Check out these amazing new products featured in August 2021 issue of American Outdoor Guide Boundless.
It’s hard to believe summer is almost over already. That’s not to say that there aren’t still plenty of days and nights left to get out into the field before the leaves fall and the snow flies. But, time’s a-wasting, as they say, so make sure you get to it.
Before you head out the door, though, make sure you have at the least the basics for survival, just in case you zig when you should have zagged and you end up spending an unexpected night out in the field.
Silva Guide 2.0 Compass
If you’re going into the field, a compass should be considered standard equipment. Silva has built a reputation for producing some of the best models on the planet. This mirror sighting model allows you to check your direction by looking at the bezel in the mirror while sighting in the direction you want to go. The base plate has map measuring scales. There are luminous markings so you can even use the compass at night: Just hit them quick with your flashlight to charge them for a few hours.
MSRP: $32.99
Silva-USA.com
Radama Hub 3 Tent
This is a cross-pole tent that’s perfect for car camping or a weekend trip to the backcountry. It has a trail weight of 6 pounds, 7.5 ounces and will provide 42 square feet of floor space. It has four roof pockets, an apex hook and four gear loops in the roof so you can keep all your gear organized and at hand. Three large pockets at the end of the tent are good for jackets. There’s roomy headspace and plenty of volume.
MSRP: $209.99
PeregrineEquipment.com
Military Surgical Kit
With this kit, you’ll have the tools necessary to tackle major injuries if medical assistance isn’t available. It comes with 16 pieces, including several scalpel blades, tweezers, a suture set and antiseptic wipes. All the tools are made from high-quality stainless steel. They don’t arrive sterilized, though, so you’ll want to do that on your own. Everything is stored in a durable, MOLLE-compatible pouch that’s equipped with organizational loops to keep all the items secure.
MSRP: $43.99
Rothco.com
Ultimate Leash Bundle
Looking for a hands-free setup for when you walk your best friend? This gear is compatible with any dog collar or harness and will work with any size or breed of dog. The sling is worn by … you. It’s comfortable and has a slim design that’ll keep you cool. The leash attaches to the sling and has a built-in shock absorber. It also has two loop handles in case you need to grab it. Attach the handle to the sling instead of the leash, and your young children can hold onto you while you walk.
MSRP: Starting at $94.97
MyLifeHandle.com
Sparrows SERE Wallet
The whole idea behind EDC is to have what you need with you when you need it. That’s the point of this SERE wallet, because it incorporates numerous emergency signal options, as well as a door bypass tool, into one, easy-to-carry unit. It has a mirror finish for sun signaling, a glow dot for nighttime use and a reflective dot. The bypass tool will help you open locked latches. (Note: While this image shows both sides of the card, there’s only one card included in this wallet.)
MSRP: $19.95
SparrowsLockPicks.com
5.11 Tactical Trail Short
Built for the great outdoors, these shorts will stand up to anything you have to endure on the trail. They have eight pockets, allowing you to carry everything you need without getting bogged down. The fabric has a DWR water- and stain-repellent finish, along with Enduro-Flex stretch woven in to promote freedom of movement. The thigh pockets have zipper closures to keep contents secure. The belt loops are reinforced, and there’s a centered-back webbing loop. The Trail Shorts are available in four colors: black, Ranger Green, Battle Brown and Flint.
MSRP: $69.99
511Tactical.com
PDW Titanium Stove
With this packable titanium stove, you’re ready to cook dinner, no matter where your travels take you. You can use biomass, such as twigs and pine cones, which can be sourced just about anywhere. Alternatively, use alcohol fuel, which can even be distilled at home if you plan ahead (and hexamine fuel tabs are available at just about any camping or sporting goods store). There won’t be any gas cartridges to lug around or dispose of when you get home.
MSRP: $59
PrometheusDesignWerx.com
Thermarest Corus Quilt
Depending on where you go, even summer nights can be chilly. The Corus Quilt is a great balance of warmth and function and is ideal for three-season adventures. It has eminently packable Nikwax Hydrophobic Down that absorbs 90 percent less water and dries fast. It has a shaped footbox that will slip over your sleep pad. This, along with side baffles and a snap neck closure, work to eliminate drafts. When you’re on the move, the quilt stuffs down into a small sack that’ll easily fit into your pack.
