Clawgear Raider Mk IV Mission Pant

Clawgear is specialised in state-of-the art performance and advanced combat equipment, built to withstand the tough conditions of modern battlefields. They set out to develop gear to protect the user’s body as best possible, while increasing each individual’s effectiveness. The geographical location of the company, at the foot of the Austrian Alps, has a large influence on the choice of fabrics and materials for their entire product range.

The very latest garments to come my way show that, whilst Clawgear continue to innovate, they don’t necessarily throw out what are great existing designs, but instead improve on them!

Whilst not a ‘new’ garment, the Raider Mk. IV Mission Pant has been designed to be a simple and lightweight assault pant, featuring extremely useful extras and the greatest possible comfort for today’s picky users. It features an improved waist adjustment system, with elastic components for better comfort and absorption of body movements. The pocket concept has been optimised; cargo pockets have been extended with an additional compartment, which is accessible from outside and holds a 30rd magazine for rapid access.

Product improved

Intricate modifications have been made to the knee area, which is now equipped with handy inward knee height adjustment. The modular knee pad compartment allows the use of a wide range of different knee pad inserts from different brands. The Raider Mk. IV Pant’s durability and body fit makes this it suitable for all professional users and everyday use as well. The belt area is optimised for rigger and safety belts, as well as for braces. Front Pockets allow fast and easy access even with gloves, and generous Cargo Pockets provide a lot of space for your equipment and also include an extra zip-pocket. The inside knee area is equipped with Coolmax fabric to provide optimum sweat absorption; ‘YKK’ zippers and ‘Coats’ sewing threads have also been used, and all main seams are triple stitched for extra durability.

The Operator Combat Shirt has been developed for use with input from a European Special Forces unit. Clawgear implemented the latest professional thinking and combined that with the latest fabric developments and textile engineering knowledge. The final garment has been extensively field tested, further improved and subsequently issued to the unit. The feedback was so impressive that Clawgear decided to add this combat shirt to their regular product line as well.

The shirt is an uncompromisingly combatspecific garment, designed specifically to be worn under body armour. Its anatomic fit provides great comfort and avoids pressure points. The sleeves and sleeve pockets are of a completely new design and feature articulated ergonomic areas for even better comfort and mobility. Reinforced elbow areas can be equipped with removable elbow pads (available separately). The high zip collar is designed to be worn in different ways for your comfort and to prevent intrusion of dust and debris. The shoulder area is seamless to avoid pressure points when wearing a backpack, plate carrier or chest rig.

In the field

I’ve now had the pleasure to put both garments to the test and I have to say that I am extremely impressed with both. Even on the hottest day of the year in the UK (to date) the combination of clever ergonomic design and cutting-edge fabrics kept me comfortable whilst standing up to the rigors of demanding terrain; at one point I needed to slide some 50m down a scree slope to get into range of my target, and the pants still looked like brand new! Both the Raider Pant and Operator Shirt are available in Multicam or a range of plain colours, so they will fit pretty much anywhere you choose to use them too.

Clawgear are gradually making inroads to the UK with great retailers like UK Tactical and Heinnie Haynes adding this distinctive performance clothing to their ranges, and for that I can only applaud them. Clawgear will never be the cheapest option on the block, but as they say, you get what you pay for and in this case that’s an awful lot of comfort, performance and durability!