🇺🇸 US Aircraft Recognition Cards are in stock now at Americana Pipedream for just $4. These were designed to train US Army soldiers to quickly identify both friendly and enemy aircraft—everything from fighter jets to helicopters. Each card features a detailed aircraft illustration, NATO callsign, and other key identification info. Perfect for collectors, military history enthusiasts, or anyone into vintage training gear. Available while supplies last.
In the sweltering jungles of Vietnam during the 1960s, U.S. soldiers faced relentless humidity, torrential rains, and the chilling dampness of night. The standard issue wool blankets proved inadequate, heavy when wet and slow to dry. Recognizing the need for better gear, the U.S. Army introduced a lightweight, quick drying solution in 1962: the poncho liner. This innovation, initially issued to Special Forces, featured two layers of quilted nylon encasing a polyester filling, providing warmth without the weight. As the poncho liner became a staple in soldiers’ packs, it earned the affectionate nickname “woobie.” The origin of this term is debated. Some trace it to the 1983 film Mr. Mom, where a child’s security blanket is called a “woobie.” Others believe it evolved from the phrase “would be,” as in “you would be cold without it.” Beyond its battlefield utility, the woobie symbolizes comfort and resilience. Its production also tells a story of empowerment. Under the AbilityOne Program, established in 1938, individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities manufacture various products for the federal government, including the woobie. Organizations like IFB Solutions have been producing poncho liners since 1991, providing meaningful employment to hundreds of visually impaired workers. Today, the woobie remains a cherished item among veterans and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its legacy endures, not just as a piece of military equipment, but as a testament to innovation, comfort, and inclusive opportunity.
We have meals and assortment buckets of meals instock at AP! The assortment buckets are available on TT SHOP! Origins: Mountain House was born out of Oregon Freeze Dry (OFD), a company founded in 1963 to provide lightweight, long-lasting freeze-dried meals for the U.S. military, especially during the Vietnam War. Entry into Consumer Market: In the 1970s, OFD launched the Mountain House brand for outdoor enthusiasts like backpackers and campers, offering easy-to-prepare, great-tasting meals using their military-tested freeze-drying process. Freeze-Drying Advantage: Unlike regular dehydration, freeze-drying preserves taste, texture, nutrients, and gives the meals a shelf life of over 25 years — making them popular for both outdoor use and emergency preparedness. Market and Growth: Mountain House has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of entrees, breakfasts, desserts, vegetarian, gluten-free, and bulk emergency storage products.
We’ve got tons of 1.5” to 2.63” Higonokamis available currently. And the larger versions seen in this video! The Higonokami is a classic Japanese pocket knife. A practical piece of gear with some fascinating history.
Have you ever heard of the “black crackle” Zippo? This iconic color came about thanks to wartime rationing during WWII, and went on to be the cornerstone of Zippo’s rising popularity postwar. We’ve got these beautiful WWII replica Black Crackle Zippos in stock currently, along with many other Zippos and accessories.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive work jacket, we have you covered! These deadstock Tri Mountain Jackets come with tons of useful features at a banger price point. Sizes up to 6XL! Deadstock Tri Mountain jackets—tough, timeless, and made for real life. Rugged canvas shell handles scrapes, wear, and weather without flinching. Perfect for daily use, job sites, or weekend projects. Button-in liner gives you year-round versatility. Keep it in for cold days, pop it out when it warms up. Two slant pockets for quick grabs, plus a zip pocket to keep valuables secure. Rib knit cuffs and waist trap warmth and block wind for all-day comfort. Corduroy collar adds a soft touch and a classic workwear look. These jackets aren’t delicate—they’re built to be worn, worked in, and lived in. No fluff. Just function.
🇷🇺 We got a little bit of Russian EMR available currently, both shirts and pants. Sizing is limited, but if you’re quick enough you might be able to grab some! What’s your favorite variant or EMR? Arctic goes pretty hard imo.
The Higonokami knife is a fascinating artifact from Japan’s post samurai era, born in 1896 when the country was rapidly modernizing and had just outlawed the samurai class and their swords. With centuries of blade making tradition suddenly without purpose, skilled swordsmiths in the town of Miki in Hyōgo Prefecture turned to crafting a new kind of blade for the everyday person. The result was the Higonokami, a minimalist folding knife with no locking mechanism, just a folded metal handle and a small thumb lever called a chikiri to control the blade. It quickly became a national favorite, especially among schoolchildren who used it for sharpening pencils and craftsmen who appreciated its sturdy simplicity. At its peak, over 40 makers produced Higonokami knives, but in 1958, stricter knife laws banned students from carrying blades, causing demand to plummet and most producers to shut down. Only one maker, Nagao Kanekoma, survived and is now the sole official producer of authentic Higonokami knives. What was once a schoolkid’s pocket tool is now a revered symbol of Japanese craftsmanship, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a blade forged from samurai roots.
