GearGear is in the Army now! Here's a look at some of theequipment that U.S. troops are using, courtesy of somepopular outdoor manufacturers
For the Frozen Tundra
Special Forces troops engaged in cold-weather operations are
issued Atlas snowshoes. This military-only model has a
36-inch-long aluminum frame and supports as much as 300 pounds in
deep snow. It's a modified version of Atlas's rugged 12 Series
($249). Atlas Snowshoe Company, 888-482-8527;
www.atlassnowshoe.com.
Ground Pounders
Magnum Stealth boots ($80) are popular in the military as a more
comfortable, high-performance option to standard-issue combat
boots. Stealths are extralight, have a moisture-wicking lining,
parachute-cord speed laces and an extrawide outsole. They're
also available to the general consumer. Magnum Footwear,
800-521-1698; www.magnumboots.com.
Hydration Station
CamelBak's Storm hydration pack, standard-issue with the Marines'
MOLLE (Marine Modular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment)
rucksacks, is a hands-free drinking system with a three-liter
water reservoir. To drink, the wearer bites down on the valve at
the end of the drinking tube, which is airtight when closed.
Similar products ($40) are available to civilians. CamelBak
Products, 800-767-8725; www.camelbak.com.
Gimme Shelter!
In rough conditions, troops in the field bed down inside the
two-person Lightweight Extreme Weather Shelter by Eureka! Tents.
The 12-pound tent opens to a height of four feet and provides 52
square feet of floor space. It can withstand steady winds of as
much as 50 mph, driving rain falling at two inches per hour and
snow loads of four pounds per square foot. If you're expecting
similar weather on your next outdoor adventure, consider
Eureka!'s K-2 XT consumer model (about $300). Eureka!,
800-661-9086; www.eurekatent.com.
COLOR PHOTO: BARRY IVERSON/TIMEPIX (SOLDIER)
COLOR PHOTO: ALEXANDER IMAGING (SNOWSHOE)
COLOR PHOTO: CORNING PHOTOGRAPHY (BOOT)
COLOR PHOTO: EUREKA! (TENT)
COLOR PHOTO: CAMELBAK
