All posts in “Outdoor”

Enjoy Full Ventilation With The Campo Designs Escape M4 Retractable Tent

No matter where your outdoor adventure takes you, camping tents are always the go-to shelter. They provide a roof over your head and a place to sleep in comfort and safety. But the Campo Designs Escape M4 is unlike any tent in the market because of its retractable domed canopy.

This camping gear gives you six different positions to customize according to your camping experience. If you want full ventilation or total exposure, then you can open the canopy halfway. You can also open it a little for just enough airflow. But for full privacy, especially at night during sleep, then you simply zip up close. But even when fully closed you get unparalleled temperature control because of built-in overhead netted ventilation. 

As a prerequisite with any outdoor shelter, the Campo Designs Escape M4 is completely waterproof. It also has a bathtub groundsheet to keep you and your belongings safe and dry, a rainfly, and tape-sealed seams. Plus, the domed shape of the roof allows water to easily slide off the tent. But of course, when it’s open then you expose yourself to nature’s brunt. 

Moreover, it boasts a huge interior space at 70 square feet. It is a large family camping tent and can sleep four adults. It can even fit a queen size inflatable mattress and still leave plenty of room on the sides. It also sets up fast given its components, in less than 10 minutes. It uses durable hybrid aluminum poles and a fiberglass exoskeleton. The Campo Designs Escape M4 weighs 22 pounds and comes with its own carrying backpack for easy transport. 

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Images courtesy of Campo Designs

200 HP On A Side-By-Side Is What The 2022 Can-Am Maverick X3 Delivers

While everyone else is hitting the beach or trails this summer, there are some of us who are craving another kind of adventure. For some adrenaline-pumping fun, driving a side-by-side always equals a great time. Can-Am is about to shake up the scene with the 2022 Maverick X3. From what we hear, it’s game-changing off-highway UTV.

To tame this beast, you’ll need balls of steel to push it to the limit. Just remember to gear up properly and put on some sunscreen before you take it out for a spin. Under the hood, you have a Rotax ACE Turbo RR triple-cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower.

With podium finishes at the Dakar rally for three years straight under its belt, this is one mean machine. Can-Am now lets you experience what it feels like to drive around in a race-winning platform. The beefy powerplant is just one of the many components that make the 2022 Maverick X3 a champion.

Even when challenging surfaces and terrain lie ahead, the Smart Lok front differential delivers maximum traction. Go on! Make the jump, roll right over that rough patch, climb that dune, and do everything else you want. The robust FOX suspension system will handle whatever you throw at it.

Chunky all-terrain tires in 30” and 32” options on aluminum wheels make short work of anything in your path. Ergonomics and safety come first, so Can-Am gives us 4-way adjustable seats with 4-point harnesses all within a robust yet lightweight chassis.

Nothing beats a killer soundtrack while you’re rampaging across the trail. Can-Am agrees and equips the 2022 Maverick X3 with an audio roof system. The hardtop lifts up to reveal six Bluetooth-ready speakers with LED lighting so you can jam to your tunes anytime and anywhere.

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Images courtesy of Can-Am

Subtech Sports’ Pro Drybag 3.0 Is Geared For Extreme Adventures

No matter where your adventures take you, nothing beats tactical backpacks to protect your gear. Subtech Sports’ Pro Drybag 3.0 delivers that and more so you get peace of mind and enjoy the adventure ahead. 

There’s a reason why it’s called “the world’s most extreme drybag.” It is IP68 waterproof, meaning it is submersible down to 165 feet. It even floats when fully packed so it doubles as a lifebuoy too. The material used is Hypalon, the same found on military inflatable boats. This gives the bag its impact protection to keep gear protected for bumps and other rough contacts.

Meanwhile, an airtight zipper keeps the interior protected from air and water condensation. The Subtech Sports’ Pro Drybag 3.0 is for extreme adventures. As such it is lightweight at just 1685 grams and boasts an ergonomic design that fits along the back and spine regardless of body size and shape. It also has a detachable 7075 aluminum alloy waistbelt and sternum strap to help balance the load.  

For quick access to your gear, this backpack/duffel bag employs an extra-strong, low-weight cobra buckle and has magnetic handles. It also uses aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy hooks for easy removal of the detachable straps. Best of all, it folds when not in used to make it travel friendly. 

Subtech Sports’ Pro Drybag 3.0 also offers customization for even more protection in the outdoors. It has a shockproof inflatable system that gives the bag 360-degree protection from the harshest and unforgiving impacts. Meanwhile, a smart pack system keeps items organized and even more protected. 

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Images courtesy of Subtech Sports

The New Balance Niobium Concept 2 Can Switch Between A Trail-Ready Sandal Or Mule

When you’re ideal summer activity is hitting the trails and taking a dip in remote spots away from the crowd, then read on. No matter how difficult it is to travel right now due to the pandemic, the spirit of adventure lives on. New Balance wants to equip you for the journey with its Niobium Concept 2.

With the controversy surrounding wearing sandals with socks, we’re not planning on angering the fashion critics around us. New Balance probably knows it too and thus creates a hybrid footwear that straddles the fine line between shoe, sandal, and something else.

The Niobium Concept 2 may look like your average trail-ready sneaker, but it’s apparently not. New Balance even refers to it as a sandal in the product description. We’re not going to debate with the manufacturer because these sandals can transform into mules in a jiffy.

Moreover, you can quickly detach the heel strap via the Velcro closures on each side. Still, we recommend you keep these on when trekking over rough terrain. The breathable mesh and suede leather upper keep the Niobium Concept 2 snug yet comfortable.

For the best fit, just adjust the buckle fasteners. It’s outdoor-ready thanks to the Fresh Foam Hierro midsole with Vibram outsole. New Balance likewise adds reflective accents on the heels and toes to aid in low-light visibility.

