Reviews, advice and field testing Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:47:02 +0000 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:47:02 +0000 Survival Monkey Forums https://www.survivalmonkey.com/forums/functional-gear-equipment.52/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:50:52 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/scorpion-weapon-light.73492/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/scorpion-weapon-light.73492/ invalid@example.com (AgentPickle) AgentPickle ]]> 1 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:08:50 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/time-pieces-whats-on-your-wrist.8200/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/time-pieces-whats-on-your-wrist.8200/ invalid@example.com (Brokor) Brokor Traser H3, Type 6


Traser, U.S. military watches (MIL-W-46374F). No watch in the world is easier to read in low light conditions! Self-activated mb-microtec GTLS (gaseous tritium light source) requires no battery power or any other form of charging and never needs servicing or maintenance.
Military dial
Scratch resistant mineral crystal
Swiss quartz movement
GTLS (green) on hour/minute hands and at hour position...

Time Pieces: What's On Your Wrist?]]> 323 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:16:32 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/filson.73384/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/filson.73384/ invalid@example.com (Hanzo) Hanzo
Been wanting a Filson waxed canvas duffle for some time, but put it off. Partly because of the price. But I caved when they had a Memorial Day sale. Got a medium in green to match my backpack. You can see how the duffle will look in the future next to the Journeyman....

Filson]]> 2 Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:29:40 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/diy-filter-fans-generations-1-2-and-3.68563/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/diy-filter-fans-generations-1-2-and-3.68563/ invalid@example.com (oil pan 4) oil pan 4 Inspired by dust and the fact that we would leave a fan on to drown out road noise, dogs running through the house.
It's pretty much just dust control. Useless for most pollens, totally useless for smoke and viruses. Great for if your house has pets and/or people living in your house or if you have any kind of dust.
It's just a cheap 20x20 air filter taped to a 20 inch box fan.
Tools: tape, a filter and a fan.
Difficulty level: total retard. If you can...

Diy filter fans generations 1, 2 and 3]]> 19 Sat, 04 Jul 2026 10:13:18 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/warriorlife-machete.73424/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/warriorlife-machete.73424/ invalid@example.com (CheroKiya) CheroKiya I never owned a machete before and picked this one up for ~$215. 1095 with a 17" blade and it's hefty at 1lb 10.5oz. My esee junglas was $165 but it's not so much a machete as it is a nice large chopper. The machete has a nicely aggressive micarta grip. It comes with a decent sheath with shoulder strap (after you mod it a bit), 2 basic molle bags, and a dual sharpener. Just a tip-mia]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:55:33 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/plotter-leather-notebooks.73385/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/plotter-leather-notebooks.73385/ invalid@example.com (Hanzo) Hanzo
My friction point has always been getting meeting notes scanned and archived.

Found out the Japanese Plotter notebook system and I have to tell you, they are not cheap. But they are gorgeous and I started using them and like them. I have an A5 for my work notebook...

Plotter leather notebooks]]> 2 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:05:50 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/rayo-mantle-lamp-conversions-the-why-and-why-bother.72912/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/rayo-mantle-lamp-conversions-the-why-and-why-bother.72912/ invalid@example.com (hot diggity) hot diggity So I just had to find out how well these Bradley & Hubbard Rayo conversions worked. I could tell you all about the skeletonized Aladdin R-150 mantle frame I used to make this possible... but the real story on these is that Montgomery Wards, in 1939 was seeing a supply disruption in their lamp business due to the war in Europe. Since they could no longer import Ehrich & Graetz mantle lamps from Germany, they needed an alternative. Some hot rod engineer at...

Rayo mantle lamp conversions - the why, and why bother.]]> 7 Fri, 15 May 2026 07:42:26 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/african-trooper-boots-jim-green-rose-anvil.71934/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/african-trooper-boots-jim-green-rose-anvil.71934/ invalid@example.com (Brokor) Brokor Barefoot African Trooper
($229)
Barefoot African Trooper - Jim Green
These boots are a collaboration between Rose Anvil (Weston) and Jim Green. The comfort and style of barefoot, zero-drop footwear has now been combined with the strength of a more traditional paratrooper jump boot, bringing added protection and durability to the wearer. I have the...

