PLAYING WITH KYPTONYTE

LASERLYTE RML K-15 KRYPTONYTE -  This little laser site comes in black or tan and mounts easily to anything with a rail. It offers travers and elevation dials to setup your site alignment which takes about 5 min right out of the box if your sites are on. The green kryptonyte laser it produces is amazingly brilliant and easy to see and the addition of the temporary on pressure switch is nice allowing you to use when you need it and not as a constant here I am beckon. The down side to this as with all weapons electronics is battery life being short. The K-15 uses CR123/SureFire batteries and chews through them relatively fast. That said it only takes one at a time and has a watertight compartment. The K-15 can be submersed for limited amounts of time as we found out the hard way and works just as well in the rain. For the price you get a decent piece of kit. Compared to the cost for other similar systems it's a good place to start but make no mistake it's not a military grade site.

CONSTRUCTION 7/10 - The K-15 is made of quality materials and despite its size doesn't have that cheap crappy feel.  It can take more then a few good smacks against random door frames and car doors and other objects that seem to be part of the daily grind.  Surprisingly it can be submersed for a limited amount of time and still works great.  If there is any complaint it's the batter life and the temp on switch which will require replacement after consistent use so you mite want to get a back up.

DESIGN 3/10 - nothing special about the design, it's a compact laser weapons site.

DURABILITY 6/10 - It has held up despite being bashed against everything have come in contact with over the last 6 months.

OVER ALL IMPRESSION 6/10 - The cost in regard to results makes this a nice little piece of kit for any active shooter.  It is highly visible even over distances better then 300 meters. It is compact which means you don't have to remove it from your weapon system when you store it.  Over all it's a laser site and it works.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Well, as of 11hrs ago I caved in.  There is now a CARNAGE TACTICAL Page on Facebook.  Some of the new gear we've looked at will be posted there as well as some of the older posts.  In addition I'll have a few new write ups come January, as with the Christmas coming in 13 days I'll be focusing on family and friends instead of shiny kit.  With that look to read reviews on the MYSTERY RANCH WOLFPACK with BVS, the PROTEC A-BRAVO Helmet, the CONTOUR ROAM HD Video Camera and the ACR MS 2000 IR Strobe.  I've also been working on a video review of the MOSSBERG TACTICAL 22 LR (PLINKSTER 207/217)

Merry Christmas to you all, best wishes to you and yours.  To those still over seas during this time of year we'll be thinking of you and stay safe.

ROCKY C4T Boots

Over the last nine months I've been rotating two sets of ROCKY C4T's while in a mountainous/desert terrain (three guesses where).  I picked up the boots based on my absolute love of the ROCKY S2V Boots, which are my go to do everything boots.  I initially loved the boots, they were light weight, comfortable and cool on the feet.  Perfect for an environment where its up to 52 C (125.6 F) during the day.  I also loved that ROCKY used the same amazing inserts seen in the S2V.  The quality of the build and materials that went into these boots was exceptional as per with ROCKY.

My issues with the boots started with the training mentality, they were designed to be used as a runner rather then a tactical boot.  This is never more visible then when you look at the tread, or rather lack of tread on the boots.  In cold weather with any ice or on smooth surfaces the boots would slip and if you wanted to cover rough terrain you'll feel every stone, pebble and curb almost like a barefoot runner.

My second issue was about five months in.  The sole/tread section on both sets started to separate from the boot on the sides, despite rotating between two pairs.  The suede and canvas used to construct the boots held up aside from mildew and discolouring due to perspiration and periodic high levels of humidity.

In general the boots did what they were designed to do, but not for as long as I would expect from a ROCKY Product.  If I had to suggest two changes to the design I would forgo the reduced weight for a slightly more robust tread (not much) and a way of ensuring reduced damage from moisture both on the inside and outside.

CONSTRUCTION 7/10:  I'm constantly impressed by the materials ROCKY uses and that the basic construction of these boots reminds me of the old jungle/desert boots minus the rock hard soles.

