Blog Posting From My Smartphone - Test 1
Editor
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd.
SHOT Show 2012 - Las Vegas
That, my friends, is a remote controlled helicopter the size of a VW with thermal, infrared and stabilized video imaging. How cool would it be to scout for elk or look for lost hikers with this thing? Yea it is! How much? If you have to ask, it's too much.
Spent the day at the SHOT Show in sin city and frankly it was more than a enough time. Good lord there is a lot of useless junk on display here and there are way too many end user slash consumer types looky looing around. I have a hard time getting anything productive done because there are just too many freaking people but I did a have a number of good meetings. Got to meet the Hill People Gear guys and we had a nice session about current and future products. More to come on that later. Good guys and a great story.
Sitka has some new items including a brand spanking fresh camo pattern pictured below. Met Patrick Smith of Kifaru and got to talk with him for a while. He seemed genuinely pleased that I was going to be recommending his Slick sleeping bag. Otte Gear, Massif and Arcteryx LEAF all have cool products on the way. Uber (get it, they are German) boot maker Lowa adds an insulated hunting model to its line and Mystery Ranch had some new pack stuff too.
Sitka Gear has a new camo pattern called Optifade Marsh. So what, now we are hunting ducks? It is cool but it looks like it would work in the desert too because what I think are feathers look more like scales to me but then again maybe I have spent too much time in rattler country.
I will have more detail on these as well as other news later but right now I gots to get on a aero plane and get outta here. Hasta broheims.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
The Shadow Warrior
And "manworld" sounds like a great place. Cheers to you "Sam" and to those like you.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Selling Out
Here's the rub. Not five minutes later they run a commercial where the announcer says that Eastmans Hunting TV is proudly sponsored by...you guessed it...Havalon knives. Coop turns to me with a look of incredulity that only a 13 year old can muster and says hey that's the knife he just recommended, what's that all about? Yea, I know. That's the problem. Does Mike Eastman really believe that knife is the best or is he just selling advertising space?
You see it in the magazines too. This is how it works folks, this is how you sell out, sell product and make money in this business.
Speaking of TV, I have not seen it yet because I don't get The Sportsman Channel but I hear that the new Meateater show is a good one. Can't wait to see it myself.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Injured Personnel Carrier By Agilite
Here is a slick little video that illustrates a scoop and run by one person in a tactical scenario but it is pretty straight forward even if no one is shooting at you. It's packs small, is very strong and weighs less than a pound. It won't work for all carry-outs but it will work beautifully for some.
If you are responsible for people in the field, you should consider this device for your kit.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Best Truck Box and Travel Case
Waterproof, dustproof and crushproof. The Pelican #1660 is perfect for hauling gear whether it is in the back of the truck or on an airplane. Note the heavy duty carry handles, reinforced padlock holes, wheels and drag handle.
You will remember a few months ago I wrote about a hunt we were on in Southeastern Arizona with the film crew of the new show Meateater. One of the things that impressed me was the amount of gear that those guys traveled with and how difficult it must be to manage that whole process. I am planning a few trips in the near future so I started playing with some ideas on what to take with me and how to take it on a plane then transfer it to a rental vehicle or helicopter. More on that later.
At the same time, I have been looking for some sort of an upgrade from the cheap Rubbermaid Actionpackers I have been using as truck boxes. Thanks to a number of readers and the good folks at Pelican, I have found what I was looking for.
Pelican is world renowned for making top notch instrument cases and I have always appreciated their products but they also make foot locker size gear trunks for the U.S. and Canadian military. The model #1660s pictured above measure 29x20.75x17.5 externally. Not only are they significantly bigger than my 24 gallon Actionpackers but they are infinitely more protective and will carry everything I have except for two items. Due to their length, I have to carry my scoped rifle and full size ice axe in a separate Pelican #1720 case.
The #1660 case features double throw latches, piano hinges, automatic pressure equalization valve, a lifetime guarantee and comes with lid and floor foam as well as three layers of Pick 'N' Pluck customizable foam. They come in three colors; Desert Tan, Black and OD Green.
Forgive me if I gush (a little uncharacteristic for me I know) but these cases are, in a word, awesome. Yes, I am going with awesome. They are big, burly and super cool. Best of all, they work as advertised. Strike that. They work better than advertised. If you value your gear these are the containers you gotta have. Period.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Christmas Gift Ideas For Last Minute Shoppers
I figure there a lot of you out there in that situation so here are some slam dunk, can't miss, easy to get, last minute gift ideas. Run down to your local REI or bookstore and get;
- SPOT Satellite Messenger - the regular SPOT 2. It is simple, reliable and should be a part of every outdoorsmans kit
- Surefire G2X Pro Flashlight - it is the best hand held torch on the market
- Marmot Precip Jacket - lightweight, technically correct, inexpensive protection from rain, snow and wind. It is also available in all kinds of sizes and colors
- Victorinox Classic SD swiss army knife - I am sure he had one of these but the TSA probably took it away from him on his last business trip since it is such a menacing weapon. Besides, you can never have too many of these
- a couple of new Nalgene bottles, 32 ouncer are most common
- a pair of Black Diamond Trekking poles (I like the Ultra Distance Z models myself)
- a dozen instant hand warmer packs to replace the expired ones he has
- Petzl Tikka Plus 2 headlamp - it is the best on the market in my opinion
- Victorinox Soldier folding knife
- or go to a book store and get a book called INSIDE SEAL TEAM SIX - MY LIFE AND MISSIONS WITH AMERICAS ELITE WARRIORS by Don Mann. I have had the honor and pleasure of spending some time with Chief Warrant Officer Mann and he is a kick. The book reads like you spent a few hours with him in a bar over a few pitchers
- or take the slacker route and just get him a $100 gift card so he can pick out whatever he needs slash wants
So what do I want from Santa this year, a custom goose down bivy jacket (the kobuk) from Nunatak and another #1660 Pelican Case to transport my gear.
