Military & Outdoor Kit Blog

We were recently introduced to Erebis ATP (All-Terrain Pattern) from Cortman Textiles, one of the contributors to the development of the MoD's MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern, a version of Crye Precision's Multicam).  There is little doubt that Erebis is the closest match to MTP on the market, being very similar in both colour and pattern.

The photos show a square of Erebis 1100 dernier fabric (rucksack weight cordura type fabric) on an issue MTP field jacket and daysack.  Surprisingly the Erebis is a better match to the field jacket than the MTP rucksack!

Cortman Textiles Ltd have nearly 40 years experience in textile coating and production across a wide range of technical fabrics, including NBC suit linings and body armour. Erebis has been developed from the ground up but always with compatibility with MTP / Multicam in mind.

Erebis ticks all the boxes of a high-quality military camoflage fabric - it is anti-fungal, infra-red reflectivity (IRR) tuned and extremely durable, particularly in 1100 decitex.  The pattern is acid-printed, the best choice for military fabrics as the pattern is more permanent than other methods, and less likely to react to damp and extreme weather conditions.

We previously looked at Vista ATP, and one of its key advantages over its main competitor, Multicam, was price. Erebis is even more competitively priced than Vista - the Multi-Terrain camouflage price war is on!

Further Information

For further details please contact Cortman Textiles Ltd on 01772 627262 or visit www.cortman.co.uk.

You can also visit Cortman at the DSEI from 10-13th Sept, stand no. N8-393 (Land Zone)

Many This Tribe and Army Rumour Service regulars will know that we developed our 3 season Kosa duvet jacket last year, with review samples sent out to Army Rumour Service and Kit Reviews users for comment (discussion here).  While well received in general there were some significant flaws, particularly sleeve sizing, and we took the hard decision to go back to the drawing board.  While we really like our own Kosas they weren't ready for sale.

We've been busy on the Kosa Mk 2 and just received two great prototypes that are ready for discussion and we would really value your opinion and feedback before we get the final pre-production samples made and start full manufacture.

The concept remains the same as the first Kosa - we want a jacket that should go in every kit bag.  Lightweight, perfect for use under a field jacket (don't worry about the blue yet!), suitable for damp UK weather, but stylish enough to wear out to the pub on a night off on R&R.

We had two prototypes made, see below.  Both use ripstop windproof and DWR treated outers, with the same excellent mixed synthetic and down Multitherm fill as the first Kosa.  Zips have been upgraded and other minor niggles sorted out.

Version 1 - shows new vislon zips, upgraded pull tags and heavier ripstop fabric

Version 1

The first version is in a tougher fabric than the original Kosa with a strong ripstop hexagonal pattern.  The jacket has the feel of workwear and while undoubtedly rugged is, we believe, too difficult to compress, but also reduces the loft of the fill as the heavier fabric compresses it.  We do think it looks great though, even in these quick snap preview shots.

Shows lightweight ripstop fabric, plus the same upgraded zips as the black version above. More about the colour in a moment...

Kosa in the same weight fabric as the original Kosa, but with ripstop reinforcement.

The second sample is, yes, very blue. That was just coincidence and just because the blue fabric was available for the sample, but actually we really like it. What do you think? It's not going to go under a combat jacket, but is a great casual jacket. Your opinions welcome.

The fabric is a similar weight as original Kosa - very lightweight and suitable for mid-layer or casual use. The light fabric allows the filling to loft well, and the jacket feels lovely as soon as you put it on - instantly warm and feather-light.  Also it is pleasantly matt - we've been trying hard not to produce a shiny jacket.

Zips are upgraded as on the black version.

Both jackets are more roomy than their predecessors, particularly in the arms. We've yet to receive a full set of sizing samples, but so far the sizing seems spot on.

So, in summary, we're going for a black version of the lightweight ripstop jacket shown in the photos, with some minor modifications such as badge design, slightly larger pockets and improved hanging loops.

Two questions to you if you have a moment:  Should these include a stuff-sack (as the first Kosa) or is that just a waste of money, and should we also do the jacket in blue?  Which would you buy if it were one or the other?

