SOG SlipZilla Folding Knife - Gear Review

My affinity for pocket knives is getting a little out of control.  When heading out the door in the morning I am more likely to forget my phone or car keys than my knife.  Not sure what kind of psychosis I am suffering from but companies like SOG aren't helping.

Over the last couple of weeks, my EDC has been the SlipZilla from SOG.  This sturdy folder has been a trusty blade in all kinds of situations.  From day-to-day chores like opening packages and clam packs to heavy duty tasks like stripping kindling for a fire, it has performed beyond my expectations.

The slight curve that is made by the handle and blade when open, was initially odd to me, but seems to help deliver more leverage in harder cutting tasks and feels incredibly natural.  It has a 3.2" long blade that is a meaty 1" wide just in front of the thumb hole. It's a hard steel (Rockwell rating of 57-60) so it holds an edge really well.  I have abused this thing and there are no signs of chips or nicks in the edge.  I did run a stone over it once, just to bring it back to super sharp, but it really didn't need it.  The "hardcase" black coating on the blade helps thwart rust, which is a must for a guy that spends as much time around water as I do.

It isn't the easiest knife to open one-handed, but it is loosening up over time.  I was a little weary at first because it's lock-back system doesn't really "lock" the blade open.  I have a few scars on my fingers from knives that have closed on me before, but I haven't had a problem with this one yet.  I am conscious of the risk at all time though.  It sports a reversible clip, so you south-paws can switch it around.  The scalloped G-10 handles provide excellent grip and are super durable.

If you are looking for a legit knife and not a letter opener, this is a great option. It may be more knife than you first think you need, but you won't regret it ever.  Again SOG proves that you can get a top quality knife for just $50...


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Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2013 - Preview

Today marks the start of the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, an insanely huge show that happens twice a year (Summer & Winter), showcasing everything outdoors from packs and tents to shoes and snowboards.  Unfortunately, Team Paddle Junkie is sitting in Minnesota shivering while all of our "outdoor" friends are wandering the halls of the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City...  Fortunately for us, they are sending regular updates to help ease our withdrawal.

Here are a few highlights of new exciting gear and some of the happenings that make the OR Show as special as it is.

SKORA Running launches a new line of running shows designed to both "disappear and stand-out".  Blending high-vis and low-vis materials, they strive to push the limits of footwear design.  Never be caught wearing the same shoes as everyone else again...

Columbia's booth not only shows off their gear, but the science inside.  Whether it's Omni-Heat, Omni-Dry or Omni-Wick Evap, Columbia and their team of "scientists" have gear to keep you warm and dry.  They not only have one of the largest and most exciting lines of product at the show, but they also have daily fashion shows to present their good to the world.  Put industry leading technology and great design into your gear, then have a bunch of beautiful people showing them off....  Brilliant!!!

Sierra Designs brings a range of gear most brands can only dream of.  From some of the best down jackets on the planet (in my opinion) some of which include their water-phobic DryDown, to bomber tents like the ultra-light Flash Tents (which literally just won a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award), you could literally outfit yourself with everything you need at this one booth alone.

KEEN brings some amazing gear and one of the most jaw-dropping booths at the show.  Beyond their epic footwear, this year they bring the Northern Lights to Salt Lake City.  A 50' by 100' building across the street from the trade-show is illuminated every evening of the show, transforming an otherwise mundane blank wall into a light show worthy of a Pink Floyd concert.  Salt Lake City needs 6 months between OR shows just to recover.

Now throw in the evening festivities, and you have one heck of a party.  The folks at Wolverine throw arguably the best shindig of the show every time.  For this Winter OR you better get over to their booth early, because the dog tags to get into the show Thursday Night at The Depot to see Mayer Hawthorne and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

This is just the start of Day 1, so stay tuned...  More to come!

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Granite Gear Nimbus Core & Vapor Flatbed - Gear Reviews

When heading out into the wilderness there are many factors to take into consideration.  We all worry about how to keep ourselves warm, dry and comfortable and rightfully so.  One topic I overlooked for years was how to properly transport food into the woods.  Wherever you may be headed, odds are that there are critters there that would love to share whatever you brought with you.  From mice to bears, all the furry creatures would love to score a free meal.  To provide maximum protection and safety, smell & animal proof canisters and barrels do the best job in my opinion, but carrying them can be a pain.  Granite Gear has two packs that are designed for this purpose specifically.

