No matter where you go on earth, if humans are present, you’ll be able to find trash. One of the most common forms of trash is plastic bottles, whether they’re from water, soda, juice, cooking oil, or cleaning products. Environmentalists tell us that some of these bottles may be around for hundreds of years without biodegrading—while that’s not a good thing from an environmental standpoint, it’s of great importance to survivalists.
Plastic bottles like these ones can be found almost anywhere on earth.
So, since we know that plastic bottles are easy to find (and will likely remain that way for centuries), how can we re-purpose them into a survival resource? Well, you could combine it with a flashlight to create a water bottle lantern, or you could break it down into another valuable item: cordage.
Strips of plastic water bottle may not look pretty, but they’ll work well as cordage, especially if braided.
The video below from North Carolina Prepper shows how to build a jig, or a device that holds your work in place as you dissect the bottle. This jig uses nothing more than a piece of wood, two bolts and nuts, a few washers, and a razor blade to slice the bottle in to thin strips.
These plastic strips could be cut thick for weaving into baskets and fish traps, or they could be cut thin to serve as simple cordage. Of course, the thicker these strips are cut, the more they’re going to want to retain their cylindrical shape, so keep that in mind.
North Carolina Prepper also theorizes in the video that aluminum cans could be broken down in a similar manner, and we could definitely see many potential uses for thin aluminum strips. The metal strips could be used any way flexible wire would be, including being twisted and braided to form strong cords.
As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so this technique to make cordage from bottles or cans is beneficial for survival.
DPx Gear has announced the addition of a new model to their line of fixed-blade survival knives. It’s called the HEFT 12 CHOP, and it’s a strong and rugged bush knife that bridges the gap between a hatchet, a machete, and a smaller knife.
DPx’s founder, Robert Young Pelton, has spent years in difficult environments like Somalia, Afghanistan, Burma, and South Sudan. He applied these experiences to creating what he calls “a spare-no-expense survival blade, which can be used to cut down a twelve inch tree or even for fine tasks like shaving.”
The key to the CHOP’s patented design is a straight 12-inch sword grind blade, finished with a front-heavy axe-like tip. This was inspired partially by the parang, an Indonesian utility blade design used throughout southeast Asia. The CHOP’s flat, thick spine also has depressions at the front and rear, making it ideal for batoning through wood at your campsite.
Robert Young Pelton learned about the parang in Borneo, and applied this knowledge to creating his DPx CHOP.
The DPx HEFT 12 CHOP is made in Italy by LionSTEEL, and is constructed of razor-sharp Sleipner stainless steel with a stonewashed finish. The handle scales are formed from black Micarta, and each CHOP comes with a Kydex expedition sheath.
Starting this week, DPx has made the limited-edition first run of 200 units available to the public. This first run comes with a special serial number, a certificate of authenticity, and a pre-sale price of $380. Once this run is over, the MSRP for future production runs will be $425.
For more information on the DPx HEFT 12 CHOP, visit DPxgear.com.
Tactical Walls has just announced that their covert gun storage line will be going high-tech, thanks to the addition of RFID technology.
So, what is RFID? Well, the complicated answer involves modulated electromagnetic fields. The simple answer is that RFID (or Radio Frequency Identification) can electronically identify a tag to a reader over close-range radio waves.
This technology has been used for years in pet ID chips, toll road transponders, anti-theft devices, and electronic key cards. Ever waved a key card over a scanner surface to unlock an office or hotel room? That’s RFID at work.
This modern technology is now being applied by Tactical Walls to enhance their “hidden in plain sight” firearm concealment systems. In addition to existing magnetic locks, Tactical Walls now offers RFID locking mechanisms for four of their models. A user can simply pull an RFID card key out of his or her pocket, and swipe it above the lock to open the gun compartment.
These new locks are not only faster to use in emergencies, but they offer a programmable option for variable security. You can program a single card to open multiple devices, for quick access to any firearm in your home or office. Alternatively, you can program multiple cards to open one device, and hand out these key cards to trusted family members and friends.
Finally, these RFID locks also feature a Tattle Tale function, which can be set to beep if the compartment is left open for a certain amount of time. This can serve as a reminder to secure the firearm, or it can be disabled if preferred.
As with all Tactical Walls products, there’s a wide array of finish and trim options to choose from, so you can tailor the concealment system to match your home decor. And when SHTF, one swipe of your key card, and your gun will be ready to use to defend your home.