New Balance really did a great job with the design here. There are two colorways available for the Niobium Concept 2. We prefer the darker tones on the Pigment with natural indigo variant, but the Incense with chocolate brown is just as stylish. As of this writing, the Snow Peak version is no longer in stock.

Buy – $199.99

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Images courtesy of New Balance

The Tego Roll-And-Go Ultimate Travel Bag Offers A Modular Way To Pack Your Gear

Packing your necessities for travel can be a hassle because you have to store them in several batches. The tendency is you bring more pouches or luggage than necessary. It could also result in messy packing and misplaced items. But with the Tego Roll-And-Go Ultimate Travel Bag, you have the freedom to pack as you like depending on your needs.

This is unlike any roll-and-go packing bags synonymous with Dopp kits although they share similarities with their purpose. This ingenious gear though is customizable. You can mix and match storage options according to your items. It has seven unique sections that you can creatively work with to give you your ultimate carry solution. 

To be precise, the Tego Roll-And-Go Ultimate Travel Bag gives you 327 carry options. This is made possible by sliding portions together using a slide on one side and hooks on the other. To ensure they stay in place, the process has been tested 5,000 times. To make it outdoor-ready, it uses recycled PET for the outer shell and inner liner. It also uses YKK zippers and a durable, waterproof exterior finish.

This carrying solution is ideal to have for those whose job requires numerous items in storage. This would be convenient to use for a painter, artist, a menchanic, a beautician, and more. It also works as camping gear to store health and beauty necessities. The versatility of the Tego Roll-And-Go Ultimate Travel Bag gives everyone the freedom to bring anything they can carry inside. It is even TSA-friendly, lays flat, or hangs anywhere when needed.

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Images courtesy of Tego

Suunto’s sleek blackout Core Alpha Stealth watch works with night-vision goggles

When you need a reliable wearable for even the most challenging outdoor adventures, Suunto is a brand would talk about. For its newest release – the Core Alpha Stealth – it’s crafted with specific types of users in mind. According to the manufacturer, what sets it apart is how users can remain inconspicuous when the lights go out.

Aside from the military, we can think of law enforcement, hunters, and documentary filmmakers as those who will benefit from its discrete functionality. As the name already implies, the key feature here is superior visibility even in the absence of a light source.

This comes from the red backlight that illuminates the 2-inch dot matrix display. Even with a pair of night-vision goggles on, the Core Alpha Stealth will remain readable minus the blinding glare from other models. This is handy during tactical operations, hunting at night, and capturing skittish nocturnal wildlife on film.

Suunto says each watch undergoes a rigorous testing phase and meets demanding military standards. The 49.5-mm composite case is paired with an aluminum bezel and mineral crystal for lightweight durability. Despite the chunky outline, it only weighs 2.36 ounces.

Even with regular use, its user-replaceable CR2032 battery cell should last up to 12 months. A barometer, compass, and altimeter provide all the data you need when the situation calls for it. Moister is never an issue here as the Core Alpha Stealth boasts ingress protection up to 100 feet.

What makes this so appealing for us is the blackout colorway which lives to the monicker. To complete the tactical vibe, Suunto pairs the Core Alpha Stealth with a black NATO strap. It may look like one but take note that this is not a smartwatch.

Buy – $299

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Images courtesy of Suunto

Wool Street’s Wooly Eco-Friendly Cooler Is A Versatile Addition To Any Outdoor Eats

Coolers are synonymous with camping, picnics at the park, backyard BBQ, or a day at the beach. It is a wonder to haul around regardless of weight and size because it offers storage for food and drinks. But oftentimes, they are made of plastic and this is where Wool Street’s Wooly Eco-Friendly Cooler beats the rest.

This camping gear brings sustainably to mind with its recyclable construction. Instead of plastic, it uses corrosion-resistant aluminum for its outer housing. It also uses bamboo for its side handle grips and natural rubber gasket. Meanwhile, stainless steel makes up its inner housing. Stainless steel is non-toxic because it does not produce chemicals when exposed to water. It is also known for its durability and is easy to clean. 

Dubbed as the “world’s first recyclable cooler,” Wool Street’s Wooly Eco-Friendly Cooler uses 100% biodegradable material for its insulation. As its name entails, it uses wool to keep food and drinks frosty. Plus, sheep’s wool is antifungal and proven to absorb and neutralize harmful and odorous substances. 

It even has a bamboo cutting board built right into its lid to use for chopping or serve food and a built-in sandwich tray. The cooler opens with a tackle-box-style hinge to support both cutting and retrieving of items stored inside.

Storage-wise, Wool Street’s Wooly Eco-Friendly Cooler can store 52 quarts. It can hold 78 cans of beer and keep items cold for a max of three days thanks to the wool insulation. It also comes with a side drainage hole compatible with a standard American garden hose to flush out melted ice easily. It may not be cooler with wheels, but it’s light enough at 18.3 lbs. and compact at 24.6″ L x 14.9″ W.

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Images courtesy of Wool Street

Bushcraft Food Prep Is Made Easy With PDW’s MFSS Titanium Survival Stove

Food is an essential part of any outdoor adventure or for everyday life, for that matter. But camping out can pose a problem because we are limited to the food we can bring. That is, unless, you want to cook and that’s where portable stoves come in just like the Prometheus Design Werx (PDW) MFSS Titanium Survival Stove.

This camping gear is ideal for light carry thanks to its 6AL-4V titanium build and compact size. It only measures 3.03″ H x 3.62″ D and weighs 122g. Yet it packs features ideal for use in the great outdoors. These include a double-wall construction to direct airflow for faster combustion of biomass fuel. It also produces less smoke but emits hotter burns using a variety of fuel sources aside from biomass, it also works with alcohol (isopropyl or denatured) and solid fuel tabs (Hexamine). Thus, the name MFSS, which stands for Multi-Fuel Survival Stove.

