So you’ve received your RFI issue of OCP (MultiCam) clothing and equipment but, “Egad” there is no wallet to be had. NEMO Equipment comes to the rescue offering their popular Ditto wallet manufactured from manufacturing scraps. If you are seeking one of these babies, visit Tactical Distributors.
In this business you usually hear about companies gobbling one another up so this is some very interesting news. It seems that Hi-Tec is splitting in two with separate companies being formed for outdoor and tactical markets. From the press release…
Since the inception of Magnum USA in 1982, both companies have functioned as one corporation with shared assets. With each company in a prime position for expansion, Co-Chief Executive Officers Bill Berta and Bob Kaiser will now assume individualized roles as the sole CEO for each brand —with Berta leading Hi-Tec Sports USA, and Kaiser taking the reigns of Magnum USA.
The military and tactical markets have been great for Magnum who supply desert boots to the British services. Additionally, we got a sneak peek of some upcoming Magnum designs last week and they have a 100% MultiCam boot in the works including the sole. As you know, the British military adopted their variant of MultiCam called Multi Terrain Pattern or MTP and they are going after loads of new kit in MTP.
Unfortunately, the Magum reps were a bit stand-offish so we were unable to get any pictures but they did tell us that they would be available at SHOT Show.
Just in time for Fall in Afghanistan, these OTTE Gear gaiters are deigned for use with crampons, snow shoes and skis. Sized to fit over General Issue combat boots or light hiking boots as well as plastic or leather mountaineering boots, they are crafted from abrasion-resistant 1000D Cordura® nylon lowers with uppers made from lighter 330D Cordura® nylon. The gaiters feature Velcro openings for quick donning and doffiing and the top hem tightens with an adjustable elastic cord to ensure they stay up, even in deep snow.
The bottoms stay fast due to adjustable and durable Hypalon rubber straps to keep the gaiters from riding up in deep snow or mud. They are also adjustable due to the 2-inch wide Velcro closure. Altering the amount of overlap adjusts the circumference, allowing a fit over different boots and clothing systems. Sized Small – XX-Large and available in MultiCam.
www.ottegear.com
The whole idea behind this product is unique. Since the US Army has adopted MultiCam for use in Afghanistan, troops will find themselves requiring equipment in more than one pattern. So, CPGear designed a reversible, modular chest rig that is UCP on one side for garrison use and MultiCam on the other for combat use.
As you can see, the rig comes with anchor points that attach to the Improved Outer Tactical Vest’s (IOTV)PALS grid. This facilitates rapid donning and doffing. Additionally, the RTMAP is designed to integrate with IOTV’s cutaway mechanism without interfering.
An added bonus to having PALS on both sides of the rig is that pouches can be attached on the inside as well. Take for instance this radio pouch. Not only does attaching it to the inside give you more real estate for other items but it also protects the radio from some of the knocks and dings it could otherwise be subjected to.
If you’ll be attending the Infantry Warfighter Conference this week at Ft Benning, Georgia be sure to stop by CPGear’s booth # 1109.
PEO-Soldier announced earlier this week that it had begun fielding the Gen II Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP). The pictures associated with the article are awesome and give you a great look at the new pattern. The photo below also shows a mounted TAP.
There are 17 improvements in the Gen II IOTV. Ultimately, the biggest improvement is probably the new sideplate pocket that is adjustable to the wearer. Many Soldiers found wearing sideplates almost unbearable. While the Army’s copy makes it sound like this is a whole new vest that is modular and scalable, ultimately, nothing is really that new. This is the same IOTV they have been issuing since earlier this year but what is important is that Soldiers deploying to OEF will be getting the latest in everything.
Having said that, it’s still an IOTV. Is it effective? Yes. Does it hinder mobility? Sometimes, like say if you are walking or climbing. Is it scalable? Sort of. If the IOTV were truly “all that”, the Army wouldn’t have fielded the Soldier Plate Carrier System and there would be no reason to undertake Soldier Protection Demonstration (SPD) 8 which is currently assessing Scalable, Modular armor vests from four different vendors including BAE, Point Blank, Armor Works, and PPI. These vests allow a Soldier to go from a concealable set up all the way out to full IOTV protection with all of the add-ons. The catch is that it has to be accomplished with one set up and must shave at least 10% off the weight of a fully jocked up IOTV.
