SSD is on the ground at Camp Lejeune, NC for Marine South.
Marine South
April 10th, 2013So What’s This 6/9 Technology We Keep Talking About?
April 10th, 2013
Recently, I mentioned FirstSpear’s new 6/9 Modular Pocket Technology. Several friends immediately wrote to me thinking I had published a typo. Assuredly, FirstSpear has their 6/12 technology but what’s this 6/9 think we keep talking about?
Really, it’s pretty simple. FirstSpear developed this really cool, proprietary pouch attachment system called 6/12. Thing is, not everybody is ready for change. So, they went back to the drawing board and came up with the 6/9 Modular Pocket Technology, a completely backwards compatible PALS-style attachment system which holds the pouch closer to the platform than traditional MOLLE and also features weight savings (no snap or plastic stiffener). In fact, it holds pouches so much closer that the initial M4 mag shingles couldn’t be worn directly below an admin pouch on the front of a vest. Traditional PALS makes them stick out far enough that you can generally draw a magazine without hitting the pouch above. Not so with the new 6/9 equipped pouches. They fit so closely to the platform that there’s no standoff. Look below and you’ll see how 6/9 is a bit of a hybrid. They’ve used laser cut backers on the pouch combined with a woven strap that is similar to PALS.
Great idea, but, what to name it? 6/12 was named to signify that you are fully ready for action. The witty guys at FirstSpear thought about it and decided that if 6/12 is all the way there, then the 6/9 system will get you about half way, acknowledging it’s an improvement, and a pretty popular one at that. In fact, so much so, that after this Summer, FirstSpear will no longer offer PALS attachments on any of their pouches except via minimum quantity special order. So don’t fear 6/9 but rather embrace it if you must continue to rely on traditional MOLLE systems.
Tactical Fanboy Presents – HSP Winter Problem Solver AAR – The Equipment
April 10th, 2013I attended the HSP Winter Problem Solver course in Telluride, Colorado from March 31st through April 4th. This was my first time attending a mountaineering/survival course.
Like any course, the Winter Problem Solver had its required equipment list:
-Winter appropriate clothing
-Winter hiking boots
-Cold weather hat, shade hat with brim
-Practical knife or multitool
-Sun screen
-Sun eye pro
-Water hydrating device
-Individual first aid/trauma kit or IFAK
-Quality headlamp + batteries
-Snowshoes
-Retractable ski poles
-Quality lightweight sleeping bag rated to 0*F
-Lightweight durable air mattress
-2 aluminum climbing rated locking carabiners
To meet these requirements, the entire time I wore the Helly Hansen Dry Fly Pant, Arc’teryx LEAF Combat Pants, and an Arc’teryx Envoy SS shirt; the socks I used were the Darn Tough Vermont Extreme Cold Weather/Mountaineering Sock. The weather, surprisingly, wasn’t that cold with some days reaching highs up to the mid 50s. The addition of an extra layer or two, mostly a Crye Precision WindLiner and/or an Arc’teryx Atom SV Hoodie in MultiCam, proved more than enough clothing wise. The boots I wore were the Salewa Pro Guide Insulated Mountaineering boot, which I supplemented with a pair of OR Crocodile gaiters. Throughout the course, I wore an OR Seattle Sombrero because of its waterproof properties in addition to the wide brim which kept the sunlight out of my eyes, although I did have several other options for head covers, including an Outdoor Research Radiant Beanie, Outdoor Research Novo Watch Cap, Under Armor ColdGear Tactical Hood, The North Face Windstopper High Point Hat, and a black neoprene half-face mask. I also carried a pair of OR PS150 gloves and a pair of Arc’teryx Alpha SV gloves.
Each member of the class was issued an HSP-branded Mora knife and Klean Kanteen before going out in the field, so although I brought my own knife, multitool, and hydration bladder, these items were ultimately unused and only added weight to my pack. We were issued, if needed, a climbing harness, helmet, shovel*, and ice axe. Mountain meals, rope and tubular nylon, beacons*, probes*, and other class materials were also provided by HSP. I had my own cooking stove, an MSR Reactor, and helmet, a Team Wendy Exfil Tactical Bump Helmet. My snowshoes and poles were both MSR Denali. The sleeping bag was a The North Face 0 degree Dark Star which I used with an REI Minimalist bivy sack. I paired this with a Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite; being a closed-cell foam pad, it didn’t suffer from deflation or potential puncture damage like an inflatable pad would. I also brought sunscreen, two carabiners, a Tikka 2 headlamp, an ITS Tallboy trauma kit and pouch, and a pair of Smith Cascade Classic Snow Goggles in addition to my personal sunglasses; I ended up not needing the goggles.
