High Ground Media, LLC

Introduced in 2020, the Dayventure Tumbler by Pelican is part of the company’s new drinkware line as Pelican further expands its line of products. With its robust design and hardened material, the Tumbler will ensure hot drinks remain so for hours, while cold drinks remain so for even longer.

Made from a body of BPA-free 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel, and folded to shape a vacuum-sealed, double-walled design—the tumbler’s body has the ability to regulate and prolong the thermal shifts of the contents inside. Its overall ergonomics (tapered bottom, fluting, and overall diameter) allow for a comfortable hand grip and for the tumbler to fit 99% of all car cup holder dimensions.

On various pained versions, the tumbler includes a sweat-proof powder finish to mitigate the body from “sweating” and allowing the user to maintain a non-slip surface.

The no-spill lid is a two-part system with a dual screw-top design made from Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for heat resistance and transparency. An integrated carabiner loop allows for the tumbler to be attached to a variety of locations securely via clip (not included) when not in a vehicle cup holder.

Specifications:

• Length…………………….3.31″ (8.4 cm)
• Height……………………..7.28″ (18.5 cm)
• Overall Volume Capacity…16oz (0.47L)

The Dayventure Tumbler is available between 10, 16, and 22oz. sizes, and comes in Silver/Stainless (featured), Seafoam, Black, Canyon Red, and Pacific Blue.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $24.95 for the 16oz variant, the Dayventure Tumbler from Pelican is made predominantly from folded stainless steel for its longevity and impact resistance. The transparent screw-top lid also is intended to provide some insulation while allowing adjustable flow or direct access. Comparators to the Dayventure Tumbler would be Rambler 16oz Stackable Pint ($24.99) from Yeti, or the Pint Tumbler ($24.99) from Rtic (but appears at a sale price of $11.99 on some third-party retail websites). This would put the Dayventure Tumbler at an appropriate (or average) cost amid the market of similar products, all with similar construction and design.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort perspective, the 16oz version of the Dayventure Tumbler had a nice, comfortable fit in the hand, with its diameter allowing for a 2/3 grip on the exterior. The tapered bottom to the body also allowed for a slightly reduced diameter so those with smaller hands may also find it just as comfortable to hold. The one noted aspect from a perspective of exposure to 8 hours of heat (such as coffee) was that some warmth (not to the point of discomfort or pain) was noted on the top of the body, presumably since that is where it is thinnest and the material interacts with the lid allotting for a dissipation source, but the rest of the body remained cool throughout the duration. The tapered body also fit snuggly into any of the various cup holders in a GMC pickup truck.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel used in the Dayventure Tumbler is a material that is both food-grade safe and extremely durable. It is frequently used in cookware and commercial kitchens for both its ability to resist heat and warp. This translated in the tumbler to a body that sustained its shape through rough love inside an equipment and range bag with other items, EDC pack, as well as on the trail or campouts. Drop-testing (10 drops from a height of 6’) resulted in some surface marring to the finish, but nothing that dented the body nor exposed the base metal. Perhaps the weakest element to the overall product would be the appropriate (or average) durability of the two-part, plastic lid, with some hard contacts against the concrete resulting in some deep marring (so further strikes, or a strike at the right angle to the lip could result in cracking). But should anything untoward happen to the Dayventure Tumbler, it is covered by Pelican’s Limited Lifetime Warrantee for full replacement against breakage or defects as a result of workmanship. That warrantee does not include normal wear and tear (of which, dropping is considered).
• Functionality – Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, the Dayventure performed as expected it should—it kept hot drinks hot, and cold ones cold. But in comparison to other Pelican and Yeti products that share similarities in design and material, the tumbler had an appropriate (or average) heat retention level of all those tested. With an average loss of 9.175 degrees per hour, over an eight hour span, the Dayventure performed at a similar heat loss ratio as its closest market competitor by Yeti. This heat loss could be most likely attributed to the lid (where most tumblers and bottles experience heat loss), that with its transparency and minimal thickness allotted for a steady loss in insulation. One notable point of fact for the consumer to be aware of is that the inner, transparent lid that allots for passage of fluid basically worked by unscrewing it and there is no max limit—so you can easily unscrew it too far in an attempt to maximize flow and completely unscrew it inadvertently. One suggestion to Pelican for future design would be to have some type of bump or stop that would give the user a tactile recognition that the limit of opening the Dayventure lid has been reached. Otherwise, the leakproof seal to the two-part lid kept the liquid contents secure during evaluation. When testing cold items, fully packed ice inside the Dayventure Tumbler lasted for approximately two days before almost all the ice had melted, leaving water at a 33 degrees.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): At a measured 10.2 ounces for the 16oz version, the weight of the Dayventure Tumbler was determined by the overall amount of material and size. The 16oz version still felt very lightweight without any contents, and even with various liquids added still was not notably burdensome and felt at home in a backpack, EDC bag, or waist pack. In contrast, the Rambler 16oz Stackable Pint (12.1oz) from Yeti, or the Pint Tumbler (13.1oz) from Rtic both demonstrate that the Dayventure Tumbler from Pelican is at an excellent light weight amid a market of comparable alternatives.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/drinkware/tumbler/dayventure/tw16

