Rucksacks have evolved greatly over the last few decades with each new design producing a little adjustment here and there catering for and meeting the needs of the specific user. Highlander Pro-Force rucksacks are no exception to this development having been through many designs, branding & re-branding of their unique range to the present up to date models which are highly reliable, strong, durable and not over priced for a quality piece of equipment.

The Pro-Force Forces range bags have come a long way from the original 600 denier nylon fabrics to using their own XTP 900DPU fabric and now the latest to be introduced across the range the new upgraded 1000D XTP fabric giving enhanced durablilty from abrasion, tears and scuffs along with the durable pu coating for water repellency, combined with their Airmesh fabric on the back pads and shoulder straps providing maximum comfort  whilst highly durable and allowing ample air circulation and breathability.

The standard features across the range include:-

1000D XTP polyester fabric

Airmesh + ABS back system

Side pockets

Front pocket (Larger models only)

Lid compartment

10 Gauge self repair zips

Waterproof rip-stop raincover contained in lid compartment

Drawcord snow closure

Durable buckles, D-rings & accessories

Ice axe loop

Utility daisy chain

Waist strap

Available in varying colours, however Olive green and their British camo which is suprisingly good and popular with all levels of military from cadets, T.A to serving personel. Subtle variations across the range can occure depending on size, however you`ll find everything you need on each model, be it 33Ltr for daysack use or the larger 66 or 88 Ltr for deployment or longer tours.

Having sold the Forces range for several years they have been very competetively priced and highly reccomendable, Pro-Force have now introduced an intermediate stripped down version which still offers quality with varing useful features.

Welcome the new Pro-Force Trooper rucksack range, exception quality and value perfect for those on more of a budget or cadets just starting out. The range includes 25, 45, 65 & 85Ltr sizes all available in the british camouflage which is an extremely good pattern when considering the attempts by varing companies over the years to achieve a good likeness.

Features

XTP 600D Fabric

Airmesh Back system

2 Zipped side pockets

2 Internal pockets (1 zipped)

1 Zipped pocket in hood

Ice axe/walking pole attachment holders

Durable buckles, d-rings and accessories

Larger models have adjustable back system and padded waist straps, all making for a sensible rucksack.

Either Pro-Force range Forces or Trooper offer excellent quality and features that we can recommend and you can rely upon.

BCB Limited have been trading since 1914 from the very first innovative ideas. More recent advances since the 1975 support with the Everest expeditions have now brought us up to date with the latest Multicam pattern camouflage being used on a number of products with the military specifically in mind.

One of the newest products is in their rucksack range is the BCB Payload 42 litre with a built in 3 litre water reservoir. The rucksack itself is produced in a variety of colour ways but is most sort after in the Genuine Multicam pattern. The main compartment has a 30 litre capacity with the main zip extending down both sides providing easy access. The front of the rucksack has two zipped pockets of which the top is sized at 6 Litres and the lower at 3 Litres, both have modular (Molle) webbing attached for easy use of the ever increasing modular pouch systems for load carrying. The top pocket also has a velcro section for easy attachment of flashes and patches which have the appropriate velcro male/female backing and also has a small side zipped document compartment on the front.

The water reservoir section is housed at the back of the rucksack complete with the top opening easy fill Source bladder which has a soft bite valve delivering full flow without dripping even when under pressure. The tube has a heavy duty covering for durability and can be disconnected easily for cleaning and replacement and comes with a dirt cover on the mouth piece, the water tube can also be positioned over either shoulder for versatility. The external back of the rucksack has raised closed cell foam padding encouraging air flow reducing moisture build up between bag and wearer as are the shoulder straps which are also designed to suit narrow or broad shoulders even when wearing body armour or bulky clothing. There is also a removable hip belt and pelvic girdle which when used will support the bags load more efficiently.

