The North Face Montana Mitt

Got these over the holidays as a gift and so far I’m quite pleased. Although not for extreme winter conditions, they are very comfortable and excellent for mild winter weather. The rubberized material on the palm provides great traction on slippery surfaces.

From The North Face website:

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

All-around, all-mountain snowsports mitten for cold days at the resort. Designed with a waterproof, breathable, HyVent® 2L fabric at exterior, insulated mitt features slightly different amounts of insulation at palm and back of hand for warmth and mobility where it counts.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Fabric
back of hand insulation: 150 g Heatseeker™
Fabric
insert: HyVent®
Fabric
lining: brushed tricot
Fabric
palm insulation: 100 g Heatseeker™
Fabric
palm: PU
Fabric
shell: HyVent® 2L

HYVENT®

The North Face® HyVent® clothes are highly waterproof and breathable and deliver long-term performance for skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers and climbers. Learn more about our innovative HyVent® fabric at The North Face®.

 

Cost: Around CDN $60

www.thenorthface.com

Patagonia Tech Web Belt

 

Belt 1

 

Belt 2

I’ve been wearing this belt for over a year and its fantastic. The Tech Web belt from Patagonia is simple, very rugged, and stays cinched. In terms of functionality, the buckle doubles as a bottle opener! Won’t need to buy another belt for a very long time.

TIP: In a survival/emergency situation, a belt can be used as a tourniquet.

Product Information from Patagonia’s website:

Product Information
Our Tech Web Belt has the holding power to keep your pants adhered when you’re running through O’Hare to catch the 6:15 to Boston. The forged aluminum buckle is lightweight and strong and cinches tight for a reliable hitch; it’s also handy as a bottle opener at the end of a hot day. The 1.5-inch-wide nylon webbing endures abuse and dries quickly.
 Cost: Around CDN $30

BCB Signal Mirror (Heliograph)

 

Super thin, ultra lightweight and very small – you’ll barely notice you’re carrying it.

A signal mirror is an essential piece of survival gear. This particular model is issued to the British army and can be aimed very accurately at a target.

In a survival situation, do not underestimate the functionality and effectiveness of this device to attract attention. A flash from a heliograph can be seen from a tremendous distance. Not only does the BCB signal mirror give off super intense flashes, but it also has instructions stuck on the back in case you forget how to use it.

From the BCB website:

Mayday Signalling Mirror (Compact)

These innovative mirrors are lightweight, and robust.
Highly reflective giving it a range of approx 10 miles for the compact, and longer for the advanced. Designed for one handed operation.

• Accurate and effective
• Floats
• Robust
• Quick and easy to use
• Useful as a personal travel mirror
• Lanyard hole
• Instructions printed on reverse side

Size: 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 in)

Cost: Around CDN $10

www.bcbin.com

Saw-vivor: Bahco Laplander Folding Saw

A saw is a great tool to limb trees in a clean and sympathetic manner towards the tree itself. Although a small forest axe can accomplish most of your lumberjack duties quite readily, a saw can often be a better choice. In many instances, using a saw is a safer and better use of energy than wielding an axe.

If you aren’t able to pack a “Swede” type saw due to its size, a small folding saw is a great alternative.

Small and lightweight, this trusty little companion folds and locks into place quite securely. Because the saw blade folds into the handle, it can be packed safely and easily. The locking saw blade also adds a level of security which is always welcome.

When used properly (and not for jobs best reserved for a larger and/or different tool), the performance of the Bahco Laplander folding saw is excellent. This little saw allows you to precisely cut timber according to your needs in a way that would be very difficult with an axe.

In a survival situation, a bright orange handle really helps to keep it instantly visible which helps to prevent loss, stepping on it (leading to damage and/or injury) etc…

The handle and overall length of this saw makes for great ergonomics and control.

Although the saw blades are replaceable, I’ve been quite pleased with how well the saw’s teeth have held their edge (haven’t had to replace the blade yet).

  • Simple
  • Functional
  • Robust
  • Lightweight
  • Safe
  • Portable
  • Well Priced
Great Value.
Made in Sweden
Cost: Around CDN $20
Interesting fact: A small folding saw like the Bahco Laplander can actually be used to split wood.
Search “Ray Mears splitting wood with a saw” on YouTube to find out how.