In today’s high tech world where everything seems to be beeping, buzzing, ringing, and radiating light you can take the first step toward simplicity. Embrace a leisurely approach to reliability and timeless class with an old-school automatic precision dive watch you can truly count on.

There is no need to worry about battery life, durability, or tracking when you’re wearing an automatic watch. It simply does what it is intended to do, tell time. This frees the wearer up to focus on the task at hand.

The Winfield Master Diver Automatic Dive Watch

Winfield Watch Company entered the market in late 2019 with the Mission Timer One (MT1), a high adventure timepiece. Since then, Winfield has been building a strong following with the daring people of the world. The Master Diver does not stray from its lineage. Designed for those with an adventurous spirit in mind the Master Diver can be counted on to serve you well in the field, water, or the city.

Like all Winfield Watches, the Master Diver is assembled in Ohio. Winfield Watch Company aims to bring high quality precision timepieces to the market at an attainable price points.

Notable Features

With the Seiko NH35 at its center this is a precision instrument you can count on. The Seiko NH35, a self-winding automatic movement. NH35 is known for its accuracy, performance, and precision.  

A true tool timepiece, the Master Diver harkens back to the old days of the classic dive watch. Winfield balances the beauty of simplicity with rugged toughness perfectly. With a case diameter of 44mm this is not a dainty watch by any measure. The 13.5mm domed sapphire crystal is 3mm thick with double anti-reflective coating to reduce your visual signature and to increase visibility for the user.

The dial has a matte black finish with 6 layers of Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 at the hour positions tastefully including the date window at the 3 O’clock position. You will not struggle to read the face of your Master Diver given the dial size and amount of illumination that can be generated at the number positions. The chapter ring supplies the 24 hour military time honoring their time in service, truly finishing finalizing the Winfield design.

Each watch is fitted with double case back gaskets and individually pressure tested to 200mm/660 feet. The case is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel to further ensure longevity in any environment your expeditions may take you. The bezel edge and crown are highly polished in heavy contrast to the matte black finish of the watch dial, bezel, and FKM band. The band is dirt and dust resistant and is molded for comfort and versatility. The underside of the band features scalloped concave relief cuts to promote comfort and breathability. 

Drawbacks

Like all watches, the Winfield Master Diver does not come without its drawbacks. The same features that make the Winfield Master Diver a rugged and durable dive watch also adds significant weight and bulk. While this may not present a challenge in the field, it is less suited for an office environment, especially when spending extended times working on your laptop’s keyboard.

The weight and bulk of the case may be uncomfortable or awkward for people with smaller wrists or are just simply accustomed to wearing a slimmer watch style. Those who who wear button down long sleeved shirts or suit jackets at work may find the width and height of the case difficult to manage.

A modern smart watch or slimmer dress watch may be a better option for formal dress and office work. The Master Diver is a capable option for everyday life as long as you are comfortable with a bulky watch. However, it may be best suited for those who are making a conscious choice to unplug and live an adventurous lifestyle. 

In the Box

Each Winfield comes with a 12” x 6” waxed canvas tool roll with a leather strap closure. Outfitted with four internal pockets for additional watches, extra bands, and tools, the roll provides an ideal surface to work on, and helps catch dropped pins when changing bands.

An additional NATO band is included with the Master Diver. Don’t let the NATO band fool you. This is not your run of the mill flimsy thin strap. The case lugs call for a wider band of 22mm. The seat belt-thick nylon gives added durability while still feeling quite palatial. You’ll find the Winfield name engraved in the buckle of each high quality band and strap. NATO straps are available in Ranger Green, Gray, Blue, and Tan. 

A brushed metal warranty registration card will be found tucked into the waxed canvas roll as well. This is another classy touch from Winfield that provides you with the serial number and date of purchase to track the two year transferable warranty of your new timepiece.

Final Thoughts    

Like all tools, the Winfield Master Diver may not be suited for every application. If you are in the market for an easy wearing dress watch for days on the computer or at the office, there may be better options out there. However, if you are in the market for a overbuilt, rugged, and reliable time piece that won’t let you down in when in the field the Master Diver may be exactly what you are looking for.

Being an automatic dive watch you get the benefits of never having to worry about a dead battery or plugging in. The sealed case ensures that dust, water, and all other manners of grime and liquid will never impact performance. Multiple strap options included in the box allows the wearer to choose the option that works best for their personal comfort and intended use. All this functionality is topped off with excellent design and build quality resulting in a functional dive watch that looks as good as it performs!

Wearing a Winfield is more than a choice, it’s a statement. It emulates the wearer’s adventurous spirt and appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and attention to detail.

Winfield Master Diver Automatic Dive Watch Specs

• Case: Brushed and polished 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, drilled lugs, dual case back gaskets, metal movement holder
• Crown: Screw-down with double gaskets
• Crystal: 3mm flat sapphire with double anti-reflective coating
• Bezel: Stainless steel uni-directional 120 click
• Hands: Polished stainless steel
• Date: 3:00 position
• Lume: Six layers of Swiss Super-LumiNova C3
• Water resistance: 200m / 660 feet, individually pressure tested 
• Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic regulated in 6 positions

Winfield Master Diver Automatic Dive Watch Case Dimensions

• 44mm diameter
• 13.5mm thick with domed crystal
• 22mm lug width 

Sources

Winfield Watch Company

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The post Winfield Master Diver: Dive Watch Review appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

I have always wondered if a pocket carry pry bar was a worthwhile tool to add to my repertoire. Admittedly I thought they were a gimmick until I committed the most cardinal of sins every EDC‘er will eventually commit. I used the tip of my pocket knife blade as a pry bar and flathead screwdriver. That worked out about as well as you’d think it did. SNAP! The modified sheepsfoot blade turned into a chisel tip. It became clear that pocket tool may be a worthwhile addition to my EDC lineup and Prometheus Design Werx had what I was looking for!

The Prometheus Design Werx Ti-Bar T Pocket Tool

Prometheus Design Werx presents the lightweight low-profile Ti-Bar T multipurpose pocket tool. The Ti-Bar T is the perfect companion for the EDC minded fan of precision and elegance. Consider the Ti-Bar T as a force multiplier when paired with your everyday carry items. It can do the jobs your pocket knife shouldn’t without adding the weight and bulk typically associated with your average multitool. 

Design and Execution

From the moment you lay your hands on the Ti-BarT you’ll feel the dedication to machining, design, and craftsmanship. The attention to detail is tremendous, with every small detail being well thought out and free of stray marks and uncomfortable edges. 

The Prometheus Design Werx Ti-BarT is precision milled from 6AL-4V titanium. PDW attempts to make the most of the small footprint, while striking the delicate balance of utility and style. 

At 5” in overall length the Ti-BarT has a tapered chisel head for its main use of prying. It also has an oxygen/gas tank wrench, a heavy-duty titanium billet pocket clip with ceramic bearing and integrated ¼” / 6mm bit socket, bottle opener, a generously sized lanyard loop, meticulously machined fine jimping to ensure a solid grip. The radius is machined to a 45-degree angle to finish off another truly classy design Prometheus Design Werx has become known for as a premium brand.

Drawbacks and Benefits

The Prometheus Design Werx Ti-BarT is small pocket pry bar, you certainly won’t be using it to pry open a car or building door. It is also pricy for a small tool, and some may not feel comfortable paying t close to $70 for a pocket tool. Despite the size limitations, PDW does pack a great deal of convenience and utility into a very small package. While it may not be the first choice for a hardcore survival tool, it will handle all your day-to-day prying tasks like a champion, help you maintain your folding knives, open a cold one, and take up next to no room in your pocket or EDC kit. It does all this while also looking great. The slick design combined with excellent machining provides a feeling of sophistication and style that is sure to stand out at your next backyard BBQ or around the campfire!

