Paul Kim is at it again. This is his new PL2, a single AAA compact light with high output. Called the Pocket Burner, it uses a Cree LED to deliver over 110 lumens for 1.2 hours on the High setting, or 12 lumens for 12.4 hours on Low.
For more info, visit www.pkdesignlab.com.
The GOPANEL is a lightweight and low signature belt-mounted carry option, optimal for EDC use. It consists of two rows of tabs, and can be used to mount mag pouches, radios, first aid, virtually any kit the user requires. The GOPANEL features integrated tabs for belt/waistline carry, which can either be secured via shock cord or slid over the waistband of the user’s pant.
MATBOCK was in search of a lightweight material that was not only strong, but durable and would outperform existing materials. After 2.5 years of searching and failing to yield acceptable results, MATBOCK decided to develop their own blend.
In keeping with their motto of “Lighter Faster Warriors”, they had to ensure that the material was going to be lighter than anything else on the market so they started looking at fiber based materials. This led them to test materials such as Tyvek®; however, it was not strong enough. In keeping with that same mentality they started researching sail cloth or dyneema based materials and ultimately Ghost was born in an alloy type laminate allowing for the strengths of many different materials to shine through. After years of testing on and off the battlefield, Ghost has met the demanding requirements.
Traditional manufacturing methods of nylon do not work well with Ghost, leading MATBOCK to continually test, develop and improve their methods for construction. At nearly half the weight of alternative fabrics, and nearly 4 times stronger, they are excited to finally bring this capability to the tactical gear market. MATBOCK would never put a piece of gear in the field that did not meet their own rigorous standards as it is their own brothers, friends, and teammates depending on it.
Below you can find the Spec Sheet for Ghost.
Many of you may know Berto from his DEFCON endeavors but he dabbles in a lot of stuff including the BRAVO line of photography bags. He created the line with his partner for the best reason ever; necessity. They just couldn’t find the camera bags they were looking for. As you know, Berto has a serious creative streak and for his latest run, came up with the War Rug pattern based on Afghan prayer rugs festooned with the weapons of Jihad. Add it up and you’ve got great functional designs and a great looking bag. I first saw the pack at an event in Utah in late Spring and wanted to buy one from him right there but it was a prototype. I’ve got to say, the pack that arrived in the mail doesn’t disappoint. He’s also offering MultiCam Black for the more traditionally minded.
Los Angeles-based BRAVO is back with the second drop of their latest collection for the latter half of 2016 and as per usual, it delivers. This new pack of goods — the “War Rug” collection — strays from the normal program just a bit with the addition of a towel created in collaboration with Beech Brand.
The “War Rug” collection consists of some of BRAVO’s best offerings including the Sierra Block I backpack and the Range tote bag, as well as the aforementioned towel. Each piece boasts a very meaningful Afghan war rug print which blends ancient traditions with the tools of modern warfare as it has impacted the region throughout history. By incorporating scenes and paraphernalia that surround the rug maker’s’ lives, symbols of war have come to figure prominently in their craft. The BRAVO war rug print design juxtaposes images of events and dynamics that profoundly affect and alter the world we live in.
In addition to the overall striking nature of the print, each piece boasts BRAVO’s high benchmark of quality found throughout all products. Both bags are comprised of highly durable materials: a weatherproof 840 denier nylon in the case of the Sierra Block I backpack; and a cotton/polyester blended textile for the Range tote. Both bags also feature extra strength nylon straps, Duratuff ™ compound material and other features that ensure your bag makes it through hell and back.
Now, as for the towel created in collaboration with Beech Brand, this “War Rug” towel improves upon the functionality traditional beach towels thanks to the brand’s Beech Shield technology. Beech Shield is a revolutionary antimicrobial technology that helps to prevent the growth of of a wide array of odor and stain causing bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae. It’s designed to stay activated for up to 100 washes and is environmentally friendly, so don’t hesitate to run it through the rigors of beach life.
The BRAVO “War Rug” collection is available now at www.bravocoworldwide.com.
RedBack One has a resupply on their SOFIFAK which is specially packed by North American Rescue with contents selected specifically by Jason Falla, former Special Operations Assaulter, Team Medic and TCCC Instructor an LBT 9022B-T pouch.
This is the premire episode of the documentary series co-produced by Mihail Kunchev’s Bag of Bones™ Productions, & Hazard 4® California – Progressive Tactical Gear.
‘Threads’ will scare the bejeezus out of you. Aired on the BBC in 1984, it is far more bleak than America’s ‘The Day After’. We see none of the military perspective, but rather experience nuclear war through the eyes of its victims. I never saw it as a kid but have watched it several times as an adult as I am fascinated by all things Cold War.
