Bowhunting Deer in Washington State

Unlike 2014, this season started off in the rain. I was disappointed. I enjoyed the evenings sitting in front of a fire, relaxing after a long day hunting. However, the disappointment quickly evaporated as I was presented with my first opportunity at a deer early on. One of the more important things that I learned […]

How to Pick a Hammock

When out in the backcountry, the hammock is one piece of gear I hear mentioned all the time while discussing ‘what’s new’ or I’m involved in a ‘is it worth it’ type of gear discussion. It generally starts with a backpacking trip and someone sets up their hammock. In a group you will inevitably hear, “Man, I […]

The X15 Personal Flamethrower In Action

Most people will ask “what in the world do you need a flamethrower for?” Well, there actually are some practical uses for a flamethrower. Igniting controlled burns for agriculture and land management Melting large amounts of snow and ice – U.S. troops used flamethrowers on the streets of Washington, D.C. as one of several clearance […]

When Flip Flops Aren’t Enough

Flip flops are not typically something that I give a lot of thought to. I usually get myself the cheapest pair I can find, and when they wear out (3 months or less) I toss them and repeat. My thought process behind flip-flops has changed, and it all happened by chance. I had a Ranger […]

MSR Windburner Stove System

Anyone who hangs out in the woods or mountains knows the name MSR or Mountain Safety Research. The Seattle based company has been pioneering innovative and safer outdoor equipment since it was founded in 1969 by Seattle engineer and lifelong mountaineer Larry Penberthy. Their well engineered products are conceived and mostly hand built in their Seattle […]

Black Diamond: Back in the USA

Black Diamond originated as a climbing equipment company. Although they manufacture a large variety of outdoor equipment; including skis, outerwear, and tents, the company is still best know for its high quality climbing hardware. A number of years ago, the company decided to build its own facility in China and move existing climbing hardware manufacturing […]

5.11 Tactical at Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015

If there is a brand that’s synonymous with contracting or PSD (personal/protective security detail), its 5.11 Tactical. At this years Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015 we had a chance to get our hands on some of 5.11’s new fall line of gear. From what I can tell, they’ve added more features, and at the same time gone […]

Liberty Mountain: Tiny Stoves and Bad Ass Carabiners

The company at this years Summer Outdoor Retailer with the most variety for the outdoorsman was Liberty Mountain. Liberty Mountain is one of the largest wholesale distributors of outdoor products in the US. With climbing ropes, all varieties of camping gear, rock/ice climbing hardware, and outerwear, checking out there booth is like walking into a […]

Keep Your Weapon in the Right Hands

Safariland Group offers a broad range of products including: holsters, gun accessories, body worn cameras, forensic equipment, coms/hearing protection, body armor, and less lethal (OC, batons, etc). Whether you are an average gun owner, or part of a tactical law enforcement group, they have products that you can use. Rick Dembroski recently wrote an article […]

Stop Drinking Warm Water…Even Worse, Warm Beer

About five years ago, I was doing some summer biathlon training and I had a race that consisted of running, kayaking, and standard prone/standing shooting. I was out of town and forgot to bring a water bottle for hydrating prior to and after the race. I felt unprepared and quite embarrassed for not having what I needed. I […]

Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015: NEMO Equipment

I’ve recently wrote about four essentials I always keep in my pack when traveling overnight in the mountains. It may have come as a surprise that all these items are from NEMO Equipment. I’m always searching for the next best thing to switch out with one of my essentials. NEMO doesn’t make a wide array of different products, […]

Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015: Mammut’s Absolute Alpine

Mammut is a mountain gear company that’s been around for a long time. Although not as prominent a name in North America, they consistently design and manufacture some of the most cutting edge outerwear, climbing hardware, and alpine gear for thriving in the mountains. We had a chance to swing by the Mammut booth at Summer […]