Skip to main content

Flint Laces: Shoestrings for the Survivalist

In an ideal world, you’ll always have a few dry matches and some fluid in your lighter, but as the old adage goes, you should always hope for the best and plan for the worst.  So in the spirit of staying prepared for any situation, we highly recommend you check out these Flint Laces from Idaho-based retailer RattlerStrap.

Unlike traditional bootlaces, these badboys feature a section of rubber-encased ferro-rod at each end. The idea is that, if you ever find yourself stranded in the middle of BFE without your trusty Zippo, you can break open the lace, retrieve the flint, and strike it with a piece of steel to generate some sparks. Granted, making fire this way is easier said than done, but flint and steel definitely beats having nothing and just freezing to death.

The only gripe we have is that in order to use them, you’ve gotta break the lace open. This essentially makes them single-use — but in all fairness, if you do ever find yourself in a situation where your life is on the line, you probably won’t mind sacrificing your shoelaces to start a fire. You can pick up a pair for about 14 bucks on RattlerStrap’s website.

Editors' Recommendations

Drew Prindle
Drew is our resident tech nerd. He’s spent most of his life trying to be James Bond, so naturally he’s developed an…
Doxa’s Sub 200T watch is a new, smaller version of the Classic 300 design
Doxa introduces smaller version of Sub 300
Doxa Sub 200T series

Doxa watches aren't exactly the word on the tip of anyone's tongue when they think of their favorite brands; however, they have developed their own community, and some might dub them a cult following. The brand recently unveiled its latest Doxa watch, the Sub 200T which has sent a lightning strike through the hearts of fans, as it's unmistakably more compact than the iconic 300T and 600T models. The lack of smaller options has always been a common complaint among fans of the brand, and with consumer behavior veering more and more in this direction, it's no surprise that the latest iteration is just 39mm. The iconic design of the Classic 300 has been shrunk down to something more compact, sleek, and contemporary.
The new Doxa Sub 200T has a color for every taste

On top of that, the kaleidoscope of color options available from Doxa watches will surely satisfy every taste, from those who like bright and sporty models to those who prefer something a little more classic and subdued. The dial features a sunray-finished design with a luminous sunburst effect, and it comes with two strap options: a stainless steel bracelet with a "beads of rice" design and an FKM rubber strap that comes with folding clasps and ratcheting wetsuit extensions.

Read more
Garmin, Seiko, G-SHOCK, and more: Our picks for best outdoor watches in 2024
Our picks for the best outdoor watches for men
Man on bike in Apple watch

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you need the perfect wrist companion for all of your adventures. Whether you're biking and hiking on rugged terrain or simply tracking your fitness goals, you need a watch that keeps time, looks stylish, and can handle your activities. We've created a list of the best outdoor watches, including brands like Garmin, Seiko, G-SHOCK, and Suunto.

We've focused on features like GPS tracking, construction, and top-tier technology to bring you what we think are the top outdoor watches at the moment. Whether you're a seasoned explorer, a fan of going to the gym, or someone who appreciates these types of manly watches, there's a timepiece to suit every taste and lifestyle, including yours. Each of these watches brings its own bit of flair to the world of outdoor watches, from Seiko to the famously tough G-SHOCK brand.
The best outdoor watches for men

Read more
Hublot’s sapphire Big Bang gets an icy new color
Hublot reveals new Big Bang in Glacier Blue
Hublot Big Bang in Glacier Blue

The newest addition to the Hublot MP-11 collection is a formidable presence, measuring a whopping 45mm in diameter and 14.4mm in thickness, so you'll need some major confidence if you want to sport this beast on your wrist. The inaugural Sapphire Big Bang was introduced in 2016 and since then the brand has delighted fans with an array of color iterations, from other sapphire colors to purple and orange. Now, Glacier Blue has been introduced, just in time to keep you cool this summer (in attitude, not temperature, unfortunately.)
Hublot: The Big Bang MP-11 in Glacier Blue

This Big Bang MP-11 features a 14-day power reserve, which is achieved through seven series-coupled barrels arranged in a horizontal configuration, and all of that can be viewed by the wearer. The truly vibrant Glacier Blue (seriously, the blue is so bright you'll feel like you're about to start seeing your breath) is made with a fresh chemical composition but still shares the same properties as sapphire: luminous, and able to withstand scratches.
Technical specifications
This Hublot watch will leave you completely mesmerized for several hours before you even think about the technical specifications, though there are some exceptional details to go over. Inside this MP-11 is the HUB9011 Manufacture manual-winding skeleton power reserve movement. As we mentioned above, there are seven series-coupled barrels, but they've been arranged in a coaxial and vertical configuration so the watch is able to maintain a super slim profile of just 10.9mm. All tied together like a bow on top is the blue transparent structured rubber strap with a titanium deployant buckle clasp.

Read more