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
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.
SHOT Show 2017 | Trijicon
At SHOT Show 2017, Trijicon displayed the new optics for this year: the new MRO Patrol, the new AccuPower 1-8, the new MGRS and the line of Thermal optics.
MRO Patrol
The new Trijicon MRO Patrol is a modified version of the MRO red dot sight. It features an objective cover and a anti-reflective device and comes from the factory with an ocular lens cover.
AccuPower 1-8 x 28
The new Trijicon AccuPower is a versatile variable low power optic with a first focal plane reticle. The 1 power setting is a true 1x and allows the user to engage the target with both eyes open. The clarity of the optic combined with the high power of 8x allows for very accurate engagements even at distance. The optic’s reticle and adjustments are available both in MIL and MOA.
MGRS (Machine Gun Reflex Sight)
The Trijicon MGRS is designed to be mounted on 249, 240, M134 or on the “Ma Deuce”. I features a very large (both in width and height) 1 x obejective lens which provides and extremely wide field of view. To the MGRS there can be attached a flippable magnified optic.
Trijicon New Thermal Optics
2016 has been a very big year for thermal optics; the price has decreased and the technologies become more compact, lightweight and reliable. 2017 seems to also be a very promising year for the thermal optic segment of the tactical/hunting market with the entry of big players such as Trijicon and other competitors. Trijicon has displayed on the show’s floor some products, showing the interested in pursuing both the Clip-On and the Standalone segments.
Triple Aught Design: New Products for 2017
Triple Aught Design has released some interesting new products in the past few weeks. In the past we have had the opportunity to field test TAD products and we have been amazed by the exceptional attention to detail and quality and by how each piece of clothing or equipment is designed for a specific task and environment. From urban to rural they have it covered, with style.
Arsenal Democracy SOPMOD Hybrid
We have been following Arsenal Democracy for quite some time now and the SOPMOD Hybrid seems to be the newest AR-style rifle around the block.
The company based in Freeport, Florida has been implementing new materials and designs to some of the most popular platforms, from the AR to the Glock pistol. The innovations come from a SF veteran who really seems to know how to tweak and enhance firearms. 
The latest addition to their line of products is the SOPMOD Hybrid, a lighter version of their successful AD16. It is currently available only to active US military only. Here are some of the key features of this rifle:
- 416R Stainless Steel Match Barrel Available in 10.5″ CQB, 14.5″ Patrol or 16″ RECCE (with a guarantee of 20000+ Rounds)
- V7 Inconel gas tube specifically intended for sustained Full-Auto fire
- AD-16 Gen 2 Upper Receiver
- Ambidextrous Controls
- AD-15 rail System, available both in M-Lok and KeyMod
- Geissele SSA-E or S3G Triggers
- Magpul furniture
- Cerakote finish in Graphite Black, OD Green, FDE, Patriot Brown, AD Gray
For any further information visit: ArsenalDemocracy.us
Images from ArsenalDemocracy.us
Haley Strategic Partners|D3CRX
The Haley Strategic D3CR (or Disruptive Environments™ Chest Rig) has been, since its first release, one of the most adaptable and versatile Chest-Rigs on the market. After the release of the first version that allows to carry 4 rifle magazines (both STANAG and AK 7.62 x 39mm and 5.45 x 39mm) they have focused on the 7.62 NATO and 308 market with the D3CR-Heavy. These products have always shared many features in their designs, both structural and pouches placement.
With the latests addition in the line HSP will provide the user with a parallel option to the original D3CR.
The new Disruptive Environments™ Chest Rig X mainly features a different configuration of storage capabilities; they have substituted the bungee multi-purpose pouch with two Multi-Mission pouches. This modification creates a much more streamlined set-up and provides the user with more options -regarding the carry of multi-tools, hand-held flashlights and sidearm magazines. The Multi-Mission pouch houses magazines of the most popular single-stack and double-stack handguns keeping very good retention with both a bungee cord and a magnet.
The new chest rig borrows the X nomenclature by the new X-shaped harness design; conceived for added comfort in prolonged uses and for further user-adjustably. The D3CRX does not preclude the use of any Haley Strategic Accessories.
The D3CRX is available in Black and Tan for $180 and in Multicam and Multicam Black for $ 185.
For more information please visit Haley Strategic Partners‘s website: haleystrategic.com/equipment/chestrigs/d3crx
Blue Force Gear: Pistol Belt Pouches | Review
Blue Force Gear is well known for quite possibly the most low profile PALS-Webbing / MOLLE pouches on the market. They have put together two incredibly thin and durable materials: the military grade elastic and the ULTRAcomp laminate. The combination of these two fabrics created the well-known Ten-Speed pouches. After the great success with the MOLLE platform, Blue Force Gear has decided to apply this technology to the belt pouch. For many years, leather and Kydex were the two only material utilized in belt pouches, the only problem with these was the bulkiness and impossibility to have them “collapsed” against the body when not in use. Although Kydex remains a good option for more overt applications, the Blue Force Gear belt pouches are suited for more covert applications for both military and civilian use.