For more information on Tactical Walls RFID products, visit TacticalWalls.com.
Here at OG, we’re not just keyboard warriors—we always jump at the chance to get out from behind our desks and head into the real world. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new adventure we’re embarking on this week, with friends and staff members from RECOIL and CONCEALMENT. We’re calling it RECOIL On Track, and it’s all about the art of the manhunt and human tracking.
In a nutshell, several of our staff members are helping Freddy Osuna and his team at Greenside Training to teach a two-week course on Index and Kinetic Tracking. This is an event that’s only open to law enforcement and military members, but we’ll be sharing a brief glimpse behind the curtain during our time at this undisclosed location out east.
The Greenside Training course includes many days of instruction and field work to show LEOs how to effectively follow fugitives in the wilderness. Some of these manhunt techniques have been put into practice during the hunt for Richard Matt and David Sweat last year, as well as during the highly-publicized Christopher Dorner pursuit.
During our time in the field, our staff will be posting frequent updates on our respective web sites and social media pages. Be sure to keep an eye on @recoilmagazine and @recoiloffgridmagazine for photos from our contributors. To read more background on the RECOIL On Track event, check out this post from RECOIL boss Iain Harrison.
Images courtesy of Firelance Media, Q Concepts, Greenside Training, and David Reeder.
During any survival situation, your time and resources will be limited. In order to survive, you’ll have to make the most of what you have and diversify your survival food portfolio. That means learning all you can about hunting, fishing, foraging for wild edibles, and other food-gathering techniques. If one of these methods fails, you’ll have plenty of others to fall back on.
Crab is a delicious and protein-rich food source for survival, and these crustaceans can be found everywhere.
With this goal in mind, here’s another great way to collect food in the wild: hand line crabbing. This technique has been used for thousands of years across various cultures, and only requires a few basic resources:
Bait (such as chicken necks, fish organs, or inedible scraps from other animals you’ve caught)
Optional: a net, gloves, or tongs to assist with removing the crab from the water
Optional: a stone or metal weight to help the bait sink (may be necessary depending on the string and bait used)
Once you have those items, you can catch blue crabs easily near the edge of a body of salt water, such as a pier, beach, or jetty. It’s worth noting that you’ll need a license to do this legally in most places, but if you’re in a life-and-death scenario, you’ll have to do what you need to survive.
Here’s a video that shows how it’s done:
It’s really that simple—just be patient, use as many lines as you can, and combine this method with other hunting and fishing techniques to provide a sustainable food source for survival. Obviously, be sure to cook your crab thoroughly and follow other food safety rules before consuming your catch.
In a disaster scenario, staying inconspicuous is key to survival. This is especially true if disaster strikes in an urban or suburban environment with high population density. If you’re in a rural setting, and your next-door neighbor is miles away, it’s probably not going to matter too much what your bug-out gear looks like.
However, if you’re in a big city office building when SHTF, the last thing you want to do is strap on an OD green backpack covered in PALS webbing, swap your oxfords for combat boots, and sling a rifle over your shoulder. At that point, you might as well stick a big flashing target on your back, because those who are less prepared will be coming for you.
This bug-out bag from Zyon Systems doesn’t appear flashy. Instead, it’s discreet and functional.
Now, bear with us. We’re certainly not saying you should leave your emergency gear at home in order to remain inconspicuous. There’s a middle ground here—a way to have a fully-stocked bug-out bag that doesn’t turn heads as you walk down Main Street in slacks and a collared shirt. You’ll want to be seen as a “gray man” while also being ready for anything that comes your way.
Zyon Systems
Enter Zyon Systems, a family-owned and -operated business located in Boise, Idaho. The company was founded by Joe Florko, a former U.S. Park Ranger who has spent a lifetime in the backcountry, and worked in many National Parks throughout the country. While serving as a first responder during Hurricane Katrina, and dealing with hundreds of rescue and emergency medical calls over the years, Joe has seen his fair share of unprepared individuals—and the tragic consequences that unfold as a result.
Given his experiences, Joe felt compelled to help those around him be more prepared, and thereby reduce the impact of future disasters. However, Joe also realizes that many ordinary people don’t know the first thing about survival kits, and are unable or unwilling to build their own custom bug-out bags from scratch. He writes, “I want every American to build their own 72 hour bug-out bag. But, for those who don’t have the time or experience, Zyon Systems can step in and offer something on par with a personally-built kit.”