There are some additional features to mention, grab handle on the top, side compression straps, Nato compatible clips, molle webbing on sides, mesh side stash pouches, plastic & fabric D loops, heavy duty zips, sturdy back support. The rucksack is made from a 500 Denier polyamide fabric and is also compatible with their water cooling system the”Chilly”which can be bought separately.

Although this bag bag is predominantly military specific, we have sold it for civilian use and have experienced positive feedback from both backgrounds. BCB have furthered their new range with a smaller version called the Haul 27 Litre – this also has a 3 Litre water reservoir built in.

For many years the standard issue British army boot has served well and been very popular with serving military, T.A and civilians, however in the modern army and changing times many people particularly serving military personnel require something more.

Over the last 45 years we have always had a good range of footwear for retail covering military and outdoor hiking sectors but in recent years we have built up a decent range of alternative boots with varying specifications to suit an individuals needs and more importantly their budget, however we had never ventured to the top end heights of the footwear market until we found a demand for Lowa.

A little over 12 Months ago we began to stock Lowa military boots, their Taskforce collection of military boots covers a little over a dozen styles of which a few are designed for desert condition use, several designed with Gore-tex linings and some similar without the Gore-tex. After researching with the manufacturer/distributors combined with information provided from customers requiring these boots 2 styles were recommended and chosen to suit our customer needs, the Patrol boot and the Gore-tex lined Combat GTX boot.

Both the Patrol and Combat GTX models are of similar specification with just a few subtle differences, however your decision may depend on 2 things, either what you want from the boots or the price difference may sway your choice.

The shared common features of the two models are listed below:-

• Sturdy water repellent 2.6mm leather
• Cambrelle lining for outstanding climate control, breath-ability and wear resistance
• Vibram “Tsavo” sole unit (repairable)
• Achilles leather flex panel in heel for extreme comfort
• Climate control system and insole
• Extra strong hooks and “D” rings

The additional features of the Combat GTX model:-

• Gore-Tex membrane
• Slightly higher leg (approx 1″) provides extra support
• Extra lace hook

These features combined offer extremely good support and comfort for the wearer which is not only confirmed by it`s reputation but by our own customer satisfaction and response from having used them in the field.

A good example of this is from a serving member of the T.A who has been using the Lowa Patrol boots for the past 6 months, the boots have been used continuously in civilian life and for military use in particularly noted for the 2011 annual camp for the 3 Royal Welsh and their exercises over the course of a fortnight at Sennybridge. The boot was used in the field and for vehicle driving which due to the lower cut ankle suited the purpose better than their previous higher leg issue boots. Overall the impression of the product has been good and response encouraging, the wear and tear of the boot over the 6 months has been endured very well when taking into account the vast amount of use seen. When asked about the choice of models between the Patrol & Combat GTX and why the Patrol was chosen, in this particular case it came down to the cost and the fact that even without the Gore-Tex the leather of the boot when cared for correctly would still give excellent resistance–which it did and continues to do so.

At the end of the day it`s down to price and personal preference, but which ever model chosen it seems that you can`t go far wrong with Lowa Taskforce military boots.

The only other point to mention regarding the Lowa products is the service, in particularly the models we stock have a re-soleable Vibram unit which can be done within a short space of time although we have not come across this yet, however on a plus note, in the course of 1 year we have only experienced one problem with a “D” ring which became loose, the customer had the boot repaired and returned to him free of charge at the shop within 1 week to his surprise for which only put more trust and faith in the brand and the after service.

For many years Jack Pyke has been involved in the outdoors clothing market for hunters and fisherman, increasing in popularity constantly moving the brand from strength to strength. A leader in their range, the Hunter jacket has been tried and tested many times over in the field gaining recognition and approval from local fisherman with particular interest in course (carp) river (game) areas.

The unique fabric of Jack Pyke Hunter jacket not only excels expectations with the full waterproof protection but with the additional breath-ability, combined with the fabrics stealth properties rendering it almost silent this garment allows the keen hunter the opportunity to blend in more effectively with surroundings, especially when wearing their  unique English oak pattern.

