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.