OAUSA Net - December 17, 2020 – Christmas Gifts for the Outdoor Enthusiasts

[toms]

The plan for the net this week is to open it up for everyone to make suggestions on gifts for the outdoor enthusiast.

The one area that has not been shut down and we are allowed to some freedom is the outdoors. That is our specialty at OAUSA. It has been a tough year. But you (I mean someone) deserve a great gift to keep them smiling.

Shopping is risky and package shipments are clogged. However, there is still a week till Christmas, so post up your suggestions. Help us with ideas.
Then happy shopping!

We would like everyone to post up suggestions and pictures in this preview. If you have a ball park price or where to get it that is good too – Just remember no commercials.


Here is a list of topics to help get your ideas flowing.
1. Ham Radio
2. 4-Wheeling
3. Dutch Oven cooking
4. Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
5. Outdoor medicine
6. First Aid kits, wilderness medicine, first aid courses
7. Camping (tents, sleeping bags)
8. Photography
9. Recovery gear
10. Firearms, shooting, handloading
11. Survival gear
12. Computers stuff
13. Wine
14. Coffee
15. Hot Sauce
16. Books & maps
17. Other communication ( sat phone, cell PLB, spot)
18. Solar, wind, batteries
19. Fire extinguishers
20. Vehicle repair & maintenance
21. Edged Implements

[DaveK]

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GIFT LIST

Here is my chance to highlight several products that are related to our net topics. My list covers a lot of categories, but they are representative of the outdoor activities that we discuss every week.

1. The Gadget.

"The Gadget" is the nickname given to a firearm device that is technically and actually known as the, "Striker Control Device" (SCD.) This name is also a description of what is does. Before getting to a description of how it works, it is probably best to offer a generalization of what it is. In the simplest terms, it is a "safety-type device." In the words of Mas Ayoob, in reference to the SCD, he said this:

If over four decades of work in the officer survival field have taught me anything, it's that the engineer's mindset applies. The more safety nets in place, the better.

A more in depth explanation of the SCD can be found on on the manufacturer's website (https://taudevgroup.myshopify.com/produ ... rol-device) and in an article authored by Mas Ayoob in American Hand Gunner in the July/August 2017 issue. Both are highly recommended.

The safety value of the SCD applies only when re-holstering your Glock (which, at this time, are the only pistols for which the SCD is made), and is particularly valuable for inside the waistband holsters (IWB.) While the discussion on the net will fill in many of the details of its function, the quick explanation is that the SCD prevents the accidental discharge of your firearm when holstering it due to an object getting into the trigger guard, such as a clothing item, hoodie string, a finger, etc.

Over many decades, the long standing practice, especially with hammer fired guns, has been to re-holster the firearm with a thumb on the hammer. Any movement of the hammer while holstering would be felt and the process would be stopped - kind of an additional safety net. With striker fired pistols however, there is no hammer. With the SCD installed on a Glock (a striker fired gun) the practice of using the thumb on the back of the pistol will now offer that same additional safety net. Again, more on the net.

Note: Made in the USA.

Here are pictures of a Glock with and without a SCD, and a picture of the SCD in operation

Glock with and without the SCD (From Lucky Gunner,https://loungecdn.luckygunner.com/loung ... -cover.jpg)

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SCD functioning

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2. Astron Power Supply

Your Ham radio goes nowhere without power. Unless you are mobile, with your radio connected to the vehicle 12 volt electrical system, you are going to need a power supply. When we do our annual Field Day, where we cannot rely on grid power, all of us need to connect our radios to a power supply of some sort (powered by generators, solar, wind, etc.) If you have a base station at home, the same thing applies.

There are a number of companies that are competing for your power supply dollar. Astron is one of them and their quality is tops. Astron power supplies are big, heavy, robust, reliable, and built to last. For the RS-35M model that I use, the e-Ham review rating is 4.6 (out of 5) with 174 reviews, (see: https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=1616.)

Note: Made in the USA, with their main facility right here in SoCal.

DX Engineering says this about Astron (https://www.dxengineering.com/search/br ... =Ascending):

At DX Engineering, we bring you only the best - Astron Power Supplies do not disappoint! When you are in need of reliable DC power supply, look no further than Astron Power Supplies. Astron DC power supplies are made of heavy-duty, high-quality materials.

