Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife
From Victorinox

 

Price : Click to see price

 

 

 

 

Features

• Complete set of Swiss Army tools to use while camping, hiking, fishing, and more
• Contains 30 stainless-steel tools, with 60-plus individual parts
• Includes screwdrivers, can/bottle opener, files, hooks, saws, and much more
• Housed in famous Swiss Army body, with nylon handle and aluminum frame
• Precision crafted in Switzerland; measures 3-1/2 inches long; lifetime warranty

Customer Reviews

Awesome Knife/Tool
I really like all the features of this Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. It was affordable and really has a lot of useful tools. Some tools not mentioned above packed into this knife include:

Needle (near the corkscrew)
Micro Small Screwdriver within the corkscrew
metal saw
wood saw

These things come in really handy in the tackle box or glove compartment in the car. They also really work well hiking/backpacking/camping or unpacking or whenever a quicktool is needed.

A great knife at a great value with a great warranty.

Great for the botanist/biologist as well as the handyperson
I like this particularVictorinox  Swiss army knife because it has a bit more than the standard knife. As a botanist and biology teacher, the hand lens has been used many a time to examine detail on a moss or beetle. The saw is great for camping, as well as collecting specimens. Additionally, you have all the basic handy gadgets you need on a knife: screwdrivers, scissors, nail file, tweezers, etc, as well as your basic, essential knife blade. I've had one of these for over 25 years, and have used it on five continents and for a hundred picnics. My only complaint is that as a lefty, food/muck can get lodged in the grooves of the handle when you use the blade (e.g. cheese, bread crumbs, etc). I use the toothpick to clean it up, but a hassle nonetheless.

Be careful about this purchase.

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus which is not as good as the plain Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife but is priced at $17 less. I had previously purchased the Swiss Army Champion Pocket Knife which has a pair of minipliers that work as well as the usual hemostats for fishing. That is the only difference that I can see between the two models. Given that gold handled hemostats are available for under $5 at most fishing stores that would make this the better buy but this is not the top of the line that the name implies. So 4 stars for this Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Champ Plus and 5 stars for the Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife.
I always wondered what the hook thing is for on the other side of the knife from most of the other blades. After a little research I found it is for carrying stringed packages or grocery bags and really converts the knife into a comfortable carrying handle instead of having it feel like you're losing a finger at a knuckle.

Coleman Two-Mantle Propane Lantern

Coleman Two-Mantle Propane Lantern

From Coleman

Price : Click to see price

 

 

 

 

Product Description

Lantern, M.L., 2-Mantle (Folding Foot Base)

Features

• Burn time of seven hours on high, 14 hours on low
• Unique, stable base with foldable feet
• Porcelain ventilator won't rust
• Lights with matches
• Operates on one 16.4-ounce cylinder of propane (not included)

Customer Reviews

Nice, but has some quirks
I keep this lantern handy for power outages. I plan to take it camping next time I go. I recommend keeping the Styrofoam case that protects the glass globe. It's much easier to dismantle and store the unit without fear of breaking the globe.

This two-mantle lantern throws out lots of light. It starts easily with a match.

I don't like the way the propane tank sits in the base. To move the lantern from one room to the next you must support the plastic base, otherwise it falls off.

Very important! Do not over-tighten the top ventilator nut. The glass globe will crack because it has no room to expand when it heats up. I cracked two globes before contacting Coleman, who showed me the error of my ways.

Despite the problems, this is a great lantern, and it's much easier to use than Coleman's pump version that uses liquid fuel.

Coleman 2-Mantle Propane Lantern. (Not 'Instant Start' )
Great lantern. Lightweight, well designed (except that the 'legs' tend to fall off the tank when you carry it. One other disappointment. I bought Coleman Lantern Lighters (Prod. # 503A) to install in each unit, only to find that this is one of the few Coleman lanterns that will not accomodate the lighter. That's a shame, as the lighter is a great convenience. Otherwise, I was pleased, and the recipients (they were Christmas gifts for teenage nephews) are very happy.

