I spoke with Otte Gear president Todd Fairbain days before SHOT, and he let us in on three new jackets that are moving into production. Being a confirmed jacket whore, and already owning some of their gear, I was more than a little interested.
Todd started out talking about the new Super L Windshirt. The idea was to go with a lightweight shirt that would stop the wind and crush up small so it could go anywhere with you. This reminds me very much of some gear that was custom-made for guys doing “work” in Africa in the 1970s and ’80s. Back then, the guys were getting them made out of camo parachutes for work out in the desert. Otte Gear’s “Super L Windshirt” has come a long way, and I’m pretty sure guys would have gone for a quality off-the-shelf item rather than finding someone’s spouse who knew how to sew. Exact pricing wasn’t available, but figure roughly $120 MSRP for the Multicam model.
SUPER L WINDSHIRT
This lightweight shell protects on those cold approaches
where wind protection, breathability and weight are key.
• Lightweight ripstop nylon fabric breathes and sheds
wind and light rain.
• Fabric is IR compliant and fire retardant.
• Napoleon-styled breast pocket.
• Full coverage hood with two side adjustments and
stiff brim to shed wind and rain.
• Elastic cuffs for comfortable fit.
• Hem draw cord seals out wind and debris.
• Sizes: Small – 2XLarge.
• Color MultiCam.
The second product is an insulated MultiCam parka. I asked Todd if there was a certain temperature range that this was geared toward, and he replied that it contained 160 grams of PrimaLoft, which would keep you warm even if it got wet. Since my brain doesn’t equate PrimaLoft to heat, I asked him to break it down into terms I would understand. He replied, think about laying in Afghanistan when you setup an ambush site, and think that you might be there for hours. This jacket will keep you warm. That I can understand, and it sounds good to me. Pricing wasn’t final, but Todd said to figure around $300 for MSRP.
HT INSULATED PARKA
This insulated parka is like a heat tab. It keeps you warm even when you are lying in a frozen puddle.
• Lightweight ripstop nylon fabric breathes and sheds wind and light rain.
• Fabric is IR compliant and fire retardant.
• 160 gram PrimaLoft insulation keeps you toasty — even when wet.
• Two Napoleon-styled pockets.
• Two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets are large enough for bulky gloves.
• Insulated hood with side and rear adjustments and a stiff brim keep the elements out in the worst weather.
• Large internal pocket to keep water bottles warm or to thaw out frozen gloves and socks.
• Hem draw cord seals out wind and debris.
• Sizes: Small – 2XLarge.
• Color MultiCam.
The DK Hybrid is the third in the trilogy, and this one is slated as a light weight jacket that gives the protection of a hardshell with the movement and breathing of a softshell. Todd commented that this was developed for use primarily for use under armor and packs. The two tone color shown below is prototype, and not the actual colors used. The lower sections that are covered with armor are softer, with the outer sections (shoulders, elbows etc) being a harder material. No price carved in stone yet on this one either, but figure MSRP should be around $300.
DK HYBRID JACKET
This technical jacket combines the weather protection of a hard shell
with the comfort and breathability of a soft shell. Perfect for inclement
weather where you have to wear your armor.
• Lightweight waterproof fabric on the shoulders and arms keeps water, snow and wind out.
• Lightweight stretch woven fabric on the body and under the arms has excellent breathability.
• Stand-up collar fits snugly around the neck and keeps weather and debris out.
• Climbing-inspired cut fits under body armor and won’t get hung up on pack straps.
• Flat pockets on the sleeves are waterproof.
• Cuffs have laminated die-cut Velcro adjustments.
• Sizes: Small – 2XLarge.
• Color MultiCam and Earth.
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