I spent several weeks testing the XP20R in real-world conditions. Overall, it delivers strong performance, practical features, and excellent value for the price.

Coast XP20R Features

The Coast XP20R packs several great features into a compact design. First, it includes a rechargeable battery and supports direct USB-C charging. As a result, keeping the light ready is simple.

In addition, the flashlight can charge external devices. A second port allows you to top off your phone or other electronics during an emergency. This feature adds real utility during power outages or roadside situations.

Four LED indicators show battery status at a glance. Because of this, you always know how much charge remains.

The XP20R also uses Coast’s Pure Beam Focusing Optic. This system transitions smoothly from a wide flood beam to a focused spot beam. A simple push adjusts the beam, while a twist locks it in place. Therefore, you can quickly adapt the light for different tasks.

Finally, the IP54 rating protects the internal components from dust and water splashes. This makes the light suitable for outdoor use and rough conditions.

What’s Included in the Package?

The package includes the Coast XP20R flashlight and some important accessories. It comes with a 5000 mAh Coast ZX955 Zithion-X rechargeable battery and a USB-C charging cable.

You can charge the battery inside or outside the flashlight. In addition, Coast includes an insert that allows the use of three AAA batteries. Therefore, you still have power even if recharging is not possible.

Coast XP20R Specifications

The XP20R measures 7.5 inches long. It feels substantial but remains easy to handle. The aluminum body keeps weight reasonable while providing durability.

• Moon Glow: 60 lumens
• Low: 380 lumens
• Medium: 1,300 lumens
• High: 2,300 lumens
• Turbo: 4,000 lumens (short burst)

Runtime varies by output level. Moon Glow runs up to 50 hours, while Low runs 15 hours. Meanwhile, Medium runs 4 hours and 15 minutes, and High runs 2 hours and 45 minutes. Turbo mode is designed for short bursts, so Coast does not list a runtime.

Beam distance ranges from 72 feet on Moon Glow to about 465 feet on High. Turbo briefly extends reach to 623 feet.

Testing the Coast XP20R

Charging and Setup

Before testing, I charged the flashlight overnight. The battery indicators showed a full charge the next morning. Charging was simple, and the USB-C connection felt secure. In addition, the indicator lights made it easy to check battery status at a glance.

Flood Beam Performance

I started testing in my neighborhood, which has minimal street lighting. On the widest setting, the Ultra View Flood beam lights up a large area quickly. For example, it easily illuminated my street, driveway, and a nearby park.

Because of its wide coverage, the flood beam works well for searching, walking, or campsite use. The light spreads evenly across the ground with very little dark spotting.

Spot Beam Performance

Switching to the BULLS-EYE Spot Beam produces a more focused beam. However, the beam still includes a soft halo around the center. As a result, the XP20R works best as a general-purpose light rather than a dedicated long-distance spotlight.

Even so, the focused beam provides clear visibility at distance and works well for most outdoor tasks.

Handling and Battery Performance of the Coast XP20R

The aluminum body feels solid and well-balanced in the hand. In addition, the textured surface provides a secure grip. During extended use, the light became warm on higher settings but never uncomfortable.

Battery performance remained consistent throughout testing. The light maintained stable brightness, and the power bank feature successfully charged a phone during testing.

Overall, the XP20R performed well for emergencies, vehicle carry, camping, and general outdoor use.

Pros and Cons

What I Like

• Strong brightness with multiple output levels
• Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging
• Power bank capability for charging devices
• Long runtime on lower settings
• Durable construction
• Good value for the price

At a current MSRP of $65.99, the XP20R offers excellent value. Because it includes a rechargeable battery, you avoid buying disposable batteries. In addition, the ability to charge a phone during emergencies adds real usefulness.

What Could Be Better About The Coast XP20R

• Light starts on high instead of low
• Power button is difficult to feel with gloves

The recessed power button can be hard to locate by touch. With gloves on, it becomes even more difficult to find. While this is not a major issue, a more tactile button would improve usability.

Final Thoughts

The Coast XP20R is a practical and capable flashlight. It delivers strong output, long runtime, and useful features at a fair price. More importantly, it provides reliable performance for everyday and emergency use.

If you need a dependable rechargeable flashlight for your vehicle, emergency kit, or outdoor gear, the XP20R offers excellent value and versatility.

Check current price and availability here:
Coast XP20R Flashlight

As always, I’d like to thank Coast Portland for providing their XP20 LED flashlight for my testing and evaluation.

XPHERE Axil Speaker Specs and Features

At just over 8-3/4″ high, and 3-1/4″ in diameter, it’s roughly the size of a one-liter soda, making it packable and portable. Weight is 26.7 ounces. You charge the speaker via a USB-C port, and it also has a USB-A port for charging your other devices. With a battery capacity of 8,000Mah, it delivers 20+ hours of music between charges. Utilizing 5.3 Bluetooth gives it a range of 120+ feet, more than enough for most users. An IP67 rating assures it’s completely dust and water-resistant. Use it with confidence outdoors, even on a bad day.

Axil equipped the XPHERE with a pair of 2″ full-range speakers, each rated at 15 watts. On the top, you can see a waterproof bass resonator as well. With a signal-to-noise ratio of >80dB, and a dynamic frequency response range of 60Hz-20kHz, it delivers impressive sound in a small package. On the back are audio controls and a charge indicator. Underneath is a 1/2×28 socket, similar to those on camera tripods, for creative mounting options. An included mount which threads in has a hole for a small carabiner or maybe some paracord, so it can be attached to a backpack or hung up in a tent.

Charging and Pairing

When the XPHERE first arrived, I used the included USB-C cable and left it to charge overnight. Charging time normally takes 5 hours for 20+ hours of run time. Fully charged, I pressed the power button for a few seconds, and it came to life. Pressing the power button a second time got it into pairing mode. Checking my phone, it showed AXIL XPHERE, which I selected. Done. Another nice touch is that my phone displays the state of battery charge while it’s connected.

Though I only had this one Axil speaker to test out, it’s possible to pair two XPHERE speakers for true stereo sound. Even better, you can connect more than 100 of them and throw one heck of a party. I’d like a pair, or perhaps four, for backyard parties. My neighbors may not be as enthusiastic though.

The XPHERE Axil Speaker in use

After listening in my office while writing some other reviews, I knew the XPHERE would be a great outdoor companion. Parking it on our picnic table, I listened to all my favorite tunes while grilling dinner. When it was time to clean the garage, I used it there too. And yes, it came with me on a few range trips. While shooting outdoors with a suppressed rimfire, it was nice to have a little music in the background.

Sound Quality and Volume

Whether next to me on my desk or workbench, or across the yard, the Axil XPHERE puts out enough volume to be heard clearly. Switching up my music, I listened to everything from classic rock to top-ten hits to some dark Beethoven (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, AKA Moonlight Sonata). Recognizing that the sound quality may be limited by my streaming service, Spotify, I still have no complaints.

Setting reasonable expectations for the pair of 2″ full-range speakers, I was not disappointed. Vocals came through clearly, as did most musical instruments. When listening to slower classical music, the violin, piano, and kettle drum were quite distinct. Songs like Metallica’s Creeping Death may strain those speakers, but not to a level that was objectionable. Deep bass is lacking, but that’s par for the course with small speakers, not a design or technology flaw. Overall, the XPHERE has great sound quality for its intended use.

Onboard Controls

On the back of the speaker body is a vertical panel with all the controls. At the top is the power button, which is also used for the initial Bluetooth pairing. Below that is the “Broadcast” button, used for multi-speaker setups. Moving downward, there are volume +/skip buttons, play/pause, and volume -/skip buttons. Then there is a four LED array with three green lights and one red, indicating battery charge status.

Lifting the silicone rubber cover, there’s the USB-A output, for charging other devices. Right under that is the USB-C port for charging the Axil XPHERE. Note that the cover needs to be pressed firmly in place to ensure that it meets the IP67 rating. Although I appreciate having the controls on the speaker, I’m more inclined to use my phone’s controls. The downside is that there is a tiny delay in volume changes.

What About Phone Calls?

Taking phone calls is the last thing on my mind when shopping for a Bluetooth speaker. Yet I felt obligated to test out this feature, since it’s included. While I could hear the other party, I needed to be within about four feet for them to hear me. Keeping in mind that I speak pretty softly, this is reasonable. If you’re okay with yelling at your speaker, you’re fine with phone calls at greater distances. My solution is to just never answer my phone. Unless it’s my wife.

Overall Impressions of the XPHERE Axil Speaker

Axil has plenty of experience with audio, specifically when it comes to hearing protection. So when given a bit more room for batteries and speakers, it’s no surprise that they came up with a product that really delivers. It’s durable, yet compact, making it easy to take along on adventures. Offering 20+ hours of battery life covers a long weekend for me. Most of my friends rate the sound quality as excellent, and I agree that it sounds great for what it is.

If you’re looking for a single portable speaker, there’s a lot to like about the XPHERE at the full retail of $249.99, and it’s even more appealing when on sale. Should you be planning on linking several speakers together, this Axil speaker system won’t let you down either. Find yours at goaxil.com.

