Posts by Rick Lindfors | ShadowFox

Know an outdoor enthusiast, wilderness worker or tactical pro? These items will be perfect for stuffing their stocking or putting under their tree!

For the Utilitarian

CRKT Homefront

A problem that has plagued many users of folding knifes is that they are difficult to clean after hard use in the outdoors. The CRKT Homefront gives the user to completely strip down the knife for cleaning without any tools. A lever and wheel built into the knife allow the handle to split apart, freeing the blade and allowing access to the interior or the handle scales. The Ken Onion designed AUS 8 drop point blade gives good cutting power and edge retention for utility tasks. Rain, mud and everything in between won’t stop this blade from performing.

Mechanix Wolf Gray Fast-Fit Gloves

I’ve been using the wolf gray Fast-Fit gloves for a few months now both in Shadow Fox gear reviews and in Search and Rescue. They give good hand protection whether handling ropes, knives or kindling. My favorite thing about these gloves compared to the original Mechanix gloves is that I don’t need to move or take off watches or bracelets when wearing the gloves. Look for a full review on Shadow Fox soon!

Wild Hedgehog tactical base MED Kit

A good medical kit is essential to any kit whether you’re at the office, job site or range. The WHT BaseMED kit includes the means to treat a variety of common injuries in a watertight package. It includes the dressings and medications that make it perfect for keeping in an everyday carry bag or on your next day hike.

For the Busy Bee

Vanquest Envoy 3.0 Messenger Bag

Vanquest’s update to it’s popular messenger bag makes it perfect for someone looking needing functional load carry around town. The new bag packs collapsible water bottle pockets, a low profile webbing platform and expanded loop fields for adding hook-backed pouches and holsters. With plenty of pockets and a luggage handle pass-through, the Envoy 3.0 is a durable piece of gear that you’ll probably never leave home without.

Maxpedition ERZ Organizer Pouch

Maxpedition’s latest addition to its Advance Gear Research line is a semi-rigid organizer pouch that allows you to both sort and protect your small essentials. The outside shell has a loop field for morale and I.D. patches. Inside, there are elastic loops, a mesh pocket and a zippered pocket. Webbing on the back allows you to attach the pouch to your favorite pack or bag.

For the Vertically Inclined

Petzl Altitude Harness

Petzl’s latest harness takes aim at skiers, mountaineers and alpine climbers who are looking for a lightweight harness that doesn’t get in the way whether inside a pack or on the body. The altitude harness can be put on and off without having to step through any loops or remove crampons. Four gear loops on the waist and leg keepers allow plenty of gear organization without getting in the way of backpack waistbelts. Petzl’s WIREFRAME construction makes sure each size of the harness weighs in at a fraction of a pound.

Petzl Ride Ice Axe

Petzl’s Ride axe combines the construction of the company’s Glacier Literide and Summit axes to make a short tool with a bent shaft for ultra light mountaineers and backcountry skiers and snowboarders. The axe’s small size and shape reduce the risk of injury when carrying the tool on the outside of a backpack. The machined grip at the bottom of the aluminum shaft gives better grip on technical sections.

For the Tactician

Gerber Strongarm

Gerber’s flagship fixed blade combines new ideas as well as influences from the LMF II and Prodigy knives. What you get is a solid, affordable tactical and survival knife with an astounding sheath system. The blade comes with both fine and serrated options, something Gerber fans have been craving for a while with their tactical fixed blades. The sheath can me mounted any way imaginable on a vest, belt or pack.

Leatherman Skeletool RX

Leatherman’s Skeletool is a favorite among outdoorsmen and women. The RX edition takes the functionality to a new level with a serrated 154 CM stainless steel blade and a carbide glass breaker. An orange finish allows quick identification in an emergency. The model keeps the pliers and, wire cutters and carabiner loop/bottle opener that made the skeletool series a staple in the outdoors world.

First Tactical Tactix 1-Day Plus Backpack

The market for assault packs is filled with products that don’t stand apart from each other in terms of designs and features. First Tactical’s Tactix pack shakes things up with a slick exterior and an interior organization layout that gives near infinite options to law enforcement and first responders. The outside of the pack is covered in the company’s Lynx laser cut webbing system, giving the user unlimited placement for pouches and the pack’s removable and replaceable compression straps. Inside, the pack is stacked with pockets, an interior organizer and a loop Velcro lined main compartment. The pack also comes with the ability to slide in a First Tactical rifle sleeve, all but eliminating the need for a dedicated rifle pack.