Prometheus Design Werx Ti-Bar T Pocket Tool SPECS

Length: 5.0″ / 127mm

Width: 0.69″ / 17.50mm

Thickness: 0.25″ / 6.37mm

Material: 6AL-4V Titanium Grade 5

Included Pocket Tool Features:

Pry Bar

Oxygen/Gas Tank Wrench

Pocket Clip Integrated ¼” / 6mm Bit Socket

Bottle Cap Lifter

Lanyard Hole

Titanium Billet Pocket Clip w/Ceramic Ball Bearing

Sources

Prometheus Design Werx

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• Winfield Master Diver: Dive Watch Review

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When exploring the great outdoors or navigating an urban emergency having reliable off grid lighting options is vital to our survival. In the wilderness we lack the ambient lighting that is found in urban and suburban areas and those unfamiliar with the true darkness of the wild underestimate how dark it gets. During emergencies such as storms, grid failures, and even civil unrest power can be disrupted and leave us with little light to navigate outdoors at night or inside buildings.

The ASP Spectrum UV and Princeton Tec Helix LI as part of an outdoor gear kit including the Knives by Nuge Bruin, Tuff Possum Gear Med Pouch, Dark Energy Power Bank, and PNWBUSHCRAFT Ground Cloth

While many of us carry flashlights daily, extended wilderness adventures and urban emergencies require more powerful and robust lighting systems. These can include powerful handheld flashlights to see for longer distances, head lamps when you need to keep your hands free, and lanterns for producing long term light in an area.

Beyond considering the type of power of the light we need; we must also factor in charging methods and durability. In addition, we should consider the environmental and weather resistance that is relevant for the areas we find ourselves in.

Let’s dive into the categories and look at some of the adventure lighting options I utilize on a regular basis.

Off Grid Lighting: Handheld Flashlights

When it comes to off grid lighting systems, a handheld flashlight is the first thing that comes to mind. This tried-and-true lighting system has been around since 1899, but recent technological advances have resulted in high powered lighting options in compact form factors.

There is a near infinite amount of variety when it comes to handheld flashlights, with a different brightness, light color, battery, and form factor options available. There are handheld flashlights designed for specific uses and industries as well. With this variety it is common to confuse key features for intended tasks and environments. Wilderness use lights will not vary too much from emergency use lights. The features most important will be brightness, battery life, and resistance to the elements, however some of the flashlights listed below will have added useful features.

ASP Spectrum UV

Armament Systems and Procedures, or ASP for short, is known for producing high quality equipment for law enforcement personnel. The ASP Spectrum UV is no exception to this rule but is packed with a ton of features that make it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures and emergency situations. The feature rich The Spectrum UV offers momentary or fixed on/off switches, multiple brightness options, strobe, and 4 different color lighting modes including standard white, red, blue, and UV. While white is most used the other lighting modes should not be underestimated.

Red light is ideal for preserving your body’s natural night vision. While white light will require our eyes to readjust to the darkness red light does not affect our eyes with the same intensity allowing us to quickly readjust to the level of darkness in the area.

Blue light can cut through dense fog and be used to illuminate blood or other bodily fluids which can be helpful when tracking.

UV Mode finding animal urine traces in the snow

UV light can help us see things that are hard to see with the naked eye. In urban environments this is useful for determining the validity of currency and ID’s. In the wilderness many organisms are UV reactive which will allow us to see a multitude of plants, fugus, and even things like scorpions. UV light will also quickly chare any glow in the dark materials that are commonly used on stickers, gear markers, and patches.

The Spectrum is made from high grade aluminum and is weather resistant. It has a maximum output of 700 lumens and a beam distance of 210 meters. The max run time is 5 hours and 30 minutes, and it will run on the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery or 2 CR123 batteries. The Spectrum is equipped with a USB-C port making it easy to charge and compatible with most modern charging wires.

The Spectrum UV has an included pocket clip for easy attachment and an optional holster is offered for belt or plate carrier mounting allowing the light to be used hands free.

Pros

• 4 different color light modes
• Multiple battery options
• Optional mount for hands free use
• USB-C charging
• Water and weather Resistant
• Includes removeable pocket clip

Cons

• Multiple light modes can be more complicated to operate
• On the higher end of the price range

Fenix PD45R

The PD45R is one of Fenix’s newest offerings with a maximum output of a whopping 2800 lumens and a max run time of 65 Hours on the lowest mode. This model offers a digital screen telling you the exact percentage left on your battery and the proprietary lithium-ion battery is charged via a USB-C port on the body of the flashlight.

Another notable and useful feature is the ability adjust the beam from spotlight to floodlight with an easy-to-use wheel dial that sits around the power button. This allows the user to adjust the beam for distance viewing with a maximum distance of 480 meters or produce a large amount of light in a confined area.

The LD45R produces white light only and has 5 different intensity settings as well as a strobe and SOS mode. It is important to note that the maximum setting of 2800 lumens will produce a lot of heat and should only be used in short bursts when needed. All other lighting modes can be used over the long term without worry.

The high-grade aluminum body is durable and sealed allowing it to withstand water submersion of up to 2 meters. The light itself does not have a clip making it better for storing in a bag or pack but can be placed in a deep pocket if needed.

Pros

• High waterproof rating and submersible for short periods
• Very bright light production in a compact package
• LED screen displays exact battery percentage
• Has both spotlight and floodlight modes
• Long beam distance
• USB-C recharging

Cons

• No pocket clip
• Only white light
• Excessive heat production on maximum

Nite Ize Inova T8R

The Nite Ize T8R is a rugged outdoor flashlight that features both red and white light modes that is easily toggled by using a rotating cap near the lens that can be easily switched between the two while the light is in use.

The body of the T8R is made from high grade aluminum and is rated for both weather resistance and drop resistance. The light itself is powered by an included lithium-ion battery and can also be run on two CR123 batteries. The battery can be charged via a covered micro-USB port under the tail cap. The T8R body includes a pocket clip for easy attachment to your pocket or outer area of your bag.

The T8R produces a maximum of 762 lumens in high mode and has a 30-hour run time in low mode. Both the red and white options offer two brightness levels with strobe and SOS are available in white mode. The beam distance in high white mode is 267 meters and red comes in lower at 189 meters.

While the T8R lacks many of the advanced features found on the previous two lights, it makes up for it in simplicity and ease of use while providing the most used features.

Pros

• White and red light modes
• Simple operation
• multiple battery options
• water and weather resistant

Cons

• Dated Micro-USB recharging
• Limited brightness options

Off Grid Lighting: Head Lamps

Electric Head Lamps originated in the early 1900’s and were popular among miners who needed to keep their hands free when working. While these early headlamps were only capable of producing 2 to 5 lumens of light, they were designed to last an entire 12-hour work shift.

As technology advanced headlamps became popular with outdoor enthusiasts, especially cavers and climbers, as they needed both hands to climb. The first sport headlamps were powered by AA or AAA batteries, but many modern offerings have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries offering more light production and battery life.

Head lamps typically won’t offer the level of brightness or beam distance found in handheld flashlights, but they do allow us to operate hands free, allowing us to use both our hands when working.

A good off grid lighting head lamp will offer good battery life and multiple light level modes allowing it to fit into multiple usage scenarios. Like the handheld flashlight we should also be looking for headlamps that are durable and weather resistant.

