PMCI - September 2021

As a part of Snugpak’s “VENTURE” range the MML6 Softie
Smock is the flagship garment. It’s a tri-layer garment and uses
both Paratex Micro as a face fabric, and an internal Softie Premier
fill, encapsulated with a Paratex Light lining. Designed to provide
excellent thermal protection against the cold the MML6 is rated
-5C to -10C; it also provides a high degree of wind protection.
The MML Softie Smock is lighter than normal “expedition”
style jackets, and uses water resistant YKK zips, making it ideal
when size and weight need to be kept to an absolute minimum.
It is ideally worn with a variety of base layers, such as the
Snugpak 2nd Skinz Coolmax base layer, to move moisture away
from the skin, keeping you dry and regulating core temperature
in extremes of cold.
The quick drying,
Paratex Micro 100%
nylon material has
a Durable Water
Repellent (DWR) finish.
Water repellency can
be maintained with a
cool tumble dry after
washing and periodic retreatment
with suitable
after care products, such
as Nikwax and Grangers.
The MML Softie Smock
will keep you dry in
a short, light shower,
giving you time to find
a safe place to stop and
put on more effective
waterproof layers. The
MML Softie Smock can
also be worn under waterproof membrane hard shells in severe
weather, still allowing easy access to your essential equipment.
The MML Softie Smock allows essential equipment to be
carried centrally, with easy access when wearing a day sack,
bergen, plate carriers and webbing systems and maintains its
core functionality with other operational equipment, such as
body armour.
Whilst not exactly cheap at UK£199.95 the MML6 Softie
Smock should be viewed as a long term investment, especially if
you act as a Marshal on-site; whilst players can easily head back
inside to warm up a Marshal needs to be out at all times a game
is in progress. The MML6 easily lets you do this so in my mind is
an invaluable addition to your kit locker, and it’s a bit of kit I’ve
been extremely thankful for on many occasions!
And although the MML has already given great service, this
winter we’ve been putting two new models through their paces!
Even now, as the weather is still “variable”, warm, windproof
and water resistant outerwear is a must for any outdoor activity,
to keep you protected whether you’re re-bombing on the range
or teaching in the woods, and if you’re an RO then it’s a positive
necessity! What better to protect you than Snugpak’s new
Arrowhead Jacket?
Based on that same ‘Sleeka Elite’ jacket, the combination
of the water-repellent Paratex outer material and the exclusive
Softie 100% polyester insulation, Snugpak has created a warm,
breathable, windproof and lightweight jacket which provides
excellent protection from the elements with a comfort rating of
0˚C. The Snugpak Arrowhead can be worn either as a cold-weather
mid-layer or outerlayer garment and the brushed polyester lined
neck warmer and insulated
zip-off detachable hood adds
valuable additional warmth,
protection and versatility.
Other features include deep
hand warmer style pockets,
internal zipped pocket, hook
and loop adjustable cuffs and
handy zip pockets on the arm,
chest. The jacket weighs 820g
and is supplied in a handy
stuff sack with mesh bottom
for easy compact carrying. It is available in Olive, Black and
Multicam colour options in unisex sizes S to XXL.
The other model I’ve had to test is the TAC3; this is an
intermediate weight insulated hooded jacket with Swiss-made
Softie Insulation, lined with a luxurious brushed ‘Thermal Suede’
lining for extra comfort! At just 660g / 23oz (Medium) and
with a pack size of 32cm x 17cm / 13” x 7”, the TAC3 is easily
compressible for stowing and benefits from a really fast re-loft
when you need it. The wind resistant robust outer fabric is treated
with Durable Water Repellent, and the jacket is rated down to
-5°C / 23°F.
Features include a thermal roll-away, elasticated, drawcordadjustable
hood, a warm and high wicking TS1 lining, hook &
loop patches on both arms, an elasticated drawcord-adjustable
hem (which helps to trap warm air and aid insulation), easticated
cuffs with thumb loops, and a two-way YKK front zip with fabric
baffle behind. The arm pocket, external and internal chest pocket
have YKK zips too, and the TAC3 even comes supplied with a stuff
sack with mesh bottom for easy compact carrying! I’ve found the
Multicam version to be an invaluable “pack-away” piece of gear,
and it’s certainly one that I can recommend to you unreservedly!
LOOKING ONWARDS!
Throughout their history Snugpak have never been afraid to “take
the leap” and continue to innovate on an almost daily basis. Their
gear has been tested to the extreme, and is trusted and revered
by anyone that has ever used it. Their clothing range continues to
expand and improve year on year, and it’s very interesting to see
them revisiting certain technologies, giving them a completely
new slant as they do.
It has been my, and our, real pleasure to work with the team
at Snugpak over the years, and although they have grown into
a world recognised brand they are still some of the nicest and
most approachable people in the industry; in the past I’ve gone to
them with some strange requests for kit and not once have they
let me down. They are a company that continues to do things
their own way, and in my mind they are all the better for that.
Whilst we’ve highlighted just three super “tried and tested”
models here, Snugpak have an extensive range that covers
everything from base layers through to arctic sleeping bags, with
packs and clothing aplenty. For further information though on
the entire range of Snugpak products and the technology behind
them please visit www.snugpak.com.
SNUGPAK