Hot on the heels (sorry I had to) of our article yesterday on the Danner all-over camouflage A-TACS Boots, Magnum USA has issued a press release with images of their all-MultiCam Sidewinder HPi and Spider 8.1 HPi boots.

These boots have been in development for more than a year with the aid of American, British and Southern Hemisphere Special Forces personnel, which also includes field testing in Afghanistan.

These will officially be launching at SHOT Show 2011 with a June August release date. You can check these out for yourself, if you’ll be at the show, by visiting Magnum USA’s booth (#11164).

This is truly a first in the Tactical Industry and something everyone should stand up and take notice of. Danner has partnered with A-TACS to release the first all-over camouflage boot designed to complement the “Total Camouflage Solution” that A-TACS is bringing to the market.

Danner has two versions of the all-over camo boots in their Desert TFX (TERRA FORCE X) line. One pair with a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX Liner they’ve dubbed the Uniform Boots and one with a non-waterproof moisture-wicking mesh interior called the Hot Uniform Boots.

I’ve been hands-on with these boots and offer up my opinions below.

All-Over Camouflage

Cordura boot uppers are nothing new by any means, but this Danner/A-TACS combo is truly a home run. The colorway match when compared with the Propper A-TACS uniform we have is remarkable. We also have a large swatch of A-TACS heavyweight uniform fabric that you’ll see in the photo and the colorway looks seamless. That’s not even mentioning the industry-first feature on the boots, the soles.

The camouflage sole on these boots is out-of-the-box thinking at its finest. While a relatively small surface area compared to an overall camouflage uniform, it’s important nonetheless. In talking with A-TACS on their reasoning behind developing the camouflage sole, they said that something that had always stuck out in their mind was a statement from a Sniper Instructor who said that despite how good his students were cammied up he could always pick them out by their boots.

This small surface area of a boot sole becomes increasingly larger when you’re in the prone position and isn’t something that’s typically accounted for in the grand scheme of camouflage. I say every little bit helps and what’s at work here is more a pattern break up to the typical single-color sole that creates a familiar pattern that’s easily identifiable. The coloration of the rubber isn’t an exact match as you can see, but it’s certainly close and effective.

I haven’t had much time in the boots yet as they only recently arrived, but Danner comfort doesn’t disappoint. While I’ve been wearing them I haven’t noticed my feet sweating like they do in other boots I have with GORE-TEX lining. I attribute this to great construction as well as the breathability of the Cordura upper.

I’m also loving the lugs on the soles which are beveled to prevent mud build-up. I’m sure most of you can agree that while large lugs can be good in some situations, they lose their value when you have mud caked in-between them. As this is only an initial review, time will tell how well they’ll hold up and I’ll definitely be writing a follow-up article.

Danner lists the release date on both the Uniform Boots and Hot Uniform Boots as July  2011, which will be close to the Spring 2011 timeframe that Propper is releasing their A-TACS uniforms we’ve covered here.

Here are the details on the Desert TFX A-TACS GTX Uniform Boots:

• 100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® liner is engineered to keep your feet dry and comfortable – even in extreme conditions
• 1000 Denier nylon upper material is extremely resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs, improves breathability, and dries quickly
• A-TACS® unique “pattern within a pattern” technology and range of inter-mingled natural colors and shapes offer superior camouflaging for military and law enforcement concealment needs
• TERRA FORCE® X platform provides lightweight, durable traction, heel-to-toe energy transfer, side support to enhance maneuverability, and protection from arch overwork and fatigue
• Sleek, low volume profile with ample toe room provides serious support and comfort
• Speed lace system for a quick, secure fit
• Approach TFX lightweight outsole provides improved acceleration, downhill braking, and side hill traction. Beveled lugs prevent debris build-up
• Nylon shank
• 8″ height
• 58 oz
• Imported

Photos

Propper International and Digital Concealment Systems have recently issued a press release on the details of the upcoming A-TACS ACUs and we’d like to share some exclusive photos with you guys.

