SPEARS/Herman Survivors

[JY]

For those interested I have posted the info sheet for the Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) lightweight Environmental Protection and testing of Herman Survivors with Wiggy's lamilite insulation on SOCCHAT photos. Had the ablbum up but delayed posting the info until I had a good chance to use it and the last few storms sure helped =80 Wind snow - 3-4 degress and fast running water at 12000-14000 feet. If you want to keep warm take a look, forgot to mention that the hermans worked good with a heavy ruck gave plenty of support and stability in talus and scree.

Take care...Jim

[jw]

JY,
A couple quick questions. How do the Herman Survivors compare to Rachlies as far as comfort/stability? I know that the Rachlies aren't technically winter boots but as long as I'm moving the toes are warm.
How does the Ecotat bivy compare to the Wiggies?
Any tips for winter training in Europe with a bunch of motivated Army types?

[JY]

Hi jw;

The hermans are working out great, Wiggy's is adding the lamilite insulation in them for hermans. This has kept the old feet like toast, and the gortex like membrane dry. The boots have proven very stable with heavy ruck and work well with snowshoes. Have used them at 14,000 foot mark and slightly above, though more a "combat" boot they work fine except they can't use crampons for ice work( about my only complaint ). They feel great kind of like putting you feet in pillows 8)

Haven't had the chance to use Wiggy's bivi yet so can't compare them. But have heard it's first class, but don't quote me.

The last question could be a large volume hard back. Any specific fields or problems? Let me know and I'll try to help. Best advice is transfer the the 25Th 8) seriously let me know and I'll give it my best shot. Take care...Jim

[jw]

JY,
Thanks for the info on the boots. As for transfering to the 25th, it's hard for a Navy guy to pick what Army unit he plays with. No specific questions, just any pointers on WET. Luckily it's a mild winter in Germany.

[JY]

Received Wiggy's newsletter today and he is again running a special on the Herman Survivors this year. Has them listed at $110.00 and the overboots for $80.00(fit over your regular boots like a sleeping bag, not for walking in outside)

Used the Survivors all last winter up here in the high country and have to say they work as advertised. The overboots work great in a hide or snow cave, no build up of moisture and keep the feet warm.

Give him a call at (970)241-6465, get on his mailing list too, his newsletter is great always full of info on winter survival and gear. Take care...Jim

[jw]

JY, took your recommendations and got my Lt to order us these rather than Danners. Another winter deployment.

[jw]

Got the boots today. Wore them around to break them in. Not necessary. Thanks for the info! Did you seam seal them?

[JY]

Hi jw;

All I use on mine is is Foggy Mountain Bear Guard (beeswax and bear fat) heat the boots with a hair dryer as you rub it in. I put it heavy on seams an edges.When coloring is needed mix some black boot polish in and then buff.

Yup, no need for break in they fit like gloves, but more comfortable. Think the more you wear them the more you'll like them. Glad you like them, take care...Jim

Oh yeah, Bear Guard is made by Johnson & Co Wilderness Products, Inc.,P.O.Box 2009, Bangor, Maine 04402

[Razor]

In an effort to be as precise as possible, anything coming out of Bangor (correctly pronounced as 'Bang-gor', and not 'Banger', BTW) with the name of Bear Guard should be spelled as it is pronounced, 'Bay-uh Gaad'.

[This message has been edited by Razor (edited 09-25-2000).]

[JY]

hehehe! ay-yah! Shades of Ft. Devens =80 When ya hear that..thump, thump, thump behind you run! Or you'll get rolled up in the sidewalk =80

Take care...Jim

[Razor]

Sad thing is, it usually only takes a 10-15 phone call with the folks back home to make me incomprehensible to anyone 'roun he-yah'.

[JY]

ay-yah, I knew I had to get a transfer outta Devens when I started to understand every word =80 Seemed the further north we went the......thicker the accent got. Went north through Van Buren a few miles and we came to a place we where ya couldn't understand them at-tol =80