There’s a lot going on in this photo from Q. You’ve got a Mini Fix SBR in 300 BLK incorporating an 8″ barrel with a 1:5 twist alongside their Trash Panda Suppressor.
But the real surprise is the bipod. It’s lightweight design features adjustable length legs as well as 45 and 90 degree locking positions.
The difficulty of obtaining everything a Unit requires in order to be considered “fully kitted out” is a lengthy affair for all those in a buying position within the military. Those in the know will sympathise with the reams of paperwork and requisitions that need to be signed, often only to order a small quantity of one item. Not to mention the frustration that comes with trying to release funds, once they have been agreed.
This is a difficulty that is shared with militaries around the world.
Enter Brigantes. This year, they held the Brigantes Show in the UK. A trade show that demonstrated the unique relationship that they have with many internationally recognised and revered outdoor brands.
Key representatives from the UK and US military forces attended to realise the true capability of Brigantes in the areas of Adventurous Training and Extreme Cold Weather. Brigantes demonstrated how they are the gateway to solving all military buying issues with minimal effort and how unparalleled their open, honest approach was to the buyers.
The team will be assisting in the organisation of the UK’s only defence show for the outdoor industry, The Outdoor Military Show, in December 2019 as well has exhibiting at DSEI 2019.
For more information contact international@brigantes.com
For UK enquiries contact warrior@brigantes.com
1 Meal for Every 2 Purchased will be Donated to Team Rubicon
[Nov. 19, 2018, Kittery, ME] — After last holiday season’s successful #DoBetter campaign that provided 900+ meals to those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria, Good To-Go, the dehydrated gourmet meal brand changing the way people eat on the go, is once again donating 1 meal for every 2 purchased through their website during the busy holiday season. This year, meals will be donated to the veteran-led Team Rubicon.
Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly provide relief to communities in need after a disaster. What started as 8 volunteers responding to Haiti’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010 has evolved into a roster of 85,000+ volunteers able to deploy throughout the United States and the World. Between November 19 – December 31, all US orders placed through goodto-go.com will automatically be applied to the effort. Customers can also choose to donate their entire order in addition to Good To-Go’s match by entering coupon code DOBETTER2018.
“In the wake of a disaster, our teams often go in to austere environments—where there may not be food, water, fuel, or electricity – to help impacted communities stabilize and recover,” said Brian Meagher, Strategic Partnerships Officer at Team Rubicon. “Good To-Go supports Team Rubicon by giving us a way to supplement meals during our operations in these austere places, helping our teams stay well fed while we help others.”
“Wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods bring unimaginable devastation to communities who often don’t have the means, tools or skills to deal with the immediate aftermath of a disaster,” said Good To-Go co-founder, David Koorits. “First responders and medical professionals are called upon to rapidly deploy to areas hardest hit at a moment’s notice. The ability to mobilize quickly and be self-reliant in the days before support systems are up and running is crucial, and that’s where Team Rubicon plays an important role. Providing their teams with lightweight, calorie-dense, and satisfying nourishment while they’re pushing their limits to serve others, is a great way for us to be able to contribute.”
Last year, ISER Caribe, an organization on the ground in Puerto Rico, received over 900 meals from Good To-Go. The organization prepared and distributed resiliency kits including food, water filtration and lights, to those in need.
About Good To-Go
Good To-Go was started by Chef Jennifer Scism and David Koorits. Scism is an award-winning chef and long-time co-owner of Annisa, a nationally recognized restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village. Her career has long been focused on the importance of good food. She has cooked at NY Times 4-Star rated restaurants, traveled to over 20 countries studying regional foods, and along with her team from Annisa, beat Mario Batali on the TV Food Network’s Iron Chef program. Koorits has spent his career as a wilderness therapy counselor, ski patroller, wildland firefighter and nurse. The dehydrated gourmet brands’ mission is to elevate expectations of what trail food can taste like. Started in 2014, a time when the market was craving something tastier and healthier, the brand has won multiple outdoor industry awards and start-up competitions, while they continue to add people-power and production space to address demand. Today, Good To-Go is sold in over 600 stores nationwide and in Canada. More info can be found at www.goodto-go.com. For sales inquiries, please contact Amy Fullerton, amy@goodto-go.com or 603-828-9097 and for media, Kate Ketschek, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.
About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is 501(c)3 nonprofit that utilizes the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Founded in 2010 with the expressed goal of quickly responding to large-scale disasters, Team Rubicon has deployed thousands of volunteers across the United States and world to provide relief to communities in need. For more information, please visit teamrubiconusa.org.
