Off Duty, Technology - Marine Corps Times

Great gear for combat or camping

With a bottomless wallet and a team of pack mules, you could bring enough equipment to fill every conceivable need or want you might have in the field.

But all you've got is a pack, not a pack mule -- and your wallet is definitely not bottomless (we've seen you rolling pennies to buy beer before payday).

So when the latest gear catalog shows up in the mail, it's a tough call. What do you buy to make your next trip easier, more enjoyable or more productive when your ruck's nearly full and your wallet's not?

If you're looking for answers, we've got 'em. We looked at dozens of new and relatively new pieces of field gear and gave a handful of them an up-close-and-personal inspection. Some are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who can't stand to spend a weekend indoors. Others are ideal for your next deployment. Some are great for both.

So whether you're in the field for work or play, these are some of the best items to put on your gear wish list.

Defend your digits

Shooters can learn a thing or two from golfers -- they know how a well-fitting, durable glove made from breathable, soft leather can improve grip and comfort.

GripSwell Palm Swell Ergonomic Shooting Glove. Take fine, slightly thickened leather golf gloves, add padding and reinforcement in key locations such as the palm and along the thumb, and you get a sense for the Palm Swell Ergonomic Shooting Glove. Competitive shotgunner Scott Farmer was involved in the design of these gloves, which are made from goatskin and synthetic material. They reduced impact from recoil on the skeet range and were extremely comfortable. They'd be a great addition to your gear bag, whether you're handling a 12-gauge, .50-caliber or handgun. They retail for $39.95 to $53.95.

See www.gripswell.com, or call (714) 379-9413.

Manzella Gunner Unlined Warm Glove. Not quite as tactile in the trigger finger but still providing a good, comfortable fit with adequate sensitivity, these gloves are crafted of nylon with reinforced leather palms. Even though the model tested was unlined, it would keep hands warm except under very cold conditions. They retail for $49.99.

Manzella Bow Ranger. These bowhunter gloves are very tactile, even with the low-profile grip dots on the palm and fingers. The well-designed Velcro closure is on the underside of the wrist, with an opening allowing the bowstring release to attach directly around the skin. Touch is critical when tripping the release on a bow. The camouflage gloves are made of a stretch fabric that is warm and wind-resistant. They retail for $15.

Call (800) 645-6837.

Seirus All Weather Glove. These gloves provide a snug, comfortable fit almost like a diving glove. They are made of a stretch nylon outer material with a synthetic covering that reinforces the palm and index finger and are lined with a fleecy, breathable "Weathershield" fabric that helps block wind and water.

The manufacturer touts the gloves' ability to handle work in temperatures from 20 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and their popularity as a nonissue item glove. They sell for $15 to $33, depending on whether they're purchased through the General Services Administration.

Call (800) 447-3787.

Knives and multitools

Do you need the simplicity of a knife or the capabilities of a multitool? Either way, SOG has you covered.

SEAL Pup Elite knife. This blade amps up the popular SEAL Pup model that debuted a few years ago. It arrives razor-sharp, holds its edge admirably and sharpens easily.

The biggest change is the added rasp along the top of the blade, which is now a half-inch longer at 4.85 inches. Experts in knife combat might not like this feature -- it could get stuck in ribs, etc. -- but it does offer extra flex for filing and lets you apply nonslip forward thumb pressure atop the blade.

It sports a slightly thicker grade of AUS 8 stainless steel. Blades come in straight edge or partially serrated, with satin or black finishes. The black oxide model we tested retails for $118.

EOD PowerLock. As multitools go, associates who examined and tried the EOD Powerlock agreed it's one they'd carry. The hard-wire cutter easily sliced through large fishhooks (great for emergency surgery when you've got a hook impaled in your hand). Useful components include the sharp and tight knife blade; large, powerful pliers head; blasting-cap crimper; and ¼-inch drive that can turn socket tools.

Our test model, which retails for $105 to $112, sported the new V-Cutter in lieu of scissors. The cutter is reasonably solid, with minimal side-to-side flex, and is designed to slice through seat belts, nylon cord and the like. The unit comes with a leather pouch; SOG makes a nice tactical nylon sheath that accommodates both knife and multitool in one package. It is designed to mount to web gear and other Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, or MOLLE-type, applications.

See www.sogknives.com, or call (425) 771-6230.

