Outdoors

Wenger HypeX pendants: Survival tools you can wear

Wenger HypeX pendants: Survival tools you can wear
The Wyss has both a can opener and bottle opener
The Wyss has both a can opener and bottle opener
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The Buss keeps things flat and slick when not in use
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The Buss keeps things flat and slick when not in use
The Buss gives you both types of screwdrivers
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The Buss gives you both types of screwdrivers
The dual-sided Pietra includes a flint and a knife sharpener
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The dual-sided Pietra includes a flint and a knife sharpener
The Ridge brings multiple hexes along with several other tools
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The Ridge brings multiple hexes along with several other tools
The Ridge brings multiple hexes along with several other tools
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The Ridge brings multiple hexes along with several other tools
The Whug has an emergency whistle and removable tweezers in a tight package
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The Whug has an emergency whistle and removable tweezers in a tight package
The Whug has an emergency whistle and removable tweezers in a tight package
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The Whug has an emergency whistle and removable tweezers in a tight package
The Wyss pairs tools like a hex and wire cutter with food prep items like a can opener
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The Wyss pairs tools like a hex and wire cutter with food prep items like a can opener
The Wyss has both a can opener and bottle opener
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The Wyss has both a can opener and bottle opener
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Wenger is one of the two recognizable brand names behind the iconic Swiss Army knife. Ordinarily the brand is content in updating its timeless knife line with a new implement or grip material, but this time it aims to create a whole new category of outdoor preparedness equipment. You can call it toolery or wearable survival gear, but Wenger calls it HypeX.

Since hanging a Swiss Army Ranger on your neck wouldn't be all that comfortable in much of any situation, Wenger slims its HypeX line down to small, lightweight pieces with a handful of useful tools. They won't be the most important items in your survival kit, but they will help you pop a beer out in the field, tighten a loose screw or even start a fire.

Wenger's HypeX line will consist of six individual pendants upon launch later this year. Probably the most "survivalish" model - assuming it works effectively - is the Pietra, which has a flint for fire-starting and a knife sharpener. While the Pietra helps you save yourself, the Whug is more of an "better call back-up!" tool, giving you a go-everywhere emergency whistle. The wooden Whug pendant also carries a pair of tweezers.

The dual-sided Pietra includes a flint and a knife sharpener
The dual-sided Pietra includes a flint and a knife sharpener

The last four tools are more everyday tools than survival gear. The Wyss puts a can opener, bottle opener, hex wrench, pry and wire stripper at your disposal. Similar in its offerings, the Ridge offers a multi-size hex wrench, pry, bottle opener and wire stripper. The Buss gives you both flat and Phillips screwdrivers. Finally, the Corkoran gets a portable corkscrew - something that should come in handy on those romantic trips when you buy a bottle of wine only to realize you don't have a corkscrew at your hotel or in your suitcase.

Each HypeX piece comes on a silicone necklace with a stainless steel clasp and is packaged in a reusable Neoprene or waterproof plastic pouch. The pouches were designed to be re-purposed for protecting cell phones or carrying other small items - Wenger knows its multifunction.

Gizmag spoke with Adriana Ryan, the founder and VP of Sales and Marketing of Axel Productions, the licensee that is building the HypeX line for Wenger. She told us that they are hard at work on another half-dozen models for this winter. The new models won't be as general or lifestyle oriented as the originals and will be aimed at specific sports. Perhaps a ski-snowboard or bike tool will be high on that list.

Wenger will launch the HypeX around June with retail prices are set between US$59.99 and $99.99.

View gallery - 9 images
9 comments
9 comments
Russ Pinney
Survival tool? Where\'s the saw so you can cut off your own arm like that American bloke off of that really boring film?
Francois Retief
What\'s wrong with a leatherman supertool on a chain? ;-) You\'re certainly going to be more prepared. I think I\'ll stick with wearing it on my belt though, it may be a bit heavy on a chain.
Jon A.
You could put all this stuff on a keychain for a fraction of what these will cost.
Joe Sobotka
$59-$99 ???? for a firestarter that I can buy for $7 which I already have on my keychain. or that much for a corkscrew, screwdriver etc???? um,,,, No Thanks!!!! unbelieveable....
Burnerjack
I firmly concur with Francois Retief. I\'ve been a Leatherman owner since they first came out. I found it indispensible since day 1. Many laughed at my using it early on, but, the speed at which I overcame minor \"adversity\" amazed more than a few. Bottom line: Want a near bullet proof, all around \"third hand\"? Get a Leatherman. No, It\'s not for bicycle repair but the world is much bigger and more diverse than the bicycle arena.
Slowburn
There are few things more expensive than cheep tools.
Walt Stawicki
aptly named the HYPE
(and of course it is not airline approved!!!)
Slowburn
re; Walt Stawicki
The airlines probably wouldn\'t have a problem with it the TSA\'s theatrics to make stupid people feel safer without increasing safety on the other hand would confiscate it if they realize it\'s not purely decorative.
kellory
The only one of even slight interest is the " Pietra – a pendant with a knife-sharpening stone on one side and first-starting flint on the other" but at $60- $100. you have got to be kidding. $20. maybe, just because it's "stylish" and mount it on a cord suitable for a fire-bow.