This Fall-Winter 2018, Prometheus Design Werx releases their newest version of their popular D.A. Hoodie. Built in the USA with Polartec WindPro technical fleece, this full featured full zip hoodie blocks wind and is treated with DWR to shrug off drizzle and damp. Designed for active pursuits from mountaintops to down range, the D.A. Hoodie has got you covered. Signature PDW design and performance details found in this style are a consequence of over 18 years of core users’ experiences in some of the planet’s most remote, challenging and often dangerous places. Featuring 6 useful pockets, shaped ML Hood with mini bill, reinforced elbows, dummy cord keepers, 1-handed bottom cinch, structured thumbhole cuffs, laser cut pit vents, dual loop patches, YKK reverse coil zippers, the D.A. Hoodie is built in the USA for serious wilderness and backcountry use.
The PDW D.A. Hoodie will be available in 2 colors, Heather Terra Brown and Heather Mountain Green.
The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:
“The D.A. Hoodie is built from many years of experience from some of the world’s most demanding users. Perhaps most notably, our Chief Designer’s relationship with members of SOCOM who were the first very adopters of his technical apparel designs over 18 years ago. Professional wilderness guides, field researchers, explorers, overlanders to the outdoor weekender all have seen and benefitted from the design and quality virtues of his designs. This hoodie showcases a continuing evolution of a core, purpose driven design and quality ethos that drives everything we do. We created D.A. Hoodie as a goto, grab-n-go full zip technical style that performs in a wide variety conditions, use cases and features the extra functional details for the demanding user. Some of the smartly design features don’t reveal themselves until you’re actually in the field, but most importantly they are there when you need them. We’re honored and proud of the core users who have chosen to use our goods. Their lives are defined by authenticity, action, and accomplishments. That’s why were are here and who we design and create these goods for. ”
The PDW D.A. Hoodie will be available starting on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 12:00 noon PT via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.
The most epic holiday adventure giveaway ever! We have teamed up with our friends from 9 different brands to bring you an incredible adventure giveaway worth over $3000!
Strike Force Energy: $80 Worth of Strike Force and Smoke Grenade Cup
Grill Your Ass Off: A Box of A$$
Rhino Safe: Longhorn Security Safe
Eberlestock: Kite Pack
Rollors: Rollors Game Set
Condition One Bars: 3 boxes of Chocolate Bars
MATBOCK: MR. Dry Bag 2.0
Tactical Distributors: TD Deacon Stretch Waterproof Jacket, TD Down Range Hooded Jacket, TD Carlos Ray Pant, TD Battle Briefs Tiger Camo and Old Glory
Strike Force Outdoors: Strike Force Distressed Hoodie
Fuego Supps: Sour Apple Pre-Workout
Wilderness Culture: Eno Hammock, Enamel Mug, Shirt
To win, sign here www.strikeforceenergy.com/pages/christmas-adventure-giveaway
Conroe, TX. (Dec 19, 2018) – Crux Suppressors is pleased to announce the marketing partnership with Lancer Systems. Lancer Systems, is the pinnacle for the Precision Gas Gun platform and AR-15 magazines.
Lancer Systems will be utilizing the Crux Nemesis, Ark30, and Axe9 suppressors for 2019 for sales and marketing.
Lancer Systems is excited to be working with Crux going into 2019. As a leading innovator in their field, Crux upholds the same values of providing superior engineered solutions and class leading performance, as the team at Lancer. – Richard Gilligan
For 2019 Crux is beyond excited to use Lancer magazines, 6.5 LTR, 308 Heavy Metal, Outlaw .223, and 5.56 Patrol rifles.
It makes perfect sense partnering with Lancer. Their rifles are hammers and allow us the opportunity to showcase the benefits of our suppressors without the variable of an inaccurate rifle. – Curtis Proske
About Crux Suppressors
Crux Suppressors, is a lead innovator within the precision rifle suppressor community. For 10 years Crux has grown from a small 1 man operation to 5 guys focused on building quality sound suppressors.
Brooklyn, NY – MultiCam®, the combat-proven family of concealment solutions for those who demand the best, has announced the official launch of their new webstore, through their existing website, www.multicampattern.com.
The new e-commerce section to their existing website, which will launch December 18th, provides consumers the ability to browse a number of MultiCam® branded apparel pieces, limited edition collaborations and MultiCam® adorned items, such as Oakley eyewear and Rockwell watches, among other categories.
The webstore is a one-stop shop for true MultiCam® enthusiasts, meant to showcase the various ways that MultiCam® is utilized by brands across multiple industries. The store will be an ever-changing outlet, that not only highlights the distinctiveness of the brand but connects with shoppers in a new and personal way.
“We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of the MultiCam® webstore,” stated Ernesto Rodriguez, MultiCam® Brand Manager. “The MultiCam® Shop is a natural extension for the brand, giving fans and customers direct access to the products that are so sought after.”
For more information, customers are encouraged to visit the new webstore, via the MultiCam® website, www.multicampattern.com.
