Tag Archives: Multicam

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!

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.

Polycotton Ripstop in Vista ATP

I've written before about Vista ATP (All-Terrain Pattern camouflage) from specialist manufacturer Coating Applicatings Group, who also produce MTP for the MoD. Vista is almost indistinguishable from MTP, and the technical abilities of the Vista fabrics match or exceed MTP and Multicam.

When I last wrote CAG had only just started production and were offering two fabrics; one suitable for heavyweight applications such as webbing and bergens, and the other much lighter and suitable for accessories such as bergen covers.

While CAG had lots of interest in Vista, some manufacturers were wavering because of legal concerns about the similarity between the Vista ATP design and the UK's MTP, a design actually owned by notoriously protective US company Crye Precision (therein lies another story!). The worries have now cleared and Vista ATP is attracting the attention of manufacturers including those from overseas, as far afield as New Zealand.

CAG have extended the range of Vista fabrics to include:

• 1000 Denier Texturised Nylon along with recently added 500 and 300 Denier Nylons
• Polycotton ripstop as shown in the image above
• 19 - 25mm IRR webbing
• Cotton Gaberdine clothing fabric

Vanguard products have been one of the first manufacturers to use Vista and we have been stocking Vanguard's excellent lightweight yoke and MOLLE belt in Vista for over a month now.

The ripoff Medical Pouch is a great example of TAS' innovative design. We're looking forward to the new Vista and Advanced ranges

Trojan Group, makers of Templar Assault Systems MOLLE/PALS products, also have Vista ATP products on the way, but they are keeping their cards hidden and as yet we don't have details.

We do know that Trojan have been investing in the development of Vista clothing fabrics, and have exclusivity on some, and their new Vista range will include both load carrying equipment and a clothing range.

Trojan do also have a high end TAS Advanced range planned for release later in the year, and this will also include Vista ATP products. We're looking forward to seeing more of Trojan's innovative, robust and practical kit.

At This Tribe we'll be stocking Vista products where possible, if of course the equipment itself justifies it. More news when we have it.

Molle fittings, or Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) as they should be more properly described, have become almost completely ubiquitous on tactical load carrying systems, such as battle belts, body armour and daysacks. When properly set up the fittings are incredibly strong with the interwoven fabric straps ensuring that even heavily laden pouches stay firmly attached under pretty demanding conditions.

Whilst this is extremely useful for the vast majority of the time, there are occasions when it would be useful to have pouches that easily detach. One such situation is when you’ve got a casualty and need to lay out medical equipment next to them as you start treatment. Another is if you need to quickly pass equipment in a pouch from one person to another, perhaps under fire or in a confined space.

A number of manufacturers have looked at this problem and come up with similar solutions. Basically they all comprise a large velcro pad with the PALS/Molle fittings on the back and some sort of quick release mechanism to which is secured the actual pouch. This isn’t rocket science but when you see one for the first time, it is difficult not to be impressed - often the simple ideas are the best!

Templar Assault Systems’ take on this is their Rip Off Medic Pouch (ROMP) which is now available in Cyre Precision Multicam. Capable of carrying all the issue personal medical equipment it’s ideal for mounting on your Osprey Body Armour or battle belt, as per your Brigade or unit SOPs. To give you an idea of how it works, we’ve taken a set of photos which we think illustrates it perfectly.

The bottom line is that this is a piece of kit that we think is a valuable addition to anyone’s load carrying set up. Fingers crossed you’ll never need to use it but like all the best insurance policies we think you’ll be really chuffed to have it if you do!

Over the last 10 years of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan the improvements to the standard of UK Military issue kit has been immense. The Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) process has meant that in theatre commanders can specify equipment that is then brought into service quickly and efficiently. This has meant that the MoD simply goes out and buys the best commercial boots, daysacks, gloves, torches etc that they can.

Despite this there are still areas that are not covered by issue items and it would appear that load carriage with body armour is one. The MOLLE webbing on Osprey allows soldiers to attach their pouches directly to it although they then tend to sit quite high which often interferes with the wearing of a daysack. This is why MOLLE ‘battle belts’ which sit underneath and below the armour are becoming more popular. No doubt the MoD will catch up with supplying these soon but in the interim we hear anecdotes of Regiments using non-public funds to buy them.