During our last Camo Comparison, in Big Bend National Park, we were able to test out the Propper A-TACS ACUs and see for ourselves how effective they were in that environment.

We’ll let the photos below speak for themselves, but we feel A-TACS did very well and is definitely a solid option for arid environments.

A-TACS ACUs

We’ve had one of the only six test samples of the Propper A-TACS ACUs now for about six months and are pleased to say they’ve been holding up extremely well. They’re sewn to military specifications and made from 65/35 poly/cotton ripstop fabric.

While our photos show an A-TACS boonie hat, these and combat shirts will be released as Propper advances the A-TACS product line.

A-TACS has done a great job integrating their pattern with well known manufacturers to produce a true head-to-toe concealment system. Along with the uniforms from Propper, they have boots from Danner, packs and nylon kit from Tactical Assault Gear, slings from Blue Force Gear and weapons and optics systems from Remington, Bushmaster and Bushnell.

Look for the Propper A-TACS ACUs to be unveiled at the 2011 SHOT Shot, January 18 – 21st in Las Vegas, NV.

There’s been a big buzz in the last few days about the newest Camouflage patterns available to the Navy and the Special Warfare Community. You may or may not be familiar with NWU (Navy Working Uniform) Type 1, 2 or 3, but we’ll attempt to clear that up and update everyone on what’s happening.

The latest news kicked off with an August 10th announcement of NWU II and III conformance testing on a Website dedicated to official NWU information and news. The Navy has gone above and beyond to get the information out concerning the new uniforms, but some things are still strange.

Our friend Eric at Soldier Systems ran an article yesterday announcing the news on the conformance testing that was subsequently picked up by Christian at Kit Up!. Christan was able to extract some interesting answers out of the Navy, which we’ll get into below.

NWU? AOR?

Before we get into the news, here’s some background on the patterns to clear up any misconceptions.

If you know much about the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) you’ll know that the pattern, which doesn’t blend in with anything other than a couch, is known as UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern) not ACU. This is similar to the NWU II and III, where the pattern is known as AOR (Area of Responsibility) 1 and 2 respectively.

AOR1 is the Desert variant pattern used in the NWU II that to the untrained eye looks similar to Marine Corps Desert MARPAT. It’s a little harder to mistake AOR2, the woodland pattern (non-desert) used in NWU III, for Woodland MARPAT.

I’ve called and confirmed with the NAVFAC NWU Program Manager that the NWU II and III patterns used are in fact AOR1 and AOR2, patterns which have been in development for many years now by Naval Special Warfare. The only difference in the patterns used in the NWU II and III is the inclusion of the ACE (Anchor, Constution and Eagle), much like MARPAT features the EGA (Eagle Globe and Anchor).

NWU I is the welcome uniform change that the Navy recently instituted to replace those hated utilities/dungarees! I burned mine when I left the service… Was that out loud? While NWU I is part of the seabag issue, Type II and III are “tactical uniforms for expeditionary Sailors.”

Hopefully the photo on the right will give you a good understanding of what the patterns truly look like and how much different AOR1 is from Desert MARPAT. Some pattern images used in the compilation on the right via OC Tactical.

Conformance Testing

The full details of the conformance testing can be read in the NAVADMIN here. It breaks down like this. The entire conformance testing, which will last for six weeks, is ONLY for the Type III. While the testing is only for Type III, it will be to evaluate which version of BOTH the Type II and Type III will be issued.

There are currently two different configurations for the uniforms, version 1 and 2. These versions incorporate different design features such as pocket size, pocket flap design, rank placement and trouser waist adjustment.

Blouse

The differences here in the Blouse are very slight, version one has smaller shoulder pockets than chest pockets and rectangular pocket flaps on all the aforementioned pockets. Version 2 has the same size shoulder and chest pockets, but all pocket flaps have a slight taper.

Trousers

Version 1 of the trousers have belt loops and a button fly with no elastic. Like version 1 of the blouse, the trousers have rectangular pocket flaps. The thigh pocket is also vertical on version 1, as opposed to version two which has the thigh pocket canted.

