Jeans Made In The U.S.

• AG Jeans — Los Angeles, California — jeans (only selected products)
• Jean Shop — New York, New York —  jeans
• Levi Strauss & Co. — San Francisco, California —  jeans (only selected products)
• Rag & Bone — New York, New York —  jeans (only selected products)
• Raleigh Denim — Raleigh, North Carolina —  jeans
• Tellason — San Francisco, California —  jeans
• The Stronghold — Los Angeles, California —  jeans
• True Religion — jeans

Accessories Made In The U.S.

• American Optical — sunglasses, eyeglasses
• Bollman Hats — Adamstown, Pennsylvania — hats
• Buffalo Gold – Goodnight, Texas – Bison wool clothing
• David Hart & Co. — New York, New York — neckties
• Dodo Case — San Francisco, California — iPad / iPhone cases
• Edgar Leather — Tallahassee, Florida — leather goods
• Faribault Woolen Mills — Faribault, Minnesota — blankets
• Geier Glove Co. — Centralia, Washington — leather gloves
• The General Knot Co. — Bedford, New York — neckties
• Gfeller Casemakers — Meridian, Idaho — leather goods
• Noble Buffalo — St. Louis, Missouri — leather belts
• Leather Man Limited — Essex, Connecticut — belts, accessories
• Optimo Hats —Chicago, Illinois — hats
• Pierrepont Hicks — Minneapolis, Minnesota — ties, accessories
• Randolph Engineering — Randolph, Massachusetts — glasses, sunglasses
• Shuron — Greeneville, South Carolina — glasses, eyeglasses
• Solesu — Belleville, Illinois — leather belts
• Tanner Goods — Portland, Oregon — leather goods
• Wiley Belts — Charlottesville, Virginia — belts, leather goods

Luggage Made In The U.S.

• Accessories Unlimited — Portland, Maine — bags
• Acorn Bags — California — cycling bags
• Artifact Bags — Omaha, Nebraska — bags
• Bailey Works — Portsmouth, New Hampshire — bicycle bags
• Billykirk — Pennsylvania — bags, leather goods
• Beckel Canvas — Portland, Oregon — bags, tents, etc.
• Buzzline — Fort Pierce, Flordia — bags
• Dandux — Ellicott City, Maryland — bags
• Domke — Hauppauge, New York — camera bags, accessories
• Duluth Pack — Duluth, Minnesota — luggage
• Emil Erwin — Nashville, Tennessee — luggage, accessories
• Estex Mfg. Co. — Fairburn, Georgia — bags
• Equinox — Williamsport, Pennsylvania — bags, outdoor gear
• Frost River — Duluth, Minnesota — bags, tents
• Ghurka — New York, NY — bags, leather goods, accessories
• Goruck — Bozeman, Montana — bags, hats
• Johnson Woolen Mills — Johnson, Vermont — bags, clothing, accessories
• Joshu+Vela — San Francisco, California — bags
• J. W. Hulme Co. — St. Paul, Minnesota — briefcases, bags, accessories
• Klein Tools — Lincolnshire, Illinois — bags, accessories
• LL Bean — Freeport, Maine — luggage (only selected products)
• Makr — Orlando, Florida — luggage, accessories, leather goods
• Mer — Brooklyn, New York — luggage
• Moop — Pittsburg, Pennsylvania —bags
• Port Canvas — Kennebunkport, Maine — canvas bags
• Red Oxx — Billings, Montana—  adventure luggage
• Topo Designs — Denver, Colorado — bags
• Tough Traveler — Schenectady, New York — bags
• Triple Aught Design — San Francisco, California — bags, accessories
• Utility Canvas — Gardiner, New York — bags, accessories
• Wm. J. Mills & Co. — Greenport, New York — bags
• Wood&Faulk — Portland, Oregon — bags, accessories

Clothing Made In The U.S.

• Anderson-Little — Tamarac, Flordia — navy blazerslected products)
• Berle Manufacturing — Charleston, South Carolina — trousers
• Beyond Clothing — Seattle, Washington — outdoors clothing
• Bill’s Khakis — Reading, Pennsylvania — khaki pants, clothing
• Brooks Brothers — New York, New York — clothing, sportswear, footwear, accessories (only selected products)
• Bemidji Woolen Mills — Bemidji, Minnesota — clothing, blankets
• Camber — Norristown, Pennsylvania — tee shirts, sweatshirts
• Carhartt — Dearborn, Michigan — workwear, outerwear (only selected products)
• CC Filson — Seattle, Washington — outwear, bags, accessories (only selected products)
• CEGO — New York, New York — custom shirts
• Commonwealth Proper — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — shirts
• Centralia Knitting Mills — Centralia, Washington — outerwear
• Crescent Down Works — Seattle, Washington — outerwear
• Ebbets Field Flannels — Seattle, Washington — jackets, jerseys, accessories
• Engineered Garments — New York, New York — clothing, bags, accessories
• Epaulet — Brooklyn, New York — shirts, ties
• Gitman Brothers — Ashland, Pennsylvania — woven shirts
• Hamilton Shirts — Houston, Texas — custom shirts
• Hart Schaffner Marx — Chicago, Illinois — tailored clothing
• Hertling Trousers — Brooklyn, New York — pants
• Homage — Columbus, Ohio — tee shirts, sweatshirts, accessories
• Individualized — Perth Amboy, New Jersey — woven shirts
• Langlitz Leathers — Portland, Oregon — motorcycle jackets
• New England Shirt Company — Fall River, Massachusetts — shirts
• Oxxford Clothing — Chicago, Illinois — tailored clothing
• Pendleton Woolen Mills — Portland, Oregon — sportswear, blankets (only selected products)
• Pointer Brand — Bristol, Tennessee — clothing, denim, workwear
• Post Overalls — New York, NY — clothing
• Ramblers Way — Kennebunk, Maine — wool clothing
• REI — Kent, Washington — outdoor clothing  (only selected products – see their “Made In USA” section)
• Rogue Territory — Los Angeles, California — clothing, accessories
• Round House — Shawnee, Oklahoma — denim, workwear
• Self Edge — San Francisco, California — clothing
• Schott NYC — New York, New York — outerwear
• Spiewak — New York, New York — outerwear
• Sterlingwear — Boston, Massachusetts — outerwear
• Steven Alan — New York, New York — sportswear, accessories (only selected products)
• Stormy Kromer — Ironwood, Michigan — hats, clothing, outerwear
• Taylor Stitch — San Francisco, California — shirts
• Thom Browne — New York, New York — tailored clothing, sportswear
• Vanson Leathers — Fall River, Massachusetts — leather jackets
• Western Mountaineering — San Jose, California — down jackets, sleeping bags
• Wrath Arcane — Cleveland, Ohio — sportswear

