Summer is upon us and with it often comes the need for a piece of new gear – maybe some camping equipment, or even just an excuse for a fresh new pocketknife (you’ll get no judgment from the TGN boys). For episode 149, Jason and James are chatting about some of their favorite summer essentials, from clothes to gear, shoes, fins, knives, sunglasses, random goodies, and a whole lot more.
One thing you left off is a good book to read while your lounging around by the water or the camp fire. Maybe something with adventure, diving, watches...
I carry a Swiss Army knife (which is about all you can in the UK), an OLight I3T and for prying I’d recommend the Nite-Ize Doohickey to keep on a key chain, I use it loads (and not just as a bottle opener!!)
Hey James and Jason. I would love a little more talk about your fitness gear on occasion. I know James is an occasional(?) runner and Jason cycles so any bits and pieces on shoes, kit, or tires would be appreciated!
Great episode guys! Couple of comments, in no particular order...
I can't live without a knife, use it for all kinds of tasks, everyday. When I fly, I check it. UI and ergo on Spyderco's are typically good across the board. My weekday EDC is a Dragonfly II, love the small size. Benchmade Mini Grip gets weekend duty around the house when the larger size is OK to carry and comes in handy for bigger tasks. I've got a SAK electricians model for times when I'm needing a less 'tactical' look (although the DFII is so small it does tend to fly under the radar) or when traveling to locations where an assisted opening or one hand opening knife might run afoul of the law.
Leatherman Style PS is always in my pocket. No larger than a key fob and quite a number of useful tools. No blade so TSA safe. Mine has survived dozens of flights.
2nd on the KH t-shirts, good stuff.
For summer in the south, having a good small cooler is almost essential to keep water and cooling towel or kerchief dunked in ice water in. The new Pelican 14Q is pretty nice, I've been using it for a few weeks.
Jason - where did you get the prescription lenses for the AO sunglasses? I've got a pair of AO's that I really enjoy, would be nice to be able to see stuff that's a bit closer when wearing them...
Thank you, James, for being unafraid to take a stand against people playing music in the woods, especially on hiking trails. They are bad, and they should feel bad. And because I've reached journeyman curmudgeon status, I'll extend that to people playing guitars in campgrounds anytime after nine or ten p.m., although I understand if others don't want to come that far with me.
Always love these episodes. James, you'll have to try the Hifiman HE400i for your next step up in the open-back headphone world. Picked up a pair off Amazon last year for <$200, really happy with them. On the brimmed hat front, I couldn't be happier with my Tilley Airflo.
Thanks for the fin recommendation. Was wanting to pick up something before our beach trip this year. What was the brand of mask ya'll recommended to look for? Didn't quite pick up the name of that one.
I love the gear/gadget focused episodes. Speaking of Swiss Army knives, there is a guy on IG (@875fps) that modifies Swiss Army knives. He takes the plastic handles scales off & replaces them with bronze machined handles, its a really neat custom mod. Worth checking out, not needed or cheap but a cool custom gadget. Cheers.
I started my descent into headphone nerdery (which predates watches) with the Philips HP-890. Huge and ludicrous and really quite good. James, assuming your Philips are in a similar vein, I'd suggest looking into Beyerdynamic next. I've been "out of the game" for a little while, but Beyer always made excellent open headphones in the sub $500 range. If you want closed with a surprisingly similar sound, the Beyer DT250 are fantastic. I've used a set as my work headphones for maybe 10 years.
For EDK knives, I have used a Kershaw Leek for many years. It is a great all-purpose knife, and it looks sleek and un-tactical enough that it usually doesn't scare folks who aren't used to being around knives. I also like the mix of straight and serrated blade for different tasks. For those who want something even smaller and less threatening, the Chive and Scallion are also nice; the Scallion has a partially serrated option and the Chive only comes with a straight blade.
Another poster mentioned Spyderco, which has many solid options. I have used them in the past, though I personally like the feel of the Kershaw.
The Benchmades are very nice; a little pricey but I believe you get what you pay for. On the other hand, at around $47 USD you can lose two Leeks to TSA, buy a third, and still be at about the price of one Benchmade. :)
First post on substack. Thanks for great episodes, including this one. You mentioned some stuff about linen shorts/shirts but I didn't see links--do you have any recommendations in that area? Also, for outdoor hats my brother-in-law got me a Tilley's Hiker Hat and it has been my go-to for hikes, paddling, and general sunny days. It can get totally wet no problem. Wide range of sizes.
I love the Leatherman Wingman. I keep it in my car so I don't forget it when I go fishing. Perfect little multi-tool but a little bulky for an EDC (though the Phillips driver is more like a flathead with a bump and disappointing). A small SAK is still usually the best and in a small package.
Speaking of binoculars, I can recommend the Sig Sauer Zulu 5 8x42. I’ve had mine for a few years and they are great for hunting. Very durable. Takes a beating and are quite waterproof. At least good enough for Scottish summer, aka pouring rain :)
One thing you left off is a good book to read while your lounging around by the water or the camp fire. Maybe something with adventure, diving, watches...
