SHOT 2023 | Outdoor Research Pro
Outdoor Research displayed the new Allies clothing line; a TAA compliant layering system that mirrors their Berry Compliant manufacturing capability.
Allies Colossus Parka
The Colossus Parka and pants offer a versatile mix of insulation and wind resistance are available in ranger green, coyote and Multicam. The construction seems to be well executed and there is a high degree of attention to detail. The zippers are high quality and there is some material similar to waffle top in areas next to the skin.
The loop field on both shoulders features their new OR Pro logo, which helps in toning down the “tacticalness” of the jacket when not wearing any patches or insignia.
The jacket is made with AscentShell™ 3L, 100% nylon 70D plainweave with 100% polyester 30D knit backer. This combo seems to be a good recipe for making it a very wearable jacket both stateside and overseas.
Allies Mountain Jacket
New OR Pro MuzzleBrake
Many years ago OR launched a hot weather combat ensemble which was featured here on UrbanSurvivorBlog.
Soon, using the same MuzzleBrake nomenclature, they will be launching a new combat set with some interesting features.
Allies Microgravity Jacket
This jacket seems to be a very promising Level 4 hardshell.
MuzzleBrake Field Shirt
MuzzleBrake Softshell Jacket
This hybrid jacket features the sleeves and shoulder of a combat top but the core of a classic soft-shell jacket.
SeaTac Pants
Unity Tactical | An Inside Look
The last time we had covered some of Unity Tactical’s products was at SHOT Show 2020 (full article here: SHOT 2020 | Unity Tactical – Urban Survivor Blog)
NOT SHOT 2021 | New Knives from Benchmade
After the complete and total homerun of the 537GY-1 BAILOUT (review coming!) launched last year at 2020 SHOT Show, Benchmade is releasing some very good looking knives.
The focus this year was quite heavily on tactical folders, starting with four addition within the ADAMAS line (with a mini folder, a folder, an auto folder and a fixed blade), moving to combatives and over to all-around folders.
273 MINI ADAMAS®
A new lighter and more compact version of the ADAMAS, a very popular tough knife among professionals.
Benchmade 275FE-2 ADAMAS® – G10 CruWear | Benchmade Knife Company | Benchmade Knife Company
2750 AUTO ADAMAS®
The classic ADAMAS folder is now available in auto.
Benchmade 2750FE-2 AUTO ADAMAS® – G10 CruWear | Benchmade Knife Company | Benchmade Knife Company
375 FIXED ADAMAS®
This new iteration of the Fixed Blade ADAMAS aims at reducing as much as possibile weight without compromising strength. Comes with an improved sheath.
275 ADAMAS®
An update on the staple of the ADAMAS line, the big and tough folder. As with the other models this update focuses at bringing the weight down without compromising strength and toughness.
Benchmade 275FE-2 ADAMAS® – G10 CruWear | Benchmade Knife Company | Benchmade Knife Company
177BK MINI SOCP®
The huge success of Greg Thompsons’s Special Operation Combatives Program among the worldwide SOF Community has brought a lot of interest from armed civilians to a knife/dagger that was originally intended to be mounted on kit. The response from Benchmade is the 177 Mini SOCP, a compact version that can be carried IWB (without causing atrocious pain when sitting). We expect it to be very much appreciated by the huge customer base of the original SOCP. The 177 Mini SOCP has the potential to become the go to personal defense blade for off duty MIL/LE personnel and civilians.
9070SBK-1 CLAYMORE™
The best for last. The name of this knife is Claymore. Do we need to say anything else?? Just look at it; how many do you want?
Benchmade 9070SBK-1 CLAYMORE™ – Grivory CPM-D2 | Benchmade Knife Company | Benchmade Knife Company
OR Snow Show 2020 | Matbock
Innovation, a word thrown around in many industries, should I say it has almost lost its meaning? Not as bad as “gamechanger” for sure.
