FirstSpear Introduces Base Layers Bottoms in American Merino Wool
FirstSpear first introduced the merino wool line of apparel a few years ago and since then has steadily kept adding pieces, based both on consumer feedback and manufacturing capabilities. After focusing extensively on merino wool tops and gloves FirstSpear has now brought the attention of bottoms, adding 3 pieces to the line.
We have quite a bit of experience with FirstSpear American merino wool (all three levels: ACM 100, ACM mid 400 and the Woobie ACM 600 /Review Coming Soon/) and we can assure that these garments are designed mainly for 2 purposes: cold weather protection and performance.
Since they have just released these 3 pieces we do not have any experience with it, but if the material and manufacturing process are the same you can rest assured that they will perform.
Throughout their offering, due to production optimization and “everything you need nothing you don’t” design mind-set First Spear has managed to keep a very acceptable price, which is important because once you switch to merino you will only want merino.
Interview with Richard Elder of Beyond Clothing
Richard Elder in known in the industry for being the project officer for the team that developed the PCU, the protective combat uniform. A breakthrough technological improvement that has become the foundation of modern high performance and expeditionary clothing systems.
Now at Beyond Clothing since its acquisition by 5.11. Richard Elder formerly served as the executive director of Smith Optics Elite Division, where he led the development of the ballistic eye-wear program. Prior to Smith Optics, Elder spent 10 years as a US Federal Program Manager, developing equipment in support of the United States Special Operation Command. Prior to, he attained the rank of Sergeant and later, Captain, completing his tour in 2001 within the 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Special Operations Command. Elder also served in the United States Army for seven years as both an enlisted soldier and commissioned officer.
We had the unique opportunity to interview Rick and spend time with his team while visiting the Beyond headquarters in Seattle, WA.
Topics covered:
- PCU
- Manufacturing Capabilities
- Tier 1 Customers Requirements
- Combat Clothing vs. Expeditionary Clothing
- Tactical Companies vs Outdoor Companies
- Supporting SOF
- A diverse customer base
- Developing for the next challenge
- Integration between clothing and gear
- Next stage for mission clothing
- System vs. Garments
- Softshell
- Kyros
- Lutra Fabric
Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame® Alpha Operator Kit | REVIEW
Oakley introduced the Alpha Ecosystem with the knowledge of the extremely dynamic and challenging environments that the modern operators have to face in combat. This multi piece kit is designed to be quickly and easily reconfigured to each mission without any compromise in either performance or protection.
Oakley has been the leader in the eyewear market for ballistic protection, usability and clever designs that could enhance the performance amongst athletes and especially military forces.
First Line Equipment |FROG.PRO Operator Belt and Pouches
The use of modular tactical load bearing belts has consistently grown in the past decade. The influence of special operations in tactical training and shooting techniques has brought a very versatile tool in the hands of many users. What is typically referred to as “first line” is, in fact, the primary layer on top of which the users equips himself. This terminology has been applied to professions in which there is a multi-level approach to equipment. In almost all cases the first line is the first to be applied before heading out of the door and the last to be taken off. Different professions require a multi line system for different purposes: Law Enforcement usually add a second-line (chest rig/PC) for special purposes while using the first line (belt) as the main source, on the other hand we usually see the opposite with military applications, in which the belt mounted equipment is a backup for the plate carrier. There are exceptions to this in both professions, for example we see often the positioning of the magazine designated for speed/emergency reloads placed on the belt at the 9 o’clock.
B.E. Meyers at Eurosatory 2018 with BOARS M2 and MAWL-DA
BOARS-M2
Low-profile versatile systems for mounting optics to M2 .50 via quick disconnect attachment that retains zero.
MAWL-DA
(Modular Advanced Weapon Laser) Very intuitive and ergonomic laser device mounted on carbines for direct action applications. The user can quickly jump from one setting to the other, even in the dark while using gloves, providing great flexibility to the platform.
Urban Survivor Blog 