Trekking: VSSL’s flashlights are masked multi-tools

By Brandon Widder May 28, 2015

VSSL Flashlight

VSSL Flashlight

VSSL Flashlight

VSSL Flashlight

VSSL Flashlight

Man isn’t meant to stay indoors — our weekly “Trekking” column can attest to that. It’s a column dedicated to the adventurer inside of all of us, the one pining to ditch the office humdrum for a quick surf session or seven-week jaunt in the Grand Tetons. One day we may highlight an ultra-light stove and the next a set of handmade canoe paddles. Life doesn’t just happen inside the workplace, so get outside and live it.

Trust us, we know there’s a certain appeal that comes with moonlight when camping. However, although even the faintest glow can illuminate and shed a little light on your surroundings, there’s no denying how crucial a flashlight is in the wild. They come in all shapes and sizes — from simple headlamps to compact cannons that float — but most flashlights don’t tout convenience quite like those in VSSL’s lauded series.

Related: Prep with the Best Made SOLKOA Survival Kit | Our favorite LED lanterns

Manufactured in Canada and initially funded via Kickstarter, each flashlight essentially functions like a versatile multi-tool of sorts. They’re made of seamless, military-grade aluminum and measure 9 inches long, while housing a hollowed interior for quickly stowing a variety of tin canisters. Each of the company’s six models serves a different purpose, though, whether intended for traditional emergency situations or more… post-apocalyptic … scenarios. The Supplies model ($105), for instance, contains a razor blade, beeswax candle, can opener, beadless whistle, and purification tablets among a host of other useful tools. The like-minded First Aid model ($65) on the other hand, offers a selection of tools aimed at alleviating minor medical issues.

However, the best of the bunch isn’t designed as much for survival as it is stashing your favorite libations. The aptly-titled Flask ($65) boasts space for up to 10 ounces of booze, not to mention two collapsible, stainless-steel shot glasses. The dual-mode LED and oil-filled compass only make finding a spot to sit back and sip that much easier.

Check out VSSL Outdoor Utility Tools online to make a purchase, or to browse the company’s noteworthy selection of utility flashlights and accessories.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Brandon Widder is a journalist and a staff writer for the Manual and its brother site, Digital Trends, where he covers tech…

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