Gear Up #10

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GEAR UP

THE TRADE TACTICAL GEAR MAGAZINE

GEAR UP MAGAZINE

EBCON PUBLISHING

Gear Up Magazine is the worlds first business to business publication for the tactical gear industry, aiming to bring all of the relevant parties to the same table. With such a huge range of products on the market, knowing what to invest in, and more importantly, what to supply your customers with, can be a hard task. Gear Up Magazine aims to make this process easier, allowing you to enhance your understanding of the industry, allowing you to make smart purchases.

Ebcon Publishing was launched in 2004 with one simple goal – to create a range of successful publications, which combined informative content with a high level of up to date design to match.

Over the last 14 years, Ebcon Publishing has done exactly that, launching a number of publications that have won a number of awards in their respective sectors and continue to be dominant in their chosen area of operation.

TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING

With Gear Up Magazine, you’ll have a better understanding of the tactical gear and equipment on show, who buys it, and what they use it for. We’ll introduce you to the evolution of each of the ‘tools of the trade’, from ballistic helmets to boots, giving you the knowledge needed to traverse the tactical gear market with confidence.

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OVER A DECADE OF PUBLICATIONS

Ebcon Publishing has set up a fantastic portfolio and now the company’s next step is to further improve that portfolio by releasing Gear Up into the wild. All the staff at Ebcon Publishing work tirelessly to bring its readership a range of comprehensive editorial across its various magazine titles, providing thier readers with the best information available, along with high design values and inspiring imagery to suit.

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how it works Broken into six key sectors that drive the tactical gear market, Gear Up Magazine aims to bring you a selection of the finest products in each of our carefully deliberated sections.

Whether you’re looking to procure items at a battalion level or are an individual in charge of bringing a plethora of tactical equipment to your customers, Gear Up Magazine aims to do the hard work, so you do not have to.

tactical

PROTECTION

FOOTWEAR

The tactical gear market is forever evolving, and with that evolution comes the necessity of adapting to it. Our ‘Tactical’ section aims to make that process as easy as possible, bringing you a number of key components, allowing you to equip the modern warfighter to the best of your ability.

Ensuring your customers can count on the protective equipment you supply them is of the utmost importance. Our ‘Protection’ section endeavours to provide you with numerous options, enabling you to best serve your clientele, allowing them to operate in the harshest environments known to man.

It is no secret that military and law enforcement personnel spend long periods of time on their feet. Due to this, it is imperative that the options you have on offer provide unrivalled comfort, protection, and support, allowing them to fight harder, for longer, with no unwanted issues.

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BUSHCRAFT

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The firearms market is slowly becoming inundated with equipment that simply isn’t up to the task it was created for. With a plethora of optics and accessories on the market, Gear Up Magazine will ensure that you are providing your customers with products that will withstand the test of time.

The modern warfighter is often dropped in hostile locations, and ensuring the equipment they’re carrying is capable of dealing with the numerous areas of operation is key. Ranging from a variety of tools to sleeping bags, our ‘Bushcraft’ section aims to provide to cover the very best in outdoor equipment.

Medical equipment by design is created to save lives. Our ‘Medical’ section aims to look at a range of equipment that is best suited to this role; from full-blown medical kits through to Individual First-Aid Kits, making sure your clientele is amply prepared for a worst-case scenario.

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GEAR UP

ISSUE #10

EDITORIAL MEET THE TEAM PAUL MONAF

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR paul@ebcon.co.uk With a track record of launching a number of successful magazines and experience working within business-tobusiness sectors, Paul is the driving force behind Gear Up.

CONNOR JAMES EDITOR connor@ebcon.co.uk

Having worked within Ebcon Publishing for ten years, Connor brings a wealth of knowledge to Gear Up Magazine. If you need any information regarding editorial, he’s your guy.

BEN DICKIE art DIRECTOR ben@ebcon.co.uk

Ben started working for Ebcon Publishing nearly a decade ago now and has been a vital member of the team since. The self-proclaimed Rambo of shapes and colours.

SHARON MONAF

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR sharon@ebcon.co.uk Beside every great man is a great woman, and Sharon is most certainly the Bonnie to Paul’s Clyde. Sharon looks after all of the administrative work within the company.

CONTENTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 009 FEATURE GALVION BATLSKIN CAIMAN HELMET SYSTEM

013 TACTICAL WARRIOR’S LOW PROFILE CARRIER V2 – LASER CUT

016 TACTICAL MAYFLOWER JUNGLE CHEST RIG

018 TACTICAL ASSAULT BACK PANELS

022 TACTICAL SUUNTO CORE ALL-BLACK

025 TACTICAL MYSTERY RANCH JUMP KOMODO

029 TACTICAL TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGN STEALTH HOODIE LT

032 TACTICAL ARMADILLO MERINO CONDOR SHORT SLEEVE CREWNECK

035 PROTECTION GALVION CAIMAN HEAD SYSTEM ADD-ONS

038 PROTECTION BOLLE TACTICAL X800

040 PROTECTION PATROL INCIDENT GEAR FDT ALPHA GLOVES

044 FOOTWEAR MEINDL DESERT FOX BOOTS

047 FIREARMS UNITY TACTICAL ATOM

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ebcon publishing ltd.

Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles in this magazine and the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors contained in material from independent sources or authors. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustration in any form without permission from the publisher/editor is strictly prohibited. We welcome articles, photographs or artwork for submission through the appropriate channels. Gear Up Magazine cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to unsolicited material. Please enclose a SAE if you wish your for your goods or material to be returned.

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BUSHCRAFT MULTI-TOOLS ON TEST

057 BUSHCRAFT EMERGENT RESCUE SYSTEMS HIGH RISK ENTRY PACK

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HAVING PREVIOUSLY PREVIEWED THE BATLSKIN CAIMAN HELMET SYSTEM FROM GALVION; THE NEW CORPORATE NAME CHOSEN FOR THE ARMOUR, SOLDIER POWER AND ELECTRONICS, VEHICLE PLATFORM POWR AND ADVANCED CONCEPT DIVISIONS OF REVISION MILITARY, FOLLOWING THE SALE OF THE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR DIVISION OF THE COMPANY TO ASGARD PARTNERS & CO. FOLLOWING SOME IN-DEPTH CONVERSATIONS WITH GALVION, WE FELT WE SHOULD TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SYSTEM – AND WHO BETTER TO DO SO THAT GALVION THEMSELVES.

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Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman Helmet System suite, unveiled at SOFIC in May 2017, is a unique multipurpose helmet line that breaks new ground in the rapidly advancing special operations helmet industry. The Caiman suite consists of a conformal hybrid helmet system, a ballistic helmet system, and a bump helmet system, all of which have been engineered to quickly and efficiently adapt to mission requirements. To realize this forward-thinking vision, Galvion enlisted the assistance of Special Operations Forces (SOF) users, banking on their vast, diverse in-the-field experience and incorporating their feedback throughout the thoroughyet-fast-paced development process.

As is typical for Galvion, this development process was taken to the extreme: Galvion set ambitious goals for performance and innovation, brought a wide-range of SOF contacts and allies to the table, worked within a narrow timeline, and built these helmet systems from the ground up. The end result of a year-plus of design, development, and extensive review and testing is an immensely versatile, cutting-edge suite: Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman helmets are engineered for full-spectrum use, providing elite protection and performance across coastal marine, riverine, maritime, high-altitude, and ground manoeuvres. Galvion has also developed a new set of Caiman accessories specially designed to enhance this scalable helmet systems for boat, vehicle, and HALO/ HAHO, as well as mountain, river, and direct-action operations. The skeletonization of all system components has significantly reduced the overall weight, and the neck load burden, compared to currently

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fielded helmet systems, and emphasizes scalability and mission-specific accessories for highly dynamic operations. Galvion’s Caiman Hybrid Helmet is particularly unconventional in that can be ballisticallyenabled—add-on armour appliques attach to the top, front, and back for ballistic, blunt-force, blast-force, and fragmentation protection.

Being a scalable, highly adaptable solution, the Caiman Head Systems support use by Green Berets, Navy SEALs, MARSOC (Marine Special Operations), the Ranger Regiment, Air Force Special Operations (AFSOC), PJs (Pararescue Jumpers), Combat Controllers, and SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman) Coxswain, among others.

The system is optimized for use across the global spectrum of special operations forces—humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency, low-intensity conflict and full-scale war, military freefall, maritime interdiction, combat swimming operations, search and seizure, and long range patrol (maritime and ground platforms)—and across a wide range of extreme and volatile conditions—day or night, tropic or arctic, arid desert or open ocean, points in-between, and beyond. Beyond these SOF applications, the resourcefulness of Caiman head systems also makes them ideal for any international forces—law enforcement, paramilitary, peacekeeping, and beyond—seeking this unique combination of agility, protection, and scalability. This new head system, built from scratch and tailored to the feedback of SOF users, epitomizes Galvion’s forward-thinking, holisticrather-than-triage approach.

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GALVION’S SKELETONIZED, SCALABLE SOF HEAD PROTECTION SOLUTION

A FOCUS ON USER FEEDBACK AND THE DEMANDS OF SPECIAL OPERATORS IN THE FIELD

A singular and complex undertaking such as the Caiman helmet development project was truly cross-functional, with numerous moving parts, phases, and iterations before a final product was reached. While this in itself is not unusual for a high-profile Galvion project, the development of Caiman was unique in its speed and the scope of involvement.

This program set a particularly fast pace as compared to high-value undertakings from years past. And, Galvion called upon a considerable network of SOF contacts and connections, amassed throughout years of interacting and building relationships with this crucial community. A select cohort of active duty operators and former service members provided vital feedback throughout the development process in the first-half of 2016, shedding light on how best to tackle and target each innovation challenge, and helping guide and refine Galvion’s solutions at each stage.