I wish you all the the very best for the holidays and please don't forget to keep our public safety and military personnel in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Raw Notes From The Field - Mountain Snow
weather is big news in the az. here are our friends from tv channel three strategically positioned in payson at the intersection of highways 260 and 87...right between mcdonalds and pizza hut. lol.
like the sign says, happy jack, arizona. you can also fill up with gas and get a good meal at the cafe. nice folks
this won't mean anything to anyone except my family but it is always nice to see that distinctive green isn't it? I can spot it a mile away. this one was behind the post office and supplying enough juice to run the whole place. hi grampa! I miss you.
the weather knocked out the electricity in happy jack but who needs the power company when you have an onan generator. it is an old set but they said it runs like a top. of course it does, it's an ONAN!
northern arizona got as much as 30 inches of new snow from this storm and there is more to come later in the week. whoo hoo!
nothing lasts forever. four of the eight heavy duty rubber straps on my msr snowshoes broke about a mile in. upon close inspection they were all brittle and cracked. the moral of this story is; inspect your gear closely and regularly then repair slash replace as necessary. rookie mistake but i paid for it by post holing another nine miles without them.
- the knotty pine cafe (i always think of it as the naughty pine cafe) in payson was closed but i found a new restaurant called mackeys (sp), great food, good service
- stopped in to say hello to the folks at "chasing a dream outfitters", if you are an archer and in the payson area you should check 'em out
- i keep thinking i need to switch to bfg all terrains like i always do but these michilin ltx a/t2 tires continue to amaze me. they are quiet and smooth but have shown exceptional traction in the rain, snow, ice and even mud
- i would like to find some suspenders for the built in loops on the arborwear stretch tech pants
- arborwear stretch tech pants dry quickly
- again, controlling your physical exertion, the lightest base layer you can stand and a properly featured shell combined with active ventilation techniques is the best way to manage moisture, stay dry and keep warm while you are working hard on the mountain
- active ventilation examples are (when you can't take your shell off); remove hat and gloves, expose wrists, unzip t-neck to expose neck, open pitzips, loosen waist and hem cords, open main zipper as much as practical, stop occasionally and let the shell fall back off of your shoulders so your back is exposed and has a chance to cool off
- snow shoes rock. post holing in thigh deep snow burns a lot of cals, makes you sweat and generally sucks
- wilderness athlete altitude advantage pills are a great alternative to diamox or other prescription remedies for the effects of going up high
- do full dress rehearsals with your gear before you head out then do some practice runs in a "safe" place. it will save you time and frustration when it's show time
- does anybody else remember obermeyer zip t-neck base layers? the neck was double thickness when worn normally but when unfolded it was long enough to cover your mouth, nose and most of your face like a turtle neck is supposed to. the zipper was for ventilation. genius
- helly hansen odin baselayer high neck top is mostly mesh or fishnet, has thumb holes, nose wipe wrist overs, half zip t-neck and wicks better than any other base i have ever used. it is also soft, stretchy and very comfortable
- fishnet base layers are super great until someone, like the kid working the register at the gas station, sees you wearing them. it is hard to explain. i highly recommend them for woman though!
- hh fishnet base, rei activestretch half zip t-neck top, patagonia micro puff jacket and arcteryx theta ar shell jacket make up the best cold slash foul weather system i have come up with yet. light, effective, flexible. absolutely fantastic
- all shell jackets should have SPOT pockets on the shoulder
- make sure you are not standing directly under tree branches during or right after a heavy snow or you will get sloughed on
- trees sloughing snow sounds cool, like distant explosives
- godaddy needs an app that allows me to send short messages out through my site using my smartphone. sort of like twitter
- stop, look around, enjoy where you are and what you are doing
- take notes, make improvements, be a better slash stronger outdoorsman
hasta broheims
Raw Notes From The Field - Desert Rain
monster weather rolls through central and northern arizona. heavy rain in the deserts and boat loads of snow above 4000 feet. great fun for us and another splendid (yea i said splendid) opportunity to spend all day and night using different pieces of gear; boots, base, insulation shell layers.
mcdowell rains.
during last nights rain storm i was up in the mcdowells hiking laps on my test track. it was raining hard and the temps were in the low 40s so it was perfect for moderate conditions activity. severe cold and hot are easier to deal with then something more in the middle because it is too warm to freeze the precipitation and too cold, wet and blowing to go without a shell. tough situation for a shell that is trying to protect you from the elements while also trying to manage the perspiration which is why it is a good test.
i was reminded of a couple of foul weather hiking truths. active ventilation is much more effective when using a more traditional hardshell because the air channels from your sleeve cuffs to your collar opening that move perspiration up and out stay open better. a shell with less structure tends to collapse and stifle the process. second, always wear the thinnest long sleeve zip t-neck base layer you can stand while you are humping over hill and dale (sorry dale). you will stay warm as long as you are moving and the less you have on the quicker the perspiration dries.
todays gear list
tad gear raptor event shell jacket
marmot precip shell jacket
kui chugach shell jacket
arborwear stretch tech pants
rei polartec power dry zip t-neck top (heavyweight)
rei activestretch half zip top
under armour boxer briefs
danner xstsatic socks
yates uniform rappel belt
hanwag mountain light boots
lowa ranger gtx
i'll let ya'll know how it goes up north. later taters.
GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
I was trained to use the traditional mountaineers clothing layering system and it has served me very well over the years. Base, insulation, and shell. With a very few exceptions, that's it. Of course the sum success of the layering system depends entirely on it's parts and they have to compliment each other to work properly.
