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Awarded Knife of the Year at Blade Show 2018, the small but mighty Fox Knives Vox Suru is a masterclass of functional beauty. Designed by Danish knifemaker extraordinaire Jesper Voxnaes, the Suru is made to work and is pleasantly stout and beefy. It packs a robust 2.3″ Bohler M390 blade into a compact 5.91″ frame (one of the best blade-to-handle ratios we’ve seen).

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The Suru features a unique double-choil design which enhances the overall grip and handling of the blade, despite the small frame. The discreet milled pocket clip even comes with a Zirconium ball bearing at the tip for easy extraction. It’s easy to see why it clinched the top prize at Blade Show 2018.

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Urban Organizer Mini

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The Urban Organizer Mini is perfectly sized for your front pocket carry. The compact design allows you to slip it easily into your front pocket without any added bulk. It comes with two front slots for your most essential tools, as well as a card slot in the back for your most frequently used credit card, a convenient place for your folded bills, and a middle slot for everything else. Handmade in California using 100% made in USA materials, each wallet is saddle-stitched with thick waxed poly cord, and stress points are reinforced with brass double capped rivets so you can be sure it’ll last you a lifetime.

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Lucky Bastard Co. Lip Balm

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The Lucky Bastard Co. Lip Balm is the perfect remedy for chapped lips all year round. It’s created from 100% organic material sourced directly from the farmer to create the best possible premium product. The all-organic ingredients used are shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, menthol, chamomile oil and raspberry seed oil. Everything is handcrafted, hand poured and hand labelled in California to ensure the highest quality.

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Inspirs Design Vortex 260 Top

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The humble pocket top is one of our civilization’s oldest and most enduring toys. The Vortex features the high-performance and incredibly stable Si3-N4 bearing (silicon nitride) allowing the Vortex to spin for up to an incredible 8 minutes at a time, depending on your skill and spinning surface. The body of the Vortex is CNC machined from lightweight aluminum, and precision grooves around the stem offer enhanced grip, control and handling. It is then individually hand finished to perfection.

The post 12 Amazing All-Black EDC Essentials appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Field Notes Expedition 3-Pack (US$12.95)

A trusty notebook comes in handy for all sorts of adventure-related needs, from scribbling down travel checklists to sketching campsite maps or jotting down journal thoughts to remember your travels. The Field Notes Expedition notebook is ready to go where you go with its waterproof, highly tear-resistant Yupo Synthetic Paper. The hi-vis Antarctic Survey Orange front cover and Polar Night Black back cover, with a subtle topographic map of Antarctica, gives the notebook a suitably adventurous aesthetic that’s also easy to spot in the recesses of a bag.

Western Rise StrongCore Merino Low Socks (US$20)

Being on the go is part and parcel of an adventurous lifestyle. And having a staple that can keep up helps you do more and pack less. The Western Rise StrongCore Merino Low Socks are a great everyday staple that moves from work to play and urban to outdoor. A combination of merino wool and nylon helps the socks wick moisture and reduce odor while remaining comfortably durable for regular wear.

BioLite PowerLight Mini (US$39.95)

The BioLite PowerLight Mini packs a big punch in adaptability, offering highly portable illumination and recharging capabilities. The 135-lumen lantern includes five modes and a clipstand and bike mount to wear, hang or stand the lantern in your campsite, on your bike, in a pocket and more. The 1350mAh battery also provides a boost to give your phone extra juice if needed. And weighing in at just 2.82 oz (80g), it’s lightweight and compact enough to carry just about anywhere.

Full Windsor The Muncher (US$49.98)

The spork is a camping classic. But the Full Windsor Muncher takes its functionality to the next level by packing in a host of additional handy features. The multi-tool utensil is crafted from lightweight and strong titanium and offers ten functions, from can opener to serrated knife and fire starter when used with the included ferro fire striker.

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Hardwear AP Pant (US$90)

As mentioned above, multifunctional staples let you do more while packing less for your adventures. And the Hardwear AP Pant is definitely a savvy staple pick. The inbuilt stretch allows for active pursuits, from bike rides to bouldering. And the understated design can be dressed up or down to suit casual and formal environments. For added functionality the pant also has a roll-up feature with reflective detailing.

Lems Shoes Boulder Boot (US$106.98) 

Traditional boots are heavy, space-consuming beasts that take up a significant chunk of your packing volume. But the Lems Shoes Boulder Boot steps away from bulky design to offer a tough yet lightweight and highly packable alternative. The Boulder Boot weighs just 9.9 oz (280g), with a foldable design that makes it great for storing in luggage or a day bag until needed. And with its stain and water resistance you don’t need to worry when the adventuring gets a little dirty.

VSSL Mini Cache Suunto Edition (US$119.90)

Solid, sleek and compact, the VSSL Mini Cache Suunto Edition keeps adventuring essentials secure and together in one easily portable piece. It includes a fire-starting kit, water purification kit, repair kit, a four-mode LED lantern and a trusty Suunto compass. The carabiner cap lets you conveniently attach the cache to a bag or hang it from the likes of a branch or tent too.

Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot (US$180) 

Wet feet puts a real dampener on your explorations. But it’s a problem easily and stylishly avoided with the Huckberry All-Weather Duckboot. These 100% waterproof boots are made with fully waterproof full-grain leather, fully waterproof suede and waxed laces, combined with a breathable moisture-wicking interior and cushioned sole for comfort on the move. Designed to embrace urban and outdoor terrain in all weathers, these boots are a great all-rounder for following adventure wherever it leads.

Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket (US$199)

Whether your adventures are through winding cobbled streets or trail-less wilderness, the Patagonia Nano Puff will help keep you cosy. The jacket is made with 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco and offers a great warmth-to-weight ratio. Windproof, water-resistant, and highly packable, it’s convenient to store in luggage or a day bag while keeping carry weight to a minimum. It’s also available in men’s and women’s options in a range of colorways.

Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit (US$199.97)

Going off-grid doesn’t mean you have to go without your tech and gadgets. The Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit is a handy portable kit to keep cameras, tablets, phones and other devices powered up on the move. The kit comes with a 110V inverter and offers flexible recharging options via a mains supply, car or through the included solar panel.

Smartwool Men’s Smartloft 60 Shirt Jacket (US$200)

For the adventurer who appreciates lightweight warmth and urban/outdoor versatility in milder winter conditions, this jacket is a prime pick. The Smartwool Men’s Smartloft 60 Shirt Jacket features 50% recycled wool insulation that remains warm and breathable even when wet. The wind-resistant jacket also includes a DWR finish to keep the elements at bay, along with a merino wool lining for odor resistance and moisture-wicking benefits.

Leatherman Charge+ TTi Damascus (US$300)

Want to give the gift of multifunctionality in a handsome statement piece? The Leatherman Charge+ TTi Damascus is hard to beat. This limited-edition multi-tool features Damascus steel blades paired with titanium anodized handles. A choice of 19 tools keep you prepped and ready to conquer a variety of day-to-day and adventure needs. And with its 25-year warranty, rest assured it will tag along for adventures near and far for years to come.

Garmin inReach Mini (US$349.99)

Being able to communicate with others is important when adventuring, from coordinating meet-ups to requesting assistance if required. And with this lightweight satellite communicator you can benefit from two-way text messaging across the globe with a relevant satellite subscription. The device can also track and share journeys, use downloadable maps, send out SOS alerts and provide optional weather forecasts. All in a tough, water-resistant build that fits in the palm of your hand.

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket (US$575)

The versatile Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket adapts to diverse outdoor environments, while maintaining a sleek style for urban settings too. It features GORE-TEX Pro for superior waterproofness, breathability and durability. The helmet-compatible DropHood includes Cohaesive® cord lock adjusters, while the interior collar provides additional comfort. And coming in at just 455 g (1 lb), it won’t weigh you down either.

Liked the article above? You might dig these too:

The post Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for the Adventurer appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Gift List:

Tactile Turn Slider

Field Notes Memo Book

Fisher Space Bullet Pen

CRKT Squid Folding Pocket Knife

Scout Leather Co. Hex Bit Driver

Urban EDC Supply Urban Organizer

Switchblade Pocket Comb

The James Brand Elko

Distil Union MagLock Sunglasses

Cool Material Decision Coin

Orbitkey 2.0

Good Worth Middle Finger Key

HANDGREY KNOX Titanium Key Ring

Akomplice Trench Lighter

Tile Sport

The post What’s In My Pockets Ep. 3 – Father’s Day and Graduation Gifts appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

In fact, when titanium was first discovered back in the year 1791, the element was literally named after the mighty Greek Titans, immortal giants of strength and knowledge who ruled the cosmos.  Fitting.  If you’ve read any articles written by me before, you know I’m obsessed with this awesome, almost magical, material.  It’s incredibly strong and it’s incredibly lightweight.  It’s super durable and should last several lifetimes as well.  Of course we all know you can’t have your cake and eat it too.  Ti gadgets are much more expensive than their steel and aluminum cousins.  This increase in cost is due to its expensive raw material pricing and due to the technical and physical difficulty it requires to machine it into useful form factors.  So generally speaking, titanium EDC products will always cost more than using another metal.

While sometimes steel and aluminum are great options to use, there are some of us (like me) who want the whole world to be made of titanium.  Titanium cars, titanium cereal, titanium tshirts, titanium pillows, etc.  Since that dream may be a bit excessive, I can at least start with an all titanium EDC quiver, so everything I come in contact with on the daily is titanium.  And that’s exactly what I have done here.

Over years and years of research and trial and error, I’ve found what I consider to be the perfect “All Titanium Everyday Carry”, consisting of: Pocket Knife, Flashlight, Wristwatch, Pen, Key Organizer, and Pocket Tool.  For what it’s worth, there are several titanium wallets out there, but I prefer my Bellroy Slim Sleeve leather wallet.

