The new Cobra from Cinch Tourniquet is based on the same premise as flex cuffs regularly used by our troops. Just like flex cuffs it can be weaved into the PALS webbing found on armor carriers. Additionally, it has standardized space to write application data.
It is quickly applied with a single, steady pull once aligned into place. The locking mechanism is recessed and can be released with a flat object such as a screw driver head.
Reversible camouflage has been done in the past but not utilizing waterproof breathable membranes like GORE-TEX. WL Gore has developed a proof of concept that takes the current APECS garments to the next level. Retaining the 3-layer membrane construction, Gore replaced the tricot liner material with another DWR coated face fabric. Additionally, the actual membrane is a new version designed specifically to provide symmetrical performance no matter which way the clothing is worn. What’s more, by combining a couple of garment design tricks to ensure pockets are accessible no matter which pattern side is showing along with printed lightweight seam tape, they have been able to cut the weight of the garment itself.
Additionally, by combining two different garments into one, one set becomes redundant and can be cut from the clothing bag. Not only does this make the gear more versatile, but it will save money on several levels. Not only are there fewer garments to purchase overall but there are other intangible savings such as lower contracting requirements, warehousing, and transportation costs across the supply chain as well as once issued.
New garments for use featuring not only MARPAT Woodland and Desert patterns, but also the Navy’s recently adopted NWU Type II and III would help save dollars as we move into a more resource constrained environment.
It’s a big show with small surprises. One of the best products out there is the Missing Link. This patent pending device allows you to adapt any PALS equipped pouch for use with a gun belt. You simply loop the MOLLE webbing thru the Missing Link and it Velcroes into place on your belt. This devise literally cuts in half the number of pouches you need to purchase by increasing the versatility of your standard MOLLE pouches. I have a few and love them.
Zanfel Poison Ivy Wash from Zanfel Labs is designed to allow the affected person to literally wash away urushiol oil which is the toxin contained in plants that irritates 85% of the population. The wash can be used at anytime after contact and on any part of the body including the face and genitals.
Designed originally for over the counter, commercial use, Army personal began using the soap after finding that poison ivy related hospital stays were reduced from 3 days to as little as 2 hours meaning after a single use, a patient can be immediately returned to duty.
One important tip that Zanfel wanted us to pass along is that poison ivy oils can stay viable for up to 5 years and footwear and in particular laces retain these oils. According to them the best cure for this issue is to wash your shoes or boots with simple dishwashing liquid.
Look for coverage of the 2012 Modern Day Marine expo here on SSD.
It’s next week, September 27-29 at Quantico and they’ve sent us a few helpful parking pointers.
From MDM:
Please disseminate widely to your teams. It’s that time of year – and Modern Day Marine is again looking for Leaders to help us ease traffic congestion on Base during the show. Year-after-year, this is the single-biggest hurdle (well, an occasional hurricane too) we face. Getting there early is not a solution as the goal is to have less total cars on post. Remember, on set-up day (Monday), parking on Chapel Field (across from the show) is fine, although avoiding the gates between 0700-0900 is recommended. The problem is during the show – e.g. Tues-Thurs. Here are some practical things you can do to help:
1) CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL, CARPOOL.
2) Utilize our shuttle service. We have four, terrific shuttle options. See the attached map. Notably, we have shuttle service from the Museum of the Marine Corps and the Quantico Corporate Center and both of these are located right outside the Quantico gates. These shuttles will drop you off right at the entrance to the show. Shuttle service runs in peak hours in the morning (7:00am-10:00am) and the afternoon (2:30-7:00pm). We also have shuttles leaving from hotels north and south of base (in Dumfries, Hampton/Comfort/Holiday Inn Express; in Stafford, the Windgate) – if you are staying in the hotels there, please utilize this service. You are also permitted to park at these hotels and ride the shuttles in.
At Outdoor Retailer, Misty Mountain showed me their new Cadillac Tactical Climbing Harness but it was still a few weeks from release. But now, it’s fully available.
Misty Mountain is well known within the relatively small cadre of military mountaineers. They reached out to these customers before beginning work on the Cadillac and asked what these professionals were looking for. According to Misty Mountain, they were repeatedly told, “strength, durability, comfort, and abrasion resistance, plus ease of use while wearing gloves, and strong connection points for easier, safer transitions. Make it easy to adjust, lightweight, and super burly so it can stand up to the nastiest environments.” Taking this guidance they set out to create the Cadillac Tactical sit harness.
They’ve used the latest materials to create this harness. Misty Mountain’s description is more than adequate:
The new Cadillac Tactical features a monochromatic color scheme, four quick adjust buckles for ease of fit, four strong, integrated nylon gear loops with TRELLEBORG high abrasion reinforced Kevlar fabric. TWEAVE DURASTRETCH High Tenacity Nylon inner layer is durable and abrasion resistant. Removeable leg loops feature auto-block loops for easy rappel back-up, adjust for dorsal rise and offer quick release option. Wide, layered comfort comes from tough 1000 Denier CORDURA nylon laminate sublayer to spread forces over a wider surface area of closed cell, cross-linked .25″ EVAZOTE foam padding. Soft foam edges roll for comfort, and black anodized 6061 T-6 Aluminum 2 piece quick adjust buckles work smoothly but lock as needed with 1″ tubular Climbspec nylon webbing.
Cadillac Tactical harness strength rated to 16 kN (3,600 lbs), gear loops and rear haul loop rated to 10 kN (2,250 lbs).
The Cadillac is a sized harness offered in XSmall – XXXLarge. Berry compliant and available in Coyote or Black, if you’re at Modern Day Marine next week, stop by the Extreme Outfitters booth and check out Misty Mountain.
The 31st edition of Modern Day Marine is right around the corner! Sept 27-29 in Quantico, VA. The schedule of events include:
• The MDM golf tournament hosted by “The Gunnyâ€, R.Lee Ermey on Monday the 26th at 0800
• Opening Ceremony, 0945, Tuesday
• Enlisted Awards Parade, 0900, Wednesday
• Black-tie dinner, Ritz-Carlton/Pentagon-City, 630pm, Wednesday
• Exhibits open from 1000-3:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday
For more information, please check out the website at www.marinemilitaryexpos.com and please be sure to check out the MDM Facebook page for updated information over the next four weeks!
Important note: There is front door-step shuttle service being provided from the Marine Corps Museum and Quantico Corporate Center during the show. Both are located in close proximity to the show. Please help ease congestion on base and utilize this terrific service.
