Old Press Releases

News - Old Press Releases

Here's a new offering by Streamlight for those folks that need a compact light for personal area use such as in the tent or out on the trail.  The Enduro can be used either with the supplied headband, or can be attached to the brim of a hat.  Lightweight and compact, appears to be a nice addition to their line and well worth checking out in the near future.  Here is the information from Streamlight's press release:

Enduro Headlamp

Impact resistant ABS case available in black or REALTREE Hardwoods® Green High Definition® (HD)
camo pattern
Facecap Diameter: 1.3 in. (3.25 cm) Maximum Width: 2.25 in. (5.7 cm)
Maximum Depth: 1.6 in. (4.0 cm) including headstrap & mounting plate
2.75 oz (78.5 grams)* with batteries and strap

Read more: New Streamlight Enduro

News - Old Press Releases

Brunton is solidly entrenched in the outdoors technology industry, and their new line of stoves is an example of that commitment to outdoors enthusiasts.  The new Bantam and Vesta (essentially the same stove except for fuel type) are aimed at the person who wants/needs a lightweight stove that is still robust and performs well at a strong value point.  The Bantam operates with liquid fuel and the Vesta uses butane for its operation.  These are certainly products well worth investigating before making a stove purchase, and Woods Monkey intends on doing a review of these stoves as they become available.  In the meantime, here is additional information on the two stoves from Brunton's press release.

New Bantam Liquid Fuel Stove

The Bantam is a snap to operate and performs with elegance. Lighter, hotter and sturdier than it’s competitors, Bantam takes the title for the best liquid fuel stove buy in backpacking.

Read more: Brunton's New Bantam and Vesta

News - Old Press Releases

Guys, it's just a hair over a week away from Valentine's Day, and what says love like a knife with an S30V blade?  Yes, it's just a bit sterotypical, but it can't be denied.  We like tactical black and the ladies love the color pink, and Spyderco has a new product that might help you out with an idea for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your true love.  It's a variation on their Native line with the CPMS30V blade, pink handle, and at a great price point that just about anyone can afford.  Aside from that, Spyderco will donate additional funds to the Breast Cancer Network Of Strength based on the sales of the Pink Native.  So, you'll be doing two good deeds this year instead of just one.  The Pink Native has an MSRP of $109.95, but can be found for substantially less with a bit of judicious shopping online.  But, get moving quickly on this one because Valentine's Day is just a week away!

Here's more information about the Pink Native from Spyderco's press release:

Read more: Spyderco's Pink Native Idea

News - Old Press Releases

Here's an exciting new product released by Brunton for 2009.  It's their Lamplight 360.  Essentially, it's an LED light that can be used as a flashlight or an area light depending on whether or not it is open or closed.  But, that in itself isn't the exciting part of this new product.  Convertible lights have been around for a while, but what makes this one unique is that it can run on basically whatever size batteries you have available--AA, C, or D!  This is a new patent-pending technology that allows the user to "make do" with the batteries they have available in order to have light either in the tent or on the trail.  We think this product has a lot of potential and are hoping to review it in the near future and convey our thoughts to the Woods Monkey audience.  Here is more information about the Lamplight 360 found in the press release issued by Brunton!

The first 360 º LED lantern brings new technology to a classic. No reflectors are required to pour an even beam of light on camp. No dead or black spots. This lantern runs for hours on D, C, or AA batteries whichever you have handy. It’s called Omnivore Variable Battery Technology, a patent-pending design exclusive to Brunton. Push the head in to use as a flashlight, pull it out for a lantern.

Read more: Brunton's New Lamplight 360

News - Old Press Releases

Benchmade has swung for the fence again with another of their products for 2009--the NimCub II.  It's due out in the next few weeks.  Actually a more tactical design having been put together in collaboration with military airbone personnel, we still see great potential for the NimCub II as an outdoors knife.  Its compact size makes it an easy knife to pack for the ultra-light people, yet it still retains all the best qualities of a fixed blade.  It comes with a fitted sheath we are told can be attached to different types of gear which would make this a great companion for whether you're a day hiker or a through-hiker.  It has a deep finger guard that allows for a strong grip to be had, and it boasts a blade made of 154CM steel--one of our favorites!  We've been told that Woods Monkey has been added to the list for a demo unit so we can give our readers a hand-on review of this great-looking new product.

With an MSRP of about $135.00 U.S., it'll actually hit the streets for a little bit less.  As some would say, "Black is in when it comes to knives", I can't help wondering what this gem would look like with a high visizibility handle in orange/red and with a regular satin blade finish instead of the black coating.  It might be a more appealing product to the regular outdoors recreation crowd.  But, beauty comes through in function, and soon, we'll have a good idea of what role it can play in the backcountry!

News - Old Press Releases

Gerber has followed up with some new items for its multi-tool line.  These two are the Splice and Vise with the main difference being the main tool--scissors for the Slice and pliers for the Vise. (Click on pictures for larger view) These are smaller tools optimized for easier pocket carry.  More information from Gerber's press release on these two new products for 2009:

These improved mini-multi-tools pack a punch for their size in both functionality and price.  Both the Splice and the Vise include two blades for multiple applications.  A new bottle opener design is easier to use and has better leverage.  The tools are easier to access and open with larger nail nicks.  Overall, the design is more intuitive, compact, and lighter in weight than the earlier Clutch and Shortcut models.  A hide-away lanyard ring allows the user to comfortably carry the Splice or Vise in his or her pocket or attach it to a keychain.

Estimated Street Retail $15.

News - Old Press Releases

Another new item which will be available this year is Gerber's new Metolius Fixed blade knife.  It is available with or without a gut-hook.  The one shown in the picture is without.  An interesting point for us to ponder is the price of this new offering by Gerber.  The Metolius will have a 154CM steel blade.  154CM is a mid-grade steel and usually found in knives in a higher price range.  Gerber may have just done something very special this time around in offering a knife of this type, with a 154CM steel blade in the $35-$40 range.  We're very excited to have a chance to look at this product and see if it delivers on the promise of what we believe will be a great-value knife.  The following is information released from Gerber about the Metolius Fixed blade knife:

The Metolious Fixed Blade hunting knife employs a full tang construction for strength and durability.  The handle features SoftGrip® over mold and deep finger grooves for a superior non-slip grip. A lanyard hole in the handle allows the knife to be attached to the sheath or elsewhere.  The 154CM blade is available in either drop point or gut hook.  Sheath included.

Estimated Street Retail $35-40.

News - Old Press Releases

Always the one to try something new and different, Gerber has just announced a new addition to their product line which they call the Kick-Axe.  (Click on pictures for larger view) We had a chance to handle one at the SHOT Show in January, and it is an interesting idea to create a folding axe that tucks away for easy transport in your pack.  Time will tell how it performs, and we hope to have a chance to review this new item once it's available.  Here's the information from Gerber's press release:

The Gerber Kick Axe combines Gerber innovation with its dedication to quality tools to get the job done.  The Kick Axe is excellent for car camping or over night hunting trips due to its ease of carrying and its lightweight design.  The Kick Axe has a full metal construction with plastic over-molded handles for a sucure and safe grip.  The axe head is forged for durability and reliability. A black Teflon® coating adds corrosion resistance. Safe and secure SafTPlus™ locking mechanism keeps the axe head and handle locked in place. The Kick Axe is great for chopping limbs up to 2.5” diameter.

Available at retail July 1, 2009

MSRP $60