The PWD MFSS Titanium Survival Stove also features an adjustable inner core/fuel basket to use with different fuels. A cut-down window makes it easy to feed the biomass fuel without removing the cookware. It can stand on any terrain and remains stable thanks to fold-out legs, while a two-position folding pot stand can fit different cookware sizes.

Aside from its lightweight construction, it also disassembles for minimal footprint and easy packing. It takes apart into five different components. This way you can pack them separately in bags, stowaway pouches, or anywhere you like. Also when it comes to cooking, it can boil up to two cups of water enough to cook survival food packs, make soup, and more. 

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Images courtesy of Prometheus Design Werx 

Columbia’s Wildone Heritage Sneaker Is Designed For The Outdoor Enthusiast

When you can’t decide on a pair of footwear to bring to a run, hike, or walks in the urban jungle, then you can settle for Columbia’s Wildone Heritage Sneaker. This versatile gear makes it easy to switch from day shoes to running shoes in seconds. 

Described as “a reimagined legacy shoe born out of the outdoors,” this pair of durable and quality footwear takes you anywhere your feet can carry you. Uphill or downhill, or on any terrain, you can rest assured that this supports and provides comfort no matter the ground condition. That’s because it uses industry-leading tech and city style to provide you with a pair of shoes that can resist water and stain. 

Columbia’s Wildone Heritage Sneaker comes in a woven textile upper for breathability. It has a suede overlay finished with Omni-Shield treatment for water and stain resistance. This way your feet stay clean and dry during walks in the snow or under a downpour. Meanwhile, proprietary Techlite+ provides the midsole its responsive cushioning and stability. This allows you to walk, run, or jump in comfort knowing that the tech ensures extra-light comfort and faster, more durable rides.

The outsole, on the other hand, uses the advanced traction from the Omni-Grip rubber. This makes for great running or climbing shoes too as every tread on steep or rugged paths is safe thanks to its strong grip. Columbia’s Wildone Heritage Sneaker not only feels great but also looks great in its various offerings of mixed colors. These include a combo of black, dark grey, stone green and shark (looks camo), and black and dark grey.

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Images courtesy of Columbia

Don’t Let The Cold Bite With The Kammok Arctos 20ºF Trail Quilt

When it comes to the great outdoors, the temperatures can be tricky to work with. It can be hot in the mornings and cold during nighttime. Thus, it’s best to be prepared and you can never go wrong with a quilt in your backpack. The Kammok Arctos 20ºF trail quilt is a great choice for this matter. It works great when camping in temperatures down to 20ºF or for long-distance hiking.

Similar to the Bobcat Trail Quilt, this versatile outdoor gear does not compromise in providing you warmth. This is the brand’s “warmest quilt yet,” with Downtek 850-fill power goose down for maximum warmth for less weight. It provides superior comfort in the desert and high alpine conditions. The down is treated with a durable, water repellent finish and is free from all PFCs to keep the quilt dry longer and dry faster when wet.

Meanwhile, vertical and horizontal baffle design prevents movement of the down from upper to lower region. Paired with internal mesh gates to lock insulation securely in place, so there are fewer cold spots and a balance of warmth all throughout the body.  Moreover, the Kammok Arctos 20ºF trail quilt uses Aura 10D water-resistant ultralight ripstop nylon fabric to make it cozy and irresistibly soft.

It boasts a tapered design that follows the contour of your body: wide on the shoulder and hips for extra wiggle room, and tapered at the zippered footbox for a secure seal against cold air and minimizes heat loss at the toes. No matter your needs, it easily works as a sleeping bag, a poncho, hammock, and a camping blanket. It features a minimalist design but works great in keeping you toasty in cold conditions.

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Images courtesy of Kammok

Smart & Savior Designs’ Transforming Flashlight Blade Is The Camping Tool You Need

When you want to pack light, especially during outdoor or camping excursions, then it’s better to bring a versatile tool that caters to your needs. A flashlight and knife are two of the most important camping tools you should have in your bag. But if you want an even lighter carry, then Smart & Savior Designs’ Transforming Flashlight Blade is for you.

This keychain multitool, as its name suggests, packs both a mini blade and a torch. The core of the tool is stainless steel but with an outer surface made with titanium bonded with nitrogen for high corrosion resistance. The nitrogen bond creates a nano-coating of TiN that renders an anti-bacterial surface when exposed to light.

Sharpened by hand grinding, the blade can cut small ropes, hard plastic, open sealed boxes or cut and peel fruits and vegetables. The blade when deployed stays in place via a magnetic system.  Meanwhile, the flashlight emits 100 lumens from its SMD power LED bulb with a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours. It uses a single alkaline battery 29A or a set of LR 626 button cells. The battery has a life span of  60 hours with constant use and an integrated resistor prevents overheating. 

The Smart & Savior Designs’ Transforming Flashlight Blade powers with an easy twist open/off movement. It is designed to be pocket-friendly at a small size of 3.25″ long and easy in the hand and pocket with a weight of 30 grams. A keyhole makes it easy to attach to a keychain, carabiner, or tether so you can hang it on your belt, bag, or anywhere else within easy reach. Plus it looks elegant with its reverse helix shape.

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Images courtesy of Smart & Savior Designs

The IKamper Skycamp 2x Rooftop Tent Offers A Safe and Comfortable Camping Experience

You still have time to take that much-needed outdoor adventure before summer ends. Especially with the pandemic, there’s no better place to unwind than in the open air, away from civilization. If you fancy camping but want to avoid the trek or hike, then you can pack up the iKamper Skycamp 2x to your van or pickup truck.

