First Gear | Pepperwool Merino MM Knife, Galco Gunleather Flashlight Carrier, Magpul Rider Sunglasses

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posted on March 9, 2025
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First Gear | Pepperwool Merino MM Knife, Galco Gunleather Flashlight Carrier, Magpul Rider Sunglasses
(Peter Fountain)

1. Unobtrusive EDC Knife I know many people who love their pocketknife, yet they don’t carry it every day because that little chunk of metal in your pocket or on your waistband can be just annoying enough that you leave it behind. This Pepperwool Merino MM knife aims to be one you never leave behind because it simply disappears into your kit, thanks to its slim, minimalist design and light weight of 1.6 ounces. Being the clumsier sort, I’ve also always been a fan of the kind of ambidextrous bar-lock closure that doesn’t involve sticking your hands into the area the blade is going to fold into. Stainless steel with a titanium nitride finish and a G10 handle round out the features. (pepperwool.com; $129.99)

2. Handsome Flashlight Holster Do you really need this Galco Gunleather flashlight carrier? Probably not! But if you’re a first responder or anyone who carries a mini flashlight every day, you’ll probably love it. A simple snap- closure belt loop allows you to add it to your belt or everyday carry kit quickly. This premium steerhide holster is designed to fit the tiny $49 Galco-branded Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA LED flashlight, but many other ultra-compact types will also work with it. (galcogunleather.com; $89, holster only)

3. Anywhere Eye Protection When it comes to product purchases, I’m big on anything that does double-duty and thus simplifies my life. Take these Magpul Rider sunglasses—they aren’t qualified as traditional eye protection because they don’t wrap on the sides as much as they need to for that, but they still have the same ballistic protection rating while serving for more-casual applications. I might’ve used them back in my mountain-sports days, but now I appreciate them because I’m often near a range even when I’m not on the line myself. To cap it off, they’re available in a great variety of frame and lens colors and with or without polarization. (magpul.com; $99)

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