As always, I’d like to thank Axil for providing their XPHERE for my testing and evaluation. I’m already protecting my precious hearing with their ear pro, and this Axil speaker is just a natural extension of their technology and innovation.

Looking for a coupon code for Axil products? Use the code INDUSTRYSAVES for 15% off regular prices at goaxil.com

With that out of the way, let’s get into what this lantern offers, and why I chose to share it this month.

Coast EAL40R Specifications

Standing 7.28 inches tall, this is a compact lantern, but more than you’d want to carry in a backpack. Its fiberglass-filled nylon construction with a polycarbonate globe (hidden under the removable diffuser body) keeps weight down to 27.37 ounces. Power is from a Coast ZX740 USB-C rechargeable battery pack. It sits in a battery well that can alternatively accommodate six AA batteries.  Who doesn’t like power options? A short cable is included for charging, though I feel like everyone has several these days.

Light output options include warm (3500k) and cool (7000k), plus red. Here’s a breakdown of the output and approximate run times for each color and setting. Note that the first set is for the bare globe, and the second set is with the translucent diffuser in place. Run times are of course the same in either configuration.

• Low, warm is 12 lumens for up to 93 hours
• Medium, warm is 95 lumens, up to 55 hours
• High, warm is 220, up to 24 hours
• Low, cool is 540 lumens for up to 12 hours
• Medium, cool is 1080 lumens for up to 5 hours 30 minutes
• High, cool is 2500 lumens, for up to 2 hours 15 minutes

• Low, warm is 7 lumens for up to 93 hours
• Medium, warm is 50 lumens, up to 55 hours
• High, warm is 120 lumens, up to 24 hours
• Low, cool is 300 lumens for up to 12 hours
• Medium, cool is 600 lumens for up to 5 hours 30 minutes
• High, cool is 1400 lumens, for up to 2 hours 15 minutes

Features. Lots of them.

There’s so much going on here, I’m just going to try to start at the top and work my way down. Carrying the Coast EAL40R is easy thanks to the handle that folds down against the body. That body acts as a diffuser for the surface-mounted LED array protected by the clear polycarbonate globe. A simple counter-clockwise twist separates the two. On the front of the lantern is a sealed power button which allows you to cycle through the settings. Below that is the switch for warm or cool output.

Spin the lantern around 180 degrees, and hidden under a rubber cover are a single input and two output USB-C ports. Two green, one orange, and one red LED lights indicate the state of charge. While the internal battery is just 2200 mAh, it’s useful for topping up a phone or GPS unit. Flipping the lantern over reveals a fold-out carabiner for hanging the lantern, or maybe attaching it to your backpack. Twisting the base uncovers the removable, ZX740 rechargeable battery, cleverly designed to fit into the spot which accommodates six batteries.

The ZX740 Rechargeable Battery Explained

With a capacity of 2200 mAh, the ZX740 rechargeable battery has a few tricks up its sleeve. It charges via USB-C and has a USB-C output as well. Charging can be done while in the lantern, or out of it. So it can be used as a compact power brick for other USB devices in a pinch. Carefully placed contacts allow it to power the Coast EAL40R in place of six AA batteries. Extras are just $19.99, making them a viable option for extending the run time of the lantern without keeping track of a bunch of AA batteries.

Emergency Features

Most Coast lighting products offer a red light option, and this one is no exception. Hold the power button down for a few seconds and the lantern will light up red. Tap it again and it flashes. Another tap turns it back off. Although it’s not blindingly bright, the handle on top or carabiner on the bottom allows it to be placed where it’s likely to be seen.

And no emergency lighting solution would be worth owning if it didn’t have some impact and weather resistance. The fact that my older versions of this light still function more than ten years later speaks to their durability. Throw in IP54 Ingress Protection rating, and you’ve got a lantern that is reasonably dust-resistant, and shrugs off water splashes.

Our time with the Coast EAL40R

We had a short time to try out the Coast EAL40R lantern, and didn’t get to do anything cool like get lost on a mountain top. Enjoying some quiet time and beverages in the backyard, with the warm light providing a little illumination was nice. We also brought it out for some late-night grilling after a long day of shooting, using the cool setting to light up the patio. Both times, this lantern put out the right amount and color of light for our needs. Indoors, the medium setting on warm, or low setting on cool is plenty to illuminate a room during a power outage.

I’ll cut to the chase

Yes, this is more of an overview than a review. Realistically, I didn’t need to take this lantern camping, or drag it out during a power outage to know what to expect from it. Heck, I don’t even need to drop it to know how durable it is. It’s an updated version of the same lanterns we’ve used for over a decade now. Except that it’s better in every way. It’s about an inch shorter, and ten ounces lighter, but it runs longer, is more than 6 time brighter, and does more for you in an emergency. And it’s more flexible with power options.

In a world where it seems we are paying more for less. Coast is giving us more value, for the same price. That alone makes this worth the MSRP. Check it out on the Coast Portland website.

As always, I’d like to thank Coast for providing their EAL40R lantern for our testing and evaluation. And I’m truly grateful to see that they continue to innovate and offer more, while keeping prices in check.

Coast Slayer Rechargeable LED Light, at a Glance

Inside the aluminum body of this $79.99 LED flashlight is a ZITHION™ rechargeable battery. You charge the Coast Slayer via a USB-C port hidden under a rubber cover on the end. At the opposite end are dual lenses for spot and flood. Up top are the two control buttons, and on the side is a sturdy clip. Color options include silver, blue, red, and dune, which is a variation of FDE. There are multiple options for the Coast Slayer, and this one has the Beamsaver Memory Mode, which I’ll get to shortly.

Specs

Overall dimensions are 0.8″L x 1.1″W x 5.43″H, and it weighs 3.2 ounces. Five output options are available across the two lenses. For the flood, there is low, medium, and high, with outputs of 42, 205, and 380 lumens, respectively. A spot setting with 540 lumens is ideal for illuminating objects at a distance. Finally, a temporary turbo mode gives you a mixed spot and flood with 1150 lumens total. Runtimes vary from a max of 11 hours using the low flood setting, down to 2.5 hours on the high flood setting. You can recharge it in two hours. Its IP67 rating means it’s dustproof and will survive a dunk in water.

Beamsaver Memory Mode on the Coast Slayer LED flashlight

Keeping things simple, the forward button cycles through the different modes. No need to memorize button sequences with multiple taps or long presses. I’ve got other lights that have all sorts of features accessed through different sequences, and if I can’t remember them, my wife certainly won’t. So this simplicity is appreciated.

Coast takes it a step further though. The rear button is used to “memorize” your favorite mode. Cycle through, stop on your chosen setting, and hold down the rear button. Once it flashes, your setting is saved. From there, it can be accessed quickly via the rear button. You can still use the front button to access the other settings, but this shortcut is nice.

Styling

My evaluation copy is the low-key silver color with a black clip mounted high for deep carry. The shape is ergonomic, and the styling has some faint firearms cues. Stacking the lenses on top of each other reminds me of a handgun barrel with a guide rod below. Angled cuts on the side are reminiscent of slide serrations. Overall, it’s visually interesting, and fits well in hand.

EDC with the Coast Slayer

I’ve never had a shortage of uses for a flashlight. Is the cat outside or under the bed? Use the memory button for low flood to check under the bed. No cat. Head out to the backyard, and switch to high flood so I can sweep the whole yard, looking for the cat. Use the spot feature to check the overgrown weeds (spider patch) on the side yard. Still no cat. Back to low to check the dark corners of the upstairs closet. (Our cat really did disappear).

Woke up in the middle of the night because I heard a sound. Instead of turning on the light and waking up my wife, I grabbed the Coast Slayer. Again, the low flood setting shortcut comes in handy.  Turns out it was just the other cat, who dragged in a giant moth and was chasing it around the kitchen. I did not choose these pets.

When you’re servicing your car battery and drop your 10mm, grab the Coast Slayer. You’ll never find that socket, but the light will still be handy. Need to peek in the attic, under the sink, or inside your furnace? How about across the yard, or across the park you walk your dog through at night? It’s got your back.

What makes this good for emergencies?

Although the runtime might not be ideal for heavy use, the Coast Slayer has two things going for it. Since it’s a flashlight and not a lantern, the runtime is reasonable. Even if we had a three day power outage (or a long weekend camping), I would expect it to last. And being able to recharge it via the USB-C port appeals to me. I got tired of throwing away batteries a long time ago. We probably have at least eight different portable power banks for recharging via USB. So I don’t see capacity as an issue.

Durability is a requirement for me. With an aluminum body, recessed lenses, and sealed buttons, the Coast Slayer is dustproof, waterproof, and reasonably drop-proof. It’s also big enough to hold comfortably, without being too bulky. Nor is it so small it gets misplaced.

So what’s the verdict on the Coast Slayer?

Based on customer reviews on the Coast website, it seems to be a good value. And I tend to agree with that. It’s not pretending to be the brightest, longest-running, or fastest charging. Instead, it’s got usable modes, acceptable runtimes, and better-than-average looks and ergonomics. Unless you have a specific use case that requires more output or runtime, it strikes a good balance on the value scale. I’d definitely throw one in my 72-hour kit, or our camping gear.

