Tactical Performance Corporation's new A-TACS Combat Shirt Gen II uses a unique combination of fabrics, integrated protective pads and all-over A-TACS print to produce a very sophisticated combat shirt design.
The lower sleeves feature a three piece articulated pad of 8mm thick EVA foam and a reinforced section of coated fabric with the texture and weight of Cordura for abrasion and wear resistance.
Unlike other combat shirts the entire garment uses the A-TACS concealment pattern for better visual stealth.
Articulated 8mm EVA foam ergonomic pads are built in as bump and abrasion protection at key areas. We found the pads did not make the shirt perceivably hotter even up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pads on the shoulders reduce the pressure of pack straps and help keep the straps in place on your shoulders.
One shoulder pocket is built onto each sleeve. Notice the A-TACS camo patterned Velcro pile on the patch panel, a detail missing from many camouflage tactical shirts.
Tactical Performance Corporation's A-TACS Tactical Combat Shirt Gen II with full A-TACS patterning including body and velcro patch panels, integrated shoulder and elbow pads and application specific fabric for user comfort and function.
Danner’s new A-TACS pattern TFX Hot Uniform Boot. A Gore-Tex lined version, the Desert TFX GTX is also available.
Danner is the first footwear brand to release an A-TACS camouflage tactical boot. Their Desert TFX is sold in two versions, the Desert TFX Hot Uniform Boot and the Gore-Tex lined Desert TFX GTX Uniform Boot. Both boots feature a molded A-TACS outsole and patterned upper in the A-TACS camouflage scheme.
This review is for the Desert TFX Hot Uniform Boot, Danner Style no. 26033. The two boots are differentiated by $20 in price at retail and by the Gore-Tex lining of the Desert TFX GTX version. The Desert TFX Hot boot (no Gore-Tex) is $170 USD MSRP and the Desert TFX GTX (with Gore-Tex) is $190 USD MSRP. Each boot shares the same design and it is difficult to tell the difference between the models by looking at them from the outside of the boot.
The A-TACS camouflage scheme on the Desert TFX Hot boots is highly effective.
The choice of whether to use the Gore-Tex or non-Gore Tex “Hot” version is determined by your exposure to wet conditions. If you operate in an environment where you are walking on wet ground or in shallow water the Gore-Tex Desert TFX GTX version will be worth the extra $20 to you. That said, it is not a “better, best” progression from the $170 TFX Hot boot up to the $190 TFX GTX boot. They are simply intended for different environments. Desert and arid users will be more comfortable in the Desert TFX Hot version. Even though the W.L. Gore & Associates Gore-Tex sock liner built into the TFX GTX version is thin and breathable it still makes any boot warmer than an identical non-Gore-Tex version.
The Danner Desert TFX Hot (left) is a tall boot compared to my trusty Lowa Zephyrs (right).
This is a tall boot. It measures 10.75″ (27.5 cm) from bottom of sole to top of tongue. If you wear pants that have lower pockets and still want to blouse them at the top of the boots it may get crowded. If you want the ankle support and stability of a higher boot this is a great choice.
The boots use 10 eyelets per side with the bottom five being round grommets and the top five a closed speed lacing system. The boots are Airborne compliant since there are no open speed lace hooks. The top speed laces are not very speedy though with the laces provided. It takes a moment to put on and take off these boots since all of the top five eyelets need to be loosened up to get your foot in or out. For users who put on their boots at the beginning of a long operation and don’t take them off for 20+ hours it isn’t an issue. If you need to frequently remove and replace boots in a hurry this boot will be a challenge. In general the benefits of an Airborne compliant lacing system and great ankle support are worth it. I’m not in favor of a zipper side version since few of those work or last well.
The upper of the boot uses a heel loop for donning. The top “speed lace” closed eyelets are Airborne compliant.
The top of the boot has a padded collar and a study 1.25 inch (3 cm) pull tab for donning. The tongue is built into the entire upper section with no opening at the side of the tongue. This design prevents entry of dust, sand and debris. It also prevents accidentally pushing the tongue down into the boot while donning. The liner of the TFX Hot Boots is a perforated moisture wicking mesh. The thoughtful design of the interior of this boot is one of the best I’ve worn.
