Outdoor Retailer | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Outdoor Retailer’ Category

SureFire Sneak Peeks

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

We had an opportunity to see a few of the new products from SureFire at the ADS Warrior Expo and Outdoor Retailer shows. Below is just a sampling of what’s next in tactical illumination and cutlery.

M300 Mini Scout Light

At half the size of the M600 Scout Light (hence the name M300), the Mini Scout Light utilizes a single CR123 battery. It makes for a more compact and slightly lighter alternative to the full-size M600. Unfortunately, it also translates into about half of the performance of the M600. However, as more compact and specialized weapons continue to see use, such a light may well find its place.

Surefire Helmet Lights

Now in its fourth generation, the Helmet Light has integrated several changes. Most notable is the new molded shrouds for the toggles. Instead of attaching an additional part to the light, the new shrouds are an integral part of the chassis which strengthens the design and reduces production time and material. Additionally, as you can see in the photo, the new light features a threaded battery cap with an integrated lock out switch. Rumor has it that an entirely new Helmet Light is under development and while no details have been released, features are being driven by user feedback and it won’t resemble the current model.

SureFire LX1 Lumamax

The LED LX1 is compact (4.1″ long) and features two brightness levels; 10 lumens low and 80 lumens high. Press lightly on the two stage tailcap switch for low and apply more pressure for high. Twist the tail switch for constant on in either of the brightness modes or to lockout the switch to avoid light ADs. Additionally, the pocket clip is reversible. There is also an LX2 model coming out that also features a two stage tailcap but goes to 200 lumens.

Edged Weapons
SureFire is also releasing two new folding knives; the Edge and Crank. As with their previous edged weapon designs, these are made in the U.S.A.

Surefire Crank

LENGTH CLOSED 3.97″
LENGTH OPEN 6.4″
BLADE LENGTH 2.56″
WEIGHT 3.2 oz.

The blade is manufactured from polished 154 CM steel. A single hexagonal opening machined into the aluminum frame accommodates 1/2″ nuts, and a slot extension holds a coin firmly in place for use as a field-expedient screwdriver. Additionally, there is a built-in cord cutter and a bottle opener.

SureFire Edge

LENGTH CLOSED 4.7″
LENGTH OPEN 8.1″
BLADE LENGTH 3.4″
WEIGHT 5.5 oz.

The modified spear-point blade is crafted from 154 CM steel and the the 7075 aluminum frame features a liner lock. Notice the prominent hex openings along the handle and set into the blade which can be used as wrenches (7/16″, 3/8″, 5/16″, 1/2″ nuts). It also features an integral finger guard/flip-open lever and a pocket clip.

With the exception of the prototype M300 all of the products will be released soon. For additional information visit www.surefire.com.

Tags: ADS, Outdoor Retailer, Surefire
Posted in Knives, Lights, Outdoor Retailer | Comments Off on SureFire Sneak Peeks

NEMO Gogo Shelters

Friday, August 14th, 2009

NEMO has been producing lightweight, innovative shelters for several years now. Their hallmark is the AirSupported Technology which precludes the need for traditional poles. Developed by NEMOâ€™s founder after his work on spacesuits and inflatable architecture with NASA, ASTâ„¢ is a system of low-pressure inflatable tubes (called airbeams) and lightweight pumps that provide a high performance alternative to traditional tent poles. Airbeams are made of two layers, similar to a bicycle tire. An outer layer provides the shape, strength and puncture resistance, while a thin inner bladder holds the air. Feeling winded from a long day humping a ruck? No problem. Each shelter comes with an innovative pump that can be operated by hand or foot and will not over inflate the airbeam.

Over the last year or so they have begun to adapt their innovative designs for military use. In fact, the Gogo was provided for use during the REF’s lightweight equipment demonstration.