I recommend the REI Polartec Power Dry Zip-Ts in their various weights for my base although I am seriously thinking of going back to the good old polypropylene, it's softer and more comfortable over long periods. I recommend a number of different shells but my top three at the moment are the Marmot Precip, Kuiu Chugach and Arcteryx Theta AR Jackets. As for insulation layers there are two flavors; goose down and synthetic.
My favorite synthetic insulations are Climashield and Primaloft. Climashield jackets are still pretty scarce but there are a bunch of Primaloft tops to choose from. In fact, I have tested a half dozen over the past year and a half. The one I prefer, by a significant margin, is the Micro Puff Jacket made by Patagonia.
A good insulation layer is critical to an effective protective clothing system. It should fit easily and comfortably between the base and shell layers. It keeps you warm by insulating your body from the cold but because of it's construction, it is fragile and has to be protected by the outer shell layer. Here I am wearing an Arcteryx Theta Ar over the Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket.
The Micro Puff is a medium thickness insulation piece made for movement and moderate to cold temps. It is not made for bivouac or extreme cold, that requires a heavier, thicker layer made of premium goose down.
The Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket is made of a very light, windproof polyester exterior fabric treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) and stuffed with Primaloft One synthetic insulation. It has two hand warmer and two internal chest pockets, stuffs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper and my size extra large weighs just 19 ounces.
As I said earlier, there are numerous synthetic insulations and many more examples of light insulation layer jackets out there. I scoured the market and tested what I believe to be the best available. My choice is the Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket. It is sized properly throughout, made well, efficiently designed and has an exceptional warmth to weight ratio. It is an integral part of my system and I depend on it to help keep me performing at a high level and in the field longer. Check it out.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Raw Notes From The Field - Good Snow
out in the middle of nowhere, all by itself. a random place for a forest service bathroom but as you can see it was snowing hard so the shelter was a welcome surprise. that is my trusty black diamond trekking pole holding the door open and the kuiu chugach jacket hanging from it.
my vhf radios have the noaa weather radio frequencies programmed into them and on friday i listened regularly to hear how good this storm was going to be. i also watched the area radar on my motorola droid via the weatherbug app (it is the best weather app i have seen for smart phones). everything pointed to heavy snow, low temperatures and strong wind which is exactly the kind of conditions i was hoping for so i hit the road and headed north for the mogollon rim. i wasn't disappointed.
i spent the day hiking in the storm which is the best way in my opinion to really test gear. envrionmental test chambers and computer programs are fine for some things but you really don't get a sense of how something really works until you get it out in the field in real world situations use it hour after hour. besides, i love being out in this kind of weather anyway but having a genuine purpose while i am out there makes me feel like i can't turn back even if i wanted to. sort of like being on a sar mission again.
north central arizona. 7450 foot elevation. 24 degrees. 6 to 8 inches of new snow
todays gear;
lowa creek II gtx boots-warm, waterproof, easy to walk in forever on flats and moderate terrain. these are outstanding light and medium duty lace up insulated snow boots
smart wool light walking crew socks-still the best socks i own
underarmour 9 inch boxer briefs-my skivvies of choice for several years now. i wonder if they make them in full length
arborwear tech stretch pants-treated with nikwax dwr to shed precipitation. by far my favorite pants and they even do well in foul weather although they can't replace my shell bibs and pants
yates uniform rappel belt-a staple
rei power dry zip t-neck base top-heavy weight model, while i love polartec power dry material it is not nearly as comfortable to wear for long periods as the old rei poly pro (thankfully i have a bunch of these). effective at keeping me dry and warm but not as soft or flexible as the poly pro which is kind of a bummer
rei activestretch half zip top-an absofreakinglutely fantastic piece of gear that i have had but not used very much. i forgot just how good it was and how much i liked it. i like it best on top of a lightweight poly pro zip t-neck top but it could be worn on its own. it is soft, easy to move in and provides a ton of insualtion for its weight. and it is available in both sport and stealthy colors. that is my new bestest base top combo
hanz gloves-still the best light slash medium all purpose gloves ever made. period
kuiu chugach jacket-performed beautifully no matter how hard i worked or how heavy it snowed. the hood works particularly well with my hardcore outdoor baseball caps. still needs some elastic in the cuffs so you can keep them properly adjusted while donning and doffing the jacket. the chugach is properly cut for wearing layers and using active ventialtion techniques. great jacket so far and the stretch feature is growing on me
jubo mountaineering glasses-very good
black diamond trekking pole-perfect
spot satellite messenger gen 2-outstanding. performance was unaffected by the snow storm or being buried under 6 inches of snow. i talk to regular people all the time that are big hikers and backpackers who don't own a spot and it absolutely amazes me. i am telling you, every one of you should be carrying one of these every time you leave the ruck. period. end of story.
blackhawk tsunami hydration pack-carries 100 ounces of water and has two compartments just big enough for me to accomidate the contents of my hill people gear kit bag. water, comms, navigation, fire, medical, signaling and light all in one compact easy carrying little pack. pretty slick
i have a question, how do tactical guys cover there tracks in snow situations?
action packers by rubbermaid are a good way to store and transport your gear but they are not dustproof, waterproof or shockproof and that is a problem for me
i have been looking for an alternative to my 24 gallon actionpackers because they offer only minimal protection from the elements and they are not suitable for air transport but i can't find anything close to the same size made by anyone like pelican or skb. i have to believe that i am not alone in my search for good truck boxes.
Tour of Duty - Australia's Secret War - Six Part Documentary
Check out the series here on YouTube. I would prefer a little more attention be paid to the gear but other than that I thought it was excellent content and very well done. The soldiers, of course, are bad cats and you gotta love the facial hair. Top notch.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Twin Engine Plane Crash - Superstition Mountains - Pinal County Arizona
A good view of the Western face of legendary Superstition Mountain, the area of the crash. It was hard to tell exactly where the plane hit from the night time news helicopter coverage but it was near the top. This should give you an idea of the kind of terrain rescuers are working in.
