Right on both counts.;)

I have to say that other than the HSGI suspender straps slipping off constantly, most of my gear made the weight tolerable as well.

As far as the UnderArmour goes, let's just say that I got a really good deal on it. It was comfortale, but it did get picked pretty badly by the Velcro on the armor and gear I was wearing over it.

If anyone wants additional feedback on any of the gear I used, I am more than happy to say how it worked for me, or like the Dry Fit, we can discuss alternatives. Thanks for the good words.

TR

I know the AF Times has an article on different types of Underarmor-type tshirts. I want to take another look at some that I might be able to wear flying.

TR, you said you wished the TT MAV had internal pockets. Are you meaning some sort of map pocket? That might be able to be easily done by a parachute shop. They could stitch a square of fabric on the backside of the MAV in a "U" shape (Like this: |_|). They'd just have to be careful not to close off any PALS channels.

No, I meant internal mag pouches.

Thanks anyway though. I have my personal stitch associate working on something for me, even as we speak.

TR

TR, looking into a new set of kneepads and looked back on this post. I was issued hatch in training, but some got issued altas. Mine worked well, didn't slip, and didn't cause much discomfort. Was wondering about yours or anyone else's opinion on the Alta pads, or if anyone has tried the Arc'Teryx and do they work better?

I like the Altas, but they were regularly turning into shin guards.

If you tightened them up enough to keep them from slipping, they cut into the backs of the legs.

The Arc'Teryx did not have these problems. They are expensive though, and the company seems difficult to deal with directly. Probably best ordered through REI or another dealer.

TR

Thank you, Sir. In my training, the Hatch didn't seem to slip much. I will have to check with REI about the Arc'Teryx, they look trick!

TR-
Any issues with the water permeability of any of the Knee protection you mentioned? I need to purchase something to save my old knees from getting wailed while sailing, but most of the ones I've tried get heavy and become shin guards with the slightest dampening.... and everything seems to be at knee level on racing boats in a heavy wind.

I would go to an REI and look at the Arc'Teryx.

They seem to me to be that much better, and much lower profile than the others. Only thing other than the cost is the bright yelow color they are trimmed with.

TR

Sir, just an update, received my Arc'Teryx LEAF knee caps the other day. Ordering was very simple, just email Renee in the LEAF department. They shipped my stuff immediately and they only cost $35 when ordered through their LEAF program. The design is a lot different from the others on the market, they are a lot smaller & cut down, but this makes them very light & contributes to them staying where you put them. The top strap is elastic where the bottom one has no stretch or give. I find it best to locate the bottom strap low in the pocket behind the knee, the larger diameter of my calves keep them in place. My only concern is they are extremely light and I'm worried about durability as an issue. I'm currently giving them a good thrashing.

Anyone tried Zensah? I prefer it to UnderArmor. It's on expensive side though (especially without discounts).

Review here: http://www.militarymorons.com/gear/zensah.html

I googled for a 50% discount code (fall50--may be expired) when I ordered mine, and there are probably more like it floating around, though I imagine that the 40% code linked on MM for military will probably work for most of you.

None of the compression type shirts are authorized anymore unless they are flame retardant.

I suspect that has put at least a temporary dent in UA's sales.

TR

http://yhst-6608495715390.stores.yahoo.net/8100f.html

Zensah's website suggests that they're specifically marketing to SOF niche, so it doesn't surprise me that they're pushing one. The $80 price tag (pre-discount) looks prohibitive--I certainly haven't had any experience with this. MM also didn't feature it in the review.

Does anyone like the issue knee pads? The ones, shown on the RFI PEO Soldier site, and made by "Bijan Protective." I use them, they don't move up or down the leg, but they are awfully sweaty. Our CIF issues them.

I personally hate those pads. Too bulky and too hot for wear. I had a problem with the elastic digging into the backs of my legs.

They might be good for normal wear in a training environment, but they got too hot and bothersome in the sand box.

I went through a number of pads until I finally settled on just rotating them through. Depending on the mission and what task I was assigned with, I would pick from there.

They are hot, I'll give you that. Was there a spot on your body that wasnt hot?;) I tried the Alta's, they move around on my legs pretty good, so I kept tightening the straps, eventually they were really digging into the back of my legs, but still moving around. The only ones I've had that don't wander much are the issue knee pads. Yep, they're sweaty, but they're on your knee cap when you drop.