From the Astron website (https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cd8c ... AP%201.jpg)

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3. Duffle Bags

We rely on a variety of duffle bags on almost every camping trip. Having done this for decades, I have seen and bought a lot of duffles with varying results. As so often is the case, you will get exactly what you pay for. Despite this, I have found that duffle bags usually are a consumable commodity, meaning that almost all of them wear out sooner or later. Although it goes without saying, I will say it: Quality costs more and last longer.

In addition to quality materials and good construction, the other nice thing to have is a company that stands by their bags with a decent guarantee. I'll only mention two such companies:

• Butler bags (https://butlerbags.us/shop/)

Butler has been in business since 1985, and has consistently met the needs of the serious outdoor adventurer. From their website:

Tough, durable, and ready to go anywhere. Our Base Camp Gear Bag is a great size and can hold everything you need for extended time out in the field. It has an extra roomy main compartment and two large front zippered pockets for your smaller items. This bag is for the serious outdoorsman or traveler requiring performance, comfort, and rugged durability.

Note: Made in the USA.

Their warranty:

LIFETIME WARRANTY
If it’s not right, we repair or replace

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• Fire Force Duffle Bags

Fire Force offers duffles in sizes from small to XX-large. This quote from their website, says it much better than I.

Note: Made in the USA.

Fire Force Tactical Gear is dedicated to using the highest quality materials made to the standards of the Armed Forces of the United States. Fire Force proudly manufactures all of our products in the U.S.A. with a full Lifetime warranty

Specs:

Made of 1000 denier DuPont Cordura Nylon with water-resistant urethane coating
Heavy-duty, large YKK self-repairing nylon coil zippers with dual sliders
Double stitched with taped seams
Heavy Weight Abrasion resistant Nylon Handles
Wrap around Handles for full support
Comfort Grip Handle lock
Grab handle at both ends
Adjustable Removable Shoulder straps included
2 Cinch Straps for added support
Small accessory pocket between handles
Made in U.S.A. with Full Berry Compliant

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4. Wicked Edge Knife Sharpener

As many know, we had to postpone our "edged implements" net due to some technical difficulties. One of the big topics that we expect to cover in a few weeks will be how to sharpen your knives. In past nets we have reviewed a few sharpener kits, and one that has been favorably recommended comes from Wicked Edge, https://wickededgeusa.com/collections/s ... -sharpener.

Note: Made in the USA

The WE100 is their original sharpener. From their website:

The WE100 Precision Sharpener offers features that represent the core of our sharpening innovation.

The WE100 is an affordable option for someone who wants to start out simple and have the ability to add upgrades and accessories as they need them. The 100/200 and 400/600 Grit Diamond Stones included with the WE100 will allow the user to put a no nonsense, working edge on their knife in a short amount of time. For this reason, it is a good choice for users who need a great edge on daily work knives, like kitchen knives, pocket knives, every day carry knives and hunting knives.

With an angle range of 15 to 30 degrees and the ability to set independent angles on each side of the sharpener, the WE100 Precision Sharpener can handle a wide variety of knife styles. The 8” guide rods will allow this sharpener to handle knives up to 15 inches in length and the vise jaw can handle blades up to 3/8” thick. This sharpener can be easily mounted to a home work station or it can be mounted to any of the bases* we offer with the provided hardware.


Made in the USA
Sharpens a wide assortment of knives
Ability to adjust angles independently for asymmetrical grinds
Includes Coarse 100 Grit / Medium Coarse 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack
Includes Medium Fine 400 Grit / Fine 600 Grit Diamond Stones Pack
Vise is operated with an included Allen key
Parts are fully modular, making them interchangeable with upgrades for advanced sharpening capabilities

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5. Top Grade Ammo Guide by Glen D. Zediker

Sadly, Glen Zediker passed away in October of this year. During his lifetime he authored several books, mainly on competitive shooting. Among his many works, is one of the very best instructional books on a "step by step guide to creating quality ammunition." The book is a tad over 300 pages and covers every aspect of how to handload quality, accurate and safe ammunition. Every serious handloader should have this book in their library.

