The Pelican 1920, Gen2 vs Gen 3.

A photo posted by Whiskey Delta Gulf (@whiskeydeltagulf) on Aug 1, 2016 at 7:50am PDT

Quite a few months ago, I picked up a Pelican 1920 Generation 2 at Mountain Equipment Co-op. This new incarnation was long awaited upgrade to the 1910-20 series of pocket flashlight making the family more competitive with other choices on the market. Both the 1910 and the 1920 Generation 2 were released in Spring of 2014. I finally got around to picking one up in May of 2016.

The Stanley Nesting Mug and Water Bottle

A photo posted by Whiskey Delta Gulf (@whiskeydeltagulf) on Feb 14, 2015 at 6:51pm PST

INFORCE 6vx

With the speed of modern operations, lightweight, compact, robust equipment that packs lots of punch is the rule, not the exception. Advanced technology and weapons have made allied forces highly mobile and more lethal. Between carrying those advanced technologies, the batteries required for it and modern ammunition loads, weight and space are at a premium. It is a game of ounces. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. Handheld lights are no exception. Modern handheld tactical lights must be compact, lightweight  robust and longer lasting with a blinding output.

NDūR’s One Litre Pull Top Canteen (38 oz)

“If ever I meet one of you Texas waddies who ain't drunk water from a hoofprint, I think I'll... I'll shake their hand or buy 'em a Daniel Webster cigar.” Rooster Cogburn, True Grit, 1969

They say you can live three days without water. Whether deployed, travelling or in an emergency survival situation, safe drinking water is key to survive and thrive. Consuming water saturated with microorganisms or industrial contaminants will simply make you sick and reduce your survival window. I have spent a good deal of time in SW and SE Asia working and travelling. On many trips or deployments, I would take a water filtration system and water purifying treatments. This was especially handy when in the Golden Triangle between Thailand and Burma, where there is ample water but little of it is consumable without filtration or treatment. These bulkier systems took up precious space within my loadout.That was until I stumbled upon the NDūR’s Pull Top Canteen.

Hardcore Hardware Australia LFT-01

A Method of Entry Tool/Close Quarter Battle Tool.

Kühl Pants, tactical crossover...

Kühl Revolvr Pants

Passing through the Dubai International Airport (DXB)in 2006 to 2012 was a parade of 5.11 Tactical models all vying for attention as the various sizes and shapes of contractors made their way to O’Brien’s for their first pint. This lack of discretion extends to other locales as well. I was in an establishment in Bangkok, Thailand having a quiet iced Singha with an expatriate friend. When in walks a ‘farang’ (that is Thai slang for foreigner) with a Thai bar girl under each arm still wearing his 5.11 pants, rigger belt, desert boots and his company’s polo shirt. This kind of dress and deportment does little to maintain a low profile while travelling, whether insertion or exfiltration  from your operational environment. I have not worked the civilian side of the house, yet. Though, in my current employment, I have had to make international movement in civilian attire while moving through areas of known support for our adversaries and in medium to high threat countries. I attempt to keep a lower profile wearing non standard apparel; in an effort to be less of a target for who wish us harm and to distance myself from those who do not.

NEO Adventurers

'Over Shoe and Gaitor rolled into one'

Living in a northern climate, we have to content with not only winter but the slush and melt of spring and the wet, cold of the late fall before the snow really piles up. This weather is too warm for insulated boots and too wet for normal gortex footwear.  Another reality of operational life is limited space to pack gear for every situation. NEO Adventurers solve a lot of those issues.

Ladies Only: She Wee

“Why squat, when you can stand?”

As a female medical operator working in many different environments, I can honestly say that women are at a disadvantage,anatomy wise, when “Nature” calls. Being out in the middle of an open plain with no bushes or any kind of concealment with your crew of male counter parts, it is very discouraging as well as inconvenient when you have to urinate.

A great solution to this problem that I have purchased is the “She Wee”. It essentially is a funnel designed to fit the female anatomy so that you are able to stand up to urinate without the hassle of taking down your pants. This apparatus can  accommodate multi layers of clothing simply by adding an extension to the end of the funnel.

Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack

Geocaching in Cyprus

On my last deployment, taking advantage of the USA APO, I ordered a Mystery Ranch 3Day Assault Pack BVS in Foliage. The choice of Foliage or, as I call it, Feld Grun was specific; it can pass for a civilian style day bag with a cursory glance.  Many European bags are made in a similar moss grey green colour. The purchase was well researched through contact with various end users who had used the bag on combat operations. Immediately, upon opening the packaging, I was impressed with the construction and attention to detail. This is a bag for all seasons, full spectrum operations and multiple roles from signaler to medic to gunfighter.

Pelican 1910 Flashlight

As a tactical medic, I like to have lots of lights available to me. Tactically, I prescribed to the Tactical Trinity of Lights; a dedicated weaponlight, a vest/belt kit handheld and a uniform pocket backup light. For medical work, I have both a helmet light and a vest mounted light. As part of my Every Day Carry or EDC, I always have, at least, a light capable of navigating by. For the last year that light has been the Pelican 1910. It is small, unobtrusive and can be carried, even in business attire, without drawing attention. Is it a primary tactical light? NO! It is more of a tertiary tactical light or light duty EDC flashlight.

COLD-HN

Winter Training Cycle

Canadian Forces Winter Warfare Advanced (WWA) course
Courtesy of CF Combat Camera
Click on to Enlarge

A reality of being living in the Northern Hemisphere, it is cold and wet half the year. This is a combination of late fall, winter and early spring. That is a long period of time when the environment will complicate our training rotation. Do we stop training because it is cold and uncomfortable? Do gunfights, security threats and missions only happen on bright and sunny days? Is stress management through hard play any less in the colder times of the year? Obviously, the answer is NO, to all three questions. Training in adverse weather prepares us for operating in adverse weather conditions. The challenges presented when training, operating, and playing in cold wet environments is easily mitigated through proper preparation. Remember, the mnemonic: COLD-HN.

SureFire Helmet Light HL1-A

My Gallet CG634 helmet is a modified French design, based on the PASGT, but modified for compatibility with Canadian kit. The CG634 is similarly shaped and oft mistaken for a MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet. Mounted on the left side of my helmet is a SureFire Helmet Light HL1-A.

SureFire Helmet Light HL1-A
Click on to Enlarge

Carabiner Rant...

Carabiners are not just for key chains. They are a wonderful invention that come a myriad of shapes and sizes. They allow us to challenge ourselves on mountain climbs, hurtle down cliff faces at breakneck speeds, move gear and casualties up and down slopes and rescue trapped people in confined spaces. Carabiners are useful for securing loads or for personnel engaging enemy with small arms from helicopters. Their uses are limited by necessity and imagination.

Take Care Of Your Kit....

A fundamental component of all technical outerwear is its Durable Water Repellent (DWR) which serves as your clothing’s barrier against moisture. Gear can lose up to 70% of its breathability when the outer fabric absorbs water, dirt and sweat.  I know in my circle of friends that is just about anything we do for work or play. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) on the outer fabric of your gear must be maintained to ensure effectiveness. This increases the duration of your element’s effectiveness in adverse weather conditions and extended operations.