About six years ago two things happened to revolutionize military clothing. Crye released the Combat shirt and pants and Arc’teryx unveiled the tactical softshell. Over the last two years we have watched Arc’teryx develop a new clothing system that takes both of these concepts to the next level. The hybrid COMPOUND system is like nothing we’ve ever seen, strategically combining Arc’teryx styling with different fabrics in one garment to garner the desired affect for different areas of the body. Named after mythical hybrid creatures, the Chimera, Sphinx, Gryphon, and Minotaur blend different fabrics and weights for specific climate conditions and situations. Key highlights include:
CHIMERA LS Shirt:
Superb hot weather performance is provided by this perspiration-shedding next-to-skin shirt made of stretch-woven Tweave® Durastretch® LT in the yoke and shoulders and wicking Cyberknit in the torso. Stretch-woven cuffs seal nicely around the wrist; while zippered biceps pockets are perfect for storing small items. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
SPHINX Half Shell:
This softshell is designed to be comfortably worn under armor, web gear, or while carrying a pack. Worn as a mid-layer or on its own, two different weights of Tweave® four-way stretch woven fabric are utilized; Tweave® Durastretch® in the yoke and shoulders, and Durastretch® LT in the torso (jacket). Available in Crye Multicam and Crocodile, summer 2010. Multicam SPHINX Half Shells are Berry Compliant (100% US labor and 100% US materials)
SPHINX Pants:
Tough, quick drying Tweave® Durastretch® combat pants with integral kneepad holders, 10 pockets and stretch scree cuffs. Crocodile and Multicam. Multicam SPHINX Pants are Berry Compliant (100% US labor and 100% US materials)
MINOTAUR Jacket:
The perfect combination of weather-resistance and windproofness in foul weather, this half-shell features 3L GORE -TEX®WINDSTOPPER ® with an easy-sliding micro-fleece backer in the sleeves, shoulders and collar. Versatile Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric with Hardface® technology is used in the torso. The Minotaur can be worn on its own or under armour, chest rigs, and packs and the long torso tucks easily into combat pants. Full-length armpit zips make for easy venting in warmer weather. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
GRYPHON Half Shell:
This robust zippered top features a unique hybrid of fabrics for all-weather duty. Waterproof and breathable 3-layer GORE -TEX® XCR is used on the shoulder yoke and sleeves, while the roll-up hood is made of light weight GORE -TEX® Pro Shell. In the torso, light, versatile and breathable four-way Tweave® Durastretch® stretch enhances freedom of movement. For added versatility, the patented roll-up sleeves allow for easy ventilation without removing armour/rig. Paired with the matching pants, the Gryphon is perfect for HALO/HAHO operations. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
GRYPHON Pants:
Move fast, stay dry and stay ready to fight with waterproof 3-layer Gore-Tex hard shell and durable, breathable Tweave® Durastretch® soft-shell in a full featured combat pant. Integral kneepad pocket, stretch scree cuff, tool loops and 6 secure pockets. Available in Crocodile, summer 2010.
ATOM AF Jacket:
Round out your mission outfit with the new Atom AF jacket. An extra thick layer of synthetic Coreloftâ„¢ insulates the torso, but is compressible enough to pack into its own pocket. Cut extra large in the torso to slip easily over plate carriers and chest rigs without extra bulk in the arms and shoulder. Packs smaller than an football in its own pocket. Available in Crocodile, early fall 2010.
KNEE CAPS:
Lightweight and anatomically-shaped, this proven field performer protects the knees and has a new low profile, quick detach, tri-glide buckle. Available in Black and Foliage Green, early summer 2010.
All of these Arc’teryx LEAF pieces will be available for sale summer, 2010. Visit www.leaf.arcteryx.com to keep up with LEAF news and product developments.
Visit Arc’teryx at ADS Warrior Expo West to see the products in action.
As most of you know by now, the MultiCam version of the Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform slated to be issued to troops in Afghanistan has been officially dubbed the OEF FR ACU. This is because it is supposed to only be used in Afghanistan (Operation ENDURING FREEDOM). I guess someone forgot that operations in the Philippines are also part of OEF. But then again, I don’t share PEO-Soldier’s wishful optimism that commanders in other areas won’t want their troops to be outfitted in MultiCam as well. I mean after all, testing has demonstrated it is a very effective pattern in a variety of environments. Why wouldn’t a commander want his troops outfitted in the best equipment available. 