Well, there are few companies in this space to which this term truly belongs. Matbock is certainly one of them.
Without any affiliation with the company I can say that every year I look forward to seeing what they have been working on and they always surpass the expectations.
Most of their products could be categorized simple but clever. Their process? With a lot of experience under their belt they provide solutions to problems that top tier operators have with an extremely direct development process. Sometimes some very specific solutions appear strange to all of us that are not in that community because we are not even aware of the existence of the problem.
Now they are expanding to other industries, analyzing the problems that are similar to those of the SOF space, by tailoring products for various applications.
The Cobra Sled
This casualty carry system has been showed us last year at SHOT and is now being looked at closely by the SAR community.
urbansurvivorblog.com/2019/02/11/shot-show-2019-matbock/
Graverobber Medical System
Developed in conjunction with CRO Medical, the Graverobber medical system is a customizable mission specific medical kit that allows the medic to swiftly carry and easily manage the medical assets allocated to the team without excessive redundancy that may hinder the operation.
This is basically a modular and scalable system based around a different types of packpacks designed to be used individually or in a system. The Graverobber allows to carry a mountaineering-style ruck near the objective and, once in the proximity of the objective, to detach the assault medic bag for the more kinetic and dynamic part of the mission. All while the surgical ans/or sustainment pack remains with the element that has established an holding point from which further medical assistance can be provided.
Inside the sustainemnt pack the inserts can be detached and used individually to provide medical assistance to multiple casualties in multiple locations.
Skeeter Patch
The internal of each patch is a super absorbent anti-microbial lining for deet or any other anti-bug spray. The absorbent liner will hold the bug spray for hours to prevent insects from bother you or from you spraying some of these very harmful chemicals onto your body directly.
Travel Kit
Made of MATBOCK Ghost Heavy Material, these pouches are light, strong and hydrophobic.
Toiletry bag: exploded shampoo? No problem.
Shoes bag: trail run with mud, need to quickly pack and go to work? No problem.
… you get the point.
OR Snow Show 2020 | Beyond Clothing: New Products for 2020
Right after SHOT Show 2020 Beyond Clothing exhibited at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2020 in Denver.
On display were some products intended to launch in Spring 2020 season as well as some that will be available in fall.
As always the main concept behind Beyond is not to look at the single piece of clothing by itself but to the entire clothing system, a much needed point of view in this industry. A very strong theme is also sustainability, which is becoming a very key topic in the outdoor industry, considering how the customer basis is tied with nature and how it is unaware of the environmental footprint that equipment manufacturing has.
The DNA of Beyond lays in the education on how to use the system to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This mindset transpires through many of the new products that they are presenting, designed to used for multiple applications.
While many companies focus on providing tailored solutions for their specific customer base (usually with few applications in mind), Beyond is catering to a much wider crowd by focusing on the only aspect that different end-users have in common: protection from the environment.
This really requires some reflection on what is actually at the core of what we are trying to do. To be able to experience a much broader spectrum of the outdoors a single $500 jacket is insufficient and, at the same time, not everyone is able to drop $2000 for an adequate system.
This is where the choice of a direct to consumer model of a system-based company is the true enabler for those that need clothing for what it intended for: a tool to protect from the elements.
Understanding whether a company operates around a system approach or a single-garment approach is not an easy task for the average consumer; often times there are subtle characteristics that differentiate the two models. It is quite easy to be attracted by the bells and whistles of a garment only to find out that by itself it is not going to help in the adventure. While, in the meantime, having blown half of the budget that was intended for the whole system.
Top: K8 Allta Parka | Bottom: K8 Allta Bib
Top: K7 Cetra Jacket | Bottom: K5 Velox Softshell Pant
Top: K5 Aptus Jacket | Bottom: K5 Maker’s Pant
Top: K5 Modus Jacket (on top of a K2 Celeris Pullover) | Bottom: K5 Testa Softshell Pant
Respecting the environment is an extremely common trend in the clothing/sporting industry. Unfortunately it is one of the most hypocritical out there.