African Trooper Boots (Jim Green/Rose Anvil)]]> 8 Tue, 05 May 2026 18:59:59 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/glove-recommendations.73352/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/glove-recommendations.73352/ invalid@example.com (Flinker) Flinker 4 Sat, 02 May 2026 06:43:25 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/lb2-lazer-brite-2-tactical-lighting-system.50001/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/lb2-lazer-brite-2-tactical-lighting-system.50001/ invalid@example.com (Brokor) Brokor
LB2 Lazer Brite 2 Tactical Lighting System]]> 6 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:33:25 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/rust-removal-and-restoration.73052/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/rust-removal-and-restoration.73052/ invalid@example.com (AgentPickle) AgentPickle ]]> 3 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:08:04 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/geiger-counter-recommendation.73320/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/geiger-counter-recommendation.73320/ invalid@example.com (hot diggity) hot diggity
Is there a good source of U.S. made radiation detection equipment that somebody has actually done some long-term testing on?

I'm looking for a low level Geiger counter and some dosimeters. It'll be used mostly to identify thorium mantles.

Here's a short read about them....

Geiger counter recommendation?]]> 5 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:33:25 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/looking-for-information-about-nvgs.73276/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/looking-for-information-about-nvgs.73276/ invalid@example.com (Blackgrub0331) Blackgrub0331
I like the monocular ones but I'm open to others suggestions. If I told you the used it might help also.
I'm looking for something that can be used to walk dogs at but also be able to be used behind a weapon sights. Be really nice of it could hook up to Camara for night photography and astrophotography.

I'm just looking to see what's out there and the cost as I'm...

Looking for information about NVGs.]]> 2 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:23:41 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/advice-needed-wifi-extender.63851/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/advice-needed-wifi-extender.63851/ invalid@example.com (T. Riley) T. Riley ]]> 20 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:29:45 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/laser-welding.73056/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/laser-welding.73056/ invalid@example.com (kissmybrass) kissmybrass anyone actually use one? looks like the kitty's posterior.]]> 20 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:24:13 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/what-are-your-thoughts-on-non-electric-home-defense-tools.72633/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/what-are-your-thoughts-on-non-electric-home-defense-tools.72633/ invalid@example.com (batool787) batool787 I’ve been part of the prepping world for a while now and recently came across some gear that surprised me with how simple but effective it is — like motion sensors that don’t need Wi-Fi, blackout-proof floodlights, and old-school tripwires that alert you if someone steps on your perimeter.

I started testing a full kit that includes these kinds of tools — designed for folks who want something low-tech but reliable during grid-down scenarios or even just when you're away from...

What are your thoughts on non-electric home defense tools?]]> 23 Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:13:38 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/filson-journeyman-backpack.70198/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/filson-journeyman-backpack.70198/ invalid@example.com (Hanzo) Hanzo
It is my non-tactical grey man pack that I have used for about everything during that time. Hiking, beach, travel, work, tai chi…

The waxed canvas keeps stuff inside protected and dry. It is rugged. I have had all kinds of stuff scuff it. No problem.

Positives

Simple
Non-tactical
Grey man
Has a laptop/water bladder...

Filson Journeyman Backpack]]> 7 Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:41:24 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/agm-taipan-v2-15-384-thermal-monocular.72914/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/agm-taipan-v2-15-384-thermal-monocular.72914/ invalid@example.com (CaboWabo5150) CaboWabo5150



