BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

LAYER AND HYDRATE THIS - "IT'S COLD SUCK IT UP" a great little video from TRAVIS HALEY, HALEY STRATEGIC.  He talks about layering your clothing for the cold and ensuring you can still operate your gear.  Layer seams like a pretty easy thing to do specially with all the options out there, but you need to take into consideration the highs and lows predicted and know that this will change without mother nature giving you a heads up.  Your first layer should always be a wicking lay to unsure the sweat that builds up from being active is drawn away from your body.  Then you need a breathable mid layer and depending on the environment you may want two variable types, and last you need a shell, preferably something that blocks out the weather and moister while allowing the built up sweat to evaporate away helping to keep you dry.

BASE LAYER OR WICKING LAYER - are easy to find you just need a good one.  I'm personally big on MERINO WOOL, but you can find synthetics out there from companies like HELLY HANSEN, UNDER ARMOUR or THE NORTH FACE.  This is the most important layer as it is the one in contact with your skin and it collect and transfers the sweat away from you.

MID LAYERS - I use the pleural for this one because depending on your environment you may want more then one.  A cotton t-shirt is a good place to start as it will hold the sweat ones it been removed form the surface of your skin.  On top of this you'll want a wool or fleece of some kind, this can also be you final layer depending on the temperature and environmental conditions.  This layer will ensure that the heat being given off by your body is trapped in a final pocket and prevent the cold air from reaching the built up sweat or skin.

SHELL OR EXTERIOR - A good shell is the last thing you need and it will prevent things like winds and water from building up on the softer thicker layer and making you miserable.  Now depending on the time of year and environment you mite want something like a thin nylon or thicker lined material like GORTEX.

These layers work properly over extended amounts of time if you understand how they actually work and ensure you gear down or up according to your current activity in a certain environmental condition.  For example I may reduce my mid layer if it's warmer but leave on my shell if it's raining.  If I'm conducting heavy physical activity I'll remove my shell and or a mid layer so the sweat can evaporate faster and I stay warm.

One of the other considerations is you will want to feel a little cold, this will ensure you don't over heat to fast and sweat like your in the tropics.  Sweat in the winter or extreme cold is the enemy.  It will cool you down and effects areas like your feet, groin, bits and head first as these are the areas it will build first.  On top of all of this you loose more heat our of your head than any where else so ensure you have a good TOQUE (watch cap) or hat that will work or layer with everything else.  Other considerations are the level and quality of foot wear you're using, and can be done in layers.  I know personally my feet sweat extremely easily and freeze fast so a layered sock system as well a properly designed foot wear make the difference.  Something like a set of NEO'S over boots are a great add on as they offer the traction, versatility, and weather proofing of a MUKLUK without having to remove your trail boots or shoes and they take up very little room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll08xA_rWr0

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Learn/Clothing/DressingForTheOutdoors.jsp

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/expert-advice/layering-system-guide

http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/cip/Pages/ColdCasualtiesInjuries.aspx

HYDRATION - Now with all of the layers and activity you're going to sweat it's inevitable.  And like I said sweat is the enemy, not only because the cold can eventually kill or hurt you but because of dehydration will aid the cold in killing you.  There are a few secrets to hydration in winter or cold environments.  

One it takes a couple days to properly hydrate the human body.  You can't just start that day and expect to be ok.  

Warm fluids will absorb into your body faster then cold ones, but caffeine will dehydrate you so limiting things like coffee, tea and hot chocolate while you're outside for extended amounts of time is a good idea.

Think about bringing water or mixing a sport drink 50/50 with water instead.  

Sure snow melts but if you're going to melt snow or ice you need to boil it for at least ten minuets just to make sure the things that will make you sick and cause dehydration in your shorts is killed off.  

Now you can carry warm water and drinks in your pack but if you have a vehicle accessible you mite want a couple jeary cans or ice blocks to ensure you have a clean water source.