Unfortunately, PEO-Soldier is staying mum on the subject of SPD 8 so we will wait to reveal more until they are ready.
There has been a lot of buzz about Vertx’s new Gunfighter shirt and it is finally available, for pre-order at least.
Available in two weights; a durable nylon cotton ripstop blend and the water-resistant Storm variant, incorporates technical materials and finishes critical for use in harsh weather conditions. Its simple, clean design and articulated shoulders and arm allow for full range of motion. Durable, yet lightweight and breathable, the shirt is ergonomically designed for any situation and does not compromise freedom of movement.
While both versions are currently offered in MultiCam®, Vertx is developing Gunfighter models with solid color shells.
Like all Vertx products, the Gunfighter is designed for the operator who wants the combination of low visual profile and function of a battle garment. It was designed in cooperation with SWAT and military operators interested in a clean, functional approach to high incident tactical wear.
“The Operational Athlete of today has to be highly adaptable, always prepared for a number of situations,†said Vertx President & CEO, Bob Getto. “We work closely with law enforcement and military contacts to understand these unique needs and create wearable performance clothing that can match the versatility required for the job.â€
“Vertx offers a modern take on the battle dress uniform,†said David Walsh, Brand Manager for Vertx. “A low profile, business casual appearance can be maintained without restricting any movement or comfort. This approach enables operators to perform at the highest level needed in an instant without calling direct attention to the individual wearing it.â€
“The gunfighter shirt provides for such a great range of motion without the excess fabric and features associated with other tops that you don’t even know that you are wearing it,†said a SWAT officer wear evaluator. “The Shoulder pocket design is clean, you can slide your arm in and out of jackets or protective equipment and the pocket does not get snagged on the inside of the sleeve.â€
Additional Storm Features
– Stand up collar protects neck from weapon slings and flying hot brass
– Low visual profile zippered bicep pockets provide fluent access to contents
– Loop Velcroâ„¢ patch on both upper arms for Unit patch
– Clean comms wire side seam pass through with Velcro closure
– Intuitive Velcroâ„¢ wrist closures to ensure snag free fit
– Anti-Microbial
– Schoeller Nanosphere® durable water repellant finish
– 100% Made in the USA and Berry Amendment compliant
The Gunfighter Shirt is available now for pre-order with deliveries beginning October 2010 from www.wearvertx.com.
GCS Incorporated has released its’ first full-line tactical equipment catalog. Their 2010 – 2011 catalog showcases the many items GCS makes and a multitude of items from other popular brands such as Pelican, Streamlight, Blackhawk and Safariland. The new catalog includes individual equipment items, MWD supplies, deployment kits, kennels and aluminum shipping containers. GCS has also made most bags, backpacks hydration and nylon available in Multicam as well.
After suffering for several months with awkward part number based names for their new line of military and discrete packs, Blue Force Gear has decided to run a contest on Soldier Systems Daily to help them name 4 different packs. The contest will run from now until the 10th of September. If your pack name is selected you will receive a free pack of that style! In the event multiple entries are received with the same suggested name, only the first submission received by Blue Force Gear will be awarded a free pack so get them in as quickly as possible! Send your ideas to namethatpack@blueforcegear.com.
Here’s what you’ve got to work with:
Medium Pack – Military (02)
The 02 Pack is a super light-weight three day style pack that is covered in MOLLE compatible webbing. It has a removable beavertail on the front for carrying quick access items like a helmet, jacket, or even one of our original Micro Packs. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 43oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Medium Pack – Discrete (03)
The 03 Pack is built on the same production line as our military version, but with a more discrete, stylized appearance for everyday use. It has some of the same features like the removable beavertail on the front. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. There are also two accessory pouches on either side of the pack designed to fit a 1L Nalgene style bottom. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 49oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Small Pack – Military (04)
The Small Military is based loosely off the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and on the military version the face of the pack is covered with MOLLE compatible webbing. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Small Pack – Discrete (05)
The Small Discrete is very similar to the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and the face of the pack is stylized to appear more like a high end commercial pack. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
All Blue Force gear products are proudly Made in the USA! so Berry compliance is never at question. Be sure to check out the product pages at www.BlueForceGear.com as they offer a wide variety of color schemes depending on teh product and its intended use.