Finally, we will likely offer a heavily discounted pre-order opportunity for those on our mailing list, existing customers and Army Rumour Service members.  The best way to ensure you receive the offer is to subscribe to our mailing list.

Launch will be September 2013.

It is well recognised that few things reduce your performance like a poor night’s sleep. Few things guarantee this more than being cold and wet which is why choosing a decent bivvy (bivvi, bivi?) bag is so important. There are lots of options out there but we consider the Snugpak Ionosphere and Snugpak Stratosphere offer significant improvements over the issue item, without breaking the bank.

The major difference between them is that the Ionosphere is really a small tent whereas the Stratosphere is a high quality bivvy bag with a hoop over the head. This creates a small clear area that prevents fabric lying on your face which not only makes sleep far more comfortable but also provides room to do minor admin tasks.

As you’d expect from Snugpak, they’re both constructed of rugged, ripstop materials and the Stratosphere also has a highly breathable upper and internal mosquito net. Both have fully taped seams, are highly waterproof and are well proven in even the most demanding conditions.

The Ionosphere is undoubtedly the one which you’d choose as the luxury option as it has more room and a full inner/outer system but comes in slightly heavier at 1.52kg. The Stratosphere is the tactical/lightweight option with an all-in weight of 1.13 kg and is also quicker to erect/dismantle. If you need to exit in a hurry then it also has a full length size zip and enough room at the foot to allow boots to be worn in there.

Both the Snugpak Stratosphere and Snugpak Ionosphere are excellent one man bivvi tents ideal for use in a military situation when you need to ensure a good night’s sleep. The choice of which one will boil down to your assessment of the tactical requirements of your role.

More Info on the Snugpak Stratosphere and Ionosphere here

For those of you interested in an MTP daysack, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve just got the entire range of Tomahawk Multicam daysacks back in stock. This includes the Tomahawk Elite SF, Tomahawk Elite LX and Tomahawk Elite.

Although these are priced as a mid range product they contain many features you’d expect in much more expensive daysacks. For starters they’re made out of genuine Crye Precision Multicam which means they’re an excellent match for the current UK issue Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage, as used in the new Personal Clothing System (PCS).

Any daysack is going to take a massive amount of abuse so you also need them to be robust which is where the 1000 dernier cordura fabric comes into its own. This is the sort of stuff that webbing pouches are made of so you know its going to take lots of hard use.

The three different models vary in capacity from 35 Litres (Elite) to 45 Litres (Elite SF) with differing internal and external pocket layouts. This gives you the flexibility to choose a daysack that meets your needs. What they all have though are plenty of external Molle loops which will allow you to add additional magazine and utility pouches on as the need takes you.

They also all have the ability to add hydration systems internally along with ports allowing aerials and the hydration drinking tube to be brought outside. The waistband is user removable allowing you to choose whether you want it or not. If like me you don’t like them, then you don’t need to cut it off or try and secure it round the back.

Overall, we really like the Tomahawk Elite range of MTP compatible daysacks. If you’re in the market for one and are looking in the mid price range, we think one of these is the way ahead.

More information on the Tomahawk Elite daysacks

We’ve been looking forward to the Templar Assault Systems Light Fighter Range from Otterburn based Trojan Group for quite a while now. The first product was the Light Fighter Helmet Cover that we looked at in our last blog post but we’ve now received details of the next items in the range.

The new Templar Assault Systems Light Fighter U-Lite suit is almost identical in design to the legendary zoot suits that were once de-rigueur amongst the parachuting fraternity. Traditionally made out of ‘parachute silk’ they provided a layer of warmth to the soldier in the field whilst being small enough to fold up into the palm of your hand. The Montane Featherlite Jacket is similar in concept although primarily aimed at runners, walkers and cyclists.

On the other hand, the Templar Assault Systems Light Fighter U-Lite suit is designed from the outset to meet the needs of the modern infanteer. Manufactured in ultra-light 2oz rip-stop breathable nylon, it comes in a printed version of Vista ATP that is a near perfect colour/shade/pattern for Crye Precision Multicam, and hence MTP. There will be four products in the range including a jacket, trousers, shorts and carry bag.

