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Spotted at IDEX, MultiCam Trainers

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

We recently received a few photos of even more MultiCam goodness from Magnum USA. Oddly enough, they were taken by a reader who was attending IDEX in Abu Dhabi, UAE. You see? You just can’t escape the awesomeness of MultiCam, no matter where you flee. While he provided photos of three different models we are only going to share one with you right now.

We did see a couple of models of MultiCam trainers at SHOT Show but they weren’t exactly parading them about. As we understand it, they are all currently undergoing trials in bad places and once Magnum receives some solid feedback from the field they will work the final prototypes for formal unveiling at SHOT Show 2012. We have seen the future and it is MultiCam.

For those of you who can’t wait and want Magnum Boots now, visit www.magnumboots.com.

Thanks to our intrepid reader who sent us this sneak peek into the future of footwear.

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Kick Ass Caps

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Have you ever found yourself looking for classic military cap styles in modern camo patterns? Well, some of you may have but I bet after seeing these most of you will want them too. Slangvel, a disabled US Army vet who later went on to work for the Veterans Administration hand crafts various styles of military caps. Many camo and militaria collectors will recognize the significance of the name. The term Slangvel is Afrikaans for snake skin and was used to used to refer to SADF para smocks which featured texturised nylon elbow patches.

Slangvel currently manufactures M43-styles, Bigeards, Recce Hats, 2″ Brim Boonie Hats, Berets, and Rhodesian Kepis. Currently, all offerings are made via eBay as they come off the line so you have to check back regularly to ascertain available styles and patterns. Word is that Slangvel will undertake commissions in patterns he does not stock if you can supply the fabric. Additional charges may apply.

Two weeks ago I ordered a MultiCam M43-style as well as a MultiCam and AOR2 Recce Hats. Overall, craftsmanship is excellent and the patterning follows the original caps. Stitching is flawless. The M43 fits like a glove and had the perfect crumple right out of the box. The Recce Hat is a Short Brimmed Boonie with shock cord cinch strap, Crye Boonie-style slash air vents with mesh lining and a Day-Glo Orange signal panel sewn into the crown that pulls double duty as a pocket. I can’t say enough good things about these caps.

Those interested in his services should visit Slangvel on eBay. myworld.ebay.com/slangvel

He has also asked me to provide his email address for those interested in custom work. graywolf47@comcast.net

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Posted in Camo, Clothing, Multicam | 1 Comment »

Military Wraps May Mask More Than Just Color – Updated

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Even though the Army issued guidance last year on how to paint rifles in order to better blend in to the environment, it seems that the practice just isn’t that wide spread. One reason may be that it is so difficult to restore the weapons to inspection order. Another issue is that the guidance was only issued for rifles and carbines and not for the myriad of other weapons that find themselves on the battlefield. UPDATE: In fact, we have recently heard that there are no plans to authorize painting of additional weapons.

For the past two years, Military Wraps has produced MW Gripz. They are die-cut applique kits that can be applied at the operator level to various individual weapons. The material is also available in sheets that can be cut to shape as needed. Additionally, the non-marring material leaves no residue when removed. As you can see from the photo below, they do a great job of breaking up the visual signature of small arms.

But there’s more. During a recent demonstration, it was noted that weapons covered on MW Gripz didn’t emit a significant thermal signature. In fact, it appeared to be about half that of unprepared weapons. Based on this, Military Wraps has secured lab time in order to determine exactly how much Grips mask the weapon’s IR signature. We look forward to their report and will pass on what we find out. In the interim, MW Grips can be applied and removed repeatedly with no damage to the weapon not additional cleaning requirement. It is important to note that the current versions of Gripz is designed for use with weapons that are employed in the semi automatic role, a new version is on the way that can take the increased heat of sustained automatic fire.

Updated: Military Wraps shared these photos with us of a few weapons wrapped in the Gripz technology. As you can see, the MultiCam (oops, OCP) makes a big difference. Additionally, an evaluation by a military unit came in over the weekend from Afghanistan stated that while a single kit is designed cover two carbines it could also easily be adapted for use with other weapons. Additionally, the break up of the weapon’s outline was significant in both daylight conditions as well as under night vision devices.

MW Gripz are available in a variety of patterns and can be manufactured using to match the operational environment. For more information visit www.militarywraps.com.

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EOD Warrior

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Yes, this is essentially gear pr0n, but it gives you an idea of what the best dressed EOD techs are wearing and how they are equipped; with ZERO POINT kit naturally. This particular specimen was found in the ADS Inc booth at SHOT Show. We’ve reviewed a couple of bits of bits and pieces from Zero Point in the past and this post serves as a great teaser for a couple of upcoming articles featuring even more kit you can’t live without, whether you are EOD, or not.

www.zeropointusa.com and don’t forget, all ZERO POINT products can be purchased through ADS.

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Granite Gear Tactical 2011

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

We met up with Granite Gear at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and had an opportunity to check out their tactical line. They’ve always got lots of cool products in the works. This past year they concentrated on developing products for the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) solicitation so there are a bunch of new medical products coming out. They are featured on pages 6 – 8. The DA-Med Pack in particular is well thought out and features the most innovative use of translucent cubic material we have seen yet. Additionally, the Armor Mounting System MOLLEs into place in order to stabilize the pack yet facilitates a quick removal.

