Wegner Swiss Army is indisputably one of the finest manufacturers of outdoor cutlery in the world. It isn’t really fair to compare them to those manufacturers of lesser quality knives: it isn’t really a contest. We have been especially pleased with the Wenger Ranger SAK line. The lines models range from the simple but elegant model 151 with a single straight blade to the recent “Mike Horn” model, which features every survival tool an outdoor knife should offer. So where does the model 179 fit in this spectrum of knives?

First of all, every Fresh Air Junkie ought to have at least one knife on them when out soaking up an experience. And the starting point for selecting an outdoor knife is Wenger. It can be a little daunting at first: do I buy just one knife, or one of each? The vast majority of the Ranger models are sold with black handles made from solid hard plastic. Each model differs in the product specifications such as straight blades, saw blades, can-openers and awls. They all are great companions for any hiker, camper, skier – any body in motion in the outdoors.

Wenger recently introduced a higher end line of Ranger knives labeled 75,78 and, of course, the Expedition 179. These models are

Atop Mt. San Jacinto, CA

redesigned versions of the Ranger with concept of ergonomics in mind. The most notable difference between these new models and the other Ranger SAK is that the handle features the “Evo Grip system.” The system includes multicolored SAKs which use a black grip non-slip rubber. The handle is rubber coated and molded to fit perfectly inside the user’s hand. The purpose? The combination of features provide greater comfort, safety and support.

We carried several different knives with us on our last trek up Mount San Jacinto. A couple of guys in our group scoffed at the idea that there could be a need for something more than a basic pocket knife. Other members always carry several different knives to be ready for any eventuality. The debate continued at various points over the day. On the ascent, we rolled the Ranger 179 in small patches of snow strewn across the trail. We got the handle wet and then tested using the knife on branches and rope. True to Wenger’s promise, the Ranger 179 refused to slip free from our grip. The black rubber on the EvoGrip repelled the moisture and provided solid traction at all four grip points. It was clear that Wenger’s description that the SAK was designed to be cradled perfectly by the human hand was not just hype: it really lived up to the claim. The skeptics in our group had to admit that the grip was far superior to the black hard plastic.

Wenger has tested its engineering in the Patagonia Expedition in which teams of four race through globe’s toughest terrain. The Ranger 179 is Wenger’s official race knife for the Patagonia Expedition and has been designed to aid the Wenger race team in every clime and place. The two closest models to the 179 in the Ranger series are the 75 and 78. These two cousins sport the EvoGrip as the 179, but differ in tool features. The model 78 offers all of the same tools as the model 179 with the exception of the main blade. The model 78 features a straight-edge blade while the 179 features a serrated/straight combination blade for increased versatility. Surprisingly, the model 179 has a lower price tag than the model 78.

The three models of knives share the majority of major features including a razor-sharp can-opener, an awl complete with sewing eye, a locking screwdriver, corkscrew, key ring, reamer, double-cut wood saw (which comes in handy in gathering firewood), and a 3.9” locking serrated/straight edge combination blade. The locking blade features a rivet at the top which allows for one-handed opening. As with all Ranger SAKs, the locking blade can be released by pressing the Wenger emblem embedded in the handle. The 75 model differs from the 179 in that it has traded the double-edge wood saw for a pair of spring loaded pliers at price of $10 extra. Shoppers must evaluate whether they intend on working more with metal or wood.

It can be quite overwhelming when researching the many options that Wenger’s Ranger SAK has to offer. Shoppers are forced to pit serrated blades vs. straight edge and saws vs. pliers. The Patagonia Ranger 179 offers a perfect blend of all the necessities for outdoor survival without slashing the wallet. It is perhaps the most complete and safest bargain of the EvoGrip Ranger line. The EvoGrip line runs roughly $15-$20 more than the standard Ranger line, however the system is proven to work. The consensus at the end of the hike up Mount San Jacinto was that the Ranger SAK 179 was a great choice for an outdoor knife, whether you carry one or several knives. Like a good handshake, it is all about the grip!