There are some pieces of gear that you stay impressed with even after having it for a while. It still surprises you, and still performs as advertised even after picking up a bit of range time and breaking in. When I first received the Vanquest FATPack 7×10 medical pouch, I was impressed with its organization features, but I wasn’t sure how well it would hold up since it was my first “tactical” pouch of any kind.

This pouch has held up well over the last year as part of my SAR kit (search and rescue). In my last review, I recommended securing the pouch shut with a carabiner to prevent the pull handle from snagging on anything if stored inside a pack. I’ve used an old quick draw to keep it closed and which also serves as a way to attach it to my harness if needed.

The Cordura construction has kept up nicely and hasn’t shown any signs of wearing or tearing after many months of being yanked in and out of my pack. The Velcro tabs on the exterior hold a pair of Milspec Monkey medical shears.

The pouch still can’t be beat when it comes to organization, even with new products coming to the market. The outside pouch holds several pairs of gloves so those are the first things I have access to when using the kit. The interior pockets hold a SAM splint, gauze, water for wound irrigation and other bulky items. The shock cord ladder on the opposite side carries a variety of bandages and smaller items. The small zippered pouch, which sets this pouch apart from many others on the market, is perfect for holding medications. The durability and organization of the FATPack alone make it an impressive piece of gear, but the form factor is also a plus. The thing looks great. My teammates, even senior members, think it’s a cool medical pouch.

Even though it’s a great and dare I say impressive medical pouch, Vanquest has found ways to update the design. The second generation of the FATPack 7×10 carries a redesigned shock cord ladder on the front flap, internal elastic loops for holding smaller items such as pens and chemlights and a low profile MOLLE panel on the front for added real estate for patches or a small pouch. The second generation of pouches comes with a red tab for identification as a first-aid kit. The main thing that intrigues me about the second generation is the redesigned shock cord ladder. It appears that it will still be able to hold small items, but also accommodate larger bandages when being used as a larger trauma or blowout kit. I still would like to see an option for all-red construction for the non-tactical market, but the addition of the identification tab does improve visibility in low-light situations.

In short, the FATPack 7×10 is still my top pick when it comes to a pouch that can fit both tactical and wilderness medical gear needs. I have yet to see a pouch that can match its capabilities. Purchase the FATPack from Vanquest for $43.

Looking for gift ideas for someone that needs good gear each and every day? We’re going to be posting a lot of cool items over the next few weeks to point you in the direction of gifts that any outdoors person or survivalist would love to have. Heck, forget giving these as gifts! Get something cool for yourself!

SOG Knives MACV Tool

Pocket sized tools are all the rage, and SOG has put out a design that’s radically shaped and packs plenty of features in a travel friendly package. The tool is shaped like the MACV-SOG symbol, from which SOG Knives draws its heritage. The tool carries a big driver, three wrenches, a bottle opener, knife sharpener, cord cutter, several screw drivers and a pry edge. Few tools carry this many features (including the carbide sharpener) and look this awesome at the same time.

ITS Titanium Pocket Tool

I’m a fan of carrying a blade besides my pocket knife. My knife is for self defense first, and the edge should stay sharp for that purpose. I carry a multitool for utility tasks, but it can be clunky and heavy in my pocket. ITS Tactical’s titanium tool gives users a slim utility piece that offers essential features. The tool fits standard utility razors for easy replacement. The blade opening is also cut for 15 wrench sizes. The opposite end has a bit driver and a flathead/pry edge. The included leather sheath allows you to safely carry the tool in the change pocket on the right hand side of jeans.

Ontario RAT in D2

The RAT is a standard when it comes to EDC knifes, and the D2 version adds a new level of durability to the already heralded blade. D2 gives the user enhanced edge retention whether you’re cutting open boxes or making feather sticks for your fire. The handle design is unchanged, leaving the user with a very comfortable EDC tool.

Trayvax Summit Wallet

The Summit was one of the best pieces of gear I tested this year. It’s so simple yet effective in its purpose. It’s perfect for trimming down what you carry and is far more comfortable than shoving a thick wallet into your back pocket.

