Developed for testing in extreme cold weather, this modified version of NEMO’s Award winning Moki mountaineering tent, has no floor in order to save weight and avoid condensation issues associated with flooring in that environemnt. However, it’s cool to see MultiCam Alpine used for a tent.
This shelter is not available for purchase. Lessons learned will be integrated into future NEMO products.
NEMO’s Puffin Blanket is constructed of DWR-treated ripstop fabric with Stratofiber insulation. It also features buttons which allow the blanket to be folded at the end to create a foot pocket(!), and it comes with a breathable mesh storage bag.
Weight: 2lb, 3oz.
Packed Size: 15″ x 7″
Dimensions: 86″ x 60″
Color: Coyote/Multicam
The new Tetrapod SE Jungle Hammock is made from an Alpha Green siliconized fabric body and incorprates an integral bug net. The rain fly is made from Lightweight PU coated ripstop. interstingly, the patterning allows you to sleep flat on the diagonal.
Hammock weight – 15.4 oz
Straps weight – 2.2 oz
Fly weight – 6.8 oz
The Axe
After two years of intense development and testing, Outland Equipment unveiled its first multi-purpose tools: the Point Man Axe, the FireFighter Axe and the Multi-Mission Axe. The PMA is a specialized combat instrument for LE and Special Operations Forces, built to hold an edge and withstand the rigors of battle. The FFA and MMA are forcible entry tools, with optimized materials and features for cutting and prying through just about anything in your path. The FFA and MMA have unique engineering that allows for interchangeability in the axe head. A range of different components are being developed now that will be able to mount on the back side of the axe head. Outland is committed to setting a new standard of quality and innovation in tools for combat, rescue and survival. The MMA tools are currently in stock.
Multi-Mission Axe Features:
-19 and 15 inch versions are available
-Full tang S7 steel construction (S7 is an exceptionally durable steel that can withstand the stresses encountered during impacts and maintain a sharp blade edge)
-G10 handle grips
-Multiple grip positions
–Bottom, for swinging the blade and hammer
–Middle, at the finger notch, for more controlled use of the blade
–Top, on the forward angled grip, for fine manipulation of the blade and an off-axis grip for controlling the pry and seatbelt cutter
-4 inch chopping blade
-Modular S7 steel hammer
–Specialized accessories will be available that mount in place of the hammer, making the axe configurable for different missions
-Pry feature at the bottom of the handle uses the entire length of the handle for leverage
-Seat belt cutter is positioned at the bottom of the handle to extend reach into vehicles
-Hex nut tools in the head and pry end
-A CNC machined high strength Delrin blade guard is included. A highly engineered, MOLLE compatible, belt-worn, CNC machined Delrin sheath is available as an accessory.
-All axes come in a custom zippered case
The Connection
I was introduced to Outland Equipment’s axes by Cam Brensinger, of NEMO Equipment. I’ve known Cam for several years and he has always impressed me by his innovation and dedication to quality. I know the standard he sets for himself so when he decides to present another brand alongside NEMO I know it is going to be something special. I asked him about how this had taken place and he said this:
“We were introduced to Outland through our connections in the industry,” said Cam Brensinger, NEMO’s founder and CEO, “and I was immediately struck by the design of these tools. The quality of execution is the best I’ve seen. I felt a partnership with Outland would give us another strong solution to offer our customers alongside our own Shield™ products, and it would give Outland the connections they need to increase visibility in the SOF community.” NEMO has agreed to be the exclusive distributor of Outland products to U.S. Special Operations. If you’re an active duty member of SOF, please contact NEMO for best pricing: journey@nemoequipment.com
The Maker
Now that we have established the bonafides, let’s talk about Outland Equipment. Outland Equipment was founded by Christopher Aiston to provide people with the tools they need to survive and save lives in hostile environments. For the past 10 years, Chris has been a design consultant to companies that manufacture firearms and accessories. He built relationships in the law enforcement and fire fighting communities and discovered that firefighters are typically heavily burdened by carrying around single-purpose tools. It was clear that firefighters needed a streamlined, lightweight, multi-purpose tool that could be carried at all times. This new solution would need to withstand the harsh environments firefighters work in, and prove to be useful every day on the job, across a wide range of applications. Once development began on the tools, it quickly became apparent that these new tools could also benefit law enforcement and armed forces. That’s where the military focus came into play. Cam at NEMO saw the designs and new that they would be a perfect fit for the SOF community.
Update – You can contact Chris Aiston at chris@outlandequipment.com.
The Helio Mat from NEMO Equipment made its debut during August’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. This companion to the popular Helio Shower will be available early 2015.
This is an announcement from NEMO Equipment regarding the recent fielding of their Targa SE as part of the US Navy SEAL PEPSE kit and the feedback they’ve received during its use.
Late last year, it was announced that NEMO’s Targa SE tactical mobility sleep system would join the brand’s Coda 1.5P SE AirSupported shelter as part of the SEAL’s PEPSE Kit. With product delivered and fielded in January, NEMO followed up with Naval Special Warfare’s R&D Manager of Cold Weather and Mountain Survivability Systems, John Barklow, to see how the bags are performing.
Targa SE was developed with testing and feedback from NSW. Designed specifically for cold weather, Targa SE allows the operator to live and work out of the bag, wearing his load bearing gear as required during tactical cold weather operations. The bag, rated to 40 degrees on its own, is designed to keep the operator warm to near zero temperatures when worn in conjunction with the issued layering system. A jacket style center zip allows easy access to essential chest gear; a drawstring closure at the foot allows the lower leg portion to be lifted and cinched for movement; the waist drawstring can be cinched to configure the bag like a parka; and a stowable, insulated hood, wind collar, and redundant center snaps ensure versatility and warmth.
Recent reports from Kodiak state that the bags have been performing well and when integrated with issued clothing and supporting gear, have been successfully used in temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Targa SE is the most functional and efficient sleeping bag that has ever been fielded to SOF. The design process consisted of building the sleeping bag around an operator wearing standardized issued gear and the limitations inherent with that gear, such as limited range of motion and oversized torsos,” said John Barklow.
The Berry Compliant Targa SE is currently offered in Coyote color, MultiCam and Kryptek Yeti, filled with PrimaLoft synthetic insulation. For sales inquiries, please contact Cam Brensinger at cam@nemoequipment.com.
NEMO is running a special on the Cosmo Air + Pillowtop 1P. Get both pieces for 60% off the regular price. Quantities are limited, however more will be back in stock in late June at the same sale price.
www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Cosmo+Air+and+Pillowtop+1P
Last Spring I had a chance to visit NEMO Equipment. One thing that struck me was a sign that said, “Design Like You Mean It.” Check this video out on the design process for the new minimalist Ditto Slim Wallet and then you’ll understand what they are up to.
Using paper, masking tape, staples, elastic, rubber bands, fabric, welding, stitching, sewing, it took 65 prototypes to arrive at the final design of the Ditto Slim Wallet. On the surface, this is an inside look at the design process involved in making the Ditto Slim Wallet. But much deeper than that, it’s an ode to the necessity of play and exploration in design. Some of the best designs come out of feeling free to fail, and not being afraid to make something that doesn’t work. This is a reminder to celebrate the failures as much as the success of the final design. Learn more about the design of Ditto Slim Wallet…
