SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘Mountaineering’ Category

High Angle Solutions – Helix Tactical

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017

During DSEI, one of the companies we met up with was Helix Tactical which was created from Wales-based, mountaineering equipment manufacturer DMM’s tactical line. Here is an introduction to that brand. In future High Angle Solutions submissions we’ll examine their gear.


Helix Tactical has been set up as a specialist company to supply advice, equipment, systems and training to the tactical end user. We have been established to focus on vertical access, climbing and technical rescue in the tactical and military domain covering urban, mountain and maritime environments.

We can help teams to build bespoke systems that will allow them to climb, rig, ascend, descend and haul on vertical terrain whether that is establishing an access point on top of a sea cliff or allowing operators to set up an OP on high ground.

Our catalogue can be viewed online at helixtactical.com
Contact us: +44(0) 1286 873583
Email: ryan@dmmwales.com

High Angle Solutions is a weekly series of articles focusing on military mountaineering solutions. It’s brought to you by UK-based Brigantes Consulting, in conjunction with several other brands, both here in the US and abroad. This week, it’s Helix Tactical.

High Angle Solutions – Katadyn BeFree

Wednesday, December 13th, 2017

Katadyn BeFree

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With the BeFree™ Filter, you no longer have to worry about where your next drink will come from. Just fill up the flask and let the EZ-Clean Membrane™ do the work. Gently squeeze the flask for instant refreshment. Maintain the EZ-Clean Membrane™ quickly and easily for longer life and more enjoyment. Simply fill the flask with water, attach the cover and shake free the debris. Or, remove the filter from the flask and swish in any lake, river or stream. And when you’re ready to “hit the road,” the collapsible flask packs small to fit into tight spaces. Just Smash, Stash and Go! Worry less, Discover more, BeFree.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6ePp-1Dcj4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb8LPW6HjT0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu1vXsYpjjI

High Angle Solutions is a weekly series of articles focusing on military mountaineering solutions. It’s brought to you by UK-based Brigantes Consulting, in conjunction with several other brands, both here in the US and abroad. For example, this post on the Katadyn BeFree was offered by Lyon Outdoor.

High Angle Solutions – Montane Tactical Clothing

Wednesday, December 6th, 2017

Thanks to a great meeting with Brigantes Consulting at DSEI, the High Angle Solutions series is back!

Montane, one of the UK’s leading outdoor clothing brands, is launching a tactical range for February 2018. Focused on a technical European outdoor fit the range will cover all layers and will be based on the award winning designs of Montane. The product team has worked closely with the military specialists at Brigantes to combine decades of experience in both technical garments and expeditionary warfare to provide a focused range that is intended to be used for long range light role operations.

The initial launch will see a focus on six pieces which will include trousers, mid layer, insulation and soft shell. All the pieces are intended to be usable alongside climbing hardware and load carriage. Contact tribe@brigantes.com for more information and a workbook.

High Angle Solutions is a weekly series of articles focusing on military mountaineering solutions. It’s brought to you by UK-based Brigantes Consulting, in conjunction with several other brands, both here in the US and abroad.

Arc’teryx Releases Advisory Notice for Both 20L and 30L Voltair Avalanche Airbags

Tuesday, December 5th, 2017

We just received this note from Arc’teryx.

Today, Arc’teryx is announcing an advisory notice for both 20L and 30L Voltair Avalanche Airbags.

Our quality control team has recently discovered an issue with our battery which affects its proper deployment at extremely cold temperatures due to an unanticipated change during battery production. This change impacts the proper deployment of the airbag when the battery is exposed to temperatures below -20°C (-4°F). Due to this change, we are revising the minimum operating temperature limit for Voltair Airbags from -30°C (-22°F) to -20°C (-4°F). No other parts of the Voltair Airbag have been affected by this change.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. With the newly stated temperature limit of -20°C (-4°F), we are confident the airbag is still a great solution for your backcountry adventures.

You have two options:

Option 1 – Keep my pack.
If you wish to continue using your Voltair Airbag, understanding the revised minimum operating temperature of -20°C (-4°F), we request that you submit an online warranty form, sign a release form and receive instructions to relabel your pack. To compensate you, we will send you an arcteryx.com Gift Card for $250CAD ($200USD/22,240JPY) good for two years upon receipt.

Option 2 – Return my pack.
If you are not satis ed with the revised minimum operating temperature of -20°C (-4°F), Arc’teryx will offer you a full refund. To compensate you, we will send you an arcteryx.com Gift Card for $250CAD ($200USD/22,240JPY) good for two years upon receipt.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact our customer service team at 1-866-458-2473.

Team Wendy – M-216 SKI SAR Helmet Update

Wednesday, November 1st, 2017

Team Wendy prepares M-216 SKI SAR helmets for shipment against pre-orders and they continue to track towards a mid-November web and distributor launch.

Visit www.teamwendy.com/adventure for additional information on the M-216.

DSEI 17 – Helix Introduces The Suppressed Carabiner

Tuesday, September 12th, 2017

First off, I need to inform you that DMM has spun off their tactical lines to form Helix. Same great manufacturing, same great service, just a new name and a laser focus on the military and tactical customer’s needs.

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Now, on to the new Suppressed Carabiner. Like it’s name suggests, it has a lower noise signature than a standard carabiner thanks to a design which forges channels in the aluminum to leave room for a polymer overmould. In fact, it’s the same elastolam PU material used on their ice axe handles. Not only does this rubber-like substance dampen the sound when it bangs against rocks and metal, even the gate is quieter. Additionally, the material makes it easier to keep a hold on. The barrel is even moulded and works as an antivibration gate.

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This is a full strength connector, handling up to 24 kN. Look for it by 2nd Qtr of CY 2018.

www.helixtactical.com

www.brigantes.com

CTOMS At DSEI

Friday, September 8th, 2017

CTOMS will be showcasing TRACE Systems and their new modular tactical pack system at DSEI. If you’re attending they will be at the DMM/Helix Tactical Booth. High angle demonstrations will take place at the Beaver Fit tower in the adjacent booth.

CTOMS – TRACE Systems Training

Thursday, September 7th, 2017

Weight of equipment is often the deciding factor to determine if it is carried on an operation or not. Traditionally, rope systems are only carried when the primary mission requires them. Contingency requirements often aren’t justification enough for the extra gear. Not bringing certain equipment alters mission capability and limits the versatility of a team, including increasing risk. This leaves teams to solve high angle and confined space access, egress and rescue problems with improvisation, often without success or at extreme risk. Sometimes capabilities need to be discrete. Sometimes they need to be fast, simple and efficient. And they should always be safe.

Traditional rope systems are heavy and complex. We’ve set out to change all that. TRACE Systems is the world’s smallest and lightest comprehensive capability micro-rope system.

We are offering a 3-day course, which includes the following content exclusively with TRACE Systems:
TRACE Systems anchoring principals and systems;
Rappelling, single and two person loads;
Ascending;
Lowering systems;
Hauling systems;
Guiding lines;
Bridging/high lines (w/ reeve);
Single & two rescuer systems operations; and
Given enough interest early on, we can add an additional day of climbing systems. Please note your interest when registering.

This course is ideal for professionals interested in lightening their load while maintaining high angle capabilities and acceptable safety factors. Ideal for tactical team high angle operations, SAR, covert insertion, marine interdiction, and anywhere equipment weight and bulk in a high angle environment is a concern.

Who: Military, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, etc. (the system is not for recreational use)
Where: Los Angeles, CA, LASD SEB
When October 4 to 6, 2017 0800 – 1700
Cost: $500 USD
Equipment Rental Fee: $75 USD
Booking: email training@ctoms.ca