ACCESSORIES
by Mike Floyd
BORN OUTDOOR BADGER BED
The truth of the matter is I’ve never much enjoyed camping, having long viewed it as a necessary part of the equation when it comes to hunting and fishing, but never as a goal unto itself. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say I just hate sleeping on the ground, a process that has not grown more appealing with age. The Badger Bed 30 ($400) from Boulder-based Born Outdoor has caused me to reconsider my perspective. Ideal for vehicle-based adventures or overland treks, the Badger Bed is the foundational piece of a four-season modular sleep system that’s compatible with most 30-inch- wide mattresses or pads. They’ve even made it easy for you by creating Badger Bed bundles that include a Therm-a-Rest MondoKing, sheets and a quilt. The outer shell and full length YKK zipper system protects you from the elements, while G-hooks and adjust- able straps secure the bedroll for storage or transport in the 120L portage duffel (sold separately and well worth $185). Side walls provide structural support, and three easily accessible pockets keep your keys, phone and head lamp organized. This is an exceptionally well-crafted product for a wide variety of conditions, and it obviously didn’t happen by accident. No, somebody spent many an uncomfortable night in the woods figuring all this out. Rejoice in knowing it didn’t have to be you. www.bornoutdoor.com
COSTA DEL MAR KING TIDE 6
It can’t be easy to reinvent something as ubiquitous as sunglasses, yet Costa Del Mar has managed to do just that as it celebrates 40 years of optical excellence with the King Tide 6 ($349). Combining research and innovation learned over the past four decades with new, proprietary technology five years in the making, the King Tide 6 leaves nothing to chance and, to its credit, has more noteworthy selling points than space permits mentioning here. Three primary factors put the King Tide in a league of its own: ventilation, versatility and coverage—all of it more and better. An extensive network of ports is incorporated throughout the frames, making them lighter while preventing fog and perspiration buildup. More beveling on Costa’s legendary 580G lenses means they are thinner and lighter without sacrificing clarity. Removable side shields block peripheral light, giving you laser focus under the brightest conditions. There’s also an anti-skid coating added to the top side of the frames that prevents sliding when you set them down under tough conditions, which, having seen three pairs of my own slide into the murky depths over the years, proves especially compelling. An easily adjustable nose piece allows precision when it comes to how the frames rest on our face. If you remain unconvinced, take the online tour at www.costadelmar.com. You’re sure to be impressed.
MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY CULINARY SET
There’s a lot to like about Montana Knife Company. At 19, MKC founder Josh Smith became the youngest Master Blade-smith in history. Having grown up on the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, his passion for knives began at age 11, when he bought his first grinder with money earned mowing lawns. Today, his family-owned business creates some of the best knives in the world from his western Montana workshop, where the American dream is alive and well. While most of Smith’s knives are created with hunting and fishing in mind, it’s his exceptional culinary set ($1,395) that grabbed our attention. The Bighorn Chef, Smith River Santuku and Little Bighorn Petty combine to cover everything from fine slicing, chopping and mincing to working through heavy bone. The set was born of a collaboration between Smith and Marek Maumasi, who brought his extensive knife knowledge and restaurant experience into the equation. The result is a perfect set of tools for home or campsite, featuring Magnacut Stainless Steel finished with black Cerakote and G-10 handles contoured for a solid grip. Available in three colors, the knives can be purchased individually, but if you buy the set it comes with a hand-crafted, American bison leather knife roll for easy storage and transport, more than enough to justify the upfront investment. www.montanaknifecompany.com
TOM BECKBE LEATHER WEEKENDER DUFFLE BAG
Sometimes it’s easier to reverse engineer something by determining what it is that you don’t want as opposed to figuring out what it is that you like. In the case of luggage, I’ve never cared to travel with a showy bag that has too many pockets or flashy zippers. No bright colors, please. And I’ll always opt for buckles over snaps. For leather over synthetics. For a solid carry strap instead of wheels. I also appreciate a bag that’s slow to break in, but begins to adopt just the right hue and character at about the same time others are already beginning to break down. What I like, in a nutshell, is the Tom Beckbe Leather Weekender Duffie Bag ($699). Built with vegetable-tanned, full-grain American cowhide, the Weekender features solid brass hardware, buttery-smooth antique brass zippers and a roped carry handle that rides your shoulder like a dream. The clam shell opening is concealed beneath a top flap, and there’s plenty of room for a three-day escape within its 20- by 11- by 11.5-inch frame. Where to go is a discussion for another day. Mountain retreat? Caribbean getaway? No matter. Just know that with the Weekender in tow, you’re going to look good getting there. www.tombeckbe.com
