A new vest from Striker caught my eye. I’ve always loved vests for extra warmth without adding bulk to the arms. This new Striker Shield Float Vest can be worn as either an outer layer or a mid-layer, depending on the weather, providing extra insulation to the body core. What’s unique about this vest is it includes floatation material. It provides buoyancy should you fall in the water while hunting, fishing, or exploring. The Shield Float Vest comes in three outdoorsy colours to match your style. 

I encourage you to check out the other unique features of the Striker Shield Float Vest in the press release below.  I’ve added the Striker Shield Float Vest to my gotta-get gear list as we approach the fall and winter months. 

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Press Release

September 9, 2024 – Hudson, WI Striker Brands, the renowned manufacturer of industry-leading fishing apparel, proudly announces the addition of the new Shield Float Vest. This versatile and lightweight piece can be worn as an outer layer or insulating mid-layer and gives consumers increased peace of mind and comfort around open water or ice.

Featuring Striker Brands’ proprietary Sureflote® flotation assist technology, the Shield Float Vest provides essential flotation support, ensuring that angler’s safety is a top priority in its design. For added safety benefits, a kill switch D-ring is fixed to the inside hem for responsible boat operation. During blustery days on the water, the Shield Float Vest offers incredible wind-blocking protection via the center front zipper’s interior storm flap and a zipper garage at the chin to lock out wind and add next-to-skin comfort. In addition to 40 grams of warm yet lightweight Thermadex® insulation, the pocket and collar are lined with high-quality fleece. MSRP: $129.99-$149.99 USD

“The Shield Float Vest is your ultimate companion on the water, as it’s designed to keep you warm and safe in any weather,” Says Striker Brands’ Marketing Manager, Richard Pata. “Whether you’re casting from shore or venturing out onto the ice, trust the Shield Float Vest to keep you prepared for the next bite.”

Available in three distinct color patterns, Gunmetal, Duckwood, and Dark Olive, and sizes ranging from S to 4XL, the Shield Float Vest is a practical three-season option for whichever adventure you choose. For more information on the Shield Float Vest and Striker Brands’ complete lineup of innovative fishing apparel, visit StrikerBrands.com. To find a retailer near you, visit Striker Brands Dealer Locator. 

I love everything about my beautiful yellow lab, except that she sheds fur continuously. She’s always shed a lot of hair, especially as the seasons change. At age ten, her coat is luxuriously thick and soft. Unfortunately, it means more time cleaning up after her. It’s no picnic for her either as she gets extra hot with a dense undercoat.

FurZapper Pet Grooming Glove

There are many ways to comb dogs to help rid them of loose hair. However, I wanted something different than a standard brush for my lab—one that I could use while enjoying some fur therapy time with my four-legged companions. That’s when we discovered the FurZapper pet grooming glove.

The ambidextrous glove features soft rubber ‘spikes’ on both sides. The FurZapper gently lifts the hair, trapping it on the glove. I put the glove on my petting hand and pet my dog, which gently massages loose hair off. It works like a charm. The first few times I used it, I found myself cleaning the glove frequently because she had so much extra hair. As the daily grooming continued, the volume of hair decreased. Both my dog and I have grown to love the morning routine. She happily sees the glove and sits beside me, waiting for the rub down.

The FurZapper glove is made of hypoallergenic silicone and is easy to use. As per the instructions, I peel off the excess layer of hair and then shake it to remove the rest. FurZapper suggests it can be rinsed off in the sink, but I didn’t risk clogging the drain. I prefer to use the glove outside, weather permitting, to keep the extra hair and dander out of the house. It’s seriously reduced the amount of hair we are sweeping up on a daily basis, and my dog’s coat has never looked better!

The Pet Grooming glove appears to be very durable and should last for many years. The glove is available in one size. I found it a snug fit on my large-sized hands, so if you have larger hands than mine, it may not work for you. Everyone else including kids can use it with ease.

I use the FurZapper during bath time. Its design creates a sudsy bath that helps me remove ground in dirt while conditioning her hair. As working dogs, mine spend a lot of time off leash and tend to get dirty. The glove has been a welcome addition to the pet grooming bag.