On Amazon: Amazon.com]]> 17 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:26:27 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/sro-case-hardened-skillets.72993/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/sro-case-hardened-skillets.72993/ invalid@example.com (CheroKiya) CheroKiya
SRO Case-Hardened Skillets]]> 14 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:58:26 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/diesel-heater.73059/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/diesel-heater.73059/ invalid@example.com (Big Ron) Big Ron Also, years ago, a fella told me of mixing in a small amount of gasoline with diesel to make it work better in the mountains.
I have only run straight diesel with fuel additives for jelling in serious winter conditions.]]> 14 Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:24:29 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/batteries-for-flashlights-radios-etc.71508/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/batteries-for-flashlights-radios-etc.71508/ invalid@example.com (Bandit99) Bandit99
Batteries for flashlights, radios, etc.]]> 61 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:53:48 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/winchester-universal-handgun-cleaning-kit.72971/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/winchester-universal-handgun-cleaning-kit.72971/ invalid@example.com (Brokor) Brokor
Amazon (about $19): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046IHQVI/?tag=survivalmonke-20
Wal-Mart (about $16): Winchester Cleaning Kits Winchester 8 Piece Compact Pistol w/ Aluminum Handle - Walmart.com

Hoppe's also makes one similar to this, but the price is...

Winchester Universal Handgun Cleaning Kit]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:01:03 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/100-wool-blankets-master-listing.34363/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/100-wool-blankets-master-listing.34363/ invalid@example.com (Brokor) Brokor Keeping it simple: The wool blanket should not be underestimated. In today's society, we see millions of products, each of them offering a reason why you should buy their product. When it comes to providing warmth, the wool blanket is still the greatest solution and it's only made...out of wool. I suggest just about any military surplus 100% wool blanket, but some are better than others. If you want a thicker blanket, go with the Swedish officer's wool or the Bulgarian military wool...

100% Wool Blankets (Master Listing)]]> 138 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:56:58 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/sig-p227.72929/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/sig-p227.72929/ invalid@example.com (AgentPickle) AgentPickle Here is my review where I bitch about it for 5 minutes so you don't have to.
]]> 21 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:54:26 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/low-cost-body-armor.62006/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/low-cost-body-armor.62006/ invalid@example.com (BenP) BenP 20 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:06:36 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/air-conditioning.72783/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/air-conditioning.72783/ invalid@example.com (kissmybrass) kissmybrass 24 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:27:31 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/looking-for-game-camera-advice.72240/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/looking-for-game-camera-advice.72240/ invalid@example.com (Blackgrub0331) Blackgrub0331 We did have two game cameras old ones but one was stolen and even just with two cameras its a large area to cover now we have only one.

I'm looking for some advice for the game cameras we would like them to have solar panels on them and we have talked about the idea of cellular.

So how does the cellular work? I know one company I was looking at Spypoint...

Looking for game camera advice]]> 12 Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:24:07 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/5-bag-survival-kit-system-grab-and-go-bag-edc-ghb-bob-never-coming-home-bag.72801/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/5-bag-survival-kit-system-grab-and-go-bag-edc-ghb-bob-never-coming-home-bag.72801/ invalid@example.com (Maria739) Maria739
Emergency Kit & Survival Bags

I added some items, let me know if I missed anything
(I have hiked all day several times with a 25lb backpack, I can add some more ,
however I have never been camping and everywhere I would need to go is at most an all-day hike away)

Starting with the smallest, each survival kit can fit into a...

5-bag survival kit system: grab and go bag, EDC, GHB, BOB, never-coming-home bag]]> 23 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:46:06 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/bug-out-backpack-gun.72730/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/bug-out-backpack-gun.72730/ invalid@example.com (AgentPickle) AgentPickle https://youtube.com/shorts/7oLJCNEPsqU?si=sMs6b0-CU8ixQKES
The Rock River Arms LAR-PDS in particular]]> 51 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:31:26 +0000 https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/my-ghb-and-edc-bag-and-contents.72494/ https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/my-ghb-and-edc-bag-and-contents.72494/ invalid@example.com (Typhoon McGoon) Typhoon McGoon View attachment 117298 View attachment 117299 View attachment 117300 View attachment 117301 View attachment 117302 View attachment 117303 View attachment 117305 View attachment 117306 View attachment 117307 View attachment 117308 View attachment 117309 View attachment 117310 View attachment 117298 View attachment 117298 View attachment 117299 View attachment 117300 View attachment 117301 View attachment 117302 View attachment 117303 View attachment 117305 ...

My GHB and EDC Bag and contents]]> 41