Yes, you know the quote.  You recited it drunk and sober, and pushed your buddies into a pretend abyss.  But have you checked out Military 1st?  The other day I received the Leonidas 2.o sweater by Pentagon from Military 1st, and realized something.  Spotter Up has the longest working relationship with Military 1st, then any other similar project venue.

It is interesting and fitting that what we would normally call a “hoodie” on this side of the pond, is called a sweater by the boys at Military 1st.  Its fitting (pun intended), because the first wear of Leonidas 2.0 is like a warm hug from a close friend.  Think I’m exaggerating?  Not one bit.  It’s like Mr. Rogers wearing his familiar and comfortable sweater, except if he was still making grass grow as a U.S. Marine!  Comfortable and functional, you’ll reach for this on your way to the mission or a family picnic.

The history of the company should be noted here.  “Pentagon has been active in the field of military clothing and accessories since 1991, the company started in Germany as a small retail shop selling new and used military surplus goods.

In 1993 the business moved and expanded with the opening of a new wholesale warehouse in Northern Greece. In the late 90’s a new generation of customers were showing up searching for military and law enforcement clothing and gear with technologically advanced fabrics, new and improved pocket arrangements and contemporary fitting styles.”

So the company felt a need to fill the gap for an everyday tactical market, referring to the customer base as “tactical generation.”  It makes perfect sense that the Lenodias 2.o, as several other products from Pentagon sold by Military 1st, has such a wide application.  And there is nothing pretentious about it.  Noticeably the Leonidas 2.0 is a low key, subtle sweater, suitable for everyday travel, causal wear, or a dedicated tactical application.  It is a fitted-style sweater, which still allows the user to carry concealed outside the waist band.  You may consider going a size larger is specifically using the Leonidas 2.0 for a similar purpose.

The sizing itself is true, with a 3/4 bottom elastic forming just enough of a wind and element barrier, without making the sweater look old-fashioned.  The inner fleece is very comfortable, and at freezing temperatures I still felt warm with moderate activity.  With active movement, the Leonidas 2.0 gets really warm.

Going on a run in moderately brisk temperatures I was sweating at peak intervals.  The materials allowed for good breath-ability on their own, but the fact that the full front zipper and hood drawstrings can be manipulated as needed, is an excellent way to manage your heat level.  To add, the slight stretchyness of the sweater allowed for excellent mobility.  This was true across the board: working out, on the range, normal tasks, cleaning the yard…

One of the coolest things is that the Pentagon Leonidas 2.0 doesn’t look tactical… unless you know what to look for.  Functional features such as low key smooth loop on each sleeve, wide hood draw strings, elastic cuffs and outer chest pocket are perfectly used.  To say that I was impressed with the function of this sweater might be a slight understatement.  I might ask the boss if we could do Mr. Kurcina’s neighborhood segments in it.  The open outer pockets add to the simple and functional nature of Leonidas 2.0.  They are large enough for a set of winter gloves, or a Phokus Research Group IFAK.  Another great feature is the continuous storm flap along the zipper and an additional coverage around the hood.  This not only keeps the wind out, but makes the whole garment more sturdy and functional.  Maybe my overall excitement can be tampered by the description of the sweater from Military 1st: