CTOMS has just announced their new Dual Pattern TRACE Systems rope. As the name would imply, the rope features two patterns, which allows the user to quickly find center rope in addition to being able to log use based on rope side/pattern. TRACE rope will be stocked in 30m, 46m, and 60m lengths. Available immediately for custom order, TRACE rope will be in stock starting early January.
I’m looking forward to catching up with CTOMS at this year’s SOMA.
Misty Mountain Threadworks has begun offering a MultiCam hybrid Cadillac Tactical climbing harness for military and tactical climbers looking for a comfortable, durable, lightweight harness for climbing and rappelling. The Cadillac Tactical was chosen by the US Army for the new SOF Squad Mountain Leader Kit. It features double buckle adjustability and adjustable leg loops. Four gear loops are load rated to prevent premature failure, and leg loops feature strong auto-block loops for rappel backup. Wide, padded waist belt and leg loops and comfortable Misty Mountain design make this harness suitable for extended hang time. The Cadillac Tactical has passed requirements for the UIAA Safety Label and is rated to 15 kN. Contact Goose Kearse – goose@mistymountain.com – if you have questions or would like to purchase the Cadillac Tactical in MultiCam hybrid, or in solid colors Coyote Brown or Black.
Misty Mountain Cadillac Tactical climbing harness is designed and made in the USA exclusively by Misty Mountain Threadworks, Inc., and Berry Amendment Compliant.
Misty Mountain has some new lightweight climbing gear that is finding some fans. The ISH Urban Belt and Ultralight Urban Leg Loops in MultiCam provide a low profile, scalable, integrated personal protection system that’s popular with PJs and SF operators for use in in rotary wing aircraft. The ISH Urban Belt features a quick release bayonet style AustriAlpin Cobra buckle. The 3,000 lbs rated belt has a clean Velcro tail closure, side gear loop and Velcro Fi-Fi hook tab, along with front and dorsal reinforced attachment loops. The belt is comprised of dual layer MultiCam pattern woven 1.75” nylon webbing sandwiched around HDPE for stiffness. When matched with the ISH Ultralight Urban Leg Loops, the harness is rated to 3,600 lbs (16 kN). The leg loops feature lightweight MultiCam pattern woven 2” nylon webbing with side auto-block loops and quick release AustriAlpin 1” buckles, and weigh in at a scant 7.8 oz. Utilizing the included auto lock carabiner, the leg loops can be mounted around the waist until needed, and then quickly deployed. Developed by Misty Mountain and a retired USAF PJ, ISH is the name for the Integrated Stealth Harness which also includes the ISH Chest Harness and ISH Tethers. Selected by USSOCOM for inclusion in the TCCC CASEVAC Extraction system, ISH is Made in the USA exclusively by Misty Mountain.
The EdgePro™ provides a light weight and compact solution for rope edge protection. Moldable to edge shapes with ToughTek backing helps keep the EdgePro™ in place. Grommets at the corners allow for daisy chaining together or securing to prevent it from falling. Padded buffers on the sides prevent the rope from slipping off. SuperFabric® swatch on the rope track provide an excellent friction free surface for the running rope while adding significant durability to prevent the rope from burning through.
Once again, CTOMS introduces a product designed specifically designed for military mountaineering applications.
The newest addition to their TRACE™ (Tactical Rope Access & Confined Extraction) Systems line is the Silver Kit, the Tactical Assault Climber’s Gear Loop Kit designed for use with the M-HARNESS but also compatible with any 1-3/4″ belt (riggers belt). Btw, we hear CTOMS has new M-HARNESS designs and accessories in the works
They’ve already demonstrated that commercially colored gear will highlight a climber on a wall. Like other CTOMS TRACE™ Systems, the new Silver Kit is offered in MultiCam.
Check out the full data sheet here.
Earlier this year I attended a military mountaineering seminar. One of the issues mentioned was the lack of specialized mountain and ski boots for military applications. Then, at OR just a few weeks ago, I was introduced to some folks at Scarpa who have been building specialized footwear for various international military units.
The SCARPA Defender is an alpine touring boot based on the F1 concept and designed for the demands of high-mountain skiing and climbing. The Defender features a shell, cuff, and tongue made from 100% Pebax, a high performance thermoplastic elastomer. It also incorporates a Tour Lite Tech (TLT) binding system, and uses a Cordura liner. Available in Euro sizes 41-47, the Defender’s product code is 12156/551-Blk-(size). Last but not least, notice the color scheme.
There are two types of rope; Dynamic Kern Mantle that is used for climbing and stretches to absorb the energy of a fall and Static which is used for rescue work, rappelling and hauling because there is little to no stretch.
Search and Rescue teams constantly demand that industry push the envelope, balancing size and weight of ropes with performance. Sterling offers the TechStatic line to satisfy these requirements. It incorporates Technora offering increased abrasion, cut and heat resistance.
TechStatic offers three different diameters as standard ropes. From right to left, the largest is a 9.5mm called the Tactical Response which offers 27kn of strength. Basically, the same strength as a more traditional 11mm rope. Next is the 7.5mm. It’s a 25kn rope utilizing 100% Technora fibers and integrates perfectly with the F4 escape system. That’s a mini evacuation or access system. It’s often used by Snipers to get in and out of remote hides. Finally, the 6mm rope is used when space and weight are at a premium. Offering 15.5kn, you still get a 10-to-1 safety advantage.
All of the Sterling ropes are offered in various color schemes. Additionally, Sterling has a more extensive line of ropes for more specialized applications. All Strerling Rope Co ropes are Made in USA.
We’ve covered most of Salewa’s boot offering in the past so we thought it would be cool to mention a couple of their shoes.
New for Spring 14, the Ramble is Italian made with Italian leather and the new cutting edge Gore-tex Surround Membrane. This offers something never seen before; a waterproof breathable sole. The membrane is protected by a Kevlar mesh weave.
You’ll definitely see some Mountain DNA in the Ramble GTX, but it’s a casual shoe. There’s lacing to toe, I can’t believe that they are offering an Italian made shoe with Italian leather and a Gore membrane for only $149 retail. Amazing!
Redesigned for 2014, the four-year-old Firetail was Salewa’s tech approach shoe. They’ve lightened it a bit and updated to the new three-piece insole. Offered in Gore-tex and non-Gore-tex models in two colorschemes each.
-Laurice Graves
Laurice is a Navy Veteran who serves as Den Mother to the SSD crew and provides trade show coverage.