Every aspect of the suite was scrutinized and trialled, often with multiple ideas vying for inclusion, then weeded out upon review from users. Some components—such as the new mandible guard, with the ability to swing out; less rigid, open-cell comfort foam; and the five-size comfort fit—were improvised on-the-fly, stemming organically from the user responses the team received. The revamped helmet sizing is a particular highlight of this head system that will ensure that users have a comfortable and secure helmet for superior performance and protection. Five sizes (as opposed to the standard four) ensures users are wearing the smallest, lightest helmet that optimizes the fit/performance/comfort ratio. The Caiman development team zeroed-in on this change through comprehensive analysis of 3D printed prototyping and a database of head measurements. Through this improvement, the team projected that 40% of users would wear a lighter helmet than with a traditional four-size helmet. This is a prime example of how the development team got from point A to point B through a systematic progression of conception, designing, sketching, rapid-prototyping, and feeding this into the user feedback loop until it was perfected.

Galvion’s energized and strengthened manufacturing capabilities also factored heavily into the development of the Caiman suite. Since 2013, Galvion’s Newport, Vermont facility—Galvion’s primary helmet manufacturing hub—has expanded by 16,000 sq. ft., and the number of employees that work at this facility has more than doubled. In parallel, Galvion has made substantial investments in new moulding presses, added preform presses, increased chilling capacity, new moulds, and increased cutting capacity. This supports an increase in overall polyethylene manufacturing capacity. In the last few years alone, Galvion has successfully delivered on significant contracts for UHMWPE products with both U.S. Military and international customers.

The design, development, and project management teams also took full advantage of Galvion’s significant rapid prototyping capabilities.

This allowed Galvion to quickly produce, analyse, and hone designs and prototypes, and feed these updates to key contacts for feedback, ensuring the direction of the Caiman development path perfectly aligned with the specific needs of operators, especially those engaged in extreme, unstable missions. Galvion looked at this as a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with users directly, getting full-size prototypes in their hands, delivering sketches, videos, and ideas, and receiving immediate feedback.

The end-result truly reflects this intensive, collaborative effort.

Galvion has never been content to simply repurpose and repackage an existing product, so the Caiman program was taken as a challenge to think big and to realize the game-changing aspirations of the Company. The Caiman project management team put in a lot of legwork corresponding, Skype-ing, and meeting with key contacts and stakeholders, delivering schematic representations, videos, and prototypes, and absorbing direct, unfiltered feedback. This collaborative, iterative process allowed the team to wholly eliminate guesswork and address all head system functions in real time.

Crucially, SOF users can feel real ownership of the end-product, knowing that their demands were addressed and readdressed continuously. This is not a head system created in a vacuum: The very real vision of users is alive in Galvion’s Caiman helmet suite, unmediated and undiluted.

Galvion’s pioneering Batlskin Caiman Head Systems suite is an especially noteworthy development in terms of total head system integration. Caiman helmets are fundamentally different helmet solutions, emphasizing scalability and mission-specific accessories.

Moreover, Caiman helmets are expressly designed to incorporate electronics, headsets, and other SOF equipment needs. Galvion’s integrated systems approach has always been developed from the individual operator outwards and focused on human factors and operational outcomes. In Galvion’s ongoing efforts to create the most effective, responsive equipment possible for troops in the field, the company is innovating from converging directions: creating helmet systems that are engineered to accommodate headborne gear and tactical headsets, and creating headborne accessories designed to work perfectly with the most advanced modern helmet systems. And, Galvion’s lithium-ion Nerv Centr batteries and power management systems provide centralized power for a variety of fielded devices and headborne equipment.

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Galvion range of products through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Contact Number: 1-866-713-0406.

■ Email: sales@galvion.com

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WARRIOR ASSAULT SYSTEMS’ PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDES A VARIETY OF CUTTING EDGE TACTICAL EQUIPMENT, ALL MANUFACTURED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD USING CERTIFIED MIL-SPEC MATERIALS SOURCED FROM THE UNITED STATES. WARRIOR ASSAULT SYSTEMS IS A BRAND YOU CAN PLACE YOUR TRUST IN, HAVING BEEN TRIED AND TESTED IN THE MOST INTENSE AND CRITICAL OF ENVIRONMENTS; THE THEATRE OF WAR.

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Warrior Assault Systems was founded in the United Kingdom in 2005, with an onus placed on functionality, durability and overall weight reduction, their product range has enhanced the operational capabilities of the modern warfighter around the world.

identical, with the difference being the choice of Cummerbund, with the V1 using a solid-side variant and the V2 using a laddered variant.

Both plate carriers have been widely praised and are currently in use with a number of armed forces contingents around the world.

With a product range that includes a variety of equipment that has been designed and developed following direct input from serving Tier-1 assets following deployment in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan, it comes as no surprise that Warrior Assault Systems has fast become a mainstay in tactical excellence, with dealers found in 28 different countries. By using Warrior Assault System equipment, you are investing in equipment that has been battle tested by the world’s finest modern warfighters.

LOW PROFILE CARRIER V2 – LASER CUT The Warrior Assault Systems Low Profile Carrier V2 is by no means a new product, in fact, if you head back to Issue 1, you’ll see our take on both the Low Profile Carrier V1 and Low Profile Carrier V2. While both carriers employ different designations, the carriers are virtually

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However, not one to rest on their laurels, Warrior Assault Systems have gone back to the LPC for a third time, making use of laser-cut materials to lighten the weight carried by the end user. Designed with direct input from serving operators within the SF community, the laser cut LPC incorporates many new features that combine to make it one of the best carriers on the market today.

The laser cut LPC features Warrior Assault Systems new air vent thermo pads, which allow heat to evaporate from the body and increased airflow to assist in cooling. The thermo pad also helps to decrease the back-plate signature associated with ballistic impact and trauma. The laser cut LPC also incorporates their speed clip system, which allows for the rapid removal of the carrier on a day to day basis.

The laser cut LPC comes as standard with precision laser cut style sides and utilises state of the art materials to reduce the overall signature and weight. It comes as standard with a removable MOLLE front flap held in place by 2 vertical QASM clips and Velcro which allows the panel to be removed and replaced with a wide variety of preconfigured panels that are both weapon and mission specific.

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The Low Profile Carrier from Warrior Assault Systems has seen somewhat of a facelift with this rendition of the plate carrier, incorporating laser cutting technology to reduce the weight footprint of the carrier.

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The air vent thermo pads placed on the front and back of the plate carrier aid in heat management, allowing heat to evaporate from the body while increasing airflow to assist in cooling. This is paramount in today’s area of operations.

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Warrior Assault Systems’ speed clip system allows for the rapid removal of the carrier on a day-to-day basis, allowing the end user to remove the plate carrier in a matter of seconds; which can be vital in emergency situations.

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The front of the plate carrier includes a plethora of design features, including quick clips to allow for the use of interchangeable front panels and a large admin pocket, which is perfect for storing important equipment.

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The Low Profile Carrier makes use of the highest quality materials, including 500-denier Nylon, US mil-spec nylon thread; which is treated against UV and mildew damage, and ITW military rated clips.

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3 AVAILABLE IN

BLACK

OD GREEN

COYOTE

MULTICAM

ATACS FG

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CONTACT INFORMATION Warrior Assault Systems has an extensive dealer network, with their products currently available in over 24 different countries. Contact information is available on their website.

www.warriorassaultsystems.com

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CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about the Mayflower and Velocity Systems range of products through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Contact Number: 703-707-6280 ■ Contact Form: www.velsyst.com/contact-us

JUNGLE KIT

Innovation is paramount to the continued evolution of the tactical gear market, with the needs of the modern warfighter constantly changing.

However, truly innovative products are often hard to find in a market inundated with companies all looking to leave their mark on the industry.

Putting to use over twenty years of Infantry and Special Operations experience over six combat tours, Mayflower have done exactly that, with a product range centred around lightening the load of the modern warfighter while maintaining a high level of quality in a way that wasn’t seen until the companies creation.

Having partnered with Velocity Systems to provide a level of manufacturing excellence that could not be achieved elsewhere, Mayflower was purchased by Velocity Systems following seven years of successful partnership. This was done so design, production and shipping could be further integrated and improved, to make products available faster and less costly to the end-users who need them. Mayflower’s original founder remains the designer for Mayflower branded products.

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Following on from last month’s look at a number of individual pieces from Mayflower’s Jungle range, this month we look towards the full package in the Jungle Kit. The Mayflower Jungle Kit is designed to provide a load carriage solution for the hot, wet jungle environment. The pouches were designed around the amount and type of equipment usually needed for long duration jungle patrolling. The pouches included in the kit options are: Triple 5.56 Mag Pouches, Double 7.62 Mag Pouches, Canteen Pouches, General Purpose Pouch, Butt Pack, and an H-harness that features removable padding and a sternum strap. Four kit options are available, see below for details. All of the pouches feature the Helium Whisper attachment system (zero water absorbency) and large diameter drain holes.

KIT OPTION 1

5.56, General Purpose Jungle Kit Includes: 4x 5.56 Pouches, 2x Canteen, 2x GP Pouches, 1x Harness and Belt Setup.

KIT OPTION 2

5.56, BP Jungle Kit Includes: 4x 5.56 Pouches, 2x Canteen, 1x Butt Pack, 1x Harness and Belt Setup.

KIT OPTION 3

7.62, General Purpose Jungle Kit Includes: 4x 7.62 Pouches, 2x Canteen, 2x GP Pouches, 1x Harness and Belt Setup.

KIT OPTION 4

7.62, BP Jungle Kit Includes: 4x 7.62 Pouches, 2x Canteen, 1x Butt Pack, 1x Harness and Belt Setup.

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JUNGLE

JUNGLE

The Jungle 5.56 Magazine Pouch, Triple is designed to carry three 5.56 or similar M4 (AR15 family) magazines. The pouches were designed around the common polymer magazines in use by military forces around the world. The Jungle 5.56 Magazine Pouch, Triple is made of 500D Cordura.

