Coaxsher™ Selected by Australian Department of Sustainability and Environment to Design Custom Outdoor Utility Packs

Wenatchee, WA, September 11, 2008 – Coaxsher™, maker of wildland fire, search and rescue team gear, has been selected by Australia’s Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to provide 800 custom-made fire utility packs to help the agency improve safety for wildland firefighters.

Over the course of the last year, the DSE tested Coaxsher’s fire utility packs against ten other manufacturers and decided upon the Wenatchee-based company’s pack for its quality design and superior workmanship. After the selection process was complete, Coaxsher™ worked closely with DSE to customize the fire packs to the agency’s specific needs. Coaxsher™ will deliver the packs to the DSE by September 30, 2008. The Australian DSE will order 500 more packs within the next year, making this an ongoing contract for Coaxsher™.

“We were very excited and honored to be awarded the contract,” said Kyle Cox, CEO and co-owner of Coaxsher™. “We worked hard to make sure we exceeded the needs and wants of DSE.”
Australia's bushfire season occurs during the winter months in America, so DSE wants the new packs for their upcoming fire season. Tailor-made for DSE, the Coaxsher™ packs provide the features for DSE firefighters to manage fires, including planned burns and wildfire outbreaks. DSE will distribute them throughout the organization to all of their firefighters.

New RCP-1 Pro Radio Chest Harness Just In

We made a great radio chest harness even better thanks to our customers. Now with a zipper open main pocket and fold-down feature for reading/writing the new 2008 RCP-1 Pro radio chest harness shines after its time in our R&D department. Its the little things that count and thats where we focused our efforts during the re-design to make the RCP-1 Pro a radio chest harness worth getting excited about...

Check out all the cool features.

Coaxsher™ Develops D. A. S. Dual Action Stabilizer™

Wenatchee, Washington, April 14, 2008 – Coaxsher’s Kyle Cox announced today that the company has added its new patent-pending Dual Action Stabilizer™ technology to two of its outdoor utility packs, the FS-1 Ranger and SR-1 Endeavor. This new stabilizer system, nicknamed DAS, adds increased functionality and maximum versatility to the top-selling packs which are used by wilderness firefighters, search and rescue teams, emergency medical personnel and ski patrols.

The purpose of the D.A.S. system is to achieve two functions with one action. By pulling the waist belt strap, the load bearing strap tightens, bringing the load onto the back in one smooth motion. In other packs, multiple adjustments are often needed to situate the pack on the back in a comfortable position. Knowing the challenge, Cox wanted Coaxsher’s packs to be optimized for easy use, particularly for wilderness use and heavy loads where packs sit lower on the back.

“In the backpack world, there is a constant struggle to make the pack more comfortable, and we are always looking for a way to make a design function better,” Cox explained. “We made it so when users tighten the waist belt, they also tighten the load-bearing strap, simplifying the process of securing the pack. The DAS brings the load into the lower back for a better ride.”

To date, Coaxsher™ has added the patent-pending DAS system to its FS-1 Ranger and SR-1 Endeavor packs. Both packs are available online and at retail locations throughout the United States. The packs have been priced to include the DAS system at no additional cost to the customer.

With a shared passion for the outdoors, brothers Kevin and Kyle Cox founded Coaxsher™ in February 2001 to design and create versatile, user-friendly outdoor gear. Based in Wenatchee, Washington, their gear is used around the world by wilderness firefighters, search and rescue teams, emergency medical technicians and ski patrols. For more information about Coaxsher™ or to view a demonstration of the DAS’s functionality, visit http://www.coaxsher.com/.

Coaxsher™ Creates Mobile, Versatile Packs for Wildland Fire Fighters & Search and Rescue Teams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(PRLog.Org) – Jan 29, 2008 – Dedicated to providing quality products for wildland fire fighters and search and rescue teams, outdoor gear specialist Coaxsher™ is excited to announce the creation of two new outdoor packs, FS-1 Spotter and SR-1 Recon, for maximum mobility and versatility. The packs were developed by company owners Kevin and Kyle Cox with the needs of wildland fire fighters and search and rescue teams in mind.
The FS-1 Spotter and SR-1 Recon are ergonomically designed to hold mid-to-lightweight loads and for greater mobility. Both include a 700 cubic inch main pack, a removable 100 oz. reservoir pocket with dual hose ports and an adjustable harness system. In addition, each pack contains removable modules suited to its end user’s specific needs. Because each module can be removed, users have the freedom to carry as much or as little as they need to. The pack is adaptable for multiple uses and can be adjusted to fit virtually any user.
Read full press release here...

