GORE-TEX Military Fabrics

Archive for the ‘Off-Duty’ Category

Drop That Hookah Pipe

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Hookah BagNormally, I am pretty unimpressed with knockoffs in industry. However, this one came straight from the company being ripped off. Apparently, there is a company named Zenobia selling hookah pipes, in Iraq. Pursuant to this enterprise they are selling a “hookah pipe carrier” that bears a strong resemblance to the SOTech Go Bag. Maybe we’ve stumbled on to the Iraqi version of the violin Case. I can hear the conversation at the checkpoint now, “Of course that’s not a Krinkov in my bag, it’s my hookah pipe silly.” If you want a real SOTech Go Bag, visit www.specopstech.com.

Oilfield Camo

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

In our constant quest of different camo patterns we ran across “Oilfield Camo”. I thought I had seen it all with the kama sutra pattern but this is definitely different.

Oilfield Camo

Envisioned to give oil workers a sense of identity, the pattern is made up of “different oilfield tools and other recognizable symbols in the oilfield industry”. I guess this gave way to their motto, “It’s not just a pattern…It’s a way of life.” At any rate, it’s kind of cool to see camo as fashion. Check out the entire line at www.oilfieldcamo.com.

Tokyoflash Kisai Escape C

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Tokyoflash Kisai Escape CThe Escape C is a multi-media wireless device that allows you to stream audio from your bluetooth-capable phone, MP3 player, and computer. It supports AVRCP and A2DP profiles, and connect up to 33 feet away from any connected media device. The Escape C has keys for volume and track control, time display and setting as well as a USB port and an earphone jack. Tokyoflash Japan is known for their timepieces and the Escape C is no disappointment. It tells time using a series of blue LEDs inset around the perimeter of the medallion. Speaking of which, the device is intended to be worn around the neck but would make an interesting 21st century take on the pocket watch.

The New Algiz 7 from Handheld US

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

The Algiz7 from Handheld USA If it seems like everyone and their mother is introducing a tablet PC, sometime this year and that’s because they are. Apple, Lenovo, and several others will be launching PC tablets in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, but nothing that comes close to the Agiz7 ruggedized tablet from Handheld US of Corvallis, Oregon. Handheld’s little gem comes packed with a host of features in a package that meets or exceeds MIL-STD-810G for ruggedness.

The Algiz7 comes with an Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor, 2 Gb of DDR2 RAM and a 64GB solid state HD all of which will be running under Microsoft Windows 7 Professional. This little hot rod has more computing power than the laptop this story was written on, but I am not done yet.

The Algiz also comes with Bluetooth, WLAN and GPS, a built in 2 mega-pixel camera with LED light, optional 3G cellular capability for high speed data transmission over GSM, UMTS and EVDO. This appliance is usable, anywhere in the world, because it is Gobi™ 2000 ready, so it will operate on GSM and CDMA networks. Pick your frequency! The antennas are built in so there’s nothing to snag on or break.

The all-important display uses Handheld’s unique MaxView™ screen technology, which is the latest in outdoor view ability, ensuring the user the best outdoor screen visibility available on the market.
The Algiz 7 comes with a hot-swappable 2600 mAh dual battery pack that lets you change batteries without shutting down thus giving you the run time needed from your tablet. Finally for the icing on the cake, this little power house weighs a mere 2.4 pounds making it one of the lightest tablets available.

Because the platform is integrated under Windows 7, you can rest assured of having access to a million applications. It’s certainly not hard to imagine and Algiz 7 running a ballistic application that communicates with remote sensors using Bluetooth, like the new Kestrel 4000 series weather meter, to deliver precise long range shot placement; concurrently streaming data to command and control.

Battlefields are now truly net-centric and appliances like Handheld’s Algiz 7 are sharpening the tip of the spear!

