Erik Meisner

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Goal Zero Yeti 150 | Portable Power

Truck Camping 101 | Part 2 | Portable Power – Goal Zero Yeti 150 In a previous article, I discussed a great solution for portable lighting while truck or car camping. To keep those lights burning, a source of power is required. What better company to find portable power, solar and lighting solutions from than Goal […]

5.11 Tactical Hard case 940 | First Look

Not all hard cases are created equally. In my early years, I did some freelance photography specializing in motor sports. Mainly, following the CHAMP Car Series in the 90’s as well as some domestic Rally Car series. Hauling $10,000 lenses and other pricey photography gear to various venues across the country proved to be hard […]

Gerber Center Drive | A new angle on multi-tools

There are more multi-tools floating around on the market than I care to count. Most of them are copies of proven and tested designs from only a handful of reputable manufacturers. Innovation has somewhat plateaued in the traditional plier based multi tools. Until now. Making a small but critical tweak to its multi-tool, Gerber has […]

Goal Zero Light-A-Life 350 | Portable Lighting

Truck Camping 101 | Part 1 | Portable Lighting – Goal Zero Light-A-Life 350 Once and a while, you just need to leave the daily grind in the rear view mirror and unwind. For some, strapping a pack full of lightweight gear on your back and hiking into the wilderness will do the trick. For […]

Yeti Hopper Two 30 | Next Evolution in Coolers

Yeti has become synonymous with over engineering in the rugged cooler segment. And that’s a good thing. From the bear resistant Tundra coolers to the latest in soft sided coolers. Yeti is at the cutting edge of cool. The Loadout Room has done reviews on the Tundra, Hopper 20, Hopper Flip 12, Ramblers and even […]

Silencerco Maxim 9 | First Person Shooter Video

SilencerCo Releases Maxim 9 First Person Shooter Video To showcase the versatility of their ground breaking integrally suppressed 9mm pistol the Maxim 9, SilencerCo has released a first person shooter video portraying realistic self defense and recreational use scenarios. “We wanted to show the versatility of the Maxim 9 through the eyes of a shooter with scenarios where the user wouldn’t have the time or ability to put on […]

Talon Grips New Color | Moss

Anyone who owns or shoots a polymer framed pistol like a Glock is aware of the shortcomings when it comes to grip material. The polymer frames found on many of the modern pistols are very durable and easy to manufacturer but limited by texture alone to provide a positive purchase in the hand. With sweaty, […]

Smith & Bradley Sans-13 Watch | First Look

Finding a good tactical watch that is asembled in the USA isn’t an easy task these days. With so many companies outsourcing both design and manufacturing to other parts of the world, “Made in the USA” is becoming a scarce motto. Hopefully, the current administration can turn things around. But for now, owner Jerommie Smith […]

Hobie Cruz-R Polarized Sunglasses | First Look

In 1950, a young Hobie Alter converted his love for woodworking and started messing around with surfboard construction. Since then, California based Hobie has become a lifestyle brand revolving around fun and water. From the iconic Hobie Cat sailboat to surfboards, kayaks, sunglasses and SUP boards, Hobie has innovated many new ways to play on […]

Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 Backpack

Now that summer is upon us, the desire to get outdoors and enjoy nature is high on my list. Hiking, backpacking and camping are all things my family enjoys. And when German backpack manufacturer Deuter asks me to review their ACT Lite, I jump at the opportunity. Having carried my weight in the Ranger Regiment, […]