DESIGN 6/10:  Again the boot its self was well designed but I would like to see a more aggressive tread, something that would lend to military training instead of running on a road.

DURABILITY 4/10:  My biggest issue was how fast the boot broke down.  If the limited tread didn't wear down it actually bushed back into the sole of the boot.

OVERALL IMPRESSION 6/10:  Would I buy these again?  Yes, I would but more as a set of backups boots or to wear in the gym because they just didn't hold up the way I wanted them to.  If you are looking for a training boot giver her these will do and for the price you can't complain.  If you're looking for something to fight in or tack into the tree line I'd find a different boot.

pictures are coming, camera needs a charge. 

The 11th Hour, On The 11th Day, Of The 11th Month

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

LCol John McCrae, 3 May 1915

We are a nation of children borne from great acts of valour and bravery. It is not in us to forget those that fought and gave for our rights and freedoms; be they those who died long ago or since. Be it the grandfather and fathers or our brothers we say farewell to, we will remember the light they shared and the acts they committed.

Sgt Donald Lucas

Pte Kevin Kennedy

Cpl Aaron E. Williams

Pte David R. Greenslade

Cpl Christopher P. Stannix

Cpl Brent Poland

Cpl Kevin Megeney

Cpl Albert Storm

CWO Bob Girouard

Sgt Darcy Scott Tedford

Pte Blake Neil Williamson

Tpr Mark Andrew Wilson

Sgt Craig Paul Gillam.

