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6th Arc’teryx Alpine Academy in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc from 29th June-2nd July, 2017

June 19th, 2017

North Vancouver, BC – The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy, the world’s largest alpine-education event, will take place in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc on June 29 – July 2. The world-renowned Academy brings together alpine enthusiasts, mountain guides and professional athletes to create a unique experience where beginners and experts alike gain alpine knowledge through top-notch clinics, seminars, social festivities and experience sharing. Public activities during the Academy such as seminars, concerts, movies and other activities are free of cost. The public is welcome and encouraged to join.
The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy is only global event of this scale with the aim of enhancing alpine education through direct interaction with mountain guides, world-class athletes and mountain experts. The annual event draws almost 400 alpine enthusiasts from 25 countries across the globe to Chamonix.

Serving as the hub of activity is the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy ‘Alpine Village,’ located in the Place Balmat in downtown Chamonix. The Alpine Village includes a free-to-the-public climbing wall, bouldering wall for all levels, GORE-TEX® Repair Center, and partnered activity pods where everyone can learn climbing techniques, mountain safety, outdoor cooking techniques – and win daily raffle prizes. Nightly concerts and Movie Night (on July 1) will crown these intense days. At the Alpine Village attendees will benefit from first-rate Master Classes by renowned athletes and mountain guides such as Ken Wylie, Tamara Lunger, Ines Papert and Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll. The Alpine Village provides a fun, festive atmosphere for attendees to meet athletes in person, sharpen their mountain skills and celebrate their respect of the alpine environment.

The four-day event kicks off on June 29th, with a special Mountain Clean-Up day. Attendees will work to clean trash from La Mer de Glace with a cadre of over 25 prestigious athletes including Will Gadd (Can), Nina Caprez (CH), Ines Papert (Ge), Brette Harrington (Can), Thibaud Duchosal (Fr) and Luka Lindi? (Slo). Starting on Friday, June 30th clinic participants will head into the alpine early in the morning and return to enjoy afternoon and evening festivities. All 24 clinics are led by athletes, world-class guides and mountain experts from around the globe. For the sixth year in a row, all clinics have sold out and are full to capacity.

The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy is made possible by support from: Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Natural Resort, GORE-TEX®, Suunto, Petzl, MSR, LYO Food and Peak Design.

For more information on the Academy, please visit chamonix.arcteryxacademy.com.

Posted in Arc'teryx, International, Mountaineering, Training | Comments Off on 6th Arc’teryx Alpine Academy in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc from 29th June-2nd July, 2017

Vickers Guide: AR-15 (Volume 2) Now Available For Pre-Order

June 19th, 2017

The two existing Vickers Guides by Larry Vickers and James Rupley have become some of my favorite reference books on the AR and 1911. Now, they are joined by a second volume on the AR-15 family.

Vickers Guide: AR-15 (Volume 2) is a premium quality, collector’s grade, coffee table reference book. All books contain the following features:
-352 pages
-13″ wide by 11″ tall (approx.)
-Commercial quality, section sewn style binding which allows the book to lay open flat
-Full color prints on premium quality photo paper stock
-Foil stamped, Tan (“FDE”) linen hardcover
-Full color protective dust jacket
-Ribbon page marker

There are going to be some great historical examples in this volume like this gangster grip with light activation switch.

In addition to the above Standard Edition, two premium versions of the book are available:

Signature Version
Hand signed by Larry Vickers

Limited Edition Premium Version (Limited to 250 Books)
Personal Message Hand Written and Signed by Larry Vickers
Limited Edition Slip Case (x of 250)
Limited Edition Numbered Signature (x of 250)
Limited 19×13″ Color Print of Delta SR-25 (Operation Anaconda) Signed by Larry Vickers (x of 250)

Get yours before they’re gone.

www.vickersguide.com

Tags: James Rupley, Larry Vickers
Posted in Advertiser, History | 6 Comments »

Arc’teryx Launches V80 + V110 Rolling Duffels

June 18th, 2017

Ever since Arc’teryx introduced their luggage line, customers have been asking for a rolling bag. Arc’teryx has answered by just releasing their new V80 and V110 (80L and 110L) Rolling Duffels!

They’ve built the duffels for low weight to strength ratio, selecting 630D high tenacity nylon fabric in the body, reinforced with 390D for protection in critical wear areas. Additionally, they are coated and seam taped, along with a #8 WaterTight coated zipper for added weather resistance. The frame is of T6 6061 aluminum with a 30-micrometer hard anodized coating and acts like a bumper for the contents within the bag.

However, ask anyone and they’ll tell you the weakest link for any rolling bag is the wheels. Arc’teryx didn’t want any issues so they are using 115mm oversized wheels. Arc’teryx built to withstand the SGS Canada test which consists of dropping the bag holding 50lbs onto concrete floor from 1m height. Rather, I should say, they overbuilt. The bags sustained the drop containing 65lbs, onto a steel bar on a concrete floor. The duffel bounced, sustaining no breaks!

In the event the duffel is damaged, all of the parts can be easily repaired. The wheels come off and can be replaced. Additionally, the frame and body can be separated for easy repairs.