His passing may make it difficult to find this book, but if you handload, your efforts to find it will pay dividends.

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6. Aladdin Lamps

Just about everyone knows about liquid fuel lanterns and lamps. For mostly nostalgic reasons many of us collect kerosene lanterns, and as many also know, the most famous company to manufactured these lanterns was Dietz. Started in the mid 1800s, kerosene fueled lanterns were quite an upgrade from candles. One such lantern produced the light of many candles. In a time when there was no electricity, these lanterns were the primary source of light.

As strange as it seems, America did not entirely become a nation that used electric lights until sometime shortly before WWII. This was largely due to the fact that much of the country was rural and electric power lines did not make it out to these remote locations until well after it became available in large cities. In fact, by 1925, only half of the homes in the US had electric power (source: Thomas Edison National Historic Park.)

As today, technology at the turn of the 20th century continued to evolve, and that included new technology in lighting. In approximately 1908, technology emerged to create a new type of liquid lamp, which was generally referred to as a kerosene incandescent lamp. This lamp eventually became known as the Aladdin lamp, reflecting the name of the manufacturer.

In 1915 Aladdin won a gold metal at the Panama Pacific International Exhibition in San Francisco for having the best kerosene lamp in the world with their model 6 Aladdin lamp. For some interesting reasons, Aladdin lamps were entirely made in the USA, that is until the electric light completely overtook the light market.

The Aladdin lamp produced a huge improvement over the older Dietz kerosene lanterns, offering what today would be the equivalent of a 60 watt electric bulb. In their heyday, these lamps were attractive and well made. Advertising for kerosene incandescent lamps was sufficiently enticing to create a huge demand for this new and much improved light source. Check out this 1908 post card (source: http://www.aladdinlamps.info/history.htm):

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Today many of the original lamps have survived, either in original form or restored. New lamps (relatively) are also available. Collector interest has helped to preserve the history of this lamp, and has made various versions available to new generations. Having one of these lamps, restored, new or original, is a piece of history worth owning. An internet search will yield a wealth of information, as well as places to purchase lamps.

A good history of the Aladdin lamp is available here: http://www.aladdinlamps.info/history.htm, but a more detailed history is available in the book "Aladdin the magic Name in Lamps", by Bill Courter.

An example of Aladdin lamps:

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[Jeff-OAUSA]

Christmas and Holidays are perfect for giving gifts Made in the USA. That said, there are a few other countries in the world where one can still proudly buy things made there. Here's a few of my favorites.

Made in the USA
1. Atlas 46 Tool Rolls
Every outdoors person should have a basic set of tools with them in their travels. If you travel by vehicle, then even more tools are needed. Carrying the traditional shop box full of tools is rarely an option, so how do you carry an assortment of tools in a compact, but organized format? Enter the Atlas 46 Yorktown Tool Roll. The Atlas 46 Tool Roll allows you to carry your tools in the space of a duffle bag, but with the advantage of the tools staying organized such that you don't need to dump them all out just to find a particular tool.

Ball Park Price: $175 for the Yorktown; $250 for the model where the horizontal bags are individually removable, a cool, but not necessary feature.

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Here's the model with the quick detach rolls. This feature adds about $70...a cool feature but at a premium cost.

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Features and Benefits

Quick Roll Strap
4 16" large pockets
1 Low-profile all-purpose pocket
11 wrench slots
7 multi-purpose tool slots
#8 American Made YKK® zippers
2 Carry Handles
Rugged 1.5” side release buckle closure
Removable hanging strap
Made of Durable 1000D Cordura® nylon
Add a magnetic panel to further customize your roll
High quality sewing and materials (See our Craftsmanship Page)
Hand crafted in the USA
Lifetime Guarantee
46 Day Trial Guarantee

Specs

Smallest Wrench Slot: 5.5" x 1.375"
Largest Wrench Slot: 8.875" x 2.375"

Video: https://youtu.be/jmqr9p8RMiE

2. Christy Sliding Blade Knife
There are three kinds of people in this world: A) Those that carry a knife and know how to use it; B) Those that don't carry and knife and want to borrow the knife from someone that does carrty; and C) Those that simply lack the skills to use a knife and thus should not carry a knife or borrow one from some who does carry.

