I snagged my first set of NODs (L3 WP DTNVS) during a Black Friday sale in 2023, and my excitement was through the roof. The idea of exploring the night in detail, the adventure of nocturnal wildlife spotting, or simply the safety net while navigating the dark paths during a night hike were all within reach. However, my initial euphoria was quickly dampened by the realization that I lacked a crucial piece of equipment: a comfortable helmet to mount my night vision goggles.
My first instinct led me to purchase a standard off-the-shelf bump helmet. It seemed like a straightforward solution until a slightly awkward encounter with my neighbor. One evening, while testing the setup in my backyard, his concerned expression made it clear—he was puzzled, if not downright alarmed, at the sight of me donning what appeared to be military gear. This incident was a turning point, highlighting the need for something less conspicuous and more suited to everyday use.
Driven by this need, I explored a few competitor products. However, each purchase ended in disappointment. Most options available on the market were designed with a flat, 2D approach that failed to accommodate the complexity of human head shapes. The size mechanisms were difficult to adjust, or buckles were placed in unsuitable places that led to pressure points and headaches. It became apparent that these designs lacked the ergonomic foresight necessary for a truly comfortable fit.
With a background in designing consumer goods and a particular knack for helmets, I saw an opportunity to merge my expertise with my new NODs. This convergence of circumstances led to the creation of "Dusk to Dawn Gear". I embarked on a mission: to design a sleek, lightweight, stealthy, wearable helmet.
My vision was clear. I wanted to craft a helmet that would blend into a casual setting—something you could wear while walking the dog late at night, embarking on a moonlit hike, exploring the woods of Maine, or even night fishing without drawing undue attention. The goal was to move beyond the bulk and overtly tactical appearance of traditional military helmets, towards a design that felt more at home in everyday life.
