You know why bagpipers march back and forth while they play? To get away from the music! So, here’s the new 5.11 Tactical “Tactical Kilt.” Endorsed by Kyle Lamb and Scruffy Wallace of the Drop Kick Murphys. There can be only one!
As Soldier Systems said, well played 5.11, well played…
Long-time loyal Tactical Fanboy reader and snarky peanut-gallery commentator Red Two Alpha has posted a review of his TAD Gear jacket over on Kit Up! I figured I would send you thataway, if you’re like me and you’re a gear whore. Read the article.
Red 2 Alpha on the range in a TAD Gear Spectre.
Then don’t forget to pick up a limited edition SSD ‘Keep Calm and Return Fire’ t-shirt from Tactical Distributors today! Available in Black or Tan in sizes S-XXL.
Japanese fashion label Sophnet has developed two pieces of Camouflage knitwear as part of their Spring/Summer 2012 line. The Camouflage Knit Cardigan has the blue sleeves and full-back camo while the Camouflage Crew Neck Knit features the single sleeve camo. Pricing for the Cardigan is ¥26,250 ($330 US) and ¥23,100 ($290 US) for the Crew Neck. If you ask me, the line needs more MultiCam and A-TACS, especially at that price.
Need a new hat? Want a new hat even if you don’t need it? The new MilSpec Monkey mesh variant GG-Hat is now live on the MSM store. 
It’s built to shed heat for “desert dwellers” or those of you who are slowly cooked in the humidity of summer along the third coast. The foundation is a FlexFit cap with the top rivet removed and hook-and-loop sewn on.
Tactical Fanboy: the new MSM cap.
The front panel is approx 4″ x 3″ and the rear is 3″ x 3″ with a 5.5″ x 1″ strip at the bottom for name tapes. There is even a 2″ x 2″ diamond up top for those of you who are so high speed low drag and important you need IR tabs. The Monkey mentions it in the description, but we’ll reiterate it: this design gives good functionality without looking like you’re wearing a Velcro wig. There is a lanyard attachment point on the bottom too, should you need it for whatever reason. Pay attention to the sizing details.
It is our contention that all new SOF characters in the next Modern Warfare and Battlefield incarnations should wear these (and maybe use some RAMPS: more on that later).
SSD has followed the development of Combat Flipflops pretty much since the beginning. (You may recall the picture of their SHOT Show debut on Tactical Mama’s feet.) In any case, they are cruising right along, expanding their product line and providing impressive assistance to the Afghans working at their factory. At first blush it might seem strange, getting behind “flip-flops” made in Afghanistan, but the guys helping the HNs making this happen are incredibly passionate about it. Think about it…there will be just a limited market for the ANA combat boots they started making. Once that’s done, then what? Here’s a viable way to support the indigenous economy, help train skilled workers and give them an opportunity to $10-a-bomb IED planting or narcotics cultivation. I was really impressed by these guys and am looking forward to SSD readers getting to learn more by dint of the Combat Flipflop Whiskey-5 (which will be coming soon).
Soldier Systems: Tactical Mama sportin' her Combat Flip Flops on the floor at SHOT.
Griff says they have some new models coming down the pike, including Jingle Trucks (So Loud You’ll Hear Them Coming), the Burkhas (Ladies Only) and the Technicals (Utilitarian footwear with heavy weapon embellishments). You can watch for the latest developments on the Combat Flip Flops Facebook page.
In the meantime check out the pictures they’ve posted on their production facility in Afghanistan on the Combat Flip Flops website.
Soldier Systems Daily: The Evolution of the Combat Flip Flop Facility in Afghanistan
Check out their video:
One of the advantages of attending SHOT is not just being able to see new products at all the different booths. One of the things I like
most is the opportunity to catch up with so many individuals from so many places all in one week. You may run into one or two at the NTOA Conference, then another a New Breed of Warrior, but darn near everyone attends SHOT. This gives you the chance to hear and see what they’ve seen and heard and like, what kind of EDC or specialty kit they’re running, etc. When you run into multiple peers wearing something or talking about something they say you should investigate, you’d be foolish not to.