The Jungle 7.62 Magazine Pouch, Double is designed to carry two 7.62 magazines commonly used in the AR10 type lower receiver. The pouches were designed around the 20 round MAGPUL polymer magazines in use by military forces around the world. Made of 500D Cordura.

JUNGLE

JUNGLE

The Jungle Belt, Minimalist is designed for the individual that does not want to or like to wear a padded belt. It can be used in our Operator Utility Belt or standalone. It features 2� webbing sewn at 1.5� intervals to keep PALs/Molle pouches from sliding out of position. The Jungle Belt, Minimalist features an ITW Fastex dual adjusting side release buckle.

The Jungle H-Harness is designed to provide a stable platform to suspend and distribute the weight of the loaded down jungle belt kit. The main shoulder piece is made of ULTRAComp material to both provide the camouflage face (NIR signature reduction) and zero water absorbance on the body side. The Jungle H-harness features removable padding which doubles as routing for hydration tubes and communication wires, six adjustable points of attachment to the belt kit, loop Velcro on the back of the H for visual identification aids and a removable sternum strap.

5.56 MAGAZINE POUCH

BELT, MINIMALIST

7.62 MAGAZINE POUCH

H-HARNESS

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PLATE CARRIER

BACK PANELS The pursuit of perfection in regard to war-time equipment has been prevalent since man began to fight one another, with each party attempting to give themselves an upper hand through advancements in the equipment used. This idea has continued throughout history, with several conflicts won due to superior technological advances in war-time equipment and weaponry. Samurai were able to take the upper hand in combat due, in part, to the advanced nature of the Katana. The United States were able to put a stop to the war in the Pacific theatre during WWII due to the Atom Bomb, and more recently, coalition forces across the world have taken the upper hand in the war on terrorism due to numerous advancements in equipment, which allowed coalition troops to take the upper hand in ground engagements.

One of the biggest conundrums of present day is the ability to equip the modern warfighter with everything he or she may need while in theatre; especially due to the sheer amount of equipment needed by those with boots on the ground. Over time, various systems have been implemented to deal with the amount of equipment expected to be worn and/or carried by the modern warfighter, ranging from ideas such as the implementation of the MOLLE system through to some of the more interesting projects currently in testing such as Exo-Skeletons.

While we were unable to pinpoint the exact date in which the modern offering of the back panel was launched (Ed. we believe the first iteration was launched by Paraclete, but were unable to verify this), it could be argued that the current iteration of the back panel shares a lot of similarities with the equipment used by the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific theatre, specifically the combination of the M1941 Haversack and Knapsack, which gave soldiers the ability to carry a selection of equipment into the field without having to sport a large rucksack.

However, while these new projects are certainly raising the right eyebrows, some ideas need simply to look towards the past for inspiration, such as the back panel. Back panels are a fairly simple concept in which the end-user can expand their mission capabilities through a simple panel which attaches to the back of a plate carrier.

This panel then offers the end-user with a plethora of new storage options which he or she did not have access to prior.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and a number of back panels are available on the market from a plethora of tactical gear companies in a variety of different designs to give the end-user a choice on what exactly he or she needs from said back panel. Through this increase in load-baring capabilities, the end-user can operate to his or her full capacity without overburdening them with an un-needed increase in weight carried.

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FERRO CONCEPTS

LBX

The Adapt Back Panel Double Pouch adds substantial carry ability to the FCPC V5 by providing two large stacked general-purpose pockets. Full width zippers allow easy access and navigation of contents with or without gloves. Both top and bottom pouch are partially lined with loop Velcro for optional organizational solutions. The top pouch has an inner mini zippered pocket to stow smaller items. Equipped with side attachment zippers for quick and secure attachment to the FCPC V5 plate carrier. Can be installed on MOLLE compatible carriers (i.e. The Slickster™ MOLLE Rear Plate Pocket) with the use of our Adapt Back Panel MOLLE Zipper kit.

The LBX Banger Back Panel is an interesting one, as unlike the other examples in this feature, the LBX Banger Back Panel is designed specifically for use with LBX plate carriers.

That is not to say it cannot be used with other plate carriers, however, due to the attachment system, in which the Banger Back Panel attaches via a heavy duty loop and two fast clips at the top of the panel, it may be difficult to pair with non-LBX plate carriers. The LBX Banger Back Panel includes a central hydration section which allows for 70oz/2L of water to be stored with ease, a large top pocket which offers a looped Velcro area for any morale patches and four smoke/flash bang grenade pouches towards the bottom of the back panel.

ADAPT DOUBLE POUCH ASSAULT BACK PANEL

BANGER BACK PANEL

MAYFLOWER

HELIUM WHISPER ASSAULT BACK PANEL The Mayflower Helium Whisper Assault Back Panel is designed to carry the minimum amount of kit for a short duration dismounted mission. To adhere to a number of different uses, Mayflower have launched two variants of the Assault Back Panel: the Type 1 and Type 2.

TYPE 1: The main body has been redesigned to carry a greater variety of 50-70 oz water bladders; the upper zippered pouch is designed to hold the SOCOM issued NVG protective insert, the bottom pouch is designed as a removable medical pouch. The removable medical pouch features internal elastic retainers, a flat VELCRO® Brand external pouch and elastic on the bottom to hold a tourniquet.

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TYPE 2: The main body has been designed to carry a 100 oz/3L water bladder; the top row of pouches is designed to carry four flash bangs or four 40mm grenades, the upper zippered pouch is designed to hold the SOCOM issued NVG protective insert, the bottom pouch is designed as a removable medical pouch. The removable medical pouch features internal elastic retainers, a flat VELCRO® Brand external pouch and elastic on the bottom to hold a tourniquet.

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CORE ALL BLACK There are many people who have forecast the demise of the watch, their argument is that since nearly everyone carries a mobile phone that tells them the time, the humble wristwatch is now redundant. Despite this, watch sales are still very healthy and most people we know still wear one. The idea of the mobile phone as timepiece is a bit retrograde in our opinion as it harks back to the era of pocket watches – yes, they do the job – but they are less than convenient.If your preferences or work takes you outdoors a lot the ability to check the time without having to rake through your pockets isn’t just a convenience, it can be a necessity.

It’s not just checking the time though, there are watches out there which can provide you with much more relevant information than just time and date. This includes but isn’t limited to tools such as GPS, a compass, or various data readings such as distance travelled, speed and altitude.

Exploration has been at the core of Suunto’s business model since 1936, with Finnish orienteer Tuomas Vohlonen endeavouring to create a more accurate compass. This subsequently led to a new method for manufacturing liquid-filled compasses. Today Suunto stand at the forefront of the watch market, creating a range of products for the outdoors and dive worlds, with their range of exquisitely designed and manufactured watches being used the world round by those who need a watch that stands up to the rigours of the outdoors world. Suunto products are known to take a beating and still survive, making them perfect for those needing a watch for the military or law enforcement.

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The Suunto Core is somewhat of an enigma. First manufactured in 2007, the watch has become a mainstay of the outdoors world, with Suunto capitalising on its popularity having released more than thirty different versions of the watch since its inception. However, most of these changes have been design related, with the core functions of the watch remaining identical to the original iteration released in 2007. The Core is a ABC-watch (ABC being an acronym of Altimeter, Barometer and Compass), however it does play host to a number of other features including a depth meter, a digital thermometer and sunrise/sunset timings for over 400 locations around the world.

Having won numerous awards since its launch within the outdoors and dive markets, and in doing so has gained huge attention from the military and law enforcement worlds – so much so that the Core All Black (a completely clandestine variant of the watch) became to be affectionately known as the Core All Black Military or Core Military, with some of the biggest firearms influencers such as Travis Haley being spotted with a Core All Black strapped to their arm during range time.

What makes the Core All Black stand out from the other products in the Core range is the build quality and materials. The majority of the Core range makes use of a plastic frame, albeit a rather sturdy plastic frame, however, the All Black makes use of an aluminium frame, giving it a much more robust feeling. Suunto have also done this without increasing the weight of the watch, and while watches by no means weigh enough to be noticeable, tired arms will definitely appreciate the Core All Black’s 64g signature.

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The Suunto Core All Black offers the user an ABC-watch in a sleek and weightless package.

Weighing just 64g (2.26oz) and measuring in at 49.1 x 49.1 x 14.5 mm, the Core All Black delivers a range of features at the fraction of the size and weight of many of its competitors.

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The Core All Black is the perfect tool for those trying to plan their movement around the weather, with the barometer offering a range of information such air pressure to predict weather.

Furthermore, it offers information for up to the last 6 hours to ensure you do not move out without knowledge of the most up-to-date weather changes.

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The Suunto Core All Black is a vital piece of equipment for those operating at higher altitudes, with the altimeter being accurate to 30,000ft. It not only shows your current elevation, but also how much you have climbed or descended and records all of that information for later analysis.

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Another great feature of the Suunto Core All Black is its ‘Start from Zero’ feature. This stops the end-user having to enter a starting altitude. Instead, at the simple press of a button the All Black starts recording your ascent or descent.

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The Suunto Core All Black is also water resistant – and as soon as you enter the surf, the watch automatically switches to ‘Snorkel Mode’, providing accurate depth readings of 10 meters, making it perfect for those who need a watch for all occasions.

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CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Suunto’s range of products through the following lines of contact.

GLOBAL CONTACT FORM ■ Website: www.suunto.com

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MYSTERY RANCH IS BUILT ON A HERITAGE OF FUNCTION, COMFORT, QUALITY AND DURABILITY. SINCE 2000, MYSTERY RANCH HAS BEEN MANUFACTURING PACKS AND LOAD CARRIAGE SYSTEMS FOR MILITARY, HUNTING, WILDLAND FIRE AND MOUNTAINEERING CUSTOMERS, WITH A FOCUS ON USE-SPECIFIC DESIGNS AND HAND-BUILT QUALITY. BASED IN BOZEMAN, MONTANA, MYSTERY RANCH IS A GLOBAL BRAND WITH WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION.

