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Granite Gear, Inc., a leader in the outdoor industry, announced it was awarded a five-year contract by U.S. Special Operations Forces to develop and manufacture up to 45,000 Chief Patrol backpacks for the next generation of soldiers. The Chief Patrol backpack will feature high performance CORDURA® fabrics to help provide U.S. Special Operations Forces with the exceptional durability they deserve.
“We are honored that the U.S. Special Operations Forces has entrusted Granite Gear, Inc. in collaboration with MMI to design, develop, and produce the next generation of patrol packs for the modern war fighter,” said Granite Gear, Inc. CEO and Designer Jeff Knight. “After more than two years in the making, the Chief Patrol backpack combines our extensive knowledge of the commercial and outdoor market along with cutting-edge military requirements to create a pioneering design in backpacks.”
The Chief Patrol backpack is a collaborative effort that has united Granite Gear, Inc., Montgomery Marketing, Inc., and INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand. The contract was granted through Natick’s Special Operations Office after an extensive source selection process and rigorous testing of packs from six other companies. The backpack meets the U.S. Special Operations Forces requirements to provide a load carriage system that delivers top-performance with the following functional capabilities:
• Access Panel – Two vertical zippers open the front of the pack and allow for rapid load / unload of inner contents. A radio pocket and antenna ports are also accessible through the top.
• NIR Solution-Dyed Fabric – Both the base fabric (500d, 330d and 100d) and webbing (1000d) consist of solution-dyed nylon (SDN) CORDURA® fabrics that provide soldiers maximum Near Infra-red (NIR) signature reduction concealment properties.
• CHIEF Frame Sheet – A 3-D molded frame sheet fits the contours of a soldier’s back, and exceptional comfort is achieved with pivoting anchor points for shoulder straps and belts that also help maximize body movement. In addition, the harness is customizable to fit over body armor.
• Hydration – Hydration pockets on both sides allow easy access to hydration bladders. Bottom routing of the tubes permits more efficient flow, and bite valves attached on the shoulder straps allow soldiers hands-free operation.
“Being included in such a special design by a leader in the outdoor industry such as Granite Gear, Inc. is very rewarding,” says Allen Mortimer, North American End-Use Marketing Manager for INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand. “We are honored to contribute our branded fabric to advancing today’s warfighter’s load carriage system.”
A division of Granite Gear, Inc., Granite Tactical Gear outfits military, law enforcement and other security forces with proven designs and advanced fabrication. More Granite Tactical Gear, as well as, comparable versions of the CHIEF Patrol Pack, can be found at high quality retailers like Extreme Outfitters and Blue Line Gear and through the distributor SMG Tactical.
About CORDURA® Brand
CORDURA® brand (cordura.com) is the registered trademark of INVISTA for durable fabrics. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is used in a wide range of products, including luggage, backpacks, boots, military wear and performance apparel.
About INVISTA
INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications, a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®.
About Granite Gear
Since the company’s inception in 1986, innovation has always been the driving force at Granite Gear. Combining a genuine approach with a passion for improving quality and performance in the outdoors, Granite Gear has gained worldwide recognition as a leader in the design and manufacturing of quality backpacks, packing systems, canoe gear, and many thoughtful solutions to technical outdoor gear. Headquartered in Two Harbors, Minnesota, Granite Gear is all about building gear that will last.
About Montgomery Marketing, Inc.
Manufactured in MMI’s Catoma brand tent manufacturing division, Catoma is a leading manufacturer of permethrin-treated tents and sheltering. Permethrin-treated products for use in extreme outdoor environments is growing in importance as the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor annual malaria testing, now exceeding one million people yearly. MMI has been manufacturing its Catoma tents for use by the USDI Forest Firefighters and US Military since 1993.
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