Cpl Robert Thomas James Mitchell

Pte Josh Klukie

Cpl Glen Arnold

Pte David Byers

Cpl Shane Keating

Cpl Keith Morley

Pte Mark Anthony Graham

Pte William Jonathan James Cushley

WO Frank Robert Mellish

WO Richard Francis Nolan

Sgt Shane Stachnik

Cpl David Braun

Cpl Andrew James Eykelenboom

MCpl Jeffrey Scott Walsh

MCpl Raymond Arndt

Pte Nathan Smith

Pte Terry John Street

Pte Kevin Dallaire

Sgt Vaughan Ingram

Cpl Bryce Jeffrey Keller

Cpl Christopher Jonathan Reid

Cpl Francisco Gomez

Cpl Jason Patrick Warren

Cpl Anthony Jeseph Booeca

Capt Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard

Cpl Matthew David James Dinning

Bdr Myles Stanley John Mansell

Cpl Randy Payne

Pte Robert Costall

MCpl Timothy WiIson

Cpl Paul Davis

Pte Brawn Scott Woodfield

Cpl Jamie Brendan Murphy

Cpl Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger

Sgt Robert Alan Short

Cpl Ainsworth Dyer

Pte Richard Green

Sgt Marc D. Leger

MCpl Allan Stewart

Tpr Patrick James Pentland

MCpl Anthony Klumpenhouwer

Cpl Matthew McCully

MCpl Darrell Jason Priede

Tpr Darryl Caswell

Sgt Christos Karigiannis

Cpl Stephen Frederick Bouzane

Pte Joel Vincent Wiebe

Capt Matthew Johnathan Dawe

Cpl Cole Bartsch

Cpl Jordan Anderson

Capt Jefferson Francis

Pte Lane Watkins

MCpl Colin Bason

Major Raymond Ruckpaul

Pte Simon Longtin

MCpl Christian Duchesne

MWO Mario Mercier

Cpl Nathan Hornburg

Cpl Nicholas Beauchamp

Pte Michel Levesque

Gnr Jonathan Dion

Cpl Eric Labbe

WO Hani Massouh

Tpr Richard Renaud

Cpl Etienne Gonthier

Tpr Michael Yuki Hayakaze

Bdr Jérémie Ouellet

Sgt Jason Boyes

Cpl Michael Starker

Capt Richard Leary

Capt Jonathan (Jon) Snyder

Pte Colin William Wilmot

Cpl Brendan Anthony Downey

Cpl James Hayward Arna

MCpl Josh Roberts

MCpl Erin Doyle

Sgt Shawn Eades

Cpl Dustin Wasden

Spr Stephan John Stock

Cpl Andrew Grenon

Cpl Mike Seggie

Pte Chad Horn

Lt Justin Garrett Boyes

Sgt Scott Shipway

Cpl Mark McLaren

Pte Demetrios Diplaros

WO Robert Wilson

Cpl Thomas James Hamilton

Pte Justin Peter Jones

Pte John Michael Roy Curwin

Pte Michael Bruce Freeman

WO Gaeten Joseph Roberge

Sgt Greg John Kruse

Tpr Brian Richard Good

Cpl Bryce James Keller

Cpl Christopher Jonathan Reid

Pte Kevin Dallaire

MCpl Raymond Arndt

Spr Sean David Greenfield

WO Dennis Raymond Brown

Cpl Dany Fortin

Cpl Kenneth (Chad) O'Quinn

Tpr Marc Diab

MCpl Scott Francis Vernelli

Cpl Tyler Crooks

Tpr Jack Bouthillier

Tpr Corey Joseph Hayes

Tpr Karine Blais

Pte Alexandre Peloquin

Cpl Martin Dubé

Cpl Nick Bulger

MCpl Charles-Philippe Michaud

Cpl Martin Joannette

Pte Sébastien Courcy

Spr Mathieu Allard

Cpl Christian Bobbit

Maj Yannick Pepin

Cpl Jean-François Drouin

Cpl Patrick Lormand

MCpl Pat Audet

Pte Jonathan Couturier

Spr Steven Marshall

Lt Andrew Nutall

Sgt George Miok

Cpl Zachery McCormack

Sgt Kirk Taylor

Pte Garrett Chidley

Sgt John Wayne Faught

Cpl Joshua Caleb Baker

Capt Frank Paul

Cpl Darren James Fitzpatrick

Pte Tyler William Todd

PO2 Douglas Craig Blake

Pte Kevin McKay

MCpl Byron Greff

Col Geoff Parker

Tpr Larry Rudd

Sgt Martin Goudreault

Sgt James Macneil

MCpl Kristal Giesebrecht

Pte Andrew Miller

Spr Brian Collier

Cpl Brian Pinksen

Cpl Steve Martin

Cpl Yannick Scherrer

Bdr Karl Manning

MCpl Francis Roy

This is not every name we honour as we gather today, this is not every act, name or brother that will no longer see the light of day or feel the chill of night. But for these and more we will stand in silence, no pain or joy, no future. We will remember these names and more not only today but until we join them or can no longer stand.

INFORCE White/IR Multifunction Weapon Mounted Light, Part One

Prior to this deployment, a long time friend of mine, Earl Green, from Phase Line Green Tactical, recommended a new weapon light to me. Knowing his long experience in the tactical community and our shared belief in high quality gear for operators, I listen to his advice. He was recommended the INFORCE White/IR WML. I did a bit of online research on the WML and contacted their Canadian Distributor RAMPART INTERNATIONAL. After talking to the helpful staff, I ordered the light for use on this deployment. A few days later, it arrived in the mail.

Initial impressions

Immediately, I was impressed by the solid construction and feather-weight of the light. A compact 3 oz (0.085 kilogram) package.  It is a game of ounces. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. The controls seemed intuitive and simple for use in tactical applications. Then, I put a single CR123 into the light and checked out the intensity and beam shape. WOW! The INFORCE WML produces 125 lumens of white light with a tight beam appropriate out to mid-range and balanced peripheral light for discrimination of the surrounding area.

The angled activation button compliments my shooting technique, many other techniques as well, and eliminates the need for wires and remote switches.  It has been my experience that wires and tape switches have a habit of failing at the most in opportune times. Thus forcing you to switch to a handheld light which, while effective to illuminate threat areas, puts the operator into a non-standard shooting grip, then accuracy and speed are impaired.