Now, any idiot can be uncomfortable or die but with the right mentality and some simple training you can avoid being that guy.  Read, train, and make sure you have the right gear and mind set.

http://oakwoodsportsmedicine.com/2012/11/08/nutrition-and-hydration-considerations-in-cold-weather/

http://nuun.com/blog/2011/11/16/winter-hydration/

http://www.ceraproductsinc.com/military/newsletter_vol8_3.pdf

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/cflawc/files/aoa-extreme-cold-survival.pdf

TAD STEALTH HOODIE

TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGNS STEALTH HOODIE – During early 2012 I was turned on to TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGNS (TAD) by a review on the ITS Site written by BRYAN BLACK about the RANGER HOODIE.  So I bought the RANGER HOODIE that summer and fell in love with it.  That led to me looking at the rest of their product.  Now I’d looked at TAD before along with ARC’TERIX LEAF and a few others but after trying out the RANGER I decided to stick with TAD’s known quality.  I skipped going to a retailer/dealer and ordered right from TAD’s online store and in a week and half I had a box of genuine TAD goodness in my hands.  First thing I noticed when I pulled it out of the box was quality of the material.  TAD used Schoeller 3-layer 240 g/m2, fleece lined treated with Nanosphere and a C-Change membrane also known as the bionic climate membrane (tech specs http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/uploads/media/cchange_e.pdf).  

I looked ofer all the stitching and the zipper, I methodically looked at the seams and found meticulous care was taken in the manufacturing.  So I threw it on and went for a hike in the EAST COAST woods during late November.  The nice thing about the CANADIAN EAST COAST for those who don’t know is winter, real winter starts around Christmas normally, and so you get this nice long period of torrential rain with mixed wet snowfall.  If you want to test how water resistant and weather proof your gear is this is a good place to do it.  Half way through my hike the weather didn’t disappoint and I was trekking back to the truck through the mud and rain.  My feet were soaked, my legs were soaked but my upper body was dry, you could see the rain beading off the jacket and right onto my pants….  Now since then I’ve taken it to the range to run drills, I’ve layered it with the RANGER HOODIE and used in temperatures below -20 C (-4 F) and trudged through a three-foot snowfall to dig out my truck.  What has really helped the STEALTH HOODIE stand up in all of this has been the premium materials,  “reverse zippers” and the tapped stitching in selected locations.  On top of the durability is the comfort and fit of the STEALTH HOODIE.  TAD put it together using a standard fit ensuring that the widest variety of body types would be properly covered.  I also found it fit over low profile soft armour carrier without complication, meaning it would work well for LEO’s or operators in a low visibility situation and still offer room to move.  Now in addition, there are two single underarm “PIT ZIPS” to allow for venting when you start to warm up which are easily accessed.  The hood is what they call the “AERO HOOD” design, which allows you to roll it up and pack it under the hood flap.  The adjustable chin cord is fed through the jacket and into the chest pockets which allows you keep your hands tucked in, in poor weather conditions and still be able to draw the hood tight which was a god send in seasonal rains.  If you need pocket space, there’s no lack of it in the STEALTH HOODIE as with most TAD jackets and hoodies.  It has two chest pockets with media ports, d-rings, and little stash pockets.  There are two shoulder pockets which also have media ports and d-rings, as well as a forearm pocket on the left arm and a hunter’s/poachers pocket on the back that can be accessed from the left or right side with ease.  The nice thing about the media ports is sure you can run your MP3 players and cell phones, but this also means you can run things like ear tubes and PTT gear in the jacket and have it readily accessible while your hands are hidden again hitting on the low visibility LOE’s or operators.  Now this isn’t something new to TAD as they have been putting media ports into most of their gear for a while.  