This rooftop tent has a high-density polyfoam camping mattress that can sleep two adults and one child. It sets up fast in as little as one minute and features a hard shell to provide you with a safe and best-ever camping experience.

The iKamper Skycamp 2x offers several storage options for a rooftop camper. It has storage space for your bedding even when closed. This lessens the hassle of having to stash them separately inside your vehicle every time you need to close the tent. Then retrieve the beddings again during sleeping time.

This camping tent doesn’t add heft to the roof of your vehicle because it is made with two layers of a lightweight and aerodynamic hard shell. It is also wind-resistant and packed with insulation for a comfortable outdoor stay. It has a thick, durable, and breathable blackout canvass, a quilted and insulated lining for more warmth and condensation, and features high-performance honeycomb aluminum floor panels.

Moreover, the iKamper Skycamp 2x comes with a rain fly for extra protection and waterproof zippers. It also features a sky view window and 3-layer canopy windows for versatility and airflow. To keep intruders out especially at night, it has sturdy closing straps with custom stainless steel hardshell locks. For ease of access, this rooftop tent comes with a telescoping ladder with angled steps.

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Images courtesy of iKamper

The Wanderr Chair from OME Gear Is The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Companion

Fancy a camping chair, lounger, cart, and bed for trips to the beach, while camping and fishing? Then the Wanderr Chair fits the bill with its versatile design that transforms into any position you want.

When it comes to trips to the beach with the family, the problem can be lugging all the necessities. Often times you’d have to pack different bags just to fit everything. This 5-in-one gear though solves this problem. Better than a beach caddy and a wagon, it can carry a total of 150 pounds of weight. This means no more towing the cooler, the surfboard, and leaving other important gear behind.

Plus, the patented Sandtrakz, non-air-filled, and all-terrain wheels on the Wanderr Chair make transport easy and comfortable. They roll easily on any surface, even on sand, while industrial strength bungee cargo net keeps items safely tucked in when in cart mode.

This outdoor recreational product is built to last with its durable UV-resistant fabric and corrosion-tested construction. It’s made with a tough aluminum frame that’s weather and saltwater resistant. It weighs 30 pounds but the wheels can easily be dislodged to reduce its weight to 6 pounds.

When in seating mode, the Wanderr Chair has a 300-pound weight capacity and has two cup holders. It is fully reclinable in low chair and lounger mode. It also easily transforms into a high field chair and camping cot. Best of all, this gear requires no installation so it sets up fast and easy. It even folds down for easy packing and storage.

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Images courtesy of OME Gear

Men’s Gear Awards: Best Pocket Knife Brands Of 2021

One of the most common things we’re asked about at Men’s Gear is our stance on knives. We cover a lot of them, so we can understand why this comes up so often. The hardest question to ask us is which pocket knife we love the most. It’s a nearly impossible answer. However, we do have certain pocket knife brands that we swear by over others.

To us, it is still difficult to pick the best. There are a lot of factors to consider there. It was like when we had to pick out just 150 camping gadgets. We went over the top and picked more because we loved this stuff so much. When you ask about the top pocket knife brands, you’re looping together just about every company that makes outdoor knives.

They all make a pocket knife or something in that world like it. They also make hatchets and axes, with some even going as far as making tactical tomahawks. In fact, tactical-led companies have some of the best knives you’ll ever find, and they have to be when you’re going to need them in the field.

Overall, pocket knives are another breed of knife altogether. The pocket knife brands picked by us below were all judged by a number of factors. However, the main thing we focused on was only legal versions of knives. Most brands have assisted open and others that are legal in most countries but switchblades are not.

We only picked brands that fit the closed, smaller knife criteria. They have to count as a pocket knife, as in one that fits in your pocket, basically. Without further wait, enjoy our list of the best pocket knife brands in the world today.

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Spyderco makes some of the best knives you’ll ever see. This is especially true of pocket knives. In fact, people are discovering just how impressive Spyderco’s pocket knives are as of late.

So much so, several of these knives from the brand has reached top ten lists for top knife-centered websites as well as outdoor sites.

This is not shocking when you see what they have to offer. All of the knives are made with only the best materials, yet they don’t charge an arm and a leg for their products either. More on that later.

What makes Spyderco stand out over some of the others out there is their countless list of knives that are only sold by them. They trademarked or have copyright on a ton of their knives. Most of the ones that are pocket knife related are in that listing of brand-only knives too.

With that said, let’s get to some of these amazing knives and why they stand out.

Spyderco Pocket Knives 

While some may define pocket knives differently than us, we define them as knives that can fit in your pocket without a protective sheath. That means they are either too small to stab you in the leg if you put them in your pants pocket, or they fold up.

Something must cover them with a protector otherwise, which to us cannot count as a pocket knife. Everything that makes a pocket knife must come attached to the base of the knife or something of that nature. At Spyderco, they have multiple knives that fit this.

Here are the brand knives you should know about:

  • A.T.R.™ 2
  • Advocate™
  • Alcyone™ G-10 Grey
  • Amalgam™
  • Bradley Folder™ 2
  • Brouwer™ Folder
  • Caly™ 3.5 Carbon Fiber ZDP 189
  • Caribbean™ Leaf
  • Caribbean™ Sheepfoot
  • Civilian™ G-10 Black
  • ClipiTool™ Rescue™
  • ClipiTool™ Standard™
  • Cricket™ Stainless Steel
  • Harpy™
  • Hundred Pacer™
  • Karahawk™ G-10 All Black
  • Karahawk™ G-10 Black
  • Magnitude™ Carbon Fiber
  • Manbug™ Salt Sheepfoot
  • McBee™
  • Opus™
  • P’Kal™
  • Reinhold Rhino™
  • Rescue 79 mm™ Lightweight
  • Rubicon™ 2
  • Salt™ 2
  • Saver Salt™
  • Schempp Bowie™
  • Snap-It Salt™ Lightweight / Kraton
  • SpydieChef™ Titanium
  • Subvert™
  • Tatanka™ G-10
  • Techno™
  • Tropen™
  • Tusk™
  • Vallotton Sub-Hilt™
  • Wolfspyder