The Christy Sliding Blade Knife is perfect for carrying when you just don't have the space to carry something larger or heavier. Or better yet, throw one into your briefcase, desk, pack, go kit, or first aid kit and have it ready when you need a light and sharp blade.

The Christy Sliding Blade Knife is Made in the USA on the original equipment that dates back to 1936. Over the years, the overall knife design has remain unchanged, with changes being limited to use of different materials and finishes.

Ball Park Price: $32 to $55 depending on finish. Over the years they have run some special editions that go for more. Warning: Christy's small factory has challenges keeping up with holiday sales and it is not uncommon to see "Out of Stock" on their web site. If you want one or two or three or four for yourself of for gifts, order early.

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UNIQUE DESIGN
>>Unique sliding blade opens and closes with one hand. Locks into position with three different blade lengths.
>>No rough edges or square corners
>>Replaceable blade

USEFUL AND HANDY
>>Easy use for left hand users or handicap.
>>Perfect for pocket or purse
>>Light weight, slim, and practical

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION
>>The Christy knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
>>Extremely sharp
>>Stainless surgical steel blade
>>Constructed of tough, durable steel


Made in Australia
1. Akubra Hats
Hats and the outdoors go hand-in-hand. Hats keep the sun off in the summer, keep the head warm in the winter, provide shielding from rain, and make a good place to store loose items when your bedded down for the night. Akubra has been making hats in Australia for many years, and they produce a high quality product for the price. There are just a couple Akubra dealers in the US, but fortunately they ship everywhere, and of course you can always buy one when Down Under.

Akubra Hats have been Australia's quality hats since the early 1900's, ever since Arthur P. Stewart set up to make a hat to meet the needs of this bustling new colony. Australians in the earlier days, much like the Americans of the West, needed better hats than the usual, and, like the Americans, they had to make them for themselves. Akubra hats stood the test of life on the cattle stations and droving routes. Akubra hats still stand the test, not only in Australia, but throughout the world. We have been bringing Akubra hats to the United States since 1965, at prices other brand names cannot match, in a quality they envy.

Akubra makes hats in several materials.
Felt. The felt in Akubra hats is made from a select blend of specially graded furs of rabbit and hare which permit a longer and more arduous shrinking process. This process develops 25% more shrinkage, producing a denser and stronger felt, which in turn provides the basis for a superb pounced finish.

Leather Sweatbands. The roan leather for the sweatbands is tanned from selected sheepskins, for an exceptional quality. The bands themselves are cut wider than normal to ensure the greatest comfort.

Hemp. Hemp is one of the world’s strongest fibers. The fibers are naturally resistant to mold and ultraviolet light and are extremely resistant to abrasion. Hemp straw hats are stronger than toquilla fiber Panamas, are more durable and will last longer.

Ball Park Price: $100 to $225. Custom crown work, special bands (alligator, Kangaroo, Barramundi, etc.), special stampede strings (check out the Kangaroo leather stampede strings) hat stretchers, etc. can add from $10 to ~$125 to the cost of the hat.

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David Morgan in Bothell, Washington is a US Dealer for Akubra Hats: https://www.davidmorgan.com/shop/category/2/hats/ David Morgan has a great return policy. If your hat arrives and does not fit, you can return it to David Morgan.

Akubra Factory Sales: https://akubra.com.au/collections/hats

[NotAMog]

Lithium Ion Batteries



Lithium ion batteries are a great way to power your ham radio gear, refrigerator, or provide for other campsite DC power needs. Half the weight of lead acid batteries with more usable power and a longer life.

https://dakotalithium.com/

Folding Solar Panel



A folding solar panel to keep your camping or vehicle batteries charged.

https://www.renogy.com/

UBCO Electric Adventure Bike



UBCO electric adventure bike with front and rear hub motors and a 3.1KWh lithium ion battery that can double as a camp power source. 30mph maximum speed (electronically limited) with a reported 75 mile range. Can be licensed in California as a street legal moped only requiring a one time license fee.

https://www.ubcobikes.com/us/

Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet


One of the new boutique U.S. made cast iron skillets. These differ from the more common Lodge skillets in that they are hand surfaced to a very smooth finish. They cost more because of the extra time and labor needed but they are much less prone to sticking than rougher cast iron cookware. Out of the box, this worked as well as my 1930's vintage Griswald cast iron skillet.

https://stargazercastiron.com/

[KAP]

Very useful Worklight!
I am a big advocate of headlamps but as an eyeglass wearer, they tend to cause glare. This flashlight can be worn on your shirt or belt and the light adjusted to suit your needs for hands free operation.

