Monday, December 31, 2018

Outdoor Vitals LoftTek Adventure Jacket – Trail Review



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It is time to review the Outdoor Vitals LoftTek Adventure Jacket.  As with all of our reviews, this has been Trail Tested and isn't an info commercial like some of the other videos that you may have seen for this product.

Susan joins for this review and with the Outdoor Vitals LoftTek Adventure Jacket, there are problems.

….

Link : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/outdoorvitals/lofttek-adventure-jacket
Price : $150 – Shipping around July 2019
Weight : Medium Size : 11.6oz
Sizes : Small - XXXL

Colors : When this jacket officially launches it will be available in multiple colors. Charcoal and a blue color.

Out material : 20D nylon Ripstop

Liner Fabric : 10D Nylon Ripstop

Insulation ; Lofttek Siliconized Hollow Fiber Synthetic Down



I’ve had a number of issues with this jacket and I took a look on Youtube to see if anyone else has reviewed it and I found a bunch of videos that equated to INFO commercials which didn’t amount to much.

So what you are about to see isn’t a commercial but rather a true trail review of this jacket not only done by myself but with Susan as well.  Man and woman perspective.


Review :
Pros :

Light
Good stitching
Long pit zips
Good hood. Comfortable and easily adjustable in the right sports

Feature a water repellant treatment; this is a nice to have but you still wouldn’t want to get this jacket soaking wet.  If it is, you will be warmer than traditional down but you won’t be running around amazed at how warm you are.

Cons :

Pit zips can be felt against your skin if wearing a tshirt.

Isn’t all that wind resistant -with  gusty winds around 10 – 20mph, definitely noticeable especially on the front of the jacket and the arms.  The back of the jacket and the hood seem to feature more fill than the rest of the jacket. OV claims told me directly that the wind resistance level is equal to that of a high level down jacket wind resistance which is far from the truth.

Fill material is coming through the outer material – Outdoor Vitals has stated that they are going to address this before the jacket is released as other complaints have been made.

Plastic sort of sound

Loose fit Boxy, non-flattering fit; Outdoor Vitals stated that it is meant for an Athletic Fit but I don’t see that with the jacket that I have received and not with the pictures that outdoor vitals has posted on their web site.  Their own pictures so very loose, boxy jackets, not form fitting.

Hand pockets don’t offer that much protection due to the low amount of fill. Not vey warm.

Jacket as a whole is Not very warm. Seems underfilled. Very thin.

Temp range for woman is going to be higher than a man. At 45f and hiking i was comfortable enough whereas Susie was cold.

At 45 and with it being breezy i was never completely warm...due to low fill and thinness

Thumb holes are worthless. So small that my thumb wont even fit

Summary :

With my testing I would say that this is a 50f jacket; below that you will need a long sleeve shirt or warm mid layer to be comfortable in lower conditions for most people.

Outdoor Vitals claims that LoftTek™ is the world's most advanced synthetic down imitation. The loose fill nature of the fibers mimics down’s extreme weight to warmth ratios and packability, while the it’s synthetic nature allows it to stay warm in wet conditions!  All of this may be true but with the jacket that I received is so thin that I can’t agree with these claims.

I’m hoping that the criticisms for this jacket are addressed by the time that this jacket launches; if they are, Outdoor Vitals will have a good offering on their hands but as it stands now, I’m not impressed.  I truly hope that they succeed as I like all that I have seen from this company so far and I hope that they will ask that we review the release version of this jacket when the day comes.

If you are going to pay down prices for a synthetic jacket you might as well get a good down jacket as there are many out there for around this price point.


Tuesday, December 25, 2018

2 Feet of Snow, 3 Days in the Forest - Overnight Adventure



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The biggest Winter Storm in Decades is approaching and it will be measured in Feet, not inches!  Hundreds of Thousands will lose power and lives will be lost.

This is a 3 Day Winter Storm Adventure which includes elements of backpacking, camping and bushcraft!

Merry Christmas everyone, thank you all for an amazing year and for being so kind to my family and I.




Friday, December 21, 2018

What The ??? - Bushcraft Tripod Weirdness Review





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A Bushcraft Tripod which can be used as a self defense weapon?
A Bushcraft Tripod which can be used as a cane?

Yeah, this is a weird one.....

Make sure to check the comments in the video as I will be doing a giveaway for one of these....so you can protect yourself!  :D

….

Link : https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Campfire-Adjustable-Grilling-Activities/dp/B07BH169Y9

Price : $23
Weight : 15.4oz
Height : 31.5
Max Load : 11lbs

Version : This is an older version; the newer version of this is black and from what I can tell is identical other than color.

Solo Stove has a version of this which is taller and also more expensive by $10.

GGbuy is a Chinese company from what I can tell; the amazon listing features very poor English which is kind of fun to read.  The listing for this is really trying to sell it and recommends this for a number of uses including a walking stick and self defense.  It also states that you can use it to hold a lantern.  Perfect for your outdoor activities for BBQ, picnic, even drying clothes, or other emergency needed.

Material : The listing says that it is made from Alumina but also states that it is made from steel. The chain may be steel but everything else is likely aluminum.

Review :

The quality of this is ok, the size is workable and I think it is a neat idea.  The cost seems high to me as this is something that feels like it should cost around $10.  You can easily make your own version of this with three sticks, some rope and a chain or piece of wire. 

Some people will like this and if you are considering purchase it, keep in mind that quality, size and nature of this product.  It’s not going to be for everyone and if you know what to expect, you might happy with it.

Small.

Would I go out and buy this; no, I would save my money.




Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Savotta Vertical Pocket S Review - Pouch 9





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Today Luke discusses the Savotta Vertical Pocket S!
Do you need one for your pack?
Find out now.



Link : https://scandinavianoutdoor.com/savotta/gear/backpacks-and-bags/backpacks/vertical-pocket-s/

Price : $32.46
Weight : 4.2oz
Sizes : S M L
COLORS : Green, Black, Camo

Measurements : 24 x 14 x 6 cm
9.5 x 5.5 x 2.5

A 2 liter pocket with molle/pals attachment straps.
Expected start of deliveries: during June. Order yours now!
A great choice for the Savotta Jääkäri back pack series. The Cordura material is highly durable and thanks to its polyurethane coating, the product offers moderate rain protection.
Two-way reverse zipper gives light protection from spray
Material: 1000 Denier Cordura with polyurethane coating
Metal eylet for draining at the bottom
2 x 30 cm attaching straps
Made in Finland and Estonia in Savotta factories
With scandinavianoutdoors, my experiences with them have been excellent; easy to order, great site and the shipping was quick.  I’m not affiliated with them, just sharing my experiences.

Large size pouch which is excellent for multiple kit bags, large first aid kit and so on.

Pricey but you are getting Savotta quality which is renowned.


Monday, December 17, 2018

Eberlestock Terminator - Is it Still Worth Buying?



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Is the Eberlestock Terminator Pack still worth buying today even after so many excellent military/tactical packs have come to the market?  This is a followup review of my thoughts concerning this pack in what I am sure is to be controversial to some.

Is it still worth buying?  Find out what I think now!



Detail Overview Video : https://youtu.be/oYVYmfWy-ZM

Overnight Adventure with this Pack : https://youtu.be/mc2AKHy2MtI

Link : http://www.eberlestock.com/store/terminator-pack

Colors : Coyote Brown, Dry Earth, Military Green, Multicam which costs $45 extra

NSN# 8465-01-600-5068 assigned December 6, 2011 and the issued packs were olive green in color from what I was able to learn.

