Not wearing proper clothing or layering correctly while traveling in a snow-laden environment could lead to cold injuries and death. As a survival instructor for the military, I find myself in these environments often and teach others how to effectively travel in them. In the lists below I will note the things that I typically […]
Outdoor Clothing
The Propper BA Softshell Duty Jacket
Winter has finally arrived in my little slice of Florida, with temperatures in the 50s it’s downright chilly for us sun people. I can finally put on my new Propper BA Softshell Duty shell. The fine folks at Propper sent it to me a while back but it’s hardly been cold enough for a proper […]
Propper Full Zip Tech Sweater: Stay Tactically Cozy
My favorite two seasons are finally upon us, fall and winter. Now in some parts of the country, these seasons may not be so celebrated. In Florida, it’s a welcome reprieve from 80% humidity and 98-degree temperatures. Living in North Western Florida it still gets cold(ish). So this year after losing 45 pounds I knew I […]
Magpul Reversible Tech Logger Shacket
The Magpul Logger Tech Shacket (Shirt + Jacket = Shacket) is a solid piece of kit for all but the worst winter weather. It’s thin enough to layer easily, warm enough to only need a few layers to keep you comfortable well down into the low 20*s, and the outer layer material keeps you dry […]
My Favorite Black Diamond Outerwear & Gear
We’re at the end of November and many of us are already experiencing the colder weather associated with Fall and Winter. With that comes different outerwear that can deal with the harsher climate. One of the brands I’ve relied on for a while now is Black Diamond. Known for their mountaineering equipment, I never really gave […]
Interstellar Jacket from Outdoor Research | Otherworldly Performance
Waterproof, Flexibile, Breathable and Lightweight. These are the four most important features to look for when selecting a waterproof shell. In my opinion at least. And the Interstellar Jacket from Outdoor Research delivers in all four of these categories. I’ve been an Alpine skier for all but 2 years of my life. Those first couple […]
Slumberjack Incog Down Jacket: Low Volume, High Utility
Slumberjack’s Incog Down Jacket does many things well. Water resistance, weight, loft, and design are all excellent. I live in the Great Northwest. With the unpredictable weather here, this jacket is a year-round necessity. Even in the summer, you need a jacket for the pre-dawn chill. This is a perfect three season softshell outer or […]
StormLine Stretch | A packable waterproof rain shell from Black Diamond
“Into each life some rain must fall” ~ a line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, The Rainy Day. And a line I mutter to myself now and again. An older pilot buddy of mine used to say that to me when things weren’t going well. And it seemed to stick. Living in the Pacific Northwest […]
Adidas Flex Hike Pants | Review
Adidas is a German multinational company that has been producing high quality footwear and outdoor gear since 1949. Following a family feud with his older brother Rudolf who founded Puma, Adolf Dassler started Adidas and the brothers quickly became rivals in business. Ironically, both Puma and Adidas are still headquartered in the same German town of Herzogenaurach. […]
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody | Minimalist Rain Shell
Black Diamond is a proven name in the outdoor and climbing community. Although I’m not into all the climbing and repelling activities I do really enjoy the jackets and shells the Black Diamond offers for outdoor excursions. Back in the fall and winter we reviewed several Black Diamond cold weather products and were more than […]