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High-tech camping, in the bag
November 1st, 2016
Nothing kills a great outdoor camping experience quicker than tedious equipment assembly. Enter Cinch!, the brainchild of Lancashire, U.K.-based Jack Jackson, a life-long camper who wanted an affordable tent that sets up quickly and incorporates today’s best technology. Described as the ultimate pop-up, Cinch! incorporates high-quality superflex fiberglass poles that go up in seconds and […]
Develop and diversify
November 1st, 2016
By the time you read this magazine, IFAI Expo 2016 will have passed; but as I write this, it’s still 10 days out. The magazine will go to the printer before I have a chance to say anything about what I learned, or learned to question, in Charlotte. At this time of year, I’m always […]
Stars and stripes forever
November 1st, 2016
While serving two combat tours in Afghanistan, Sam Russo flew every mission with one special flag. It was particularly meaningful to him and his family because this flag was given to his grandfather when he returned home from World War II. Russo wanted to provide the same emotional connection to the Red, White and Blue […]
Northern niche
November 1st, 2016
Kate Mitchell is the owner of NOMAR, a Homer, Alaska-based company that develops unique items to serve the local industries. NOMAR first opened its doors in 1978 as Mitchell’s Marine Canvas & Upholstery. Today, it employs 15 skilled employees and offers American made clothing, ‘Laska Luggage,’ fisheries gear, parachute bags, upholstery and canvas boat tops. […]
Military complexities
November 1st, 2016
Smart materials mean lighter and more comfortable gear—and more flexible procurement policies. The nature of military warfare has undergone a seismic change over the past twenty years. Theaters of engagement are now more diverse and complex, demanding more of military personnel than ever before. The traditional procurement policy of buying in bulk to ensure standardization […]
Nature’s coated textile
November 1st, 2016
SIMPL® by Sommers Plastics is an eco-textile comprised of only two layers of sustainable materials—a backing featuring hemp and hemp blended fabrics and a silicone surface for enhanced performance and pleasing aesthetics. The coated textile can be woven and colored in a wide range of weights, and is recommended for indoor or outdoor use. Extremely […]
Fusing style with durability
November 1st, 2016
The Sunbrella® Fusion Collection is a decorative mix of design and performance with 99 new textures, patterns and colors for indoor and outdoor upholstery. The collection offers a wide variety of colors and patterns including classic basics and jacquards for style and design possibilities. New additions include Tailored (fabric inspired by menswear tweed using chenille […]
Five climates, five approaches
November 1st, 2016
Weather and water conditions dictate how regional shops make enclosures for exacting customers. Local geography can define a business. In the case of marine fabrication shops, locality factors into everything from work schedules to choice of materials. Whether the shops are based in the subtropical heat of Florida or the often-chilly climate of the Great […]
One winner, 310 tents
November 1st, 2016
The U.S. Open Golf Tournament serves as a premier stage for the best golfers in the world—156 athletes in 2016 vying for $10 million in prize money. Dustin Johnson walked away with the $1.8 million winner’s purse, but Arena Americas, Oak Creek, Wis., was another big winner as the provider of 310 tents and structures […]
Room to grow
November 1st, 2016
As Mother Nature persists in her fickle and sometimes destructive ways, manufacturers of agricultural fabrics and fabric products report strong and growing demand in many areas. The agricultural arena isn’t for the faint of heart; just ask anyone who earns a living by keeping us supplied with food. Too many things can go wrong—too much […]