Coleman Lamp

Two nights after I received the lantern the power went out. Worked as advertised. Good product- Good timing!

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife From Victorinox

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife
From Victorinox

 

Price: Click to see price

Features

• Complete set of Swiss Army tools to use while camping, hiking, fishing, and more
• Contains 30 stainless-steel tools, with 60-plus individual parts
• Includes screwdrivers, can/bottle opener, files, hooks, saws, and much more
• Housed in famous Swiss Army body, with nylon handle and aluminum frame
• Precision crafted in Switzerland; measures 3-1/2 inches long; lifetime warranty

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army Knife a century ago comes the Champion Plus, a complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, picnic enthusiasts, and people all trades--all neatly contained in a single implement. Measuring just 3-1/2 inches long, the Champion Plus is stylishly cased in the famous red Swiss Army body that's recognized around the world. More importantly, the pocket knife contains 30 stainless-steel tools appropriate for just about any occasion. The standard camping tools include a large blade, a small blade, a corkscrew, a can opener, a bottle opener, a small screwdriver, a large screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, scissors, tweezers, and a toothpick. And that's just the beginning, as the Champion Plus also offers a punch reamer, multipurpose hook, wood saw, fish scaler, and hook disgorger. In short, there's no better accessory for camping, hunting, and fishing trips.

Should the basic tools not cut it, the Champion Plus steps up with a host of extras, including a metal file, metal saw, fine screwdriver, mini screwdriver, and chisel scraper. Add in such tools as a ruler, nail file, nail cleaner, magnifying glass, pressurized ball point pen, straight pen, sewing eye, and key ring and you're well equipped for everything from repairing holes in tents to reading the fine print on instructions.

As with all Victorinox items, the Champion Plus is made to exacting standards, with 60-plus individual parts and 450 steps going into its construction. Victorinox attends to every detail, from selecting the finest materials to performing the final inspection. In addition, each individual tool has been hardened in a different way to stand up to its designated use. Such care is unmatched, and is why the Champ series is recognized by such international experts as the New York Museum of Modern Art and the State Museum of Applied Art in Munich, both of which have selected it for their "excellence in design" collections. Outfitted with a nylon handle and an aluminum housing, the Champion Plus carries a lifetime warranty.

The Champion Plus measures just 3-1/2 inches long and contains 30 useful tools.

 

Champion Plus Features:

• Large blade, small blade
• Corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener
• Small screwdriver, large screwdriver
• Reamer, punch
• Key ring, tweezers, toothpick
• Scissors, multi-purpose hook
• Wood saw, fish scaler
• Hook disgorger, ruler
• Nail file, nail cleaner
• Metal file, metal saw
• Fine screwdriver, chisel/scraper
• Phillips screwdriver
• Magnifying glass, straight pen
• Pressurized ball point pen
• Mini screwdriver, sewing eye

About Swiss Army Knives
In 1884, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener set up shop in Ibach-Schwyz, installing a waterwheel in Tobelbach Brook to run his grinding and polishing machines. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener's mother, and "inox," or stainless steel. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The original product dates to 1897, when Elsener patented the Swiss Officer's and Sports Knife he supplied to the Swiss Army. Following World War II, American servicemen and women shopping in PX stores shortened the name to Swiss Army Knife, which lives on in English-speaking countries around the world and has become a metaphor for versatility.

Customer Reviews

Awesome Knife/Tool
I really like all the features of this Swiss Army Knife. It was affordable and really has a lot of useful tools. Some tools not mentioned above packed into this knife include:

Needle (near the corkscrew)
Micro Small Screwdriver within the corkscrew
metal saw
wood saw

These things come in really handy in the tackle box or glove compartment in the car. They also really work well hiking/backpacking/camping or unpacking or whenever a quicktool is needed.

