SIG SAUER - Never Settle

US Army xTechSearch Progresses DroneShield to Stage 3

January 31st, 2020

Earlier this month, DroneShield has announced that the United States Army has selected its wholly owned US subsidiary DroneShield LLC to advance to Phase II of Expeditionary Technology Search program (“xTechSearch”).

DroneShield is now pleased to announce that following Phase II evaluation round, it has been progressed to Phase III of the evaluation process. Phase III will be held on 17-19 March at the 2020 Global Force Symposium & Exposition at Huntsville Alabama. The 2020 AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition is a 2 ½ -day event that will include presentations from the Army, DoD and industry related to the future of the Army.  There is a cash grant award associated with progressing to Phase III. 

xTechSearch is sponsored by U.S. Army’s Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. It enables the selected private sector companies to collaborate with the Army to tackle the most critical Army modernisation challenges.

The Army xTechSearch program provides non-dilutive funding to selected private sector companies to demonstrate their technologies pertaining to Army challenges. The program also drives to integrate these businesses into the Army’s Science and Technology ecosystem by providing research opportunities with Army labs, including authorized access to the Army’s organic intellectual and technical capital.

DroneShield LLC has been selected on the basis of Artificial Intelligence/Machine learning algorithms within its drone detection products.

DroneShield’s CEO Oleg Vornik commented, “The United States Department of Defense (US DoD) continues to substantially ramp up its counter-UAS work, with the recently reported decision to appoint the U.S. Army as the DoD’s executive agent for its counter-UAS efforts. We are pleased to progress into the next phase of the xTechSearch process, allowing DroneShield further engagement with the U.S. Army’s ecosystem, and growing our relationship with them towards their acquisition processes. This shortlisting continues to reinforce DroneShield’s proprietary technologies as as market leading capabilities in the counter-UAS space globally.”  

DroneShield’s RfZeroTM ground or vehicle-mounted drone detection units

ORSWM 20 – Herschel Supply Co Trail Collection

January 30th, 2020

There’s generally a trend at each OR show, and this time it’s recycled fabrics. Everyone has them. In the case of Herschel, their new Trail collection of bags features 100% recycled materials. They also boast an interesting Camo pattern.

ORSWM 20 – Alpha Industries

January 30th, 2020

As I walked around the Outdoor Retailer show floor, I ran across a booth that looked like a surplus store?.

It was Alpha Industries, longtime military clothing contractor.

If you’re looking for flight jacket, or an M65, or even a heavy duty N3B parka, they still make them and they’re available for commercial sale.

www.alphaindustries.com

ORWSM 20 – LittleMo Baby Sleeping Bag

January 30th, 2020

This time it’s something for the kinder. The LittleMo 20 deg Baby Sleeping Bag is from Morrison Outdoors.

Designed to accommodate babies and toddlers up to 24 months, this 650 fill down bag features a central front zip and arms so baby won’t feel cocooned. There’s no hood, so you’ll need to cover baby’s noggin.

ORSWM 20 – Rumpl Woodland Stash Mat

January 30th, 2020

The Stash May by Rumpl gives you a dry spot on the ground.

This 52 x 75” mat features a 5K laminated waterproof underside, and a super soft DWR-treated faux suede top for comfort.

Available in a variety of colors and pattern, but Woodland is the obvious choice.

ORSWM 20 – Mystery Ranch Celebrates 20 Years of Still Crazy and Going Strong

January 30th, 2020

This is a big year for Mystery Ranch and they are celebrating at the OR Snow + Winter Market. Naturally, they’ve got beer in the afternoon, but they’re also passing out printed copies of 20th anniversary monograph I wrote for them.

Below is a little taste. If you want to see the whole thing, go here.

The MYSTERY RANCH we know today is the distillation of time and space. It has taken more than 20 years of trial and error to get where it is today, and it couldn’t exist anywhere but Bozeman, Montana. But if you remove the location, the product, and even the people, you are left with a state of mind. Known lovingly as the “Ranch,” it’s developed from beyond just a brand, into a culture forged by shared experiences, bringing together individuals from all over to create something more than just great packs.

As businesses grow, things must change. It’s often hard, but necessary to maintain a functioning company. There’s a general consensus that although change happens, it’s for the best, and new processes and procedures are implemented in a way that everyone can live with.

“We are fucking freaks for Manufacturing.” -Dana Gleason

With a name inspired by a long-forgotten black and white television show, MYSTERY RANCH is nothing without its people. Ultimately, the Ranchers and their disparate backgrounds have come together to embrace the unique culture of MYSTERY RANCH, making it the worldwide success it is today.

It’s been a great 20 years. Here’s to 20 more.

ORSWM 20 – Wild Things White Out Overwhites

January 30th, 2020

Wild Things has introduced a new overwhite system called White Out.

Consisting of the White Out Overwhite Jacket and Pant, these 70D MultiCam Alpine shells are lightweight and pack into a small ball for storage. They are joined by helmet, pack and Knuckle Roaster covers.

The White Out Overwhite Jacket features full length pit zips which allow you to get to your equipment underneath.

Likewise, the White Out Overwhite Pant has full length side zips to facilitate donning and doffing as well as a two-way front relief zipper.

The two front zippered patch pockets are situated low enough that they are still accessible while wearing a climbing harness.

Finally, the instep at the lower hem is reinforced with double fabric to mitigate abrasion.

Available in sizes XS-XXXL.

ORSWM 20 – Milkman Powdered Chocolate Milk

January 30th, 2020

I’d never thought I’d say hat about powdered anything, but Milkman Powdered Milk tastes great.

It is available in regular and chocolate flavors, it offers a way to take milk with you, wherever you go. Just add water. The quart packages are shelf stable for one-year.

It is low-fat but a quart package of the chocolate offers 18g of protein per serving.