Light your night

Advanced Tactical Technology EDC Ultimate Series flashlights. These tiny flashlights use efficient light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, for brightness levels of 60 to 85 lumens. They're powered off a lithium battery and run about 10 hours on the primary setting. A sensor reads battery power and automatically reduces the light level to let you know power is waning and to help you preserve light. It also has an emergency strobe and SOS settings. Prices range from $170 to $190.

See www.advancedtacticaltechnology.com, or call (817) 546-0996.

Sunturn Power Products 7W Flashlight. Similar to the Advanced Tactical Technology light, this flashlight is built for more power (using two lithium batteries). Its LEDs offer 138 lumens with three-mile visibility and 15 hours of burn time, and it's waterproof. It sells for about $100. See www.sunturnpower.com, or call (866) 581-1888.

Bil-Lite Sport Utility Light. It clips to a hat, rotates 360 degrees, is lightweight and has a bright beam. The Super Bil-Lite, which also attaches to a hat, throws a much stronger beam -- out to 70 feet. However, it has a bigger power pack and weighs more, as it runs on AAA batteries. The Bil-Lite retails for $19.95; the Super Bil-Lite is $39.95.

See www.q-lighting.com, or call (877) 245-5483.

Shooting rests

Shooter's Ridge rests. Snipers and hunters will tell you the same thing: Good rests make for good shots.

If you don't have a bipod for your rifle, you don't need to improvise a rest with a backpack or tree limb. The new Deluxe Stalk Stick by Shooter's Ridge marries the benefits of a hiking staff with the steadying support of a monopod rest topped with a retractable V-shaped yoke that cradles a rifle's fore end.

The product comfortably fits your hand like a quality ski pole and has a telescoping leg that quickly and quietly adjusts in height. A flick of the finger easily opens the yoke from the top of the handle.

The Deluxe Stalk Stick would serve well in hilly terrain where shots may come suddenly and where a hiking staff adds support and balance. It would also prove useful on open prairies where vegetation, such as sage and rabbit brush, makes shooting from a prone position impractical. It retails for $57.49.

Also worth checking out from Shooter's Ridge is its new Deluxe Shooting Bench. It sports a soft top with rolled edges that prevent ammo or spent cases from rolling off, a spotting scope bracket, a shooting yoke and an adjustable seat. The whole thing folds to a compact size for transport. It retails for $159.95.

See www.shootersridge.com.

Slings

Montana Slings. This brand isn't new to the market, but a new "biothane" sling -- made from tough polyester that's wrapped in soft synthetic material -- will soon debut alongside the leather versions that have won accolades in recent years.

Unique to the Montana Sling is its Triple Wrap Knot that allows for fast and easy adjustment. Compatible with rifles using swivel studs, the slings sport quality detachable Talon swivels and come in 1-inch and 1¼-inch widths. The Cobra model has a wider, padded shoulder piece.

The biothane sling works particularly well in cold, wet weather, according to Norm Comfort of IST Designs, which sells Montana Slings.

Its length allows you to sling your weapon over the shoulder or cross-body, while the knot slides far enough to tighten for easier storage or transport. It sells for $39 ($59 for the Cobra model) and has a lifetime guarantee.

See www.istdesigns.com, or call (888) 478-6565.

Goggles

Wiley X Eyewear. That little old band from Texas, ZZ Top, advised getting "some cheap sunglasses," but if you want sharpened images, maximum glare reduction and more durable styling, cheap usually means severe compromise.

Whether on patrol, manning a lookout or wielding a spinning rod, Wiley X Eyewear's "Climate Control" Brick and JP2 models are built to serve. Many troops swear by Wiley X in the field, but the quality lenses in these glasses help outdoorsmen peer deep into the water while fishing, too. The lenses are substantial and crafted of shatterproof material meeting ballistic impact and high-velocity standards. Smoke gray or copper are excellent lens colors (depending on water conditions) when fishing.

A removable gasket helps fit the glasses to the contour of your face, which can be important when you're zipping along in a boat, skiing or traveling in a dusty convoy. It also reduces glare.

The nonprescription sunglasses sell for about $130. They also can be ordered online with prescription lenses.

See www.wileyx.com, or call (800) 776-7842.

Camp cooking

Camp Chef Smoke Vault. There aren't many hunters and anglers who don't relish a meal of superbly smoked game or fish.

But conventional charcoal smokers are notoriously difficult to manage for consistent cooking, and electric burners just don't seem to easily generate the heat or smoke levels that give the best flavor.

