New Takes On Load Bearing Equipment

Lighten you combat load with ultralight offerings from Blue Force Gear and First Spear.

Both of these companies have taken a unique approach to the evolution of the MOLLE platform. Let's take a look at Rlue Force Gear's Helium Whisper design.  They have chosen to lighten the weight of the traditional MOLLE pouch system by eliminating all the excessive materials used in the construction of the attachment system. The Natick Snap system, the most common MOLLE attachment backing found on issue pouches, consists of 27 parts at roughly 84 grams or 3 ounces. 

Helium Whisper reduces just the backing down to 6 parts at almost half the weight of roughly 44 grams. Additionally, the attachment straps are integral to the pouch and not sewn on, eliminating the possibility of stitching failure.

FirstSpear has taken a somewhat similar but even more evolutionary approach. FirstSpear 6/12 technology eliminates all major components of MOLLE on both the pouch and vest which achieves a 20%-40% reduction in weight. The FirstSpear team invested more than a year developing and testing the FirstSpear 6/12 Pocket Attachment System. 

It utilizes state of the art fabric technologies to deliver a completely modular system. From adhesive heat-set backing to laser cut precision attachment points, the 6/12 system provides greater fabric flexibility on unarmored platforms. and tighter mounting of pockets to create a cleaner silhouette that aides in enhanced signature management and mobility. 

The 6/12 platform face is completely slick when pockets are removed and allows for easy management of communications cables and wires. FirstSpear's Modular Pockets use micro hook and loop tabs to lock the pouches into the face fabric of the platform through the laser cut slots.

The interlocking of tabs ensures a solid pouch placement with the most minimal weight and bulk.

While both of these systems are state-of-the-art for the modern fighter you may be wondering how these technologies can integrate with your current kit. Well, the Blue Force gear's more traditional design allows their pouches to be mounted on any MOLLE compatible vest as well as their carriers to accept any traditional MOLLE pouches. So with Blue Force you can start upgrading your kit with whatever gear you're needing to replace. 

First Spear's pouches are proprietary to their carriers, but the trade off you'll gain with this system is that you'll have the slickest, fastest and most maneuverable kit out there. So you'll have to start our with a carrier form First Spear, well first. However, the good news though is that the laser cuts in First Spear's carriers are completely compatible with existing MOLLE pouches, so you can still use pouches from your current kit. 

Both companies offer pouches vests and plate carriers in various solid colors as well as multicam. Find the system that fits your needs at uscav.com today.

Massif's New Integrated Tactical Jacket Is Here - Get Your Tan ITJ Soft Shell Exclusively at uscav.com!

U.S. Cavalry is excited to offer the new Massif Integrated Tactical Jacket. The first run of these jackets are Berry Compliant and made in the USA.  Three colors of jackets are available:  Tan (a U.S. Cavalry exclusive), OD Green and Black.

This performance soft shell is designed specifically for seamless compatibility with tactical vests and armor.  It lacks unpractical hand-warmer pockets that aren't accessible anyway under body armor or plate carriers, and would just add bulk. However, two mesh lined chest pockets and two shoulder pockets give plenty of storage for gear you need to keep close by. The mesh lining also gives the wearer the option to ventilate when and where they need to without removing their kit.

The mobility and comfort of the ITJ is great. Constructed with a lightweight 5.5 ounce 4-way stretch woven fabric for exceptional breathability and moisture wicking in the chest, the sleeves and yoke utilize a wind resistant 6.5 ounce 4-way stretch fabric treated with DWR for wet conditions. This is the first garment made by Massif specifically for missions that do not require flame resistance (FR).

Since this is a non-FR garment, the price is extremely competitive for a quality tactical softshell.  As of this post you can buy yours at uscav.com for $119.99 and receive a free matching U.S. flag patch with your order for a limited time.

The hybrid design of the Integrated Tactical Jacket fills an immediate need for a comfortable, high-performance shell for professionals who spend a lot of time in armor in varied conditions.

A high collar protects the solider, LE officer or contractor against the elements, slings and hot brass when on the range or in combat.

Massif is a world leader in designing and manufacturing high-performance outdoor gear. Many of Massif’s products are approved and fielded by the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, including the Army Combat Shirt and the Massif Elements Jacket.

Get one, try it out and leave us your review of the Massif Integrated Tactical Jacket. We'd love to hear what you have to say.

Armorshield Body Armor

Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement magazine has published an article in their Nov. 2010 issue about Armorshield USA.

U.S. Cavalry has been carrying the Armorshield product line for years and we can attest to the quality and affordability of their ballistic packages.

Scott Wagner has done an excellent write up of the Puma and Kodiak ballistic vests as well as the practical Body Armor Blanket.

FYI, you won't be able to read the full article online, but we'll post a link to a pdf when it becomes available.