Over the course of SHOT I bumped into several friends who spoke very highly of the Cobra belts from Jones Tactical LLC. So we’re clear, I haven’t gotten my hands on one or worn one, but I heard nothing but good things (I wear a Yates CQB Cobra and love it, though I intend to give the Jones belt a try). Among those who advised their preference for Jones Tactical belts: MilsSpec Monkey, one of the engineers from War Sport, a USSA instructor and a couple of friends who prefer to remain anonymous.
You can find more information on the various belts on the Jones Tactical website and Facebook page, and a lot of pictures on their Flickr page.
SSD: Jones Tactical belts of various colors
Hot Leaf Camo was at SHOT showing off stylish women’s hunting cam they say is the “hottest thing to happen to hunting since women”! They’re trying to garner enough support to get their camo into stores. They don’t actually have a product you can buy yet, they’re looking for women who do hunt and might want a “cute & stylish” but functionally effective camouflage to get behind ’em and help make that happen.
BLEND IN. STAND OUT.™
Check out the Hot Leaf website or go like ’em on Facebook to learn more and help support ’em.
I knew as I passed this company’s booth at SHOT that it would be among the highest levels of irresponsibility for me to not write something about them, right? Anyway, Wilderness Dreams sells lingerie, nightwear, and swimwear in three camouflage colors: Pink, Snow, and Mossy Oak Break Up. Seen above is the Baby Doll Set in Pink. They also have a smaller line, only three items so far, of menswear in Mossy Oak Break Up.
Hazard 4 had an impressive showing of new bags, apparel, and accessories at this year’s SHOT Show.
Poncho Villa
The Poncho Villa is made from a water-resistant, breathable softshell fabric with 100% waterproof seams throughout. It has large Velcro panels on the front and back for agency identification, as well as smaller panels on the shoulders and head-back. Large perimeter grommets allow the Villa to be hung as a tarp. A generous fit easily encompasses packs, bags, head wear, and other gear, and side snaps and a front to chin zipper allow the wearer to close the edges and neck in severe weather. The entire poncho fits into its own vented front pocket for storage.
Colors: Coyote/Black
Gear Whore’s Anonymous just closed down preorders for their new Combat Pocket Tee (CPT) Mark I, inspired by the one “Colonel Smith” was wearing in the movie “The A-Team”. GWA, if you weren’t aware of it, is a page for all gear whores everywhere: the obsessed, the addicted and even those in recovery.
The images below are roughs made by GWA out of raw materials, so it’s not an exact portrayal.
Tactical Fanboy: Combat Pocket Tee from Gear Whores Anonymous
It’s Winter and (mostly) everybody loves Star Wars, so why wouldn’t there be a hoodie based on Chewbacca, Han Solo’s loyal Wookie partner? It’s made from 100% faux Wookie fur (polyester), with an embroidered ammunition sash. Sadly, the hood doesn’t feature Chewie’s likeness, but there’s a hat that fulfills that role quite nicely.
For Day #7 we have Triple Aught Design Shemaghs. Manufactured from long staple cotton, the TAD Shemagh has their mean T-Skull logo embroidered right into the pattern.
Also, don’t forget, today’s winners as well as every other winner, will receive a 2012 Tac Girls Calendar. (Just the calendar, not any of the girls)
To Enter
Enter the comment section of THIS post, here on Tactical Fanboy. We’re going to do something different today. Pick a number between 001 and 999. In a few hours we’ll close the comments section and randomly select winners using order of entry. The numbers you select don’t mean anything other than you can’t select the same number as someone else. It’s just to make you pay attention. If you do post the same number as someone else, the person who selected the number first will keep it and your entry will be forfeit. If someone already has the number, you can’t use it again. Don’t dilly dally. We could close comments at any time. And, remember to use a valid email address so we can inform you in case you win. One entry per email address per contest. You have to enter each one separately in order to win.
