TAD Gear's Survival Capsule Delta

This is probably the ultimate survival capsule. The Delta is a modular survival capsule that includes 3 modules and some end caps to allow multiple configurations.

The main module is a classic hollow survival capsule module, it has a small compartment in one end that can be used to store a button compass or some medication. The second module is a whistle and also has the pocket clip, the whistle is quite loud and waterproof. The third module is a locator module with a tritium tube inside.

One of the caps has a hole for a lanyard, the other is a plain cap and there is another one with a crenelated end that can be used as an impact cap. The capsule is compatible with TAD's gear cheaper "tactical" capsule and there is an optional cap that can be purchased to use xacto cutters. If you buy both capsules you can play lego with them but unfortunately the colors don't match.

You can use your delta in several different configurations, maybe some extra caps or accesories would have made this even more modular than it is and the TAD guys may be planning to release extra modules or caps in a near future, the x-acto end cap is a positive sign in that direction. The price is $148. You can find more info or get it from TAD Gear.

Eternalight EliteMax 4Z

Eternalights are very special flashlights, here we present their top of the line model: The EliteMax 4Z. By pressing the mode button you cycle through the different modes that the light has, in some modes you can use the adjust button to change settings for that mode.

So let's start describing the different modes. The first mode is constant on, using the adjust button you can change the brightness level there are many many different brightness levels from the 4 leds at maximum power to just one led in a very dim mode or even just the blue locator LED on for insane runtime (months). The second mode is a flash mode, the lights blink, the blinking speed can be selected using the adjust button. Then you have the strobe and the strobe speed can be selected using the adjust button. Then you have dazzle mode, where the light goes from dim to bright then flashes and the cycle is repeated, great to attract attention. The next mode is SOS mode and finally you have a momentary on/off mode.

If you think this is great there is a lot more to say. From the off mode pushing the adjust button produces a burst mode of maximum power, great!. There is also a locator flash that can be activated, this makes a blue led inside the casing blink every 2 seconds this can be left permanently on if you want to locate the light in the dark. The locator can be configured to be permanently on instead of blinking.

The light is regulated, this means the output is the same regardless of the battery consumption. But not only that, you can actually program the regulation to be on or off, without regulation the light will run longer but will get dimmer as the batteries get drained.

The light is powered by 3 lithium AA batteries, it is shockproff and waterproof and as long as the batteries are lithiums it will float.

You can configure many things, for example a "simple" mode where the interface is simplified. Finally you have a mode to test the battery level indicating with the 4 leds the status of the batteries.

This is a fantastic and advanced flashlight for many different purposes. A great companion and probably the best survival flashlight ever built.

You can find more information in Eternlight's website. Retail price is about $75.

10x21 pocket monocoluar by CountyComm

These monoculars are a copy of the German monoculars that you can find in some optic shops. The monocular is very small and produces sharp clear images, the maginifcation factor is not enormous so I find it better to magnify close objects than to identify distant ones. For example it is great to check buildings, cars etc across a street, they provide a very good level of detail.

These version has a rubber focusing ring and can be folded and unfolded for transportation. A handy item if you need to play spying games.
You can get it from CountyComm they go out of stock often so keep an eye.

12 led UV light by Lighthound

UV means "Ultra Violet" this in turn means that the light produced by the flashlight is beyond the color violet in the visible light spectrum. So this flashlight not only produces light, it also produces UV radiation also known as "black light".

Some materials have flourescent properties under UV light, white fabrics glow, blood glows as you have seen in the CSI shows, scorpions glow very brightly, you can use it to check currency etc. GID stuff can be charged under UV too.

I need to add that UV radiation is really bad for the eyes so you have to avoid looking at this kind of light sources directly and use it with caution. This light from Lighthound has 12 UV leds and produces a good amount of light for normal users. With a retail value of $7 it is affordable if you want to play CSI or hunt for scorpions in your backyard.

Lee Valley Pocket Screwdrivers

These pocket screwdrivers have the size (and shape) of a quarter. The edge is shaped like a ramp so they can be used for different screw sizes. The range of edge thickness goes from 0.030" to 0.090". They are specially good for flat screws but can be used for Phillips too.

They are certainly more convenient than using a coin, the nails (ouch!) or other objects. You can carry them in a keychain, wallet, etc. The pricing is $7.20 for a dozen and you can read more about this curious item at Lee Valley's web site.

Glo Toob FX

Glo toob are markers available in different colors. The toobs provide light in 360 degrees so they are used either to light up small rooms or as signaling devices, they can't be used to illuminate an objet since they don't have a directional beam like flashlights.

The FX model has 7 different modes: 100% constant on, 25% constant on, Flash, Fast Strobe, Slow Strobe, Sos and Throb. The runtime goes from 30 to 80 hours depending on the mode selected.

They are available in different led colours: red, blue, green, amber and white. The green one is the most visible (green is the color that the eye sees better) so it's perfect as a marker, the red one is suitable to preserve night vision (red is the color that less affects the eye), amber is nice for ambient illumination, blues are cool and might be used to detect substances that contrast better under blue light (blood for example), the white one is of course general purpose. There's also an IR model suitable to be used with Night Vision equipment.

The toobs have negative buyancy (they float), are waterproof and shock proof, they use an A23 battery, not your every day battery but is not hard to find either. You can find more information at the official Glo Toob page. Pricing is about $22.

Pelican Cases

Don't look for anything very fancy here, these are just cases and their purpose is to store things. So what better for valuable gadgets than very special cases like the ones from Pelican? These cases are shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof. They even come with a pressure valve to release pressure from the inside in case of need.

You can get them in many different colors and sizes, the 1010 in the picture is the smallest one, there is a i1010 version for Ipods with an outlet for earplugs. You can also get foam inserts for the case that can be shaped to accept different items, for example batteries. The cases are produced in different colors: black, yellow and clear.

They are great to carry gadgets around without worries about bumps, falls or humidity. Price starts at about $10 and up for the bigger ones. (i1010 for Ipds $35). You can get more information at Pelican website.

Spyderco Delica Wave

Spyderco Knives are among the favourite utility knives for EDC, the Delica is a classic model that has been used a lot as a general purpose knive, sturdy to resist normal and not so normal use without costing a lot of money.

The Wave is a new version of the Delica designed to be used clipped to a pants pocket. When you pull the knife out the "Wave" in the delica clips to the pocket opening the knife in the same single motion you use to pull it. This is on one side cool and on the other side may be useful in an emergency situation.

The Blade is VG-10 steel and the lock is a front lock. It comes with a pocket clip and you can get it for about $50.
Check Spyderco's website for more information.