Author: fatiguesarmynavy

Tiger stripe camo, a camo pattern heavily associated with the Vietnam War, is a pattern that predominantly uses broad, horizontal macros – stripes, not unlike those of a tiger, hence the name – in shades of green, black and brown.

It is said that this was a refinement on an earlier French pattern, the Lizard pattern, which was used in Indochina during the colonial period, to some success.

For many, tiger stripe camo is for reenactors, collectors and general history buffs, especially those with an interest in the Vietnam era. For others, it may still prove an effective pattern, especially in the scenarios described here.

The Bigger Sense of Viability

One of the most attractive aspects of the original tiger stripe camo patterns is the predominant color scheme. With macros in browns, black and greens, it’s capable of accommodating thickly vegetated areas, especially those with a dark backdrop.

This makes it suitable for use in areas that are forested so thickly that the sun is effectively blocked out. It makes sense why and how this was used in the jungles of southeast Asia.

With that said, this is only one element of tiger stripe patterns that make them suitable for use in the woods.

It’s Not Just About the Color, but the Pattern

As with any camo pattern, color is only half of the picture. The shape and arrangement of the macros and micros all increase the noise to signal ratio, making it hard for a viewer to truly discern what he or she is looking at.

In the case of tiger stripe, as was the case of its predecessor Lizard pattern, the macros are big, broad slashes. These slashes do not look unlike the broad leaves of thick foliage. In fact, the surface of tiger stripe camo is slashed and mottled very much in the way that dense jungle cover is.

Naturally this is well-suited to use in thickly forested areas, but specifically those with dense ground cover and mostly deciduous trees with large, broad leaves. In areas where there is sparse ground cover, even if there is a thick canopy, there are probably better patterns.

In fact, it is probably not the best pattern in any area in which there is not a lot of ground cover, if the main shades of the earth are light tan, or if the main species of trees are coniferous rather than deciduous.

But, all the same, in the summer months, tiger stripe camo can still be valuable for outdoorsmen that pursue their craft in areas where there is a lot of thick foliage near the ground.

Then, of course, it still has value for collectors and reenactors, as well as marginal utility for fashion purposes. There are plenty of modern tiger stripe camo patterns in colors other than the originals, with blue, black, gray and even pink coloration. These can be used for fashion and form rather than function, as they will offer little in the way of concealment.

Where to Get Tiger Stripe Camo Gear

There are still some manufacturers and retailers that sell historically relevant camouflage patterns, like tiger stripe. You just need to know where to look.

One of the best of these is Fatigues Army Navy, which sells a wide range of tiger stripe camo clothing and other gear, as well as tiger stripe in modern color schemes. To learn more about this unique camo pattern or to see what they have in stock, visit their website. You can also contact them directly at 877-612-1253 if you have any questions before you buy.

For more information about Concealed Carry Jacket and Army Jacket please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

In the event your camouflage pants aren’t insulated, now’s the time to revamp your wardrobe with some appropriate cold-weather gear. The freezing temps will be here before you know it.

Here are some points to make sure you can keep warm this winter.

Materials: What to Buy?

There are lots of modern synthetic performance materials out there, but you can’t go wrong with an old classic: wool.

Wool has better thermal insulative properties than most other materials and it remains warm when wet, which can save you in wet conditions.

Avoid cotton, as cotton is highly absorbent and loses its thermal insulating properties when set. Down is middle of the road; it is lighter than wool and offers excellent thermal insulative properties, but like cotton, loses them when wet.

Technical insulative gear is acceptable as long as it’s reasonably priced – nylon, polyester, and wool-acrylic blends can all be useful.

Sizing Jackets, Pants and Snow Suits

One of the most important things about winter gear is that it’s not just important what you wear, but how you wear it.

First off, you’ll want three layers. A baselayer that you wear next to your skin (wool is great for this) followed by a mid-layer that will offer the bulk of insulation. Wool, down, and performance synthetics are appropriate here.