Princeton Tec Apex LI

Princeton Tec is known for making reliable tactical, adventure, and industrial lighting. The Helix LI is at the top of their adventure-oriented head lamp line up. This impressive head lamp features a total of 5 white LED’s, 4 flood lights and a single large spotlight which emits a maximum of 550 lumens with a 90-meter beam distance.

The Apex LI has multiple lighting modes including a high and low spot, a high and low flood and a flash mode. Light modes are easily toggled using the large buttons on the headlamp body. The run time on high is an impressive 6.6 hours and over 13 hours on low thanks to the rechargeable battery back that sits separate from the main head lamp unit.

The battery pack will charge via any USB power block using the included charging cable in the package and takes around three hours to fully charge. When in use the battery pack can be clipped to the rear of the head and crown strap. The battery itself does not have a power meter, but a colored LED on the Apex body indicates current battery power.

This is a large package compared to many smaller headlamps. It is comfortable to wear but may require some adjustment if you are accustomed to a smaller head lamp setup.

The whole package is built tough for serious outdoor use, having an IPX7 waterproof rating meaning it can handle all manners of weather and can even remain submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged. The Battery and Apex head lamp unit are protected making it ideal for cold weather use without having to worry about rapid battery drain.

Pros

• Has both spotlight and flood light modes
• Very long battery life
• Battery pack is external and can replaced or carry spare battery packs
• Whole unit is water and weather resistant and can handle temporary submersion

Cons

• Large overall size may take some getting used to
• On the higher end of price range

Observer Tools 450 Head Lamp

Observer Tools makes a variety of lights geared toward industrial, outdoor, and everyday use. Currently the 450 is the only head lamp in their lineup and it has some impressive features. The unit features a single spotlight that can vary between 60 and 450 lumens. Light intensity is managed by a turning dial on the body that allows you to easily brighten and dim the light to your specific needs.

The 450 is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery offering 3.5 hours on high and up to 20 hours on low. The battery can be charged using a Micro-USB or USB-C cord depending on the production date.

A notable feature on the 450 is a motion sensor on off option that allows the user to turn the device on and off with a wave of your hand in front of the head lamp. If motion sensors aren’t your thing, the simple buttons on the head lamp can be used to manually turn the 450 on and off.

The 450 is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance allowing it to operate in all weather conditions and the internal battery is protected to reduced temperature related battery drain and damage.

Pros

• Budget Friendly
• Motion sensor for on/off
• Fine control of brightness
• Internal battery makes it compact
• Water and Weather Resistant

Cons

• Internal Battery is not replaceable
• Some units use dated Micro-USB recharging
• No flood light mode

Off Grid Lighting: Lanterns

Lanterns have been around for a long time; it is estimated that lanterns first originated in China in 230 BCE as part of festival celebrations and they continued to advance throughout human history to become a staple part of every outdoorsman’s gear. While early lanterns relied on combustible fuel, the first commercial lantern became available in the 1870’s. Even with the advent of electric lanterns, many outdoors people in the 20^th century relied on combustible fuel lanterns and the classic green Coleman Lantern is an iconic item that brings back a feeling of nostalgia for many.

With improvements in both LED and battery technology, electric lanterns have come to the forefront of modern off grid lighting. Lanterns can create sustained light over extended periods of time. A good lantern will offer multiple brightness levels, and some have multiple lighting modes. Battery life is a top concern as is environmental resistance and durability.

Princeton Tec Helix LI

The Helix LI is Princeton Tec’s premier adventure lantern. This rechargeable lantern produces up to 300 lumens of white light or red light. Running up to 110 hours on white and 200 hours on red before needing a recharge.

The “rubbery” globe can snap down, and the legs fold up making a very compact package for transport. Weighing just under 5.5 ounces, the Helix is ideal for when you want to keep weight down in your pack. When collapsed the Helix is small enough to fit in a coat pocket or cargo pant pocket.

The top has a metal loop that can be used to hang the Helix in your tent or on a tree branch. The Helix is rated IPX6 meaning it can handle any level of falling rain but should not be submerged.

The battery is charged via micro-USB on the bottom of the base. You will also find a quick reference guide on how to use the Helix’s swipe bar to cycle through light modes.

Pros

• Ultra compact
• Red and white light modes
• Long Run Time
• Weather resistant

Cons

• Swipe function takes some getting used to
• Dated Micro-USB Charging

LEDLENSER ML6

LEDLENSER is known for making a variety of lighting solutions from handheld to lanterns. The ML6 is a dual light lantern that is about the same thickness as a full-sized flashlight. With a maximum output of 750 lumens of white light the ML6 can bring a large amount of light to an area and run for up to 4 hours at maximum or 240 hours on low red-light mode.

In addition to having dimmable red and white modes the ML6 also has pulse, strobe, and SOS mode. The top button and inner bottom ring both glow in the dark making it easier to find if off. The base has a collapsible hook allowing it to be hung.

The battery is charged via a covered micro-USB port and there is also a USB-A port that will allow you to charge other devices from the ML6’s internal battery. Rated at IP54, the ML6 can handle splashes but should not be submerged or left in driving rain for too long.

Pros

• Very bright at maximum
• White and Red light modes
• Long run time in low red mode
• Can be used to charge other devices

Cons

• Water resistance is on the low end of acceptable
• Not lightweight or particularly compact
• Dated Micro-USB charging

A Final Note on Back Up Power  

Off grid lighting and much more of our wilderness and emergency gear has become increasingly reliant on electric power. While we don’t have to worry about being on the move with combustible liquids or gas canisters, we should still have ways of charging our adventures lights and other electronic outdoor gear. Keeping power banks, solar chargers, or back up batteries with us is essential to keeping the lights on!

Weather and temperature resistant power banks, like the offerings from Dark Energy are ideal for emergency back up power for your off grid lighting.

Sources

• Armament Systems and Procedures
• Princeton Tec
• Nite Ize
• LEDLENSER
• Observer Tools
• Dark Energy
• Knives By Nuge
• Tuff Possum
• PNWBUSHCRAFT

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• Emergency Lights and Versatile Illumination
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The post Off Grid Lighting appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

When it comes to reliable communication in remote environments, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus offers a unique set of features that set it apart from other satellite communication devices. It’s not just about sending an SOS in a life-or-death situation—this device is designed to keep you connected even in the most isolated parts of the world, allowing for text, photo, and voice messaging without cell service. This comprehensive review will dig deeper into what makes the inReach Messenger Plus a standout, as well as the areas where it might fall short.

Key Features at a Glance

• Text, Photo, and Voice Messaging Without Cell Service
• Interactive SOS Function with 24/7 Global Response
• TracBack Routing Feature for Easy Navigation
• Live GPS Location Sharing via Satellite
• Durable Design Rated IPX7 for Water Resistance
• Up to 25 Days of Battery Life
• Dimensions: 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″ ( 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm)
• Weight: 4.1 oz (117.2 g)
• MSRP: $499.99
• URL: garmin.com

These features alone make the inReach Messenger Plus sound like a solid choice for adventurers, but there’s much more to it, especially when paired with GARMIN’s smartphone apps or other GARMIN devices.

Above: When paired with a smartphone, the free Garmin app allows you to customize messages, track your movement, access your contents, get localized weather reports and access to many other features.

First Impressions: Simple Yet Capable

At first glance, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus might seem a little too simplistic. It has just three navigation buttons, a small monochrome LCD display, and a dedicated SOS button. But don’t let that fool you. Once you pair it with the GARMIN Explore or GARMIN Messenger smartphone apps, it transforms into a remote communication powerhouse.

