This exclusive video depicts OTTE Gear’s new Recce Anorak which they debuted at SHOT Show. Packed full of features, it is the first softshell we have seen that integrates a ghillie platform directly on the jacket. The headover anorak design features pitzips that go from waist all the way up to the elbow. The forearms pockets will take the place of arm boards and will also accept an ammo sleeve for a long gun. A large collar opening and pass through kangaroo pockets top off the piece. Coming Spring 2011. They are also planning an Assaulter version that will lose the hood as well as the ghillie platform and come in a solid color.
In other OTTE news, they have updated their color palette dropping Light Coyote in favor of Tan and Foliage Green for the darker Ranger Green. In fact, what little bit of inventory is left in these older colors is on sale.
Duro Textiles, the exclusive distributor of MultiCam introduced two new fabrics at SHOT Show. The first, seen on the left below is LiteLok a 100% nylon, double layer fabric. It is 35% lighter than 500D Cordura and has been used in solid colors for many years for concealment cut armor vests. The ripstop weave gives it a very techie look and it boasts high abrasion and tear resistance.
The second fabric on the right of the photo is called Epsilon. It is a 40D x 70D nylon ripstop fabric with Nanosphere treatment. This gives it water and resistant properties.
Not only is Under Armour introducing an entire new line of footwear which includes the MultiCam Speedfreek. I haven’t worn them yet, but I can say that they are very lightweight.
They are also offering long and short sleeved T-shirts in the MultiCam print.
Under Armour has a whole slew of really cool new products as well as specialty Wounded Warrior Project wear. www.underarmour.com
As we reported some time ago, Crye did in fact win the SOCOM contract for their Low Viz vests. They produced two variants, one for the RBAV armor and the other for the MBAV. They both accept a small chest rig that attaches via SR buckles and the cummerbunds are interchangeable with the skeletonized AirLite cummerbund.
This is the AirFrame helmet with Chops and MultiCam mesh cover.
In addition to the GunClip we wrote about last year and is now available, Crye showed their new MagClip. Weighing a mere ounces, it fits US GI as well as PMAG magazines, clamping around the base of the mag and relies on two fork-style bars that fit around belts or into PALS channels. Unlike other systems, the MagClip remains connected to the magazine.
Crye has also made a couple of changes to their G3 field and combat clothing including larger jacket pockets with huge side entries as well as zippered back pockets and a new tool loop on the trousers. Additionally both field and combat pants share identical pocket layouts. They also are introducing an all weather combat shirt and field pant as well the FieldShell seen above as well as the WindLiner, a simple, lightweight wind shirt. Finally, for clothing Crye is reintroducing the range vest in a much more streamlined form as a cover up for the combat shirt when no armor is being worn.
Crye also introduced FastMits which is a product designed specifically for fast roping. For years, operators have used a variety of solutions including welding gloves which prove to be bulky and difficult to transition from rope to weapon ready. Crye developed an overmitt that is lightweight and is easily stored. They are placed over the operator’s gloves and can be quickly diffed in order to expose the hands to wield a weapon or operate radios or other equipment once safely on the ground.
In the photo below you can clearly see the MagClip attached to the PALS on a Blast Belt in addition to Crye’s dump pouch and zip off back panel.
Magnum is definitely a favored brand of the British armed forces who adopted a MultiCam variant called Multi-Terrain Pattern developed specifically for them by Crye Precision. MTP is restricted to the UK MoD but MultiCam isn’t and due to the matching colorways, it blends right in. As we reported last September Magnum has developed two new boots in the MultiCam pattern. Unfortunately at the time we were unable to take any photos but here you can see that Magnum went to painstaking detail to manufacture a MultiCam boot that also integrated a camouflage sole. Oddly enough, when our Editor worked with the Australians in Kuwait in 98 some of them had Taipan boots with camo soles. Apparently, they had noted that their troops stuck out while in the prone due to their solid colored soles but the project was just a one off and didn’t go anywhere. Interestingly, the Canadians looked at camo soles recently and found that the enhancement made no discernible improvement in the Soldier’s signature.