Conclusion

The FurZapper pet grooming glove is useful tool for all dog owners. Whether it’s a daily “scratch” session or bath time the glove does a great job of removing loose hair. It is may from durable silicon an should last a long time. For the price, it is well work checking out. Your pet will thank you!

Tents – A Top Pick for Hunt Camp

Canvas tents have long been the shelter of choice for base camps. Their spacious interiors and four-season designs keep intrepid backcountry explorers, hunters, trappers and anglers dry and warm in the worst weather.

White Duck Outdoors recently added a limited edition Realtree EDGE® model to its Regatta line of canvas bell tents. It includes all the premium features of the original Regatta bell tent while using camo for the body. Realtree EDGE easily blends into the woodlands, and the dark colour delivers additional benefits I learned during my field tests. Read on to learn more.

The Specs

Quality materials and craftsmanship are evident throughout the Regatta. Everything is well made, from the tent to its storage bag and the stakes, mallet, poles and tool roll, and it should last a long time.

The Regatta uses DYNADUCK fabric—an 8.5-oz army duck cotton canvas with a water-repellent, mould-resistant, and UV-resistant finish. Thanks to its tall profile and steep roof section, rain flows off the fabric quickly, and the finish ensures that moisture beads on the surface rather than soaking in. The bell-shaped roof extends past the lower straight-walled section, creating a drip edge that protects the lower section from rain.

Double-stitched seams and reinforced corners are made to last, while heavy-duty zippers smooth doors, screens and windows opening and closing. A triangle-shaped door with a zip in the center and along the bottom allows all or only half of the door to be opened. Hook-and-loop closures secure the door without zipping, perfect for faster access in bug-free shoulder seasons. The Regatta has a pre-installed heat-resistant silicone-coated stove jack with a 5-inch pre-cut pattern.

White Duck incorporated a shock-absorbing grounding system that provides stability against high winds. Each tie-out has a thick black cord, a reflective thread for nighttime visibility, and an easy-to-use tensioner. The Regatta includes stout yet light two-piece galvanized steel poles for convenience at camp.

The sewn-in groundsheet keeps gear clean and dry and prevents the creepy crawlies from biting at night. Other extras include a built-in cable outlet, utility pockets, and roof vents.

The Realtree EDGE® is exclusively available on Regatta 13’, 16’, and 20’ tents. These options offer the right size to fit any outdoor lifestyle.

White Duck Regatta Review

Setup

The tent has clear instructions; however, setting it up is intuitive and fast. The first time I set it up, it only took 20 minutes, and now that I know what I’m doing, two people can set it up in under 15 minutes. The hardest part is finding a patch of ground that accommodates the large tent footprint, but that’s not that difficult.

The tent has pins to secure the bottom to the ground and heavy-duty “J-pegs” (rebar stakes) for attaching its guylines. It also includes a rubber mallet. The mallet works well, but I also added a steel hammer to the tool kit. The steel hammer makes driving the stakes into hard ground easier and prevents damage to the softer mallet.

White Duck describes seasoning the tent, which involves spraying the tent with water to tighten the canvas. Seasoning is only needed once and the tent is ready. It took me 10 minutes to season the tent from start to finish

Size

The Realtree EDGE® Regatta comes in three sizes: 13’, 16’, and 20’—I chose the 13’ model for my first bell tent. For someone used to a low-profile 4-person dome tent, the interior floor space and stand-up headspace are an absolute luxury. White Duck’s website shows this model comfortably holding six people, and I’m sure it’s true. It easily held my family of four with our gear and plenty of room to spare for my two large dogs.

The 13’ model features an 8’2” center pole and a 6’6” door, which offers abundant head space both inside the tent and walking through the doorway.

It is tough to describe the size of the tent until it’s fully set up and ready to move in. My kids’ initial reactions were, “It’s huge!” and, “We could fit all of the scouts in this tent!” They’re not wrong. It is incredibly spacious, and that’s one of the best reasons to choose a White Duck bell tent for extended stays outdoors.

Nice Features

The 13’ Regatta has three large D-shaped windows near the base, allowing ample airflow and four roof vents for additional circulation.