Total Volume: 4,100 c.i. (67 Liters)
Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz
Dimensions main bag: 23"h x 12"w x 10"d
Materials : 1000D and 500D Nylon combo.  YKK Zippers

Pros :
Roomy - but not as much as you would think
Can be comfortable even with a heavy weight but the pack isn’t perfect in this regards and I will talk more about that in a moment.
Excellent quality.
Can Carry a TON of WEIGHT and does so well.

Durability is excellent as this pack has taken a beating over the years and continues one like it was new.
Adjustable which means that it can be tailored for shorter and taller individuals.
Ability to carry a scabbard when you need to.
Removable buttpack is great.

Cons :
Not Waterproof so you will need to plan ahead if rain is a possibility.
Large and Very Heavy. For only a 67L pack, it’s huge!
Complicated – LOTS of POCKETS
Expensive.

Sleeping bag compartment is a bit small which is surprising for how large this pack is.  If you want to carry the modular sleep system for an example, it will have to be carried on the outside as it will not fit.

Because of the design of the pack and the back-panel, it has a tendency to sway side to side and that brings down the comfort rating in my opinion.  While it is still comfortable the pack never really feels like it is a part of you which is truly very important….or it is for me at least. When I throw a pack on my back, I want it to become a turtle shell, not something that can move independently with the shifting of the weight.  There are packs that allow for movement like the Bora from Arc’teryx that that level of movement is different than this as the Terminator feels uncontrolled where as the Bora is the opposite; very controlled.

As with all products, they are not made for everyone so my question for you all is this, is the Terminator pack made for you?

Buying Tip : Want to save some money on one of these packs, look on eBay as it is common to find these for sale for less than $250 very often.


Friday, December 14, 2018

Budget Gear Winter Storm - Overnight Adventure



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It's Friday and I have another winter adventure to share with you all! It starts pleasant enough with a camp on the cliffs and ends with a snowy adventure through the backroads of the Pisgah National Forest!

This Adventure features Budget Backpacking Gear,
The Backcountry,
Snow,
and the Backroads and more!




Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Modular Sleep System Pouch - Rare – LBT-6130A



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Now this is an awesome piece of military gear which allows for you to carry the Modular Sleep System on the outside of your Backpack!



Link : eBay (Good Luck)
Price : Whenever these appear on eBay, $20 - $30 is very common
Weight : around 3lbs
Color : Coyote Brown Only or at least, that is the only color that I have seen them in.

What makes this pouch so desirable as it is one of the very few systems that was developed to handle the Modular Sleep System ; The sleeping bags and the bivy while giving the soldier the ability to attach it to the outside of the backpack instead of taking up massive amounts of space inside of the rucksack.

Introduced around 2007; VERY little information is available concerning this pouch.

Made by London Bridge Trading Co.

This pouch is designed to carry a modular sleeping system, or act as a very large GP (general purpose pouch).

The pouch can either be MOLLED onto the outside of a rucksack, or simply placed in the pack

The LBT-6130A Modular Sleeping System Pouch can store a variety of different sleeping bags and systems. Outside cinch straps allow you to compress items that are stored within the pouch giving it a lower profile. The inside features an expandable interior with cord drawstring closure.

Features:

ID window

Four (4) adjustable buckle closure

Four (4) MOLLE straps with snaps

MOLLE webbing featuring three (3) rows and ten (10) columns

Interior drawstring closure with barrel lock

Carrying handle


Monday, December 10, 2018

Tough! - Fjallraven Kaipak 28 Backpack Review



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Today Luke presents (finally) his review of the Fjallraven Kaipak 28 backpack! Trail Tested!

Simple, TOUGH, Comfortable!



Link : https://www.fjallraven.us/products/kaipack-28
Price : Retail price is $150 but these can be found for $120 on Amazon at the time of filming
Colors : Grey, Red, Blue and Green.
Sizes : 28L, 38L and a 58L
Weight : 2lb 5oz
Dimensions : 22 x 11 x 8in
Raincover Included : yes
Unisex Pack

Materials : G-1000 heavy duty fabric, making it immensely hard wearing and can be treated with Greenland wax if necessary.

Volume : 28L (1709cu in)
Waist Belt : yes
Access : top
Pockets : 2 lid, 1 zippered front, 2 side
Trekking Pole Carry : yes

Pros :
Very comfortable.

There aren’t a thousand straps hanging from everything; simple.  No overly complicated with tons of pockets.

Includes a waist belt which can be used if you want or wrapped the other way around the pack if you don’t need it.

Durable : I’ve had this pack for over a year and it continues to live on.  I have one seam that has started to come undone; no big deal. Considering the use that I have given this pack, it should be worse!

Cons :
The 28L doesn’t have a floating lid whereas the other sizes do.

Overall this is a great day pack which feels comfortable when heading into town as it does spending an afternoon bushcrafting.  It’s well designed, is very comfortable and the price isn’t terrible for being a Fjallraven product.




Friday, December 7, 2018

Limited Performance - ThruNite TH30 Headlamp Review



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It is time to review the ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp; this is a true Trail Review, not an overview which some channels present as it covers the Pros and Cons and whether this is a good fit for you.


Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Sabra Gear Mono Backpack Review




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Up for review is the Sabra Gear Mono Backpack.
Find out now how it has held up with my testing on the trail and in the backcountry.



Link : https://sabra-gear.com/collections/backpacks/products/mono
Price : $359 with lid and waist belt addons which is how most people will order this pack.
Weight : Around 5lbs with the waist belt and lid

Features :
Full 500 D Cordura Construction, both outside and inside fabric.
Double layered bottom for reinforcement and extreme durability.
Roll-top closure for quick access, safe closing, and full functionality when used in a light weight mode without the lid.
Quick and easy main body access, with a super tough #10 YKK zipper.
All the zippers are with durable and easy to grab zipper pulls, for easy operation when wearing gloves or under stress.
Optional top lid with a large compartment.
Two open side pockets for bottles or long objects.
Hydration bladder sleeve and two hydration ports.
Effective compression system allows tight compression when the pack is not fully loaded.
Long compression straps allows carrying bulky items on the outside of the pack.
Removable back panel built from a polymer sheet and a 6061 T-6 aluminum rod, provides excellent load transfer, stability, and freedom of movement. Can be bent to fit perfectly to the user's body.
Removable emergency pad.
Optional removable waist belt.
MOLLE webbing In key areas.
Two axe loops.
Made in Israel.

Specs :
Weight:
Mono without waist belt and Lid: 1.7 kg / 3.75 Pounds
Waist belt: 280 Grams / 10 Ounce
Lid: 280 Grams / 10 Ounce
Volume:
Mono without Lid: 50 liters / 3100 cubic inches
Lid: 6 liters / 960 cubic inches

Materials:
Fabric: 500 D Cordura.
Zippers: Highly durable #10 YKK zippers.
Buckles: ITW Nexus GTSR super heavy duty Mil-spec buckles.
Webbing: Mil-spec nylon straps and webbing.

Dimensions cm / inch:
Height of main compartment fully extended - 100 / 39.5
Height of main compartment up to the top of the back system - 64 / 25
Width - 28 / 11
Depth - 20 / 8

Comfortable load range:
With waist belt: 23 kg / 50 Pounds
Without waist belt: 10 kg / 22 Pounds
Load range meaning - The weight which the pack feels very comfortable and stable with.
You can easily carry a heavier load, but it will slightly decrease comfort. You can carry a much heavier load without worrying about the pack durability.

Review
………..

