Post Up Your NEW Gear ...

New stuff:

BRKT Bushcrafter, green micarta, CPM-3V w/ Exotac Nanostriker:

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Simple Shot "Scout:"

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I have new found respect for sling shots after seeing an Indian in the far north knocking grouse out of the trees with one.
 
got to try out the Fluid 6 on Sunday w/ a 19 mile run- looks like it's a keeper :D

the vest style really prevents bouncing/jiggling- I can see why these are popular w/ ultra runners; the pack (w/ a full 2.0 liter bladder) carried like a dream

the main pack has plenty of room for a long day adventure, it also has a nice bungee system on the front for additional layers that won't fit in the main pack

the small pockets on the vest portion are easily accessible and there is two stretch pockets on the sides that are large enough for 20-ish oz water bottles- I kept my camera in one and my cell phone in the other

the only thing wanting on this pack is a small mesh pocket inside the main pack- it would be nice to keep things like my FAK, map/compass, TP etc separated from the main pack- I might be able to rig something up

from the front (excuse the pics- the wind was blowing 35 mph!)

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the rear

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Hey M,

I'm looking at possibly picking up the Ultimate Direction SJ or PB Vest, have you heard anything about them? I'm thinking the PB would be multifunctional - I could use it on trail runs or day hikes, but I'm having a hard time deciding between it and the SJ. In an ideal world, I'd just get the AK for strictly trail running and the PB for day hikes with running potential...
 
Hey M,

I'm looking at possibly picking up the Ultimate Direction SJ or PB Vest, have you heard anything about them? I'm thinking the PB would be multifunctional - I could use it on trail runs or day hikes, but I'm having a hard time deciding between it and the SJ. In an ideal world, I'd just get the AK for strictly trail running and the PB for day hikes with running potential...

I was on their email list to get notified when they came out, went to order an AK and they are completely out :( I really like the two bottle setup as on longer runs I use one for Perpetuem and the other for water and having them over your chest is a good place to put the weight. Bottles let you know exactly where your at with fluids, I drained a 70 oz bladder the other day- luckily w/ only a mile to go

the SJ and PB both look really nice for longer runs, I think either would handle day hike duties just fine- the PM has a little more volume which would come in handy during cooler weather

The weight on all the vests is really incredible for everything that they offer, of course they're using state of the art materials

For some reason they won't return my email when they may think the AK will be back in stock, I'll have to call them
 
Yeah, I like using bottles much more than a bladder. Just easier all around for me. And the weight balance looks good. I know MLD, ULA, and other folks use similar set-ups on their packs.

I think I'll probably get the PB. Not much more weight for a little more capacity and the few extra more hiking-geared features might be nice. Yeah, I was very surprised they're using cuben fiber in their packs, nice. Do you happen to know what weight cuben they're using?

I'll pick up the AK later for running use. Yeah, most places are out of the larger size AK and SJ Vests. If you do end up calling, I'd like to know the result. If it's not too much trouble, maybe you could ask them about PB production as well? :)
 
delrin battery cases for cr123a...damn you countycomm! they always have neat stuff i just have to buy.

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eye burning international orange paracord.

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Yeah, I like using bottles much more than a bladder. Just easier all around for me. And the weight balance looks good. I know MLD, ULA, and other folks use similar set-ups on their packs.

I think I'll probably get the PB. Not much more weight for a little more capacity and the few extra more hiking-geared features might be nice. Yeah, I was very surprised they're using cuben fiber in their packs, nice. Do you happen to know what weight cuben they're using?

I'll pick up the AK later for running use. Yeah, most places are out of the larger size AK and SJ Vests. If you do end up calling, I'd like to know the result. If it's not too much trouble, maybe you could ask them about PB production as well? :)

called them today- said the AK vests sold out in an hour, my guess is they must not have built too many- not that many ultra runners out there; she said they should be getting new stock (all models) in early January- I've got a 20 mile race in early February, so I hope she's accurate

^ I have one of those CR123 cases too :)
 
Sounds good, I'll squirrel away some money for it :thumbup: Thanks for the info!