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CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Highlander range of products through the following lines of contact.

UNITED STATES ■ Business number: 406.585.1428 ■ Contact form: www.mysteryranch.com/contact

comfortable and highest quality packs on the market. With both domestic and international sales and production, as well as direct to consumer and wholesale business models, Mystery Ranch maintains their standard of quality around the globe.

JUMP KOMODO Mystery Ranch’s success spawned from the design of a hip pack for one of the owner’s daughters, which was the beginning of their patented lumbar wrap, and the designs for the NICE frame and SATL followed soon after. Though firmly entrenched in outdoor retail at launch, owners Dana and Renee were approached by the Navy SEALs for custom packs in 2004, and Mystery Ranch began a relationship with the military that would significantly alter its business model and design strategy.

Dana and Renee decided to move the company to a direct sales model so that they could focus on designing products for specialized customers with a new capacity for customization and rapid prototyping. The feedback from the military and Special Forces users provided a better understanding of what customers wanted and how best to give it to them. Dana and Renee took what they learned from these relationships and applied it to the design and construction of all product lines, so that regardless of the mission, a Mystery Ranch pack is up to the job.

Mystery Ranch continues to grow into new markets, and every product they build is steeped in a history of innovation that spans four decades and is rooted in their dedication to designing the most functional,

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Mystery Ranch’s Jump Komodo is the amalgamation of a previous product and an entirely new product line, with the company taking the vastly popular Komodo Dragon and incorporating it into the Mystery Ranch Jump Pack line, essentially leading to a jumpable Komodo Dragon.

Having taken its design ques from the Komodo Dragon, the Jump Komodo is a slightly larger version of the already popular 3 Day Assault pack, allowing the end-user to operate in the field for an extended period of time. Making use of the Futura yoke to adjust to different torso lengths and accommodate the extra girth presented by wearing a plate carrier, the Jump Komodo is a highly adjustable pack which leads to incredible comfort when worn. Furthermore, the Jump Komodo makes use of the Bolstered Ventilation and Stability System (BVS) system to make the pack more stable when worn over a plate carrier and is also removable to lower the pack’s profile when used without a plate carrier.

Mystery Ranch have also paid the same amount of attention to the inside of the Jump Komodo as they have the outside, with a range of MOLLE attachment points lining the pack, making it a trivial task to attach radio mounts, pouches and hydration sleeves. The Jump Komodo also incorporates a stowable waist belt, allowing the end-user to store it away when not in use.

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The Jump Komodo is part of Mystery Ranch’s Jump Pack line, a range of rucksacks designed specifically for airborne operations. With no stone left unturned, Mystery Ranch’s Jump Pack line incorporates: Jump-rated Type 7 webbing, dual-point release system, reinforced tie-in loops and Tex 138 thread on all jump webbing.

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To ensure for a stable fit, the Jump Komodo incorporates Mystery Ranch’s Bolstered Ventilation and Stability (BVS) system. This system allows for a stable, secure fit when worn over any form of body armour, and can also be easily removed.

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To allow for easy access, the Jump Komodo utilizes Mystery Ranch’s classic 3-ZIP design. Once opened, the Jump Komodo is lined with PALS webbing to accommodate a range of MOLLE accessories as well as incorporating a number of internal sleeves and ports to route any communication cables or hydration reservoirs.

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DRAGON SUPPLIES

■ BASED IN COLCHESTER, ESSEX, ENGLAND, THE HOME OF 16 AIR ASSAULT BRIGADE. ■ WE’RE 21 YEARS OLD (1ST FEB 1999–1ST FEB 2020) AND STRONGER THAN EVER. ■ ONSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. ■ ALL BRITISH MADE. ■ ALL KIT TRIALLED BY THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT. ■ CUSTOMER IS AT THE VERY HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. ■ WE BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS.

SPARTAN BERGEN

ADVANCED ASSAULT RIG MEDIUM

COMMANDERS AIRBORNE WEBBING

ADVANCED ASSAULT RIG LARGE

ADVANCED AIRBORNE WEBBING (MEDIUM AND LARGE)

ASSAULT RIG MEDIUM

AIRBORNE WEBBING (MEDIUM AND LARGE)

INFANTRY PATROL PACK

ASSAULT RIG ON MANNEQUIN

STANDARD PATROL PACK MOLLE PATROL PACK

ASSAULT RIG LARGE

COMMANDERS PATROL PACK CLAYMORE BAG

ALL MATERIALS ARE MILITARY SPEC, IRR TREATED FROM THE UK AND THE US

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FORGED IN THE DOGPATCH; A HISTORICAL WAREHOUSE AND FACTORY DISTRICT ALONG SAN FRANCISCO’S EASTERN WATERFRONT, TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGN HAVE CARVED THEMSELVES A LEGACY THROUGH NOTHING BUT HARD WORK AND A BRILLIANT PRODUCT RANGE - CEMENTING THEMSELVES IN THE HISTORY OF TACTICAL GEAR AND WILL ALWAYS BE A BRAND LOOKED TO FOR INNOVATION AND FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP. W W W.GEARUP-MAG.COM

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So why Triple Aught Design - What does the name encompass? In the world of engineering and machinery, 000 (triple aught) is a term used as shorthand for a thousandth of an inch, which has been the high standard of precision tolerance for over a century. Triple Aught Design were inspired by that ideal, applying thorough design, high attention to detail, and strict tolerances to ensure their products meet your most rigorous needs- whether you be in theatre or on an outdoor adventure.

Although being a relatively young company - being founded in 1997, TAD have gone from strength to strength, offering its end user a wide range of product that have truly undergone a trial by fire prior to release. Whilst their HQ is based in an industrial center, they’re situated between two great testing areas - the Pacific Ocean to their West and the Sierras to their East.

The Pacific offers them a great way to test how their gear reacts to water, how quickly it dries out, how heavy it gets when soaked, how much water it actually retains when fully submerged. The Sierras allow TAD to really push the gear to its limits in the kind of environment it is designed for - covering a 400-mile region and offering some of the harshest conditions you’ll find in the U.S. The Sierras are more than a simple mountain range though, containing various different kinds of terrain to really push the gear to its limit.

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STEALTH HOODIE LT The Stealth Hoodie LT is by no means the new kid on the block, in fact, it has been a staple of Triple Aught Designs product range for over a decade now. While the jacket may have changed slightly since its original introduction in regard to material usage and technologies included, the design of the jacket has remained relatively untouched.

Labelled as TADs most technically advanced jacket, the Stealth LT perfectly combines the impermeable nature of a hardshell with the comfort and breathability of a softshell.

The fully seam taped construction of the Stealth Hoodie LT prevents penetration of moisture through sewn seams to provide elevated performance in severe or unpredictable conditions. The abrasion-resistant nylon face guards against damage while the double layering on the elbows resist wear and tear. For additional protection against the elements, a full-length windflap prevents cold air from passing through the main zipper.

Whether the end-user needs a standalone shell or wishes to incorporate the Stealth Hoodie LT into an integrated layering system, the Stealth Hoodie LT aims to increase mission effectiveness in an effort to allow the end-user to focus on the task at hand.

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The Triple Aught Design Stealth Hoodie LT is constructed using Schoeller’s 3-Layer 230 g/m2 – a 3-layered material designed to offer a high level of protection from the elements, while maintaining a lightweight footprint to not overload the end-user.

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To ensure the Stealth Hoodie LT offers the best in protection, it is coated in Schoeller’s 3XDRY®; ensuring the Stealth Hoodie LT is not only water resistant, but dirt resistant as well.

Furthermore, 3XDRY transports any potential internal precipitation away from the body.

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Not stopping there, the Stealth Hoodie LT also incorporates Schoeller’s c_change®, a wind and water-proof membrane that takes its inspiration from pinecones, which open during hotter temperatures and close when those temperatures drop.

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To ensure no water can seep through the jackets seams, Triple Aught Design have incorporated a fully seam taped construction to prevent the penetration of moisture through sewn seams.

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The Stealth Hoodie LT doesn’t only offer protection from the elements though, it offers your belongnings that same protection via six pockets – two on the chest, two on the upper arm, one on the left forearm and a double-entry Hunters Pocket.

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CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about Triple Aught Design products directly through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Contact Number: 1-866-613-1386 ■ Website: tripleaughtdesign.com

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Armadillo Merino spawned from the simple idea of wanting to do better.

Having seen a number of images of service personnel returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Andy Caughley, Co-Founder of Armadillo Merino, noticed a plethora of avoidable burns and injuries from the clothing they were wearing. From this moment, the concept for Armadillo was born, looking to stop very avoidable injuries.

Designed to improve the operational effectiveness of elite professionals, Armadillo Merino’s advanced base layers deliver superior levels of comfort and performance in extreme environments. From NASA astronauts on board the International Space Station wearing Armadillo ‘Space Layers’ to the North Pole Marathon, Armadillo’s technical range of tops, bottoms, socks and accessories have been tested to the extreme by explorers, mountaineers and adventurers.

The amazing thing about Armadillo’s top of the range superfine merino is its breathability and its ability to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. What’s more, its natural odour reduction properties mean that you can wear it for up to two weeks without it smelling unpleasant, and its machine washable too. Ideal for The Great Outdoors and winter sports including skiing and boarding, super-soft Armadillo is guaranteed to keep you at the top of your game.

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CONDOR SHORT SLEEVE CREWNECK

The Condor Short Sleeve Crewneck may look like a simple t-shirt on first glance, however the level of detail observed by Armadillo Merino in regard to the design and manufacturing process is outstanding, and something you would fully expect of brand that has quite literally been into outer space.

Through an extended period of manipulating merino wool, Armadillo Merino have created a base layer which uses a soft but strong rib knit structure, similar to honeycomb, for maximum versatility. In summer this open knit structure moves heat and moisture away from the skin keeping you cooler and drier, while in winter this same knit structure traps still air to give you a buffer zone of warmth. This allows the end-user to make use of Armadillo Merino products all year round, regardless of the climate he or she may find themselves in.