As you can tell, their list of impressive one-off knives is fantastic. However, Spyderco decided to continue some beyond a few knives. In fact, they have entire knife lines dedicated to them. These are the lines you should really check out:

  • The Assist Salt™ Lightweight Line
  • The Chaparral™ Line
  • The D’Allara™ 4 Line
  • The Dragonfly™ 2 Line
  • The Endura® 4 Line
  • The Lil’ Native® Line
  • The Manix™ 2 Line
  • The Matriarch™ 2 Lightweight Line
  • The Military™ Model Line
  • The Native® 5 Line
  • The Para Military™ 2 Line
  • The Para™ 3 Line
  • The Police™ Model Line
  • The Sage™ Line
  • The Shaman™ Line
  • The Spyderco Line
  • The Stretch™ 2 Line
  • The Tasman™ Salt 2 Line
  • The Tenacious™ Line
  • The Yojimbo™ Line

Each line and knife is made for different reasons. Some are better for hunting or fishing while others are better for camping. Carbon fiber, Titanium, and other materials are used in these knives too. Overall, you cannot go wrong with any of them.

Some of the designs are unique, not just in the handle but in the blade itself. While you still see the classic serrated or straight look in the blade, it may be shaped differently than you might normally see. This only makes them more valuable and unique, in our opinion.

Price Range:

The prices at Spyderco are around the industry average for pocket knife brands. You’ll pay as much here as anywhere else, but not every brand makes knives as impressively as they do. It is quite clear that they are in the average, but what is it exactly?

You’ll spend anywhere between $60 to $800 here. However, most of their knives meet in the middle where you won’t spend much more than $300 most days. The higher knives are usually more specialty-driven. This is why for $140 or $250, you can buy a quality knife from them just as easily as you could for those north of $300.

Spyderco does offer a warranty, but it looks to be a basic Limited Lifetime Warranty. They do have conditions with their warranty, however. One of them is that the service life of a knife will run out eventually, due to the knife needing to be retired from use. Sometimes, knives do reach their expiration. At this point, Spyderco does not fix anything.

They also do not fix the knife if it was used outside the realm of its abilities. If you would like to know more about what the warranty does or doesn’t cover, click here.

Spyderco is also a very big supporter of the Armed Forces. This led them to do what they call a Military Lottery. Each month, they pick 50 Military Personel to give a knife to for absolutely free of charge. This had to do mostly with deploying men and women.

If you want to find out more or you wish to enter the knife lottery with Spyderco, click here.

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Victorinox is a master in the craft of Swiss Army Knives. This is likely due to the fact that they are a Switzerland based company. This sort of helps them with that sort of thing, we feel.

Due to Victorinox being so good with Swiss Army Knives, they obviously have to land on the pocket knife brands list. These types of knives are really what people think about first when they think up a pocket knife.

Swiss Army Knives have been popular for years and it makes sense. They include a blade, sometimes multiple. They may also include tweezers, a bottle opener, nail file, and much more.

Overall, when you think about these types of knives, you know you’re getting more bang for your buck. This is due to the fact that they come with so much, so it feels like you have a one-stop shop for all the things you might need in a given day.

No one is better than Victorinox at making these knives. That said, let’s examine the knives they have and why you should pay attention to them.

Victorinox Pocket Knives 

The Victorinox pocket knives are not nearly as vast as Spyderco. This was to be expected, considering this brand focuses so much on the Swiss Army Knife. That means for every knife other brands might make, Victorinox is making 5 to 6 in one basically.

What knives should you keep an eye on here? These are our favorites among them:

  • Cadet Alox Limited Edition 2019
  • Pioneer Alox Limited Edition 2019
  • Classic Limited Edition 2018
  • Hunter Pro
  • Hunter Pro M Alox
  • Skipper
  • Skipper Pro
  • Huntsman
  • Classic SD
  • Huntsman Year of the Pig 2018
  • Sportsman
  • Spartan Wood
  • Victorinox@Work
  • Jettsetter@Work
  • Midnite Manager@Work
  • Work Champ
  • Hercules
  • Evolution S54
  • Equestrian 
  • CyberTool L
  • Swiss Champ XLT
  • Ranger Grip

As you’ll notice, the selection is vast at Victorinox. It is pretty clear that you’ll find exactly what you need here too. For proper Swiss Army Knives that count as Pocket Knives, there are few better places to shop.

Unlike other models of these knife types, the blades are not half-assed. They make them perfectly and they don’t just mess up with the smallest issue. The blade or blades you get here are perfectly designed for doing what they’re supposed to.

That means you won’t deal with the unsharp problems. The tools inside are also high-quality, making them worth the buy.

Price Range:

The prices on the Victorinox knives are all relatively good. They are a bit under the median of the industry standard. Pocket knife brands do not always have clear pricing. Sometimes you can see a knife for $50 then one similar for $500. This makes a range heavily needed.

Due to being made in Switzerland, they do not charge as much as Victorinox as people might think. The prices can range a bit wildly though. This seems to be from $25 to $250. The reason for the price difference makes a lot of sense, however.

They charge more depending on the number of tools or blades they have inside their particular Swiss Army knife. That means it’s worth the extra money, and you’re not getting cheated.

The company currently has a nice free 2-day shipping option, which should save you money on orders of any amount. They also have free returns if you need to send something back. This is only for a limited time after your purchase, however.

Victorinox even has a good warranty on their knives. Each knife has a Lifetime Warranty on it.

