Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Survival Hax Tactical LED pen

This tactical pen by Survival is a handy item to have in your EDC (every day carry). It is sturdy and well-made, without being heavy or cumbersome. We have a couple other tactical pens in our household but this one stands out, and for a good reason. It has an LED light on one end! Honestly I didn't expect a whole lot of such a tiny light, but it is surprisingly bright and effective. While it would be great for uses such as illuminating a lock on a door or a car, I must admit I have been using it for unexpected reasons. Who figured my tactical pen would help me figure out what stitch I was on while crocheting with black yarn? A fiber arts disaster was diverted when I activated the light with a small twist. There is of course a glass breaker on the pen. Unlike our other tac pens, I wasn't sure how I would feel about the placement of the glass breaker since it is actually part of the pen cap. As I have used it though, I have grown used to it. It is a bit awkward at first, since you can either twist the cap onto the top of the pen (where the LED light is located), or you can simply leave it off while you are writing. I choose the latter, since I have issues with my hands; putting the cap on the end makes the pen quite tall and a bit ridiculous looking, but who cares about looks with a tool that's meant for potentially life-saving purposes like breaking glass? The pen itself writes beautifully, satisfying even my pen-snob requirements. (Is there a term for people who adore and are addicted to pens? Maybe it's just an English teacher thing.) It is smooth and flows perfectly. The clip is toward the top of the pen, not on the cap. I securely clip the pen to my pants without worry. I was provided this tactical pen at discount for testing purposes. https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-LED-Pen-Glassbreaker-Starter/dp/B06XK4N55V/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1493702079&sr=8-7&keywords=Tactical+LED+Pen+4+in #survivalhax

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Cardiology Stethoscope by Vorfreude (Review)

Vorfreude manufactured this cardiology stethoscope. It comes with a lifetime warranty, four replacement earpieces, and 1 extra diaphragm. It also comes with a pen light and batteries. The stethoscope is latex free, PBA free, and is stainless steel. It has been sterilized at the factory.
I had never used a cardiology stethoscope before, as I worked in in-patient acute care. This is by far the clearest stethoscope I have ever heard. If you are looking for one for your bug out bag, I definitely recommend this.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil by TerraMax (Review)

#TerraMaxPro Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil helps relieve skin troubles for my 2 little dogs, who have allergies as is common for small breeds (white Mini Schnauzer & a Border Terrier/Pug/Weiner/Who Knows What). They love it! My 3rd dog, a young black & red German Shepherd working dog, loves it too; I give it to him to help keep his coat healthy.

The 16-ounce bottle comes sealed and a pump is provided. It arrives in a heat-sealed bag for extra protection. The bottle provides company contact information, as well as how to sign up for their VIP club for coupons & discounts. Sample was provided for evaluation.

http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Alaskan-All-Natural-Omega-3-Supplement/dp/B01BFPIETM/

 

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Anti-Signal Faraday Bag (Review)

Anti-Signal Faraday Bag by RMS Unlimited Goods (Product Review)

This is a Faraday bag meant to hold just 1-2 small devices. I was able to place two cell phones inside it, or one Baofeng radio (FRS/GMRS, in a nutshell, a walkie talkie) minus the antenna.
The bag basically stops signals from entering its enclosure. Some use them to store their devices in case of an EMP, while others use them on occasion to protect against electric currents and discharges. If there's a lightning strike, the current would travel around the outside of the bag, but not inside.
I tested the RMS Faraday bag by placing my daughter's phone in the bag, folding the top over twice as instructed, and sealing it with the Velcro. I called her phone several times but none of the calls went through. I called again immediately upon removing the phone from the bag; my call was received right away.
I repeated the same test but with my son's phone inside, and had the same results. The same outcome occurred when I placed my own phone in the Faraday bag. Three phones all provided consistent results for this product.
This is a well-made item, very sturdy, that seals well. It has two vinyl windows where you could place some sort of identification as to what the item is inside the bag. This would be especially helpful if you have more than one Faraday bag of the same size.
I was provided this item for evaluation purposes.



Tuesday, October 25, 2016

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

Friday, October 21, 2016

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/


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

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