By Kevin Varner

Serrated work blade will handle most chores. Click to enlarge.

Wenger has long been regarded as one of the elite cutlery manufacturers in the world. The name is synonymous with durability and superb engineering. The company is one of the two proud manufacturers of the world-famous Swiss Army Knives. One of Wenger’s most popular models, the Ranger, has recently undergone remodeling to create the ultimate outdoors survival tool. Wenger’s newest model, the Mike Horn Ranger, is more than an ordinary Ranger with a face-lift. This knife was specifically designed to aid world-renowned adventurer Mike Horn on his three year Pangaea expedition.

The Mike Horn is not your ordinary Swiss Army Knife made to dangle from one’s key chain. This knife was designed with the intent of enduring the elements and performing in every clime and place. The Mike Horn lacks the bells and whistles of the average city-dwelling Swiss Army Knife such as toothpicks, scissors, and tweezers. This knife sports only the bare essentials for wilderness survival. These features, however, are made with the highest quality materials and flawless engineering to ensure superior performance in every situation.

There are two stainless steel blades on the Mike Horn SAK made for one-handed opening. The first blade is a locking serrated edge blade slightly less than 4 inches long. Closing the serrated blade can be achieved by pressing on the red Wenger emblem alongside the handle. The second blade is a non-locking straight-edged blade of equal length. Both blades are sure to slice through any material encountered in the wilderness and are sharp enough to perform surgery.

One of the knife’s most impressive features is the stainless steel set of pliers. These pliers are well-placed in the center of the knife in

Straight edge is for those times you need a razor. Click to enlarge.

between the two blades. This mechanism folds outward to reveal a set of needle-nose pliers, wrench, and wire cutter. The handle of the pliers are spring loaded which allow for a gorilla-grip squeeze. The handle of the knife itself is beefy at 1¼ inch thick which can make it difficult for those of us cursed with dainty hands. The handle is impressive though, constructed from recycled wood and plastic just as environmentalist Mike Horn had wished.

The knife also sports a razor-sharp can opener at the base, metal file, and awl/leather puncher at the rear. There is no screwdriver built into the knife, but rather a ¼ inch bit-holder located along the handle. The Mike Horn SAK comes with both flathead and Phillips head bits which can be locked in place in the bit-holder.  Though there are many benefits for having an interchangeable bit holder rather than one particular screwdriver head, this feature requires the user to carry multiple parts which may become difficult in the wilderness.

Fresh Air Junkie has tested Mike Horn SAK on hikes, camping excursions, and various wilderness outings. Though this knife can be used in any outdoor adventure, it was made specifically for survivalists and extreme athletes. This knife is intended to save lives while scaling mountains in Nepal or trudging through snow banks in Antarctica. That is not to say that it will not assist you on a weekend camping trip at the beach, but it lacks the luxuries and packs the essentials. The Mike Horn SAK does not come with tweezers or toothpicks because adventurers such as Mike Horn have much bigger concerns in the wilderness than splinters and broccoli between their teeth.

Long nose pliers, one of the essentials. Click to enlarge.

The simplicity of the knife’s features are not limitations but rather allow one’s creativity to thrive. This knife is so widely adaptable to circumstances that it unleashes one’s inner McGuyver. For example, the zipper of one of our tents was broken on a recent camping trip in Palm Springs, and would open spontaneously with any slight gust of wind. We were able to use the needle-nose pliers on the Mike Horn SAK and a rubber band to cinch the ends of the tent flap down throughout the night.

We were especially impressed with the can opener on the Mike Horn SAK. Can-openers have become a standard feature on SAKs though many are sub-par to say the least. Can-openers of lesser, city-dwelling, models are often untenable and result in a struggle between can vs. opener. The Mike Horn SAK, however, is by far one of the sharpest and sturdiest can-openers we have ever used and slices through aluminum clean and efficient.

