This week we at Austere Provisions Company we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and very best wishes for a great 2010. Enjoy the time with loved ones if you are home and team mates and comrades if you are deployed or on watch tonight. I would like to extend a personal thanks to all those walking the line tonight, stay sharp and stay safe.
By this time next week we will be entering a new year, I would like to take a moment to give you a glance into our plans. Look to Austere Provisions Company for a lineup of well thought out tactical nylon, EDC gear, as well as a number of new kits. In addition to the formation of the APC brand line up, look for the addition of some high quality products from trusted vendors.
Until then, Cheers and we'll see you in the field.
Mike
Friday, December 25, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Walk towards the light...
Or bring your own. This weeks product of the week is the Princeton Tec Remix headlamp. The Remix combines the reach of a spot LED for distance illumination with the close up capability of three flood LEDs. Couple this with a rugged housing and weather resistant design as well as smart energy saving programming and you have a solid piece of low light gear.
From Princeton Tec:
The Remix is equipped with an asymmetrical single arm bracket, easily accessible battery door enclosure, and large push button switch. Combine these features with a simple & lightweight design and you have a headlamp built to perform in any environment. Whether your requirements call for long distance spotting, or close range area light, the Remix is up to the task with a combination of a single MAXBRIGH T LED and 3 Ultrabright LEDs. The end result; true versatility in a compact, water resistant, and self-contained package.
Maxbright LED High/40+meters/28 Hours
Maxbright LED Low/30 meters focused beam/53 Hours
5mm trio LEDs High/30+ meters diffuse/61 Hours
5mm trio LEDs Low/10-15 meters diffuse/200 Hours
What you get:
Headlamp, Strap, Batteries included, Instructions
The housing is well designed for rugged use and attention to detail is not lost at Princeton Ted, even down to the attachment of the light to the head strap or a multitude of other applications if you prefer not to keep your light on your head but need your hands to be free.
When I started using headlamps there were very few options available on the market. Petzl was the go to brand, and while they still make some excellent headlamps, Princeton Tec has come out with some very innovative designs and from all appearances seems to be integrating a lot of end user feedback into new projects. The Remix is the culmination of much of that feedback and as you can see it is a pretty solid piece of kit.
Another item that has been added to the Austere Provisions Company lineup is the Princeton Tec Pilot (shown below). This is a great backup lamp if you are going into an environment where you want multiple sources of light or as a primary where just need a little light for close up work. Designed to be attached to pack straps or headlamp straps this light is a solid performer providing 14 hours of light on a single set of lithium coin batteries. The light attaches to straps via a base which is knotched to allow the light to be directed off center or even removed should you need to hand it off or use it to provide light while changing batteries on your primary.
So if you are looking for good quality, hands free light for your aid bag, kit bag, vehicle gear, or just around the house check out the Remix and the Pilot from Princeton Tec. Available now at Austere Provisions Company:
Princeton Tec Remix at Austere Provisions Company
Princeton Tec Pilot at Austere Provisions Company
Thanks for checking us out,
Mike
From Princeton Tec:
The Remix is equipped with an asymmetrical single arm bracket, easily accessible battery door enclosure, and large push button switch. Combine these features with a simple & lightweight design and you have a headlamp built to perform in any environment. Whether your requirements call for long distance spotting, or close range area light, the Remix is up to the task with a combination of a single MAXBRIGH T LED and 3 Ultrabright LEDs. The end result; true versatility in a compact, water resistant, and self-contained package.
POWER 45 Lumens
LAMP 3 Ultrabright LEDs,
1 Maxbright LED
BURN TIME 200 Hours
BATTERIES 3 AAA
WEIGHT 83g
Power Setting/Reach/Burn time:Maxbright LED High/40+meters/28 Hours
Maxbright LED Low/30 meters focused beam/53 Hours
5mm trio LEDs High/30+ meters diffuse/61 Hours
5mm trio LEDs Low/10-15 meters diffuse/200 Hours
What you get:
Headlamp, Strap, Batteries included, Instructions
 |
| From Blog album |
The housing is well designed for rugged use and attention to detail is not lost at Princeton Ted, even down to the attachment of the light to the head strap or a multitude of other applications if you prefer not to keep your light on your head but need your hands to be free.
 |
| From Blog album |
 |
| From Blog album |
 |
| From Blog album |
 |
| From Blog album |
When I started using headlamps there were very few options available on the market. Petzl was the go to brand, and while they still make some excellent headlamps, Princeton Tec has come out with some very innovative designs and from all appearances seems to be integrating a lot of end user feedback into new projects. The Remix is the culmination of much of that feedback and as you can see it is a pretty solid piece of kit.
