The Surfshorts Wallet by Chums is a great option if you’re looking for a minimalist wallet. For me, this wallet fits my minimalist lifestyle almost perfectly. I’ve carried larger wallets in the past, but rarely found myself using half of what was inside it, so over the past few years I’ve tried several smaller low profile wallets in […]
Gear Reviews
Hillsound BTR 14” Folding Camp Stool | Better Than a Rock
Lightweight and packable, the Hillsound BTR Stool is definitely Better Than a Rock. I’ve used folding stools previously when attending training or working in situations that required me to be on my feet for long hours. With limited places to sit other than the ground, a nice packable stool can be a lifesaver. The one […]
Oakley Standard Issue Flak 2.0 Thin Blue Line Edition
I am always a fan of companies that show their love for the men and women that hold the thin blue line, but Oakley’s partnership with first responders and military personnel is one that was established decades ago and they have never faltered in their support. The Standard Issue Flak 2.0 Thin Blue Line edition […]
Rolling with the Filson Dryden Carry-On Bag
Finding the right carry-on bag can be complicated. As more and more regional jets are put into service by the airlines, the overhead compartments continue to shrink. My trusty 40L carry-on bag that I’ve used for years occasionally gets the dreaded gate-check on many regional airlines. I had to find something that wouldn’t raise suspicion […]
Kathmandu Litehaul 38 Carry-On Luggage
Here’s a piece of gear I’ve been sitting on for a while. I was slated to test this carry-on luggage from Kathmandu right about the time COVID-19 was unleashed upon us. Grinding my air travel to a rapid halt, until recently. A three-leg flight from Northern Michigan to Chattanooga to compete in the Red Clay […]
Olight Limited Edition Warrior 3S Ti Flashlight
Olight has a thing for limited editions and special items once and awhile. The new Warrior 3S Titanium “Fire” Flashlight is the latest in the 5 Elements Edition. Fire, Air, Water, Earth and the 5th element, Copper, make up this new limited edition. Already a very competent and durable tactical flashlight, the Warrior 3S gets […]
OLIGHT Olantern Classic 2 PRO | New Technology with a Classic Look
The OLIGHT Olantern Classic 2 Pro is the second OLIGHT lantern/lamp that I’ve used. One thing I liked right away about this lantern is the classic style and old school copper color. It looks just like a lantern found in a farmhouse or hunting cabin years ago. It has two light settings, a warm white […]
A Measured, Tested Approach to Everyday Carry
The gear we carry should be approached in a very deliberate manner. Gear for the urban jungle will be different than gear carried in an off-grid environment. Your gear should reflect what is needed in your individual location. But while items of gear may vary, gear should be concealable, accessible, and you should be competent […]
Epic Nano Water Filter Dispenser | Removes Virus & 200+ Contaminates
Epic Nano Water Filter Dispenser is the first pitcher designed to remove up to 99.999% of all tap water contaminants including bacteria, giardia, cryptosporidium, and viruses. With all the talk about viruses, disease and death these days, have you ever wondered about the water you drink? Is your tap water or well water as clean […]
A quick look at the Mission Workshop Rhake City Pack
We recently got our hands on the Mission Workshop Rhake city pack. I haven’t had much time to actually use the product yet, but I am thinking it’s a great candidate for a one-bag adventure. I’ve always strived to be somewhat of a minimalist when I travel. Looking over the other backpacks that I own, […]
Midland’s T71 X-Talker Portable 2-Way Radio | Now USB Rechargable
One of our biggest supporters, Midland Radio, recently set us up with a pair of T71 X-Talker 2-Way Handheld Radios for our trip to Costa Rica. The mission: to rent a pair of Overland equipped FJ Cruisers from Nomad America and explore the Pacific Coast of the country for a little over a week. With […]
Tackling the Pacific Coast Trail in Danners Trail 2650 GTX Hiking Shoe
In the Pacific Northwest, Danner is legendary for making quality boots that last. I got my first pair of Danner TFX boots when I was in Iraq in 2009 and they are still in my closet. When I joined the Inmate Recovery Team we all got fitted for Danner boots at the Danner Factory Store […]
Nitecore’s NU06 MI Mini Signal Light
In today’s environment, the military and law enforcement (LE) find it helpful to operate at night. However, when operating at night, the need for positive identification becomes even more vital. One way for a team to operate at night and identify its team members is to use signal lights. For less than $30, Nitecore supplies […]
An EDC to Enhance Your Human Capabilities
“Turn away if you’re not prepared for that fight in the right way. But if the fight is happening anyway and there’s no way to avoid it, go down biting, screaming, punching, kicking and anything else you can do to cause harm. Always pick your battlespace, prepare your defenses and have a way out if […]