RAT + gear (Here lies great links)

luckykitty said:
As we were talking about countrycomm and them not shipping outside the US, the following was brought to my attention:

http://www.endtimesreport.com/survival_shop.html

They carry some of the gear and ship worldwide.
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Thanks for that link. In the past I've had to arrange to ship my CountyComm orders to a family address in the US and either pick them up when I went there or had them re-shipped from there to me. I'd like to get one of the Breacher Bars.
 
What about a good pair of Binoculars ? Something 10x + . I have been looking, but what is considered good by many people is $$$$$. Have any of you guys had positive experience with a pair of binos less than $500. I'm not looking to check out the hot mamas next door either:eek:.
 
Really like my Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42s:

http://www.nikonhunting.com/binoculars-monarch-monarch-8x42-team-realtree.html

Study this chart here all you want, but you won't find a better deal for the money, I don't think:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html

The only way you can significantly beat them is to be willing to pay any price...

Also consider 8x over 10x. Quite a bit harder to find your target in the field of view. Much less depth of field so you have to crank the knob more to see things at different ranges. Also harder to hold steady and not notice the shaking.
 
onado2000 said:
..... I'm not looking to check out the hot mamas next door either:eek:.
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What else are they good for then?? LOL

Seriously though, I hear ya. I don't need hi-end Binoculars that cost that much either. I've got an old pair (can't remember the brand name - it was a guy's name) of 10x50s that my uncle gave me back around '77.
I've also got a pair of cheaper Bushnell 10x25 compact camo ones that I'll use more.

I've got two monoculars too, one is the folding "spy" type from CountyComm which are ok and the other I can't remember the brand of, I'd have to go grab it.

I wouldn't mind a decent pair thought but don't use them enough to justify paying too much for one right now.

I'd be eager to see what other good models are recommended that won't break the bank since there are just so many models on the market.
 
My absolute favorite pair of binos are my Pentax Papilios. They're compact, don't break the bank, and can focus 1.5 ft. in front of the objective lens! I can look at a distance for usual viewing, but if I see a cool plant or bug I can look at it with magnifying glass detail!
 
Minuteman said:
Really like my Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42s:

http://www.nikonhunting.com/binoculars-monarch-monarch-8x42-team-realtree.html

Study this chart here all you want, but you won't find a better deal for the money, I don't think:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html

The only way you can significantly beat them is to be willing to pay any price...

Also consider 8x over 10x. Quite a bit harder to find your target in the field of view. Much less depth of field so you have to crank the knob more to see things at different ranges. Also harder to hold steady and not notice the shaking.
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:thumbup:Thanks for the websites. I have read that 8x is better for the same reasons you mentioned. But I would like to see a camel toe a mile away ! What do you think about adjustable mag. binos, like 8-15x-50 mm ? Are those better than fixed magnification? I have been researching binos for a while and Nikon and Leupold are my favorite so far , don’t care for Bushnell so much (Nikon has had better reviews that I have read) and will not spend over 3 bills. Another problem is that I do not have the advantage of actually holding the binos in hand and judging for myself, I have to rely on the opinion of others. There are no really good (hunting) sporting goods stores is my area, focus more on the athletic sporting goods. I have a Trijicon 3-9x40 mm Accupoint scope on one of my AR15s. it’s a good optic, very clear, and I use that as a magnification tool. I also have a pair of 10x25 Nikon binos, bought them 2nd hand, but are very good for now. I want something w/a better view & more magnification. I have heard Steiner makes a great glass, but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$:eek: ! I wish I could hold a pair, any one out there have any input or experience with Steiner? Any other ideas? Thanks for the help!! :confused:
 
Two words-- Spotting. Scope.

The Nikon Prostaff series are nice for the money. :)
 
onado2000 said:
:thumbup:Thanks for the websites. I have read that 8x is better for the same reasons you mentioned. But I would like to see a camel toe a mile away ! What do you think about adjustable mag. binos, like 8-15x-50 mm ? Are those better than fixed magnification? I have been researching binos for a while and Nikon and Leupold are my favorite so far , don’t care for Bushnell so much (Nikon has had better reviews that I have read) and will not spend over 3 bills. Another problem is that I do not have the advantage of actually holding the binos in hand and judging for myself, I have to rely on the opinion of others. There are no really good (hunting) sporting goods stores is my area, focus more on the athletic sporting goods. I have a Trijicon 3-9x40 mm Accupoint scope on one of my AR15s. it’s a good optic, very clear, and I use that as a magnification tool. I also have a pair of 10x25 Nikon binos, bought them 2nd hand, but are very good for now. I want something w/a better view & more magnification. I have heard Steiner makes a great glass, but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$:eek: ! I wish I could hold a pair, any one out there have any input or experience with Steiner? Any other ideas? Thanks for the help!! :confused:
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Always hard to get everything you want in one package... I have no experience with zoom binoculars, but I see that Cornell Lab didn't even test any. Undoubtedly a compromise. A normal pair of binos will never be a long range spotting scope. Better in my mind to at least have them be good at what they are primarily made for -- quick, clear viewing of closer objects under varied lighting conditions.