Another item that has been added to the Austere Provisions Company lineup is the Princeton Tec Pilot (shown below). This is a great backup lamp if you are going into an environment where you want multiple sources of light or as a primary where just need a little light for close up work. Designed to be attached to pack straps or headlamp straps this light is a solid performer providing 14 hours of light on a single set of lithium coin batteries. The light attaches to straps via a base which is knotched to allow the light to be directed off center or even removed should you need to hand it off or use it to provide light while changing batteries on your primary.
 |
| From Blog album |
 |
| From Blog album |
 |
| From Blog album |
So if you are looking for good quality, hands free light for your aid bag, kit bag, vehicle gear, or just around the house check out the Remix and the Pilot from Princeton Tec. Available now at Austere Provisions Company:
Princeton Tec Remix at Austere Provisions Company
Princeton Tec Pilot at Austere Provisions Company
Thanks for checking us out,
Mike
Thursday, December 10, 2009
ESBIT Stove on shelves now
As mentioned in the initial post of this blog the intent is to release information about new products added to the line up available at Austere Provisions Company. This weeks addition is The Esbit Pocket Stove and Fuel Cubes.
A little background on how I was first introduced to the Esbit Pocket Stove, I was helping teach a class for a Greek Army unit and traveling light. During class I was spending extended periods of time out in the field during November in Greece. As the temp started to drop, one of the students offered me the use of his stove to make some warm tea. After a bit of familiarization I had a warm mug of tea. As is common with the Greeks, when I went to return the stove I was informed that it was now mine and a simple thank you was all that would be accepted. Thanks guys, you know who you are.
I still have that stove today and after many years of use in the field it still works as well as new. In fact the stove has worked so well that I keep them stashed in many of my gear bags and foot lockers ready for travel. So here is a quick overview to get those that are new to the Esbit Pocket Stove familiar with this great piece of kit.
The kit (as pictured below) includes the stove which is stamped out of galvanized hardened steel for durability and resistance to corrosion and six large solid fuel cubes.
Details from the manufacturer:
"The Esbit story began in 1936. Since than, Esbit stands for safe and highly efficient solid fuel cubes and stoves that have been used the world over. This compact solid fuel source will provide a steady and reliable heat for cooking, boiling water or for warmth in the outdoors. Esbit solid fuel cubes and stoves are used by various NATO forces, expeditions, in the aftermath of disasters, by a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts and for powering toy steam engines.
Contains:
-1 compact (3"x4"x3/4"), lightweight (3.25oz.) Esbit Pocket Stove made of galvanized, hardened steel
-6 Large Esbit Solid Fuel Cubes (1/2oz. ea.) up to 80 minutes cook time
Esbit Large Solid Fuel Cubes:
-Individually packaged in water resistant, perforated blister packs
-Non-explosive
-Does not liquify when burning
-Ignites with match or lighter
-Approximately 13 minutes burn time per cube
-Can be extinguished and re-lit, reusable
-One cube will bring 1 pint of water to a rolling boil in less than 8 minutes
-Burns well at higher altitudes
-Strong heating output with no visible smoke and no sparks
-Makes a great campfire starter
-In high winds, place windscreen around the base of stove
-Stand on level, non-flammable surface when in use
The stove has two cooking positions allowing for use of small cups and mugs or medium to large pots, and a stowed position.
To see a demonstration of the stove in use with the solid fuel cubes as well as a rough cook time check out this video. No need to watch the entire video unless you just feel like viewing minute after minute of water coming to a boil but you can fast forward to see how long it takes to get half a liter of water to boil. The mug is a Snowpeak Ti Mug that I have had for years, comes with a lid but that would defeat the purpose of showing you when it starts to boil.
A note on cook times: These videos were taken in a work shop on December 11, 2009, ambient temp was 48F although being inside obviously no wind was present. Take that into consideration when assessing fuel needs.
However, should you run out of fuel or need to augment your solid fuel cubes you can use small organic materials to feed the fire, something you cant do on that multifuel stove. On a recent hike I stopped for a warm cup of hot cocoa and shot some photos of using small twigs to supplement the solid fuel cubes.
Worried about how much weight this stove can hold? Or stability under an awkward load? Don't. As long as you do a reasonable job of finding a flat surface the ESBIT Pocket Stove can support quite a bit of weight, as shown below. Yep, that is 500 rounds of XM193 (just under 15 pounds of weight).
In conclusion, the Esbit Pocket Stove is another piece of gear that we at Austere Provisions Company recommend based on years of personal use out in the real world.
