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Will the world end on December 21, 2012? Probably not. But disaster doesn’t always mean fire and brimstone. These tools will help you through any catastrophe.
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Primus OmniLite Ti
The 12-ounce OmniLite stove can burn almost any fuel, including propane, diesel, and jet fuel. Made from titanium, it comes with three jets, each with a different diameter; a user swaps them out to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio depending on the fuel.** Primus OmniLite Ti** $218
Etón FRX3 Hand Turbine AM/FM Weather Alert Radio
The Etón FRX3 is a miniature generator. One minute of cranking the hand turbine creates wattage for a 30-second call on a USB-connected phone, 10 minutes of radio time, or 15 minutes of illumination from its built-in flashlight. There’s also a solar panel, an AC adapter, and battery backup.** Etón FRX3 Hand Turbine AM/FM Weather Alert Radio** $60
Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman
The four-pound Woodsman can cut or whack anything: It’s a combination ax, saw, hammer, and stake puller. The 15-inch steel saw chews through branches up to four inches thick and slips into a slot in the handle when it’s time to put the five-inch hatchet to use.** Zippo 4-in-1 Woodsman** $80 (available spring 2013)
Energizer 2-in-1 Handheld Flashlight
The Energizer 2-in-1 is both a flashlight and a lantern. On four AA batteries, it provides up to 30 hours of directional light or 100 hours of area light, which spreads out evenly after passing through the LED’s cover, laser-etched with small dots.** Energizer 2-in-1 Handheld Flashlight** $28 (available spring 2013)
LPR-100 Half Mask Respirator
At 4.7 ounces, the LPR-100 respirator provides the most protection from unsafe air for its size. The half mask contains two pleated filters, which supply extra surface area to block 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants, including metal fumes and dust.** LPR-100 Half Mask Respirator** $28
SpareOne
As long as cell towers are still active, the SpareOne will keep users connected in an emergency. It’s the only cellphone that operates on a single AA battery, which provides 10 hours of talk time. Callers can even dial 911 without an active SIM card.** SpareOne** $100
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Tool Pack
Gerber and Bear Grylls developed the most complete pocket tool kit. It comes with a multi-tool equipped with wire cutters, a serrated blade, and 10 more implements. There’s also a pocket guide to survival and a fire starter—all housed in a rubber holster.** Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Tool Pack** $85
Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT
Just under two pounds, the two-person Mountain Shelter is one of the lightest shelters available. In place of tent poles, users slip two hiking poles into fittings at the apexes of the tent.** Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT** $130 (available January 2013)
LaCie RuggedKey
Don’t leave data behind in an emergency: The RuggedKey is the most durable thumb drive available. A rubber casing protects the drive from temperatures up to 446°F, drops of 300 feet, and a downpour of three gallons per minute.** LaCie RuggedKey** From $40
Geigerrig 2L Hydration Engine
The two-liter Geigerrig 2L is the only hydration pack that doubles as a pressurized shower. To spray water, a user pumps air into a chamber within the bladder using a hand bulb. The inflated chamber then pushes water through an inline carbon filter and out the nozzle.** Geigerrig 2L Hydration Engine** $48
Granite Gear Crown 60 Pack With Klymit AirBeam Frame
The Crown 60 pack can adjust to help shoulder an accumulated load. The removable polyurethane insert inflates when a user pumps a hand bulb, increasing the rigidity of the pack so that weight distributes more evenly between the back and hips.** Granite Gear Crown 60 Pack with Klymit AirBeam Frame** $250
Polychromelab Hybrid Jacket
Firestorm? Nuclear winter? The reversible Polychrome jacket can keep the body cool or warm. In cold, the silver lining of the laminate reflects body heat, while the black exterior absorbs warming UV rays. Turned inside out, the jacket has the opposite effect.** Polychromelab Hybrid Jacket** $650 (available January 2013)