Coaxsher Redesigns FS1 Ranger Pack to Better Meet Needs of Wildland Firefighters & Search & Rescue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(PRLog.Org) – Sep 25, 2007 – Wenatchee, Washington – On the heels of a devastating fire that destroyed their company’s inventory, brothers Kevin and Kyle Cox are excited to launch the redesign of one of Coaxsher’s most popular products, the FS-1 Ranger pack. Created for use by wilderness firefighters and search and rescue teams, the pack was first developed by Coaxsher™ in February 2006. After receiving feedback from customers, the Cox brothers researched other packs on the market and redesigned their own product, making it more user-friendly and easier to modify.

One of the key changes in the redesigned FS-1 Ranger was the relocation of the fire shelter case. Originally situated at the bottom of the pack, the fire shelter case rubbed against the user while walking. It has been moved to rest against the back and hips, a popular change with users. Another key change was making the pack easier to modify. This was done by removing its many straps and creating a digital owner’s manual to help users understand how the pack can be modified for different uses.

Kevin and Kyle Cox began the redesign of the FS-1 Ranger in the early winter of 2006. Although sidelined temporarily by the December fire, they continued their work on the prototypes. The initial redesign was followed by field testing in the mountains around Wenatchee.

“We always ask for feedback and when we get multiple requests for the same design change, we take action,” Kyle Cox said. “We have past experience fighting wildfires here but have not done it for many years, so it is best to listen to the guys in the field for new and different product designs.”

The FS-1 Ranger pack, along with photos and a complete list of modifications, is available online at http://www.coaxsher.com/. A list of select dealers who carry the FS-1 Ranger is also available online.

With a shared passion for the outdoors, Kevin and Kyle Cox founded Coaxsher™ in February 2001 to design and create outdoor gear. Based in Wenatchee, Washington, their gear is used around the world by wilderness firefighters, search and rescue teams, emergency medical technicians and ski patrols. For more information about Coaxsher™, contact Kyle Cox at 800-440-3098 or visit http://www.coaxsher.com/.

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About Coaxsher: With a shared passion for the outdoors, Kevin and Kyle Cox founded Coaxsher™ in February 2001 to design and create outdoor gear. Based in Wenatchee, Washington, their gear is used around the world by wilderness firefighters, search and rescue teams, emergency medical technicians and ski patrols. For more information about Coaxsher™, contact Kyle Cox at 800-440-3098 or visit http://www.coaxsher.com/.

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Coaxsher RP-1 Scout radio chest pack Review

Key benefits:

Multiple compartments for specialized contents In front of the chest or shoulder,back,hip- carry Highly ergonomic Flexible positioning Accommodating to other wearable gear Adjustable to fit a wide range of body sizes

General Description -

The RP-1 Scout from Coaxsher- is one of a specialized range of wearable gear packs that are specifically intended for the active outdoor sports community. The RP-1 Scout is a special breed of chest pack designed to securely contain electronics such as Receivers/Transceivers, GPS,CellPhones,Rangefinders and PLB/EPIRB devices. All these are within the domain of the patrol and search and rescue professions. The pack is comprised of tear-drop shaped cluster of compartments that mounts to the wearer's chest by two straps that crisscross the back and attach at four points to the pack in front. This arrangement is derived from the classic chest lanyards used by horsemen for centuries. The use of two straps ensures that the pack remains centered and at the desired height. Another advantage of the crisscrossing arrangement is that the shoulders and under-arms are unobstructed- creating accommodation for additional gear to be carried either to the side or on the back. This latter point is especially noteworthy as SAR and Patrol are likely to also be wearing a backpack of some sort.

