Check out these amazing new products featured in February 2022 issue of American Outdoor Guide Boundless.
1. NUTRIENT SURVIVAL OFFERS NEW SINGLE-SERVING MEALS
Nutrient Survival has introduced new single-serving packs of its high-energy, freeze-dried, quick-to-prepare meals. They’re a good option for backpackers and hikers as additions to travel kits or bug-out bags, for long-term storage for emergencies or when you just need a quick, easy-to-prepare meal.
LONG SHELF LIFE
Nutrient Survival meals are prepared with a patented freeze-dried process that preserves flavor and locks in nutrition. They’re made in the United States—and with real ingredients. Each pack has a shelf life of up to 15 years, so they make good additions to your emergency food supplies to use when grocery store shelves are empty. And, at just 3 ounces each, they’re ideal to include in your EDC (everyday carry) gear or bug-out bag.
Preparing these dishes is as easy as heating water, mixing it, letting it rest and then serving. Some are even ready to eat as a snack, with no water required. That makes them a good option when traveling or to have on hand at the office. These single-serve meals are available in 10 varieties, including Homestyle Scramble, Hearty Lasagna, Triple Cheese Mac and Southwestern Medley.
SPECIAL OPS-GRADE NUTRITION
Nowhere and at no time is it more critical for the body and mind to perform at an elite level than in the life-or-death situations faced by our Special Operations forces. Off the grid for weeks, deep in enemy territory and with no friendly bases for days, a Special Forces operator has to rely only on what they can carry.
The U.S. military studied this issue extensively for years and determined that nutrient-dense foods directly enhance performance and contribute to mission success. As a result, strict nutritional requirements were established for the food used during missions involving intense or highly mobile training or conflict.
Nevertheless, Nutrient Survival realized that everyone, not just those in the military, can benefit from having performance-based meals, especially during times of stress or high activity. So, the company formulated its meals to exceed the nutritional standards of the U.S. Special Ops by 2.5 times.
One way Nutrient Survival did this was to cut out the “dead” calories that provide no nutritional value. Each single-serving meal contains everything your body needs to go beyond surviving to thriving, including 14 vitamins, 14 minerals, nine amino acids (protein), omega-3, omega-6 and fiber. They contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
NEW BUG-OUT BAG TOO
Nutrient Survival is also offering a new bug-out bag. It’s a lightweight, waterproof dry sack with a 10-liter capacity that’s made of durable, 19-ounce, vinyl-coated polyester.
The bug-out bag contains 25 individual single packs, including five packs each of the company’s Triple Cheese Mac, Southwestern Medley, Hearty Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Chocolate Grain Crunch and Creamy Chocolate Shake. This kit provides enough meals to get you through a 72-hour emergency with an average 2,333 calories per day.
As an incentive, Nutrient Survival is offering a free Breakfast Variety Sampler—a $30 value—with any purchase.
MSRP: Nutrient Survival Singles 5-Pack ($30); bug-out bag with 25 meals ($120)
The Survival Medicine Handbook, 4th Edition
At almost 700 pages, this is the newly released fourth edition of the now-classic The Survival Medicine Handbook. Written by Joe Alton, M.D., and Amy Alton, A.P.R.N., this is the single most important information resource about handling medical emergencies in austere environments. It includes guidance on modern techniques, as well as using essential oils, herbal remedies, colloidal silver and other approaches. Everything is explained in easy-to-follow instructions. This book is a must for every survival library.
MSRP: $44.99
Exos Rain Shell
A good-quality rain shell is a required component for every outerwear collection. It will keep you dry, no matter the conditions. This Exos model has a stationary hood with a structured brim and two-way, center front zipper with both external and internal storm flaps. The hem adjusts via an internal shock cord system. The sleeve cuffs are also adjustable, with cuff tabs and hook-and-loop closures. All the seams are fully sealed to ensure there are no leaks.
MSRP: $130
Optimus Gemini
Perfect for boiling water quickly, cooking multiple dishes for the family or group, or even for just keeping things simmering, this double-burner stove has two separate hand controls that allow you to adjust each burner head independently. The legs fold out on both sides, giving you great stability, even when you’re using large pots. Raised edges around the stove protect the flame from wind. It has a small footprint and weighs under 2 pounds.
