Fix it Sticks’ compact torque limiting sockets is one of the things that sets their firearm tool kits apart from others. Previously, the Torque Drivers that they offered were compact but could only provide one torque setting per driver so the kits must contain several of them to get proper coverage. Now they have a new All-in-One Torque Driver that covers many of the most common torque settings in one unit while remaining quite compact. This allows for even smaller tool kits with the same coverage.
The new All-in-One Torque Driver can be set to 65, 45, 25, and 15 inch pounds by rotating the end so that the indicator aligns with the desired setting. It is available separately (fits in any standard 1/4″ driver) or in kit form.
If the idea of a Glock 43X or 48 with 15 round capacity is exciting to you, you likely remember our previous post on the Shield Arms S15 Magazines. It has been a while since news of the magazines first got out but it appears their release is now closer than ever. Shield Arms has opened preorders for the magazines.
The S15 Magazines have a capacity of 15 rounds and they fit flush in Glock 43X and 48 handguns. We also now know that will require (or at least strongly recommend) the use of an aluminum mag catch which is also available from Shield Arms.
The S15 magazines will cost $40 each and Shield Arms is offering a number of packages that include multiple mags and/or mag catches that will save a few bucks. Magazines are expected to begin shipping in October.
Wilde Custom Gear is pushing into a new space – backpacks! Their new Kyll Backpack is now available.
The Wilde Custom Gear Kyll Backpack is a heavy duty, low profile solution for multiday trips, Everyday Carry (EDC) bag or bug out bag.
The Wilde Custom Gear Kyll Backpack is a 31+ liter backpack and features three zippered compartments. The main compartment has an internal hydration sleeve, one slit pocket, one zippered mesh pocket and one full length zippered fabric pocket.
The exterior of the main compartment has a grab handle at the top and sewn the full length of the bag. The top of main compartment has a hydration tube port.
The back is padded and stiffened, and unzips to access a sleeve which can be used for safely carrying up to a 15” laptop.
The outer compartment features an external zippered pocket, internal zippered mesh pocket and internal organizer for pens, pencils and other small accessories.
Two side pockets can carry small and flat items. The pockets are equipped with a laser cut MOLLE panel and elastic to expand to fit a standard U.S. canteen or 1 liter Nalgene water bottle. The side pockets lay flat when not in use.
A soft velour lined zippered pocket for glasses or electronics is located at the top of the pack.
Laser cut MOLLE makes the backpack fully modular and maintains a low profile look.
The tapered outer compartment provides a sleek, low profile look.
The suspension system is based on heavy duty padded shoulder strap yoke and internal stiffener in the back.
The Wilde Custom Gear Kyll Backpack uses a rear ventilation system that provides increased comfort and cooler operation. Contoured foam profiles covered with air mesh create multiple air channels. This keeps the pack off the back which maximizes air circulation while the foam provides comfort and stability.
The Kyll Backpack is currently available to order from Wilde Custom Gear but it is a pre-order with fulfillment coming in about 4 weeks. They will begin regular ordering once they have production in full swing.
Wilde Custom Gear also tells us that we can look forward to a smaller EDC pack to be released in the next few weeks so stay tuned details.
Viking Tactics Bloodline Series of knives is available
for purchase directly through Viking Tactics and now through TOPS Knives as
well. VTAC’s founder, Special Operations SGM (R) Kyle Lamb, knows a thing or
two about tools and weapons. He wanted these knives to pay homage to different
warriors from different eras, and they do. Each of the knives in the series
includes two-toned handles, Viking vines on the spine, a fuller and TOPS’ famous
differentially heat treated 1095 steel. So
whether you’re looking for a large combat knife, a concealable mid-sized knife,
or a capable EDC, the Viking Tactics Bloodline Series has you covered.
Pick up any of the Viking Tactics Bloodline knives from a TOPS authorized dealer or from TOPS at https://www.topsknives.com/
Many of the vendors that firearm-related content creators have traditionally used for merchandising are not on our side when it comes to protecting the Bill of Rights. Ballistic Ink is different. They are veteran owned and have been formed specifically to serve the 2A community.
Kit Badger now has a Patriot Partner store on Ballistic Ink. The store contains all of Kit Badger’s previous prints like the Professional Human and Grey Death Adder designs. The newest design, Tyrants and Patriots, is also available on t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
RE Factor Tactical is proud to announce the release of our new IR Hybrid Field Patch line! All of these Hybrid IR Field Patches are made by IR.tools and are designed to withstand prolonged use and wear in any austere environment our nation’s warfighter find themselves in. There are a number of patches that will be available for purchase as well as a custom option that can be used for individual callsigns, unit designators, names, or other important information. Each patch is embedded with sandstorm technology, a durable design that won’t peel and offers a much brighter reflection. The list of available Patches includes:
All of the above listed products are IR Patches that are available in multiple sizes and colors. The Custom IR Hybrid Field Patches are available in four different sizes. The sizes available are 3.5 x 2” , 4 x 2” , 5 x 3” , 6 x 3” . The Custom IR Hybrid Field Patch can have up to 15 characters to be used for last names, call signs, or unit designators.