On the range I’ve actually used the poachers pocket to hold extra mags, while hiking I threw a backup map and compass in there just in case my GPS gave out on me.  All this room also means instead of covering up your tactical gear with a jacket you’ve incorporated it as an external layer and made sure you have access to things like lights, knives, comms gear, navigation and back ammo while still running your normal setup underneath.  One of the other things I like about this jacket is that I can hose it off with water and spray it down with sealant and take off with it when it’s dry or chuck it in the washer and hang it to dry.  I spent enough time rolling in the dirt at the ranges or playing in the tree line and the STEALTH has kept me warm and dry longer after other jackets have given in.  All that goodness wrapped into one product I know amazing isn’t it?  I did have a couple issues with the jacket over the past three months.  The first is the front zipper, a couple of time now I’ve hade the bottom zipper ride up when the jacket was bunched up and split the wide open.  The nice thing is the heavy-duty nature of the zipper ensured that I could just muscle it and start over again relatively fast.  The second is more of a want then a con, I would like to see TAD throw thumb holes in the cuffs like they did on the RANGER HOODIE and a d-ring on both sides on the inside of the jacket near the shoulders. I did cut the draw strings in the bottom hem as the shock cord and slide lock prevented good access to things like holsters and mag holders and would snag on things when I left the jacket open.  Now if you’re a LEO, operator or just someone who likes really good athletic clothing that will hold up then this is the Jacket for you.  Use it as a stand-alone or as part of a layered system you will not be disappointed.  One thing you will notice on the STEALTH HOODIE as well is the area on the forearm exterior/lower area has a larger area taped right over the seam.  This ensures durability but it also means one of the areas your prone to making contact with environmental surface has that extra pit of weatherproofing.  This is really nice at times when you’re laying in the prone position as most people not only use their elbows but forearms to push off or control things they need to hold.

CONSTRUCTION 9/10 –  Well it’s hard to beat the materials used in the production of the TAD STEALTH HOODIE.  The use of Schoeller 3-layer 240 g/m2, fleece lined treated with Nanosphere and a C-Change membrane is a smart choice and only ensures that the quality of the stitching and cut of the material hill hold up.

DESIGN 9/10 –  The fit and practical location of pockets draw strings and shock cords ensures you are effectively warm and dry.  You are able to access and operate any of the pockets easily in 99.9% of the situations as the locations are ergonomic and allow for the consideration of electronic devises and equipment, as well as every day carry objects.  Nothing about the STEALTH HOODIE is bulky or cumbersome but allows you to carry or conceal what you need to get through the task at hand.  Used in a stand alone or layered garment system this is a really nice shell.

DURABILITY 9/10 –  Well, between the materials and quality of assembly the TAD STEALTH HOODIE is going to hold up in just about any environment you may encounter while giving you the ability to just wipe off the dirt and grim that come along.  The double stitching and taped areas as well as the as well as the deliberate thought put into the jacket ensure it’s going to last you a long time.

OVERALL IMPRESSION 10/10 –  I buy things so I’ll have them for at least the next five to ten years barring I want quality over quantity.  I also want to know I can grab and go without having to break out of my normal maintenance cycles.  TAD has done that for me with the STEALTH HOODIE.  If I can only have one all around shell jacket this is it.  I love the feel and fit which is important because hate being uncomfortable no matter what I’m doing and for bigger guys this goes double as it’s hard to find stuff.  Now I do have one negative and that’s the zipper breaking loose at the bottom once in while but like I said, strong arm it open and re-zip it and you’re good to go.  I would and do recommend this jacket to everyone who asks.

SHOTSHOW!!!!!!

