Being in the Army while in the field can be difficult at times, with bad weather, inhospitable environments, no phone, no light/power, and no motor car (as the song used to say), among many other things. At least your days are planned for you and with enough activities you can forget some things like laundry. […]
Camping Gear
Bluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
Recently I was given the opportunity to try out the Bluetti Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station for The Loadout Room. I’ve used just about every kind of backpack there is over just about every kind of terrain. Before it arrived, I wondered how it could possibly be any different or better than what I’d already […]
Best Boots for Combat Sim, Hiking and Military use?
Best boots for Combat sim, hiking, and general use? A lot of people have a favorite brand of boot when it comes to military service, camping experience or outdoor activities. I am one of those people. I have some recommendations, tips, as well as complaints. Here are a couple of options that range for […]
Crazy Creek Chairs, Adult Tested, Kid Approved
When it comes to outdoor gear, comfort and durability are paramount. Picture this: you’re deep in the backcountry, the sun is setting, and after a long day of hiking, all you want is to kick back and relax. Or, you’re on the beach of the river in NW Florida or simply at a BBQ with […]
Chopping Through Jungles or the Front Yard, the Spetsnaz Survival Machete Chopper is Your Tool
At the homestead one Saturday, I’d finally grown tired of the overgrown shrubbery in the front yard, and the time for trimming and clearing out weeds that didn’t belong there was long overdue. I let Layla out for supervision, then grabbed the Spetsnaz Survival Machete Chopper that I’ve been using for the past few weekends, […]
The Acebeam Terminator M2-X, a Palm Sized Powerhouse
Flashlights are one of the most used and needed devices today next to cell phones and even they include a flashlight demonstrating our need for light when we find ourselves in the darkness. I was taught not to fear the dark and how to see with minimal light, blue light (shudder!), red, and green light […]
Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
I enjoy weeklong excursions in the wilderness as much as the next guy, but that’s not an option when you lead a busy life. I know, I know, I hear you already: “But Rodney, the point of going on a long trip in the wild is to escape the hustle and bustle.” Well, yes, you […]
McGuire Army Navy, Your Complete Source to Gear Up
As a child I remember Herb Phillipson’s Army and Navy store in Utica NY. The tall racks of seemingly endless amounts of gear, uniforms, clothing, firearms, and more created memories that have endured a lifetime. Phillipson’s is gone now but replacing it, at least online, is a store that seems to hold as much wonderful […]
Buck 808 Talon, A Big Tool With Big Capabilities
Garfield’s “go-to tool” when dealing with brush, limbs, and small trees on his NW Florida rural property, and his Grandson’s favorite tool to steal away from him. Small enough to wield all day but capable enough to easily take on 3- and 4-inch thick cuts. https://youtu.be/hacm4KywPe0 When I bought this knife it was to try […]
A Review of 3 Mystery Ranch Backpacks
Looking for a new backpack that can keep up with your active lifestyle? All you need is a heavy-duty Mystery Ranch backpack.