A great knife at a great value with a great warranty.

Great for the botanist/biologist as well as the handyperson
I like this particular Swiss army knife because it has a bit more than the standard knife. As a botanist and biology teacher, the hand lens has been used many a time to examine detail on a moss or beetle. The saw is great for camping, as well as collecting specimens. Additionally, you have all the basic handy gadgets you need on a knife: screwdrivers, scissors, nail file, tweezers, etc, as well as your basic, essential knife blade. I've had one of these for over 25 years, and have used it on five continents and for a hundred picnics. My only complaint is that as a lefty, food/muck can get lodged in the grooves of the handle when you use the blade (e.g. cheese, bread crumbs, etc). I use the toothpick to clean it up, but a hassle nonetheless.

Be careful about this purchase.
Swiss Army Champion Plus which is not as good as the plain Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife but is priced at $17 less. I had previously purchased the Swiss Army Champion Pocket Knife which has a pair of minipliers that work as well as the usual hemostats for fishing. That is the only difference that I can see between the two models. Given that gold handled hemostats are available for under $5 at most fishing stores that would make this the better buy but this is not the top of the line that the name implies. So 4 stars for this Swiss Army Swiss Champ Plus and 5 stars for the Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife.
I always wondered what the hook thing is for on the other side of the knife from most of the other blades. After a little research I found it is for carrying stringed packages or grocery bags and really converts the knife into a comfortable carrying handle instead of having it feel like you're losing a finger at a knuckle.

Coleman NorthStar PerfectFlow InstaStart Propane Lantern With Soft Carry Case

Coleman NorthStar PerfectFlow InstaStart Propane Lantern With Soft Carry Case 

From Coleman

 

Price: Click to see price

Product Description

The Coleman NorthStar PerfectFlow InstaStart Propane Lantern harnesses Coleman quality and engineering for a super-bright, easy-to-use lantern. The NorthStar sheds an impressive 1,543 lumens of light, running for up to 9.25 hours on Low and 4.3 hours on High with a single 16.4-ounce Coleman propane cylinder (sold separately). The Lantern features Coleman-Inchs InstaStart battery ignition, so you don-Incht need a match -- just push the button to light it! The included InstaClip #95 tabbed mantle is easy to install, with no tying required. And Coleman-Inchs PerfectFlow technology ensures a consistent light output in all conditions -- even when the weather is rough, at high altitudes, or when fuel is running low. The Lantern-Inchs footed base provides maximum stability, and folds up for compact storage and packing. A soft carry case is included to protect your lantern during storage and transport.

Features

• Sheds a super-bright 1543 lumens of light
• Runs up to 9.25 hours on Low, 4.3 hours on High, on one 16.4-oz. Coleman propane cylinder (sold separately)
• InstaStart matchless lighting
• Uses InstaClip No. 95 tabbed mantle (included) -- no tying required
• Soft carry case included

Customer Reviews

very bright
this is very bright and throws off good heat. I love the built in starter but just make sure you have an extra mantle or 2 in case of emergency.
Provides nice Light color. 

Better then LED.
Lantern did not not instantly light the first time. Made several attempts. The the matches I brought along were not long enough to light it. Had to borrow longer matches from another camper. After the first use, the lantern has instantly lighted as expected and really loving it now. Goes great with the lantern tripod by Coleman.

I am also have an intermittent issue with lantern emitting a loud tone when turned on the low setting.

Victorinox SwissTool RS

Victorinox SwissTool RS

From Victorinox

 

Price: Click to see price

 

 

 

 

 

Product Description

The Swiss Tool RS (Rescue and Survival) contains 24 functions: pliers, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, and 7.5mm flat head screwdrivers, wire cutter, bottle opener, large blade, metal saw, wood saw, reamer, Phillips screwdriver, chisel, strong crate opener, wire bender, wire stripper, wire scraper, can opener, 9-inch and 230mm ruler, electrical crimper, lanyard hold, seatbelt cutter, and scissors. New from Swiss Army Brands.

