Die deutsche Verison dieses Beitrages kann im Tacticalforum nachgelesen werden.
IWA is always exciting anew, especially when it comes to apparel. Europe is offering some fine brands, that in my humble opinion are among the top companies worldwide in terms of innovation and design.
Every year you will find something new at IWA. Be it new models, new materials or new approaches to new and old problems. I will try to give you some insights on what was worth looking at this year in Nuremberg.
UF PRO
Starting with UF PRO I was again amazed by the neverending drive for updating old models and creating new ones. The Design team introduced some new models like the P-40 All Terrain, the P-40 Tac 2 and the Striker HT.
UF PRO’s line up of pants
The P-40 AT is a hybrid design bringing together the features of the original P-40 pants and the Striker line up. A different pocket configuration and Cordura reinforced knee areas are the main changes worth noting. The P-40 Tac 2 is going to replace the older model of the P-40 Tactical.
UF PRO’s Hot Terrain pants in PenCott Badlands
The Striker HT features designated airflow channels which can be opened via zipper. Another example of how serious UF PRO takes the problem of heat regulation and cooling down the person.
The Striker XT pants have a different cut now on the back with Schoeller stretch fabric. Very interesting is the Multicam option of the pants which was combined with Slocam stretch material. Since there is no similar material in Multicam, UF PRO combined it this way and the results are amazing.
UF PRO’s Striker HT pants from behind – note the Multicam/Slocam Combo!
You might remember my argument for SloCam in terms of compatibility with Multicam – now here you have it!
The new Delta Ace Plus Softshell
Other new products consist of a new softshell jacket and the Striker XT Line up in german Flecktarn.
UF PRO goes Flecktarn
Carinthia
The Austrian company is especially known for their sleeping bags and cold weather gear. Like last year, Carinthia was showcasing interesting new products.
Carinthia’s booth
Besides the new generation of the Mig jacket, they also had a prototype for a hardshell jacket with G-Loft insulation. The feel of the material was quite unique and the overall design was quite promising.
The Hardshell prototype
For demonstration purposes only they also had a Mig Jacket on display featuring the british MTP camouflage pattern – it seems like the Royal Marines will get warm and cosy in the upcoming winter times. There was also an interesting overall/jump suit which was created for the Japanese Air Force.
The jumpsuit for the japanese Airforce
As always Carinthia knew to impress with their designs and materials. After all G-Loft is said to be performing better than Primaloft – something to keep in mind!
Leo Köhler
Another stop was at the booth of Leo Köhler. Most notably known for the bomb proof sewing, the company exhibited their take on modern combat pants incorporating stretch materials and new camouflage patterns.
Leo Köhler pants in Multicam Tropic and PenCott Greenzone
Leo Köhler’s take on new combat pant designs
Beside that the had their full line up of classic smocks, jackets and working apparel.
Tilak
Another personal highlight for me was the Czech company Tilak. Definitely not a new player on the market since they are over 25 years old, but to be honest, I never had them on my radar.
They have a long background in outdoor equipment and started also doing clothing for military customers of the Czech Republic, who wanted Tilaks designs modified to their needs.
Tilak’s jackets in Ventile
What got me personally interested was their use of Ventile fabric. This is a 100% cotton fabric of the highest grade of cotton, resulting in quite unique properties. Because of the weaving process and the fabric it becomes water resistant to a certain degree. It is also very light and quiet in comparison to other technical fabrics.
Saying this I will end my second report from IWA. Thank you for your patience! Next up will be a look at different gear companies.