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Anatomy of Shell Garments part 3 – The Construction
SSD Sponsor Blue Force Gear is sponsoring one heck of a contest. Not only are they asking for help from SSD readers to name four of their packs, but if you suggest the winning name, you win a pack!
soldiersystems.net/2010/08/30/name-that-pack-contest
SSD loves William Gibson and we are excited about his latest book due to the subject matter. Not only is he writing about the nexus of the military and fashion industries, few know that he has been in here before, but in real life. He is truly big in Japan where he has lent his name and design influence to a flight jacket as well as high tops and a line of military-esque bags.
A couple of spoilers await at io9.com where they discuss the book in more detail. “Zero History” was released today in the US.
After suffering for several months with awkward part number based names for their new line of military and discrete packs, Blue Force Gear has decided to run a contest on Soldier Systems Daily to help them name 4 different packs. The contest will run from now until the 10th of September. If your pack name is selected you will receive a free pack of that style! In the event multiple entries are received with the same suggested name, only the first submission received by Blue Force Gear will be awarded a free pack so get them in as quickly as possible! Send your ideas to namethatpack@blueforcegear.com.
Here’s what you’ve got to work with:
Medium Pack – Military (02)
The 02 Pack is a super light-weight three day style pack that is covered in MOLLE compatible webbing. It has a removable beavertail on the front for carrying quick access items like a helmet, jacket, or even one of our original Micro Packs. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 43oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Medium Pack – Discrete (03)
The 03 Pack is built on the same production line as our military version, but with a more discrete, stylized appearance for everyday use. It has some of the same features like the removable beavertail on the front. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. There are also two accessory pouches on either side of the pack designed to fit a 1L Nalgene style bottom. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 49oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Small Pack – Military (04)
The Small Military is based loosely off the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and on the military version the face of the pack is covered with MOLLE compatible webbing. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Small Pack – Discrete (05)
The Small Discrete is very similar to the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and the face of the pack is stylized to appear more like a high end commercial pack. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
All Blue Force gear products are proudly Made in the USA! so Berry compliance is never at question. Be sure to check out the product pages at www.BlueForceGear.com as they offer a wide variety of color schemes depending on teh product and its intended use.
During SHOT Show we wrote about the new Outside The Wire Bag from Kifaru Tactical. It is an excellent flat bottomed design with ample room to see the contents when open. Additionally, the OTW Bag features PALS webbing on the exterior and loop as well as elastic on the inside to accommodate the user’s needs. You can see all of the bag’s salient characteristics in this graphic provided by Kifaru. Available now in Black, Coyote, Foliage, OD, MultiCam and UCP. Camo patterns are the same price as monotones until 10 November.
Have you seen this thing? If not, you need to stop by Paladin’s booth #31017E at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer market in Salt Lake City, Utah. Based on S.O. Tech designs, Paladin products are manufactured off-shore in order to mitigate costs for those who don’t require Berry compliance such as the recreational and LE markets. With the Panel Pack they have hit a home run. This pack is awesome. Designed as a modular hanging panel, it can be zipped closed and carried over-the-shoulder, pack-style. In the brochure Paladin gives a couple of ideas on how to configure the Panel Pack but those are just really the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it’s use is only limited by your imagination due to the interchangeable pockets.
Feature laden, the Panal Pack has a large external mesh pocket for items like jackets, helmets, fins, etc. as well as an external flat zippered pocket for booklets, medical records, or emergency documents. Additionally, it will accommodate a hydration bladder in the flex mesh external back pocket. There are also external loops for poles and tools as well as a clear vinyl “window pocket†for packing lists or ID.
If you can’t come see it in person, make sure to visit www.specopstech.com.