Features

• Compact Swiss Army rescue tool constructed of rugged stainless steel
• Includes 2, 3, and 5mm screwdrivers, wire stripper, and pliers
• Bender, scraper, crimper, and cutter; bottle and can openers
• OneStep access lets you open tool from outside of the handle
• Lock with simple slide release; measures 4-1/2 inches long

Customer Reviews

Victorinox does it again!
I own several multi-tools and pocket knives. Being a dad with 3 kids, and a home based business, their is always something to fix, update, or repair. Around the house whether in pajamas or jeans i carry my victorinox swiss champ pocket knife. (every man should own one of these by the way! it never fails me!)

If i go out of the house i take a beefier tool (might have to do some sort of automotive repair, fix a fence, cut wire, build a barbeque, or disarm a thermonuclear device). Its always been a toss up between my gerber 800 or my leatherman xti. However on many occassions i have noticed that while the leatherman or gerbers pliers are great, the rest of the individual tools in the unit are just not as well done or as reliable as my swiss champs tools. Plus to get to the individual tools (like a screwdriver) i have to unfold the multitool itself, which is a pain sometimes.

Well all that changed few months ago when i received the swisstool rs as a gift, and let me tell ya, i dont even think about what to take with me when i go out now. I just grab the swiss tool and head out! This is a very solid tool, equal to or in many ways better than my leatherman or gerber tools. It has all primary tools i have on my swiss champ (knives and screwdrivers), as well as very decent pair of pliers, a sheeps foot serated blade, and scissors. No file on this tool, but i never used a file on my other tools anyway, so no loss there. I have to say its a very nice big brother to my swiss champ.

Cons for this great tool would be, it could use a tighter locking mechanism for the tools, and a one handed opening blade would be nice. All the tools lock into place, but they wiggle ever so slightly once locked. Not wiggle like they will fold on you and slice off a finger, but wiggle none the less. I have had no problem with using the locks or the tools once they lock, its just a personal preference. Other than that this is an awesome tool.

if you are wondering what to get your man as a present, you simply cannot go wrong with this tool!

One of the best multi-tools out there
I used to carry a well known name brand multi-tool myself until I found a couple superior options ( based on 30 years as a fire fighter, police officer and bomb disposal ( EOD ) technician ). I have owned most every multi tool out there and abused them all ( that's why the good ones have a lifetime warranty . ) and the two best for the money are the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTool RS and the SOG Powerlock S60 - don't waste your money on anything else - " Leather Guy" can't come close to a SOG or Victorinox in performance and Warranty - in my opinion!!!

Victorinox SwissTool RS (Rescue and Survival). comes equipped with both scissors and belt cutter which replace the serrated blade and the metal file and can be life saving in a auto accident. Tools included are: Pliers, Screwdriver (2mm), Screwdriver (3mm), Wire Cutter, Screwdriver (5mm), Bottle Opener, Screwdriver (7.5 mm), Large Blade, Scissors, Seatbelt Cutter, Metal Saw, Wood Saw, Reamer/Punch, Phillips Screwdriver, Chisel/Scraper, Strong Crate Opener, Wire Bender, Wire Stripper, Wire Scraper, Can Opener, Ruler (9 inches), Ruler (230mm), Electrical Crimper, Lanyard Hole . The SwissTool RS has the same features as the original SwissTool with two additional features: seatbelt cutter and scissors - something every first responder needs. Made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty.