As far as I can tell, the only weak point for some users has been the clip. I had no issues over a couple of weeks of carrying and use. Should the clip fail, I know Coast customer service will happily send out a replacement. If the Coast Slayer LED flashlight interests you, check it out on the Coastportland website, along with their other great products.

As always, I’d like to thank Coast for sending out their products for my testing and evaluation.

MeoStar S2 specs

The MeoStar S2 82 features premium, extra-low dispersion, fluoride-treated HD glass. This eliminates chromatic aberration to give the sharpest resolution, contrast, and color fidelity possible. The Outdoor Life test team noticed the outstanding performance citing the MeoStar‘s best-in-class optical resolution and image quality, extremely tactile focus and power-changing controls, sharp edge-to-edge clarity, excellent internal coatings, and outstanding price among other factors that made this premium spotting scope stand out in the test.

“The price’”the real-world street price is around $3,000 for both the body and the 20-70-power eyepiece’”is about $1,000 lower than its European peers, but you get the same vivid image, the stunning edge-to-edge clarity, and the velvety controls. In short, the MeoStar is an investment-grade spotting scope that is a relative bargain when considered against its competitors.”

“The Meopta easily won our low-light test, and topped the field in optical resolution. The test team especially liked the long-range detail it produced, even at higher magnifications.”

• Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life Hunting, Conservation, and Optics Editor

More about the MeoStar S2

 The S2 82 HD spotting scope‘s optical system, with MeoBright™lens coating, is optimized for twilight. It provides hunters and nature observers the advantage of seeing fine details more clearly at extended ranges in low light. External lenses are also protected by Meopta‘s proprietary MeoDrop™  hydrophobic coating. This coating repels water, dust, and grease from lens surfaces while the MeoShield™anti-abrasion lens coating offers added protection in rough terrain. The scope also has a retractable sunshade.

The rugged magnesium chassis is available in a straight or angled body. The bayonet eyepieces are sold separately and available in 20-70x or 30-60x wide angle. The S2 82 HD spotting scopes are nitrogen purged, waterproof, and fogproof. Like all Meopta optics sold in the United States, they are backed by Meopta‘s Lifetime Transferrable Warranty.

“We are honored to win Outdoor Life‘s prestigious Editor‘s Choice Award and appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into these annual optics tests,” said Erik Muller, Meopta Sport Optics Product Specialist. “Meopta remains committed to delivering European-quality optical performance for hunters, birders, and nature enthusiasts at great price points.”

Click here to check the price of the Meopta MeoStar S2 at Opticsplanet.com

Click here to check the price of the Meopta MeoStar S2 at Amazon.com

 About Meopta

Meopta has been producing high-end European optics for more than 90 years. They are a leading manufacturer & partner to many of the world’s finest optical brands. Meopta conceives, develops and manufactures precision optical and electro/optical systems for semiconductor, medical, aerospace and military industries as well as for consumer markets.

For more information regarding Meopta, please visit www.meoptasportsoptics.com.

Of course, most sandals or flip-flops are not exactly ideal for some of the places I go. Which is why I’m pretty stoked to have spent the last month or so putting some hard miles on my new FlipRocks. And while FlipRocks are definitely high quality, some may question my use of the word “Tactical”, so I need to clear that up before proceeding.

The definition of tactical

Per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “Tactical” means “Adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose”. Of course, “Adroit” is defined as “Clever or skillful in using the hand or mind”. In this case, I’m going to sum it up as “Smart thinking to make some seriously purposeful footwear”. If you spend time at an outdoor range, and prefer sandals, these are worth a closer look. Also, I got mine in black, which is of course the more tactical version. They are available in tan as well. I think the tan looks better, but knowing how beat up and dusty they were going to get, figured I would stick with black.

What are FlipRocks?

The official product description uses words like “Ultimate Sandal” and “Extreme Footwear”, and that’s no hyperbole. They’re pretty much the Chuck Norris of open footwear. Highly durable, massive grip, plenty of comfort, and incredibly flexible (soles) make FlipRocks stand out from today’s crowded footwear options. Their rugged good looks let everyone know that while you like to let your feet get a little sun, you’re no hobbit.  They’re designed to protect your feet while engaging in real outdoor adventures, not just a walk from the car to the beach. They’ve got the traction of a monster truck, with the versatility of a modular firearm. No joke, you can swap parts (soles) on the FlipRocks as easily as you can swap parts on your favorite AR or Austrian Tupperware®. More on that in a bit.

Construction

The $99.99 sandal itself is a blend of rubber that balances durability with comfort. No doubt, the first thing you notice is the big protective toe guard. Never fear another rock, log, or alligator. Okay, maybe watch out for alligators. But now your precious toes are shielded from the obstacles that invariably jump out at the last moment and ruin a good hike. That’s not even the biggest functional feature of the FlipRocks. The real fun is underneath, where the GripToeNite gripping pads hide. That’s the feature that really sets them apart from everything else.

So GripToeNite is a thing. Really.

This is the genius part of why I like FlipRocks. The GripToeNite grips are replaceable pads on the outsole (that’s the bottom-most part, for you non-footwear nerds). Each GripToeNite pad offers traction for different environments. And they can be swapped out without tools, as they use a super strong industrial hook and loop fastener. Note that the pads are swappable between the FlipRocks sandals and flip-flops. Here’s a breakdown of the current options:

Water Trekker:

The $29.99 Water Trekker has high-traction aggressive rubber bottoms paired with stainless steel cleats. Ideal for sketchy trails and water crossings. Swap them before you hit the trail, or keep them in your pocket or pack until you need them.  Best for fishing, hikers tackling rough terrain, and anyone else looking for some adventure, while rocking sandals.

 

 

Timberline:

My personal choice for EDC (Everyday chilling). Aggressive enough for some outdoor shooting range time, but fine for the office, driving, and mowing the lawn. I walk every day on my lunch break, and every weekend in Utah’s dry, rocky terrain. And they’re not showing any wear yet. A good balance of traction, protection, and durability. If I manage to wear them out, it’s only $24.99 to refresh my FlipRocks.

 

Kayaker:

An ideal companion for the paddle sports enthusiast. With a large felt panel, there’s no need to fear that slick algae found growing on rocks along your favorite waterway. Not only do they make it safer to get in and out of the water, but they can open up more opportunities to traverse spots you may have previously avoided. See more and do more in that space between the water and dry land for only $24.99.

 

Marine Sportsman:

Be the envy of the yacht club! Or at least don’t be the noob leaving scuff marks on the deck. Instead of black rubber that can mar or otherwise mark up a boat’s deck, this one utilizes a gum rubber with awesome grip. Its wave sipe tread offers traction whether wet or dry. And at only $24.99, it’s probably the least expensive part of owning a boat or spending an afternoon on one.

 

The Gopher (The Golfer ):

My golf experience doesn’t extend much beyond driving golf balls with a .22, or splitting tees with the same rifle. But the folks at FlipRocks Extreme Footwear like to spend an afternoon on the green. So they made sure that FlipRocks can take you from the mountains or lake to the tee box with a quick change of GripToeNite pads. With ten super-aggressive, yet soft golf cleats, these are approved for both playing and teeing up a cold one in the clubhouse. Give your feet tan lines that Jimmy Buffett would appreciate while playing a round of golf.

 

River Master :

A smart mix of the Kayaker’s felt pad with the Water Trekker spiked pad resulted in the $29.99 River Master. I’m all about fishing from the rocks along the shoreline, and wading out a bit. These are ideal for that, or just walking along a jetty. Sure-footed traction keeps you upright in some of the worst conditions.

 

G-Rex:

The most aggressive GripToeNite currently available. Wet traction turned up to 11. Its felt grabs slime with the aggressiveness of a divorce lawyer. And it sports extra tall stainless steel spikes, the likes of which wouldn’t look out of place on some 80’s heavy metal band’s wardrobe. With a name that harkens back to a big-toothed dinosaur, you’ll roam the waterways without fear. When you need the absolute most traction, these bad boys won’t let you down.

 

Initial adjustments and fit

Actual flip-flops are known for ease of ingress – just slip your foot in and go. Of course, they slide off just as easily, sometimes expectedly. Sandals have more straps and are generally more secure. FlipRocks goes all out though. I think maybe only space shuttle seats have a more secure system of straps than FlipRocks. With a three-way ankle support system sporting no less than four fastening points, your feet will be comfortably strapped in. A mix of sliding fasteners coupled with hook and loop straps allows for perfect adjustment.  So they take a minute or two to set up the first time you put them on.

A hook and loop strap runs across the forefoot, and can be adjusted for a secure fit at the widest part of the foot. That strap then crosses the midfoot twice, terminating in a sliding adjuster that is simply pulled to tighten or loosen. Another hook and loop strap crosses the front of the ankle, secured to a “Y” mount with yet another hook and loop strap wrapping around the heel. I only loosen the strap in front of the ankle to remove them, so it’s not as busy as it may sound.

