It's hard to improve on that. . .
The thread about knives in the the Tackle Talk forum got me thinking that despite the constant innovation and improvement when it comes to fishing and general outdoor gear there are some products that are so good that they are almost impossible to improve on or replace with something better.
Swiss Army knives are a fantastic example. Other knives have come and gone, multi-tools have their place, but nothing, I mean nothing can replace a Swiss Army knife for a compact tool that has no end to its usefulness.
My other nominations go to:
Mini Maglite torch/flashlight - Absolutely the best and most useful small torch out there. As bright or brighter than the old 2 D cell torches that it replaced when it came out 20 years ago. Finally a light that is rugged enough so that it works when I need it, but is compact enough that it's always where I need it. Glove compartment, tool box, field bag, I probably have a half dozen of them.
Petzel Tikka LED headband light - not to overdo the torch theme, but this baby took a useful idea for outdoorsmen to a whole new level. Not a replacement for the Maglite, but an tremendously useful light in its own right. Ultralight, bright, and lasts forever on one set of batteries, and best of all, keeps my hands free to work. And it's not just fantastic for fishing or hunting, in the dark days of winter I use mine for all kinds of repairs where I need good light right where I'm looking.
Thermos "The Rock" vacuum bottle. Here, I have to give an honorable mention to Stanley's Classic green vacuum bottle - The Stanley bottle has withstood the test of time. Simple rugged and it does exactly what it's supposed to do.
But the Thermos "The Rock" model fixes every gripe I had about the Stanley. First, the Thermos keeps stuff hot. Secondly, It has a big handle that I can grab even with gloves on, which was a huge issue with the Stanley. Outdoorsmen will also appreciate that the Thermos has a big, insulated cup so coffee doesn't instantly turn tepid when it hits the cold cup. Finally, it has a flat side so it doesn't roll around on the boat seat or in the deer stand. I wouldn't throw out a Stanley Classic, but if buying new the Thermos is the way to go.
Any coat or jacket from CC Filson & Company - I have the waterfowl coat, but pick any other model and it's just as good. I admire anyone who can hunt enough to wear out any of Filson's hunting coats and I'm in awe of anyone who's working so hard that they can wear out a Tin Cloth work coat. That's just working too damn hard. I wore a pair of Tin Cloth trousers for a couple of months of crawling around in the mud and brush while being a ground rigger in forestry and I didn't even get them broken in.
I'd be interested to hear what other's think fits in this category.
Grouse
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