HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUNTING, HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY

OMG That's A BFR - .950 Caliber

2012-02-02T18:29:17Z

This little item was sent to me by faithful reader, unofficial Hardcore Outdoor spell checker and all around good guy Terry Howell. The Youtube video is pretty self-explanatory but I would like to emphasize two points. At just 50lbs, this is the lightweight version and the .950 caliber bullet it fires weighs 2400+ grains. Good lord.

Supposedly the largest centerfire "rifle" ever made, I can only imagine that it was created as a novelty item or perhaps to hunt Godzillas in Japan I don't know. Crazy. You could not pay me enough money to shoot this thing, I hurt enough already.

Anyway enjoy and thanks Terry.

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.

Switching From Celox To Quikclot

2012-02-02T03:03:08Z

On the left is Celox Hemostatic Granules. On the right is Quikclot Combat Gauze. I am switching from Celox to Quikclot in my personal first aid kit and BLS jump bag.

Hemostatic agents like Celox and Quikclot stop major bleeds quickly which is why I carry them. I originally chose Celox because the Quikclot equivalent at the time generated a lot of heat and in some cases actually burned. While arresting a major bleed is more important than the discomfort of a resulting burn why use a product that creates more discomfort and problems, right? So I went with the Celox which worked just as well and didn't burn.

All that has changed. Quikclot no longer burns and now comes in the form of super medicated wonder gauze that is made to pack a wound which just intuitively makes more sense to me than powder or granules. The bigger reason I am switching is because I have talked to several medics with over a dozen tours between them in Iraq and Afghanistan who say they use the Combat Gauze (either the Z-Fold pictured above or a standard roll) and it works. That is good enough for me. Done deal.

Now, you don't have to be a hot shot field medic or be shot at on a regular basis to justify carrying a package of this stuff. It makes sense for any serious outdoorsman too. You have an AD and end up with an extra hole in one of your lower extremities. You take a big header off your mountain bike and impale yourself on a stab. You damn near cut a finger off cleaning a bull elk. Whatever it is, if there is a lot of red stuff oozing, squirting, gushing, flowing or otherwise hemorrhaging out of a body and onto the ground, this is and some good old fashioned direct pressure is going to help big time. I suggest you get a couple and put them in your permanent kit...just in case.

They weigh less than an ounce and measure 6x4x.5 inches packaged.

Here is a pretty good little training video on how the product is supposed to be used. Pretty amazing product. Gotta love technology.

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.

Blog Posting From My Smartphone - Test 1

2012-01-22T23:38:25Z

I have been looking for a better, quicker way to make short posts from the field but I don't want to do the Facebook or Twitter thing. GoDaddy has a new (at least it is new to me) feature that makes it possible for me to publish directly from my smartphone. That means I can work from the field without hauling my netbook or laptop around. Pretty cool.

Let's see how this first test post 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.

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.

SHOT Show 2012 - Las Vegas

2012-01-19T03:47:47Z

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

2012-01-12T05:35:36Z

If you get a chance, pick up the December 2011 issue of Men's Journal and check out an article called THE SHADOW WARRIOR by Matthew Teague. The title is over dramatic but what do you expect from todays armshaving mens magazine writers and editors. The article is OK but the subject of the story is awesome.

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

2012-01-11T04:32:08Z

Cooper and I were just watching Eastmans Hunting TV on the Outdoor Channel and Mike Eastman comes on to do what seems like a genuine, sincere gear review slash recommendation. He explains how great Havalon knives are. Well, Mr. Eastman, I agree. I gave Havalon a GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION almost three years ago but it is always nice to hear somebody, especially somebody famous, agree with me.

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

2012-01-11T01:36:52Z

Do you remember me telling you about carrying an injured hiker out of Siphon Draw in the Superstition Mountains? The woman had a broken ankle and we figured that, because of the extreme terrain, the safest and quickest way to evac her was to use a climbing harness and two pick-off straps to secure her to my back then a modified running belay down to a mountain LZ. Like good Mountain Rescue Technicians, we improvised that rig but the Injured Personnel Carrier from Agilite is engineered and made expressly for this purpose. I really like it.