Zyon Systems offers a number of different pre-built bug-out bags and emergency kits. These kits range from the basic Community Aid Kit (designed as a hand-out for friends and neighbors in need) to the fully-stocked Professional Pack. The company will even build a custom pack to your exact specifications, and can assist you via phone or email to choose every last piece of gear you need.
The Zyon Systems Community Aid Kit is available at wholesale cost, to encourage supporting your community in an...
Zyon’s motto is one of practical preparedness: “No hysteria, no zombies. Real-world emergency preparation.” We liked the sound of that, and were interested by the idea of a pre-made bug-out bag aimed at urban professionals. So, we got in touch with Joe and requested one of Zyon Systems’ top-of-the-line Professional Packs to test and review.
Professional Pack Overview
In a nutshell, the Professional Pack is a 72-hour turn-key bug-out bag which will not look out of place in an office, on city streets, or on public transit. Zyon Systems states that it is “designed for the working professional who needs a high quality, easily transportable, and inconspicuousemergency pack.”
Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: at an MSRP of $650, the Professional Pack is not exactly cheap. However, when you consider the immense amount of name-brand gear it contains, and the fact that it offers an industry-first Gear Replacement Guarantee, you’ll begin to see the value. Zyon Systems tells us they refuse to cut costs by using the cheapest gear available, thrown together without proper testing and evaluation, as can sometimes be the case with other pre-made bug-out bags.
Joe has also personally spent years field testing this pack—he doesn’t just sit behind a desk, he actually wears the gear and practices urban escape scenarios to find its weak points. For example, here’s a journal of his “Escape from Richmond” journey last year, where he walked 20 miles with the Professional Pack over the course of 3 days. So, when Joe says his emergency kits can sustain you for up to 72 hours, he knows it firsthand.
The Backpack
The Zyon Systems Professional Pack is constructed around an Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack. As shipped from Zyon Systems, the pack and its contents tip the scales at only 18 pounds. However, that will go up several pounds once you fill the canteens and hydration bladder with water (something you’ll definitely want to do upon receiving the pack).
Here are some basic specs for the Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack:
Available in your choice of color: Charcoal Grey or Mud Red
Offered in two sizes: S/M for those shorter than 5’9″, and M/L for those taller
40-liter capacity with organization pockets and laptop sleeve
Can be worn as a backpack, or carried as a duffel via the side handle
A zippered cover reveals shoulder and waist straps, converting the Farpoint 40 from duffel to backpack.
We’d say Zyon Systems made a great choice by using this pack for an urban bug-out bag platform. It’s inconspicuous, spacious, versatile, and quite well-built—perfect for city use. Our only gripe is that we wish the shoulder straps were a tad wider and better padded, but overall we liked the Farpoint pack a lot.
Now, on to what matters more: the contents.
Shelter & Apparel
From top left: Jungle Bag, Serape, rain poncho, watch cap, goggles/gloves/mask, and Mechanix gloves.
For most Professional Packs, you’ll be able to choose one of two shelter options: a Hill People Gear Mountain Serape, or a SnugPak Jungle Bag. The Serape can be used as either a coat or sleeping bag, and is ideal for colder environments. The Jungle Bag is a lightweight sleeping bag option for warmer climates, and has a built-in mosquito hood.
The test pack we received included both shelter options. We preferred the jungle bag, because it hardly ever drops below freezing here in southern California. However, your mileage may vary depending on where you live.
Left: the SnugPak Jungle Bag. Right: the Hill People Gear Mountain Serape.
The pack also includes some additional apparel: an Equinox made-in-USA rain poncho, Mechanix gloves, and a fleece watch cap. These items can help keep you warm while you’re on the move, but we’d recommend carrying a full change of clothes in your bug-out bag if possible.
Only one shelter option will fit in the pack, so the Jungle Bag was included separately, along with the optional...
Finally, in a Ziploc bag, there’s a pair of latex surgical gloves, a pair of clear 3M safety goggles, and an N95 filtration mask. The mask and latex gloves are nice, but instead of safety goggles, we would have preferred some ballistic-rated sunglasses. These could provide better impact protection, preserve your vision during bright conditions, and even help conceal your identity—all without making you look like you walked out of a high school science lab.
