5.11 Tactical Field Watch 2.0
5.11 Tactical has upgraded its popular Field Watch, keeping all the great features of the original and adding a few more bells and whistles. The new edition has phosphorescent hour and second hands, so you can easily read the dial in the dark. It has a comfortable, 22mm-wide, NATO-style watch band and is available in either black or “kangaroo.” The watch is water-resistant to 330 feet. The Field Watch 2.0 is built to last, with a scratch-resistant crystal and stainless steel case.
Streamlight Stylus Pro USB
This penlight won’t take up much real estate in your pocket. It’s about 6 inches long and weighs less than a couple of ounces. Switch it on, off or use the momentary-on feature via the push-button tail switch. On the highest power setting, the light is a whopping 350 lumens and will last 1.5 hours. Or, dial it back a bit to a still-very-bright 90 lumens for 3.5 hours. It charges via a USB port that’s protected by a sliding metal sleeve. It has a removable pocket clip, as well as a nylon holster.
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Buffalo Wool Bison Beanie
A comfortable watch cap is essential outerwear in areas where the temperature plummets in the winter. Bison wool has thousands of tiny air pockets that keep you warm, no matter how cold it is outside. The fiber has a micron count of about 15, making it similar in feel to cashmere. There’s no itchiness, no scratchiness; it’s just soft and warm. This beanie is 90 percent bison down and 10 percent nylon. One size fits most, and it’s available in black or brown.
CRKT Razelcliffe Compact
The Razelcliffe has a unique look, and it’s paired with eminent functionality. Designed by Jon Graham, this knife combines a chisel-like appearance with a deep finger choil, as well as friction grooves on the handle for a positive grip in all conditions. A ball-bearing pivot quickly swings out the 2-inch blade, and a thick framelock bar keeps it in place until you’re ready to close it. A strong, stainless steel pocket clip secures the knife between uses.
Urban Survival Guide
Christopher Nyerges has been one of the leading voices in the survival and preparedness world for the last couple of decades. His entire lifestyle revolves around sustainability and self-reliance. In his new book, Urban Survival Guide, he covers a wide range of topics, all the while focusing on practical and actionable solutions. From producing your own food and cooking it when the grid isn’t available to medicinal plants and even alternative means of communication, this book is perfect for the urban survivalist’s resource library.
Prometheus Design Werx Mk2 Fire Steel
Ferrocerium rods are some of the best fire-starting tools available. They’ll work in any weather conditions and, when used with the right tinder material, they’ll light a fire very quickly. The Mk2 has a 3/8-inch-diameter rod that’s threaded and can be removed from the handle if it ever breaks or gets worn down. The titanium handle is hollow and features a threaded cap so you can store tinder inside. Its overall length is 5.325 inches, and it weighs 2.5 ounces.
TOPS Knives Mini Tanimboca Puukko
Large blades have their place, but sometimes, you just need something small for carving, whittling or quick food prep. With a blade length of 1.63 inches and an overall length of 4 inches, the Mini Tanimboca Puukko is very useful without weighing you down or getting in your way. The spine is ground to 90 degrees, making it perfect for scraping tasks such as preparing tinder or sparking a ferro rod. The black canvas Micarta handle is rounded for comfort. and the brown leather sheath is designed for tip-down neck carry. This knife also incorporates a belt loop.
TOPS Knives Ucon ’Hawk
A hatchet is a versatile tool to carry in your pack or even your vehicle. It allows you to chop branches, process firewood and even help clear roads in a pinch. This one is made from 1095 steel and has a handle formed by layers of G10 and rubber, thus providing maximum grip without hot spots. The portion of the tang between the handle and the bit has been rounded so you can choke up and use it for detail work. A leather sheath protects the edge and allows for multiple carry options.
Buffalo Wool Extreme Gear Bison Down Fingerless Gloves
When it comes to critical tools while in the field, your hands are second only to your mind, so it only makes sense to protect them. These fingerless gloves allow you to do real work while still staying warm. The bison fiber is roughly six times warmer than wool, and it wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you warm. These gloves are made in the U.S.A. and are 100 percent guaranteed. And, if you don’t like them, the company will buy them back from you.
Case Kickstart Trapperlock
The Kickstart Trapperlock is the second offering in the Case line of assisted-open knives. Simply push up on the thumb stud, and the blade snaps open fast and locks into place. Its clip-point blade profile is one of the most useful designs, providing a strong point for piercing, as well as plenty of edge for slicing. It’s available in a wide range of handle colors and materials (shown here is the black canvas laminate). The Tru-Sharp stainless blade is 3.3 inches long.
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor Backpack
Many backpacks are able to expand the interior through the use of straps and other means, increasing the overall carrying capacity. The problem is that they typically only expand in one direction, which can lead to balance issues. The Flex Capacitor takes a different approach by expanding volume through increasing the circumference of the pack, growing larger all the way around. A foam hip belt and padded shoulder straps provide comfort with even the heaviest loads. There are two torso sizes and four hip belt sizes available to provide the best fit.
Appalachian Gear All-Paca Sleeping Bag Liner
Have you ever rolled over in your sleeping bag and been shocked awake by the clammy, cold, nylon fabric? With the All-Paca Sleeping Bag Liner, that’ll never happen again. The alpaca fiber is soft and comfortable. The bag length is between 60 and 62 inches, but it easily stretches to more than 75 inches. This is a great multi-purpose item, because it can also be used as a stadium blanket or a shoulder wrap on cold evenings by the fire. Wash it in cold water and tumble dry on low heat for just 10 minutes or so, because the fabric absorbs very little moisture.
Knife-Only Survival Book
Tony Nester knows survival inside and out. He’s spent the last 30 years teaching these skills to members of the military, as well as to the general public. He’s also been a consultant to Hollywood for films related to outdoor survival. In this book, he provides a pragmatic look at the survival mindset, how to choose a knife, make shelter, filter water and much more. Along the way, Nester provides the reader with entertaining anecdotes from his own experiences throughout North America.
Kershaw Static Folding Knife
Cleaver-style knives have been growing in popularity—and for good reason: They’re quite handy for a range of chores, including slicing and chopping. The Static Folding Knife is 6.75 inches long when open and features a 2.9-inch blade. The knife is sturdy and opens easily with one hand because of the KVT ball bearings and flipper action. The machining on the stainless steel handle looks great and provides an excellent grip. You’ll find yourself reaching for the Static every time you need a sharp edge.
UCO 6-Piece Mess Kit
This set is light-years beyond that clunky mess kit you used as a kid during campouts. In fact, it’ll work just as well at the office as it will next to a tent. The lid doubles as a plate. The kit also provides a cup, bowl, tether and Switch Spork—a handy tool all by itself, because it combines a fork, knife and spoon into a neat, little package. The cup collapses when not in use for storage in the kit. Every component is dishwasher and microwave safe, as well as BPA free.
5.11 Tactical Rapid Sling Pack
Whether you’re looking for a dedicated go-bag or just something for everyday use, the Sling Pack has you covered. It has a 270-degree zipper opening, giving you fast access to everything inside. There’s an internal sleeve for a hydration pouch and side compression straps to keep everything secure. A rear CCW compartment lets you grab your weapon in a hurry. There’s also a front MOLLE panel and a 3-inch-square loop panel for a morale patch. Exterior measurements are 15.5×7.5×6.0 inches.