Pocket Knife:
Chris Reeve Knives
Sebenza 25 (now called the “Inkosi”)

Chris Reeve makes arguably some of the best, if not the best, knives in the world.  The Sebenza is considered the benchmark of “gentleman EDC folders”.  Classy looks (non-tactical/aggressive) yet a highly functional tool.  Back when I first discovered the benefits of carrying a folding pocket knife in my EDC (knives are a tool, not a weapon), I quickly discovered the Sebenza.  And then I quickly discovered the price.  At $450, I found the price almost comical.  Even though I really wanted it…what could a $450 knife do that my $50 knife couldn’t do?  Then I talked myself into a knife that cost $110, made with better blade steel and featuring a stronger lock.  After carrying that $110 knife for a year or so, I convinced myself that a $220 knife would be better for what I wanted, more durable, with a steel that would keep an edge longer, etc.  And so on and so on.  The whole time, I’d still go back and drool over the Sebenza.

Long story short…after several upgrades, I finally justified the cost and haven’t looked back since.  In fact, I spent more money buying other knives on my journey to the Sebenza than if I were to just have bought it from the beginning.  Buy once, cry once.  The Sebenza 25 is CRK’s 25th anniversary edition of the Sebenza, which Chris invented back in 1987.  The Sebenza 25 is considered the best in class for a reason…or several reasons.

The blade steel is the best of the best, made from stainless S35V (titanium sadly makes for a horrible blade material). The 3.6″ long stonewashed drop point blade shape with large hollow grounds is perfect for everyday carry tasks. The handles and pocket clip are made from a blasted matte finish 6AL4V titanium, utilizing dual side thumb studs, with a Thor-like strong frame lock, a buttery smooth action, and made in USA.  Not to mention, it just looks handsome.  Some folks collect these pieces of functional artwork and store them away untouched in safes, which is cool if you’re into that.  I use mine hard and daily.  This is the perfect knife, if you ask me (and many others).
Learn more about the Chris Reeve Inkosi here (formerly called the “Sebenza 25”).

Flashlight:
Muyshondt
Flieger Mk. I Titanium

This is an all-star list, so here’s another heavy hitter.  The Flieger Mk. I by Muyshondt.  Muyshondt Electric Torches have been called “the best flashlights on earth” by many flashlight addicts (“flashaholics”).  For good reason, too.  The attention to detail that Enrique Muyshondt (owner, founder) puts into his works is nothing short of obsessive.  This guy thinks about products in a way that Stanley Kubrick thought about his movies.  Every single detail is considered, then reconsidered.  You can find Enrique’s passion throughout his products even on the internals, which most of his customers will never get the pleasure to see as they’ll never need to disassemble their reliable torch for any reason.  For what it’s worth, I’m lucky enough to call Enrique my friend (we met through Instagram), as he happens to also reside in Austin, Texas where I live.  Though it wasn’t proximity that was the primary factor for our friendship.  We legitimately became pals over many long discussions about design philosophy…and maybe a few dozen plates of delicious Japanese cuisine.  Take a look at some of his thoughts on design philosophy over at his blog (“Products Have Souls” and “Quality & Manufacturing“).  His most recent addition to his collection, the Flieger Mk. I Titanium, is the pinnacle of his journey into electric torches (until he someday reveals his next brainchild, I suppose).  Holding the Flieger is like wielding a small lightsaber.  I often take this out of my pocket simply to admire its perfect stonewashed 6AL4V finish (also available in turned and brushed finishes).  While it is a fantastic object to fondle for hours on end, which I admit I’ve done, it’s also a serious performer.

The electric torch turns on via my favorite clicky push button of any flashlight I’ve handled.  This all titanium shrouded button sits nicely below the tailcap of the monocoque casing, requiring only one hand to activate and allowing for very balanced tailstanding.  The different modes include 1 lumen (400 hours run time!), 25 lumens, 100 lumens, 500 lumens, and a sun-like 720 lumens (2 hours run time!).  The most impressive part?  The color of the light is a beautiful warm light, similar to what actual daylight looks like instead of a harsh blue LED light like most other lights provide.  This light comes from the magic inside; gold plated electrical contacts, Muyshondt’s own rechargeable protected 3400mAH 18650 lithium-ion cell (it can also accept one protected 18650 cell from other brands, two CR123 cells, or two 18350 cells), the photons effortlessly shining through a double anti-reflective coated super hard sapphire crystal, and protected from water and elements with his custom made O-rings.

Yes, in comparison to tiny keychain flashlights (which I used to run in the past, similar to my upgrade process with the Sebenza 25), the Flieger may appear somewhat large.  And no, it does not contain a pocket clip (though he is developing a handsome leather sheath for EDC).  However, after carrying this torch every day for weeks, I realized that I never carried a flashlight in my pocket for EDC via a pocket clip and I don’t prefer carrying a torch this way anyway.  The Flieger nearly disappears in my pocket next to my iPhone 7.  Often I forget it is there until I need it, having to double-check several times a day to make sure I didn’t leave it behind.  It IS one of the smallest flashlights in its battery class, after all.  If you insist on a smaller form factor for an EDC flashlight, Muyshondt also offers the mini-sized Aeon Mk. III Electric Torch and the micro-sized Maus Mk. I Electric Torch; both are equally as impressive as the Flieger (we’ve got reviews coming for both of these as well).  Ultimately, the Flieger Mk. I Titanium is my favorite flashlight that I have ever owned.
Learn more about the Muyshondt Flieger Mk. 1 Titanium here.

