Viewer's Choice Time to Vote : Military Surplus Overnight Adventure

Time to Vote : Military Surplus Overnight Adventure

……

For this upcoming trip we are only going to use Military Surplus Gear and you all have the chance to vote on what we shall use.

From the pack to the shelter.  

It’s up to you.

When it came time to begin thinking about this adventure I had to make a decision; Should it be tied to only Military Surplus or could it include gear that is used by the Armed Forces.  An example of that is the Eberlestock Terminator pack.  It’s used by the armed forces but it’s not directly made for them under a contact with the government.  The FILBE pack is.  I have decided to go ahead and allow items such as this so there are plenty of options available to decide upon.  Ultimately you all can decide.

Without delay, here are the options;

I will show pictures of the gear as we go through.

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PACK:

FILBE Rucksack.

MOLLE II Rucksack

Swiss Military LARGE RuckSack

Eberlestock F4 Terminator Pack

Alice Pack -Large

ILBE Rucksack

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Shelter Options:

Improved Combat Shelter

Mountain Hardware Hunker 1

USMC Military Field Tarp with Bivy 

Catoma Improved Bednet System

Military Pup Tent

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Sleep System: 

Will be the Modular Sleep system but if you pick the Tarp Option, you can select either the Improved 

Bivy or the Gore-tex bivy.  

Improved 

Gore-tex

Camera Test 2 - Snow, Fire, Talk and Coffee

Today we're testing out the Drift HD Ghost Cam as we enjoy the falling snow and some campfire coffee.

German Alpine Rucksack Repair - Part 1 of 2

We're doing a repair job on the German Alpine Rucksack!  This is part 1 of 2.

Link : http://www.keepshooting.com/german-alpine-rucksack.html

Swiss Military Rucksacks Comparison - Medium VS Large Sizes

We're taking a look at two Swiss Military Rucksacks, the Medium sized Engineer's Rucksack and the Large 80L Pack.

LINK : Medium Pack : http://www.keepshooting.com/swiss-engineer-rucksack.html

LINK : Large Pack : http://store.colemans.com/cart/swiss-military-80l-weatherproof-rucksack-large-p-2846.html

After the Camp : The Bushcraft Overnight Adventure

Today for this episode of After the Camp we are discussing The Bushcraft Overnight Adventure.

Czech Army Three Piece Sleep System - Preview

Today we're taking a look at the Czech Army Three Piece Sleep System!

Link : http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/MLT-4951

Osprey Atmos 65L Pack - Preview -

We're taking a look at the Osprey Atmos 65L Pack.  Thank you for joining us.

The Bushcraft Overnight Adventure

This is the The Bushcraft Overnight Adventure.  Thank you for watching.  :)

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INTRO : Bushcraft Overnight Adventure

This is the INTRO for our next trip into the woods.  The Bushcraft Overnight Adventure.

Thank you for joining me.

Timberland Ledge Mid Gore-Tex Hiker Boots Review

Today we're reviewing the Timberland Ledge Mid Gore-Tex Hiker Boots

Military Surplus 'Score Box' - Item 4

Today we're taking a look inside of the Mysterious Military 'Score Box.'
This is Item # 4.

This bag was originally used to carry gas masks.

LINK : http://www.keepshooting.com/swiss-military-bag.html

jollyoutdoor.com Yakeda 35L Pack - Preview

Today we're previewing the budget friendly jollyoutdoor.com Yakeda 35L Pack.

LINK : http://www.jollyoutdoor.com/yakedar-35l-stylish-high-quality-waterproof-day-pack.html

Military Surplus 'Score Box' - Item 3

Today we're taking a look inside of the Mysterious Military 'Score Box.'
This is Item # 3.

LINK : http://www.keepshooting.com/swiss-engineer-rucksack.html

FILBE Hydration Tube Issue - Review Update

Looking at an issue with the Hydration Carrier and the tube.

If anyone has any questions feel free to let me know.

Military Surplus 'Score Box' - Item 2

Today we're taking a look inside of the Mysterious Military 'Score Box.'
This is Item # 2.

LINK : http://www.keepshooting.com/german-alpine-rucksack.html

Viewer's Choice January 2014

Folks it's time to vote for our next Overnight Adventure and for this trip we're going straight up Bushcrafting!

Below are our options!

Shelter Options :

 - Super Shelter

- Lean-to Shelter

- A-Frame Shelter

- One Man Tarp Shelter

- Improvised Shelter -??????????

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Pack Options :

- Gregory Z45 Pack

- Swedish Military 35L Pack

- Swiss Engineers Pack

- Eberlestock G1 Little Brother

- FILBE Assault Pack

Questions and Answers : Appropriate to Take Your Kids Camping

Question : "Luke.What age is appropriate to bring your son for his first camp out.My son is five and I am mad to bring him out but don't know how he will react to sleeping out.Any advice?"


Answer : "Hey there Robert, How goes it?

As for camping with the kids it can be done at almost any age really but the younger they are the more you really have to pay attention and watch over them.  Ultimately we owe it to all children to get them outside and into the 'wild'.  It's our duty as parents!   The lessons that they will learn from being with us will stay with them forever.  Rocks, sticks, water, scratches, bugs, snakes, weather, etc.  It's real life.

I would also remind you that with children everything is an extreme.  If they get cold, they're FREEZING!  If they get hungry, they're STARVING!  In other words all of their emotions and needs are more dramatic so you will need to be prepared to give them what they need so they can enjoy the experience.  Remember that they will need activities to keep them busy as well.  Boredom is a camping trip killer.