Pros :
Very comfortable for a military grade pack. Not on the same level as an Osprey but better most tactical style backpacks – excellent weight distribution
Excellent quality.
Very durable.
Top shelf materials and components.
Good price especially when compared to other brands.
Duel access

Cons:
While comfortable I would like to see a slight redesign to the back as it could become even more comfortable with some padding.  This would also assist with breathability or sweat.

That leads to the next point, VERY poor breathability.  You are going to be soaked wearing this pack if you are going to go any sort of distance with any level of exertion.

Because of the lack of ventilation, this is a very hot pack.

Light on webbing and attachment points.




Monday, December 3, 2018

IFAK Winners Announcement - Three Individuals




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It's time to announce the Military Surplus IFAK Kit winners!
Thank you all for entering.




Friday, November 30, 2018

Military Surplus Forest Adventure In An Ice Storm



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Join Luke for a Military Surplus Ice Storm Adventure!

Gear Used in this Episode :

ILBE Pack
British DPM Basha Tarp
Bushcraft USA 10’ x 10’ Tarp
Cordage bag + Extra cordage

Tyvek Ground sheet
Hunker One tent
Trioxane and Hexamine Fire Starters
US Bivy
Kifaru Kit Bags

US Gen III Level 7 Insulated pants and jacket
Propper Military boots
Propper Pants

Mission Specific Products MRE

Gränsfors Hatchet
Keen water bottle
Toaks Tit. Pot
French Military Cookset
MLD Tit. Cup

US Gore-tex Rain Gear - Jacket and pants

Trunight TH30 headlamp




Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Big What?? - Viewer Mail #50




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It's time for another Viewer Mail episode and I am forever thankful for the kindness that you have shown my family and I.  In this episode, a bunch of surprises including The Big ****?????


Monday, November 26, 2018

How to Extend the Temperature Range of your Sleeping Bag




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This episode is all about extending the comfortable temperature range of your sleeping bag which is going to be important as we move into the Fall and Winter months.




Thursday, November 22, 2018

Road Trip Adventure Part 2 The Sailor and Haunted Rose Island




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This is Part 2 of our Road Trip where Susan and I ventured to Chicago to watch our daughter graduate from Naval Basic Training!  In this episode;

We get to see Madison!
We get the H*** out of Chicago.
Explore an Abandoned and Haunted Amusement Park.
Drink Coffee.
Head Home.

Thank you all for joining us for this trip, kick back and enjoy our adventure across the USA.

Also, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  We thankful for every single one of you.


Monday, November 19, 2018

What Is This? - Wow - Viewer Mail #49



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It's time for another Viewer Mail episode and I am forever thankful for the kindness that you have shown my family and I.  In this episode, a bunch of surprises!


Friday, November 16, 2018

Lake Michigan - Road Trip Adventure - Part 1: I'm a Sailor



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This is Part 1 of a 2 part series where Susan and I head up towards the Great Lakes to watch our daughter graduate from Naval Basic Training!  In this episode;

We Discover the Worst City in the USA (so far)...
Coffee is Spilt in a Rental Car...
We Hike Around Lake Michigan...
Arrival in Chicago...
We Receive the 'I'm a Sailor' Call...
And More!

Thank you all for joining us for this trip, kick back and enjoy our adventure across the USA.


Wednesday, November 14, 2018

FILBE Hydration Carrier - Multi year Follow up Review



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After hundreds and hundreds of hours worth of testing the FILBE Hydration Carrier continues to be an awesome piece of kit.  This my Multi-Year review!


Monday, November 12, 2018

The Happy Little Hobo - Savotta Happy Stove Review



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Up for review is the little Savotta Happy Stove which is a hobo style wood stove.  Is it worth the money?  Find out now!



Savotta Link : http://finn-savotta.fi/en/tuotteet/happy-stove/

Link scandinavianoutdoor : https://scandinavianoutdoor.com/savotta/gear/food-and-cooking/stoves/happy-stove-risukeitin/

Price : $32.65

What we have here is one of Savotta’s Hobo stoves and it has some personality….literally.
With a hobo stove, the benefits are many but so are the negative aspects too…

For an example, the fuel is free and it virtually all around you.  You can burn sticks, twigs, pine cones, paper and so on.  Of course, all of those materials mean little they are soaking wet….

The twig stove comprises 7 laser-cut stainless steel components: three side walls, a bottom, a “happy face” and cooking support in two sections. Once clicked into place, the stove is ready for use. The design of the stove is aimed at a good weight/durability balance. Despite its lightness, the stove can support the weight of a normal coffee pot or a mess kit. The twig stove is supplied with a protective bag made of 1000D Cordura. Once packed in the bag, the twig stove fits into a really small space.

Material: 0,5mm Laser-cut stainless steel.
Overall Dimensions: Height 14 cm, width 14 cm, depth 14 cm.
Firebox Dimensions: Height 9,5cm(12cm without grate), width 10cm, depth 10cm.
Weight: 250 g.

Protective bag material: 1000D Cordura, PUR coated.
Dimensions of the protective bag and packed stove: Height 15.5 cm, width 14 cm, depth 1 cm.
Protective bag weight: 30 g.

Pros :

Packs down flat which means that it can easily fit just about any place; backpack, pocket, chest rig, etc.

Light weight.

If you like cooking small meals for one person on a 2 to 3 litre pot this stove can boil and simmer, packs down to flat and is light, the stainless sheet metal gauge is thin and can bend out of and back into shape

Free fuel…..which saves you money. With that being said, you will have to put more working into using the stove so that should be kept in mind.

Fun to use. – Kids enjoy using stoves like this and is a great way to get them interested in the outdoors.

Easy to clean up.
Very stable.

Cons :
While not complicated by any means, the setup will take a bit more work and attention the first couple of times that you use it; more so than with other stoves.

Pricey for a Hobo Stove…but you are getting an awesome form factor and great quality in addition to a very well thought-out and good performing stove.  I should mention that this isn’t the most expensive of folding wood stoves; emberlit is a good bit more expensive for an example.  They are much cheaper versions as well.

No matter how easy it is to clean up, a wood burning stove is still going to be a bit messy.  This shouldn’t bother anyone but I mentioned it just in case it hasn’t dawned on you.

Another inherit aspect to a wood stove like this is that it does require attention until you are done cooking whereas a canister stove for an example require much less.



Summary :

When it comes to a good hobo stove, there are countless options out on the market.  You can make your own for virtually nothing or you can purchase one.

Tips :

Want a quick burn for fast boil times?  Use small diameter sticks and twigs, around the size of a pencil.

Want a slower burn?  Use larger than pencil size sticks.  Larger burn slower, small, burn faster.

Before you headout on your adventure, make sure that you can use a wood burning stove such as this if you are heading into a park system and so on.  Some locations will not allow fires nor wood collecting.


Friday, November 9, 2018

Fall Creekside Camp Overnight Adventure




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Join Luke on an overnight adventure as he heads into the backcountry!


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Comfortable But Questionable Durability - Propper Kinetic Pants Review



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Tactical.
Law Enforcement.
Military.
Outdoors.
Today is the review of the Propper Men's Kinetic Pant.



Link : https://www.propper.com/propper-kinetic-pant-mens.html
Price : $55 retail
Weight : 1lb 6oz
Colors : Gray, Black, Olive, Coyote, Navy Blue, etc

Waist Sizes : 28 to 56 – I have seen larger sizes on other web sites but this is what was labelled on the Propper Web Site

Inseam : 30 – 37

These are what I refer to as Duty Pants; used mainly by law enforcements, fire, ems, rescue and with some military applications.  Of course, I’m not law enforcement and I’m not military so I am speaking of these pants from an everyday joe and outdoorsman.  You may be asking yourself why and the answer is simple;

1 – Propper thought that they would make great outdoor pants and sent these to me to review.
2 Because of the materials they are a good fit for hiking, backpacking etc.
3 I like tactical gear and clothing as that is my general style so the pants work well with me in general.

