Developed for the Canadian Navy, Fellfab’s Crew Rest Mattress utilizes AirString Technology.
The structure is 90% air by volume and is formed by linear low density polyethylene polymers. It is 100% recyclable, won’t absorb water and meets flame (FAR 25.853), smoke (BSS 7238) and toxicity (BSS 7239) requirements.
This four inch thick mattress was tested to 500,000 compression cycles and only lost 1/4 inch of loft.
Hilleberg have long been the preeminent tent manufacturer within Europe. Originally started by Bo Hilleberg, they have brought innovation and functionality to the world of light weight and durable tents.
When operating in mountainous and arctic conditions, the use of tents by the military is essential for the sustainment of operations. Thankfully, gone are the days of large and heavy canvas tents. Now, we are able to go into these extreme environments with the best that the outdoor industry can provide.
Recent developments based on the hugely popular civilian range, has seen the addition of IRR and light blocking fabrics. This resulted in the Hilleberg tents being adopted by the UK MOD, for their Arctic operations and reduced the weight of the in service tent by 5Kg (11lbs).
The Staika is structurally one of the strongest tents on the market and can even be used as a subsurface shelter, in snow conditions, to enable greater levels of concealment and covert observation. It offers durable and functional shelter for two operators which can withstand extreme weather and with its small foot print it can be pitched on very small areas. In addition, as it is self supporting, it can be used within urban environments where it is not possible to place a peg. For more information get in touch by email on tribe@brigantes.com. www.brigantes.com
BivyPack is billed on Kickstarter as the backpack that transforms into a bivy tent. On the upside, you’ve got both shelter and load carriage in one package. The opposite is that you’re always carting your shelter around.
The 40 liter pack section is manufactured from hex grid ripstop nylon. It is a flapped too loader with front packet as well as two side pockets and includes a carbon fiber frame along with shoulder, waist and chest straps.
The poles are integrated into the head section. Now, here’s another issue to consider. While the body is a laminate, the head section is noseeum mesh. In inclement weather this could be a real issue. Their solution is to place your coat over the head area when you need the extra protection. That’s one way to keep weight down, I guess. It’s only about one pound all told which isn’t bad.
While it’s innovative, a few design choices make it only applicable for a narrow set of circumstances.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/111493935/bivypack-the-backpack-that-transforms-into-a-bivy
UK company Lifesystems has introduced a new Heatshield Blanket to their Outdoor Survival range and with a weight of less than 100g, there’s no excuse not to carry one in your backpack when exploring the great outdoors.
Made from a heat-reflective, metalised low density polyethylene, the advanced Headshield Blankets are capable of retaining 90% of your radiated body heat. The blanket’s wind and waterproof material also helps to reduce wind-chill and can therefore play a crucial role in keeping you warm if you become injured or lost on the hill. The durable Heatshield Blankets are tear-resistant, meaning you can easily reuse them time and time again, and each blanket is supplied with a bag to keep it safe inside your rucksack.
The exterior of the Heatshield Blanket is a highly visible, safety orange that makes it easy for help to spot you during an emergency situation. For even greater practicality, the outer surface of the blanket is also radar reflective, making it much easier for emergency services to locate you when you’re far away from the beaten track. Crucial safety information is printed directly onto the outside of the blanket, helping you to take Lifesystems’ extensive survival knowledge out on your adventures with you.
Available in both single and double versions, the Heatshield Blanket is particularly useful for situations where someone has fallen and you can’t risk moving them. By tucking the Heatshield Blanket around the injured individual, you can help them retain crucial body heat, reducing the risk of hypothermia – a real, year-round threat on the British hills. Before you head out onto the trail, make sure that not only have you prepared for the unexpected with your kit, but you are also aware of the early symptoms of hypothermia so you can deal with situations before they arise.
EARLY SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHERMIA
Shivering
Slurred speech and mumbling
Shallow breathing
A lack of coordination
Drowsiness or confusion
Contact tribe@brigantesconsulting.com for more information (Minimum Order Quantities apply)
High Angle Solutions is a weekly series of articles focusing on military mountaineering solutions. It’s brought to you by UK-based , in conjunction with several other brands, both here in the US and abroad.
Japanese brand Nanga has a rich, 75 year history in Japan and this was their first time exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer. If yiu want to go ultralightweight, you might want yo take a look at their UDD Bag 630. This bag promises comfort at 23 Deg F and a lower limit of 14 Deg F using 770 Fill Power european white duck down which is treated with water repellent. The shell is a 15D water repellent nylon. One way they help save weight, is no side zips. They claim that this combination weighs 630 grams (22.3 oz).
This is Klymit’s first two-person sleeping bag. It’s customizable to accommodate each sleeper’s comfort level. It’s rated down to 30 deg F thanks to 650 fill-power down. Ventilation is accomplished via two-way zippers on each side. The top can also be used as a stand alone down comforter. Underneath a pad skirt keeps your pad in place. It is 46″ x 82″ and weighs 4 lbs, 11 oz.
The Versa Blanket is made from Klymalite synthetic loft insulation with a 20D polyester shell. It incorporates corner hand pockets so you can wrap yourself up and there’s a footbox to keep your feet cozy. Corner snaps keep the blanket around your shoulders. It is 58″ x 80″ and weighs 28 oz.
Both items are coming in March, from www.klymit.com.
Eagles Nest Outfitters introduced their new Guardian DX Bug Net. It features two entry points as well as their DAC Featherlite spreader bar which helps with ventilation and keeping the sides (and bugs) away from you.
www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
World’s lightest two man tent
With a race weight of a mere 490 grams Lofoten is probably the lightest tent in the world – and with a pack size of only 11×22 cm it is definitely the smallest when packed! Tipping the scale for a fully functional two-layer tent the bar has once again been pushed for light weight enthusiasts.
For the modern trekker or adventurer the gear you bring along needs to be small, light – and fully functional. The new ultralight weight Lofoten tent from Nordisk meets all of those demands.
Lofoten is a complete two-layer tent with both durable and weather resistant flysheet and a breathable inner tent. The race weight is 490 grams but the complete weight including the bonus pack is 565 grams.
High Angle Solutions is a weekly series of articles focusing on military mountaineering solutions. It’s brought to you by UK-based Brigantes Consulting, in conjunction with several other brands, both here in the US and abroad.
