For our motorcycle riding readers we bring you the Diesel Helmet. With an obvious military fighter pilot influence, the helmet was developed in association with AGV. It features an interchangeable drop down face shield, Mohican crest, and an ergonomic stitched leather neck support.
Available in Black, White, Green, and Bronze from Diesel.
Off! recently introduced their Clip-On Misquito Repellant. Encased in a Blue plastic disc, the unit relies on a fan powered by two AA batteries to blow the repellent around you. Interestingly, the active ingredient offers a total of 12 hours of protection and Off! says that you can turn the unit on and off to utilize the full 12 hours so long as you do it withing two weeks from the initial use. The unit has an on/off switch as well as a meter to display how much repellent is left. The active ingredient is Metofluthrin which doesn’t need to be applied to the skin.
Additionally Off! has a coupon on their website for a free refill when you purchase a starter kit.
We feel this still needs some work before it would be appropriate for most tactical applications, it is after all Blue and does use a fan to disseminate the repellent although Off! claims the fan is silent. An additional issue is that the dissemination means is best suited for stationary use. If you are constantly moving the repellent won’t provide full coverage. However, it would be ok for outdoor admin functions and could possibly be used for certain surveillance applications. Also on the upside, the repellent is odorless.
Finally, please remember that all of the precautions for repellents still apply as well as those for small electronic devices.
“Sleep Systems?” you say? I mean sure, you’ve heard of Therm-a-rests. In fact, chances are good you’ve been issued one. So what’s the deal with the Sleep System?
Cascade Designs, manufacturers of the therm-a-rest line have introduced a family of accessories to turn the sleeping pad into a sleeping bag. I would say, it’s more of a sleeping experience. When you get it all together, it’s like sleeping in a bed.
Two items in their “Fast and Light” series are the stuff sack pillow which will do double duty as well as the coupler kit. The coupler kit consists of self-adhesive snaps and facilitates the attachment of a variety of blankets and couplers directly to the sleeping pad forming a sort of integrated sleeping bag.
In addition to the polyester filled Tech Blanket seen above there is also the Ventra Down Comforter rated to 40 deg F. The line comes in a variety of colors but oddly enough the Compressible Pillows come in various commercial camo patterns.
None of these products have been militarized so naturally, they are thus far more suited to a camping trip with the family than a jaunt through Kunar Province with ten of your closest buddies. However, the more adventurous of our readers will find tactical applications for these products and when you do, please drop us a line and let us know how they worked out.
For more information, check them out on the web.
We are big fans of Triple Aught Designs here at Soldier Systems Daily and every once in awhile we will get an email from a reader telling us about a new discovery that TAD Gear has an alter ego called Rocket World. Yes we know, and yes it is really cool.
In addition to providing a venue for non-tactical products, Rocket World is a vehicle for the folks at TAD’s other passion; high end figures and collectible toys. Their centerpiece is the “Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo” or IWG, a group of evolved animals who seek revenge on humans who kill endangered species.
In addition to figures, the theme is also carried out in art, clothing, and patches and pins.
Rocket World has been recently featured on several gadget websites and the IWG line of toys has long been a favorite of collectors. In fact, as new projects are released they sell out very quickly.
Check out what everyone is raving about at www.rocketworld.org.
Every once in awhile we like to show something kind of high end. Kitanica’s jackets aren’t military but have features found in many tactical clothing products. In fact, the company name is derived from the word Chitin (prounced Kai•tin), which is the structural component of insect exoskeletons.
Mythbusters fans will recognize the Kitanica brand, not necessarily by name but by sight. Host Adam Savage wore one of the coats that looks like a cross between a motor cycle jacket and a flight jacket out of a sci fi movie. In fact, Adam’s use of the jacket on the show led to the resurgence of the brand which had gone into hiatus while owner Beej Cronin pursued a career in teaching. Interest became so great that Beej started the company back up along with brother Chris and their cousin Len Riccio.
Built from 1000D cordura the Mk I is going to last a lifetime. The unique design features eight pockets, PALS webbing and a universal hands free flashlight shoulder mount. There is also a drag strap integrated behind teh wide collar which can be folded up to protect the neck.
Kitanica backs their 100% American made jackets with a lifetime guarantee against material and manufacturing defects as well as a money back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with your purchase. Kitanica also offers discounts to Military, LE and teachers.
Visit www.kitanica.net for more information.
The Ultra Shorts are great if you are looking for a pair of shorts for deployment. They can serve as PT shorts as well as swim trunks and look fine with civilian shirts and flip flops. They are cut long (9″ inseam) and are made from 50D polyester ripstop with a wicking finish so they dry quickly. The Ultra Shorts feature two front pockets and two large back pockets; one with stitched compartments to keep energy gels secure. The shorts also have a zippered security pocket right below the waistband to hold a car key.
Patagonia Ultra Shorts
Available in Desert Clay, Black, Espresso, Wildwood (shown), and Feather Grey. To order, visit Patagonia.
Without a doubt our favorite travel snacks at Soldier Systems Daily come from Sahale Snacks. The only disagreement comes with which flavor is favorite. All are nut-based and the key is the mixture of natural ingredients to form new fusion flavors often combining both sweet and salty sensations. While they all are great, the Sing Buri is a classic example. Combining cashews with peanuts, pineapples, and sesame seeds all dusted with chili evokes a taste of Thailand. Highly recommended.
Sahale Snacks Sing Buri
Recently the Editor picked up a couple of new flavors while visiting the REI flagship store in Seattle. They are from the Glazed Nut line and include Honey Almond, Almond PB&J, and Pomegranate Cashews. Once again, various types of nuts are glazed and combined with other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the mix. We tried the Honey Almond and Pomegranate Cashews and they taste great. One thing with the Honey Almond, it needs more cranberries.
Sahale Snacks Honey Almonds
For more information or a list of retailers visit Sahale Snacks on the web.
OTB Boots is sponsoring a fantastic sale on their full line of boat shoes (Sorry, no boots). To recieve your 50% discount, just type “BOAT” at checkout.
Check out OTB Boots, LLC for their full line of currently available footwear.