Wristwatch:
Redux & Co.
COURG Zero-Hour 39mm

I’ve been searching high and low for a reasonably priced minimalist automatic all titanium wristwatch for many years now.  I’ve found plenty of great alternatives; such as an all titanium watch with a quartz movement, a “titanium finish” (steel) watch with automatic movement, or an all titanium watch with automatic movement that costs as much as or more than a luxury vehicle.  But I’m a peculiar type of individual and a substitute for what I wanted just wouldn’t suffice.  Then Redux & Co. seemed to have crept into my apartment late at night and listened to my dream, revealing several amazing titanium watches back in 2015 through a Kickstarter campaign (though I admit I only discovered their brand by accident via Instagram in early 2017).  The COURG (short for and pronounced “courage”) is a clever mixture of a pilot’s watch and a diver’s watch, blended into one handsome form factor.  The minimalist design is something I truly appreciate, with a simple 3-6-9 hour interface on the face sitting inside the grade 5 titanium case, rated for 20 ATM (200 meters / 600 feet!).  The movement inside is a super stout and reliable SeikoNH35A (21,600 bph, 41 hour power reserve) which boasts 24 jewels.  I opted for the no-date version, which keeps it even cleaner and more Dieter-Rams-esque.  Plus, when it comes to automatic watches, if I don’t wear it for a week, I always forget to reset the date.

However, with this watch, I haven’t taken it off my wrist since I strapped it on via the military-style NATO Zulu ballistic nylon strap.  I was seriously impressed when I found that the strap also had matching titanium hardware, which I did not even consider when I first started lusting after this watch.  They also included a handmade in Brooklyn, American black leather strap (with the same titanium hardware), in case I choose to swap it out for the nylon NATO and “class it up” for a particular event.  Makes me daydream about being James Bond undercover at an evil villain’s cocktail party.  Some more impressive features in this seemingly simple timepiece: the 90-teeth unidirectional bezel for timing important activities, the matte black face (if it’s not titanium, it should be matte black…always), the super bright blue RDXb1 luminous paint on the hands/numbers with C3 green second hand, and the 39mm case seems to be the perfect size for easy readability without being annoyingly oversized.

Lastly, because it is made of titanium, it is the lightest watch in its class.  As someone who has recently started getting into watches, I seriously appreciate this weight factor.  This watch is an amazing option for your EDC; whether you’re in an office, undercover as a spy, rock climbing a 5.15c, flying a jet over Mongolia, diving for hidden treasure, or just sipping a whiskey in the backyard.
Learn more about the Redux & Co. COURG Zero-Hour 39mm here.

Pen:
Big Idea Design
Ti Arto Pen

I only recently considered carrying a pen for EDC somewhat recently.  Then, I saw the light…err, writing on the wall ink on the paper.  Now, in my back pocket I always have a pen stored inside my Bellroy Notebook Cover with Field Notes notebook.  In the past, I actually reviewed one of Big Idea Design’s smaller products, the XTS Titanium Pen + Stylus.  But that was 3 years ago and they’ve come a long way with improved new products to round out their collection.  While I loved the XTS, it required a bit of modifying to get the Space Pen refill to fit properly.  While that wasn’t an issue for me, I could see how it might not be for everyone.

Then came along the Ti Arto Pen, “the world’s most refill-friendly pen”, allowing for 200+ refills without any hacks, modifications, or spacers (like the XTS required).  And since I love Space Pen refills, I had to give the Ti Arto a try.  Sure enough, it fit the Fisher Space Pen insert I had dropped in with ease.  It also fit in my second most favorite refill, the Pilot Hi-Tec-C.  Of course, I love this pen because it is a solid piece of grade 5 titanium, with a screw-on titanium cap, and an adjustable titanium pocket clip.  But I also love it because of its clean minimalist design with raw machined finish.  This pen is both subtle and a bold statement.  The fact that the only external branding is a “Ti” inside a box, a nod to the periodic table, is a major bonus in my book notebook.

Actually, I recently had a meeting with some folks at NASA about a potential collaboration project.  Afterwards, when we were casually talking and wrapping up, two of the NASA employees came directly over to ask me about the pen I was using that they spotted across the room earlier.  I was happy to tell them about it and the fact that it could accept a Space Pen refill.  I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if one of these pens ends up in space or on the surface of Mars once we begin our eventual colonization.
Learn more about the Big Idea Design Ti Arto Pen here.

