KGB (Kraft Gun Builders) has teamed up with Elevenmile Arms to create some AK grips that manage to look equally at home on a minimalist traditional AK or an ultra-modern, kitted up AK. The grip is KGB’s MG47 – a machined aluminum grip with styling queues taken from triangle side folding stocks. Then Elevenmile Arms created the Bakelite and Russian Plum finishes.
These appear to be a special project and they are unavailable at this time. Stay tuned for additional details.
The ESD Sling, from Edgar Sherman Design, is a lightweight, adaptable 2-point sling with quick-adjust functionality like many other slings on the market. However, the ESD Sling has a few features that set it apart.
At first glance, the ESD Sling has a ladder lock slider for the quick-adjust feature that is similar to many slings. However, ESD has figured out a way to use the slider so that it operates quickly and smoothly in both directions (both tightening and loosening) while most slings with similar hardware only work well for tightening and bind when the user tries to loosen. They also attach an ITW Zipline Orbit pull that makes the slider easy to grasp.
The ESD Sling also boasts a number of attachment options. The user can spec their ESD Sling with sewn in QD swivels, HK style hooks, loose ends for adding your own hardware, or paracord loops. The paracord option allows the user to tie their sling into their rifle with any length of paracord they choose.
The design has no loose ends and can be folded into its own elastic keeper for storage. Pulling the sling allows it to deploy from its folded position to its full length in a snap.
Check out the ESD Sling at EdwardShermanDesign.com.
You may think trekking poles don’t really fit in with the usual subject matter on JTT but I beg to differ. Trekking poles don’t just improve stability and endurance on the trail. They make great improvised shooting sticks and can help pack out heavy loads for hunters. I’ve been using them for almost 3 years now and, at this point, I can’t imagine hiking without them.
I have tried a few different types of trekking poles over the years and have developed a good sense for what I like and don’t like. I like some kind of lever/quick lock over twist locks. I like lightweight within reason. I like a cork grip that allows for multiple hand positions, especially when climbing. Finally, in my area, I find that good rock baskets are basically essential, especially if you go off trail. I also know that I don’t care for anti-shock poles.
So, when I was looking for a cheap pair of poles to use as loaners, I found that the Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Trekking Poles from Cascade Mountain Tech had everything I wanted. They also received rave reviews and cost significantly less than even middle of the road poles from some of the better known manufacturers. I bought a set last year and have used them for more than 200 miles on mixed hikes and near daily walks on our trails in the spring, summer, and fall. I have been using them myself far more often than I loan them out!
Price – I paid about $40 from Amazon. They are also available at Costco and may cost even less there. That is about 1/3rd the price of my other poles. These still have all the features I like and have held up exceedingly well.
Weight – The weight on these poles will vary depending on whether or not you use baskets and straps. They are just over 1 pound (total for both poles) in the configuration that I use with straps and baskets. I have a general mistrust of carbon fiber outdoor gear but I can’t complain about the weight and the way these have held up.
Grips – The grips are very good. The cork section is comfortable though it doesn’t transition as smoothly to the plastic and foam parts of grip as other more expensive poles. I can feel the transitions but it has never lead to hotspots or blisters. I really appreciate how the grip extends down the pole low enough that I can just shift my hands lower on the pole rather than stopping to shorten them for steep climbs.
Tips – The carbide tips seem to have decent bite and have held up well to our local granite. The tips also seem to be able to deflect a bit without breaking which is very nice considering how rocky it can be here.
Baskets – These poles come with both snow and mud baskets. I use the mud baskets full time because they do a great job of ensuring that the poles don’t drop down into rock cracks or gaps too deeply. This makes it less likely to snap a pole on the trail (or off it).
Adjustment – I am 6′ 1″ and these poles provide plenty adjustment. Speaking of adjustment, the Quick Locks make changing the length a snap.
Hardware – I am a little suspect of the clear plastic nuts that are used to adjust the tension on the Quick Locks. Mine are starting to discolor a bit and I suspect that they will start cracking over time. I will likely replace them with a metal nut soon.
Straps – The straps are just decent. I use the straps to lock into the poles, like a sort of tendon that ties me into them. I don’t need a lot of padding but a little more would be nice. These straps work and they do have some wicking material sewn to them which is nice.
The bottom line is I bought these poles a loaners but I like them enough that they have basically become my main poles. I wasn’t expecting that. These are really, really nice trekking poles at an incredible price.
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles are available at Costco very inexpensively. I didn’t have access to a Costco so I paid a bit more and bought mine on Amazon. The are available in a number of configurations including foam or cork grips, twist or quick locks, and aluminum or carbon fiber construction. I prefer cork grips with quick locks but the pole material doesn’t matter as much to me. If you want aluminum, they are EXTREMELY affordable (around $20).
Check out Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles at Amazon (affiliate links):
Carbon Fiber, Cork Grip, Quick Lock (subject of this review)
MIL-SPEC MONKEY CYOA (Choose Your Own Adventure) Loop Pack is now available and, as you might guess from the name, it can be configured just about however the user chooses. It boasts plenty of capacity and acres of loop material for use with hook backed organization pouches. Check out the video below to all the bells and whistles.
You can check out the CYOA Loop Pack at the MIL-SPEC MONKEY Store.
We first mentioned the MerkWares Pocket Super Shelter almost 2 months ago. The shelter has now moved past the crowdfunding stage and is making strides toward entering production. In fact, MerkWares just released a video update that shows a sample Pocket Super Shelter will become the production version.
The improvements include new tie downs, an improved snap system to replace the hook and loop closure, and an easier to set up ridge line configuration. The video above shows the changes in detail. Stay tuned for pricing and availability information.
Check out the rest of MerkWares offerings at EmberLit.com.
