Recently in Outdoor Gear Category

In spite of the fact that the snow is quickly melting away across most of the country, taking a walk in the early morning when yesterday's melt is frozen over the trails and sidewalks can still be treacherous.  And it seems that no matter how great your cold weather boots are, it's hard to find something that works equally on ice and snowpack, or wet rocks and concrete. 

Kahtoola MICROspikes may be the perfect answer.  They are extremely popular for both outdoorsman and urban explorers here in the upper midwest as well as cold places all over North America.  MICROspikes come in four different sizes and attach to just about any type of shoe or boot.

Buy them direct: www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.html 

When camping, canoeing, fly fishing, vacationing, etc., I usually enjoy bringing along a smoke or two for the occasion.  Keeping them dry, safe and well humidified is a challenge though.  Even taking a few of your favorite sticks on a weekend road trip can be tough without a good travel humidor.  The S.O. has found that this 5-cigar "caddy" works for most situations and is perfect for the outdoors.  Its water tight and shock proof construction, rugged exterior, and integrated humidifier get the job done whether in your backpack, glove box or fishing vest. 

And at this price, you can afford to lose one overboard occasionally, although it does float...

5-cigar Caddy 3400

Seiko manufactures watches that run the gamut from cheap, unreliable and undesirable to high quality quartz and automatic pieces that rival many Swiss brands.  One Seiko that is both affordable and has established a cult following is the 21-jewel Automatic Diver, specifically in orange, commonly referred to as the "Orange Monster."  It's known for its super bright Lumibrite glow-in-the-dark hands and it's superb diving capabilities.  It has a screw down crown (essential for using a watch around the water), has been water tested to 200 meters and meets ISO standards for scuba diving.  It's extremely durable and great looking too.  In addition, the automatic movement gives it a certain appeal for a sophisticated outdoorsman. Even if you aren't a diver, this is a great piece for just about any adventure...  And at less than $200 you can buy one in black (Black Moster) too!

Seiko Men's "Orange Monster"

When emergency strikes, where are you?  Cowering in a corner in your skirt or front and center ready to lend a hand?  Well, Nancy, now you'll be ready to serve with the Victorinox Swiss Army Rescue Tool.  The 2007 IWA Knife of the Year Winner was:

...developed and perfected in conjunction with emergency medical and rescue services in a five-year project. All parts have been subject to stringent tests, particularly the new window breaker and disc saw tools. The Rescue Tool includes the most essential functions for freeing a person from a disabled vehicle, including a rounded belt cutter which can be used to safely cut through a seat belt. All tools that have to be available quickly can be opened wearing gloves and are suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users. The one-handed blade and strong screwdriver (crate opener) are fixed in position when open thanks to the liner lock mechanism. The look of the Rescue Tool is unique as well with its luminescent yellow grip shells and bright red and yellow nylon case.

Get yours here: Victorinox Swiss Army Rescue Tool

Tissot has been manufacturing watches since 1853.  Finding high quality and stylish Swiss watches for a reasonable price is not always easy.  Finding a stylish Swiss watch with the features of Tissot's T-Touch series is nearly impossible.  These watches are rugged and at the same time stylish and trendy.  And, they feature functions that any outdoorsman can appreciate.

In addition to the Swiss movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, 100 foot water resistance, 43mm case and rubber strap, the T-Touch features touch screen control of:

• Altimeter
• Chronometer
  
• Compass
• Alarm
• Thermometer
• Barometer
• Date and Time

The S.O. aims to have personal experience with most of the products he recommends...  I'm happy to say that I have tried each of these garments myself and can honestly say that they may be the best crafted outwear pieces I have ever worn. 

Justin Charles has long been known for its high quality Merino Wool under clothes, especially among the bow hunting community, including a complete cold weather layering system, hunting suits, gloves, hats and more.

Now, they've released a line of jackets and coats that lives up to this reputation.  The details built into the clothing line are really exceptional and they're designed to be as functional as they are beautiful.  Their web site is a real plus too, check out the product videos where the companies Director of Product Development demos and explains each piece of the outerwear line.

Justin Charles Outerwear

When buying binoculars, you get what you pay for.  High quality optics are not cheap, but the difference when you're hunting from a blind, watching birds or exploring your world is one that can be seen and is unmistakable.  Nikon is near the top of the charts when it comes to creating binoculars that have spectacular optics, solid construction and are comfortable to hold and use.

That said, I couldn't pass up this deal on Nikon's Monarch ATB 8x42 Waterproof Binocular.  Amazon is offering these at $200 below retail, making them $230, which is about $50 under what venerable B&H offers them at.  If you're in the market, these best sellers are a best bet. 

Find them here: Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Waterproof Binocular

Now that we know BPA (Bisphenol A) is trying to kill you, along with your ex-wife, children, cigars, booze, saturated fat, etc., you need to replace those old smelly Nalgine bottles with something...  My neighbor (Mr. Teeth) recently ridded his home of all  plastic drinking untinsles and I asked him what he was going to replace them with and he reccommended these: 

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Not only do these stainless steel water bottles help keep your drink cool, but they can be placed on your camp fire or stove in a pinch for heating up your water.  They also don't take on the funky smell of everything you've ever put in them like a platic bottle does.