Clamping system

INFORCE WML has an integrated NAR/MIL-STD-1913 rail compatible clamp with a simple and effective twisting lock system. No need to purchase a mounting system for this weapon light. There are no tools required. Simply, press the side of the clamping system, it will open, place it on the rail in its desired position and let go of the clamp. Once you are satisfied with the position, screw down the lock and it is set securely in position. I have found hand tight to be more than adequate for tactical usage.

Lockout

A white light negligent discharge (ND) can endanger a team and its mission. There are two lockouts on the INFORCE WML White/IR. The primary lockout it a simple lever that blocks the angled push button preventing and light ND. It can be moved in and out of lockout position with the operator’s thumb while in a fire position.  The secondary lockout, one I would use while transporting the weapon in a case, is to twist the bezel so the battery cannot connect.

LED/IR Selection lever

There is a switch on the side of the WML White/IR Light opposite to the clamping system. It has a white dot on it to designate the LED system; LED selection lever pointing forward with the white dot visible
for white light setting. By flipping the switch to the side without the white dot and you are in IR mode. LED selection lever pointing toward the back of the light for IR setting; no filters required. Pretty KISS!! It can be operated with a thumb while in a fire position. The orientation of the switch will depend on the side of the weapon which the light is clamped. The switch will be on the bottom with the light on the left side of the weapon. The light will be on the top if the light is clamped to the left side of the weapon.

LED light

The factory standard button set up is Momentary, Constant High, Low and Strobe.

•  Hold the angled button for momentary; as long as the button is depressed the light will stay on.
• Tap once for High: 125 lumens with approximately 2 hours of run time.
• Tap again to switch to Low: 30 Lumens with approximately 10 hours of run time.
• Double tap the angle button for Strobe: a devastating 125 lumen strobe!!!

The individual operator can program the light and reverse the High/Low to Low/High Capability and disable the strobe if they wish. I have play tested other setups and have returned to the factory setups. Reprogramming the light is simple and easy. I could easily see changing the setup to meet mission parameters as required.

IR Light

The factory standard button set up for IR mode is Constant, High, Low and Momentary.

• Hold the angled button for momentary; as long as the button is depressed the IR light will stay on.
• Tap once for High: 75 mW with approximately 3.5 hours of run time.
• Tap again to switch to Low: 25 mW with approximately 17 hours of run time.

There is no strobe option with IR mode which makes sense because you would wash out your own NVGs; especially in enclosed spaces.

This is an excellent light for tactical work. It is light, compact and effective with an extensive run time in all functions powered by a single CR123 battery. INFORCE, also, has a white light only variant of this light which is perfect for the homeowner or LEO that do not have access to night vision. Both are relatively inexpensive for a purpose built weaponlight. One Shot Tactical Supply is listing the WML White for $159.99 CAD and the White/IR variant for $189.99 CAD.

On this deployment, I have not really had the opportunity to ‘run’ this light. So, I have not really put this light through its paces; like I have with other weapon lights on other deployments. It has been dependable and it satisfying to have a solid reliable weapon light.  It is my intention to take part in a Phase Line Green Tactical 2 day Low Light course when I get INCAN. The performance of the light during this high intensity course will be the bulk of the INFORCE White/IR Multifunction Weapon Mounted Light, Part Two Article.

INFORCE WML White/IR user manual

INFORCE WML White light only user manual

IR Check

Howdy,

We, at Carnage Tactical, are always looking for ways to effectively check our gear before a gig. The link bellow is to a video on Youtube about confirming function of IR light sources. Enjoy.

DO NO HARM, DO KNOW HARM

STARLIGHT_CDN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp91LbrPkgo&feature=plcp

No Gear Can Fix It, No Kit Will Stop The Screaming

     We here at Carnage Tactical are supporters of the troops no matter where they go or what they do.  We our selves have served or do currently serve and have a shared perspective on how things look once you've been deployed and come home so please do read the following.

