New Zealand scientists have developed a revolutionary new fabric that is stab and flame resistant, yet remains light to wear as wool. For the World news Australia article, go here.
This wool based fiber is not only FR (no dripping in vertical flammability tests), but also cut resistant.
For more info on Vectran’s new line of fibers go to http://www.vectranfiber.com/.
RV Ops is a UK specialist military outfitter. They offer a wide variety of manufacturer’s wares in addition to excellent products of their own design. One such product is their telescoping bivy poles. No more looking for just the right branch to prop up your hootch. Just pull these bad boys out, telescope to the desired length and it’s nap time.
Purchase them from RVOPS.
Improvised Zip-Tie cuffs are a commonplace restraint device for general police use, riot/crowd control, and SSE applications. The benefits are clear as an effective restraint as they are lightweight, especially when multiple restraints are required.
B-Safe introduces a patented new reusable law enforcement restraint, enabling the user to cuff both of the detainee’s wrists in 1.5 seconds as well control him with one hand via teh T-grip handle. The Zipcuff uses a standard handcuff key for release or loosening thereby saving money as the Zipcuff can be reused over and over.
Simultaneously restraining both wrists of a detainee is an important element of control as it leverages the element of surprise, leading to a (hopefully) more docile suspect. To employ the Zipcuff, simply grasp the Zipcuff body, slip over the wrists and pull the T-grip handle.
All photos courtesy of B-Safe Industries.
There is currently a dearth of bungees on the market that are well suited for military use. At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I found a small company named Rok Straps. They have a really cool line of elastic cargo straps and three models in particular are well suited for military use.
The two below, the Camo Rok and Camo Sport are both often used for vehicle applications. Note the heavy duty hooks. Additionally, the Sport features a side release buckle to allow handier access to equipment that has been tied down.
They also make a specialty strap that is smaller and designed for use with individual equipment. The Camo Adjustable is specifically designed to attach to back packs and secure smaller items without damaging waterproof materials. Quick release buckles ensure fast and quiet access to gear.
All of the camo straps are available in Black as well as a Green-based camo.
I have seen a lot of guys building Rube Goldberg contraptions to air out their armor after a mission. I recently ran across Russ Innovations’ design. They offer a hanger designed to not only dry the vest between uses but provides a handy way to store it or configure it for use.
The hanger on the right is slightly larger and designed for full military armor.
As you can see from the side view, the design allows for ample air circulation and the hanger can be hung up or opened like an easel.
The price is reasonable and it is warrantied for 25 years from the date of purchase. Available from Flakvesthangers.com.
Photos property of Russ Innovations Incorporated.
Available exclusively from Platypus Outdoors in Sydney Australia, the Gerber Grasp™ is finally available in AUSCAM. During development of the Grasp™, Gerber conducted a great deal of research asking military personnel what features they would like to see in a modular on-the-move drinking system. Armed with this information they developed the Grasp. A truly modular system, it includes: an Adjustable Load Deck (ALD) and two removable compartments, 150 oz. Grasp™ external fill reservoir, 2760 CI total cargo capacity, IR 1000D nylon Cordura® fabric, webbing, trims, antennae and communication cable ports, internal radio sling, MRE pockets, MOLLE webbing, ergonomic back padding and lumbar support, padded, adjustable, removable shoulder straps, removable waist belt, and spare field repairable buckle.
The Graspâ„¢ can be used in seven different configurations:
1. Reservoir Carrier without Shoulder Straps
2. Reservoir Carrier Closed
3. Reservoir Carrier Open
4. Reservoir Carrier + Large Gear Pack
5. Reservoir Carrier Closed + Small Gear Pack
6. Reservoir Carrier + Small Gear Pack + Waist Belt
7. Reservoir Carrier + Large Gear Pack + Small Gear Pack
The Graspâ„¢ is also available in Coyote, Black, and from other vendors in UCP.
To order contact Plat a tac.
For years I used a flannel travel sheet from Design Salt. Talk about comfort. Design Salt’s unique product line is just as appropriate for vacation as on deployment. My favorite is the Flannel TravelSheet. You’d think that it would be hot in summer but not so. It is very comfortable and convenient in that you don’t have to wash your entire sleep system, you just pull out the liner and wash it. It dries quickly and can also be used for instances where you have to spend the night in dubious sleeping quarters. Like the name, it provides a cocoon.
At the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Design Salt announced that they too would incorporate the Insect Shield technology.
The entire Cocoon line is available from Design Salt.
Photo is courtesy of Design Salt.
I don’t know how I would have made it through my tour in Germany without my trusty Esbit Cooker. Issued as part of the German Ration Pack (EPA), Esbit fuel was readily available all over Germany. The tablets burn for between 7 and 12 minutes depending on the size and should boil half a liter in about 7 minutes. What I really liked about them was lack of smell or smoke.
The cooker itself is a simple design. Its stamped galvanized steel with riveted folding legs that once folded flat, carried its own solid fuel bars. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The legs are adjustable by detents stamped into the legs. The larger the cooker, the more settings. For example, the small cooker’s legs can be set at 90 degrees, 45 degrees, or closed. You can see in the picture the indentations in the legs for the settings. I tossed mine years ago but the only place it ever showed the slightest sign of rust was at the rivets. I never thought I would be able to find another one, until now.
And now they have mugs!
Esbit products can be found here on the web but I purchased mine at Eddie Bauer.
Photos from Esbit GMbH.