Vanguard is a UK company which works closely with a number of specialist military retailers and uses operational feedback to improve their products. Their version of the battle belt is the catchily titled All Arms Modular Belt Rig (AAMBeR) which has been around for a few years. Available in Multicam and Coyote they’re good quality, robust items which also feature Vanguard’s clever system to allow a yoke to be worn under armour without worrying about the buckles rubbing.

The latest evolution of this product is the AAMBeR Mk2 which features a number of significant improvements. The most obvious is changing the shape of the padding to provide more comfort over the area of the thigh and hip where your ammo pouches normally sit. Those with longer memories will remember the ‘hippo’ pads that used to go under webbing which featured exactly this design.

There are also changes to the belt which reduce sagging and make it easier to add a roll pin buckle, which is an obvious enhancement that we’d strongly recommend. Vanguard have also added a smaller size which is clearly designed to cater to the increasing number of females that are being involved outside the wire.

Its available in three colours Multicam, Coyote and the new Vista ATP although we’ve decided only to stock the first two.

Like almost every other member of the British Army I’ve been co-erced into the purchase of a stable belt without which I’d be guilty of being dressed incorrectly. The question of whether wearing brightly coloured and garish belts with camouflage uniforms was ever sound from a fashion sense I’ll leave to others. I do know that when our Museum was experiencing financial problems (allegedly!) the Regimental Committee changed the design resulting in every member of the Corps having to buy a new one!

With the introduction of the Personal Clothing System and MTP it does finally seem that the era of the stable belt has passed. Although you still need a belt, it is hidden below the shirt (sorry jacket) so you get the option of choosing something that not only looks better but is also more comfortable to wear.

Although many will choose to continue to wear their stable or PLCE belt, I suspect that others will revel in the new found freedom to use something different. My experience is that this has been commonplace in operational locations such as BSN or KAF for years where a trip to the PX for a ‘riggers belt’ was an important first call.

To cover this requirement, we’ve just added a number of 5.11 Tactical belts which we believe are the best possible blend of performance and value.

If you want maximum performance then you probably need a metal buckle and our Trainer and Operator Belts provide this for widths of 1.5” and 1.75” respectively. Both of them have an innovative and handy velcro based securing system which also means that they can be adjusted to whatever tightness you want without removing them from your waist. They’re both produced in Coyote Brown colour which is very similar to the base of Cyre Precision MTP and Multicam.

For something that is cheaper and airport/metal scanner friendly but isn’t going to let your trousers down then we offer the TDU Belt. It’s got a plastic buckle and comes in green, black and, of course, coyote.

You're issued everything you need. Really?

Professional soldiers expect to be able to add to their issued equipment, and that age-old cry of “you're issued everything you need” is as naive today as it ever was. It would be near impossible for a procurement chain to meet every need of every member of a large, varied, technically advanced and rapidly evolving army.

With the tight limitations on the use of its new Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage however, the MoD seems to believe that it has achieved the unachievable, with its clothing and load carrying equipment at least. The MoD will not allow the manufacture of MTP products except for MoD contracts.

MTP - A work of art

The MoD has every right to protect MTP of course. While not many people would associate camouflage with the phrase “Literary and Artistic Work”, the 1886 Berne Convention covering the protection of such work does protect camouflage designs.

The implicit or explicit threat of legal action on this basis is the control that Crye Precision has over MTP's parent Multicam (MTP is a version of Multicam licensed to the MoD), and in turn the MoD's control over MTP.

Looking at the issue more practically raises some obvious questions. What does the MoD gain from tight restrictions on the use of MTP? And who is affected by it?

Crye Precision benefit from the MoD's strict control of MTP

Interestingly it is not the MoD that most benefits from the restrictions, but Crye Precision. Since soldiers will continue to purchase equipment and clothing privately, and small smaller units such as special forces demand equipment not on regular issue, an alternative to MTP must be used.

Snugpak Sleeka in Crye Multicam

Until very recently the only camouflage pattern similar to MTP was it’s parent; Crye's Multicam – and it doesn't come cheap. It is in fact a stroke of business genius by Crye; license a custom camouflage design to an organisation who will not allow anyone else to use it (the MoD), then meet the resulting demand with your own camouflage pattern.