MSRP: Starting at $219.95
Thermarest.com
Costa Del Mar Spearo XL
Sure, you could just grab a pair of sunglasses at the dollar store, but they’re likely to get scratched or fall apart after a short time. Your eyes are important and deserve to be protected. The Spearo XL’s glass lenses offer 100 percent UV blockage and are 100 percent polarized. They have a wide fit for those who have larger faces. The glasses feature Hydrolite nose pads, integral CAM hinges and nonslip temple tips—all designed to keep you comfortable for long periods of time.
MSRP: $269
CostaDelMar.com
MPowerd Luci Base Light
This light is almost a no-brainer for any camping trip. It’s a solar-powered, inflatable lantern that’ll provide 360 lumens of warm, white light all night long. But, that’s not all: It’ll also charge your cell phone or other small device via USB, turning this light into a multipurpose battery bank. You can also charge the Luci Base Light via USB before you head out on your trip, and its light will last about 50 hours on a single charge.
MSRP: $54.95
MPowerd.com
Gregory Arrio 24
The Arrio 24 pack is perfect for day hikes and weekend jaunts. It has an internal hydration sleeve with hanger and several pockets for storing all your gear. The hip belt is removable, and the suspended, open-air mesh back panel will keep you comfortable and cool all day long. It’s available in black, blue or red. As its name would indicate, this is a 24-liter pack. Empty, it weighs just 1.62 pounds, and it should easily handle upward of 20 pounds.
MSRP: $99.95
GregoryPacks.com
Adjustable Boonie Hat
With a design based on the original military boonie hat, this model affords the wearer a full 360 degrees of protection from the sun. It has a detachable cover that can drape across the back of your neck. An adjustable elastic cord and lock on the crown of the hat enable a custom fit. This hat also features an internal map pocket with a 6.25-inch opening and four screened side vents to keep you cool.
MSRP: $22.99
Rothco.com
Marksman Shirt
5.11 Tactical has built a reputation for apparel that’ll take a beating and come back, looking for more. The long-sleeved Marksman Shirt has long been a favorite, so this year, 5.11 came out with a short-sleeved version. It features 50+ UPF sun protection, moisture-wicking material, underarm mesh gussets and two chest pockets. It has a stylish look that doesn’t skimp on hard-working quality for those who don’t spend all their time behind a desk.
MSRP: $54.99
511Tactical.com
Water and Fire Survival Handbook
Tim MacWelch is a recognized authority on survival techniques and has authored several books on the subject. In this volume, he drills down on two basic, yet vitally important, areas: water and fire. He shares with readers numerous ways to obtain water when there’s no working sink nearby and how to render it safe to drink. For fire, he discusses several approaches—from modern to primitive—so you can keep warm, get dry and stay alive.
MSRP: $14.99
SkyhorsePublishing.com
The CIA Guide to Disappearing
This guide was written by John C. Kiriakou, a former CIA counterterrorism officer. As a result, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks you need to stay off the radar, even for extended periods of time. Erasing our digital trail isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible. Disappearing—and staying that way—could be vital to survival and is certainly in line with being the ultimate “gray” man or woman. At more than 350 pages, this book isn’t a quick read, but you’ll learn a ton from each chapter.
MSRP: $16.99
SkyhorsePublishing.com
TOPS Knives Trail Seeker
The inspiration for Luis Murillo’s design was simplicity itself. The winner of the fourth TOPS employee knife design contest, he wanted to create an efficient cutting tool that felt good and was secure in the hand, had an effective, pointy tip and was easy to carry. The 4.5-inch, 1095 blade has a full tang with a lanyard hole in the extended butt. The 90-degree spine has jimping just ahead of the Micarta scales for extra control. A black Kydex sheath with a dangler is included.
MSRP: $180
TOPSKnives.com
A version of this article first appeared in the August 2021 issue of American Outdoor Guide Boundless.