

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.






Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
I have examined many medical kits over the past 30+ years. Whether it was homemade, professionally assembled, or commercially manufactured I usually found something about them I didn't like. My own kits have changed drastically over the years. When I was a kid treating my Dads ballplayers alongside various team Docs it was mostly instant ice packs, tape, Tough Skin spray and that orange goopy Atomic Balm stuff that always somehow ended up in somebodys jock. Much later as a SAR Tech-EMT for the Sheriff's Office I was more concerned about controlling major bleeding, managing airways and patient packaging. I have come full circle and finally settled on what medical gear I really need to carry when emergency services are an extended response time away.
I keep a complete BLS (Basic Life Support) med pack in the truck but that is where it stays now. My days of humping 100 pound rescue packs into the boonies are over but I still assume the mother hen/medic role when I am out with other people. I still have that "duty to act" mindset and I still hate the idea of not being prepared. So, I have two kits I regularly use in the field. One bare bones version for when I am alone and another for when I am with other people (which means, except for personal meds, they can ditch their kit).
My bare bones or solo first aid kit contains only what I consider the absolute essentials. Nothing more. It is light weight, waterproof and fits easily in a runners pack or BDU pant cargo pocket.
Now look, I am publishing this list because I have received many requests from readers asking what I carry in the field not because I am suggesting what you should carry. After all, I have a great deal of emergency medical training and experience but I have no idea what you do or don't know. Education is a wonderful thing and I suggest that you get as much as you can before trying to take care of someone or even yourself. Please don't try to take this list or anyone else's and do things you are not qualified to do. You might make things worse.
OK, with that said, here is the medical gear I carry in the field. The items contained in my solo kit are shown in red type.
4x4 GAUZE PADS, 6 to 12 for wound cleansing, dressing
ELASTIC BANDAGE, 3 inch for joint support, immobilization, compression
STERI-STRIPS wound closures
OPSITE wound dressing
BAND-AID ULTRA-STRIPS in assorted sizes
CELOX HEMOSTATIC for controlling major bleeds
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE, cloth w/ safety pins for immobilization, packaging, tourniquet
TRAUMA PAD, 1 or 2 for large wound dressing, pressure bandage
WET PREP GREEN SOAP SPONGES for antiseptic wound cleansing
COBAN SELF-ADHERENT WRAP, 2 inch for wound dressing, joint support, packaging
HYPAFIX TAPE for blister prevention, care
ADHESIVE BACKED FELT for blister padding, care
ALCOHOL SWABS for blister care
EYE WASH, single use vials
GLUCOSE for hypoglycemia
EPIPEN AUTO-INJECTOR .3 mg of Epinephrine for severe allergic reactions
BENADRYL TABLETS-Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride antihistamine for allergic reactions
PEPTO BISMAL tablets for upset stomach, diarrhea
IBUPROFEN tablets, 800 mg for pain, inflammation
COUGH DROPS
SPWIPES SUN PROTECTION towelettes, SPF 30
DEEP WOODS OFF Insect Repellent towelettes
SAGE P2 HIRISK POWDER FREE LATEX EXAM GLOVES for BSI, cleaning game
TOOTH/FLOSS PICKS
IRRIGATION SYRINGE, 60cc with catheter tip and a 7.5mm/32FR Nasopharyngeal Airway to improvise a suction device, for wound cleansing, airway management
SWISS ARMY KNIFE, small with scissors/tweezers for trimming nails, dead skin, blister donuts
HEATSHEETS SURVIVAL BLANKET-Two Person for treatment of shock, hypothermia, emergency shelter
WIGGY'S PILLOW for sitting, sleeping, immobilization, splinting, packaging (carried separately)
WATER for drinking, wound irrigation, cleansing (carried separately)
KIRKLAND BABY WIPES, unscented for personal hygiene (carried with toilet paper)
DUCT TAPE wrapped around my hiking pole for dressing, joint support, immobilization, packaging, cactus removal
SPOT 2 SATELLITE MESSENGER, for calling Advanced Life Support, evacuation (carried separately)
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.


Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
I am a layering guy. That is how I was taught and my experience as a mountaineer, hunter, SAR Tech, skier and ATVer has only solidified my belief in that methodology. Three layers to be exact. Base. Insulation. Shell. Only occasionally will I carry a fourth layer in the form of a wool or synthetic wool shirt over my base layer.
I choose my base layer to match the expected temperature range and situation. It is either a light, mid or expedition weight polypro zip t-neck from REI or Patagonia, although I am looking at some wool and fish net bases also. Then I always wear my shell unless it is just too warm to wear anything over the base. The insulation layer is the variable. When I am moving and generating heat, the insulation piece is in my pack. I pull it out and put it on, when I stop to glass or eat or bivy, between my base and shell layers where it is protected and does me the most good. This way I don’t need any wind or water protection built into my insulator which keeps it as light as possible.
The only question is, synthetic or goose down. That is an easy decision. If there is a chance that the down could get wet, meaning moderate temperatures around or higher than freezing, I choose the synthetic. Otherwise I use high quality down. When it is cold and you are a day or more from the truck, there is nothing better than goose down. Period.
Here are the insulation pieces that I am currently recommending. I will make changes to this list when necessary.
Down
Western Mountaineering-Flight Series Jacket
Western Mountaineering-Meltdown Jacket
Nunatak-Skaha Plus Sweater
Nunatak-Torre Down Parka
Mont-Bell-U.L. Down Inner Jacket-7.3 oz total weight, 2 oz fill weight (size med)
Synthetic
Insport-Level 3 High Loft Half Zip Pullover
Outdoor Research-Saturn Suit
Patagonia-Das Parka (can use w/o a shell)
Mont-Bell-U.L. Thermawrap Jacket-Exceloft, 8.8 oz total weight (size med)
Marmot-TR6 Jacket (midweight, has pit zips)
Cabelas-Polartec Classic 300 ECWCS Mil Spec Jacket (has pit zips)
Cabelas-Polartec Classic 300 ECWCS Mil Spec pants
RAB Generator Jacket with Primaloft
Wool
Cabelas-Windshear Trek-Tech 100% Wool Quarter-Zip Sweater
Patagonia Cashmere Raglan 1/4 Zip sweater
Insulation pieces currently under consideration.
Wild Things-Primaloft Sweaters without the hood
Mont Bell-Climaplus Wool Windstopper Jacket (can use w/o a shell)
Integral Designs-Rundle Jacket with Primaloft
Integral Designs-PLQ Jacket with Primaloft
Patagonia Lightweight R4 Fleece Jacket
Patagonia R4 Jacket
Cabelas-Military Weight Polartec Power Stretch Union Bibs
Cabelas-Mountain Sherpa Jacket
Wild Things-Belay Bibs with Primaloft
Wild Things-EP Pants with Primaloft
Wiggys-Alaska Range Parka Liner L-3 20deg thickness
Wiggys-Alaska Range Parka Liner L-6 minus 20 deg thickness
Wiggys-Alaska Range Parka Liner L-12 arctic thickness
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket with Primaloft or Climasheild
Arcteryx LEAF Atom LT Liner Jacket
Patagonia Down Sweater
The North Face Nuptse Jacket and Vest
Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket
Mont-Bell EX Light Down Jacket
Mont-Bell Alpine Light Down Jacket
Mont-Bell Permafrost Light Down Jacket
Sitka Gear Kelvin Jacket with Primaloft (camo)
Sitka Gear Jetstream Jacket with Gore Windstopper (camo)
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.





Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
It is clear from the chatter that it is that time of year again. People are getting ready for big trips. They are getting their gear together and working on their physical conditioning. Outstanding! That is exactly what you should be doing but I want to reiterate an important point from previous articles. It is extremely important to condition your feet.