These guys do not mess around, as they feel their products are the best possible version of Swiss Army Knives you’ll find. So if you ever need to get something fixed, you just need to go to their Product Service Center.

You just have to go online and find the service center, fill out the form, and they’ll get back to you on what they can do. Since we’re nice guys, we found the place to go. That said, just click here to go straight to the service center and form area.

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The Columbia River Knife & Tool brand is one of the very best knife companies in the world today. They can literally do it all. It’s almost shocking to see how they can make some of the most incredible knives today.

We’re constantly seeing them make top ten lists on the internet, and some people swear by their knives right now. They are consistently making new and improved knives in every category.

They make perfect knives for fishing and hunting, yet they also make great tactical and protective knives too. CRKT knows how to make a proper pocket knife, so we’re not shocked that they make so many lists along with other great knives.

That said, let’s examine the best pocket knives from the CRKT brand.

CRKT Knives 

CRKT likes to make knives that can be used for just about anything. While they design them for specific tasks, we’ve found that you can use them in several crossover projects. Their pocket knives are a huge area that they love to perfect.

With that knowledge, we were sure they had plenty of knives to show off. However, they have major top rated versions that we feel need to be highlighted more. From single make to major lines, we wanted to highlight the best of the best CRKT has to offer. Let’s do that now:

  • HOMEFRONT™
  • K.I.S.S.® COMMEMORATIVE
  • SHENANIGAN™ Z CAMO REALTREE XTRA®
  • SQUID™ COPPER – LIMITED EDITION
  • SLACKER™
  • PREQUEL™
  • AVANT™
  • FLAT OUT™
  • BEV-EDGE™
  • INCENDIARY™
  • DAKTYL™
  • SNAP LOCK™ WITH TRIPLE POINT™ SERRATIONS
  • RIPSNORT™
  • HELICAL™
  • GUSSET™
  • DELILAH’S P.E.C.K.™
  • JETTISON™ 
  • GRAPHITE™ 
  • MOXIE™ 
  • DEVIATION™ 
  • MY TIGHE™ 
  • TIGHE TAC™ 
  • WRINKLE™ Red

As for those impressive lines we mentioned, here’s the best of the best:

  • The PILAR® Line
  • The Crossbones Line
  • The FOSSIL™ Line
  • The M4™ Line
  • The M16™ Line
  • The M21™ Line
  • The PAZODA™ Line

We cannot get enough of Columbia River’s major lines that seriously continue to improve, and only become greater each time they add more to them. They are often made with nearly indestructible blades. This only makes them more valuable.

They are perfect for hunting, fishing, and everyday activity. Overall, we see these knives all over the place and it is for good reason. They’re simply too difficult to kill and that adds value that cannot be overlooked.

Price Range:

We know that the CRKT knives are impressive, but did you know they are insanely well-priced too? It’s true. The company is actually under the median normal price range among pocket knife brands.

You’ll pay anywhere between $25 and $300 here. Nearly all are under $100, which makes the knives very affordable for everyone. This is perfect for fishermen and hunters who do not like overspending. The newer the knife, the higher the knife’s price is at CRKT.

The brand offers free shipping for any orders over $100. They even have a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of their knives too. To find out what it does and does not cover, click here.

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Gerber Knives have been huge in the last few years. They have developed key partnerships with impressive people, like Survivalist and TV Presenter Bear Grylls alone. Heck, he even has his own knife with them.

Their Gator Grip knife is known by many to be among the best knives in the world, full stop. Yet when you’re trying to think of the best pocket knife brands, Gerber continues to rank highly. It is hard to overlook them mostly because they make incredibly popular knives.

The respect they have earned and the popularity they have managed to get over the last few years is clearly giving them an edge in the market right now. While they may be known for their hunting and fishing knives, their pocket knife listing is downright massive.

Let’s examine those knives and explain why they’re so well-liked.

Gerber Pocket Knives 

The Gerber line of knives is massive, but the biggest collection they have is clearly in their pocket knife section. They have dozens that can all be considered top tier. Most feel the biggest issue Gerber has is that their selection is so hard to choose from.

Happily, unlike some other knife brands, they don’t have a bunch of the same knife. They have multiple different types that can all be used for different things. These are a few that you should keep your eye on:

  • HINDERER RESCUE – SERRATED, SHEATH
  • HINDERER CLS
  • EAB POCKET KNIFE
  • GERBER EDGE
  • VITAL POCKET FOLDER
  • POCKET SQUARE – ALUMINUM HANDLE
  • COVERT FAST – BLACK, SERRATED
  • PROPEL AO
  • PROPEL DOWNRANGE AO
  • US-ASSIST S30V
  • HAUL
  • ANSWER F.A.S.T. SM, DROP POINT, FINE EDGE
  • SWAGGER AO

They have several automatic open knives too. These do not technically count as switchblades, but they can be considered similar. Some states in the United States ban auto-open, so we won’t highlight those here.

Of course, they also partner up with survival experts and military personnel too. The BEAR GRYLLS SCOUT and BEAR GRYLLS FOLDING SHEATH are spectacular, top-rated knives. Meanwhile, they have a serrated option called the SHARKBELLY that has been tested and used in disaster relief efforts.

Overall, Gerber gets it done every time with their work. They even do it at fair prices. Speaking of those.

Price Range:

The Gerber prices are actually quite impressive. They are actually on the low end of prices compared to other pocket knife brands from what we can tell.  At Gerber, you’ll spend anywhere between $25 and $225.

Almost all of the major pocket knives are less than $100 too, making even their specialty knives completely affordable.

While not all of their products are made in the United States, a large number of them are. This could be why there is a price difference on those compared to the other knives, however, it is not by much.