The Nimbus Core was built to carry bear canisters in its center "core" section, while still allowing you to utilize the two large vertical pockets on either side for the rest of your gear.  What they created was an incredibly versatile pack, which may be the makings of an entirely new pack category. That center section is ideal for tents, sleeping bags, camera gear, fishing rods, basically anything that has a hard time fitting into a normal pack. Like all of Granite Gear's packs, this thing is incredibly comfortable to carry and the combination of the 3D TopoFlex frame and the Advection back sheet make it all but disappear behind you.  MSRP: $289.95  (bear canisters not included)

Have a larger crew or headed out into the wild for an extended period of time, this is the ticket.  Snag yourself a giant 60 liter barrel like this one from Harmony and the Vapor Flatbed from Granite Gear and you have a bear proof cave to carry enough food to feed a small army.  We used this set-up for our BWCA trip last spring.  7 guys for 5 days in the woods, steaks, potatoes, and even ice for a couple of cocktails fit no problem.  We were pleasantly surprised at how well it kept the food cold for our whole trip.  The barrel weighed a ton, and getting it up on your back was a challenge, but once secured it was easier to carry than any of the canoe packs.  MSRP: $149.95 (plus the barrel $85)

Bomb proof protection for all your food and being able to comfortably carry it to your destination, Granite Gear has it figured out.  There will be no more chasing mice away from a food pack or coming back to camp to find that a bear thoroughly enjoyed a buffet while you were away.  Brilliant!

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Gear of the Year 2012

Another year is in the books, and Team Paddle Junkie is looking forward to an amazing 2013.  Over the last few days we argued, debated and thoughtfully discussed what gear from 2012 we thought made the "super short list".  Honesty, this list could easily be twice as long as it is, but in our humble opinion these are the cream of the crop...

Maui Jim's Surf Riders:  Looking for a pair of shades to be your go-to option for everything?  These are the ticket.  Maui Jim's lenses are amazing and these frames perform as well as any "sport" styles we have tested. Best part is, they are as at home on the street as they are on the water. Read our full review.  MSRP: $219

Vostok-Europe's Anchar Titanium Dive Watch: Bomber dive watch from Russia???  Yup!  This thing is huge and thanks to a titanium case is still incredibly light and comfortable to wear.  It comes with 3 different straps and two wrences so you can swap them out whenever you want.  The mechanical movement inside keeps great time and never needs a battery.  Read our full review.  MSRP:  $649

Vasque's Rift Approach Shoes:  On your way home from "casual Friday" and you spot a hidden trail you have never explored.  No need to go home and swap out shoes if you are sporting these.  Everything you love about your favorite hiking boots, only in a shoe.  Boulder eating traction and rugged good looks make these a Team Paddle Junkie favorite.  Read our full review.  MSRP: $120

GSI's Java Press:  If, like me, you would never subject yourself to instant coffee even if you are 200 miles from the nearest Starbucks, then you need one of these.  This back-country java press cranks out 30 ounces of coffee heaven.  Bacon, eggs and a cup of Joe by a campfire is my definition of morning perfection.  Never drink crappy camp coffee again.  Read our full review.  MSRP: $33

Gerber's Epic Drop Point Fixed Blade:  It's like this knife was made for me specifically.  A stout and sturdy fixed blade with a tonto tip makes any cutting task a breeze. It stows away in a molded plastic reversible sheath with clip. Shred a branch for tinder, cut up your steak, and pop open your beverage of choice with the integrated bottle opener.  Brilliant!  MSRP: $43

Merrell's Barefoot Water Current Glove Shoes:  Minimalist, barefoot shoes that love to get wet.  They weigh basically nothing, and are ready to go for a swim anytime.  At first I was a bit skeptical of the lack of traction, but they performed beautifully in both wet and dry conditions.  They weigh practically nothing and dry out super fast.  You will find these sitting right on top of my canoe pack, just begging to come out and play.  MSRP:  $110

Dahlgren Footwear Socks:  Not all socks are created equal, and the hiker and light hiker socks from Dahlgren Footwear are on another level all together. They are like the Goldilocks of socks, not too much, not too little, everything is just right.  Fit, style, durability and comfort are all as good as it gets.  Their Dri-Stride tech is right on the money.  MSRP: $19.50 a pair

Abu Garcia's Orra S Spinning Reel:  You just finished your 4th portage of the day.  You set up camp and now it's time to go catch some dinner, and your reel broke on the way in.  NEVER gonna happen with this bullet-proof machine.  Dependable, smooth and just plain classy, this reel sets a new standard for compact spinning reels in my book.  Whether you are chasing small mouth bass in the lily pads, or 40 inch Northern Pike at the mouth of the creek, this reel can handle whatever you throw at it.  Flat out awesome at a bargain price.  MSRP: $70

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