Next you’ll have the outer shell that will provide your first line of defense against the elements (more on that below).

This makes it critical to size appropriately. With the exception of your baselayer, you don’t want to be wearing skin-tight clothing in the cold.

This can restrict circulation and it also limits the amount of air that can be trapped next to your skin.

Ideally, you should run a half a size or a size up. That way, you can trap warm air next to your skin and you’ll also have room for layering.

The Outer Shell

The outer shell you wear will be your first protection against water and wind. As a result, many outer shells are waterproof and windproof.

This is one area in which synthetics are acceptable. Tightly woven natural materials, like cotton duck canvas and twill, are also good. Waxed canvas is one alternative to modern synthetics, as it repels water effectively. It is also much more durable and much longer lasting than tech gear.

A Note on Your Extremities

While it’s a myth that you lose most of your heat through your head, you do still lose heat through it. A good, snug hat, either wool or fur, is necessary.

Also, you’ll want to make sure your hands are covered; mittens are better as they keep your fingers together, but gloves offer better dexterity. Glomitts are a good compromise between the two.

As for your feet, you’ll want to wear thick wool socks, and if your feet sweat a lot, you may want a silk liner sock to wear inside of a second pair of socks. Make sure your boots are waterproof and rated appropriately according to the conditions.

One helpful note is to carry a few chemical hand and foot warmers that you can put in your gloves and boots to give you an assist if it gets really cold.

Cold Weather Gear Is in at Fatigues Army Navy

Here for cold-weather winter gear? Get it online at Fatigues Army Navy. They carry a wide range of highly durable, high-quality winter gear, including Codet wool pants, snow suits, and military surplus gear. With so much more than just camouflage pants, from boots and socks to headwear, they have you covered, literally, so you can enjoy more of what the great outdoors have to offer, even when the temperature plunges.

For more information about Tiger Stripe Camo and Jungle Boots please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

The ALICE Pack, short for “all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment” pack, was designed by the US Army in the 70s and was subsequently used by the Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and several State Guards.

It is a timeless classic of militaria that still offers civilians a lot of functionality today. But how you use it is critical to its value. You can load one the wrong way, trust us.

So how do you load it the right way?

The Sleeping Gear

All else being equal, your sleeping gear, which is usually inclusive of a sleeping bag and pad, is the bulkiest and heaviest of the gear you’ll be carrying.

It’s also gear you need to access at most once per day, and moreover, there’s never going to be an emergency that requires you to have exigent access to your sleeping gear.

Therefore, you can do one of two things. Either roll them up and stuff them way down at the bottom of the ALICE pack (if you have room) or (and this is preferable) lash them over the top flap or to the bottom of the pack.

The bottom works best because it will help keep weight low.

Other Heavy Stuff

Anything else you’ll be carrying in your ALICE pack that’s heavy, like cookware, tools, and spare footwear, should go at the bottom of the pack, or right on top of your sleeping gear. Just make sure it’s clean!

Other Clothing

Other clothing, like jackets, spare shirts, shorts and socks, can go right on top of the other “heavy” stuff, somewhere around the middle of the pack.

It should be here because there’s no reason to have fast access to it, so it will keep the rest of your gear at the top within easier reach.

Lightweight Essentials

Anything else that you might need to access (and is lightweight) can go at the top of your ALICE pack. This includes but is not limited to sunglasses, hats, maps, compasses, signaling devices, and essential tools like knives (although you’d be better off carrying them on your person).

Anything You Need Immediate Access to

With respect to everything else that you might need immediate access to, that stuff probably shouldn’t be in your ALICE pack at all, but on it.

You can strap holsters and other carriers to the belt of your ALICE pack, which will afford you much better access to things like tools, canteens, and communication devices.

And of course, if you need even more immediate access, you should carry the item in question in its own holster for easier access.

Here for a New ALICE Pack?

Have you landed here because you’re looking for a new ALICE pack or perhaps for some MOLLE field gear?