I have heard this from the SEALS in Coronado, the adventure athletes at Primal Quest and I know it from my own experience. If you want to push your body and your equipment to the limit and expect top performance from both, they have to be conditioned and tested routinely in preparation.
Lou Whitaker, the famous mountaineer, told me that the best exercise for mountaineering is mountaineering. If you are going to be humping heavy loads over rough terrain for extending periods of time then you had better be doing the same in your training. Your feet are an often overlooked but a critical piece of that equation. Here are a few suggestions
It boils down to common sense and discipline people. Like the old Chiefs say, the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle. Learn it. Love it. Live it.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
I do not consider myself an expert on sport optics, I reserve that moniker for guys like Terry Howell at The Outdoorsmans and Chris Denham of Western Hunter Magazine. However, I have learned a great deal over the past year and a half by evaluating most of the top brands and models of binoculars and spotting scopes. What has really made the difference for me is the ability to mount two, three, or four models on tripods, sit down on a Walkstool and arrange them in front of me so I can easily go from one to the other and back for hours at a time. If you are looking for the best optics side by side comparisons are really the only way to judge differences in picture/image characteristics and ease of use.
Two big things stand out to me. First, like boots, glass that works very well for one person may not work at all for someone else because eyes, facial structure and tastes vary widely. However, there are distinct classes or groups of glass. I use the term "tier" and grade the very best as tier 1. I don't waste time with anything below tier 3 and don't think that you should either. Second, the quality and performance that is currently available on the market is simply outstanding and the price you pay for world class glass is trending downward. It is so good, in fact, I don’t think that the glass can get much better. My prediction is that advances in future lines will be in the form of the top technology continuing to be more affordable, integrated features like laser rangefinders and digital cameras, variable magnification capability and lighter materials.
You will notice a couple of things here that you may or not agree with but it is my list so I get to do what I want. I don't think that you can effectively hand hold anything bigger than 8x for very long so I don't list any 10x42 binoculars. If you are going to use a 10 power for anything other than a truck/quad/Ranger glass then it should be on a tripod so you might as well use a 50 or 56mm objective. Also, I am convinced that The Outdoorsmans makes the best tripod adapter system on the market so I tend to favor only binoculars and other optics that accept it. Fortunately most of the good glass is compatible. The exceptions are low power binoculars that I intend to use just for neck glass like the Zeiss 7x42 FLs which do not accept The Outdoorsmans system. Note to Zeiss, if y'all would get with the program and join the club there would probably be more Zeiss binos on this list.
Here is the list of optics, except rifle scopes, that I am recommending. It will be revised as necessary. As far as where to get them, product knowledge and customer service is uber important so I refer everyone to The Outdoorsmans in Phoenix. It is the best gittin’ place I know of for great optics, tripods, heads and accessories. Period. And just for the record, I don’t get paid for sending you to them.
RANGEFINDERS
Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200 Compact
Swarovski LG-1 8x30
MONOCULARS
Zeiss Conquest MiniQuick 5x10 T-super duper light and handy to carry
BINOCULARS
Vortex 6x32 Viper-second tier glass, great for around the neck
Zeiss Victory 7x42 FL LT-first tier glass, very good for around the neck
Swarovski 8x20 Compact-great little glasses when you need something small
Nikon 8x42 Monarch ATB-third tier glass, good all around, inexpensive
Nikon 8x42 EDG-first tier glass
Pentax 8x43 DCF ED-second tier glass
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL-first tier glass, if I could only have one, these are it
Vortex 8.5x50 Razor-second tier glass, great for low light surveillance
Nikon 8x56 Monarch ATB-third tier glass, good all around, inexpensive
Leica 10x50 HD Ultravid-first tier glass
Nikon 10x56 Monarch ATB-third tier glass, good all around, inexpensive
Nikon 12x56 Monarch ATB-third tier glass, good all around, inexpensive
