Flatlay Breakdown #6
Testing The Condor Scout Hatchet
We are continuing our under $50 hatchet round-up. This time, we are putting the Condor Scout to the test. Cutting, carving, chopping, splitting wood and general backwoods use. I didn’t pay attention to the dimensions when I ordered it and was a little surprised that it was smaller than I expected. If it performs like any other Condor gear I have had, it should be a winner!
Below is a detailed breakdown of some of my favorite camping gear. It’s tried and tested. What you see here is what I take camping when I know I will not be close to the car or on the trail for more than one night.
Items In This Flatlay:
Ontario RAT-3
A good knife is probably the single most important bushcraft tool. The Ontario RAT-3 is one of my go-to fixed blades. It has a full tang, with a 3.9” carbon steel blade that can be easily honed to a razor-sharp edge. The micarta handle is good and grippy even in wet conditions, which is huge for me. The knife and included nylon sheath weigh 9.9 ounces, so it’s by no means a pocket knife, but still a beautifully crafted blade that’s comfortable on the hip or in the hand.
Victorinox Alox Cadet – Green
I don’t even know how many Swiss army knives I own at this point. Probably too many. I’d go on record and say that the Victorinox Alox Cadet is my favorite. The design is the epitome of the motto “everything you need, nothing you don’t,” with an excellent blade, a handy pair of scissors and a tough little file/screwdriver tool. This olive green model came out in 2017, and they’re a little harder to come by now, so I’m glad I jumped on it when I did. A classic. Read our review here.
Snowpeak Titanium Spork
Simplifying my backcountry cooking setup is an ongoing project, but I’ll say this: buying this Snowpeak Titanium Spork was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s incredibly durable, and because it’s made of titanium, also shockingly lightweight (just 0.6 ounces). I’ve gone through dozens of plastic cutlery products on the trail, but this one will probably outlive my grandchildren.
Alkin Model One Field Watch
I could spend all morning trying to pick out a watch most days, but this Alkin Model One Field Watch is definitely a go-to when I’m headed into the bush. The simplicity of its design gets me every time, with crisp, clean lines and an instantly-readable dial. One can also see the Seiko NH35A automatic movement through the display-window back panel of the watch, which is a cool feature that makes me feel like the watch and I have our own little secret while it’s on my wrist.
Knipex 5″ Pliers
I’ve gotten more use out of my Knipex 5″ Pliers than I ever would have guessed. They’re made of an incredibly durable Chrome-Vanadium steel alloy, with grippy handles and a slim profile that allows you to reach them into tight spaces. Most importantly, they offer grip and power that punches well above their dainty weight class. Read our review here.
Exotac Lighter Shield
The Exotac Lighter Shield is one of those true where-have-you-been-all-my-live products I never knew I needed until I tried it. You see, I’ve always been a huge fan of basic Bic lighters because they’re cheap, reliable, and available pretty much everywhere. Their only Achilles heel is water, but the Exotac Lighter Shield fixes that problem by creating an impermeable waterproof shell (and it floats). It’s great for fishing and kayaking trips, or any situation in which you need to keep your precious lighter safe and dry.
Procamptek Fire Starter
Procamptek makes some of the best tinder and fire starter products I’ve yet seen. Their Fat Rope Stick is a particular favorite. It’s made of pure cotton material infused with wax that ignites with the slightest spark. Slice off a section of the Fat Rope Stick, and the cotton breaks down into microfibers that will take a flame even in tough conditions.
Lumintop Flashlight
Lumintop has made some of my all-time favorite flashlights. They’re simple and reliable, which is pretty much all I ask from a flashlight. This one is also lightweight and compact, which makes it great for everyday carry. It runs on a single 18650 battery, and kicks out some serious lumens for its size.
Buy The Lumintop EDC Flashlight
Condor Scout Hatchet
One of the best hatchets in the $50 range, the Condor Scout Hatchet handles chopping, splitting, cutting and carving like a champ. It runs a little smaller than one might expect, but for me that makes it all the better as a portable camping hatchet. The Condor is a handsome tool as well, with a great blade shape and just the right amount of contour to the handle. It’s not made for felling big trees, but for finer tasks it’s a great little hatchet. Read our Best Hatchet Under $50 here.
Benchmade Griptilian w/ Applied Weapons Tech Scales
In a survival situation, I’d rather have a fixed blade knife. But for everyday carry, a compact folding pocket knife is tough to beat. The Benchmade Griptilian is a great one, with several available blade shapes including this sheepsfoot combo blade made of premium CPM-S30V stainless steel. On this particular knife, I’ve removed the original G10 handles that came with the Griptilian and replaced them with Applied Weapons Tech Scales. I just think they look better, and make the Griptilian feel more like the premium knife it was meant to be.
But The Applied Weapons Tech Scales
Mapping Compass
Being able to read a compass and navigate by it is pretty much Survival 101. It’s a skill everyone should have, and a good compass is a tool that everyone should carry when they go camping or hiking. I like a mapping compass like this one because it makes it easier to translate what you see on a map with what you see around you, and plan your route accordingly.
Holy Armament Pocket Rosary
Saint Padre Pio called the Holy Rosary “the weapon against the evils of the world.” You can believe what you want, but I go into the woods more confidently knowing that if I get into trouble, I can call on the big guy for a little help. The Holy Armament Pocket Rosary hardly weighs anything, and it doesn’t take up much space, so why not throw one in your pack?
Paracord
I could go on and on about the million and one uses for paracord in the backcountry. Suffice to say, I seldom go into the woods without it. Make a shelter. Tie down a tarp. Hang a bear bag. Start a fire. Tie a tourniquet. Catch a fish. Fashion a snare. Lift something heavy. Lower something heavy. I could go on and on.
Victorniox Classic – Green
Look, you know I love Swiss army knives. This isn’t even the first one on this list. I just have a soft spot for them, and this little Victorinox Classic is a great one. It’s lightweight, small enough to put on a keychain, and has just a few essential tools, including a sharp blade and a great little pair of scissors. I love it.
EZE Lap Sharpener
Every good knife needs to be sharpened now and then, and the EZE Lap Sharpener is one of the best small knife sharpeners out there. It’s just about 3 inches long and the perfect size for touching up smaller blades (it’ll work on larger knives too, but requires a little more work. I keep one of these with my bushcraft gear and another in a kitchen drawer in case any of our kitchen knives ever need a bit of attention.