The other multi-tool worth your money is a SOG Powerlock S60. This folding tool isn't new, a fact that speaks to its highly regarded Compound Leverage mechanism that generates twice the pressure and gripping power of lesser tools. To wit: this thing is the Jaws of multitools. Beyond strength, you'll love the pivoting handle covers that really do improve comfort and dexterity. All the essential tools are intricately positioned for deployment, including a quarter-inch drive socket, spring-loaded scissors, half-serrated knife blade, saw, several screwdrivers and Phillips-style model, wire cutters, file... and on and on. And for you showoffs out there, the PowerLock's ability to open with a quick flick of the wrist is undeniably cool. The PowerLock features removable, pivoting handle covers that improve the comfort profile for your hand. More pressure can now be exerted on those tough jobs! Like the rest of the family in the PowerPlier® series, the PowerLock can be opened and closed with a one-handed flip of the wrist. This is a basic requirement from SOG as so often one is holding wires or standing on a ladder and does not have both hands free. All tool components are easy to access and lock in the open position. The Phillips even locks in two open positions. With one of the simplest and safest locking devices ever engineered, just press the back of the lock and close the component into the handle. Included in the handles of this compact tool box is the first foldable 1/4" drive that will turn sockets or, with a standard adapter, any hex screwdriver tip. It will also turn heads! Scissors can be one of the most used tool components and we have answered that demand with foldable spring-loaded scissors that are extremely sharp. This patent pending marvel only has spring tension in the open position, an additional safety feature. Other components include: plier/gripper, wire cutter, crimper, double toothed wood saw, 1/2 serrated blade, 3-sided file, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" drive, awl, can opener/small screwdriver, bottle opener/med. screwdriver, scissors, rulers and lanyard ring. PowerLock also comes with a heavy-duty, dark leather pouch A standard issue with any SOG multipurpose tool is the advantage of hex bolt construction. This essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components. Features all stainless steel construction and comes with a leather pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA.

SAFE to use, BEST tool
Things that make it better than the others:

1. SAFE to use. Has the best locking mechanism. Others are made of plastic and/or add bulk and make it clunky. Do NOT buy a tool or knife with blades that do not lock !

2. Blades can be opened from outside without opening the pliers. This also allows a better grip too.

3. Overall size is just right, and it is compact, not bulky. All the components are made to the size needed.

4. Has a good combination of tools without useless tools to add bulk. Many of the tools are ingeniously combined onto same blade to save space.

5. High end quality, made of good heavy steel.

This one is worth the extra cost.

 

Coleman LED Quad Lantern

Coleman LED Quad Lantern 

From Coleman

 

Price: Click to see price

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Description

An area light and four portable lanterns in one clever unit, the Coleman LED Quad Lantern is a versatile choice for indoors or outdoors. The Quad Lantern's four removable panels hold 24 LEDs total. Each of the four sections can be removed and carried as a portable light to go to the shower house, tent, or wherever one of your group needs some light. When the sections are returned to the lantern base, they easily reattach and immediately start to recharge as well as illuminate. The Quad Lantern features six 5mm white LEDs in each panel (24 total), shedding 190 lumens of light. The wide-angle LEDs are behind a textured lens for dispersed lighting. Each section also has a handle on top to carry it or hang it. A main on/off switch is located on top of the lantern; each removable section also has its own switch. Powered by eight D-cell batteries (not included) that are housed in the lantern base, the LED Quad Lantern operates for up to 30 hours. Each of the four panels also contains an included rechargeable NiMH battery that powers the panel while in use away from the base. When docked back into the base station, each panel is recharged from the main D-cell. Each fully-charged panel will run for up to 1.5 hours while separated from the base.

Features

• Area lantern with 4 removable LED panels that function as independent lights
• Each LED panel includes 6 white LEDs, top handle, and rechargeable NiMH battery
• LED panels recharge in lantern base; provides 190 lumens of light with all panels
• Lantern base requires 8 D-cell batteries (not included); runtime of 75 hours
• 26-foot light range; each LED panel runs for 1.5 hours per charge; 5-year warranty