The Pinal County Sheriff is working a twin engine plane crash tonight up high on the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains West of Phoenix. Six people reportedly left Falcon Field in Mesa at about 1830 Wednesday night bound for Safford, Arizona and a Thanksgiving Day celebration with family and friends.
A surveillance camera caught the explosion and subsequent fires from miles away to the South and was posted here on YouTube shortly after the news broke. Pinal County Deputies and SAR Techs were flown in by an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter and are looking for survivors amongst the strewn out wreckage and fuel fed fires.
I know this area very well. I have been hiking the Sups since 1975 and been involved in many search and rescue missions on and around the Flatiron slash Siphon Draw area. As the picture above clearly shows, it is incredibly steep and rugged terrain with shear cliffs all around. It just doesn't get much tougher than this folks. Gods speed to the first responders and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that were on board. Always hard any time something like this happens but particularly poignant at Thanksgiving.
UPDATE - I have done several telephone interviews with local TV stations talking about what rescue crews are dealing with up there and the truth is that is is about as difficult as it gets. Each SAR mission presents its own unique set of problems and challenges that have to be identified, assessed, negotiated and eventually overcome. This one had just about all the bad boxes checked. The only thing not going against Pinal last night was the weather but even that is expected to change late this afternoon.
It is daylight now and we can see exactly where the plane hit the mountain. It is at the very top in the hoodoos just to the North of the Flatiron about a half mile as the crow flys. Channel 10 News Helicopter pilot Rick Crabbs, a former MCSO pilot I have flown with many times, said that another 100 feet or so and they would have cleared the top and missed the mountain completely.
As far as we know, a father, his three young children, and two other adults were on board and now presumed dead. Based on what I can see of the scene and the mechanism of injury it was all over in a millisecond. No one suffered.
A time lapse picture of DPS "Ranger" coming in to land on the Flatiron. Note the still burning wreckage where it came to rest at the base of the hoodoos.
A shot from the top of the hoodoos looking South Southwest at the Flatiron (now being used as a mountain LZ to shuttle rescuers and investigators to and from the scene) and the town of Apache Junction down below. The crash site is immediately below the tall rocks (hoodoos) in the center right foreground.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Football, Sunsets and Life Lessons
Late fall in Arizona and we're still playing football. Good advice: stop and smell the roses every chance you get. Checking out a beautiful sunset works too.
"Hey Coach Nelson, come take a picture with us, stand right here." Argonauts Football is a very successful, championship level program that teaches young men more than just good technique. These Bantam division players are about to learn an important life lesson, there are always consequences to your actions. See you Tuesday boys and bring your running shoes! Insert evil, diabolical, maniacal laugh here ;)
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Digital Recording Binoculars From Sony - Camcorder Binoculars
Anyway, this seems like a great idea and it is certainly more affordable for what I am sure is a relatively small niche in the market so you might want to check them out if you are a long range reconnaissance slash surveillance type, high end hunter, wildlife biologist, etc, etc.
Front end view.
Side view.
Here is a YouTube piece I found describing them and this is how Sony describes the product. I am working on getting a set to test and evaluate in the field so stay tuned for more on these later.
"Share the thrill of discovery with your friends and family with these DEV-5 digital recording binoculars which combine the magnification capabilities of binoculars with the recording capabilities of a camcorder. Featuring high magnification of up to 20x total zoom (10x optical and 10x digital) and two Full HD sensors, close in on your subject then press 'record' to capture incredible 1920x1080 3D or 2D Full HD video to view on your HDTV or 3D TV when you get home. Perfect for birdwatching, star-gazing, outdoor adventures and sporting events, Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization technology reduces blur for clear, crisp video and sharp 7.1MP still photos. Featuring a Sony "Exmor R" CMOS sensor, you get remarkable performance in low-light conditions for those dusk and twilight birding excursions, while a professional-quality G Lens delivers brilliant color and amazingly detailed images in any setting. A built-in GPS receiver makes these binoculars the ideal choice for travelers, as you can view your current location on the LCD map display and even tag your photo and video shooting locations."
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Raw Notes From The Field - Steve Rinella - MeatEater
the galiuro mountains, southeastern arizona.
coues deer hunting with steve rinella and his film crew for a new show called "meateater". from left to right wade (we had two wades and and two codys), dan, steve, mo, cody, cody and me taking the picture.
spent a couple interesting days with steve rinella hunting coues deer in unit 32. you may know steve from his "wild within" show on the travel channel which was one of the very few hunting type shows i actually liked. the travel channel didn't like to call it a hunting show but how else do you categorize it when the host has a rifle in his hands, is hunting, shooting then cooking and eating the animals. he has a new show called "meateater" to be aired on the sportsman channel.
aside from being out in the boonies under threatening skies looking for whitey my favorite part of this trip was talking with the production crew about how they do their jobs under such diverse and adverse conditions. these are guys that have to be in the outdoors and get the job done regardless of weather, terrain and comfort. it is not life or death but the problems they face are not unlike those faced by wilderness law enforcement, backcountry search and rescue, wildlife biologists, military special ops, etc. they are not in wild, remote locations for fun but vocation and there is a lot of extra job specific gear that has to be humped in, maintained and operated to acheive their objectives. it is a cool gig but full of challenges. right up my alley.
i was facinated by their process of traveling from one place to another with all your gear. The what you bring, how you organize it and what you put it in is an interesting problem.
we talked alot about gear and it was no surprise that we shared many of the same favorites from names like outdoor research, lowa, jetboil, vortex, and arcteryx.