Maxpedition Riftcore Backpack

Maxpedition’s AGR Rifcore backpack has a shape similar to the Falcon line of packs but with revamped materials, features and an interior layout that gives near infinite options for organization. The pockets and elastic loops inside the pack allow the user to organize knives, tools, camping gear, electronics or anything else you could want to put in a backpack. The padded shoulder straps, back panel and hip belt means comfortable wear. The sleek exterior and webbing system allow this pack to fit right in while traveling or on the trail.

It’s nice to enjoy the finer things in life. For drivers, it could be English cars. For foodies, French wine. For outdoorsmen, Italian knives.

The Fox Knives Njall is designed by Jesper Voxnaes and made in Maniago, Italy. It is a beautiful and uncompromising piece of equipment. The blade is 4.25 inches long and is made of Bohler N690Co stainless steel with a fine edge. This gives you great edge strength and rust resistance. The satin polish gives off a wonderful shine. The clip point is stout and has a deep belly, making it a good choice for a skinning knife. The steel is also .19 inches thick, allowing it to baton through wood easily. However, the cutting edge is only 3.5 inches, so this blade will only handle thinner pieces of wood.

The handle is olive drab micarta and is held in place with stainless steel tube pins, which can be seen in other Vox fixed blade designs. There is also an option for orange G10 scales for better visibility.

The knife weighs in at 8.07 ounces and does a fair job chopping for a knife of its size. This is because of the added heft towards the belly of the blade. However, the micarta handle scales are quite smooth and the Njall almost came out of my grip without a lanyard. Consider horizontal batoning if you really need to get through larger pieces of wood.

This knife is practically a light saber when it comes to processing tinder. The fine edge holds well and creates feather sticks without a problem. Because the handle is quite comfortable, I was able to make quite a tinder pile before needing to relax my grip.

The knife doesn’t penetrate as well as other clip or drop point blades that I’ve used because of how stout it is. This doesn’t bother me because there is a lot of strength in the blade and a lower risk of bending the tip when stabbing harder materials. The smoothness of the handle does pose another risk with this motion, since my gloved hand was sliding forward a bit when stabbing in a standard grip.

The sheath is high quality Italian leather and keeps solid retention on the blade. Beware, it does not have a snap or other closure to secure it upside down. The retention could also wear off over time and use. It’s also dedicated for righties (again, I am a left handed gear tester).

In short, the Njall is a beautiful and capable knife that is a companion to any outdoorsman.

For more high quality blade choices, check out foxcutlery.com

Music: bensound.com

A good knife is an essential part of any outdoors kit. A knife can aid with many tasks like shelter building, food preparation, fire building and self-defense.

But shopping for knives can come down to finding the best quality blade for the lowest price. There are plenty of options in the knife world, and Boker has introduced a fixed blade that delivers a well built knife for less than $40.

The Boker Plus Outdoorsman is designed for, of course, outdoorsmen and hunters. The blade is Sandvik 12C27 steel with a titanium coating for corrosion resistance. A good thing about the coating is that it’s smooth and doesn’t get in the way of batoning and feather stick making. The blade is has a 3.5 inch fine edge and is .17 inches thick, which gives you a durable and light package. The drop point has a false edge that covers about half the blade, which gives the knife great penetration.

But beware, it should not be your first choice if you expect to be prying things apart. The handle is plastic with a rubber molding. With or without gloves, it offers a solid grip on the knife. But I found it to be a little small, so users with smaller paws may get a better fit and feel for the knife. There are four holes in the construction which allow you to lash it to a pole for a spear.

Since it’s a light and short blade, it does not fare well with chopping. It can however baton smaller sticks to make kindling. The knife is great at making tinder piles. The blade holds a good edge and makes very fine cuts on dry wood.

To top it off, the spine of the blade, while not a totally sharp 90 degrees, can make sparks off a Ferrocerium rod.

My main issue with the knife is that it comes with a Cordura sheath that is only for righties (sorry, a southpaw is writing here). Also, it isn’t flush with knife’s construction, which is starting to wear away at the fabric after some insertion and removal.

But all things considered, the Outdoorsman is a solid blade that delivers good quality at a fair price. Purchase the Boker Plus Outdoorsman for $60.

I had a random thought while watching the summer Olympics: If civilization fell apart and I was left to fend for a small group along with myself, which athletes would fare best? Some would undoubtedly do better than others in a survival scenario. But if it came down to five, who would I want to have with me as we forage and fight our way through the chaos?

