Blackwater Gear Go Bag

BW-02261, BW-02262 Go Bag

When you have to go at a moment's notice and your survival depends on it, this is the bag you want. This Blackwater Go Bag is a frameless pack with silent, water-resistant zippers that close over a large main compartment with storage for all your essentials.
Over 1500 cubic inches of gear capacity.
Compatible with I-O Load Bearing Belt.
Polymer sheet creates a semi-rigid, yet pliable, platform for easy access to gear.
Contoured, padded shoulder straps distribute load over a larger area for comfortable carry.
Dual Hypalon® flaps allow hydration tube and communications antenna to extend out of pack.
Two internal cinch straps allow you to keep radio and equipment securely in place.
#10 YKK zippers with water resistance and silent pulls.
Quad external cinch straps allow you to cinch the entire pack tightly to decrease load shift.
All internal seams are completely bound an lock-stitched for the ultimate in durability.
MOLLE attachment system compatible.
VELCRO® strip holds identification.
Bottom has two Hypalon attachment points.
Couple this pack with our I-O Load Bearing Belt for even more stability and carrying room.
Dimensions: Go-Bag Main compartment: 12" W x 7" D x 18" H.


Blackwater BW-02261
Khaki

Blackwater BW-02262
Ranger

Blackwater Gear Chest Rig RRV Rare

Blackwater Gear Chest Rig RRV Rare

Blackwater Gear Chest Rig

This is a rare Blackwater Gear chest rig in Ranger Green. It has some interesting design and function with good quality construction. It has an offset zipper for quick doffing and removable side plate pouches. It looks like it was made by Eagle Industries, the buckles and CODURA fabric construction are the same.

Launch of the Blackwater Gear Year 2004

Michaels of Oregon, Blackwater USA and Crye Associates Launch Blackwater GearTM

Tactical line will combine innovation and realism to achieve life-saving solutions.


OREGON CITY, OR – September 24, 2004 – Michaels of Oregon in partnership with Blackwater USA and Crye Associates today announced the launch of the Blackwater Gear™ line of tactical equipment and other related products designed for military and law enforcement agencies.

Representing a leap forward in tactical gear innovation and design, Blackwater Gear will be manufactured and distributed in the USA by Michaels of Oregon with designs by Crye Associates. The Blackwater Gear line will feature full body armor and tactical accessories that have been developed and tested with input from Blackwater USA employees with unique first-hand knowledge of the tactical needs of today’s military and law enforcement agencies.

"The launch of Blackwater Gear is a union of three companies. The design of Crye Associates, the real world experience of Blackwater USA and the domestic manufacturing capabilities of Michaels of Oregon have all been unified to produce the finest tactical line available for those that protect our freedom," said Dennis Pixton, CEO of Michaels of Oregon.

"Blackwater Gear has been developed for professionals who risk their lives for democracy worldwide," said Gary Jackson, President of Blackwater USA. "Blackwater stands for the best...when we decided to put our name to a product line we knew it had to be different. Blackwater Gear is different; designed by Crye Associates, manufactured by Michaels of Oregon, tested at Blackwater Training Center and in harsh and austere environments around the world; Blackwater Gear brings tactical equipment to the next level."

Caleb Crye, President of Crye Associates, added "Blackwater wanted to provide a new level of quality, innovation, and utility for the professional operator and that is what we and Michaels of Oregon have helped them to create; a truly innovate line of highly effective and distinctive gear." Blackwater Gear is original and unique to the operator world- there are no knock-offs of other companies’ products in the Blackwater line. Many design features of Blackwater Gear set it apart, like the exclusive use of water resistant #10 zippers, and a unique attachment system that allows every pouch to integrate seamlessly with modular systems or traditional web-gear and belts. Both Blackwater and Michaels of Oregon share our commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and American manufacturing."

Blackwater Gear is scheduled to be available in January 2005. For questions or inquiries on ordering, please contact Robert Gates at 706-651-8644 or Michael Pattillo at 706-628-7126 or visit www.blackwatergear.com.



About Michaels of Oregon

Michaels of Oregon is the leading manufacturer of hunting, shooting and law enforcement accessories. Headquartered in Oregon City, OR, the company also has offices in Meridian, ID and New Ulm, MN. Under the brand names Uncle Mike’s®, Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement®, Butler Creek®, Hoppe’s® and Stoney Point ®, Michaels of Oregon manufactures and distributes holsters, slings, swivels, gun cases, belts, gun cleaning products and other hunting, shooting and law enforcement gear.



About Blackwater USA

Blackwater USA was founded in 1997. Built on 6,000 acres, Blackwater was designed to be the premier firearms and tactical training center in the world. The Company's reputation for quality service has gained the attention of law enforcement and government agencies around the globe. The organization has grown rapidly since its creation and has quickly produced five separate business units: Blackwater Training Center, Blackwater Target Systems, Blackwater Security Consulting, Blackwater Aviation Worldwide Services, and Blackwater Canine. The Company maintains a global presence and provides 21st-century training and tactical solutions to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, allied nations, multi-national corporations and other government agencies.



