Summer Drink The dog days of summer. My favorite time of year in Northern Michigan. Surrounded by crystal clear glacial lakes, golf courses, vast forests and 10pm sunsets. I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty hard to beat. The winters, however, are a completely different story and I don’t want to get into that now. […]
veteran gear reviews
GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair: Perfect Camp Chair?
It’s July in Alaska and we’re finally into the Summer season. And the hunt for a new chair started earlier this Spring when we were sent the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair. So far, this amazing folding pod-style camp chair has been a huge hit for all of our testers. Myself included. We’ve had this […]
DMOS Delta Shovel | Overland Travel Approved
If you’ve been reading The Gear Bunker, you already know about the Delta Shovel from the DMOS Collective. I had the prototype for over a month, then purchased a steel version and I can’t shut up about it. I survived the Polar Vortex last winter with the help of their Alpha 2 Snow Shovel. And […]
Mike McCann – Stepping off the Edge | My Journey as Navy SEAL to Raven Tree Band
Transitioning from the military or law enforcement can be challenging. I’ve transitioned from both careers and have had my share of rough spots both times. I first heard of Mike McCann while listening to a podcast hosted by Stew Smith . For those who don’t recognize Stew Smith’s name, he’s a former SEAL that has been […]
The FireCan | A Portable Fire Pit from Ignik
On several Overland trips, I’ve come across locations where the fire danger is so high, that campfires are banned. I’ve also pulled into campsites during a cold downpour where making a campfire seemed impossible. And on some cold mornings, I’ve crawled out of the RoofNest to make coffee desperately wishing there was a campfire to […]
TM9K TAC from Nitecore | Blinding Light on Demand
Flashlights are tools that sometimes people can overlook as a part of their EDC or kit. However, having a good flashlight on hand helps while looking for dropped items in the dark while walking around a campsite. In addition to looking for dropped items, a flashlight is useful for temporarily blinding an adversary in a […]
Army Ranger Attends Marksmanship Training Center
So you think you have what it takes to be a sniper, eh? Even before my time in 2nd Ranger Battalion, I’ve been fascinated by the notion of shooting targets at great distances. The word Sniper alone had enough mystique and sex appeal to attract a horde of Rangerettes. The Ranger sniper section was a […]
SOG Ultra XR (Review)
Now available from Studies and Observations Group, the new Ultra XR exudes quality and refinement. This compact reboot of SOG’s original Ultra C-Ti includes several upgrades. An improved XR locking mechanism, slimmer profile, TiNi coated parts, and a sharp new look. After meeting with Studies and Observations Group in their hometown of Seattle this past […]
Mountain Evo Jacket | Sitka’s New High Adventure Addition
Having a lightweight wind-stopper jacket in your lineup of outdoor gear is an asset that no one should overlook before going hunting or on other mountain endeavors. When Sitka asked us to review their newly released Mountain Evo Jacket, I jumped at the opportunity to review it. The Mountain Evo is also the evolution of […]
Midland MXT400 Review: 40 Watt GMRS Radio
If you’ve been following The Gear Bunker for a while, you may recognize the name Midland Radio. We’ve tested several of their products, from hand held radios to the longer range, vehicle-mounted MicroMobile radios, and batteries. Midland produces very high-quality and reasonably priced radios for consumer and commercial applications. They’re so good that The Gear […]
TechCapsule 2.8L from Phoozy | Essential Everyday Carry Pouch
As a frequent traveler, I’m always looking for the best way to pack and organize my gear. Typically, I prefer to carry my luggage on the aircraft versus checking bags. So maximizing organization is a key component to fitting everything into a carry-on. Phoozy, best known for their thermal protective cases for tablets and phones. […]
Best Pistol Light: OLIGHT PL-Pro Valkyrie (Review)
The PL-PRO Valkyrie is the rechargeable version of the best-selling pistol light PL-2. Powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, the PL-PRO delivers two adjustable outputs; 1,500 and 300 lumens. If you’re looking for the best pistol light and don’t want to break the bank, check out the PL-PRO Valkyrie from Olight.1500 lumens and a 280-meter […]
Preparing for a pandemic with the ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply
April 2020, COVID-19 pandemic kicks off. We all saw it, empty shelves at the grocery stores. People were panicking and stocking up on essentials. Food staples like water, milk, eggs, meat, flour etc. And apparently toilet paper? The toilet paper shortage was a whole different story but you know what I’m talking about. The time […]
ORCA Walker Tote | An affordable soft cooler option
ORCA Coolers has an extensive line-up of premium coolers with a variety of sizes to choose from. The Walker Tote Cooler competes with the Yeti Hopper coolers for the top spot in this premium class of tote coolers. Overall, the ORCA Walker Tote is lighter, less expensive and more stylish than the Yeti counterparts. Performance […]