Polymerization, treatments applied to threads and fabrics, using excessive DWR on low-quality materials and “fashion” mindset (product quickly becoming “old”) are just some of the reasons why the outdoor clothing industry is extremely polluting.
Maybe a system-based approach to clothing could help?
- Whenever something is worn-out you only need to update/fix/upgrade that single piece.
- A more modular system is more versatile and doesn’t require many climate-specific items.
- Most of the garments can be used all year (Skiing, hiking, emergency…).
It’s a sensitive topic but it’s necessary.
Both at SHOT and at OR Snow Show there was a big focus sensitizing people about protecting not only the endangered species but also the wilderness and backcountry.
New Products Coming in Fall 2020
K1 – TODRA SHORT SLEEVE CREW
The K1 – Todra Short Sleeve Crew features a blended knit jersey fabric with a sanded finish ensures a soft, velvety feel for all-day comfort. Dri-release® technology manages sweat build-up from exercise, hot days and more, and the fitted, athletic construction makes it an ideal choice for a morning run, workout, and casual wear alike.
K3 – DASCHE JACKET
The K3 – Dasche Jacket is a packable, water- and wind-resistant shell. Mapped PrimaLoft® Gold LuxeTM insulation combines the targeted warmth of a vest with the coverage of a jacket, and tightly woven quilt lines ensure full insulation loft and no
popped stitches. The unique stow-hood design eliminates the bulk of roll-up storage or the hassle of tracking a detachable hood.
A self-stowing pocket allows fast, compact storage in a pack or bag.
K3 – CLUTCH FIELD LINER
The K3 – Clutch Field Liner is a robust layer of warmth underneath your weather protection or as a zip-up jacket to keep warmth in mild conditions. 80g Primaloft Gold® Luxe Insulation crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled materials combines with a classic quilted design, providing ample heat through eco-friendly means.
20-denier construction with 4-way stretch and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish offers lasting durability, easy mobility, and protection from light rain.
K3 – DAWA SHERPA FLEECE
The double-sided and brushed-knit ultra-plush fleece delivers a soft feel and ample heat. An attached, fitted hood helps keep you dry when surprise showers show up, and two zippered hand pockets combine with a hidden shoulder-seam pocket to provide secure storage.
K4 – AVID PANT
A jogger pant made of ultralight fabric with 4-way stretch with articulated knees and elastic waistband with an internal draw cord. Four pockets with each pocket bag is crafted with power mesh to allow venting. A clear coating on the outer shell increases the soft hand feel, and a durable water-repellent finish (DWR) to provide protection from light rain.
K4 – VENTUM ULTRALIGHT HOODIE in Gods Plaid (ehm I mean WOODLAND)
K7 – ANCHOR BELAY JACKET
Water-resistant 80g Primaloft Gold® Luxe Insulation crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled materials combines with a quilted inside, providing ample heat even while wet.
20-denier construction with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and a built-in rimmed hood offers lasting durability and protection from the elements. 4-way stretch and articulated sleeves provide enhanced mobility, and the included stow pouch allows the entire jacket to be packed down for space-saving convenience when not in use.
Now Available
K5 – MODUS JACKET
The K5 – Modus Jacket is a lightweight hooded jacket designed for active use in warmer weather. The durable, 4-way stretch, double-faced nylon polyester shell protects you from the wind and rain, while remaining breathable for moisture transport.
The inner face of the fabric is bamboo charcoal yarn which is naturally antibacterial, antifungual, moisture wicking and insulating. The K5 – Modus Jacket is ideal for lightweight durability for active use in warmer climates.
K5 – APTUS JACKET
For all the lucky ones with a A5 Stretch Alpha, you’ll like this one…
K5 – Aptus Jacket combines the warmth and moisture transport of an insulating layer with the durability and mobility of a softshell.
