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Archive for the ‘Mountaineering’ Category

High Angle Solutions – CTOMS – Tac Climbing Gear – Sling Set

Wednesday, December 30th, 2015

TAC Climbing Gear Sling Set Complete Contents

The Tac Climbing Gear – Sling Set is designed as a solution to the rainbow climbing rack. Because color is a problem (see here), where CTOMS’ GREEN Kit includes subdued color anodized rock protection, carabiners and sling, it’s not always realistic to replace good expensive equipment prior to the end of its life cycle. A great interim solution is to use your rainbow cams, chocks and slings with the Tactical Climbing Gear – Sling Set.

This gear sling reduces color and noise signature with the multiple Climber’s Dump Pouches. The sling and padding component both incorporate PALS so that radios, chock tool holsters, even pistol holsters can be secured to the Gear Sling itself for light climbing configurations. If going heavier, the system can connect directly to an armored plate carrier PALS.

Tac Sling Set Complete v5

ctoms.ca

High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM, CTOMS, and Atlas Devices.

Lundhags – Husky Ski

Tuesday, December 29th, 2015

I remember first seeing Lundhags Ski March boots in the 80s-era Survival Aids catalogs from the UK. Lessons from the Falkland campaign were still fresh in their minds and keeping feet dry in cold-wet conditions was a particular onsession considering the unsuitability of issue footwear.

Lundhags still offers the same style of boot, slightly updated over the years. There are versions for 75mm bindings as well as for 87-91mm. In either case, they feature a Goodwell Ski Sole, Rubber Lowers incorporating EVA construction and TPU Plastic Toe Cap as well as Laced Leather Uppers with removable 5mm Wool Felt Linings. The last is designed so as to accommodate an additional layer of socks.

For those of you who are looking for similar construction without the touring ski compatibility, check out Lundhags’ Professional series.

www.lundhags.se/product-2/16318/husky_ski

High Angle Solutions – Atlas Devices – ATL (Atlas Tactical Ladder) System

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015

Today, we’re introducing a new company to the High Angle Solutions rotation, Atlas Devices, LLC. Atlas Devices is a world leader in tactical access for SOF. Look forward to future High Angle Solutions posts from Atlas, in addition to CTOMS and DMM.

ATL-RACC_Jumper_SSD_Med Res

ATL System Introduction

The Atlas Tactical Ladder system designed by Atlas Devices is an extremely versatile tool for SOF teams to increase their current tactical access capabilities while generating new ones never before possessed. The ATL System can be used for collapsible bridging, extended reach, weight reduction, ladder/bridge range increase, and more, in scenarios and locals including:

  • Urban Tactical Assault
  • Maritime Boarding
  • Rural Desert
  • Glacier
  • Fixed and Rotary Wing AIROPS
  • ATL Web Photo_Ladder_9919_Face Blur_Edited_Retina Display

    The core of the Atlas Tactical Ladder system is a rigid 7 ft collapsible ladder (P/N: ATL) weighing under 10 lbs. In addition to vertical climbing, the ATL can also safely bridge gaps with a 400 lb load. Its joint locking system can be set to auto-locking mode for rapid deployment or manual lock whisper mode for silent deployments. The collapsed profile can be packed within a torso dimension for ease of employment by all infiltration methods including MFF and AIE operations.

    ATL Web Photo_Bridge_9986_Face Blur_Edited_Retina Display

    The ATL has a suite of accessories that enhance the capability of the ATL by utilizing unique design features that integrate into the ATL core ladder/bridge system. All accessories are tool-less for rapid don/doff. Atlas Devices is currently finalizing safe working load ratings for a 15 ft bridge configuration of the ATL. Additional mission profiles and ATL capabilities that we’ll be highlighting in upcoming High Angle Solutions features include:

  • Litter / Hoisting / Drag
  • Confined Space
  • Structural Collapse
  • Disaster Response
  • VBSS / Pool Hooking
  • Rescue and TACEVAC
  • Stay tuned for more information.

    Atlas Tactical Ladder Introduction from Atlas Devices on Vimeo.

    Get the full Atlas Catalog here: atlasdevices.com/pdf/Atlas_Devices-2015_Catalog.pdf

    For more info visit www.atlasdevices.com or email sales@atlasdevices.com.

    High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM, CTOMS, and Atlas Devices.

    High Angle Solutions – DMM – DMM Carabiners

    Wednesday, December 16th, 2015

    DMM Carabiner

    DMM carabiners are available with a variety of different gate options for varying levels of security versus ease of opening. Below are all the options available to our users, beginning with simple screwgate all the way up to our Durolock gate mechanism, perfect for complex rigging scenarios where you require greatest peace of mind from accidental gate opening.

    www.dmmwales.com

    High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM and CTOMS.