The belt-mounted line of pouches are designed specifically for:
- rifle mags (low rise and high rise pouches available)
- pistol mags
- handcuffs
- dump pouches
- pepper spray
- batons
These products serve three different category of users simultaneously: Military personnel, LE officers and concealed carry civilians.
For this article, we had the chance to test the pistol mag pouch in the two configurations: single mag
and double mag. These two mag pouches are designed to be quickly and easily accessible, even under
stress. They work with both single and double stack magazine. The high quality elastic material allows
to switch between double stack and single stack mags without losing any retention capability.
Although fast speed reloads are ideal for this type of pouch, tactical reloads are also possible with just a
little practice. The main feature of this system is that once you extract the content, the pouch collapses
on it-self reducing any extra bulk. In our opinion, this feature is ideal for EDC and CCW.
For everyday carry purposes we have found that this pouch is incredibly useful not only for pistol mags
but also for multi-tools, battery racks and flashlights.
For CCW we usually like to carry appendix or 3 o’clock (both IWB and OWB). For appendix carry the use
of a mag caddy is quite comfortable, but when carrying at the 3 o’clock position having an IWB Kydex
mag caddy at the 9 o’clock is pretty uncomfortable.
This is why we now have decided to go with the Blue Force Gear mag pouch Outside the Waist Band.
These mag pouches also work perfectly in conjunction with a plate carrier or a chest rig. They are easily
accessible also with the Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! placed right on top; both in the loading and
unloading processes.
In order to attach to the belt these pouches utilize a very versatile hook and loop system. This allows the pouch to be mounted to classic leather or tactical nylon belts of up to 2″ in width. The pouch can also be easily detached from the belt without having to take the whole system off. Attaching the pouch to the belt doesn’t require much time or effort, making it a valid option for extra emergency mags stored elsewhere. For example we always carry the single pouch on the belt with an extra Glock 19 mag, but if needed, within seconds, we can mount, to the belt, the double pouch with two Glock 17 mags that we keep in an EDC backpack.
As for all Blue Force Gear products the quality of construction, stitching and material is outstanding. The are constantly providing clever products that bring more efficiency and are lightweight, the belt pouches are the proof.
For more information on the belt-mounted line of pouches please visit: BlueForceGear.com
Triple Aught Design: Intercept Performance Denim | Review
Whether you are an operator overseas or a civilian carrying a concealed handgun at the mall, one of the most important aspects of urban operations is blending in. Camouflage is a interesting subject when it comes to being unnoticed to the human eye. How it works in the wilderness is clear to everybody, and we are not here to discuss that; but as soon as you reach civilization, it becomes a more complicated.
Two of the main aspects of urban “blending in” techniques are:
- Try to move with the crowds and avoid seeking any attention
- Dress casual and stay away from camo gear.
In this article, we will focus on the second category: dressing casual (or in conjunction with the environment).
As of 2016, a good portion of the world shares some common “fashions” or “dress codes”. One color or piece of clothing that is well distributed and utilized throughout the globe is denim; this makes our job at “disappearing” much easier.
In the past years there has been a good variety of jackets, button shirts and even shoes on the market specifically designed for the tactical/performance segment of the market (concealed carry or “covert operations”); but casual pants were missing from this selection.
For a long time there has been a very wide gap between tactical pants and casual denim; the first being versatile and comfortable during high performance activities but with a lack of casual aesthetics, while the second being the exact opposite. Now Triple Aught Design has made the right connection between these two much separated segments of market.
The Intercept PD pants are extremely well crafted and are made in the United States. Triple Aught Design has really focused a lot of attention in quality and design through the development of this product. The Performance Denim comes from America’s oldest working denim mill, from North Carolina, and it is woven with 1% elastane for better comfort during high performance activities.
As far as pocket usability the Intercept PD are basically a pair of Cargo pants that look like jeans; it is as simple as that. The five traditional pockets provide a classic look and feel to the product, while closer to the belt line are placed the 4 concealed pockets, designed with performance and weight bearing in mind. The close proximity of the pockets to the waist allows the user to carry heavier items (spare mags, multi-tools, flashlight, medical kits and much more) without any movement limitation, even while seated.
The Intercept PD are engineered with noise reduction in mind: instead of the classic zipper TAD has implemented a button closure of the groin (to avoid any noise of metallic moving parts) while the 9 pockets are deep and kept close to the user’s body by the elastic fabric, reducing any sort of movement of the content.
The belt loops are large and heavy-duty, which is vital for carrying a tactical belt (especially with a holster, both Inside the Waistband and Outside the Waistband). Triple Aught Design has applied hidden triple needle stitching and bartacks throughout the whole product. Applied on the two front pockets is the TAD diamond reinforcement to protect from premature wear from knives, tools or flashlight clips.