Key Organizer:
KeySmart
Titanium Edition

Keys.  We all have them.  We can’t avoid them.  And they all jingle.  Unless you have a KeySmart.  It took me a long time to figure out my ideal key organizer solution.  I wrote about a few different options before on here.  I tried out many different designs from many different brands and then I finally found KeySmart.  Basically a Swiss Army Knife for your keys.  Smaller than a pack of gum, keeps all your keys right where you want them, and eliminates jingle 100%.  Both sides are made from titanium with a minimal laser engraved logo on one side (though you could flip it over if you want the unbranded super clean look).

Since I converted to the KeySmart solution a few years ago now, they have released a variety of clever tools that fit between the two Ti slabs, such as a thin USB drive, ruler, wrench, golf divot tool, and more.  While I personally only run keys in my KeySmart (5 keys to be exact…I’d carry less if I was able to), I do often think about adding another gadget or two.

There isn’t much more to say about this genius key organizer and that’s exactly what I love about it.  It’s simple, affordable, and has worked flawlessly for me since the day I got it.  I highly recommend this device.
Learn more about the KeySmart Titanium Edition here.

Pocket Tool:
Munroe Knives
Mega Dangler

Ah, pocket tools.  There are nearly infinite options to choose from.  Some of my favorite brands include Atwood Knife and Tool, Big Idea Design, County Comm, Tec Accessories, and more.  You can find anything from prybars, to tiny keychain rulers, to miniature grappling hooks.  I have gone through dozens of these tools over the years.  And then dealt with the dreaded pocket jingle and a gorilla fist sized ball of heavy gadgets and keys.  It took a while to revise my kit down to its final form, as minimal as possible while maintaining maximum utility.  I discovered the highly coveted Munroe Knives Mega Dangler (which I wrote about previously), handmade by Deryk Munroe in his shop from 100% titanium.  This is one simple and wildly clever bit of kit in my collection.  And I’ve used it every single day since I first picked it up.

It has a primary purpose, which you might be able to guess from the name, as a “dangler”.  Meaning, you can add your keys or pocket tools to the bottom of the Mega Dangler (through the two holes via split rings or clips) and they hang vertically in your pocket rather than sitting in a big bunch at the bottom of your pocket.  I used to run a small Leatherman and a small keychain flashlight from the extra hole, but have since removed them to cut down on bulk.  But even with these two gadgets added on, since they hung vertically inside my pocket instead of at the bottom, they were very easy to carry on the daily.  This dangler idea alone is enough to consider owning one.  But that’s not the end.  It also functions as a bit driver, a prybar, a semi-sharp cutting edge (opening packages, for example), a flathead screwdriver, and most importantly, a super well functioning bottle opener.

The only issue?  You might have some trouble picking up a Mega Dangler for yourself, as Deryk makes them in small batches.  You can email them on their website to check availability or search for a used version on some popular gear forums out there on the web.  Do beware of knockoffs though, as they are subpar in execution and performance.  Get yourself a Mega Dangler, you won’t be disappointed.
Learn more about the Munroe Knives Mega Dangler here.

Don’t you just love the look of an all titanium everyday carry quiver laid out together?

Do you have any suggestions or edits for your version of the perfect “All Titanium Everyday Carry”? Let us know in the comments below.

The post The Best All Titanium EDC appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

So what constitutes a good pocket notebook?

It should meet a few key criteria. Readily accessible when you need it, out of the way when you don’t. Lightweight and small enough to carry easily in a pocket on a daily basis. Durable to withstand everyday use. Versatile enough to serve a variety of needs, from writing to sketching (and even storing or sticking things inside it). And a soft, flexible cover means it won’t dig into you when you move. So rather than trying to keep track of a scattered collection of scrap papers full of important information, why not check out our selection of the best pocket notebooks for everyday carry…

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Field Notes Kraft Mixed 3-Pack

One of the foremost brands in notebooks, Field Notes were inspired by agricultural memo books. Today the range offers a variety of styles and colorways – including their popular limited editions – but the Kraft mixed pack is a good place to start. The pack includes three notebooks featuring plain, ruled and graph paper respectively. Play around to see what style suits you best or rotate them to suit different EDC needs.

Rite in the Rain Tactical Notebook

Important information doesn’t wait around for favorable conditions. With this notebook, neither do you. Rain, snow, grease, sweat…this notebook shrugs them off with its all-weather construction. Big plops of rain splattering your notes? No, sir. Spilled some liquid on your page full of brilliant business ideas? No problem. Plus the non-glare paper means you won’t have any trouble reading the notebook contents in bright sunlight. There’s even reference material on the back and inside covers, making this an even more useful addition to your EDC.

Rhodia Staplebound Notebook

This compact notebook fits well in a pocket and comes with a waterproof cover for protection against the elements. It’s a good option for fountain pen users and those looking to utilize both sides of the page without ink bleeding through (yes, we know how frustrating those wasted pages can be…).

Moleskine Volant Extra Small Notebook

Already carry a lot of stuff in your pocket? Perhaps you just want to keep your EDC as minimal as possible? One of the major names in notebooks has a pint-sized solution. Meet the Moleskine Volant Extra Small Notebook. Available in packs of two, you can opt for plain or ruled paper and a choice of cover colorways. A nifty feature with this notebook is the detachable pages, allowing you to easily and neatly distribute pages to others or remove specific pages to store separately from your main notebook.

