Now that the new year is here and the holiday euphoria and/or panic has subsided, it’s time to get back to the grind. But that, paired with the typically murky weather of this time of year, can often times make folks feel like there’s not much to look forward to. However, we like to look at things through a more positive lens — this is our chance to reset and reinvigorate.
As a means of illustrating how we might do that, we took inspiration from all the doom and gloom of the tail end of winter and gathered together a grayed-out loadout of some of the best gear presently available on Gallantry. Whether you need a new travel backpack, a couple of new pieces of everyday carry, some outdoor-ready emergency gear, or just a new pocket notebook, you’ll find it on this month’s Scoured guide.
Field Notes Front Page Reporter Notebook
Designed after the classic journals used by field reporters, this USA-made pocket notebook improves upon its inspiration in several notable ways. For starters, it features a super durable cover over a ring wire top biding, 70 lined pages that will stay in securely or can be ripped off (in case you want to share your number), and a hideaway back cover pocket for any loose papers you need to keep ahold of.
MecArmy Illuminex-4S Keychain Flashlight
Weighing just 8.9 grams and measuring up at a total of 1.61″ in length, this is the world’s smallest micro USB-rechargeable flashlight. But it’s far more than a novelty with a six-hour battery life, 130-lumen maximum output, hour quick-charge functionality, and IPX8 waterproofing. This aerospace-grade aluminum keychain torch is impressive by any standard.
Exotac Waterproof Match Case
You might not always need a stash of matches but you’ll be thankful you have one in the off chance you do. And the Exotac Waterproof Match Case is one of the best ways to keep up to 20 matches on hand for emergencies, lighting campfires, or whatever else. It also features strikers (for non-strike anywhere matches), extra o-rings, and it has a handy lanyard attachment point.
Trayvax Armored Summit Wallet
Made to be literally bombproof, this minimalist tactical wallet boasts a melonite-finished stainless steel frame, mil-spec nylon webbing, an armored plate, and built-in RFID blocking. It can also hold up to seven cards and five bills, comes with an integrated bottle opener, and has a lifetime heirloom warranty. And if that’s not enough, it’s also made entirely in the USA.
Opinel No. 09 DIY Knife
Opinel has been in operation for over a century, so they definitely know a thing or two about making sturdy, reliable knives. Their No. 09 DIY is no different, but it does boast some extra functionality not found elsewhere in their catalogue. Not only does it have a Sandvik steel blade and a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide handle, but it also boasts a magnetized hex bit driver slot, built-in driver bit storage, and the brand’s signature Virobloc Safety Ring locking mechanism.
Everyman Grafton Pen
Simple, sturdy, and beautiful, the Everyman Grafton Pen gives you everything you want in a quality writing utensil and nothing you don’t. Guaranteed for life, it boasts a body made of anodized aluminum for the perfect balance lightness and durability. It also accepts both Pilot G2 and Fisher Space Pen refill cartridges. It weighs just one ounce, has a simple and reliable clicker deployment mechanism, and comes with a handy pocket clip.
BRNLY Slingpop Pocket Slingshot
Machined in the USA and designed by none other than knife-making maven, Lucas Burnley, this revitalized childhood oddity is the perfect way to relive your childhood days as a neighborhood menace — or just a fun EDC plaything made by an expert craftsman and with superior materials, like 6061-T6 anodized aluminum. You don’t have to exemplify the traits of Bart Simpson to appreciate this grown-up throwback.
AER Flight Pack 2
Specifically designed to be a capacious, yet speedy carry solution for frequent flyers, AER’s Flight Pack 2 is built from a 900D eco-dyed polyester, boasts Duraflex hardware and YKK zippers, has an impressive-yet-manageable 21L capacity, and features a superbly stylish appearance. And that’s just the basics — it also has a wealth of internal organization (including a 15.6″ padded laptop pouch), a luggage pass-through, and some handy TSA-ready bonuses (like a quick-access small item pouch perfect for your tickets and passport wallet).
Benchmade 485 Valet Knife
Sleek and refined, yet still abundantly capable, Benchmade’s 485 Valet folding knife is the perfect balance for folks who want a workhorse cutting tool but don’t want to carry around something that looks like they’d sell it at Wal-Mart next to Duck Dynasty-branded gear. Made in the USA, it features a M390 steel drop-point blade, G10 handle scales, the brand’s signature AXIS lock, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Techne Instruments Merlin 296 Watch
Inspired by the fabled P-51 Mustang aircraft, this stunning chronograph field watch is as reliable and stylish as they come. Powered by a calibre ISA 9238/1970 quartz movement housed inside a 316L stainless steel case, it features anti-shock and -magnetic housing, water resistance to 50 meters, and has a handy hack feature — so you can sync your watch with those of your comrades. It’s not a fancy dress watch, but it’s a looker with a good deal of historical inspiration built right in.
Scoured: Best Gear On Gallantry - December 2018
We’re fine with admitting that gray is not for everyone. Luckily, it’s not the only colorway you can find on some killer gear. Need proof? Check out last month’s two-tone Gallantry Scoured Guide.