     Today It's not bout the gucci kit or the shiny kit syndrome (SKS) to day we are talking about Operational Stress Injuries (OSI), things like increased anxieties, anger and in some cases Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  These are the issues that effect troops and their families for years after the fight is over.  These are the scares and injuries you can't see in the flesh and bones of those who come home, this is the hurt and pain that lead to families shattering, suicides as well as alcohol and drug problems.  Now this is just a small look at the stereotypical issues you read about in the media or hear from some politician during the voting years.

    When I came home on leave during my last deployment I (with the help of my wife) found this group on Facebook called "Military Minds."  This is a group started by a Canadian Service Member with PTSD who is using his experiences to get those with issues to talk about what is wrong and helping to find ways to support them, not fix, but truly support those who need the help.

     Now we can't make anyone go to the Military Minds site, I can't even tell you I personally suffer from any form(s) of OSI.  What I can say is I have served with some of the best soldiers, sailors and airmen, I have lived with some of my best friends, my brothers and their families through some of the "lesser" forms of OSI right up to PTSD.  We need to make sure the old suck it up buttercup and ruck on ideals don't apply any more and that we get those who need it, the help they deserve and the respect they have earned as well.

     What I do ask right now is that you take that 5 to 10 minuets and actually read some of the Military Minds site and understand that sometimes giving ones life isn't the greatest price a soldier can pay, it could be living with the pain and anger and shame they are unwilling to admit to or can't fight alone.

     Here are some Canadian resources to help you understand OSI and PTSD. If anyone can offer a list of good American and British ones I'll post those as well.

Military Minds
Operational Stress Injuries Social Support 
Vetrans Affairs Canada
The Royal
St Joseph's Health Care London

INOVA 2A Flash Light

     I won't go over my son playing with it in the truck when we left the store and the button falling out because, as we all know children will find ways to destroy things in way no one else can imagine or even come up with.  But after 30 min of looking for a black circle on a black carpet in low light it was fixed.  These are things that just happen.... the button fell out... there should have been alarms going off in the back of my head that equated to a drill instructor saying "DON'T TAKE THIS WITH YOU!"

     INOVA 2A (AKA my battery eater).  I purchased this one having been pretty happy with INOVA products in the past.  Man was this a waist of money.  Right out of the box I went to replace the batteries as you should always do, god knowns how long the thing has been on the shelf being played with by every one and their kids. The first thing I hear as I get the tactical switch/base cap of a "Tink, tink, tink, tink........" as the button it's elf falls out of the base cap and rolls under my couch.  This should have been my point of realization, things are going wrong with this light.  So I drop "two" new batteries into it close it up and throw it in my kit as a backup light.  four days and 24hrs on multiple flights I drop my gear in a dark room my primary kit is stowed so I reach for my pack and pullout "dun, dun, dun!" my backup light which doesn't work?  So I switch out the batteries and grab my jungle bag and pillow I'll worry about the other stuff later.  Next day I'm fine with the light but that night I had to trade out the batteries as it slowly died in my hand after 30 min.  For  the next 4 months this is the routine every 2 to 3 days.  It's a good thing batteries are free for me at this time.  

I actually have to knock it against something now to get it to work.  You spend about $50.00 CAN on something and you expect it to be dependable and work properly.  Especially something made of quality materials by a company that is in the top 5 to 10 of it's competitors.

CONSTRUCTION 1/10:  I'll give it this the machined aircraft aluminum body and the rubber grip make a nice package, but the internal parts lack what is expected from INOVA.  I guess in a bad situation I could throw it at a scary sound in the dark and knock what ever it is out.  But I'll never known where it landed.  Why would you put time and development into one part and hump the bunk on the rest.  Wow it's bright but you can watch the light dim as you use it.

DESIGN 2/10: again feels nice in the hand and I can hit people with it but it's a pocket light not a freaking baton.