With a retail price of $175.00, it would be an absolute nightmare to lose this knife somewhere along the trail. Fortunately, Wenger

Note screwdriver bit in handle and knife sheath.

has provided a few different features which allow for easy transportation. There is a small key loop at the base of the knife in case one wants to dangle their keys from the knife. However, Wenger includes a nylon carrying case complete with a belt loop for easy transportation. The large size of the knife makes it a cumbersome key-chain and quite large for pocket carry. Wearing the Mike Horn knife on ones belt provides easy access and looks stylish. The holster has a front compartment which holds the flathead and Phillips head screw bits.

By Kevin Varner

-         Overall Length: 5.1 inches (closed) nine inches (open)

-         Blade Length: 3.9 inches

-         Width: 1.25 inches

-         Weight: 8.8 oz.

-         Origin: Switzerland

-         Materials: Swiss Stainless Steel and Recycled Plastic & Wood

-         MSRP: $175.00

Victorinox Swiss Army’s (VSA) new Dive Master 500M watch is a worthy timepiece as solid as the titanium it is fashioned from. Considered one of the lightest and strongest metals available for many types of hardware, the titanium watch case, screw-in case back, and bracelet are remarkably comfortable and easy on the wrist.

Most legitimate diving watches, with deep-water capability are milled out of stainless steel. While stainless-steel is extremely strong and durable, it is also fairly heavy. And for some people, the weight and bulk of a dive watch makes it cumbersome. The VSA Dive Master 500M does carry the bulk needed to withstand the pressure of deep dives, yet the lack of weight inherent in titanium takes away the heavy feel, which translates into a comfort level you can enjoy and live with.

The case diameter is 43mm and about 12.5mm thick. Yes, you can knock out your adversary with a moderately powered, but well placed shot to the chin with this watch. But it is no larger or bulky than any competitive purpose-built watch in its category. Yet the watch case and bracelet are lighter than any dive watch in its category not milled entirely out of titanium.

Considered the hardest natural metal on earth, titanium is highly scratch resistant and will not readily bend or deform. Titanium’s coloration of silver-gray-white is exactly the color of the Dive Master 500M we reviewed. In its purest form, titanium is completely hypoallergenic which also makes this a viable choice for active outdoorsmen and women who are hard pressed to find a watch they can wear without the metal reacting to the skin on their wrist.

Dive Master bracelet is fully expandable to accomodate dive suit. Titanium is hypoallergenic, so no issues for sensitive skin.

So naturally we liked the overall appearance and lightweight of the Dive Master. Aesthetically, the Dive Master is just as functional and easy to wear in a business environment as it is on a dive, surfing session or water-born athletic application. While its design and purpose are meant to function beyond human eyesight below the surface of the sea, only a small percentage of Dive Master owners will ever really put this watch through the rigors it is built for.

A rigorous build is an understatement, the Dive Master 500M is overkill in an excellent way. And it’s guaranteed no human will ever wear this watch to 500 meters below the surface of the sea without being twisted into a cinnamon bun and forever unable to even describe the submarine beauty to a forensic physician on a CSI show. A depth of 500 meters is not survivable in terms of a human being operating on a deep sea dive.

The Dive Master is rated for water resistance down to 500 meters (or 1,640.4 feet). To say “waterproof” would be to tamper with a legal term that in reality, no mechanism could claim. At some depth, the enormous pressures of the ocean water will implode the glass and breach the moisture seals of any instrument. Being water resistant to 500 meters simply indicates the watch is designed to withstand water pressure of 50 ocean atmospheres. Now consider this: the human body can only operate around the 100 meter depth. So the Dive Master is simply capable of functioning in an ocean pressure far beyond human capacity. That’s a huge status boost for the Dive Master 500M priced at $725.00 (Item # 241262).

Note screw-in titanium case back and shoulder protection of watch crown.

What makes sense to us is the astute use of titanium to design a watch that can go where no watch may have gone before. By engineering a dive watch using all the best design practices and pressure-sealed components, it stands to reason how such a depth of 500 meters can be attained strictly on the merits of the timepiece alone. So how does one objectively test a product like this?

