Outdoor Research, in combination with Polartec, has created a bombproof, fully featured softshell called the Outdoor Research Lodestar Jacket. The jacket has an array of features and specially mapped fabrics to create a thermo-regulating shelter for your upper body. Designed for the alpine adventurer, this jacket seems capable of holding its own in a wide variety […]
Gear Reviews
TACOPS Active Response Bag: First Impressions
TSSi has come out with a new TACOPS Active Response Bag designed for use by law enforcement responding to active shooters. The guys at TSSi did their homework and got quality input from police and training outfits all across America. The Active Response Bag is designed by pros to be configured by the user to meet […]
Why Bowhunting?
It all started two years ago during black-tailed deer season. At this point, I had never been bowhunting before. In Washington State, deer season for modern firearm is October 11-31, or as I like to call it, the non-stop-raining season. After years in the military, I wasn’t going to let a little rain spoil my […]
Massif Base Layer Collection: First Impressions
The folks at Massif have created a base layer collection that not only protects from heat and flame exposure, but keeps the wearer warm and comfortable. I have worn other products made using Dupont’s Nomex before, but none have been as comfortable as the Massif Base Layer Collection. All items in this collection are made from approximately 90 percent Nomex. This […]
Walking Dead Advisor to the Zombie Apocalypse: Weapons
Author’s note: The mid-season premiere of “The Walking Dead” is upon us. Like all right-thinking Americans and many others, I am a fan. As a Green Beret, I can’t help but analyze the situation and devise strategy and tactics. It is in my DNA. Having seen a couple of countries at war and the devastation […]
Sierra Designs Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015
Sierra Designs have been working overtime in the last couple of seasons to flip what is known about product development on its ear by creating gear outside the norm. I had the opportunity to check out a number of their products at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015, and I was very pleased with what they have to […]
Prepping 101: Manual Tools
Most of the civilized world has come to rely on a myriad of electric tools to complete most repair or construction projects, whether battery-powered or corded. We are so comfortable with the ease in which these tools operate and the power they generate using mechanical advantage, that we forget that some of the greatest achievements […]
The Walking Dead Advisor to the Zombie Apocalypse: Medicine and Tools (Pt. 1)
Many individuals understand the necessity of medical skills and equipment during a “Walking Dead” scenario, natural disaster, or government meltdown. I am here to advise medical and tool preparation should you run into Rick and the crew on the lonely scrapyard highway outside of anytown, zombie-destroyed U.S.A. Make friends with a paramedic or doctor If you don’t know any […]
DPx HEAT/F OD Knife Review
After using the DPx Gear HEAT/F knife for a few weeks as my everyday carry, I am impressed. Yes, it is a small blade at under 3″, but don’t let that fool you. When you grab hold of this knife, you know you’re holding a well-built tool. The handle is beefy and fits the hand very well, with a […]
Walking Dead Advisor to the Zombie Apocalypse: Battlefield Recovery
Season six of “The Walking Dead” is upon us and I find myself engaged by the story and the characters more and more each season. As a Green Beret, I can’t help but analyze the situation and devise strategy and tactics. It is in my DNA. Having seen a couple of countries at war and […]