I am a big lover of multi-tools and usually always have one with me when I go outdoors, so when I heard about a new gadget you can wear on your wrist even on a flight I got excited. The Tread looks really cool and therefore let’s take a new approach and not necessarily a typical one for OutdoorUAE.
What kind of fashion accessories do rugged outdoor guys wear? Usually apart from a watch none — we usually don’t even need a shave. For what reason would we need a bling-bling? Man need tools as women need shoes – we need to have them even if we never use them. In case this situation would ever occur where we would need it, we can triumph in having it. And what could be manlier than wearing a tool box on your arm wrist? The design is rugged and modern and the Tread could be taken directly from a Terminator movie. No matter if you wear the silver or the matte black one, people will recognize your new accessory and will certainly ask what it is. I got very positive feedback from both genders – respect and recognition from other men for the cool tool as well as compliments from women for wearing stylish accessories.
Now back to the real stuff, how useful are the tools. Since the Tread has mainly technical tools like screw drivers, box wrench keys and hex drive it makes not too much sense for me hiking but there is definitely use if you go cycling, motocrossing or anywhere you could make use of the tools. The Tread packs 29 different tools into its nine links and watch-like clasp. The latter includes a bottle opener. I would never take my Leatherman with me on a bike, but the Tread is comfortable on the arm wrist (I had to take out two links to fit well) looks cool and you have your small toolset with you. Especially the hex driver for the saddle was of great use, since I need to adjust the saddle frequently when I am in the desert with friends. Adjusting the saddle to the different body heights was fast and easy and you even get good leverage on it to tighten the bolts properly. Also the screw drivers work well and you can feel the quality of the heavy duty and high quality steel – this tool is made to withstand any abuse, it’s as tough as it looks.
For me, after the screw driver and hex keys, the most useful tools are the bottle opener and the cutting tool even if it is very small. There is also a watch link available to add to the Tread which would make it even more useful for everyday life – substituting a separate watch.
So all in all, the Tread is missing a few tools (e.g. knife and pliers) compared to the normal line of Leatherman multi-tools, but since you can wear it conveniently everywhere, it also has its practical advantages. Most of all it is a unique accessory for tough men and certainly a great present for the festive season.
Words + Photos By: Daniel Birkhofer
