GEAR FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION TO SHELTERING WELL AT HOME
Here’s an assortment of gear that can serve you well on your outdoor adventures as well as help you to be more self-reliant in the event of a disaster situation.
1. TOPS SILENT HERO 4
TOPS is now offering their Silent Hero fixed-blade knife in a size that’s more conducive to everyday carry. The original Silent Hero as designed by Anton du Plessis, was intended to be used as a bush/defense knife for guys in a specialized interdiction unit that he was training to fight rhino poachers in Africa. It was wildly popular and still is to this day. The new Silent Hero 4 is a smaller version of that blade that would still be great in a fight, but is sized to make it easier to carry for everyday use. It’s long enough to handle the vast majority of cutting tasks and bushcraft chores.
The Silent Hero 4 features a 4.25-inch blade with 4-inch cutting edge on a blade of 1095 steel with a Sniper Grey finish. That blade is 0.13 inches thick. It has black canvas Micarta handle scales and comes with a black Kydex sheath that’s set up for either vertical or horizontal belt carry. It measures 8.88 inches long overall and weighs 8.8 ounces.
MSRP: $170
2. ALPS AURA SYSTEM +30/+15
ALPS Mountaineering has just introduced a one-and-done sleeping bag system that meets the needs of multi-climate campers. The new Aura System is an ingeniously designed sleeping bag that offers three different configurations to keep campers comfortable in everything from cold to warm-weather climates.
The Aura System is based on a 30-degree F mummy bag featuring two-layer offset construction to eliminate cold spots. Quilted between the polyester liner and nylon ripstop outer layer is TechLoft Micro insulation, which delivers the base 30-degree F rating. Insulated chest and zipper baffling further eliminate cold air intrusion for a comfortable night’s sleep.
When temperatures take a dive, the Aura System can be converted to a 15-degree F mummy bag by installing the quilt top with enclosed foot box. This adds an additional layer of heat-trapping insulation to the bag and foot box. Simply slip the quilt’s foot box over the base bag and secure the quilt to the bag via dual #8 zippers and hook-and-loop patches along the chest baffle.
An incidental feature of this system is the space created between the bag and quilt. If even more warmth is desired, the camper can insert clothing between the layers. It’s also the perfect solution for dressing on cold mornings because clothing stays warm while layered in the bag. The quilt can be removed to reduce weight and bulk when backpacking in warmer temperatures.
Finally, the Aura System’s removable quilt works great as a standalone during warm-weather camping. It is perfect anytime a light wrap is needed, such as when sitting around a fire on a cold night, or when sleeping in a hammock.
The ALPS Mountaineering Aura System measures 32 x 80 inches, has 35.5 ounces of fill and weighs a total of 4 pounds, 6 ounces. It’s charcoal/gray in color.
MSRP: $149.99
3. CIMARRON 1911 ONE RANGER
Cimarron Firearms, known for its quality replicas of Old West firearms, has introduced the Cimarron 1911 One Ranger pistol in .45 ACP. It is engraved with a quote attributed to the legendary Texas Rangers, “One Riot One Ranger,” on the slide.
The pistol is based on the original design by legendary firearms maker John M. Browning, but with a shorter 4.25-inch barrel, making it what’s generally referred to as Commander-sized. The Cimarron 1911 One Ranger is a semi-automatic, single-action pistol with skeletonized trigger and hammer, front dot sight, drift adjustable rear sight, grip safety with extended beavertail and slide lock. It has a classic matte black finish and finely checkered wood grips. The Cimarron One Ranger is a good choice for everyday carry.
Additionally, Cimarron Firearms will donate a percentage of every sale of the Cimarron 1911 One Ranger pistol to the Former Texas Rangers Foundation to help build the Texas Rangers Heritage Center, located in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Heritage Center is a 26,000 square-foot facility on 12 acres of land, dedicated to preserving the lore of the Texas Rangers and working with the youth of Texas to instill the same value-based traits that defined Texas and the Texas Rangers.
MSRP: 747.50
4. COLEMAN RB200 MINI BIKE
Sometimes you need to get down the trail or around the property quickly and other times you just want to take a joy ride. The RB200 Mini Bike from Coleman Power Sports is a gas-powered off-road bike with a 196 cc four-stroke engine and easy-pull recoil start. It features a metal frame, 1.06-gallon gas tank, headlight, rear rack, and disk brakes. The fat all-terrain tires measure 19 7/8 inches. It has a 44.5-inch wheelbase and 6.3 inches of ground clearance. It’s rated for a maximum load of 200 pounds. This bike is available at C-A-L Ranch, Camping World, Murdoch’s Ranch and Home, Theisen’s, and Walmart.
MSRP: $599 at Walmart
5.THE DISASTER-READY HOME
Simon and Schuster’s Adams Media imprint has recently published The Disaster-Ready Home, a practical, common-sense approach to preparedness from world-renowned survival expert Creek Stewart. It’s a complete, step-by-step manual for safely sheltering-in-place at home so you are prepared for any disaster or disease.
If a disaster forces you to shelter in place, do you think you have everything you need to safely and comfortably stay put in your home? If the answer is no, The Disaster-Ready Home will help you create a safe, well-stocked place to weather out any emergency.
Survival expert and bestselling author Creek Stewart gives you a step-by-step emergency preparedness plan to meet your food, water, heat, and sanitation needs during any disaster. It includes detailed lists, photographs, and complete instructions to make the plan easy to follow, this book is the only resource you need for a disaster.
You’ll learn how to:
- Create an emergency pantry stocked with enough food for the timeframe of your choice—from two weeks to three months to a full year
- Select and store food that fits your taste, diet, and budget
- Easily rotate and use your emergency food supply, so nothing goes to waste
- Set up long-term water storage and renewable water sources
- Cook food and boil water when your kitchen appliances aren’t working
- Safely heat and light your home when the power is out
- Effectively manage sanitation issues if running water is unavailable
The paperback book consists of 224 pages. Spiral-bound and digital versions are also available at Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
MSRP: $18.99
A version of this article first appeared in the April 2022 print issue of American Outdoor Guide.
