1. Multitasking
In curating the 17 all-locking, all outboard tools of the Truss, the folks at Gerber took into consideration what their customers requested most. This reduced weight from nonessential gadgets while still packing features such as two knife blades and spring-loaded needlenose pliers. gerbergear.com
2. First Things First
Surviveware packs 100 essential lifesaving items into the strongest bag in its class, all weighing in at less than a pound. Items are organized by category so you know what to grab in an emergency and what needs replacing, which contributes to this kit’s top ranking. surviveware.com
3. Channel Your Rambo
The Ka-Bar Becker BK22 features a drop point 5.25-inch fixed blade that splinters firewood, skins your kill and chops the onions you’ll cook ‘em with. The full tang American-made beauty isn’t the cheapest you can buy, but do you really want one that is? kabar.com
4. Get Seriously Heard
How loud is the Fox Sonik, actually? Well, at 120 dB it’s right between a Bell J-2A helicopter at 100 feet overhead and a military jet with afterburner taking off 50 feet away. The Sonik is also highly efficient with no freeze-up so you don’t have to blow your brains out to produce a tone audible a mile away. fox40shopusa.com
5. Find your Bearings
Lightweight and accurate, the Suunto MC-2 provides some handy features such as luminescent markings for use in low light. The accompanying lanyard detaches easily for working with a map and the signal mirror tells calvary where to come a’runnin’. suunto.com
6. Spark Of Life
Spark kindling in all kinds of weather with the nanoStriker XL fire starter. Exotac’s quarter-inch waterproof ferrocerium and magnesium rod sparks at nearly 5500°F. Rods last for more than 3,000 strikes, then you replace it and start all over again. exotac.com
7. Hydration Accommodation
Lifestraw pioneered the ultralight, personal “straw” filter to worldwide acclaim. Weighing just 2 ounces, it filters 1,000 gallons. The best $20 you’ll ever spend. lifestraw.com