PROPPER’s Kinetic™ Pants keep you moving wherever duty takes you. Built from rugged ripstop fabric with revolutionary NEXstretch two-way mechanical stretch. A gusseted crotch enhances range of motion for dynamic mobility. DWR (Durable Water Resistant) treated to repel dirt and moisture. Other features include a gripper waistband, cargo pockets with internal divider and wider belt loops with badge/sunglasses tabs.

6.5 oz 79% polyester / 21% cotton ripstop NEXStretch® fabric w/ DWR
NEXstretch 2-way mechanical stretch
Durable and rugged ripstop fabric with integrated stretch
Gusseted crotch for ease of movement
DWR (Durable Water Resistant) treatment to repel dirt and moisture
Gripper waistband
Metal button waistband closure
Ambidextrous pocket configuration
Cargo pockets with internal divider
Wider belt loops with badge/sunglasses tabs
straight leg with loose fit.

Pros :

True to Size
The stretch waist helps with more of a "custom" fit. I have a very muscular lower half, and these pants are very comfortable with plenty of room everywhere without being baggy.

They stretch very well. The elastic is strong enough to keep the pants up, but gives enough for comfort when bending, squatting, or kneeling.

Anyway, these pants are excellent. Well-made, very comfortable, many pockets to separate my EDC stuff. Concealed carry is very

comfortable in these pants with the stretch waist band and such. Very good looking. The price is not bad for what you get.

Like the 5.11 stryke pants but less expensive.

The grippy waist does a good job of keeping your shirt tucked in…that means no adjusting which is something that I have actually noticed.  Honestly I didn’t think I would care but I have noticed that I am not having to do it like I normally do with other pants.

Cons :

About the only con that I have with these pants is that I do have concerns with the durability of the material; after very little use I have a number of holes developing

These pants do tend to run a bit long; you may have to get them hemmed.

All in all I like these pants and I have enjoyed wearing them.  No, they will not replace my Fjallravens as they simply are not of the same level of strength….but they don’t have to be at this price. For $50 I can’t complain.. Fjallraven cost around $100 more than these pants. For a regular guy who is working, doing average hiking and outdooring I think you will be pleased with these pants in general. Comfortable. Breathable. Good lucks. “Tactical”

Not sure tough….if you need super tough, start saving your pennies and get some Fjallraven Trousers.


Monday, November 5, 2018

The ABC's of Backpacking - Backpacking Basics



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You may have heard of this term before; 'The ABC's of Backpacking' but may not have known what it is all about.  In this episode, Luke is covering the ABC's of Backpacking and a few of the fundamentals which you need to keep in mind every time that you are packing your bag to hit the trail.




Friday, November 2, 2018

Winter Cabin Discussion - Random Lunch and Chat



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Join Luke at Lone Wolf Mountain as he takes a break from reviews and adventures to talk with the viewers. Including an update about the next overnight adventure and the possibility of setting up a winter cabin on Lone Wolf Mountain.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

LBX Tactical - Medium Window Pouch - Pouch 7



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Last week Luke reviewed the Small LBX Window Pouch, today it's the Medium one!

This is the 7th episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE/Hook and Loop pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.

LBX TACTICAL 3" Open Window Pouch, Coyote Brown, Medium



Link : https://www.amazon.com/LBX-TACTICAL-Window-Coyote-Medium/dp/B01GKKD03W
Price : $24.00
Weight : 2.7oz
Size : x 7 x 3

Same colors as the small pouch which you all saw previously;
Black, coyote, grey, red, etc.

For this episode of pouches, we continue to look at Hook and Loop pouches with this being the larger version of the pouch which we looked at last week.  This is the LBX TACTICAL 3" Open Window Pouch, Coyote Brown, Medium.

window pouch w/hook and loop backing for quick insert/removal

Clear window for easy item identification

Fits Perfectly In Grab And Go Insert For Khard Series

Great for load out customization and organization

Overall Dimensions: 5 x 7 x 3



..

Monday, October 29, 2018

EDC Awesome - Sabra Gear Partner Pack Review



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Up for review today is the Sabra Gear Partner Pack which is a versatile EDC pack with multiple ways of carry.  Which would work best for you?



Link : https://sabra-gear.com/collections/backpacks/products/partner?variant=12687009382477

Weight :
Partner: 320 Grams / 11.5 Ounce
Drop leg harness: 50 Grams / 1.8 Ounce
Waist harness: 45 Grams / 1.6 Ounce
Shoulder strap: 75 Grams / 2.7 Ounce
Quick Pouch ADDED – Not Included :

Weight as shown empty : 1.25lbs

Size : Dimensions cm / inch:
Height - 25 / 9.8
Width - 18 / 7
Depth - 9 / 3.5

Volume: 4 Liter / 250 Cubic inches


Friday, October 26, 2018

ENTER NOW- Military IFAK Individual First Aid Kit Giveaway



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I appreciate you all and want to do a giveaway to 3 lucky individuals!
Enter now for your chance to win a Military Surplus IFAK Kit.

Military Surplus Overnight Adventure Link : https://youtu.be/V9sx2_WfnRY


Wednesday, October 24, 2018

LBX Tactical - Small Window Pouch - Pouch 6




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For this episode of Pouches Luke has a product from LBX Tactical; Small Window Pouch!

This is the 6th episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.


Monday, October 22, 2018

Cookies and Meat...NOT Mixed Together - Thank You! - Viewer Mail #48



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It's time for another Viewer Mail episode and I am forever thankful for the kindness that you have shown my family and I.  In this episode, some Cookies and some Meat!


Friday, October 19, 2018

Rained Out - Overnight Adventure



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This Luke's most recent Overnight Adventure and it was a wet one!
Thank you all for joining me!








Wednesday, October 17, 2018

AWESOME POUCH! - Medium Reversible Pouch - Pouch 5




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Today up for review is the Medium Reversible Pouch which is one of my favorites.  Trust me, this is AWESOME!

This is the 5th episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.

Where to find them?  eBay will be your best bet.
Price : Whatever you can find it for.




Monday, October 15, 2018

The Forgotten Special Forces Backpack - Gregory Spear UM21 Military Back...



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Today Luke is showing off the forgotten Special Forces backpack which was made my Gregory in the 90's.  This is the UM21 StrapMaster 2000....

Is it better than the ILBE ruck?
You will want to see this pack!




Friday, October 12, 2018

Why Do I Open Packages this Way? - Viewer Mail #47




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It's time for another Viewer Mail episode and I am forever thankful for the kindness that you have shown my family and I.  In this episode, some Knife Porn!!!! and I explain why I open packages the way that I do...

You don't want to miss this....    (o_0)
haha


Wednesday, October 10, 2018

More Snugpak Issues - Buyer Beware Warning - Stasha Tarp Quality Check



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Last week I pointed out the poor quality of the Snugpak All Weather Shelter Tarp with my review and today I'm doing a quick quality check of the Snugpak Stasha Tarp.....

Buyer Beware Warning!


Monday, October 8, 2018

Quick Look - Military IFAK Individual First Aid Kit



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Not long ago we took at a look at an IFAK Pouch and I figured that we should see what a military IFAK kit looks like so here we go!  By the way, IFAK stands for; Individual First Aid Kit.