Another look at the camouflage sole. The boots are light and responsive on all terrain. They provide excellent protection and support considering their light weight.
The upper is 1000 denier Nylon with all seams double stitched at 10 stitches per inch. The upper fabric reminded us of Cordura but is not listed as such in Danner’s sales literature. There is a distinct molded toe box and heel counter under the fabric to help the boot retain its shape and improve durability while providing a measure of foot protection. The upper is built on Danner’s “TERRA FORCE X” platform. TERRA FORCE X is a patent pending motion control system that resists torsional load at the arch/midstep making the boots more stable while protecting the arch. An internal shank section is combined with an insole plate to improve the “ride”. TERRA FORCE X is also used in the Danner 453 GTX and Instigator hiking boot among other Danner footwear.
The sole is a molded unit, not a series of bonded layers like some Vibram outsoles attached to a closed cell midsole. This one piece molded design is durable, lightweight and allows the molded in color of the A-TACS pattern. The sole is joined to the upper with bonding and stitching at the forefoot and heel welt. It can’t be resoled the way an older outsole boots could, but we didn’t see that as a disadvantage. There is a radiused section at the instep that might work well for fast-roping but may wear after repeated rope descents. Admittedly, none of us had the opportunity to do a rope descent in this boot due to bad weather. Mr. Patrick Schneider of Danner’s Public Relations Department was kind enough to mention that Danner does have a line of boots designed specifically with fast rope insertion capability. The Danner DFA series includes 6 boots specifically built around fast rope insertion. Here is a video showing DFA technology from Danner: Danner DFA Fast Rope technology
“The patent-pending TERRA FORCE X sole system adds comfort, stability and durability.”
The molded sole is light, provides good traction and is flexible in the forefoot but stiff enough to be protective in the midsole. The external features of the TERRA FORCE X sole are visible here.
The A-TACS coloration of the outsole is slightly lighter in shade compared to the upper A-TACS camouflage colors. This is done on purpose since the sole will turn darker as wear and dirt accumulates. The concept of camouflaged boots including the sole is absolutely a valid one in the modern tactical environment. Older solid color boots were designed mostly with garrison wear in mind and don’t suit the modern tactical environment. Even the recent generation of green and coyote/tan color boots don’t blend well with camouflaged uniforms. Given the effectiveness of the new camouflage patterns like Multicam and A-TACS it’s only logical that footwear manufacturers build their boots to work with camouflaged uniforms for overall visual stealth. Even in the prone position the sole of the boot remains difficult to see since it is also camouflage patterned.
” The concept of camouflaged boots including the sole is valid in the modern tactical environment.”
The integrated tongue prevents grit, sand and rocks from entering the boot. The mesh lining dries quickly and provides good breathability.
My first impression when donning the Danner Desert TFX Hot Uniform Boots was a new pair of issue jungle boots combined with a trail running shoe. Since these are lined they are more comfortable than old jungle boots and provide a supportive light, maneuverable feel. The outsole design is very good, a substantial improvement over more traditional style, stitched and glued-on Vibram style outsoles and old Corcoran style sole construction (even Corcoran has gone to a molded outsole boot in their 8″ JAC Boot). The boot soles feel similar to the Adidas GSG-9 and Oakley tactical boots but in a more robust, field combat boot construction. Footing and flexibility is very good even on loose scree and uneven terrain.
“…they are comfortable and supportive but still retain a light, maneuverable feel.”
The light, molded outsole makes these boots feel nimble and easy to move in while providing good traction.
Two testers wore the boots on rocky desert terrain that was flat to extremely mountainous. Wear and tear on the boots is better than I expected for a fabric upper, molded lower boot. They also clean up well with a wet cloth and soft brush. This non-Gore-Tex boot dried very quickly in desert terrain after stream crossings and remained comfortable even when wet. Although we did not swim in the boots we did fit them with swim fins to see how they worked. The Omega Aquatics Stealth Max folding tactical swim fin in the larger sizes worked with our size 9.5 US test boots.
