Wilcox BOSS Xe

Archive for the ‘Multicam’ Category

Quiet Loop Released In Time For SHOT Show

Monday, January 9th, 2012

Already in use on several issue military uniforms, Quiet Loop is being officially released just in time for SHOT Show. Take a look at this video to get an idea of what it’s all about.

Developed by Propel LLC, a woman owned small business which has bee instrumental in military textiles, Quiet Loop is already integrated into SOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform Levels 9 and 6 in the AOR1, AOR2 and MultiCam patterns. Based on increasing demand, Propel has now expanded manufacturing capacity for new DOD and tactical customers. Quiet Loop was developed in close collaboration with the US Army Natick Research, Design and Engineering Center and Propel was even awarded an Army funded R&D contract for this work. Natick tested the Propel product and their field testing has demonstrated how quiet it is. In fact, we’ve heard audio files collected during testing and it’s amazing how much more quiet it is than standard hook and loop configurations. Additionally, Quiet Loop exhibits great NIR and camouflage print definition which, when combined with the audio signature advances, contributes to an enhanced overall signature management effort.

Propel stocks Quiet Loop in Multicam VS, and with their unique printing process they can rapidly develop and print any other pattern with small minimums. At SHOT Show you’ll see Quiet Loop in the PenCott family of camouflage patterns from Hyde Definition and in new camouflage patterns from Orion Design Group.

Propel was founded in 2006 and is involved in multiple R&D efforts for enhanced Soldier and Firefighter protection. They also work with D3O, the UK impact protection technology that is also used in Level 9 PCU, and developed and manufacture the US Army’s FR Ghillie Yarn Accessory Kit among several other cool projects. If the project requires the development of a new military textile, Propel is most likely involved.

www.propel-llc.com

New Eyepro from Smith Optics

Friday, January 6th, 2012

At SHOT Show 2012 Smith Optics Elite Division is officially unveiling a couple of new eyeshields in a line called Aegis which denotes the lens type. The Aegis Arc and Aegis Arc Compact share similar geometries but the Compact model is naturally a little smaller to accommodate smaller faces. One of the most exciting things about the Aegis line is the innovative PivLock Lens Interchange Technology that allows for fast lens exchange.

Additionally, the Aegis Echo is designed specifically for those wearing helmet and headset combinations. It features ultrathin moldable temples that hug close to the head but don’t make it feel like you’re being squeezed in a vice.

One major announcement is the frames are MultiCam. It seems odd, but Smith is the first company to offer production eyepro with MutliCam frames. This isn’t just about looks. While they’re going to do a better job of blending in to the wearer’s overall ensemble, Smith Optics delivers performance as well. They combine Tapered Lens Technology to make sure what you see is optically correct with full UV protection in addition to meeting US Standard MIL-PRF-31013, ANSI Z87.1-2003 and EN 166 standards.

Additionally, the Aegis Eyeshield is exclusive to Tactical Assault Gear at SHOT Show.

Smith Optics Elite Division will be in booth #7310 at SHOT Show.

elite.smithoptics.com

Vertx Smock Available for Order

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

We covered the new Vertx smock pretty well already. The big news here is that it is now available for order. In MultiCam size Small – 2XLarge.

Get yours at www.wearvertx.com.

Altberg Leaning Forward In The Foxhole

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Anticipating a wholesale switch to brown boots for the UK military in order to blend in better with their new MultiCam-based pattern Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP), specialist cobbler Altberg boots has introduced several of their models in brown. For example, here is the Bergen, one of their rough terrain models.

www.altberg.co.uk

Beating The Cold So It Doesn’t Beat YouADS Inc

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Earlier this winter, the Army released ALARACT 382/2011 : COLD WEATHER INJURY PREVENTION FOR 2011 FALL/WINTER SEASON.

In particular, the Army directs commanders to prevent Cold Weather Injuries (CWI). According to the ALARACT CWI include:

– Injuries due to decreased temperature (hypothermia, frostbite, nonfreezing cold injury)
Injuries due to heaters (e.g., burns from fire, etc.)
– Carbon monoxide poisoning
– Accidents due to impaired physical and mental function resulting from cold stress

According the Army, during the 2010 – 2011 cold season, there were 306 CWI reported among Soldiers: 38-cases of hypothermia, a life-threatening condition, and 162-cases of frostbite, which can lead to amputations.

The Army has long relied on keyword COLD to aid Soldiers in preventing CWI. In fact, while it’s not spelled out this way, the basic principles find their way into the ALARACT.
C is for “cleanliness and care — feet, socks and clothing are warmer when clean.”
O is for overheating — don’t overdress — you’ll perspire and become cold.
L is for “layers and looseness — loose layers allows air spaces to hold body heat,” Also adjust for comfort in order improve circulation and insulation.
D is for dampness — wet garments are cold — repel water, and if you get wet, change to dry clothing.
-Extracted from GTA 8-6-12

Reviewing the Army’s concerns, the first and last CWI can definitely be mitigated through the proper use of keyword C-O-L-D. But, the Army has also developed a couple of cold weather clothing ensembles like Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) Gen III and Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE) that make taking care of yourself a lot easier.

Both are scalable systems designed to allow the Soldier to configure his clothing for the environment. ECWCS Gen III is designed for use by ground troops while FREE was developed for use by vehicle and armor crews. Consequently, it is FR, just as its name implies. Both systems are available in standard issue UCP or in OCP for use in Afghanistan. And, both systems are provided to the US Army by ADS, Inc.

For in-depth information on ECWCS Gen III visit www.adsinc.com/blog/industry-news-and-events/environmental-clothing-systems and FREE visit www.adsinc.com/blog/industry-news-and-events/free-%E2%80%93-keeping-you-warm-in-spite-of-the-heat

Unfortunately, injuries are a risk of military service, but many can be prevented. CWI fall into that category. For more information on CWI visit phc.amedd.army.mil.

www.adsinc.com/solutions/clothing-programs

Firestorm Combat Shirt from ICE Tactical

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

About a year ago we introduced the Firestorm Combat Shirt from ICE Tactical to you. We were able to purchase one from GSS. We have to tell you, this is one seriously nice combat shirt. Consider this. It’s FR, it’s printed completely in MultiCam, and it’s currently $99 from ICE Tactical. Read our write up. Everything still applies. It’s comfortable, roomy considering that it’s a combat shirt and well made.

www.icetactical.com

New Garmin 401 Kit from 215 Gear

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

215 Gear is offering a great deal on a kit consisting of the Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS and their updated carrying pouch.

The waterproof Foretrex 401 is a big improvement over the original 101 boasting the addition of an electronic compass and barometric altimeter. The pouch is available in MultiCam and Coyote and can be worn on the forearm or attached to your stock. Additionally, it features a removable flap to protect from damage and guard against a light AD from your GPS.

215gearstore.com/gpspouchand401kit

New Kifaru Woobie Image

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Since apparently guys wearing jeans can’t use woobies, Kifaru has succumbed to pressure from those who won’t buy anything from them anyway and put up a new photo of the excellent reversible MultiCam to Coyote Woobie.

Woobies rock. Get yours at and send us a photo of you using it while wearing jeans. We’ll reward you with an SSD morale patch.

kifaru.net/woobie