An electrical cable outlet is a convenient way of modernizing the bell tent with lighting and power outlets for electronics. I keep it zipped closed on most outings as I prefer a more traditional camp when I want to “get away from it all.”  The choice is yours.

Reflective thread in the support ropes is a clever addition for nighttime safety. It catches the light of a headlamp and prevents tripping.

Two storage pouches on either side of the door keep things organized. I found it the perfect place to stash my headlamp and other essentials.

Why Camo?   

Camouflage is a popular choice among hunters, so having a tent fabric cloaked in a versatile pattern, like Realtree EDGE®, is a good choice for deer, elk, or duck camps—and anytime you want to blend into the forest. This is the tent I’ll pack for elk camp in 2024.

For stealth camping, the camo forms an ideal base. It can be further brushed in, ‘completely disappearing’ in the woods or an abandoned yard site. There are moral and legal ramifications around stealth camping on private property (and I’m not condoning it). However, where feasible, a discrete base camp—one that goes unnoticed—minimizes attention from passersby.

Dark and Warm

The camo model’s darker fabric (compared to white) has the added advantage of blocking more of the early morning light when you’re trying to sleep. This is a big deal in the summer, especially in the northern latitudes, where the sun is up by 4 a.m. or earlier! Now, the fabric doesn’t completely block the light; instead, it mutes the light for a gentler wake-up alarm.

It also warms in the sun and provides radiant heat inside the tent. I appreciated this most in the spring and now, heading into the fall, when a little extra warmth is welcome. Like most tents, the air gets hot in the summer by mid-morning. Large windows, a screened door and roof vents regulate the temperature and keep it comfortable on most days.

Conclusions

The White Duck Outdoors, Realtree EDGE Regatta bell tents are made to last.

I love the quality materials and workmanship throughout the tent and its accessories, such as the mallet, tool bag, and storage bag. Regatta bell tents are quick to set up, and their staking and guyline system keep the tent secure even in strong winds.

Realtree EDGE blends into the woods well. Whether hunting, stealth camping or being proud of my outdoor lifestyle, the camo Regatta suits me perfectly.

I chose the Regatta 13’, which is the right size for groups of 4-6. I’d consider a larger size or a second tent for larger groups.

If you’re in the market for a canvas tent and you have camo coursing through your veins, consider the White Duck Realtree EDGE Regatta.

Available at Amazon.com Primitive Camping & Bushcraft by Chris Speir

A Step-by-Step Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Great Outdoors

Do you dream of camping away from the hustle and bustle of busy campgrounds, enjoying nature in solitude? Maybe you’re already exploring this idea. Either way, Primitive Camping & Bushcraft is well worth reading.

The book title captured my imagination. After all, who doesn’t—as the subtitle states—want to survive and thrive in the Great Outdoors? You can safely and confidently using natural resources and minimal gear.

Chris Speir’s book Primitive Camping & Bushcraft is an excellent place to start for those new to primitive camping and a step-by-step refresher for more experienced adventurers who yearn to get back to the basics.

Overview

Speir packs a lot of hard-earned knowledge into the 251-page book and presents it logically, covering all the fundamentals. Large, clear, colour images illustrate the text, providing clear and easy-to-understand explanations of each topic. I consider myself an experienced bushcraft and primitive camper. Still, I gleaned many tips and tricks from this book; nuggets of information that will make my time in the woods more enjoyable.

The book starts with a primer on primitive camping. Speir discusses how this form of camping differs from what you might be used to and how it relates to bushcraft and survival. Next, he leads the reader through the knowledge and skills you should know before you go.

Details

Six main chapters cover the details of primitive camping. Sections on Gear, Shelter, Water, Fire, Food, and Cooking encompass everything you need to know and pack to be comfortable in the wilderness. I appreciated that Speir focuses on the essential gear throughout the book, acknowledging that it’s easy to get bogged down with fancy camping gadgets.

This book will steer you in the right direction. Speir’s writing focuses on the features of quality gear and not the brand. Occasionally, he mentions a brand name, but only because he’s had success with the product. Mainly, products are discussed for their function. For example, he details knives, talking about the differences in full tang versus partial tang knives, the basics of knife steel, and the type of grind. He includes photos and illustrations of his knives but doesn’t tell us the brand. I like that. It’s packed with though-providing information and allows readers to make informed choices on their loadout.

