The Loadout Room
Professional Gear Reviews
The photo above is a picture of me while I was traveling around the Southwest. Among hoarding gear, my recreational hobbies include photography and hanging out in precarious places. After all, what is the point in having nice gear if you don’t ever put it to use? I prefer to hit the trails in the […]
It’s no secret that I enjoy using Danner boots, and it’s no surprise why. In the toughest environments I’ve been in, Danner boots have held their own. In heat over 110 degrees and while being ground against jagged rocks, my issued Acadia’s were totally dependable. During a tour of the Danner factory in Portland, OR, […]
Not every mission-set requires the operator to be fully kitted-up in tactical gear. Sometimes, a more delicate touch is needed. A Low-Vis operation that requires personnel to blend into an urban environment. Or a Low-Vis security detail that doesn’t want to draw attention to the principal. For these missions, the choice of footwear might be […]
A quality pair of boots can make a massive difference in comfort and performance in the field or for everyday wear. In the military, I owned many pairs of high-end combat boots for different environments that are still serviceable to this day, but as a civilian, I prefer boots that are non-tactical looking to keep […]
Everyone who owns a pair of Lowa boots will agree with me that they are one of the most durable and well-built boots on the market. I have been wearing my Lowa Elite Desert boots for two years now, and they have been through some serious beating. However, the sole and the boot itself are […]
I went into this product review not knowing a whole lot about Bogs boots. But I’m glad they offered to let me test their footwear, because now I’m hooked. With fall in full swing and winter closing in, Northern Michigan becomes the perfect location for the Johnny Chukka II’s. The months of October and November […]
If you don’t wear a suit to work, odds are you wear a pair of boots. Working as a CBP Officer I have some basic requirements when it comes to my foot wear. Despite on my work location (which will change the type of uniform I need to wear), there are some pretty standard footwear […]
In my quest for ultralight hiking, fastpacking and trail running gear I’ve comes across the Altra Lone Peak running shoes. These shoes were designed from the ground up for trail running and the ultra runner. With a weight of only 9.7 ounces you could wear this shoe all day long on the trail without much […]
Darn Tough Wool Socks. Uncompromised durability and fit. I’ve been through several brands of wool socks in the past years, but just recently got my hands on a few pairs of Darn Tough socks, 3 to be exact for testing. I went with 3 pairs from their Hike/Trek line since that is what I plan […]
I just received my pair of the Vasque Juxt trail shoes and just in time for the hiking season. I plan on using these shoes for all hikes, bike rides and as a daily shoe going forward in order to get a good feel for them. What I can tell you from just pulling them out […]