as for me, i used; hanwag mountain light boots, smartwool heavy weight trekking socks, arbor wear stretch tech pants, yates uniform rappel belt, under armour 9 inch boxer briefs, smartwool lightweight merrino wool long sleeve crew neck base top, hanz gloves, patagonia nanopuff jacket, kuiu chugach jacket, blaze orange hardcore outdoor cap, kifaru slick sleeping bag, therm-a-rest prolite plus pad, mystery ranch crew cab backpack, swarovski 15x56 binos, manfrotto 055xv tripod (it the tall one because I was doing a lot of standing), outdoorsmans pan head and binocular adapter, wiggys pillow, hill people gear kit bag (with SPOT, icom radio, acr firefly 3 strobe, garmin foretrex 401, first aid and fire kits, zeiss miniquick), black diamond trekking pole, jetboil sol ti stove, and a crkt abc er fixed blade knife.
wanted to use the iridium extreme sat phone but have not received it yet. bummer.
the kifaru slick bag worked better than expected. honestly, i thought it was too wispy and that the temp rating of 20 degrees was a little optimistic. i was wrong, the climasheild synthetic insualtion kept me warm and the kifaru design is dead on. love the collar. still think they should give you a stuff bag though. more testing to do on it but so far so good and i am pleasantly surprised, although i really shouldn't be, kifaru is a pretty good outfit with a strong following.
am news items from the drive down and back
lsu beat bama. bummer.
if i hear one more so called expert refer to "skill players" i am going to have to drive block them through a wall. so that can only mean that linemen are "unskilled". ridiculous and obviously a term coined by a skill player (back or receiver) or more likely by someone who has never buttoned a chin strap. i suggest that anyone who thinks a linemen is not skilled has never played those positions nor could they. i dare you to tell a nick mangold or michael roos that they are not skilled players and see how long it takes for the resulting injuries to heal.
and how exactly does it make sense that such paragons of virtue as lindsay lohan, paris hilton, and charlie sheen make anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 per tweet for something called micro endorsements. sure, i believe that those celebrities drive toyota mini-vans, stay in comfort inns, shop at old navy and of course i will run right out and patronize those establishments just because they take time out of their busy schedules to tweet about them. we live in a topsy turvy world folks.
UPDATE - STEVE AND HIS CREW FILLED HIS TAG THIS MORNING. CONGRATULATIONS GUYS, WELL DONE.
Raw Notes From The Field - The Outdoorsmans
on todays list was a ruger lcp to go in my hill people gear kit bag, a new manfrotto 055xv tripod, and a mid power hi end set of binoculars. i have my vortex viper 6x32s (which are now avaialble in hd) for close in work and wearing around my neck. i have my swarovski 15x56s for long range glassing. to compliment these two, occupy the middle ground and serve in an all around bino capacity when i can only take one pair i have been considering another swarovski, the swarovision 8.5x42 el. cody nelson, now i have to distinguish cody nelson from cody goff, suggested that the swarovision 10x50 el might be a better choice. why? because they basically have the same exit pupil, are only slightly bigger and heavier yet offer a little more power without much of a fov penalty. plus, they sit right in the middle of the other two so I would have 6s, 10s and 15s instead of 6s, 8.5s and 15s. can't argue with his logic so i compared them side by side.
first and foremost, as i have written here before, the swarovision els in any and all powers are absofreakinglutely beautiful. you couldn't go wrong with any of them. other big advantages are warranty, customer service and their ability to work with the outdoorsmans bino adapter system so swarovski is an easy choice. regarding which one, as much as i hate to admit it, i think little brother is right this time. the 10x50 els are the better choice for me.
wrestling with a similar conundrum? call cody and talk to him, then ask him about the special swarovski z5 scope he used to spank that funny looking coues deer last week. it had the 4w reticle and an outdoorsmans turret on it.
GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Hill People Gear Kit Bag - Chest Pack
The essentials. Signaling, first aid, communications, fire starting and navigation gear that I want with me all the time is carried in a Hill People Gear Kit Bag that I wear on my chest.
All zipped up with just the VHF radio antennae sticking out. The Kit Bag measures 12 inches wide, 8 tall, 3 thick and as currently configured weighs 3.3 pounds.
The separate pistol pocket is placed closest to the chest and is easily accessed.
This is how I normally mount the speaker mic for the VHF radio. It is easy to use but out of the way.
A look at the contents as they are stowed. While the Kit Bag could be a touch smaller for my specific use, the extra room makes getting to the equipment and putting it back where it belongs exceptionally easy. Top to bottom and left to right; Fire, first aid, VHF radio, SPOT, Garmin Foretrex 401, ACR Firefly 3, Petzl Tikka 2 Plus headlamp.
Here is the Kit Bag being used in the field with a Camelbak Linchpin daypack.
Not everybody likes the idea of wearing a chest rig but once you try it you will appreciate the utility, convenience and tactical benefits of the concept. I learned a long time ago as a SAR Tech-EMT and Ski Patroller how helpful enhanced radio harnesses from Cascade Toboggan and Conterra were. I also found utility vests from Tactical Tailor and Blackhawk very functional. The Kit Bag from Hill People Gear occupies the middle ground between a radio harness and a vest and puts to good use that often wasted ventral space.
Operationally, a chest rig makes sure that you have ready access to your most critical gear and that it is always with you even when your pack isn't. The Kit Bag is the best one of its kind although it could made even better. I would very much like to see the addition of a 2 by 4 inch patch of soft Velcro sewn across the front and swapping the static nylon straps for top grade elastic ones. Elastic straps will help it to ride better and be more comfortable over long periods of time.
