Archive | EDC

NavELite Ramps Up Global Distribution with Five New Distributors

By Matt on September 20, 2012 in EDC, Survival, Tactical Gear

More news about the most anticipated compass in a long time from Laura Burgess Marketing and NavELite:

PALM HARBOR, FL (September 2012) –NavELite, a global provider of backlit magnetic compasses, proudly announces partnerships with several leading distributors of outdoor, military and law enforcement products. The distributors include: 215 Gear™, ADS, Inc., PLATATAC, Potomac River Group and SurvivIT. These distributors will carry NavELite’s wrist-worn, Backlit Magnetic Compass (BLMC) throughout their distribution centers to retailers worldwide.

The NavELite wrist-worn, Backlit Magnetic Compass was invented and patented by two Special Operation soldiers. Operations underscored the need for a reliable backlit compass for use when executing critical missions. It became apparent in the early stages of the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan when soldiers had to routinely reference cardinal directions for tasks such as Close Air Support (CAS), adjacent unit coordination, and SATCOM antenna orientation that the current equipment available did not meet the needs of the Special Operation soldier. The NavELite wrist-worn Backlit Magnetic Compass is a mission-enhancing piece of kit for the ground soldier; reducing nighttime operation signatures and adding to force protection. Thus, NavELite is pleased to offer this next generation, tactical, wrist-worn, magnetic compass for when survival counts

The wrist-worn Backlit Magnetic Compass from NavELite keeps correct magnetic orientation while providing an on-demand illuminated face to aid with orienteering and direction finding in low-light or no-light situations. This patented technology will allow soldiers in any military unit to acquire cardinal directions day and night with reduced night-time signature.

The NavELite BLMC can be purchased online at www.NavELite.com for a retail cost of $79.99. Dealers interested in carrying the NavELite BLMC may contact info@NavELite.com for a Dealer Package and Application.

For the downloadable Press Release PDF, click here. For the downloadable image, click here.

US Palm Gryphon EDC Pack

By Matt on September 19, 2012 in EDC, Tactical Gear

Scottsdale Gun Club uploaded a video that shows the features of the upcoming US Palm Gryphon EDC backpack. Check it out.

S.O. TECH Solar Panel MOLLE Adapter

By Matt on September 19, 2012 in EDC, Survival, Tactical Gear

How cool is this? S.O. Tech is introducing a line of adapters that allow you to integrate Goal Zero solar panels into your MOLLE gear. The adapters will fit the panels without modification. The adapters will be available on SpecOpsTech.com later this month.

Review: RE Factor Tactical Blasting Cap

By Matt on September 17, 2012 in EDC, Reviews, Tactical Gear

Ball caps don’t really have to do much to fulfill their purpose. If they keep the sun out of our eyes, we are usually pretty satisfied with them. The Blasting Cap from RE Factor Tactical is a ball cap, but it does a lot more than keep the sun out of your eyes. It might just change what you expect from a cap.

Overview

It seems like everyone makes a tactical hat these days. Many are basically identical low crown, unstructured hats with a Velcro panel on the front. Others have incrementally introduced innovative, end user centric features like ventilation and interior signal panels. However, few have so successfully combined these features into something that feels completely new like the RE Factor Tactical Blasting Cap.

The cap itself starts out as a Flexfit ball cap with mesh side and back panels. The Blasting Cap has features that you expect from a “tactical” cap. It has front and rear Velcro panels for attaching patches and identification. The edges of these panels are embroidered for durability. It has a 1”x1” Velcro panel that replaces the button on the crown. This allows for comfortable use of over-the-head hearing protection and attaching IR glint tape. Additionally, there is a second 1”x1” Velcro panel on the inside of the cap for storing your IR glint tape when not in use.

The interior of that cap contains still more functionality. The binding tape on the interior of the cap is printed with the RE Factors of various Es as a reference for those who need this sort of thing (which is not me). The front most two panels are lined with high visibility orange material that can be used for signaling which I find to be extremely useful.

Basically, this cap has many more features that you would typically expect from a cap.

Observations from Use

Caps must be comfortable to wear or they are useless. Since the Blasting Cap starts with a genuine Flexfit cap, it is extremely comfortable. The fact that it has mesh panels to greatly increase ventilation improves the comfort exponentially in warm weather.

The embroidered edges on the Velcro panels are a nice touch. It should help extend the life of the panels by preventing the edges from pulling when you remove a patch.

The signaling panel is the kind of feature that you will get more use out of than you realize. You can get someone’s attention in a crowd, get noticed if you find yourself in an emergency in the woods, or use it as a reference point for land navigation while using the leap frog technique. Of course, there are military uses for the panel that I am not qualified to comment on.

Wrap Up

I have been struck with the thoughtful touches that can found in this cap. Things like the embroidered edges on the Velcro panels and the interior glint tape storage panel show attention to detail from the types of people who wear these caps on the job. Many of these features can be found on other caps but you will only find all of them in the Blasting Cap.

Check out the Blasting Cap on REFactorTactical.com.

Disclosure: RE Factor Tactical provided me this cap for review, free of charge.