While I normally wear a lower boot I see a lot of advantages to a boot this light and nimble with a higher upper. For a fast-rope or Airborne insertion, especially onto rugged terrain followed by a long ruck I would absolutely rather have these than lower boots. The Danner TFX Hot A-TACS boots are also much lighter than they look at 25.9 ounces (736 grams) per boot measured weight in a size 9.5 US.
In general this is perhaps the strongest offering in a fully integrated camouflage boot from any manufacturer so far. Following the delays of the Magnum Multicam boots, which may become available this week after a 6 month delay, it becomes obvious that this isn’t an easy concept to execute on a production level. Danner is an experienced, high end footwear company with a long history of professional grade footwear. The Danner TFX Hot A-TACS boot continues that legacy of solid construction and performance along with impressive innovation.
Tactical Performance Corp's Combat Pants feature high mobility fit and pattern with articulated, integrated knee pads.
The Velcro tab at the cuff and zipper make adjustment and donning easy.
The lower leg construction including the Velcro closure cuff and zipper along with the ankle pocket are useful design additions.
The lateral Velcro adjuster tab helps secure the integrated knee pads and improve fit on the already precise feeling pants while maintaining full range of motion.
The integrated, articulated knee pads eliminate the need for straps, can't be lost, are cooler and provide full range of motion.
The integrated knee pads stay in place and fit most operators well. Our three wear testers had satisfactory or better use.
A cordlock and stretch drawstring inside the front pocket enable you to adjust the height of the knee pads.
Two Velcro closures securely close the top cargo pocket flap. The shape and location of the pocket on the leg make retrieval of items easy in all positions including seated and facilitate fast running when loaded.
The upper cargo pocket also has an elastic drawstring inside to adjust the vertical position of the integrated knee pads on your leg.
The small zipper pocket at the top of the pants has a reinforced lower section for small tools and knives with a pocket clip.
Two thin foam pads are built into panels at the rear of the pants over the "sit bones" for comfort while sitting on hard and cold surfaces.
Velcro adjuster tabs enable you cinch down the pants for a precise fit.
The Tactical Performance Corporation A-TACS Tactical Combat Pants in NYCO 50/50 Ripstop with VAT print and the prototype A-TACS Tactical Combat Shirt Gen II.
Two of the most sensational books on the Bin Laden raid and one surprise "sleeper".
It was the single biggest news story since the 9/11/2001 terror attacks. Osama Bin Laden is dead, killed on May 2, 2011 in a raid by U.S. Special Forces purported to be from the Navy’s clandestine counter terrorist unit referred to in the media as “SEAL Team 6”, “DEVGRU” or “Development Group”.
The media widely reports the mission as “Operation Neptune Spear” a code name likely in reference to the trident symbol of the U.S. Navy Special Warfare groups. As of this writing there is no complete, official account of the operation. Perhaps one of the more credible reports appeared in the New Yorker magazine on August 8, 2011 written by Nicholas Schmidle. The account seems credible because of the New Yorker’s editorial policies and the fact that it was written by a journalist as opposed to a source claiming to be associated with the operation. Additionally, a detailed review of the New Yorker account leaves a lot out since the information isn’t yet available in the public domain. That suggests a measure of journalistic integrity.
It was inevitable the publishing industry would quickly fill the gulf of official information with… something. Three widely distributed books have surfaced so far, no doubt on the leading edge of many to come. While I would stop short of calling them historical records, they are relevant works if you are a student of history. One of these is an unusual gem.
Chuck Pfarrer's "Seal Target Geronimo" has drawn criticism as a non-fiction account but is a face paced and enjoyable read.
Author Chuck Pfarrer’s SEAL Target Geronimo: The Inside Story of the Mission to Kill Osama Bin Laden was the first title to grab big headlines and controversy. Amazon.com reviews and popular press claim author Chuck Pfarrer took significant license with his account of the raid and that parts are fabricated. There are critics from the political and military community officially opposing Pfarrer’s account of the raid. Having met with Chuck Pfarrer in person to discuss the book and its reception by some I’ll suggest Pfarrer may be drawing unwarranted criticism since he enjoys a level of access few other writers possess. As a result, his account may be more accurate than some other insiders are comfortable with. Pfarrer knows his topic as a former SEAL Team 6 Assault Element Commander and screenwriter.