Footware Made In The U.S.

• Allen-Edmonds — Port Washington, Wisconsin — shoes (only selected products)
• Altama — Atlanta, Georgia — boots
• Arrow Moccasin Company — Hudson, Massachusetts — footwear
• Chippewa Boots — Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin — footwear (only selected products)
• Danner — Portland, Oregon — footwear
• Darn Tough — Northfield, Vermont — socks
• E. Vogel — New York, New York — boots, shoes
• Fox River Mills — Osage, Iowa — socks
• Keen – Portland, Oregon – footwear — (only selected products)
• Limmer Boots — Intervale, New Hampshire — boots
• LL Bean — Freeport, Maine — boots
• New Balance — Boston, Massachusetts — athletic shoes (only selected products)
• Oak Street Bootmakers — Chicago, Illinois — shoes, boots
• Oliver Moore — New York, New York — custom shoes
• Perry Ercolino — Doylestown, Pennsylvania — custom shoes
• Quoddy — Perry, Maine — footwear
• Rancourt & Co. — Lewiston, Maine — footwear
• Red Wing — Red Wing, Minnesota — footwear (only selected products)
• Russell Moccasin Co. — Berlin, Wisconsin — footwear
• Townview Leather — Dexter, Maine — footwear
• Vincent & Edgar — New York, New York — bespoke shoes
• Weinbrenner — Merrill, Wisconsin — footwear
• Wesco Boots — Scappoose, Oregon — footwear
• White’s Boots — Spokane, Washington — footwear
• Wigwam — Sheboygan, Wisconsin — socks
• Wolverine – boots (only selected products)
• Yuketen — Hermosa Beach, California — boots, shoes

Tools Made In The U.S.

• All American Pressure Cooker — Wisconsin — Pressure Cookers
• Ambruster Tent Company — Springfield, Illinois — Canvas Tents
• Annin & Company — Roseland, New Jersey — Flags
• Baxter of California — Los Angeles, California — Men’s Grooming Products (only selected products)
• Benchmade — Oregon City, Oregon — Knives (only selected products)
• Buck Knives — Post Falls, Idaho — Knives
• Estwing — Rockford, Illinois — Axes / Wood Splitting
• Field Notes — Portland, Oregon — Notepads, Writing Instruments
• Fisher Space Pen — Boulder City, Nevada — Writing Instruments
• Klhip — Ketchum, Idaho — Nail Clippers
• The Good Flock — Portland, Oregon — Technology Cases
• Jacob Bromwell — Tempe, Arizona — pots, pans, accessories
• Klein Tools – only selected products
• Leatherman — Portland, Oregon — Multi-Tools
• Luma Labs — Portland, Oregon — Camera Straps
• PortaBrace — North Bennington, Vermont — Camera Bags
• Pocket Pin High Pro – Knoxville, Tennessee — Golf training equipment
• Rada Cutlery — Iowa — Kitchen Utensils
• School House Electric — Portland, Oregon — light fixtures, home accessories
• Scout Books — Portland, Oregon — Notebooks
• Springbar Tents — Salt Lake City, Utah — Canvas Tents
• Snap On Tools – only selected products
• Steelcase —  Grand Rapids, Michigan — Chairs
• Streamlight — Eagleville, Pennsylvania — Flashlights
• Surefire — Fountain Valley, California — Flashlights
• The United States Playing Card Company — Cincinnati, Ohio — Playing Cards
• Vornado Fans — Andover, Kansas — Fans
• Wiggy’s — Grand Junction, Colorado — Sleeping Bags, Outerwear
• Wilson Bohannan Co. — Marion, Ohio — Padlocks
• Woodman’s Pal — Boyertown, Pennsylvania — Machetes
• W.R. Case & Sons — Bradford, Pennsylvania — Knives
• Zeroll — Fort Pierce, Flordia — Ice Cream Scoops
• Zippo — Bradford, Pennsylvania — Lighters

Audio Gear Made In The U.S.

