Neat Gift that has a lot of utility

Just a few examples, for more information click here.

These items are made from multiple colors of paracord, they look very attractive, yet if you ever need some cordage you will have some with you.

They even offer to replace for free if you ever have to use it in an emergency.  As long as your willing to send them your story & photos so they have an endorsement from satisfied customer.

Personally I think they look good enough to wear just for the look, but then I like neat things like this.  Check out "EDC" [Every Day Carry, usually refers to small items that might be useful] labeled posts on my blog for some other things I think are neat.

So a good, modest priced, gift idea for kid or adult, specially for anyone that likes outdoor activities.  That could actually save someones life, or more realistically, provide a temporary fix to get you home.

If your not familiar with paracord, it is cordage (basically thin rope) that meets the standards needed for parachute.  It is the gold standard of rope for hikers, astronauts, hunters, military, etc. 


Wikipedia link for more information on paracord.

Here is a picture showing what the insides look like, you can use the smaller inner strands for thread if you need to mend clothes or a tent.

Volcano Grill, tabletop safe runs on Propane, Charcoal, or Wood

Volcano Grill, just heard about it from a net friend of mine that got one and likes it.

You can buy with or without propane option, if you don't care about propane will save you ~$60.

I am putting it on my wish list, I think it will make perfect companion to my Caldera Cone Alcohol stove.  Think it makes more sense than some of the other systems I was looking at, I would carry it in car.  Though it is not what I would call hiking portable it is small enough that you could carry it with you if car broke down and you needed it.

The Caldera Cone is better suited to hiking IMHO.  While the Volcano Grill is better suited to car camping, or if the power runs out.

The standard Caldera Cone is made for alcohol & esbit tablets, but they also make the Tri Ti System that can burn wood also.

If you would just like small system to keep in the car for winter emergencies the Caldera Keg System is the way to go IMO.