One last thought, if you're going to be far from help (911) make sure that you have some real medical training.  Things happen and that's the real world.  You can reduce risk but you can't eliminate it so you've got to be prepared as much as possible.  That of course goes for any situation.

Hope that helps.

Military Surplus 'Score Box' - Item 1

Today we're taking a look inside of the Mysterious Military 'Score Box.'
This is Item # 1.

Link : http://www.keepshooting.com/czech-yellow-blanket.html

Winter's Chill - The Layering Process

It's cold out there but it doesn't mean you can't get out and enjoy yourself.  It's all about Layering!  Today we're going over some Layering Options!

Questions and Answers : Fire Pistons

Question : 

"Luke,

I know that you use the ferro rods a lot while out on your camp outs. Not sure if you've seen the fire pistons or not, but they are pretty cool. You can google them and find all kinds of variations. Just thought that you might be interested if you've never seen them in action before."

Answer :

"Hey there ***,

how are you doing my friend?  

As for fire pistons, I've messed with them before and I'm not all that fond of them.  I personally wouldn't recommend them to anyone if they were planning on relying on them. Fire pistons are very susceptible to dirt which gets onto the sealing surfaces and prevents sufficient compression to generate an ember. Most need to be cleaned thoroughly before each use if you want to get anything better than a 10% success rate.  Won't work when wet either.  

Thanks for the suggestion my friend."

Questions and Answers : Backpacking Tips

Question :

"hey luke my name is **** im 17 and have been watching your incredible vidoes for 2 or so months now. I am planning on a AP hike this summer starting july 16 and im going from MD to Maine. I am very well fit considering i am a hockey player and an extreme outdoor enthusiast as you are. I was wondering if you could give me some tips on what to bring and any other advice. Thanks Keep Truckin"


Answer: :

"Hey there *****,
how are you my friend?

Thanks you for watching my videos and for the kind words.  It means a lot.

As for your trek coming up in July, I do have some recommendations for you.

* Pack as light as you possibly can.  Be smart about it and take what you truly need.  It's always better to have it than not.

* Make sure that your pack fits PERFECTLY!  This is super important.  Carrying a pack that doesn't fit right for a day or two is one thing, doing it for longer periods of time it can destroy you.

* Use your gear and get comfortable with it now.  Don't wait until it's time to go on your travels.  You need to learn what works, what doesn't and what the weaknesses are with your gear.  If something doesn't work right for your setup, replace it.

* Allow yourself additional time to reach your destination.  Planning is great but once you are on the trail sticking to a schedule of so many miles a day doesn't always work out.  You may be tired and slow one day, you may have a blister that needs to heal, etc.  Allow extra time for the unknowns.

* Know your trail is very important.  Make sure you have good maps and details of the trek you are doing.

* Check on trail conditions before your feet hit the ground.  Check forums, call ranger stations, etc.

I hope that helps my friend.
Luke

Ps. As for what to bring, well that depends on what type of backpacker you are and what type of gear that you have.  If you can send me a list of items that you have I could make some suggestions."

Question and Answer : Tent Care

QUESTION :

"avo luke..can you do a video on wot is the best way to clean your tent afta you have used it or advise me on the best way via fb ty..ur girl is a cutie(dog)"



ANSWER:

"Hey there ****, I can definitely do that.  I will add that to my list of things to do.  :)  Thank you

As for cleaning a tent, here are some tips.  If you can use simple water and a non-abrasive sponge, that's the best way to go.  Use cold water.  If you have to use soap make sure it is a non-detergent. Avoid household cleaners such as dishwashing liquid, bleach, spot removers or laundry presoaking products.   Then of course let it dry 100% before putting it up."

The Thrunite TN11S LED Flashlight Preview

The Thrunite TN11S LED Flashlight Preview.

Links :
Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Thrunite-flashlight-waterproof-Lumens-extened/dp/B00A2LTV8E

Thrunite : http://www.thrunite-store.com/thrunite-tn11s-cree-xm-l-u2-led-flashlight-with-extenders/

After the Camp : Return to Pisgah

Today we are discussing our most recent Overnight Adventure; The Return to Pisgah.

Question and Answer : Bears

Question :

"Hey Luke , I'm looking at buying a Hilleberg tent. The tent is a big investment. Someone claims while hiking AT a Black Bear kept showing up at shelter . Another hiker who had a tent setup near shelter felt unsafe in tent by himself . He leaves tent to stay at shelter with other hikers. Everyone wakes up in the morning o.k and the gentlemen with tent goes back and finds its missing from the campsite. He looks around a while and finds tent off in woods torn up. Two questions Luke, should have the hiker stayed with his tent? And I know a Black Bear is strong but would he rip up a tent and drag it into the woods? Thanks Luke for your time "


Answer :

• Hey there XXXXX,
  How are you brother?
  
  As for bears and tents, when one is in their land it's a gamble. Bears have an incredible ability of smell and it's thought that they have the best sense of smell of any animal on earth. For example, the average dog’s sense of smell is 100 times better than a humans. A blood hound’s is 300 times better. A bear’s sense of smell is 7 times better than a blood hound’s or 2,100 times better than a human.
  
  Think of that and then the tent. Even the smallest amount of odor could possibly invite a bear.
  
  With the story in question, there isn't a right or wrong answer. The individual did what they felt comfortable with and made it without getting hurt.
  
  We have a lot of Black Bears here in my area and if they get interested in something they can do some serious damage. I've seen bears rip cars apart to get to chewing gum.
  
  Ultimately it's about doing your best to limit the animals interest.
  
  Let me know if you have any further questions.
  Luke

Outdoor Fitness - 2014 Challenge -

2014 is our year. The year of feeling good, doing more, eating better and enjoying the things and people that we love.

Join me!