• Audio by Van Alstine — Woodbury, MN — preamplifiers, amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters, and phase inverters
• Ayre Acoustics, Inc. — Boulder, CO — full line of audio and video components
• Audeze — Headphones
• Car Audio Factory — Richmond, TX — subwoofer enclosers
• Carr Amplifiers — Pittsboro, NC — guitar amplifiers, made by guitarists for guitarists.
• CI Audio — Port Hueneme, CA — headphone amplifiers, monoblock amplifiers, and power supplies.
• Fargen Amps — Sacramento, CA — all tube (not solid-state) guitar and bass amplifiers
• Grado Labs — Brooklyn, NY — high-quality headphones and phono cartridges (their SR80-i is one of the best headphones under $100)
• KCS Loudspeakers — Sun Prairie, WI — custom horn loudspeakers
• Klipsch –  Hope, AR – audio gear
• Koss Headphones – Milwaukee, WI – headphones
• Manley Labs — Chino, CA — Hi-Fi and professional recording gear
• McIntosh Labs — Binghamton, NY: fine audio and home theater sound systems
• Mohu, Inc. — Raleigh, NC — makers of the LeafTM, a USA-made indoor HDTV antenna
• Moog Music — Ashville, NC — miniMoog Voyager analog monosynth, MoogerFooger guitar pedals, and Etherwave theremin
• Ohm Acoustics — Brooklyn, NY — high-end speakers for audio and home theater applications
• Orb Audio — Sherman Oaks, CA — Mod1 and Mod2 satellite speakers for flat screen and home theater applications, handmade in the USA. “Small Speakers for Smart People”
• Schitt Audio – Audio Gear
• Synthesizers.com — Tyler, TX — modular analog music synthesizers, assembled in USA with domestic and imported components
• SVS — Ohio — speakers and subwoofers for music and home theater
• Wavefront Technologies — Los Angeles, CA — theremin musical instruments and accessories
• Westone — Colorado — Earphones
• Woo Audio — New York — amps
• Zinky Electronics — Flagstaff, AZ — electric guitar amplifiers & accessories

Camping Equipment Made In The U.S.

• American Outdoors — coolers, boat totes, camp chairs, etc.
• Arc Flashlight —Phoenix, AZ — LED pocket flashlights that run on a single AAA battery
• Awl for All —Arlington Hts., IL — indispensable wooden-handled awl for repairing leather, canvas, and vinyl outdoor gear
• Butler Bags —Cedar City, UT — sleeping bags, bedrolls, and gear bags
• Cascade Designs —Seattle, WA — manufacturer of camping gear of all sorts (including Therm-a-rest self-inflating camping mattresses, MSR camping stoves)
• Equinox. —Williamsport, PA — makers of ultralight backpacking gear, including sleeping bags, tarps, ponchos packs, and totes
• EZ-Sales and Mfg. —Gardena, CA— American-made hammocks, folding aluminum camp chairs, cots, and canteens (only selected products)
• Feathered Friends —Seattle, WA — sleeping bags, outwear, and comforters
• Fuerte Cases —La Mesa, CA — waterproof protective cases for laptops, PDAs, firearms
• Kirkham’s Outdoor Products —Salt Lake City, UT — manufacturer of Springbar and AAA canvas wall tents
• Nalgene —Rochester, NY — water bottles, bike bottles, travel mugs, and other “hydration necessities” (only selected products)
• Northern Lites —Wausau, WI — high-tech, lightweight snowshoes for all uses, from racing to hiking
• Open Country Campware — aluminum camp ware kits, plates, pots, and canteens made by Metal Ware Corp. (Two Rivers, WI)
• Outdoor Research —Seattle, WA — shelter systems, headwear, gaiters/footwear, and storage systems/stuff sacks (only selected products)
• Princeton Tec — headlamps, outdoor gear, bikes lights
• Purcell Trench Mfg — Addy, WA —ultra-lightweight camping grills and tarp shelters
• REI — Kent, Washington — outdoor equipment  (only selected products – see their “Made In USA” section)
• TarpTent —Redwood City, CA —ultralight, mobile shelters made with US materials in Seattle, WA
• Tektite —Trenton,NJ — LED flashlights and lanterns, divelights, and marker lights

Bikes Made In The U.S.

• Ahearne — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• A.N.T. Bicycles — Holliston, Massachusetts — bicycles, bicycle accessories
• Bilenky Cycle Works — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — bicycles
• Brooklyn Machine Works — Brooklyn, New York — bicycles
• Calfee Design — La Selva Beach, California — bicycles
• Courage Bicycle MFG Co. — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Cygolite  — bike lights
• Davidson — Seattle, Washington — bicycles
• Fast Boy Cycles — New York, New York — bicycles
• Gunnar Cycles — Waterford, Wisconsin — bicycle frames
• Hufnagel — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Independent Fabrication — Somerville, Massachusetts — bicycles
• Ira Ryan Cycles — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• J.P. Weigle — Lyme, Connecticut — bicycles
• Lightspeed — Chattanooga, Tennessee — bicycles
• MAP — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Metrofiets — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Moots Cycles — Steamboat Springs, Colorado — bicycles
• NiteRider  — bike lights
• Outlier — Brooklyn, New York — cycling clothing
• Pereira — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Phil Wood —San Jose, California — bicycle components
• Princeton Tec — bikes lights
• Richard Sachs Cycles — Chester, Connecticut — bicycles
• Seven Cycles — Watertown, Massachusetts — bicycles
• Signal Cycles — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Six-Eleven Bicycle Co. — Roanoke, Virginia — Bicycles
• Steelman Cycles — Redwood City, California — bicycles
• Strawberry — Portland, Oregon — bicycles
• Tet Cycles — West Branch, Iowa — bicycles
• Townsend Bicycles — Monrovia, California — bicycles
• Waterford Precision Bicycles — Waterford, Wisconsin — bicycle frames
• Worksmen Bicycles — Queens, New York — bicycles

The post A List Of Goods Still Made In The USA appeared first on Reactual.

