Meet the Founders
Scott Witner
Scott Witner grew up and currently resides in Northeastern Ohio with his wife and two daughters. He enlisted in the Marine Corps right out of high school in January 1993 and served active duty for four years, getting out in February 1997. During his time in the Marine Corps, Scott served as an Infantry Mortarman with an 81mm mortar platoon, attending multiple tactical courses, including Mountain Warfare Training in Bridgeport, CA, Desert Warfare training in 29 Palms, CA, South Korean Mountain Warfare School, and Jungle Warfare training in Okinawa, Japan. These experiences allowed Scott to test and trust various gear in diverse environments, some of which he still relies on today.
Years after his military service, Scott found himself in a comfortable but unfulfilling corporate job. Following his mother’s passing from stage 4 breast cancer, Scott sought an outlet to keep his mind busy and reignited his passion for gear and tactical equipment. This led him to The Loadout Room, where he began as a pro-bono writer and quickly progressed to a paid freelance writer. His dedication and expertise earned him the role of full-time editor.
Scott’s training with industry experts like Kyle Defoor and his attendance at numerous SHOT Show and Outdoor Retailer conferences have given him a deep understanding of gear evolution and industry trends. These experiences have shaped his ability to provide trustworthy recommendations and reviews based on firsthand knowledge and rigorous testing.
Erik Meisner
Erik Meisner’s early years were spent traveling the US and Europe due to his father’s 27-year military career. This upbringing exposed him to various cultures and the military lifestyle, sparking an early fascination with the armed forces. In his early 20s, Erik joined the Army, completing Basic Training, AIT, Airborne School, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program before being assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis.
The relentless training and deployment cycles in the Ranger Regiment, coupled with leadership from figures like retired General Stanley McChrystal, shaped Erik’s resilience and expertise. His squad leaders, who later ascended to high-ranking positions, also influenced his development.
Several years ago, Erik was approached by a fellow Ranger managing The Loadout Room, a veteran-run site dedicated to tactical and outdoor gear reviews. He joined the team and met Scott Witner, with whom he shared a vision for expanding the site’s reach. Together, they built strong relationships with manufacturers and PR professionals by attending industry events, significantly growing the site’s content and audience.
After departing from The Loadout Room, Erik and Scott recognized a void and decided to launch their own gear review site. Committed to maintaining an all-veteran team, they swiftly set up the business, covering all operational costs themselves. Their combined military experience and industry knowledge ensure that their reviews are both credible and comprehensive.
Our Mission
At The Gear Bunker, our mission is to provide honest, detailed, and practical gear reviews based on real-world experience. As veterans, we bring a unique perspective to the gear we review, ensuring it meets the high standards demanded by both military and civilian users. Our commitment to integrity and thorough testing means you can trust our recommendations to perform in the most challenging environments.
Why Choose Us?
- Veteran Expertise: Our team’s military backgrounds ensure we understand the critical importance of reliable gear.
- Hands-On Testing: We rigorously test products in various conditions to provide authentic and practical reviews.
- Industry Connections: Our relationships with top manufacturers and attendance at major trade shows keep us at the forefront of gear innovation.
- Comprehensive Reviews: We cover a wide range of products, from tactical equipment to everyday carry items, providing detailed insights and recommendations.
Thank you for visiting The Gear Bunker. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and helping you find the best gear for your needs.