pmcimagazine.comRANGE GEARthough is the MBDU Flannel Shirt, and So what can look betterthan a plaid shirt? The MBDU Flannel Shirt is what! Based onthe classic Helikon-Tex MBDU shirt, and made of lightweight,yet durable fabric it provides proper antibacterial propertieseven during prolonged use, while the UPF50 index providesUV protection. Side VersaStretch panels guarantee freedom ofmovement during dynamic activities, and zippered pockets withYKK zippers on the chest and shoulders will accommodate all youressentials. Additionally the loop panels on the biceps allow foreasy personalization with unit patches when needed. As Helikon-Tex say themselves “this shirt is a must have for any urbanoperations”, and I have to say that I’m totally in agreement withthem on this!Although hopefully during the summer months I won’t beneeding a fully-fledged hardshell I do want something that canbe worn over a microfleece to add an additional layer againstwind chill, and ideally I look for garments that are lightweightand have a minimal pack size. The Windrunner windshirt, alsofrom Helikon-Tex, is an ideal carry item because of its minimumweight and size when folded. At just 190g (size XL) its ultra-light,tightly-woven Nylon fabric protects you from the wind, and ifthe DWR coating is regularly maintained, also from light rain.The Windrunner would also be an ideal garment for any kind ofoutdoor training.Mesh ventilation slats in armpits allow increased air circulationfor when you’re really working hard, and on a cooler day, wornon top of a fleece, it keeps your all-important core warmth fromescaping and protects against wind chilling. A large front channelpocket easily accommodates a cap, gloves or a buff , and twosmall flat pockets inside the larger pocket help to organize smallitems like smartphone or ID.Additional features are sparse and minimalistic in that there isa lightweight hood, elasticated cuffs and a drawstring hem, andthat’s it. On a garment like this though you don’t need a massiveamount of features as that just increases bulk and weight. TheWindrunner has been with me for quite a while now and I haveto admit that I absolutely love it and have worn it almost daily (infact O got myself a second!); it’s a superb piece of kit that givesyou just that little extra protection when things start to get cooler,and therefore I would thoroughly commend it to you.In relation to boots I’ve been testing a new model over thepast year or so, and the AKU Selvatica is designed specificallyfor professional users. Weighing in at just 460g, the superlightweightSelvatica Tactical Mid is incredibly breathable, as AKU’sAir 8000 upper is a technical fabric whose level of breathabilityincreases over a period of 24 hours to more than 11 times thatof a conventionally made fabric, and patented back in 1991, itensures cooling comfort all day long. The Air 8000 is combinedwith OrthoLite anti-microbial and breathable insoles to keep yourfeet fresh and comfortable for extended periods. The boots alsobenefit from a GORE-TEX extended comfort lining which helps tomaintain the high levels of breathability whilst maintaining 100%protection against ingress of water.A new welding process has also been used on the bootsto eliminate the need for stitching and makes the boot morewaterproof and less likely to snag on rocks and rough terrain.The sole of the boots features AKU’s exclusive Elica Natural StrideSystem technology. Designed to faithfully follow the anatomicalshape of the sole of the foot, it allows the sole to adapt tonormal heel and forefoot inclination, guaranteeing a more evendistribution of foot pressure and reducing impact and strainduring long treks. The treads are Vibram Selvatica Megagrip, ahigh performance rubber compound that promises unparalleledgrip on wet and dry surfaces and optimal ground adaptability forbetter all-around traction. Combined with dynamic support in theupper and sole this is a faithful boot that won’t let you down.BELT UPSetting up your gear for range sessions can go one of two ways.My personal setup is very straightforward; belt, holster, a coupleof mag pouches for the handgun and a couple for the rifle.Depending on what type of course we’re running I might chuckon a dump pouch too. I’ve used many different brands of belt overthe years, but at the moment I’m using the excellent Direct ActionMustang double-belt system that you’ll see detailed in our gearon test section.My favoured holsters are Kydex models made by my goodmate Taig at Kydex Customs, and firearms fit perfectly, are wellretained and easy to clear; the holsters are model-specific, butTaigs “easy on-off” fittings make changing them out a breeze.Dependant on where I’m shooting I really like the HSGI style ofleg rig that lets me carry two spare carbine magazines, two sparepistol magazines, and a mulitool. If however the range whereI’m shooting only allows belt mounted gear then I vary betweenflap-closed Tac Reload and open-topped Speed Reload magazinepouches, again from Direct Action. If I do run a dump pouch, myfavourite which I’ve had for years now is from 5:11; I also liketo carry a simple first-aid kit contained in the excellent ModularIndividual Med Kit Pouch from Helikon-Tex. Consistency is reallythe key to building up your speed in terms of all disciplines, and Ifind that keeping the belt rig the same each and every time I useit really helps with this. I may well change out the mag pouchesor holster for different makes of firearm, but ultimately everythingstays in the same place!I’ll conclude this month with my usual mantra of do yourresearch, get the information you need, and buy wisely. With theclothing and footwear I’ve chosen I would say all of it bar the UFPRO pants would be equally at home in town or on the range.If, like us, you’re going to try and set up your own range pleaseensure that it is on private land that is well secluded; it mustobviously also satisfy any and all legal requirements where youlive. It’s also advisable to look into your own Liability Insurance,and to be completely on the safe side it’s certainly worthconsidering letting your local LE guys know what you’re up to andwhen; who knows, they may even come and join you!However and wherever you may shoot though, practice hard,go safe, and enjoy some long summer evenings range fun withyour friends!26
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