There’s one place to check out that has everything you need for outdoor pursuits, from paintball to camping to hunting. It’s Fatigues Army Navy. Check them out via the previous link and get in touch with them if you have any questions.

For more information about Camo Shirt and Shemagh Scarf please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

Jungle boots, with their breathable cotton duck canvas panels and durable full-grain upper supports, are comfortable, protective, and excellent in hot, humid environments.

They can take a beating, but they’ll be a lot better about it if you’re conscientious about giving them some extra TLC from time to time.

Here are the best pointers we have to keep your jungle boots kicking for longer.

Leather Care

First things first, many quality jungle boots are made with full-grain leather uppers. Full-grain leather is tough but it’s not impervious to damage, and repeated wet-dry cycles can desiccate and crack it if you aren’t careful.

If you know you’re going to have a period of time where you won’t be wearing your boots much, get some good leather conditioner and work it into the leather portions of the boot. This helps prevent the leather from swelling and absorbing too much moisture, which will help keep it supple and prevent it from cracking.

Canvas Care

The other major component of your jungle boots’ uppers are the cotton duck canvas panels. These are great because they’re breathable and allow moisture to pass through; the bad news is once wet cotton will stay wet till you do something about it.

If your jungle boots are soaked, take them off and place them somewhere hot and dry. You need to actively dry the canvas or it will stay soggy for a while and there’s better than a good chance that they’ll develop mold and mildew – not to mention they’ll smell terrible even if they don’t.

Other Considerations

Besides these two major considerations, here are some other pointers for your jungle boots.

• Wax (and re-wax) the laces as needed. Waxed laces will not only hold your knots tighter, but they will stand up to abrasion much better than unwaxed laces. Also, waxed laces will not be as prone to moisture absorption.
• Keep the soles clean. Use a stiff brush to get mud and dirt from out of the lugs on your soles, to keep wear to a minimum. One trick is to wait till it’s all dried because it will be easier then to dislodge with a brush.
• Clean the area around the welt. That’s the area where the uppers meet the soles. Use a softer brush to dislodge debris here as you don’t want to abrade or otherwise damage the stitching.
• If you need a little assistance with drying the boots out, use some old newspaper. Crumple it up, stuff it into the boot, and check back in a few hours. If the paper feels damp, replace it with fresh paper.

Need a New Pair of Jungle Boots?

Is it time for another (or your first) pair of jungle boots? Get them online at Fatigues Army Navy. They carry a wide range of jungle and combat boots (for kids as well!) along with tons of other tactical gear. Visit their website for the full experience and contact them directly if you need any help finding anything.

For more information about Concealed Carry Jacket and Utility Belt please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

The value of a prepper supply really lies in how versatile and utilitarian it is, right? Therefore, the more uses a supply has, the more value it has in your prep stockpile or bug out bag.

It’s hard to beat these three. Cheap and universal as they are, there’s probably more they can do than that they can’t.

Duct Tape

Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, duct tape is a cloth-backed pressure sensitive tape that utilizes strong adhesive and which resists tearing. Originally used to secure ducts (hence the name) duct tape has a thousand and one uses for preppers, including but not limited to the following:

• Emergency clothing hemming (if the hem fails or drops)
• Repairing/patching holes in fabric
• Treating warts
• Preventing blisters, soothing hot spots
• Creating rope and makeshift cordage
• Creating a makeshift clothesline for drying clothes
• Trapping flies and other pests; place the adhesive side up around the garbage or around rotting fruit and the flies will get trapped there
• Lint or pet hair removal
• For extra grip to help open a jar
• As a makeshift tool handle wrap to provide extra traction
• Sealing cracked plastic, caulk or plaster
• Stopping small leaks in hoses, water bottles and other vessels
• Snow and pest-proofing pants (wrap duct tape around where your pant leg meets your boot)
• Splinter removal
• Patching together broken items
• DIY camo job, if the duct tape is finished with a camo pattern

This list only scratches the surface of the utility of duct tape – it has many more uses in addition to these!