The Gogo is a single wall, one person shelter. It includes a pump and stores in a dry-bag style stuff sack. It has 19 sq ft of floor space with an additional 4.5 sq ft under the vestibule. It’s low profile design is perfect for tactical bivouacs being just 27″ high yet the 42″ width and 113″ length allow you to spread out. It is lightweight (1.9 lbs) and packs to a compact 7â€ X 5.5â€. It features a quick set up (15 sec) and strikes even more quickly (5 sec).

The NEMO Gogo SEâ„¢ (shown in Multicam) shares of all the same stats of the standard Gogo but features an extra six inches of length. It also boasts an additional side door for entry, exit, and ventilation.

NEMO tactical shelters come standard in OD, but can be special ordered in special colors like the Multicam shown with a minimum order requirement. All of NEMO‘s tactical shelters are available from ADS.

Tags: Nemo
Posted in ADS, Multicam, Outdoor Retailer, PALS, Shelter | Comments Off on NEMO Gogo Shelters

Camelbak’s New Products

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Camelbak unveiled a couple of new technologies the recent OR Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. While they are intended for the commercial outdoor market, they have great applicability in the tactical realm as well.

Camelbak Flow Meter

The Flow Meter is designed to measure how much fluid has been consumed, how much remains in the reservoir, and how much time remains until the reservoir is empty. It can also be set to see if you are consuming fluid at a preset rate in order to help avoid heat injuries. While new reservoirs will be available with the Flow Meter already installed, units will be available to modify existing products.

These products will be available as early as Fall 2009 from Camelbak.

Tags: Camelbak
Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Sustainment | Comments Off on Camelbak’s New Products

OR Part IV

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Murdock Webbing Company. Inc.

Murdock featured their Jacquard woven digital camo webbing as well as elastic. The new Multicam elastic is fantastic and they have begun to integrate company logos into the design.

Full details are available at www.murdockwebbing.com.

Watershed Maritime Tactical Products

Watershed Maritime Tactical Products has a great lineup of waterproof bags, packs, and pack liners that are on issue to US forces. They recently added Multicam to their offerings of Coyote, Foliage, and Black.

Watershed also unveiled a collaboration with Granite Gear. The new waterproof packs combines Granite Gear’s popular suspension with a Watershed MTP Kodiak Pack.

Exum Mountain Guides

Exum Mountain Guides was walking the show and discussing their XMS3 (Exum Mountain Systems Safety Survival) course offerings. They provide several standard courses including multi-day mountain movement and avalanche training. Visit www.exumguides.com for more information.

Tags: Granite Gear, Murdock Webbing, Watershed
Posted in Materials, Multicam, Outdoor Retailer | Comments Off on OR Part IV

OR Part III

Sunday, July 26th, 2009

Gerber Legendary Blades

Gerber was handing out samples of their “new” Shard which closely resembles the Artifact but without the blade. Also, “new” is a relative term as they have been handing out samples at several shows over the last year but are just now releasing it to the market. Gerber claims it is airport friendly and I put that to the test. On my flight out of Salt lake City I put it in the bin with my other pocket litter and it went through security just fine. A simple pocket accessory, it features a bottle opener, nail puller, and phillips head.

Sea to Summit

While most products being shown at OR won’t be available until January 2010 at the earliest, there are a variety of products you can get now. One example is the Alpha utensil set from Sea to Summit. A more economical alternative to titanium flatware, the Knife, Fork and Spoon set is made from hard anodized 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy in a smooth matte finish and comes with a mini carabiner to hold it all together. The individual utensils have hexagonal holes cut out of the handle to reduce weight which provide three different size hex wrenches (3 mm, 4 mm & 5 mm). Available from Sea to Summit.

Feelmax

A lightweight, conformal design with puncture resistant soles make this Finnish footwear a show in for use in wet environments although several athletes have been conquering marathon events in the shoes. The Panka (seen below) in men’s and women’s sizes as well as the men’s Niesa both feature a lace up design, heel strap to assist with donning and a removable liner for drying.

Feelmax footwear will be available soon through OTE.