The TAS U-lite jacket weighs a miniscule 198 grams which includes a zip away hood, full length YKK zip and under arm mesh ventilation. There will be Multicam Cordura on the shoulder and forearms to reinforce stress areas and make it robust enough to survive under body armour, webbing, etc. It will be available in sizes from small to XXL with a generous cut so you can get it on top of other kit.

The TAS U-lite trousers are even lighter at a mere 140 grams but are also designed to meet the specific requirements of an infantry soldier. Thus they have thigh high zips on both sides to allow easy donning over boots and a double lined seat area for extra durability. The trousers will be available in waist sizes from 30 to 38 inches with two lengths of leg, regular and long.

We’re not convinced about the requirement for the TAS U-lite short but they come in at 84 grams!

Finally there will be a mesh carry bag to take the suit at 24 grams.

We hope to be able to provide more info including high resolution pictures and details of when our stock will arrive in the next couple of weeks. Watch this space!

Click here to see our range of Templar Assault Systems products

Helmet Mounted Night Vision Googles (HMNVGs) were once the preserve of Special Forces and pilots but they’re now standard issue to front line troops in HERRICK and other ops. Depending on the model you’ve got, this creates a whole new requirement for sticking things to your head such as spare batteries, counter weights or IFF glimmer patches.

Unfortunately the current UK issue MTP helmet cover hasn’t really adapted to meet these changes which is why Templar Assault Systems have produced their Mk7 Light Fighter Helmet Cover. Although specifically designed for the Mk7 Assault Helmet it also fits the Mk6A and the US Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH) or Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).

From the outset the Light Fighter is designed to make managing your HMNVG easy so it’s got a bellows pocket at the back for your counterweight with internal velcro and paracord loop to ensure it remains secure. Velcroed retention tabs on either side and a channel behind the counterweight pouch ensure that your NVG straps remain secure and don’t move once fitted. A reinforced panel at the front ensures that the the NVG mount doesn’t wear through.

In recent years, the Army has gone back to cam basics with MTP strips to disrupt head profile now issued in the black bag . Attaching them though remains a challenge which the Light Fighter helmet deals with by having rows of attachment loops on the brow.

For those of you who like velco then there are seven separate panels in different sizes over the upper part of the helmet. These include four which would be ideal of IFF glint/glimmer patches.

As you’d expect from Templar, Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) compatibility is guaranteed with the whole item being made out of Crye Precision Multicam.

So with an array of advanced features for dealing with the reality of the kit the modern infanteer has to carry on their head we believe this is the item that the Army should be issuing!

We’ve all got our own personal methods for staying clean in the field when on exercise or operation.  Most of these involve hot water, whether it is from a mess tin over a hexi stove, a BV or even the infamous ‘puffing billy’ - for those with longer memories. All very well if you’ve got plenty of water or the means and time to heat it.  Personally I was always a big fan of baby wipes although will concede that these don’t do much more than remove a thin layer of grime or yesterday’s cam cream from your face!

Our latest product, the Pits & Bits FOB Wash Kit, is designed to overcome these factors and provide the means of staying clean in the field without needing water.  Like teflon and the integrated circuit board, the technology dates from the NASA space programme which probably also gives you a pretty good indication that it works.  All the products are alcohol free so they won’t dry your skin out and they do not need water or rinsing.  When you’ve used them you just towel down afterwards to remove any residue.

The main components in the wash kits are the body wash and shampoo.  Both are 65ml so easily pass the airport security test, don’t worry though as a little of them goes a long way!  Perhaps the most impressive product though are the expandable wipes which start of the size of a pound coin and end up about A4 size.  They’re pretty strong and durable which means that you can use them to do your weapon once you’ve finished your self.

The Pits & Bits Wash Kits come in two sizes; basic and large.  The basic one contains a 65ml body wash, 65 ml shampoo and four of the expandable towels all packed in a cotton bag.  We think this makes it ideal for stashing at the bottom of a pouch for those moments when you get separated from your bergan.

