The Very Best Thread

broncoduecer

Technical Excellence Contributor
I wish I could echo the MK love, but every pair I owned back in the mid-2000s quickly fell apart.

I am a Prana Stretch Zion guy now, pants and shorts. Super durable, more comfortable than my old MKs, and have a useful pocket on the left hip. You can wear them with a belt or without.

@chris snell thanks for the recommendation of the Zion shorts. Very nice! Wouldn’t have ever tried them on if you hadn’t suggested them but they are a great fit. Probably will get some pants this fall, they fit great as well! 20% off put to good use at REI.
 

theShaytoon

Well-known member
These multi bit screw drivers have their place in tool bags, especially when you have miltiple screws to tighten and loosen around a project... I saw these on a tool thread and bought them... Definitely a worthy purchase.


Picquic multi screwdriver set.
PXL_20210406_121105095.jpg
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
Thanks to everyone who recommended Kerrygold butter. In terms of dollars-spent compared to awesomeness, this butter has to be near the top of the chart. I really love this stuff!

I stumbled upon my favorite steak preparation method recently. It's my super easy variation of the "reverse sear" method and while I live in a house with a full kitchen, this is something that any bachelor in an apartment could achieve.

to do this, you need a toaster oven, and a two channel barbecue pit thermometer like the Thermoworks Smoke, plus a stovetop and a cast iron pan.

First, season your steak. Some like salt and pepper. Me, I like Two Gringos Chupcabra Rub. Whatever.

Place your pit temperature probe on the grates of your toaster oven grill tray and the food probe into the thickest part of your steak.

Set your toaster oven on "bake" and the temperature at around 200°. Put the steak on the grate in the oven and go do something else for a while. When the steak reaches 125° (if you like medium rare/medium), pull it out.

As the steak is coming close to 125, put a tablespoon or two of veggie oil in the cast iron and heat it until it's shimmering. Place the steak (once it's at 125) into the oil and crisp it up on both sides, about 45-60 seconds per side. When it's almost done, dump a fat dollop of Kerrygold in there and flip it a few times to coat the steak.

Eat immediately. There is no need to rest a reverse seared steak.
913FF99A-3826-4BBE-A664-281E3E60241A.jpeg

7E6D5D65-55EA-40E7-8690-894D527BEE0E.jpeg
A7E9737A-AAB1-46BE-B59D-3F966BA8C9AC.jpeg
 

vtlandrover

Well-known member
I don't suppose there's a plant-based Kerrygold equivalent? Asking for a 'friend' who just got his cholesterol numbers and a weakness for the real thing.
 

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
Local custom leather guy named Alex Boriqua makes the most amazing custom holsters, wallets and guitar straps, all by hand.
He matched a pair of my favorite boots color with this and I asked for a Sugar Skull theme. I also asked him to NOT send me any pictures as I wanted to be surprised with his final product. I very much trusted his artistic talent. He won't make you a plain black leather holster for your Glock but he will make you something out of the ordinary for a very fair price. I think somebody here needs a Defender or LR themed holster or guitar strap. Here is a link to his Etsy store: Boriqua Leatherworks
IMG_0662.jpeg
IMG_0664.jpeg
 

havens51

Well-known member
It's tough to beat a Rolex sport series watch. This GMT Master has been my daily workhorse for the last 12+ years. It keeps perfect time, it works in casual and formal situations, and there are no alerts or Bluetooth connections to annoy you.

View attachment 17690

The Rolex is hard to beat.
this is a watch I spotted on line and bought. I have always wanted a Beach Runner so I bought the watch. The REC watch's dial is made from a piece of aluminum from a Series truck.

Two weeks later I happened upon my dream 109 Beach Runner toward the end of the auction at BaT. I was able to buy it.......it is burnt grey with a green soft top. Funny how things sometime work.
 

Attachments

  • 55EEBDEE-DA69-4864-809F-660AB8BDE54E_1_201_a.jpeg
    55EEBDEE-DA69-4864-809F-660AB8BDE54E_1_201_a.jpeg
    168.2 KB · Views: 150

erover82

Well-known member
What's the best quality tool/duffel bag for throwing tools and gear in the back?

