SHOP DROP

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!!

THIS MONTH WE’VE GOT A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT PIECES OF RETAIL-RELATED NEWS TO SHARE, BOTH ABOUT BRANDS THAT WE’VE BEEN WORKING WITH CLOSELY AND THAT WE’VE MENTIONED ONLINE IN THE “WEBSITE DAILIES” BUT THOUGH THEY NEEDED MORE SPACE!

In Issue 137 we carried an overview of what Outrider Tactical is all about, and we were definitely interested to see their T-Shirt being worn by a certain President still standing up to Russian despotism! Bill looked specifically in the overview at some of the gear, but his testing has continued (actually he never stops!) and now that the gear is hitting many good stores. Several garments were highlighted in his original article, but here’s some more information on a couple more pieces he’s been trying out!

The T.O.R.D. Performance Polo has an innovative fabric composition (50% Lyocell and 50% Polyester) that creates some serious advantages Lyocell, I’m told, warms almost as well as sheep’s wool, cools similarly to linen and is more wicking than cotton, and in the recent hot weather the latter has proved invaluable during ranges session. In addition, Lyocell is extremely tear-resistant even when wet, making it a very durable material. The fabric is very soft and comfortable to wear, the honeycomb structure on the inside allows better ventilation and dries moisture from the body more quickly. Bacteria growth is reduced by Lyocell in a natural way and completely without chemical additives. Thus far, a big thumbs-up from me!

The T.O.R.D. Flex Pant AR is characterized by durability, functionality, light weight and high mobility. To achieve the best possible freedom of movement, a stretchable fabric has been used, which is additionally coated to repel stains and water; a 65% polyester / 35% cotton mix that benefits from mechanical stretch, this fabric is Teflon coated to increase durability so the pants keep on looking as good as they did when new. The design offers many storage options and at the same time leaves a low profile for the wearer. The waistband height is optimized for concealed holsters to be ideally covered by a shirt or jacket. The sophisticated pocket and interior pocket concept offers many options for organizing

equipment. So far, everything about these pants for me is positive!

To check out all the great new garments available from OUTRIDER TACTICAL please visit https://outridertactical.com

Second on the list of “must share the news brands” is our old and trusted friends at SNUGPAK; as Bill is currently working on the “TOD” column and talking about “overnighter solutions” we were very pleased to see something a bit different when it comes to “camo solutions”, and Snugpak, the UK’s leading sleeping bag and insulated clothing manufacturer has a whole collection of products featuring the brand’s best-selling “Terrain Pattern”. Users will now be able to mix and match products to complete their collections!

A number of their most popular sleeping bag models are now available in Terrain Pattern. The Snugpak Explorer Kids sleeping bag for the “littlest ones” is ideal for sleepovers or camping trips and as it can be opened fully to add versatility it can be used as quilt or blanket as well. In addition, the Sleeper Lite, Sleeper Extreme and Sleeper Expedition are ideal camping sleeping bags and an introduction to Snugpak’s performance range. They all are mummyshaped and have different warmth ratios depending on your needs. All the sleeping bags in the Sleeper collection are robust and durable with a soft touch feel and a manageable pack size.

When it comes to shelter from the elements the compact Ionosphere (a firm AA favourite!) is a two-pole, one door, easy to pitch (inner first) tent for overnight stays, wild camping and adventure racing. The inner tent is made of a No-See-Um Mesh Mosquito Net which not only keeps out bugs and snakes but it can also be used without the fly as a stand-alone mosquito shelter/barrier in the summer months and in warmer climates. When weight is a consideration, the Ionosphere packs down small with a light trail weight of only 1.2kg / 2.65lbs (fly, poles and inner tent) and doesn’t take up valuable space, making it suitable when weight and pack size are vitally important. A Terrain flysheet is also available for anyone who already owns an Ionosphere (we’ll be looking at this in detail in “TOD” next month!).

Snugpak’s popular bushcraft range has a capsule of sleeping solutions which are available in Terrain Pattern, including the Tropical Hammock which is strong, lightweight and easy to set up, thanks to the Suspension Attachment System. Made out of “550” paracord with spaced out knots, it allows for various attachment points and distances from the tree. No more fumbling and tying knots, simply wrap the Suspension Attachment System around the desired tree then run the knotted end through the loop end and attach the carabiner on the hammock to the knotted section to achieve the desired length and height when setting up. The Hammock comes in a stuff-sack with the suspension system guy ropes, carabiners and tree protectors.

Snugpak‘s Jungle Hammock has all the features and benefits of the Tropical Hammock but with an added mosquito net. It offers the perfect solution when you are out in the wild and protection is needed from mosquitos or midges. The Polyester net features 1000 mesh per sq. inch which will ensure that no insects disturb your sleep.

The All Weather Shelter G2 is a rhombus shaped 3x x 3m tarp shelter that offers versatile protection from the elements thanks to its taped seams and waterproof polyester rip-stop. The shelter can be configured as a traditional diamond-shaped tarp, Fly, Lean-to Shelter, as well as other free-standing shelter designs. It comes with four extendable guy lines and eight alloy tent pegs making it ideal as an emergency shelter for group activities and wild camping. A smaller tarp, the Stasha G2 is also available.

For further information or to buy online via one of Snugpak’s preferred stockists, head over to www. snugpak.com AA