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Combining an area light with four portable lanterns in a single clever unit, the Coleman LED Quad lantern is a versatile choice for indoor or outdoor use. The Quad is equipped with four removable LED panels that hold 24 LED lights total. Users can remove any of the four panels and use them independently, such as when needing a portable light for the bathroom or tent, or they can keep all four attached to the lantern and produce 190 total lumens of light. As a result, the Quad is the perfect light for group camping trips and any other occasion where folks might splinter off into smaller groups during the night. Each of the panels is a fully functioning light, with six 5mm white LEDs, a rechargeable NiMH battery, an independent on/off switch, and a top handle for carrying or hanging. The NiMH battery--which recharges when stored in the lantern base--provides up to 1.5 hours of light on its own. The lantern base, meanwhile, requires eight D-cell batteries (not included), which provide an approximate run time of 75 hours for the entire lantern. Other features include a main on/off switch located on top of the lantern, a light range of 26 feet, and a limited five-year warranty.

About Coleman

More than 100 years ago, a young man with an entrepreneurial spirit and a better idea began manufacturing lanterns in Wichita, Kansas. His name was W.C. Coleman, and the company he founded would change life in America. A man plagued with such poor vision he sometimes had to ask classmates to read aloud to him, Coleman saw a brilliant light in 1900 in a drugstore window that stopped him in his tracks. He inquired about the light inside and discovered he was able to read even the small print on a medicine bottle by the illumination. The lamps had mantles, not wicks, and were fueled by gasoline under pressure instead of coal oil. Soon afterward, Coleman started a lighting service that offered a "no light, no pay" clause--a big step forward for merchants who were burned by inferior products that rarely worked--and drew substantial interest from businesses that wanted to keep their lights on after dark.
In the ensuing years, Coleman expanded its product line well beyond lanterns. The company's current catalog is thick with products that make spending time outdoors a pleasure. There are coolers that keep food and drinks cold for days on end, comfortable airbeds that won't deflate during the night, a complete line of LED lights that last for years, powerful portable grills that cook with an authentic open-grill flame, and much, much more. Coleman has truly fashioned much of our outdoor camping experience, and expects to do so for generations to come.

Customer Reviews

The Best Camping Lantern Out There
I have been a long time believer in only using propane lanterns when car camping. Previous battery operated lanterns with florescent bulbs that I have tried have always lacked for sufficient light to eat by let alone cook or setup a tent with.

But, then I discovered the Coleman LED Quad Lantern and everything has changed. This is, by far, the best camping lantern I have ever used! Not only is it super bright, it is smaller and more convenient than a propane lantern - especially since I no longer need to tote around gas canisters.

But, this lantern is more than just a lantern; it provides for personal lighting needs as well. Each of the lantern's four light panels detach and work as rechargeable hand lamps for that rummage in the back of the truck for gear or the scramble to the bathroom sight in the middle of the night. And, with a 1-1/2 hour charge time, that makes these light panels useful for reading in the tent, etc.

It is not only this lantern's overall design that make it great, but the attention to little things as well. For example, the rechargeable light panels are powered by standard AA rechargeable batteries. Unlike other rechargeable light systems where the battery is sealed and inaccessible, if a battery eventually fails, it can be easily replaced with a standard, off the shelf rechargeable battery.

No more propane, no more broken mantles, no more trying to light a propane lantern in the dark. The Coleman LED Quad Lantern is the lantern of the future that I bet all competitors will try to copy.

Bright, cool lantern...perfect for the family
Brightness:
When all four panels are attached to the base, the lantern puts out a great deal of light. It will illuminate a campsite with ease. The individual panels when detached put out an adequate amount of light. Great for a trek to the restroom or the back of the truck to fetch some gear.

Portability:
The 8D batteries in the base make the lantern a little heavy. But each panel when removed is extremely light, as they only contain a small rechargeable battery. There are plenty of handles at the top for easy toting.

Battery/power:
I've used my lantern several times and have been very pleased with the runtime of the battery. In addition, it seems to take a long time away from the base before the panels go dim.

Summary:
The lantern is expensive compared to other battery lanterns, but it is well worth the money. My family loves it!