Kelty Tru.Comfort Doublewide 20
MATERIALS
Insulation: Cloudloft Synthetic Insulation
Shell: 75-denier High Filament Poly Taffeta Shell
Liner: 75-denier Poly Taffeta
MSRP
$180
URL
www.kelty.com
NOTES
Whether your spouse uses you as a security blanket or you just want to stay close to conserve body heat, consider the Tru.Comfort Doublewide 20 the next time you sleep under the stars. As the name implies, this sleeping bag is big enough for you and your loved one to snooze peacefully yet has Kelty’s Comfort-Tuck Zipper System to let you regulate your temperatures individually. There are also separate built-in blankets and foot beds, as well as an oversized hood to fit your standard pillows from home. Stuff sack included.
GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker
DIMENSIONS (OPEN)
26 by 24.8 by 39.8 inches
MSRP
$75
NOTES
By no means will a folding chair ever be on our list of bug-out gear. But that doesn’t mean we can’t use one for our next camping trip, backyard barbecue, or tailgate party. And there’s nothing that says it can’t be comfortable either. This GCI Outdoor model is a full-size rocking chair that has a beverage holder, ergonomic armrests, a mesh backrest, and a deeper seat than most — not to mention the patented Spring Action Rocking Technology that let’s you gently sway while resting on your rump. It has a load capacity of 250 pounds, thanks in part to its powdercoated steel frame. The only drawback for this durable, comfortable package? It weighs 13 pounds. Fortunately, a carry bag is included.
MUUL Ruckbucket Commando Style
COLORS
Coyote Tan, Hunter Orange, Midnight Black, Surf Blue
MSRP
$110
URL
www.muulusa.com
NOTES
Since the portable ice chest was patented in the early 1950s, coolers have been seen as insulated boxes that keep your food and drinks cold. More recently, waterproof bags have been marketed as “soft coolers” to those who need something more portable. Now MUUL is promising to update the genre with its Ruckbucket. It’s essentially a compact hard insulated bucket combined with a rugged backpack, letting you haul brewskis or firewood to your campsite or take home fresh meat from your latest fishing or hunting expedition. There’s also webbing so you can attach MUUL’s accessories (such as a water bottle pouch) or your own MOLLE-compatible gear. The bucket’s lid is even padded, turning into a seat if you need to get off your feet after a long hike or a day of river angling.
PocketUp Park Pack
COLORS
Black, Olive Drab
MSRP
$115
URL
pocketup.net
NOTES
The Park Pack is ideal for those who want to carry only the bare essentials in a comfy, compact, and durable package. At 14.5 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep, this low-profile bag is great for everything from a quick coffee run to long lines at an amusement park; PocketUp founder and head designer Mel Terkla originally built it as a custom bag for a Disneyland trip. This high-quality knapsack is made from 1,050-denier ballistic nylon, YKK zippers with dual sliders, and 1/4-inch closed cell foam in the back panel. While we would’ve preferred padding in the shoulder straps, the Park Pack does have an adjustable sternum strap, a reinforced carry handle, a bungee cord on the front to secure a jacket, and a Velcro patch field. The top interior slot pocket can hold keys, a wallet, a smartphone, or a .38 snub-nosed revolver … don’t ask us how we know about that last one.
Adidas Terrex Two Parley
MATERIALS
Upper: Knitted Parley OceanPlastic
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Continental rubber
MSRP
$125
NOTES
We’re fans of any footwear that lets us look good in a pub and helps us bug-out through the backcountry. After all, when feces truly hits the fan, you might not have time to stop, take off your dress shoes, and secure a pair of hiking boots. The Terrex Two Parley features lightweight EVA midsoles for cushioning and tough outsoles made of Continental rubber with a tread pattern inspired by a mountain-bike tire. Meanwhile, the upper is made from knitted Parley Ocean Plastic yarn, which is reclaimed and recycled marine waste that feels like your favorite pair of socks. While this trail-running shoe isn’t meant for hard-core trekking, the Terrex Two Parley will get you over dirt and rocks far better and more comfortably than your wingtips.
Ecoths Griffith Hybrid Short
COLORS
Olivine, Quiet Shade
MSRP
$69
URL
aventuraclothing.com/men-s
NOTES
In most parts of the northern hemisphere, summer is here, and it’s time to show some skin. But not too much skin, of course. The Griffith Hybrid Short will let you air out your legs comfortably and give you plenty of functionality for your next outdoor adventure — all the while still looking pretty fashionable. Made of a blend of polyester, recycled plastic, and spandex heather twill, this short is moisture-wicking to keep you dry, stretchy to eliminate any binding in the crotch, and soft to the touch unlike other sandpapery polyester apparel. It has two front slash pockets, one plain back pocket, one zippered back pocket, a zippered front cargo pocket, a small coin pocket, and both 2-inch belt loops and an interior drawstring waist.
Feetures Uptown Ultra Light Crew
COLORS
Black, Denim, Navy, Taupe
MSRP
$20
URL
feetures.com
NOTES
As sports socks disguised as dress socks, the Uptown Ultra Light Crew comes in four color patterns that’ll match everything from your business slacks to your golf shorts. But they’ll also let you pound out a few miles of pavement during your daily run. Its anatomical design and seamless toe gives the user a conforming fit that increases comfort and reduces the chances of blisters, while the ultra-thin construction provides cushioning without taking up a lot of room in your shoes. Plus, Feetures’ Targeted Compression provides support where your feet need it the most. And thanks to the iWick spun polyester fibers, the Uptown offers both moisture management and long-term durability.
