Gear Up: New Survival Gear for December 2022

Blue Ridge Overland Triple Run MOLLE Seat Back Panel

NOTES
Many folks take pride in what they consider their EDC, but usually limit that term to the gear they carry on their person. Little do they know that vehicles are often just as important when it comes to preparedness. Enter the Triple Run line of gear from Blue Ridge Overland. They take vehicle EDC to the next level by crafting a back-of-the-seat MOLLE panel and with enough options to suit almost anyone’s needs. Laser-cut MOLLE rows are backed with a high-vis orange underlay, which not only looks cool, but makes attaching gear more efficient. Velcro paneling on the top is perfect for securing grab-and-go pouches or affixing your favorite morale patch. The headrest mount is woven through the entire length of the panel, ideal for anyone familiar with how hanging weight can affect durability. Accessory pouches are sold separately.

COLORS
Black; Black/Orange; Blue, Coyote/Orange

MSRP
$80

URL
blueridgeoverlandgear.com

Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit Firemaster Bundle

SIZES
19, 24, 30 inches

MSRP
$1,039

URL
breeo.co

NOTES
No electricity? No gas? No problem! Whether it’s because of overtaxed electrical grids or natural disasters, food security becomes extremely important. Breeo stepped up to the plate in that regard by putting together a comprehensive system to cook for family, friends, and even a close-knit community. Start by picking the diameter that best fits your available space, and continue by choosing the necessary cooking accessories that fit your needs. The sear plate griddle is great for sauteing veggies or heating up flapjacks, and the outpost grill swivels to adjust how much direct heat is underneath your favorite protein. An adjustable kettle hook makes for easy water boiling closer to the flames, or bringing stew to a simmer when set higher. After a great home-cooked meal, place the lid over the top to extinguish the flames, or use the ash shovel to clean it up for storage until the next use.

Bertucci M-2RA Women’s Field Watch

BANDS
Black, Espresso, Field Drab, Field Khaki, Liguria Olive Leather, Tan English Bridle Leather

MSRP
$85-$100

URL
bertucciwatches.com

NOTES
Analog watches tend to be overlooked in the age of smart technology, but their dependability continues to stand the test of time, pun intended. Bertucci has introduced a new line of field watches specifically designed for women, and it doesn’t disappoint. The classy 35mm case is lightweight, water resistant, and features passive luminosity for quick reference when the sun goes down. An adjustable band made from Bertucci’s proprietary blend of woven nylon is one-size-fits-all, and the case weighs a mere 1.2 ounces, which lends to soft and comfortable wear. In an industry where the majority of gear is designed for men, being able to find an item that’s both rugged and feminine is a rare treat.

Thyrm CellVault-5M Modular Battery Storage

COLORS
Black, Flat Dark Earth, MultiCam, MultiCam Black, MultiCam Tropic, Olive Drab, Rescue Orange

MSRP
$55

URL
thyrm.com

NOTES
A ton of products and accessories require electricity, and in the field, this typically comes from some form of battery. Being prepared often means carrying several extra batteries just in case a headlamp goes dark or an illuminated optic runs out of juice. If you’re sick of digging through a pack or pocket looking for those spares, scratch that organizational itch with a product that’ll keep your energy solutions protected and easily accessible. The CellVault holds a variety of batteries from AAA and 18650 to CR2032. A waterproof gasket seal keeps them safe from environmental conditions, and the tough polymer casing holds up to strong impacts. Integrated straps are built into the case for securing to MOLLE panels, and an adhesive Velcro patch is included if you want a label that corresponds to the type of battery being stored within.

LTWK Handcrafted Knives Frontier Valley

OPTIONS
With or without sheath

MSRP
$69-$100

URL
ltwrightknives.com

NOTES
Rather than collecting dust in some vast horde of blades, here comes a knife that was made to be used frequently. Whether it’s in the field or around the homestead, the 25⁄8-inch blade of the Frontier Valley is just the right size and shape for a wide array of tasks. As far as designs go, it has been a tried-and-true LTWK favorite for several years, and harkens back to Appalachian-made knives of the early pioneer days. The handle material is made from natural Micarta, indexes well, and is comfortable to work with. The blade is 1⁄8-inch A2 tool steel, an alloy steel renowned for its ease of sharpening, and has been expertly heat treated to a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 by Peters Heat Treating in Meadville, Pennsylvania. From game prep to general EDC, this is a quality knife that’ll fulfill many roles. Overall length is 6 5⁄8 inches.

MPOWERD Luci EMRG

LUMENS
25

MSRP
$20

URL
mpowerd.com

NOTES
How often have we heard our public officials warning us about rolling brownouts and blackouts over the past several months? Thankfully, we don’t have to be left in the dark. The Luci EMRG is an inflatable, solar-charging emergency lantern, with no batteries needed. Set the lamp in the sun during the day — eight hours for a full charge — and the light will run up to seven hours in its low output setting. Other modes include high, flashing, S.O.S, and steady red. Luci EMRG will operate within a temperature range of 32 to 113 degrees F, has a waterproof rating of IP67, and can withstand up to 150 pounds of pressure. Weighing only 2.8 ounces, the collapsible lantern also makes a great addition to a camping, hunting, or backpacking loadout.