What’s in the Box:

• inReach Messenger Plus device
• USB-C cable for charging
• Documentation

One noticeable omission is the lack of a lanyard. While GARMIN sells several lanyard options—like retractable, breakaway, and flotation lanyards—I found myself improvising with some tarred bank line. 550 cord is too thick to be practical here, so make sure you use some thin and tough cordage if you don’t want to buy an official accessory.

Above: The InReach’s tough casing ensures that it can stand up to harsh conditions without compromising it’s operability.

Performance and Features

Here’s where the inReach Messenger Plus shines: it’s incredibly versatile when paired with your smartphone, allowing you to send texts, photos, and even 30-second voice messages, all without needing any cell service. Here’s a breakdown of its most important features:

SOS and Safety Features:

One of the most crucial aspects of this device is the ability to send an interactive SOS message. If you’re in an emergency, your SOS will be routed through GARMIN’s 24/7-staffed Global Coordination Center. This isn’t just a one-way distress signal; you’ll have real-time communication with rescue teams, sharing your exact GPS coordinates via the Iridium satellite network.

Messaging and Communication:

You can send texts up to 1,600 characters directly from the device, but for a more user-friendly experience, pair it with the GARMIN Messenger app on your phone. The app supports:

• Group messaging for larger teams
• Emojis and reactions to simplify communication
• Text, photo, and voice messaging, allowing you to send more than just words

The ability to send a photo of your surroundings or a voice message explaining the situation can be game-changers in a survival scenario, helping search and rescue teams understand exactly what they’re dealing with before arriving on-site. This is something that traditional Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) don’t offer, even though they’re in a similar price range.

Navigation and Tracking:

The TracBack routing feature is another highlight. It lets you easily navigate back to your starting point if you need to retrace your steps, which can be essential if you’re caught in bad weather or disoriented in unfamiliar terrain. The device also allows you to share your live GPS location with others, so they can track your progress and location in real time.

• Navigation features:
  • TracBack routing for returning to your starting point
  • GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou satellite systems
  • High-sensitivity receiver for precise location tracking
  • GARMIN Explore app compatibility for trip planning and tracking

Battery Life and Durability:

For a device designed to keep you safe and connected in the wilderness, the inReach Messenger Plus holds up under extreme conditions. The IPX7 water rating means it can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and it’s impact-resistant, making it ideal for navigating rugged environments without having to worry about damaging the device.

As for battery life, it’s impressive:

• Up to 25 days in 10-minute tracking mode
• Up to 120 hours in low-power messaging mode
• Can send up to 250 media messages on a single charge

Additionally, the device doubles as an emergency charger for your phone, a feature that might make all the difference if you’re in a remote area and your phone dies unexpectedly.

Above: A Garmin InReach connected to your phone will give you weather forecasts for your specific location.

inReach or PLB?

Some people point out that Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), which often have higher output wattages, can send a distress signal more reliably from beneath dense canopy cover. However, I haven’t found any solid evidence that PLBs outperform the inReach Messenger Plus in those scenarios. The benefit of the inReach lies in its ability to send custom messages, including photos of the emergency situation or even voice messages. This can be invaluable when rescue teams need to plan a specific extraction or know exactly what kind of equipment to bring.

Also, while a PLB requires battery replacements, the inReach Messenger Plus does not. You’ll need to activate a GARMIN subscription whenever you want to use it, but if you’re only going on occasional expeditions, this can still be less expensive than replacing a PLB battery. Plus, if you plan to use it as an everyday communication tool (as part of your EDC setup, for instance), the basic subscription tier is affordable.

Opinions

No product is perfect, and the inReach Messenger Plus does have a couple of minor downsides. First, the lack of a lanyard in the box seems like an oversight for a device that’s meant to be carried into rugged environments. Sure, you can buy one separately, but this feels like something that should come standard.

Additionally, while the device itself can send texts directly, the virtual keyboard on the monochrome display is cumbersome. If you want to message quickly, you’ll need to pre-prepare your messages or have your smartphone handy.

Final Thoughts

The GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus is a lightweight, reliable communication device that punches above its weight. While it may seem simplistic at first glance, its true power lies in its ability to pair with a smartphone and tap into GARMIN’s extensive suite of navigation and messaging apps. The ability to send photos, voice messages, and custom texts via satellite—coupled with its rugged build and excellent battery life—makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone venturing off the grid.

In summary:

• Pros:
  • Versatile messaging (text, voice, photo) without cell service
  • Long battery life and can serve as an emergency phone charger
  • Rugged and water-resistant
  • Interactive SOS with live communication via satellite
  • Compact and lightweight
• Cons:
  • No included lanyard
  • Typing messages on the device itself can be slow

For peace of mind, whether you’re hiking deep into the backcountry or just want a reliable communication tool for emergencies, the GARMIN inReach Messenger Plus delivers on its promises and is worth every penny.

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Knives by Nuge is a fixed blade knife maker out of New Jersey known for making hard use knives. His Wicket line has been wildly popular for the better part of 2 years with hunting enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and EDC users. The Wicket was originally designed as a small neck knife but has evolved to include an XL version that is still pocket friendly and Big Boi for full sized bushcraft use.  The success of the Wicket has allowed Knives by Nuge to branch out and bring back older designs like the Chickpea and introduce new designs like the Bruin we will be looking at today.

Above: The Knives by Nuge Wicket, Wicket XL, and Big Boi

Knives by Nuge Bruin Origins

According to Tom Nugent, owner of Knives by Nuge, the design idea for the Bruin came to him when he was processing a deer with his Wicket XL and needed a bit more reach. Taking some inspiration from two discontinued designs called the EDB and the Bushcrafter, Tom set out to create a dedicated hunting fixed blade knife with an ergonomic handle design, a good slicing belly, and enough blade length to get into the deeper cavities of a larger animal.

Like most KNB designs, Tom also wanted to ensure that the knife was easy to carry and would not get in the way when moving through the woods. Part of Tom’s prototyping process involves having trusted outdoor experts test it out in real life use scenarios. Through the testing process, he received a lot of positive feedback on the Bruin’s outdoor prowess, not just as a hunting knife but also as a bushcraft style knife, and he ultimately decided to offer the knife in both a saber grind and in a traditional scandi grind.

Knives by Nuge released the Bruin this year at the Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering and I got the opportunity to grab one of the first scandi grind versions in CPM-3V super steel.  As I spend a good deal of time in the woods doing bushcraft related tasks its hard to resist a scandi grind especially when it’s combined with a super tough steel like 3V!

Above: The Knives by Nuge Bruin with G10 scales, a scandi grind and CPM-3V super steel.

Knives by Nuge Bruin Design

The Bruin’s 3.75-inch blade is more than enough for game processing tasks and a majority of your typical outdoor and bushcraft tasks. The belly allows it to effectively perform slicing tasks that you’d expect from a hunting knife such as processing game to prepping meat for a camp meal. While many would argue the saber grind is a better option for slicing, the 3/32 inch blade stock combined with KBN’s sharp scandi grind did just fine when I used to cut meat, fruit and vegetables.

The Bruin’s spine has a 90-degree angle allowing it to be used for striking a ferro rod or performing wood scraping tasks, so you won’t need to potentially dull or damage your blade to get your fire started.

The blade point does a great job piercing while still having enough material behind it to prevent accidental breakage, especially when combined with tough steel options. Speaking of tough steel choices, this makes the Bruin ideal for hard use tasks such as batoning wood even with a relatively small blade and thinner stock.