The strong and stretchy knit structure is designed to be figure hugging and with flat lock stitching the Condor offers not only great temperature regulating properties, but also great comfort. This is paramount on long excursions, especially when worn under typical equipment such as plate carriers, ensuring no rubbing occurs along the seamed areas.

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WHY MERINO WOOL?

Merino wool is essentially a superfine breed of wool, coming from one of the world’s oldest breed of sheep. And one of the toughest. Unlike regular sheep, Merino choose to graze high up; often choosing steep mountain-sides as their feeding grounds. Armadillo Merino comes from New Zealand; a country known for the quality of it’s Merino sheep.

The greatthing about the Merino sheep is it’s fleece - it’s simply built for extremes, making it breathable in the summer and insulating in the winter. Combine that with it’s exceptional softness and inherent strength, it truly becomes natures’ performance fabric. So why should you choose Merino over synthetic?

Well here’s just a few reasons…

■ Features natural flame retardancy up to 600 Centigrade.

■ Doesn’t melt, shrink or stick to skin when exposed to high temperatures.

■ Doesn’t produce toxic odours when burning.

■ Has one of the highest natural UVP factors giving protection from the sun.

■ Provides a high resistance to acids.

■ Offers greater resistance to chemical residues and aerosols than synthetics.

■ Thermoregulates the skin, reducing overheating or chilling.

■ Moisture manages the skin – reducing the rate of moisture lost in exercise.

■ Naturally antibacterial – won’t infect wounds.

■ Doesn’t generate offensive odours even after prolonged use.

■ Soft yet incredibly strong and durable.

■ Sustainable – the merino fibre is annually renewable and biodegradable.

■ Easy Care – being machine washable and quick drying.

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Armadillo range of products through the following lines of contact.

UNITED KINGDOM ■ Contact Number: 0345 463 7466 ■ Website: www.armadillomerino.com

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THE GEAR TO COMPLETE ANY MISSION. PERIOD. The Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ In the field, on duty, or totally off the grid, accidents happen everyday. You can’t predict where it’ll happen, but you can be ready when it does, with the Micro Trauma Kit Now! ™ Quick, one-handed deployment of critical first aid supplies means you’ll be there to provide life-saving care to yourself or anyone you come across.

Things don’t always go according to plan. Be prepared for any situation with the Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ Get yours today at BlueForceGear.com/prepared.

MADE IN USA

877.430.2583 • WWW.BLUEFORCEGEAR.COM

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International sales Contact: Doug Duggan Email: DDuggan@blueforcegear.com Phone: 1 (912) 225-1262

09/08/2019 14:00

GALVION ARE BY NO MEANS A NEW ENTITY WITHIN THE MILITARY SECTOR. IN FACT, GALVION’S PRODUCT RANGE ALREADY HAVE A RANGE OF ACTIVE USERS AND A NUMBER OF MILITARY CONTRACTS TIED UP. GALVION SPAWNED FROM THE RECENT PURCHASE OF REVISION’S EYEWEAR BRANCH – WITH THE BRAND NAME AND PRODUCT TRANSFERRING TO A NEW OWNER. THIS LEFT A NUMBER OF PRODUCTS IN LIMBO, WITHOUT A PARENT COMPANY TO BE ATTACHED TO. DUE TO THIS, GALVION WAS BORN, AND A NUMBER OF PRODUCTS SUCH AS THE BATLSKIN PACKAGE AND THE NERV CENTR.

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GALVION CAIMAN HEAD SYSTEM ADD-ONS With offices and facilities in three countries, Galvion has a robust infrastructure to support every phase of the product lifecycle - from conceptualization through design, prototyping and testing, manufacturing and beyond. With support from an industry-leading sales team, dedicated branding and marketing department, and forward-thinking strategic capture and business development, Galvion have an international reputation for being a trusted partner and a proven track record for excellence.

Galvion are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions and equipment that enhance the overall ability of the modern warfighter and tactical operator – ensuring that their equipment is of the highest standard to alleviate any potential worries. All of Galvion’s products are made from start to finish in the United States, with their Newport, Vermont facility at the heart of their production cycle.

Following last issue’s feature on the Galvion Caiman Ballistic Helmet System, this month we look towards the range of add-ons available as part of the Caiman Head System (Not to be confused with the Ballistic Helmet System). These add-ons make the Caiman Head System one of the most adaptable on the market.

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CAIMAN BALLISTIC MANDIBLE GUARD

CAIMAN APPLIQUE

CAIMAN FIXED ARM VISOR

CAIMAN NVG ARM VISOR

The Caiman Ballistic Mandible Guard is a ballistic jaw guard designed to integrate with the Caiman Head System to provide a flexible, detachable mandible that offers unrivalled fragmentation protection. With dual attachment points, one on each side rail of the helmet system, users can swiftly and easily disconnect the mandible to refuel mid-mission with either hand.

The Caiman Fixed Arm Visor is a Locked-in ballistic visor shield that works in conjunction with the Wilcox Shroud present on each and every Caiman Head System. The Head System Fixed Arm Visors are manufactured and tested to the same intensive optical standards as Revision’s renowned eyewear lines; providing the end-user with high impact protection and Revision’s Ocumax Anti-Fog Coating.

The Caiman Appliqué is a scalable armour system for the Caiman Head System, which provides a helmet shell attachment to elevate or enhance ballistic and fragmentation protection. This addition is the first of its kind, allowing users to ballistically enable the Caiman Head System. The two-piece Appliqué provides the user with two ballistic armour pieces; mounted to the top and to the back.

Like the Fixed Arm Visor, the NVG Arm Visor provides the user with adjustable visor protection for the Caiman Head System, designed to directly clip into the Caiman Wilcox Shroud. Unlike the Fixed Arm Visor, the NVG Arm Visor provides the user with the ability to make use of night-vision equipment, without having to completely remove the visor before use.

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Galvion range of products through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Contact Number: 1-866-713-0406.

■ Email: sales@galvion.com

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Always on the lookout for emerging needs and potential risk, Bolle Tactical offer a range of tailor-made solutions for military and law enforcement professionals around the world. For each risk taken by the end-user, Bolle Tactical look towards tangible technological advances to ensure they can provide an effective protective solution suited to the individuals needs. While this has proven to be a challenge, Bolle Tactical have consistently risen to it – pushing their limits to satisfy their clientele on a daily basis.

Over the years, the Bolle Tactical brand has become synonymous with quality and absolute safety, and in doing so have become a reference point in the world of eye protection. This has been realised through hours upon hours of honing their craft – staying at the forefront of the various technological advancements within the field. Furthermore, this has allowed Bolle Tactical to design a range of efficient protective equipment which can be adapted to the different roles their end-users may be tasked with completing.

Being able to continue their mission statement is paramount to Bolle Tactical, with the eyewear specialists looking to detect all potential risks that may arise in the working environment and to provide tangible technological solutions to counteract them, all while staying in strict compliance with European standards.

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X800 BALLISTIC GOGGLE The X800 Ballistic Goggle from Bolle Tactical offers the end-user full seal protection in a cost-effective package without sacrificing the quality that Bolle Tactical have become synonymous with.

Compatible with all types of helmets, the X800 goggle is fitted with an easy-to-change panoramic lens. With absolute safety at the precipice of Bolle Tactical’s design phase, the X800 offers the best in protection through the use of STANAG 2920 rated lenses.

Each lens is subjected to impacts from a steel cylinder equivalent to a 22-caliber round, which can reach up to 990 km/h.

Furthermore, the X800 is coated with Bolle Tactical’s Platinum® coating – a permanent coating applied on both surfaces makes them highly scratch-resistant (1.4 cd/m²), gives them high resistance to the most aggressive chemicals and slows the appearance of fogging. In any circumstances and at every moment, Platinum provides the highest safety for eyes.

Those who suffer from reduced eyesight can also benefit from the X800, with Bolle Tactical offering two variants of the X800 – the X800I and SOSX800, with the latter of the two coming with an Rx insert which the end-user can place their prescription in.

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The X800 offers an unrivalled field of view thanks to the panoramic lens utilised within the design. Not only does this offer a great field of view, but it also stops any issues with blind spots that often occur with full-seal goggles.

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To ensure the X800 is up to the highest protective standards, Bolle Tactical have made use of STANAG2920 rated lenses, with each lens subjected to impacts from a steel cylinder equivalent to a 22-caliber firearm.

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Thanks to Bolle Tactical’s efforts within the design phase, the X800 offers an easy to replace lens system, with clips holding the lens in place in four different locations which release the lens when removed.

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Bolle Tactical have ensured that the vision offered by the X800 is never obscured thanks to the use of a reinforced anti-fog coating alongside an anti-scratch coating. Furthermore, the X800 offers UVA and UVB protection

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While the lenses of the X800 are treated with an anti-fog coating to prevent any potential loss of vision, Bolle Tactical have ensured the X800 is highly ventilated to further combat any potential fog issues.

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CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about Bolle’s range of products through the following lines of contact.

FRANCE ■ Website: www.bolle.com ■ Telephone: +33 478852364

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Patrol Incident Gear are a little unorthodox when it comes to promoting their gear – at least compared to other companies within the tactical gear world. However, with that said, if it works, don’t fix it… and Patrol Incident Gear’s mix of comedic item descriptions and American patriotism compliment their brilliant range of tactical equipment quite well. Available exclusively through the guys at SKD Tactical - with Patrol Incident Gear essentially being SKD Tactical’s in-house brand, Patrol Incident Gear started their story with the Full Dexterity Glove, a product which very much remains at the core of their business to this date.