Multifunction articulating “Worklight”. It says so right on the side.

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Pros:
Price- $7-$10 depending on size
Small light features and specs:
Articulating light source
Strong magnetic base
Retractable wire hanger
Belt/pocket clip
USB rechargeable, micro USB cord included

Two light sources for three intensity levels
Runtime:
High- 15 minutes
Medium- 45 minutes
Low- 9-1/2 hours as of 8:00pm tonight

Cons:
Durability is more limited compared to an aluminum flashlight
Runtime is limited on especially on high due to the large COB main light and it’s many(at least 12) Diodes.

[toms]

Hitchlink

Factor 55 Hitch Link.jpg (5.35 KiB) Viewed 1365 times

https://factor55.com/product/hitchlink/
use your receiver as a recovery tow point.
• Lightweight precision CNC machined 6000 series aluminum
• Weighs only 1.9 pounds. Steel versions weigh up to 8 pounds
• Rated at 9500 pounds
• Ultimate failure at 51,000 pounds
• Fits standard 2 inch receivers
• Fits common ¾ screw pin shackles/D-Rings
• Machined radius on shackle mount hole for soft shackle compatibility
• Anodized or powder coated for oxidation protection
• Overall size- 6.6″ x 2″ x 2″
MADE IN USA
On Amazon for $75


Fast Fid

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https://factor55.com/product/hitchlink/


The Fast Fid is a rope splicing tool designed for rapid repairing/splicing of synthetic winch lines. The compact 2 piece design includes a unique wire grip for holding the end of winch ropes. No tape or other tools required. Trail repair takes only minutes. Machined from billet aluminum, anodized for corrosion protection. Laser engraved rope bury data along with measuring scale. Convenient cordura carry pouch with belt loop.
Previous winch rope repair challenges have been eliminated with the Fast Fid. Winch rope trail repair has been reduced to only minutes. No additional hardware/tape required to repair or splice your synthetic winch line. Synthetic winch line is held firmly by the wire grip.
For synthetic rope diameters 3/8-5/8″
Patent Pending
Made in USA

Flat Link E

Flat Link

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The FlatLink E (Expert) is a variation of our popular foldable standard FlatLink winch shackle mount. The FlatLink E provides a means to eliminate the conventional winch hook and replace it with a safer and more secure screw pin shackle resulting in a CLOSED SYSTEM WINCHING operation. The large pear shaped shackle mounting hole allows for attachment to either the pin or bow end of common screw pin shackles, as well as common OEM recovery points. This makes the new FlatLink E more versatile than the current FlatLink design, but it also adds the possibility of a dangerous shackle side loading condition (See Picture), especially during momentary slack conditions. A shackle side loading condition is not possible with our standard FlatLink shackle mount due to the shackle pin mounting constraint. For the recreational off roader we highly recommend the safer standard FlatLink product, not the FlatLink E. This way the winch operator does not have to monitor whether the shackle may have shifted and rotated in the recovery tackle. The FlatLink E is only available in the Military Specification Anodizing (Mil-A-8625 F Type III) hard anodized gray finish.
Conventional winch hooks can cut and fray recovery straps and often allow strap ends to escape during momentary slack cycles of a typical winching recovery. Screw pin shackles do not allow strap loops to escape due to their secure screw pin attachment. The FlatLink E does not require splicing and is compatible with steel cables or synthetic ropes up to 3/8 inches in diameter. The cable eye is retained in the FlatLink E by a 5/8 inch diameter 6Al4V Titanium double shear pin and internal snap ring. Installation takes only minutes. The EPDM Rubber Guards protect alloy fairleads and are securely attached to the FlatLink E with 4 barbed tips each. The FlatLink E stows neatly against either roller or Hawse type fairleads and is designed to be used with common 3/4 inch shackles.
$168
MADE IN THE USA




