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Archive for the ‘Mountaineering’ Category

Private Bloggins – Cobra vs. Raptor – Head to Head

Friday, April 4th, 2014

A 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:

AustriAlpin test

privatebloggins.ca/?p=977

Serket / Icelantic Skis – First Look

Monday, March 31st, 2014

Colorado-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.

HuntsmanPic

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.

HolyCrossPic

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

turtle_harness_01

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 VB

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.

www.32north.com

SOMA – CTOMS

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

The 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.

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There is also a side pocket for a rope protection sleeve.

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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.

www.CTOMS.ca

CTOMS – Dual Pattern TRACE Systems Rope

Monday, December 9th, 2013

TRACE rope

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.

www.ctoms.ca/home

Misty Mountain’s Cadillac Tactical Harness Now Available in MultiCam

Monday, October 28th, 2013

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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.

ISH Urban Belt and Ultralight Urban Leg Loops from Misty Mountain

Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

Misty Mountain

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.

www.MistyMountain.com