The main loser in all this is of course the soldier on the front line who wants to buy a piece of clothing or equipment to supplement his issue equipment. Currently his alternatives are cheaper camouflage designs of dubious performance which look markedly different from MTP or more costly Multicam products that are similar in appearance to MTP over small areas.

It's also interesting that UK special forces continue to use (allegedly!) some Multicam items in part because equipment is not readily available in MTP.

Multicam Ops Commanders Rig

Does the MoD want to control the spread of the British military corporate identify? Or just stop equipment theft?

So why is the MoD so protective? It was not possible to get a definitive answer, but a source in the MoD explained that military corporate identity is the main issue. The old DPM pattern had spread so far and wide that the British military was wearing the same as many other armies, and in many cases forces with which any association was to be avoided.

A secondary benefit may well be to crack down on (illegal) sales of military equipment by serving personnel via sites such as ebay. There has been an increasing level of concern over this practise by the MoD with increased enforcement by service police. If it is impossible to get MTP from anyone but the MoD then the standard argument that it was bought elsewhere simply doesn’t stand up in court!

Vista ATP - It's the new MTP, and you can buy it.

What the restrictions produced was an opportunity for the development of a camouflage pattern that is compatible with MTP, performs well and is cheaper than Multicam. An official MTP fabric manufacturer for MoD contracts, Coating Applications Group (CAG), have done exactly that with their new Vista ATP camouflage, released under their Ability brand.

Vista ATP is an original UK design and the fabric is manufactured in the UK, avoiding the costly import duties of the US Multicam, and looks very similar to MTP as the photos below show.

MTP Shirt lying on Vista ATP

Niche equipment manufacturers Dixie's Corner and Vanguard Products have already started manufacturing Vista ATP products. While the Vista fabric types currently on offer are few, contracts with larger manufacturers would give the scale CAG needs to expand the range, to include technical clothing fabrics for example.

Vista is similar in appearance to MTP, but a unique design

CAG have had their pattern independently designed and asserted that Vista is unique and original, despite its similarity to MTP. They certainly have plenty of experience in this area. CAG Sales Manager David Ingham first dealt with camouflage designs for the Mod over 30 years ago, meeting an urgent requirement for desert camouflage for SAS operations in the Oman.

Despite such extensive experience CAG have been asked to indemnify potential Vista ATP equipment manufacturers against possible action from Crye Precision and the MoD. David Ingham explained that this is currently being addressed, “ ….. by offering indemnity we will enable large scale use of Vista ATP and the result will be the availability of high-quality and well-priced products which work well with issue equipment.”

It's back to business as usual

The introduction of Vista ATP to the UK camouflage market is undoubtedly good news, and will help release the UK military equipment market from the grip of Crye and the restrictions of the MoD. Vista will remove a soldiers' worries about visible differences between non-issue items and MTP, and give confidence that the camouflage performance is good.

Vista does have the potential to frustrate the MoD’s apparent aim of limiting the use of UK camouflage as it is so similar to MTP, but the lack of large amounts of Vista ATP surplus stock mean that the spread of the pattern shouldn’t happen on the scale of the spread of the old DPM camouflage.

On the odd occasion that a movie sees fit to allow the hero to require a magazine change in the middle of a firefight you still never see what happens to the empty one. Although simply discarding them is a possibility, in reality you probably need to stash them somewhere quick and easy on your person. This has many advantages, including denying them to the enemy, ensuring that you keep hold of magazines you know are well looked after and, of course, retaining good relations with your chain of command!

Although you can return empty magazines to the pouch from which they came this has a number of serious disadvantages. Not only is it likely to be fairly tricky to get them back into a pouch which is normally optimised for quick withdrawal you also run the risk of confusing empty and full magazines in the heat of the moment. Definitely not ideal!

Once upon a time, it was accepted that empty magazines were simply stuffed down the front of your smock relying on your webbing belt to hold them in there. After things had calmed down you simply transferred them to somewhere more convenient, or refilled as appropriate. With body armour this is no longer possible so alternate means are required.