The jacket is built out of three layers; starting with a Verso Weave™ knit that pulls moisture away from the body towards a layer of Polartec® Alpha® Insulation.
The Alpha® Insulation traps and retains body heat while continuing to transport moisture to the outer shell where moisture spreads and evaporates.
The final layer is a DWR finished, flexible 4-way stretch woven fabric that is highly durable and protects you from the wind and rain. Stay warm, dry, and protected while on the move.
SHOT 2020 | Beyond Clothing
Details of the new Beyond Clothing products will be provided from Outdoor Retailer Snow Show.
BEYOND SHOT 2020
It’s always special to come back to the Artisan year after year. This picturesque venue seem to be the perfect fit for the creative Beyond parties. For SHOT 2020, presented by Beyond Clothing and Blackfish, the night featured a live performance by Naughty by Nature and a Dueling DJ-set with Asian Star (Tokyo) and D Triple J (USA).
As always a key role of the night was the effort to raise funds and awareness for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Endangered Species Protection Agency. Through a collaboration with the ESPA the invited guests were able to encounter an endangered animal, a male tiger.
SHOT 2020 | Oakley SI
This year we had a chance to see some of the new Oakley SI products before SHOT at the First Spear Range Day Here are all the products release for SHOT 2020.
HNBL
This year Oakley SI has introduced the HNBL model, designed to provide ballistic protection without compromising comfort. One of the main features is the lens change mechanism that allows to quickly change from among clear and Prizm ballistic lenes. It is also possible to introduce an RX lens without the use of an inner frame to hold it. This really simplifies the use of those that want ballistic protection in addition to a prescription lens. Size and feel wise this model resembles the Shocktubes, a very popular item from Oakley SI but its “Achille’s heel” was the need for a tool to change the lenses.
Oakley SI Ballistic Line Miner
The Line Miner is the latest addition to the Snow Goggle line of Oakley SI. Featuring the Prizm Rose and Prizm Black lens technology; the frame of the goggle provides very wide field of view while the Prizm Rose and Prizm Black lenses give great contrast and depth perception in snowy environments. The lenses are dual vented with anti-fog coating and they meet the MIL-PRF 32432 impact standards.
New Oakley SI Elite Assault Boot
This is most likely the first piece of the redesign of the Oakley SI boot line.
The new Elite Assault boot features a enclosed lace system for tighter fit and reduced snag hazard. the boot appears to be lightweight and it aims at providing running-shoes like comfort and mobility without compromising ankle and weight support.
Lifestyle Limited Edition
Oakley is launching a limited edition commemorative model for the 75th anniversary of Iwo Jima.
SHOT 2020 | B&T
With the growing popularity of the P320 platform B&T is manufacturing accessories to accommodate for PDW use of the M17 / M18 models. These grips feature a built-in spring-loaded stock that allow to shoulder the weapon for longer or more precise shots. This solution does not take up too much space and still allows to mount a weapon mounted light in the exact same position. Slide mounted MRDS also work exactly like on any standard RDS ready pistol and reciprocate with each shot fired.
It is possible to holster these weapons making them very capable sidearms.
Also interesting is a chassis for Glock pistols. It features a reciprocating charging handle but the RDS remains fixed in the same position, also for faster follow-up shots.
B&T APC 9K
Brügger & Thomet has displayed the APC 9K, the newly selected Sub Machine Gun for the US Army.
SHOT 2020 | Team Wendy
We first saw the new helmet cover at SOFIC 2019 but now they are officially available for all helmets (Ballistic, Carbon and LTP) for models with both Rail 2.0 and Rail 3.0. Covers are available in Black, Grey, Coyote, Ranger Green, Multicam and Multicam Alpine.
Also officially available is the All-Terrain Mandible (non ballistic). This accessory can be now mounted to any helmet (Ballistic, Carbon and LTP) that features a Rail 3.0 set-up.