The Bruin’s handle is ergonomic with some contouring for grip making it comfortable over long term use with a hammer grip and performing push cuts. There are scalloped areas closest to the blade that allow for a pinch grip when doing detailed work. The butt of the handle has a slight flare that helps prevent slipping when the Bruin is wet or covered in blood.

Bruin Fixed Blade Knife Specs

• Overall Length: 8.25 inches
• Blade Length: 3.75inches
• Handle Length: 4.50 inches
• Blade Grind: Saber or Scandi
• Steel Options: AEB-L, Nitro-V, CPM-3V
• Handle Materials: G10 or Micarta

Bruin Carry Options

The Bruin I got came with a custom made Kydex pocket sheath and Tom was kind enough to also give me one of the prototype leather belt sheaths made by Badger Claw Outfitters.

Above: The Custom made Kydex Pocket Sheath, makes a for a very slim package.

Kydex Pocket Sheath

The Kydex sheath is ambidextrous, allowing the knife to be inserted into the sheath in with the edge facing either direction. The knife is held in by a friction fit that is secure enough to prevent the knife from falling out, even when I tried to aggressively shake it, but still allow for easy draw. The pocket clip is made by Discreet Carry Concepts and has exceptional retention. There is a small drainage hole on the bottom of the sheath to allow water to exit the sheath should it get in.

Based on the size of the Bruin, I was a bit skeptical of the comfort of carrying it in my pocket, but I was pleasantly surprised that the full-sized knife not only fit in my pocket it did some comfortably and I was even able to put other items like my cell phone in the same pocket.

Above: The optional Badger Claw Outfitters leather belt sheath is a great choice for traditional carry.

Leather Belt Sheath

If you are looking for a more traditional fixed blade knife carry option, the leather belt sheath is an excellent option. The leather belt sheath made by Badger Claw Outfitters is made from Crazy Horse Leather, and in my experience only looks better with age! The Bruin sits snuggly in the sheath, with just enough handle exposed for good purchase to draw the knife. The belt loop is large enough to accommodate wide belts and can easily accept a dangler should you want it to ride a bit lower.

Above: The Bruin is an excellent Field knife that can serve as both a hunting knife and a bushcraft knife.

Final Thoughts

While my usage time on the Knives by Nuge Bruin is limited, I am impressed with the design. Through a weekend of use while camping as well as putting it to work as an EDC knife for a few days, and it performed admirably in all tasks. For outdoor use the Bruin seems like it fits the bill for an all-purpose field knife that can act as both a hunting knife and bushcraft knife. For EDC, it’s a great fixed blade if you are looking for an easy to carry full sized knife, that the overall size is not so apparent to others thanks to the pocket sheath.

The first batch of Bruin’s will be available on knivesbynuge.com on Friday, November 15^th 2024. As the Bruin is handmade, supplies are limited!

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Handkerchiefs, commonly called hanks, have made a resurgence in the outdoor and EDC communities in recent years. These simple pieces of fabric serve a variety of practical purposes in our day to day lives. Hanks primarily act as a reusable rag, but can be used as a simple water filter or face covering in an emergency. While a simple cotton hank is better than nothing, a lot is left to be desired in functionality in an emergency. Fortunately for those of us who want to take our EDC survival kit to the next level, the innovators over at Superesse decided to take the standard hank to the next level with their line of functional Handkerchiefs, including the Filter Bandana we will be looking at today.

Superesse Filter Bandana Materials and Specs

At first glance the Superesse Filter Bandana looks like a simple 10×10 cloth hank, similar to those commonly seen if cool EDC pictures on Instagram. Color options fall into your standard typical outdoor colors including OD Green, Coyote, Woodland Camo, and the safety orange I opted to pick up.

The Superesse Filter Bandana is constructed from a food safe hybrid polyester material. This allows it to resist microbial growth and dry quickly when wet.

That is where the similarity to standard cotton hanks ends! When you pick up the Superesse Filter Bandana, you will find it to be quite a bit thicker than an average hank. This is for a particularly good reason! Between the outer fabric layers there is a porous 1-micron filter that is flexible and foldable. This filter is what makes the Superesse Filter Bandana special and a powerful addition to any EDC survival kit.

 Superesse Filter Bandana Functionality

The hybrid fabric combined with the internal 1-micron filter makes the Superesse Filter Bandana a valuable urban and wilderness survival tool that goes well beyond the functionality of a standard hank.

Above: While the Filter Bandana will not seal like a mask, it can act as emergency protection for your airways in a pinch.

Air Filtration

In an emergency you can hold the Superesse Filter Bandana over your mouth and nose to protect your nasal pathways, lungs, and esophagus from harmful contaminants and infectious materials. The porous fabric and filter will not restrict the flow of oxygen, but will prevent dust, smoke, and chemicals in the air from entering your airway.

In addition to particulate contaminants, the Superesse Filter Bandana can filter out several biological threats. The 1-Micron filter will completely block larger environmental contaminants. These include fungal spores and pollen as well as some larger types of bacteria.

While many types of bacteria and all viral particles are smaller than 1-micron the filter can help protect from bacterial and viral particles found in droplet form from infected individuals coughing and sneezing.

Above: The Superesse Filter Bandana is a quick and effect way to filter large particulates, chemicals, and some pathogens from water.

Water Pre-Filtration

The Superesse Filtration Bandana has many of the same benefits and limitations as when filtering water. The filter can remove most particulate and chemical contaminants from water. This is especially helpful when sourcing water near farmland and industrial areas.

The filter will also remove several common waterborne parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. It can also help reduce the amount pathogens like Mycobacteria and Legionella that can sometimes be larger than 1-micron. The filter will not remove smaller bacteria, viral particles, and cytotoxins that certain algae produce.

When possible, it is essential to boil or chemically disinfect water before drinking it. The pre-filtration process will remove particulate and chemical contaminants that boiling and other disinfection methods will not remove.

When on the move during a survival situation it may not always be viable to spend time disinfecting water. The Filter Bandana is a great “better than nothing option” in theses cases.

Above: The Superesse Filter Bandana makes an excellent addition to any EDC Survival Kit.

Final Thoughts

If you plan on carrying a hank, it might as well be very functional! The functionality of the Superesse Filter Bandana makes it an excellent addition to any EDC Survival kit. Having a lightweight air and water filter that is easy to carry is a no brainer.

A protective face covering in a contaminant filled room can be the difference between safe egress and deadly results. The ability to remove chemical, particulate, and some biological threats in from water is also valuable.

While Proper water disinfection is always best, in an emergency the best gear is the gear you have on you!

Check out the Superesse Filter Bandana, along with the full line of functional hanks at superessestraps.com

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About Auxiliary Manufacturing

Mike Jarvis of Auxiliary Manufacturing has been making fixed blade knives full time since he left his career in the restaurant industry in 2016. He prides himself on unique designs and an unmistakable aesthetic. There is much more to an Auxiliary Manufacturing knife than simply good looks. The Pocket Bowie and all his other knives are designed for practical use. While most of his knives fall into the EDC fixed blade category, there is a distinct tactical knife flare to each of his designs. This unique combination allows users to have a knife that can handle all their day-to-day tasks, while also serving as a viable self defense tool in the right hands.

With stunning designs and practical applications, it comes as no surprise that Auxiliary Manufacturing won Custom Tactical Knife of the Year at 2022 Blade Show.

Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie Design

At first look, the unique design of the Pocket Bowie stands out from just about every other small EDC fixed blade design out there. The coffin shaped handle and clip point blade is reminiscent of the classic American Bowie fighting knife. Unlike the classic American Bowie, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie lives up to its namesake for being able to easily carry in your pocket thanks to its small profile and sleek kydex sheath.