A couple of other highlights to look at…First, on page 5 is the Voile strap, adapted from the ski industry it makes an excellent tie down for packs and odd loads. Next on page 9 is the Dragster, GGT’s drag bag. it has too many features to list here so just make sure you read about it in the catalog. Finally, is page 15’s Steripen Ready Aquasack that combines a water bottle, a specialized pouch for the Steripen and batteries, and an Aquasack to carry the whole thing in.

Granite Gear Tactical 2011

To order GGT products visit www.extremeoutfitters.us.

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The Arc’teryx Wraith

Monday, February 14th, 2011

At SHOT Show, along with the Rigger’s Belt, Arc’teryx also debuted the new Wraith. The Wraith is a lightweight clothing solution that can be called upon to accomplish a variety of missions. Using the Twight layering system adopted for PCU, it would be a level 4 (windproof) garment, except with a couple of key differences. Previously, other clothing systems have only offered a top for level 4, whereas Arc’teryx also offers a bottom. Due to the low porosity of the ripstop 40 denier fabric, it is an excellent windproof and offers an enhanced capability to protect not only the torso but also the lower extremities. The bottom design integrates partial side zips to facilitate rapid donning and doffing as well adjustable cuffs and a full front zip for the top. Combined with a low profile hood with stiffened brim, the Wraith is not only well suited for patrols but also for lying up as well as during long, cold, helo, boat, and vehicle transits to an objective.

Additionally, the Wraith is designed for use as an overwhite. Currently offered in two colors; White and Crocodile, the Wraith’s tops and bottoms can be combined based on the environment. For example, a Crocodile top can be combined with a White bottom in the Alpine zone where Evergreens are present in order to further blend in. An interesting feature of the fabric is that it is slightly translucent meaning the colors of the layers beneath are barely visible. This is particularly effective with the white version and means that the Wraith takes on the camo pattern on the clothing worn beneath.

Finally, the Wraith stores in a compact package meaning you can carry it with you if you are wearing civilian clothing and need to apply some quick camouflage. Obviously, the photo below of the Wraith in its integral pouch is not to scale with the other photos above. Aside from being enclosed in the pouch it can be further compressed to smaller than a softball.

The function of overwhites is normally singular in nature and that is to provide very specialized camouflage. But as you can see, the Wraith accomplishes this better by providing more capability than the standard overwhite and also serves as a windproof garment.

Also, Arc’teryx just found out that they will be able to print this fabric and are considering offering the Wraith in MultiCam. This means hasty camouflage will be all the more effective as well as blending seamlessly with issue clothing for troops from any of the numerous countries who have adopted MultiCam.

Available in the standard size range later this year from leaf.arcteryx.com.

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Air Force Seeking MultiCam Flight Suits – NOT

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

CANCELLED! Looks like Airmen will NOT be getting MultiCam flightsuits anytime soon. Quite specifically, a recent RFQ from the 45th Space Wing’s Contracting Squadron calls for some 200 DRIFIRE brand two piece flight suits, t-shirts, and combat shirts. In MultiCam no less. We’ve written about Drifire’s two piece flight suit. To summarize, the benefits of Drifire are myriad:
-Permanent Flame Resistance
-Moisture Wicking
-Fast Drying
-Superior Comfort
-Anti-Microbial
-Anti-Odor

Based on these stats, it’s now wonder that they asked for Drifire.

It is important to note that the procurement originates at Patrick AFB on Florida’s Space Coast (hence the 45th Space Wing). Patrick is home to the USAF Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing. Think PJs and Rescue Helos. So this isn’t the start of some big Air Force procurement for MultiCam flight suits. However, it is a great opportunity for Dri Fire.

All of this may sound confusing. But you have to understand how the Air Force conducts business. The 45th Space Wing is the host base and the 920th is a tenant. Consequently, they will rely on the host Wing for things like contracting. While the 45 Wing might be buying these garments, they are probably not the folks paying for them, or using them.

While the Air Force recently announced that it will be fielding Army OCP clothing and equipment to deploying Airmen, flyer’s clothing was not discussed. The Army does in fact have a certified two piece flight suit in MultiCam in the form of the OCP A2CU. What’s more, they just equipped the first unit a few weeks ago. But, the Air Force often wants to go its own way when it comes to flight suits. In fact, two piece flight suits have been a bit of a touchy subject in the Air Force for quite some time, whether they have been certified by another service or not. However, the two piece ensembles are much better for helo crews including PJs and flight medics. It’s good to see the troops getting the kit they need.

DRIFIRE Phenix II Flight Suit

www.drifire.com

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Uncle Cries Uncle on MultiCam Insignia Redux

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Apparently, additional guidance has been issued in reference to the recent authorization for commercial sale of OCP insignia. The intent of the commercial sale program is not individual sale. For some reason the Army still can’t understand that Soldiers might want to purchase extra insignia. Instead, the point of the program is to make additional MultiCam (oops, I really did mean OCP) insignia available to deploying units. However, like it or not Army, if businesses, who have a mandate to make money in order to stay in business, have products to sell, they are going to sell them to individuals as well as units. You know, capitalist society and all.

At any rate, the Institute of Heraldry will be out prowling the sew and surplus shops to ensure that vendors only offer insignia manufactured to spec. I suppose they’ll also be ensuring that only “reputable” retail establishments have access to the real deal.

All in all, it’s a bit over the top for just some patches. No wonder there are knock offs on the market.

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