Binoculars on the Cornell chart with an Image Quality rating above 4.0 would be noticeably better than your 10x25s. Quite a bit better in fact. I wouldn't settle for less 'cause you don't have to for what you are willing to pay. The Nikon Monarchs were rated 4.3 and there are Swarovskis there rated as low as 4.5! To tell a difference that close you'd have to have both pairs in hand and keep switching back and forth between the two. Not bad for about 1/5 the price.

Steiners have quite a name, but I have yet to see better than a mediocre review of them optically in anything I have read. I think Leupolds have done better in most models. Note the Steiner Peregrines cost over 2.5x what the Nikon Monarchs do and didn't perform nearly as well. Let the buyer beware.

Now if you want truly GREAT glass at an exciting price Zeiss Victory FL T*s are waiting for you with optical perfection...
 
My Nikon 10 X 50's are great binoc's, around $120 ten years ago.
.............................

When it absolutely must go BANG - 1st time and EVERY time, use Sig -

http://www.sigsauer.com/

My 229R-DAK has barrels for 9mm, .357Sig and 40 S&W. It's never had a FTF or jam with any of those rounds - ever!:thumbup:
 
cant add too much to whats already here as most of my Sources are UK based but one company who gave me excellent service was

www.bepreparedtosurvive.com

there are a few itmes we just cant get in the UK and these guy helped me out no end - didn't charge me a crazy amout in postage and sent the stuff over in record time :)
 
Corso said:
cant add too much to whats already here as most of my Sources are UK based but one company who gave me excellent service was
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I'd be interested in those links, cause some of the gear is strangely overpriced in Germany ... can you drop me a mail?
 
I'm sure most of these have already been covered, but for a lifelong backpacker/hunter/trail runner/rock climber/allaround outside guy, this is what I use because it works.

www.Eberlestock.com
their operator pack and pack accessories are priceless.
www.mysteryranch.com
when shit gets hairy and you're looking for a bag for your Armageddon kit, their NICE framed Kodiak pack is right there with the Eberle bags.
http://www.mountainsmith.com/produc...categoryId=8&subCategoryId=7&subCategory2Id=1
my favorite pack for hiking in public places, where my others would scare the crap out of most people. Small enough for comfy day hikes and big enough for multiday, multisport activities. Two large side pocket design makes organization and access a cinch.
http://www.suuntowatches.com/Suunto-XLander.pro
Suunto X-Lander Military High speed, low drag and will record weather and elevation change and the compass has been spot-on for two years. Pyrex watch face is still scratch free. I've dived with it, climbed with it, you name it.
http://www.cammenga.com/cammenga-products.php?category=1 keep you on the right heading whether you are finning in the gulf of Mexico, climbing in the cold at night, whatever. It's waterproof, bombproof and easy to use in the dark.
http://www.slumberjack.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=9
Favorite go to sleeping bag for 3 season camping, light durable and super comfy
JB Forge custom tomahawk-no linky, but I had my tomahawk built to spec two years ago and it is the sweetest self defence/utility tool I've ever laid hands on.
http://www.desert-gear.com/coc8ladetabo.html
sorry couldn't find the converse site. For stateside duty boots (they melt in the sandbox) these are light weight, super comfy and breathable, extremely water resistant and cost 65 bucks. Other than my Rucky Chuckies they're my favorite serious hiking boot.
www.thenorthface.com
where to start. Rucky Chuckies are the best shoes I've ever put on my feet. Diablo wool sweater is priceless for hiking on hot days when you need sun protection or keeping warm on cool nights. Real light and gets the job done. Apex Bionic jacket for cool weather, Skareb pack for light hiking or carrying all your school books, and their midweight wool socks. Best part is you can return them once you put holes in them and they will hand you a new pair no questions asked.
http://www.surefire.com/G2-Nitrolon cheap long lasting durable and light.
http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/tactikka-series
For days you need to hike through the night or just don't make it home before the sun goes down
http://sogknives.com/store/B67.html benefits of a previous profession-bombproof, easy to use and it's got all the right stuff. Sorry for promoting another cutlery company RAT but you don't offer these.

Other stuff:
550 chord, obvious choice
GI boonie hat, keeps the sun off your face, out of your scope and acts like a built in air conditioner when drizzled with h20.
Vietnam style commando pants-lightweight and compressible, great for packing and super comfy
Ketadyn filtered water bottles-makes the water issue so easy...
Trusty Cannon A630 camera with Mountainsmith Exposure case
there's so much more but these are the things I love and stand out above the rest.
 
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