Rope Guard for Flat Link

Flat Link Guard

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The Rope Guard for the FlatLink line of products. This includes the FlatLink, FlatLink E, and the new Flat Splicer and FlatLink Multimount products. For you hardcore off-roaders and off-road trainers, the new Rope Guard provides complete synthetic rope protection from damaging UV light as well as impact and abrasion damage. As you can see, when using the Rope Guard, all exposed synthetic rope surfaces are positioned behind the guard and fairlead, allowing you to use the Rope Guard as a skid surface when attempting to climb tall vertical obstacles.
Made from Kaiser billet 6000 series aluminum and clear anodized for corrosion protection. Easy DIY installation with 4 drive rivets. Engineered and Made In The USA.
FOR THE FOLLOWING PRODUCT APPLICATIONS; FACTOR 55 FLATLINK, FLATLINK E, FLATLINK MULTIMOUNT, and FLAT SPLICER
Soft shackles may be used as a lightweight replacement connecting rigging for common steel screw pin shackles. The Factor 55 10 inch and 20 inch diameter Extreme Duty Soft Shackles are made in the USA under the uncompromised Factor 55 quality standards. Like all Factor 55 rigging products, these shackles have been lab and field tested to assure consistent minimum breaking strength values. Each extreme duty soft shackle is constructed of HMPE Plasma rope that includes additional abrasion and UV protection with a woven polyester jacket that is carefully whipped and coated with Fiber Lock. Note how the protective jacket is attached close to the knot, providing as much abrasion protection as possible. For their size and weight, these Extreme Duty Soft Shackles provide an additional 25-30% verified breaking strengths when compared to common standard soft shackles on the market today. The longer 20 inch diameter version functions as a common soft shackle but also allows for the user to double loop the shackle resulting in breaking strengths exceeding 70,000 pounds. WLL and minimum breaking strengths clearly marked. Engineered, Tested, and Made In The USA Minimum Breaking Strength – 43,500 pounds WLL – 8,700 Pounds 3/8 diameter plasma rope construction Weight – 10 inch – 6.5 ounces Weight – 20 inch – 10.5 ounces
Extreme Duty $70 - $90 (10” / 20”)

Standard Duty 10 inch Soft Shackle

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Soft shackles may be used as a lightweight replacement connecting rigging for common steel screw pin shackles. The Factor 55 10 inch Standard Duty Soft Shackles are Made in the USA under the uncompromised Factor 55 quality standards. Like all Factor 55 rigging products, these shackles have been lab and field tested to assure consistent repeatable minimum breaking strength values. Each Standard Duty soft shackle is constructed of 7/16 diameter UHMWPE 12 strand rope similar in construction to synthetic winch lines. WLL and minimum breaking strengths clearly marked. Minimum Breaking Strength – 39,000 pounds WLL – 7,800 Pounds. Weight – 6.3 ounces. Each individual soft shackle is serialized for manufacturing date and material lot traceability.
$43
Engineered, Tested, and Made In The USA
https://factor55.com/product/hitchlink/

Synthetic shackle by Bubba Rope

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The NexGen PRO Gator-Jaw® synthetic shackle is made from 5/16" HMPE diameter synthetic rope. It has a rated breaking strength of 26,000 lbs.
A flexible tough epoxy rubber slider slips over a patented designed knot making a strong closed connector.
$29.99
https://www.bubbarope.com/gator-jaws-sy ... ackle-5-16

[Hmfigueroa]

Whether coordinating a meet or rescuing a flopped vehicle, or something serious like where to stop for lunch. Communications is a very useful, if not essential tool for the outdoors.

It is always good to have more than one way to do things. Although we are regularly amazed at the utility of Amateur Radio, there is another. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) can also be useful.

With the benefit of FM voice quality, moderate range, ability to filter unwanted communications through tone signaling. GMRS has its place.

It is a good gateway to Amateur Radio, and often bridges the gap between those on the fence about studying and passing the Amateur Radio License Exam. The license application fee of $70 Enabling what I call the last mile communications. Your license fee will cover your entire family, spouse, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, Perfect for social distancing (ugh.), I can't believe I just wrote that.