At any rate, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some serious interest in these across the Pond. In fact, one of Magnum’s advisors on the project is a former Royal Marine Both the Sidewinder and Spider are impressive and include the ion-maskâ„¢ hydrophobic surface enhancement which essentially shrink wraps the entire boot so that it cannot absorb moisture into the materials.
The Sidewinder includes printed suede patches and looks to be the heavier of the two.
The Spider is one helluva boot combining numerous special touches such as a patch of super fabric to mitigate wear and tear on the boot during fast roping as well as a Tec-Tuff leather toeguard, Vent-Guardâ„¢ sandproof ventilator technology, and TPU exoframe reinforcement for increased stability.
782 is formally releasing the FR Shemaughlava at SHOT Show. We saw an early version of the Shemaughlava at Modern Day Marine in October and have been waiting for it to be available. Think of a balaclava with long tails that can be wrapped around the head and face and tied tight or loose depending on conditions. The fabric is moisture-wicking and flame resistant and the design features flat seams for comfort. Available in MultiCam and Coyote.
Additionally, 782 Gear is showing the Velocity Softshell Jacket and 1/4 Zip Pullover. These wind and water resistant garments feature athletic cuts with 2 and 4-way stretch materials for mobility and comfort. Schoeller® NanoSphere® treated 2-way stretch shell is combined with Tweave DURASTRETCH® 4-way stretch panels and a moisture-wicking lining to produce garments that weigh only Jacket -10.4 oz (296g), 1/4 Zip Pullover – 9.6 oz (272g). Available in MultiCam.
Their new website is open for business and they’re offering free shipping on all orders until January 31st. 782 Gear’s products can be seen at SHOT Show in Source One Distributors’ booth #82033. For a private showing of 782’s product line please contact Erik Rockel at Rockel_Erik@782gear.com.
SKD has announced a great deal on the recently released Assault Panel Carrier (APC) from Mayflower Research and Consulting. For the next two weeks, SKD will offer the APC for $195 after which the price will rise to $210. As with all Mayflower products, the APC is designed based on real-world experience.
The upper front of the APC contains an integral admin pouch with internal elastic loops to retain pens, pencils, chemlites or similar items. Additionally, the front lower half of the APC has an integrated pouch sized to hold up to three M4 sized magazines. The shoulder pads are 3D mesh for comfort and feature a Velcro routing channel for cable and drinking tubes.
The APC is supplied with Mayflower’s standard PALS compatible cummerbund designed to accept 6″x 6″ hard armor plates or side soft armor. What makes the APC really interesting is that it is also compatible with Mayflower’s suite of modular cummerbunds. The APC is available in two sizes; S/M and L/XL with three cummerbund options. The S/M is available with either a small or medium cummerbund while the L/XL is available with either a medium or large cummerbund. The plate pockets are sized to accommodate stand alone or in-conjunction BALCs/ESAPI or Swimmer cut plates. The S/M APC will fit small, medium and 10″x12″ sized plates. The L/XL APC will fit large and extra-large plates. So, these options give the wearer a great deal of customization in regard to sizing.
Berry compliant and made from 500D Cordura, the APC is available in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam. To order, visit www.skdtac.com. Be sure to check out Military Morons’ review of the APC.
We broke the story on Arc’teryx LEAF’s new TALOS combat uniform last July and now it is available for order. TALOS is part of the Armor Compatible Layering System and consists of a combat shirt and trousers. Both are made of lightweight ripstop NYCO fabric and the torso section of the shirt is of a lightweight jersey knit. Both top and bottom are available in MultiCam; 100% MultiCam. One of the things that sets this clothing apart from others on the market is that the shirt’s torso is printed rather than a solid color.
Additionally, Arc’teryx has released suspenders for use with the Talos, Sphinx, and Gryphon trousers. Production suspenders will be in Crocodile.