We toyed with the notion of getting on an overnight deep-sea fishing charter boat and asking the captain to let us know when we had 1,640 feet of ocean below. We could use the watch as a sinker, then fling the Dive Master over the side to see for ourselves how well it fared at maximum depth. But that’s not realistic and the Dive Master is on loan. We don’t even want to know the result if we were wrong. Yet somehow we don’t think we would be disappointed.

Besides, our evaluations on outdoor gear is measured against how well a product or service performs in everyday life whether in the backcountry or in a more urban setting. However, what we did do was to wear the Dive Master in every cold, wet, and a potentially case-seeping water intrusion scenario we found ourselves in. And there is no question this watch is water resistant for most extreme outdoor activities that most folks are going to truly experience.

The Dive Master 500 has a sapphire crystal, of the kind only found on fine watches. Although it is not impervious to scratching or abrasion, sapphire will hold up far longer than most other watch-crystal options. For example, if you were intent on scratching your initials into the watch crystal of a Dive Master 500, you would have to use a diamond or another type of sapphire stone. A nice blue sapphire with a chiseled point will work nicely, but why?

Smooth bezel mechanism rotates counter clockwise only. Illumination on all hands and markers flat "Pop" in low light.

We appreciated how the date magnifier block is below the sapphire crystal rather than on top like a Rolex Submariner. The functionality is the same, but it leaves the crystal surface uncluttered. You might also appreciate the single-direction bezel (it only rotates counter clockwise), with a crisp and quiet ratchet mechanism. You will also note the robust titanium shoulder design protecting the watch crown.

Here’s another big plus we enjoyed about the Dive Master, you don’t need two hands to see what time it is at night. The glowing capability of this green-white florescent feature is often indicative of the element called tritium. But nothing in owner’s manual or the VSA website confirms this.

In low-light environments, such a night time or cave dwelling, the illuminating treatment on the Dive Master can be clearly viewed on the watch hands, hour points, and the 20-minute dive time indicator on the watch bezel. It actually “pops” in low light. This is one characteristic we look for in all outdoor watches we get our wrists into. When you cannot see what time it is at night merely by glancing at your wrist, all other features are just digital fluff.

Time accuracy is hard to beat with the quartz movement such as used with the Dive Master. Rather than using synthetic gems in the watch movement, an electrical pulse (from the battery) is sent to a minuscule quartz crystal that precisely vibrates at exactly 32,768 cycles per second. The accuracy of a quartz movement pivots on the reliability of this straightforward interaction between the electrical pulse and the known characteristics of the quartz crystal to run the watch.

As you may know, a Swiss made watch is legitimate when the watch movement is installed into the watch case in Switzerland. That’s really all it means. But it sounds cool. And of course we like the fact that this watch is Swiss made. Far more cache’ is associated with a Swiss-made product than one made in any pacific-rim country. That’s not a slight, prejudice or insensitive slap to anyone. It’s a generally accepted conclusion.

This idea of the importance of the country a product is made in does matter to many individuals when it comes to a purchase decision. Victorinox Swiss Army vociferously protects their brand name, image, and perceived quality, and the Dive Master appears to be a product with the pride of a nation standing behind it.

Dive Master 500M's locking clasp secures bracelet in league with the best available.

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed the Dive Master 500. It is a watch you can wear any place from the most severe conditions to the heights of luxurious social circles. It’s not out of place anywhere. It’s also an investment in a piece of gear that you hopefully won’t have to replace for many years. Because it is battery powered, we can see a down side when someone decides not to produce a battery that will run the watch. You know, like how the Japanese and American manufacturers constantly outdate last year’s model so you can’t use whatever it is or get replacement parts for it, thus forcing you to buy the latest piece of merchandise. If this watch could be set up to receive its electrical needs from exposure to the sun, the Dive Master 500 would last a lifetime and then some…to say the least.