Friday, October 5, 2018

Winner Winner Fjallraven Canvas Belt



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Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway!
Good Luck and Stay Tuned as another Giveaway is coming up VERY soon!.


Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Warning - Snugpak Pro Force All Weather Shelter Tarp - Review




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Today I am reviewing the Snugpak All Weather Shelter Tarp and my questions is this; Snugpak, what the heck has happened to your quality?

This is terrible!

Link : https://www.snugpakusa.com/product.php?id=85


Monday, October 1, 2018

Esbit vs Expedition Research - Hexamine Tablets - Review



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Today Luke has a head to head battle;

Esbit VS Expedition Research Hexamine Tablets!
Firestarter vs Firestarter!

Expedition Research makes some bold claims...are they true or are they false?
Find out now.

Link : http://www.expedition-research.com/shop/expedition-solid-fuel-hexamine-tablets-rugged-submersible-storage-tray


Friday, September 28, 2018

NAVY UPDATE - Random Lunch and Chat




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Join Luke at Lone Wolf Mountain as he takes a break from reviews and adventures to talk with the viewers. Including an update concerning his daughter and the Navy.


Wednesday, September 26, 2018

USMC First Aid Kit Pouch (IFAK) A1 Pouch - Pouch 4




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This is the 4th episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.

Today up for review is the USMC First Aid Kit Pouch (IFAK) A1 Pouch



Link : https://www.thunderheadoutfitters.com/product/individual-first-aid-kit-pouch-coyote

Price : $7.95 for a used one; $13.95 new
Weight : 5.9oz

This is a genuine US military surplus Individual First Aid Kit Pouch (IFAK) in Coyote Brown.

This pouch measures approximately 7" (H) x 6" (W) x 3" (D) and features a plastic buckle fastener to secure the pouch closed.  This pouch was designed to hold an insert (not included) that contains individual first aid kit supplies.  This pouch features plastic stiffeners on each side to maintain the shape of the pouch even if it's not full.  This would be a great general purpose utility pouch that can be added to any piece of MOLLE/PALS compatible gear.

Excellent pouch for assorted items; you could place your misc kit inside of this, your first aid kit, power bag, etc.




Monday, September 24, 2018

Is It Any Good? - ClubTAC September 2018 Subscription Box Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the September ClubTAC Subscription Box. Is it any good?  Find out now!

...

Link : https://www.clubtac.com




Friday, September 21, 2018

Vlogging Hurricane Florence 2018 - Mountains of NC




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Join Luke as Hurricane Florence makes landfall in NC and slowly tracks towards the mountains.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Multi-Purpose - Specter Ground Illumination Flare Pouch - Pouch 3



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This is the 3rd episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.

Today up for review is the Specter Ground Illumination Flare Pouch!



Link :https://www.thunderheadoutfitters.com/product/flare-pouch
Price : $9.99
Weight : 4oz


Monday, September 17, 2018

Innovative Hanging System - Ultralight Food Hanging System Preview



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Today Luke is previewing a food hanging system which has launched into a Kickstarter program today.

Link : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/selkirkdesign/worlds-first-ultralight-food-hanging-system?ref=91tgob




Friday, September 14, 2018

Revisited - Packit Gourmet Deluxe Meal Sampler



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Today Luke and Susan are revisiting the Packit Gourmet Deluxe Meal Sampler to discuss some recent changes which have taken place.

Link : https://www.packitgourmet.com/DeluxeMealSampler.html


Wednesday, September 12, 2018

The Perfect Flashlight Pouch - Specter Single 40mm Pouch - Pouch 2



This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.
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This is the second episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.

I'm going to change this with this new series and today we have the Specter Single 40mm Pouch which makes an excellent flashlight carrier.



Link : https://www.thunderheadoutfitters.com/product/single-40mm-grenade-pouch

Price : $3.95

Colors : Available in Black, Olive Drab, Coyote Tan and ACU Universal Camo

Weight : 2.5oz

This pouch is designed to carry a single 40mm grenade.

This pouch is constructed from 1000 denier cordura nylon with an inner packcloth liner and features both velcro and side release buckle closures for maximum versatility and pouch security. This pouch also features Specter Gear Specter Snap system that is fully compatible with current MOLLE/PALS load bearing equipment yet allows for greater versatility and easy field repair. Additionally, this pouch features Specter Gear new free flow pouch bottom design that allows sand, dust, water and other debris to rapidly pass through the bottom of the pouch much more efficiently than a grommet or mesh would.

Small enough for use on a backpack as well as your belt for tools and gear.
In my opinion, this is the perfect size for a flashlight as long as it is within

What I like is that it is extra secure; you have the buckle and the velcro


Monday, September 10, 2018

Fjallraven Canvas Belt Giveaway - Enter NOW



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Today Luke and Susan are doing a Giveaway for a Fjallraven Product...
Enter Now!

Watch the video below;
Valley of the Snakes Overnight Adventure : https://youtu.be/WHUJYPepIFs

Comment on your favorite piece of gear from the adventure below.
Boom, it's that simple!


Sunday, September 9, 2018

Awesome for Me, Awesome for You! - Viewer Mail #46



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It's time for another Viewer Mail episode and this one will give you a preview of an upcoming giveaway!

As always we are so very thankful!




Friday, September 7, 2018

Vanquest IBEX 35 Review - Excellent Quality but HEAVY




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Today Luke is reviewing the Vanquest IBEX 35 backpack.  While it has a lot going for it there are some issues....
...

Link : https://www.vanquest.com/products/ibex-35-backpack.html

Weight : 4.95lbs
Cost : $220
Colors : Black, Gray, Coyote Brown ; there is a multicam version but it is more expensive.

Summary : This is the NEXT Generation of IBEX pack from Vanquest and what we are seeing here are some profound changes which have made this pack better in just about every single way.  That’s not to say that there isn’t room for improvement because I do have some suggestions to make.

A few months back, you may have noticed a rush of reviews on this backpack but instead of rushing to publish a video to youtube I have been testing this product out in every sort of situation possible and after many months I am ready to share my thoughts.  So what you have here is a very comprehensive review.




Wednesday, September 5, 2018

USGI ACU Reversible Field Tarp



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Last week we discussed the USGI Marpat Field Tarp and today we are looking at its twin brother the ACU Field Tarp!   This is a short and sweet episode so lets get to it!




Monday, September 3, 2018

Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe – Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the Vasque Men's Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe.



Link : https://www.amazon.com/Vasque-Mantra-Hiking-Earth-Pepper/dp/B00I69VSU8

Price : Retail Price is $130 – But at the time of filming these are selling for as low as $84

·       Weight : WEIGHT : 2 lbs. 4 oz. (1026g)

Versions : There is a men’s and women’s version as well as a GTX version which features gore-tex and is waterproof.  That version retails for $150

Colors : This color and a dark earth and chili pepper.
Sizes : 7 – 13 with wide sizes available.


Sunday, September 2, 2018

Did Luke Eat a Chicken Foot? - Viewer Mail #45



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We are doing a bit of getting caught up and today it's mail time and as always we are honored and thankful!


Friday, August 31, 2018

6500 LUMENS!!!! - NiteCore Concept 2 - Review



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Today Luke is reviewing a flashlight that is so powerful that it could easily start a fire!  This is the NiteCore 6500 Lumens Concept 2 which is a 6,500 Lumens torch!