Above: Details of the Pocket Bowie handle scales.

Handle Design and Control

The coffin shaped handle, combined with the textured G10 makes for an attractive package. The handle fills the hand well allowing for a comfortable three to four finger grip. The swell on the bottom of the handle locks into the meat of your palm, allowing for excellent control during use. The control over the blade is further enhanced with a slightly upswept thumb-rest on the spine of the blade.

When held in a reverse grip, the handle shape allows for a full four finger grip and the with a wide flat surface for your thumb on the butt of the handle. This allows for a secure grip and good control when using the Pocket Bowie in tactical knife applications.

The textured finish of the G10 may appear random, but each valley is created with the purpose of providing added grip, especially when wet. This valley pattern was initially used on one of Auxiliary Manufacturing’s discontinued knives called the Poon and has been a staple of the line up for over 8 years.

The scales are available in a variety of color options like the Green and Orange pictured, but they are also offered in subdued black G10 if you want something less flashy.

Note of the Wrapped Handle Pocket Bowie

While I do not own the wrapped variety, I did have the opportunity to handle them. While the wrap is not as hand-filling as the G10 they still have an excellent grip. The Flattened paracord is wrapped around genuine ray skin. The entire handle is treated with a marine grade epoxy making it just as solid and durable as the G10 counterparts. While the differences are mainly aesthetic, the wrapped variety is slightly slimmer and a bit nimbler in hand.

Above: The clip point tip and recurve blade work well in both practical and tactical applications.

Blade Design

Similar to the classic American Bowie, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie features a clip point blade. The primary purpose of a clip point is to provide a fine piercing tip that is essential for tactical knife and hunting applications. The fine point of the clip point blade also is an excellent choice when doing detailed cuts making it practical on an EDC fixed blade.

The major drawback of a clip point is that the fine tip can be prone to accidental breakage. Auxiliary Manufacturing’s use of AEB-L steel reduces the risk, due to its elevated levels of toughness. Mike also incorporates a swedge that runs down the blade that not only looks good but adds a bit more material behind the tip to help protect it.

The Blade edge has a modified recurve that provides an excellent slicing belly that is ideal for any EDC fixed blade. The back of the blade has a small area that has a slight indent that can be used for wood processing similar to the rear of a tracker style blade.

Above: The Pocket Bowie carried in a pants pocket.

Carry System

The Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie ships with a custom made Kydex sheath and removable pocket clip. The sheath is purpose designed to allow the provided clip to be mounted in different ways to accommodate various carry styles. The ability to quickly switch the clip direction makes this an ideal carry choice for the often-overlooked left-handed population.

The Sheath is also designed to accept multiple clip options, so if the provided clip isn’t your style, you can easily swap it out for something else. I personally prefer something with a bit more retention, so I swapped the original clip for an Ulti-Clip.

The Sheath fits very well in the pocket, with enough handle purchase to be able to quickly draw the blade when needed. This is important when we look at a tactical knife as the last thing any wants to do is fumble to access a knife in a high stress situation. As an EDC fixed blade, it carries comfortably without monopolizing your entire pocket.

While it does carry well in the pocket, the large amount of handle sticking out is not ideal for concealment. If concealed carry is a priority the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie sheath allows for multiple carry options. Out of the box the pocket bowie can be carried IWB. I also tested it with a soft loop for vertical belt carry and found it easy to conceal under an untucked button-down shirt and longer T-shirt.

Above: Attention to detail makes the Pocket Bowie stand out.

Build Quality

If one thing about the build quality stands out about the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie, it is the incredible attention to detail. While Mike no longer cuts the blanks in his shop, all the grinding work is 100% done by hand. Every detail of the blade grind is well thought out and well executed. The blade grind is even, the detailed lines of the swedge are excellent, and anywhere your fingers are supposed to rest are chamfered for comfort. The Handle texturing is also done by hand, with the same diligence.

Overall, the purpose driven design, excellent material choices, and incredible attention to detail ensure the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie comes out of the box looking as good as it functions!

Pocket Bowie Spec Sheet

• Overall Length: 6.25 inches
• Blade Length: 3 inches
• Weight: G10 Model 4.66 oz
• Blade Steel: AEB-L
• Other Steel Options: Occasional drops in specialty steels including Damascus.
• Blade Shape: Clip Point with a modified recurve
• Handle Material: Textured G10 or Ray Skin/Nylon Wrap
• Sheath: Custom made Kydex, with pocket clip
• Price: $239-449 depending on configuration
• Made In: Reno, Nevada

Above: The Pocket Bowie’s recurve blade makes it an ideal addition to your EDC lineup. It is pictured here with a Superesse Filter Bandana, Bastion Blot Action Pen, PNWBUSHCRAFT EDC travel Tray, and Leatherman Sidekick.

Practical Applications of the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie

As an EDC Fixed Blade, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie checks all the boxes. The blade is small enough where it does not feel overwhelming when performing daily tasks. Easily breaking down boxes, opening packages, and cutting the occasional piece of fruit or meat.

The blade is easy to manipulate and control, reducing the risk of injury and miscuts during more detailed work. The piercing clip point is great when you must puncture tougher packaging materials.

Many of my daily tasks involve some kind of work in the woods. The Pocket Bowie wouldn’t be my first choice as a dedicated bushcraft knife. This is not a knock at the knife as Mike did not design the Pocket Bowie for that application. That being said, The Pocket Bowie still performs admirably during basic plant material processing, minor carving tasks, and making kindling.

While I did not process any game with it, I did use the Pocket Bowie to take apart a whole chicken. The clip point provided easy access to areas close to the bone, and the recurve blade did a superb job slicing meat. In a pinch the Pocket Bowie would be more than capable of processing small game animals.

Above: The Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie is a great addition to any defensive kit. It is pictured here with an ASP Spectrum UV Flash Light, and ASP Defender Sport Pepper Spray.

Tactical Applications of the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie

Disclaimer:

I recommend that if you intend on using a knife as a tactical or defensive tool to get formal training. Without the proper training there is a higher likelihood of the knife being used against you.

Any trained person will give you two important pieces of advice.

• When using a knife in a combative situation expect to be cut by your own knife!
• The best way to survive a knife fight is to not be in a knife fight!

While it may be too small to be a dedicated fight knife, the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie offers significant benefits as a tactical knife.  First, it is small enough to be easily and discreetly carried. Second, many municipalities have laws restricting larger knives.

Beyond it’s compact size the Pocket Bowie packs some valuable features. The clip point, recurve blade, and solid grip make the Pocket Bowie a great option for a last-ditch defensive tool. In a combative situation maintaining control of your knife is vital. A solid grip reduces the chance of an attacker getting your knife. The clip points ability to pierce thicker materials provides great value. An assailant, just like any of us will likely dress for the season. In colder months attacker may have coats or sweatshirts on making slicing maneuvers less effective.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a practical knife with a side of tactical the Pocket Bowie is a great option. It’s small size, ergonomics, and practical blade shape make it a highly functional EDC fixed blade. The clip point blade, solid grip, and carry options allow the Pocket Bowie to have significant Tactical knife applications.

The Pocket Bowie is 100% made in the USA. Each knife is ground, assembled, and finished by Mike with incredible attention to detail and workmanship. The Pocket Bowie is a well designed and made small knife, but there are some larger options coming! For a larger bowie style be on the look out for the upcoming Pocket Bowie XL release. The XL will feature a 4-inch blade and an 8.5 inch overall length. The increased size greatly enhancing its outdoor, hunting, and tactical applications.