Chapters

Each chapter includes subsections that explore each topic in depth. The gear chapter includes details on backpacks, cutting tools, cordage, shelter, fire-starting, water and more. In the shelter section, we learn about site selection, clothing, tents, tarps, hammocks, and natural shelters. You get the idea. After reading and understanding each chapter, I am confident that most people can head to the woods and enjoy primitive camping.

In the shelter section, he discusses tents, tarps, hammocks and natural shelters, their pros and cons, and how to rig them for comfort. Water is critical to both camping and survival, and Speir tackles this subject, covering filtering versus purifying using several methods.

A campfire is more than just a creature comfort. It provides heat for cooking, warmth on cool nights, and a psychological boost for campers. As he does throughout the book, Speir covers the subject of fire in great detail. The section on primitive friction fires is particularly well done, with multiple close-up photos of the steps and written tips for success with this difficult skill.

Food can make or break the enjoyment of any camping trip. In the sections on food and cooking, Speir shows us his method of eating well during an adventure. He demonstrates DIY dehydration, procuring food in the wild, and primitive methods of boiling water and cooking food.

Summary

Skills and Techniques Covered in the Book:

• What to know before you go
• Gear – what you should bring and why
• Site selection – dangers to look for, available firewood and water resources
• Shelter – clothing, fabricated shelters, including A-frames and diamond fly, and hammocks and tents
• Water – dangers of camping near water, collecting water, purifying and filtering water
• Fire – how to create a fire kit, collect materials and then start a fire
• Food – includes what to bring, what to eat and how to prepare it
• Cooking – how to cook food over a campfire, use a commercial stove, or make your own

Conclusion

The book contains much more information than I can highlight in this short blog post, but rest assured that this tome of outdoor knowledge packs more into its pages than you’d get from 100 hours of YouTube videos. And the best part is it’s all at your fingertips for quick and easy reference.

In Primitive Camping and Bushcraft, author and outdoor survival expert Chris Speir provides readers with all the information they need to participate in the most exciting, adventurous type of camping safely and with confidence. In primitive camping, campers do without the standard resources one can find at a more traditional campsite, making do with whatever they bring in.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned adventurer, Primitive Camping & Bushcraft by Chris Speir is a worthwhile addition to your outdoor reading library. You can find Chris Speir at speiroutdoors.com and on social media @speiroutdoors.

Happy primitive camping, friends. I’ll see you in the woods.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chris Speir founded Speir Outdoors, the hugely popular online community devoted to primitive camping and survival. Speir has spent his entire life camping, hunting and fishing. In that time, he has mastered the art of survival in the wilderness with minimal resources and established Speir Outdoors to teach those skills to others. Speir is also a professional wildlife photographer. He lives in southern Mississippi.

2024 LE Victorinox Farmer X Alox Damast

If I had to pick only one Victorinox Swiss Army Knife to carry daily, the Farmer X model would top the list. But before I talk about why, I have some exciting news to share. Victorinox created the limited-edition Farmer X Alox Damast. Starting today (July 19, 2024), a stunning upgrade on the capable Farmer X makes it look as good as it works. Rich brown Alox scales make the sequentially numbered knife unique, while its Damasteel® blade is sure to turn heads. But don’t wait long; there are only 7,000 pieces available worldwide.

The Victorinox Farmer X combines corrosion resistance with superior strength and includes ten functions to tackle any task: a large blade, can opener, two screwdrivers, bottle opener, wire stripper, reamer, scissor, wood saw and key ring. Most of these tools need no introduction, but it’s worth mentioning what makes them stand out—at least for me.

Damasteel Blade

The blade is the focal point of any pocketknife, and this LE model’s is unique. The Farmer X Damast features a Damasteel® blade with 115 layers for toughness and a characteristic Hakkapella pattern. The can opener is an old-school tool that sees frequent use, from opening packages to, of course, cans. It is a must-have on my EDC pocketknife.