ThruNite Ti3 Flashlight — produces 120 lumens — waterproofed to IPX-8 — impact resistant — use a single AAA battery

Titan Plus Flashlight  —  produces 300 lumens of light — durable construction — waterproof — made in USA

RovyVon A3 Flashlight — produces 700 lumens — IPX-65 water-resistant — waterproofed to IPX-65

Nite Ize Inka Pen — writes underwater — writes in temperature from -30 degrees to +300 degrees — ultralight — made in USA

Leatherman Micra — ultralight mult-itool — includes scissors — made in USA

World’s Smallest Titanium Toothpick — a portable toothpick made out of titanium

Quick Release Keychain Clip — ultralight titanium clip for a keychain

The post The Best Ultralight Keychain Tools appeared first on Reactual.

Best Design: The Z-Bar Mini LED Desk Lamp

The slender Z-Bar High Power LED Desk Lamp features high-tech power-saving LED bulbs in a minimalist frame. With its angular black aluminum housing and unique pivot, it belongs on a Berlin engineer’s desk or in the lobby of an upscale New York architect.

The ingenious design extends beyond aesthetics; this is a seriously bright light that uses very little energy. The Z-Bar’s six daylight white LEDs generate about 240 lumens of light and only expends 9 watts of energy.

If 9 watts is still too much energy usage for your taste, activate the built-in 4-step dimming function to produce a softer light for even less wattage. This feature works incredibly well when you are unwinding prior to bedtime. Lower the light before you fall asleep to adjust your brain to get ready for bed.

The thin circular base is weighted to keep the light from tipping over, and adjustable joints can be placed in almost any position without tightening or loosening knobs or screws, simply move the light to where you need it and the lamp will hold to form.

The Z-Bar is the winner of I.D. Magazine “best of category” award. It is available on Amazon for around $300.

Best Overall: Lumiy Lightblade 1500S

If you find your desk lamp’s brightness underwhelming, buy a Lightblade and let there be light. This is the LED desk lamp for those who want only the brightest crispest replica of perfect natural light. With 1100 lux of brightness and a high CRI, the Lightblade can transform even the dreariest space into a warm and bright zone of productivity.

The Lightblade’s radiant lighting comes from its cool and warm white LED’s for a color rendering index of over 90 CRI. A light’s CRI determines its ability to accurately display an object’s full color. The higher the CRI, the more faithfully the color is displayed as if it would be in natural light. The Lightblade’s high CRI makes it a perfect choice for artists and other professionals who require brilliant vibrant colors.

The lamp has other desirable features, including an omnidirectional pivoting head for better control of the lighting. It also has touch sensors that control brightness and monitor energy expenditure.

The Lumiy Lightblade 1500S is available on Amazon for about $100.

Best Value: TaoTronics Smart LED Desk Lamp

The TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp is perfect for those who want bright light at an affordable price. 30 dollars gets you  410 lumens of power and up to 11 levels of brightness, perfect for any setting. The best feature of this lamp is its versatility. It includes 5 color modes, which function as temperatures that you can adjust depending on your need. The soft uniform light is ideal for reading and doesn’t flicker like other value options, while the natural light is perfect before bed. It also has an incredible lifespan. According to the manufacturer, this lamp is rated to last for 50,000 hours and uses 75% less energy than incandescent lights with similar brightness.

The Smart LED desk lamp also looks elegant.  An adjustable gooseneck gives further control over light positioning and brightness, while the blend of silver metal looks modern and can fit in any room. 

The TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp is available on Amazon for about $30.

Most Customizable: The Softech DL-90 Multi-Function LED Desk Lamp

Softech‘s latest LED desk lamp offers an astounding amount of customization for total brightness control. You decide the lighting mode you want and the DL-90 will conform to your request. The lamp has 27 high-power daylight LEDs with a 90+ CRI that comes extraordinarily close to natural light.

The lamp has four distinct lighting modes and 40 brightness levels in total for total precision. The first two modes are for desk work: a reading mode with mid-range colors (4300K-5300K) that are easy on the eyes, and a study mode which has a high range color temperature (6000K-7000K). The lamp can also be switched to a relaxation mode and a sleep mode — these have softer, warm color temperatures.

This lamp uses 10 watts or less of power to provide light equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb. It lasts about 40,000 hours or 20 years of normal use. An automatic turn-off feature extends lamp life even further.

The Softech DL-90 lamp is available from Amazon for about $70.

Most Versatile: BYB E-430

Clamp-on desk lamps are a great option for those working who need high-quality illumination but are working with limited desk space. The award-winning design of BYB’s E-430 dimmable LED desk lamp delivers energy-efficient lighting from a slender device latched onto the side of your desk. It has a swivel lock socket that tilts in any direction, whether it’s on the desk or not. The adjustable arm is matched by a flexible head and includes built-in dimming strips.

It delivers 4 lighting modes and 6 levels of brightness, ranging from study mode to bedtime mode. We also like that the lamp is rated for 50,000 hours and comes with a 5-year warranty.

The BYB E-430 is available on Amazon for around $110.

Best Smart Design: TaoTronics TT-DL27 Desklamp

Take advantage of four distinct lighting modes with this versatile smart LED desk lamp from TaoTronics. You can set the lamp to sleep mode, study mode, reading mode, or relax mode, each delivering a customized LED distribution designed to satisfy your needs. And if study mode is likely to become sleep mode, you can just activate the 1-hour off timer on the lamp to make sure it shuts off as you drift to sleep.

I also enjoyed that you can swivel, rotate, and bend the head and neck of the lamp to fit your lighting needs. Just tilt the head to activate a wide 62cm2 area of light, enough to illuminate your entire desk area. The metal arm and sturdy base are hallmarks of great construction, making sure the light doesn’t fail on you.