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Providing a clean and durable work surface in the field, the Field Mat is a collaborative effort between Emdom USA and Military Morons to give shooters the ability to carry accessories or cleaning supplies in a collapsible roll.

Released in 2019, the Field Mat is a 23″ (L) x 19″ (W) cut of nylon (Multicam is 500D Cordura while other colors are 1000D) that provides for an easily transportable working space that can be used to cover any space. From there disassembly of firearms, stored cleaning tools, or secured accessories can utilized. Each corner of the mat metal grommets that allow for it to be secured to any surface as necessary.

On one side of the unrolled mat are two 9″ (L) x 3″ (W) x 1″ (H) accessories pouches that can be opened and laid flat to maximize access. Inside each are a variety of different sized pouches secured via hook-and-loop that can accommodate a variety of items, such as cleaning rods, bore snakes, weapon lights, multi-tools, and more. On the top exterior of the left accessory pouch is a 4” (L) x 2” (W) (female) hook-and-loop field for name tapes or morale patches.

In front of the right-side accessory pouch is a 6” (L) x 4” (W) field of (female) hook-and-loop that comes with a 14” length of 1” wide of VELCRO® BRAND ONE-WRAP® Tape that can be cut to desired lengths. Emdom recommends two 4” lengths and two 3” lengths that can be used to secure springs, pins, and other small parts to the hook-and-loop field.

In front of the left-side accessory pouch is a removable 7″ (W) x 7″ (L) dump tray made from an oil-resistant, rubberized material and secured to the mat via hook-and-loop on the underside. The tray is a high visibility blue that allows for darker parts, such as pins, springs, etc. to be more easily identifiable. Snap-closures in each corner allow the tray to either lay flat when not in use or secured to for the tray.

On the underside of the field mat is an 8″ (W) x 18″ (L) storage pocket divided into two compartments and secured via a single full-length zipper enclosure.

Two shock cord loops on one side of the mat keep it secure when compressed or rolled, while a 1” nylon webbing loop between the accessory pouches facilitates in carrying, hanging, or to secure it.