Once on, they are solidly attached to my feet. No sliding, no blisters, no friction. The footbed provides nice arch support, and the heel rests comfortably at the concave rear, with some raised protection behind it. Note that they run true to size, which seems to be a rarity these days.

Life with FlipRocks

Although I didn’t get to put a lot of miles on the additional GripToeNite pads, I definitely gave my FlipRocks a workout. With plenty of time to kill during my lunch hour, I take a walk around our business complex. That takes me from grass to concrete and then across a rock-strewn empty dirt lot. That’s my daily mile or so, and if there were any deficiencies in comfort or fit, I’m confident they would show up during that walk.

 

Weekends are when my FlipRocks see their real workout. We shoot on BLM land, and setting up targets requires hiking through rocks, brush, and all the crap some folks leave behind. Yet I had no concerns about traction or protection as I stepped on broken glass, sharp rocks, and thorny plants. Things can be a little slippery when climbing around the base of the mountain that constitutes our backstop, but again, no issues with traction. I’ve found that it’s convenient to leave the Water Trekker pads in the center console of my FJ Cruiser, and just swap them when I arrive at our shooting spot. Because driving with the spikes seems awkward, and switching them out is so easy.

 

Conclusion

These are really great everyday sandals, made even better with the swappable pads. I’ve had some knee injuries, and cannot tolerate bad footwear. My knees will let me know if the soles aren’t supportive yet yielding under some weight. And I’ve experienced nothing but comfort with the FlipRocks. All the adjustability allows for a perfect and very secure fit.

My only regret is that I didn’t get to thoroughly test the extra pads. High temps melted our snowpack, and all my favorite river trails have been flooded out. But for everything else, I never had a second thought about comfort or traction. I’ll be a little sad when it starts to snow, and I have to go back to shoes. Until then, I will be rocking these “Tactical sandals” daily. To learn more, and see their full line of sandals, flip-flops, and even boots, head over to the FlipRocks website.

As always, I’d like to thank the folks at FlipRocks for providing their products for my review.

Groove Life Hero Loadout – Belt & Ring Set

Groove Life refers to this loadout as “The toughest ring and the best belt of all time.” Myself and other former writers for the site have been wearing the rings since 2017, and it’s hard to argue with their durability. As for the belt, I can’t say it’s the best belt of all time, but I also can’t really disagree. It’s definitely my favorite, and I’ve tried plenty of others. At a minimum, it’s the best I have used so far. And that says a lot.

The Hero belt

I selected the belt in Black/Deep Stone, which is a neutral shade of grey. And the American flag is nicely understated black and white. Classy, not flashy. Durable and sturdy 37mm webbing with a bit of stretch is what keeps pants up. That stretch makes for a great fit, and you don’t need to adjust it to carry your favorite firearm, or if you go overboard on some BBQ. Rigid belts are fine, but one with a little give is generally more comfortable.

Using technology called Stiff-Tech is the key to everything here.  Even though it’s pretty thin and light, it doesn’t fold over under a load. And it moves with me, whether walking, driving, sitting, hiking, or running from bears. In other words, it’s everything I could want in a belt, including infinite sizing. Because it just threads through the buckle, and can be easily adjusted the exact amount required. No more relying on evenly spaced holes that require a compromise of a little too loose or tight.

 About that buckle

Forget about pushing a prong through a hole in a belt. That’s old technology. Groove Life uses neodymium magnets and A380 aluminum to make a buckle that holds tight, but is easy to undo. Latches by themselves wouldn’t work so great without some tension on them. While magnets may offer good holding power, the belt would probably rotate around just magnets. Combine latches and magnets, and everything is groovy. This is what the Groove Belt does with its very strong 45mm tall buckle, and no moving parts. As soon as the two pieces of the buckles get close enough, it snaps together. In a rush to unbuckle? Just push them apart and the buckle unlatches. It’s deceptively simple.

Adjusting and wearing the Groove Life Hero belt

Threading the belt through the buckle does require a few minutes the first time it’s used. There’s some trial and error, but once you get it set, you can forget it. No counting holes. No shameful stretched and saggy hole when you gain or lose a little weight. Just slide the belt in or out of the buckle a bit. For day-to-day gains and losses, the belt should flex enough that it’s never an issue. Because Groove Life thinks of everything, there’s even a little keeper loop so the end is never untidy.

I like this color a lot. It goes with new or faded jeans, and my dozen or so pairs of shorts in shades of blue and black. If I want to carry my EDC, I don’t even need to adjust it – it has just enough stretch to accommodate my holster. It threads through most of my belt loops with ease. Previous belts with strong buckles usually required unthreading the belt part from the buckle to get it through the loops. Who’s got time for that? Keep it simple.

The Groove Ring Zeus Edge Hero America in Deep Stone Grey

My ring has an American flag on it, to match my belt buckle. And it’s far more than a simple silicone ring. An inner band helps to keep its shape, while it’s designed to break if you happen to catch it on something. I’ll take a broken ring over a missing finger any day, as I work with tools and machines quite a bit. Inside, there are some grooves for breathability. So it’s not as sweaty as a plain band can get. It comes in this cool little metal case, which is the only thing I don’t like about it. Probably because I don’t know what to do with it, and cardboard could just be recycled. That’s my sole complaint.

Why not a metal band?

Metal bands are great, if we’re talking concerts. But a band of metal around your finger isn’t always desirable. As mentioned, I work with tools and machines often. Even if you don’t, for things like riding a bike, mowing the lawn, or even pushing a stroller, a ring can be uncomfortable. Add a little flexibility, and that changes everything. Also, no one has attempted to rob me of my $59.95 ring. For the record, I still wear my actual wedding band on special occasions. But for everything else, there’s Groove Life.

What’s this fancy loadout going to cost?

Normally $129.90, the loadout is on sale for $99.95. You can save another 10% by using this link, or just entering code INDUSTRYOUTSIDER at checkout. While you’re there, check out the rest of the belts and rings, as well as wallets, watch bands, and even an Airpods case.

As always, I’d like to thank Groove Life for helping keep my pants off the ground, and keeping my ring finger safe from mechanical removal, while still being stylish.

Storganizing. It’s a thing.

Store and organize (storganize) your tools, gear or groceries in the bed of your pickup truck, or in the back of your SUV

Everyone keeps stuff in their truck or SUV, things like jumper cables, window scrapers, tow straps and tools -even rain gear, a warm jacket or a pair of boots. The problem is, where to store it all and how to keep it organized? And transporting groceries often results in tipped bags when going around a corner, leaving you with a mess. That‘s why there is Tonneau Buddy, for your tonneau-covered truck bed, and  Cargo Buddy, for your large or small SUV! So, you don‘t have to worry about tools, gear, or groceries falling over or sliding around and getting damaged.

Tonneau Buddy and Cargo Buddy construction.

Tonneau Buddy‘s “ToughTube” PVC frame is easy to assemble and provides exceptional durability without the cumbersome weight. This frame is covered with a specially-designed, heavy-duty 600D “Burly Buddy” polyester fabric for a lifetime of reliable performance. The cover also has “No-Slide” rubber feet in all four bottom corners, which helps keep your Tonneau Buddy from sliding on the bed, bed lining or floor.

Organization. Lots of it.

In order to assist with organization, Tonneau Buddy has an “InSlide” Repositionable Divider to segment the gear and “Pockets Galore” -18 of them -to provide easy access to certain items or to safely store smaller equipment. Not only does a Tonneau Buddy “storganize” your stuff, it has a premium “Resist-It” water-resistant coating that protects your gear from the water that makes its way to the bed valleys of the truck bed. You can also protect your stuff from dust, dirt and elements with an “Over-the-Top” Buddy Cover, which features a UV/water-resistant vinyl coating.

Adjustability.

Tonneau Buddy also has “Right Height” adjustability, accomplished by spring-loaded buttons that lock into holes on the ToughTube frame. Custom fit the Tonneau Buddy to the bed of the pickup into which it will ride.

Location matters. So does size.

Some applications of the Tonneau Buddy will place the Storganizer in the rear of the truck, while others would be better served at the front of the bed. Go ahead and move it to whichever location fits your own needs and tie it in to the bed cleats using the tabs with grommets affixed to the side of the Tonneau Buddy. Tonneau Buddies come in two sizes, one for large pickups and one for midsize pickups.

The Cargo Buddy, because SUVs need organization too.

The Cargo Buddy is made specifically for SUV use. It‘s a fold-up, self-setting unit that sets up in mere seconds without tools and is ideal for storing supplies you want to keep in your SUV, or for trips to the grocery or retail store. And, when not in use, Cargo Buddy folds up flat to store out of the way.

Click here to check Tonneau Buddy and Cargo Buddy prices on Amazon.com

For more information regarding Tonneau Buddy or Cargo Buddy, visit tonneaubuddy.com, email info@tonneaubuddy.com or call 720-459-8822.

Why Paleblue?

Paleblue batteries are rechargeable Lithium-ion. From a technical standpoint, they address the shortfalls of alkaline as well as NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. Lower capacity NiMH batteries may get up to 1,000 recharges, if you’re willing to use a slower, overnight charger, which isn’t usually included. Higher capacity NiMH batteries will have about half that life. And this is for slow charging, not the typical five hour “quick” charging. Paleblue batteries charge in an hour. So more overall battery life, and less waiting. Factor in the added expense of the slow charger required to get the most life out of NiMH batteries, and Paleblue just keeps looking better.