The French Army needed a next-gen combat knife — so they turned to a company with 400 years of blade-making history. TB Outdoor, rooted in 17th century craftsmanship, created the C.A.C. knife: tough, tactical, and built for the battlefield. Adopted in 2017, it’s seen action across Africa and NATO ops. Stainless steel blade, wire cutter, glass breaker — all designed by military experts. This isn’t just a knife… it’s a legacy in your hand. #CACKnife #FrenchArmy #TBOutdoor #TacticalGear #MilitaryHistory #KnifeTok #SurvivalTools #CombatReady #MadeInFrance #KnifeCollectors #edc #history #interesting
🇺🇸 We just released a collaboration with @duluthpack! Their products are handmade by their team in Duluth, Minnesota and have been since 1882. If y’all think it would be interesting to do a “how it’s made” video at their facility, let us know! We chose to black label two of their backpacks and their fanny packs. Not only are they handmade, but they also come with a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects. If you should ever wear your pack down, they also do in-house repairs for a small fee.
We got zippo all in one kits, just zippos and even the zippo butane inserts on the shop! The Zippo lighter was invented in 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, Pennsylvania, with the aim of creating a windproof, reusable lighter that combined functionality with sleek design. Inspired by an Austrian-made lighter that used a chimney to protect the flame, Blaisdell designed a lighter with a rectangular case and hinged lid, which produced a distinctive “click” sound when opened or closed. He called it “Zippo” because he liked the sound of the word “zipper,” which was a modern innovation at the time. The first Zippos were sold in 1933 for $1.95 and came with a lifetime guarantee, a promise the company still honors today. During World War II, Zippo ceased consumer production and dedicated all output to the U.S. military, making it a beloved item among American servicemen. This solidified its reputation for durability and reliability under tough conditions. Over the decades, Zippo lighters have become collectibles and cultural icons, with millions produced and countless designs available, representing everything from military insignia to pop culture themes. Despite technological shifts toward disposable lighters and electronic alternatives, Zippo has remained a symbol of rugged Americana and craftsmanship.
What is a woobie or ponch liner, comment the name you prefer. The USGI poncho liner, nicknamed the “woobie,” was introduced during the Vietnam War as a lightweight, quick-drying alternative to heavy wool blankets. Designed with two layers of nylon and polyester batting, it could be tied into a poncho for warmth or used alone. Soldiers loved its comfort and versatility, and the term “woobie” likely emerged as affectionate slang, likening it to a child’s security blanket. Though not a sleeping bag, it became a go-to field item and remains a favorite among veterans. Its durability and comfort made it a hit on the surplus market, where it gained cult status with campers, hikers, and preppers.
Which Zippo is right for you—classic or modern butane? We got both to meet your needs :) The regular Zippo lighter brings that iconic clink, a windproof flame, and a dose of nostalgia, but it needs frequent refueling and wick maintenance. On the flip side, the Zippo butane insert gives you a powerful, clean-burning torch flame with less upkeep and better fuel efficiency. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of fluid or the precision of butane, each has its edge. Which one’s in your pocket? 🔥💨 ##Zippo##LighterComparison##EDC
This authentic 1970s deck was issued by the U.S. Army to help soldiers quickly identify military aircraft. Each card features a detailed illustration of a U.S. or foreign aircraft along with technical information like NATO callsigns. #history #aircraft #vintage #cards #antique
Night vision devices (NODs) have revolutionized warfare and tactical operations since their inception during World War II when Germany developed the first practical systems like the bulky “Vampir,” which used active infrared spotlights and rifle mounted scopes. The Korean War saw the United States deploy similar infrared based gear, though these remained cumbersome and limited. A breakthrough came during the Vietnam War with Generation 1 starlight scopes, which passively amplified ambient light, ushering in the first real step toward modern night vision. By the 1980s, Generation 2 devices introduced microchannel plates for clearer resolution, and in the 1990s, Generation 3 units added gallium arsenide photocathodes and autogating, becoming critical assets in conflicts like Desert Storm, where American dominance after dark earned them the phrase “We own the night.” Today’s cutting edge systems feature white phosphor tubes, digital sensors, and even thermal fusion, providing unprecedented clarity and versatility. From helmet mounted monoculars like the PVS 14 to high end fusion devices used by elite forces, night vision technology has evolved from bulky experiments into essential tools that define control, protection, and superiority in low light environments.
DO YOU LOVE MILITARY PLANES? OF COURSE YOU DO! USGI Aircraft Recognition Cards are in stock at AP. btw we have only a few days left on our e-bike giveaway, head to our site to enter for free—or place an order over $25 and get 10 additional entries