gear

Nemo Spike Tent Review | The Lightest Tent Ever

Nemo Spike Tent Review | The Lightest Tent Ever

I’ve already talked about my new favorite tent on here (the Nemo Tracker), but I also had the chance to try out their super-minimalist, ultralight shelter…the Spike. The Nemo Spike is a single walled, one person, trekking pole supported tent. Coming in at 1lb. 13oz., this is one of the lightest fully enclosed shelters available today. The Tracker came out a couple years ago and got some pretty bad press for major condensation issues (a common complaint in a single-wall tent), but they redesigned some features to try and mitigate that problem. But…did it work?

First Lite Camo | How to Build a Layering System

First Lite Camo | How to Build a Layering System

Merino wool has been around for a while, and if you pay attention to hunting gear (which you probably do since you’ve found yourself on this site), you know that people are singing its praises. First Lite in particular has built quite a name for themselves as the finest merino in the business. But, is it really worth the cost? Should a hunter really head into the field with camouflage that costs more than the rest of their every day wardrobe? Is this sort of high-tech hunting gear truly necessary to find success in the field?

Nemo Tracker Tent Review | 2P Ultralight Shelter

Nemo Tracker Tent Review | 2P Ultralight Shelter

The Nemo Tracker 2 Person tent is an ultralight (right at 3 pounds) 2-wall tent designed for the serious backcountry hunter or backpacker. It comes from the collaboration between Nemo and First Lite in their Field Collection, which has produced some seriously amazing backcountry gear. The Tracker also comes in a 1P option, shaving seven ounces off the total weight, but still providing plenty of room to keep even a larger hunter comfortable out there. Dual entry with two generous vestibules make it actually possible to use it as a two-person tent without wanting to kill each other by the end of the trip, though if you use it as a one-person shelter you’ll have more room than you know what to do with.

Lock Laces | How Hunting Boots Should Fit

Lock Laces | How Hunting Boots Should Fit

I’m a guy who always seems to have problems getting my hunting or hiking boots to fit properly. I have a long, narrow, low-volume foot, so finding the right size is already enough of a challenge. Once I’ve found something close, the process is only just beginning…then it becomes about adding the right insoles, making sure I’m wearing the right hunting socks, and even experimenting with different boot lacing techniques to try and get them to fit right. Even with all of that, hot spots and occasional blisters still seemed to haunt me. Then I discovered Lock Laces…

Water in the Backcountry | Bladders vs. Bottles

Water in the Backcountry | Bladders vs. Bottles

I remember being a Boy Scout and seeing my first hydration-compatible backpack…I was blown away at the technology. You mean I could have a constant source of water accessible by simply grabbing the end of a straw on my shoulder strap and putting it in my mouth??? The future is now! I wasn’t able to purchase one at the time (you know, being 11 and all), but when I bought my first pack as an adult, you can bet that “hydration compatible” was on my must-have list. That was about 10 years ago now, and I’ve been rocking a water bladder as my primary method of hydration since then. But, is that still the best way to stay hydrated in the backcountry?

Cheek Weld Riser | Custom Fit Your Rifle for Cheap

Cheek Weld Riser | Custom Fit Your Rifle for Cheap

One key (but often overlooked) component of proper shooting technique is the cheek weld. The idea is that you stabilize the front of your rifle on a pack (or a bipod if you’re fancy), get the butt of the rifle stabilized and nestled firmly in your shoulder, then bring your cheek down to rest on the stock giving you a perfect line of sight through your scope. Piece of cake, right? Well…not always. If you’re one of the vast majority of hunters out there shooting a standard production rifle with a molded stock (like I am), then the odds that your stock, the scope height, scope diameter, necessary eye-relief, AND the shape of your face are all going to line up perfectly out of the box…well, if it does, you should probably stop and buy a lottery ticket on your way home from the range, ‘cause you’re a lucky dude.

Best Backpacking Gear | 4 Items You Should Upgrade First

Best Backpacking Gear | 4 Items You Should Upgrade First

We’ve talked about it before on this site, and it’s no secret to anyone who’s ever investigated backcountry hunting: backpacking can be expensive! That being said, it doesn’t have to be. I’ve always encouraged guys to scrape together whatever cheap and/or used backpacking gear they can get their hands on, and just get out there and get started. You can get a lot accomplished with a hand-me-down pack, a used sleeping bag with some life left in it, and a cheap (but not necessarily ultralight) tent. I spent years hunting the backcountry with just that setup (I was using the same mummy bag I bought in Boy Scouts, for crying out loud). I’ve boiled water over an open fire (and on a $10 Walmart camping stove), and I’ve put plenty of miles on cheap, slightly ill-fitting Cabela’s brand boots. It can be done. That being said, nice gear is always…well…nice. So, if you find yourself with several pieces of gear you’d like to upgrade but only so much money to go around (which is pretty much all of us), here are the items I would recommend upgrading first while letting your other stuff ride for another year…

Chairs for the Outdoors | Caring for your Keister while Glassing

Chairs for the Outdoors | Caring for your Keister while Glassing

The point is this: I’ve tried every conceivable sitting configuration, and still have yet to find the perfect solution. I’ve searched for the perfect log, the flattest rock, I’ve brought portable chairs along for the ride, and of course I’ve spent plenty of time sitting in the dirt. Eventually, my back, butt, or some other random body part will start aching, and I’ll have to change the situation. I’ve even been known to re-set my extra-tall tripod just so I can glass standing up for a while. So, what is the best option?

Vortex Optics Warranty | Is it REALLY that Good?

Vortex Optics Warranty | Is it REALLY that Good?

As the winter hunts came to a close here in AZ, I had two different pieces of Vortex glass that I had been procrastinating getting repaired. So, while I was a couple months away from my next hunting adventure, I decided to put that Vortex warranty to the test. I boxed up my rifle scope and binoculars, shipped them off to Vortex headquarters, and immediately felt naked (it’s a weird feeling to suddenly have two of your primary hunting tools out of your possession). But, here I sit just a few weeks later with all my glass back safely, and let me tell you just a couple reasons I’m now a Vortex guy for life…

Christmas Gifts for Hunters | 5 Great Gift Ideas for the Outdoorsman in Your Life

Christmas Gifts for Hunters | 5 Great Gift Ideas for the Outdoorsman in Your Life

What do you buy this hunter that he’ll actually use, that he’ll be excited to open, and that he’ll think, “how did you know this is exactly what I wanted?!?!” Unfortunately, Christmas shopping for the outdoorsman in your life can be like taking an off-hand shot at a running buck at 400 yards…you just hope you come close. Unless your hunter keeps a detailed list with hyperlinks to the specific model-number he wants (I’ve been told that takes the magic out of gift giving for the giver), or you’ve been taking copious notes all year long as your hunter rambles on and on about the next gear purchase he’s been considering (I’ve also been told that is just annoying), then how can you possibly surprise him by knowing exactly what he wants? Here are five ideas for awesome hunting gifts that any hunter would be happy to get, and would actually use…