The large Pits & Bits Wash Kit has all the items in the basic one but then adds another four towels, two toothbrushes and 50 ml of alcohol free hand santiser. Chances are that this is easily sufficient to keep you clean for 48-72 hours.  Wiith a weight of under 300g we think this is a really good addition to anyone’s daysack.

Now the Pits & Bits Wash Kits are never going to replace the joys of a full field dhobi but they’re a thoroughly modern solution to the problem of keeping clean in the field.  They’re really lightweight, small and, unlike my baby wipes, can be relied upon to do a decent job.

Those of you with long memories will recall that we ran a 10% off everything sale at this time last year.  The good news is that we're doing exactly the same thing again this year!

This includes every item in our range and delivery will continue to be absolutely free for those of you in the UK.

As you’ll know from blogs past, we’re very keen to ensure that the camouflage equipment we sell is fully compatible with the new UK Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) used in the Personal Clothing System (PCS) . Licensing restrictions mean that true MTP fabric is impossible for 3rd party manufacturers to obtain so any products that you see claiming to be made from MTP are either second hand military stock or being economical with the truth.

Crye Precision Multicam is very similar to MTP but is significantly more expensive for manufacturers than similarly specification material in other camouflage patterns. The good news is that new camouflage patterns such as Vista All Terrain Pattern (ATP) have now become available at much lower costs than Multicam, yet offer similar levels of MTP compatibility.

There are other elements of the equation though and the webbing material used for PALS/ MOLLE loops forms a significant part of the overall surface of most products. It’s therefore important that manufacturers get this right as it can make a big difference.

We’re therefore really pleased to see that Vanguard have responded to feedback from us over the colour of their webbing on the Vista ATP Battle Belt and Yoke. Although not a massive difference we think changing from the dark to light green is a very welcome improvement.

Both the Vanguard Lightweight Under Armour Yoke and Vanguard All Arms Modular Belt Rig (AAMBeR) in Vista ATP with the new light colour webbing are now available to buy in our shop.

Trying to decide what to to buy the military person in your life for Christmas?  Well we’ve put together our suggestions which we hope will make things a bit easier:

• Bridgedale Socks have been well known in military and outdoor circles for decades for the simple reason that they manufacture top class socks.  You can guarantee that opening a pair of these on Xmas day will definitely be met with a smile of appreciation!

• The Spec Ops Recon Wrap is a modern take on the traditional headover constructed using high performance synthetic materials.  Warm when you need it and cool when you don’t, we love them!

• Pits and Bits Wash Kit

  We sell loads of Snugpak Sleeka Elite jackets for the simple reason that they’re a high quality product at a very reasonable price.  Available in green for field use or black for use in the hills/high street.

• The Pits n Bits FOB Wash Kit is a really cheap, lightweight and minimal solution to keeping clean in the field.  Its ideal for keeping in your go pack or at the bottom of webbing pouches

• The Snugpak Kit Monster is a new addition to our line up as we used to stock a similar product by North Face.  We just didn’t think the difference in cost was matched by much (any!) change in quality.  The bottom line is that the Kit Monster is a super tough and mega flexible travel bag that we think you’ll love.

• For the ultimate in ally, we recommend the Templar Assault Systems Low Profile Bush Hat in Crye Precision Multicam.

• A decent field watch needs to be simple, robust and accurate.  That is why we rate the Traser P5900 Military Watch with its tritium lights for night operation.  Looks much better in the flesh than our image.

• Waterproof Bergan Cover

  Keeping your equipment dry in the field can be challenging which is why we always recommend a heavy duty waterproof bergan cover.  We stock them in Multicam which is also a good way of extending the life of all those green and DPM items still out there!

• If you suffer from blisters then they can be a complete nightmare. The Adventure Medical Kits Blister Kit offers three different ways of treating and preventing them.

• The last of our 10 items is the Helly Hansen Lifa top in green and black.  Almost every soldier I know has got at least one of these as they’re such a flexible item which can be used as a base layer on exercise or as a PT top when it gets a bit colder.

Well I hope that those have given you a few thoughts.  Let me know what you’d like for Xmas?