The TaoTronics LED Desklamp is available for around $35.

The post The Best LED Desk Lamps appeared first on Reactual.

• The best pair of binoculars is the Carl Zeiss Victory HT Binoculars. They are the brightest binoculars available, and sport a robust and ergonomic design. There is no better option for bird watchers and hunters.
• Nikon Monarch 5 offers a much more affordable yet comparable quality pair of binoculars.
• The best pair of compact binoculars for hikers and everyday use are Bushnell Legend Ultra HD.

The Details

Stellar improvement in binocular technology has leveled the optical playing field. Specialty brands such as Swarvorski and Zeiss still have an edge over their lower priced competitors, but the gap has narrowed enough that you can comfortably purchase a mid-range option without losing much in the way of clarity, color, durability, and ergonomic design.

There are a few important considerations to weigh when picking out a pair of binoculars, and what option is best for you depends on whether you will be gazing at stars or birds.

The optical specification of a pair of binoculars is represented by a number that looks like a basic multiplication equation. 8×42 and 10×42 are the standard binocular specifications, and are the numbers that are best for general purpose use.The first number, which is invariably the smaller of the two, refers to the magnification power of the binoculars. It represents how many times larger the object will appear through the lens than it would to the naked eye.

The second number is the objective lens diameter, which is the larger piece of glass at the front of the binoculars. Objective lens diameter determines how much light is let in. The larger the lens diameter, the more light is let in. Photographers can think of it like aperture on a camera lens. A larger lens also means the binoculars will be heavier, which might compromise how long you are able to hold them steady. Increasing upper arm strength is a great solution to this problem, and will allow you to hold a pair of binoculars for longer while enjoying more light.

Field of View

The field of view is determined by the size of the eye piece and represented in degrees. Therefore, a 7.0 degree field of view would be 7 out of a 360 degree circle.  Wide angle are 7 or more degrees, while standard binoculars are around 5 degrees.

As magnification goes up, the field of view goes down. Birders will sacrifice some field of view for increased magnification. If you want to take in scenic panoramas, opt for a wide angle lens.

Other Factors To Consider

Get a pair of binoculars with a long eye relief if you wear glasses. Eye relief is the vertical distance to which your eye is supposed to sit, and is measured in millimeters. 13-15mm is considered a long eye relief, and the minimum a bespectacled individual would want to comfortably use the binoculars.

Reactual readers will also want to take note of the lens coating. The objective lens will be protected by an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare when light hits the surface. Fully multi-coated lenses are the best for performance and durability, as they enhance clarity, maintain integrity of color, and protect the lens from scratch and other damage.

We also highly recommend you choose a pair of binoculars that is waterproof or, at the very least, water-resistant. Even if you don’t plan to use your binoculars by water, fog and moisture in the air could potentially damage your pair.

Zeiss Victory HT: The Best Binoculars For Hunters and Birders

If you have the money to spare, there is no better pair of binoculars available than Zeiss Victory HT. The manufacturer is a specialty optics company with more than 200 years of binocular manufacturing expertise, and the Victory HT are engineered with precision to deliver the brightest color and most ergonomic design of any pair of binoculars. Released in 2012, Victory HT are made in Germany with the best products and most advanced technology.

They are the brightest premium binoculars in the world. They are the highest contrast and deliver more than 95% light transmission, 5% higher than other premium binoculars on the market. This jump is thanks to the new Schott High Transmission glass, which is exclusive to Zeiss. Schott has been developing special optical glass for more than 125 years, and their HT glass has the highest transmittance levels of any optical lens. This cuts down on a phenomenon known as “thermal lensing effect” and increases blue spectral range, which is particularly helpful in low-light situations.

Hunters and birdwatchers benefit most from the extra color in low light situations, as the HT glass makes the most of deep twilight. The lenses are protected by anti-fogging material which keeps them clear in the early morning cold. The extra color is still noticeable in general daytime use, but the difference is not as drastic as in dim or low-light viewing. If you plan to use your binoculars in daytime, the extra price tag is probably not worth the incremental improvement in color crispness.

The ingenious design of the Zeiss Victory HT sets it apart from competitors. It has a compact bridge and a large easy-to-use focus wheel. The comfort grip system allows you to grasp both optical tubes without a hinge in front of binoculars, and a long eye relief provides a comfortable viewing experience for those with and without glasses. It also has a double hinge feature which increases durability by minimizing the chance of breaking and a robust chassis that is made from lightweight magnesium.

The biggest drawback of the Zeiss Victory HT is obviously the price. Some commenters noted that other premium priced binoculars come with better kit (case, cleaning cloth). The lifetime warranty and 5 year no fault policy do provide some peace of mind for dropping so much on a pair of binoculars.

Zeiss also offers the Victory HT in 10×42, which gives you stronger magnification at the expense of a few degrees in field of view. Another option is the 10×54 version of the Victory HT, which Zeiss launched in 2014. Much lighter than other models with such a large objective lens diameter, this option is great for stargazers and deer hunters who need to make the most of nearly non-existent light.

Another Option For Bird Watching: Nikon Monarch 5

If you are willing to sacrifice color quality, Nikon’s Monarch 5 Series offers near identical image quality for a fraction of the price. It is a mid-level binocular with multi-coated Nikon ED (extra-low dispersion) lens that delivers sharp, high-contrast views. The ED Glass lenses and Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coating were previously reserved for Nikon’s more expensive models, but are available in the Monarch 5 series.

They have a 6.4 degree field of view, and maintain image sharpness outside of a 5 degree diameter up to 80%.

