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
IWA 2018 | Beyond Clothing: Mission
Enforce Tac – IWA 2018 brought the opportunity to meet the team behind Beyond Clothing and allowed us to get our hands on their garments.
A3 Active Insulation
The midweight performance layers can be worn as insulation layers or stand alone outer garments, depending on the environment, These lightweight loft and flees layers are breathable, packable,and highly wind-resistant.
A3 – Alpha Lochi Jacket (Reversible)
This jacket comes in two colorways: Navy/Grey (as show in the photos below) and Black/Multicam
Materials:
– 40D Nylon Ripstop with DWR
– Polartec® Alpha® Insulation – 80g
A3 – Alpha Sweater
This garment comes in four colorways: Coyote, Black, Grey and Multicam
\Materials:
– 40D Nylon Ripstop with DWR
– Polartec® Alpha® Insulation – 80g
A5 Softshells
A5 Softshells layers are designed to protect the user against wind and rain during active use. These outer layers are built out of an extremely breathable, 4-way stretch material that allows for excellent mobility, high durability and protection from the elements.
A5 – Stretch Alpha Sweater
Available in Grey, Navy and Ranger Green
Materials:
– Tweave® Durastretch® Nylon with DWR
– 3.2 oz. Polartec® Power Grid® Fleece
– Polartec® Alpha® Insulation – 60g
A5 – Rig Softshell Pants
Available in Multicam, Coyote and Black
Material:
– Fleece Laminated Tweave® Durastretch® Softshell with DWR
A9 Uniforms
Built with the mission in mind, the A9 uniform garments are designed to perform in a variety of conditions. The A9 suite is constructed with durable NYCO Ripstop to endure the harshest terrain.
A9C – Cold Weather Mission Shirt
Materials:
– 6.6 oz. Polartec® Power Grid™
– Fleece Laminated Tweave® Durastretch® with DWR
A9-E Equatorial Mission Pants
Materials:
-Lightweight, 3.8 oz. Nylon Ripstop with No-Fly Zone® and MCS
A9-A – Advanced Mission Pant
Available in Multicam and Woodland
Materials:
– No Melt, No Drip NYCO Ripstop
– Tweave® Durastretch® with DWR
Element System
Designed to be highly adaptable, the Element System features lightweight, hydrophobic fabrics that offer unparalleled moisture management and breathability. Mesh pocket openings through the system allow for fast and quiet pocket draining when working in or around water.
A9 – Element Pant
Materials:
– Tweave® Durastretch® with DWR
– XPG Superfabric® on stretch Cordura®
– Brushed Mesh Pockets
LBX Tactical – Chris Costa | MAP System
LBX (London Bridge Tactical) and Chris Costa have released a new signature series of integrated rifle bag and plate carrier: the MAP(Mission Adaptive Panel) System.
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