By Rick Shandley

Photography, Scott Anderson

 We recently had the opportunity to evaluate the 2009 Nomad LED Compass watch by Wenger. From the information we first received, it was apparent this new Swiss Army watch has the styling to wear with a suit and tie, yet be durable enough to wear year-round during any outdoor activity.

The Nomad Compass watch is Swiss made and uses both digital and analog technology in this multi-function timepiece.  Both the watch crown and casing are milled from high-quality stainless steel for durability. The brushed finish also lends an appealing aesthetic value to the Nomad. In addition to the sense of reliability and accuracy that Swiss watches are known for, the one feature of the Nomad Compass watch we really valued is the use of a hardened mineral crystal from which all the watch functions are observed. A hardened mineral crystal ensures the watch owner that this timepiece has the best protection from scratches and dings that can often ruin a good outdoor watch long before its time.  

In addition to the analog time keeping of the hour/minute, and second hands, the Nomad includes four digital functions. These digital functions include Time (for night viewing), Date, Day, and Compass. The four function-specific buttons are located on each side of the watch casing. Both the Time and Date function buttons are located at 9 o’ clock, and the Day and Compass buttons are located at the 3 o’ clock position.

All of the watch functions are readily identified in Swiss Army red around the circumference of the outer watch bezel. The inner watch bezel (under the crystal) features white incremental markings for the second hand. In general, the color combinations of red, white, black and brushed stainless steel give this watch a subtly handsome appearance.

Setting up the Nomad Compass watch was straight forward and easy to accomplish. It’s important to bear in mind that both the analog seconds hand and the digital seconds counter need to be synchronized or the digital time function can be thrown off. Setting digital time, day and calendar are simply a matter of following instructions and takes only a few minutes.

Calibrating the Nomad compass function takes just a little more thought and preparation, but is still easy to accomplish. Your direction of travel will be the red and white Swiss Army cross logo at the 12 o’clock position on the watch face. With the watch off the wrist and laying flat on an even surface, the first step to calibrating the compass is to hold down the Compass button until “CAL” is displayed in red digital letters. Then you will rotate the watch twice, to finish the first step of the calibration. While the indicators are still moving, you press the Compass button again to input the magnetic declination angle. If you want your compass to give you accurate readings, you’ll determine what the magnetic declination angle is before you calibrate the compass.

 Determining Magnetic Declination Angle

Since the Nomad compass points to magnetic north, there is a slight variation from true north. For those new to this, the difference between magnetic north and true north is called the magnetic declination angle. Depending on where you live, there are set declination angles you can refer to for calibrating the Nomad compass. We went to http://ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag to determine the magnetic declination angle for our region of Southern California. We entered Latitude at 38.52 º north and Longitude at 121.50º west which calculated the magnetic declination angle at 14º 26′ east. With the Nomad compass in Magnetic Declination mode, we input the calculated declination angle of 14º 26′ east. The Nomad automatically compensates the compass bearing.

Most all digital compass watches using the latest technology are calibrated in a similar manner of rotating twice and locking in data. Like most current electric and digital devices such as cell phones and I-pods require some set-up before using, the Nomad Compass watch set up fairly quick. The instructions are concise, and once accomplished, don’t have to be repeated unless you move to a different geographical region.

The Nomad Compass was referenced against two analog compasses that point to magnetic north. At each compass heading, the Nomad matched the analog compasses very closely, allowing you to get to your destination with confidence.  Any variance between compass headings would most likely give the Nomad compass reading the greater accuracy due to the automatic compensation of the magnetic declination angle being accounted for.

Unlike an analog compass that is inscribed with the compass angles, using the Nomad Compass watch requires you to understand these angles and be familiar enough to determine if you are heading northwest, southeast, etc. This is not a big deal and just by orienting yourself with the general compass headings you will have a quick reference to keep you on track. The general compass pointes and associated angles are: North (360º or 0º); East (90º); South (180º) and West (270º). So when you key the compass button on the Nomad and it reads 290º, you will quickly see you are heading in a north-west direction. It takes some self-training, but so does compass orienteering in general.