Sources

• Auxiliary Manufacturing
• ASP
• Superesse
• Bastion
• PNWBUSHCRAFT
• Leatherman
• Swedge Media

Above: The new line up of coffin handle knives. Photo by Swedge Media

More Coffin Handle Knives

The immense popularity of the Pocket Bowie has led Mike to expanding the line up with different blade shapes. While a bowie style blade is excellent, different users have different needs. The brand-new line up features 4 additional blade styles. These include an American Style Tanto, a Wharncliffe with a reinforced tip, a leaf shaped blade, and a spearpoint. These new blade shapes bring new levels of functionality to the lineup, while maintaining the excellent ergonomics of the original. They are currently available for purchase in black G10 or black paracord wrapped handles.

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Being a search and rescue (SAR) volunteer can be as demanding (physically and mentally) as it is rewarding, but having quality equipment designed to help you out in that role can certainly make it easier. In the wilderness, it’s imperative that you have easy access to your most important tools and equipment across preparedness domains to reduce the chances that you become a casualty yourself while you’re helping others. A good chest rig excels in keeping your most critical gear in your workspace while keeping your hands free as needed. One very fine option, and my personal favorite is the Hill People Gear SARv2 Kit Bag.

Above: The Hill People Gear SARv2 gear bag is laid out with search and rescue responders in mind.

The SARv2 Bag

The SARv2 is constructed from 500d Cordura nylon, with an internal volume of 215.63 cubic inches. It is largely based off the original HPG full-size kit bag, with some touches that make it well suited to the specific needs of search and rescue.

Two key features are external PALS/Molle webbing in two places — along the bottom of the bag, as well as diagonally across the front — and hook-and-loop on the outside. The hook-and-loop allows the attachment of identifiers such as name tags or unit patches, while the PALS webbing allows for adding expansion attachments or other items. I use the diagonal PALS webbing to hold my communications equipment, while the bottom webbing is used to secure a MOLLE tourniquet holder from North American Rescue (NAR).

Internally, the bag is split into three compartments, two of which zipper from the top, and one of which zippers on the front.
The compartment closest to the body is intended to hold your personal protection, being large enough to carry a full-size handgun. It features a loop for a trigger guard tie-down and a strip of loop, which would allow you to attach a hook-and-loop holster or magazine pouch.
The main compartment does, however, include laser-cut MOLLE, as well as two internal divider sleeves.

The harness itself is comfortable and adjustable, with a well-ventilated mesh back piece. It can be removed in order to integrate with the Hill People Gear Recce Harness, which allows for direct attachment to the wearer’s back. Unfortunately, the Recce Harness is very often sold out, which is why I haven’t had the opportunity to acquire one yet.

Above: The included harness has a mesh backing panel. If extra attachments are needed, the HPG Recce Harness is compatible with all HPG chest rigs.

The SARv2 Contents

Personal Protection:

• I will generally carry my “main squeeze” handgun here — a Glock 45 MOS with a Trijicon RMR, backup suppressor-height night sites, and a Streamlight TLR-VIR II weapon light + IR flood and designator. I use a TriggerSafe trigger guard tied down with 550 cord. A spare magazine is held in a 5.11 single magazine pouch.

Admin:

• I primarily use the admin compartment for navigational and documentation aids and their accessories.

The permanent contents include:

• Suunto MC-2 compass
•  MapTools coordinate scale and protractor
•  Rite in the Rain pencil and pen (both in Coast Guard orange)
•  Rite in the Rain general-purpose notebook (either orange or yellow)
•  Rite in the Rain EMS patient information notebook
•  Streamlight PolyTac in high-vis yellow
•  Waterproof battery case with extra lithium CR123 and AAA batteries
•  USB battery bank

Paper maps as well as my Android phone running SARTopo/CalTopo also move in and out of this compartment. SARTopo is a common operating picture (COP) overlay service on the CalTopo GPS navigational program, which is my SAR team’s primary method of navigation. However, analog (map and compass) navigation skills and tools are always carried as well.

Above: Admin equipment I carry includes spare batteries, Rite in the Rain notepads, pen, and pencil, and a Streamlight PolyTac handheld flashlight. For land nav, I carry a Suunto MC-2 compass and a grid protractor.

Sustainment:

• The sustainment pouch in front contains my personal first-aid items.
• high-value sustainment items.

Contents include:

• Windstorm safety whistle
•  Adventure Medical Kits personal first-aid and survival kit
•  Snake bite kit
•  TP kit
•  Assorted electrolyte drink mixes
•  Jerky and nuts (rotated)

Above: The bottom of the rig has PALS webbing suitable for attaching a NAR tourniquet holder.

External Attachments:

• I use the external MOLLE to attach my communications equipment and personal-use tourniquet.
• The radio is a Radioddity GS-5B, in a high-vis orange. It is a software-unlockable ham radio that can also function on GMRS/FRS and MURS bands, allowing me to integrate into the team radio nets easily, as well as being useful for general communications purposes.
• The tourniquet on board is a NAR CAT gen 7, in a NAR tourniquet holder with a matching red color.

Above: The admin compartment features a hook-and-loop, laser-cut MOLLE panel as well as two internal dividers.

SARv2 Shortcomings

Honestly, I only have one real negative regarding the design of the SARv2, and that is the lack of laser-cut MOLLE in the handgun compartment. Personally, I could live without the MOLLE in the admin compartment. The single strip of female-side hook-and-loop, while handy for sticking a holster, doesn’t offer a good solution for securing most pistol magazine pouches.
In my area of operations in Central Texas, the natural threats from feral hogs and snakes, to say nothing of any potential human threats I might encounter when on a search, make this use case one of particular interest to me. The same layout is present in other HPG chest rigs, so it isn’t just a failing with the SARv2.

A magazine pouch could be attached inside the admin compartment, but this is suboptimal in the situation where the wearer needs to draw a gun and address a threat. If you are on a SAR team for a sheriff’s department or other LEO and are allowed to open carry, this isn’t an issue at all — you can use this compartment for something else.

Above: I keep a CAT 7 tourniquet on the rig for quick access in a SAR emergency.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the SARv2? Absolutely. I spent my own money on it and sing its praises to my SAR team all the time. I take it with me and my family on state and national park outings as well, not just when on duty with the SAR team.
For the lack of MOLLE in the handgun compartment, I can’t say that it is perfect. For search-and-rescue and other public safety workers and volunteers, however, this chest rig is definitely fit for purpose and won’t disappoint.

Sources

Hill People Gear

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• Bag Drop: 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Search and Rescue Pack
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The TOPS MSK or Mini Scandi Knife is a compact, rugged tool designed with minimalism and functionality at its core. Known for the TOPS modified scandi grind and exceptional build quality, the MSK is an all-around knife that’s ideal for the outdoor enthusiasts from bushcrafters to campers and everyone in between.  Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry or a handy tool for carving or whittling in the wild, the MSK offers durability and precision in a compact package. Being a small knife does the MSK live up to the TOPS reputation of hard use overbuilt knives? Let’s dive in and see what MSK has to offer.

Design and Carry Options

The MSK’s small size allows it to work out great in a variety of carry styles. It’s small enough to be a neck knife, but works great in the pocket, IWB or clipped onto a backpack. The slim sheath makes for a compact package that is easy to carry on your person and takes up very little room in a pack or pouch.

The MSK is 6.13” long from butt to tip, the blade and actual cutting edge is exactly 3” long. Despite being a small knife, it still gives you a good bit of useable edge for outdoor and survival tasks. The handle provides a comfortable 3 finger grip and a lanyard can be added to get that full hand grip.