One thing that wasn’t mentioned on the list but ended up being required was a pair of camp shoes, slippers or other lightweight shoes for moving around a cabin. I just used my socks and changed out to a new pair just before sleeping, although this isn’t suggested. Other miscellaneous items I brought that weren’t on the list included a fire starting kit, snacks, a GSI Fairshare Mug, and toilet paper.
All together, my fully-loaded pack, an Arc’teryx Khyber 80 in MultiCam, weighed in at just under 50 lbs, quite a bit heavier than what would be suggested. Unnecessary items included the aforementioned knife, multitool, hydration bladder, and goggles, along with additional hard shell layers, heavyweight base layer, trauma kit w/ pouch, and (arguably) my sleeping pad. Ultimately, given the planned environment, it was better to have these items and not need them than suffer without.
It’s also worth mentioning that I didn’t feel at all under prepared with the equipment I brought with me. I did, however, manage to snap my Light My Fire Spork Extra-Medium in half while I was cleaning it; going in with an extra spork, or possibly one made of metal would have been a solid decision.
*The beacons, probes, and shovels were graciously provided by Backcountry Access.
Stay tuned for more information on the HSP Winter Problem Solver, including a full report on the course proper.
This article was originally posted on Tactical Fanboy.
Extreme Outfitters Now Shipping Garmont Boots
April 10th, 2013Now shipping, the Garmont T8 NFS and the T8 Extreme.
The T8 NFS is the super lightweight version of the original T8 Tactical boot. The T8 Extreme is an insulated cold weather version of the original T8. Extreme Outfitters tells us they are fully stocked and shipping these new boots as well as the original T8 boot and now have smaller sizes in stock.
Support Panteao Productions’ Kickstarter Project
April 10th, 2013Panteao Productions launched a fund raising project on Kickstarter today in an effort to help fast track the construction of an indoor studio and outdoor ranges near their headquarters in SC. They have a 34 acre undeveloped parcel and their local banks are willing to do a loan on a building but are hesitant on the range portion. However, due to the intended use of the facility, the ranges are the more important aspect of the project since they need them for filming future videos.
They have been wanting to film a series of documentary videos on K9 Dog Handling, starting with “Intro to Schutzhund” and “Advanced Schutzhund”. The funds raised as part of this project will help prepare their facility in order to begin filming of these new titles.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/panteao/be-part-of-panteaos-next-chapter-less-gators-more
Rock River Arms Mourns The Loss of Co-Founder Mark Larson
April 9th, 2013Below is the RRA press release on the passing of Co-founder Mark Larson . SSD extends our deepest condolences.
(Colona, IL) On Friday, April 5, 2013 Rock River Arms President, Mark Larson passed away at the age of 50. Mark Larson, along with his brother Chuck, founded Rock River Arms in 1996 when they began producing high quality 1911-style pistols and AR-15 style rifles. Since that time, they have earned the reputation of building some of the most sought after firearms in the industry.
As a dedicated husband, brother, son, uncle and friend, Mark has touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity. From cooking hot dogs at Camp Perry for the competitive shooters to lending a helping hand to industry friends, Mark Larson will truly be missed.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 9th from 3-8pm, at Vandemore Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating Mark’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 10th at 11:00am at St. Malachy Church, Geneseo, Illinois. Memorials may be left to the Mark Larson Memorial Fund.
Please bear with us over the next few days as we get through the activities associated with Mark’s passing and strive to return to normal business activities. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Kelty Ascender System
April 9th, 2013We first mentioned the Kelty Ascender System during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Slated for an August 2013 release, Kelty is referring to it as “the bag that carries you.”
The key is the telescoping, rolling aluminum frame system. It is paired with a family of various bags that can be attached to the frame or used alone. Definitely worth checking out.
SO Tech to Revise Expanding SERE Pack
April 9th, 2013SO Tech’s original ESP (expanding SERE pack) was originally released back around 2001. Things have changed though, notice the slots for the ALICE clips!
They’ve been messing around with some designs and different fabrics and tell us they almost have it locked in.