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

2011-12-28T01:33:59Z

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

2011-12-19T02:06:42Z

Me and the Mrs. were at a holiday shin dig the other night and the big bosses wife limps over to me, her fancy new high heeled shoes were killing her feet (I don't don't how you women do it), and whispers to me that she has no idea what to get her hiker husband for Christmas. I got similar questions from about a dozen woman today at the Argos Football Club BBQ.

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

2011-12-14T21:20:35Z

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.

its that time of year when the winter storms line up and roll in like airliners. it's been a great couple of days in the rain and snow. here are some general observations and comments from my sessions;

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

2011-12-13T16:34:55Z

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

2011-12-06T04:01:00Z

The rain and snow continued today but it was colder and much windier than yesterday. No big deal for me because I have a clothing system made up of components that have proven over and over again to protect me in all but the most extreme conditions. However, I need to replace my Marmot TR6 Jacket because they don't make it any longer. Too bad, it was the only insulation liner jacket I know of that had pit zips.

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

2011-12-04T23:35:11Z

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

2011-11-29T23:11:45Z

Special operations units within the United States Armed Forces represent the state of the art in bringing pain and discomfort to the bad guys but there are other groups around the world that are also highly capable and respected. Tour of Duty - Australia's Secret War by Ten News is an outstanding documentary about Australia's best warriors and the job they are doing in Afghanistan.

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

2011-11-24T07:30:59Z

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

2011-11-21T20:21:04Z

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

2011-11-16T19:48:34Z

In July of 2009 I posted an article about the Zeiss Photoscope 85T FL and almost immediately got comments from readers saying what we really wanted was a set of binos with similar capability at half the price. Well, here you go. The Digital Recording Binocular 20x Zoom Dev-5 (Dev-3 has 10x Zoom) from Sony. Now I cannot opine as to how good or bad these are because I have not yet gotten the chance to use them in the field but I do know that Sony doesn't make any junk especially when it comes to camcorders. In fact, Sony makes the video cameras (HVR Z5U and HVR Z7U) that most of the popular outdoor reality shows like "Deadliest Catch" use.

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

2011-11-07T23:40:16Z

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

2011-11-02T20:33:29Z

i needed a few things so i took a little trip to the gettin place which for me more often than not is that little building on cave creek in phoenix called the outdoorsmans. still can't believe that they do as much business as they do out of such a small footprint. i have been a customer for maybe 10 years now and have always had a positive experience. there have been some personnel changes there lately and while i miss terry and wish him all the best my brother cody, his best friend cody and tom carry on a tradition of outstanding customer service and top level product knowledge which is why of course i continue to go there.

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

2011-10-28T20:18:38Z

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

2011-10-27T18:18:16Z

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

2011-10-27T00:43:57Z

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

Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Gear List For 2011 Coues Deer Hunt

2011-10-26T05:21:39Z

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

2011-10-25T05:52:47Z

With all the backpacks on the market you would think that it would be easy to find a good one for hunting but the truth is that there are not many that make the cut in my not so humble opinion. Of course it depends on what you are hunting, where, what time of year and how long you plan to spend in the field but for most western hunters the needs are surprisingly similar. You need enough room for your gear based on the situation, the ability to bring home a good part or all of what you shot, and a bag that will stand up to the challenge without crippling you in the process.

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

2011-10-24T17:32:39Z

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

2011-10-22T05:42:03Z

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

2011-10-19T22:05:21Z

Just in case you were having a good day let me jerk you back into reality. If you, like me, are feeling dizzy it is because we are circling the drain folks.

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.

Outdoor Research Gaitors - Now In Camo And Coyote

2011-10-18T19:07:17Z

I have been a big fan of Crocodile Gaitors from Outdoor Research for a long time. In fact, I used the same pair for something like 15 years until they finally wore out and I broke down and replaced them...with another pair of OR Crocodiles!

Now, I don't want to make myself out to be more influential then I really am in this business, truth is I am just another voice in the crowd, but I am on the right side of a lot of key issues. This is another case in point. I have been telling the folks at OR that they need to offer some of their outstanding products, like these gaitors, to non-governmental consumers in the same colors they offer to the military. Like Coyote tan slash brown and Multicam camouflage. My point to them has been that OR would sell more product and increase market share if civilian hunters had access to the stealthy versions. That is a win win right? They sell more stuff and we get the best gear in colors we want.

Well, it took a little longer than I would have liked and near as I can tell they are only available from US Calvary but who cares. You can now get the regular Crocodiles and the even the beefier Expedition Crocodile Gaitors in Coyote and Multicam camo. Very cool.