DURABILITY 0/10:  Burns out faster then candle held upside down, internal contacts don't hold up to storage of any time longer then two days and I have spent more time treating it like the linchpin in a horror movie then actually using it.

OVERALL IMPRESSION 0/10: I don't normally write about things I don't like, I also think there has to be one redeemable feature to any product that cost more then $10.00.  I gave the INOVA 2A a 0 because the scale we have set up doesn't allow me to give out negatives like - 10 for over all impression.  There is nothing about the 2A that draws me back to INOVA as a customer in fact if anything it makes me want to never purchase any of their products again and I can't even recommend them out of fear someone will die hold one of there products in hand while thinking WTF.

Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack

      There was awhile where I'll admit, I was of the opinion that Mystery Ranch (MR) was one of the companies where you payed for the name and the product came second.  Then I got my hands on one that belonged to a buddy of mine, so I read about the product some more and checked out the specs.  I'll be the first to say sorry guys, was I wrong!  I picked up a new 3 Day Assault Pack (3DAP) tri-zip.  This may be the first time I haven't needed to seal the seams in a pack since I was 14 years old.  I pulled it out of the box re adjusted it and took it for a day trip with the familia and then followed that up with an 8 km hike in the tree line the next day.  Comfort is not an issue with or without the plate pads installed and the more weight I added the better it felt on my back and shoulders.  As far as I'm concerned this is the pack to end all.  It's my replacement for everything, this and my MEC day pack is all I'll need for small runners.

When you open the 3 DAP the first thing you'll notice is the internal molle attachment points with a pocket below it on the back.  On each wing (left and right) are two pockets large enough to carry extra water bladders and two small mesh (heavy quality) pockets on each side.  The top of the pack has two pockets, one big enough for maps and a field message pad while the other has small organization pockets in it for kit and enough room for snacks and fast grabs right on top.

The pack was more then capable of carrying my 45 lbs son and more, I had it up to about 80 lbs and it felt fine on my back.  The padding on the shoulder straps and back were great and the chest strap helped maintain support of weight evenly.  On each side is a pocket big enough for a Camel-bak or Nalgene Bottle on the bottom with molle webbing above it so you can mount external pouches.

Mystery Ranch was nice enough to include a large velcro patch big enough for a flag and pers data patch.  The one shown here is about a 4 inch by 4 inch patch.  Additionally the reversed zippers are great for keeping water out, and since it's been raining for the last 6 days that has been great.

CONSTRUCTION 9/10:  The materials used by Mystery Ranch are great and the quality of work in the assembly is apparent right out of the box.

DESIGN 8/10:  The design of the 3 DAP is something new to the market.  The use of reversed zippers with a tri-zipper design for ease of access in a compact size is the first I've seen in the market, the only thing close is the Camel-bak which is a joint venture with Mystery Ranch.

DURABILITY 9/10:  I haven't had the Mystery Ranch 3 DAP to long now but I can see this pack lasting pretty much until I retire from my current employment. 

OVERALL IMPRESSION 10/10:  WOW, nice work, don't you wish you had one?  I think I'll be sleeping with mine on.  The only thing I have to complain about is the cost.  On average the 3 DAP cost about $100.00 more then most comparable tactical packs starting at $345.00 USD and topping off at $409.00 before you change colours or add upgrades, then the shipping not the fault of the manufacturer, starts at $80.00 so by the time I finished it cost about $450.00 minus the upgraded belt system (next purchase).  I'm expecting this one to out last my field career and be my hiking buddy for sometime after that.  If you want more detail, Gear Whores Anonymous and Imminent Threat Solutions have really good wright ups on the pack or you can always read about it on the Mystery Ranch site.


I'm thinking there mite be a NICE FRAME in my future.

Pictures to follow.