First Tactical Men’s Tactix System Jacket

COLORS
Black, Midnight Navy, OD Green

MSRP
$385

URL
firsttactical.com

NOTES
What you choose to wear when the weather is wet, cold, or both, can be the difference between just another day and a full-blown emergency situation. Having a three-seasons-style jacket like the Tactix System will happily take some of the harshest weather conditions and ask for seconds. This is a technical jacket that has a boatload of features, starting with its outer shell, which is 100-percent nylon, waterproof, breathable, and bloodborne-pathogen-resistant. Tucked into the collar of the outer shell is a triple-adjustable hood that features a rain gutter brim to keep water from dripping into your face. Beneath the outer shell is a short jacket made from a combination of nylon and four-way stretch spandex, which is also both water- and wind-resistant. Remove the outer shell entirely and either wear it as a lightweight rain jacket, or leave it at home and wear just the softshell zip-out on a brisk autumn morning. This is a solid choice for first responders and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Black Diamond Soloist Gloves

SIZES
XS, S, M, L, XL

MSRP
$100

URL
blackdiamondequipment.com

NOTES
Frostbite typically occurs first on exposed skin, then fingers and toes, and it’s of the utmost importance to protect those areas when the wind brings temperatures below freezing. When venturing out into extreme winter conditions, a reliable set of knuckle roasters is worth its weight in gold. The Soloist Gloves from Black Diamond fit the bill and will keep your mitts nice and toasty. Outside is a lightweight, abrasion-resistant shell, with goatskin leather stitched to the palm with Kevlar thread. This allows the wearer to grip jagged rock and ice without worrying about damaging their handwear. Inside is a removable, 100-percent waterproof liner, with 170g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation on the back of the hand, and 130g on the palm. The removable liner makes drying and cleaning easy to do, and prevents possibly damaging the outer shell during maintenance.

Wazoo Adventure Kit

WEIGHT
3.5 ounces

MSRP
$110

URL
wazoogear.com

NOTES
When searching for a robust set of EDC tools that are both functional and reliable, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the Wazoo Adventure Kit. This tiny kit — no larger than 7 by 2 inches — is packed with a whopping 23 tools, and after reviewing its TSA- friendly contents, you may wonder why you ever left home without one. This kit contains many of the items you need to secure the necessities of life. Need fire? A ferro rod and fire plugs have got you covered. Need water? Katadyn tablets and 1L food safe bags will help you purify it. Hungry? There’s fishing tackle and 50-pound-test fishing line. The kit also includes several items to signal for help, a button compass for navigation, an LED light for illumination, strong technora cordage, 24-gauge brass snare wire, a braided wire saw, and more. This kit was designed to fit comfortably into any of Wazoo’s cache clothing items, but it’ll fit just as easily into a glovebox or the top flap of a rucksack.

WESN The Microblade

STYLE
Black, Blacked Out, OD Green G10 X Titanium, Salmon G10 X Titanium, Titanium

MSRP
$75

URL
wesn.com

NOTES
Knives have remained useful from the days of primitive man through the age of self-driving vehicles. However, there are circumstances when pulling out a large blade may have undesirable consequences. In some non-permissive locations, there are caps on how long of a blade you can carry in public. Fortunately, The Microblade is just long enough to be useful and small enough to be discreet. D2 tool steel swivels smoothly on ceramic bearings, and a frame lock holds it in place securely. When it’s fully open, The Microblade is a mere 3.75 inches long, or 2.25 inches when closed. The pocket clip helps you tuck it beneath the waistline, onto a belt or webbing, and since it weighs in at only 1 ounce, you won’t even know it’s there. It’s tiny, constructed with durability in mind, and makes a handy addition to an EDC loadout.

Wiley X Mystique

STYLE
Gloss Black/Polarized Rose Gold, Gloss Black/Polarized Grey, Gloss Demi/Brown

MSRP
$100-$180

URL
wileyx.com

NOTES
Vision is one of those things that’s easily taken for granted until it’s degraded or taken away. Wearing a quality set of sunglasses is a must to prevent excessive sunlight from causing irreparable harm. Bonus points if the lenses are impact resistant. Wiley X Mystique sunglasses for women check both of those boxes and look stylish to boot. The lenses are rated to shield your peepers from 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation with distortion-free clarity. They also meet ANSI Z87.1 safety standards for high-mass and high-velocity impact protection. Mystique sunglasses are durable, come in several frame and lens color schemes, and are a great option for an active lifestyle.

Earthsafe Chemical Alternatives Aquatabs

QUANTITY
30 tablets per box

MSRP
$11

URL
earthsafeca.com

NOTES
Hydration is a key to life, and all the gear or survival knowledge you possess won’t be of any use if a steady flow of potable water isn’t maintained. So, what do you do if the only source of water is from a stagnant pond or is possibly contaminated? Boiling is an option, but it requires you to stop moving and build a fire, consuming valuable tinder, fuel, and time. This is where Aquatabs becomes an appealing solution to clean drinking water. The active ingredient in these tablets is sodium dichloroisocyanurate, a tried-and-true chemical that’s commonly used on an industrial scale to purify drinking water. One small tab will sanitize 0.75 liter of contaminated water in as little as 40 minutes, and you can keep moving while it does its work — just scoop up some water, drop in a tablet, and continue hiking. Aquatabs are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the World Health Organization, and are certified to NSF Standard 60 for drinking water.

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