Leatherman Bond
NOTES
While the folding multi-tool has existed for at least 1,800 years — some crafty tinkerer from the Roman Empire invented it sometime between A.D. 201 and 300 — in modern times, it hasn’t changed too much since Tim Leatherman started selling the Pocket Survival Tool (or PST) in 1983. To honor yet evolve the PST, his eponymous company has released the Bond. It maintains a similar minimalistic aesthetic, while upgrading the functionality with 14 tools, including a blade, pliers, a can opener, a bottle opener, and multiple screwdrivers. Plus, the Bond’s closed length is 4 inches, so if you don’t want to stow it in the included nylon sheath, you can carry it conveniently in a pocket.
WEIGHT
5.8 ounces
MSRP
$50
The Ridge Companies UTTy
WEIGHT
5.4 ounces
MSRP
$35
URL
theutty.com
NOTES
Whether it’s your hiking outfit, tactical kit, or hockey equipment, your gear needs to be aired out after a hard day’s work — lest you want it smelling funky and possibly deteriorating faster. That’s why we’re impressed with the UTTy, an innovative equipment hanger system. The UTTy is designed to be hung vertically from a door, rafter, or tree branch and comes with four double-pronged hooks to hold your gear. The hooks are adjustable and can be placed anywhere along the 4-foot-long strap to accommodate different sized gear. The best part is that the UTTy can be disassembled and placed into the included portable pouch, so you can move it to another part of your home or take it on your next outdoor adventure.
Pyramex Venture Gear Tensaw
COLORS
Various
MSRP
$29
NOTES
Look up at the wrong angle and you can get an eyeful of blinding sunrays. That can be bad news if you’re driving or trying to shoot your next meal out of the sky. The Venture Gear Tensaw can block out 99 percent of UVA, UVB, and UVC light thanks to its antifog, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses. They also meet ANSI Z87+ standards for high impact, so they can serve as performance sunglasses while doubling as eye protection on the firing range, in the field, or in the backcountry. The co-injected temples provide a secure fit, while the rubber nosepieces are adjustable for increased comfort. Available in 12 styles, including clear lenses with a black-and-gray frame and Ice Blue lenses with a white-and-gray frame.
LifeHandle Ultimate Leash Bundle
CONSISTS OF
Base sling, dog leash, and all-purpose handle
MSRP
$95
NOTES
Unless it’s a $45,000 K9 trained for war zones or police raids, even the most well-behaved family pet can become unpredictable during chaotic times. In a crisis, the Ultimate Leash Bundle can ensure your four-legged friend doesn’t stray too far from you. Just strap on the base sling and attach the hands-free leash to it. The quality sling features neoprene padding, breathable mesh, and multiple adjustment points. Meanwhile, the ingenious design allows its all-purpose handle to be used for all sorts of tasks. It can be a grab handle for a small child or used to distribute the weight of a heavy load by threading your hand through the handle’s integrated neoprene loop as you lift the item — just to name two of several functions.
Bastinelli Knives Binome
OAL
10.5 inches
MSRP
$400
NOTES
As a friend said upon seeing this bad boy, “That’s one healthy-looking knife!” It’s built to be not only gorgeous metal art, but also a premium survival blade. The Binome features a 5.25-inch-long blade made of M390, a top-end steel that’s crazy tough and beats back rust and dullness like a champ. Its modified clip-point profile makes it versatile for all sorts of missions — whether that’s fighting or bushcrafting — and its serrations are great for sawing fibrous material. The Micarta handle is ergonomic and durable with just enough “grippiness.” Made in collaboration with Volwest, the Binome (which loosely translates from French as “the bro who’s got your back”) comes with a custom-made leather sheath, as well as a zippered pouch for storage.
Prometheus Design Werx Ti-Line MFSS
DIMENSIONS
3×3.62-inch diameter
MSRP
$59
NOTES
Whether you’re backpacking or bugging out, one general guideline is to be well-supplied, but not overstocked. The Ti-Line MFSS (or Multi-Fuel Survival Stove) straddles that line perfectly by providing you with a heating apparatus that doesn’t weigh a ton. In fact, at 4.3 ounces, it’s barely a quarter of a pound. That’s because it’s made of titanium, so it’s lightweight yet incredibly strong and resistant to corrosion. It’s designed to take foraged fuel sources (e.g. wood and pinecones) as well as solid fuel tabs (e.g. Hexamine). It’s also compatible with the Ti-Line Alcohol Burner Core (sold separately) so you can use denatured alcohol or Everclear. Plus, the MFSS disassembles into five parts and is easy to set up or take down quickly.
