Items of Want 022

Rite in the Rain NĀŗ YE99 Mechanical Pencil


"Do you like pencils but fear they will break when it matters most? You're not alone. A Rite in the Rain Mechanical Pencil may well be the last pencil you'll ever need to buy. True to the Rite in the Rain brand, this pencil is tough, reliable, made in the USA, and writes no matter what."

Bush Smarts Pack Lighter


"Your survival in the backcountry is dependent on your ability to make fire. You should always carry redundant fire starters and spread them around in your pack, emergency kit and pockets in case things break or get left behind. These small, dependable lighters are perfect."

FaĢˆltovn Portable Camp Stove


"The FaĢˆltovn by Dutch company Leenders definitely does have some practical applications as a heater in canvas, army style tents popular with hunters and large group camps. It would certainly make a nice addition to a backyard gathering area, farmstead or campsite and has the added bonus of being a functional cooking surface."

I have no use for this right now but it looks awesome. My ideal situation? A winter camping trip with this wood stove in the corner while I enjoy the snow falling through the open door of an old canvas tent.

Photo by The Gear Junkie

[Acquired] Brooks Cambium Bike Saddle


I've heard so many good things about Brooks Saddles and this new one looks to be the perfect "buy it for life" bike saddle. The original leather version of this saddle needs to be broken in properly and cared for but the new Cambium is ready to go right out of the box.

[Acquired] Olympus OM-D E-M5


Even though I just got a new camera a little less than a year ago, I'm seriously considering this Micro Four Thirds from Olympus. I've been getting more and more into photography and I'd love to step up my game from a high quality point and shoot to something with some lens options but still be smaller than a traditional DSLR. One of the coolest things about this particular camera is that it's weather sealed so you can use it in the rain or snow. That may not be a big feature to some but I see it as a nice little bonus.

Photo by The Phoblographer

ā€” Check out past Items of Want ā€”

Back from Muster 3


I recently got back from the third annual ITS Muster. Itā€™s nearly a week long and sleep is often a luxury so itā€™s taken me a little longer than usual to get back up to speed.

Since I was the ā€œofficialā€ photographer for the week, Iā€™m not in any of the photos but I like it that way. There is one photo Iā€™m in that a friend of mine shot but you may not know itā€™s me.


Iā€™m on the far right.

Overall it was a great event because I got to get away from the desk and computer and spend time in the field with old friends and some new ones too. I always forget how good it feels to not know whatā€™s going on in the world because Iā€™m so engrossed in what Iā€™m doing physically.

We usually spend the entire time camping from our tents but the new venue this year meant bunks and cabins which was totally welcomed in my book. I love sleeping on a ground pad but a mattress and electricity makes it easier to get going in the morning.

Even though I just got back in town and I'm barely settling into my normal routine again, I'm already looking forward to the next camping trip, wherever it may be.

Dispatch 117

  • Land Cruiser Camping Ā» Sam H.
  • Alan Watts - The Story of the Chinese Farmer Ā» Vimeo
  • How To Cook Breakfast Over A Campfire Like A Pro Ā» Indefinitely Wild
  • How to Do Nothing with Nobody All Alone by Yourself: A Timely Vintage Field Guide to Self-Reliant Play and Joyful Solitude Ā» Brain Pickings
  • "No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." Ā» Edmund Burke

Items of Want 021

US Army Field Manuals (set of three)


"There are well over 600 Field and Technical Manuals published by the US Army and we've handpicked three of the most timeless and useful. All three books come profusely illustrated and are brimming with practical, arcane and bizarre tips and instructions: learn how to apply a field dressing, discover the uses of a ComboPen auto injector, or fashion your trousers into a make-shift parachute (we know you've just been dying to do that!)."

[Acquired] Pioneer Cycling Goods Bootlegger Bottle


"Prohibition made it harder for a fella to get his hooch; that is until a new breed of pioneer took to the back roads. Bootleggers were the first to perfect the art of pushing themselves and their machines to the limit, running from Johnny Law with a trunk full of the "White Lightning" or better known as moonshine. We canā€™t help but respect and be inspired by that kind of outlaw "pedal to the metal" way of life."

Tactical Tailor Enhanced Duffle Bag


"We designed our Enhanced Duffle Bag to replace the old fashioned G.I. style duffle bag, updating the classic design that has not been changed since World War II. Identical in size to the original military issue duffle, our duffle bag features a zipper that runs the full length of the bag, no more rummaging through your duffle looking for something you placed at the bottom and just like the original, the bag can be secured with a padlock by passing the zipper pull through a grommet at the end of the zipper."

Five Minute Journal


"Begin the day right: When you start the day on the right note, things automatically start to fall in place. Every day.  Cultivate Gratitude: Gratitude is the opposite of depression and anxiety. It's the conscious experience of appreciation of the gifts in our lives and the results are tangible. Introspection: Ending the day on the right note can be essential to a good night's sleep, eliminating negative thought loops and learning more about yourself."

The Man Comb


"A tough & compact flip comb. The ultimate tool for your hair & beard." The fact that it has an integrated bottle opener makes it just extra cool.

ā€” Check out past Items of Want ā€”