Reviewed this week
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GERBER
Principle
fixed blade knife
The Gerber Principle fixed blade represents a return to essential outdoor competence. Measuring 7.5 inches overall and weighing just 3.7 ounces, this knife achieves a proper balance between capability and packability that users will immediately appreciate.
The Principle's defining feature is its zero-edge Scandinavian grind - a single-bevel geometry that creates an extremely robust cutting edge. This design choice is invaluable in remote environments where knife failure isn't an option. The Scandi grind excels at controlled woodworking, from carving tent stakes to fashioning improvised tools, while remaining fairly easy to resharpen with even basic field stones.
Complementing the blade geometry is a precisely machined 90-degree spine designed explicitly for fire-starting with ferro rods. This feature transforms the Principle into a reliable ignition system, allowing users to generate sparks consistently even in adverse weather conditions. Combined with the versatile blade shape, the knife handles everything from shelter construction to slicing heavy mono to food prep.
The full-tang construction features rubber overmold scales engineered for comfort during prolonged use. Whether you're processing firewood or performing detailed carving work, the multi-grip handle ergonomics accommodate various hand positions without causing fatigue. Integrated lashing holes add versatility, enabling users to extend the handle or lash the knife to improvised spear shafts for specialized tasks.
The innovative triple-mounting sheath system ensures the Principle remains accessible regardless of your gear configuration. MOLLE compatibility integrates seamlessly with modern tactical packs, scout carry positions the knife horizontally for comfortable seated wear, and drop leg mounting provides quick access during active movement: the knife stays where you need it, whether you're hiking, paddling, or setting up camp.
Purpose-built to run the long haul, the Gerber Principle doesn't chase flashy features or tactical aesthetics. Instead, it delivers empowering functionality designed to overcome whatever circumstances the outdoors present. For serious outdoors persons seeking a dependable fixed blade that accomplishes tasks of all shapes and sizes, the Principle embodies exactly what its name suggests - fundamental utility refined through purposeful design.
Other things we liked:
At 3.7 ounces, it won't burden your pack.
Robust, lightweight polypropylene sheath that's very configurable.
Hits the sweet spot between a compact and full-sized knife.
The blade steel resists corrosion exceptionally well in saltwater environments, making it ideal for coastal fishing and marine applications.
Rinses clean quickly after saltwater exposure, and the rubber handle maintains excellent grip even when wet from ocean spray.
Highly recommended.
GRUNDENS
Turbulence
insulated hoodie
Grunden's Insulated Hoodie is a stand out piece. A 5-month testing phase shows that it’s a thoughtfully engineered garment that combines European manufacturing excellence with features designed for those who work and play in very cold environments. It’s also very light and compact, making it an ideal boat “accessory” and perfect for those out-of-the-way trips where backpack real estate comes at a premium.
The star of the show is the 800-gram G-Loft insulation, and it’s not just marketing fluff; you can feel the difference the moment temperatures start to plunge. The highly breathable insulation provides exceptional warmth without the bulk and weight that typically comes with high-gram insulation, it also allows for a good range of motion.
The wind-proof layer is a game-changer. Wind chill can make even moderately cold temperatures feel bone-chilling, but the hoodie effectively blocks wind penetration. Combined with the substantial insulation, you're getting comprehensive protection against the elements that goes well beyond what typical hoodies offer.
European manufacturing brings a level of quality control and attention to detail that's immediately apparent. The construction is clean, the stitching is precise, and every fabric panel is purposeful. The garment was designed by people who understand what cold-weather gear needs to accomplish.
The scuba fit insulated hood deserves special mention. It fits snugly around your head and face without feeling restrictive, providing excellent coverage and warmth retention. Unlike loose hoods that let cold air sneak in, this design actually seals in heat where you need it most - around your head and neck.
Practical details make daily use a pleasure. The snug cuffs feature abrasion-resistant panels that hold up to repeated wear and contact with rough surfaces, while the zippered hand-warmer pockets provide a secure, warm refuge for cold hands. The pockets are positioned perfectly and the zippers operate smoothly, even with gloved hands.
Bonus: what also sets this hoodie apart is its commercial-grade, anti-snag design. There are no exposed cords or zipper pulls to catch on equipment, tools, or boat hardware. The thoughtful design means you can move freely without worrying about snagging or damaging the garment.
The overall fit is excellent - neither too tight nor too loose. It accommodates layering when needed but doesn't look baggy when worn over just a shirt. The proportions feel well - considered for real-world use.
Grunden's Insulated Hoodie is an excellent investment in cold-weather comfort and protection. The European craftsmanship, premium G-Loft insulation, wind-proof construction, and commercial-grade features combine to create a hoodie that outperforms nearly everything else in its category. If you need reliable warmth and durability in harsh conditions, this hoodie delivers.
Highly recommended.
ECHO
Dry Series fly line
The Echo Dry Series is a thoughtful approach to dry fly presentation, delivering performance that punches well above its price point. We tested the WF-3-F.
Taper Design
Echo engineered the Dry Series with a refined weight-forward taper that prioritizes delicacy over distance. The front taper extends a generous 14.5’, longer than many competing lines, allowing for very gentle turnover and softer presentations. This extended taper excels when protecting fine tippets and presenting size small-to-medium dry flies to picky trout. The 38.5’ head provides sufficient mass for loading modern fast-action rods while maintaining the control needed for technical water.
What distinguishes this taper is its progression. Rather than an aggressive transition from thick running line to heavy belly, Echo employs a gradual power transfer that feels intuitive throughout the casting stroke. This design attribute shines during the final delivery, where the leader unfurls with minimal disturbance - critical when targeting fish in undisturbed water.
Precision and Presentation
The Dry Series allows you to attain accuracy at the range where most dry fly fishing takes place: 20’ - 40’. The line loads quickly, allowing you to capitalize on brief feeding windows. I found myself consistently placing flies within a one-foot radius, even in light crosswinds that would typically compromise lesser lines.
Presentation quality stands as this line's defining characteristic. The line jacket reduces surface friction, enabling longer drag-free drifts. Mends execute cleanly without excessive disturbance, and the line lifts from the water with little effort and considerably less disturbance than expected, even for a 3wt line. When approaching spooky fish in clear water, these qualities translate to more hookups.
The jacket material is also well balanced - supple enough to avoid memory coils in cold water, yet firm enough to shoot cleanly through guides. Distance casting, while not this line's primary mission, remains respectable, 40’ to 45’ presentations are achievable, if necessary, though the line shines at closer ranges.
The Echo Dry Series delivers where it matters most: putting flies exactly where you want them, softly enough to fool educated fish. We tested the 3-weight in various conditions, and concluded that precision casting needn't require a premium investment.
Summed up: this line is an outstanding value for technical dry fly fishing.
Highly recommended.
