A minimalist urban exploration tools and gear kit.  Triple Aught Design Life Capsule Omega with an entry kit and a Black Scout Survival BSS V3 Flashlight to explore this massive abandoned ghost town in Hanoi. For more on this kit *Photo courtesy of John Cain (Vinjatek)
Gear Reviews
Photo of the day: The longest international bus ride in Asia
Waiting to embark on a 24-hour international bus ride from Hanoi, Vietnam to Vientiane, Laos – complete with a land border crossing and walk through no man’s land. Considered one of the hardest and most brutal bus journeys in Asia. Gonna be one of those adventures where it’s gonna be good only after it’s done, […]
Sherpa Blanket from Rumpl: Polar Vortex approved
Living in the Midwest this winter has been more challenging than years past. A polar vortex created an almost uninhabitable environment across much of the region. Temperatures dropped to -34F in Northern Michigan and the Governor declared a state of emergency. Between January 25th and Feb 5th, my son has gone to school just one […]
Photo Of The Day: Training off the East Coast
Training operations were a huge part of my last contract. Here I am watching a simulated personal watercraft attack off the East Coast. Being a part of the safety team and an advisor, the boat I was in was tasked with observing the client’s movements and reactions to a threat from personal watercraft (better known […]
Freeman by Muck Boots: Your foul weather friend
Depending on where you live, the shoulder seasons and winter can bring some foul weather. As a General Contractor, I like to wear a functional and stylish boot to work. One that doesn’t sacrifice anything in ways of comfort or weatherproofness. Muck Boots have a long tradition of producing fantastic rubber boots for hunters and […]
A quick look at the Hoback Knives Hero Series Marine
Hoback Knives is a brand we are now taking a closer look at on the Loadout Room after our initial impressions of the MK Ultra we recently reviewed. The Hoback Knives Hero Series are nothing short of works of art. Although they are really nice looking blades they are meant to be used as tools, […]
The FirstSpear AAC Frog Kit: From land to maritime operations
The FirstSpear AAC Frog kit is without a doubt a game changer in the world of those who like to get wet. No other company specializes in product development quite like First Spear and my relationship has grown with them over the past year. I was ecstatic to be able to test out the AAC […]
Photo of the day: Grab your gear and go!
Grab your gear and go. In the military, especially in Ranger School, you are taught and instructed to never have more than one item out of your ruck at a time. It was always entertaining to see some guy in the position next to me with both boots and socks off just as that fateful high pitched squeal […]
Photo of the day: Vidda Pro Trousers from Fjällräven
Whenever I attend Outdoor Retailer, I usually have an agenda. Searching for innovative new products but never overlooking bombproof existing items. Mainly to improve something I’m working on for the Loadout Room. As I delve into the Overland space, I’ve found a few personal items of mine that require improvement. A rugged pair of trousers […]
Enlightened Equipment on backpacking quilts vs. sleeping bags
If you’re an avid hiker or backpacker, you probably know a thing or two about the ultralight community. The ultralight concept is simple; the basic idea is to keep everything lightweight, use multifunctional gear, and limit what you don’t need. In other words, you keep your gear as absolutely minimal as possible without endangering yourself. […]