Screwdrivers and more

The Farmer X also includes two flat screwdrivers, one large and one small, which tackle numerous tightening, prying and scraping jobs. I use the large blade to remove staples, open paint cans, and scrap dry glue on DIY projects; the small screwdriver works equally well for micro-jobs. The large screwdriver tool includes a bottle opener and wire stripper so as not to waste any space.

Awl

Boring or punching holes is a surprisingly common task in my workflow. The Farmer X, like several models of Victorinox Swiss Army knives, includes an awl in the toolset, but what makes this one unique is that it opens at the end of the knife, in line with the long side of the scales. This design allows more control and lets me to apply additional force when required. I’d buy the Farmer X over similar models for this tool’s design alone.

Scissors

The X in Farmer X is its scissors. Victorinox makes excellent scissors on all their knives. They quickly cut many materials, including string, paracord, hair, paper and more. As you would expect from a compact pocketknife, the scissors are for small jobs but work better than any other tool for specific tasks.

Saw

A Saw is why I’d pick the Farmer X over the Pioneer X, which has the same tools but no saw. While I don’t use it every day, saws come in handy, and no other tool replaces its function. I use a saw for the obvious: cutting boards and sticks as well as making fine tinder for lighting fires.

Collector’s Knife

The Victorinox Farmer X is a slim multi-function pocketknife and an excellent choice for EDC tasks, and the Alox Damast Limited Edition 2024 elevates it to the next level. The hardest decision you’ll make is whether to buy one for your knife collection or use it daily.

The Victorinox Farmer X Alox Damast Limited Edition 2024 retails for $275 USD ($350 CAD) and is available on Victorinox.com.

July 24, 2023 – Victorinox’s Swiss Army Knife unveils its annual 2023 Limited Edition Damast knife. This year’s knife is the Ranger 55 Mic Damast Limited Edition. The large 130 mm knife fuses a Damasteel® blade with light beige micata scales. The blade features a unique dense Damasteel® twist pattern adding to its bold design profile.

Victorinox crafted only 7000 numbered Limited Edition Ranger 55 Mic Damast knives worldwide, making them a collectible and sought-after piece. The Ranger 55 Mic Damast Limited Edition 2023 retails for ($385.00 US/$495.00 CAN) at Victorinox.com (US) or Victorinox Canada.

Each year, collectors and Victorinox fans eagerly await the launch of the latest Damast Limited Edition of the Swiss Army Knives. The 14th edition is special in regards to its blade and its scale. The blade is made from Damasteel®, produced in 320 layers, providing toughness and a beautiful characteristic Damascus blade pattern. The Damasteel® used for this knife cleverly combines corrosion resistance and strength. The scales are made from durable light beige micarta. 

The original Ranger 55 won the Red Dot Design award for its array of functional tools. Now the Ranger 55 Mic Damast Limited Edition 2023 utilizes that design and takes it to the next level; whether you use it for everyday adventures or keep it in mint condition in a collection is totally up to the individual. 

Damasteel® takes the traditional forging process of Damascus steel to the next level by using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing. This is a modern way to improve and refine the old tradition with the benefit of fewer impurities and inclusions compared to traditional Damascus steel. Damasteel® also provides increased toughness and edge retention compared to conventionally made steels. Then as now, the crowning highlight in the production of a Damascus steel blade is the finish. With careful grinding, polishing and etching, the unique and characteristic patterns are revealed, thereby providing a glimpse into the soul of the steel.

Damast Limited Edition Ranger 55 Mic 2023 Damasteel Collector’s Knife

($385.00 US/$495.00 CAN)

Tools:

1. Blade, large
   
2. Corkscrew
3. Can opener
4. – Screwdriver 3 mm
5. Bottle opener
6. – Screwdriver 5 mm, lockable
7. – Wire stripper
8. Reamer, punch and sewing awl
9. Wood saw
10. Key ring

Specs:

• height: 22 mm
• length: 130 mm
• weight: 163 g

Victorinox Venture Collection

Victorinox Swiss Army is a well-known name in the bushcraft and EDC communities. With the launch of the Venture Collection, Victorinox expands its offering for all outdoor adventures. The collection is developed and designed in Switzerland with bushcraft needs in mind and includes unique multifunctional features sure to be popular with outdoors enthusiasts. Beyond bushcrafting, the Venture series includes features to help you survive in an emergency.