Details at soldiersystems.net/the-12-days-of-tactical-christmas.
Black Palm Syndicate jumped in and got their hands dirty by offering up 6 Softshell MultiCam caps. Dubbed, the “One Cap To Rule Them All” these Flexfit hats feature a Velcro patch on the front with a merrowed edge. They are simply awesome.
Also, don’t forget, today’s winners as well as every other winner, will receive a 2012 Tac Girls Calendar. (Just the calendar, not any of the girls)
To Enter
In the comment section of THIS post, here on Tactical Fanboy, tell us about your favorite hat. In a few hours we’ll close the comments section and randomly select a winner. Don’t dilly dally. We could close comments at any time. And, remember to use a valid email address so we can inform you in case you win. One entry per email address per contest. You have to enter each one separately in order to win.
Details at soldiersystems.net/the-12-days-of-tactical-christmas.
Kit Up! just ran an article about the Mad Duo’s picks for last minute “tactical apparel” Christmas gift suggestions. We’ve got a couple we’d like to add to that list…yeah, we know, they only had so much space, but these need to be mentioned.
There really isn't much to say about this one. Tactical Fanboy loves Rogue American Apparel. Did we mention that?
Designed by 6amChris and available on redbubble, this t-shirt print puts a Star Wars twist on the traditional Rifleman’s Creed while also featuring Darth Vader’s lightsaber and the Empire’s symbol. There’s also a Luke Skywalker/Rebel Alliance version, if you’re into that sort of thing.
We like these skivvies. You may recall that we’ve discussed RE Factor Tactical in the past, as has Soldier Systems when they talked about the RE Factor 9-Line placard. Well, they’ve got some very nice new apparel for the tactical lady in your life (or just a lady you’d like to get tactical with). Check out the RE Factor Tactical Women’s MRE Panties. Unlike the standard MREs that are good mostly for industrial grade constipation and some pungent aromas in the hooch, these actually look appetizing. From the company: “Mmmm… an MRE you can actually enjoy. Made and hand-printed in the USA, these hot pants are made of soft cotton and designed to be cheeky. Front features ‘MRE’, back left feature the TNT molecule seen in the RE Factor Tactical logo.”
Sadly, we don’t have any that have been modeled yet other than the one from the actual storefront. Perhaps someday soon we’ll see them on Tac Girls, the MagPul Calendar, the Hot Shots Calendar, the Sure Shots or even the Dystopian Slut Militia.
No offense intended for any of them, of course, we’re speaking only about aesthetic appreciation.
Remember reading about Rogue American Apparel? Their women’s line is now out, and not only are their shirts just as cool as the men’s line, the models are way hotter (and have more hair). Rogue American t-shirts are hand 
distressed, so every one is unique, and each design has only 500 printed. RAA supports the Brothers in Arms Foundation with every sale, and frequently runs special designs that are completely devoted to helping fallen or injured Warriors (which is why you should like them on Facebook). To quote their website, “Our tees have the same cut and feel as Ed hardy, we just don’t let douchebags wear them.”
IKT Clothing is pretty simple in its mantra. Say what you mean, mean what you say. The founder is a former Marine Scout-Sniper turned Army SF veteran who spent more than a little time in the sandbox. T
hey have several designs, all revolving around one simple (but kick ass theme). You might guess that theme by reading the name of the whole line of apparel (though they have t-shirts, hoodies, patches, decals, et al). Learn more about them on Facebook and let ’em know Tactical Fanboy sent you. (Oh, and despite what you might think, they’re not snake-eater snobs; you don’t have to do a tab check to buy their stuff, as long as you’re a patriotic American who supports…well, killing terrorists).
I.K.T., LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
The Founder of IKT CLothing, on the left.