The Field Mat is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote, SDU Grey, and Ranger Green.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At an MSRP of $58.99 (color dependent), the Field Mat by Emdom USA gives the user a portable and secure means to store a variety of accessories and cleaning supplies. Roughly the size of a rolled towel, the Field Mat contains a number of useful features for immediate action and care of the firearm, or storage of suppressors and other shooting accessories needed. Condor previously had a Roll-Up Cleaning Mat ($19.99) similar to the one by Emdom, but did not have anything near the functionality and as eventually discontinued. Turbon does also make a roll-up Cleaning Mat ($30) that is similar but also specifically just for cleaning accessories. The Field Mat from Emdom combines a number of features and storage that allow the mat to expand use beyond just for simple after range cleaning, and as such gives it a good scoring for cost.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Made dominantly from 500D Cordura (for Multicam, or 1000D nylon in any other color), the only aspect of the Field Mat material that isn’t nylon was the rubberized dump tray, the outer material inside the zippered accessory pockets, and the shock cord retention bands. All of which held up well during use, for both cleaning and transporting. Eventually oil and carbon did begin to impart to the nylon, but per Emdom, the mat (with the dump tray removed) was able to be easily hand washed. The dump tray itself was simply wiped off as well and during the course of evaluation did not stain. Given the durability and abrasion resistance to the 500D materials, it is more likely that the shock cords securing the rolled up field mat will fail over the long term, before the field mat itself and thankfully those are easily replaced. Overall the simplicity and materials in the Field Mat gave it a good scoring for its durability and long term usage.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): From a functional aspect the Field Mat did an excellent job in a more purposeful design and improved materials over older versions. The YKK zippers kept the accessory pouches secure and slid easily. There was a little difficulty in turning the tight corners some, but nothing that inhibited access. The accessory pouches were large enough for a variety of firearms-related accessories, so the option was there for those who want to transport the bolt carrier group securely in the pouch, and break their carbine down into an upper/lower carry. Likewise, there could be the ability to transport a suppressor as well as tools in one accessory pouch, as well as cleaning tools in the other. Otherwise the large mat provided plenty of room that gave the user a clean space to work on firearms, and the dump tray gave a secure space for smaller pieces without risk of blowing away and spilling the contents. When rolled and secure, the interior nylon loop also gave a convenient means by which to hang or secure the mat to a pack or cable via carabiner (not included).
• Weight – Average (3/5): At 11 ounces (empty), the Field Mat’s relative weight provided a good way to compartmentalize, carry, or store needed accessories and/or cleaning tools. While the overall weight of the mat increases with what is contained, either way it can only hold a fixed volume. For its use, and the limited number of comparable products on the current market, made for the Field Mat to be of an approximate (or of average) weight for the materials used. A heavier denier of nylon besides 500D and 1000D could be used to make the product more abrasive resistant – but doing so would also increase the weight and therefor in its current configuration it gave the perfect balance.

Overall Rating – Good (16/20)

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-MM-Field-Mat-p/eu177.htm

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Developed by Arbor Arms USA, the Ambush Belt System is a lightweight, scalable base battle belt. The belt can be fully customized by the user, while still allowing for integration of various accessories and aftermarket products.

Designed as a two-part inner/outer belt system, the Ambush Belt System (ABS) is made with a combination of Type 13 nylon webbing for strength, and laminate nylon for lightweight purposes that give the ABS an overall width of 0.200” thick. Combined with an inner liner belt (optional at time of purchase or sold separately), the ABS can be rapidly donned/removed whenever the situation calls for it.

The ABS includes a 2” outer belt with a core of Type 13 webbing. Around the core material is a laminate nylon wrap that is stitched into MOLLE-compatible segments, and laser cut on three sides for attaching pouches and/or accessories.

As such, the ABS is also customizable at the time of purchase to include your choice of buckle; such as a thermoplastic slide-release buckle (featured), or with a genuine AustriAlpin Cobra Buckle.

The interior of the ABS outer belt features a 1.5” continuous band of hook-and-loop (male) material that is intended to bond to the associated hook-and-loop (female) found on Arbor Arms’ liner belts.

Included in this review is the associated 1.75” nylon liner belt that is intended to be worn through the loops of the trousers and keep them secure. The outer 1” band of hook-and-loop (female) matches to the associated band of material on the interior of the ABS for a solid bond to the overall system. The liner belt is also customizable to include any one of three buckle styles.