The Venture Collection includes two knife styles and accessories.  Venture knives are available with black, red, and olive handles and include a fitted sheath and a belt carry loop. The Venture Pro knife has a black handle with a bow drill divot and comes with a carrying system, sheath and belt carry loop. The carrying system houses tweezers, a ballpoint pen and fire steel. Moreover, Victorinox offers a Venture Pro Kit in black made of durable polyester, which includes two sharpening stones and a flat drill—extras for advanced bushcraft projects.

Each item has a lifetime guarantee against any defects in material and workmanship. Victorinox prides itself on more than 135 years of experience in the manufacturing of high-quality knives in Switzerland. Buy your Venture knife at Victorinox.com (US) or Victorinox Canada.

I admit I’m seldom the first person to adopt new technology. I’d read about Wicked Audio’s ARQ True Wireless Earbuds, and they intrigued me, but I was perfectly happy with the earbuds I was using and filed them away—a technology upgrade down the road.

Fast forward a few months and Wicked Audio reached out to me to see if I would test their ARQ True Wireless Earbuds and share my thoughts with my readers. Sure! After six months of using the wireless earbuds, I wonder why I waited so long to get them.

These earbuds are compact, comfortable, and boast features that integrate perfectly with my outdoor lifestyle.

A little about me before I dive headlong into the pros and cons of the ARQ True Wireless Earbuds. I work from home as a freelance outdoor writer and photographer. To relax and learn during my day, I love to listen to podcasts. In my house, I have workspaces set up in my office, a basement workbench and in my garage. When I first thought about using wireless earbuds I thought, sure, it’ll be nice not to have a cord getting tangled while I work or exercise, but I never thought about their wireless range. Using the Bluetooth technology, my phone stays on the charger in a central location—full charged and ready to go when I hit the road—and I can queue up a podcast playlist and then go about my business for hours. I can move from one workspace to another and continue to get crystal-clear audio.  

Wicked Audio ARQ True Wireless Earbud Features:

• Wireless Bluetooth (true wireless –no wires between earbuds or to connect to a device) Stated range is 32 feet. I’ve used them at farther ranges but do experience the occasional hiccup in streaming)
• Use left side, right side or both together
• Noise Isolation
• 3 Cushion Sizes for the most comfortable fit
• High Fidelity with enhanced bass
• Rubberized
• Rechargeable Battery (Earbud battery life: 3 hours; Charge time: 30 minutes)
• Volume Control
• Powerbank Battery: 2600mAh (Charge time: 5 Hours via USB)
• Charging Case (Additional playtime 60 Hours)
• Micro USB to USB Charging Cord

Design & Features

The charging case doubles as the 2600mAh power bank. At one end is the charging compartment with two cradles, one for each earbud.

The earbuds pop into place thanks to a small magnet, while the cover secures and protects the earbuds for transport. The earbuds are a nice size—not big and not too small—and are comfortable to wear. I used the earbud cushions that were installed on the earbuds and found them a perfect fit for my ears. Earbuds use red and blue LEDs to tell you when they’re paired or when they’re charging.

On the side of the case, a charge level indicator with four blue LEDs indicates how much charge remains. The battery in the charging case (power bank) is charged using a micro USB and includes a USB output for charging other devices (like your phone) in a pinch.

Setup of the Wicked Audio ARQ True Wireless Earbud is intuitive. After scanning the instructions, I linked the earbuds with my phone and was listening to music within minutes.

The earbuds allow the listener to pause, advance to the next music track, answer phone calls, or ignore an incoming call with a simple press of a button on the earbud. These features work well and take full advantage of Bluetooth technology.   

Likes

The Wicked Audio ARQ True Wireless Earbuds are well built. Over the last six months, they have stood up to the rigours of my life on the go. The sound quality is excellent—as good as, or better than, I’ve experienced from any other earbud, wireless or wired.