Bushcraft – The Bow Drill Bible
by Leigh Robinson
NO. OF PAGES
109
MSRP
$21.20 for paperback,
$4.99 for ebook
URL
Amazon.com
NOTES
Unlike what you might see in the movies or various “reality” TV survival shows, trying to spark and maintain a flame using a bow drill requires lots of patience, endurance, and elbow grease. But U.K. survival researcher and instructor Leigh Robinson hopes to make this technique less painful for you with his book, Bushcraft – The Bow Drill Bible. This 5×8-inch field manual has color photos and easy-to-follow instructions on how to master the bow drill basics. While it might not have the prettiest art direction, the paperback lays out the fundamentals of fire-starting, how to craft a bow drill set, and the best materials to use whether you’re in the United Kingdom or North America. We also appreciate the tips section on how to troubleshoot common mistakes.
Good To-Go Kale and White Bean Stew
NET WEIGHT
3.3 ounces
MSRP
$6.95 single, $12.95 double
URL
goodto-go.com
NOTES
Variety is the spice of life. So in between our fishing and hunting, we like to mix it up with new flavors. While the Kale and White Bean Stew didn’t sound immediately appealing to our inner carnivore, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it’s rather delicious. Not only that, but one pouch contains 360 calories, 8 grams of fat, 16 grams of protein, and 60 grams of carbohydrates — not bad for a bag of dehydrated beans and veggies. And like all lightweight and compact Good To-Go offerings, this stew is easy to make at home or in the field: rip open the bag, remove the oxygen absorber, add 1.5 cups of boiling water, stir, reseal the bag, then wait 15 minutes. Plus, it has a two-year shelf life. Made in the USA.
Tacticlip
WEIGHT
0.1 ounce
MSRP
$20 per four-pack
URL
tacticlip.org
NOTES
We’ve gotten a kick out of the many ways people create multitools. The Tacticlip is one such amusing invention. Based on the snap barrette, this little gadget doesn’t just hold your hair up, it can also cut, saw, screw, and measure — among other functions. How? Its frame has integrated tools. For example, its raptor claw protrudes discreetly from one end and excels at opening boxes. It also has a serrated edge for sawing soft objects, a mini screwdriver, a wire stripper, and even a wick holder. Made of spring steel, the 2-inch-long Tacticlip is an innocuous object when worn that can turn into a handy multitool when a light-duty task presents itself.
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Wallet
WEIGHT
0.5 ounce
MSRP
$25
URL
niteize.com
NOTES
Whether you expect to encounter a creek on your trail run, hit the rapids while whitewater rafting, or just relax on the beach, the RunOff Waterproof Wallet can help keep your valuables safe from the elements. It’s been tested and rated to IP67, which means it’s dustproof and waterproof (withstanding submersion up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes). Made of TPU with RF-welded seams, the wallet features Nite Ize’s TRU Zip (to keep out dust, sand, and water), a translucent front window (to quickly locate your items), and various integrated anchor points (to attach to your belt or pack). While the interior dimensions aren’t huge (3.7 by 4.7 inches), the RunOff does offer enough space to protect your cash, cards, and keys.
Terrain 365 Nautilus Alpha
OAL
8.5 inches
MSRP
$345
URL
terrain365.com
NOTES
Custom knifemaker Michael Vagnino earned the rank of master bladesmith from the American Bladesmith Society and has crafted knives since 1994. Patrick Ma has worked in the outdoor industry since 1997, designing everything from everyday-carry packs to technical apparel. Combining their diverse skillsets and knowledge, these two longtime friends recently founded Terrain 365. Their company has already made waves, thanks to models like the badass Nautilus Alpha. This one-piece fixed blade is made of Terravantium, an alloy that they guarantee will never rust in natural environments — whether in, around, or under salt or fresh water. The 4.375-inch blade features a versatile, modified drop-point profile while the skeletonized handle has a textured epoxy powdercoat. The latter is available in black or orange (for great visibility in dirt, water, or foliage). Comes with matching Kydex sheath with TekLok. Made in the USA.
More From Issue 32
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- Watch Commander: Survival Watch Buyer's Guide
- What If You and Your Family are Threatened by a Stalker?
- Lock Security: A Locksmith's Tips for Protecting Your Valuables
- Jeff Franklin Spotlight – The Commando Whisperer
- Review: TOPS Knives SXB Survival Knife
- The Basics of Hydroponics
- Review: Rynoskin Total Insect Protection Clothing
- Virtual Survival: 5 Survival Video Game Reviews
- Survival Rifle Build: Tricking Out the BRN-22
- Dogs for Defense: Considerations for Getting a Protection Dog
- Book Review: “The Survival Medicine Handbook” by Joseph & Amy Alton
- Parental Preps Issue 32
- Emergency Medical Care Without a Hospital
- Pocket Preps: Micro Folding Knives
- Gear Up Issue 32
Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 33
Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 31
Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)
Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.