How cold? Cold enough that iguanas are falling from the skies.

I knew I had a tip about a high-tech face mask somewhere, and here it is:

ColdAvenger Hunter face mask by Talus

Designed with the hunter in mind, Talus Outdoor Technologies, LLC introduces the ColdAvenger® Hunter made with Predator® brown deception camouflage. With the same ventilation technology as the ColdAvenger Classic, the newly-designed ColdAvenger Hunter features a soft yet heavyweight fleece camouflage material. The mask provides hunters and outdoors people with the ultimate cold-weather breathing protection, and its wind-resistant, water-shedding and insulating fabric characteristics make it an essential hunting accessory.

The Talus ColdAvenger Hunter is designed for a variety of winter outdoor activities where deception and protection from cold is essential. The face piece is made of medical grade plasticizer free polyurethane selected for its safety, microbial resistance, and overall cold weather endurance.

The temperature inside the mask is 40 to 60 degrees above the outside air. Looks like Murdoc needs one for his outdoor running. There have been some bitter training days already, and I’ve got no doubt there are plenty more to come.

Rest of the press release below:

The medical grade polyurethane nose and mouth chamber mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a dynamic balance of warmth and humidity while keeping moisture away from the face. The Talus ColdAvenger’s patent-pending ventilation technology actually keeps temperatures inside the mask 40˚– 60˚F higher than outside air. The Predator fabric is a soft and ultra quiet 380 gram heavyweight fleece that has a comfortable stretch to fit the face, ears, and neck. The result is a state-of-the-art product that keeps your face warm and dry while helping to humidify inhaled cold air and allowing you to breathe freely.

“The true advantage to the ColdAvenger technology does not lie in the use of the advanced fabrics, but in the implementation of our patent-pending ventilator system,” says Sullivan. “Our ventilation system allows the user to breathe freely without resistance, removes moisture, eliminates fogging of most eyewear, protects airways from the damaging cold, and keeps you warm. All this equates to a much more comfortable and safe outdoor experience.”

The cold weather face mask comes in a variety of sizes and can be purchased online at www.talusoutdoortech.com. The camouflage mask retails for $59.95 and is currently offered in one color – brown deception. With its earth-toned colors and a unique Three-Dimensional pattern, the Predator Brown Deception fabric works well in any terrain.

Founded and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Talus Outdoor Technologies™ is a leading innovator in technologically-advanced outdoor gear. Talus is dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts Stay Out Longer.™ In 2007, Talus introduced the ColdAvenger®, an advanced, high-quality cold weather protection mask developed by a physician and a skier. The ColdAvenger® is the result of more than two years of research and development testing in Northern Rocky Mountain winters to achieve four functional goals: thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy, moisture control and ease of breathing during exercise. Talus is proud to provide an elite product while being socially and environmentally conscious.

www.talusoutdoortech.com

I’ve seen these (the non-camo models) around and have wondered how they work.

Ranger Up's Boston Tea Party T-Shirt (front)

Go check out the back. Via Blackfive.

Cpl. Thomas Bourget, assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Infantry Division, observes the mountain landscape opposite of his position that surrounds the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, April 21, 2009.

There’s been talk that the ACU color scheme isn’t right for Afghanistan. I’ve always been skeptical that a “one-color-fits-all” would work, but the color scheme sure looks right in this photo.

Eric Rockel giving us the lowdown on the BLACKHAWK! Black Ops Boot

Get info on the Black Ops Boot on the BLACKHAWK! website.

I will have more in the coming days.

For years I was unable to find a pair of sunglasses for running that got the job done. Either they were too heavy, they didn’t fit my head or face quite right, or they gave me a headache when I ran wearing them. Then, a couple of years ago at the SHOT Show, I picked up a pair of glasses that I somehow discovered were exactly right:

Murdoc's Ruger Running Glasses

No, they weren’t designed as eyewear for runners. They are shooting glasses that were provided at the Media Day shooting range. Regardless, I’ve run a lot of miles in these things, including last fall’s marathon. They are perfect for running. Lightweight and comfortable. The perfect tint. Durable. And very cool looking (always an important factor when on the run).

I do wonder how many people notice that they’re shooting glasses and what the reaction from other runners is if they do. By and large, distance runners are a bunch of tree-hugging liberal hippies (I mean that in the nicest possible way…which isn’t all that nice, I guess) and I’ve rarely run into someone who is anywhere close to me on the map of political opinion.

Yes, I know there are exceptions. Murdoc is one, in fact. But, at least in my experience, most runners would not be the type to also be NRA members or even gun owners. Gross generalization, but more or less accurate.

I sure love my Ruger Running Glasses, though. And my rain hat has a fancy FNH logo on it. Looks sorta retro, or something. I wonder what most runners would think if they knew that the company was one of the largest makers of assault rifles and machine guns in the world. My guess is that their reaction would crack me up.

If you’re a runner AND a shooter, I’m certainly not trying to slight you. In fact, give Murdoc a shout in the comments. I’d love to see that there are more running gun owners out there than I suspect.

UPDATE: We raced in the rain. The Ruger Running Glasses spent most of the miles in my back shorts pocket.

Richard Mann at Guns And Hunting:

I have been carrying concealed for almost 20 years; initially because I was a cop, and now because I think it prudent. I’ve learned a few things along the way.

Here’s one of those things:

Like a fanny pack, a photographer’s vest has almost become a universal symbol of concealed carry. Because of that I rarely wear one.

Mann’s got a lot of specific advice, and even those who have been carrying for years can always learn something new or see something in a different way when pointed out by someone else.

Mann also likes EOTAC clothing, which sure looks like the real deal.

TangoDown's ARC magazine with mag pouch

The TangoDown ARC magazine with the mag well gasket seal will not fit in most standard mag pouches. A special mag pouch is available wide enough to accept the rimmed mags and seal them in. The intent is to keep dirt and moisture out.

Noticed in the crowded aisles of the tactial section

UPDATE: More info on the Bag of Evil here.

Packs from Mystery Ranch, Bozeman, MT

Hat and bag for Bass Pro Shops' 2009 Media Day