With the Smoke Vault's 20,000 Btu/hour propane burner, simple adjustments, electronic igniter and internal temperature monitoring gauge, maintaining proper cooking temperatures was easy. A mixed-bag meal of venison roasts, mallards, chukar partridge and Canada goose breasts was easy to manage, with ample space to separate items. Temperatures rapidly returned to proper cooking levels as items were added or removed. For sausage fans, the Smoke Vault has room to cook 20 or more pounds in a single session.

Cleanup of the stainless steel water pan, cooking racks and cast-iron wood chip box was quick. Plus, the smoker, which resembles an old gun safe, just looks cool.

The 18-inch model sells for $312.99; the 24-inch model retails for $416.99.

Camp Chef Turkey Cannon. Camp Chef, which pioneered the beer-can keg roasters popular for cooking chicken, has added a new product called a Turkey Cannon that can be used for any bird ranging from 5 to 20 pounds. Load your favorite cooking liquid (white wine, for example) into the cannon. Slide the bird onto the cannon, which elevates it from the cooking pan. It cooks more quickly this way -- and stays moist, thanks to internal basting (a blessing when cooking wild birds).

The Turkey Cannon sells for $24.99.

See www.campchef.com, or call (800) 650-2433.

Leg armor

Snake Guardz Leg Armor. Most snakes try to avoid humans, but when you're traveling in brushy or swampy reptile country, it is possible to put your foot too close to one. Snake Guardz's leg armor fits well around your calf and ankle from just below your knee to the top of your footgear, including coverage of the laces. At 9 ounces, it's lightweight and extremely comfortable compared to some "snake boots" I've tried.

The product is made with 1,000-denier Cordura nylon covering polycarbonate inserts. The manufacturers say the guards can stop 12-gauge shotgun pellets at 20 yards.

This is one of the best such products I've used in terms of fit and comfort. The armor comes in several colors, including camouflage and olive drab. Some styles come in an "extra tall" model. A pair sells for $53.

See www.snakeguardz.com, or call (800) 667-1753.

Foot warmers

Grabber Heat Treat. These full-coverage foot warmers and heated footbeds help keep feet warm on cold days. I've worn toe warmers for years but had never tried the full-foot setup.

We tried them inside 400-gram Thinsulate hunting boots on a cold-weather hunt for birds. The warmers fit comfortably and were still toasty at the end of the hunt nearly five hours later.

These could also be used in chest or hip waders or even military boots -- helping make a cold night in the field a bit more tolerable. The footbed features a slot to accommodate foot warmers. Basic insole foot warmers range from $1.50 to $5 a pair and are carried in many outdoor retail stores. The separate, reusable footbeds run about $23.

See www.warmers.com or www.heatfactory.com.

Boot dryer

Optronics Portable Shoe & Boot Dryer. The Thermal Dri Model SD200 dryer works by thermal convection, just like many wader dryers. It doesn't blast hot air, which can damage fabrics or leathers.

Just stick the small drying units deep inside your boots and plug them in with the 110-volt adapter cord. If you're in a vehicle and facing a lengthy drive, slip off soggy or sweaty footgear and jump-start the drying using the 12-volt power plug. The dryer sells for about $39 at many sporting goods stores.

See www.optronicsinc.com, or call (918) 683-9514.

High-visibility targets

VisiColor High-Visibility Paper Targets. One of the best ways to introduce newcomers to shooting sports is to use a target that provides fast feedback.

Targets offering brightly colored halos that appear at the point of impact have been around for years, but Champion Traps & Targets ratchets up the game with multicolored impact halos. The targets come in bull's-eye and dartboard configurations, along with four animal silhouettes -- prairie dog, deer, turkey and coyote -- with vital zones showing distinct colors. It's a good tool for introducing shooters to quality shot placement. An 8-inch bull's-eye target with 1-inch rings extending from the center is good for aiming.

The color feedback makes shot assessment easier when checking downrange with binoculars or spotting scope. Plus, they're just plain fun to shoot at. During a recent gathering, everyone from age 8 to 48, including many who had never looked down a barrel at anything, were lining up to grab the BB gun and see if they could make a colored splat appear on a target 20 yards away. A 10-pack retails for $6.49 to $9.95.

See www.championtarget.com.

Waterfowl bags

RedHead Waterfowl Bags. It wasn't my shotgun or shot shells (and definitely not my shooting) that drew admiring comments from duck-blind partners last season. It was the large (11-inch-by-21-inch) RedHead Waterfowl Bag I used to tote my gear. "I've got to get one of those," was the usual comment.