Tools
Each Professional Pack includes the following tools:
SnugPak 2L Pakbox zippered container (Zyon Systems calls this the “Grab and Go” kit inside the pack)
The “Grab and Go” kit contains the core essentials, in case you need to ditch the backpack.
Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool
Fenix HL30 headlamp (uses 2 AA batteries)
Sony AM/FM pocket radio
8 spare AA batteries
SOL Scout Survival Kit (includes fire kit, sewing kit, fishing kit, duct tape, etc), plus an added P38 can opener from Zyon Systems
The contents of the “Grab and Go”. Note that water purification tablets have been added to the SOL kit.
NDUR Map Compass
Rite in the Rain Notebook with Bic pen
2 glowsticks
Zip ties
25ft coyote tan paracord
A waterproof bag contains 8 AA batteries, a portable radio, pen, and all-weather writing pad.
We’d say these tools are an excellent start for an urban bug-out bag. However, we feel this kit would be much better off with a proper fixed-blade survival knife. We love the Leatherman tool for its compact size and many functions, but a good knife is the single most important tool in a survival kit. You won’t be able to rely solely on a small Leatherman blade for breaking down firewood, much less hunting or self-defense.
A handgun, tazer, or other personal defense weapon would be advisable to include, but that responsibility is left to the buyer.
Water
Zyon Systems includes three water vessels and two purification methods.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System with SnugPak 1L Pakbox zippered container
30 Aquatabs water purification tablets (1 needed per canteen of water)
Nalgene 32oz Canteen
MSR Dromedary 2L hydration bladder with hose and bite valve
Vapur collapsible water bottle (inside “Grab and Go” kit as a spare container)
This bug-out bag has a good handle on water filtration and purification. You can filter with the Sawyer system, purify with the tablets, or simply boil water with the Titanium mug and stove (see food section below). There are also 3 different storage containers, allowing a total of just under 1 gallon (3.6L) of mobile water storage. That’s approximately enough to supply one person during a day of moderate to heavy activity, before you’ll need to find a new water source and resupply.
Food
Plenty of food is included, plus a pocket stove (bottom right) and titanium mug (top right) for cooking.
By our calculations, the Zyon Systems Professional Pack contains over 5000 calories of energy-dense food. Here’s a rundown of the food-related contents:
2 Civilian MREs
3 Zyon Systems snack packs (two Clif bars, peanut M&Ms, beef jerky, and 5-hour energy drink in a Ziploc bag)
Vargo 900ml Ti-Lite mug (for cooking and boiling water)
The contents of one of the bag’s three Snack Packs.
MREs are always a great choice for any bug-out bag. We also like most of the Zyon Systems snack pack contents, although we question the wisdom of consuming energy drinks during strenuous physical activity. These shots may make you feel better in the short term, but they may also cause you to crash hard after the effects wear off. Personally, we’d swap them for some instant coffee or tea bags for a more natural energy boost.
The food in this bag should be more than enough to sustain you for 3 days, or until you can find a new food source.
Medical & Hygiene
From top left: women’s hygiene kit, first aid kit, bathing kit, and toiletries.
The majority of the medical category is covered by an off-the-shelf Adventure Medical Kits .7 Ultralight & Watertight First Aid Kit. This standard first aid kit is not perfect for everyone, and its contents are pretty basic, but it’s a good start for the uninitiated. We’d say most people would be better off building this into a custom medical kit with additional medication (such as an antidiarrheal), quick-clot powder, and higher-quality adhesive bandages.
There’s also a Zyon Systems sanitation and comfort kit in a black 1L SnugPak box. It contains:
Microfiber towel, liquid soap, bandana
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer
Lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray
Comb
Nail clippers
Sleeping mask and ear plugs
The optional women’s hygiene kit comes in another 1L Pakbox.
Finally, Joe also included the optional women’s hygiene kit, which includes some helpful items for females (or those traveling with female companions). This additional kit has a urine funnel, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, Midol pain pills, a trash bag, and additional Ziploc bags—all inside a SnugPak 1L Pakbox.
Overall, the medical and hygiene category is covered fairly well, but there are some items here we could do without. In an emergency, situational awareness is crucial at all times, so we’d definitely lose the sleeping mask and earplugs. Having both wet wipes and sanitizing wipes seems like overkill, so we’d swap one of those (and the comb) for a bit of antiperspirant or a bigger tube of sunscreen.
