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 […]
erik meisner
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 […]
Overland Expo East | 2019
Overland Expo is a biannual gathering of vehicle based travelers and adventurers from all over the world. Twice a year, the journey to Expo West in the spring and Expo East in the fall takes place. Currently residing in Northern Michigan, I made the 12 hour trip Southeast to Infinity Downs in Arrington Virginia, the […]
The Road to Overland Expo East via the Daniel Boone National Forest
After attending last years Overland Expo in North Carolina, I couldn’t wait to return. This year, there was a change of venue to Arrington, Virginia and an earlier calendar date. Like most road trips, I tend to map out the more conventional and fastest route from my home in Northern Michigan. This year, I looked […]
Staying organized at the range with 5.11’s Range Master Qualifier Bag
Maintaining proficiency with a handgun has been a goal of mine since leaving the 75th Ranger Regiment. Actually, it has been more of a mission than a goal. Complacency is a bad habit that surrounds us in our daily lives which can ultimately kill you. My wife occasionally busts my balls about being on the […]
Protecting the Toyota Tundra with Victory 4×4 Strike Rock Sliders
I’m in a bit of a conundrum with my Toyota Tundra. It’s the vehicle I use for daily operations while running my construction company. It’s also my Overland rig. As much as I want to push it’s limits while exploring, I’m not ready to beat it up. I have to find the balance between dragging […]
Keeping clean with the Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment
Cleanliness while camping As soon as you leave the comfort and convenience of civilized life behind, you’ll realize that several tasks we take for granted are more difficult in the woods. Personal hygiene is one such task. Take away running water, sinks, toilets and showers and you’ll see what I mean. While spending time in […]
Get to know The Gear Bunker: Erik Meisner
First off, I want to welcome you to The Gear Bunker website. If you’ve been a follower of the site than you probably already know my name. Scott Witner and I own the site and provide the majority of the content for now. We figured it was time to tell you where we came from […]
Road Shower 4 | Pressurized hot water for Overland cleanliness
A key piece of kit for our Overland camping set-up is the new Road Shower 4. This pressurized aluminum tank utilizes available solar radiation to heat water to a comfortable shower temperature. Allowing my wife and I maintain a high level of cleanliness while camping off the grid. A major draw-back in rustic camping is […]
Benchmade 980 Turret: A new option in tactical folding knives
Originally founded in 1979 under the name Bali-Song, this California knife manufacture was best known for their quality butterfly knives. Moving their way up the west coast and finally settling in Oregon in the 1990’s with Benchmade as their new company name. Although Benchmade currently offers a wide selection of knives, they still pay tribute […]
2 new limited edition Benchmade knives released this month!
Both the Infidel and the Mini Loco are among the most popular models within Benchmade’s tactical Black Class line. The Benchmade product team decided they wanted to mix things up with an announcement of two unique, limited-edition version of those knives. They have tweaked the aesthetics and changed out some materials to create a knife […]
Throwing the SOG VooDoo Hawk Mini
Originally created in Native America by the Algonquian Indians, the tomahawk was both a weapon and a useful multi-purpose tool. Constructed primarily from a sharpened stone and attached to wooden a handle with rawhide straps. The tomahawk was used for cutting, chopping, hunting as well as hand to hand combat. When the Europeans landed in […]
Outdoor Research Illuminate Down Hoody: Three season versatility
When referring to tents and sleeping bags, the 3-season label excludes winter. With regards to Outdoor Research’s Illuminate Down Hoody, I’m excluding the summer season. Fall, Winter and Spring are the seasons this jacket excels in. This versatile down jacket makes for a perfect stand alone outer jacket in the cooler months. And a cozy […]
DMOS Delta Shovel | Ultimate Offroad and Survival Tool Review
If you’ve been following The Gear Bunker, you’ll recognize the name DMOS Collective. I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on a couple of their innovative shovels. This past winter, the DMOS Alpha 2 Shovel (and mounting bracket) bailed me out of the Polar Vortex that rocked the midwest. And now I’d like to […]