Copyright 2010 Sal Palma

Academie Duello

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

On a recent visit to Vancouver I passed an interesting looking storefront. My interest piqued I went inside and was amazed at what I saw. A large wooden floor was framed on either side by a brace of medieval weaponry. It turns out that this simple storefront was actually Academie Duello. Specializing in the western martial arts, they are the largest swordplay training center in North America. This isn’t something you would run across everyday so I had to learn more.

Academie Duello Quarterstaff Training

According to their website, “Academie Duello is a school of European Swordplay and Western Martial Arts devoted to teaching the weapons of the historical gentleman and warrior. Our Martial Arts training includes sword arts such as the rapier, sidesword, sword and shield, and long sword, as well as the quarterstaff, spear, knife and unarmed combat.”

Founded in 2004 the school continues to expand. On top of the weaponry they also offer falconry training. As I walked around the gym, I stumbled upon not one, but two birds of prey. Additionally, they plan to establish a museum of swords, armou and heraldry in time for the Olympics and offer visitors the chance to attend a drop-in lesson for $10.

Visit www.learnswordplay.com to find out more.

First Ascent

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

First Ascent is a new line of hard core outdoor line from Eddie Bauer in collaboration with Whittaker Mountaineering, and Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. They’ve set their sights high with this undertaking as the name itself gives nod to a first successful summit of a mountain. In a way this is Eddie Bauer getting back to its roots. They claim that First Ascent is the most significant line of gear in a generation and for them this would certainly be true. It’s been about that long since they produced anything like this. Back in the 70s, if you were going mountaineering, chances were good you’d be using Eddie Bauer. Somewhere along the way they drifted to a lifestyle brand. It’s good to see them coming around full circle.

First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie

The Hangfire Hoodie is a great example to give you an idea of the type of products in the line. It is made from a combination of two-way stretch under the arms and anti-pill fleece. The design features an off-set zipper to aid layering as well as a Napoleon pocket.

To see the entire line which includes clothing, packs, and other equipment visit First Ascent online.

Redington Introduces the Eco Grip Feltless Wading Boot

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

The Eco Gripâ„¢ is Redington’s first felt-less wading boot designed by Redington and engineered through an exclusive partnership with OTB. OTB developed the lugged and precisely razor-siped Tactical Rubber Technologyâ„¢ to support their military customers and is yet another case of technology developed to support America’s Warfighters finding its way to the civilian market.

Redington Eco Gripâ„¢ Feltless Wading Boot

Rubber-soled wading boots are an evolution in wading gear, since felt soles can be a cesspool for damaging aquatic microorganisms. In addition to helping prevent the Aquatic Hitchhikers (didymo, New Zealand mud snails, zebra mussels, whirling disease and other introduced nuisances) that threaten our waterways, the Eco Grip™ boots have many other notable features. Mesh side panels allow for instant water drainage, and ballistic mesh placed between the outsole and upper prevents small stones and other debris from entering the boot. High-abrasion TPU upper material resists scuffs, far outlasting conventional leather and a DWR finish on the entire boot prevents extreme water absorption, so the boot doesn’t get weighed down as the day progresses.

The Eco Grip Boot features the same foot bed found in OTB’s maritime footwear. In the footbed, the exclusive SFSâ„¢ (SEAL Fit Systemâ„¢) aids in water drainage as well as breathability. OTB’s SEAL footbed has a patented removable shank that allows the user to customize the fit with two different insoles, depending on the application. A thick neoprene insole takes up more room inside the boot for use with a thin sock or when wearing the boot barefoot while wet wading. Replacing the thick insole with the thinner insole gives the wearer additional room inside the boot when using an extra-thick sock or a neoprene bootie.

The Eco Gripâ„¢ boots will be available December 2009 from Redington.

New Mystery Ranch Website

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Pack manufacturer Mystery Ranch has launched a slick new website. Separate sections are available for Military and Tactical, Backpack Hunting, Fire and Trail, as well as recreation and Adventure packs.

Check it out including several new styles including the Tacticplane and SATL Assault Pack at www.mysteryranch.com.