It seems there’s never a dearth of new products on the market, with some introduced into one outdoor arena that could also work well in others, too (a fishing gizmo that might serve a backpacker well, for example). A self-reliant outdoors person can often get more out of a product beyond that originally intended or introduced into a particular marketplace. Here are a few items that have appeared on my outdoor gear radar recently:

Rapid Rope – Technically, the “rope” is made from twisted fibers. Rapid Rope is a woven strap that works like a rope—and does so very well. The rope is handily stored in a refillable, shatter-proof canister featuring a removable lid with an integrated cutter for efficient rope dispensing and cutting. It’s easily stowed to be carried in a pack pocket or in your glove compartment—always ready for myriad tie-down options.

It’s available as 100-plus feet of high-strength, flat-braided, strap-like utility rope with an impressive 1,000-pounds-plus tensile strength.

I tried several knots and tie-offs, and it cinched up into very tight and secure bonds each time (Sometimes twisting the strap first to make sure the smooth, flat surface of the strapping didn’t slide instead of biting.).

KEEPa Magnet – Need a place to fasten a line along a tarp without any grommets handy? Want to hang a piece of gear on a metal surface and there’s no place to attach a line? A magnetic fastener that can be attached to provide a loop may be the perfect answer.

Made with very strong magnets attached to a flexible strap, the KEEPa can be affixed to a surface to become a clip onto itself. The magnetic discs are incredibly strong and feature alternating, molded ridges on each magnetic cup surface to enhance their gripping power.

The heavy-duty and durable magnets hold up to 8 pounds when used on a vehicle or metal surface; up to 16 pounds when screwed into a wall. Mounting options and their incredible strength really expand the capabilities of these uber-magnets over others the same size.

PACT/All-in-One Bathroom Kit – Simply put, the PACT is a handy, compact, eco-friendly, packable “cat-hole” latrine kit that you can carry in your pocket!

It includes a lightweight, durable aluminum, ergonomic shovel (that also serves as the unit’s case); 20 dehydrated and compressed PACT Wipes that expand into a thick, 9-inch towel activated with a squirt of water (water must be packed separately) and decompose faster than TP and conventional wipes; and PACT Tabs (contains mycelium fungi) that are dropped in the hole to break down poop faster. Integrated storage space holds a week of supplies inside the shovel.

Scoutlite SparkO magnetic wearable light – Technically current and extremely bright lights, coupled with magnet clips and other attachment options, are a marriage made in the outdoor “flashlight” heaven. The SparkO is an Oreo-cookie-sized, magnetic-based light that easily attaches to clothing, packs, any magnetic-compatible surface, or standing along on its small, articulated stand.

It features adjustable color temperature (warm relaxing or night use/warm white for neutral tones, and cool white for bright, ‘crisp’ light). At 300 lumens, it’s 10x brighter than a cell phone flashlight. It has both white and red lights, and adjustable strobe settings. It’s rechargeable, shines for over 14 hours, and “is lighter than an egg.” The intensity of the light is amazing!

I’ve placed a mounting ring on the dashboard of my vehicle, and plan to clip it to a variety of outdoor gear as needed. It’s become one of my favorite light and signaling sources.

As you know, my choices in gear are often units that can cross over to other outdoor pursuits beyond those arenas in which they were initially introduced. I encourage you to check out this gear by going to their websites and researching them yourself based on your own criteria and needs. Your brain is your best tool, but having good gear can make using that tool much more effective!

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