I also loved the ability to use these earbuds to listen to audio throughout my house. This reason alone convinced me to cut the cord on my old earbuds. The run time is more than adequate to listen to longer podcasts or a playlist of music. And after a 30-minute break—time to charge the earbuds—I was back up and running again. I found the noise-cancelling works well.   

The built-in power bank is handy for charging any device in a pinch. In today’s power-hungry world, it’s always handy to have a power backup in my essential everyday carry items.

Dislikes

The earbuds require powering off by pressing the center button on the earbud. Not a big deal, and when using both earbuds in stereo, but I’d like to see them power off when placed in the charging cradle.

Occasionally I detect noise—clicks and beeps—that disrupts the listening experience. This is most likely to occur towards the outer limits of the earbuds range. I chalk it up to electronic interference that may occur when using any wireless device.   

Outstanding Customer Service

A fun story about Wicked Audio’s customer service: After receiving my Wicked Audio ARQ True Wireless Earbuds, I was excited to pair them to my phone. I read the instructions, which were clear and easy to understand, and then tried to connect them for the first time. No dice! After several tries, I called the Wicked Audio help number. A friendly voice on the other end of the line coached me through the setup procedure, but even with her help we couldn’t get the earbuds to work—I had received a faulty pair. She pointed me to their warranty department. I filled out the paperwork and popped the earbuds in the mail. In less than a week, I had a brand-new pair of Wicked Audio ARQ True Wireless Earbuds, no questions asked. And this pair worked perfectly. It was a little frustrating getting defective earbuds, but their friendly customer service and rapid turn-around time made up for the inconvenience.

Rest assured that if you buy a Wicked Audio product, that they’ll stand behind it and make sure you are satisfied!

Final Thoughts

I never knew I needed a True Wireless earbud until I tried the Wicked Audio ARQ True Wireless Earbuds. Running or biking with wireless earbuds is a true pleasure. The ability to move anywhere in my house and stay connected to a podcast or music is super handy, and their noise-cancelling feature is the perfect companion on a noisy airplane.

The ARQ earbuds surpassed my expectations.

Do you wear hearing protection while shooting? Every time?

Hearing protection is mandatory at gun ranges, yet some shooters have a cavalier attitude when it comes to conserving their hearing while target shooting. It’s possible to suffer a hearing loss with as little as one shot! Hearing loss is also cumulative. In my experience, hunters are even more careless when it comes to protecting their ears. On a waterfowl hunt with other outdoor/gun writers, five of the ten of us didn’t use hearing protection – and this is a group of professionals that rely on their hearing to communicate! I think that wingshooters may use ear-pro more often than big game hunters because of the volume of shooting they do, but there is room for improvement with all hunters.

Etymotic GunSport PRO 15 (GSP-15)

Excuses for not wearing hearing protection include: “too hot to wear”; “too bulky to shoot with”, and; “prevents me from hearing game animals”.  Etymotic (www.etymotic.com) solves these problems with their GunSport-PRO 15 electronic earplugs. The earplugs fit inside the ear so they don’t interfere with gun stocks while shooting, plus air can circulate over your ears so they stay cool!

The GunSport PRO electronic earplugs are designed specifically for shooters by Etymotic. The GSP-15 fits inside the ear. Creating a custom fit is easy, using one of the many ear-tips included. These electronic earplugs allow natural hearing when no background noise is present, and progressively increase protection from loud continuous noises like machinery or percussive blasts like nearby gunfire. The plugs have two modes: “low” allows natural hearing and protection from dangerous noise, while “high” amplifies sounds by 5X. There’s a lot of technology built into such a small package! GSP-15 have a 25 dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating). Included in the box are different styles of ear tips for optimum fit. For a complete list of GSP-15’s Technical Specs, Frequently Asked Questions, Instructions, and other user Reviews and Ratings check out:  https://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hearing-protection/gsp15.html

I put the GSP-15 earplugs to the test at the 2017 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range. Amidst all the gunfire, these plugs kept my ears safe and still allowed me to have conversations with industry reps.

A couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.