Vaseline

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a mix of mineral oil and wax, and, like duct tape, is invaluable as a prepper supply. Here are some of the top uses:

• Moisturizing dry skin and lips
• Treating/sealing small wounds and burns
• Prevent chafing (simply apply to affected areas)
• To lubricate squeaky wheels or hinges (just do not put in locks!)
• As a fire starter (simply rub some vaseline into a ball of lint or drop a dab on newspaper and it will extend the burn time
• To soften stiff leather (neatsfoot oil is better for this, though)
• As a makeup remover (most oil-based makeups are soluble in vaseline)
• To soothe razor burn
• To treat mild sunburn
• Apply it to metal tools and hardware to prevent rust and corrosion
• Remove scratches, scuffs and watermarks on wood and leather
• Lubricate stuck zippers

Like duct tape, vaseline has many more uses than those that are covered here!

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol, typically isopropyl, like vaseline and duct tape, has a long and interesting list of uses around the home. As a prepper supply, rubbing alcohol can be used:

• As a deodorant; simply dab it on underarms to kill smell (it will dry out your skin though so use sparingly)
• Can also be used to deodorize shoes and boots
• To disinfect surfaces
• To remove ink, oil, and other stains
• As a DIY stove fuel (or lamp fuel)
• To clean steel, glass and other surfaces, and to remove smudges
• To disinfect small wounds
• As an astringent; topically, rubbing alcohol can help with oily skin
• Removing residues; as a powerful solvent, rubbing alcohol can be used to remove gummed up adhesive and other residues

Of course, isopropyl rubbing alcohol has many more uses than what are covered here, but this is a good start, and it is in an invaluable prepper supply.

Gear Up with Prepper Supplies

If you’re looking for prepper supplies like these and others, such as tools, first aid kits, and MREs, check out Fatigues Army Navy online, or, if you’re in their area, in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

They carry an exhaustive list of valuable and practical prepper supplies that can’t be done justice here.

For more information about Alice Pack and Jungle Boots please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

No two pairs of kids’ combat boots are alike, and therefore no single pair will perform admirably well in all weather conditions.

The pair you outfit your kid with should depend on when and where the kid is using them. Let’s take a closer look at this.

Kids’ Combat Boots: Jungle Boots

One broad category of kids’ combat boots are jungle boots. These boots perform best in hot conditions, both wet and dry, as a matter of fact.

Most jungle boots are made with vulcanized rubber lug soles, with a shank (usually steel) that provides rigidity, support, and rebound. They provide good support and traction in all conditions but are optimized for earth, not blacktop.

They’re also made with vented uppers. Typically, jungle boots have canvas or nylon panels on the shaft of the boot, which allow for moisture that’s been absorbed to be wicked away easily. As a result, jungle boots are quick-drying in hot, wet conditions (such as those you’d encounter in the jungle, hence the name). They also provide good breathability and ventilation in hot, dry conditions.

They’re also usually crafted with aluminum hardware that is corrosion resistant, further improving their utility in wet environments.

This makes jungle boots good outdoor wear in the summer months. However, as they are usually not waterproof, and worst of all, have no insulation, they are not good as winter footwear.

Patrol/Duty Boots

Patrol or duty boots usually have black leather (or synthetic uppers) and cup soles with a less aggressive tread than jungle boots. Sometimes they have an even less aggressive wedge sole.

While they perform well and offer good traction on all surfaces, they are optimized for use on finished surfaces; either indoors, or on blacktop or pavement. This makes patrol or duty boots preferable for use in developed, urban environments.

Otherwise, patrol and duty boots may be either lightweight or waterproof and insulated, so with respect to that, they can be practical at any time of year.

For Winter Wear: Go Insulated and Waterproof

One important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a new pair of kids’ combat boots is what time of year they will be worn.

If your kid will be outside in the winter – either playing airsoft, camping, hiking, or something like that, then getting an insulated pair of waterproof boots is a must.

