Gear Box: Supplies for Life Off the Beaten Path (Fall 2016)
AQUABRICK
AquaBrick is made from BPA-free, highimpact polyethylene plastic designed to store either three gallons of water or up to 20 pounds of food. Empty, they weigh 2.36 pounds and are 9x18x6 inches in size. Made in the USA, they are perfect for long-term water and food storage options. Also available is AquaBrick’s water filtration system that will safely treat 550 gallons of water from over 118 types of waterborne bacteria and virus.
MSRP: $22
SEEK THERMAL REVEALXR
With a frame rate greater than 15 frames per second, RevealXR has a 206×156 thermal sensor that’s ideal for security, safety surveillance, and hunting in dark conditions. Its fixed focus narrows in at distances up to 900 feet and has a dedicated 300-lumen LED flashlight control for quick detection. The large color display offers seven color options, while the microSD card allows you to capture, store, and transfer images via USB cable to your PC.
MSRP: $470
MECHANIX M-PACT
With a sonic-welded thermoplastic rubber knuckle guard and dedicated finger guards to shield the top of your hands from impact and abrasion injuries, the M-Pact delivers full-coverage hand protection for any number of rugged uses. The dual-layer construction of the gloves reinforces high wear areas, while the thick textured pattern on the fingertips provides a sure grip. Additional padding was added in the palm to reduce shock and vibration associated with hand tools. Machine washable, they’re available in 11 colors and five sizes.
MSRP: $35
GERBER E-TOOL
Designed for all kinds of tough terrain, the E-Tool has a powdercoated, carbon steel shovel head attached to an anodized aluminum shaft and a glassfilled nylon handle. The shovel head has a serrated edge that folds back, exposing a short pick that can loosen stubborn soil and pry out rocks. At 9.25 inches in length (closed) and at just over two pounds, the E-Tool can open up to 23.75 inches in total length, making it a compact but rugged tool to have on the trail.
MSRP: $120
FIRST TACTICAL MEDIUM DUTY LIGHT
With two brightness settings—high with 274 lumens or low at 16 lumens—there is a level of light for many different applications. The steel clip is reversible so the light can be clipped to gear or packed in a variety of ways. The large and small lugs on the light’s aluminum body is perfect for gripping with gloved hands, and the standard bezel can be switched out for the included castellated one for an added element of self-defense.
MSRP: $50
VANQUEST IBEX-30
The main compartment of this 22-inchhigh backpack is completely configurable thanks to the hook and loop padding on the inside walls. The low-profile pack (only 10 inches at its thickest) is made with ultra-durable 1000-D Cordura nylon and treated with water-repellent DuPont Teflon for easy cleaning. Side compression straps adjust the width/ thickness of the IBEX when needed and prevent unintentional opening of the main compartment.
MSRP: $190
ZIPPO HAND WARMER
Billed as a “pocked-sized furnace,” the Zippo Hand Warmer can provide up to 12 hours of consistent heat. Approximately the size of a smartphone, they can fit into most pockets and are powered by a light petroleum distillate that creates a small combustion like a catalytic heater. Included is a small funnel to make filling the hand warmer easier, as well as a soft warming bag that better dissipates the heat in your pocket and deters hot spots. Zippo Hand Warmers are available in a chrome, black or camo finish.
MSRP: $22
REFACTOR TACTICAL BLASTING CAP
The Blasting Cap‘s exterior features two 3.5×2-inch hooks and loop squares for the addition of patches, including a 1×1-inch hook and loop square for an infrared patch during night operations. On the inside front panel is sewn a bright VS-17 panel for signaling or increased visibility, while the Relative Effectiveness factors of different explosives are printed on the inside tape for quick reference for demolitions personnel. The hat is available in six colors.
MSRP: $30
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the Fall 2016 print issue of Tread Magazine.