Version 2 has the previously mentioned thigh pocket cant, an elastic waistband with the same belt loops and button fly on version 1. Like version 2 of the blouse, all pocket flaps have a slight taper.

Issue

The Type III uniforms will be issued 15o Sailors, representing NSW, Seabees (Naval Construction Force) and EOD. Testing will be conducted in the vicinities of Norfolk, San Diego and Tampa. Type III will replace the existing woodland camouflage in CONUS and as prescribed by commanders OCONUS.

Fielding of the new Type II and Type III uniforms is expected to start in the summer of 2011.

Type II

So now that we’ve cleared up the Type III issue, let’s move into Type II. NWU Type II will ONLY be worn by Naval Special Warfare Operators and the Sailors who support them. The 3-color desert camouflage uniform is not going away. Sailors not authorized to wear the NWU Type II will continue to wear the current tricolor desert camouflage utility uniform in desert environments when issued by authorized command.

Remember, the conformance testing is primarily for finding out which “version” works the best, and that will be produced in both NWU II and III. Christian from Kit Up! mentions that an “official” version has already been named, and that it’s what the MCPON (Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy) is wearing in the photo to the right.

I’m not sure if Christian has some insider information, but the photos of the MCPON may just be with what he prefers to wear. Christian goes on in the article to say that he believes that when this is all over Type III will be issued in version 1 and NSW will continue to buy their uniforms from Beyond and Crye in AOR1 and 2.

This is probably true, but there’s more to it than that. Naval Special Warfare still has to have a set of Type II cammies to show their face in when deployed, and they sure aren’t going to walk around in Crye Combat Uniforms. So in the end I personally feel certain that whatever version is chosen for the Type II and III will be issued to NSW as well.

Operationally they won’t wear it, but it will be worn in place of the current Woodland and Desert uniforms. Also, the KitUp article mentions that even EOD will continue to wear the tricolor desert uniforms, but I believe that they’ll be issued the Type II as well. They’re just as much a part of Naval Special Warfare and work side by side with SEALs. They’ll be wearing Type II.

I do agree with Christian that it’s a bit ridiculous to have spent 80 million on uniform development to only issue Type II to a few thousand in Naval Special Warfare, but I’m willing to bet a substantive part of that development money was spent when DevGru was originally developing new combat uniforms for just themselves.

Keep up to date with what’s happening in NWU development with their Website or Facebook page.

We know you guys have been eagerly awaiting our Camo Comparision II results, and today we’ll be releasing our preliminary comparison images.

We’re asking for your help to cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective in the terrain locations below.

As there are close to 200 images contained below, we need to narrow them down into the four most visually effective patterns before we release the further analysis on each of those respective patterns. If you remember from our previous article on Target Detection and Identification, there are many other ways to analyze a pattern other than what the naked eye sees.

Without further adieu, we present our preliminary Camo Comparison II images and look forward to your feedback. Please cast your votes in the polls at the end of each location.

Comparison Specifics

We were able to wrap up our 2nd Camo Comparison in a matter of one day (19 Jul 10) at Big Bend National Park in Texas, which was the closest location to us that we felt simulated Afghanistan terrain. While the entire trip took three days, we started our 10-hour drive early enough to use the first day to scout locations and make things easier on the day we shot the images. If you haven’t read the adventures we encountered along the way click here!

The comparison took place in four locations (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) and four distances made possible by optical camera zoom. All photos were shot on a tripod with a Canon EOS 40d using a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM. We tried to shoot as close to f16 as possible, which we’ve found to be the sweet spot for focus and depth of field on this particular lens.

50mm is closest to what the eye sees naturally and is represented by Distance 3 in each location. Distance 1 was an extreme wide angle at 17mm, Distance 2 was a wide angle at 30mm, and Distance 4 was a medium telephoto at 85mm. While we kept the optical zoom levels consistent, the distance we were shooting from varied in each location as described below. Details on each location such as time, date and GPS coordinates are also shown below.

