I recently shared how I created Equinoxx Stage 3 thermal base-layer shirt as a police officer trying to stay warm in harsh winter weather without sacrificing my safety by wearing a bulky winter coat. And I’ve discussed some of the specific challenges police officers in particular face working in cold weather.

For many years now, Stage 3 has been highly popular with police, who wear it under their body armor, but also with others who use it for outside work and leisure activities in the cold. See their reviews on our Equinoxx Stage 3 product page. Some highlights:

Keeps You Both Warm and Mobile

“I work in WI so I need to be warm in the winter,” says Lina E. “I do not like to wear a coat, as I personally feel it is hard to get to my gear. This is PERFECT! I stay warm but I am not sweating under my vest. LOVE IT!!”

The cold weather will be here before you know it. And we need to tell you about the launch of an exciting new product from 221B that's going to be a complete game-changer for those working outdoors in the winter or those taking part in cold-weather activities. 

Called "Equinoxx K2 Thermal," it's a shirt that'll keep you warm and comfortable in the harshest weather—cold, windy, even wet—and also allow you unrestricted freedom of movement to perform at your best at work or play. 

The K2 shirt is soft, stretchy and not bulky, promoting superior comfort and mobility. Yet it's constructed with a state-of-the-art heat-pressed, triple-layer fabric that provides highly effective thermal protection. It retains body heat and keeps out the cold, while allowing the body to breathe (it's even comfortable when you come out of the cold). It blocks wind and resists water.

Every year nearly 70,000 people go to the ER due to heat related ailments. On average, there are over 700 heat related deaths annually. As the temperatures rise with each passing week, staying cooler while outside becomes increasingly important. This is especially important to those of us who work outdoors.

As someone who studied Bio-Chemistry in university and graduated Pre-Med, I had a deeper understanding of human physiology than most other Police Officers I worked with. So I utilized this knowledge to learn ways to stay cooler and hydrated while working outside all day in beneath the scorching sun.

During my research (I'm a nerd and a lab geek so research is actually fun for me) I discovered many interesting statistics. I'll share some of them below as I outline how I managed to go 13 years working outside in the extreme heat and beating some of the most common heat related illnesses. 

Approximately 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.  When I first heard this statistic I couldn't believe it.  Most people are oblivious to this fact.  As someone who worked in the sun 13 hours daily as a Police Officer, I became concerned. (Yes ... people with dark skin get sunburned and skin diseases).

Many times my arms and the back of my neck got sun-burned. It was uncomfortably painful and dangerous to my health.

Skin cancer is a concern for anyone working in the sun during summer months.  (BTW:  You can 100% get sunburned during winter months too).

I would apply sun block on my arms, face and back of my neck prior to my shift.  But once I began sweating this was negated.  Reapplying during the shift was messy and typically didn't happen.  Many co-workers (who were all fair-skinned) had similar issues during summer.  Not only were they worried about sunburn (and an unsightly farmer's tan), they also feared  consequences from skin cancer.

If a hurricane, tornado or earthquake struck tomorrow, destroying homes and taking out utilities like electric, gas and water...are you prepared? If civil unrest erupts and rioters and looters rampage out from the cities and end up in front of your house...are you prepared? If the next widespread national/global heath threat unleashes (Covid, monkey pox, killer hornets, etc.)...are you prepared? 

With various calamities and disasters happening now more than ever before and crime and lawlessness on the rise, home security and emergency preparedness are critical aspects of modern-day living. I recommend three preparedness components, or tools, that will help you and your family cope in the best possible way with such crisis and possibly save your life:

1, An Emergency Kit

2. A Tactical Defense Plan

3. A Bug-Out-Bag

A tactical go bag, also known as a bug out bag, is an essential tool for anyone serious about being prepared for unexpected events or emergencies. Ever since becoming a Police Officer and seeing, first hand, how most people are not prepared at all for various emergencies and events, I’ve made it a point to always have a tactical bug out bag in every one of my vehicles.

So what’s actually in my vehicle emergency bug out bag? It is filled with emergency supplies that I can quickly access in case of an emergency.

Having a tactical go bag in my vehicle at all times means that I can be ready for any situation at any time. Why should you have one? Whether it's a natural disaster like an earthquake, flood, or hurricane, or a man-made disaster like a serious motor vehicle crash, terrorist attack or civil unrest, you can be confident that you have all the essential supplies you need to deal with the situation and/or survive for several days if need be.

Over the years, the word “tactical” has gone down the same road as the word “organic.” We see it everywhere and many companies plaster it all over their ads and marketing campaigns. But what, exactly, does it mean when something like a bag is labeled “tactical?” Let’s start with the definition of the word “tactical.”

You’re probably not in the military right now, but a civilian. Your “military end” or “end beyond the immediate action” is to keep safe, to keep alive. So the “tactical” gear you use should assist you to this end.

The foundation of every piece of gear and apparel developed by 221B Tactical is to help keep you alive. This includes our bags and packs. We “carefully plan” every detail and function of the bags to help you gain a “strategic advantage” in a multitude of scenarios to help increase your chances of survival.

The Right Plate Carrier

Not all plate carriers are the same. Combat professionals (military, SWAT teams) need to carry many tactical items, such as numerous ammo magazines, rifle retention, first aid kit, etc., and to be able do a lot of things, so their plate carriers require a great deal of utility. An example of this is 221B’s Shadow Plate Carrier.  

You don’t want this for home defense. The optimal carrier for you will be stripped down, bare bones, hold ballistic plates and provide storage for a few essentials, such an extra magazine or speed loader, perhaps a flashlight. An example of this is 221B’s QRF low-profile, minimalist plate carrier that can be thrown on super fast.