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Archive for the ‘Packs’ Category

Stone Glacier Announces Ultralight Military/Tactical Pack

Monday, August 7th, 2017

Stone Glacier, an industry leader in ultralight backpacks, has developed and launched the R3 3300. A unique pack catered to the tactical and military markets based on Stone Glacier’s core principle of designing ultralight packs without using any ultralight materials.

The R3 (Response/Recon/Rescue) is a product of organic development says Stone Glacier owner and designer, Kurt Racicot. “We were approached by a few various individuals who had been using our hunting line of packs on different deployments and they loved them. The overall weight and design features were unique and not available from other pack manufactures. The consistent feedback was that if we just changed a couple of minor things and developed a few unique features for combat use our packs would be exactly what they were looking for. So, we did it. And the result is the R3 line of packs and accessories.”

The R3 is a modular design that can go from 3,300 cubic inches to 6,300 cubic inches offering customization of up to 8 detachable interior pockets, Stone Glacier’s unique Load Shelf, internal top molle grid for additional PALS pockets or radio carry and a top storm flap in the main bag for cable and antenna routing. Additionally, the R3 line of accessories includes a Conceal Lid to allow the internal concealed carry of carbines up to 33.5” collapsed OAL and the unique 240 Panel which attaches to the frame for quick access to eight 30 round magazines, all weight supported by the frame.

The R3 3300 is offered in Coyote Brown and Tan 499 and boasts an empty weight of only 4.55lbs. It is constructed of all Berry Compliant components and is proudly designed and manufactured in the USA. “We’ve cut no corners with this pack” says Stone Glacier CEO Jeff Sposito, “We’ve used only the best materials including proven Cordura® 500 D, YKK zippers and Duraflex buckles just to name a few. The response and feedback so far has been great and we are very excited to expand the R3 offering and continue to build products that meet the needs of the most demanding users.”

The R3 3300 is available now, direct from www.stoneglacier.com and is priced at $594 (MSRP). Contact Stone Glacier directly for more information at (406) 404-0641 or visit their showroom at 608 W Griffin Dr., Unit A, Bozeman MT 59715.

Marine Corps to Deliver Reinforced Pack Frames as Early as 2018

Thursday, August 3rd, 2017

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia —
Grunts know a good ruck frame has got to last. That’s why a project team at Marine Corps Systems Command has developed a more durable pack frame; one that will better support the U.S. Marine Corps Pack that has been fielded to the operating forces since 2011.

The operational force will soon begin receiving a stronger, more durable pack frame designed to endure extreme temperatures, as well as wear and tear. The reinforced U.S. Marine Corps Pack Frame provides the same form, fit and function as the current frame, with stronger materials for both horizontal and vertical load-bearing support. These improvements were made in response to feedback from Marines who reported pack frame failures in extreme cold weather environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryan Nygaard)

The operational force will soon begin receiving a stronger, more durable pack frame designed to endure extreme temperatures, as well as wear and tear. The reinforced U.S. Marine Corps Pack Frame provides the same form, fit and function as the current frame, with stronger materials for both horizontal and vertical load-bearing support. These improvements were made in response to feedback from Marines who reported pack frame failures in extreme cold weather environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryan Nygaard)

The reinforced U.S. Marine Corps Pack Frame provides the same form, fit and function as the legacy frame, but with stronger materials for both horizontal and vertical load-bearing support.

“At Marine Corps Systems Command we continually monitor progress and work to identify new ways to increase performance and durability of the pack system,” said Capt. Jolanta Krempin, a project officer for Infantry Combat Equipment. “The Marine is at the center of everything we do and their feedback is always considered with acute interest regarding acquisition programs and capabilities.”

The acquisition command first learned of pack frames issues back in 2013, when Marines from School of Infantry-West noted a small number of frames were breaking. The program office proactively began rigorous laboratory testing on a reinforced pack frame, and then tested it with Recon units to assess its durability during airborne operations. Results were positive, said a program official.

Additional legacy pack frame breakages were reported during the winter of 2015 and 2016, as Marines participated in cold weather training at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in California, and coalition exercises in Norway. According to feedback from Marines, there were issues with legacy pack frames becoming brittle and snapping.

To assess the reinforced frame’s durability in arctic environments, MCSC flew in a half a dozen program officials last winter, who handed out dozens of reinforced frame prototypes to members of a unit deployed to Norway.

“We took the feedback we got and used it to inform how we could best reinforce the pack frame, while avoiding substantial weight increase or changes in fit and form,” said Mackie Jordan, ICE engineer.

Currently, MCSC is conducting additional environmental and field testing for a more comprehensive evaluation of the reinforced frame’s performance in extreme-cold temperatures. Testing will also investigate other causes of the legacy frame’s failures to mitigate potential issues with the reinforced frame.

“The reinforced frame is being tested in both constant cold temperature environments, as well as changing temperature environments,” said Jordan. “Future testing may include hot-to-cold/cold-to-hot testing to simulate rapid temperature changes during jump operations.”