With the Intercept Performance Denim TAD is delivering a product of which the development really revolved around the operator. If you are looking for a way to disappear from the radar in an urban environment you should really add the Intercept Performance Denim to your list, they are worth each and every penny.
For more information please visit Triple Aught Design’s website: store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Intercept-PD-Pant
Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit Now! Product Review
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! is an emergency access medical kit that can be quickly deployed. It is designed to hold the medical contents of the Armed Forces IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) but it can also be customized by the user to be suited for every environment.
The medical pouch is one of the most important pieces of equipment that an operator can carry. It has to withstand hostile environments, be rugged and easily accessible so high-quality is the first priority.
For many years there have been different types of medical kits on the market but most of them are not, in our opinion, suited for emergency situations. Most of these kits are organized kits designed to be attached to the webbing of backpacks or vests.
The biggest issue with internally organized medical pouches attached with PALS webbing is the difficulty with the application and the handling of the medical components. Usually, when attached on a full kit, the medical pouch tends to be mounted at the 6 o’clock position on the battle belt or on the sides of the plate carrier; sometimes in this position it is hard to look and access directly the content under the stress of an emergency.
The alternative for a long time has been to carry a standard pouch with all the medical content loose inside, which does not ensure success in finding what needed.
This new philosophy of use applied to medical kits seems to have caught the eye of both military personnel and civilians.
Blue Force Gear has decided to utilize the “blowout” system for their Trauma Kit. What sets this product apart from others similar on the market is the ruggedness and the lightweight of the pouch. After the release of a version made of standard 500 denier fabric they have decided to apply their patented Helium Whisper material. The inner supply carriage has been redesigned and constructed out of laser cut ULTRAcomp to reduce the thickness of the fabric while maintaining shape and strength.
One though shared throughout the military and firearms community is that the medical kit should be the first to put on and the last to take off. It is obvious that with this mindset the light weight and the comfort for prolonged use is ideal.
The kit can be quickly and easily deployed with the external pull tab, which contains a small weight. The medical sign color can be changed from red to black within seconds to ensure the perfect requirement for every situation or environment. It is extremely important that the content is secured to the pouch during the deployment, to ensure this Blue Force Gear has applied a very robust high quality elastic keeper.
In the assortment of the medical content we took in consideration both the needs of the standard IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) and those of a Combat Trauma Kit. This specific pouch can be also utilized as an extensive and enhanced EDC medical kit. The internal blowout kit can be closed on itself without using the external MOLLE pouch, making it even more compact and lightweight. In the middle section is applied a panel of loop Velcro, in which we have attached the SWAT-T Tourniquet with a small piece of hook Velcro and some glue.
(1) SWAT-T Tourniquet
(1) Fox Chest Seal
(1) Quick Clot Hemostatic gauze
(30) Band-Aids (4 Sizes)
(10) Band-Aids Backup (Vacuum Sealed)
(25) Vacuum Sealed Gauze Pads
(1) Combat Elastic Bandage
(3) 3M SteriStrips
(2) Pairs of Nitrile Surgical Gloves
(1) 3M Medical Tape
(1) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (20cmx20cm)
(2) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (10x 10 cm)
(3) Burn Gel
(2) Antibacterial wipes
(1) Emergency blanket
(1) aLokSak 3″x7″ waterproof bag
(1) Hi intensity 30′ Red ChemLight
(1) Fine Point Surgical Tweezers
Medical Substances
(2) Ketoprofene
(10) Ioperamide
(2) Paracetamole
(2) Amoxilline (Antibiotics)
(2) Antihistamine
(2) Antidiarrheal
(4) Electrolytes
(4) Aspirin
(4) Ibuprofen
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! Is available in Multicam, Tan, Black, Wolf Grey and OD Green.
Oakley M-Frame Alpha | Now Available!
The new Oakley M-Frame Alpha is now available for purchase through OakleySI website. We have written a short preview of the product shortly after ShotShow 2016 (OakleySI Alpha). If you haven’t seen it, the Alpha consists in an Ecosystem of eyewear mounting frames that share the same lenses, this product allows the same lens both to work on a “sunglass” type of frame and on a mask. This allows great flexibility for the operator, especially with the introduction of a new, patented, quick inter-change lens system.
Of the Alpha Ecosystem it is possible to purchase the whole kit or even just a single item. There will be two main packages a soft and a tough case with many different lenses and the two mounting frames. As always Oakley will also allow to order frames, lenses, cases and the gasket separately. We really like to have the option of building our own custom kit and we appreciate the effort made by the company to let us do it.
As far as pricing goes we are not still 100% sure of the prices of each single item, but we know that the M-Flame glasses should be around $110 and the full hard-case kit should be around $300.
For more information please visit: OakleySI.com