Gerber has one of the best warranties you’ll find among pocket knife brands too. They have a Limited Lifetime Warranty on their products for customers in North America only. For those outside the continent, they have a 25-year warranty. This is pretty impressive, we think.

Not everything is covered by Gerber, but a lot is. To know what the company does and does not cover, click here. They also have knife sharpening covered within this warranty, which often costs more elsewhere.

If you think you might buy a lot from the Gerber brand, and who can blame you, why not save some money while you do it? Gerber has a Pro Program that provides exclusive offers to get their products at reduced prices. To find out more about the program, click here.

5SOG Flash II Serrated

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SOG might be known as a tactical company, yet they are masters when it comes to knives overall. It’s quite clear that they can make just about any type of knife they want, including pocket knives, and rank high on any list.

Since they have a large selection of pocket knives, it should come as no surprise that people love SOG for their work in this department. In fact, one might say that SOG really made their name on the backs of their pocket knives.

They are specially made, each and every single one. This is why, even if they have a knife line, all of those knives end up being different. Whether it’s the handle, the blade, the style, etc. It really does not matter, as they will continue to differ.

Let’s go over some of SOG’s biggest and most well-liked knives of today to prove this.

SOG Pocket Knives 

SOG has a lot of smaller knives, but not all of them fold up to count in our pocket knife category we established at the start. This is why we only counted the folded versions of their knives, whether they were part of a line or a special solo version knife.

Here are some to keep your eye on:

  • The Flash II Line
  • The Twitch II Line
  • Trident
  • Kiku Assisted
  • Kiku Folding
  • SOG-TAC Line
  • Strat Ops Auto
  • Traction Tanto
  • Aegis
  • Slimjim Line
  • X-Ray Vision
  • Zoom Mini
  • Flashback-Black Tini
  • Vulcan Tanto Mini
  • Terminus
  • Salute Mini-Beaded Blast
  • Ultra C-Ti
  • Kilowatt

Overall, the company has all sorts of knives. The ones that are folded or assisted open are listed here, but not their automatic types. Again, we wanted to avoid any that are considered illegal for any state in the United States.

The SOG brand has been known to vary their knives and you can tell the differences in all of these we highlighted above. This is the key thing we feel makes everything better for them. They put their hard work to good use and made everything better in the end.

Price Range:

The prices for SOG knives are relatively industry standard. Here you’ll pay between $50 and $300 with most knives coming under $200.

SOG also has a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of their knives. To learn more about what they do or do not cover, click here.

Overview Of The Best Pocket Knife Brands

As you clearly noticed from our list, the premier pocket knife brands are those that know their customers. While some knives may be used only for hunting, tactical, fishing, etc., it really does not matter. Pocket knives can be used for a lot of different things, and the right brands will know this.

That is why they may separate them out for what a knife might be perfect at, but they won’t hold them back either. They won’t tell a hunter that he cannot use a certain pocket knife for something, even though they may guide them to better-equipped versions.

This is essential, we feel, to making a good knife. When you can do just about anything with it, regardless of its original design, that is a great thing. Proper pocket knife brands will have knives that may include a lot of extra material beyond the normal blade. The infamous Swiss Army Knives often have several tool attachments, for example.

Yet the proper pocket knife will be one that, well, fits in the pocket. The Swiss are great at making those it appears. To us, it comes down to the fit at the end of the day. Some blade are bigger than others, and some are straight over serrated. In the end, none of that matters as long as it fits the job you needed the knife for.

These pocket knife brands seem to deliver what you need each time. If you’re getting the opinion of Men’s Gear, that is what one must deem most important in a brand. When they can deliver, no matter what, they have done the job you need. These brands just so happen to be the best at it in this category.

Buyer’s Guide To The Best Tactical Pens

Would you like to have a pocket knife but need something more covert? Why not try out a tactical pen? They double as a real pen that also works as a knife. This is better than Janice from Accounting trying to use her letter opener, right? Check these tactical pens out and keep yourself protected at the office or anywhere else you may end up.

CLICK HERE

The Victorinox Mexican Zarape Classic SD Makes a Colorful Addition To Your Knife Collection

Pocket knives are versatile in nature. They make great outdoor and survival tools and can even perform small jobs at the garage. But when it comes packed with utility tools then it becomes an essential everyday carry. The Victorinox Mexican Zarape Classic SD pocket knife, for one, makes a great addition to your collection of pocket tools.

This miniature knife reflects this year’s winner of the brand’s annual design project. It is one of ten limited-edition releases that celebrate the theme “Patterns of the World.” It is a limited-edition Swiss Army pocket knife that boasts colorful aesthetics on its Cellidor scales. It features the bright, rainbow-colored stripes of Mexican Zarape shawls and blankets. Each side comes with different patterns.

Aside from its attractive layout, this keychain tool packs essential tools for small and quick indoor and outdoor fixes. The Victorinox Mexican Zarape Classic SD pocket knife comes with seven functions. These include a small blade, scissors, a nail file, and a screwdriver 2.55mm. It also has a key ring to hang the knife along with your bunch of keys. Then there’s a toothpick that could come in handy when the occasion calls for it and tweezers.

The Victorinox Mexican Zarape Classic SD pocket knife is small enough to fit in any pocket, handbag, pouch, or glove compartment. It only measures 2.25 inches when closed and has a height of 0.4 inches. Likewise, it is lightweight despite its added tools. It only weighs 0.7 ounces which makes it a great summertime carry. It feels comfortable in the hands and in the pocket and pleasing to the eyes.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Victorinox

TEDS says its TEDPoP expandable rooftop tent can comfortably fit a family of five

Most pickup trucks or SUVs are enjoying the benefits of their horsepower and torque for overlanding. Additionally, the higher towing capacity allows owners to enjoy the creature comforts of more rugged camper trailers. As for the rest of us, TEDS is cooking up something cool for outdoor enthusiasts. This here is the TEDPoP – a rooftop tent that can accommodate a family of five.

