We're always on the lookout for new survival gear, and we publish an overview of our findings in each issue of RECOIL OFFGRID. In Issue 37, we took a quick glance at new survival gear from 12 companies, ranging from knives and tools to hunting weapons, shelter, and apparel. Read on for more details on these products.
Pangea Designs Enigma
Dimensions
2.5 by 1.7 by 0.1 inches
MSRP
$20
Notes
At first glance, you might think the Enigma is an aptly named object. After all, its purpose in life isn’t immediately apparent. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear what this clever device can offer. The one-piece multi-tool has a set of wrenches (in metric or standard), a prybar that can also work as a screwdriver in a pinch, and not one but two bottle openers (for both pry-off or twist-off caps). And the slit in the main body allows you to slide it onto your belt loop, acting as a suspension clip for your keys so they’re not sitting in a big pile at the bottom of your pocket. And because it’s made of titanium, the Enigma is super strong yet amazingly lightweight. Made in the USA.
Pocket Shot 2.0
Colors
Black, Purple/Gold, Red/Silver
MSRP
$50
Notes
The Pocket Shot revolutionized the slingshot genre when it arrived a few years back. Its plastic ring and elastic pouch allowed you to shoot a wide range of projectiles at two to three times the rate of a regular slingshot. Now there’s the Pocket Shot 2.0. This next evolution has a silicone grip around an aluminum chassis, which works on a set of three gimbals that swing and pivot for greater accuracy. It can shoot anything from marbles and smooth rocks to 1/4-inch steel slugs — up to 350 feet per second. While it might not bring down deer during the end-times, it can take small game and varmint. Plus, this little weapon can pack down into your pocket or the included carrying case. Made in the USA.
Zero Tolerance 0223
OAL
8.6 inches
MSRP
$300
Notes
Can’t decide between a huge fixed blade and a more modest folding knife. Split the difference with the 0223. It combines the aesthetics of a classic military knife with the design of an EDC blade. The result is a gorgeous specimen that harkens back to its vintage battlefield roots but functions brilliantly with modern practicality. The titanium frame-lock handle is wrapped by brown G-10 scales, which increases “grippyness” while reminding us of the leather handles of old-school military models. The premium 20CV blade steel is crazy sharp, incredibly tough, and highly corrosion resistant — all the while holding a mean edge. Plus, with a push on the flipper tab, the 3.5-inch manual blade flies out smoothly as if it were spring-assisted. Bonus points for the pocket clip being adjustable for righties and lefties.
CamelBak Chute Mag Insulated Stainless Steel
Sizes
12, 20 (shown), 32, 40 ounces
MSRP
Starting at $23
URL
camelbak.com
Notes
Anyone who’s ever used a water bottle with a screw-top cap knows how annoying it can be to have the lid accidentally slip out of your hands and fall in some dirt or roll under your driver seat. The Chute Mag from CamelBak fixes that common problem by not only having the leak-proof lid stay attached when opened but also stows it securely out of the way, thanks to its integrated magnetic top. The cap is also compatible with CamelBak’s other popular bottles, such as the Eddy. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, the Chute Mag is double-walled vacuum insulated to keep your hot drinks toasty for six hours and your cold drinks chilly for 24 hours. It’s BPA, BPS, and BPF free.
Hawke Sport Optics Tilt Bipod
Weight
1 pound
MSRP
$95
URL
hawkeoptics.com
Notes
When it comes to taking down game — big or small — a long-gun will be far more advantageous than a handgun. And a long-gun with a bipod is even better for accurate shooting because it stabilizes the weapon on two axes: laterally and up and down. It also lets you rest in a more comfortable position, which is key if you’re in a hide or need to wait awhile for the perfect shot. This Hawke model provides an affordable yet reliable bipod with height-adjustable, spring-loaded legs that can stretch from 9 to 13 inches, allowing you to level your rifle on most terrain. It attaches easily to a swivel stud and works with a rifle sling attached, making the Tilt Bipod both useful and easy to use.
Legend Compression Wear Warm Weather Compression Tactical Boot Socks
Colors
Black, Coyote Brown
MSRP
$18
URL
legendcompressiontactical.com
Notes
Anyone who’s ever hiked or marched for any serious amount of time knows the first point of failure is usually your feet. And that can be exacerbated by wet or thin socks. Enter the Warm Weather Compression Tactical Boot Socks from Legend Compression Wear. These socks offer both superior wicking ability to stay dry and compression to improve circulation and reduce achiness. The midcalf socks are made of 95-percent nylon and 5-percent Spandex and have extra wide arch support, providing a good mix of comfort and durability while absorbing and then evaporating moisture away from the skin. Legend makes all of its socks in North Carolina and provides socks to various military and law enforcement units, including members of the U.S. special operations forces.