Triple Aught Designs Ranger Hoodie

     I've been looking at the Triple Aught Designs (TAD) Ranger Hoodie (RH) for a while, ITS did a write up on it last year and I was impressed with what they had to say about the RH.  I got home on leave and found a few boxes waiting for me, a Surefire X300, SERPA CQC, Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack and the TAD RH I ordered.  I won't lie, I ripped open the box like it was christmas and pulled out a grey RH with shoulder patches.  I looked at all the stitching, inspected the materials and zipped it up, as it's a bit colder at home then at work.  I fell in love with it and for so many reasons.

The quality of the materials was really good, and all the stitching was doubled up and glued.  The only thing I've had any issue with so far is the zipper, it sticks at the bottom.

pictures to come.

Patches, T-Shirts and Swag

I have been looking at creating a CARNAGE TACTICAL Patch to give out as swag and pump up the Blog. In addition I'll be having ten t-shirts made up in Coyote Brown with the CT Crest and Logo (Send One Spartan). The first five shirts are for Blog writers and staff. The Other Five t-shirts will be given out to contributing readers.

To kick off the idea here are some of the patches I've collected over the past few years. I'll have some test graphics up later to show the t-shirt and patch design.

Here is one of the T-SHIRT Designs, let us know what you think and if you have any ideas. If we use your suggestion we'll send you a shirt when they are finished.

SNUGPAK Sleeka Elite Reversible

So in all the new kit and innovations that are out there we seem to forget the staples of what we use. And before Arc'Teryx or Triple Aught Designs (TAD) or Blackhawk produced anything there was a company called Snugpak. Snugpak has been producing Sleeping Bags, Rucks and Clothing to suit the Military and Outdoors enthusiasts long before most of us were even around. I can remember about ten years back watching my buddy with some time in (TI), pulling out a small green ball from his ruck and then producing a green jacket from it that looked really warm. Mean while I was freezing and wet and just wanted to get it over with.

Two weeks later after a shower and some dry clothes I found myself one of those Softie Jackets. I'm now on my fourth Snugpak Jacket thanks to him. The new SNUGPAK Sleeka Elite Reversible that I recently picked up is a true staple for operating in cold weather. This Softie offers a few interesting updates and old school go to go (G2G).

Lets look at what's the same first. The nylon used to enclose the warmth of the gods is as it has been for years, thick enough to provide a resilient shell. I be honest, it's not really water prof but it dose hold out for a bit depending on the degree of water shed. Now the Elite is rated for comfort at -5 C and an extreme of -10 C. That said I've been wearing it in -20 to -30C with little issue.

One of the things I love about Snugpak is they use a light bungee cord and locks on the collar and waist to keep in the warmth. This allows the openings to move with you while maintaining a seal and offering adjustment for a personal comfort level. Additionally they continue to put an elastic tape on the cuffs which doesn't interfere with watches or gloves. I like them in comparison to some of the bulky velcro used by other companies.

Something else I love about Snugpak is the heavy zipper they use. I know this sounds like a little thing but having a zipper that just operates no matter what and dose so with ease, more especially when your hands are frozen, ice bitten and on the edge of frost bite. To me that's a big, little thing.

One of the newer things that Snugpak has been doing is adding a thicker nylon to the shoulders and top of the sleeves. This adds a more ruggedized component to the jacket and a stylized look for those who like to wear it in places other then just the field. On the alternate side which is black there is also a chest pocket which is big enough to hold a small note pad.

All in all, this is one of the staples for me and the boys. You can get an operators jacket or fleece and try to use them in cold weather. It just won't work the same or offer the longevity that a Snugpak can. Sure I'm on my fourth Softie, but I sold my first one when I thought I wouldn't be a field guy any more. Melted one during arctic warfare and the last one just met with enough CARNAGE to require a replacement.

Construction 9/10: The materials used and the quality are what we have come to expect from Snugpak. The Nylon is tough enough and the insulation is more then adequate.