Conclusions
The Professional Pack doesn’t contain every last item you’ll need to bug out in a disaster—nor does it claim to—but it’s a very good start. Zyon Systems also offers a list of additional recommended items you can add after purchase, such as cash, prescription meds, a firearm, and local maps. Click here to read the complete list. Fortunately, the pack offers enough extra space for these items.
The complete contents of our Zyon Systems Professional Pack.
Joe tells us he was careful to organize the pack’s contents in a logical manner, and it shows. We like how everything is compartmentalized in SnugPak pouches and Ziploc bags, as it provides a quick way to access exactly what you need without digging through all the other supplies. The compression straps inside and outside the pack also help keep items secure.
At the end of the day, the Zyon Systems Professional Pack is a very good pre-made bug-out bag for an office worker who needs to get out of dodge without raising suspicion. It’s unquestionably expensive at $650, but when you consider all the costly name-brand items and labor that goes into assembling a bag like this, we’d say it’s a pretty solid value.
If you’re a hardcore OFFGRIDweb.com reader and survivalist, we’d recommend that you build your own custom bug-out bag to your exact requirements. However, for someone inexperienced in the ways of urban survival, or someone who simply doesn’t have the time to research and purchase the necessary B.O.B. components, Zyon Systems provides a worthy solution.
We can certainly appreciate this “one and done” approach to bug-out bags. Also, Zyon Systems’ Gear Replacement Guarantee means the consumable items can be replaced for free if you use them in a legitimate emergency scenario—that’s a nice touch.
Zyon Systems will replace certain consumables for free if they’re used during a real emergency.
For more information on Zyon Systems and the Professional Pack bug-out bag, visit ZyonPro.com.
One way or another, the way you dress says a lot about who you are. We’re all for blending into the crowds with understated “gray man”-style apparel, but sometimes it’s equally beneficial to wear clothes that clearly speak to your interests and personal philosophies.
The guys at Anachrobellum have released a new T-shirt that looks cool and also has a deeper meaning. It’s called “Modern Budō”, and it just entered full production this week. In Japanese, Budō roughly means “Way of War”, or the physical and philosophical path of martial arts.
The shirt’s charcoal grey and bright red artwork depicts what Anachrobellum refers to as a Tactical Samurai, outfitted with a combination of ancient armor and modern weaponry (specifically: a Mk17, PEQ15, OSS Suppressor, and S&S Precision Manta strobe). A pump shotgun also rests beneath his traditional Wakizashi short sword.
Why a samurai? Well, the samurai is one of the most recognizable warrior archetypes in the world, and carries a strong ideology that blends independence and servitude. Anachrobellum states, “There’s nothing wrong with a little ego in a fighting man, quite the contrary — but if that ego is not subordinated to some sense of the greater good (serving your country, serving your community, sticking up for those weaker than you), well, then… you’re probably just an asshole and you don’t deserve to wear this shirt anyway.”
The “Modern Budō” shirt is available at an MSRP of $25, and can be purchased at Anachrobellum.com. There’s also a Modern Viking version for the same price, if that’s more your style.
To make it through a survival scenario, it’s essential to stockpile as much shelf-stable food as possible ahead of time. This shouldn’t be news to anyone. However, what happens to the every-day food in your pantry once all the grocery stores close? What about the items in your fridge and freezer?
We all know it’s wise to store MREs, canned food, and other long-term resources for potential disasters.
It would be foolhardy to throw out any unspoiled food, and equally dangerous to eat contaminated food that may make you sick. So, you’ll need to know how long various food items can last, whether they’re on your kitchen counter, in a cool dark cellar, in your refrigerator, or frozen solid.
The following infographic from Visual.ly shows dozens of different food items, and how long they can last in various conditions. This is especially important at the beginning of a disaster situation, since it can help you manage which items to eat first and which items to save for later.
We also appreciate the information provided on expiration dates, since it can help you understand which dates are friendly recommendations (such as the “Best By” date on a bottle of vinegar) and which dates should be considered more carefully (such as the expiration date on a carton of milk).
Please note that the “Sell By” is more of a guide for the retailer, and that the infographic’s statement “do not consume past this date” is not always accurate—many foods can be consumed past this date, but you probably don’t want to take chances with baby food or other sensitive items.