With former SEAL Team 6 Assault Element Commander and author Chuck Pfarrer (left) at the 2012 SHOT show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
I can tell you this book is a fast paced, magnetic read that draws you in. There is some of the dialogue found in every Navy SEAL book, staples of the topic- no SEAL book is complete without some context. It is not “read one, read them all” though and Pfarrer’s level of access provides insights not available anywhere else. This book offers a number of fascinating insights into recent Naval Special Warfare operations such as the rescue of the Captain of the Maersk Alabama seized by pirates off the Somali coast in 2009. It is great story telling rife with technical detail. If you want a dramatic, fast paced read taken from the headlines you will enjoy SEAL Target Geronimo. I would stop short of using the book as a de-facto historical record though since, by Pfarrer’s own admission, there are a few minor technical errors in the book largely because of the speed with which it had to be finished. Pfarrer told me he had only four months to complete SEAL Target Geronimo. That being the case it is an impressive achievement and a darn good read.
SEAL Target Geronimo reads like it was written quickly, and that isn’t a bad thing. The casual reader can pick out some minor inaccuracies and feel some degree of license, a feature of good writing but not necessarily good journalism. The book is “non-fiction” and that may be part of what has drawn criticism. It may hit a little too close to the bone among some organizations and be a little too accurate for some. It’s unlikely we’ll know the facts and details of Neptune Spear for some time, so in the mean time, call it a great page-turner written by an expert insider with an unprecedented level of access relevant to a sensational topic.
- John Weisman’s “KBL: Kill bin Laden” is sold as fiction, avoiding the controversy surrounding whether it is factual or not.
Author John Weisman co-wrote the massively successful Rogue Warrior series of books by Richard “Dick” Marcinko. You remember Marcinko as the controversial early commander of the Navy’s Counter Terrorist Unit called SEAL Team 6- the unit predominantly credited with the Bin Laden raid.
A surprise addition to this topic is this interesting- and possibly accurate- graphic novel on the raid to capture Osama bin Laden.
Gerry Kissell and Amin Amat's illustrations are fantastic and lend a shadowy allure to the tale already steeped in mystery.
Zulu Nylon Gear's Mega Admin Pouch in custom A-TACS camouflage.
Some of the best defense contractors and tactical brands start as cottage industries in someone’s basement. After a few strong designs they grow to larger manufacturers like Triple Aught Design. This seems to be the course for Zulu Nylon Gear.
Chicago based Zulu Nylon Gear is an all-U.S. cottage industry tactical supplier with original designs for tactical messenger bags, administrative or “admin” pouches, medical and trauma pouches and magazine pouches among other small items. Everything is made by hand. Because they are small they retain a unique capability for customization. When you interact with Zulu Nylon Gear via phone or e-mail you are talking to the men actually building your equipment. They are open to customization and charge fair prices for good quality work.
Admin pouches have become a big tactical sub-category. Because they are small and easy to manufacture nearly every tactical brand has a version. The “Admin pouch” or administrative pouch is intended to mount to a chest rig, plate carrier, backpack or other MOLLE equipped gear where you need organization of readily used items like pens, notebooks, small maps, pencils, a couple spare batteries, penlight, small electronics and a small multitool. A well designed admin pouch enables quick access to frequently used items even in the dark or while moving.
I asked Zulu Nylon Gear to build me a custom Mega Admin Pouch from A-TACS patterned fabric to match a large capacity A-TACS Tactical Assault Gear Sentinel Pack I had just acquired. After a couple e-mails exchanged over a day or two they had the project finished in less than four weeks, a good lead time for custom-sewn nylon equipment.
This is a big admin pouch. It is 6″ X 5″ and about 1″ deep unloaded. That makes this roughly one-and-a-half times the size of most admin pouches.
