As a child I remember Herb Phillipson’s Army and Navy store in Utica NY. The tall racks of seemingly endless amounts of gear, uniforms, clothing, firearms, and more created memories that have endured a lifetime. Phillipson’s is gone now but replacing it, at least online, is a store that seems to hold as much wonderful gear, McGuire Army Navy.
Recently I received two products from Mcguire’s, one surplus and the other a Mcguire gear item, and both have found a permanent place in my house and gear closet.
The first item proved to be the most fun due to testing, the Israeli CBRN Gas Mask with a 40mm NATO Filter and Hydration Straw. As gas masks go, this one is top-notch! No wonder since it’s currently being issued to the Israeli Defense Force and being used in their conflict with Hamas.
At first glance, the mask appeared small but it fit my big head with no problem and the windows provided a wide viewing area that was clear with no warps or deviations in the plastic lens. The straps were easily adjusted and getting a good seal was accomplished with minimal effort despite my goatee.
How to Adjust the Mask and Use the Straw
Included in the box is an instruction booklet that gives clear instructions on how to use, care for, clean, adjust, and test the seal of the mask in case the owner hasn’t had the great honor and privilege of using one before. The instructions are in multiple languages including English and the pictures are easy to follow along with. The box itself is made to be useful as it serves double duty as a way to store and carry the mask, via an attached shoulder strap, when not in use.
Storage is Easily Done in the Box
The best part though was the test, or at least the part where LoadoutRoom Team member Dusther, closed the door for me and then coughed due to the CS/OC gas mixture. I found out later that he and ChiliPepper were going to close and bar the door on me but they couldn’t get close enough to do it because the gas was too strong. Next time mask up guys!!
The next item was the Camping Wool Blanket from McGuire Gear, McGuire’s own brand. Fire retardant, 80% wool and 20% man made fibers, and 64″ x 90″ it’s quite a piece of warmth waiting for a cold night by the campfire.
Imagine those awesome blankets that so many of us were issued through the years, only bigger, nicer, and warmer. I’ve had both now and yes I have some original issue wool blankets here in the house and they do get some use on occasion when needed but this blanket from McGuire Gear is just, more. More of everything you hope for in a wool blanket and according to my wife, that includes how soft this blanket is. Very soft and very “non-itchy” as she put it, I’m sure that’s a technical term that I’m just not allowed to know about as a husband and as long as she liked it, I like it.
The blanket is strong, seems very durable and the stitching along the sides is very good and should last as long as the blanket does. Just be aware, as I mention in the video, this has a bit of weight to it, mostly due to it’s extreme size. Speaking of size, I’m 79″ tall and the blanket more than covers me with room to spare so the 90″ claim to fame is good at least from my usage point of view.
The blanket comes in multiple colors, mine is black with red stitching but there is dark blue with white, olive with brown, and gray with black (shudder).
For Nostalgia Purposes
The blanket has found a home in our spare bedroom where my wife can easily and quickly retrieve it when she wants it during the “cold Florida months”.
Through the years I’ve bought multiple items from McGuire Army Navy and I’ve never been disappointed with any of them. The descriptions are always spot on, the quality has been excellent and the prices more than fair. They may not be Herb Phillipson’s but I’m thinking they will be around a lot longer than Herb and his brother’s stores.
Garfield out.
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