Due to their compact size, the earplugs need a small battery with a very short battery life. The GSP-15 uses standard #10 hearing aid batteries. Activate batteries by removing a small tab. Once removed the batteries begin losing their charge and last for about 10 days. So for the casual shooter, this probably means fresh batteries everytime you head out shooting. Buying in bulk is the easiest way to save a few bucks. The good news is that the GSP-15s still work as passive hearing protection if the batteries die, but it’s a good practice to keep spare batteries handy to keep earplugs running as they were designed.

The second drawback is their price. With MSRP of $299 USD, these earplugs are not in everyone’s budget. That said, the best hearing protection is what you’ll wear – every time! I’m confident that once you try the GSP-15s you’ll be happy you invested in your hearing – something that you can’t put a price on!

At the end of the day, it’s important to always wear hearing protection while shooting! Whether it’s ideal, like a pair of Etymoic earplugs or cheap and easy like a pair of foamies, make sure you use something.  Permanent hearing damage can happen with just one shot!

DISCLAIMER: Etymotic sent me a pair of GunSport-PRO electronic earplugs to test and review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I did not receive any financial compensation for writing this post.

New (and Tasty) Backpack Meal Options for Canadians

In my recent article Backpack Cuisine for Outdoor Canada‘s 2017 Adventure issue, I explored the options for how to travel light but eat well on a backcountry adventure. Over the years I have tried most of the brands of commercial freeze-dried meals. Some were okay. Others were blah. But there’s good news for Canadian backpackers…Good To-Go meals is a brand that’s turning heads and exciting taste buds. In fact, Good To-Go Oatmeal meal earned the prestigious 2017 Editors’ Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine! The brand’s mission is to elevate expectations of what trail food can taste like. Mission accomplished! Good To-Go currently offers ten delicious meal options.

Good To-Go was co-founded by Jennifer Scism, an award-winning chef.  Scism has traveled to over 20 countries studying regional foods. Her team – from trendy Annisa restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village – has even beaten the Iron Chef, Mario Batali, on the TV Food Network’s Iron Chef program! She knows good food. Obviously. Good To-Go co-founder David Koorits has spent a career as a wilderness therapy counselor, ski patroller, wildland firefighter, and nurse. Good To-Go started in 2014 and has steadily grown since then. More than 500 stores in the United States sell Good To-Go. MEC, Valhalla Pure, and Camper’s Village are the first to sell Good To-Go in Canada.

Every once in a while I stumble across hunting or shooting gear that really makes me sit up and take notice. The Upland Sportsman Shotgun Sling is one of those products. It’s designed to carry the weight of a shotgun in the field thereby eliminating arm fatigue. At the same time the shotgun can be swung into action with no interference from the sling. The simplicity of the design is part of the beauty of this product. While it’s designed with the upland game hunter in mind (as reflected in the company name), the Upland Sportsman shotgun sling will work well in other hunting or tactical applications where a firearm needs be carried at the ready and deployed quickly.

The sling comes in a number of colours and camo patterns and is available in both a left and right hand version.  I ordered a right hand blaze orange version. It arrived withing a few days after talking to the folks at Upland Sportsman. So if you’re still looking for a unique gift under $40 for the upland wingshooter on your Christmas list, the Upland Sportsman sling will be a welcome surprise under the tree.

Initial Thoughts

I’ll update this post withing a few weeks after I’ve had a chance to put the Upland Sportsman sling through its paces but until then here are a few of my initial thoughts.

• Well Made – All components of the Upland Sportsman sling are made from high quality materials and are neatly finished. The stitching on the sling is perfect and all snaps and buckles are designed for years of hard field use.
• Custom Options – Upland Sportsman sling is available in ten different colours and/or camo patterns. It can be ordered in a left or right hand version. Out of the package the sling is a one size fits all type product that can be trimmed to length after custom fitting to your particular firearm. The stock pocket can be ordered in either ballistic nylon or hypalon (what’s the difference?)
• Easy to Use – Withing minutes of removing the Upland Sportsman sling from its package I was setup and ready to head to the field. The stock pocket was easy to install on my shotgun and the sling itself was quick to adjust to my chest.

Disclaimer: Confident I’d love their product, the good people at Upland Sportsman sent me a sling to test. I’m not being paid to write this review.