TOPS MSK Steel

Like many TOPS Knives the blade steel is tough 1095 high carbon steel. 1095 is commonly found in outdoor knives, and the TOPS heat treatment brings out 1095’s best properties. Even with its small size, the tough steel ensures the TOPS MSK will be a little tank of a knife.

While it may not have the edge retention found in modern super steels, if you need to sharpen it on the fly you can pretty much grab a smooth rock and get a working edge back on your knife.

What Can the TOPS MSK Do?

The TOPS MSK is a versatile and reliable knife. In the wilderness the scandi grind allows it help you process wood and build a fire or shelter. It can also help prepare food and even act as a last-ditch defensive tool if needed.

The small size and ergonomics also makes it a great option for an EDC fixed blade. The modified scandi grind has no problem cutting packages, tape, strings, and whatever else you come across in your daily life.

It’s a valuable tool that fits pretty much any kit or style of carry without being a burden. Its size maybe be deceiving but this tool can handle any and everything you throw at it, and it’ll ask for more.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the TOPS MSK is a great little tool that’s as tough as it is handy. It has the durability you’d expect from TOPS, with an ergonomic handle that feels solid in the hand. Whether you’re outdoors or need a reliable everyday carry, this knife won’t let you down. If you’re on the hunt for a compact blade that will get the job done, the MSK is worth a spot in your kit!

Check out the MSK and the full line of hard use TOPS Knives on topsknives.com

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• Preparedness Essentials: Mini Survival Kit

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In the realm of survival tools, few items are as essential as a reliable, compact firearm. Dark Mountain Arms, a veteran-owned company, has designed the Stowaway Rifle and Pistol to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and anyone looking for lightweight, packable firearms. These single-shot firearms aren’t just ultralight — they’re adaptable, suppressor-ready, and easy to break down for transportation. Fortunately, we got our hands on these to explore the features, practical applications, and real-world performance of the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway series of firearms.

After the barrel is seated, the shroud is screwed in place and locks it firmly together. When it is broken down, the entire firearm fits nicely in a variety of day packs.

Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Rifle

The standout feature of the Dark Mountain Stowaway Rifle is its packable design. With a barrel length of 16 inches, the rifle can be taken down into two parts, reducing its total length to less than 17 inches. This makes it ideal for packing into backpacks during long hikes, camping trips, or survival situations. Despite its small footprint, the rifle can be assembled in less than 30 seconds, making it quick to deploy when needed.

Weighing just over 4 pounds, even with an optic attached, the Stowaway Rifle remains incredibly light without compromising its durability. Its minimalistic design makes it easy to carry for extended periods, and the threaded barrel allows for the attachment of suppressors or other barrel accessories, adding to its versatility. The ½x28 thread pitch ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories, including compensators and flash hiders.

Caliber Swapping and Optics-Ready Rail

One of the rifle’s most versatile features is its ability to swap calibers easily. By changing out the bolt face and barrel, you can quickly adjust the rifle to suit different needs. This adaptability makes it particularly appealing to survivalists who may need to shift between calibers based on the availability of ammunition.

The rifle comes optics-ready, equipped with a Picatinny rail that allows you to attach a variety of sighting systems. We mounted the Primary Arms GLx 1x MicroPrism for testing the rifle, an optic with clarity and wide field of view. This optic also complements the rifle’s lightweight and compact design perfectly, adding a mere 9.1 ounces to the total weight. When paired with the GLx, the combined weight of the Stowaway Rifle and optic remained well under 5 pounds, a significant advantage for those trekking long distances with their gear.

Suppression-Ready for Stealth Hunts

Its ability to attach a suppressor makes the Stowaway Rifle a top choice for small game hunting, particularly in scenarios where stealth is critical. Whether you’re hunting rabbits, squirrels, or other small game in a survival situation, the ability to reduce noise is invaluable. A suppressed shot is less likely to alert other animals, giving you a better chance at landing multiple kills in a single outing.

The pistol assembles and disassembles the same as the rifle, but with an even more compact profile.

Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Pistol

While the Stowaway Rifle offers a balance between portability and power, the Stowaway Pistol pushes the concept of a survival firearm even further. This bolt-action pistol is designed to be just as packable and versatile as the rifle. The barrel is removable, making it easy to break down and stow in a small pack or compartment. Despite its large format, the pistol remains easy to handle, particularly for close-range encounters.

During testing, the SIG Sauer Romeo-MSR was mounted on the pistol’s Picatinny rail. The optic’s lightweight design paired well with the pistol, adding minimal bulk while providing clear, parallax-free sighting. We found the Romeo to be a good choice for the Stowaway Pistol, as it added only 4.9 ounces to the total weight, keeping the pistol light and maneuverable.

If you’re a right-handed shooter, resting the thumb of your support hand on the charging handle makes handling the pistol less awkward.

Smaller Size, Same Capabilities

Like the rifle, the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway pistol comes threaded for suppressors (½x28 thread), making it a great option for discrete, close-range shooting. This is particularly useful in situations where you may need to shoot without drawing attention, or where you’re hunting small game and want to remain as quiet as possible.

Caliber swaps are just as easy with the pistol as with the rifle, offering the same flexibility to change out the barrel and bolt face. This adaptability means that, much like the rifle, the Stowaway Pistol can be tailored to different situations, whether you need a higher velocity round for hunting or a smaller caliber for target shooting.

The recoil of the rifle is almost non-existent, making it a stable platform to aim with.

SBR Kit for Added Stability

The pistol can also be upgraded with a 1913 Style Adapter kit, which allows the shooter to add a stock for improved stability and control. This is an excellent option for those who want to maximize the pistol’s performance for more precise shooting.

Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Performance and Real-World Applications

When testing both firearms at the range, we were impressed with the balance and performance, especially given the lightweight nature of both setups. One unique aspect of the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Pistol is its left-side bolt placement, which can be a little awkward for right-handed shooters. Placing your support thumb on the charging handle, while resting the shooting thumb on top, resolves this issue and allows for smoother operation. It’s a minor adjustment, but one that’s important to get used to if you plan to use the pistol regularly.

For survivalists, both the Stowaway Rifle and Pistol provide reliable, lightweight options that can be easily packed away until needed. Their single-shot designs may not be ideal for high-threat scenarios, but they encourage precision and patience, which can be a major advantage in situations where ammunition is scarce.

The ability to quickly swap calibers makes both firearms adaptable for a range of survival scenarios, from small game hunting to self-defense. And with their suppressor-ready barrels, you can operate more stealthily in the field, a critical feature when trying to avoid detection.

Being single shot with no magazine means that the shooter is forced to make the shot count.

Recreational Use

Though designed for survival, these Dark Mountain Stowaway firearms are also well-suited for recreational shooting. Their low recoil and ease of handling make them ideal for younger or less experienced shooters, while their compact designs make them fun and convenient for backpacking trips, camping, or off-the-grid excursions. With price points under $400, they’re also affordable enough to be enjoyed by a wide range of users.

Final Thoughts on the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Rifle and Pistol

Both the Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Rifle and Pistol are perfect examples of how modern firearms can be designed for portability, adaptability, and performance, all at an affordable price. These firearms are designed to be companions for campers, overlanders, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Their ultralight weight, suppressor readiness, and optics compatibility make them versatile solutions for a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re planning an extended backcountry trip or simply preparing for the unexpected, the these firearms strike the right balance between features and performance.

Sources

Dark Mountain Arms

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Editor’s Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

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