I still wear my AO FG-58s that I was issued back in 91. Still my go to sunglasses! Great pick!
I carry a Swiss Army knife (which is about all you can in the UK), an OLight I3T and for prying I’d recommend the Nite-Ize Doohickey to keep on a key chain, I use it loads (and not just as a bottle opener!!)
Hey James and Jason. I would love a little more talk about your fitness gear on occasion. I know James is an occasional(?) runner and Jason cycles so any bits and pieces on shoes, kit, or tires would be appreciated!
Great episode guys! Couple of comments, in no particular order...
I can't live without a knife, use it for all kinds of tasks, everyday. When I fly, I check it. UI and ergo on Spyderco's are typically good across the board. My weekday EDC is a Dragonfly II, love the small size. Benchmade Mini Grip gets weekend duty around the house when the larger size is OK to carry and comes in handy for bigger tasks. I've got a SAK electricians model for times when I'm needing a less 'tactical' look (although the DFII is so small it does tend to fly under the radar) or when traveling to locations where an assisted opening or one hand opening knife might run afoul of the law.
Leatherman Style PS is always in my pocket. No larger than a key fob and quite a number of useful tools. No blade so TSA safe. Mine has survived dozens of flights.
2nd on the KH t-shirts, good stuff.
For summer in the south, having a good small cooler is almost essential to keep water and cooling towel or kerchief dunked in ice water in. The new Pelican 14Q is pretty nice, I've been using it for a few weeks.
Jason - where did you get the prescription lenses for the AO sunglasses? I've got a pair of AO's that I really enjoy, would be nice to be able to see stuff that's a bit closer when wearing them...
Thanks again guys, keep up the good work!
Thank you, James, for being unafraid to take a stand against people playing music in the woods, especially on hiking trails. They are bad, and they should feel bad. And because I've reached journeyman curmudgeon status, I'll extend that to people playing guitars in campgrounds anytime after nine or ten p.m., although I understand if others don't want to come that far with me.
Always love these episodes. James, you'll have to try the Hifiman HE400i for your next step up in the open-back headphone world. Picked up a pair off Amazon last year for <$200, really happy with them. On the brimmed hat front, I couldn't be happier with my Tilley Airflo.
Thanks for the fin recommendation. Was wanting to pick up something before our beach trip this year. What was the brand of mask ya'll recommended to look for? Didn't quite pick up the name of that one.
I love the gear/gadget focused episodes. Speaking of Swiss Army knives, there is a guy on IG (@875fps) that modifies Swiss Army knives. He takes the plastic handles scales off & replaces them with bronze machined handles, its a really neat custom mod. Worth checking out, not needed or cheap but a cool custom gadget. Cheers.
Very pleased to hear other people struggling to find hats that fit their large heads! Such a nightmare!
I started my descent into headphone nerdery (which predates watches) with the Philips HP-890. Huge and ludicrous and really quite good. James, assuming your Philips are in a similar vein, I'd suggest looking into Beyerdynamic next. I've been "out of the game" for a little while, but Beyer always made excellent open headphones in the sub $500 range. If you want closed with a surprisingly similar sound, the Beyer DT250 are fantastic. I've used a set as my work headphones for maybe 10 years.
Gentlemen, the new format is great!
Jason and James, if you are looking for a good hat, have you tried the Tilley Hat? I've sworn by mine for years and it has never let me down
For EDK knives, I have used a Kershaw Leek for many years. It is a great all-purpose knife, and it looks sleek and un-tactical enough that it usually doesn't scare folks who aren't used to being around knives. I also like the mix of straight and serrated blade for different tasks. For those who want something even smaller and less threatening, the Chive and Scallion are also nice; the Scallion has a partially serrated option and the Chive only comes with a straight blade.
Another poster mentioned Spyderco, which has many solid options. I have used them in the past, though I personally like the feel of the Kershaw.
The Benchmades are very nice; a little pricey but I believe you get what you pay for. On the other hand, at around $47 USD you can lose two Leeks to TSA, buy a third, and still be at about the price of one Benchmade. :)
First post on substack. Thanks for great episodes, including this one. You mentioned some stuff about linen shorts/shirts but I didn't see links--do you have any recommendations in that area? Also, for outdoor hats my brother-in-law got me a Tilley's Hiker Hat and it has been my go-to for hikes, paddling, and general sunny days. It can get totally wet no problem. Wide range of sizes.
I love the Leatherman Wingman. I keep it in my car so I don't forget it when I go fishing. Perfect little multi-tool but a little bulky for an EDC (though the Phillips driver is more like a flathead with a bump and disappointing). A small SAK is still usually the best and in a small package.
Another great episode J/J.
Speaking of binoculars, I can recommend the Sig Sauer Zulu 5 8x42. I’ve had mine for a few years and they are great for hunting. Very durable. Takes a beating and are quite waterproof. At least good enough for Scottish summer, aka pouring rain :)