At the recent DSEI UK 2025 expo in London we had our first glimpse of the forthcoming REAPER hot weather combat uniform range from Arktis, writes Bob Morrison.
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About to become available* in either Genuine MultiCam or Ranger Green, the new REAPER Hot Weather Uniform range from Devon manufacturer Arktis consists of five lightweight garments designed primarily for jungle and hot climates. Manufactured from high performance fabrics these products of the Arktis in-house design team ~ Combat Jacket, Combat Trousers, two Shirts (UBACS and Combat) and Beanie Hat ~ are of ergonomic fit.
In brief:-
- The DV188 REAPER SHIRT has: two chest cargo pockets, flat-sewn down the leading edge; chest and underarm vents with mesh lining behind to protect from ingress of insects; an action back with mesh lining for superior movement; a concealed buttons placket; upper sleeve pockets with zipped entry; and adjustable button cuffs.
- The DV233 REAPER UBACS (Under Body Armour Combat Shirt) has: a combination design of lightweight 100gm² ripstop and inherent fire-resistant 200gm² knit jersey; upper sleeve pockets with zipped entry; flat seams to reduce abrasion; and adjustable hook and loop cuffs.
- The DV189 REAPER JACKET has: an action back for superior movement, with mesh lining; a four piece adjustable hood; zipped chest, waist and sleeve pockets; underarm venting zips; and adjustable button cuff.
- The DV190 REAPER PANT / TROUSERS are a lightweight version of the Arktis Contact Pant with: inserted thigh pockets to minimise layers of fabric and increase breathability; ergonomic knee panels with zipped opening and back adjusters; Cordura instep reinforcement; and rear calf zips.
- The DV182 REAPER BOONIE HAT has: a wide brim to shield the face and neck from harsh rays; an adjustable chin strap to ensure a secure fit; side ventilation eyelets; a PALS webbing strip around the side wall; and an adjustable chin strap.
The MultiCam version of the REAPER range is being produced from 100% Nylon Ripstop fabric with UV Protect + Moisture Management Finish and the Ranger Green version will be tailored from 82% Polyester & 12% Cotton Mini-Ripstop with C6 DWR finish. The size range will be from XS through to 3XL.
¤ Incidentally, did you know that Arktis was founded forty years ago by a Royal Marines Falklands Campaign veteran, David Ross, who started off by producing specialist chest rigs for 42Cdo RM and 45Cdo RM and even though in recent years the company has expanded massively with both Northern Ireland warehousing and a branch in the United States its headquarters is still located on the outskirts of Exeter in Devon. I bought my first Arktis Chest Rig (to carry my 35mm film stocks, spare lenses and documentation) when invited out to Norway to cover 3 Commando Brigade on a Winter Deployment in 1987/88. In the mid-1990s, before the Arktis MOLLE Vest was conceived, David modified an ARKTIS COP Vest to suit my specific needs which I wore on my assignments in the Former Yugoslavia during the last half of that decade before I switched from film to digital photography.
* The new Arktis REAPER range (which is not currently showing on the Arktis Web Store) will initially be made available for bulk procurement by military buyers, hence its appearance at DSEI UK 2025, but private purchases should be possible in the first half of 2026 ~ we will update readers when the company notifies us that stocks are in the warehouse.
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