EXO from Exoconcept is a surface watercraft designed to assist swimmers. Exoconcept advertises “No Emission + No Noise + No Smoke + No Maintenance.” Sounds like it might be useful for certain surface swimmer or rescue applications. If not, it looks like one hell of a lot of fun.
Available in various models, the EXO is made from ABS plastic or carbon fiber and powered by a 3.5, 4.5, or 7 kw electric motor connected to a water jet drive.
Backpacker magazine selected Beyond Clothing’s RoughRider Pant under the Editor’s Choice Snow Category for custom fit pants. Editor-in-chief Jonathan Dorn boasts a 36″ inseam and liked the Schoeller Dynamic fabric’s ability to cut the wind. Specifically, he said that with a layer underneath, he stayed warm below zero in 20 mile-per-hour wind conditions. We haven’t seen the article mentioned in the online edition yet, but it is featured prominently on page 79 of the current issue.
Originally designed for military use, the new RoughRider Pant is now available in Nextec’s silicone encapsulated Glacier fabric used for PCU Level 5 and comes in a MultiCam print.
The RoughRider Pant features:
-Open or Zippered hand pockets
-Angled Thigh Cargo Pockets
-Front Thigh Pockets
-Left Ankle Pocket
-Gusseted Ankle
-Expansion for ski boots
-Reduction for bare ankle
-Velcro and snaps for ice and snow precaution
-Knee Pad pocket with back of leg tightening
-Choice of D3O pad or Crye pad configuration
-Inner Thigh vent zipper with mesh inner
-Zippered fly with Velcro waist band
-Shaped waist band
You can also now get the Glacier Shock Jacket in MultiCam. Similar in design to the PCU level 5 jacket it incorporates Raglan sleeves a stand up collar and generous chest pockets.
The Lounger from Eagle Nest Outfitters is just what I needed to relax after a hard day of writing. I’d seen it hanging in outdoor stores but the Lounger was ever properly set up to give it a go. However, at the most recent Outdoor Retailer, ENO had a couple of Loungers set up and they beckoned me into their booth to try it out. Truthfully, after a long day of walking the show floor, I thought I was in heaven and I knew right then I had to have one so when my birthday came earlier this month I got myself a present.
The real quandary was how to hang it. None of my eaves hang out far enough to keep me from laying up against the house and none of my trees had the right limb for the job, so I had to come up with a different plan of attack. Instead, I settled for a stand I found on Amazon that is designed for use with other brands of loungers. They all basically look the same online so I bought one. Sure, it was easy enough to assemble, coming in only four pieces. But, as usual, Murphy showed up. The top piece sits on a sleeve and is held fast by two bolts. Unfortunately, the bolts are too big. Naturally, no return instructions but since the bolts were really redundant anyway, I decided to keep it.
A word of caution for those who decide to go my route. The ENO Lounger is built a little different than other brands. In fact, you cannot use the clip and spring that Amazon recommends you purchase with the stand. If you do, you will sit so low that your rear will scrape the base of the stand. You’ll be just fine attaching the Lounger right to the stand’s eyelet or if you need a little more height, you can fit the Lounger’s attachment ring around the tube of the stand. If you do this, prepare a collar to pin it in place as it could slip off if you bounce around too much. Better yet, don’t bounce around. Just relax.
The Lounger itself is available in a variety of colors and is very comfortable. It features a pillow for your head, removable drink cozy, two side pockets for magazines or books (my iPad fits fine in one) and an adjustable, suspended foot rest. The frame is collapsible aluminum so it can be transported and will accommodate up to 260 lbs.
As for performance? So far so good. I’d recommend a Lounger to anyone who has the means to hang it and use it, liberally.
www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
Panteao Productions has just begun pre-orders on what is the first in a new series of documentaries. The new video, called “Down Zero”, follows shooters competing at the 2011 IDPA Carolina Cup. It’s geared towards introducing people to shooting sports and gives them a rare, inside look at a match from the perspective of the competitors and safety officers. “Miami Vice” fans should get a kick out of seeing actor Michael Talbott, known for his role as Detective Stan Switek make his competitive debut. Viewers will also get a glimpse at a free shooting clinic taught after the match by shooters like Super Dave Harrington, World Champion Robert Vogel, Mark Redl, and Tom Yost.
Available for pre-order with a 1 November release, check both Panteao Productions and IDPA Headquarters for the DVD. It’s already available to subscribers at the Panteao website: www.makeready.tv.
BHI Outdoors has announced a new course. The Big-Game Hunter Prep Course is designed to introduce you to the skills needed to increase your confidence and practical marksmanship skills, and help ensure you don’t come back home empty handed. Veteran big-country hunters know there’s a huge difference between cutting bullet holes from a solid bench rest and being able to execute lethal and humane 100-, 200- or even 300-yard shots in the field.
Much like BHI Outdoors’ tagline “Combat Inspired – Field Proven”, this one-day program is based on many of the skills and competencies BHI teaches in their military-oriented sniper and marksmanship courses. Instructional modules include ballistics, proper zeroing of your hunting rifle, shooting form, range calculation, stress shooting, and shooting known/unknown distance targets from various positions.
For more information call BHI Outdoors at 304-457-1280.
Like BHI on Facebook.
Coming soon to a foot near you are Combat Flip Flops.
One of the major issues in Afghanistan is developing a robust economy. It’s one of the best ways to combat the insurgency. Put people to work and let them develop a stake in their way of life. A couple of American entrepreneurs saw this first hand and decided to do something about it. Their answer is Combat Flip Flops.
All Models are made with Super comfortable recycled Leather straps and footbeds with heat stamped graphics, a chunky EVA midsole and rubber outsole. All materials are sourced from Afghanistan, assembled by Afghans in a professional environment, and packaged with recycled material from combat uniforms, boots, or tactical equipment.
When you look at the various models you will notice a few embellishments that scream Afghanistan. For example, the use of the poppy and 7.62 x 39 head stamps. Look for Combat Flip Flops to be available by the first of the year. Interested retailers contact them NOW to get in on this. These are going to be big.
The Ultimate Photographers Bag from Inside Line Equipment is an actual backpack rather than the more common shoulder bag. This is great for those of you who walk to work or like to hike. It features a waterproof roll top main compartment and camera compartment (12x6x8) padded, with 2 moveable Velcro dividers as well as a laptop sleeve.
Now, this is interesting. It’s made in California. This isn’t very common these days for commercial packs.
Available 1 January in both 2 and 3 man versions, the Mojo series of tents from Sierra Designs is very lightweight. The 2 man variant weighs in at a scant 2 lbs 11oz trail weight. To realize weight savings they have used some interesting design features such as integrated fly, half seam tape and a new pole design.