Patrol Incident Gear follow a very simple motto – to help the good guys break things and kill bad guys, something they believe their products to aid in, and rightly so. They are committed to providing the best possible quality, alongside excellence in design. This combination has allowed Patrol Incident Gear to produce a range of equipment that best serves those who “stand in harm’s way for FREEDOM!”. All of Patrol Incident Gear’s products are produced in the United States, allowing the company to keep a close eye on production, and aid in their quest for tactical gear perfection.

Described as ‘so sensitive you can wear these on your next date with PALMela HANDerson’, the PIG FDT Alpha Gloves offer ground-breaking gun-handling dexterity and features that set them apart from the competition. And like ALL PIG Glove models, the PIG FDT Alphas feature Touch Screen conductive synthetic suede on the index finger and thumb for full compatibility with all your favourite devices.

The attention to detail is second to none, with Patrol Incident Gear ensuring the best materials are used to offer unrivalled dexterity.

However, this does come with a trade-off. Gloves traditionally offer less dexterity because they begin to offer more protection, so likewise, the more dexterous a glove is, the less protection it offers. That is not to say the FDT Alpha does not offer any protection, but it is unlikely to be that of a glove designed solely to protect ones hands.

FDT ALPHA GLOVES The FDT, or Full Dexterity Tactical, Alpha Gloves have been instrumental to Patrol Incident Gear’s success over the years. Since their release, Patrol Incident Gear have created a whole range of gloves inspired by the Alpha, but sometimes, the original stands above all others, and we certainly think that of the Alpha. That is not to say that the other products in the FDT range are not up to par, but the Alpha has a special place in our heart and have accompanied us to many different locations over the years.

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An industry first for tactical gloves, the Patrol Incident Gear FDT Alpha offers a conductive thumb and trigger finger, offering maximum reliability for touch screen use without losing any form of tactical dexterity.

The FDT Alpha offers a range of other industry firsts for a tactical glove. These include...

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A sensitized and isolated trigger finger, achieved by using the thinnest Clarino material available.

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A dual flex joint trigger finger, which provides maximum flexibility when needed the most.

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A range of flex joints, which offer enhanced flexibility compared to other gloves as well as aiding in ventilation.

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Finally, a single layer multi-piece palm, designed specifically so that only one layer of materials contacts your grip.

Furthermore, the FDT Alpha provides unrivalled wicking properties thanks to a number of design choices. Firstly, inside fourchettes (a strip of cloth which joins the front and back sections of the gloves’ fingers) are ventilated. This is combined with ventilation holes in the palms and fingers of the glove to offer a more than adequate ventilation system.

CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about Patrol Incident Gear’s range of products through the SKD Tactical.

UNITED STATES ■ Website: www.skdtac.com ■ Email: pig.gloves@skdtac.com

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Meindl have a rich history that spans over 300 years of the production of boots. Based in Germany, Meindl are one of the few remaining companies that produce their products in Germany – using their Kirchanschoring factory based in Bavaria, the same location Meindl was originally founded in the 17th century. Producing over one million pairs of boots and shoes annually, supplying them into markets where technical footwear is a must.

With over 200 employees housed in their Kirchanschoring factory, Meindl merge expertise in hand crafting with modern equipment, with over 200 different steps undertaken to produce a single pair of boots.

With such a wide array of skills used in each of these different steps, Meindl ensure that their employees are masters of one craft rather than a jack of all trades, with each individual responsible for a single step in the production line.

Meindl’s master shoe-makers have the sensitivity, the experience and the commitment that a natural product such as leather needs, and they implement Meindl’s own quality-assurance systems. Meindl have not renounced hand-crafted quality in favour of breaking into the mass market. With ingenuity, flexibility and market focus, they make boots of the highest quality, which is what the market has grown to expect from them.

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DESERT FOX BOOTS

The Desert Fox Boot developed by Meindl were the first boot in the Desert Combat High Liability category – designed primarily for intensive combat use in terrains such as desert, sand, field, track, road, rubble and rock. Made to be a boot that is both highly comfortable and durable, the Desert Fox Pro has definitely achieved this.

Highly air permeable and abrasion resistant outer materials provide excellent air circulation and reliable durability, with the robust construction also offering superb stability. You’ll also find that due to the brilliant build quality that you won’t find your feet tiring quickly, even whilst carrying heavy equipment on long operations.

The soles on the Desert Fox Pro use an exclusive technology, manufactured by Vibram known as Multigrip & Multigriff. Petrol and oil resistant, these soles offer perfect grip in desert situations and will withstand months of battering, making them perfect for a number of area of operations that forces find themselves deployed to in current times.

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Made from a suede leather, the Meindl Desert Fox Boots offer the protection expected of such a material, with benefits such as being naturally rugged and water-resistant – a must in all environments.

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The Desert Fox Boots make use of Meindl’s MTH Multi-Grip Sole, which offers the end-user a sole which is both oil and petrol resistant. This allows for added grip, especially in today’s areas of operation.

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To aid in temperature and moisture control, the Meindl Desert Fox Boot make use of the Air Active footbed – a proprietary technology developed by Meindl to remove moisture from the boot, reducing potential issues with the boot rubbing in problematic areas.

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The toe-box and heel areas of the Desert Fox Boots offer protection through the use of different materials. The toe-box features a rubber cap while the heel area is reinforced to support the end-users feet correctly

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CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about Meindl’s range of products through the following lines of contact.

GERMANY ■ Website: www.meindl.de ■ Email: shoes@meindl.de

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THE FUTURE IS NOW. PROFESSIONALS AND ARMED CITIZENS PUT RED DOT SIGHTS ON THEIR PISTOLS FOR THE SAME REASON THEY PUT THEM ON THEIR RIFLES: RDS’S MAKE SIGHT PICTURE ACQUISITION FASTER, SHOOTING FASTER, AND ACCURACY BETTER AT EXTENDED RANGES, REGARDLESS OF LIGHTING CONDITIONS.

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CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Unity Tactical range of products through the following lines of contact.

INTERNATIONAL ■ Call: (337) 223-2120

UNITY TACTICAL ATOM The only drawback is there is less real estate on a pistol slide to mount optics. So, slides must be custom milled for particular optics. This is not a problem as long as the user is sure he/she is going to be content with the current optic for which the slide is custom milled, and that there will never ever be another optic they would want to mount on that pistol until the end of time. However, that goes against the idea of innovation and human nature. Optics are constantly being improved with new models from multiple reputable manufacturers being released to meet new mission requirements every year. Enter ATOM™: the original, combat tested, way to future-proof your pistol optic solution.

Originally conceived out of a DoD requirement to mount an Aimpoint Micro Optic on a pistol, ATOM™ takes the idea a few strides further.

Complete modularity is achieved with the patented ATOM™ Adapter Plate System. Instead of marrying a pistol to a specific optic for all eternity,

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users can simply get a different adapter plate with a different optic footprint without needing to modify, machine, or change the slide in any way. Adapter plates are available for most proven mini red dot sights from Aimpoint, Trijicon, Leupold, Vortex, Insight, and Doctor. They slide into a precision cut dovetail slot at the rear of the slide and are held in place by a machine screw. Modularity is key to firearms accessories.

The patented ATOM™ slide cut is low enough that mounted RDS’s will co-witness with the included suppressor-height iron sights (just in case a battery dies, or a sight fails). The rear sight is actually mounted in front of the optic to provide protection to the RDS during single hand slide manipulation or in the event of a poorly ejected case.

ATOM™ slides come stripped with only iron sights and channel liners installed. This makes it very easy to swap factory parts into the ATOM™ slide (a 30 second process). ATOM™ slides are completely machined from the ground up from billet 17-4 stainless steel and are not modified factory slides. Current production slides are compatible with Gen4 and Gen5 Glock 17 and 19 pistols.

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The Unity Tactical Atom™ allows the end-user to mount a range of optics to your GLOCK of choice, facilitating the use of sights from Aimpoint, Trijicon, Leupold, Vortex, Insight, and Doctor.

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To add further customization, the ATOM™ allows you to easily swap between a number of different optics through the use of interchangeable mounts. Simply attach the provided Adapted Plate System and swap as necessary.

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To ensure the Atom™ can be mounted to your GLOCK of choice, the Atom™ slide is usable with the following models: Gen 3 – Glock 17, Gen 3 – Glock 19, Gen 3 – Glock 22, Gen 3 – Glock 23, Gen 4 – Glock 17, Gen 4 – Glock 19.

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CONTACT INFORMATION Magpul has an extensive dealer network, with their products available world-wide.

Contact information is available on their website, under ‘featured dealers’.

www.magpul.com

Over the past twenty years, Magpul have expanded their product range ten-fold. While many people will know Magpul as the brand that revolutionised reload times, creating a product that is now as much of a household name as the firearms industry could muster, their range includes a wide range of products that focus on three main design points - innovation, simplicity, and efficiency. Magpul believe that the key to success is found by not overcomplicating design, but rather by keeping things simple, intuitive, and affordable, using a range of methods to dictate design without sacrificing quality or performance.

By incorporating ergonomic considerations, a proper user interface, and subtle visual and tactile features, the product itself should actually instruct the user about its operation and function. Although every Magpul product comes with clear, concise installation and usage instructions, Magpul aim to design products so self-explanatory that instructions become unnecessary, allowing operators around the world to focus on the job at hand, and not the tool their using to complete it.

BTR

As always, this years’ SHOT Show in Las Vegas brought a range of new and exciting products to the forefront, with a plethora of ideas being explored by the thousands of exhibitors’ present. While a number of products at SHOT Show piqued our interest, only a handful of them had solid release dates, with Magpul’s new range of AR-15 stocks being one of those. The Magpul BTR and BSL should release in Fall of 2020, with both stocks

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focusing on the ability to deploy an AR-15 with the use of a single hand.

The Magpul BTR is an AR arm brace designed to improve the single-handed employment of AR platforms, specifically AR pistols.

The BTR utilises Magpul design and engineering to offer a stabilising accessory with a robust feature set and trusted Magpul quality. With classic Magpul aesthetics, the BTR is compatible with Mil-Spec carbine receiver extensions and employs a simplified, durable, and easy to use adjustment mechanism.