The specifications of the garment exceed expectation when compared to the average waterproof :-

100% waterproof with windproof & breathable stealth fabric.

One large concealed chest pocket behind the main zip flap

Two large chest hand warmer pockets

Two large expanding patch pockets with internal cartridge holders flap

Elasticated storm cuffs within the external Velcro adjustable cuffs.

Standard lightweight nylon hood concealed in the collar

Double ended heavy duty main zip with decent size pull tags (easy to use with gloves on)

Large pocket built into the lower back with side and top zips enabling full easy access, also doubling up as a flap down seat also waterproof lined.

All  these features combined together get the thumbs up, a really practical piece of equipment that can be used year round whether rain or shine, comfortable and hard wearing yet easy to maintain with care, a garment designed with a genuine purpose not to missed off your clothing list.

If you like the jacket, there are hunters trousers also available.

Baileys The Army Store are proud to support Help For Heroes. Money for the charity is collected via the collection tin in store and through donations for wristband and pin badges that are available which also help promote this worthy cause. The Help For Heroes charity provides direct, practical support for those wounded in the services, their message is simple and ask for any help to raise even small amounts. All funds are gratefully received and every penny is used to build facilities and provide services that give our wounded heroes the very best care and support. Help For Heroes is a registered charity, their charity number is:- 1120920.

If you wish to donate please either see in store for merchandise or go to their website.

Snugpak products have been widely distributed for many years with a positive and direct target audience in mind, so when their Code Green range was introduced extensively to the industry another specific group was catered for – the Army!                The range consisting of clothing, accessories and sleeping bags all of which have proved popular and successful through being specifically made to do the job intended.

Sleeping bags

The Code Green range has a wide range of sleeping bags which cater for all seasons. Imported under their own strict manufacturing specifications the Sleeper models are more affordable than their UK made counterparts, yet still providing the quality and comfort and warmth you would expect.

We have experienced a long period of time retailing the Sleeper Lite and Sleeper Extreme models which have proved themselves time and again to be value for money whilst living up to expectations of their designed features, many a time repeat customers and recommendations for these two products have been well received reinforcing their deserved place in our own stock and the Snugpak Code Green range.

Snugpak Sleeper Lite Features

Mummy style 2-3 season rating

Isofibre filling

Lightweight wicking nylon outer

Supersoft inner fabric

23 x 23cm Pack size (fully compressed)

Temperature ratings, Comfort -0 degrees, Extreme -7 degrees

Compression stuff sack

Inner draw cord shoulder baffle

Draw cord adjustable hood

Full length double zip

Adult size

Length 220cm

Chest 150cm

Weight 1600g

Olive green colour

Snugpak Sleeper Extreme Features

Mummy style 3-4 season rating

Isofibre filling

Lightweight wicking nylon outer

Supersoft inner fabric

28 x 26cm Pack size (fully compressed)

Temperature ratings, Comfort -7 degrees, Extreme -12 degrees

Compression stuff sack

Inner draw cord shoulder baffle

Draw cord adjustable hood

Full length double zip

Adult size

Length 220cm

Chest 150cm

Weight 2100g

Olive green colour

If you prefer only fair to medium weather being spring/summer then the Sleeper Lite would probably suit you well and the Sleeper Extreme for Autumn/Winter months, of course if you want just one bag to do the job for all year round then a little consideration is warranted, this all depends on whether you value space/weight or warmth to be of importance or not, this pertaining to either being on exercise with forces/backpacking or loading up the car/caravan. You may find that you can use the Sleeper Lite all year round but use extra layering of clothes inside the bag and a decent camping mat for insulation underneath. If space/weight is not so problematic then you may choose to go for the Sleeper Extreme which will provide extra warmth and comfort, of course if to hot in warmer weather then the full length double zip will come handy to allow air flow cooling through the sleeping bag.