The Velcro loop is A-TACS patterned on the custom Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin pouch.
The Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin uses extensive storage on the outside of the main pocket. If you organize your load well you won’t have to use the zippered main pocket too often since your frequently used items will be located under the Velcro outer pockets for quicker access. This is an efficient design. The outside of the pouch is covered with a 6″ X 6″ panel of Velcro loop for attaching patches, IFF, etc. A nice detail on my custom version is the A-TACS patterned Velcro loop is not generic coyote colored Velcro loop but actually A-TACS pattern Velcro loop. A pair of elastic chem-light loops is sewn onto each of the outside edges of the pouch also, a useful detail.
The multitool/flashlight/knife pocket is deeper than most multitools are long when folded and the Velcro closure flap is very generous in length. For big tools this is nice but I might have wanted a slightly shorter flap, a small detail.
The outer pockets have four elastic “keepers” inside for pens or other long, tall items about the size of a pen like a lens cleaning brush for optics, small tools, etc. On the right of the exterior pocket is a sheath designed for a knife, large multi-tool like the Leatherman M.U.T. or a small flashlight like Surefire or Streamlight. The exterior pocket arrangement is good but the right-hand tool pocket flap seems to be too long for most tools and flashlights I carried in mine. The flap is stretch fabric. I would have preferred it to be about a half to a full inch shorter.
- The exterior velcro compartments are easy and quick to access for your frequently used items like flashlights and multitools.
When you unzip the main compartment on three side of the pouch it hinges open unlike some admin pouches that open only at the top like an envelope. This is good and bad since the top-opening only admin pouches won’t spill their contents as easily if you zip them open in a boat on rough water or in any vehicle moving around a lot. If you are walking in the dark and have to open it quickly you have less chance of losing anything out of a top-opening admin pouch than one that fully unzips. A solution I haven’t seen from any tactical manufacturer yet would be an admin pouch that unzips all the way across the top and only partially down the sides then open like a file folder.
- The .550 Cord retainer is a great idea for keeping the pouch from opening too far and potentially dropping items. It is adjustable for length.
As a solution to the possibility of opening the pouch too far there is a .550 cord retention lanyard threaded through loops to keep the opened flap in place. This adjusts with a spring-loaded cord lock. I like this design since you can adjust how far the pouch will open with the cordlock. There is Velcro loop (in A-TACS on my custom version) on the inside lid to attach a nice, optional clear vinyl map pouch from Zulu Nylon Gear or patches. The main pocket has two deep elastic loop retainers mounted outside two levels of pockets. There is plenty of room for more pens, a small Moleskine or Rite in the Rain notebook, batteries, small electronics and other typical items you need in a hurry.
The back of the pouch is covered in PALS/MOLLE webbing and attaches with large size polymer MALICE clips to your vest, rig or pack. Because of the size of this pouch you’ll need four clips to hold the pouch tightly across its width.
- Full MOLLE webbing across the back of the Mega Admin Panel will use four long MALICE clips to secure the pouch to your gear.
Part of the reason I was attracted to the Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin was it fit perfectly across the back of the TAG Sentinel Pack. Since the guys at Zulu Nylon Gear told me they would use A-TACS patterned velcro loop on the outside of the Mega Admin it covered the non-A-TACS webbing on the large upper portion of the TAG Sentinel Pack giving it better camouflage and making it look like a more finished package. A part of the A-TACS camouflage concept is that everything should be A-TACS on the operators kit, from boots to weapon to equipment. It doesn’t make sense to use non-A-TACS webbing on an A-TACS pack.
- Mounted to the back of the TAG Sentinel Pack the Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin Pouch covers the non-A-TACS webbing on the top of the pack and provides excellent load organization.
Zulu Nylon Gear is a great company to work with. They have excellent custom capability, you talk to the men sewing your gear and its construction surpassed my expectations. They occasionally have unusual fabric for custom work also, including a recent shipment of WWII U.S. Marine “P42” style camouflage used in the Pacific, a distant cousin to the modern AUSCAM. I’m looking forward to their future projects based on the quality of their Mega Admin Pouch.
MILTECHREV 