It’s Dave Reeder of Recoil magazine sporting a KCRF T-shirt as he negotiates the glacier of the Mer de Glace in Chamonix, France during the recent Arc’teryx LEAF Media Camp.
Archive for the ‘Mountaineering’ Category
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up – The Alps
Sunday, June 29th, 2014Forces Focus – Pararescue in Iceland 2014
Friday, June 6th, 2014Guardian Angel (GA) is a US Air Force, non-aircraft, equipment-based weapon system. GA is organized into nine specific capabilities: Prepare, Mission Plan, Insert, Movement, Actions on Objective, Medically Treat, Extract, Reintegrate, and Adapt.
These nine capabilities are supported by a family of nine acquisition systems: precision aerial insertion, information management, force application/personal protection, visual augmentation, maritime, ground mobility, technical rescue, medical, and Survival EvasionResistance and Escape (SERE). The sum of these capabilities and acquisitions support the PR execution tasks of report, locate, support, recover, and reintegrate.
This equipment-based weapons system is employed by Combat Rescue Officers, Pararescuemen, and SERE Specialists and enabled by uniquely trained combat support personnel.
Recently, a GAWS team deployed to Iceland. This is their experience.
Exoskel
Monday, April 7th, 2014
Exoskel was developed for when proper climbing technique is superseded by the need for fast and low profile scrambling. Exoskel assists the user to rapidly ascend and negotiate obstacles, whilst offering enhanced stabilization and lower limb protection. The Exoskel features rows of teeth which lock on to terrain and lift the user via a stirrup system up and over obstacles.
The Exoskel system can also assist the operator by:
– Stabilizing the firing or anchor position on irregular terrain
– Acting as a shin protector – injury prevention
– Perpetrator restraint
– Functioning as a Close Quarter Battle tool
Exoskel guards hold in excess of 1000 lbs, yet weigh only 1.1 lbs each. They are Berry Compliant, and are made from high specification specialty engineering grade Polyamide which is high impact, puncture, UV, hydrolysis, and flame resistant – UL94 VO rated.
Private Bloggins – Cobra vs. Raptor – Head to Head
Friday, April 4th, 2014A while back, CTOMS, through their Private Bloggins site, posted an article featuring self testing of the Raptor buckle in order to determine if it was a suitable replacement for the AustriAplin Cobra buckles in use on their X-belts and M-harnesses.
Recently, they’ve written a follow up to that original round of testing. This time, instead of conducting their own comparative testing, they posted the results of a study conducted by independent testing company TÜV SÜD at the request of AustriAlpin. AustriAlpin supplied 5 Cobra and Raptor buckles of each size for evaluation; the Raptor buckles were sourced by 3rd parties from online suppliers of the buckles.
Through the testing results, it was determined that Raptor Buckles bend and brake consistently below the direct pull stamped rating. Those interested in viewing TÜV SÜD’s test results can view them by clicking the image below:
Serket / Icelantic Skis – First Look
Monday, March 31st, 2014Colorado-based companies Serket USA and Icelantic have partnered up to create two custom ski models designed for military use. The two models, the Huntsman and Holy Cross, are handmade in Colorado of mostly American materials. The two exceptions are the metal edges, only available from Austria, and the rubberfoil only comes from Japan.
The skis are lightweight and feature two distinct dimensions and side cut radii with arctic digital camouflage top sheets. Both skis feature wider shovels and overall platforms that can more effectively support a Soldier and gear providing efficiency and flotation in rough or untracked snow.
The Serket-Icelantic skis have been down selected by the Marine Corps Arctic Warfare Team and are currently undergoing testing in the Sierras at the MCMWTC.
More information on the USA made Serket-Icelantic skis will be available on the Serket website soon – www.serketusa.com.
You can email info@serketusa.com for more information.
CTOMS – Turtle’s Harness
Friday, February 21st, 2014
The Turtle’s Harness from CTOMS is a MOLLE plate carrier integrated chest harness system that creates a mid-chest attachment point for hoisting and high angle work. Fully compatible with the CTOMS M-Harness, the Turtle’s Harness raises the attachment point, significantly mitigating the potential of inverting, especially when wearing a heavy pack. It’s designed so that it integrates behind any pouches on the plate carrier, so as to not impede access or disrupt and/or crush contents such as radios and ammunition.
Available in Black and Coyote Brown.
ctoms.ca/products/turtles-harness
OR – 32 North Introduces New Military Boot Compatible STABILicers
Thursday, January 30th, 2014
32 North has introduced new versions of their popular STABILicers that fit Vapor Barrier (VB or Bunny) Boots, Mukluks and issue combat boots, including cold weather models. These are critical for areas with ice, helping you stay on your feet.
These new models are available for unit and agency purchase exclusively through ADS.
SOMA – CTOMS
Wednesday, December 18th, 2013The Trace Systems Rope Bag is often called the ‘Magic Rope Bag’ because it makes a rope disappear into the bag so quickly. There are many rope bags on the market with integrated skirts out there but they are all pretty big. This bag is made from MultiCam 70D nylon along with a solid colored skirt.
There is also a side pocket for a rope protection sleeve.
Although it is not yet on the site as a stand alone product, it can be specified as a component of the Trace lots or purchased alone.
