My hands are so bloody tired right now it hurts to type! But to be fair, it was a fun ride to get where I am. I got the 5.11 Tactical Operator’s Axe in for testing and have been ripping through my local flora. The Operator Axe is designed by legendary soldier Kyle Lamb. Mr. […]
Gear Reviews
SPORTUBE | The safest way to travel with your ski equipment
Although winter is slowly winding down and spring on the horizon, there is still a ton of snowfall out west. We get a fair amount of snow here in Northern Michigan but dearly lack the terrain features to really enjoy alpine skiing. So we’re packing up and heading to Salt Lake City, Utah to make […]
DEUTER TRANSIT 40 | Overhead travel luggage perfection
I’m a traveler, adventurist and part-time explorer. Well, at least that’s how I see myself. Whether traveling to foreign countries or domestically, having the proper luggage remains a key factor. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” luggage. Because of this, the storage area under my stairs is chalked full of various sized bags for different missions. […]
SCARPA Margarita | Worthy of the mountains, designed for the streets
My affinity for SCARPA shoes is evident when you peer into my closet. For over a decade, I’ve been using their shoes for everything from Overland adventure to roofing. Yes, as a contractor, I use the Crux when working atop walls and roofs. Although I’m not a rock climber per se, the style of the […]
Hestra Gloves | From Lumberjacks to Skiers
Hestra Located in the uplands of the Swedish province of Småland, Martin Magnusson and his family settled and began making gloves in 1936. Magnusson began by making gloves for the local lumberjacks in his workshop. It soon evolved into skiing gloves and now over 80 years later, Hestra is in 25 countries selling over 400 […]
The Spyderco Moran Drop Point – A Classic Spyderco
Tom Moran and Spyderco are both pillars in the knife community and they’ve been friends for a long time. The Spyderco Moran Drop Point is one of their best selling fixed blade knives and after my time with it, I see why. The Spyderco Moran Drop Point design has been around for a long time […]
Hydro Flask Journey Series 10l hydration pack
When it comes to staying hydrated while doing physical activity that requires you to be hands-free the Hydro Flask Journey Series 10L hydration pack has your back. After running with a water bottle in hand for way too long I decided to give this pack a shot for my hydration needs on the trail. It […]
A classic military style folding knife from Zero Tolerance | ZT0223
When Zero Tolerance showed me their upcoming knife offerings at SHOT Show, the Tim Galyean designed ZT0223 jumped off the page at me. It oozed with the classic lines of past military style knives. In fact, the knife didn’t even look like a folder at first glance. Partly because of the handles semi closed back […]
A low key yet good looking EDC knife | Kershaw’s STATIC
The Kershaw Static knife is a handy little EDC blade. More of a utility blade than a defense blade, the design is perfect for slicing and shaving. That’s not to say it couldn’t be used in defense, its perfectly capable of stabbing and slashing, but the design isn’t geared that direction. As such, it makes […]
The SOG Baton Q3: A New Kind Of Multi-Tool
Multi-tools are are an EDC must for many of us. When folded and put away a traditional multi-tool is basically an odd shaped rectangle. If you don’t mind carrying it in a belt pouch, then this typically isn’t an issue. I personally hate things that aren’t guns on my belt, and I can’t carry via […]
SOG Escape FL First Impressions
Looking through the SOG website in search of another knife, the Escape FL caught my eye for a few reasons. First off, the all-metal construction gives it a unique and robust look. Second is the price. You can purchase the Escape FL direct from the SOG website for only $19.99. It was a no brainer […]
Kento Hooded Hardshell | Mammut’s Superior Stormproof Hardshell
When I pack for an extended trip, I rely heavily on lists. Maybe because I’m a “type A” kinda person and like to be organized. Or maybe because I’ve gone places without some key piece of equipment. Either way, I now live by my ever evolving packing lists. One item that has proven to be […]
SOG Strat Ops Auto | A Premium USA Built Automatic
Although SOG (Studies and Observations Group) was founded in 1986, it can trace it’s lineage to the Vietnam War. When members of a highly classified special operations unit known as MACV-SOG, carried a unique combat knife into the jungles of Vietnam. This knife inspired a young designer named Spencer Frazer to reproduce the SOG Bowie […]
Bombproof weather protection from the Infiltrator Jacket by Outdoor Research
In 1980, Ron Gregg, a dedicated mountaineer, found himself in trouble on the slopes of Mount McKinley. Due to a poorly designed gaiter, his climbing parter suffered from severe frostbite requiring an immediate airlift to safety. Despite the blown expedition, Rons gears immediately started turning and he began to work on a better solution. The […]