About Crye Associates

Crye Associates is a design and engineering group specializing in the design and development of personal military equipment. They work directly with several DOD agencies and with private companies in theDOD organizations and with related industry. Crye Associates applies technical innovation and user-focus to solve the real-world design and engineering problems of today’s military.



Media Contact
Ben Sheppard
Public Relations/Communications
503-722-5718
bens@michaelsoforegon.com

Blackwater Gear: a Preview

‘Blackwater Tactical Weekly’ Article: ‘Blackwater Gear: A PREreview’

David Crane November 14, 2004

Speaking of Blackwater Gear, the following is a "Blackwater Tactical Weekly" article (published by Blackwater USA) on Blackwater Gear, titled "Blackwater Gear: A PREreview" (we don’t know who wrote it):

"On Thursday, 21 October 2004, Blackwater hosted its Open House. It was an impressive day and the big announcement was the beginning of the Blackwater Gear line. This week we’re going to take a look at…

most of what that Gear line will encompass, but first I have to clarify something (just for the doubters). I am not on staff at Blackwater. I don’t get a paycheck from Blackwater. I write Frank’s Reviews essentially because I volunteered and Gary agreed. It’s important to understand that anything I say good (or bad) about Blackwater, their Gear line, or anything else pertaining to them, isn’t being said because I’m "toeing the company line." That said, the Blackwater Gear line looks to be impressive and reaches far beyond what I (or some other writers who spoke with me) expected.

Here’s what my cynical suspicious cop mind first thought when I heard that Blackwater and Michael’s of Oregon had teamed up to form Blackwater Gear: my first thought was that an opportunity had been seen to increase sales of Michael’s gear by adding the Blackwater name, and that Blackwater saw an opportunity to open a new line of revenue by putting their name on gear. By the end of this review you’ll see that simply isn’t the case and nowhere near the truth.

Blackwater Gear was born out of the partnership between THREE companies with others acting in support. Blackwater and Michaels’ of Oregon are the best known two out of the three. The other one is Crye Precision (part of Crye Associates but more on that in a bit). That said, who makes what? And based on what input?

Crye Precision manufactures the armor chassis and designed the uniform with its multi-cam (trade marked) pattern. Michael’s of Oregon manufactures the holsters, accessory pouches, modular vest system, etc. It is important to note that Crye Precision designed the accessory pouches and we’ll see full integration of everyone’s role in just a minute. Supporting companies are Benchmade Knives – making Blackwater Gear Knives (the Nimravus line with some minor detail changes that matter) and Armor Skins producing gloves for the Blackwater Gear line. There’s also a company called TerraMar that manufactures the clothing worn under the uniform, and the material that is part of the uniform shirt. There is a hydration system that is integral to the Blackwater Gear line, but I’m not at liberty to say who is manufacturing it. However, I do know that whatever bladder system is used, it’s being carried in pouches designed by Crye, manufactured by Michael’s. So, after all that, what role does Blackwater play?

Last week, in my review about Night-Ops flashlights, I noted that a good company lets the operators tell the engineers what they need, and then the engineers make it happen. This prevents the engineers from limiting the operators in what they can do by providing less than optimal equipment. Blackwater provides the front line feedback and design specifications that are required to insure that the Blackwater Gear serves the warrior first and foremost. Crye designs the equipment based on requirements put forth by Blackwater as a result of feedback from their operators in the arena of combat. Crye and Michael’s both manufacture to the exacting standards Blackwater dictates based on the feedback of those front line combatants. Blackwater Gear as a whole is using its collective brain and the end result is truly unique functional uniforms and equipment platforms. Let’s examine a few pieces in detail.

Before I forget, let me tell you that the BG line will soon be available in Ranger Green, Desert Khaki, and black (for law enforcement) in addition to the multi-cam (shown in all the pictures). It is important to note however, that the multi-cam pattern finished first place in 98% of the multi-environment tests conducted by the US Army’s Future Combat Systems, and in the 2% where it wasn’t in first place, it was in third: Top three 100% ain’t bad. The Crye Associates / Precision products are still part of the testing and evolution of the US Army’s Future Combat Systems. When you look at some of the pictures, it’s easy to see why: do you remember the movie "Universal Soldier"? It kind of reminds me of that – but for real, not science fiction, science-FACT.

Earlier I mentioned that TerraMar makes some of the material used in the uniforms. The (Blackwater Gear hereinafter referred to as BG) uniform shirt can be had one of two ways: with the TerraMar torso and regular uniform shirts sleeves in the multi-cam pattern (shirt tucks in), OR as a full BDU shirt in the multi-cam pattern (shirt hangs out like current BDU). The TerraMar torso tuck-in shirt is an integral part of the heat management system that is incorporated in BG.

