Another month, another boatload of cool gear. We’re now well into a year of doing this series every month, and each time we dive deep into the world’s largest online retailer we inevitably come across really cool stuff we’ve honestly never seen before. April is no different.
April showers, they say, bring spring flowers – so here we’ve come across a handful of things we think will help you enjoy this wet time of year without having to compromise on style or functionality. Puddles are a big deal this time of year, so obviously we included a couple of tough boots for trudging through the mud and muck. And because you’re crazy to get out into the woods on a long hike without a solid pack, we threw in a great waterproof bag in there for good measure. Then, of course, every hiker needs his top layer. We included a brand new one from one of the more popular outdoor brands out there. All things said we think you’ll all dig this month’s selection – scroll through and see for yourself.
Friendly Swede Paracord Fire Starter Necklace
Bringing a fire starter along with you on a hike is no good if you can’t actually find it when you need it. This is why we think this fire starter necklace is so brilliant. Made from 550-pound test paracord and featuring a ferrocerium stick and stainless washer – all you need to get your little bundle of twigs smoking is to unclasp this from around your neck and start striking the washer against the fire stick. As smart as it is simple.
Zippo Matte Lighter
For when you want to get a little fire going and you don’t feel like striking small pieces of metal together, there is the zippo lighter. Classic, simple, reliable, and easy to use, this lighter is a must have whether you’re known to have a smoke once in a while or not.
Ka-Bar Dozier Hunter Knife
Known for their eponymous knife used by the Army, Navy, and Marines in every conflict from WWII to the war in Iraq, Ka-Bar is one of the more famous knife brands out there. This folding knife model from the brand is designed by Bob Dozier and features a 3-inch long blade made from a high carbon AUS-8A steel. This type of blade is generally regarded as being the sweet spot between edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Recycled Firefighter Wallet
As the name might suggest, these wallets are made from repurposed fireman equipment. We’re not talking old cotton tees. More like recycled decommissioned polyester firehoses. Don’t get it sideways – even though this stuff has been out of commission it is more than strong enough to hold your cash and cards together. Sewn with a rugged T-90 nylon thread and featuring a money clip – it is a solid pick for the guy looking for a wallet as wild and rough as he is.
Mechanix M-Pact Coyote
Here’s a tough glove with a rubberized grip on the thumb, index, and palm as well as a Poron XRD foam for absorbing shock from swinging an axe or working on the car. Thanks to a tough stitching job done all around the glove this is sure to stay together after hours and hours of even the most extreme work.
Dango Military Grade Case
If you want a smartphone case that gets the job done and looks sharp, this is the one for you. Made from a flexible TPU body these cases will absorb shocks if dropped and will fit tightly over your phone with ease.
Husqvarna Splitting Axe
Yes. They do still make them like this. Featuring a hand forged head and a tough hickory handle, this 2 pound, 20-inch ax will split through logs like butter on a hot day.
Filson Dry Duffel Backpack
Nothing is more guaranteed to ruin your day out in the woods – or really out anywhere – then getting the contents of your bag totally soaked. Filson’s Dry Duffel is designed to prevent that from happening. Made with a tough water resistant material and featuring a pair of padded shoulder straps with sternum clip and waist belt, this bag manages to be great at keeping the wet out and keeping you comfortable on the trail.
Danner Mountain Light II
What more could you ask for from a boot? Danner’s Mountain Light II features a tough Vibram outsole, a waterproof and breathable GTX membrane that sits right under the single piece leather upper, and a stitch down construction for stability. Oh. And it’s all made right here in the U.S.
Suunto Core Military Watch
The amount that smartwatches can do these days is really truly mind-boggling. Suunto’s Core, for instance, can give its wearers a weather trend graph, storm alerts (ideal for unexpected spring showers, no?), and an altimeter, barometer, and compass. And we’re only touching on a few of this watches features.
North Face Apex Flex
Generally speaking, when you go for a soft shell, you’re going to be getting something that is not as waterproof as you’d like. That is not the case with North Face’s Apex Flex GTX jacket. This slim fitting outdoor jacket is fully waterproof, completely breathable, and is designed to fully articulate to your movements. Ideal for the rugged all weather hiker.
Bell Bullitt Helmet
Classically styled, this motorcycle helmet is designed to meet modern day safety standards. And with a removable anti-bacterial interior, front chin vents, and an exhaust vent, riders will find this helmet as comfortable as it is stylish.