All of these dates can also be stretched, but only with careful attention to temperature, moisture, and other storage conditions. If you’re not 100% sure if it’s still edible, don’t take the chance—it’s not worth getting seriously ill and making your situation worse.
This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.
The truth is that dedicated tools are much better than “jack of all trades, master of none” options. A full-sized version of a screwdriver or a saw will yield better results than miniature versions in just about any job you encounter. But, if space is at a minimum, such as in an emergency backpack or a car’s glove compartment, dedicated tools are often impractical and, in most cases, impossible to store due to their large size or heft. In those situations, the necessity of having scaled-down tools quickly becomes apparent.
When pocket-sized tools are bundled together into a single unit, they are most often referred to as multitools. Do-it-all multitools may sound nice, but are they too good to be true? Sure, a 4-inch-long saw will take you some time to saw through a tree branch, but it sure beats not having a saw at all. When you need a tool, having your choice of a few smaller ones is much better than not having any. These pint-sized dynamos may not be the masters of their trades, but they certainly can help you get the job done when you’re in a pinch and could possibly be a lifesaver.
Multitools are offered in a large variety of styles, boasting myriad features. With all the different multitools on the market, it can be overwhelming choosing one that fits your needs.
First, you need to think about size and weight. Multitools come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and they vary according to design and number of functions. How much space do you have for it, and how much weight are you willing to carry? Sure, they may be relatively small, but opting for the largest one that includes the kitchen sink may not be the best fit for you. There’s a saying that “ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.” There’s a lot of truth to that idiom, especially when you are considering this tool for an emergency pack that is already burdened with other supplies that you might have to hump for extended distances.
Next, you want to evaluate and anticipate what your needs are. Some mutlitools are designed with special purposes in mind, such as those made for electricians or sport fishermen, or ones that have been created for use on certain firearms. If you’re not planning to do extended work as an electrician, an angler, or an armorer, then you can pass on those models.
Another consideration is the tool’s ease of use, safety features, build quality, and material. Some have internal tool locks that keep features such as knife blades and saws fixed, so they don’t close on your fingers. Some may feature the use of differing grades of steel, aluminum, polymers, and even titanium. The best way to figure how a multitool feels to you is to actually handle it in person. If possible, go to a local store and cycle through the tools to see how they feel in your hands. Each manufacturer has a different safety mechanism, so trying those out to feel which type you are comfortable with is something to think about, as well.
Let’s take a look at the most common features offered on multitools to see which functions make the most sense for your needs.
Primary Tools
Pliers
Pliers are prominently featured on most multitools. They are great for gripping, bending, and compressing small objects or materials. Pliers come in different shapes, such as flat nose and needle nose. Needle-nose pliers give the user the advantage of a more precise gripping area for small objects. Many pliers found on multitools also include various-sized crimpers, wire strippers, and cutters.
Knife
Knives found on multitools can be either plain-edged, serrated, or a combination of both. A plain-edged knife is excellent for making what are called push cuts, while serrated blades are prime for slicing cuts. A push cut is where you push the blade through what you’re cutting like when you skin an apple. A slicing cut is just that, a pull toward you, creating a slicing motion like that of slicing a tomato. Plain blades tend to dull quicker than serrated blades, but are initially sharper. Serrated blades are great to cut tougher objects like rope. Because what you are cutting, and not the type of blade itself, dictates the best use of a blade, it is best to have both types in your tool, if possible.
Screwdriver
Flathead screwdrivers are found on virtually all multitools in different sizes, and their uses are obvious. Although flathead drivers can also be used on Phillips head screws, it’s recommended that you use a Phillips screwdriver when possible. Some multitools are equipped with dedicated Phillips drivers.
Saw
You’re not going to feel like you should have a saw until you really need it, and if you don’t have one, you’ll be bummed. Whether you are gathering wood for fire, building shelter, or need to cut thick webbing and rope, there is always something that you can use a saw for.
Can Opener
Nothing would be more frustrating than having a can of food and not being able to open it. Make sure that you choose a multitool that is equipped with one. Most can openers double as bottle openers, too. If you’ve never opened a can with one of these tools before, we do recommend trying it just so that you are familiar with the operation.
Accessory Tools
This is where selecting a multitool is all about your needs and preferences. Manufacturers pack these things full of tools, such as scissors, files, hex-bit drivers, rulers, and even awls. Take a look at the more specialized tools and consider their usefulness when making your choice.