Hults Bruk Agdor 15 Hatchet
OAL
15 inches
MSRP
$109
NOTES
Hults Bruk dates back its manufacturing lineage to 1697. The Swedish company continues its traditions by handcrafting old-school axes of all kinds, including the Agdor 15. This all-purpose hatchet is designed to be your jack-of-all-trades — use it to clear camp, make kindling, shave hot dog spears, drive tent stakes, or even chop down small trees. It comes razor-sharp with a premium leather sheath. But, it’s not perfect, mind you. The wooden handle won’t last as long as modern materials like G-10. And the Agdor’s 2.2-pound weight is about a half-pound heavier than we’d like for a one-hander. If you’re into vintage-style tools forged by quality workmanship, the Agdor 15 could be your camp hatchet of choice.
Pocket Shot 3-Piece Take-Down Bow Fishing Arrows
OAL
32 inches (each arrow)
MSRP
$29
NOTES
If you missed our previous reviews, the Pocket Shot is a revolutionary sling shot that uses a plastic ring attached to an elastic pouch, which allows you to launch all sorts of projectiles up to 350 feet per second. The company has evolved its lineup, which is where this kit comes into play. Designed to work with the Pocket Shot Bow Fishing Kit, this set comes with three arrows, each of which can be screwed apart into three pieces — with the longest section just a foot long — for portability. Combined with the Bow Fishing Kit, these arrows give you a less cumbersome (and less expensive) option than conventional bow fishing. It’s ideal for camping or post-SHTF scenarios.
Nutrient Survival Triple Cheese Mac
Container size
1.4 pounds
MSRP
$55
NOTES
Who said survival food has to taste like cardboard? MREs are nicknamed “meals rejected by everyone.” Ration bars are as hard as bricks. So, it’s no wonder few preppers look forward to eating emergency provisions. But Nutrient Survival is trying to change that perception with a lineup of meals and snacks that aren’t just long lasting, but also flavorful. For example, its Triple Cheese Mac is actually yummy, creamy, and easy to make — just add 1/3 cup of boiling water to every cup of mac. Plus, it comes packed with 14 vitamins, 14 minerals, and 9 amino acids while having zero artificial colors or flavors. Each container holds 10 servings and, when unopened, has a 25-year shelf life.
Cyclops Waterproof LED Spotlight
MAX OUTPUT
700 lumens
MSRP
$90
NOTES
While flashlights are commonplace, how many people own a handheld spotlight? These beasts are like mini suns, allowing you to throw a tremendous amount of light with accuracy. The Waterproof LED Spotlight from Cyclops can do just that, whether it’s for a search-and-rescue mission on a lake or clearing a fallen tree from the road during a rainy night. Its high mode puts out 700 lumens for up to 1.5 hours, while its low mode throws 350 lumens for up to four hours. It also has a red SOS setting and a lantern mode. Its IP67 waterproof rating means it can be submerged up to 1 meter. The top adjustable bracket allows you to hold it like a lantern, use it as a kickstand, or hang it from a tree branch.
Vertx Essential Sling 2.0
COLORS
Various, including Black, Heather Red, and OD Green
MSRP
$128
URL
vertx.com
NOTES
We’re fans of the discreet Essential Sling 2.0. It has a hidden compartment that’s loop lined to accept a concealed carry platform, quickly accessible with a Rapid Access Pull tab. But even without that feature, this 10-liter pack is great as a commuter bag or carry-on luggage. The main section opens wide enough to access a tablet sleeve, seven admin slots, and a large zippered pocket. It’s also wide enough to fit small laptops up to 11.5 inches. A stretchy side pocket can house a water bottle or other accessories while a front zipper pocket can hold smaller EDC items. While the adjustment on the strap isn’t the most intuitive, it’s a comfortable sling to carry either cross-body or over one shoulder.
Vanquest FATPack-Pro Small Medical Backpack
DIMENSIONS
13.5 by 9 by 4.75 inches
MSRP
Starting at $135
URL
vanquest.com
NOTES
The FATPack-Pro Small Medical Backpack is smartly designed to serve as a mass casualty incident kit. It’s a slim, overbuilt bag that opens up clamshell-style so you can get to every part in the main compartment, which comes with an elastic three-loop panel and three vinyl mesh pouches. On the outside, there’s a zippered flat pocket, two shear sheaths, and elastic webbing to attach extra pouches or tourniquets. Rear PALS webbing allows you to secure it to a plate carrier, larger pack, or your vehicle. Though medical supplies aren’t included, this top-notch pack is made from 500-denier Cordura with durable water repellent and YKK zippers. A larger version is available for $150.
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