Camouflage Patterns Used

• Crye MultiCam
• Bulldog Tactical Mirage Camo
• Digital Concealment Systems A-TACS
• Hyde Definition PenCott GreenZone
• Desert MARPAT (Desert Digital)
• Woodland MARPAT
• SAF Digital (Singapore)
• UCP (ACU)
• 3-Color Desert Camo (DCU)
• Chocolate Chip Desert Camo
• Desert Tiger Stripe
• Japanese Flecktarn

In each set you’ll first see our control image, which is a shot of the white mannequin we used sans camouflage.

Each of the 12 camouflage patterns was placed on a torso mannequin and each location was completed in a matter of just 20-30 minutes. This was to ensure that the lighting was realitively the same for each image. Full sun was the best description of the shooting conditions.

The white balance for the photos was custom set using an 18% Grey Card in each location. The photos have not been altered in any way by Photoshop or any other editing program and do not include our watermark. They have been resized to 1024 x 1024 though.

Larger images are available on our Flickr Account but are copyrighted and not free to use without permission. For more specifics on our images you can view the properties on each individual image on Flickr. Please contact if you need high-resolution use of our images.

What’s also great about Flickr is that you can view our sets as a slideshow. If you click the first image in the sets below, it will bring up a viewer that will allow you to easily move to the next picture by clicking on the arrow that will be visible when hovering on the right side of the image. This should be just as easy as the Flickr slideshow.

Location Alpha

In Location Alpha we tried to find a mountainous terrain that closely resembled the mountains of Afghanistan. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 100 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Alpha was shot on 19 July from 0800 to 0830. GPS Coordinates: 29 25.523 -103 08.551

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

Distance 2

Distance 3

Distance 4

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573361]

Location Bravo

In Location Bravo we attempted to simulate a plains area with a mountainous background. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 50 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Bravo was shot on 19 July from 0945 to 1015. GPS Coordinates: 29 25.145 -103 08.255

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

Distance 2

Distance 3

Distance 4

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573369]

Location Charlie

In Location Charlie we tried to find a terrain that resembled a wash. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 25 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Charlie was shot on 19 July from 1115 to 1145. GPS Coordinates: 29 25.059 -103 08.464

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

Distance 2

Distance 3

Distance 4

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573379]

Location Delta

In Location Delta we tried to find an area that resembled a valley or grazing area. We fell this location is very important to the overall comparison, as it specifically shows what strong shadows from directly overhead sun do to camouflage. The camera baseline distance was set at approx. 75 yards away, thus distance three would be the closest to what the eye would truly see. Location Delta was shot on 19 July from 1300 to 1330. GPS Coordinates: 29 24.329 -103 08.501

Please cast your vote on which four patterns you find to be the most effective at the end of each terrain location. The polls will allow four (4) multiple choice selections.

Distance 1

Distance 2

Distance 3

Distance 4

Poll

[polldaddy poll=3573394]

Plans for the future?

We hope to continue to develop and refine our technique for comparing camouflage patterns and bring our readers the results. While this comparison was completed in just one day, there was a lot of coordinating, planning and driving that went into bringing you these results.

This wouldn’t of been possible if not for the support of our members and the camouflage companies like Bulldog Tactical, Digital Concealment Systems, and PenCott that graciously sent us uniforms to use in the comparison. The SAF Digital and Japanese Flecktarn were also donated by one of our Plank Owners, Eric Chevalier.

We’d like to thank our friend Jack from The Survival Podcast for his hard work and input on this project, as this wouldn’t have happened without him (and his truck). Also, a huge thank you to Riaan Rossouw for his continued support and advice in all things camouflage.

Stay tuned for further comparison using the four patterns that our readers choose!

The crew from A-TACS recently linked up with some folks at the Government Training Institute’s JOC (Joint Operations Center) in South Carolina for an LE scenario photo shoot.

While we know you’re foaming at the mouth to see how A-TACS did on our latest Camo Comparison, these are some great images of the pattern in an urban environment.