Word. Notebooks The Adventure Log

You live life from one blurring adventure to the next, no time to slow down, but unwilling to forget the memories you make along the way. This is the notebook for you. And for those who take things at a more sedate space? No need to worry, it works just fine as a handy companion for weekend explorers, the occasional getaway, and day-to-day short journal entries (you’re not going to be writing your memoirs in this, but inspiration for them? Sure thing.). The notebook pages are divided into different sections to help organize your notes and provide quick reference points.

LEUCHTTURM1917 Jottbook

This notebook provides a variety of handy features to help you make the most of it. It includes 60 numbered pages, 32 of which are perforated and removable. The thread-bound notebook opens flat for easy writing and comes with stickers for labeling and organization, as well as a blank table of contents. It’s also available in plain, ruled and squared paper options to suit different needs.

doane paper Utility Notebook

Can’t decide between grid or lined paper? With this notebook you don’t have to. The paper features a grid-and-line combination that allows you to easily alternate between writing and sketching. The notebook comes in a pack of three in black, or a pack of six in an assortment of colorways.

Baron Fig Vanguard Pocket Notebook

If you appreciate minimalist aesthetics in your pocket notebook, the Vanguard ticks the box. Available in light gray and charcoal colorways, the notebook features stitched binding that allows the cover to lay flat while using it. The Vanguard comes in a pack of three and includes plain, ruled and dot grid paper options.

Write Notepads & Co. Pocket Ledger

Inspired by news reporters, the Pocket Ledger has a pleasing feeling of nostalgia to it. The spiral-bound notebook includes an elastic band closure to keep the cover securely shut when not in use, and offers a versatile grid-and-line paper pattern.  As an added bonus, for every notebook purchased Write Notepads & Co. will donate another one to an inner-city student.

Small Postalco Notebook 

Understatedly stylish, this notebook is crafted in Japan and features a water-resistant, starch-pressed cotton cover. The pH-neutral paper is made using boiled natural fibers and provides a smooth, slip-resistant surface for writing or drawing. When open, the cover reaches beyond the bottom of the page, a thoughtful design feature to help support your hand while writing at the base of the page. The position of the spiral binding also leaves the spine conveniently available for labeling if desired.

Sigel CO231 Notebook CONCEPTUM

If you want to pack a lot of features into your pocket carry, this notebook is certainly one to check out. Features include numbered pages, an elastic closure, a pen loop, perforated sheets at the end, page markers, and two pockets. All delivered in a sleek, elegant form.

The post 11 Best Pocket Notebooks for Everyday Carry appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

In contrast to the vibrant old city, western Havana stands as a dull and boring locale a few miles’ drive west on the Malecón. Depressing Brutalist styled buildings rise from the coast, half of them completed, all of them faded. In front of the bleached concrete our two support boats and five kayaks have been docked for the past week. It’s unclear if the ropes holding our boats or the eyes of the olive green fatigued “dock hands” had our boats under tighter control.

Beneath this sluggish backdrop our team is busily preparing the boats for next morning’s departure. In the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season we’ve been informed that mother nature is allowing us to attempt a crossing, but only if we act fast. As dry bags are hastily loaded my kayak partner, Brent Rose, and I nervously glance at each other. As two journalists who looked past the logistics and realities of kayaking from Cuba to Florida and instead started by toasting glasses of dark Cuban rum to a successful crossing, aside from a kayak and a paddle we had no clue what gear to start grabbing. Luckily a Carryologist is never completely lost when it comes to gear. The below equipment is what ended up on our boat, and what would hopefully get us through two days on the open ocean.

The Vessel

Fate picked our kayak for us, a blue Wilderness North Shore sea kayak affectionately named Fidel Fastro. Five meters long and with room enough for my two-meter frame to sit comfortably. Both cockpits offered numerous attachment points, one waterproof compartment and a whole mess of webbing to strap gear to. The color was chosen to further help two inexperienced journalists disappear at sea.

Equipment

1x Adventure Technology Quest Carbon paddle – Having taken maybe 100 strokes before leaving Havana meant that I had no idea on optimal paddle ergonomics. However, within three hours at sea and the quick adjustments in paddle length and blade angles possible with the Quest paddle I had gotten this paddle dialed in. So if a complete novice can appreciate the design and construction of this paddle which still stays light in your hands after two days of continuous use, Adventure Technology must be doing something right.

1x NRS Bilge Pump – We soon found out that we would be using this pump a lot. In dicey seas when removing your spray skirt is a terrifying prospect, being able to pump up to eight gallons per minute with no hose required was something we would soon come to appreciate.