With contemporary systems a soldier wears a t-shirt (cotton or polyblend), a BDU shirt, sometimes a field jacket (with or without liner) and then flak jacket / body armor with web gear or LBE over that. When you think about it, that’s…"

Blackwater Tactical 3-Day Pack

Tactical 3-Day Pack
BW-02271

Ready to go with you wherever you have to, the Blackwater Gear 3-Day Pack is a strong, dynamic carry-all. Over 3100 cubic inches of gear capacity!
Countered, padded shoulder straps.
Drag handles for easy carry.
Covered with PALS/MOLLE webbing to allow additional pouches wherever you need them.
Antenna port and hydration hose port assure continuous communication and hydration.
Infra-Red personal marker window with covering flap.
Hypalon® MOLLE compatible attachment points on bottom for additional mounting locations.
Can be used with standard ALICE frame or included internal sheet frame.
The 3 Day Pack includes waist belt for stability and distribution of weight.
External cinch laces/cords to tighten load. Two external vertical cinching straps.
Large drain holes in pack bottom.
Web and elastic sternum strap to allow for chest expansion.
Roll-top closure with supplemental drawstring and large covering flap with internal pocket.
Internal compartment for hydration reservoir.
YKK water/sand resistant zippers.
ITW-Ghillietex® buckles and stays throughout pack.
Main compartment is accessible through roll top or secondary bottom zipper.
D-Ring attachment points on both padded shoulder straps.
Sewn-in air channels in back panel allow for cooling.
Two large side compartments with open channels to carry breaching tools or other large items.
Jump lowering line attachment point at bottom of pack.
Dimensions: Main pack compartment: 16" W x 8" D x 20" H (2560 cubic inches). Two outer side pockets: 16" W x 1.5" D x 12" H (288 cubic inches each).

Blackwater Gear 3 Day Assault Pack

 

Tactical 3-Day Pack

Ready to go the distance. 3-Day Pack.

Blackwater Gear 3-Day Pack is a strong, dynamic carry-all. 

Over 3100 cubic inches of gear capacity! 
Countered, padded shoulder straps. 
Drag handles for easy carry. 
Covered with PALS/MOLLE webbing to allow additional pouches wherever you need them. 

• Antenna port and hydration hose port assure continuous communication and hydration. 
• Infra-Red personal marker window with covering flap. 
• Hypalon® MOLLE compatible attachment points on bottom for additional mounting locations. 
• Can be used with standard ALICE frame or included internal sheet frame. 
• The 3 Day Pack includes waist belt for stability and distribution of weight. 
• External cinch laces/cords to tighten load. Two external vertical cinching straps. 
• Large drain holes in pack bottom. 
• Web and elastic sternum strap to allow for chest expansion. 
• Roll-top closure with supplemental drawstring and large covering flap with internal pocket. 
• Internal compartment for hydration reservoir. 
• YKK water/sand resistant zippers. 
• ITW-Ghillietex® buckles and stays throughout pack. 
• Main compartment is accessible through roll top or secondary bottom zipper. 
• D-Ring attachment points on both padded shoulder straps. 
• Sewn-in air channels in back panel allow for cooling. 
• Two large side compartments with open channels to carry breaching tools or other large items. 
• Jump lowering line attachment point at bottom of pack. 
• Dimensions: Main pack compartment: 16" W x 8" D x 20" H (2560 cubic inches). Two outer side pockets: 16" W x 1.5" D x 12" H (288 cubic inches each).
  
  
  
  

Blackwater Gear Items

Brands

Blackwater Gear

Overview Items

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https://web.archive.org/web/20071011050940/http://www.blackwatergear.com/home.aspx


All the Items Year 2005 - 2008 



Ammo Pouch 2005/2006/2007/2008


Double M4/M16 Magazine Pouch
Double Pistol Mag Pouch
Double Stack Pistol Mag Pouch
M-249 200-Round Pouch
Shotgun/Rifle Shell Carrier Pouch
Single M4/M16 Magazine Pouch
Single Pistol Mag Pouch with Flap
Single Stack Pistol Mag Pouches
Triple M4/M16 Ammunition Pouch


Vest and Platform 2005/2006/2007/2008

I-O Hard Armor Plate Carrier Vest
I-O Low Profile Rack — Carbine
I-O Modular Drop Leg Platform
I-O Single Hard Armor Plate Carrier
I-O Tactical LB Vest
I-O Vest Side Panels
I-O Zip Rack




