A requirement for any adventure...

As I stomped through a canyon outside of Moab, Utah I stumbled upon an oddly shaped outcrop of red rock. I was intrigued and immediately started examining the surrounding area. As I moved to the sunlit side of the outcrop, my eye caught a glint coming from an object on the ground. I knelt to take a closer look at the object and as I did, I smashed my knee on a piece of glass that I didn’t see because it was covered by dirt. I found that just barely underneath the topsoil there were a number of antique bottles and such. I dug deeper and found no less than six separate bottles, mostly whole. Since I was 3.5 miles into this canyon and had to climb in numerous areas, carrying a bunch of glass out was not going to be possible. Due to this experience back in 2003, I started carrying either a rucksack or some sort of bag almost everywhere I traveled and regardless of whether or not an adventure may ensue. My absolute favorite bag is the Mark VII…

In the early years of the Second World War the British military adopted the Mk.VII bag to carry the standard service gas mask; it’s also the bag that Indiana Jones always carried with him. This bag is rugged and worthy of carrying more than just gas masks. In fact, I can think of no other bag that would be better suited to carry trinkets out of a canyon in Moab. A canvas sack with a leather shoulder strap is one of the most simple yet essential carry-all devices. Measuring roughly 11″ tall, 10″ wide and 3″ thick, the Mk. VII neatly separates gear you’ve carried in and finds that you’re going to want to carry out.

The Mk. VII has utility for a variety of hobbies and adventures. If you’re a hunter, it’s perfect to use as a shell bag in addition to carrying your knife, flashlight and a Snickers. If you’re a fisherman, you’ll find the bag good for use as a creel or to carry all of your misc. fishing gear, ie. pliers, knife, tackle, repellents, etc. And if you’re an adventurer well, it’s good for your many adventures.

I’ve ordered three replica Mk. VII’s (one for myself and two as gifts) from What Price Glory (onlinemilitaria.net) and they’ve all been very high quality.

For getting that cold one open ASAP...

Gone are the days of treating your home bar as if it were yours and yours only. No, these in-house-drink-serving-places-of-relaxation can be more than just an extra room to kick back and play pool; they can be shared and enjoyed by many.

For example, the home bar can be the focal point of a night of entertaining guests, family or otherwise. If you’re stuck with the neighbors who you didn’t really want to invite over but had to, at least you have liquor.  Or, it can be the place to getaway from it all and play five card stud or the ‘ol Army game with your five closest buddies, surrounded by cigar smoke and fine whisky.  Regardless of how you enjoy your home bar it always needs a few bold, powerful drinking tools.

Enter the ZACK Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener. It’s bold, it’s tough as hell and it’ll fit in seamlessly onto a wall in your bar. Made of 18/10 stainless steel, it has that perfect shine that’ll blend with all the rest of your stainless steel bar tools. It’s not the classic cast iron bottle opener, then again, it’s not snobby either.  It mounts easily with the included screws and adds more bottle opening power to your bar.

The ZACK Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener is a welcome addition to the world of bar tools. Get one for your home bar or as an early Christmas gift for a friend today! It’s simple, effective and faultless for cracking open pilseners, lagers and ales for all.

Get the ZACK Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener:
-at Amazon.com

Rivals...

Downtown Columbus, Ohio has a lot to offer for the guy who just loves to travel or the guy who is looking for a simple vacation with the big city feel but without the big city hassle.

First off, most of the downtown area and especially the “Arena District” is well organized, easy to navigate and densely populated with quality restaurants and bars. We ventured to Gordon Biersch Brewery, Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar and Buca di Beppo’s. Of those three restaurants Buca di Beppo, a family Italian eatery, had the best food, Gordon Biersch Brewery had the best drinks and Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar had the best atmosphere and was the perfect place to close out a night. All were quality establishments and are worth a visit.

The Arena District is so named for Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets have been in Columbus since 2000 and by the looks of it, they’ll make the playoffs this year for the first time in franchise history. Personally, I’m a Detroit Red Wings fan but, it’s always fun to catch a game in another city; especially if you can get tickets like we had… one row off the glass. Sitting that close you’ll better understand the speed and the grit that is the NHL. See the previous Black Rucksack article on the NHL experience and get tickets from StubHub!

More rivals...

Another feature in Columbus a few miles outside of downtown is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; one of the best zoos in the country. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy a sunny Spring afternoon. A zoo typically isn’t the place for a hardcore adventure (unless something escapes) but, a lot of the kids, girlfriends and wives you guys have will enjoy it.

