Our fearless editor Shawn Blanc is known to be an avid snowboarder, and with winter almost upon us, I think it's the perfect time to talk about Oakley's new Snowmad R.A.S (removable airbag system) Backpack ($225). Designed for cross-country treks, this bag can hold your snowboard vertically, or your skis in one of two positions: diagonal or A-frame. It also has multiple…
GORUCK is an American company that makes super-durable rucksacks (amongst other things), and they take their patriotism very seriously. All of their gear is made right here in the U.S., it's designed to meet the standards of Special Forces soldiers, and they test its durability with an insane physical challenge held in various cities across America (and which our friend Patrick Rhone…
If you're the type of photographer who's always dreamed of carrying your gear like Hawkeye, then the Urban Quiver by Blackstone Bags should be right up your alley. Made of military-grade nylon and sporting a surprising amount of storage space despite its slim profile (including a dedicated smartphone pocket on the shoulder strap), the Urban Quiver is an awesome way to tote…
Summertime is in full swing, and the weather here in Oklahoma City has been quite pleasant this year, unlike previous years where it's constantly 100°F or higher. It's perfect picnic weather, and I'm considering picking up a couple of these Yield Picnic Bags. Essentially, it's a tote bag you can carry your food and/or drink with, and when you get to the…
This Field Bed by Scout has got to be the fanciest sleeping bag I've ever come across (although that might not be saying much since I just buy mine from Wal-Mart). It's got a 100% organic Italian cotton selvage denim exterior and a 100% cotton Japanese chambray interior lining. It also features Climashield APEX insulation (meaning it can comfortably withstand temperatures as…
Lost more hot dogs and marshmallows to fires than you care to think about? Well, thanks to these curly roasting sticks, those kinds of tragedies can be a distant memory. Made of high-quality, hand-twisted steel, these handy tools will keep your food safe (thanks in part to the sharp end-point being twisted back in towards the dog) so you can focus on…
I like the firepit my wife and I have at our house, but it is kind of boring. The $300 Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace from Landmann isn't. It's a 30.25 by 32.75 by 34.75 inches sphere that allows roaring fires with great views. It's all steel construction, so it is able to weather years outdoors. And it looks like the Death…
The BioLite CampStove is a 8.25-inch high wood-burning mini-stove designed to for hikers and campers who want something small and on the-go, without the hassle of propane or other fuels. The stove uses the heat generated from the fire to charge an internal battery that can then be used to charge devices like an iPhone. It takes 1.6oz (46g) of wood to…
The Gerber Steady Tripod Multi-Tool is the ideal companion for today's modern hunting, fishing, Netflix watching, hiking, Instagramming, fire-building man. This multi-tool for the digitally-connected nature lover features 12 components, including both a fine and a serrated blade, bottle opener, pliers and wire cutters, screwdrivers. But it also serves as a tripod for your camera and/or iPhone thanks to its screw-on attachment…
These are not the sort of girly-girl tealight candle holders you buy at Pier 1 Imports. No sir. These Tealight Tree Torches are made with cast iron and heat-resistant glass. They incorporate a 6-inch spike so you can pound them into a tree trunk, dead log, door frame, wall, or anywhere else you want them mounted. They work indoors and out. So…
Speaking of black stainless steel knives, the Gerber Gator Machete Pro is about as handsome and mean looking as they come. It has a 10.5-inch forged steel blade with a black finish and a curved inner-blade on the opposite side. Keep it tucked away in a heavy-duty nylon sheath. The Gator Machete is all parts awesome and rugged.
Sure grilling with gas is easier, but it can never fully replace the purity, manliness, and sheer awesomeness of grilling over charcoal. But we all know how frustrating it is when you're trying to get your charcoal ready to grill over and it simply won't light. You could buy Matchlight, but give me a break, that's like driving a sports car with…
This mug from Best Made Company is forged at a 100-year-old factory in Poland and is top-quality enamel-coated steel. This cup is made for use by the campfire, but it's fine enough that it may find its way into your kitchen cabinet as well. If that happens, don't worry about it. Who could blame you?
Last summer my in-laws and I spent a week at Lake Sylvan in Colorado. Every morning my two brothers-in-law and I would get up just before dawn and take the canoe out and fish for breakfast. Silent moments like those are when you're grateful to God that you have a thermos full of hot coffee. Even if you're not out on a…