The exceptional design of Monarch 5 is durable and intuitive. It is very light, though not as light as Zeiss (21 oz versus 16 oz). The focus knobs are precise and smooth, very easy to adjust and find the best clarity. We appreciate the fully waterproofed rubber armored fog proof housing, which make this a durable and comfortable pair of binoculars to hold.

One complaint Monarch 5 owners have is that the lens cap is loose fitting, which leads to many lost caps. Nikon assures that this was an intentional design choice, but it nonetheless leads to problems.

 Best Compact Binoculars For Everyday Use: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD

Compact binoculars are lightweight and portable, perfect for hiking and general use while travelling. Any pair with an objective lens diameter smaller than 30mm is considered to be compact.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD offers stunning HD image, thanks to ED Prime Glass. They are coated with anti-reflective lens and are secured in a lightweight magnesium chassis that is waterproof and fogproof. 

The post The Best Binoculars appeared first on Reactual.

The Details

Tower air filters, frequently using HEPA technology, are designed to reduce exposure to indoor irritants and allergens such as dust, cigarette smoke, pollen, pet dander, mold and mildew spores and other particulate matter. Effective air filtration is especially important for those with allergies or respiratory problems such as asthma. Studies show that those who suffer allergies are often sensitive to multiple allergens, making it nearly impossible to remove environmental triggers without the use of technology such as air filters using the HEPA technology.

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters work by forcing air through a fine mesh designed to trap particulate that can escape standard filters found on HVAC systems. Many tower air filters contain a HEPA filter, and as air is pulled into the tower by a fan, it is pulled through the filter where particulate is trapped and then clean air is forced back out. HEPA filters are remarkably effective at eliminating environmental irritants, capturing 99.9% of airborne impurities 0.3 microns in diameter, or larger.

Consider the air change rate (ACH), which defines how many times the portable air filter will clean an entire room’s air during one hour. An ACH of 5, for example, indicates the air will be cleaned every 12 minutes.

Another factor to consider is the CADR ratings, which is the clean air delivery rate. This identifies how powerful a tower air filter is. CADR indicates how many cubic feet of air the unit can filter in one minute. You may see ratings for CADR related to irritants such as dust, pollen and smoke on the tower air filter’s packaging. Look for higher numbers if you have a large space, or consider purchasing more than one tower air filter. Here are the best standalone air filters.

The Best Overall Stand-Alone Air Filter: RxAIR Plus

For most people, a stand-alone air filter is a convenient way to cut down on air pollution and minimize annoying affects of allergies. For others, an air filter is a literal lifesaver, killing airborne bacteria and viruses. If you have a weak immune system, go with RxAIR Plus, an air purifier trusted by hospitals around the world.

This high end air purifier harnesses the germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) to clean the air as well as germs and viruses ranging from H1N1, TB, and the flu. In addition to a 99% elimination of airborne bacteria and viruses in a space of up to 800 sq. ft, the RxAir uses a system of traps and baffles to catch large particles such as pet dander and dust.

The unit comes with a 5 year warranty that places cartridge replacement. Replacement cartridges are available to keep the machine running at max efficiency even after 5 years. The RxAir Plus comes with a whisper-quiet fan that allows it to purify the air without causing a lot of disturbance, and you don’t have to worry about changing out the filters.

The Best Stand-Alone Air Filter For Value: GermGuardian True HEPA AC4825

This best-selling unit is an all-around good value, offering true HEPA filtration, a charcoal filter to reduce common odors, and UV-C light technology to kill bacteria and germs. The unit is Energy Star qualified, meaning it meets the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US EPA.

Air cycles through three stages to ensure maximum effectiveness. First, air is filtered through a pre-filter and charcoal filter to capture large particles and remove odors. Then, air is filtered through the HEPA filter, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. In the last stage, UV-C light kills airborne viruses and bacteria, and titanium dioxide destroys the molecules that cause odors. Common viruses and bacteria that can be killed by the UV-C light stage includes rhinovirus, E. coli and streptococcus, responsible for millions of illnesses each year.

One downside is that it does require an air filter change every 7 months. The GermGuardian tower air filter includes an indicator light that blinks when it’s time to replace the filter or bulb.

The Best Compact Stand-Alone Air Filter: Honeywell QuietClean Compact Tower Air Purifier

The compact Honeywell QuietClean weighs just 1 pound, is 12.6 x 17.8 x 10.5 inches, and has a built-in handle, making it easily transportable and ideally suited for any tight space, including a nightstand, table or you can place it on the floor. It is whisper quiet, has two speed settings that can be set via an easy control knob on the top of the unit, and a permanent, washable iFD filter.

IFD (intense field dielectric) filters are a honeycomb of hollow air channels with floors and ceilings alternately charged or grounded via embedded electrodes to create a powerful, polarized electrical field inside the air channels which can trap 99.99% of particulate matter 0.3 microns or larger, including virtually all viruses, bacteria and spores. The iFD filter can be removed from the unit, easily washed with water and reused, so it never needs replacing.

The Honeywell QuietClean has a CADR rating of 40, meaning it can filter 40 cubit feet of air per minute, ideal for smaller rooms up to 62 square feet. The energy efficient design requires only as much electricity as a small light bulb to run, reducing your energy costs as compared to many other models. Air is effectively filtered through the unit 5 times per hour.

The Best Standalone Air Filter For Allergies: Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover

The Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover tower air filter is the number one recommended model by allergists, and the Honeywell brand is recommended by 7 out of 10 physicians who recommend the purchase of an air filter. This portable unit weighs just 21 pounds, making it simple to carry from room to room via built in handles on the sides. It can circulate the air in a 21’ x 22’ room up to 5 times per hour, and has a powerful CADR rating of 300, meaning it can clean up to 300 cubic feet of air per minute. There is an activated carbon pre-filter to help reduce common household odors, such as those caused by pets or cooking.