This is just a taste of what downtown Columbus, Ohio offers… find a hotel and book it now!

Gordon Biersch Brewery – $$$
3.5 out of 5 Rucksacks
-

Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar – $$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks
-

Buca di Beppo – $$$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks

Survival of the fittest...

The single most important item in any survival kit is the means to start a fire. Another necessity for every survival situation is a knife. When you combine those two functions, you get the ToolLogic SL3 Fire.

The SL3 features a partially serrated 3″ blade and a magnesium alloy fire starter. This particular type of fire starter will spark at over 2500 degrees Fahrenheit and will always spark when wet. If you watch Man vs. Wild you’ll notice that survivalist Bear Grylls often uses a similar type of magnesium fire starter.

Perfect for any rucksack at only 2.7 ounces, the ToolLogic SL3 Fire is a fundamental piece of survival gear.

ToolLogic SL3 Fire
$38

Scotch... Kahlua... Bliss

Almost every combination of alcohol has probably been named and spoken for; we understand that. And, the reason for this post isn’t to claim, but to share. Often times when the next article we’re working on is being talked about at Black Rucksack, we like to drink what our founding members originally called a “Nightwatch”. Now, we either refer to it as either a Rucksack or a Black Rucksack… whatever you call it, it is smooth and delicious.

1.5oz scotch whisky
.75oz coffee-flavored liqueur
.75oz soda water
garnish with a lime

In an old-fashioned glass (rocks glass), add the scotch and the coffee-flavored liqueur. Stir well. Then, add the soda water, serve it on the rocks and garnish with a lime. For the scotch, we suggest a mid-grade blended scotch whisky such as Dewar’s. For the coffee-flavored liqueur we suggest Kahlua. Also note, for those of your who are mixing novices, 1.5 oz is a standard size shot glass.

Yam sing! (that’s the “cheers” equivalent in Chinese interpreted as “Dry your cup!”)

A necessary addition...

When you have to look your best it is relatively easy to take care of the major items: shirt, pants and jacket. It’s even pretty easy to take care of medial importance items: hair, shoes, belt, etc. But, there are a few minor details that are often overlooked that can make or break your style. And if you’re going to put all that effort into dressing well to attract that one stunning woman you’ve been working on, you’ll need just one more thing… the collar stay.

A collar stay isn’t universally required; there are many shirts and collars that are best worn slightly unkempt. On the other hand, when you’re wearing a suit or shirt and tie a collar stay is most likely necessary.

One the best quality collar stays is produced by Stayclip. They are made out of metal, come in many different finishes and provide that durable, lasting perfect collar. In addition, you can have them engraved for a personalized touch. Included with purchase is, in essence, a keyring to keep all of your Stayclip collar stays together and that keyring can be wall mounted right near the rest of your wardrobe. And if you’re wearing them through a metal detector, according to the Stayclip site, no worries.

Stayclip Collar Stays
$35 to $130

Got a light?

Much is familiar about the Zippo lighter: the “clink” they make when they open and shut, their windproof flame and the distinct shape. My Grandpa had one that he cherished and kept with him in his trouser pocket every single day. And like the few Zippo’s in my family, Zippo’s around the world hold the same two roles: lighter and heirloom.

There are few day-to-day items that carry as much history as a Zippo lighter. It was 2007 when a friend and I were driving through Pennsylvania on a road trip. We literally, accidentally drove past the Zippo Manufacturing Company in Bradford… and we then stopped. There we toured the part-store, part-museum visitors center and took in a lot of the history of Zippo. First produced in 1933, the lighter was popularized by many American soldiers of World War II and the tradition continues on; it remains one of the most popular brands to date.

In 2007, Zippo released a new line of lighter… the Zippo Blu. It’s a butane torch lighter and a must for the cigar smoker. The case design is slightly different than the standard Zippo case and thus a distinguishing feature.

The Zippo is sturdy and resilient but just in case, it also includes a lifetime guarantee. If there is a problem with your lighter the company will replace or fix it for free.

Zippo Windproof
~$18

Zippo Blu
~$38

Smooth as silk...

Whisky. Delicious, golden bourbon whisky.

A while back, I was with my Dad, my brother and some of my uncles drinking beer. It was our occasional gathering for shootin’ the breeze, eating chili dogs and tellin’ tales. This particular night I was introduced to a smooth ’small batch’ Kentucky bourbon… Basil Hayden’s.

The taste of Basil Hayden’s has a slight spice, no bite and a very clean finish. It is aged for eight years and the mash contains a larger-than-normal amount of rye. You can expect a smooth, buttery texture from this light, enjoyable whisky.