    High Angle Solutions – CTOMS – Prodigy Pulley

    Wednesday, December 9th, 2015

    Prodigy Micro Pulley Size Comparison

    We first told you about the Prodigy Pulley at last year’s SOMA Conference. Back then CTOMS only had prototypes and called it by its development name, the Piccolo. The name was changed to reflect its impressive capabilities for such an unassuming, tiny device. Note the size comparison to a quarter in the picture, then consider the robust performance in the specs. This little guy is a game changer for micro-hauling systems, and while it is the standard pulley in CTOMS TRACE Systems kits, it will work with any rope up to 9mm. Ideal for crevasse rescue systems and ski guides.

    The Prodigy was designed to accommodate three DMM Phantom Screw Gate carabiners in the eye, thus allowing it to be used as a carriage on a guiding line or high line using TRACE Systems. It uses a sealed bearing as opposed to a bushing that is typical in pulleys of similar size. What that does is create an efficiency of about 95% compared to about 75% in similar sized pulleys. Weighing in at only 1.5 oz. (43g) it has a strength rating of 24kN, or 5395 lbs of Force.

    Prodigy Micro Pulley Alternate Views

    During the pull testing to determine its strength rating, the failure points were the small ball bearings pushing through the sheave and cutting the rope at high forces (all above 27kN or 6070 lbs. or Force – the 24kN is a 3 Sigma rating). It was theorized that with lighter loads, it may decrease the pulley’s efficiency due to the small bearings indenting the inside of the sheave. So it was tested to determine strength deterioration after loads were applied. A peak load of 8.7kN was applied to the pulley and efficiency tested without any efficiency loss at all.

    Detailed performance specs include:

  • Strength: 24 kN Rating, 18 kN Tangential Rating (side pull on the eye);
  • 95% Efficiency: (tested with 6 mm TRACE Systems rope and a 100 kg load);
  • No efficiency reduction after loading of 8.7 kN;
  • ~9 mm rope (If you’re using it with other than TRACE Systems);
  • Triple carabiner eye accepts up to 3 carabiners (DMM Phantom Screw Gate) for use on a high-line, etc;
  • Lightweight: 43 grams.
  • ctoms.ca

    High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM and CTOMS.

    Sneak Peek – Arc’teryx Procline Ski Alpinism Boots

    Tuesday, December 8th, 2015

    At Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in August I heard rumors of an upcoming Ski March Boot from the commercial side of Arc’teryx. The result is the new Procline unveiled this week in Vancouver to members of the ski press.

     

    It may be of some interest to military customers simply due to the Bird’s reputation. The boot is intended for use not only skiing but also walking on rock and ice. For instance, the toe is designed specifically for use with crampons.  Additionally, you can “unlock” the cuff , allowing for walking.

    Offered in European sizing in several models for both Men and Women:
    Procline Carbon Lite – 1190 gr, size 27.5
    Procline Carbon Support – 1260 gr, size 27.5 (Exact same shell, liner with more ski performance)
    Procline Men’s Lite – 1190 gr, size 27.5 (Carbon infused cuff plastic, no carbonfiber cuff)
    Procline Men’s Support – 1260 gr, size 27.5 (Infused cuff, liner with more ski performance)

    Procline Women Lite – 1060 gr, size 25.5 (Carbon infused cuff plastic, no fiber, sizes from 23 to 27.5, exact same shell as “Men’s” with a liner shaped for differences in women’s leg shapes)
    Procline Women Support – 1120 gr size 25.5 (Same as above with ski support liner)

    Look for additional imformation during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in just a few weeks.

    High Angle Solutions – CTOMS – RED Kit

    Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015

    Red Kit - Special Operations Capable (SOC) Kit Contents

    We’ve posted about TRACE Systems before, mostly in broad terms, or focusing on the basic capabilities. This week we’re featuring the RED Kit, the flagship kit of TRACE Systems, which is essentially the professional level, comprehensive capability kit. This kit will allow a trained individual to perform more high angle functions than any other comparable system at a fraction of the weight and pack volume. And the icing on the cake is that there is actual test data supporting the capabilities and limitations to ensure usage within safe parameters.

    The RED Kit allows full rescue systems, including two person loads (with advanced training) such as pick-offs, lowers and raises. Consider high angle urban or mountain environments, collapsed structure or confined space rescue, marine interdiction, even climbing with the addition of intermediate anchors (sold separately). The kit provides a significant expansion of a SOF team’s capability with a minimal weight footprint.

    Red Kit - Special Operations  Capable (SOC) Kit Complete Contents

    The kit can be scaled up or down mission dependent, and on average, for a mere 4.5 lbs, can give a team a capability that allows 150 feet of egress, tactical positioning, casualty rescue and evacuation and climbing.

    ctoms.ca

    High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM and CTOMS.

    High Angle Solutions – DMM – BAT Plates

    Wednesday, November 25th, 2015

    bat plate m CSD

    Developed with professionals in the rescue industry, DMM’s range of rigging plates integrates design, performance and strength. CNC machined from aluminum alloy which is then heat treated to make DMM’s Bat Plates super strong, surprisingly light and incredibly versatile. The ‘Bat’ shape minimizes height loss in complex rigging scenarios, while generous radii allow direct attachment of textiles, ropes and connectors.

    tech specs

    www.dmmwales.com

    High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM and CTOMS.