Make & Model
GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set
Dimensions
12.2 by 6.9 by 1.6 inches
MSRP
$30
Notes
You wouldn't want to bring your entire drawer of kitchen cutlery on a weekend camping trip. That's why the Santoku Knife Set is a godsend. It has everything you might need to cook outdoors — packaged in a slim and lightweight nylon case. The set includes a paring knife with a 4-inch blade, a serrated knife with a 6-inch blade, and a santoku-style knife with a 6-inch sheepsfoot blade, each with their own safety covers. Originating in Japan, santoku means “three virtues,” referring to its versatility in slicing, dicing, and mincing. So with this set's trio of stainless steel blades, you've at least five functions covered. The set also contains a two-sided cutting board, microfiber cleaning cloth, and a soap bottle.
Make & Model
Bastinelli Knives Fixed R.E.D. V2
Overall Length
8.6 inches
MSRP
$150 (stonewash finish); $160 (black PVD coating)
Notes
If you need something sturdier and more versatile than the blades in the Santoku Knife Set, then consider the R.E.D. V2. Its blade is made of N690Co, a stainless steel that fights off corrosion, is tough as nails, and takes a fine edge and retains it well. Plus, it has a black PVD coating for added protection. The ergonomic handle features an integrated lanyard hole and is sandwiched by black G-10 scales for superior grip and durability. Manufactured in Italy by Fox Knives, this Bastinelli model weighs 4 ounces and comes with a Kydex sheath. While we're not big fans of its deep forefinger grove (because it forces us into a pistol grip), the R.E.D. V2 is a fixed blade for many occasions — be it daily carry, an outdoor adventure, or a survival situation.
Make & Model
Wazoo Survival Gear Viking Whetstone Pendant
Dimensions
1.9 by 1 by 0.25 inches (pendant only)
MSRP
$30
Notes
Whether it's used to slice bread, debone a whitetail, or defend yourself against marauders, your knife must stay sharp. As they say, the most dangerous knife is a dull one. Enter the second generation of the Viking Whetstone Pendant. What looks like cool caveman-meets-art-deco jewelry is actually a knife sharpener in disguise. It has both a rounded edge and a beveled edge for maintaining blades as well as a groove for honing fish hooks. The concept is based on ancient Viking whetstones that had holes in them. It's believed the holes were made so leather straps could be tethered and attached to the warriors' belts. These Wazoo pendants are made in the USA from novaculite, a type of quartz from the mountains of Arkansas, and connected to adjustable leather cords. You can wear it around your neck or cinch up on the cord to attach it to your belt or pack.
Make & Model
Fenix T5Ti
Colors
Aurora Purple, Space Grey (shown), Storm Blue
MSRP
$70
Notes
Despite being based in China, Fenix has a reputation for making quality flashlights at affordable prices. Now it's bringing that same approach to the tactical pen market. First up is the T5Ti. Most titanium tools are ridiculously expensive, but the T5Ti's MSRP is cheaper than some premium tactical pens made of aluminum. It's lightweight at 1.4 ounces yet strong enough to take an impact and dish one out. At 5.5 inches in length, it has a tungsten alloy strike bezel on one end and a twist-off cap with pocket clip on the other. Remove the cap to find the pen, which writes smoothly even when upside down or in water thanks to the Schmidt MegaLine pressurized ink refill. After all, what's the point of carrying a pen if it can't write?
Make & Model
UCO Stormproof Sweetfire Firestarter
Quantity
20 per pack
MSRP
$10
URL
www.ucogear.com
Notes
The Sweetfire Strikeable Fire Starter was a game-changer when it came out because it was tinder that lit up like a match. Just rake the tip along the striker on its box, and you had a flame that would last for almost 10 minutes. Now UCO Gear is upping the ante again with this Stormproof version of the Sweetfire. How stormproof is it? It'll relight after being submerged in water. This brilliant invention is made from sugarcane waste and infused with vegetable wax to allow for up to seven minutes of burn time. Each pack comes with 20 Sweetfire matches.
Make & Model
Complete Target Solutions T-Post Pro Target Hanger
Contains
Target hanger, Grade 8 bolt, lock nut, spring steel
MSRP
$30
Notes
A survivalist should have proper firearms training to be prepared for any disaster. And for many, setting up your own targets at an outdoor range is a more effective path to a state of readiness than shooting no more than a round per second in an AC-controlled indoor range. The T-Post Pro Target Hanger is a portable way to hang steel targets — just attach it to any standard T-style fence post and connect a steel plate (not included) to its spring-and-bolt system. This not only angles bullet splatter downward, but also absorbs some of the bullets' energy to increase target life. Featuring a heavy-duty powdercoat finish, the hanger also has a loop on the back so, if you have two hangers, you can chain a gong between them. Made in the USA.