We are also proud to release the Custom IR/ Glow in the Dark Patch as well that combines IR capabilities with bioluminescent (Glow in the Dark) capabilities into one patch. This patch is customizable and can have up to 15 characters to be used for last names, call signs, or unit designators. (This item is sold as a pair)
Black Sheep Warrior is a long-time favorite blog of mine. M81 Woodland is a long-time favorite camo pattern of mine. Therefore, the new Black Sheep Warrior Woodland Cap is right up my alley.
The cap is an official FlexFit brand fitted cap with unstructured, 6-panel construction, and a weathered M81 pattern. The classic Black Sheep Warrior logo is embroidered on the front of the cap and the smaller sheep face logo on the back.
When it comes to backcountry light sources, I like redundancy but when it comes to hiking or bagging peaks, I dislike weight. Two lights are heavier than one. You can see my dilemma. Maybe you have wrestled with it too. Fortunately, I have found an ultralight, extremely useful combination of lights that keep weight to a minimum has built-in redundancy, recharges via the USB power bank I am already carrying, and won’t break the bank. In fact, this combo weighs less than most tactical flashlights.
The combo consists of two very compact and lightweight lights: the Streamlight Microstream USB which we have already reviewed and the utterly incredible Nitecore NU25. Both of these lights together weigh in at 3 ounces and the pair will set you back only about $65.
Before I get into why these lights work so well together, I’ll share a few thoughts on the Nitecore NU25 – a lightning review of sorts. This headlamp is a darling of the ultralight community and it is easy to see why. It has well balanced beam shape and plenty of output along with long-running low modes. The separate high-CRI flood beam is great for reading maps in true color and the red output is actually well-executed enough to be useful for tasks like finding your beanie in a cold tent without overwhelming your dark adjusted vision. It even has an easy to deal with lock-out function which is great for a light that will spend most of its time bumping around in your pack. It’s an incredibly functional headlamp that weighs in at just 1 ounce and costs only $35. That is, frankly, incredible.
Nitecore NU25 shown with a legacy headlamp. We’ve come a long way.
The Streamlight Microstream and Nitecore NU25 are even better together. I use them in two situations that cover 80% of my backcountry use case. They are my go-to lights when I am NOT PLANNING on being out past dark but want to carry lights just in case and they are ideal for warm weather overnighters/multinight trips. They could be pressed into cold weather but I would prefer lights than can take lithium primary batteries for this (see this article). I have found several reasons why they work so well together:
Common Rechargeable Functionality – They are both rechargeable via micro USB. I always carry an Anker Power Bank (see the previous review) so it is easy to keep both lights up and running. When one is charging, I can use the other. No muss, no fuss.
Extreme Redundancy – These aren’t just redundant because they are both potential light sources. They take redundancy to another level due to the fact that the Microstream can stand in as a headlamp thanks to its two-way clip that allows it to be clipped to a hat brim. They can also leverage the same power source.
Extra Functionality – The NU25 is especially useful for backcountry use. It has red output for use in dark conditions where you don’t want to wreck dark adjusted vision. It has a high color rendition output for use in reading maps after dark. It can even be powered directly from your power bank which is great if you want to use it as a tent light!
Lightweight and Compact – Both lights are also extremely lightweight and compact. Lightweight is obviously nice when your pack is already full of 40 pounds of other lightweight gear. However, compactness is an often overlooked but desirable attribute in electronics. I can fit both of these lights AND the power bank in the same pocket of my shell to keep them warm in case conditions get cold above tree line. Emergency lights aren’t useful if the cold has drained their batteries.
It would be hard to find two lights that cover more bases, provide more redundancy, are more affordable, and better quality than these. They are a worthy addition to any kit.
Where to Buy
I have never been able to find either of these lights in a brick and mortar store. However, some of you may be able to find the Streamlight without much trouble. I just purchased mine on Amazon:
Do you have a gear or concept recommendation that fits the On Foot, Off Grid series? Do you have strategies for dealing with cold weather? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.
Terrain 365’s new Mini-Butterfly represents a concept that is somewhat uncommon in butterfly knives – it is designed to actually be a useful everyday cutting tool. The knife was designed by Terrain 365’s Patrick Ma… yes, that Patrick Ma. It was then modeled and modified in CAD by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design.
The Pocket Sling turns any of the Hill People Gear Pockets and the smaller packs like the Tarahumara and Attache into a sling bag. It features 500D Cordura construction with 1/4″ thick foam for comfort and a central side release buckle for easy donning and doffing. The ambidextrous sling can be attached to the Pockets via its 3 included ITW Grimloks and it also includes 3-bar sliders for turning the shoulder harness attachment points on packs like the Tarahumara into loops for mounting the sling. Speaking of packs…
I noticed an interesting entry in the list of compatible packs on the Pocket Sling product page. The list shows the Tarahumara, Attache, and then a pack called the Junction which has never been shown anywhere as far as I can tell. This obviously isn’t a lot to go on but I love a good teaser.