On the subject of chargers, Paleblue batteries come in their own travel/storage case, with a charging cable, rather than a charger. That’s because the charging components are built right into the battery, along with a  USB port. Their original batteries have micro USB micro ports, and the latest sport USB C ports. For the AA and AAA batteries, just connect four to the charging cable, and find a USB port or charger, which is nearly ubiquitous these days. They will flash green while charging, and turn to steady green once fully charged. Which happens in about an hour. They do need to be charged before their first use, but even then, it’s an hour or less, not five hours or overnight.

Single-use batteries are bad for your wallet as well as the environment

Alkaline batteries are not a good value for their relatively short life, compared to rechargeables. While they can theoretically be recycled, that’s neither common nor cost-effective. They’re made of non-renewable materials that aren’t all that valuable. And just because the EPA says you can put them in your household trash, that doesn’t mean you should. Although there are some use cases where an alkaline battery may be preferred or required (some medical devices and smoke detectors fall into that category), the majority of our applications are better served by rechargeables.

As a photographer, I have used the same supply of rechargeable AA batteries for at least six years now. That’s six years of not buying new batteries, and not throwing used ones away. As a recreational shooter, I haven’t been as good when it comes to AAA batteries. I’ve got several sets of electronic hearing protection which use AAA batteries. When I take people shooting, they sometimes forget to turn off their ears before throwing them back in the bag. So I would end up throwing money away on more batteries. Since I got these Paleblue rechargeable batteries to review, I haven’t purchased any more disposable AAA batteries. Once every few weeks or so, I pop them out, charge them, and they are good to go.

Our use of electronic devices is growing

Although alkaline batteries have been around for more than half a century, our use of battery-powered outdoor gear is a little more recent. A typical camping trip today might include LED lanterns, headlamps, and flashlights. Cyclists and hikers both rely on lighting as well as GPS. Other activities have their own specialized devices that are also fairly new.  For recreational and competitive shooters, there’s electronic ear pro, shot timers, range finders, and even wind and weather meters. Although “There’s an app for that” holds true for a lot of things, we still have plenty of standalone gear that requires batteries.

Think about how many electronic gifts you’ll give or get this holiday season. And then think about the batteries they’ll need. Plenty of products out there have their own internal rechargeable batteries, which can be good and bad. But if they take AA, AAA, C, D, or 9V batteries, Paleblue has a solution. And with a warranty that covers 1,000 charges, they will pretty much last a lifetime.

But what if I don’t always have a charger handy?

Most of the time, we’re rarely more than a few feet from a USB port. Even outdoors, there are options. Unless you’re in Tristan da Cunha, a USB outlet isn’t far away. Most vehicles have one, or at least can easily be adapted to have one. If you really think your AA or AAA powered devices will require spare batteries on an outing away from outlets, then something like the Tough Tested BigFoot should be on your shopping list. It’s got a large internal battery, and charges via solar. For hiking and backwoods camping, this, and similar devices have enough capacity to keep your essentials topped up with minimal weight penalty. Because where there’s a will there’s a way.

Am I appealing to people watching their budget, or those that care about the environment?

Why not both? A typical AA alkaline battery costs about a dollar. That’s $4 for a four-pack. Yes, I wanted to avoid math, but here we are. A set of Paleblue AA batteries will set you back $29.99 plus tax. And you can charge them 1,000 times. If someone offered you 4,000 batteries for $30, would you take them? If someone told you that you could keep 4,000 batteries out of landfills for $30, would you do it? Of course, the answer is yes. And I’ll acknowledge that the up-front cost shouldn’t be taken lightly. But the more you use rechargeables, the quicker you will see the savings. While doing good for the environment.

Was there a review in here somewhere?

A battery review is a bit difficult. I don’t have any fancy testing gear, and I couldn’t find much relevance in seeing how many hours a Paleblue battery lasted in one of my flashlights. So I charged the batteries and put the AA ones in a high-drain device (camera flash), and the AAA ones in low-drain devices (ear pro).  I’m getting short recycle times with them in a Canon 600EX-RT, and hours of protection across several brands of ear pro. If I continue to charge them at a rate of every 2-4 weeks, they’re only going to last for somewhere between 38 and 80 years. Next time, I should lead with that, and save you the trouble of reading. Find all the latest money-saving, environment-saving Paleblue battery options at paleblueearth.com.

I’d like to thank Paleblue for providing their batteries for my use and review. If you’d like to learn more about the company and their sustainability efforts, visit paleblueearth.com.

FirePit+ features

This is a portable firepit and grill that burns either wood or charcoal. It’s got a metal frame with X-Ray mesh body. This fine mesh keeps the fire in, but lets users enjoy the heat radiating out, instead of just up. At one end is a familiar-looking BioLite battery pack, although it doesn’t get charged by the fire. Instead, it’s part of the “magic” that makes this a smokeless fire pit. It’s got an internal fan that blows air through 51 jets to create a very efficient fire. So efficient, there’s no smoke.

Being dual purpose, the firepit’s fuel rack can be raised up, and instead of logs, load it with charcoal for grilling a meal. There’s an included grill grate that holds enough food for 2-4 people, depending on what you’re cooking. Heat and flame size can be managed via the fan speed. For tech geeks, there’s even a free app for that. While most of us probably prefer not to use our phones when we’re chilling outdoors, it can charge one, or other USB devices. More specifically, your Bluetooth speaker that’s playing those relaxing tunes as you enjoy some quality time outdoors. Or just enjoy the crackle of the fire.

FirePit+ specs

At 27 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 15.8 inches high, you might expect the $299.95 FirePit+ to weigh more than 19.8 pounds. Especially since it’s predominantly steel with a high-temp enamel finish for durability. But it’s mostly mesh and magic, with a little more metal at each end, plus the battery pack. That battery pack houses a 12,800 mAh battery, which is like a stack of iPhone batteries, although much less expensive. Run times for the FirePit+ on a full battery will vary from 30 hours on low, 14 on medium, to 7 on high. Depending on how much it’s used, that should at least cover a long weekend.

Tucked underneath the FirePit+ are four handy legs that swing out and lock into place. For being a relatively simple design, they provide several benefits. By getting the FirePit+ up off the ground, they create a more fire-safe environment. That extra height also allows for more airflow, improving combustion efficiency. At the same time, heat can radiate more freely. And a raised-up fire is a little easier to work with, whether cooking a meal, or just making s’mores. When storing or transporting the FirePit+, just fold them back up and out of the way.

Accessories

Like any good grilling tool, there are plenty of accessories. Do you like eggs, bacon, pancakes, or fajitas? Get the griddle. Going for an even, hotter cook? Put a lid on it! There’s also a Prep & Grill Toolkit, along with a FirePoker. Worried about the ground underneath your FirePit? Get the FireMat. And of course, the most professional accessory of all, the carry bag. In addition to the Firepit+ by itself, there’s also a $399 Essentials Kit, which includes the FirePit+, FireMat, FirePoker, and Carry Bag.

Unboxing and assembly

For shipping, the FirePit+ is not fully assembled. You’ll need to know your way around a screwdriver to get it together. Before you start the assembly, grab the battery, and throw it on the charger. Because no matter who delivers it, they’ve specified that the battery can’t be more than 50% charged. So get that going first. Then follow the simple directions, twist a few screws to install the handles, and read the full manual while the battery charges. Also, wash the grill if you’re planning on cooking on it.

Firing it up

Despite the fancy jets, you can’t just throw a log in it and get a blazing fire going. Nor can you dump charcoal right in and expect to have coals in a few minutes. First, unfold the legs, and make sure it’s on level ground, away from combustibles or flammables. Start with some biomass like smaller twigs and branches, and once you have a decent little fire, then add a log. Note that standard firewood bought from the gas station or a campsite store will work just fine. But look for slimmer pieces, as the FirePit+ is only a little over a foot across. So thick logs may not play well. As your fire gets going, vary the fan speed for max heat or the long burn. As mentioned, the battery is expected to last from seven to 30 hours, depending on how high you turn up the fan.

Heat, but no smoke

We purposely kept the fire on the smaller side, due to the high ambient temperatures during most of the review period. That allowed us to get in a little closer than a normal fire would. What really made the difference though, was the lack of smoke. Usually, you need to hang back from the fire, sometimes out of the actual heat zone, due to smoke. Not here. Front row seats for everyone, no smoke in your eyes. Although it does leave clothing with that satisfying campfire scent. Throw an extra log on during the chilly season, and it will warm you right up.

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Thanks to an adjustable grate, it’s easy to switch from fire pit to cooking, and back. Ideally, I would add the griddle, and cook all my camp meals on it. Eggs in the morning, maybe some chicken and veggies (camp fajitas!) for lunch, and then something lighter for dinner. Between the grate and the griddle, you’ve got plenty of cooking options. Or get that lid and slow cook some potatoes and vegetables for a classic roast dinner. I think that BioLite should have included some sort of hook to make it easier to lift or lower the grate, but we whipped one up out of an old coat hanger.