The unit features easy tap electronic controls, 3 cleaning levels and a turbo clean setting. A timer can be set to shut off automatically after 2, 4 or 8 hours, and there are built in electronic filter replacement reminders. A light/LED dimmer control on the top of the unit makes it easy to determine the operating status even in the dark. This unit functions most efficiently in a medium to large sized room and includes a true HEPA filter, guaranteeing 99.97% of allergens and other irritating particulate will be removed from the indoor environment.

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The Details

Date night for two at the movies can easily run over $60 dollars in an urban area once you factor in exorbitant ticket prices, concessions, and parking. All that and you risk sticky seats, texting teenagers, and chatty couples. Making your own home theater is becoming an increasingly affordable alternative to pricey and unreliable nights out at the movies, with quality projector prices falling and pixel counts increasing.

Once upon a time you needed a spacious, cave-like room to make owning a home projector a feasible entertainment option. But the proliferation of short-throw projectors and steadily rising lumen counts mean that projectors are no longer exclusive to suburban basements. Even apartment living rooms can benefit from the immersive experience of an HD projector. You just need to make sure to buy the right projector for you.

There are a couple factors to keep in mind when picking a projector. First, determine the brightness of your room and how large your screen will be. If you do have a windowless room without any source of natural light, you don’t need a high lumen (measure of brightness) count. Likewise, if your projector screen is less than 100 inches, there is no need to pay up for a 4k resolution projector.

Since your projector will likely stay put in your house, things like portability and built-in audio playback aren’t a concern. Instead, consider whether the projector has low lag time, if it has 3D capability, whether it supports media streaming services, what its casting distance is, and image quality.

I’ve identified a few of the best projectors for different consumers below:

The Best 3D Projector

If you are still deciding between an LCD TV and projector for your home theater, a few minutes with a high quality 3D projector will put an end to your waffling once and for all. The latest 3D projectors give a true approximation of the cinema multi-plex experience. Their grand size and gorgeous colors convey the 3D experience in a way that an LCD TV just can’t. Immerse yourself in three dimensions with crosstalk,” the blurry illusion created by two different transmission channels.  Like all 3D technology on the market, there is some loss in brightness when viewing in 3D.

A few alignment options give some flexibility in set up. Lens shifting allows for the projector to be slightly off center from the screen, though you will have to manually do any lens shifting.

The 1700 lumen lamp will last 5000 hours in eco or 2000 at the highest setting. In low and medium ambient lighting, this projector gives bright and crisp colors and HD black. The lumen count is a bit low for bright rooms, so this is best in dens and media rooms.

The HW40ES is sold as a “gaming projector,” and users have the option to use it in a gaming mode that is said to reduce lag. Reviewers have empirically proven that lag time is reduced to 24 milliseconds, which is one of the absolute best for gaming.

It does not come with 3D glasses, so you will need to invest in a pair that is compatible with Sony projectors.

The Best 4k Projector

For those that want only the best image quality, sharpest contrast, and latest tech, a 4k projector is the way to go. 4k is the new gold standard for video resolution. The new video technology refers to the 4,000 thousand pixels found alongside the horizontal line display. Right now, Sony enjoys a total monopoly of the 4k home projector market. Of the 4k projectors Sony offers, the VPLVW350ES SXRD is the best value for an unbeatable image.

This behemoth of a projector weighs close to 40 pounds and is a commanding 25.1 x 22.9 x 12.6 inches. Inside comes Sony’s SXRD 4k movie theater technology and anamophic 3D capability. This top of the line tech enables you to cast onto a larger screen than some 1080p projectors. Sony says that full brightness (1500 lumens) and resolution are achieved on a 150 inch screen.

Since 4k is relatively new, not a whole lot of media is specifically made for 4k resolution. This is definitely changing, but 1080p HD is still the standard as of now. Sony equipped with the 350ES with Super Resolution upscaling so you can enjoy your content in 4k in the meantime. It uses a ‘Mastered in 4k’ algorithm to upscale HD movies and shows into 4k content. Sometimes this results in a noticeable difference, other times its hard to make a meaningful distinction.

The VPLVW350ES SXRD comes with a 3 year warranty.

The Best Projector for Football Fans

Plan to marathon NFL games all Sunday? You will need an extra bright projector if you are going to set up your home theater in a room with any natural light sources to get the most our of your daytime viewing. The brightest home theater projector is the Epson Home Cinema 1440, which has a staggering 4400 lumens.

This model uses 3LCD projectors for Full HD 1080p images that are rated three times brighter than other projectors in its class. This means you get stunning HD imagery in well-lit rooms, even with all the blinds up.

Easy slide horizontal keystone correction and automatic vertical keystone correction make alignment relatively easy. However, a lack of lens shift means you have to mount the projector dead center from where the image will be projected. This model is also lightweight and compact for a home theater projector, weighing just 13 pounds.

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• Tusa Freedom HD
• Atomic Frameless 2

A scuba trip can take you to the  tranquil waters of a Caribbean cove or to the murky depths of the Scottish aisles. But no matter the environment, you will need a quality scuba mask to take in your surroundings. Cheap masks fog up or obstruct your view with a narrow field of vision and low-quality tinted glass. When choosing a scuba mask, only comfort matters more than visibility.

There are two main styles of scuba mask: multi-lens and single-lens. Multi-lens masks have two separate lenses divided by a nose bridge. They are easier to clear and can be outfitted with corrective lenses, but have a narrower field of view. Therefore, single lenses tend to offer better visibility.