Make & Model - CRKT Zilla-Tool Lenth Open - 9.625 in Length Closed - 6.5 in Weight - 7.4 oz Sheath Type - Nylon MSRP - $49.99 URL - http://www.crkt.com Features - Spring-loaded pliers Wire cutter Wire stripper Hex-bit driver with flathead and Phillips driver bits
The CRKT Zilla-Tool is a large multi-tool that comes with a nylon sheath and has spring-loaded pliers, wire cutters, and wire strippers.
Make & Model - Gerber Evo Tool Lenth Open - 6.125 in Length Closed - 3.94 in Weight - 10.25 oz Sheath Type - Ballistic Nylon MSRP - $49 URL - http://www.gerbergear.com Features - Needle-nose pliers Pincher-style wire cutter Saw blade Cross-point driver Fine-edge blade Scissors Small flathead driver Medium flathead driver Bottle opener Can opener Serrated knife Lanyard
The Gerber Evo Tool is a great multi-tool that comes with pliers, cutters, drivers, and openers, as well as a lanyard for your carrying convenience.
Make & Model - Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Basic Lenth Open - 6 in Length Closed - 4.9 in Weight - 9 oz Sheath Type - Ballistic Nylon MSRP - $65 URL - http://www.gerbergear.com Features - Blunt-nose pliers Wire cutter Wire crimper Fine-edge knife Serrated knife Cross-point screwdriver Small flathead screwdrivers Medium flathead screwdrivers Large flathead screwdrivers Lanyard ring Can opener Bottle opener File ruler
The Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Basic is a multi-tool with plenty of features, including blunt-nosed pliers, wire cutters and crimpers, and many different types of screwdrivers.
Make & Model - Leatherman Super Tool 300 Length Open - 7 in Length Clsoed - 4.5 in Weight - 9.6 oz Sheath Type - Ballistic Nylon MSRP - $69.99 URL - http://www.leatherman.com Features - Needle-nose pliers Regular pliers 154CM removable wire cutters 154CM removable hard-wire cutters Stranded-wire cutters Electrical crimper 420HC knife 420HC serrated knife Wood/metal file Saw Large screwdriver Medium screwdriver Small screwdriver Phillips screwdriver Awl with thread loop Ruler (9 in / 22 cm) Bottle opener Can opener Wire stripper
The Leatherman Super Tool 300 has a large screw driver, a medium screw driver, and a small screw driver, all in this one multi-tool, plus some other pretty cool features!
Make & Model - SOG PowerLock Length Open - 7 in Length Clsoed - 4.6 in Weight - 9.6 oz Sheath Type - Nylon MSRP - $114 URL - http://www.sogknives.com Features - Needle-nose pliers Half serrated blade Scissors Wood saw Hard-wire cutter Large screwdriver Medium screwdriver Small screwdriver Phillips screwdriver 1⁄4-inch drive Ruler Can opener Bottle opener Three-sided file Bolt grip channel Blasting cap crimper
Take a look at the SOG PowerLock that is only 4.6 inches when closed but packs a powerful punch with it's multiple screwdrivers, as well as scissors, a blade, and more.
REACTOR Watches has unveiled a new addition to their lineup of sport watches, known as the Titan. The company states that this new model is designed to be “the toughest watch on the market”, and that it will be capable of meeting the needs of military members, law enforcement officers, and avid outdoorsmen around the world.
The new REACTOR Titan watch’s 45mm case is constructed from a stainless steel inner core and Nitromid exterior layer. The Nitromid material is a fiberglass-reinforced polymer with tensile strength higher than steel, superb impact resistance, and light weight. The band consists of proprietary blend of silicone, rubber, and nylon webbing that will not absorb sweat or odors.
The Titan is water-resistant down to a dive-ready 200-meter depth, and also features an internal timing bezel that can be adjusted by the large crown at the 2:00 position.
Most importantly, the REACTOR Titan ensures its wearer will be able to read the time in any lighting conditions. REACTOR’s patented Never Dark system is the first watch technology to use Swiss Superluminova photo-luminescense combined with 11 multi-color Tritium tubes embedded in the dial and bezels. This provides optimal visibility in all lighting, even during the 30-minute period while the human eye adjusts from bright to dark conditions.
The REACTOR Titan is available at an MSRP of $500, and can be purchased in four different color combinations. For more information on this watch, visit ReactorWatch.com.