A GMRS licensee may use a combination of portable, mobile, fixed and repeater stations. The use of some channels is restricted to certain types of stations and certain channels. While not directly interoperable with the Family Radio Service there are overlaps with the license by rule service favored by bubble pack radio.

I good working radio with a modest feature set is the Midland MicroMobile Series of radios that offer midrange performance at a moderate price. 15-watt mobiles with external antennas and cigarette plug power make installation a breeze. The line includes a 40-watt version as well.

MTX-115 or MTX-275 have included exterior mounted antennas in kits in the $150 range. Although I would budget a little for an exterior speaker unless your rig is a quiet runner. I picked mine up at Bass Pro a few months ago.

MTX-115

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Included Antenna

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https://www.fcc.gov/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

https://midlandusa.com/micromobile/

[lrsrngr]

On-line check-in please for KK6CTT...Thank you!

Let's start off my list with memberships or subscriptions:

1. Fishing License (hunting licenses have a few requirements that make it a little harder; hunter education; plus they are not available until midyear):

• https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing

Annual sport fishing: $52.66
Ocean Enhancement: $5.97
Second Rod Stamp: $16.46

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2. Shooting Shack Memberships and more:

• For example: California Rifle and Pistol Association (Choose your poison but this is a good one for CA residents)

• https://crpa.org/membership/

USVET = 10% Veteran Discount
Annual: $35.00
5-Year: $150.00
Life Membership: $500.00

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• Anything reloading equipment and supplies are great. Reloading manuals are a great place to start but if you want to go the extra mile; brass, powder and primers would make a superior thought because all reloaders know, supplies are scarce!

• Look for NRA Woman on Target events for that special someone who is looking for a good starting point. https://wot.nra.org/

A happy instructor and an ecstatic participant who had a great day at the range!

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3. Flashlight or headlamp:

• Long throw flashlights are the rave. Melting through snow with your highpower flashlight technology has taken off along with the rechargable batteries that feed the beasts.

• Don't forget a good charger. USB and 120 volt series chargers are great additions to this gift.

• Battery sizes and chemistry continue to improve.

Astrolux long throw FT03 light and a D2 Nitecore battery charger. Technology just keeps getting better.

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4. Powerwerx Crimper Set:

• https://powerwerx.com/powerpolebag-tric ... e-gear-bag

• From experience I would be important to mention I did not go this route and bought my crimping set over time and through different vendors; the point; you will spend as much or more trying to get the right tools when this would help to get you started especially if you plan to make your own battery and radio go-boxes

Powerwerx Anderson Powerpole Crimper Kit.

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[Voodoo Blue 57]

Blue Ridge Overland Gear. Blue Ridge not only carries tool bags they also have products like: First Aid Bags designed after the tool bag, only in red, seat back panels, vehicle attics, tire carriers, and various size pouches.

Also Made in America and Lifetime Warranty

Website: https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com

Another option to a tool box or tool roll.

Tool Bag $135.00

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Product Video https://youtu.be/w48yjTAYfVc


Blue Ridge also makes tool sling. $75.99

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Product Video https://youtu.be/TL14AUGniu8



Glove Dispenser $28.99

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Product Video

https://youtu.be/HDxf3Ll_abQ


Presto 02835 MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker, Black

For the minimalist who likes to save space and still likes a cup of coffee but doesn't want to brew a larger pot.

Enjoy the convenience of a single cup coffee maker without the high cost! Myjo uses single serve packs to make gourmet Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Compact design lets you take it anywhere, work, school, travel, or camping. Just fill the reservoir with hot water from a tea kettle or heat the filled reservoir in a microwave. The slip- and heat-resistant silicone grip makes it easy to handle. Place the single serve pack in the base, attach the water reservoir, and the pump. Place assembled Coffee maker on top of your Coffee mug and pump to brew. The heated water passes through the single serve pack to brew 6-, 8-, or 10-ounce servings. Works with most travel mugs and Coffee Cups. Cleaning is easy! Just toss the single serve pack and rinse The base. Includes a BONUS refillable myjo cup so you can use your favorite ground coffee—any brand, blend, or flavor.

Amazon $18.77 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HI ... UTF8&psc=1

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[Jeff-OAUSA]

WD6USA checking in.