This non-ballistic version is an item in which a lot of teams have been really interested in, especially in Europe. A review of the All-Terrain Mandible will be online in the next few months.
Attachment of Ops Core AMP Headset to Team Wendy Helmets
After winning the SOCOM contract the AMP Comms headsets have become ubiquitous and many teams have already fielded Team Wendy Ballistic SL helmets. This accessory is designed to seamlessly integrate the two systems.
CLOUDLINE™ SYSTEM
This drop-in liner, named CloudLine™ for its unique comfort grade, features the softest Team Wendy patented Zorbium® foam to-date, used in strategically placed hexagon-shaped comfort pads designed to prevent hot spots while maintaining protection. Furthermore, the exceptionally comfortable liner is optimized for the widest range of ground combat helmets on the market. Previous Team Wendy drop-in liners were developed around specs of the standard ACH/ECH helmets, while CloudLine is designed to fit a broader range of helmets, including those used throughout special operations communities.
- Three impact liner pads (front, crown, rear)
- Four thick hexagon-shaped Cloud pads
- Seven soft comfort pads in various shapes and sizes
- Ten Velcro® brand hook disks
Study on Traumatic Brain Injury
Team Wendy has been selected as part of an academic research program for developing new strategies for detecting impacts and inertial forces that may result too high and have the risk of causing TBI. This research will be followed by the development of new technology intended to protect the user more from impacts that could potentially lead to TBI.
SHOT 2020 | Matbock
As always, every year at SHOT, it’s a pleasure to see what Matbock has been working on. The close relationship that this company has with the SOF community is outstanding and really shows in their problem-development-test-solution approach. I have never once heard that a new product was designed “because the market is going in this direction”. Many times they approach the design of a product starting from the task the user is intended to accomplish while wearing/using it.
The Sheath 2.0
The Sheath 2.0 is a belt intended for rigger and helo use but without compromising the tactical feature. In fact it is possibile to attach both pouches and holsters without losing the lanyard retention system. Keep in mind that this is only a prototype. They have incorporated a metal piece that ensures the maximum level of safety. In addition they have incorporated two female Cobra buckles to the belt, this allows the user to quickly attach two leg loops only when needed.
This a belt that will be greatly appreciated by any uses that deals with some sort of vertical variable.
Graverobber Medical System
Developed in conjunction with CRO Medical, the Graverobber medical system is a customizable mission specific medical kit that allows the medic to swiftly carry and easily manage the medical assets allocated to the team without excessive redundancy that may hinder the operation.
This is basically a modular and scalable system based around a different types of packpacks designed to be used individually or in a system. The Graverobber allows to carry a mountaineering-style ruck near the objective and, once in the proximity of the objective, to detach the assault medic bag for the more kinetic and dynamic part of the mission. All while the surgical ans/or sustainment pack remains with the element that has established an holding point from which further medical assistance can be provided.
Inside the sustainemnt pack the inserts can be detached and used individually to provide medical assistance to multiple casualties in multiple locations.
Graverobber system as a whole (notice the Matbock Cobra Carbon Poles)
Graverobber Assault Medic Bag (back)
Graverobber Assault Medic Bag (front)
Surgical and Sustainment pack deployed
Loop for deploying the pack
Contents of the sustainment pack
Inner panel of the sustainment pack can be detached and used individually to provide medical assistance to multiple casualties in multiple locations
Inner panel of the sustainment pack can be detached and used individually to provide medical assistance to multiple casualties in multiple locations
Matbock Multi-Caliber Pouches
Three models available: rifle, pistol and combo.
The rifle pouch provides great flexibility to the user since it allows to carry magazines for almost all full-auto/semi-auto platforms. A single pouch can hold two AR-15 style magazines (M4, HK416, Rattler…) or a single AR-10 style magazine (DMRs or assault rifles in 308, 7.62, 6,5CM or 6,8).