During testing, frames will be subjected to an extreme cold temperature of 0° +/- 2° Fahrenheit for a period of one week. For each test, the frame will, at a minimum, be assessed for cracking, fatigue, or stress marks and cracking noises during flexibility testing.

Fielding of the reinforced frames is planned to begin in fiscal year 2018. Over time, as legacy frames meet a to-be-determined “expiration date,” they will be replaced with the reinforced frames, eliminating issues related to aging.

By Emily Greene, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Gunner’s Fact Or Fiction – Does The Marine Pack Frame Hold Up?

Monday, July 31st, 2017

There's been a lot of scuttlebutt about the integrity of the Marine Corps' pack frame. If you tell a Marine he can't break something, he's going to prove you wrong and then tell his buddies how to do it as well. But, this time MARCORSYSCOM is one step ahead, as Gunner Christian Wade demonstrates in this video.

Kelty – Spur

Friday, July 21st, 2017

The Kelty Spur is a sling bag.

Features:
-Ambidextrous shoulder carry
-Air mesh/EVA shoulder straps & back panel
-Stowable, 3-point harness
-External zip accessory pockets
-Large, u-zip main opening
-Internal, hook & loop pocket
-External shove-it/water bottle pocket

Volume: 549 in3 / 9 L
Weight: 13 oz / .38 kg
Torso Fit: One Size
Dimensions: 15.5 x 7.5 x 6 in / 39 x 19 x 15 cm

For those of you interested; no, it’s not made in the States. However, of the offered colors, several are great for the potential Grey Man.

kelty.com/spur

Mystery Ranch – Crewcab Pack

Friday, July 21st, 2017

Crewcab_15-coyote-hero (1)

Mystery Ranch believes the Crewcab is one of the most innovative and adaptable packs ever made.

Crew Cab with bot Profile

Born out of a unit’s need to haul ammo cans, this famous variable-capacity pack can collapse or expand to carry loads that vary dramatically in size, shape, and weight. At its smallest, the Crewcab is a low-profile, 1900 cu-in pack, but can be expanded out to carry more than 6000 cu in. It can carry EOD gear, Pelican cases, robots, MR Load Cells, ammo cans, even casevacs in a pinch. The CREWCAB excels at carrying weird loads.

Crewcab_25-multicam-NICE Overload 3 Zip BVS-system

As a NICE framed pack, the Crewcab can haul the biggest loads in comfort. The NICE frame’s adjustable Futura yoke and lumbar wrap system —a three-dimensionally shaped belt— make sure you get a custom fit for any body type.

www.mysteryranch.com

Warrior East 2017 – LBT Vented Comms Pack

Thursday, July 13th, 2017

LBT designed the Vented Comms Pack to help overcome radio overheating. Some radios in hunmid environs have become so hot that they’ve melted fabric. The VCP features two roll down flaps with removable mesh windows. Additionally, the rear panel, constructed of HANK, can be unzipped for additional ventilation.

The zippered top flap incorporates a softshell pocket and cable routing slots. The side panels are also constructed of HANK with laser cut PALS slots. There are two antenna holsters made from softshell along each side panel. Finally, the pack can be worn alone but will fit an ALICE frame for added stability.

www.lbtinc.com

Kifaru – Pack Covers

Monday, June 26th, 2017

Kifaru has two pack covers, a Medium and a Large which are made from a single seamless Coyote colored silicone coated fabric sheet. Their bungie cord drawstring tightens around the pack, covering packs from 25L – 128L.

store.kifaru.net/kifaru-pack-cover

Varusteleka – Särmä TST RP80 Recon Pack

Friday, June 16th, 2017

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Varusteleka is a Finland-based company which specializes in military and outdoor gear and related products. They, in collaboration with Finn-Savotta Oy, developed the RP80, an 80 liter sustainment pack which is designed to be tall and slim. This design distributes weight closer and above the wearer’s center of gravity and spine, and also allows unrestricted arm and elbow movement when skiing; a must for Nortic and Arctic users.

The RP80 sports a DUR-Aluminum frame designed specifically for the pack, while the pack body is made of 1000D Cordura nylon. Features include:

  • Max. dimensions 85 x 37 x 25 cm + bottom corner pouches.
  • Weight 1700 g.
  • Drawcord divider inside, top compartment height 60 cm, bottom compartment height 25 cm.
  • Roll top closure with added security/compression strap.
  • Zippered bottom flap with two security/compression straps.
  • Two large baggy bottom corner pouches. Volume approx. 2,5 liters per pouch.
  • Two 75 cm long compression/tie down straps on each side.
  • Hydration bladder compartment inside.
  • Two horizontal tie down straps inside against the back.
  • Carry handles on the sides and lower back.
  • A seamless, uninterrupted 7 x 22 PALS matrix goes around the whole upper half of the bag.
  • Two vertical attachment point straps along the back.
  • The RP80 is assembled in Finland and Estonia.

    www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-tst-rp80-recon-pack/53979