Duck hunting bags take a beating, sitting on floors of boats and blinds, enduring all types of weather. The RedHead bag (also offered in a 9-inch-by-18-inch size) comes in an Advantage Max-4 High-Definition camouflage pattern and has a tough molded rubber bottom that stops the bag from skidding and keeps water from seeping in. The top is made of 600-denier polyester with a double polyurethane coating and interior polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, liners. Flaps extend amply around compartments. The bag never leaked.

Numerous pockets and compartments let you safely segregate gear. It even has a fleece-lined eyewear case, as well as a map pocket, key holder and shot-shell loops.

A padded shoulder strap or Velcro-fastened side handles make for comfortable, easy transport. It sells for $29.99 to $39.99 at Bass Pro Shops online, www.basspro.com, or call (800) 976-6344.

Hunting boots

LaCrosse Broadside boots. Slipping into insulated hunting boots that offer superb comfort the first time you lace them up is a lot like learning the muzzleloader you just purchased shoots tack-driving 1-inch groups right out of the box. LaCrosse has earned a reputation for durable, comfortable boots, and the new Broadside boot line seems to carry on that tradition.

The boots incorporate the "Quad Comfort" system LaCrosse has built into its work boots for several years. A dual-density midsole helps firm up the fit; two layers of ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or EVA, add cushioning and support. The top footbed is contoured for arch support.

The boots have a Gore-Tex liner. Eight-inch boots come in uninsulated and 400-gram Thinsulate versions, while 10-inch boots offer toasty 800- and 1,200-gram insulation.

As soon as I laced up, I couldn't wait to slog through a muddy creek bottom and then climb a steep hillside. Even though they felt like I'd worn them for months, that new-boot shine begged for a muck bath. Suggested retail prices range from $144 to $174.

See www.lacrossefootwear.com, or call (800) 323-2668.

Odds and ends

Rite in the Rain all-weather notepad. With these all-weather notepads, you can put ink to paper in the foulest of downpours without the paper getting soggy or tearing. I wrote on a page while it was submerged in a dish of water. The pocket-sized, 80-sheet field books come with green or desert tan covers and cost $14.95. Smaller memo books range from $3.45 to $5.95.

Check out www.riteintherain.com, or call (253) 922-5000.

Alpen's Spotting Scope Digital Camera Adapter. If your digital camera has a weak zoom function, use Alpen's Spotting Scope Digital Camera Adapter to get in close for photos. It sells for about $80.

See www.alpenoutdoor.com, or call (877) 987-8370.

No Rinse field hygiene gear. No Rinse products include shampoo, body wash and bathing wipes. They're alcohol-free and great for field conditions where water is at a premium. The wipes have an antibacterial formula and can be warmed in a microwave.

See www.norinse.com, or call (800) 223-9348. Products are available through a number of retailers listed on the No Rinse Web site. Sayre Enterprises is the General Services Administration contract holder for these products. See www.sayreinc.com, or call (800) 552-6064.

Brunton Solaris portable power. Brunton's Solaris foldable solar panel is an interesting, lightweight source of portable power that can be used to run or charge a laptop, satellite phone, camera and more. The 12-watt version weighs 11 ounces and sells for $259. A 6-watt model is $129.

For more on Brunton's lineup of portable power options, see www.brunton.com, or call (800) 443-4871.

Trail's Best Team Realtree jerky. I've made and tried a lot of beef and venison jerky, and the new Team Realtree jerky products by Trail's Best are all tasty. Flavors include teriyaki, maple brown sugar ham and "original." A 4-ounce bag is $4.99; an 8-ounce bag is $8.59.

See www.trailsbest.com, or call (800) 852-1863.

Gun Grabber vertical gun holder. A steady, secure gun holder mounted to your vehicle enables easy transport of and access to firearms. The Gun Grabber vertical gun holder comes in shotgun, rifle and bow models, with flexible rubber components that prevent the holder from damaging your weapon's finish. It retails for $24.95.

See www.gungrab.com, or call (877) 486-4722.

Remington Wingmaster HD shot shells. Remington's new Wingmaster HD shot shells offer an alternative to the Hevi-Shot brand. This shot is 10 percent denser than lead, 56 percent denser than steel -- and is death on ducks and geese. A box of 10 is $30.

See www.remington.com.

Winchester Xtended Range Hi-Density Waterfowl and Turkey loads. Also new to the marketplace, these shells are 55 percent denser than steel and should compete well with premium waterfowl loads. A box of 10 costs about $38.

See www.winchester.com.

Ken Perrotte is a freelance writer in King George, Va.