I mentioned that the Kit Bag could be made a touch smaller for my taste. In fact they have a thinner version that gets rid of the middle pocket. I would like to see another version that gets rid of the gun pocket but retains everything else including the semi-rigid back that touches the chest. However, Hill People Gear is a small outfit so I may have to wait a while for that one.
Quality is very good, it rides well under a pack and it works beautifully. I like it, I use it in the field and I think that you should give it a whirl too. I am pleased to recommend it to you.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Kirkland Trail Mix - Individual Packages
We used to call it GORP or Good Old Raisins and Peanuts but trail mix is better because it also has M&Ms, almonds, and cashews. That is my Banana Boat lip balm for scale.
Here is another handy product from the good folks at Costco. Individually packaged, 2.5 ounce servings of great tasting, high energy Trail Mix. They are easy to carry, stay fresh longer and are a nice way to separate your rations for extended trips.
I love 'em and you will too unless you are some sort of commie pinko muckraking pot stirring troublemaker.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Inyati Sprayed In Bedliner
Clean as a whistle, neat as a pin and tough as nails. The Inyati Sprayed In Bedliner is one of the first things I do to a new truck. Note the factory look and detail that remains after the layer of urethane has been applied. Screws, drain holes and tie downs are intact and fully functional.
I admit it. I am a creature of habit. It is not that I don't like to try new things because I do but I won't change just for the sake of changing. I know what I like and I know what works for me so I tend to stick with those things that have proven over and over again to be reliable products. Here is a good example. Over the past 20 plus years I have owned pert near a dozen trucks and every time I get a new one there are a number of things I do almost immediately.
I put convex blind spot mirrors on the outside rears views. I switch out the OEM tires for high end all terrains models. I find a good spot and mount a dry chem fire extinguisher. I install a high performance air cleaner and last but not least, I schedule an appointment with the folks at Inyati for a sprayed-in bedliner. Inyati uses a thick polyurethane that is sprayed in hot and molds perfectly to the contours of the stock truck bed. The Inyati application is extremely neat and clean and I love the way it looks but first and foremost it is a functional product. Originally developed to preserve and extend the useful lives of underground mining equipment Inyati protects the bed from damage and rust. Drain holes and tie downs still work as intended and the skid resistant material makes the truck quieter.
It is amazing stuff and it can be used for other things too. Rocker panels, bed rails, flatbeds, trailers, toy haulers, etc. They will do custom projects but there is only one problem, Inyati is based in Arizona and operates out of three stores so if you want it you are going to have to come here. All I can tell you is that after having used it for so long on so many different vehicles, I think it would be well worth the road trip.
Great product, great people and a clean, heartburn free installation process that meets even my anal retentive obsessive compulsive expectations. It also comes with some sort of a warranty that they always tell me about but I never pay any attention to because I have never had to use it.
An added bonus for me is that Inyati also makes a great practical backdrop for promotional pictures. If you look back over the 160 or so articles on this site many of the product pictures are taken on the bed of one of my trucks. Sort of gives it an authentic, real world perspective I think. Don't you agree?
Inyati Sprayed-In Bedliners "The Best Bedliner In The World" is their marketing slogan. Is it accurate? Yep. I do believe it is.
UPDATE - A year and a half later and my Inyati looks good as new. As you can tell from many of my product pictures the original finish has held up very well. In fact, I don't think that it has faded at all which is proof that the optional UV stabilzer works.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Gear List For 2011 Coues Deer Hunt
The Mystery Ranch Crew Cab backpack in the expanded configuration sucked up all the extra gear that had to be shed from two other packs to make room for the carry out. With this pack I can always take my basic gear and then whatever else needs to be hauled back to the truck. That's why I love it.
My brother had a Coues Deer down in very rugged terrain and I rolled in to help carry it out but we also had another tag to fill, we were still hunting. I left the truck with my basic gear load out which would allow me to do a full day of glassing and bivy overnight if I needed or wanted to so my Mystery Ranch Crew Cab was in the compact, unexpanded configuration.
Here is the gear I used
WHAT I WORE
Lowa Tibet GTX boots
Danner Merrino Wool Flashpoint Over-The-Calf Socks
Arborwear Stretch Tech Pants
Yates Uniform Rappel Belt
Under Armour Loose Gear Long Sleeve t-shirt
Under Armour 9 inch Boxer Briefs
Hardcore Outdoor blaze orange cap
Maui Jim Ho'okipa sunglasses
ON MY PERSON
Bandana
Mini Sharpie permanent marker
Index cards
Storm Whistle on a 550 cord lanyard
Bannana Boat Lip Balm
Windicator Spray
Suunto M-9 Wrist compass
Black Diamond trekking pole with reflective decals and duck tape
IN MY HILL PEOPLE GEAR KIT BAG CHEST PACK
My home assembled first aid kit in an Aloksak waterproof envelope
My home assembled fire starter kit in an Aloksak waterproof envelope
ACR Firefly III Strobe Light
Petzl Tikka 2 Plus Headlamp
SPOT 2 Satellite Messenger
Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS receiver
Icom VHF radio with remote speaker mic and lithium ion battery
Zeiss Miniquick 5x10 monocular
Reflective tape squares
Bullfrog Sunblock gel envelope
Off Insect Repellant towelette
IN MY MYSTERY RANCH CREW CAB BACKPACK
Patagonia Micropuff Primaloft insulation layer jacket
Kuiu Chugach shell jacket
Hanz Nomex Gloves
Outdoor Research Balaclava
Wiggys Lamilite pillow (mostly for sitting on)
Camelbak 100 ounce Water Beast hydration bladder
Nalgene 32 ounce Cantene bag with Vitalyte drink
Nalgene 32 ounce Cantene bag with Wilderness Athlete Meal Replacement drink
Therm-a-Rest Pro Lite 3 three quarter length sleeping pad
Manfrotto Bogen 055CXPro3 Tripod with Outdoorsmans Pan Head and Binocular Adapter
Swarovski 15x56 SLC Binoculars
Surefire G2X Pro Flashlight
Oreo Cookies, Nature Valley Nut Clusters, Wilderness Athlete Peanut Butter Crunch food bars and Werthers hard candy
25 feet of 550 cord
Area topo map
Costco Baby Wipes
Game cleaning kit (Randall model 5 Camp and Trail knife, Havalon Piranta New Pro Trophy Skinner knife, P2 exam gloves, medium game bag)
Gerber Sportsmans Wood Saw
Spare lithium ion radio battery
I did not include my JetBoil Sol Ti stove, fuel and Ramen mix because it was so warm (low 80s to low 40s) but it would have been easy to add.