Pouches 2005/2006/2007/2008

MOLLE Compatible Modular Knife Sheath
Dump Pouch/Breacher Pouch
Radio/GPS Pouch
Personal Medical Pouch
Tactical ID Holder with Concealed Knife Pocket
Gas Mask Pouch
Small Utility Pouch
PVS14 Night Vision Pouch
Collapsible Baton Pouch
Small Flashlight and Multi-Tool Pouch
Large Utility Pouch
Large Suppressor Pouch
Double Hand Cuff Case
Large Flashlight and Multi-Tool Pouch
Grenade Pouch
Large Radio/EMBITR Pouch
Flashbang Pouch
M4 Collapsible Stock Magazine Attachment Kit
Small Suppressor Pouch



Holsters 2005/2006/2007/2008

Retention Lanyard
Universal Holster with MOLLE Adjustability System


Belts and Slings 2005/2006/2007/2008


I-O Load-Bearing Belt
One Point Sling
Retention Lanyard
Tactical Rappelling Belt
Three Point Sling
Universal Tactical Sling with Hardware



Packs 2005/2006/2007/2008

3-Day Pack
Hydration Bladder
Hydration Carrier
Lumbar Butt Pack
Small Hydration Pack



Cases and Bags 2005/2006/2007/2008


Go Bag
Load Out Bag with Shoulder Straps
Tactical Equipment Bag
Tactical Rifle Case - Large
Tactical Rifle Case - Medium






Blackwater Tactical 3-Day Pack
Blackwater Go Bag
Blackwater Gear Chest Rig RRV Rare
Blackwater Gear 3 Day Assault Pack
Blackwater Gear Low Profile Chest Rig

Blackwater Gear Low Profile Chest Rig

I-O Low Profile Rack - Carbine

Holds 120 rounds of ammo right at the chest. I-O Low Profile Rack u Carbine.

The perfect vest system for operators, protection details, and drivers.
Holds four 30-round mags flat to chest.
Low-profile allows additional mobility for driving.
Accepts modular pouches on front.
Design assures mobility for the full upper body.
Can be worn as a "waist" rack or high chest rack.
Can be worn over soft body armor, Interceptor vests or without body armor.
Compatible with hydration carrier.




Blackwater SKUs
BW-02310, BW-02311, BW-02312

Blackwater Gear Overview

Brands

Blackwater Gear

Overview Items

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..

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2004 - 2008 

Read : Launch of Blackwater Gear Tactical Line in 2004 (Article)

Read : Blackwater Gear a Preview  (2004 Article)



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2004-2005 / 2008

HOME 


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About Us

Blackwater Gear by Michaels of Oregon is a line of tactical equipment designed to surpass all that came before it. It's designed from scratch. Engineered for performance. Tested and proven in real world situations.

Blackwater Gear is designed and engineered by Crye Associates, who combine technology and user-focus in their designs and development of personal military equipment. Crye Associates' design expertise has been used by the US Army and Homeland Security.

Product testing and improvements come from Blackwater USA, the private agency renowned for its real-world tactical training for U.S. Departments of State, Defense and Transportation, as well as private corporations.

Detailing, manufacturing and distribution of Blackwater Gear is the role of Michaels of Oregon Co. For over 55 years, Michaels of Oregon has used its US-based manufacturing facilities to build award-winning products for the law enforcement, shooting and hunting sectors. With its worldwide sales force and knowledgeable customer service department, Michaels of Oregon is uniquely positioned to service the needs of Military, Law Enforcement and Special Operations teams who benefit from Blackwater Gear innovations.One system Does It All



Blackwater Gear Tactical systems are Interoperable. This modularity lets every operator customize his system to meet specific training or deployment needs.

The difference is in the details

Blackwater Gear is effectively different. Some of the important features:

* Silent and Water Resistant zippers – Whisper-quiet for covert operations.
* Reinforced seams – Assure optimum durability and reduces snagging.
* Lock-stitching – Won't unravel like ordinary single stitching does.
* Gullitex plastic buckles – Absorb infrared light for better concealment.



Blackwater Gear Tactical

Based on our exclusive Interoperable Load Bearing System Blackwater Gear Tactical products include pouches, packs, vests and holsters. Blackwater Gear Tactical offers a complete assortment of products specially developed to aid tactical operators including cases and bags. Made in USA – Quality craftsmanship by American workers.


Blackwater Gear Apparel

Blackwater Gear Apparel is your first line of defense whenever you dress for rigorous operations. Developed from smart fabrics, our apparel is like a second skin, helping operators better regulate their body temperatures. When operators are comfortable, they stay in control and focused. Their job demands it.


Blackwater Gear Knives

Developed in cooperation with Benchmade Knife Co., Blackwater Gear Knives feature black blades to repel light, 154CM hardened stainless steel for strength and ergonomic styling for ease of use. Made in USA – Quality craftsmanship by American workers.


Armor Skins Gloves

Protection for an operator's most important tools – their hands. Armor Skin Gloves are created for searching, security detail, duty/shooting gloves or special ops.