Design 3/10: Well no offence to the guys at Snugpak but the design of the Elite is nothing new. It for the most part is the same thing they have been doing for years. That being said, you don't spend $150.00 CND on one for it looks, you do it because it's utilitarianism.

Durability 6/10: I haven't had one last longer then three years yet. Now in general that would be a long time but when comparing Military Gear this is kind of a below a baseline. I

Over All Impression 8/10: I won't lie, the little updates and changes in material which aren't things you'll really notice, are not enough to keep anyone interested. There's no velcro on the shoulders for patches or pockets covering every surface of your arms and chest. If you want to hide a comms set in your jacket, bring tape and don't forget to shave. However, the consistency in quality and construction, the dedication to making a product that won't let you down, these are things that keep people coming back year after year and hold interest. I won't tell you to go out and buy one right now or that a Snugpak jacket is the end all and be all. What I'll say is try one, borrow it from a buddy and see what happens. You'll thank yourself for it. And don't forget the compression bag they come with, makes it easy to pack.

ROCKY S2V Boots

One of the most commonly discussed things by most Troops or LEO's is footwear. You can go out for a smoke, or be in the canteen and hear guys debating why the boots they have, are the best thing going. After ten years of wearing everything from the issued Black Cadillac's, Magnum Stealths Gen 1 and Gen 2, Custom Danner's, Original SWAT, Bates and even Oakley's until they self destructed due to the Carnage of a fall training EX, I have finally found something truly amazing thanks to a friend.

ROCKY S2V. I've been wearing them for about year now to do everything from stand in front of classes instructing to patrolling in the waist deep swamp during late November. The first thing I noticed about the S2V was the aggressive vibram tread that rides up the side of the boot and the thick leather used on the different versions of the S2V. I originally figured they would be a light boot, something like the Original SWAT's I had. But oh no, these puppies are relatively heavy due of the materials used to ensure the S2V outlasts whatever you are doing with them.

The next thing I noticed was the instep is covered with this dimpled material which is to prevent the boot from wearing out if you happen to be doing any Fast Roping (comes without as well) and to actually help keep from burning up your arches.

What you can't see from the outside, is the insoles. One of the most amazing things ROCKY has done is stuffed in a sole that is thick and offers lots of cushion which helps ease the shock on the legs and knees. In conjunction, there are small cut outs on the bottom of the soles that work with venting located on the heel and toe of the S2V boot to help force water out. Trust me, I've put this to the test and it really helps. I made the mistake of not packing a second set of boots this November and spent the rest of the week with damp boots. Normally this would cause trench foot, but by simply rotating through clean socks, I was able to work through it and come out the other side with healthy, happy feet.

Now for the down side. There are only a few things to mention that even remotely come close to negative points. The venting in the S2V boots does allow strong winds to enter the boots, however, for the most part I've worn them in a Canadian winter and my feet were fine as far as cold. Second down is the steep price of about $200.00 to $280.00 CAN per set which is something most guys hate about the boots and just end up buying a $100.00 set of something else. I have two sets myself, and despite the price, I would recommend these to anyone who needs a rugged Mil Spec Tactical Boot. Last but not least is the three days it takes to break them in. The S2V's are made of thick tough materials and as a result can chew your ankles up a bit until they are broken in but it only takes a few days and the boot bites are gone after a week.

The ROCKY S2V (which stands for Stealth and Silence = Victory) are one of the most complete Tac Boots out today in my humble opinion. The best description I've heard to date is "Boots like those from Original SWAT are designed for LEO's who need to run guys down, the S2V is designed to kick the door in and boot stomp them instead of chasing them."

This is one of those "Spend the Money" pieces of kit that you can't go without. Given the choice, I would rather have one set of these then multiples of anything else.

Construction: 10/10 - Extremely well built and constructed.

Design: 10/10 – Thought that went into the S2V is apparent.

Durability: 10/10 – Longest lasting boot I've ever seen.

Over all impression: 10/10 – If your feet could be wrapped in love these are it.