Swarovski 15x56 SLC-first tier glass
Zeiss 15x60 Classic B GAT (no longer made)-first tier glass, maybe the most comfortable high power glasses to use in the field for long periods of time ever made
Kowa High Lander Fluorite w/ 32x or 50x Wide Angle eyepieces-best long range
SPOTTING SCOPES
Leupold Golden Ring 12-40x60 HD-light, compact, big eyepiece, reasonably priced
Swarovski STM-65 HD with the 25-50 Wide eyepiece-best spotter for the weight
Kowa TSN-884 Straight Fluorite with the 20-60 eyepiece-best image
CAMERAS
Olympus Stylus 850SW (shock and waterproof digital 8.0 megapixel)
Panasonic SDR-H18 (Hard Disk Drive/SD card video and 32x optical zoom)
Flip UltraHD (made for uploading video to the web)
Minox DCM 5.0 (for Digiscoping)
NIGHT VISION
ITT AN/PVS-14 (mil spec, third generation)
OPTICS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION
Swarovski EL Swarovision 10x42 binoculars (new with HD glass and field flattening)
Zen Ray ED 7x36 binoculars
Zen Ray ED 8x43 binoculars
Minox APO HG 8.5x43
Canon SX1S (DSLR)
Meopta Meostar 8x42
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Read some of my other pieces on shell gear and you will see that I put a great deal of importance on protective shells. I have spent a great deal of time looking at what the market has to offer for all users.
Two things stand out in this category. First is the rise of eVent as a viable alternative to industry standard Gore-Tex. This may be the one thing that finally drives Gore to revamp their current confusing and forgettable product classification titles. Second is the emergence of high quality technical mountaineering style shells in camouflage or stealthy colors like sage green or coyote brown. This is an issue that I have been talking about for many years and while I don't think we have seen the best yet, we have come a long way from where we were and I am very happy about the progress. Interesting to note that this niche is still not being addressed by the biggest players in the business.
Here is the Current list of shell layer layer pieces that I am recommending. Changes will be made as Necessary.
Turtleskin Snake Armour Gaiters (camo/tan snake resistant, good for cactus country)
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters (best all around, expedition quality)
Cabelas MTO50 Quiet Pack Jacket (Gore-Tex, multiple camo patterns, quiet. no pit zips)
Cabelas MTO50 Quiet Pack Bibs (Gore-Tex, multiple camo patterns, quiet)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Parka MARPAT Digital Desert (heavy duty)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Trousers MARPAT Digital Desert (heavy duty)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Parka MARPAT Digital Woodland (issue, heavy duty)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Trousers MARPAT Digital Woodland (issue, heavy duty)
Adventure Tech Silent Strike Viper Jacket (Gore-Tex, technical shell, quiet, not currently available)
TAD Gear Predator Hardshell Jacket v1, v2 and the new eVent v3 (technical shell, stealth colors)
TAD Gear Predator Hardshell Cargo Trousers (expedition level, technical shell, stealthy colors)
TAD Gear Combat Anorak (stealth colors, Kevlar, extremely heavy duty, technical shell)
TAD Gear Raptor eVent Jacket (technical shell, stealthy colors)
Rivers West Cascade Mountain Jacket (quiet, waterproof but not breathable)
Rivers West Steelheader Jacket (quiet, waterproof but not breathable, not currently available)
Arcteryx Theta AR Jacket (Gore-Tex, technical shell)
Arcteryx Sting Ray Jacket (Gore-Tex Softshell, technical shell, no pit zips)
Arcteryx Alpha SV Bibs (Gore-Tex, midweight, high waisted, technical shell bibs)
Marmot Minimalist Jacket (Gore-Tex, technical shell)
Marmot Precip Jacket (lightweight, very packable, many colors including stealth)
Carhartt Waterproof Breathable Jacket (heavy duty, work, ATVing, riding, sitting, no pit zips)
Carhartt Waterproof Breathable Coat (heavy duty, work, ATVing, riding, sitting, no pit zips)
Carhartt Extremes Coverall (heavy duty, extreme cold weather, work, ATVing, riding, sitting)
Carhartt Waterproof Breathable Waist Overalls pant (heavy duty, work, ATVing, riding, sitting)
Sitka Nimbus Jacket (technical shell, camo)
Wild Things Alpinist Jacket (eVent, techincal shell)
Integral Designs eVent Cruiser jacket (hoodless, all around light jacket)
The North Face Climb Very Light Jacket (Gore-Tex, waist length, no longer available)
The North Face Mountain Jacket (Gore-Tex, expedition duty, waist length, no longer available)
The North Face Mountain Bibs (Gore-Tex, expedition duty, no longer available)
Items currently under consideration.