Link : http://www.nitecorestore.com/Concept-2-6500-lumen-rechargeable-flashlight-p/fl-nite-concept2.htm

Price : Retail $200
Weight : 12.28oz




Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Revisiting the USMC Field Tarp



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This is the USMC Field Tarp which features the Marpat Camo.
Genuine Military Surplus and it's AWESOME!
This is my followup review after 4 additional years worth of use!




Monday, August 27, 2018

Best Saw? - Agawa Canyon BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw Review




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Today Luke is reviewing what he believes to be the one of the very best hand saws out on the market. This is the Agawa Canyon BOREAL21.

Link : https://agawacanyoninc.com

Friday, August 24, 2018

The Secret Gem 2 First Attempt Day Hike Adventure



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Luke has found a new Secret Gem to share with you all and with this adventure, he fails to make it to the end of the trail.  Find out why now and enjoy some amazing country along the NC/TN border.

Yes, this was one STEEP hike!

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Propper Series 100 8" Military Boot - Trail Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the Propper Series 100 8" military Boot.



Link : https://www.propper.com/series-100-8-military-boot.html

Price : $109.99
Sizes : 5m – 15m with wide sizes available.
There is a waterproof version available for a bit more.

Pros :
Very good quality.  Over the years I have purchased and used many brands of military boot and I can tell you that  they are not all created equal.  For an example, I have found Rebook’s to be very good but Rocky’s to be TERRIBLE in all categories.

Short break in period – roughly 10 days

Lightweight : Not the lightest of all boots but not the heaviest either.  I have some which are extremely heavy and will kill your legs are a long day or hiking.

Very comfortable in general especially after break in.  Very supportive and the included sole inserts allow you to tailor your fit.

Soles do a good job of conforming to the pressure of your steps.

Good arch and ankle support.

They are made from water-resistant suede leather and 1000D Cordura that keeps them nice and dry. Speaking of dry, they do dry quite fast, which is nice after a day in the Florida swamps. They are pretty cool inside. Combined with a good pair of socks and your feet stay decently cool. While they cool, this is Florida and my feet sweat, however, now after some heavy-duty daily use they still don’t smell. I can’t say that about my old boots. Propper equips the Series 100 with an anti microbial lining that keeps the smell away.

I think so. They are only a hair over a hundred bucks and when it comes to boots that’s pretty affordable. They’re true fit to U.S. sizes so there is no guesswork when choosing a pair. They are supportive, comfortable, and they don’t smell like…well like a foot. The Series 100s are solid boots.

I’ve been testing these out for roughly 3 months and so far they have held up well to all of the miles which I have put on them which I estimate to be around 45 miles now.

Good laces; have held up well to use.

The uppers have metal loop eyelets from the ankles up. Propper says it’s a NATO speed lacing system. The eyelets make room for quick loosening of the laces for removing the boots. Tightening is likewise fast and easy, so much so that it’s necessary to keep tension on the laces until they’re tied, else they loosen on their own. It’s a small price to pay for speed, especially when considering these as duty gear.

Sole flexibility is moderate. Propper says they’re oil-resistant, too.

Cons :

These boots have a tendency to rub the right ankle and this seems to a common complaint which I have seen online.  This has virtually gone away with wear and use.

Because of the high profile of these boots, in hot temps you will sweat a lot!  This is common with all boots of this style.

I found the sole to be SLICK right out of the box on wet rocks and wood surfaces.  In fact, when new I just about slid across my deck while walking out to my office.   With use they have become more grippy; on dirt, gravel, in the forest, etc, the boots do a good job of digging in with little give.

……

In the end these boots have worked out very well for me and I think they are worthy of your outdoor needs.  Something to think about with these boots is that you need to narrow down your sizing more so than a full leather boot and that’s because you can’t form Cordura like you can leather.  With leather military boots you can soak them, allow them to dry during use which will provide you with a custom fit.  With these boots you do have the soles which you can use or not use so that you can essentially achieve the same sort of fit.

The price is good, the quality is very good and they are comfortable.




Monday, August 20, 2018

ThruNite Catapult V6 Flashlight - Honest Review



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Why does Luke have TWO of the ThruNite Catapult V6 Flashlights?
Was it due to a defect?
Will he recommend the Catapult V6 Flashlight to his viewers?
Find out now in his honest review which doesn't hold back any punches.



Link : http://www.thrunite.com/thrunite-catapult-v6-mini-thrower-rechargeable-flashlight/
Price : $74.99
Weight : 10oz with battery

Cool White and NW versions

This is my second V6 as the first which I received was actually defective.  It turned out to be the battery and not the flashlight; any sort of defect with a ThruNite product is a rarity with my use over the years. Out of all of the flashlights which I have reviewed, only maybe 4 have had any problems.  I have never had an issue from a ThruNite Battery until now.


Friday, August 17, 2018

How to Tell How Much Fuel is Left in Your Canister - Backpacking Basics



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Have you ever wondered how much fuel that you have left in a used gas canister?  Now you can find out!

This is Backpacking Basics and today I'm sharing with you a little trail secret which you can use to determine how much fuel you have left in your canisters!  All that you need is some water......




Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Eagle Industries Charge Utility Pouch with AS Lining - Pouch 1



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This is the first episode of Pouches which is all about PALS/MOLLE pouches.  There are so many pouches and variations on the market but when you go online to try to find the perfect one it is virtually impossible to tell what you are looking at.  Most sites don't even provide dimensions for size referencing.

I'm going to change this with this new series and to start things off we have the Eagle Industries Charge/Utility Pouch with Anti-Static Lining.



Link : https://www.thunderheadoutfitters.com/product/mlcs-charge-pouch

Price : $37.95 (expensive; I’d like to see these for around $25)
Weight : 10.1oz
NSN# 8465-01-573-9554  8465015739554

Manufacturer: Eagle Industries

Color: Khaki

This is a genuine US military surplus MOLLE Charge Pouch with Anti-Static lining, manufactured by Eagle Industries.  The pouch is Khaki in color and has an anti-static liner built in-between the outside and inside layers of 500D Nylon.  The top opening features a 1" sewn-in elastic band to hold in the contents, and a flap top lid closure that secures down with Velcro and a plastic buckle.  The flap can also be tucked down inside the pouch, and taller items (like a bottle, radio, etc) can be held down in the pouch using the Y-shaped fastex buckle strap and the elastic band.

This is a great general purpose large utility pouch that measures approximately 12" (H) x 8" (W) x 2" (D) and has 3 MOLLE straps on the back panel to attach to any MOLLE/PALS capable backpack or vest.  There is a drain grommet built in to the bottom of the pouch and there is also two rows of MOLLE webbing on the front of the pouch for attaching smaller pouches.

Features:

Flap top with hook and loop and adjustable fastex buckle with cinch strap closure

GENERAL PURPOSE POUCH DESIGNED TO HOLD DEMOLITION & BREACHING MATERIALS

1 inch wide sewn-in elastic opening to keep items secure

PALS webbing on front and back

Three (3) MOLLE straps

Grommet hole for drainage

Constructed from 500 Denier Nylon

Dimensions: 12" x 8" x 2"

Color: Khaki

MADE IN USA


Monday, August 13, 2018

Waving...Good Bye! - Olight H16 Wave Headlamp - Review




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Today Luke is 'waving' good bye to the Olight H16 Wave Headlamp...find out what that means now!



Link : https://www.olightstore.com/olight-h16-wave
Price : Retail $60 /
Weight : 4.06oz

2000mAh battery pack.
500 lumens


Friday, August 10, 2018

Snakebite! How to Survive Being Bitten by a Venomous Snake



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Recently Luke had a VERY close call with a VERY dangerous rattlesnake; in this video he will be going over what to do and what not to do if you get bitten by a Venomous Snake.  This is the information which can save your life!