An integrated QD cup and M-LOK compatible slot provide ambidextrous sling mounting options and enable stabilising sling tension to be applied, drastically increasing single-handed control of the firearm. With a straight-forward design and Magpul innovation, the BTR is a simple solution to improving your AR pistol.

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The Magpul BTR is designed to improve the use of AR pistols with a single hand. To do so, Magpul have incorporated a heightened buttstock that allows for the stock to be lodged into the forearm to improve firing stability.

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In another effort to improve overall stability, the Magpul BTR incorporates an ambidextrous rear QD cup which allows sling tension to be applied while firing with one hand.

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As with all Magpul stocks, the BTR incorporates M-LOK compatible slots to allow for additional sling mounting options. This allows the end-user to properly customise the way in which the AR pistol sits when slung.

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MULTI TOOLS

LETS FACE IT, THE LIKELIHOOD OF YOU BEING ONE OF THOSE GUYS WHO CARRIES A TOOL-BOX IN THE BACK OF HIS TRUCK DAY IN, DAY OUT IS SLIM. WE’RE ALSO BETTING THAT IN THE LAST WEEK OR SO YOU’VE BEEN SAT THERE TRYING TO PRY SOMETHING OPEN WITH A SPOON. IF YOU FIT BOTH OF THESE CATEGORIES WE THINK IT’S TIME YOU WENT OUT AN INVESTED IN A DARNED GOOD MULTI-TOOL! SO WE’VE PULLED TOGETHER A CHOICE SELECTION OF SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES FOR YOUR PERUSAL.

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MULTI TOOLS WHAT MAKES A GOOD MULTI-TOOL? 1

TOOLS

Whilst having a large amount of tools is all well and good, we’re of the opinion that less is best. The reason behind this is usually down to the fact that not only do half of the tools never get used, but the chances are the tools with fewer tools will be of a better quality. As we mentioned in the standfirst, multi-tools are not your be all, end all tool box, they’re just there to get you out of a sticky situation.

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CHUNKY BLADE

We’re of the opinion that a multi tool should always focus on getting two of it’s tools spot on; one of those being a nice, chunky steel blade. A blade can be used in a variety of ways; it can cut things, be used to pry things open, you can whittle bark off logs to make your fire. And lets face it, when using a multi-tool, the first thing you always try to use is the blade.

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PLIERS

The second of those tools they should be getting spot on is the pliers.

Originally known as ‘multi-pliers’, multi-tools are basically built around their pliers and they should be the foundation of any multi-tool!

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LOCK IN AND OUT

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CHASSIS MATERIAL

A good multi-tool is only as good as the materials it is built from. It will not only provide you with brilliant quality tools, but it’ll also give you a well-made chassis to protect those tools. It doesn’t need to be made of Valarian Steel or be forged to Samurai Katana spec, but it does have to hold up to every day use and take a bit of stress.

A good multi-tool will always have a lock in/lock out feature for it’s tools; the last thing you want is your big chunky steel blade to close when you’re chopping something, leading to you being short a finger or two!

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FAST ACCESS

You want your multi-tool to have very easy to access tools. Ideally you’re going to need to be able to open them regardless of whether you’re wearing gloves or whether your hands are near frozen.

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LEATHERMAN

CRKT KNIVES

VICTORINOX

What better way to kick off our multi tool journey than to look at what is often referred to as the original workhorse of the Leatherman family? The award winning, Leatherman Supertool 300 is the tool for the working man, providing everything you could possibly need in a solid, stainless steel chassis.

Whilst the majority of the tools in this overview are very stereotypical in terms of their general blueprint, the CRKT Works Zilla tool is definitely the black sheep of the group.

Looking like nothing we’ve seen before in the multi tool market, the Zilla Tool definitely wins the award for being the most unique of the 9 tools on show.

Victorinox are one of the oldest players in the multi tool game and rightly deserve a place in such an article. Dating back to the original Swiss Army Tool, Victorinox have be churning out excellent product; now producing a wide array of multi tools for various situations.

Whilst the tool is a rather large and heavy offering, coming in at 4.5 inches in length (closed) and weighs in at 9.6 ounces. Many will argue that the Super Tool 300 is too big and pointlessly heavy, but if you’re in the market for a excellent quality multi-tool you’ll be hard pressed to find something lighter or smaller.

A lot of multi tools fall into the trap of trying to include as much as they can, often leading to tools becoming hard to access, the Zilla Tool steers well clear of doing so and goes for the bare basics, making sure it does such basics to a high quality.

SUPER TOOL 300

One of the biggest selling points on the Super Tool 300 is the fact that the plier head has 6 tools built into it, making it more a plier section as opposed to an actual set of pliers.

Worked into the plier section are a set of needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, hard wire cutters, stranded wire strippers and an electrical crimper.

Coupled with the fact that the Super Tool has a staggering 11 tools including two blades, four screwdrivers and all the other tools you’d expect to find on a multi tool, it’s safe to say that the Super Tool 300 will have you covered for a variety of situations.

The one downside to the Super Tool 300 is its lack of a pair of scissors. Although they may not be necessarily essential, you’ll always end up needing a pair in the most awkward of situations and being able to whack out your trusty multi tool is always a godsend, but with the Super Tool being packed to the brim, we’d struggle to see where they would fit!

THE ZILLA TOOL

The Zilla Tool almost looks more a folding knife than a multi tool, and comes in at a huge 9 inches long and weighs in at just under 210g, making the Zilla Tool a little on the chunky side for something that only holds a handful of tools. That’s not to say the Zilla Tool is a bad choice though!

Moving on to the tools, the Zilla Tool holds a set of needlenose pliers, wire cutters, wire stripped, a part serrated blade, flat & Phillips screwdrivers and the tool no man should be without, a bottle opener. A switch in the middle of the body deploys the pliers, releasing the spring-loaded handle, with the body itself acting as the other handle. The large straight-edge blade unfolds using a convenient flipper that engages quickly and acts as a blade guard when cutting. At the opposite end of the pliers, a hex tool holds the hex screwdriver bits stored in the handle, which will also accept other standard hex bits.

If you want a be all, end all multi tool with a huge array of tools then unfortunately the Zilla Tool is not for you. However if you want something that does the bare basics very well at a competitive price, you’d be a little bonkers not to consider the Zilla.

SWISSTOOL PLUS II

Victorinox have a long history of producing a good product first time round, only making very minor changes when releasing an updated version and the SwissTool Plus II is a perfect example of this. The original SwissTool was released over a decade ago, and is a perfect example of the business model Victorinox follow.

The Swiss Tool RS is what you could call a ‘walking toolbox’, containing a whopping 37 functions all in all, by far the most of all the multi tools in this overview and are all to a very good quality, held securely in place by a flap-type pring and lock when fully deployed.

It’s slightly blunt-nosed pliers are completely concealed until you unfold the handles; handles which double up as a 230mm ruler, perfect for those of you using the tool in a working environment. And although the pliers aren’t spring loaded, you can really crank them down hard without the SwissTool losing it’s comfortable feel, almost feeling as if the tool was fitted to your hand.

Something that makes the SwissTool Plus II extremely useful is the fact you can access the tools without unfolding the handle, something that a lot of other multi tools lack. Not only does this make your life a lot easier but it also allows you to deploy any tool you may need in a much quicker fashion.

Coming in at 4 ½ inches long, the SwissTool isn’t the biggest nor the smallest tool on test but when you take into account the fact it has a massive 37 functions you don’t want it to be too small! The fact that all Victorinox products come with a lifelong guarantee as well means you’ll always be covered; but you’ll have a hard time breaking it!

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GERBER

SOG

LEATHERMAN

Another massive game in the market, Gerber have been pushing some benchmark setting products for years now. Not only do they create their own range but they have various celebrity endorsements, with Bear Grylls being the most notable of them.

During the Vietnam War, members of the elite US Special Operations group MACV-SOG carried a unique combat knife into combat with them into the jungle on covert missions.

The same knife inspired Spencer Frazer to found SOG Specialty Knives, with an aim to reproduce the famous SOG Bowie Knife. What began as a single commemorative knife soon grew into a huge line of various innovative tools, field proven by various US Special Forces units.

The Leatherman MUT is possibly everything you could possibly need in a multi tool, and in our eyes is most probably Leatherman’s best tool in terms of usability in a survival, military or tactical situation.

SUSPENSION

The Gerber Suspension is my personal favourite of the tools on show and is the one I myself use on a daily basis. Whilst not groundbreaking in terms of the amount of tools included or it being super lightweight, the Suspension is an awesome everyday carry, albeit a little on the heavy side.

The Suspension has a total of 11 tools, including all the must have tools and each of them is produced to a very fine quality. One nice little feature of the Suspension is the easy open tabs on both the serrated and fine edge blade incorporated in the tool, making it very easy to deploy the blade one handed, although closing it will often require both hands. The Suspension also has a more than adequate set of pliers, and the tool fits very nicely into the hand.

Something else we absolutely love about the Gerber Suspension is the fact you can completely dissemble the tool via a number of different allen key holes, providing you have the correct size allen key. Once the tool is taken apart it becomes very easy to not only clean the tool but sharpen the blades, something that is massively handy.

Whilst the Suspension isn’t exactly the smallest tool in the world, it’s by far the smallest tool in this overview, coming in at 3.75 inches; a whole half an inch smaller than most other tools. It also only weighs 255.146g, which on a whole isn’t all that heavy!

POWERLOCK B61-N EOD

In that huge line of innovative tools comes a range of multi tools that are renowned for their brilliant build quality and the Powerlock is definitely in that category. Whilst there are a number of things worth mentioning in regards to the Powerlock, the thing most adored about the tool by its user base is the pliers and their operation The operation of the tool is spot on, whilst a lot of tools have a habit of having being very fiddly when it comes to opening the tools out, but with the Powerlock you’ll have no such problems, in fact a lot of people have said you’ll be hard pressed finding a better multi tool in that sense.

