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Gear Review - Argali Alpine 0 Degree Sleeping Bag
Overview: When it comes to cold-weather camping I'm certainly not a newbie, having weathered my fair share of snow storms and single-digit nights in my backpacking and backcountry hunting adventures over the last 30 years. And, due to investing in quality gear, I typically stay decently warm and comfortable. But sometimes the conditions are just more than the gear can handle. It's not to say that it's bad, but just not suited for the job at hand. That was the case with my col

Allen Crater
Nov 196 min read


Gear Review - Seek Outside Six-Person Tipi Hot-Tent Bundle
Overview: Ever since watching Brad Brook's fantastic film " Hunting The Last Wild Places I The Frank" I've wanted a hot tipi for my backcountry hunting trips. After a miserable Colorado elk hunt (at least from a weather standpoint) spent in a small backpacking tent with my two boys in 2023, I finally pulled the trigger on getting one for a 2025 return trip to the same place. The ability to have a shelter that provided warmth, a place to dry out, and ample space for boots

Allen Crater
Nov 76 min read


Gear Review - Poncho Performance Shirts
A comprehensive review of Poncho Outdoors' extensive line of performance shirts

Allen Crater
Jun 305 min read


Gear Review - Winston Air 2 Max Saltwater Fly Rod
A thorough review of Winston's Air 2 Max Saltwater Fly Rod

Allen Crater
Jun 305 min read


Gear Review: Woxna Hälsing Foldable Saw
Overview: I'm a sucker for handcrafted knives and tools. Sure, there's something practical about a synthetic handle on an axe, or knife,...

Allen Crater
Feb 34 min read


Gear Review: Venustas Men's Heated Silent Hunting Vest
Overview: While I spend a lot of time out-of-doors in inclement weather and sub-freezing temps, my tolerance for the cold just isn't what it used to be. Highly aerobic activities like winter hiking, upland hunting, or stalking big game aren't an issue, but less active pursuits like sitting in a duck blind, chasing whitetail from a tree stand during the late archery hunt, or winter fly fishing on the river can be a different story. And despite investing in some of the top gear

Allen Crater
Jan 284 min read


Gear Review: Maven CS.1A 15-45x65 Spotting Scope
Overview: Having recently completed my fourth DIY "Western" big game hunt, I've come to realize two things. First, the importance...

Allen Crater
Dec 3, 20244 min read


Gear Review: Maven CRS.3 4-20x50 Rifle Scope
Overview: I was due for an optics upgrade on my western hunting outfit – a HOWA .308. I wanted quality glass but didn't want to break the...

Kyle Crater
Dec 1, 20242 min read


Gear Review: Whiskey Leatherworks Traveling Mixologist Kit
Overview : The Whiskey Leatherworks Traveling Mixologist Kit classes up any outdoor occasion. The campaign-style waxed canvas (available...

Jon Osborn
Dec 1, 20243 min read


Gear Review: Simms Dry Creek Z Sling
Overview: When it comes to carrying gear while fly fishing, I've tried it all: vests, chest packs, hip packs, and sling packs. Regular...

Allen Crater
Jun 14, 20244 min read


Gear Review: Orvis Helios 4 Fly Rod
Overview: The new Orvis Helios 4 rods launched with significant acclaim over the past few months, and all these accolades made Allen and...

Jon Osborn
Jun 10, 20245 min read


Gear Review: Poncho Hidalgo Denim Shirt
Overview: Among my friends and family it's no secret that I love Poncho brand shirts. At last count I had eleven of them hanging in my closet – originals, short sleeves, and my favorite, the flannels. I've been known to preach the gospel of Poncho to anyone who will listen. Not long ago Poncho introduced their Denim line which is available in seven colors and promises a comfortable, worn-in feel with a touch of stretch. I ordered the Hidalgo , which is essentially a faded gr

Allen Crater
May 28, 20243 min read


Gear Review: Simms G3 Stockingfoot Guide Waders
Overview: In the scheme of things I fish a good number of days each year (never as many as I would like, but probably more than many),...

Allen Crater
Mar 18, 20245 min read


Gear Review: Exo Mtn Gear K4 5000 Pack System
Overview: I've been a backpacker for nearly 30 years – hiking trails across the country from New Hampshire's Mount Washington to Oregon's...

Allen Crater
Mar 4, 20248 min read


Gear Review: Schnee’s Beartooth 0G Boots
Overview: A common error among bird hunters is neglecting their feet. It’s easy to overemphasize the sexier aspects of the sport, like...

Jon Osborn
Nov 8, 20235 min read


Gear Review: Tricer-BC Hunting Tripod
Overview: The bull crested the ridge at just over 1,100 yards in a drainage to the north and moving in our direction, two cows following...

Allen Crater
Nov 7, 20234 min read


Gear Review: Gunner G1 Dog Kennel & Accessories
Overview: For many upland hunters and waterfowlers, a quality day afield isn’t defined by the sum-total of birds in the bag. On the...

Jon Osborn
Nov 6, 20237 min read


Gear Review: Optimus Elektra Fe Cook System
Overview: I remember my first backpacking stove purchased in the early 90's. The one that required the pump, pump, pumping of the fuel...

Allen Crater
Aug 17, 20232 min read


Gear Review: Costa Seeker 75-Liter Duffle Bag
Overview: I had been searching for a new travel bag for a while but wasn't really sure which route I wanted to go. Rollerbag? Duffle?...

Allen Crater
Jul 11, 20233 min read


Gear Review: Riversmith Quick Release Mount
Overview: Maybe I'm just lazy... If you recall my previous review of the Riversmith 4-Banger River Quiver (if you don't, you can find it...

Allen Crater
Jun 26, 20233 min read
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