You might think I go a little too far on some things but I still have that old duty to act mentality and we were in a remote area. Also, because of my background, people will look to me if something bad happens so I have to be properly prepared, I wouldn't forgive myself if I wasn't. Truth is, I sort of like playing the support crew slash safety guy slash camera man role.
Everything worked very well, I am very pleased.
EDITORS NOTE - I got an interesting call this afternoon from a muckity muck in the industry who asked me if I knew what the total cost of everything on this list. I told him that cost was not a consideration in my evaluations but yes, as a matter of fact, I did have that number. As is the total retail cost of everything listed above is just under $7000.
If I were the one hunting and the weather were colder that number jumps to over $14,000. Pricey I know but that is absolutely the very best of everything I want with me in the field and not one single thing more. Add to that a $50,000 pickup, a $10,000 ATV, a $40,000 toy hauler, etc, etc and you understand why they call this market niche "the elite outdoorsman".
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Mystery Ranch NICE Crewcab Backpack
Finding a pack that will haul all your gear is not that difficult but finding one that can also accommodate an entire Coues Deer or a couple of elk quarters is. That has been the real bugaboo. The fly in the ointment. The turd in the punch bowl and the subject of many a late night discussion with my bro and several other like minded ne'er-do-wells. Until just recently we had to adapt, overcome and improvise by strapping our kit onto a freighter frame, persuade/entice/bribe a number of extra people into the field with us or actually go back to the truck, dump our hunting pack for a freighter and head back to the kill to pack it out. That becomes more problematic the farther back in the boonies you are. We always thought that there had to be a better way and, apparently, so did Dana Gleason. Leave it to the master pack maker of Dana Designs and now Mystery Ranch to come up with an innovative solution to the problem of occasionally hauling oversized loads in addition to your regular gear.
I present to you the Crewcab with NICE frame from Mystery Ranch in Foliage.
Two front pockets and two vertical wing pockets carry your basic gear and fold down over the cargo bay. The front pockets are not configured perfectly for me but I can certainly make them work. My Manfrotto 055CXPro3 tripod and Outdoorsmans Pan Head nestle nicely between the wing pockets. There is also a sizable zippered pocket on the inside back of the pack that works perfectly for a water bladder and Nalgene bottles.
A side view of the Crewcab shows the expandable bottom and cinch straps that take up all the room when it isn't needed. The waist belt is thick and tailored for a comfortable precise fit and has PALS straps for accessory pockets.
Thick and comfortable but firm and structured, this waist belt is one of the best I have ever worn. It is also easy to adjust so when you need to crank it down you don't have to ask for help. As I said, the harness is very well designed and extremely effective at supporting and distributing the load no matter how much it weighs. In fact, the ride gets better as the load increases.
Need to haul five gallons of water? Ammo cans? Cinder blocks? An entire Coues Deer, Antelope or a couple of big Elk drumsticks and still have all your gear with you? The Crewcab is one of only a few packs that do this trick while keeping the load well managed and under control.
OK, so I had to move my tripod. No biggie.
The wings spread open to create space for the additional cargo but they wrap, support and compress down on the load keeping it from moving around. The load stays tight and under control and I can still get to most of my gear.
Originally designed for the military but easily adopted by western hunters because the NICE Crewcab allows you to carry your basic gear and a whole lot more. There are a few things that I would change for a hunter specific version of this pack but I still expect it to perform better than most over the coming deer and elk seasons.
Here is what I can tell you now though, the Crewcab rides better, regardless of the weight of the load, than any other pack I have every worn with the exception of the Dana Designs Arcflex Astraplane Overkill, another of Gleasons creations. Stay tuned for further details and impressions on this and other top hunting packs we are testing.
UPDATE - The Crew Cab wins the coveted GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION because of its flexibility, carrying capacity, the way it rides when loaded, durability and most of all because of all the packs I own, it is the one I reach for when I go hunting or out to help a friend carry their kill out of the field. I don't think there is a better convertable pack on the market. Well done Dana.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Practical - Costco Baby Wipes
Kirkland Baby Wipes. Still the best mountain money around. Trailmix to buttwipe, Costco has you covered from one end to the other. You Costco folks are welcome to use that line if y'all want to. Really.
Everybody poops while out in the field, right? You can use regular old TP, the bottom half of your t-shirt or leaves butt (pun intended) I prefer Kirkland Baby Wipes from Costco. Unscented, soft, absorbent, and tough enough to prevent catastrophic breakthough. They even work if they get dried out.
I like to carry a small stack of these in a zip lock bag in my pack. Also works well for cleaning your hands, face or even a quick PTA bath in the field which is always refreshing and fun.
And another thing, its a good idea to have a few extra packages, or a case, of these at the house. Just in case.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Arizona Whitetail (Coues Deer) - Double Main Beam Non-Typical
Lots of time on the mountain and behind the glasses finally pays off. My brother, Cody Nelson, with his Arizona Whitetail Deer. This is not your average Coues Deer.