 Overall, we think the Wenger Nomad Compass watch is a solid timepiece with accurate direction finding capability. Wearing the watch day-to-day offered several chances to check the compass heading on trail hikes and in getting one’s bearings while following directions through an unfamiliar city. We found the features of this multi-function watch to be fairly practical with the Date and Day functions. As most of us have experienced, at some point in an exhausting work week, traveling cross-country and in and out of airports and hotels, it’s easy to lose track of what day it is. With the Nomad, you just press the day button to see that it’s Friday, and you’re almost home.

Not everybody cares about whether or not the analog watch hands are visible in the black of night. Yet, the one thing a Swiss Army watch is known for, besides being an accurate timepiece, is illuminated numbers, hour hand and minute hand. At night, the numbers are clearly visible on the Nomad, but the hour and minute hands are not. It’s a downside that is certainly mitigated just by pressing the Time button for a digital reading, but this requires you to reach over with your other hand to press the nightlight on the watch. It would be great if the hour and minute hands were overlaid with the same Super Luminova® as the numerals on the watch face are. This would give the Nomad even more utility.

By Rick Shandley

 Watch Specifications:

Item Number: 70430

Price Point: $375

Luminous markers – Numbers only, overlaid with Super Luminova material

Movement: Swiss mechanism

Power Source: Battery (Type:N/A) – note: Wenger recommends battery replacement by a jeweler to maintain water-resistance

Crystal: Hardened mineral

Case Body: Stainless Steel

Case Finish: Brushed

Strap: Silicon with metal buckle

Water resistance: To 100M (330 feet)

Nomad case thickness: 13mm – includes bezel, crystal, and back cover

Nomad case diameter: 45.5mm

Wrist strap thickness: 4.9mm

Lug Thickness: 22mm

The Wegner Patagonia Expedition Race will again put teams through extreme terrain and conditions.

Using only a compass and a map to navigate 10 days of some of the most remote and unyielding terrain on earth, teams from around the world will once again strive to hit their marks in the 2010 Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race. Starting February 9th, 2010 teams will survive on minimal sleep and nutrition, yet exert maximum effort to not only complete the race but win it.

Fewer places on this planet are as beautiful and ruthless as the the southern parts of Chile. Patagonia conjures up thoughts of glorious scenery and deep, aquamarine blue fjords. But the teams who will trek, kayak, swim, mountain bike, and practice pure compass orienteering skills don’t entertain a false sense of security. They know it will be harsh. And they’ve seen other teams retire from the race after reaching one of the six checkpoints they must report to in order to arrive at the finish.  The checkpoints are positioned throughout the 375 miles of mystical wonderland that makes up Chile’s Patagonia; a region that race organizers are using to attract world attention to preserve the area’s natural significance. For 2010, the race promises to be no less of a hurdle for the sixty or so athletes that make up approximately 10 teams from around the world.

Druce Finley’s Account Of Last Year’s Race

In early 2009, the race covered the route from Torres Del Paine National Park to Cape Froward on the tip of the South American continent. Druce Finlay, U.S. Team captain gave some  hints in his journal, as to the difficult and extreme challenge that this event puts on a human body.  We’ve compiled several outtakes of his journal that showcases the intense physical torture and gratification of nature that he experienced throughout the journey. He writes, “It seems team Calleva as destined to have a staggering amount of adversity, and through it the adventure of a lifetime. Every time we used our tent we were rained on; and it was very cold, except once when it sleeted on us. It started off with me heading to Patagonia sick as a dog and getting team Captain Mark Lattanzi sick for the first five days of the race.”