Yes, #7. Why 7? Because their swag is just cool as hell. RE Factor Tactical.RE Factor, if you ask (and you will) means Relative Effectiveness as it pertains to TNT (which has an RE of 1). Other explosives ar
e measured from there (in simple terms; there’s actually more to it than that).
“We checked that spare magazines were ready to pull out. Pick them up the wrong way and you waste a precious second or two turning them around. Put them in your belt kit with the curve the right way up, and they’re ready to slap into place. A lot of people put a tab of masking tape on the mag to make it easier to pull out. When my mags were empty, I’d throw them down the front of my smock for refilling later. We could use the rounds from the belts of the Minimi…” Andy McNab, Bravo Two Zero
McNab and his kit, from the book.
Once upon a time, smocks were at the top of the list when it came to trading swag with the Brits. Scoring one was a Big Deal. I remember in Saudi and Kuwait back in ’90 and ’91, scoring a desert para smock was the height of triumph, and and anything rumored to be an “SAS smock” was beyond price. Looking back now, most of the alleged SAS smocks came from Paras, and most of the “Para smocks” came from infantry units (or that’s what it seems like, anyway).
Anyway, this new First Spear smock mentioned over on Soldier Systems is going to be a hit. Unfortunately now I’m going to have to buy one…the chances of trading for one is slim to none. Eventually I want one of the original Denison smocks, but that may just be a pipe dream.
You know what’s sad? There are thousands of young American troops now who have no idea why us older guys really wanted one of these. Next up? I’m gonna need a Cold War era Barbour jacket, but we’ll concentrate on the smock first.
WW II era Denison Smock
Sniper from HM Scots Guards, the Falklands
The Squadron Smock from First Spear (via Soldier Systems)
The TD beanie is a one-size-fits-all fleece beanie. It features a front facing Velcro section with an M4 profile sewn in the middle for placing morale patches, and a Velcro strip in the back, for an additional patch/nametag. I have a sand one myself, and I have to say its quite comfortable. Also available in black.
Speaking of TD, they’re currently holding a special promotion for select Arc’teryx purchases. If you buy a Talos item, pant or shirt, you get a free pair of Arc’teryx Knee Caps in coyote. This is on a per-item basis as well, not just one per customer, so if you happen to purchase both a shirt and pant or two shirts and two pants, three of each, etc., you get an equivalent number of pairs of Knee Caps. If you’ve been holding out on getting a pair of Talos pants, now’s the perfect opportunity.
www.tacticaldistributors.com/
PEO Soldier has posted some new pictures of kit over the last few days. We figured we’d share them with you.
Individual MCEP Goggles:
The Army Combat Pant (ACP) is a flame resistant pant designed for use in rugged combat environments. The ACP features a ruggedized, anti-abrasion coated seat panel, stronger twill fabric in the body of the pants, and stretch fabric at key stress points. The ACP has integrated, removable hard-shell knee pads with both horizontal and vertical points of adjustment built into the pants.
The flame-resistant (FR) Army Combat Shirt (ACS) is worn under the Soldier’s Interceptor Body Armor instead of the Army Combat Uniform or the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform jacket and standard-issue T-shirt, reducing bulk for Soldiers operating in extreme climates.
Made from French Twill cotton, the Couch Commando Drawstring Pants feature six large pockets, including two oversized gusseted cargos, a flat-felled inseam, clever stitching detail, and drawstring ankle cinches. Available colors include Black, Olive Drab, Desert Khaki, and the limited edition ‘Digital Camo’ which consists of a digital pattern mashed up with classic 8-bit imagery from games such as Pac-Man and Galiga. These are the perfect pants for everyone who defends the world from the Nazi commie robot zombie plague with nothing but a six pack of root beer, a comfortable recliner, and a game controller at their side.
The SORD hoodie is constructed from a soft-shell polyester blend and features a Kangaroo pocket (appropriate considering it’s an Australian company). In addition, it also features zippered side vents and front side pockets as well as an elastic retention hood. Despite my extensive description, it’s a very simple and functional garment. Looks great. I want one.