What we used it for

During our review period, we experienced a variety of weather. That included sweltering 90+ degrees, monsoon season rains, and finally, cooler temps in the 70s. As much as we would have liked to use it every day, the heat and rain made that somewhat limited. There were multiple family s’more nights, and some weenie roasts too. Now that we’re into the cooler weather, it will be used more regularly. Since I mentioned family gatherings, I should point out that for a fire pit, it’s relatively safe. The X-Ray mesh body gets hot, but not lava hot. I brushed my hand against it a few times with a medium fire, and didn’t get burned. So it’s not going to sear skin on contact. You still need to be careful around it, but it seems marginally safer than some other fire options.

Portability

Our SUV is kind of on the smaller side, at least when it comes to what we can pack into it. We found that it was easy enough to stuff some wood into the FirePit+, and a few more smaller logs on top, before wrapping it up in the carry bag. Note that the carry bag is quite durable, with tall sides which will contain any ash you didn’t completely clean out. And it has cleverly adjustable flaps that will accommodate the optional lid, or even just a stack of firewood on top. That puts our heat and fire in one handy package that takes up a relatively small amount of space, for what it provides in return. Whether taking it to a campsite or just across town to chill with some friends, it’s convenient and portable.

Let’s wrap this up

When I first unboxed the FirePit+ with an outdoors journalist friend, we were momentarily unsure what to think. But the first time we fired it up, we were both sold on the design. It’s nicely contained, and the X-Ray mesh keeps things tidy while providing a really nice effect. It blacks out everything but the flames. If you want to be mesmerized by a campfire without the smoke, this is the way. It’s certainly been a hit with my family. For more info check out the BioLiteEnergy.com website.

I’d like to thank BioLite for providing their FirePit+ for this review. We’ve enjoyed our time with it and we’re slightly sad to hand it off to another outdoor gear reviewer, but expect to see it again soon.

The Clamtainer design

These light weight, clear storage containers come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Yet they all share some common features. First and most obvious would be that they are clear. This makes it quick and easy to see what’s inside. Whether it’s batteries, ammo, camping supplies, or small fasteners, that’s pretty handy. They’re also stackable, with a deep lip on the lid, for storage. Clamtainer’s patented Click-It Closure keeps things safe inside, even when dropped. And it can still be opened with one hand. Speaking of dropping, the plastic is the kind that absorbs impact well, rather than cracking.

Ammo Buddy

As mentioned, I wasn’t sure why I would want to put my ammo in something other than the factory box. But the Ammo Buddy allows me to see exactly how many rounds I have. Is that a huge selling point by itself? No. But when organizing my ammo in storage, it’s easy to tell the FMJ from JHP without having to open the box, or even read the package. I can still cut the end off the box, and put that inside, or affix a label to the container. Is that worth $2 or less? To me it certainly is. It’s just a more convenient storage solution.

When I showed the Ammo Buddy to a friend who reloads, he immediately saw their value. Rifle calibers are held securely without touching, and again, it’s easy to see what’s inside, plus there is room for notes about the load. This isn’t earth-shattering innovation, but they are lighter, more durable, and less expensive than similar products on the market. A short way of describing them might be “better”.

Battery Buddy

My wife has a medical device that requires both AA and AAA batteries, so we buy them in bulk. Again, the Battery Buddy keeps them neatly organized in a drawer. Plus, it’s obvious when it’s time to stock up on more. An added bonus is that the package is a cinch for an adult to open, yet fairly child-proof. Important if you have small children that are overly-curious.

Other noteworthy products

Rimfire enthusiasts might appreciate the 8″ x 2.5″ x 2″ utility box. It’s ideal for keeping 50 round boxes of ammo stored in a range bag. It will also hold 135 rounds of .45 ACP. I might use one of the smaller versions for the foam ear plugs I keep for folks that want to double up on ear pro. As I look through some of their other items, I realize the Glasses Case would be another good range bag item. Actually, their Builders Value Bundle might be the ultimate range bag organizer.

For my 4WD, as well as road trips, I like to keep a spare roll of toilet paper in the vehicle. A large plastic bag certainly works, but the TP Buddy one-ups that with a paracord lanyard for easy hanging. Dispensing a few sheets at a time without touching the roll makes this worth its weight in gold. And if you drop it on the floor of an outhouse or gas station bathroom, it’s still viable.

If there is one item that intrigued me above all others, it’s the DoomBox Enclosed Mouse Trap. Enclosed within a Clamtainer is a mouse trap. This makes it child (and pet) safe. These are great for someplace like a cabin, that isn’t visited often – the mouse corpse is contained within the unit. For the squeamish, they are inexpensive enough to be disposable. For those with ongoing mouse issues, they are reusable as well.

More details

Although I didn’t check each and every item, it seems as though there is a hang tag option for each of them. And that’s at the same price as without a hang tag. So if you’re a stacker or a hanger, there’s options. Honestly, I could see some shooters having a pegboard wall of ammo. They’re also available in packs of 5, 10, 25, or 200. The more you buy, the lower the unit cost. Prices drop from $1.99 each to $1.25 each. Plus, there is an option to order in even larger quantities, which would probably result in lower unit cost again.

If some of these products seem familiar, it’s because Clamtainer also offers packaging solutions for business. Some of the gear and products you currently buy may already be in Clamtainers. Because they require no sharp objects to open, can reduce packing costs, won’t open if dropped, and are reusable. Win all around! So if you happen to have your own business, they will set you up with your own custom Clamtainers. Check that out here.

The final word

With September being National Preparedness month, I have been thinking more about organizing our emergency gear. We’ve got food and water pretty well sorted. But ammo and toilet paper are part of the equation as well. And I’ve found a solution for them in the Clamtainer products. So while they may not be “must-have” items for everyone, they can help with storage and organization. The longer I thought about them, the more uses I found for them. They’re inexpensive, durable, and versatile. They lock, stack, hang, and are see-through.  It Oh, and they’re made in USA! Check them out at Clamtainer.com.

I’d like to thank the folks at Clamtainer for sending over some of their products to check out.

What’s in the box?

My Olight Baton 3 Premium Edition arrived in a box roughly twice the size of the previous model. It included the light, charging case, and  USB type C cable. There’s also a microfiber cleaning cloth, and of course a multi-language manual. The familiar magnetic charging cable is not included, because that magic actually happens inside the wireless charging case. More on that below.

Baton 3 specs

Physically, the Baton 3 isn’t much different, at 2.48″ long, and 0.83″ in diameter, with a weight of 1.87 ounces. It has a new machined grip surface that feels more aggressive, without being too coarse. Its pocket clip allows it to be carried lens up or down, and makes it easy to clip to a hat. The magnetic tail sticks to steel surfaces for even more versatility. A single button cycles through lighting modes, and works as a charge indicator too. Inside, there’s a 3.7 volt 550mAh IMR16340 battery. The LED is good for a max of 1,200 lumens, and sits in a TIR optic lens reflector. Note there is no lanyard hole machined into the base.

Power levels

There are five output levels in total, and each has a stated maximum run time (based on a full battery). The highest and lowest have their own mode of access. A double tap results in the max 1,200 lumens for about 90 seconds, and then it drops to 300 lumens. That massive initial output cuts the remaining run time down to about 75 minutes. Of course, it offers a throw of 544 feet at that output. For a mere 0.5 lumens, access the moonlight mode by holding the power button down for two seconds. Fully charged, it can run up to 20 days at this level.

The other three are accessed by holding the button to cycle through different power levels. One press turns the light one to whichever level it was on previously. From there, holding the button cycles through power levels 2 (300 lumens), 3 (60 lumens) and 4 (12 lumens).  Note that they actually cycle in the reverse of that order. Run times are 95 minutes, 7.5 hours, and then 33 hours. There is also a strobe mode. With the light on, a triple tap activates an incredibly annoying strobe. Use with care.

Charging

Hidden inside the case is a 3500mAh battery. It works similar to the ear buds that use their case for charging. Simply slipping the Baton 3 into the case will recharge it up to 3.7 times before the wireless charging case needs its own recharging via the included USB C cable. A tiny light on the case by the USB port indicates red for charging, and green for charged. Another light next to the recess for the clip does the same for the Baton 3 as it charges.

At first, I thought the case might be a bit too much of a gimmick. But I quickly realized it’s actually clever. For this light, I no longer need the proprietary magnetic base charging cable. Any USB C cable will charge the case, and then I can go about 3 times as long between recharges.

The LED, the lens, and some geek speak

Olight doesn’t specify which LED they use in the Baton 3, and I noticed that the bezel no longer indicates the CRI. CRI (color rendering index) refers to the light’s ability to render colors accurately, and the S1R II had a somewhat low CRI of 70. With a CCT (correlated color temperature) of 6000k-7000k, it’s still a bit cooler (blue) than I would prefer too. This has nothing to do with brightness, and if you aren’t concerned with seeing colors exactly as they would appear in daylight, then it’s probably not a huge concern. Just know that it’s not the ideal color.

