Gear Box: Supplies for Life Off the Beaten Path
Have Rod, Will Travel
A perfect companion for any fisherman on the go is Quantum’s Telecast series of telescopic fishing rods. This light-action rod measures 5 feet, 6 inches when fully extended and only about 18 inches when collapsed, making it a great option for a pack or a truck box. It is made from IM6 graphite and weighs around half a pound. It features D-ring guides and custom real seats. The Quantum Fire 10 reel only weighs 6.8 ounces and is equipped with 10 bearings, a strong and lightweight composite body, a solid brass pinion gear (5.2:1 ratio), and a double-anodized aluminum spool with a carbon fiber insert. It features a front-adjustable drag and continuous anti-reverse clutch, has a max drag of 4 lbs. and 22 inches per turn.
MSRP: $19.99 (rod); $49.99 (reel)
Light the Way
The HL8R headlamp shares all the same features of Coast’s very popular HL8 except for this one’s ability to recharge and its higher output. The HL8R emits an impressive 800 lumens on high for 4 hours and 15 minutes. On medium, output drops to 245 lumens, while the low setting is 50 lumens (but will last for 62 hours). The headlamp can be easily shifted from a wide flood to a long-reaching spot with a maximum distance of 702 feet.
The rechargeable pack can be charged via micro USB, and the HL8R can also be powered by four AA batteries (separate pack included). Both packs are sealed for water resistance. The headband is completely adjustable and comes with a helmet clip.
MSRP: $179.99
Night Shots
American Technologies Network’s BinoX HD binocular combines the capabilities of zoom binoculars with GPS, a 1080p video camera, and a night-vision device. Able to zoom in and out between 4X and 16X, the binoculars use an IR light source to illuminate subjects even in total darkness (up to 300 yards). The HD camera can capture stills or video in 1080p at 30 frames per second or 720p at 60 frames per second. The GPS receiver tracks your movements on an interactive map, including speed and altitude, while its geo-tagging capability lets you mark the pictures you take with location information for later reference. It even has a built-in electronic compass that displays at the top of the viewfinder. It can connect to your smartphone wirelessly or via micro HDMI and USB cables.
MSRP: $479.00
Nature-Proof Lantern
At about a foot tall and six inches square, Zippo’s Rugged Lantern was built for strength and durability. It is drop-proof (up to five feet), plunge-proof (up to three feet of water), and it floats forever. Charged from a standard 120-volt source or via the included car charger, the lantern has a burn time of approximately 10 hours on high, producing 220 lumens of light, while it will endure for 15 hours on medium (50 percent power) and 40 hours on low (10 percent power). Operated by an easy-to-locate red button, the diffuser scatters the light from a single LED bulb over a wide area. The nylon webbing strap detaches on one side so the lantern can be hung from a tree or a rollbar on your rig.
MSRP: $89.95
Stash and Go
Based on 5.11’s best-selling Rush bag, the Havoc 30 is a low-profile, lightweight, and durable backpack made from 500- and 1,050-Denier nylon, ideal for everyday use. It features quick-access waist belt pockets for extra magazines, zipper-secured water bottle pockets, and additional general use pockets. The pack’s 1.5-inch waist belt is removable and holster compatible, as well as being compatible with 5.11’s weight-distributing Tactical Zero-G Plates. The padded pocket on top offers a level of protection for sensitive items, while the MOLLE webbing allows for customization and additional storage possibilities. Available in black, double tap, sandstone and storm.
MSRP: $139.99
Very Green Bottles
Liberty Bottleworks takes environmentally friendly to a new level with its line of 3003 aluminum bottles made from its zero-waste factory. They are non-toxic and non-leaching and completely BPA-free, featuring an array of colors and designs printed with flexible food-grade coatings that are free of volatile organic compounds. The caps open and close with a quarter turn and are rated to 45 psi, and the bottles themselves are threadless and wide-mouthed for easy cleaning and easier pouring. Every bottle is made from U.S.-sourced recycled materials and completely made in the U.S. Available in 16-, 24-, and 32-ounce sizes.
MSRP: Starting at $15.00
The Woodsman
Zippo doesn’t just make lighters anymore. In addition to a variety of camping goods, pocket knives, and butane-powered hand warmers, Zippo offers the 4-in-1 Woodsman, a multi-talented tool that is well suited at any campsite. With this tool, get quick access to a mallet, a stake puller, a 15-inch bow saw that cuts branches up to four inches in diameter, and a hatchet with a 5-inch blade. It easily converts from an axe to a bow saw in minutes and comes with a spare blade. Made from steel and plastic, the Woodsman tips the scales at 3.8 pounds and comes with a plastic clamshell sheath.
MSRP: $79.95
Shovel With Teeth
Looking more like a lunchtime spork, the Krazy Beaver is made with 13-guage tempered steel and powdercoated to prevent rust, and the teeth are reinforced for durability. The 11.5-x-8.5-inch head is good for regular digging as well as penetrating ice and clay. The fiberglass shaft is attached to the handle and head via locking pins, and when removed, the 40-inch tool collapses to just 20 inches, perfect for a truck box. The D-grip handle is solid polymer, while the shaft is hollow and can be used to store emergency items. An optional plastic guard and QuickFist mounts are available.
MSRP: $89.99
Takedown Bow
This 23-inch Compact Folding Survival Bow is made from aluminum, while the limbs are solid fiberglass pieces cut to shape and already attached to the riser. They fold down into a slot for transport and storage. When ready to use, they fold back out and are held in place by a rotating bolt. Available in three draw weights—40, 50, and 55 pounds—different weight limbs can be easily swapped out by removing a few screws. Sold separately are Primal Gear Unlimited’s 400-spine carbon takedown arrows with feather fletching, its 23-inch Primal Revolution Tactical Quiver made from Cordura nylon with MOLLE webbing, as well as a variety of bowhunting gear.
MSRP: $149.00