1x NRS LED Deck Light –  As DMX said “It’s dark and Hell is hot.” We can confirm that it’s dark at sea and we’ll take his word about Hell. We had this light suctioned to our stern and cranked on from 6 pm – 6 am basking our boat in the safe glow of white LED’s. Though we were later informed that the white glow attracts sharks…

1x Voltaic Systems 6 Watt Solar Charger Kit – Between GoPro’s and cell phone cameras, two journalists can go through a lot of power. Luckily for our batteries, though not so much for us, there’s no shade at sea. The size of this panel (10″ x 15″) fit snugly beneath the webbing on the kayak and gave us ample power to keep the charge on our battery packs at all times.

1x Nanuk 903 Case – Hard, waterproof and decked out with padding for storing the electronics of the Voltaic device. Any device we needed to charge could then fit snugly within the yellow interior of the Nanuk case.

1x Osprey Hydraulics 3L Water bladder – For getting water in, conveniently.

1x Piss Bottle – For getting water out, conveniently. Fashioned by simply repurposing a Gatorade bottle. The key was to make sure that we were able to tell our piss bottle from our water bottle in the middle of the night.

1x Cotopaxi Agua 1L Water Bottle – Under the glare of the midday sun, the double-walled, vacuum-sealed insulation of this bottle ensured that ice cold water always greeted our lips. The sense of relief this provided really can’t be captured in words. It turns out this bottle was really popular with the residents of Havana.

2x Black Plastic Garbage Bags – We lined our kayak seats with two layers of black plastic garbage bags in our continual effort to fight chafing. This turned out to be a very, very good idea.

2x NRS Padz Heel Ankle Pads – NRS makes an array of self-adhesive mini-cell foam padding that can be placed anywhere in the boat. I grabbed a handful of heel pads and covered every inch in my footwell.

Apparel

1x Havana Club Bucket Hat – Havana Club, el ron del Cuba! Finding a kitschy bucket hat branded with our new favorite rum brand was not a difficult task in any tourist part of Havana. I’m still waiting on that Havana Club sponsorship to come through.

1x Oakley Radar Deep Blue Polarized Sunglasses – The deep blue polarized lenses Oakley has developed were clutch when staring at the endless blue expanse of the ocean and sky all day. I’m not sure if sea-blindness is a thing but these glasses prevented me from getting it.

1x Adidas ClimaCool Long Sleeve Shirt – Adidas has really done some innovative things with their ClimaCool fabric which results in actually feeling cooler with a long sleeve shirt on than without. This loose-fitting shirt was extremely comfortable when at sea.

1x Mesh Running Shorts – Chosen on an entirely unscientific assumption that these had the least probability of chafing.

1x New Balance Minimus Running Shoes – Although I wouldn’t take a single step during this crossing, a lightweight pair of shoes was important to provide some additional padding for my feet and specifically heels. The Minimus have been an extremely comfortable pair of shoes in all walks of life and didn’t miss a step at sea.

2x Generic Painter’s Gloves – I missed the boat on purchasing paddling-specific gloves so a last-second run to the hardware store landed me with two pairs of generic painter’s gloves. These gloves had no padding and were terribly hot but nonetheless helped prevent some blisters.

1x Casio G-Shock Watch – While my partner’s watch had a GPS I opted for the fail-proof simplicity (and style) of a G-Shock. The main purpose of the watch was to make sure we stayed on a regular eating, drinking and medicine-swallowing schedule.

1x Seals Inlander Spray Skirt – The skirts came with the kayaks so we didn’t have too much choice here. This skirt kept us reasonably dry but the lack of suspenders meant that the skirt never stayed up high enough to keep us completely dry. Perhaps we shouldn’t have been using an inlander skirt on the open ocean?

1x NRS Ninja Life Vest – The low profile and athletic design helped make us not want to tear this life vest off, while the 500D Cordura and numerous pocketing holding our supplies made us feel like we might actually last a bit at sea if we fell overboard.

1x Generic Orange Whistle – If/when these two journalists get lost at sea, playing songs on this whistle will be our best bet at passing time.

Aquaphor & Desitin– Luckily fashion is not an issue in the middle of the sea, as our bodies would be completely covered head to toe in diaper powder. We’d been told that the moment we feel any chafing to drown the area in more diaper powder. This would prove to be excellent advice.

Dry Bags

2x Cotopaxi Dry Bags (8L, 15L) – Cotopaxi manufactured some gear one-off for this trip including these dry bags. Their small size prevented anything from getting lost in their depths and allowed us to fill them with a range of amenities and stash them close at hand.

1x Goal Zero Venture 30 – Goal Zero products are perhaps the best mobile power solutions for adventures. We could squeeze out plenty of power for lights and cameras while the integrated USB/micro USB meant one less thing we had to be fumbling with at sea. Finally, the Venture 30 packs a ridiculously powerful light. If there was an MVP gear award for this trip, the Venture 30 would win hands down.

1x Field Notes & Pen – It’s a rule that a Field Notes notebook never leaves my side, even if at sea. I’d heard that some pretty ridiculous thoughts pop into your head after days at sea and I was determined not to miss them.