Target Market-

Urban and Mountain Search & Rescue / Radios, CellPhones and other small electronics-Active Outdoors /Radios, CellPhones and other small electronics and tools-Military/Radios, CellPhones and other small electronics and tools

Form Factor & Build -

Sizes- Standard (One size). Compatible with the anthropometrics* of most relevant age groups and genders. Geometry-teardrop with four attachment pointsMaterial- Heavy duty Cordura nylon fabric and construction.YKK zippers throughout. Medium Duty Velcro closure . Elastic radio cord. Quick-release snaps throughout.

Ergonomics-

The RP-1 Scout is specifically designed to be less box-shaped than other packs of the same genre. Rather than being a rectangle in the middle of the chest, it's teardrop shape and 45º angled compartments eliminate lateral interference with backpack straps and make the deployment and stowage of tools ergonomic to the user's left hand. This left hand dominance favors the average 'weak hand', leaving the average strong hand free for more strenuous tasks. The RP-1 Scout has fully adjustable straps at all four points/snaps. This means that once a loose rig is mounted, it can be tightened down so as to position the pack as well as to firmly attach it to the operator. Because the straps are thin and narrow, they conform well to the user's thoracic contours and neither bind nor in any manner interfere with mobility or other straps that may be layered on top. Women will appreciate how accommodative this design is to their anatomical features. Because the pack is so compact , it could even be used by children as young as 5 or 6 years of age.

Affordances-

Incident management and communication roles often require the ability to monitor more than one frequency, and this may require two radios.Two main compartments will typically host a compliment of radios, cell phones or GPS unit in a personalized configuration. A spacious pen-pocket is long and wide enough to hold the largest likely writing instrument. A hidden zippered compartment will hold a writing pad as large as 4"X6". All compartments are angled at the same 45º and opening to the left- though the zippered pocket opens to the right- making it accessible to the right hand and keeping it clear of the left oriented electronics.

Human Factors & Usability -

The RP-1 Scout doesn't come with a set of instructions and at first, novices may be puzzled as to how to most effectively mount the pack for use. First the two lower snaps are released and the sliding square connector is drawn close to the pack, leaving room for the head to pass through. The loose ends are then tossed back and once they land at the back waist, they're drawn to the lower left and right pack attachment points for connection with the snaps. Once this procedure has been successfully executed, subsequent attempts become intuitive. The use model for the compartments is straight forward. The simple 'open top' style of compartment construction accommodates a wide range of electronics that may have antennae of various shapes and sizes sticking out of them. Both the Velcro secured pouch as well as quick release secured pouch were easy to use with a heavy gloved hand, though Velcro is significantly easier to disconnect than the snap closure - with gloved hands. The strap adjustments were very easy to control bare handed and just a bit slower to use with gloved hands .A formidable fabric tab on the zipper made operation very easy, even with a gloved right hand. Over all, the fit was comfortable on both genders and equipment was very easy to access. The RP-1 Scout integrates well with a back pack and allowed the use of both a backpack as well as as hip-oriented pack with no interference whatsoever.

Styling and Aesthetics

The RP-1 Scout is an aesthetic refinement of the customary rectangular chest pack- making it as streamlined to look at, as it is to use. The lack of superfluous corners or wasted fabric real-estate, gives it a lean 'tactical' look that is in keeping with the activities of its intended customers. Environmental Stress- In Progress------------------

Sales Sources: http://www.coaxsher.com/ Locate Dealer Price: $29.95 ------------------

Specifications:
Material: Cordura®
YKK "splash-proof" zipper
Large elasticized radio pouch with elastic band and quick release snap closure
Overall dimensions: 9.5"X8.5"
Weight: 0.50 lbs
Volume: N/A
Designed in Wenatchee, Washington State, USA

*Anthropometrics literally means man (anthro) measurements (metric). It is the measurement of the size and proportions of the human body, as well as parameters such as reach and visual range capabilities. Accurate data on height, weight, limb, and body segment sizes are needed to design items ranging from clothing, furniture, automobiles, buses, and subway cars to space shuttles and space stations. Anthropometrics enables us to properly size items, including system interfaces, to "fit" the user.

Full review can be viewed at http://www.imagometrics.com/GoBags/C_RP1_Sct.htm