Team Calleva, left to right, Valentin Chapa, Druce Finlay, Mark Lattanzi, and Sara Percy

According to Finlay, the first section of last year’s race began with a paddle in an area known as the Grey River.  The river resides in Torres Del Paines, a world famous rock climbers’ getaway in Chile, where Grey Glacier forms Grey Lake. This is the head waters to the beautiful Grey River where the paddle started. Twenty miles downstream in merges the Rio Serrano (aptly named as it resembles the color of a clear green Serrano chili pepper), the two rivers mix, resulting in a fantastic display of colors.  “Patagonia has met our expectations as one of the most pristine and unimaginably beautiful places on earth” Finlay says in his journal. “Throughout the race I kept calling it the land of the lost. We headed downstream towards a large ocean bay and ended up getting ferried by the race organizers due to 100-140 km winds out on the bay.”

Once at the second stage, Wenger, the maker of the Swiss Army Knife, was a sponsor of the event, and paid the local tavern for a mass buffet so teams could head off with a fresh start for the mountain biking section of the race. “We then mounted our bikes and cranked out an absolutely marvelous 60 miler,” says Finlay. “It was just sweet riding and as the night set in the full moon. It was fun to use it for a while instead of lights.  As navigation became imperative we busted out the lights, Val and I riding with AYUP and in the process lighting up the entire road. We finished strong.”

For the third section of the 2009 race, things started off well for team Calleva. They were only one hour behind the leaders after two sections. “Let me just say that the Patagonian mountains have a very daunting look to them, especially when imminent weather is at hand,” said Finlay. “ Night was approaching and we had been getting rained on for 12 hours as we crossed the bogs/wetlands and headed towards the first mountain crossing. The crest of the mountains was very craggy, limiting where a team could find passage, and we had no visibility due to heavy rain clouds and the rapidly approaching night. Perhaps we would have braved it if our teammate Mark wasn’t sick as a dog. We hunkered down for 10 hours and waited for light, everyone being mildly disappointed knowing that it was lost time. We continued on the next morning, making great time and to our surprise finishing the trek in fifth.”

As team Calleva headed off on bikes at 11:00 pm that evening, the team thought they were in for a horrible rids as four days of rain turned the local roads into nothing but mud. “To our surprise the mud was not thick and as we headed out of the mountains it disappeared altogether, we continued making our way to a ferry crossing and had a two hour nap as we waitted for the ferriers to wake up. Let me just mention now that this race had the best mountain biking and some of the most scenic riding I’ve experienced in an Expedition Race. We pushed hard on the rest of this ride which was battling the roaring 40’s for 30 miles on an ocean road, trying to get to the next TA by 4:00 pm which we thought was a kayak dark zone.” As it turned out, the team was met with yet another challenge, as the Navy would only launch one team per day, starting at 7:00 am. This was a safety precaution so that the Navy could send safety boats along with the paddlers. “We reorganized our gear, ate heartily, and caught up on some rest,” said Finlay.

Team Calleva on bikes to the next stage

Once in the water, the teams had to cross the Straights of Magellan, then paddle up a very scenic fjord, “The most scenic paddling I have ever seen,” exclaims Findlay, and make their way to a 17 km portage. “This was was really 7 km of portaging, then 10 km of lakes and fast moving rivers in between the lakes,” Findlay says. “Val and I had bad luck first. As we made our way precariously down a fast moving section full of brambles we got dumped and lost two headlamps, half a paddle, a fleece jacket and some food. The situation cost us one hour and we headed out again a little rattled (the conditions were life threatening). After crossing another small lake it was Mark and Sara’s turn for a little adventure and they were put into an even more dangerous position with no possible way of getting the boat pulled out and portaged beyond the danger zone. Val and I lashed our boat to some trees and headed over to aid in the rescue which included using our 50 ft. tow line. With all team members staging along the brambles to ease the Necky Amarukthrough the rapids. It cost us another hour and we reached the final 10 km ocean section just in time for another Dark Zone.  So it was up with the tent and 10 more hours lost. That put us in a position of fighting the clock for the next few days.”