I caught up with iconic pack and outdoor gear designer Mel Terkla, and he shared a few insights into his remarkable life and career of designing rugged packs capable of filling tactical, hunting, and everyday carry (EDC) roles. Anyone who knows Mel well should already knows he is remarkably humble and an American patriot. And yes, he’ll still let a modern sport bike unwind every now and then.
SSD: You’re a Vietnam era veteran, yet you still ride a crotch rocket every now and then. Does the missus ever ask you to settle down?
MT: That would be a big no! We’ve been together for 39 years and she got used to my risk taking from the beginning and knows that’s just who I am! I grew up in the country and was always climbing trees, having slingshot fights, riding my little Honda 50 in the apple orchards and the creek, and all the other crazy things kids in the country did back in the 50’s and 60’s!
I started racing motorcycles on dirt tracks right out of high school and actually planned on going pro until Vietnam and the draft came along, and decided to enlist. My dad joined the Navy when he was 16 and in his third week of boot camp Pearl Harbor was bombed and he was shipped out spending 4 years in the South Pacific! So growing up I always knew I would be joining the Navy when the time came.
I enlisted in Jun ‘68 and went to a Radioman A school in San Diego. I requested Vietnam service on the PBR’s in the Mekong Delta as that’s where the action was for the Navy in Vietnam (not counting the SEAL teams)! I already had a friend I grew up with at this time killed in action and I wanted to serve in the war as my dad did. No social media back then and as a young kid from a small town, I didn’t know anything about the world and just wanted to do my part in the war. I got my orders to Vietnam, but at a commsta (communications station) in a relatively safe area. It would be considered a green zone today. No humping the bush or firefights, just the occasional rocket and mortar attack. Made some great lifelong friends in 69/70 on that tour and wouldn’t trade that for anything.
After I got out of the Navy I started riding sport bikes and still do to this day with no plans on giving it up anytime soon…motorcycles are in my blood! My wife knows the risks I take as I ride at a very spirited pace, and even though I’m a very experienced rider, bad things can happen if your number comes up!
I also worked in a logging crew for 6 years as a chokersetter, an extremely dangerous job and physically demanding…my wife really didn’t like me doing this but knew it was part of me! I had done some logging work when I was younger, but I started this job when I was 46 years old and worked until I was 52…in those 6 years I was in the best shape of my life! Most chokersetters are in their 20’s before moving on or becoming a catskinner or faller, but my boss loved my gung ho, no quit attitude on the job!
I never got to be a spec ops type guy in the military, but have loved danger and adrenaline rush situations my whole life…and my wife always supports me!
SSD: I read your interview over at Carryology.com, and even when activity was higher at the Lightfighter forums and you were a regular there, I could sense that you were more about quality materials, efficient design, etc., compared to gadgets or marketing hype. How far back did you design your first piece of gear?
MT: I’ve always enjoyed designing gear or coming up with ways to improve the various types of gear…packs, LBV, chest rigs, belt orders, and accessories for such! My second choice design passion would be clothing, but have not entered that field yet…stay tuned to the future for that!
I designed my first official piece of gear in the early 90’s! I called it the SlingStack System, and it came from seeing the police shotguns being carried in patrol cars. Most of them that I saw at the time were running slings that could easily catch on a multitude of items in the patrol cars when exiting, which is the last thing you want when responding to an active shooter situation! My design allowed you to carry the sling stacked in a nylon pocket attached to the buttstock of the shotgun that could be deployed quickly if a sling was needed, yet kept the sling secure and out of the way for those quick exits!
I contacted a company back then called B.E.A.M. Co. that was owned by an LA County Sheriff deputy named Charlie Araujo. We met in person and he liked the design and purchased the rights to it for his company! Unfortunately, they went out of business before it could be produced.
Then in 1996 I designed a mag carrier for HK MP5 magazines, as that was the weapon of choice for entry teams at the time.
SSD: You had a long run over at Kifaru, and quite a few folks were happy to see you transition to Wolfpack gear a couple of years ago, for design work on their line of packs. How did that transition go?
MT: I hooked up with Kifaru in Jan 2002. There I helped start their Military/Tactical line of packs and accessories! I designed all the packs, pockets, and accessories for that line in the 12 1/2 years I was there until mid 2014. I also designed the Kifaru Woobie which became the biggest seller of the whole line…there’s a funny story how that happened! I was pretty much given carte blanche on design for the tactical line from Patrick the owner. It was a fun run!
In Dec 2015 I hooked up with Wolfpack Gear in San Luis Obispo, CA to design a line of Tactical/Adventure packs. They made gear for wildland firefighters and that was their primary customer, but had no experience in other markets. I designed 8 packs and a modular frame system in the 2 years I was with them, but only one pack made it to production! Right in the beginning they wanted me to design a medic pack for firefighters before starting on the Tactical/Adventure packs, so I got that done and then went to work on the other designs.