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Bourbon Whisky
$36

Photo by: cabelas.com

Adventure… a guy must have it. It may be the thrill of a hunt or perhaps just setting out on a drive or hike without a specific landing-place. Or maybe, it’s traveling around the world with a black rucksack and letting the locals in each new destination discovery guide you to the next. However you define it, you’ll need a shirt for it. For my adventuring, I choose the Cabela’s Serengeti Safari Shirt.

This shirt has five pockets, epaulets, features 6-ounce-per-square-yard 100% cotton canvas and is highly durable and comfortable. It’ll outlast your boots, your pants and probably a lot of your other gear.

As you button this shirt up you begin to transform… you become not just an adventurer but the adventurer… the man of many talents.

Along the road you may find your transformed-self becoming permanent… that’s perfect. That is what you wanted… the true adventurer to come through for a good, long time.

Perhaps a fedora is in order…?

Cabela’s Serengeti Safari Shirt
$32

The Waterman Hemisphere

The Waterman Hemisphere pen is simple, elegant and contemporary.  It is the perfect pocket partner for day-to-day use and is a peerless projection of professionalism and confidence when signing large contracts.  We dare you not to look sophisticated when you use this pen.

The Waterman company has been producing pens since 1884 when it was established by Lewis Edson Waterman.  The Waterman I’ve owned have been very well crafted and high quality.  For the Hemisphere, I suggest a roller ball over a fountain pen.

You can find the Waterman Hemisphere starting at about $25 and run up to about $100 depending on the style one chooses.  If you’re new to the Waterman brand or the Hemisphere then we suggest starting with the Starlight or the standard stainless steel version.

Waterman Hemisphere Pen
$25 to $100

The Climber by Victorinox

The Explorer, Ranger, Rucksack, Mountaineer, Climber or the Handyman?  My personal favorite of all the Victorinox Swiss Army knives is without a doubt the Climber, followed closely by the Rucksack.  There aren’t many pieces of gear as simple and as useful as a Swiss Army knife.  I carry mine in my front pocket just about every day.

It’s easy to see how the Swiss Army knife has become the quintessential piece of gear.  The knives flexibility and diverse set of tools lend favorably to its usability.  Compared to many other multi-tools it is far less cumbersome and the bold red shell is pretty tough.  While the Swiss Army knife is a good friend for a cautious fellow, it is also the embodiment of resourcefulness.  Choose this knife and you’ve chosen brains and versatility over unsteady, oft detrimental brawn.

Take a look at the rich history of these knives and you’ll catch a glimpse of World War I and World War II.  Since the birth of the knife in 1891 it has been a stand-by for many soldiers.  And, now in 2008 there is a new soldier’s knife that has been re-invented for this era.

The Climber and the Rucksack represent two different types of Victorinox knife.  The Climber is a traditional Swiss Army knife with the following 14 tools: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, can opener with small screwdriver 3 mm (also for Phillips screws), cap lifter with screwdriver 6 mm and wire stripper, reamer, punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick, scissors and multi-purpose hook.

The Rucksack is a more ergonomic knife with a locking blade and contains the following 12 tools: large lock blade, corkscrew, can opener with screwdriver 3 mm, cap lifter with screwdriver with automatic locking and wire stripper, reamer, punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick and wood saw.

Both are fine companions for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and most any other outdoor activity you can think of, as well day-to-day use even in the office.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
$15 to $38

Photo By: stormykromer.com

All of us here at the Black Rucksack are experienced travelers. One thing that every traveler and more specifically every hiker knows is that when the weather changes, the gear you carry needs to still be suitable. A Fall day in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula can easily start in the 70’s and end up in the 20’s. For those days we have the perfect solution for your head: The Stormy Kromer.

I can’t even count the number of times that I have pulled down the flaps on my Kromer. Yes, a few times it may have been just for the impression it gives at a local bar, but in most cases I’ve wanted to keep my ears from freezing! I also have to thank my brother, D. W., for giving me one of these hats as a gift.  It has certainly served it purpose!  Keep in mind, that the Stormy Kromer is not just a baseball cap, it’s a legend. On a cold morning in 1903 the warmth of ear flaps and the functionality of a baseball cap combined to give us the perfect hat to handle the fluctuations of nature.

The creativity, focus on fit and quality craftsmanship behind this hat are well-known to hunters and woodsmen alike. One thing is for sure, if you’re out catching some big Brook Trout and the wind picks up… you’ll be happy we told you about the Stormy Kromer.

Stormy Kromer Cap
$30