Below is my pick for the top five Olympic games both summer and winter that would mold the best survivalists. I have created these ranks based on the disciplines involved in each sport and the training each sport requires. Although I am totally biased towards freestyle and half pipe snowboarding when it comes to watching the games, I have sworn myself to be objective.

Canoeing/kayaking – Paddle athletes are strong and know how to navigate rough waters. In a survival situation, you may find yourself needing to transport your team and equipment across a body of water. In that case, who better to lead the effort than a seasoned paddler?

Trap Shooting – Quick shooters will do well on your team when in a dangerous environment. Not only can they bring a strong defense, but can also hunt for the group.

Archery – While perhaps not as effective as a trap shooter in combat, archers will be able to hunt and fish for the group without as many worries about ammunition.

Modern Pentathlon – This sport produces athletes that are skilled in several disciplines. Not only are they physically fit for the running and swimming parts of the competition, but are also skilled in horseback riding and shooting. This means not only will they be able to pull their own weight, but can also utilize equestrian means of travel and are also capable of shooting under stress. However, modern pentathlon utilizes lasers instead of air pistols, which are significantly different than actual firearms. This aspect of the competition is why pentathlon is not at the top of the list.

Biathlon – These athletes are not only skilled shooters, but also in peak physical condition and can handle themselves even under duress. They are experts with their rifles and are accurate both while prone and standing. Biathlon athletes are also knowledgeable about how to keep comfortable and safe in cold, unforgiving environments.

Have any thoughts? Which sports do you think bring out the best survivalists? Leave your own list in the comments section!

A solid wallet that performs is essential for everyday carry. We got our hands on a Trayvax Summit and put it to the test. How does it handle a stack of cards and cash? You can learn more about this and other Trayvax products here: http://www.trayvax.com/collections/summit-collection

It never hurts to slim down your EDC. A good place to start is your wallet. The things can get thick with plastic, cash, receipts and other miscellaneous items. All this can make them uncomfortable to keep in your pocket.

The Trayvax Summit is an excellent way to keep the essential on you in a small and simple package. The stainless steel and nylon construction can hold around eight cards and a small amount of cash. Getting the perfect fit for what you want to carry will take a few tries, but once you do, the cards will be secure with the tension from the strap.

Since it’s slim, it’s easy to pull out of your back pocket, even when sitting down. However, your speed in getting cards out at the register will be a little slower because of the friction from the strap. It’s not terribly slow, but it’s not for the impatient.

To top it off, it’s made in the good ‘ol USA. You can find the Summit and other carry options at Trayvax.com

Music in the video is courtesy of www.bensound.com.

Having some basic survival essential items with you when you’re outdoors is a must and the key to outdoor success. The items you have with you should provide for your basic needs while out and about, both while things are going according to plan and when things get hairy. But the 10 essentials are the bare necessities and a good kit should carry you above and beyond the minimum requirements. Here, we’ll discuss what you should add to your outdoor kit if you haven’t done so already.

First, as a refresher, here’s the 10 essential survival items and what they are comprised of. Take note, a cell phone is not considered an essential.

Navigation (map and compass, GPS with extra batteries),
Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
Insulation (extra clothing)
Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
First-aid supplies
Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/ferro rod and striker)
Repair kit and tools (tape, patching, thread, etc.)
Nutrition (extra food)
Hydration (extra water)
Emergency shelter (tarp, emergency blanket, bivy sack)

These items can get you to where you need to go and also get you out alive if something goes wrong. But there are some things to add that can aid in your endeavors whether it’s a day hike or a week-long trip.

Knife – This can be a fixed blade or a strong folder. This will help you with anything from building shelter, preparing firewood or self-defense. I prefer a fixed blade over anything and will also carry a folder at times. I don’t carry an axe or hatchet due to personal preference. A multitool of some kind will also aid you in making repairs to clothing, sewn gear and hardware. As with any addition to your kit, take weight into consideration when packing.
Communication – A cell phone will do as long as it’s only used for communication and not navigation, photography or light. Battery life can drain quickly if the phone is used for anything other than emergency communication. Consider an extra power source or solar charger for extended trips. If you’re far in the backcountry and cell service is out of the question, an emergency locator beacon can be a good way to alert emergency teams to your position. Satellite phones are also an option, albeit an expensive one.
Cordage – A good length of 550 paracord can aid in several of the 10 essential systems. The individual strands can be used for fishing line if needed as well as for sewing up torn items. 550 cord can also be used to securely rig a tarp shelter or tie a debris shelter together against an anchor.
Water Purification – If your water runs out, you may need more in order to make it out of a survival situation. Not taking proper care of your water will leave you exposed to illness. Carry at least one method of purifying and cleaning water whether it’s a chemical treatment, UV light or cook pot for boiling.
Add your own! Your adventure will require its own equipment. Take a look at your kit and see what can be added to help you in the outdoors. Let us know in the comments what you consider your essential survival items.

