Merytes Portable Binoculars (Review)

This is my first set of portable binoculars. I honestly didn't expect a whole lot, given both the size and the price point. I do have another pair of binoculars but they are a standard size and from a well-known brand. To my surprise, these little cheapies actually knock the socks off the brand-name ones.

The binoculars are made by Merytes. They are 10x25 (magnification is 10x, object diameter of 25mm). They weigh only 7 ounces (.44 lb or 200 grams). They have a strap so you can wear them around your neck, but you can detach them as well.

There is a dial in the middle for large adjustments, and a fine-tuner on the right eyepiece. It is also high definition. The clarity is outstanding, far beyond what I expected for such inexpensive binoculars.

They also come with a cleaning cloth, carrying bag with a belt loop, and instructions (printed in multiple languages), and have a one year warranty. They do a beautiful job. If there is a SHTF situation, I will definitely include these in my BOB.

Item was provided for evaluation purposes.


 

https://www.amazon.com/Binoculars-10x25-Portable-Definition-Merytes/dp/B01DF02UTA/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1475142596&sr=8-31&keywords=binoculars

#PortableBinoculars

Atchison Chemical Spill, Bugging Out

With all the national issues going on, we must not forget to pay attention to what is going on right in front of us as well. What happened in Atchison, KS, is an excellent reminder of being aware of businesses, plants, etc, as much as humanly possible, in your area. We live 3-4 miles from a canning factory, and many of my neighbors aren't even aware of its existence. Accidents happen. Hopefully when they do, they will be small; however, if something large-scale occurs, it may require evacuation. This is why a BOB is a priority. If you don't already have one, it is not something to think about starting next year. This is a priority. http://offgridsurvival.com/need-bug-plan-atchison-ks-hit-chlorine-chemical-spill/

Universal Rifle Bipod (Review)

Universal Rifle Bipod by Tworld (Review)

When handling the bipod for the first time, it instantly feels insecure. The shoulder joints where the legs mount to the rifle mount are loose. The rifle mount itself will fit either picatinny or weaver style mounts but is way too small. It is roughly 1/3 the size of other inexpensive bipods that are effective.

When mounted to a rifle, the mount does not give a positive feel. It is hand tighten only and cannot get tight enough to be supportive. The release mechanism to draw the legs down under the rifle is stiff and noisy and does not give a positive grab. When the legs are rotated down, they still rotate slightly and flex greatly, disallowing a positive shot.

The height adjustment is a challenge: you have to unscrew a tension thread, and then pull on the foot to get the spring to release, as it will not release on its own despite heavy oil from the factory. Putting the legs away is more difficult than getting them out.

I have never seen a bipod in this condition before. I would not put this on a BB gun, let alone my rifle. I really hope the one I received was just a lemon, and not all customers are being sent ones like this. Very disappointing.

Product was provided for evaluation purposes.

https://www.amazon.com/Tworld-Universal-Adjustable--t-i-n-n-y-Accessory/dp/B01G28LXEU/ref=sr_1_1?m=AVL2R3AO02KGQ&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1468897326&sr=1-1

#riflebipod

Trauma Kit (Review)

CAT Tourniquet, Israeli Bandage, Emergency Blanket from Lia Medical (Review)

I helped form the local community emergency response team, my main position being to advise on putting together bug out bags and medical kits. The items in this kit from Lia Medical are all ones I strongly suggest to include in all emergency kits, and are ones I keep in my own BOB (bug out bag). I have two teenagers in high school and still needed a few things to finish up the emergency kits they keep in their backpacks at school, and this looked like an excellent deal opportunity to do just that.

The Lia Medical kit comes with a CAT (combat applied) tourniquet, an Israeli bandage, and an emergency blanket. The three items arrive in a resealable pouch, though each is also wrapped individually as well. The Israeli bandage, also known as a trauma bandage, is kind of like an elastic bandage with a gauze pad attached; the gauze has clotting granules in it so that if you suffer a wound and are bleeding profusely, such as from a bullet or stab wound, the Israeli bandage can buy you enough time to get to emergency medical care. The green package the bandage comes in has instructions on how to use it, with illustrations included. The CAT tourniquet has a small slip with instructions. The emergency blanket is self-explanatory.

I opened the CAT tourniquet and the Israeli bandage and placed them on my daughter (carefully, as the Israeli bandage is really only meant to be used once so as to not be torn on the V-notch). These are very well-made items and I am quite comfortable with anyone in my family carrying these in their kits, even my teens keeping them in their packs in case of emergency at school. No one likes to think of something bad happening, but I would rather have these and not need them than something happen and not have them.

Product was provided for evaluation purposes. 

http://amzn.to/2cqquLx

#LiaMedical

Tactical Backpack (review)

Tactical Backpack by Gonex (Review)

The Tactical Backpack Extendable Functional Backpack, by Gonex is a large pack, with a 45L capacity in the main section and another 15 in the smaller packs, putting it at a full 60L. The material is very durable at 900D. The stitching is excellent. It does have Molle strapping in some locations. The best Molle spots are in my opinion where the removable packs have been placed.

The removable packs are attached quite well. There are ton of straps on this pack, maybe even too many. With all the extra length on the straps, there is no elastic capture to keep them from just flailing, so it rather looks like you are carrying a bag of straps. There are two included Molle strapped pouches on either side that add more side to the pack. The small pack on the lower of the front has four pockets: one large, three small. The big one has a separator inside; it has a strap included if you want to remove it and wear it as a shoulder pack. The strap is wide and the ends have both not only Velcro but they have a snap in the middle of the Velcro, so it stays secure. It can also be worn as a fanny pack. The two pouches on either side are one big dump pouch. One thing of note was the removable packs on the sides, though strong, really should to have straps on the back side so they can be weaved through in order to be more secure.

Starting on the front of the pack, the outer edge, the thin narrow strip of Molle strips and a nice Velcro spot where you can put your own patch is a nice touch. The main pack has two zippers. The first zipper has a smaller container with a webbed separator. The larger container is extremely big and has a solid separator, which would be great for a laptop. There are no openings for either a hydration pouch or earphones. The back padding is not removable or replaceable.

Moving to the outside of the pack on the rear, there are three very thick large pads to separate from your back to help keep you cool. The shoulder straps are the biggest weak point. They are thin and the padding is crunchy. The straps have two heavy duty plastic D-rings. The movable chest strap has a buckle which includes an emergency whistle. The backpack does include a belly band to help keep it in place. The top of the pack also has two heavy duty plastic D-rings. The handle is very well-stitched.

All of the Molle webbing is MilSpec to allow components to be attached. The zippers are large and heavy duty, metal and a bit noisy, but easy to pull if you have gloves on. The cordage which extends the zipper pulls is not high quality and will likely wear out quickly. The zippers are covered for protection in the rain, but not overly as to get in the way. All of the plastic buckles have the company name in Chinese but since it is imprinted in the material, it does not really stand out. There are two large nylon loops on the bottom of the pack that I can easily see hooking on a bed roll down there.

This is definitely the best pack we have from this price class. It is strong and well-made. I would have no problem trusting this on our next local call-out or family outing.

I received this item at a discounted price or free for evaluation purposes. I have no affiliation with the manufacturer of the product or the seller of the item, and I do not receive any financial compensation. I rely on reviews when I make my own purchases. I aim to help other customers by providing thoroughly written reviews; I hope the information provided is helpful in some way.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JOOFATI

#backpack