Adventure with the Timber Rattlesnake : https://youtu.be/WHUJYPepIFs


Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The Best Military Pack On the Market Today? - Savotta Jääkäri L Rucksack



This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

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Want to see one of the best Military packs out on the market today? If yes, then check out my review of the Savotta Jääkäri L Rucksack.

This pack has it all;
Strength.
Comfort.
Adjustability.
Features.
Looks.
and the price isn't terrible either (when compared to other tactical companies).

There is a lot to this pack and this isn't a quick review as I go over every aspect.



Link : https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/savotta-jaakari-l-rucksack/57972

Price : $309.99
Weight : 5.24lbs
Colors : Green, Black and M05 Woodland Camo – Woodland Version runs $328.99

Overnight Adventure Video Featuring this Pack : https://youtu.be/WHUJYPepIFs


Monday, August 6, 2018

My Favorite Backpacking/GPS App – AllTrails - Review



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Today Luke is reviewing his favorite backpacking/GPS app which is called AllTrails.  This is what he personally uses for his adventures and has been in testing for a full year now.

Link : https://www.alltrails.com/

Cost : Free limited Version ; $2.50 a month, $30 a year, Lifetime $100

This is my second year of using this app and I was able to renew for $20 thanks to a promotion email which I received.

Available on : Apple and Android – I’ve only used it on IOS so I can’t comment on the Android part.

Who this is for : Hiker, Backpacker, Trail Runner, even Mountain Biker
This is an extremely popular app for a good reason; it’s awesome!

On IOS alone it has an average rating of 4.9 with over 67K+ ratings!


Friday, August 3, 2018

After the Camp - Valley of the Snakes Adventure



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This is After the Camp for the Valley of the Snakes Solo Overnight Adventure.  Luke talks about the trip, the snake encounters, the gear and so on.

Speaking of gear, here are some of the items which he had with him on that trip;

Sovatta Jääkäri L Rucksack
Israeli Poncho Liner
Snugpak Ionosphere
Mountain Laurel Designs GroundSheet
Terävä Skrama Bush Knife
High Route Gear RectangleLight Food Bag
Kifaru Ultralight Pullout bags
Nemo Zor Short Sleeping Pad
Swiss Military Stove
Toaks Titanium 750 pot


Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Better than Fjallraven? - Tru-Spec 24/7 Xpedition Pants - Trail Review



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Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

This is one which a lot of viewers have been waiting for; the review of the Tru-Spec Men’s 24-7 Xpedition Pants.

Are they tough?
Are they comfortable?
Are they as good as Fjallraven?

Find out now!



Link : https://www.truspec.com/24-7-series/pants/men-s-24-7-xpedition-pants?msID=6002ee02-08bf-4a22-adaa-b7684781ae4d

Cost : MSRP $117 but can be found much cheaper on Amazon and so on. $69 for this size and color on amazon at the time of filming.

Colors : Ranger Green, Black, Coyote, Charcoal gray, ranger green and black, and more.

Sizes : 28x30 all the way up to 40x36

Summary :

These are in my opinion the perfect definition of a tactical pair of pants and besides the looks which scream tactical they have the features to make it true.  When I first saw these I instantly made a mental comparison with Fjallraven trousers which I have personally worn for years and years.

For adventures in cool to slightly warm conditions, these are excellent. Great for backpacking, excellent for bushcraft and for those whom do security they have enough pockets for all of your carry needs.

Pros :
Looks
Quality – Looks to be quiet good; ykk zippers
Features
Pockets – lots of options.  Love the cell phone pocket.
Fit – true to size for me; 32x30 excellent fit - All of the 24-7 Series® pants with a comfort slider waistband run about one size larger.  Large enough for an inner layer for warmth for the winter
Cost – excellent especially when you consider that you are getting what seems to be comparable quality to that of Fjallraven but at a fraction of the price.
Vents
Good drying Abilities; thanks to the material these quicker than any cotton
Tough : no rips or tears so far with my testing.  Reinforced in all the right places.
Flex – these pants offer a fair amount of stretch to them so you can maneuver as you need to. You can deep squat without any issues.

Cons :
Heavy
Hot.  Even with the side vents which do help in breezy conditions, these pants will hold in a lot of heat and for me personally, anything about 75F is simply too hot to wear them.  The warmest conditions that I have tested them out in was around 88F and it was a miserable experience…lots of sweat which was only compounded by the strenuous work which I was doing.  These are perfect for cooler weather

When I received these pants there were some random threads hanging here and there.  Nothing of any concern but not what I would expect to see for a pair of pants which cost around $100 retail.

Durability : This remains to be seen and I have to be honest about this. With Fjallraven trousers I have worn them for years; adventure after adventure, day after day and they have earned their status.  These pants haven’t; so far so good but only time will tell if they can hold up like Fjallraven’s do.


Monday, July 30, 2018

Ready to Haul - Gregory Baltoro 75 (2018) – Trail Review



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For numerous months I have been working to review the Gregory Baltoro 75L backpack and today, the Trail Review goes up as it is time to find out if the latest version of this famous pack is worth your hard earned money.

Maine Overnight Adventure Video : https://youtu.be/9rVG9ObplV0



Link : https://www.gregorypacks.com/backpacking/premium/baltoro-75/916BAL75.html

Price : Retail is around $320 – but at the time of filming I have seen it for around $225.

Weight : 5.22lbs

Colors : Dusk Blue and Orange

Sizes : S M L

Optional Liters : 65, 75, 85, and 95 which they refer to as the pro model

Pros :

Comfort : This pack fits like a glove…as the saying goes.  It hugs the body in all of the right places while giving you good lumbar support which is adjustable.  Excellent balance between the hips and shoulders. distributes weight very nicely. straps are super comfortable

Excellent quality

Easy to access pocket and gear – U-shaped access is awesome.

Good capacity

Stylish pack – I love the orange color.

Hydration bag is also a day pack – Offers 12liters of capacity.  Very simple, not the most comfortable but it is useful.

Flexibility : Baltoro’s innovative pivoting shoulder straps and hipbelt play an important role in carrying comfort. Each piece shifts independently, so the pack remains level and close against your body while the shoulder straps and hipbelt move up and down. This feature is especially noticeable on extended climbs, where I could feel one side drop while the other raised up as I took a step

Included rain cover does what it is supposed to do; keep the pack dry. It works.

Waterproof hippocket also works to keep the rain out.

Manages weight as good as most external frame packs; 47lbs loadouts are comfortable with this pack and that says a lot.

Lots of places to clip and attach gear to.

Cons :

Weight : While Gregory has been dropping the weight of this pack over the years with each generation, this thing is still very heavy!  Over 5lbs with the hydration carry day pack and included pack cover – this is not a light pack.  With that being said, this pack is made for hauling so what you get with the weight is the ability to carry a lot of gear, food and water very comfortably.

Price : Full retail price is high; but the on sale price is great.

The Stretch Mesh water bottle pocket has a tendency to push empty bottles out while you are hiking. I’ve had this happen multiple times while on my adventures. To fix this you really have to tighten the compression straps

Breathability : while the back panel and hip belt are more breathable than ever before you are still going to get soaked in sweat when you are hiking.  There is no way around it. It’s better than before but doesn’t compare to some offerings from competitors.