The final section included a trek in which team Calleva had to pick up the pace. “We pulled in early with our boats and had only expectations of a smart, clean TA. We needed a little recovery time to dry our gear, get well fed and planned out the supplies for a 125 km trek through extremely dense forests and wetlands. Since we arrived late with the previous day’s bad luck, we were hours behind where we wanted to be, and heading out on this trek early in the morning would have been extremely beneficial. Yet, we didn’t head out until noon.”

The team pushed hard and within hours they felt they could easily be in third place. “We reached a high saddle where we could see the next mountain crossing and plan our route. We knew it was hours away and didn’t want to sleep again so we agreed to go for it. It was a bad idea. We entered the mountains at night into a full on snow storm with zero visibility and dangerous cliffs everywhere. We had to pitch the tent again and wait for light. It would have made a great film shot for a tent company as we were placed on a little tiny ledge of rock surrounded by steep snowfields and jagged cliff bans. Throughout the night we snuggled and made hot soup to survive the cold. In the morning none of us could believe the position we had unwittingly camped in.”

That night the team veered off course and had to take the long way around to get back on track. “We were 7 km from being back on course. We had to go up a river valley and could see the original canyon where we should have come out. The bush was so thick it took us 12 hours to do the 7 km which was a little aggravating. Let me mention we were going like animals to get through that stuff and get back on course.”

The next two days the team made great time. “Because of adversity on the first portion of this trek we were way behind and ran out of food with 40 km to go. We did a major river crossing and inspected the map. The recommended route was much longer than a mountain option that the team agreed would be a good shortcut due to the absence of food.”

 Their plan was a simple one, get above the bush on the ridges and drop down into the area known as the Cross at the End of the World. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Horrendous weather dropped in on us and we bailed from the mountains at high speed down a canyon that proved to be truly epic. “From here we should have been able to head over to the Cross trailhead.  For two days we tried to coasteer but would become hypothermic almost instantly because of the freezing water and cold conditions upon leaving the water. We tried three times to go back up and over the mountains but would get cliffed out. Let me mention this was a brave team that would not just turn around and we would spend hours trying to contour around the cliffs through the thickest jungle/bush you’ve ever seen. When all seemed lost we finally cracked through to the trail and found some of the remaining personnel who took us by helicopter the hospital and then rushed us to the closing ceremonies for a well earned meal and a bottle of wine.”

The last couple of days were hard for the team. “I’m sure we made a few bad decisions because of a lack of good rest and food,” said Finlay. “I learned that everyone on this team has true strength and internal fortitude and would not quit no matter how hard or how bad the situation had become. Instead of turning on each other we just kept getting stronger as a team and kept going for it, knowing that we had to make it. Team Callevayou are true champions that I’m humbled and honored to have raced with!” Findlay exclaims.  “The Patagonia Expedition was the most adventurous course I have done and I will go back. I highly recommend it for any adventure racer seeking a good race.

For more information on the race, go to www.patagonianexpeditionrace.com

Stout, stealthy, and razor sharp, the Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage is also kinda' slick.

Benchmade Knife Company walked away with 2009 Knife of the Year award at The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence for the model 585 Mini-Barrage^TM on July 24th in Windsor, CT. 

“We are thrilled and honored to receive such a prestigious award” says Les de Asis, CEO and Founder of Benchmade Knife Company.

“Benchmade prides itself on manufacturing high-quality, American-made products. To have our standard of excellence recognized is extremely rewarding and gratifying,” de Asis said.

 The 585 Mini-Barrage features a patented AXIS® Assist Locking Mechanism, combining speed and strength in one complete package.

Other key features include 100% ambidextrous function, reversible carry clip and 154CM blade steel. For more information on the 585 Mini-Barrage, please visit: www.benchmade.com
Benchmade has won Knife of the Year eight times since 1998 and remains committed to designing and manufacturing world class sports cutlery and superior-edged tools. Knife of the Year winners include 610 Rukus (2006), 425 Gravitator (2005), 921 Switchback (2003), 556 Mini-Griptilian (2002), 690 Elishewitz (2001), 720 Mel Pardue (2000), 710 McHenry & Williams (1999), and the 910 Stryker (1998).