Make & Model
GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker
Dimensions
26.6 by 24.4 by 33.1 inches
MSRP
$60
Notes
Whether you're ice fishing at a Wisconsin lake or bushcrafting in the Arizona backcountry, you'll eventually need to rest your rump. The FirePit Rocker can serve this purpose and even let you sway back and forth as if you were lounging on your front porch, thanks to its patent-pending Spring-Action Rocking Technology. With a mesh backrest, padded armrests, and a powdercoated steel frame, this portable chair can fold flat for convenient storage and has a carry handle for comfortable transportation. The 11.9-pound FirePit Rocker can support up to 250 pounds and has a beverage holder to boot. But taller folks beware: With a seat height of 14.8 inches, it's a low-riding chair.
Make & Model
Premier Safety Group Tac Pac
Dimensions
8 by 6 by 4 inches
MSRP
$25
URL
www.premiersafetygroup.com
Notes
When someone's bleeding, nothing is more vital than an individual first-aid kit. The affordable Tac Pac holds essential items needed to stop blood loss: a CAT-style tourniquet, pressure dressing, packing gauze, and a pair of gloves. Keep in mind, it doesn't have things like forceps or antibiotic creams — but it's not meant to. It's streamlined for one purpose to control bleeding quickly. Fortunately, everything's bundled in a weather-resistant carrying case that has PALS webbing on the front and snap-button straps on the back, so you can always attach it to another med kit or three-day pack that has additional supplies.
Make & Model
LID Helmets Plico
Sizes
Medium to Large (21 5/8 to 22 7/8 inches)
MSRP
$99
Notes
Every cyclist or biker knows that carrying a helmet when not riding can be cumbersome. LID Helmets's Plico aims to ease that burden a bit. With a unique folding design, it can collapse laterally by several inches to conserve space when not in use — yet still offers the same protection (re: CPSC safety standards) that conventional bicycle helmets do. Plus, it has a rear clip-on light that has three light modes to increase your visibility to drivers. While we're not suggesting the Plico's recycled EPS foam liner and polycarbonate shell are sufficient for search-and-rescue, we can see this compact helmet working in a pinch during natural or man-made disasters. When SHTF, it's better to have some noggin armor than none at all. Available in five Colors, including Barcelona Black (shown) and Oakland Orange.
Make & Model
Legend Compression Wear Legend Tuff Compression Merino Wool Boot Socks
Colors
Black, Charcoal Grey, Coyote Brown, Foliage Green
MSRP
$21
URL
www.legendcompressiontactical.com
Notes
Loyal readers know our fetish for wool. As nature's super fabric, it retains heat in cold weather even when wet, wicks moisture in hot climes, and is both breathable and odor resistant. The only drawbacks are that it can be expensive, and isn't as long-lasting as, say, cotton. That's why we're impressed with this pair of Legend Tuff socks. They're made from 53-percent merino wool, 44-percent nylon, and 3-percent Spandex, combining durability and flexibility with all the aforementioned benefits of wool. To increase performance and comfort, these mid-calf tactical socks feature a seamless toe construction, terry cushion on the soles and shins, and graduated compression hosiery to promote blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. Made in the USA.
Make & Model
Slumberjack Grit Jacket DST
Sizes
Men's medium through XXL
MSRP
$100
Notes
Slumberjack recently came out with a lineup of apparel featuring its new Perception DST (Disruptive Shadow Technology) camouflage, which aims to blur the human silhouette by blending sharp outlines with shadow-like shapes. The Grit Jacket DST features this camo pattern on its shell, made of ripstop brushed polyester that's been coated with a durable water repellent. Inside, SlumberLoft-PRO siliconized hollow fiber synthetic insulation provides warmth while being lightweight and compressible. There's microfiber on the collar and chin guard for added comfort. A cool bonus: The whole jacket stuffs into its left pocket for portability or for use as a pillow.
Make & Model
Friction Gear Co. Torch Coat Heater
MSRP
$100
Notes
Makers of the Torch Coat Heater claim it's the world's first battery-operated heater designed to attach to the inside of any coat. Its design allows it to be removable and transferable from jacket to jacket. It has a universal fit regardless of the coat brand and comes with two installation kits, each one consisting of three adhesive-backed Velcro strips. It has three heat settings that range from 100 degrees F up to 135 degrees F with a running time of 4 hours on low and 2.5 on high. The Torch's 5-volt, 6,000-mAh lithium polymer battery takes three to four hours to recharge and can last up to 500 charges.
Make & Model
Hutan Supply Co. Utility Sarong
Dimensions
43.3 by 39.4 inches
MSRP
$129
URL
www.hutan.co
Notes
At first we scratched our heads at the idea of using the Utility Sarong from Hutan Supply Co. as a survival tool. But then we remembered how useful a handkerchief can be in the hands of a skilled survivalist. Made from 100-percent ripstop nylon, the garment can be worn around the waist or converted into a shemagh-style scarf or even a sling pack. The latter configuration is possible thanks to its large storage pocket and two regular-sized pockets, which open and close thanks to YKK zippers. You can probably improvise other uses for it, too, such as a shelter or a rain catcher. And for those who practice the Indonesian bladed art of silat, you can also turn the sarong into a self-defense weapon.
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Written by Patrick Vuong
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