Mike, you'll appreciate this:

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The handle feels much more comfortable than I had anticipated, in mere fondling. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes in use. Going to have a nice thin kydex sheath made for this guy, with firesteel loop, set up for neck and belt teklok or paracord horizontal carry. Between this and my Kershaw Skyline FB, I've got two nice production options for backpacking fixed blades.
 
The WM1 is a great small knife! Pretty sure I got the sheath I have from MtWarden! :D
 
Nice! Good to see it's developed quite a following! I'm really looking forward to using mine :thumbup:
 
Simple Shot "Scout:"

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How are you liking the slingshot? I've used what we called wrist rockets since I was 9, and they're a lot of fun.

I would like to find something with a heavier pull than the bands Walmart and sporting goods stores sell, though.
 
How are you liking the slingshot? I've used what we called wrist rockets since I was 9, and they're a lot of fun.

I would like to find something with a heavier pull than the bands Walmart and sporting goods stores sell, though.

It's great. Fits well in my hand, and it packs every bit as much of a punch as those old school wrist rockets do. Do a search for "Simple Shot" and check out their site.

How does the kit bag feel in use? Any rubbing/chafing?

Not at all. The harness is really comfortable, and spreads the load out nicely. I though that carrying stuff on my chest would take a little getting used to, but it's been a non-issue. I also really like that even if I'm also wearing a backpack, I have the things I like to get to frequently right in front of me, without continually having to take a pack off.
 
A few new things:

Hill People Gear "Tarahumara" pack, Bison Gear Haversack, Condor Pack Golok:

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Initial impressions:

Tarahumara - Every bit as high quality as my HPG Kit Bag, and when the two are combined, I can carry a surprising amount of stuff. I've also added a Kifaru "Pod" to the bottom of the pack for carrying layers, sleeping bag, etc. Another great product from HPG, that is general enough in design to be useful for lots of different activities, and that will be seeing lots of use in the future. This gear is spot on in terms of simple design, excellent build and thankfully non-tactical looking.

Haversack - My first piece of Bison Gear, and it lives up to everything I've heard. Very well made, with an interior hi-vis lining that makes it easy to find things inside. This is a BIG haversack, which could easily function as a day pack for many things. As I continue to pare down on what I carry for much of my hunting, this bag will certainly carry all I need and more, for anything other than really cold weather.

Pack Golok - Unlike the two items above, which I'm seriously impressed with, the Pack Golok gets a mixed first impression. Positives include the hefty, well-made sheath and good weight-forward balance. I like the medium size, and I think it will be capable of some serious work for its length/weight. The biggest negative is that this knife was ridiculously dull out of the box. Probably the worst I've ever seen, and I'm not saying that lightly. Other things I'm not that psyched about include the slippery handle (addressed with a little sandpaper and linseed oil), and the "pitted" finish on 2/3s of the blade. Prior to seeing this knife in the flesh, this detail was my biggest cause for reservation about purchasing it. I thought this might be something I could minimize with some industrial steel wool, or maybe a Dremel, but now I don't think it's going to be that easy. <rant>Coatings and/or fake finishes like this are, imo, absolutely cheesy, detract from the function of the knife and are totally unnecessary. There is no reason for a knife blade to have anything other than the cleanest, smoothest surface finish possible, except for marketing to people who care more about how a knife "looks" than how it performs. </rant off>

I'll do follow ups on all of these items as they see more use. This was just an "initial impressions" report.
 
It's great. Fits well in my hand, and it packs every bit as much of a punch as those old school wrist rockets do. Do a search for "Simple Shot" and check out their site.

I looked up the Flippinout slingshots -- they've got some beautiful pieces! Truly art work for such basic tools. Art work prices, too. The Simple Shot looks like a great way to get one of their designs without breaking the bank.


Not at all. The harness is really comfortable, and spreads the load out nicely. I though that carrying stuff on my chest would take a little getting used to, but it's been a non-issue. I also really like that even if I'm also wearing a backpack, I have the things I like to get to frequently right in front of me, without continually having to take a pack off.

Thanks. I've heard from others how much they like the pack, so it's definitely going on my wish list.
 
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