In 1993 when I checked into 2nd Bn 8th Marines I was issued all the basic field gear I would need for use in an infantry MOS. Shortly after checking in my unit shipped out to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center for a month of training in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I decided […]
Gear Reviews
Raidops Centauro Knife
The Centauro Knife is a sleek and speedy killer. It’s the first Raidops folding edged tool and currently my favorite full-sized tactical EDC knife. “Innovative gear for tactical, outdoor, military and everyday carry applications. Increasing your survival success. Ergonomic, eidetic, functional and progressive design. Defend your body, protect your spirit.” – RAIDOPS TEAM (Unique Tactical Equipment) Raidops […]
MSR Pocket Rocket Camp Stove
It’s not often that we take a second look at gear that we have previously reviewed at The Load Out Room, but today’s review does just that. We are going to take a quick look at a highly portable stove that has a large following despite its diminutive size, the Pocket Rocket by MSR. The […]
Loadout Room photo of the day | Winter riding gear – boots
I use the Sidi All Roads boots. Full Goretex liner, good protection throughout, resole-able and they’ll go over or under any pants. I’ve personally used them at 25 degrees for two-plus hours at 80+ MPH with only a normal Darn Tough Vermont wool sock and had no issues. Buy once. Courtesy of Defoor Proformance
The Lansky Sharpening System: A story from a Navy SEAL
It’s a sunny 75-degrees at our training facility. I can hear the sound of the breaking waves in the background, clearly reminding me of the punishment and further initiation into the brotherhood that we can expect to welcome with open arms and big smile on our faces as the instructors assist Mother Nature and King […]
OluKai Waimea Sandal | Essential Island footwear
Many words in the Hawaiian language start or end with wai, the Hawaiian word for water. From the ancient people of Hawai’i to the current residents, the waters, or wai, of the Pacific Ocean have played a huge part of life on this island chain. Island kings would paddle war canoes between the islands for […]
Sagewood Gear | ESEE 3 Bushcraft Sheath
No badass knife is complete without a badass sheath to sit in, and you can find a worthy-enough sheath from Sagewood Gear. Sagewood Gear is a small outdoors equipment manufacturer whose gear is tailored for wilderness adventurers. A majority of their products are made-to-order leather sheaths for a variety of popular bushcraft knives such as […]
Watch: Basic long range and survival pack setup
Today we’ll be talking about the basics of long range/survival pack setup and the equipment that goes into them. Take a look as Loadout Room writer and Military Survival Instructor, Â Mike Jones drops some knowledge on setting up your pack for longer distance rucks or backpacking trips. Mike has extensive knowledge on setting up a […]
ESEE pocket survival kit: A last ditch Survival / E&E kit
If you are an avid outdoorsman or just enjoy a good hike here and there, we all know that bad things can happen when we least expect it. It is always a good idea to be prepared and bring along the proper tools with you in case you may need them. When I trail run […]
The ‘Rule of 3’ Vagabond Clothing Packing Hack
I’ve been variably using this ultralight clothing packing minimalist hack for as long as I’ve been vagabonding and it’s served me well. “Modern vagabonding is like a professional trade that requires a specific system of equipment for the nomadic lifestyle of indefinite world travel. As such, there are tools for the trade and ways to carry […]