1x Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp – One of the better bits of gear I blindly threw into the dry bag. The extensive lighting options – a full power beam, a more moderate beam, red LED’s and strobing options – handled every situation we turned the Revolt on for. And though this light runs on AAA batteries, it’s fully rechargeable via micro USB meaning any of our power options could keep this light going long-term. Finally, it’s got a locking feature that prevents it from being accidentally turned on while in a bag.

1x GoPro HERO3 – One word here, selfies. And we’re pretty sure that a GoPro is standard issue gear by now. We’d leave it to the photographers on the two support boats to cover anything else.

1x BullFrog Sunscreen – Though this sunscreen burned when putting it on, it refused to wash off under the potent mix of salt, water and tears coating our faces.

Drugs – To prolong pain and insanity we fell into a rotation of popping Tums, Pepto, Imodium, Caffeine goo, Ibuprofen, Tylenol and salt pills. It’s a rather potent mix with a pill taken once every two hours for 30+ hours straight. Certainly not a routine recommended for long-term survival, but for what we were about to do it seemed like a pretty darn good idea.

Water – Five liters of water on the kayak and gallons more back on the support boat would hopefully keep us from dying. The water was stored in a mixture of bladders, plastic water bottles, and Cotopaxi insulated canteens.

Support Bag

1x Cotopaxi Luzon (18L) – A great bag that was stashed on the support boat to function as a feed bag. After spending two days in a kayak you tend to get ornery fast. Luckily for everyone the Luzon’s one large pocket made it a breeze for someone on deck to quickly find my last zebra cake and toss it to me before the kayak-induced nerves got the better of me. Aside from a feed bag, the Luzon became the go-to daypack for everyone during our time in Cuba. It’s really a do-anything pack that’s sewn from scrap material in Cotopaxi’s Philippines factory.

Food & Drink – The Luzon was swollen with a fat pile of PB&J sandwiches, beef jerky, candy bars, zebra cakes, trailmix, bottles of Ensure and Starbucks Doubleshot Espressos, and leftover pizza from our hotel in Havana. It was difficult to tell what would sound appetizing, so I packed everything.

1x Bottle Cuban Rum – Break open in event of successful crossing.

1x Cuban Cigar – Light up in event of successful crossing.

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Photos by Cassandra Allred and Michael Boren of Red Tractor Productions

The post Cuba, Kayaks and Carry:: Cotopaxi Challenge 113 (Part II) appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

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Mechanical engineer

Beats Studio Wireless Headphones
Oakley Big Taco Sunglasses
Nike Fuelband
Jawbone Up24
The New iPad Wifi 32Gb
Moleskine Ruled Soft Notebook
Moleskine Classic Click Ball Pen
Moleskine Click Pencil
Fisher Space Pen
Garmin Fenix 2
KeySmart Extended
ThruNite Ti3 Flashlight
Gerber Dime Micro Tool
S-Biner Sidelock #2
Basics Wallet

Chemist

Garmin GPSmap 62 stc
Citizen Eco Drive Watch
Rick Hinderer Titanium Extreme Duty Pen
Douglas Field S Lighter
Benchmade Emissary
Victorinox SwissChamp
CountyComm Peanut Lighter on Necklace
rOtring 600 0.7 mm
CountyComm Embassy Pen Titanium Rev 1.0

Touring lighting designer

Seagate Slim Portable Drive (500GB)
Fenix PD22
Benchmade Mini-Griptilian 556SBKOD
Flowfold Minimalist
iPod Classic 7th Gen (160GB)
iPhone 5S + Juice Pack Air
Gerber Dime
DataTraveler SE9 (8GB)
Timex Expedition Scout
Nite Ize S-Biner
Nite Ize DoohicKey
Swiss+Tech Utili-Key

Designer

Friday & River Belt Lanyard
Seiko 5 Automatic
Friday & River Classic Billfold
Rite in the Rain Pen
Moleskine Notebook
Spyderco Knife
Beta-QR Flashlight w/ own clip
Harley Davidson Zippo

Architect

Vintage 1940’s Ray-Bans
32 GB Transcend Flash Drive
This Is Ground Cord Taco
Bowers & Wilkins C5 S2
Red Clouds Collective iPhone 6 Case and Wallet
Bradley Mountain Tennyson Journal/Sketchbook
Pigma Micron 02
Copic Multiliner 05
Alvin DraftMatic 07 Pencil w/ 2B lead
Red Clouds Collective Pencil Bag
Poketo Agenda
Subaru

Art director

Fujifilm X-T1
Lance Camera Straps Classic Non-adjust Cord Camera Neck Strap – Red, 48in
Field Notes Pitch Black Edition, 3-Pack Dot-Grid Memo Notebooks
iPhone 6 Space Gray
CRKT 5500C Kiss Razor Edge
Tile
KeySmart
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools KEY-101 Key Knife with Straight Edge Folding 1.5-Inch
VERANY Multi Function Carabiner Number.5 Clip Bottle Opener
Machine Era Wallet
Apple Watch 38mm Space Gray
Ray-Ban Clubmaster
See 0535 Core Collection Brown

The post EDC Roundup ~ 27 May appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.