ESBIT Pocket Stove with Six Large Fuel Cubes at Austere Provisions Company
ESBIT Large Fuel Cubes, 12 Pack at Austere Provisions Company
Thanks for checking in,
Mike
A little background on how I was first introduced to the Esbit Pocket Stove, I was helping teach a class for a Greek Army unit and traveling light. During class I was spending extended periods of time out in the field during November in Greece. As the temp started to drop, one of the students offered me the use of his stove to make some warm tea. After a bit of familiarization I had a warm mug of tea. As is common with the Greeks, when I went to return the stove I was informed that it was now mine and a simple thank you was all that would be accepted. Thanks guys, you know who you are.
I still have that stove today and after many years of use in the field it still works as well as new. In fact the stove has worked so well that I keep them stashed in many of my gear bags and foot lockers ready for travel. So here is a quick overview to get those that are new to the Esbit Pocket Stove familiar with this great piece of kit.
The kit (as pictured below) includes the stove which is stamped out of galvanized hardened steel for durability and resistance to corrosion and six large solid fuel cubes.
 |
| From Blog album |
Details from the manufacturer:
"The Esbit story began in 1936. Since than, Esbit stands for safe and highly efficient solid fuel cubes and stoves that have been used the world over. This compact solid fuel source will provide a steady and reliable heat for cooking, boiling water or for warmth in the outdoors. Esbit solid fuel cubes and stoves are used by various NATO forces, expeditions, in the aftermath of disasters, by a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts and for powering toy steam engines.
Contains:
-1 compact (3"x4"x3/4"), lightweight (3.25oz.) Esbit Pocket Stove made of galvanized, hardened steel
-6 Large Esbit Solid Fuel Cubes (1/2oz. ea.) up to 80 minutes cook time
Esbit Large Solid Fuel Cubes:
-Individually packaged in water resistant, perforated blister packs
-Non-explosive
-Does not liquify when burning
-Ignites with match or lighter
-Approximately 13 minutes burn time per cube
-Can be extinguished and re-lit, reusable
-One cube will bring 1 pint of water to a rolling boil in less than 8 minutes
-Burns well at higher altitudes
-Strong heating output with no visible smoke and no sparks
-Makes a great campfire starter
-In high winds, place windscreen around the base of stove
-Stand on level, non-flammable surface when in use
The stove has two cooking positions allowing for use of small cups and mugs or medium to large pots, and a stowed position.
 |
| From Blog album |
To see a demonstration of the stove in use with the solid fuel cubes as well as a rough cook time check out this video. No need to watch the entire video unless you just feel like viewing minute after minute of water coming to a boil but you can fast forward to see how long it takes to get half a liter of water to boil. The mug is a Snowpeak Ti Mug that I have had for years, comes with a lid but that would defeat the purpose of showing you when it starts to boil.
A note on cook times: These videos were taken in a work shop on December 11, 2009, ambient temp was 48F although being inside obviously no wind was present. Take that into consideration when assessing fuel needs.
However, should you run out of fuel or need to augment your solid fuel cubes you can use small organic materials to feed the fire, something you cant do on that multifuel stove. On a recent hike I stopped for a warm cup of hot cocoa and shot some photos of using small twigs to supplement the solid fuel cubes.
 |
| From Blog album |
 |
| From Blog album |
Worried about how much weight this stove can hold? Or stability under an awkward load? Don't. As long as you do a reasonable job of finding a flat surface the ESBIT Pocket Stove can support quite a bit of weight, as shown below. Yep, that is 500 rounds of XM193 (just under 15 pounds of weight).
 |
| From Blog album |
In conclusion, the Esbit Pocket Stove is another piece of gear that we at Austere Provisions Company recommend based on years of personal use out in the real world.
ESBIT Pocket Stove with Six Large Fuel Cubes at Austere Provisions Company
ESBIT Large Fuel Cubes, 12 Pack at Austere Provisions Company
Thanks for checking in,
Mike
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Well everyone, after much delay and toiling over a keyboard Austere Provisions Company is live and ready for your orders. We have a limited line up but look for new editions weekly as we expand.
Thanks for all the support,
Mike
Thanks for all the support,
Mike
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Welcome to the Austere Provisions Company Blog. The intent of this blog is to provide regular updates about the company as well as reviews and information about new additions to the product line up. Look to this blog for information about upcoming sales, promotions, or introductory offers on new gear as we expand our ability to serve you, the end user. Also, dont forget to add us to your Facebook Friends List, our site can be found here:
Austere Provisions Company On Facebook
Thanks for checking us out,
Mike
Austere Provisions Company On Facebook
Thanks for checking us out,
Mike
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