Below is their official press release.

LUGGAGE BUILT FOR WILD ADVENTURE

Light weight, solid durability and efficient design define these sturdy-wheeled gear haulers

North Vancouver BC (Spring 2018) – It’s a frequent sight: a traveler dumping out personal possessions and redistributing their gear at the check-in counter so a suitcase fits the airline’s weight restrictions. Arc’teryx innovation delivers logical, real-world solutions to the problems adventurers face. The company built its foundation on load carrying, with its innovative Bora backpack in 1994 and in Spring 2018 Arc’teryx proudly enters a new product category with its lightweight wheeled gear haulers.

Efficient by design, extraordinarily lightweight and guaranteed rugged, the V80 and V110 (80L and 110L) Rolling Duffels are built for expeditions that require bringing along extra gear like bulky ski boots, sharp ice tools, helmets, climbing ropes, hardware … and everything else. These duffels are easier to pack, easier to handle, and easier to store. Let the adventures begin.

V110

LOW WEIGHT + HIGH VOLUME

Leveraging an innovative external frame construction that delivers an exceptionally low weight-to-volume ratio (32gr per Liter / V80), the new V Series duffels are designed for efficiently transporting equipment for gear-intensive adventures, allowing travelers to bring more tools with less total luggage weight.

By utilizing a unique external frame, these duffels increase the overall useable capacity without adding material weight, avoiding costly overweight baggage fees without leaving essential gear behind. “Like all good industrial design, the external form not only looks beautiful, it has many functional benefits,” noted Chris Hodgetts, Arc’teryx design manager, “It makes all hardware accessible and repairable. It eliminates wear points from an internal frame rubbing through exterior material. Finally, it eliminates the need for additional handles and lash points. You can pick up the bag or lash it down from any side using the tubular frame.”

Bonus: Both duffels lay flat when unloaded for easy storage in restricted spaces.

V80

BUILT TO LAST
Arc’teryx is an Amer Sports brand
Designed to survive world travel, exposure and abuse, the V80 and V100 rolling duffels are constructed with 630d high tenacity nylon fabric in the body and reinforced with 390d for advanced protection in critical wear areas.

Fully coated and seam taped for added weather resistance, the V Series duffels are built for impact and abrasion with its strong T6 6061 aluminum external frame. A 30-micrometer hard anodized coating adds next-level protection from scratches, nicks, and dents while 115mm oversized wheels absorb the shock from curbs, gravel and cobblestones with smooth, frictionless rolling. Extremely sturdy and durable tubular feet keep the duffel standing upright and secure when you’re not on the move.

EFFICIENCY BY DESIGN

Shaped by a simple yet minimalist aesthetic, the V Series duffels provide exceptionally efficient interior space thanks to the unique external frame design that removes irregular space inside – increasing useable capacity, without adding material weight. Easy to handle and maneuver, the large U-shaped opening offers complete visibility to the cavernous interior and is sealed with a #8 WaterTight™ coated zipper. Internal compression panels secure the free form interior pocket and one external pocket fits boarding passes and smaller items and features an integrated ID card holder.

SPECIFICATIONS

V80 Rolling Duffel = 3380gr / 7.5lbs V110 Rolling Duffel = 3500gr / 7.7lbs

www.arcteryx.com

Tags: Arc'teryx
Posted in Advertiser, Arc'teryx, Load Carrying | 8 Comments »

Day 7 Prizes: M.O.A.G.

June 18th, 2017

When Grey Ghost told me they wanted to give away 50 Minimalist Plate Carriers, in addition to all the sweet ass prizes you guys haven’t even seen yet, I couldn’t believe it. We’ve given away PC’s, ammo and packs to a bunch of winners so far. You’ve got another chance, cause 10 more winners will be each get a Plate Carrier and Pack! Of course they’ll also snag a SSD Morale Patch! Winners will be announced tomorrow.

Trust me, the second half of the giveaway will be even more epic. Just watch!

If you already entered, just sit back and keep your head on a swivel for the winner announcements each day. If not, you’ve gotta get in on this! I’ll even make it easy for you, click HERE

Posted in Contest | Comments Off on Day 7 Prizes: M.O.A.G.

M.O.A.G. Day 6 Winners

June 18th, 2017

The Mother of All Giveaways is still goin strong, and the Day 6 Winners have been selected! This time, prizes are Grey Ghost Gear Minimalist Plate Carriers (with SSD Morale Patches) with a Grey Ghost Gear Backpack. (Random Color, Mags and Pouches not included)

Nick Miller – Eugene, OR
Chris Martin – Reno, NV
Timothy Grey – Sarasota, FL
Jose A Lopez-Zeno – Atlanta, GA
Kenneth Clark – Santa Maria,CA
Angie Wallace – Albany, OR
Bryan A Flowers – Virginia Beach,VA
Nick Adams – Hastings,MI
Mark Kaderli – Spring, TX
Sebastian Wasilewski – Orland Park, IL

(Random Color, Mags and Pouches not included)

Winners will be contacted via email.

Didn’t see your name? That just means you have 8 more chances to win even bigger prizes, so stay tuned for each daily winner announcement. Not entered? click HERE.

