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Archive for the ‘Off-Duty’ Category

Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammocks

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Founded by Peter and Paul Pinholster in their garage, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) offers SingleNest and DoubleNest hammocks as well as other accessories.

The Hammocks come in a variety of color combinations to suit use both on and off duty. Seen above is a Khaki and Olive SingleNest which has found favor with SOF elements.

Both hammock styles measure 9â€™10â€ in length, support up to 400 pounds, and set up in less than 3 minutes by means of SlapStraps. The DoubleNest is a bit wider at 6â€™ 8â€. The SingleNest weighs in at 18oz, and DoubleNest at 22oz. Both hammocks are stuff into a softball size sack for transport.

ENO also offers accessories such as rain flies and insect nets.

ENO hammocks are now also available with Insect Shield.

For more information contact Eagles Nest Outfitters.

Tags: Eagles Nest Outfitters
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Maybe You Can’t Hack a Gibson But at Least You Can Carry One

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

William Gibson, sci fi genius, didn’t just inspire the name of the supposedly unassailable mainframe in the movie “Hackers”, he also developed this line of computer bags. Manufactured for Buzz Rickson by famed bag makers Porter, these laptop bags are made in Japan from horsehide and ballistic nylon.

In addition to the bags, Buzz Rickson is offering two styles of Gibson designed sneakers; a high and low top. Think classic Converse “Chuck Taylors”.

The bags are available in Black, Sage Green, and Tan from Self Edge.

Tags: Gibson, Self Edge
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Off-Duty: Oakley 10th Mountain Line

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Oakley has recently unveiled a new line of products that pay homage to the 10th Mountain Division. Continuing their trend for military inspired clothing and eye wear, this new line of products includes a watch, pants, as well as several shirts and jackets.

Check out the entire line here.

Tags: Oakley
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Off Duty – Blackwater Bear Cub Swing Target

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Blackwater Manufacturing has released a new swinging target set designed for small caliber weapons. It’s great for plinking with a .22.

Each kit contains:
1) TARGET
2) TARGET ARM
3) TARGET PIN
4) LEG
5) LEG MOUNT

Three additional target sets are available. One example is below.

Blackwater offers an excellent warranty. Should a part break under normal use within the first year after purchase simply ship the defective part back and they will send a replacement part.

For more info contact: BLACKWATER TARGET SYSTEMS

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Off-Duty: Railriders

Friday, September 5th, 2008

Railriders is well known to the Adventure Racing community. Personnel in the SOF community have been using their clothing almost as long due to its low weight and high performance.

Last year they released the VersaTac-Mid Pant and VersaTac-Light Pant. As the name implies they were designed to fill a niche in the tactical market and incorporate the same features except that they are made from different weights of fabric. Of special note, the midweight fabric actually breathes better for hot dry environments.

Available in Sage Green, Black and Khaki (Dark Stone for the midweight), they are sized Small – XXLarge in regular and short inseams.

Another favorite Railriders design of ours is the S/S Oasis Shirt which may be the perfect concealed carry shirt for hot weather. The shirt is very durable, generously cut and features under arm mesh panels that don’t come down too far. The material offers UPF 30+ sun protection and comes in Pale Yellow, Honey Dew, Sandflower, a subdued Aloha Print, and Blueflower. Plus its on sale!

Railriders is also incorporating Insect Shield into several of their flagship products including the Oasis Shirt, Equator HT Top (new for 09), Weather Pants, and Eco-Mesh Pants.

For more information, contact Railriders.

All images are property of Railriders.

Tags: Railriders
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Wrap Yourself in a Cocoon

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

For years I used a flannel travel sheet from Design Salt. Talk about comfort. Design Salt’s unique product line is just as appropriate for vacation as on deployment. My favorite is the Flannel TravelSheet. You’d think that it would be hot in summer but not so. It is very comfortable and convenient in that you don’t have to wash your entire sleep system, you just pull out the liner and wash it. It dries quickly and can also be used for instances where you have to spend the night in dubious sleeping quarters. Like the name, it provides a cocoon.

At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Design Salt announced that they too would incorporate the Insect Shield technology.

The entire Cocoon line is available from Design Salt.

Photo is courtesy of Design Salt.

Tags: Cocoon, Design Salt, Insect Shield
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Off-Duty: LeoAdventures

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

When I was still served in the military I joined an interesting organization named LeoAdventures. They are a service organization designed to honor and serve those in Government, they are essentially a buying club but with a very exclusive membership. Membership is reserved for Government employees. They collect an annual membership fee of $19.99. This and LeoAdventures negotiating discounts for their members allows Public Servants to avoid receiving special gifts or gratuities which would violate ethics regulations.

Although I was familiar with the program I spoke with President Leslie Mellott at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. She is there every show looking for new vendors to add the the program. A wife of a long-serving Government employee, Leslie knows not only the risks her husband takes but also the sacrifices the entire family makes for their life of service. I really appreciate what she does.

One important point about this program is that it is for serving Public Safety and Military members. I feel that it is important to recognize these individuals whenever we can and I can remember how hard it was to raise a family and give them those extras on a military salary. The discounts provided through LeoAdventures membership do both. They honor our heroes and help them provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families. If you serve your community or nation I recommend you join. If you are like me and are a retiree or a supporter of our Nation’s finest then I urge to contact LeoAdventures and purchase a gift membership for someone you know.

The Brands LeoAdventures has agreements with:
Arc’teryx
Blue Seventy
Brooks Running
Carey & Company
Dell Computer
ExOfficio
Flyfishing Benefactors
GU
Highgear
Horny Toad
IBEX
ISIS for Women
Jetboil
Kelty
Larabar
MH Bertucci
Mountainsmith
MSR
Nuun Hydration
Otterbox
Platypus
Probar
Purefit
Rudy Project
Railriders
Ruffwear
SealLine
Sherpani alpina
SOG Specialty Knives
Suunto
Therm-A-Rest
Tracks
Working Advantage
Zamberlan
Zeal Optics

They can be reached at LeoAdventures.

Tags: LeoAdventures
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Off-Duty: This is REALLY Off-Duty

Sunday, August 17th, 2008

Today’s article is interesting in that it is an indicator on how the war has influenced American culture. We began to see it a few years ago in fashion. The pallets changed to more earthy tones and the designs took on a militaristic feel. here is just another example of how the war has influenced American society.

Dog Tag Condoms. Yes, they are exactly what they sound like. The manufacturer, named oddly enough Dog Tag Condoms has come up with the spiffy idea of packaging condoms in a silenced pair of ID tags. They come in a variety of colors (sorry no Multicam) including the ever popular pink…don’t ask, well you know the rest.

For more info contact Dog Tag Condoms direct.

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