This year I had the opportunity to attend the European IWA conference, which is the European version of our SHOT Show. One of the companies there that caught my eye when walking the isles was Nordic Pocket Saw. I’ve heard of it but seen very little of this product. We decided to stop and talk to […]
Gear Reviews
How to Build Your Own Adventure Van: Getting Started
I would love to do a school-bus conversion like Nick Cahill did, but for my first foray into building a camper, I wanted to start small.
Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit Now Pouch: An Ounce of Prevention
The TKN Pouch An IFAK is easily one of the most important pieces of gear one can have. An IFAK, or individual first aid kit, is standard for all modern military forces. IFAKs save lives. Plain and simple. They treat minor and major injuries. They stop blood loss. IFAKs prevent infections, and treat burns. Without […]
Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker: the complete sharpening system
When I opened the package, I was initially a bit overwhelmed by the Spyderco Tri-Angle sharpening system – particularly by the detailed instructions – but I quickly learned it is really very simple to use. I think electric sharpeners and grinders are a great option but they can be a bit messy, while I found […]
Watch: GORUCK GR-2, Travel the world with one ruck
No matter your size, the GORUCK GR-2 travels hard and well and complies with TSA size requirements for carry-on bags. Patterned after Special Forces medical rucks, GR-2 is big, tough, and efficiently stores all your stuff in its 3 compartments and 8 pockets. If you want to travel the world with one bag, it’s a […]
Watch: Water Filter Comparison
We have covered several water filter systems here in the Loadout Room. Everything from the smaller portable filters to the larger family size filter systems. I typically have some type of emergency filter in my pack when out on the trail or in the woods. They are a nice option to have if you run […]
Swiss Key: An ultralight pocket tool
Sitting in a bar in Ethiopia with my Brother when he pulled out his key chain. On it was the Swiss Key he and I had bought two years ago at the mall. We started talking about how useful it was and we got to talking about all of the different places and different uses […]
Voodoo Tactical 20-0096 Lightweight Plate Carrier
I first heard about Voodoo Tactical about 9 months ago when I was beginning the transition from active duty to a contractor. I had heard very good things from team guys about Voodoo Tactical and decided to give them a chance. After 6 months of rugged wear and tear through everything from salt water, hot […]
The ReadyMan Pocket Survival Stove 2.0
One of the things I miss about being an active duty Marine is the ingenuity of Marines. Marines are made to adapt and overcome. We evolve as the tides change. If you ever want to see real genius in play stick a Marine somewhere and deprive him one of the things all Marines need to […]
VSSL Supplies: Survive, Thrive, and Excel
The world can be a scary place, and oddly enough the places it can be scariest are the most beautiful. I’ll never forget the sunsets in Afghanistan. I’ve humped through marshes and swamps just to get to a crystal clear spring. Anyone who hikes, humps, and enjoys the great outdoors will tell you there is […]