Just incase you're new to the shooting sport and tactical industries or you've been hiding in a third world country behind a hesco wall, SHOT SHOW which is held in LOS VEGAS, is one of the biggest industry show and tells there is.  You will find leading educators like TRAVIS HALEY and CHRIS COSTA, Top Manufacturers like MASSIF, SIG and MYSTERY RANCH or Industry Media groups like SOLDIER SYSTEMS.  Basically from 15 to 18 Jan 2013 this year they all stuff them selves under one roof and bring out their best and brightest as well as all the new shiny things while retailers and distributers make deals for this years biggest products.  We have been monitoring all the reviews as they come out and looking at the new products from some of the best names in the game as things unfold.  It looks like 2013 is going to see new developments, GLOCK is already unleashed the 30S compact, BFG with the support of CHRIS COSTA and the COSTA LUDIS brand has debuted their HIVE SATCHEL.  At night the restaurants and bars are filled with get-togethers and hosted parties allowing the manufacturers, distributers and retailers to be wined and dined while promises of old and new business friendships are cemented ensuring we all get the gear we want from our favourite shops.  This has become a tradition now and it is one that not only proliferates the material want of the industry but also helps ensure the education of the newer and younger enthusiasts.  This years SHOT SHOW however has been marred by the political reaction of the US Government, more specifically the anti-gun lobbyists, with recent atrocities in the US allowing them to gain momentum in the media, as well as both sides of this coin throwing out inaccurate information and slander it's almost an election.  The down side is as of this morning the US President has released his plane for a proposed executive order to amend gun laws in the US which will affect both the industry and those who enjoy the products it spawns.  As it follows the press releases so far have stated the following;

1. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal agencies to make relevant data available to the federal background check system.

2. Address unnecessary legal barriers, particularly relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that may prevent states from making information available to the background check system.

3. Improve incentives for states to share information with the background check system.

4. Direct the Attorney General to review categories of individuals prohibited from having a gun to make sure dangerous people are not slipping through the cracks.
5. Propose rulemaking to give law enforcement the ability to run a full background check on an individual before returning a seized gun.
6. Publish a letter from ATF to federally licensed gun dealers providing guidance on how to run background checks for private sellers.
7. Launch a national safe and responsible gun ownership campaign.
8. Review safety standards for gun locks and gun safes (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
9. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal law enforcement to trace guns recovered in criminal investigations.
10. Release a DOJ report analyzing information on lost and stolen guns and make it widely available to law enforcement.
11. Nominate an ATF director.
12. Provide law enforcement, first responders, and school officials with proper training for active shooter situations.
13. Maximize enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence and prosecute gun crime.
14. Issue a Presidential Memorandum directing the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence.
15. Direct the Attorney General to issue a report on the availability and most effective use of new gun safety technologies and challenge the private sector to develop innovative technologies
16. Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.
17. Release a letter to health care providers clarifying that no federal law prohibits them from reporting threats of violence to law enforcement authorities.
18. Provide incentives for schools to hire school resource officers.
19. Develop model emergency response plans for schools, houses of worship and institutions of higher education.
20. Release a letter to state health officials clarifying the scope of mental health services that Medicaid plans must cover.
21. Finalize regulations clarifying essential health benefits and parity requirements within ACA exchanges.
22. Commit to finalizing mental health parity regulations.
23. Launch a national dialogue led by Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan on mental health.

I thought 12 was interesting.  

OHH VIDEO

So I've finished and loaded our first video to youtube.  It's about 45 seconds long and just shows the kinds of gear we test to give you an idea of what we are up to.  The intent is to make more specific videos detailing the kit its self and help give a better idea of what we're talking about.  Give it a look and let us know what you think either here or on our Facebook page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ehxkkA4X0

SERE, E&E, SURVIVAL KIT BASICS

SERE, E&E, AND SURVIVAL KIT – I’m not going to talk about the doctrine or training behind this because there are any number of organizations, web sites, blogs, or books that go into great detail on how and what to do in situations you can find yourself in. What I do want to do is offer a suggestion for temporary sustainment as far as what to carry that can fit in a pocket or pouch in your kit.

First you will need a form of shelter. You have two choices carry one or make one. A simple small tarp or ground sheet made of a light weight nylon that is water proof and has grommet rings in the corners will work and can be folded into a 5 to 7 inch square. Not the easiest thing to pack but it will fit in a small pack and takes up little or no space.  If you want to make one you will need rope and a knife. Theses can take up less space in your kit, especially if you use a large spool of dental floss mixed with about 10 to 14 feet of para cord. The para cord is nice because if you know how to make proper knots it can be made into a bracelet and placed on your wrist. I like this option and have used it in the past as well; 100 feet of dental floss will fit nicely into a smaller kit and is strong enough to lash small logs together in order to make a temporary shelter. Additionally a survival blanket can provide shelter and warmth while taking up the smallest amount of space in a kit. I like these because they reflect heat including the heat from your body, they are waterproof and if you get the right one, highly reflective on one side and subdued on the other side.