Best Overall Scuba Mask for Visibility: Tusa M1001 FREEDOM HD

The M1001 Freedom HD is a framed single lens mask with an incredible field of view: 6 inches across and 3 inches from top to bottom. The immense lens provides panoramic near uninterrupted viewing, with some divers stating that they can’t even see the top of the mask. Its wide field of view earned the top score in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2016 best mask round up.

Because of its large circumference, the Tusa Freedom HD is ideal for people with large heads and big noses. Usually, the big-nosed will have to settle for a two-lens option to comfortably fit their face. The mask also has 180 degree adjustable buckles that bend outward and inward to fit your face and help for storage.

The mask is quality made and the supple silicon clings effortlessly to your face. The skirt has dimples that soften the silicon and molds to the face, decreasing the chance of a leak. It also has stability ridges that hold the mask skirt in shape as you descend.

After the normal treatment (a rubdown on the lens with abrasive toothpaste) there are no problems with fog.

Best Frameless Scuba Mask For Visibility: Atomic Frameless 2

Frameless single lens scuba masks offer unobstructed panoramic view for unmatched visibility. The Atomic Frameless 2 is among the best frameless masks currently on the market, popular among divers for its thoughtful design and luscious comfort.

The mask earns top marks in visibility for two reasons. First, the lens is constructed with a glass designed to maximize optical quality without color distortion. Most scuba masks have a green tint as a result of iron impurities. This green tint distorts light transmission and blocks true colors, a bummer when you are trying to take in the majestic panorama of exotic fish and flora. Atomic uses “ULTRACLEAR Lenses,” which offer clear and distortion free view.  This allows 99% light transfer, which makes a world of difference underwater when compared to cheap green view.

The second reason that this scuba mask is great for visibility is its wide design. Like the Freedom HD, this mask is extra-wide for a panoramic view. While not as wide on top, it still surpasses most low volume masks with a wide field of vision.

In addition to visibility, this is a real comfortable mask to wear. It uses high quality super soft silicone which seals effortlessly to your face. In fact, the whole mask is made of high quality materials for high durability and resistance to accident.  Atomic also offers the mask in three sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your face.

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A soundbar is a thin bar with multiple drivers. They point the speakers directly at your couch, with different tweeters and woofers replicating highs and lows. Newer soundbars include wireless connectivity options, making them hassle free compared to a full surround sound system. No soundbar will ever compete with the fidelity of traditional speakers, the drivers are just not large enough, but they can fill a small room with lush noise. These are the best soundbars available right now.

Best Overall Soundbar of 2016: Samsung HW-K950

The Samsung HW-K950 is the biggest leap forward in soundbar technology of the year. Released in summer 2016, the soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos, 4k/HDR, and 5.1.4 channel surround sound. One big drawback: it does not offer DTS-HD. So if you want the best possible sound quality out of a soundbar and don’t plan on playing Blu-rays on an older player, this is the soundbar for you.

Most soundbars simply can’t replicate the immersive multi-directional sound of a proper home theater system. Samsung shortens the gap with one of two soundbars released this year that features Dolby Atmos (the other is the Yamaha YSP-5600, which has DTS:X support but suffers from poor design). For those who don’t know, Dolby Atmos is an audio format designed to deliver three-dimensional sound. It’s what makes makes you think a helicopter is actually whirling overhead, or what clues you in to the sound of footsteps approaching from a distance.

The HW-K950 delivers Atmos sound from 15 built-in speakers. Most of those drivers come from the main soundbar itself, a minimalist 47 inch unit with metal grills and brushed metal dim plates. It has 3 forward firing channels, with twin mid-range drivers and a wide-range tweeter engineered just for the soundbar. Atop the wide bar are two upward firing full-range drivers that provide front overhead effects.  The rest of the sound comes from two wireless rear speakers with front and upward firing speakers and a wireless 160W sub-woofer. All drivers come with their own amplifier.

The sound is extremely crisp and expansive on Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 5.1 compatible files. It is extremely clean and captures everything from dialogue to bass-heavy music in a way you thought a soundbar could not. The set up is easy and, unlike many previous-generation high end soundbars, it comes with 2 HDMI plugs. So unlike the popular SONOS soundbar, your audio isn’t rerouted through a optical port.

There are two big drawbacks to this soundbar. The first is the price. It’s an expensive package, but it includes the sub-woofer and rear speakers. You can definitely find better quality used home theater equipment for the same price range, but you lose all the convenience and connectivity the soundbar offers. So it depends on your needs. If you’re building a home theater, look elsewhere. If you want three-dimensional Dolby Atmos sound in your apartment without a receiver and a bunch of speakers, this wireless setup can’t be beat.

The main drawback, and this is a huge one, is that it does not support DTS-HD Master Audio, the most common format for many Blu-Ray movies. Newer Blu-Ray players do support Atmos, so you will have to check your player.

Best Value Soundbar: Vizio SB3851-C0

If you don’t want to spend a grand on a soundbar but still want a powerful upgrade from your TV speakers, check out Vizio’s SB3851-C0. For less than $300 you get 5.1 sound with a wireless sub-woofer and 2 rear satellite speakers.

This model captures engrossing Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, faithfully replicating highs and lows. The 6″ driver on the sub delivers a serviceable bass, definitely the best you will experience at this price range. It has an impress 100dB sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion. Connect music directly with a Bluetooth. The setup is easy, and the 38 inch aluminum accented soundbar looks nice in the living room.

Unfortunately the unit lacks an HDMI connection. It also lacks EQ options to satisfy an audiophile.

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