MSRP: $169.95
CRKT Provoke Compact
The original Provoke was one of the most innovative knife designs to come to the market in years. The Compact model is a bit smaller and is designed to be a great addition to your everyday carry (EDC) load-out. It weighs just 4.4 ounces, so you’ll hardly notice it in your pocket … until you need it. Its unique, Kinematic technology deploys the blade in a flash with just a push of the thumb. The Compact’s D2 steel offers excellent edge retention.
MSRP: $150
Guardian Gravity Filter
With a 10-liter capacity, this filter will provide plenty of clean water for your entire family when you’re out in the field. It will remove bacteria, protozoa, viruses, microplastics and sediment, all while you’re off tending to other chores. The purifier was originally designed for the military and meets the NSF P248 military testing standard. The two-stage system includes activated charcoal to eliminate offensive tastes and odors. It has a flow rate of about 1 liter every two minutes.
MSRP: $249.95
CRKT Kith
“Kith” is Old English for “friend,” and that’s exactly what this knife will be to you. With design cues that call to mind traditional backlock folders, this model is strong and lightweight. Its ambidextrous thumb stud swings the knife open easily, and its lock keeps it in place until you’re ready to close it. Open, it measures 6.75 inches long, with a blade measuring 2.95 inches. The Kith’s glass-reinforced nylon handle is durable and has just enough texturing to provide a positive grip.
MSRP: $44.99
NRG-5 Emergency Ration
If you’re on the hunt for long-lasting survival food, these emergency rations are worth considering. Fortified with high-quality ingredients, one pack covers the daily requirements for an adult. In addition, these rations can be fed to children as young as 6 months old. They’re ready to eat right out of the package; no heating or cooking is required. However, you can also crush one of these bars and mix it with water to create a mash or even an energy drink.
MSRP: $32.99 (4-pack)
Tool Roll
Made with rugged, waxed canvas, this tool roll is water and abrasion resistant. It has three pockets and numerous elastic loops to keep everything organized. Use it as a first aid kit, dopp kit, knife collection transport case—there are so many options. There’s double-stitching throughout. An aircraft-grade aluminum hook keeps it closed until you’re ready to roll it out. Unrolled, it measures 8×16 inches; empty, it weighs 5.5 ounces.
MSRP: $44
Tuff Possum Gear Belt Pouch
Sometimes, you don’t want a full pack but you do want more gear than will comfortably fit into a pocket. Belt pouches are great for these situations. This model is made from 1000D Cordura and has a heavy-duty YKK zipper. Dual belt loops will accommodate belts up to 2 inches wide. This pouch measures 5 inches wide, 4 inches tall and 3 inches deep. Empty, it weighs just 3 ounces. You can also use it as a container for smaller gear within your pack.
MSRP: $37.50
5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex Range Pants
Designed for those who want tactical options and construction in a casual look, these pants have an appearance similar to standard, five-pocket jeans. However, they feature two additional back pockets for magazines or a cell phone, along with reinforced belt loops to support a gun belt or CCW belt. The pockets are rivet-reinforced. The material is 97 percent cotton and 3 percent Elastane canvas, providing comfort and flexibility. These slim-fit pants are available in four colors: dark navy, brown duck, khaki or Ranger green.
MSRP: $75
Solo Stove Bonfire
Everyone loves a good campfire … but nobody loves the smoke that seems to follow them around, no matter where they sit. When it comes to stoves, Solo Stove has built a reputation for making products that are exceptionally efficient. Its Bonfire ramps this up to the next level. It’s 14 inches high, 19.5 inches across and handles logs upward of 16 inches long. Holes in its double-walled construction draw in air from the bottom and help with the secondary burn, resulting in almost no smoke.
MSRP: $349.99
Cap-O-Matic Space Pen
Every EDC kit should contain a pen, and Space Pen has “written the book” when it comes to ultra-reliable writing utensils. The Fisher True Timber Strata Camouflage Wrapped Cap-O-Matic Space Pen is one tough pen that doesn’t quit. It uses cap activation to extend and retract the point. Plus, it carries a gas-pressurized ink refill that allows it to write upside down, underwater, in extreme temperatures (-30 to +250 degrees F), over grease and on almost any surface three times longer than the average ballpoint pen.
MSRP: $36
A version of this article first appeared in the February 2022 issue of American Outdoor Guide Boundless.
