I really like the Bushcraft line from Helikon-Tex and at this year’s IWA they introduced the Swagman Roll which was developed by the Polish survival training company Survival Tech, who created this video to go over its features.
Look for the Swagman Roll at www.helikon-tex.com.
Offered in two and three person versions, the Nammatj GT from Hilleberg is based on one of their commercial tents and made from 75D fabric. The tent and fly are connected so it is easier to pitch and strike. This military version features a blackout fabric fly, white guy lines (black for Green version of tent), and a slightly more durable material.
The tent has an integrated bathtub floor as well as a large vestibule for gear storage. Both doors are made from no-see-um mesh along with a standard tent fabric door. Inside are two integrated pockets as well as vents. The 2-person model weighs 4.1 kg and the 3-person model weighs 4.5 kg.
Outdoor Research suggests these uses for their waterproof/breathable Wilderness Cover:
1) Wear it as a poncho
2) wear it as a poncho with the bottom cord cinched up around your waist
3) use it as a waterproof bivy sack
4) rig it as a mini-shelter or tarp
5) stuff it in the included stuff sack and carry it with you to use while backpacking, hunting, hanging out at a music festival, or crewing at an ultra marathon
6) keep it handy so you can show your friends all the cool stuff it can do.
In fact, OR claims the only thing you can’t do with their Wilderness Cover is use it as a raft, but they’ve obviously never built a poncho raft.
Offered in Black and Hops (seen in photos).
Thanks JK!
There have been many so-called Elephant Foot,sleeping bags in the market over the years. We’ve even mentioned a few of these designs which are essentially, the bottom half of the bag, with the top half being a level 7-style insulated belay parka. The idea with an Elephant Foot is to reduce weight and bulk and is often used for mountaineering. Oftentimes, these bags ride mid-abdomen and use elastic or shoulder straps, to stay in place. Additionally, the bottom is often closed with shock cord so the wearer can open it up and walk around in it.
The Hybrid is insulated with 850-fill-power Traceable Down, so it’s no slouch when it comes to keeping the cold at bay. It’s also going to be quite packable, although maybe not the best choice in cold/wet conditions. The shell is Pertex Quantum, an underutilized fabric here in the US which is highly wind and water resistant.
In the case of the Hybrid, it incorporates a torso fashioned from a single layer of windproof 1.2oz, 15D 100% nylon ripstop fabric with a DWR finish. It features a waist level drawstring as well as drawstrings at the hood along with a half-zip front opening to reduce bulk. The single layer torso works with the parka beneath to shed weather and trap heat.
Earlier, I mentioned that many of the half-bags on the market have an open bottom, but the Hybrid incorporates a footbed designed to acoid cold spots.
I really like the design of the Hybrid, but as it was designed for civilian mountaineering, the Viking Blue color scheme leaves a bit to be desired for tactical use, despite the cool color name. Maybe it will catch the eye of a military customer and we’ll see it in Alpha Green.
Made in China, it weighs just 490 g (17.3 oz). The Hybrid from Patagonia is offered in Short, Regular and Long lengths.
www.patagonia.com/product/hybrid-sleeping-bag-regular
The first run of these was so popular that they sold out over a weekend. This new shipment will go quickly as well.
THE NEED:
A Multicam, Berry Compliant, USGI Poncho Liner.
THE SOLUTION:
OPT’s owner approached Wild Things about making enhancing modifications to the time proven, simple design of the USGI Poncho Liner, while maintaining the size and styling of the liner, to couple with USGI Ponchos.
THE OUTCOME:
Incredible Woobie Goodness. The quality you expect from Wild Things products, mixed with the experience based ingenuity you expect from OPT. An affordable, GENUINE Multicam USGI Poncho Liner; made with Soft 70 denier nylon treated with NanoSphere® DWR, quilted with 2 oz PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, multiple tie-downs along 4 sides.
Tech Specs:
•Soft 70 denier Multicam nylon treated with NanoSphere® DWR for high level of water resistance
•Quilted with 2 oz PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation for greater warmth than issued poncho liners
•Multiple tie-downs along all 4 sides
•Weight (approximate): 2 lb 2 oz
•Dimensions: 90 x 65 inches
•Incredible Woobie Goodness
•Made in U.S.A.
•Berry Amendment Compliant
This item has been couch tested extensively during numerous TV show marathons, as well as in a field environment with a 100% pass rate on the INFANTRY FIELD AWESOMENESS PROTOCOL (I-FAP).
All materials and workmanship are 100% made in the USA
Available now at special introductory pricing!
www.optactical.com/optbecoenpol
Made from PU coated 70D Nylon, the Wild Things Survivalist is a multipurpose item. It can be used as a poncho, shelter, ground cloth, etc. Yep, it’s an old school design, but it works.
The Survivalist measures 56″ x 87″ with the same corner grommets and snaps you remember from the old GI Poncho.
There are a a lot of great off-road camping trailers on the market, but Conqueror Australia’s flagship model, the UEV-490 Evolution is a sight to behold.
The trailers actually begin life in South Africa where the company has been building military trailers for over 15 years. Then, they are brought to Australia where they are outfitted as one of Conqueror’s different models.
conqueroraustralia.com.au/uev-490/uev-490-evolution
Made from a nylon ripstop shell and NEMO’s Stratofiber™ insulation, the Puffin is 86 inches long and 60 inches wide. The extralength is put to use by incorprating buttons at the foot of the blanket which allows the wearer to tuck the feet under and fasten them in place. You’ll also note the shape which is designed to give better coverage when used sleeping bag style. The Puffin weighs 2lbs, 3oz.
One side is Coyote and the other MultiCam, these were built for their Shield Line. Priced to move, the Puffin is currently offered at just under $90.