Threads from Peski TV on Vimeo.
As a member of the military, maintaining a high level of fitness is an obvious (should be anyhow), requirement. Of course the actual level will be determined by your MOS requirements, as rear echelon personnel aren’t going to be required (or given the time), to maintain the fitness levels of Special Forces folks, nor should they be. In the same respect Wild Land Fire Fighters and Search and Rescue teams must have a higher degree of physical readiness than your average fireman. Having said all that, what about everyone else? The overwhelming majority of people in the U.S. don’t have a physical requirement (like a PFT) to maintain as a condition of employment. So most will have their own standard to go by and this varies widely from absolutely nothing, to people who participate in triathlons, adventure races and other recreational sports that are extremely fit (and work very hard to get and stay there), regardless of age or gender.
Most of the people I know, are just happy to try and keep their weight down and do a little exercise/sports here and there for their health or recreation. I have a few friends that are serious weekend athletes, but not many. I think the attitude about fitness is more: I don’t really need much, I don’t have time for much, or frankly don’t think about it much. As a career Marine and now someone who trains others in fitness, my life has been much more focused than the average person on this subject, as it’s always been part of my job. So most people would say, that’s good for you, but I don’t need it.
However I will contend that maintaining a high level of fitness will add many collateral benefits to your life, even if you have no employment or sports related need. The most obvious are the overall health benefits that rigorous exercise provides. BTW, I’m not talking about weekend softball or walking around the block here, but a several hours a week no joke program. It makes it much easier to maintain a healthy bodyweight. It simulates your immune system, making you less susceptible to sickness and disease. Your internal organs operate more efficiently, giving you more energy and mental acuity. People who exercise at a high level also experience less stress and have an overall better attitude about their lives. All of these are well known benefits of maintaining real fitness and in fact, there are many more, too many to list here.
There is another big benefit that I experience all the time that isn’t as well known, but may be one of the greatest benefits, if not the greatest. That being the opportunity for shared experience with friends and family. I’ll give you a recent example. Last month I got some leave and went north to spend some time with my parents in Upstate NY. It’s been a long tradition in my family to spend as much of our summer in the woods as possible, camping, hiking, fishing, etc. With my two boys and their cousins growing up, the past ten years or so this has stepped up a few notches to some serious hikes and rock climbing treks. Due everyone’s busy schedule this years event was to be made up of myself, my nephew and youngest son. My nephew is presently enrolled the ROTC program at UVA and my youngest son is a competitive sport climber. Both are in outstanding overall physical condition in their early 20’s.
This past month they came up with a proposed plan that we backpack into the Adirondacks and make a one day “test of manhood” hike. The plan was to hike four of the highest mtns in NY State (to include the highest: Mt Marcy), in one big loop. Up and down four steep and rocky mtns in one day. Of course I agreed and we planned it all out and did it a week later. It was a ball buster that took about 13 hours, covering almost 20 miles and over 10,000 ft of vertical climbing; a good part of it was hand over hand scrambling. We pulled out at 0330, to be on Mt. Marcy at sunrise and got back to camp about 1700. It was tough and if I said I wasn’t tired at the finish, I’d be lying. The boys were tired for sure also, however it was fun as hell. Afterward we sat around drinking Maple Flavored rum and warm soda in the dark; tired, scraped up, sunburnt, bug bit and laughing about the times we busted our asses on the slippery rocks and the nut shrinking ice cold stream we swam in during the way. These shared experiences are something you cannot buy, and you could never do if you aren’t in good shape.
My brother in law (3 years younger than me) is very overweight and out of shape. A good man, but he never saw the benefit of trying to keep himself in shape. When we returned from the trip I watched him listen to his son’s story of our trip. I could tell from the look on his face he wished he could have been with us, but he also knew he couldn’t have made a mile of that hike. The bottom line is that he missed out on a wonderful opportunity to spend some “Man Time” with his son. Made me sad to see this, especially when I know with some effort over time, he could have gone with us. Of all the PT I’ve ever done in my life and trust me when I tell you it’s been a lot. Maintaining my fitness for nothing else than to not miss out on times like those, is far beyond the time and effort I’ve put in for it. In the end compared to your health, it may not be the best benefit, but it is certainly is the best reward. Back to Africa for most of Sept to train some people. I’m sure to have something to share with you from my trip. Till then:
“Be Safe Always, be Good when you can.”
Semper Fi
MGunz