Here's a follow-up with the solution I arrived at. I wanted something high quality, made with skill, and which reflected Defender qualities. After looking at dozens of options, I stumbled upon this product: https://www.etsy.com/listing/808420951/waxed-canvas-duffel-bag-100-american

il_794xN.2455116664_g8xa.jpg


It's 100% made in USA (here in Oregon actually), relatively simple and utilitarian compared to other high-quality but luxury oriented options, well designed, available in a few color options, and is priced very reasonably. My only question was the canvas weight. The bag is normally built with two layers of 10oz canvas with the outer layer waxed. This is quite durable for many uses, but I wanted something on-par with the most durable options available.

After inquiring, they built a bag with the same two-layer construction, but with 18oz outer waxed canvas in two-tone brown and olive. Matching brown Strapworks nylon hand and shoulder straps (also made in Oregon) were selected. Here is the end result:

IMG_3846.jpeg


IMG_3849.jpeg

IMG_3851.jpeg


They seemed to indicate this design would become a standard option. Until then, if anyone is interested in purchasing one, inquire with the seller. I believe the current price to have one made to these specs is $150 shipped. It's a bargain for what you'll receive.

I've actually began the process of ordering another with the same 18oz outer, but with 15oz inner, double thick straps, and oversized zipper. This one will be used for the heaviest of gear.
 

KND

Well-known member
Here's a follow-up with the solution I arrived at. I wanted something high quality, made with skill, and which reflected Defender qualities. After looking at dozens of options, I stumbled upon this product: https://www.etsy.com/listing/808420951/waxed-canvas-duffel-bag-100-american

il_794xN.2455116664_g8xa.jpg


It's 100% made in USA (here in Oregon actually), relatively simple and utilitarian compared to other high-quality but luxury oriented options, well designed, available in a few color options, and is priced very reasonably. My only question was the canvas weight. The bag is normally built with two layers of 10oz canvas with the outer layer waxed. This is quite durable for many uses, but I wanted something on-par with the most durable options available.

After inquiring, they built a bag with the same two-layer construction, but with 18oz outer waxed canvas in two-tone brown and olive. Matching brown Strapworks nylon hand and shoulder straps (also made in Oregon) were selected. Here is the end result:

View attachment 19039

View attachment 19037
View attachment 19038

They seemed to indicate this design would become a standard option. Until then, if anyone is interested in purchasing one, inquire with the seller. I believe the current price to have one made to these specs is $150 shipped. It's a bargain for what you'll receive.

I've actually began the process of ordering another with the same 18oz outer, but with 15oz inner, double thick straps, and oversized zipper. This one will be used for the heaviest of gear.

Unfortunately they don't ship internationally well Canada is to be exact. Could you order another one with 18oz outer, 15oz inner with double thick strap and oversized zipper like your second bag. I would gladly pay for your time. Thanks in advance.
 

erover82

Well-known member
Unfortunately they don't ship internationally well Canada is to be exact. Could you order another one with 18oz outer, 15oz inner with double thick strap and oversized zipper like your second bag. I would gladly pay for your time. Thanks in advance.

Absolutely, and for anyone else who would like to as well. PM Sent.
 

erover82

Well-known member
Did this just become an unofficial NAS-ROW group buy!!? I'm in for one (same thicker specs as KND). PM sent.

Never considered a group buy, but it's not a bad idea. I'd certainly pass on any savings for anyone I relay one for, out of country or not. If you go direct, just ask for one identical to Eric's 18oz version, or the 18oz outer/15oz inner version. They even offered to do a 24oz version, only available in natural (off white) however, but I considered it overkill.

A few have asked about the second (further-reinforced) 18/15oz version I'm ordering. If anyone is interested in that version, I've been quoted $220 without shoulder strap, or $250 with. Considering that similar bags are retailing in the $500+ dollar range, I still consider it a great value for a bespoke USA-made item.
 
Last edited:

LostChord

Well-known member
I am a Prana Stretch Zion guy now, pants and shorts. Super durable, more comfortable than my old MKs, and have a useful pocket on the left hip. You can wear them with a belt or without.


This thread has cost me money more than once, including these. Had never heard of Prana before, but decided to give them a shot. Just picked up a couple pairs of shorts, love 'em so far.
 

erover82

Well-known member
This thread has cost me money more than once, including these. Had never heard of Prana before, but decided to give them a shot. Just picked up a couple pairs of shorts, love 'em so far.

Prana caters to the wealthy earthy yoga new-age crowd that put butter in their coffee, but they do make a few damn good products. I've also used those Zion pants and a few shirts for years and they do perform well.
 
Top