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Archive for the ‘Stuff I Like’ Category

Stuff I Like – Remix Raglan Tech L/S from Anetik

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

During a recent visit to Phoenix I stopped by a local outdoor store, which I generally do while on the road. Invariably, I run across a hidden gem and this trip was no different.

Just Roughin’ It is located in Scottsdale and caters to the local outdoor enthusiast. Being a small outdoor shop is tough these days and no one who stays in business can afford to stock their store with stuff people aren’t going to buy. They know their customer and they know the local environment. They also host seminars. If you’re in the area, stop by and check them out.

Quite a few things caught my eye as I browsed the aisles, but then I saw something that looked like a combat shirt with lizard pattern sleeves and a grey body.

Appropriately enough, the manufacturer Anetik promises, “comfort in chaos.” Meet the REMIX Tech L/S.

There’s lots to love. The knit fabric offers UPF30+ protection and incorporates what Anetik refers to as VINT Cooling Technology for airflow. It also features Raglan sleeves so there are no seams on top of your shoulders when wearing a pack. Yeah, it’s a lot like a combat shirt and it’s very comfortable. However, it’s nylon so don’t think it’s FR. Great for summers out in the sun. You won’t overheat and it will protect you from UV.

There’s an extra in the layout as well, a quick stash back zipper pocket at the right hem which can be used to stow items when running.

I haven’t had it pill or pull yet, but if there’s a weak link so far in the design, it’s the collar which is narrow and made from the same fabric as the rest of the shirt.

Offered in XS – 3XL. The fabric has some mechanical stretch but get your normal size, unless you want it to fit loose.

anetik.com/collections/mens-collection-2019/products/mens-remix-raglan-tech-l-s-master-style

Stuff I Like – Humangear GoTubb

Thursday, September 17th, 2020

I am a subscriber to Cairn’s monthly subscription box of outdoor gear. Sure, some months I get the package and go, “WTF am I going to do with this?” and pass it off to one of my kids. But that’s generally because I already have something that does whatever that widget is supposed to do. But in August I got something I’d never think to buy for myself, and after having used it on two trips, I’m sold.

The GoTubb by Humangear is great for transporting medication. Cairns sent the GoTubb 3-Pack (Small), the perfect size for short trips. I have used them for supplements and medication. These small containers are self sealing with a slight push but pop right open with a squeeze. They are Food-safe (FDA) and 100% BPA-free, PC-free, and phthalate-free.

GoTubbs are offered in a variety of colors and sizes.

Capacities:
Small – .50 oz. (15ml)
Medium – 2.94 oz. (87ml)
Large – 5.75 oz (170ml)

www.humangear.com/gear/gotubb

Casca – A Blast From The Past

Saturday, May 23rd, 2020

We first mentioned the Casca series in 2013 and we like to bring the Casca books up every once in awhile because they were such a big part of growing up in the early 80s.

Casca is a legendary eternal mercenary who was charged by Christ on Golgotha to fight until the second coming, from conflict up conflict. Exciting stuff, and as a kid, I couldn’t put it down.

Did you devour this book like I did? If so, did you know that the Casca images by artist Darrel Millsap on the cover of every title were based on this photo of author Barry Sadler?

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And, did you know that same Special Forces Veteran Barry Sadler also wrote and performed the song “The Ballad of the Green Berets” which hit Number 1 on the charts in the Spring of 1966? If you’ve ever served at Ft Bragg, you’ve heard that diddy a time or two.

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Although Sadler passed away in 1989 of complications following a gun shot wound, the Casca-series of books carried on and still boast a website dedicated to the series.

Stuff I Want – Garmin MARQ Commander

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

Every once in a while I will share stuff I love with you. Those are items that I own and use regularly and am happy to recommend to others?.

Today I want to share something I want. Every once in a while I will run across something and go, “I want that.”?. We all do it, regardless of whether it’s actually practical or not. In this case, I believe it’s very practical. However, I can probably get just as much performance out of a watch less than a quarter of the price, and from the same manufacturer.

Garmin’s MARQ line of GPS watches does the same stuff their other ones do, they just look better while they’re doing it. The line is now six deep with variants for sailing, flying, driving, mountaineering, working out and this new tactical model. Each boasts a distinctive case as well as onboard apps.

The Commander boasts a 46mm-wide by 14.4mm-thick Titanium case that is DLC coated. It also has a sapphire crystal, knurled buttons and a tritone black jacquard-weave nylon strap.

Features include dual-format GPS coordinates (military grid reference system or degrees/minutes/seconds), built-in topographical maps, UTC bezel, Night vision goggle compatibility and the Garmin Jumpmaster app.

For when you aren’t off storming the castle, the Commander also embeds all-day stress monitoring, Emails, texts and alerts as well as music storage and streaming services such as Spotify. It also equipped with Garmin Pay, in case you need to pick up some extra gear.