The double main beam on the right side is very unique. Our quick tailgate tape session came out to around 103 inches which is considered significant, certainly above average. Non-typical to say the least.
Cody and his best friend Cody Goff near the end of the carry out. Long day, incredibly rugged terrain and another good story but we aren't done yet.
My brother Cody (Wilderness Athlete Brand Manager), sent me a text early this morning saying that he had just shot a big buck but he and Goff could use a little help getting it out. At the time I was 30 miles away perched on a knob glassing for them since they have tags and I don't. When I got to where they were it was obvious this was going to be another one of those nasty Arizona carry outs. And it was to be sure but everybody got out safe and sound although dirty, sweaty, worn out and scratched up.
Here are the basics. Arizona early Whitetail hunt (Coues Deer), Unit 22, Remmington 700 30-06, Hornady Superformance, Swarovski Z5 with Outdoorsmans Ballistic Turret, 368 yards at an angle, 103 inches prelim.
Now it's Goffs turn to fill his tag.
Later.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Skipping Merrily Down The Road To Ruin
MAN LIVING AS "ADULT BABY" IS CLEARED OF SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD
By Stephen Dinan
The Washington Times
The California man who lives part of his life as an "adult baby" and collects Social Security disability payments says the federal agency has cleared him of wrongdoing and will continue sending checks.
Stanley Thornton Jr. now wants an apology from Sen. Tom Coburn, the Oklahoma Republican who called for the benefit review because the investigation disrupted the final months of life for his roommate Sandra Dias, who playacted as his mother, spoon-feeding him and helping him into his baby clothes until her death in July.
"We recently reviewed the evidence in your Social Security disability claim and find that your disability is continuing," the agency said in an August letter that Mr. Thornton posted on the website he maintains to document his adult baby lifestyle.
Mr. Thornton first gained prominence after he appeared on a reality television show and later after Mr. Coburn asked for the Social Security Administration to investigate him. The lawmaker questioned why he was receiving taxpayer-funded Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, commonly called disability checks, given the woodworking skills he demonstrated in May on the National Geographic channel television show "Taboo."
Dias died July 7, and Mr. Thornton moved out of the apartment they shared. He told The Washington Times they had made payments based on their combined disability checks, which came to about $860 a month for each of them, and he could no longer afford the home on his own.
"My best friend Sandra had to spend the last 3 months of her life being accused of something she didn't do. Having her family and 3 kids seeing her accused on the nightly news of something she didn't do," he wrote in an extensive post explaining the situation on the website he runs at BedWettingABDL.com for others who play-act as babies, wear diapers or wet their beds.
John Hart, a spokesman for Mr. Coburn, said Tuesday that the senator, who is also a medical doctor, is still puzzled by how "a grown man who is able to design and build adult-sized baby furniture is eligible for disability benefits."
"Yet, the problem is not with Mr. Thornton, per se, but with the politicians and bureaucrats who have coddled him," Mr. Hart said. "Disability fraud effectively steals from those who are truly disabled, while weakening the economy for everyone."
Mr. Hart expressed sympathies for Mr. Thornton over the death of Dias.
SSI is run by Social Security and pays benefits to aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income. The funds are paid out of general taxpayer revenues, not from payroll taxes.
The Social Security inspector general's office said it couldn't comment on the case without the permission of Mr. Thornton, who has not granted it to the agency.
Mr. Thornton said that during the course of the investigation he underwent a three-hour interview with Social Security investigators and an FBI agent over his disability status and whether he received any compensation from his participation in the reality-television episode.
In emails to The Times, he said he was exonerated by all of the agencies.
"Just thought I would let people know, I have been triple cleared of being accused by Senator Coburn of Social Security fraud," he wrote.
In the program, Mr. Thornton was shown playing in the adult-sized crib he built and seen working to build a wooden highchair. Mr. Coburn asked Social Security's inspector general to take a closer look at the disability program and Mr. Thornton's situation in particular to see whether beneficiaries were being paid by taxpayers even though they were able to work.
When The Times first contacted Mr. Thornton about the investigation, he acknowledged thoughts of suicide, saying he had "no problem killing myself" if his benefits were taken away.
"Take away the last thing keeping me here, and see what happens. Next time you see me on the news, it will be me in a body bag," he said.
In follow-up emails, he explained that Dias had just been hospitalized, and "so I was quite a mess mentally and at the time, wanted to throw in the towel and just end my life."
Mr. Coburn also had asked investigators look into why Dias was receiving disability payments "since she is able to provide child care" to Mr. Thornton. But Mr. Thornton said before her death that she, too, was cleared of abusing Social Security payments.
He said he doesn't spend much of his disability checks on his adult baby lifestyle, having bought many items earlier when he was working as a security guard. Some of his toys were Christmas gifts, and some of his other baby paraphernalia was bought with money he made by recycling bottles and cans.
"The only babyish items bought with SSI monies [were] wipes, powder and rash cream and that was because medical insurance only pays for the diapers for the incontinence," he said.
He said he still uses the same penguin-themed sleeper he received as a Christmas gift in 2002 and wears it sparingly because he doesn't have $300 to replace it. He said he still drives a Dodge Caravan with 145,000 miles on it and a front bumper held in place by a bungee cord.
Mr. Thornton said the television show paid for the materials for his highchair project and that he was in so much pain after the taping that he was bedridden for almost two weeks.
In an extensive biography on his website, he describes trauma stemming from childhood abuse, combined with other mental and physical problems that he said make it impossible to maintain employment, including the security guard position he held for 1 1/2 years.
Wasn't this an episode of CSI? I am sorry guys, I just can't help myself sometimes. I really should stop reading the news, it depresses me. On second thought, maybe I should apply for Social Security Disability.
Cheers and by cheers I mean have a drink.