The Ferdelance is another great boot with all the same features as the Bushmaster, but has a higher ankle cut. It also features a mesh ventilation system to allow for optimum cooling while in use. This boot is also a great choice for tactical operations. This boot comes in black and tan as well.
OTB has also just come out with the Junglelite, a lightweight tactical boot with a non-squeak outsole and molded midsole unit. This boot also has mesh ventilation to allow for breathing and cooling. There is a molded composite shank to provide support and a cushioned footbed for comfort and wicking. The Junglelite also features perforations in the bed of the boot for drainage. I think you will find the OTB boots an excellent choice for your tactical and water needs.
More info at www.OTBboots.com.
Another great piece of tactical equipment I have come across is from Coaxsher. They manufacture elite and specialized fire gear. I came across several items that I found work well in search and rescue. Back in November and December of 2008 our team, along with Nash Community College piloted a 40 hour wilderness search class for the NC Department of Insurance, Fire and Rescue Division as one of the specialties under NFPA 1006. This class was a two weekend event that included an overnight stay with no tent on the second weekend. I was shown one of the Coaxsher packs, the FS-1 Ranger, by one of my fellow team members and I was pretty impressed with it. I used the pack over the weekend and it worked exceptionally well, as did their RCP-1 Pro radio chest harness.
The Ranger fit very comfortable and with the adjustable waist straps and shoulder straps, it rode on my waist and hips, not my back. The Ranger pack is a modular design that allows you to put the equipment you need in the pack and compartmentalize the gear as you need or want to. The pack is made of 1000D Cordura, uses box stitching on the seams, and is reinforced at all the stress points. The Ranger also carries a lifetime warranty.
I used the radio chest harness during the wilderness search training and also used it during the training we did in Guatemala. The harness held my radio along with a strap to hold it in place. It held my GPS unit and cell phone, secured. The harness has slots for pens, and a zipper pouch that will hold a notepad. It has a fold down platform and open back straps, along with reflective strips for greater visibility. The radio harness works well in multiple applications.
More info at www.coaxsher.com.
Corrections
I need to first make two corrections to the article I wrote in the last issue concerning the new X-struts by Rescue Jack. The Safety factor on their struts is 2:1, and the lift jack on the Aluminum and steel X-strut is rated at 6000 pounds and not 4000 pounds. The jacks make a great choice for your stabilization requirements for vehicle and large truck rescue.
Next time
Next issue we will look at some more equipment that will make your job safer, easier, and more convenient. If you have any comments or questions shoot me an email at reds100@aol.com. If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you.