REMINDER: U.S. residents 18yrs or older only for firearms prizes.

Posted in Contest | 4 Comments »

Triple Aught Design – Mercury Tech-T

June 18th, 2017

Designed to augment and enhance your body’s natural cooling mechanisms, Triple Aught Design’s Mercury Tech-T is designed specifically for performance and comfort for hot conditions.

While natural materials such as cotton excel at trapping moisture against your skin to keep you cool, they can cling to your skin and chafe. Mercury features Polartec® Delta™, a highly engineered 3D mesh that optimizes moisture dispersal and airflow while reducing friction against your skin.

Delta captures and retains moisture in pockets, while remaining cling-free. The specialized knit construction uses both hydrophilic and hydrophobic yarns to enhance convective heat loss, remain breathable, and regulate drying time.

TAD advises that because the Mercury Tech-T cools so well, it shouldn’t be used as a baselayer in cold weather.

Available in Black and Gunship.

store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Mercury-Tech-T

Tags: Triple Aught Design
Posted in Clothing | 6 Comments »

UF PRO – Defence Against Cold Weapons

June 18th, 2017

UF Pro continues their Guide to Close Combat with this installment of Defence Against Cold Weapons such as knives and sticks.

ufpro.si/combat_against_cold_weapons

Tags: UF PRO
Posted in Training | 4 Comments »

Corps Strength – Back To Basics

June 17th, 2017

Way back when I first enlisted in the Marine Corps (1981), AKA the “Days of the Giants.” I worked for some real hard asses. Now for the most part these weren’t spit and polish Marines, though they could clean up when they needed to. The fact was back then, just about every Staff NCO and Officer from Major on up, was a Vietnam Vet. Many were highly decorated and had been wounded. They were some crusty SOB’s for sure. I recall even our company admin chief (a Gunny) had a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. One time over a few beers at a unit picnic he was asked; Gunny, didn’t you ever learn to duck? He answered, “I got shot three times and I killed the bastard that did it every time.” OOOHH – F’ing – RAAA Gunny. I learned a lot from those Marines, things I used my whole career and even to this day with my international students. Yes, they were different than us, not better than our warfighters of today, just different.

They dam sure were different when it came to PT. These guys weren’t big on running and they never lifted weights, or did anything you could call “Cross-Fit” Most couldn’t give two shits about a PFT either. I remember at one of my first PFT’s holding my Platoon Sgt’s (lit and unfiltered) Pall Mall, so he could do his pull-ups. They tended to think about PT like they did about everything else, no bullshit. I had a Sgt Major (who served as a Capt in Vietnam), tell me the three most important things you need (physically) in combat were: The ability to suffer pain (hunger, thirst, cold, heat, injury and fatigue), the ability to dig a hole (fast), and the ability to hump a heavy pack (and carry gear), up and down hills, through the mud, etc. From my own experience, I think that’s still accurate. I would add to that list from my own experience, the ability to move your ass (with full gear), up and down and over obstacles in a GD hurry, is a good thing also.

Setting the first two aside for now, the ability to hump (ruck, hike, whatever you want to call it) a pack over varied terrain and for many miles quickly, is still a fundamental physical skill for any combat arms military people. I am also of the opinion however that it is a desired ability in anyone (military or civilian) who wants to achieve and maintain a high level of useful real-world fitness. There is just something about it that toughens and strengthens your entire body. It’s benefit is hard to duplicate by any other single exercise.

Now if you’re not in the military, (or a Wild Land Firefighter) you don’t need to take this to an extreme level to gain some real fitness benefit. I typically do 10 miles, with my 45lb training pack, 2x a month. This, along with my normal PT keeps me in very good condition to easily handle the field training I do with my students and to tackle any outdoor activities my sons and buddies come up with for us to do off duty. In fact, myself and my two sons have signed up to do the Mt. Everest base camp trek next spring. There we will be hiking roughly 100 miles from 4000 – 18,000 ft in elevation, over three weeks. I have no doubt my own (minor) “Force March” training will have me in good stead for that trip.

For general fitness get a good pack and add 20-40lbs of weight. You can get a used ALICE pack with frame at most military surplus stores for less than 50 bucks. Wear good boots (not running shoes) and hike 3-10 miles 2 x a month over varied terrain, the pace is up to you. This is plenty to gain some real fitness benefit. You can wear a weight vest if you like, though I prefer a pack, as I’d rather have all the weight baring on my back vs. my shoulders, but both will work. I like to do this early on Sunday mornings. My wife comes with the dogs and we have a nice couple of hours walking together, (she doesn’t carry a pack however). I think that 2x a month is enough, but you could do it every week if you don’t overdue the weight, distance or pace, but I think that these type of workouts can be tough and you need time to recover. The bottom line is this isn’t a cool, sexy or what you would call “cutting edge” fitness, but it works and if there’s nothing else I learned from my old Vietnam era mentors, it’s to go with what works and skip the bullshit. This works, and it’s no bullshit. Give it a try. Till next month;

“Be safe always, good when you can.”

Semper Fi MGunz

Tags: Corps Strength
Posted in Corps Strength | 3 Comments »