By Laurie Lee Dovey
Technologies designed specifically for special operations military personnel, those who put their lives on the line daily and rely on the highest level of equipment functionality to survive, are filtering their way into the outdoor marketplace as a result of BlackHawk launching a new line of outdoor products at last month’s Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.
BlackHawk is offering battle-tested gear that feature integration, customization, and durability capabilities other companies can’t offer.
BlackHawk was founded in 1993 as a result of a simple backpack strap malfunction that could have cost Navy Seal Mike Noell and his unit their lives. When the pack strap broke, the pack fell next to a land mine, not on it. That day, Noell decided to ensure special ops forces would have better gear. BlackHawk was born.
After 12 years of designing and building gear to meet the needs of those for whom performance is paramount, BlackHawk identified opportunities to pass technologies on to civilian populations and specifically outdoorsmen.
“We took our technology and put it into products that we believe will make outdoorsmen more efficient, help them have more fun, and be better at what they do,” Noell explains. “And, certainly many of our products are viable for self-defense applications.”
AUTO-LOCK HOLSTERS
BlackHawk’s holster SERPA Technology is a great example of what the company is doing. In stressful situations, even highly-trained individuals can forget to undo a restraint strap that holds a piston in place, costing them life-threatening seconds. For civilians unaccustomed to acting under duress and who are not highly trained, the problem is amplified. SERPA Technology provides auto-lock functionality. The gun slips into the holster and is automatically held in place until the user reaches for the pistol. It’s a tremendous product for concealed carry use but also when riding ATV’s or horses, or even trekking rugged terrain.
SUPERIOR HYDRATION
Blackhawk’s HydraStorm hydration packs are also unique due to their modular capabilities. The bladder portion of the pack also attaches to any faucet through for immediate refilling access without removing gear from the pack. The packs are also tough and battle tested. With a pack full of gear and temperatures dipping below freezing, the bladder stands up. Additionally, those who don’t want to fool with bladder cleaning, BlackHawk’s disposable, one-time-use bladders are a tremendous perk.
MODULAR, CUSTOMIZABLE PACKS
Another remarkable product is the Hunter Backpack that combines beef with technology. It was designed for hunters while incorporating the capabilities of military design. The highly modular system works with the human body, can be fully customized to fit specific outdoor activity requirements, incorporates hydration and offers expansion capabilities. Hunt all day then expand the compartments to pack out a large portion of game meat.
Find more information about BlackHawk’s new outdoor products log on the www.blackhawk.com or visit one of the thousands of retailers nationally who carry the BlackHawk brand.
|