Cat Footwear Stormers 6” Boot
Colors
Black, Cat Yellow, Dark Pink, Light Blue, Light Purple, Olive Night
MSRP
$115
URL
catfootwear.com
Notes
You know what brings May flowers, right? So, you better have the proper footwear for the deluge that’s to come this spring. Sure, not every region will experience flooding or torrential rainstorms, but rubber boots can still be handy for trekking through ravines or working in your backyard. And the Stormers have the added benefit of being rated to protect against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions, making them reliable for work sites, too. The waterproof boot features multilayered vulcanized rubber for extra moisture protection and increased durability while its outsole offers both traction on uneven terrain and ergonomic flexing that moves with each step. It’s available with soft or steel toes and in 6-inch or 11-inch styles.
Prime Archery Black 3
Weight
4.4 pounds
MSRP
$1,199
URL
g5prime.com
Notes
A bow might be based on an ancient platform, but it’s by no means an out-of-date weapon. Take for example Prime Archery and its recently released Black Series of compound bows. The Black 3 features quality materials and Prime’s state-of-the-art Roto Cam technology, which has a rotating module on the cam that allows for easy and precise draw length adjustments. The archer just needs an Allen wrench to adjust the bow in half-inch increments. With a velocity of 337 feet per second, axle-to-axle length of 33 inches, and draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, or 80 pounds, the Black 3 is a slick bow with a cutting-edge design and a premium price. But you’re certainly getting what you pay for.
GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 Camp Stove
Dimensions
21.4 by 12.9 by 3.8 inches
MSRP
$125
URL
gsioutdoors.com
Notes
As much as we love testing our survival skills by roasting a fresh kill over an open fire that we built with a hand drill, we’re far more likely to use technology to our advantage. So the Selkirk 540 Camp Stove is a welcomed addition to our outdoor gear. It houses two 10,000 BTU/h burners, allowing you to cook with two pots or pans simultaneously. Each burner has an individual control valve, so you can boil water quickly on one while letting your food simmer on the other. Perhaps the best part is its slim design. The wraparound windscreens keep the wind away from the burners when open, but can fold down flat quickly, while the integrated carry handle boosts its portability.
First Lite Men’s Fuse Henley
Colors
Black, Conifer, Dry Earth, First Lite Cipher, and First Lite Fusion
MSRP
$100
URL
firstlite.com
Notes
It’s hard to beat wool because it’s nature’s super fabric. In cold weather, sheep’s clothing will retain heat even when wet (while cotton will just freeze). It’s naturally breathable and moisture wicking so — despite the misnomer — it can help keep you cool in warm weather. And it’s odor resistant! The only downsides are that it can be itchy, and it doesn’t last as long as other materials. Which is why First Lite combines its merino wool with nylon fibers, boosting durability and eliminating itchiness. Its Fuse Henley is a great example of this. The lightweight shirt works great as a base layer for those cold spring mornings or as your only layer when the sun comes out.
Mustang Survival Taku Waterproof Jacket
Colors
Admiral Grey, Azure (Blue), Mahi Yellow, Moss (Green)
MSRP
$375
Notes
There are raincoats and then there’s the Taku Waterproof Jacket. As its name denotes, it can shield you from precipitation something fierce. But so can a garbage bag. The difference is that the Taku is meant for hard use, thanks to its streamlined design that reduces bulk and articulated shoulders and elbows for increased mobility. It features Mustang Survival’s trademark three-layer Marine-Spec fabric, which is lightweight and breathable yet tough enough for harsh salt-water environments. The low-profile pockets — which include an internal chest pocket — are snag free, while the neoprene wrist cuffs allow for a tight but adjustable closure to keep water out. And the fitted hood turns with the head to maintain peripheral vision.
Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2
Weight
3 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP
$200
Notes
Whether you’re a backpacker keeping gear to a minimum or a bushcrafter who doesn’t want to spend an hour or three building a shelter from tree branches, the Clip Flashlight 2 could work well for various types of outdoor adventurers. Why? The smart design allows for a quick setup using just two poles. Though it’s a two-person tent, there’s a decent amount of room, with roughly 30 square feet of floor space and a peak height of 42 inches. Moreover, the fly can unzip to act as an awning, protecting gear that doesn’t need to be inside. And thanks to aluminum poles, a nylon floor, a polyester fly, and a No-See-Um Mesh body, the Clip Flashlight 2 is relatively lightweight and easy to pack up.