is prepared to scale, adapt, and deliver, not just as a manufacturer, but as a committed partner.

For inquiries, contact: Adam Garrison, Director of Gov Business Development: Adam.Garrison@highspeedgear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Drone, Load Carrying, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Tasmanian Tiger Expands Modular Load-Carrying System with New Chest Rig and Pack

Friday, March 13th, 2026

New TT Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 and Modular Chest Rig Pack deliver scalable, mission-ready versatility for military, law enforcement, and SWAT operators.

Knoxville, Tenn. (March 2026) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., announces the release of two new modular load-bearing solutions: the TT Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 and the TT Modular Chest Rig Pack. Designed to work together or independently, the new systems provide adaptable, low-profile load carriage for military, law enforcement, and SWAT missions.

Built around mission modularity, the TT Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 is a flat, lightweight chest rig featuring four fixed rifle magazine pouches and integrated compatibility with size M SAPI plates. The rig can be worn standalone, attached to plate carriers as a front panel, or combined with the new TT Modular Chest Rig Pack for expanded sustainment capability.

Constructed from CORDURA® 500 den with laser-cut MOLLE, the chest rig offers durability without excess bulk. Adjustable and removable shoulder padding, detachable side pouches, and replaceable main buckles allow operators to tailor the setup to their operational requirements. The rig also supports a tight shooting stance through optimized folding geometry and includes a removable 3D polymer pull tab for rapid magazine access.

The TT Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 weighs 1.9 lbs. (0.866 kg). It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $219. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $259.

To complement the front-mounted rig, Tasmanian Tiger introduces the TT Modular Chest Rig Pack, a low-profile backpack engineered to integrate directly with the TT Chest Rig 4xM4. The pack includes a dedicated plate compartment for size M SAPI panels and offers expandable storage from 12 to 20 liters, making it suitable for patrol, direction action, or extended operations.

The pack features a narrow main compartment, three fleece-lined front pockets with hook-and-loop organization, hydration compatibility, and internal zippered pockets for mission essentials. Included adapters allow the pack to be mounted to plate carriers or used as a back section on the TT Chest Rig MKII and MKII M4 systems, providing cross-platform compatibility within the Tasmanian Tiger ecosystem.

The TT Modular Chest Rig Pack measures 16.5x10x2.5 in. (42x25x6.5cm) with a 20-liter (1220 cubic inches) volume. It weighs in at 2.3 lbs. (1.04kg). It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $219. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $279.

Posted in Armor, Load Carrying, Packs, Press Release | No Comments »

Direct Action Presents the Core Assaulter Setup

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

Mission first. Gear second to none.

Direct Action introduces the Core Assaulter Setup – a reference configuration designed for frontline operators without a dedicated specialist role, operating in full kit under changing operational tempo. This setup is not a universal solution or the only correct configuration. It’s a reference built to demonstrate system logic, capability, and versatility: load carriage, access, control, and speed.

The setup can be stripped down for low-profile operations, expanded for longer missions, or adapted to unit SOPs and team standards. One principle remains constant: the gear works for the operator, not the other way around.

Built for Operational Tempo

The Core Assaulter Setup is designed for operators in environments where contact is real and situations can evolve beyond the original plan. Typical operations include buildings, vehicles, and confined spaces – often at night and under time pressure.

Mission scope includes:

Direct action (DA)

CQB entries and exits

Securing and searching

Detentions

Covering evacuations

Rapid transitions between mobility and static positions

When operational tempo increases, three factors become critical: time, predictability, and repeatability of movement. The setup allows operators to move naturally within the mission rhythm, without unnecessary adjustments, gear interference, or chaos.

System-Based Configuration

The Core Assaulter Setup is built around the SPITFIRE MK II Plate Carrier with a Rapid Access Cummerbund and Spitfire Cutaway System. Key elements include:

AR mag pouches

SPITFIRE Assault Panel on the back

Warhawk Modular Gun Belt MKII

Rope Bag as an additional operational element

Each component follows a clear placement logic: gear remains organized, accessible one-handed under stress (even with gloves), and stable even under heavy load. The setup is fully compatible with the Direct Action modular system, letting operators adapt their configuration depending on mission profile and operational requirements.

Direct Action: Individual-as-a-system Approach

Direct Action treats the operator’s loadout as a system, not a collection of unrelated products. Plate carriers, belts, panels, pouches, and accessories form a modular ecosystem configurable by mission, role, and environment.

Direct Action gear is designed, tested, and manufactured in Poland, based on real operational experience. The result: gear that supports movement, maintains order under stress, and performs reliably under extreme operational load.

A Reference, Not a Limitation

The Core Assaulter Setup represents one of many possible configurations. The same system can be adapted to create:

Lighter, low-profile setups
Heavier configurations for extended missions and increased load carriage

The goal is to demonstrate configuration logic and flexibility: what goes where, why it’s there, and how quickly it can be accessed. The rest is up to the operator.

Learn More

Discover the full Core Assaulter Setup and explore the modular system:
directactiongear.com/en/core-assaulter-setup

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Load Carrying, Press Release | 1 Comment »