Next you’ll want a fire. This can provide warmth and be used to signal for help depending on where you are and if you’re ready to be found.  There are three options for fire starter and I like to carry a minimum of two (one is none two is one). The obvious first choice is a good set of waterproof strike anywhere matches in a survival case. It’s easy to carry and fits into any kit nicely. Second I like to have a backup lighter. I carry about three at any given time, one in a pocket, one in my pack and one in my jacket. I use bic's, but a well-maintained butane or weatherproof zippo works equally as well so long as you remember to refill them. I usually will have a number of elastics wrapped around them as a it takes up no room and can be used for a 101 different little things. I choose the bic's because last when stored and even when they get wet you can dry them out and continue to use them. The last option is a magnesium strip and flint fire starter and some dryer lint or steel wool. Again these fit in just about anywhere in a small kit and can be used easily if you have a good knife. The difference between dryer lint and steel wool is simple the dryer wool gets wet and won’t light, the steel wool in most cases will still light but takes up more room then the dryer lint. A fire also allows you to boil water and make sure it can be purified for sustainment which will keep you alive long enough for people to find you. Now you can also add things like wetfire, flint strikers, and any number of small fire starter kits.

The third requirement is the ability to signal. Signals can be made out of a hundred different things most of them already in your kit. But since we’re all about the gear, a small mirror, which can be picked up at any camping or gear shop, is a must. Chem lights are a great little thing as well. Having one Green and one Inferred (IR) works well. I say green because any one searching with some kind of night vision is only going to see green anyway and an IR can be picked up from great distances away at anytime of day. Now keeping with the IR theme, there are any number of battery operated strobes that can be purchased. I like the ACR MS 2000 IR Strobe (coming review) personally as well as the VIP IR Strobe. Now both of these can be mounted to your gear or placed in a small kit. The last one I want to mention are signal lasers or laser flares. These can be seen from a retarded distance away and can be hidden from the less technically advanced. These will be picked up by those using IR and Thermal search capabilities making you unmistakably identifiable, that said they have a finite life span being dependant on the batteries in them.

The last major thing you want to have is a navigation set. I’m a big fan of the topo maps and compasses as they never lose power and can be fitted into pockets. Additionally a GPS or digital compass works well to find your current location and keep you on track until your batteries die.

Other things you are going to want are, snare or fishing line, cable saw, a good whistle, elastics and safety/baby pins.

Now you can build your own specific SERE, E&E and Survival Kit based on your personal requirements and environment. Remember your kit will change with the time of year and environment as well certain things like batteries, chem lights and electronics need to be tested and replenished periodically to ensure you have them when you need them. Additionally a container, preferably a waterproof one, be it a small Ziploc, Dry Bag or hard case is needed.

If you’re not sure what to put in a basic kit there are lots of suppliers out there that will sell you a premade kit. If you’re going to do this make sure it’s a trusted retailer who knows the product and isn’t just selling surplus kits that have expired. I personally like SURVIVAL KIT USA and HARD CASE SURVIVAL both of which have sites.

Following the basic SERE, E&E and SURVIVAL KIT theme for today id like to make a recommendtion. Now, during 2012 I had the pleasure and chance to work with Richard "Dicky" Pyshorn, a former Warrant Officer from the UK Military Survival School and member of the Royal Air Force Regiment. His focus on training and preparation was without comparison and no matter your skill set he has something to teach you. Now if your in his neck of the woods and require or want survival training you can find him and others instructors at SURVIVAL WISDOM. Dicky is a true professional and has a wealth of knowledge that should be taken advantage of if you have the chance I can't think of anyone else I would recommend for the job.

And as with anything, GET THE TRAINING, PRACTICE THE SKILLS, EDUCATE THOSE AROUND YOU.