Small Pocket : The only disappointment is that the water-resistant hipbelt pocket is too small to fit a larger smartphone

Summary : At nearly 5 pounds, it’s overbuilt for those who want to travel fast and light, but if you value the extra cushioning and support, it’s one of the best packs on the market.




Friday, July 27, 2018

Almost Bitten by a Rattlesnake - A Second from Disaster - Overnight Adve...



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This Luke's most recent Overnight Adventure which almost turned into a life and death situation while being literally, out in the middle of nowhere.  See what happened now in Valley of the Snakes - A Second From Disaster.


Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Camper’s Cafe - Packit Gourmet’s Good Day Sunshine Bowl (Oatmeal) - Review



This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Today for this episode of the Camper's Cafe, Luke and Susie have the Packit Gourmet’s Good Day Sunshine Bowl (Oatmeal) for review.

Will it be a HIT or Miss?

Link : https://www.packitgourmet.com/GoodDaySunshineBowl.html


Monday, July 23, 2018

Ultralight! - Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 - Trail Review



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 Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

It is time for Luke it pass on his review of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 tent after multiple months of trail testing!

Link : https://www.bigagnes.com/Tiger-Wall-UL2


Friday, July 20, 2018

Sierra Designs Cloud 35 Sleeping Bag – Zipperless Sleeping Bag Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the Sierra Designs Cloud 35 Sleeping Bag which happens to be a Zipperless Bag; recently seen in the Maine Overnight Adventure.

Link to Adventure : https://youtu.be/9rVG9ObplV0



Link : https://sierradesigns.com/cloud-800-35-degree/
Price : Retail is $270 but it is common to see this selling for around $200
Weight : 1lb 7oz
Sizes : Regular and Long – This is the Regular version.
Versions : There is also a Cloud 20 degree back which is 1lb 13oz
Color – only available in blue.

REGULAR

·       EN Limit Temp Rating: 26F / -3C
·       EN Comfort Temp Rating:  36F / 2C
·       Fill Weight: 9.5oz / 268g
·       Minimum Weight: 1lb 7oz / 0.66kg
·       Sleeping Pad Sleeve Circumference:  45.5" / 115.6 cm
·       Fits Sleeping Pad (WxH): 20" x 2.5" / 51 x 6.4 cm
·       Fits Up To: 6' 0" / 183 cm
·       Length: 78in / 198 cm
·       Shoulder Circumference: 60" / 152 cm
·       Hip Circumference: 58" / 147 cm
·       Footbox Circumference: 40" / 102 cm
·       Mesh Stoarge Bag Size (LxW): 20 x 12" / 51 x 31 cm
·       Stuff Sack Size (L x W): 13 x 7" / 33 x 18cm
·       Mummy style bag

·      MATERIALS
o   Insulation: 800FP PFC-Free DriDown
o   Shell Fabric: 15d nylon risptop
o   Liner Fabric: 15d nylon risptop



·      KEY FEATURES
o   Patent pending zipperless design for more comfort
o   Oversized integrated comforter resemble all the comforts of your bed at home
o   Insulated shoulder pocket keeps comforter wrapped around you sealing out drafts
o   Patented self-sealing foot vent allows fast and easy ventilation
o   Sleeping pad sleeve keeps pad under you for comfort and warmth and replaces unnecessary bottom insulation
o   PFC-Free 800FP DriDown® and 15d nylon fabrics

Pros :
The whole no zipper thing….it works!
Incredibly lightweight for the temp rating.  No bottom down which saves on weight. You might be saying; Hey I want my down on the bottom and the truth is, no you don’t.. When you compress down It doesn’t keep you warm.. Loft gives you warmth.

Very comfortable – because of the design you can sleep how you want to and it’s easy to manage warmth and air. Think of this bag as a mix between a sleeping bag, a quilt and a comforter as you have a lot of options when it comes to use.  You can have your arms in, arms out, you can even rotate it and use it like a down quilt.

Packs down SUPER small thanks to the high fill down.

Excellent quality and materials.

The temp rating is 35F and I believe that you can reach that rating.  The lowest temps that I have experienced in this is 40F and it was incredibly warm.

I also like the "self sealing foot vent" that allows you to stick your feet out the bottom without undoing anything if they're feeling hot. It does not seem to let any warm air out when our feet are cold.

Cons :
My typical complaint with Sierra Designs is their color schemes; it’s a sleeping bag, who really cares of the color….but wait….I do.  It’s not bad but I wish that it wasn’t so vibrant. 

Because there is no zipper while tossing around in the night it is possible to pop out because you can’t seal it shut. The bag does tuck in on itself and you will have to be conscious of what you are doing to prevent it from unraveling.  Want to prevent the unraveling? Insert a sleeping pad into the back and you won’t have this problem…but then you could potentially get cold in lower temps.

Also with a sleeping pad inserted, the hood of the sleeping bag doesn’t wrap around my head comfortably.

For summer use I like the sleeping pad sleeve….but in the cooler months I don’t because it has a tendency to pull the bag away from your body which means that you will have cold spots.

Summary : I love this sleeping bag and so does my wife.  She has stolen this from me on a number of trips because she likes the ‘mummy’ feel.


Thursday, July 19, 2018

A Cot for Backpacking? - Go-Kot Camping Cot Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the Go-Kot Camping Cot which was most recently seen in the Military Surplus Overnight Adventure.

Link : https://youtu.be/V9sx2_WfnRY



Link :  https://store.campingcot.com

Price : Reg. $150 EL. $180

Sizes : 2 sizes; Regular 74” long / Extra long 84”

Colors : Peacock Blue, Coyote Brown, Gray, Navy Blue, Red, Green, Black and more.

Assembled: 26"W x 74"L x 8"H

Carrying Bag: 8"W x 28"L x 3"H (Included)

Weight: 9 lbs.

Made in the USA
Capacity: 350 lbs.

Review :
Pros :

Truly excellent design.

Lightweight compared to many outdoor cots.

Small form factor.

Can be carried for backpacking purposes

Excellent materials.

Good length and width

Very stable

Easy to put together.

Easy to take down.

Provides lots of support for those which back, hips and knee issues.

Recognizable brand as they have been around since the 70’s.

Floor guards are included.  For this type of money they should be included and I am glad that they are. They are meant to protect hardwood floors and tent floors.

Cons :

Even though there are more expensive cots out on the market this one isn’t cheap but it is made with top notch materials and it is made in the USA.

Even though it is lighter than a lot of cots, it is still heavy at almost 10lbs.  When getting the details ready to film this video I saw a review on Amazon that stated that it’s so light that it;

“it doesn’t add hardly any weight to our backpacks!”

That’s complete rubbish as you WILL notice 10lbs of weight in your pack but; for that ten pounds you are getting a very comfortable cot to sleep on.

The cordura material is rough to sleep on; not a problem if you are inside of a sleeping bag but not the most comfortable if you have just a blanket.

Summary :

I didn’t think I would like the Go-Kot as much as I have and that’s based on my previous experiences with other cot products.. I have military cots, cots from other companies and in most cases they aren’t products that I would really recommend for numerous reason but the Go-Kot is different.

It’s a very smart product which features a truly ingenious design which I haven’t seen before.

While it isn’t the cheapest cot, it is by far not the most expensive.  Cots can be expensive with prices going up into the $300 range when it comes to backpacking models.

This cot is very easy to put together and easy to take down; can be done in a minute.  This is important because some cots can be hard as FUNK to put together…I have some which literally require two people.

The Go-Kot isn’t the lightest but when you factor in a balance of weight, price, ease of use and durability, it hits all of the important marks for a great cot.