Craghoppers

Based on the popularity of the television show Man vs Wild starring Bear Grylls, British outdoor clothier Craghoppers developed a clothing line a couple of years back. Earlier this year, they conducted a direct marketing campaign for fans which laid the groundwork for the release of the 2010 line here in the US and Craghoppers’ first time exhibiting at OR.

For more information Craghoppers on the web.

Tags: Add new tag, Gerber, Neisa, OTE, Sea to Summit
Posted in Gadgets, Knives, Outdoor Retailer | Comments Off on OR Part III

OR Summer Market Part II

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Equipped to Survive

Doug Ritter from Equipped to Survive showed me a sample of his new micro light. It weighs ounces and can easily be clipped to key chains and zipper pulls. The light will be available soon through Adventure Medical Kits.

Mountain Khaki

Mountain Khaki began showing the new Snake River line which consists of a short, pant, and pant with zip-off leg in both men’s and women’s sizing. It is their first foray into synthetics. The UVA/UVB SPF 50+, 100% nylon garments are lightweight and designed to dry quickly. Look for them in early 2010.

Surefire

Last year we unveiled the Saint headlamp and this year we have photos of the new Minimus Saint. Oddly enough, the Minimus will reach the market before the Saint and you should begin to see them within five weeks.

The Minimus Saint can be created from a Saint with a few simple mods which include removing the battery pack and cable. The Minimus runs on a single 123A and provides 0-110 lumens at a lightweight 3.3 ounces. There is an SOS preset for the lamp and the amount of illumination is controlled by a potentiometer. For more info visit www.surefire.com.

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Clothing, Lights, Outdoor Retailer | Comments Off on OR Summer Market Part II

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

For the next few days we are going to share some information from the OR Summer Market 2009. To kick it off we wanted to share this picture of ADS rep Bill Gassett hamming it up at Deuter’s booth.

Most of the usual suspects were on hand as well.

S.O. Tech has a booth that seems a little off the beaten path but it didn’t deter them releasing their new Adventure Pack System based on their successful Mission Pack System. In addition to the current tactical panels they have developed several specifically for the civilian market and these can easily be transitioned back over for tactical use by those who require more discreet capabilities. Additionally, S.O. Tech debuted their new K9 patch to add to their ever growing family of tactical symbology.

Eagle’s booth was very streamlined and focused primarily on the Waterpoint line was well as several of the new garments they have in production. Word is that the Waterpoint line will be expanding in the future.

Arc’teryx has some great new clothing coming soon on both the LEAF and commercial side. Look for a full report soon. Shown are the Freelance Jacket and Raider Pant. Unfortunately, these two items from the commercial line won’t be available until Spring 2010.

Tags: ADS, Arc'teryx, Deuter, Eagle Industries, S.O. Tech
Posted in Outdoor Retailer | Comments Off on Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

330D Revolution? Ha! Try 20D

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

At the OR Summer Market last August we took a look at a dizzying amount of fabrics. For us, only one or two really stuck out. One such fabric was from Cubic Tech Corp. Primarily they are sail cloth manufacturers and their product was used to bring the America’s Cup home to the USA. Non-woven flexible composites made from Cuben Fiber offer customizable ply orientations which afford directional stability and strength, as well as real rip-stop. A broad selection of films add the flexibility of an array of properties including toughness, low gas permeability, and visible & UV light protection. The material is intended to be glued rather than sewn and this could ultimately lead to stronger as well as lighter equipment.

Is the market ready for this yet? Not completely, but we hope that someone will take up the charge and try it out. Arc’teryx has already released a pack with welded seams on the commercial market and issue dry bags feature RF welded seams. At least initially we expect for such products to be for very specialized applications, but as the technology is refined perhaps one day everyone will carry equipment manufactured from ultra lightweight fabrics engineered specifically for the application.

They can even offer laminates in colors.

Check out Cubic Tech Corp for more info.

Tags: 330 Revolution
Posted in 330, Outdoor Retailer, Packs | Comments Off on 330D Revolution? Ha! Try 20D