Serious Tool Time

Having the right tool for the job certainly makes doing the job easier, and we’ve seen a trend in multi-purpose tools that not only get the job done but could likely survive the end of the world. Last week we reported on the Crovel, the shovel that seems ready for the zombie apocalypse or worse. Now we heard about the TNT Emergency Survival Tool, a combination axe, sledgehammer, do anything that requires blunt force device.

Designed by two fireman in Colorado this tool can pick, pry, hook, ram, pound and chop. It is made of high-carbon, heat-treated steel, along with a solid fiberglass handle. While it will require some muscle and putting your back in it the TNT Emergency Survival Tool might be the next best thing to dynamite.

T-N-T Tools Official Webstite

Made in America: Crafty Blade

Having a good knife while out in the wilds is never a bad idea, and even if you’re not an outdoorsman you probably would appreciate the fine crafted American made Bush Crafter ($99.99) from Camillus Knives. Made of 1095 high-carbon steel, this knife offers a razor-sharp edge that will remain sharp even after a whole lot of abuse, while the light drop tip fat belly blade is designed to be highly-functional for campers and hunters along.

It features a tough-as-nails canvas Micarta handle that is 4.5 inches long and which provides an serious grip for the user, while the steel lanyard slot will work with both traditional leather/nylon cords or a nylon strap used by climbers. This one even features a hand-made leather sheath.

Camillus Knives Official Website

Survival Coat

Sylvester Stallone may have played Rocky Balboa but the Rocky S2V Provision ($600 MSPR) is a coat that his other signature character would likely wanted to have while evading authorities. This coat can shedding moisture during cold, snowy weather while keeping heat locked in – which no doubt John Rambo would have appreciated – but we think he’d have really liked the integrated survival kit that is included that will have wearer’s ready for just about anything. Continue reading Survival Coat

Honey Badger Two Packs in One

The composite pack known as Honey Badger from Sling Fin is like two packs in one. The super-tough backpack can be used for hiking, climbing and just about any outdoor activity. It is waterproof and rugged. Made of abrasion-resistant composts it features integrated tie downs, and climbing rope to ensure that all the gear stays put, and because it has a semi-rigid design it doesn’t need the extra suspension system – thus reducing weight as well. Continue reading Honey Badger Two Packs in One

One Handed Multi-Tool for Everything!

Because you can’t bring every tool you might need when you’re off biking, hiking or camping; having a multi-tool is never a bad idea. A better idea is to have something like the Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool, which is the first of its kind tool to be designed with one-handed operation.

It means one-hand to open blades or even pliers, as it features spring-loading for the crucial tools. The tool offers everything you might need for simple bike repair, plus a whole lot more as it includes a strap cutter, oxygen bottle wrench and even threading for common-size cleaning rods. Continue reading One Handed Multi-Tool for Everything!

Weekend Reading List (10.13.2012): Magic of Ti, Green Sports, Final Film, Running Disasters

Magic Metal

From BikeRadar: What is titanium?
Titanium is a metal that has an atomic number of 22 and its chemical element symbol is Ti – which is fitting, as many people in the bike industry often refer to titanium as ‘ti’. This metal doesn’t weigh as much as gold, but like that precious metal it’s corrosion-resistant and can be lustrous in a refined state. And unlike gold or silver, titanium is as strong as steel when properly processed. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (10.13.2012): Magic of Ti, Green Sports, Final Film, Running Disasters

BRIGHT Idea Lamp and Phone Charger

Even when off the grid it is nice to have some portable power to provide some light and even to charge a mobile phone – because you may not want to make a call, but in an emergency it could come in handy. BRIGHT Products has come up with a bright idea with its new solar-powered lamp that could make the kerosene lamp a thing of the past.

While it is easy to see plenty of applications for this solar-charging system that involve not-quite-roughing it such as camping, this could be a very useful product in the developing world, where a connection to the grid is sketchy at best. The BRIGHT solar charger features a light, which can run for up to 50 hours on low, or eight hours on medium, and even up to four hours on high, after just eight to ten hours of sunlight charging. Video after the jump

Seriously Rugged Serious Tablet

Most of us will probably never need a tablet that can endure the punishment that the Algiz 10X can withstand, but it is good to know that there is this option. It is designed to withstand the elements, harsh handling and still provide those in the field with a serious machine.

It is IP65-rated and meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military standards so it can tackle dust, water, vibrations, drops, extreme temperatures and even varying altitudes. But it is still just 32mm (1.2-inches) thick and weights just 2.9pounds. Continue reading Seriously Rugged Serious Tablet

Made in America: Crovel Will Have You Covered

A good shovel is a handy thing to have, but the Crovel Tactical might be ideal for the end of the world, a zombie apocalypse and a mob style hit. This one has a steel shovel head with a saw tooth edge that can easily cut through roots while entrenching. It could certainly come in handy as a club – hence the “Tactical” moniker. Continue reading Made in America: Crovel Will Have You Covered

The Sense of Salomon

Some things just make sense, and Salomon has made the S-Lab Sense, a new shoe developed through collaboration between designers and trail runners. The Sense, which we first spotted back in February, are now ready for those looking to hit the trails. And this makes sense to us as the shoes offer the benefits of protection on the feet against stones and dirt for those who like to do the barefoot running thing. Video of Kilian Jornet with the Sense

Modular Camper

For those who like camping out of their Jeep – or other SUV – the Dinoot Modular Camping Trailer might be just what you’ve been seeking, even if you didn’t know you needed it. This unique modular system provides the extra space that might not be available in the Jeep, but also means that you don’t have to camp on the cold hard ground either.

And yet this isn’t exactly the old school trailer either, so you get the feel of camping out while having a bit of comfort as well. The company is even in the process of developing a compact motorcycle trailer.

Dinoot Official Website

Lock of the TiGr

We first heard about the TiGr lock back in May of 2011, when it was still just a Kickstarter project. But now the TiGr is ready to roar and roll. This 23-inch titanium strap provides a secure lock around the rear wheel and a bike rack, or even street post. Unlike other materials titanium is both strong and flexible – the result is that it can be harder (more difficult) to cut through than steel chains or even a U-Lock. Video after the jump

49ers Help Construct Fitness Zone

Instead of heading to the end zone in an NFL game, last week players from the San Francisco 49ers helped complete the new outdoor 49ers Fitness Zone at Peterson Middle School in Santa Clara. The 49ers reportedly traded in their cleats, shoulder pads and even game faces and picked up power tools, put on smiles and helped install seats and hang two gates at the new center.

The 49er Fitness Zone features green technology, and requires no electricity or scheduled maintenance. It is designed to increase physical fitness and encourage healthy lifestyles among the youth. Several philanthropic community businesses joined the 49ers and United Healthcare in erecting the outdoor fitness zone as part of the NFL-United Way Hometown Huddle Day of Service.

The dedication of the center also correlated with the NFL’s Play 60 program, a campaign to encourage children to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity.

NFL’s Play 60 Official Website
49ers Foundation Official Website
[Via Santa Clara Weekly: A Different Kind of Touchdown – 49ers Foundation and United Healthcare Join in Construction of Outdoor Fitness Center for SCUSD Students]