A good buddy alerted me to an RFQ posted recently on FedBizOpps that calls for about 75 ensembles of Arc'Teryx-made pants and combat shirts in MultiCam.
But wait, didn't Naval Special Warfare Development Group spearhead the whole AOR-1 and AOR-2 patterns? And isn't the Navy buying high-speed kit in those patterns for Naval Special Warfare units, among others?
The RFQ calls for Arc'Teryx Sphinx pants and Sphinx half-shells in various sizes made in MultiCam. It also calls for pricing on Sphinx pants and half-shells in the so-called Crocodile color, which looks pretty close to Flat Dark Earth.
Arc'Teryx describes the pants:
Move light and fast with these battle-worthy combat pants that are made of motion-friendly Tweave® Durastretch® fabric —a four-way stretch woven polyester that is wind and weather-resistant. Articulated patterning and a loose-cut profile further enhance freedom of movement. Combat ready features include knife pockets, pockets for inserting protective knee pads, reinforced knees, and an integrated gaiter to prevent grit from working its way into the vulnerable boot top area. Ample storage is provided by oversized cargo pockets located on the calf and thigh.
And the half-shell:
Technical combat top for wear under armour or on its own as a midweight piece. Tweave® four-way stretch woven fabric in two different weights optimizes their differing thermal properties to best suit an active operative’s need for breathable, low profile garments. Comfortable next to skin, the Sphinx Halfshell™ can also be layered over a base shirt, yet is slim and long enough to tuck inside combat pants. Designed with motion in mind, the articulated arms move unrestricted and sleeves roll up and stow for a short-sleeve option. High mandarin collar seals out drafts and other intrusions; zippered bicep pockets keep small items secure.
High-speed to be sure, but the MultiCam pants retail at $749 and the half shell at $549...yikes!
And it's a tight timeline -- DevGru wants their new threads by Sept. 1.
There's probably a darn good reason for these guys to be getting their MultiCams. But it seems strange that the service would adopt a pattern that they developed for the NSW folks and their top guys turn around and buy one that some have been arguing all along is a better value than AOR-1 and AOR-2. It's at least worth discussing...
