Outdoor Brand Spotlight: Coast Knives, Multitools, and Camp Lighting
Portland-based outdoor brand Coast may not be as immediately recognizable as other companies like The North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia. Still, If you’ve spent any time at the campsite, there’s a good chance you’ve used some of its products. For more than a century, Coast has been an innovator in the outdoor space, creating knives, multitools, and outdoor lighting solutions built to make life outside better.
A good understanding of its customers and clever design have always been part of Coast’s heritage. The company’s first product was a knife specifically made for commercial fishermen catching 50-pound Chinook salmon in Oregon. Founder Henry Brands built a sharper, more durable blade and integrated a metal cleaning scoop into the handle, something that had never been seen before at that time. The knife proved so popular that he soon couldn’t keep up with demand. Three generations later, the Brands family continues to innovate, creating some of the most functional and well-made products in the outdoor industry.
Today, Coast uses both technology and creative thinking to continue to push its products forward. In fact, it is more innovative and groundbreaking than ever. Here are just a few pieces of gear that you should add to your inventory to make life at home and at the campground better.
Photo Credit: Coast
Coast RL35R Voice-Controlled Headlamp
Headlamps have always been an indispensable hands-free light source for use in the outdoors, but Coast has managed to make them even better. The RL35R comes with a rechargeable battery pack but is versatile enough to be used with regular AA batteries, too. The device offers a runtime of up to 80 hours, outputs as much as 1,100 lumens of light, and has multiple beam settings for maximum coverage. The unit is dust and water-resistant, comes with an easy-to-adust brightness wheel, and has a reflective strap and a rear light for increased safety.
But what truly separates the RL35R from its competitors is the ability to control it using voice commands. Users can turn the headlamp on and off, adjust the color of the light (red, green, and blue), and switch between arc, spot, and floodlight modes. This proves highly useful when your hands are full carrying camping equipment, firewood, or other outdoor gear or when you’re just wearing bulky gloves that make it hard to adjust the light’s settings. MSRP: $79.99
Photo Credit: Coast
Coast EAL40R Rechargeable Lantern
Coast’s EAL40R rechargeable lantern is proof that outdoor light sources have come a long way. This model uses the same dual-battery system found in the RL35R headlamp, allowing users to recharge its internal battery via USB-C or use disposable AA power cells instead. A built-in hang loop makes it easy to suspend from the ceiling of an RV, cabin, or tent, while the lamp’s rugged construction keeps it well protected from dust and rain.
The lantern’s various settings allow users to dial in the exact brightness and warmth they want. On the lowest settings, the EAL40R can run for 90+ hours on its integrated rechargeable battery. That equates to an astounding 11+ nights of use on a single charge. The lamp can also produce up to 2,500 lumens, which is enough to illuminate a large campsite. And thanks to two USB-C power-out ports, the large built-in battery can also recharge small portable devices, like smartphones or watches. MSRP: $39.99
Photo Credit: Coast
Coast XP40R Rechargeable Flashlight
Headlamps and lanterns definitely have their place, but sometimes all you need is a good old-fashioned flashlight. If that’s your preference for a portable light source, the rechargeable XP40R model should be on your must-have list. This flashlight has everything you could ask for, along with some unique features you probably didn’t know you needed.
At 8,000 lumens, the XP40R is incredibly bright. But its internal battery pack can keep ir running for up to 36 hours on a single charge. Other features include five different mode settings and multiple beam widths controlled by a slide-to-focus mechanism. A real-time display makes it easy to check the current mode, runtime, and remaining battery life. The flashlight can even has a USB-C out port that can be used to recharge your smartphone if needed. MSRP: $89.99
Photo Credit: Coast
Coast RX345 Limited Edition Pocket Knife
As noted above, Coast got its start by making high-quality knives for use in the outdoors. That tradition continues today, with an entire line-up of excellent cutting tools for use in the workspace, at the campsite, or for everyday carry. The RX345 especially stands out, deftly blending form and function in one amazing design.
With its ergonomic shape, rugged materials, and excellent balance and weight, this knife feels incredibly comfortable in hand. Coast’s Blade Assist function makes it easy to open, while its Max-Lock feature ensures the blade stays in place when in use or when tucked away. A three-position belt clip makes it easy to wear on your waist, too, keeping this highly functional tool always close at hand. MSRP: $29.99
Photo Credit: Coast
Coast LED140 Multi-Tool
Coast’s engineers have taken everything they’ve learned from making knives and applied it to the multi-tools. The result is a number of outstanding models that allow you to carry a surprising number of useful tools in your pocket. That includes the LED140, which is a practical and functional option with an affordable price tag.
The LED140 features no fewer than 15 unique tools integrated into one model. Those include a 1.75” knife blade, a saw blade, a spring-loaded pliers/wire cutter, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, and a bottle opener. It also includes a built-in LED light, an awl, a file blade, and more. Essentially, it’s a mini-toolkit that is highly portable and ultra-convenient. After buying one of these, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it before. MSRP: $39.99.
Photo Credit: Coast
Coast Zithion-X Rechargeable Batteries
In case it wasn’t evident from all the rechargeable light sources above, Coast is really into reusable power sources. So much so that the company has actually developed its own line of rechargeable batteries with the goal of getting more people to stop using disposable batteries that just end up in a landfill.
Coast’s line of Zithion-X power cells functions very similarly to other rechargeable batteries, with one notable exception. Each battery comes with a built-in USB-C port, which allows them to be recharged by plugging them directly into portable power banks, laptops, USB chargers, and other Coast devices. This is super convenient when traveling, as a cleverly designed charging cable capable of charging four batteries at once is included in the box. Available in AA and AAA varieties. MSRP: $29.99 for a four-pack.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the products that Coast has to offer. To find out more about the brand and its many offerings, visit the company’s website.
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