If you’ve been following the Gear Bunker within the past 3 years, you may recognize the FJ. It’s been our amazing adventure vehicle that has taken us to some of the most beautiful spots in the US. It also competed in the Red Clay Rally finishing the rally in 3rd place with our team of […]
the gear bunker
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars
Checking over the final packing list for our trip to Costa Rica, I threw in a pair of Nocs binoculars at the last minute. Not an item I typically pack before getting on a plane. But the rugged waterproof Standard Issue 8×25 binoculars from Nocs made the trip. Their small footprint in my check bag […]
Keen Ridge Flex Boot: 1 year on the feet review
Over the last 14 months I have been testing the Keen Ridge Flex Boot on my photographic adventure around Alaska and in my daily life. As a nature photographer I find myself climbing over and around rocks, trees, mud, dirt and slime. All to chase small animals who don’t want to be photographed. While I’m […]
High Value Asset Tracking with the SPOT Trace
Owning a boat, ATV or RV can be fun. Recreational items are a great way to unwind and spend time with family and friends. Downsides to these items are the frequency of use and storage. Oh yeah, and cost. Unlike your daily driver that fits in the garage, recreational items often need to be stored […]
Grayl Geopress Covert Black Edition | Safe Water for any Adventure
Everyone knows the importance of clean drinking water. So I won’t expand on that subject much. The trick is how easy and completely one can purify water. What if you had a container that you can scoop up 24 ounces of water from any fresh water source. Filter that water in under 10 seconds. And […]
Esbit 1100ML Solid Fuel Cook Set | Compact & Lightweight
For awhile I’ve been using a round stackable Esbit cook-set and have been more than happy with the little German stove. But when I recently opened the Esbit 1100ML Solid Fuel Cookset, I was pleasantly surprised. Its rectangle shape is very compact and reminded me of an old mess kit I had from the UK, but […]
YETI Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag | Multi-use Gear Hauler
Best known for their bombproof Tundra coolers, soft-sided Hopppers and drinkware, Yeti is continuing to innovate outside the box. The Yeti Camino Carryall Tote is one such product. Like all of the products that roll off the production line, the Camino is yet another over-engineered and well thought out item. Made from the same “Thickskin” material as […]
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 […]
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 […]
STATUS is a low-vis smart watch from MTM | Watch
Today there are two types of wristwatches out there. Classic analog watches with clock-like hands keeping time via some sort of mechanism. Then there are the smart watches. Miniaturized wrist computers with a multifunction screen. I’m a classic watch kind of guy, accumulating a drawer full of them over the years. Titanium and Stainless Steel […]
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 […]