After 2 years, I left Wolfpack at the beginning of this year Jan 2018. Luckily, I found out the designs are still mine after talking to an attorney. I have updated changes for all the packs I designed to make them even better, and I’m now just searching for the right manufacturer willing to produce them!
SSD: What has you staying busy these days?
MT: In the meantime, my wife and I decided to start a small home business making pockets for packs…PocketUp! That’s going really well, and we hope to grow it into a business that supports us with no intention of getting rich…we live the simple life. Obviously, we can’t do huge runs and won’t be doing large
technical packs, but there should be some cool stuff down the line!
SSD: Pack design, materials, and pricing have experienced a tumultuous ride over the past nearly 20 years. What do you think the future holds?
MT: Pack design, materials, and pricing for the future? I think you will see pack design get back to being simpler and less technical…kind of like the old quote “what’s old is new”! I could be wrong, but I believe you will see less and less PALS webbing in the future! There has been lots of innovation in materials, and I think in the future you will see lighter materials that have the same rugged properties as 1000d Cordura. Not quite there yet, but on the horizon maybe! Unfortunately, pricing will continue to be an issue in the future, especially anything Made in the USA…hence the quest for going back to simpler designs!
SSD: Have you ever looked up to other past designers as a role model?
MT: Past designers as role models? I look up to the guys that were the pioneers of internal and external framed packs with mountaineering grade suspension from back in the 70’s. Dick Kelty, Wayne Gregory, the Lowe brothers, Dan McHale, Dana Gleason, and a Patrick Smith to name a few! I admit to being a little prejudiced, but I believe Patrick Smith to be the wizard of suspension! I also believed in his philosophy on how to build and market gear.
After he sold Mountainsmith in 1995 and started Kifaru in 1997, he went to direct sales and no dealers! He explained it to me in detail when I started with Kifaru. When you use dealers and your packs are up on the wall in the stores, then the manufacturers have to keep up with the Joneses. If brand X has a new doohickey on their packs, then the others have to keep up and add doohickeys to their packs and it just turns into a round-robin! I could point this out to you if we went to say, an REI store or maybe the Outdoor Retailer Show, where all the packs look basically the same! That’s something you can’t say about Kifaru or Mystery Ranch packs, for example!
On the marketing side, I respect Patrick and Kifaru to keep everything Made in the USA, no matter the challenge of high end pricing! Like I said, suspension is Kifaru’s forte and is a Kifaru suspension is the best I have ever experienced. Patrick was always a firm believer that you didn’t need super thick shoulder straps and waistbelts, just the proper shape and construction! A pack waistbelt should have the ability to wrap the iliac crest and cup it on the top and bottom with no gaps! You cannot do this with plastic sheeting or other similar items that you see being used on most packs on the REI wall. If you have the correct size, shape, and wrap on a waistbelt, you can support 100lb+ loads easily!
SSD: Are there any young guns out there who are pushing the boundaries of innovation?
MT: First off, as an old guy, young guns to me could be in their 40s! The Hill brothers from HPG, Bryan Black from ITS Tactical, Joel Zaruba from Zulu Nylon Gear, and Stephen Hilliard from Blue Force Gear, are a few guys I know that are excellent designers and are far from finished pushing the boundaries of innovation.
SSD: Considerations for jackets, footwear, hats, and watches tend to go hand-in-hand. What is your go-to brand in each category?
MT: I really like jackets from the UK and have several from Snugpak, Buffalo Systems, Arktis, and an old company SASS. I also have several of the older Kifaru Packlock Parkas that are in a league of their own. In footwear I like Salomon, Vasque, and Merrells…or I should say my feet like them! When it comes to hats, I live out of simple ball caps…no preference there. I’m a simple guy and not into expensive watches to be fashionable, and I wear Timex or Casio watches that are relatively inexpensive, yet do not fail me! Unlike most fashionable city boys, my watches have always taken a beating in blue collar jobs! You might be too young to remember the old Timex commercials on TV and the slogan “Timex can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin”, and it is still true today. I’d be real curious to see how those high end watches would hold up when setting chokers in a logging crew…my Timex never failed me. To finish this off, I will say that a clothing company I can heartily endorse is RailRiders! I live out of RailRiders gear and am like a walking advertisement for them. John D is the owner and friend of mine, and a good dude.
SSD: What sort of advice would you give to a friend who was looking for a 3-day pack for use in the back-country, but might also want to employ it as a carry-on for a short weekender?
MT: I would say a Kifaru Late Season, which is no longer made, but worth searching out. It is the hunting version of the Pointman that I designed, but with no PALS webbing. It’s a great suspension!
Jon Custis is a veteran Marine infantryman who writes on a variety of tactical equipment, training, and leadership topics.