The Survivor Ammo Can by MTM Case-Gard gives you a compact storage unit for keeping emergency supplies underground. Underground storage is often an afterthought for many people when it comes to being prepared for the worst. Underground storage can keep your equipment secure and safe if your primary storage location is destroyed or is unsafe to enter. For instance, if an earthquake strikes, your home may be leveled or be too unstable to enter and rummage around in for your supplies. A single MTM SAC can keep your bare essentials handy or several of them can keep a second round of emergency gear ready in case of the worst.

The SAC is made of thick polymer and has a 7-liter capacity. The total package includes the canister body, lid, protective top lid, plastic bag and moisture control packet. The lid of the can has a pair of foam O-rings to seal out air and water and screws down to the body. While I was skeptical of their ability to keep out moisture and debris, my testing proved me wrong.

First of all, the construction of the protective lid is very tough. I stabbed it with a shovel about two dozen times and nothing went through. This is good because it is very likely the user will hit the can several times while digging it up from underground.

For testing, I first buried the SAC underground for a week in wet soil. The seals held and didn’t let any dirt or moisture in. This did not surprise me. I had no doubt that the foam seals could keep out indirect contact with moisture.

My second test was longer and also against the recommendations of the company regarding how to position the can. I placed it upside down in a bucket full of water for three weeks. When I pulled it out and took the lid off, I was surprised to find that there was no water inside the can. Some moisture had gotten past the first seal, but the inside of the can was still dry.

The SAC can definitely do what it’s made to do. I have no doubt that it would do well as a long-term storage option for keeping emergency supplies underground. Just be sure to check up on it every few months to maintain your equipment. Visit MTM Case-Gard’s website for this and other great products.

Summer brings plenty of festivals, fairs, concerts and other events across the country. Add in the fact that this is election season and many people will have a busy schedule. While these kinds of events can be enjoyable, there is also significant risk in an emergency. A dangerous incident can cause mass panic, disorientation and, in the worst cases, violence.

Being ready before you go out is the best way to make sure you not only have a good time, but also make it out safely if something goes wrong.

The first thing you should do is grab a map of wherever you’re going if one is available. That should provide you with a list of important points to memorize. Once you do so, follow these steps for your event plan.

Have a rendezvous point.
If you’re with a group, have a set place to meet in case you’re separated. You can also set a meeting point to return to if you plan to split up for a period of time. If there is an emergency, this will be the place you meet, do a head count and then leave the area.

Mark first aid and security points.
Knowing where first aid is can help reduce travel time if there’s a medical issue. Keeping a tab on where you can find security can help you in case something is lost, stolen or if you’re in some kind of trouble and need assistance.

Memorize entrances and exits.
Note which point is closest to your vehicle and know how to get there from where you are during your event. Have a backup, and memorize a simple way to get to each point for your egress.

Configure your loadout.
Pack items such as a phone, wallet, money and other daily essentials. See what is allowed inside the venue, as it could impact what kinds of defensive tools you can carry and what you’re allowed to carry things in.

Most sporting venues will not allow firearms or blades. You may be able to check a location’s policy on their website, or call ahead and inquire about what is and isn’t allowed at the event. Try to carry at least a flashlight that can double as a striker. This will give you a force multiplier and also a way to find your way through a dark building or to your car at night.

The weather will also play a factor in your preparation. If it’s an outdoor deal with a chance of rain, pack appropriate layers in a pack, unless the venue does not allow bags. This is often the case with political events.

Having your own first aid supplies on you is also a good idea. A medical kit will allow you to treat yourself and others without having to seek out help. This can be useful if there is a lot of commotion and medical staffers are assisting other patients.