Lens design plays a big part in the effectiveness of the light. Generally, the center is brightest, to “throw” the light over some distance, so you can see things far away. And you want some spill, to see things in the periphery of that spot. Olight uses a TIR (total internal reflection) lens, which is the most efficient means of reflecting light. It’s very focused – at about 1 foot away, the spot is roughly the size of my palm, with not much spill. But at working distances within my home or across my yard, it has enough spill that I can sweep across the yard and spot my pets easily.

Every day carry

Replacing my S1R II with the Baton 3 was easy enough, as the controls are all the same. The only differences are charging and a slight increase in output. So the Baton 3 ended up either clipped to my jeans pocket, dropped in my jacket pocket, or sitting on my nightstand. Whether clipped to my pants, or in a pocket, I hardly realized it’s there until I needed it.

Over the course of the week I had it, I used it for the all the things I typically need a flashlight for: Searching my yard for my deaf dog, who never comes in when he’s called. Checking under the bed to make sure we don’t lock the cat in our room. Peering into the dark corners of the gun safe. Finding the socket that rolled under my car. Scaring the neighbor’s cat that tries to sneak in our doggy door. Lighting up the neighborhood to see if we can tell who owns that annoying cat. Checking to make sure the new furnace filter is installed correctly. Reading a house number when going to pay too much for ammo in a private party sale. The usual stuff.

Final thoughts

Olight has an interesting niche in the flashlight market. They make good lights with plenty of aesthetic appeal. So they are part utility, and part fashion accessory. Somewhat ironically, they are popular for their anodized color options, yet their cool color temperature output costs them some sales. For the buyer that’s not overly concerned with CRI and quality of light, and instead cares about looks and output, they are a solid choice. I’ve been carrying my S1R II without issues since last year. And I expect that my experience with the Baton 3 would be the same. The charging case is just another bonus.

For camping, and/or emergency use, the Baton 3 Premium Edition is a winner. Keep the case topped up, and you’ve got enough recharges to provide light for days on end. Although Olight points out it provides up to 94 days on the “moonlight” setting, that’s not a realistic use for anything other than maybe reading under a blanket. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But on a camping trip, or extended power outage, expect well over 20 hours at 60 lumens, which is a good “task light” setting.

How to get yours at the best price

Olight sent this one for review, ahead of their release, and in advance of their sale this week. Because it was a review sample, I only get to try out the basic black. But they also offer them in red and blue. You can find the best price on the Baton 3 Premium Edition here. If you just want the Baton 3, that’s available here.

Overview

SOG’s Scout 24 backpack is a sleek 24 liter pack designed for convenience and efficiency. Inside, there are pockets and sleeves for organization. Slip your laptop into the dedicated sleeve for school or work. After work, ditch the laptop and throw your hydration bladder in before heading out for a hike. Outside, a minimal amount of straps and wires keep it looking tidy, but allows you to carry more, when necessary. And the Quad-Zip lets you lay it flat and open it 180 degrees, instead of digging to the bottom.

Internal features

There is so much going on here, I’m not sure where to start. Up top is a fairly rigid top compartment for your glasses or other fragile items. Plenty of dedicated storage for pens, slim flashlights, and similar items too. Inside is a vertical zip storage compartment with keychain clasp, and two mesh pockets with horizontal zippers. Then the laptop sleeve which is covered in MOLLE loop, and one more sleeve, which I found ideal for magazines and documents. SOG placed a port for a hydration tube at the top as well.

External features

On the front, laser-cut Hypalon MOLLE panels allow attachment of accessory pouches. It also looks much tidier than regular webbing. Shock cord tie downs and wire loops make it easy to carry long/bulky items. I tested them with my target rifle as well as a cased Tenkara fly rod.

Comfort

Wearability starts with the 2mm PE sheet w/15mm aluminum stave suspension. Combine that with padded shoulder straps and hip belt, and you’ve got all day comfort. When carrying heavy loads, a sternum strap and side compression straps keep everything close and stable. For short trips, stow the hip belt. On the sternum strap clasp is a whistle for emergencies, or just scaring the s**t out of your wife. Use it with caution. 

Construction

The Scout 24 is made from Kodra 500D nylon material with a polyurethane coating. This provides durability, reliability, and water resistance. All zippers have either plastic or cord-type pulls, for ease of use with gloves. Despite my typical rough use, there were no failures of zippers, clasps, or stitching. 

In use

For work, I loaded up the Scout 24 with lunch, a portable coffee press, water bottle, and my laptop (which I don’t actually use at work). It holds all I need for a day at the office, with room to spare. And the grey color doesn’t scream “tactical bag”. When going to the range, it easily held a 10.5″ AR pistol with the upper and lower separated. And there was still room for mags, ear pro, and targets. On another outing, two pistols in their cases fit right in, with several boxes of ammo as well. Even as a range bag, it’s pretty discreet. And the Quad-Zip makes it easy to access everything once at the range.

Conclusion

The Scout 24 is sized just right for everyday use. Bigger than a typical backpack, smaller than a camping pack. It’s flexible enough to fill several roles, and look and work well doing it. Whether packing for a day at the office or school, or an afternoon at the range, the Scout 24 is a winner. If you’re a low-key operator type, it’s probably not a bad way to transport more serious hardware either. Since I like it as a pack for short hikes, I ordered a MOLLE “tactical water bottle holder” for it. Lol. Otherwise, the lack of extraneous pouches, loops, etc, makes it snag-free when in thick brush and trees.

I’d like to thank SOG for providing their Scout 24 for my testing and evaluation. They’ve applied the same innovation and quality standards to their backpacks that we’ve come to expect from their knives and tools.

The BioLite CampStove 2

What makes the CampStove unique from other stoves is that it burns biomass, and turns it into electricity. At the same time, there is very little smoke. We reviewed the original CampStove in 2012, and since then, it’s been improved, and its ecosystem has grown. It’s got a battery for storage now, and an improved interface with more information via LEDs. The stove itself still functions the same though. It’s got a module on the side with the battery pack, a fan, and the thermoelectric device.  BioLite has refined their design since the original CampStove, so it’s also 50% more efficient in turning that heat into electricity. Without any added weight.

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CampStove 2 specifications

At 33 ounces, the stove isn’t exactly light. It does make up for a bit of the weight because you don’t need to carry fuel. As long as you have access to some dry wood or other biomass, you have fuel. The KettlePot adds another pound to that, and the Grill 30 ounces more. But then you have a nice little camp kitchen with a 2A USB charging outlet. Dimensions are 8.25 inches (209.6 mm) high by 5 inches (127 mm) wide.

Inside the CampStove’s module is a four-speed fan. There are LED lights that show fan speed, rate of charge, and state of the 2600 mAh internal battery. A thermoelectric device pokes out of the module, and into the stove. That’s the part that converts the excess heat into electricity.

How it works

There’s a lot going on here. By design, the stove itself produces very little smoke. A fan inside the module circulates air, leading to very complete combustion. As the stove runs, heat is captured and turned into electricity. Some of that is used to keep the fan running, and the rest is stored in the internal battery. With a max of three watts, you can charge your USB device while cooking, even with the fan running. So assuming you’re not in the middle of a desert or damp rainforest, you’ve got unlimited fuel for cooking and charging.

Note that the CampStove 2 is best for topping up your devices while boiling water or making a meal. You’re not going to be charging a laptop with the CampStove 2. But it’s got enough juice for your phone, GPS, camera, or LED camp light. Just use the included micro USB cable (or your own) and plug into the charging port. If the stove isn’t running, a quick press of the button will start the charging.

Using the stove

Setup is simple enough. If you’ve stored the grill in the KettlePot, remove it. Then take the module out of the CampStove. Feed the probe through the hole in the side of the stove. When positioned correctly, the leg beneath the module will lock it in place. With all three legs folded out, unfold the two legs on the grill. You can place the grill on the stove before starting the stove, or once you have a fire going. I put the grill on first, so I could make sure it was stable without burning myself. Note that you can also use a small pan on the CampStove. But really, if you bought the bundle, you’re probably all about the grill.

Having used the original CampStove for boiling water, it’s obvious I was more interested in the grill. So I grabbed some dead grass and leaves from my yard, and a bag of mesquite wood chips. Once the grass and leaves caught fire, I turned the fan on low. This provided just enough air circulation to get the fire going. As the chips started to burn, I threw in some more, and turned up the fan. It took some adjusting of the amount of chips and fan speed to get it just right. I didn’t mind the extra smoke though, as it was jalapeno beef brats that I was cooking. Once dialed in, it worked great, with my smoky-flavored brats grilled to perfection. We repeated this with hot dogs as well.

By monitoring the gauge on the module, you can get an idea of how hot your grill is. This is a definite improvement over the original. No guesswork, just check the gauge and add fuel as necessary. Yes, you can also hold your hand over the grill, or to the side. But that’s not a reliable indicator, even if you’re a grillmaster. To add more biomass, there’s a little cap that flips up. The important thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t overfill the stove. Also, don’t block the air ports inside. Without good airflow, you’ll get smoke.