What differs the EOD version from the original is the inclusion of a set of multi-purpose electrical crimpers, and whilst they are aimed at bomb disposal experts we’re sure a ‘sparky’ will find them equally as useful.

One thing that really lets the Powerlock down is the fact that the tools themselves aren’t lockable, with the tool having a single plate to lock the tool in place once you’ve deployed it; a shame really as apart from that it’s a very solid multi tool!

MUT

The MUT is also Leatherman’s most modern looking multi tool; with the only other multi tool in Leatherman’s range similar in design being the lesser equipped Skeletool.

Something that lends the MUT well to the military market is the fact it comes in Oxidized Black as well as Stainless Steel.

Black definitely appeals a lot more and will definitely not be giving your position away at any point.

With a total of 21 tools, including removable/ replaceable screw heads to give you a wider range of choice when it comes to trying to undo/tighten stuff.

Another thing that points the MUT towards use in the military market is the inclusion of a carbon scraper and a punch. The carbon scraper is there to provide the user with a way of removing any dirt or carbon from the gun and the punch gives the user a tool to push the body pins out to dissemble your gun.

Usually in a multi tool the most multi functional part is the jaw head, however on the MUT, the base of the handle has more or less the same amount of tools, providing the user with a hammer, a replaceable cutting hook, a bolt overriding tool, carabineer and a bottle opener.

One thing that makes us feel reluctant to go out and purchase one is the price. At prices of around £170-180, it’s a fair outlay, but we’re sure when put in a military environment it’d definitely be dependable.

The one thing that screams out to me most about the Suspension is it’s price, coming in at as little as £50.00, you’ve got a tool that will perform admirably.

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KNOW YOUR MULTI TOOL! Some of the greatest ideas that have ever been realised date back way before you and of I were born - we’re talking centuries ago here. The Roman Empire was one that saw a vast number of new ideas come to life, things we possibly take for granted in this day and age; further developing ideas such as drainage, sewers and roads. Now you’re most probably wondering why I’m babbling on about the Romans in a overview of multi-tools…

GERBER

LEATHERMAN

The Diesel, like any other Gerber multi tool, focuses on those of us who require the use of a good set of pliers. However the Diesel is not just a set of pliers, it comes with a great range of other tools to tide you over when you don’t have a toolbox handy. Starting with the plier design, the Diesel is one that is unique in operation. Although similar to various other Gerber multi tools, various other manufacturers are far off the mark when it comes to such a design. So what’s so different about them? Don’t get me wrong, they’re not some space age laser cutting, crazy gripping pliers, but what the Diesel does offer is a way to deploy the pliers with a simple hand flick, with Gerber calling it their ‘rapid deployable pliers’. This works by simply holding the tool in hand and giving it a flick, causing the pliers to slide out and lock into place when reaching the end.

Once again I find myself looking at another Leatherman tool, which either highlights the fact that the multi tool market is riddled with rubbish attempts, or that Leatherman churn out a ton of really good multi tools. Thankfully it’s the latter, and you really wouldn’t expect less from the grandfather of multi tools.

The Skeletool is another of Leatherman’s more modern takes on multi tools, with it being streamlined to strip off weight. The Skeletool comes in two different variants, the CX and the original; with the CX being the more expensive of the two. So what makes the CX more expensive you ask? Well as I mentioned the Skeletool is massively streamlined to strip weight, but on top of that the guys in Leatherman’s design team realised they could strip a ton more weight by replacing certain parts on the Skeletool with carbon fiber!

The plier design is a brilliant one, and really offers the user something the other multi tools don’t, however due to the way the pliers are stored in the multi tool, it limited the amount of tools that could be stored in the multi tool to 12. You’ve got all the basics in there and by no means will the small number of tools in the Diesel hinder you, but in certain situations we completely understand you need a wider range of tools than what is provided; which is a shame as the plier function is one of the best in the market.

The result of this weight stripping exercise has led to the Skeletool weighing an impressive 141.748g, by far the lightest multi tool on test, and at 4 inches in length when closed it would make a perfect everyday carry.

DIESEL

Like the Suspension, the Diesel also comes in at a ridiculously good price for a multi tool of its quality. You definitely wouldn’t find another tool this good for around the £70 price range. It does make you wonder how Gerber are able to churn out good quality tools at such a damned good price! We’ve no doubt that if you’re after a tool that you could use in everyday environments where you don’t really need anything specialized, the Diesel would be a very good purchase, and the brilliant plier design really does stand out as one of the best on the market.

SKELETOOL

One drawback with it’s smaller size is the number of tools packable in the package.

There are only 7 tools in the Skeletool; around half as less as most of its competitors in this overview, however all are carefully selected and it does offer you a fair range of tools to get you through everyday life.

The Skeletool does an admirable job of trying to provide the user with as much as possible in as light a tool as they could make, something a lot of people will appreciate when carrying it in their pockets. Sure it’s not going to attract a user base of those who need a go to tool when they’re in theatre or working a job which requires a belt carried tool, but for those who just want something they can carry around with them to do menial jobs like changing a light fitting or opening a bottle of beer it’s perfect!

Well believe it or not, the idea of incorporating several tools in one small portable unit dates back as far as Middle Roman times, with many opting to keep their eating utensils firmly kept in one unit.

Moving on to times a little closer to home, you could most probably call the Swiss Army Knife one of the earliest ‘modern’ examples of todays multi-tool and certainly holds the principle of having a variety of tools in one small chassis for ease. The original Swiss Army Knife issued to the Swiss Army included a blade, a reamer, a bottle opener/screwdriver/wire stripper and a can opener/screwdriver.

Turn the page for a look at one of the more modern adaptations of the brilliant Swiss Army Knife.

Moving on a few years, in 1984 Tim Leatherman sold his first ‘pocket survival tool’; a larger and more robust pocketknife based tool, which incorporated a set of needle-nosed pliers in a balisong-style mechanism. While being too big for most pockets, the tool is widely viewed as the ORIGINAL multi-tool and Leatherman are a company that to this day is still pumping out some brilliant examples of multi-tools.

Over the years a variety of companies have started to manufacture some fine examples of multi-tools; some sticking to the original concept of what a multi-tool is and others trying to re-invigorate a market that in many ways has been done to death.

That is by no means to say there has been little innovation in the world of multi-tools since their birth, with various new features being implemented along with various new alloys being used. But does the term ‘keep it simple stupid’ fall into place nicely here, or are these new ideas what were really needed?

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EMERGENT RESCUE SYSTEMS While we would like to think we have a solid understanding of the tactical gear market having worked within it for close to two decades now, we are still very much aware that there are a plethora of companies that we simply haven’t come into contact yet. With the tactical gear market being such a large one, it is no surprise that some spectacular companies fall under our radar. However, one thing we are very proud of with the launch of Gear Up Magazine is that we are in a position where companies come to us, either for product features or simply to subscribe to the magazine. A chance conversation in December led to exactly that, with Emergent Rescue Systems contacting us to join the extended Gear Up family; asking to be put onto our mailing list.

HIGH RISK ENTRY MEDIC PACK

The High Risk Entry Medic Pack is at the precipice of design and manufacturing quality, with Emergent Rescue Systems doing their best to ensure those who risk their lives to save others have the peace of mind that their equipment will not fail on them during high-stress situations. Designed originally for use by American SWAT teams, the High Risk Entry Medic Pack has evolved slightly since its original

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release – in which it was designed to offer the end-user a junctional hemorrhage control solution. However, the High Risk Entry Medic Pack now offers full M.A.R.C.H. capabilities to its user, doing so in easy to access compartments, which gives medical providers fast and efficient access to critical items.

Unlike the majority of medical packs, the High Risk Entry Medic Pack operates as a shoulder slung pack, utilizing a single strap. It is then secured to the end-user via a hip retention strap, which is secured by a TR Cobra Buckle, meaning pack stability is not an issue during heavy movement. Another benefit of the design features of the High Risk Entry Medic Pack is that its contents can be accessed without pack removal, ensuring the end-user can respond to any potential injuries in a matter of seconds – simply adjust the positioning of the pack to the users front.

The compact design of the High Risk Entry Medic Pack makes it ideal for primary tactical entry, active threat response, and confined space search and rescue. Furthermore, the shoulder sling and hip retention straps can be conveniently tucked away to allow the user to attach it to either a larger pack or to a plate carrier.

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The High Risk Entry Medic Pack (HRE) offers full M.A.R.C.H capabilities. This means the HRE is designed to help medical staff with injuries surrounding the following – Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiratory, Circulation, and Hypothermia.

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Unlike a number of other medical packs, the High Risk Entry Medic Pack makes use of a single shoulder strap as opposed to two. While this may sound unstable, Emergent Rescue Systems have ensured this is not an issue through the use of a hip retention strap, held in place by a TR Cobra Buckle.

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Due to the single strap design of the High Risk Entry Medic Pack, the end-user can deploy the contents of the pack without removing it. Like most shoulder slung backs, this is made possible by the user adjusting the positioning of the pack, moving it to his or her front.

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The contents of the pack can then be easily deployed thanks to the multiple internal panels being secured by hook/ loop material. These can be detached instantly, allowing the end-user to deploy full M.A.R.C.H. response capabilities.

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To ensure the High Risk Entry Medic Pack stands up to the harshest of environments, the pack is made from 1000D CORDURA nylon. This is then partnered with NIR textured webbing, with all of the materials being sourced, as well as manufactured, in the United States.

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CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about Emergent Rescue Systems’ products directly through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Website: emrescuesystems.com ■ Email: info@emrescuesystems.com

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Dulles, VA 20166 | 703.707.6280 | www.velsyst.com AD TEMPLATE.indd 1

13/10/2017 12:28

AD TEMPLATE.indd 1

28/06/2019 16:56