We’re aware of two main methods that have gained in favour over recent years. The most popular appears to be foldable Molle dump pouches which are attached to an individual’s body armour, assault vest/harness or battle belt. When required these are quickly unfolded using a Velcro or studs fastener to provide an empty pouch into which magazines can be dropped. An elasticated draw cord at the mouth can be pulled tight to ensure that nothing is lost. These can also double up as bags to hold items removed during individual or property searches.

The other method are drop leg dump pouches which are secured to a belt and hang about mid thigh. These tend to have an elasticated ‘mouth’ or Velcro cover to ensure magazines remain secured once inside. Key benefits include normally having a larger capacity than the foldable pouches and easier access when in the prone position. A negative is that having something strapped to your leg can become an irritant so they’re probably more appropriate when contact is likely.

Both the foldable and drop leg dump pouch are excellent solutions to the problem of empty magazines. The decision about which way to go will largely depend on your mission and reading of the tactical situation. We’d recommend the foldable dump pouch as something that should always be on your kit with the drop leg pouch available for occasions when things are likely to get a bit tasty. Either way, you can be reassured that you won’t be leaving empties all over the battlefield!

The Battle Belt allows wearers to use MOLLE pouches below combat body armour, keeping equipment safely away from the face, minimising inujuries from IEDs.

Osprey CBA with PALS / MOLLE Ladders

The last few years have seen major developments in the accepted standards for webbing. After the traditional belt order came assault vests which in turn have been overtaken by the current fashion for using MOLLE/PALs. For those unfamiliar with these systems, they consist of rows of straps, 'ladders', that allow users to configure their pouches to exactly their own requirements.

The new British Osprey body armour is covered in MOLLE/PALs mounting ladders and it has been suggested that this will replace webbing in the future.

Osprey and other PALS CBA has plenty of space for pouches on the front, so can replace a vest or chest rig. The problem is the risk of shrapnel from carrying magazines, radios, pens, grenades and other paraphernalia below the face when operating in an environment with a high threat from IEDs.

Minimising facial injuries with the battle belt

Some people consider the increased risk of facial injury in IED blasts is outweighed by the benefits of having the equipment so well placed and express doubt about the significance of facial injuries when the lower limb injuries associated with IED blasts are so severe by comparison.

This Tribe approached the experts. A senior medical source from Selly Oak hospital confirmed that a large proportion of IED blasts cause significant facial trauma and this is often caused by objects carried by the casualty. He added "although protective eye wear continues to make a significant difference, minimising the quantity of loose items on the front of body armour is also extremely important".

Vanguard Multicam MOLLE Battle Belt and Lightweight Yoke

Enter the All Arms Modular Belt Rig ("battle belt") from specialist British webbing manufacturer Vanguard Products. This is a MOLLE waist belt that accepts issued or purchased pouches, but most importantly allows the wearer to get more of them around the sides and lower back; where kidney pouches are on normal webbing. The best of both worlds to some extent - allowing the safe use of CBA and MOLLE. Nothing is ever perfect though and there are problems.

Access to magazines

Osprey is bulky stuff, particularly on smaller people. Getting a pouch open that sits just under Osprey is at best tricky and if the pouch in question is a magazine pouch then most definitely life threatening.

The battle belt is therefore for essential equipment, but not for bulky items needed in split seconds under pressure. Magazine pouches will have to be higher - on the CBA, or lower, on the thigh in a drop-leg ammo pouch. The smaller grenade pouches are less of an issue, and of course the battle belt is ideal for first aid kit and utility pouches.

Comfort and the lightweight yoke

All webbing has to be comfortable of course. Because Vanguard's battle belt is designed for use with Osprey, this is something of a challenge. Vanguard have addressed it by producing a lightweight under-armour yoke and when used with the battle belt, all of the adjustment buckles are at the level of the belt rather than in front of the shoulders.

Osprey CBA with MOLLE Battle Belt

Using the lightweight yoke means that the Osprey is not resting on buckles and lengths of strap. It does make the height of the webbing difficult to adjust on the move though, but that's a small price to pay for most users. The belt itself is suitably well padded and comfort is really down to how big the wearer is compared with the Osprey and how many pouches are squeezed on

So - Vanguard's AAMBR battle belt - an excellent piece of equipment with some minor limitations to bear in mind. Essential for those who want to use MOLLE pouches, but believe that the carriage of equipment on the front of CBA should be minimised.