 The Ambush Belt System is available in Multicam (featured), Wolf Grey, Coyote, Black, and Ranger Green.

Editor’s Note: With regards to sizing, users would take care to order their belts based on their duty pant size to accommodate for slight variances in seasonal clothing and dynamic movements. Other pouches were utilized to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the ABS, but did not play a role in the evaluation of the belt itself.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): As a range and duty belt, the Ambush Belt System starts at $89.99 and the price is adjusted up to $99 according to the options selected (color, hardware, accompanying inner belt, etc.). As such the ABS brings a blend of traditional nylon/webbing with the more recent laminate nylon to bring a lighter, flexible, and durable to the consumer. In contrast, other market alternatives to this type of two-part belt system include the CHALK Belt ($199) by Blue Force Gear, the Tactical Duty Belt ($164) by Lead Devil USA, or the UGF Battle Belt ($164) by Grey Ghost Gear. While the ABS is customizable, even with all the upgrades it is still well below the comparable price of other similar belts making it an excellent and affordable option.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): As a belt platform, the ABS offered an appropriate (or average) level of comfort, and while the belt was a size 40” waist, it did run a little on the large side that resulted in a little amount of play when drawing from the holster. The adjustable slide release buckle provided on the belt was able to cinch up most of the slack, but did have only so much travel before bottoming out against the belt. Otherwise the combination of lightweight laminate nylon and webbing gave the user a lightweight platform on which to add various pouches and/or accessories. The outer/inner belt gave a very good level of retention and secure bond between the two, while the inner belt itself gave an appropriate level of comfort with a slotted sizing that the buckle hooked into. A recommendation to Arbor Arms would be to design a cinch-style strap into the inner belt so that the user could more easily cinch the inner buckle to any given slot, and tighten as necessary to comfort. In its current configuration, its cinch to the specific slot that is appropriate but in doing so may not be as tight as preferred.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): From a durability aspect, there was extensive bartack and double-line reinforcement stitching throughout the ABS, giving it excellent strength and longevity. Each MOLLE section along the length of the ABS is formed via bartack which ensured any pouches added remained secure and there was no risk of the laminate nylon material being compromised. The laser cut laminate nylon also mitigated any fraying of the material along cut edges or where pouches were attached. While the version of the ABS submitted for review included the optional thermoplastic slide-release buckle, it is highly recommended to consumers to opt for the COBRA buckle for the added strength and function. The thermoplastic slide-release buckle is nice and simple, but the longevity of such hardware seldom holds up to hard use or prolonged exposure to UV light.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): The ABS is a simple and functional platform on which to build into it a tailored range or duty belt. The MOLLE segments are appropriately spaced for a variety of aftermarket mounting designs to include; clips, MALICE clips, or traditional MOLLE straps. The inner/outer belt design allows the user to wear the inner belt throughout the day as a regular belt for trousers, but made donning the outer belt very easy and quick. As noted above, there was a little excess in the sizing that a little more adjustability in the outer/inner belt could have mitigated had there been more adjustability, but this didn’t inhibit drawing of magazines or the pistol during dynamic movements. Likewise, observations of choosing the optional COBRA buckle over the thermoplastic slide-release have already been noted.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): While the volume of the ABS’s materials (light weight laminate nylon) and its design (slide release buckle or COBRA) directly influenced the weight per belt; the 40” belt submitted for review weighed in at approximately 6.4 ounces (w/o pouches and not including the 4.6 ounces for the inner belt). This was relatively light considering it was tested against pulling of pouches and dynamic movements and did not wear or tire on the body or hips. In comparison the CHALK Belt (13 ounces), the Tactical Duty Belt (22.08 ounces), or the UGF Battle Belt (35.36 ounces) all reflect how variations in materials can influence overall weight and bulk. This places the Ambush Belt System as one of the lighter belts available on the market.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://arborarmsusa.com/shop/belts/ambush-belt-system/#ambush-belt-system

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.