KettlePot, Portable Grill, and USB FlexLight

The KettlePot is stainless, with a capacity of 1.5 liters, or 6 cups. It’s got internal markings at 0.5 liters/2 cups, 1.0 liters/4 cups, and 1.5 liters/6 cups. It comes with a bowl inside, along with a tight-sealing, BPA-free lid that has a pour spout. On the side is a rubberized folding handle. Dimensions, with lid attached, are 10.20″ x 5.20″ (25.91 x 13.21 cm).

With dimensions of 9.5 x 12 x 3.5 in (24.13 x 30.48 x 26.67 cm), the Portable Grill can handle four burgers or six hot dogs. Or four delicious jalapeno beef brats. It’s got legs that fold out, and a cover for storage. There is no mechanical attachment to the Campstove 2, it just rests on the stove. I had no problems with stability, and it’s more stable once you have some food on it. You’ll want to set it up on a solid base. Either a heavy table or the ground. I wouldn’t mix it with a wobbly folding table.

I’m undecided on the 100 lumen USB FlexLight. It weighs next to nothing, and is handy enough for seeing what you’re doing. The flexible arm is only long enough to cast light across the grill, but not much higher. But I’d rather use a headlamp, and free up the USB port for charging. It’s just a matter of personal preference.

Using the KettlePot

We’re not at the point where we need to start relying on our stash of freeze-dried meals. At the same time, it’s good to know how long it will take to boil water. BioLite quotes 4.5 minutes to boil a liter of water, but there are plenty of variables at play. I’m at roughly 4,600 feet above sea level. And the fuel used can affect heat output. After starting my fires with dry grass and leaves, I added mesquite chips until I got some red hot coals in there. It was only 60 degrees out, so the water stored in my garage was even colder than that. I stopped checking my watch after 6 minutes.

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From this exercise, I learned an important lesson about the value of practice. Unlike a fossil fuel stove, where you can just turn it to high and get max heat, the CampStove 2 will take longer to get up to that point. It’s got to have enough wood to burn hot, and it needs to stay at that point for 5-6 minutes. This requires a little practice and forethought. So plan some extra time from first spark to boiling water.

Pros and cons

For each feature, it’s really up to the (potential) end-user to decide which column to check. If you’re a through-hiker counting grams, this is not for you. If you’re concerned about carrying gas or liquid fuel, you’ve found the safest option. And it does save weight over carrying fuel. Depending on your electronics, this may replace a solar charger too, offsetting the weight even more. The grill attachment is a little bulky. Being able to grill meat and vegetables while camping is priceless. A one-pound KettlePot might not appeal to everyone. But it stores the CampStove 2, and you can water in it. There’s even a Frech press option, for making coffee.

Why buy a BioLite stove?

This is a condensed version from my original review: Your purchase helps fund the HomeStove, a larger version of the CampStove, designed for everyday use. It addresses many important issues facing people in third world countries. Of the three billion people worldwide that do their cooking over open fires, 1.3 billion have no electricity. And those fires contribute to about 4 million premature deaths due to smoke alone. HomeStove improves the lives of users by eliminating over 90% of the smoke and carbon monoxide, while providing electricity to power LED lights, which are less expensive than kerosene lamps, as well as zero emissions.

The design of the HomeStove also reduces the amount of wood required by 50%. Cutting down the time spent collecting wood, or the cost of purchasing fuel, is a huge benefit. For many people in developing countries, 20-30% of their income is spent on fuel alone. So purchase a CampStove knowing that it‘s not only a great piece of gear, but you‘re supporting a worthwhile cause, and a company that puts people ahead of profits. Read about their mission here.

What is Climate Neutral?

All businesses have a carbon footprint. It’s not just a manufacturing concern. The software company I work for has a four-story building housing hundreds of employees. Although we can deliver our products electronically, we still have a carbon footprint. The building has to be lit inside, as well as heated or cooled seasonally. And people drive there each day. All of that contributes to carbon emissions. Which is where Climate Neutral comes in. Jonathan Cedar, BioLite‘s co-founder, is one of the founding members of this nonprofit. They help businesses calculate and then offset their emissions. Some of the ways they do that are as simple as planting trees. Others like capturing biogas from livestock, or methane from landfills, are more complex.

This can get expensive if a company has a large carbon footprint. So Climate Neutral doesn’t just help them offset their carbon output,  they look for ways a company can reduce it. You can read more about that here. If you’re wondering why this matters, it’s actually quite simple. Today’s consumers are more aware than ever of our environmental impact. Shoppers are taking into account the toll their purchases take on the planet. And Climate Neutral is helping consumers identify brands that are minimizing that damage. “The Climate Neutral Certified label empowers consumers to choose brands that choose to take responsibility for their carbon emissions.” So look for the label. And always, consider the environment with each purchase you make.

Conclusion

Although I only had a few weeks with it, I really like the CampStove  2. The improvements over the original are noticeable. It’s a useful piece of camping and/or emergency gear. As long as you have biomass, you’ve got fuel. And a little electricity. If you’re only boiling water for cooking, then a separate charger of some sort might be better. But if you want to grill small meals, it’s a game-changer. I can see this having more appeal to a group that can share the load across multiple packs, rather than a solo backpacker. And it’s definitely great for car campers. Whether you’re a camper, a prepper, or a little bit of both, this is probably one of those things you should consider. It wouldn’t replace my gas and liquid fuel stoves. Rather, it would be an addition to my gear.

Besides the obvious utility of the CampStove 2, BioLite does a lot of good. That’s another reason to give them your consideration. As mentioned already, I urge anyone interested to read more about the BioLite mission here. They’re not putting people ahead of profits, they’re using their profit to help people.

I’d like to thank BioLite for providing their CampStove 2 Bundle for this review. It’s always fun to test new gear, and learn something new. And it’s even more rewarding to work with companies that create products which make a difference. Check out Bioliteenergy.com to see their full line of products. If you prefer to do your shopping on Amazon, use this link instead.

Comments? Questions? Have any of our readers tried the CampStove 2, or other BioLite products? Feel free to share below.

If you‘ve never owned a headlamp before, I‘d encourage you to check them out.  Headlamps make so many activities so easy compared to using flashlights.  Whether you are out in the woods at night, searching for gear in a dark basement, or checking out things that go bump in the night, a headlamp has lots of advantages.

Operation and Charging

The Headlamp 200 has a rechargeable battery located upfront with the light.  Charging is done through a micro USB port on the side of the housing.  A charging cable is provided with the headlamp and you can use any USB charging device (PC, battery bank, wall outlet) to get the job done.

To keep the weight and size down, the battery is not big.  At full power, 200 lumens, Biolite says you‘ll get 3 hours of run time.  During testing, the light ran for over 3 hours on the high setting.  On low, 5 lumens, the headlamp is supposed to run for 40 hours and I‘m taking their word on that.

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All the features of the light are controlled with a single button on the top of the headlamp.  Biolite did a great job here and obviously put a lot of thought into this area.  The Headlamp 200 arrives in locked mode so you‘ll need to press and hold the power button for 8 seconds to unlock it.  While locked, the headlamp will only blink and turn off when the power button is pressed.  Press and hold for 8 seconds to lock again.

You can cycle through all lighting modes: white spot, red flood, blinking white, and blinking red, by repeatedly pressing the power button.  The light is dimmable by pressing and holding the power button.  The Headlamp 200 even tells you how much battery charge is left with a blinking status light.  When you turn the light off, watch for the headlamp to blink.  Two green blinks mean you have more than 50 percent charge remaining.  Two red blinks shows there is less than 50 percent and 4 red blinks means you are nearly out.  Biolite put together an excellent instruction video that you can watch by clicking HERE.

Comfort

The Biolite Headlamp is extremely comfortable.  It only weighs 1.75 ounces and it sits really close to the forehead.  I don‘t feel any bouncing at all when moving my head around and the headlamp stays in place great.  The light tilts downward and clicks into 3 positions to put light right where you need it.

The headband is soft, thin, and lightweight.  Sliding adjusters on the rear make it easy to fit to your head.  The adjusters seem to slide a bit easy, but I had no problems with keeping the headband tight and comfortable.  The headlamp never slid out of place, probably because it is so light.

Light Outptut

The Biolite Headlamp 200 provides enough light but isn‘t the brightest headlamp out there.  With 200 lumens, you can see far enough to take a night run and there is more than enough light for camp chores, changing a tire in the dark, or up-close chores.  The red flood lamp puts out enough light once your eyes are adjusted to the dark and it won‘t ruin your or your friend‘s nighttime vision.

Price and Final Thoughts

The BioLite Headlamp 200 sells for $44.95 on the BioLite website and it comes in four colors.  If small size, light weight, and comfort are what you need, this could definitely be the headlamp for you.  If you need long runtimes, then you might need another headlamp or plan on carrying a battery pack for recharging if that works for you.  I‘ll likely use this headlamp for backpacking, and I carry gear for re-charging, so I really like this one.  Check out the Headlamp 200 and all Biolite‘s offerings at BioLiteEnergy.com.

The BioLite Headlamp 200 was provided by BioLite for testing and review.  Many thanks to them for sending out this excellent headlamp.