I have a lot of bags, probably more than most people. Most of it is due to my job, but some have also been personal purchases. I’ve tested many bags over the years and have my favorites. One thing I have come to accept is that there is no one bag for everything, but I’ve […]
Gear Reviews
Gerber Covert F.A.S.T Knife: A classic Applegate-Fairbairn design
The Gerber Covert F.A.S.T Knife is a nice little piece of tactical history in your pocket. The first thing I noticed before it was out of the package was the signatures on the blade, Fairbairn & Applegate. For those that don’t know, Fairbairn is kind of a tactical legend from the early part of last century. He […]
Grey Ghost Gear Thirst Quencher Hydration Pack
I’ve said it before. It hasn’t changed. I like my gear minimalist and simple. The Grey Ghost Gear TQ Hydration Pack fits that bill and then some. Made from quality materials, it seems like every stitch and design feature was well thought out. It’s a good looking pack that can work as a daily gym/work […]
Photo of the day: Travel luggage perfection?
I’m a traveler, adventurist and part-time explorer. Well, at least that’s how I see myself. Whether traveling to foreign countries or domestically, having the proper luggage remains a key factor. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” luggage. Because of this, the storage area under my stairs is chalked full of various sized bags for different missions. […]
Navy SEALs and backpack nukes: US special operators once carried the fury of the atom in a sack
Thanks to decades’ worth of cultural pressure on the international stage, most nations view the use of nuclear weapons in war as a reprehensible act. Today’s nuclear nations, by and large, ascribe to a model of deterrence: Put simply, our nukes stop them from using their nukes. Although posturing can get quite a bit more complicated than that, mutually […]
Deuter XV 3 Rolltop Athletic Daypack
I’m one of those guys that are usually drawn to the heavy, overbuilt, tactical looking packs. When I got my hands on the Deuter XV3 Daypack, my view that “lightweight carry” meant “weak” completely changed. For one, this pack is one of the most comfortable packs that I have ever carried; and I have carried multiple different […]
Photo of the day: SPIE Rigging above Camp Lejeune
During my enlistment in the Marine Corps, I had the opportunity to use a lot of different gear. Towards the end of my enlistment, my unit was attached to the 24th MEU(SOC) to perform recovery of downed aircraft personnel. In layman terms, if one of our pilots went down behind enemy lines, we got the call to […]
When lives are on the line: Combat medicine and how it can be improved
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Gudex Throughout history, combat has been a brutal and destructive experience that leaves visible and invisible wounds on anyone who engages in the fighting. Although modern technology has done marvels in making warfare more “humane,” war-fighters are still facing catastrophic injuries in their muscles, bones, skin, and […]
No going back: Bogs Bedrock waterproof leather work boots and Farm-to-Feet Coronado tactical socks
Everyone loves a good pair of boots and socks. For the last week, I’ve been wearing the Bogs Bedrock 8″ Composite toe men’s waterproof leather work boots. I’ve been wearing them with Coronado tactical boot socks from Farm to Feet. Check out the video review below for a look at one of the most comfortable […]
Vertx EDC Transit Sling: Built for low profile missions
I hadn’t owned a backpack for about 15 years when I came across Vertx. That time frame probably makes me seem a lot older than I am(I’m 27), but long story short, I didn’t carry one a day past the end of 5th grade. I can’t remember thinking “I want a backpack!” at any point […]