Finally, it will run for 12-days on a single charge in smartwatch mode.

Now, the sticker shock. It’s $1950. But, what the heck. It’s my birthday, and my wife may see this and say to herself, “sure let’s blow a house payment on a watch for my husband.”? Of course, you and I both know that’s not going to happen, but a fella can dream. On the other hand, some lucky guy might get one. If you do, let me know what you think. I can always put it on my “if I ever win the lottery, I’ll get this ” list?

I always recommend that SSD readers source their Garmin systems from our friends at Strohman Enterprise. Joe is a retired Marine and LEO and one of the best guys you’ll know.

Stuff I Like – In and Out Pack from Mystery Ranch

Tuesday, October 1st, 2019

Like the name implies, the In and Out Pack is a self-stuffing pack which compressed down to a 8.5″ x 4.5″ x 4″ envelope.

When open, it has a 19 liter capacity, but unlike most other stuffable packs, the In and Out offers comfortable shoulder straps and plenty of features.

In fact, I haven’t transitioned mine back into storage configuration since I picked it up at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. It now accompanies me as my carry-on for air travel and you’ll also find me wearing it during trade shows.

Features:
-Contoured shoulder straps with adjustable sternum strap
-Two, external zippered access pockets
-One, side stretch-woven water bottle pocket
-Two tool carry loops with secure straps
-Side compression straps
-2 L (70 oz) hydration reservior pocket against frame with ports to drinking tube above shoulders

Offered in a wide variety of color schemes, check the site for current availability.

www.mysteryranch.com/in-and-out-pack

Outdoor Research Adds Colors Options For Ferrosi Jacket

Wednesday, February 14th, 2018

I am a big fan of Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Hooded Jacket. It’s a great Spring & Fall soft shell, shedding wind and light rain.

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While there are some great “tactical” color options, the Ferrosi is great for every day wear and the new colors offer low viz options for those who want performance as well as the ability to blend in with the crowd. On the other hand, they’ve got two Red options for times when you need high visibility like service as a Range Cadre or SAR.

The Ferrosi features a Hood, Zipperrd handwarmer pockets, Zippered chest pocket, and Thumb loops.

The Fabric is a 90D 86% nylon/14% spandex stretch woven ripstop body and hood combined with a 120D Cordura blend 91% nylon/9% spandex stretch woven shoulders and lower sleeves.

www.outdoorresearch.com/us/en/mens-ferrosi-hooded-jacket

Paladin Press is Closing Down

Friday, November 10th, 2017

PP Logo

Paladin Press has announced they’re shutting down operations as of 29 November 2017.

For many of us who date to the days before the internet, Paladin Press was the source of all sorts of arcana on gunsmithing, weapon use, military history, and living lives of action adventure, or perhaps merely pretending to do so.  Revenge pranks, surveillance gadgets, lockpicking, Sykes-Fairbain knife fighting, new identities, and 10/22 Exotic Weapon Systems were all part of the lore.

The era of clipping an order form from a magazine ad and sending off your check or money order has passed but Paladin Press survived.  It outlasted “Soldier of Fortune” magazine, who was a major advertising and marketing channel for their publications.

While business was probably not as brisk as it once was, we’d speculate that the passing of owner/founder Peder Lund  in June 2017 probably had a lot to do with this business decision.

Currently, most of the books are 65 percent off, so if you want to score some great deals by the end of the month, order soon.

Paladin Press

 

Stuff I Like – Camber 107 Pant from Mountain Khakis

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

I was first introduced to the Camber 107 pant by Dave Kramer of Über Group a few years ago at Outdoor Retailer. They’ve since become my daily wear pant.

They feature an external cell phone pocket on right thigh, chap-style double-layer knee panels with integrated articulation at the knees. They also offer a diamond-shaped crotch and “Mudflap” reinforced heel cuffs. There are six pockets in all including the two rear patch pockets, phone pocket, two front pockets with plenty of room at the opening to get your hand in, and a watch pocket at the right. 

The material is a very comfy 9oz, 98% cotton/2% spandex canvas which has been given an enzyme wash to improve the hand. 

The Camber 107 are also quite roomy in the thighs. I think they revised the fit at some point because my first two pairs are a slimmer fit than the ones I purchased later. Also, the thigh patch pocket will fit most phones and has a silver snap closure at the center of the opening. If you don’t snap it, you will notice a slight ‘ding’ when you walk from the two halves of the snap hitting one another. Keep it snapped and it’s no problem.

Offered in Yellowstone (seen above), Slate, Terra and Tobacco. Sizing is 30-36 every size and 38-44 even sizes with 30-36 inch even inseams.

www.mountainkhakis.com