Although there is nothing wrong with traditional portable shelters or sleeping bags, sometimes we just want a hassle-free alternative. This is where pop-up tents shine, but the TEDPoP is perfect for spots you can just drive and park. In other words, locations that are ideal for weekend getaways form the urban jungle.

According to TEDS, their product is supposedly the “world’s first pop-up dual expandable rooftop tent.” It seems all 691 backers of their Kickstarter project believe so and funded them way beyond their $20,000 goal. So far, it’s cool that you can pack it all in a sleek hardshell top.

This means you can just install the TEDPoP and leave it there safe from the elements and more. The manufacturer wants to make setup virtually effortless as much as possible. Thus, the folding support frames easily lift up with the help of condensed gas strut bars.

This mechanism also deploys the extension panels. You can access the tent via two telescopic ladders on each side. Inside, there is a 2.5-inch-thick mattress so you can relax in any position. Moreover, windows on each side provide a 360-view of your surroundings.

The entire thing measures 90 x 50 x 14 when closed and 125 x 50 x 120 when opened. Its ABS hardshell comes in white or black. Also, the polycotton canvas of the TEDPoP is available in three colors: Green, Gray, and Dark Wine Red.

Buy – $4,190

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Images courtesy of TEDS

Kuckoo introduces its compact square-drop camper trailer called the Bruno

If you don’t want to install a camper on your pickup truck or SUV, there are other alternatives. Since your ride likely has a good towing capacity, why not go for a trailer type instead? We have a couple of suggestions in mind depending on your needs. For a more compact yet feature-packed platform, Kuckoo presents its Bruno.

The Lochgau, Germany-based outfit notes that it’s time for outdoor leisure-seekers to consider non-tear-drop profiles. Thus, the Bruno features what the brand calls a square-drop silhouette. Now, this is a camper that packs a lot of features into something with a smaller footprint.

It measures approximately 15 x 6.1 x 6.4 feet (L x H x W) and tips the scales at 1,168.45 lbs. Keep in mind the weight is based on the standard setup and will change with add-ons. No parking on the driveway as the camper trailer can fit inside your average garage.

By default, Kuckoo builds it on a braked chassis. The camper trailer mostly uses wood for its construction. To keep the exterior safe from the elements, epoxy resin, fiberglass, and a 2K PU coating available in RAL colors. Meanwhile, the interior looks elegant with oiled wooden surfaces.

For privacy, all windows come with roller shutters and mesh screens to keep annoying insects out. Cook inside or outside as the Bruno lets you slide out the cooking area along with the shelves. A 12V battery system powers the interior and exterior lights, but you can also add optional solar panels.

Organize your stuff with ease as the Bruno boasts multiple storage areas. Get in touch with Kuckoo to personalize the camper trailer according to your specifications.

Learn more

Images courtesy of Kuckoo Camper

Take A Swim With Your Cards and Cash With The Submerge Wearable Waterproof Wallet

If you’re someone who does not want to risk losing important documents or money while out at the beach, the most you can do is leave them in a locker. Or better yet, take them with you while swimming or diving. This is possible not just with any wallet but with the Submerge Wearable Waterproof Wallet.

This everyday carry guarantees your cash, bills, or cards stay safe and dry even when you accidentally take a dip with them. That’s all thanks to its IP-X8 rated waterproof quality, meaning it is 100 waterproof, meaning you can totally submerge it underwater up to three meters. Plus, its quick-drying outer layer allows you to stash it right away after use without having to wait hours for it to dry under the sun.

The Submerge Wearable Waterproof Wallet is also durable and has a silky-smooth feel that glides through the water. It gives you two hidden pockets for storage and three sections to hold up to eight cards with an RFID blocker ready. This minimalist wallet can even hold keys and other important small items. A zipper gives you access to the contents while strong detachable velcro straps offer an additional option for carrying.

You can easily use it as a front pocket wallet as it is very compact and slim it slides in neatly. You can also use the straps to wrap the wallet around your arm, waist, clothing, and so on if you decide to bring it in the water with you. But there is also an option for a carabiner to keep the Submerge Wearable Waterproof Wallet safe from pickpockets during travel.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Ronan Finnegan

GREATS uses 100% recycled ballistic nylon from fishing nets for the Classon Utility Slide

As the heat index goes up it’s finally time to break out our summer gear and head out to the beach, pool, or just hang out in our backyard. Some might prefer the first two, but a grill all fired up, a cold one in hand, music, and an ergonomic chair is practically paradise in our current situation. Also maybe slip on some comfy footwear like the Classon Utility Slide from GREATS.

Unless you’re the fickle time, most guys would choose a durable pair of slides to last almost a lifetime. GREATS understands this and crafts the Classon Utility Slide to stick with you for a long time. Moreover, another great feature that makes it appealing is the eco-friendly effort behind it.

Much like some of the sustainable initiatives from global brands, GREATS goes green. Without compromising weight, the upper is made of 100% recycled ballistic nylon. Aside from single-use plastic, another big contributor to marine pollution is discarded fishing nets.

It becomes the material of choice as the manufacturer turns it into fabric. This then becomes an integral part of the Classon Utility Slide. Meanwhile the plush lycra lining aids in breathability here. Next, a Velcro closure system ensures a secure fit around your foot.

Also, a pair of side release buckles with an adjustable gives you a little more control over how snug you want it. As for the footbed, GREATS uses bio-based PU for the footbed and an EVA outsole for superior shock absorption. The Classon Utility Slide is a classy and reliable piece of gear for urban or outdoor excursions this season.

Buy – $129

Images courtesy of GREATS