Kyle Defoor previously made a Facebook post about his absolute minimum EDC. In that post, he mentioned the old school mantra of ‘always have a watch and a knife‘ that was coined by the Frogmen/UDT teams of WW2. During WW2, the UDT guys would do beach reconnaissance with only their dive knife and wristwatch. At […]
Gear Reviews
Able Carry MAX Backpack | Taking Everyday Further
When I was asked to review another travel backpack, I honestly was less enthused. I mean, how different can one be from another. And it feels like I’ve tested my fair share of them over the years. When I opened the package from Able Carry, a relatively new Hong Kong based company, I was pleasantly […]
Wayfarer from LifeSaver | Water for Outdoor Adventures
Having clean water is necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience outdoors. One of the ways backpackers, campers and hikers procure clean water is through purification systems. In the spring of this year, UK-based LifeSaver announced they would be producing a small, lightweight water purifier called the Wayfarer and releasing it on February 1, 2023. […]
Benchmade 8 BLKW Rescue Hook
I was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for over twenty years and a Police Officer (PO) for ten. I still maintain certifications in CPR/AED and Advanced First Aid. Back when I was a PO and EMT I responded to hundreds of motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Back then our tool of choice was either […]
Resco Manus | Named After Resistance Fighter Max Manus
The Resco Manus Chronograph is a tribute to the legendary, barrel-chested Frogman Max Manus. When accuracy and durability are a requirement, grab a Resco Manus, and get the job done. The Resco Manus Chronograph will deliver years of tough, accurate, and timely service. The Origin Story Of This Watch The plan was to attack a […]
Zero Tolerance ZT0022 | A tiny knife that punches above its weight class
When I look through my collection of folding knives, I notice a lack of variety in the size department. With many of them falling into the more common 8″ to 8.5″ overall length. In fact, the smallest knife I own is the ZT0450CF at 7.4″ and 2.4oz. Hardly a mini. That’s why I was intrigued […]
Zero Tolerance ZT0850 | Custom Collaboration Perfection
Recognizing the artistic genius of legendary knife builders, Dmitry Sinkevich and Todd Rexford, Zero Tolerance saw no other choice than to commission a custom collaboration. And with that, the ZT0850 was born. I’m not sure if this is a daily use knife or a collector’s item so bear with me. Priced at $400, this thing of […]
MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoe | Winter exploration at its best
Once again, Northern Michigan has become a winter wonderland. Last week, over three feet of light fluffy snow has accumulated and begs to be played in. Fortunately, MSR was kind enough to send out a couple of pairs of their Lightning Explore Snowshoes to help us enjoy the conditions. And that’s just what we’ve been […]
Durable Cold Weather Protection with the K5 Testa Soft-shell from Beyond
Well, it’s starting to feel like winter again, at least where I live. Temperatures have changed for the colder and so has my wardrobe. With a closet full of outerwear options, I find myself constantly going back to one of the most versatile pieces of kit in the quiver. The Testa Soft-shell Jacket and Pants […]
Goal Zero Flip 24 Portable Power Bank
UPDATE: Goal Zero has updated the Flip 20 to the Flip 24. The links below go to the new Flip 24 product page. Over the years I have used several different brands of portable power banks, in an attempt to find the one that fits my lifestyle and needs. Most of them require you to […]
How Rambo used only a Knife to Evade and Survive in First Blood
Rambo First Blood is on my short list of favorite movies and was also one of my first glimpses into just how badass the Army Green Berets were. What he did with his fixed-blade knife is what I wanted to highlight in this article. Survival is a state of mind. If a man does not let […]
YETI LoadOut 5 Gallon Bucket | Contractor Approved
I first laid eyes on this new item from Yeti at Outdoor Retailer. Although 5 gallon buckets have been around for awhile, I had to take a closer look at the Yeti LoadOut 5 Gallon Bucket. Typical Yeti over engineering was evident as soon as I picked it up. Made from injection molded plastic and weighing […]
Top 5 EDC Items You Need to Carry Every Day | Buyers Guide
EDC or EveryDay Carry gear is basically the few vital items that you almost always carry when leaving home. When you walk out of your door, what are the items you have on your person? For the majority of us, it’s our keys, watch, phone, and wallet. Personal preference plays a large part in the […]
The Solo First Aid Kit from My Medic
Assembled by experts in the medical and outdoor fields, the Solo First Aid Kit from My Medic is an essential piece of kit. Sized perfectly for individual use, The Solo FAK easily fits into a cargo pocket, carry-on luggage, belt or backpack. Intended for individual use, the Solo FAK is loaded with the supplies you need […]