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S.O. Tech Mission Go Bag Flap

By on July 7, 2011 in EDC, Survival, Tactical Gear

The S.O. Tech Mission Go Bag (MGB) is a well known bag that has proven itself to be capable of carrying everything from office essentials to vital fight sustaining gear. The owner of the MGB has a myriad of accessories available to them that can really enhance the function of the bag. One of the newest such accessories is the Mission Go Bag Flap (MGBF).

The MGBF is a flap that gives the MGB a more low profile look by covering the PALS webbing on the front of the bag. It acts as a flap much like any other messenger bag or briefcase might have. In addition to helping the bag blend in, it also adds a good sized vinyl map window and pen loop.

Image is property of S.O. Tech.

This is a really clever solution that lets the user and mission determine how to configure the bag. I would love to see more manufacturers offer flaps like this for their bags.

Check out the MGBF on S.O. Tech’s website.

SAR Global Tool E&E Knife Prototypes

By on July 6, 2011 in EDC, Knives, Survival

SAR Global Tool is always creating some innovative piece of gear that could save your tail in a bad situation. The latest design is a very small, compact, and simple knife that is designed to take up as little space as possible in your survival kit, BOB, or E&E kit.

These E&E kit prototypes are ground from .090″ thick CPM 154 steel, so they should hold an edge well and resist rust as they sit packed away in a kit. They have a 1.5″ cutting edge and are only 3″ in overall length. The blade has a sort of angular sheeps foot shape that should offer plenty of cutting power in a small package. The tip looks to be very fine which is a plus on a small knife that will likely be used for many detailed tasks.

The coolest thing about these little knives is the sheath. It lays very flat so that it fits anywhere and it features 3 grommets so you can carry it many different ways. What really sets the sheath apart is the orange kydex panel. This panel can be used as a close range signal panel or marker. I have found that having something that is highly visible like this can be a land nav aid in dense under brush. When the undergrowth is too thick to take an azimuth to a landmark farther than a few feet in front of you, it can be helpful to send someone ahead with something visible so that they can become your land mark. You direct them verbally or visually to your azimuth and then walk to them.

This knife is small and simple but it comes with the kind of innovations that you would expect from a rescue professional like Spencer at SAR Global Tool. You can purchase your own on the SAR Global Tool blog. While you are there, check out the incredibly slick, patent pending Eclipse Signal System.

New Packs from Eberlestock

By on June 6, 2011 in Survival, Tactical Gear

Eberlestock is known for their packs that integrate rifle carriers directly into the design of the pack. Now they are stepping into the world of “traditional” packs with the introduction of the 90 liter V90 Battleship and the 69 liter V69 Destroyer packs. Even though these are being called “traditional” packs, Eberlestock still couldn’t resist building in a way to carry a rifle.

These packs have essentially the same features between the two models. The only real difference is the size. These packs have some serious capacity, but Eberlestock seems to have done a great job with providing ways to organize and access all that capacity. There are various internal and external pockets that will handle everything from your lunch to your dirty socks. I especially like the idea large external mesh pockets for carrying wet gear or dirty laundry. Access can be accomplished through a typical top loading port with rain collar or through 2 zipped front loading panels.

There are tons of external straps that can serve as lash points for various gear. Some users don’t care for a lot of external straps, but I find that, if they are managed well, they really add a lot of functionality. The straps on the side of the pack can be used to carry a rifle by placing the butt of the stock into the sleeve at the base of the pack and buckling the fore end of the rifle under the strap.

You can check the new packs at Eberlestock’s website.

Tomahawks from Omnivore Blade-Works

By on May 31, 2011 in Survival

Tomahawks have experienced somewhat of a resurgence in popularity over the last several years. They have long been prized for their versatility as weapons and survival tools. Most tomahawks look much the same as any other tomahawk has looked in the last 200 years. However, makers like Omnivore Blade-Works are pushing the limits of the tomahawk in design and function.

Badger and Recon models with micarta handle slabs and Cerakote

Omnivore Blade-Works makes several different models of tomahawks in various shapes. Many of the designs are purpose built for their application. For instance, the ETA model is built for first responders and designed to handle the abuse that comes with forcible entry and the Anubis is Omnivore Blade-Work’s vision of the ultimate combat tomahawk. While many of the models are purpose built, they still retain the versatility for which tomahawks are known.

These tomahawks don’t look much like their steel and wood predecessors. Omnivore Blade-Works tomahawks feature full tang construction from 1095 steel. There are cord wrap and micarta handle options. You can also choose to have your tomahawk Cerakoted or finished with electroless nickel. There are more than enough options to make sure that your tomahawk is unique.

You can check out all of Omnivore Blade-Works’ tomahawks on their website.

Jackals with various options

ETA with micarta and Multicam-style Cerakote

UCO Micro Candle Lantern

By on May 4, 2011 in Survival, Tactical Gear

I am a sucker for cool gadgets like the UCO Candle Lanterns. They are compact, simple, well designed, useful items that can really be handy in a vehicle emergency kit, when the power goes out at home, or even when camping. Now, UCO has released a new, smaller version of the lantern called the Micro Candle Lantern.

The Micro Candle Lantern is even smaller than UCO’s “Mini” Candle Lantern. Like the Mini, the Micro uses “tealight” style candles. The Micro compacts down to just 2.5″ tall for storage and it only weighs 4.2oz with the two included candles. Both candles can be carried inside the lantern itself thanks to a storage compartment in the bottom that can hold the spare candle.

The candles that UCO makes for their lanterns have excellent burn time. The small candles in this lantern should easily provide you with 7-8 hours of light and warmth. That kind of performance makes them perfect for adding to a car kit if you live in colder climates. The heat from a candle might be just enough to take the edge off of a cold night spent stranded in a vehicle or a tent.

The Micro Candle Lantern is not on the UCO website yet but is widely available at UCO dealers.

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