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.

Danner Hood Winter Light 200G Hunting Boots

2011-10-18T04:33:02Z

From Danner. A hunting version of my all time favorite boots. Notice the subtle transition of the sole from forefoot to heel, perfect for use on all kinds of uneven surfaces, even helicopter skids. Especially helicopter skids.

Once upon a time I was the Airborne SAR Tech EMT and Rescue Training Coordinator for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Aviation Division. Our first due area was the fifth largest county in the United States and it just happens to be some of the most diverse terrain in the lower 48. As the Search And Rescue slash Emergency Medical component of the crew, on a given shift I could be working anything from a car accident on the valley floor to a lost hiker in the Mazatzals at 7900 feet. My gear had to be multipurpose, high performance and dependable. My favorite boot for this job came to be the Danner Special Forces (an 8 inch version of the Fort Lewis boot) which is now called the Recon.

The Special Forces Boot was a black boot with Gore-Tex liner, 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation, a unique Vibram Kletterlift outsole and was made in America. It was a great boot. In fact it was such a great boot I have always wanted a brown version to use for hunting. Well, brother Cody and I were sitting on the couch the other day watching a little college football and yelling at kids when I noticed that the Hood Winter Light boot in the Danner catalog looked a whole lot like my beloved duty boots. I don't know when they came out or how I missed them but the Hood Winter Lights are the Special forces Boot (Recon) but in brown full grain leather instead of black. Hot damn, boys! That is good news. What's more, they are also available in a 6 inch version called the Explorer. Thanks Danner. Very cool.

If you need a lightly insulated, all purpose, high quality boot that comes is a wide range of sizes (7 to 15, B, D and EE widths) you owe it to yourself to check these 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.

Privacy And Ad Fees Donations

2011-10-11T21:43:14Z

Just two quick things today.

First, I have said it before but want to say again that we do not now nor do we intend to ever do anything with your contact information. I am sure that information on subscribers and commenters exists somewhere in the Go Daddy machine but I don't know where and more importantly, I don't care. We don't track it, collect it, give it, lend it or sell it to anyone or anything. Period. So, feel free to subscribe and comment all you want, your contact information is safe with us, I promise.

Second, I don't do this to make money so I want to do something with the money generated by the Google Ads that run on the left side of the site. By the way, I don't control what shows up over there, it is just a box in my control panel that is checked and advertisements appear there. However, as we have grown in popularity so has the ad revenue from Google and I would like to do something worthwhile with it. I was thinking about donating the money to the national Mountain Rescue Association because I was a part of that organization for so many years or The Navy SEAL Foundation because of our ties to Coronado but since we would be nothing without you, the reader, I thought I should ask you what you think.

Where would you like the Google Ads fees to go? Hit the Comment button with your suggestions and please spare me the smart ass remarks.

Thats it for now and thanks for your support.

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.

Field & Stream Article On PLBs, Beacons And EPIRBS

2011-10-11T01:37:28Z

Pictured above, in this months issue of Field & Stream magazine, is the first generation SPOT Satellite Messenger. The second Generation SPOT has been out since July of 2009, that is more than two years ago. Come on guys, time to get out of your cushy offices.

If I had the resources, time and money of a big national magazine like Field & Stream I could do amazing things but even a rinky dink, shoe string operation like mine makes the effort to get and use current product photos. This sort of thing just reiterates how far out of touch some of these publications (and let's go ahead and include television shows) are with their audience and their interests.

First, the Spot is a wonderful product and I recommend that everybody carry one when they leave the truck but it does more than send an "I'm OK message to the home computer", it will also send that same message and a couple others to cellular telephones in the form of text messages so wifey can be out shopping (sexist I know) and still know what's up.

Second, even if you let the outdated and obsolete product picture slide you can't forgive the author for not mentioning two new products from leading manufacturers that close if not completely eliminate the competitive advantage Spot enjoyed. The Iridium Extreme Satellite Telephone (a satellite phone with S.O.S. button, real time two way texting, email and GPS capability) and ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon (combines the best parts of the Spot and PLB into one small, super rugged, worldwide device).

Do your homework folks, there is a lot of bad information out there. Be careful what and whom you trust when your safety is at stake.

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.