Many combat boots are designed for hot conditions. As a result, sometimes logger boots or hunting boots are better in the winter months as these are (typically) waterproof and well-insulated. Most of them also have aggressive lug soles that perform better in undeveloped conditions.

Another note, though this doesn’t have to do with the boots themselves. If your kid will be outside in cold conditions, set him or her up with two pairs of boot socks; one a liner sock, the outer sock a thick wool sock to add insulation.

The liner sock will wick away sweat; as for wool, it outperforms cotton in every way. Wool socks can even get wet and will still retain the majority of their insulative properties; cotton will not. Keep that in mind if you buy your kid a pair of new winter boots – keeping warm is not all about the boots!

Get a New Pair of Kids’ Combat Boots for Your Kid

Not sure where to start your search for a new pair of kids’ combat boots? Make it easy on yourself and start at Fatigues Army Navy. They sell a wide range of kids outerwear and boots, with a wide collection of jungle boots, duty boots and more in their catalog. Or, if you’re in their area, visit them in Northeast Pennsylvania.

For more information about Camouflage Pants and Camo Shirt please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

Fresh off the CCW Course? Just entering the market for a concealed carry jacket?

Not all are created equal, so don’t just buy anything. Hopefully this short guide will help you make a wise choice.

Avoid Buttons!

Buttons may look snazzy, but they are something you will want to avoid on a concealed carry jacket at all costs.

The reason? They compromise your access to your weapon, and that can seriously put a life or death limitation on the utility of your jacket.

First and foremost, the jacket should enable easy, effortless access to your weapon, period. All other features, functionality, and fashion come as secondary characteristics.

What you want is a jacket with a zipper. It might not look as slick as a button-up jacket, and yes, zippers can jam, but they are much easier and more intuitive to use than buttons.

Shop a Size Up

The thing about a concealed carry jacket is that no single jacket can literally do it all.

You can either get a really heavy jacket that will keep you warm in the winter, but which will be burdensome to wear the rest of the year – or you can get a jacket that’s comfortable in the summer but too light for the other seasons.

Our recommendation is to get a three-season jacket. One that’s ideal for fall and spring, and not too heavy for summer.

But here’s the catch – you have to order a size up. That way, you’ll have enough room underneath for layering.

It solves the seasonal dilemma, and it also ensures comfort without compromising access to your weapon.

Look for One with More Than Enough Room

Naturally, any concealed carry jacket that you seriously think about buying should have more than enough room for your holster or a dedicated pocket

But that’s not good enough. Look for a jacket with additional pockets for magazines or other tools, or, if it becomes necessary, one that’s simply big enough to add a utility belt or something else underneath.

One thing is imperative. This jacket has to make your lifestyle easier, not complicate it, and oftentimes one of the most important things is access to the gear you need.

Don’t Try to Do Too Much at Once

Last but not least, don’t try to do too much with this jacket. It’s your first purchase. Don’t expect it to be perfect.

It just needs to be comfortable, provide you with easy access to your weapon, and protect you against the elements.

You’re never going to get the perfect jacket – for instance, as covered previously, one that’s going to work in all seasons. You’re going to have to make compromises somewhere.

Just don’t make compromises on any of the pointers in this article. Make sure there is support for your weapon, room for accessories (notably spare mags), and avoid buttons.

Anything else is in your wheelhouse. And remember, you’re allowed to get more than one! If the first jacket you get isn’t all you’ve ever dreamed of, relegate it to another role and get a new one. It’s as simple as that.

Where to Get Your Next Concealed Carry Jacket

Looking for a new, high-quality concealed carry jacket? Check out what’s in store at Fatigues Army Navy. Not only do they carry a wide range of jackets and shooting accessories, they also represent the top brands, like Rothco.

Check out their catalog today and see if there’s anything in there that appeals to you. There more than likely is and it’s just waiting for you to discover it.

For more information about Camo Shirt and Army Jacket please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co