Sidewinder Compact III

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Receiver

November 28th, 2008

New from Bushnell Outdoors comes the Backtrack, a new take on GPS receivers. Intended as a low cost alternative to more complicated GPS systems, simplicity was key in it’s design. The Backtrack stores up to three locations and uses an onboard digital compass to guide you back to one of the stored points. The device has only two buttons. Simply turn it on and then mark a point such as your truck on a hunting trip. In the event you need to return to a stored point, the Backtrack will give you a direction and distance to the waypoint. Our only concern for military use with this device is that there is no simple way to zeroize it on the event of capture. However, it is a simple and inexpensive GPS receiver for many applications and would not only be a good choice for personnel who would not normally have access to a GPS receiver but also for use off-duty or for family members when away from home.

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Reciever

The Backtrack uses two AAA batteries and contains a SiRF Star III GPS receiver chip. It can be dummy corded utilizing the integral lanyard loop and comes in Yellow, Green, Woodland, Grey, and Pink.

To order visit Bushnell.

Photo from Bushnell.

Thanksgiving in Space

November 27th, 2008

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal take a moment to consider what our Astronauts on the International Space Station are eating. Its a turkey dinner with the trimmings but conventional, it ain’t. But fortunately for NASA crew, rations have come a long way since the tubes used on the Apollo program.

A reporter from Discovery News got a chance to sample some of the cuisine last week. His opinion? Bland. io9, a science fiction blog also has a few photos.

100% Cotton ABU Now Available From Propper

November 27th, 2008

Propper

Propper has struck a major coup for Airmen everywhere by offering a 100% version of the ABU. This is an excellent alternative to the current issue garment which has drawn a lot of heat from the field due to its heavy fabric.

Men’s 100% Cotton ABUs are already available and women’s sizes will also be available in the next 2-3 weeks.

ABU Coat ABU Trouser

The men’s coat comes in sizes 36-48 in short, regular and long lengths and the men’s trousers are available in sizes 30-42 in short, regular and long lengths. Women’s sizes for both the coat and trousers are size 4 in short and regular lengths and sizes 6-16 in extra short, short, regular and long lengths.

The 100% Cotton ABU does not have a permanent press finish but is NIR-compliant.

Propper’s Part numbers are:
F542555 – Men’s coat
F542655 – Women’s coat
F521555 – Men’s trouser
F521655 – Women’s trouser

Contact Propper for more information.

Photos from Propper.

Tactical Gear Digest

November 26th, 2008

Think Digg for the Gear Junkie or Small Arms Enthusiast and that would adequately describe Tactical Gear Digest. If you don’t have any experience with Digg it is a place for readers to aggregate and comment on web based articles on a particular topic.

Check it out.

Tactical Gear Digest

Low-Profile Assault Armor from Mayflower Research and Consulting

November 26th, 2008

Here is a teaser of just one of the new products coming from Mayflower and just in time for Thanksgiving. In addition to the armor there are several pouches including Admin, 5.56 Shingle, MBITR Pouch, and Tourniquet Holder.

Mayflower Research and Consulting, LLC Low-profile Assault Armor

Mayflower’s website will be up soon and the line will be released around SHOT show.

Photo courtesy of Mayflower Research and Consulting, LLC.

New Russian Camo Causes Finnish Angst

November 25th, 2008

Not very often that you run across articles in the NY Times on Soldier System topics, but the Russian Interior Ministry’s latest camo pattern is allegedly a dead ringer for the Finnish Army’s pattern. The pattern was reportedly worn by Russian Special Operations troops during the recent hostilities in Georgia. While the Russian Government has flatly denied copying the pattern, they have been known in the past to copy US Woodland pattern as well as German Flecktarn. Additionally, tipsters have alerted us to Russian versions of the Finnish m/05 pattern for sale on ebay within the last year. Obviously, considering a sizable common border and a past history of conflict with Russia, the Finns are a bit concerned.

NY Times Article

Xtreme-Comfortâ„¢ ACH Combat Helmet Browband from BQM

November 24th, 2008

Many Soldiers complained about the issue pad system for the ACH being non-absorbent and in some cases painful. BQM listened and came up with a one piece brow pad to combat sweat and provide even pressure around the forehead. Backed with velcro, the Browband locks into place.

XTREME-COMFORTâ„¢ ACH COMBAT HELMET BROWBAND

Lined with Coolmax® Dacron® the pad is comfortable and sweat is transferred into the Microbisoftâ„¢ hydrophilic foam core, a “breathable” 3/8” thick antimicrobial foam with an embedded polymer that features high moisture vapor transmission and absorption. Additionally, a Silver-ion treatment provides anti-bacterial and anti-fungal protection to reduce odors.

XTREME-COMFORTâ„¢ ACH COMBAT HELMET BROWBAND

To order go to www.brigadeqm.com.

Photos from BQM. Please note that the Browpad has not been approved for airborne operations.

Special Air Sea Services

November 23rd, 2008

When we in the US were still thinking what a great idea it would be to offer quality commercial alternatives to issue Soldier Systems items, Special Air Seas Services was manufacturing and producing clothing, webbing, and packs. I have been using SASS products for 20 years and I recommend you take a look yourself.

Special Air Sea Services - Kit Karry Smock

One of SASS’ flagship products has long been the Kit Karry Smock. SASS constantly updates their designs and as a testament to this, the Kit Karry Smock is in the Mark V configuration. It features a whopping 17 pockets and is available in DPM Gabardine, Black, Olive or German Flecktarn. They are extremely accommodating and will manufacture smocks or other items from any camo pattern so long as you can provide the material.

To view Special Air Sea Services full line of kit, go to www.SASSKIT.co.uk.

Photo from SASS.