REI Ultra Light Jacket
REI Shuksan Jacket eVent
Cabelas Alaskan Guide Jacket
Propper APECS Air Force Tiger Stripe Parka (Gore-Tex, issue)
Propper APECS Air Force Tiger Stripe Trousers (Gore-Tex, issue)
Cloudveil Koven Jacket
Clouveil RPK Parka
Cloudveil RPK Pant
Integral Designs eVent Thru Hiker Jacket
Integral Designs eVent Pullover Jacket
Patagonia Storm Lite Jacket
Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Gaiters
Outdoor Research Furio Jacket
Arcteryx Beta AR Jacket
Ground Extension Jacket eVent
Rab Momentum Jacket eVent
Wild Things Superlight Alpinist Jacket
Arcteryx Sidewinder SV Pants
Russell Outdoors APX G2 Zephr Jacket
Russell Outdoors APX G2 Gale Jacket and Pants
Sitka Stormfront Jacket
Sitka Stormfront Lite Jacket and Pants
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.
Protect your hands. That may sound like an incredibly obvious and unnecessary statement but it is the truth. Your hands are amazing tools and they are pretty tough but they are also highly prone to injury. Especially cold injury. They are also great heat radiators and very important to good ventilation when you are working hard in the boonies. From rope rescue work to shooting to mountaineering, good gloves are the answer to many problems and in my opinion, you can never have enough of the good ones.
Here is my list of recommended gloves.
Hanz Flame Resistant Gloves (simply the best all-around glove I have ever used)
Outdoor Research Alti Gloves
Outdoor Research Alti Mitts
Outdoor Research Mutant Mitts (government sales only)
Outdoor Research Poseidon Gloves (government sales only)
Mechanix Wear Original Gloves (in Coyote)
Mechanix Wear Original Vent Gloves (in Covert)
Cloudveil Troller Glove
Mountain Hardwear Habanero Glove
Black Diamond Guide Glove
Cabelas Gore-Tex Thinsulate Deluxe Shooting Gloves
Cabelas Gore-Tex MTO50 Whitetail Extreme Shooting Gloves
Camelbak Max Grip NT
Camelbak Combat
Camelbak Friction Fighter NT
Blackhawk Python Advanced Light Rappel Gloves
CMC Rescue Riggers Gloves
CMC Air Rescue Gloves
CMC Rescue Rappel Gloves
Fingerless Industrial Weight Kevlar Knit Gloves (for rope rigging)
Currently under consideration
Hestra Army Leather Gloves
Hestra Heli 3 Finger Gloves
Hestra XCR 3 Finger Gloves
Hestra Soft Shell Short Gloves
Hestra Primaloft Extreme Liners
Black Diamond Patrol Gloves
Grandoe Logan Mountaineering Glove
Cabelas Grandoe Strata Gore-Tex Gloves
Cabelas Grandoe Makalu Extreme Condition Gore-Tex Mittens
Outdoor Research Arete Gloves
Outdoor Research Firebrand Gloves
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

I think that the SPOT unit is so important that I carry one myself and include them in the WEKs (Wilderness Emergency Kits) that I put together for friends, family and readers. I can't give it a higher recommendation than that.
Congratulations SPOT. Well done. Again.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.

If I had to nit pick anything at this early stage it would be noise but that is not a Sitka problem, it is a technological one. We need an advance in the state of the art. You can have quiet and moderate weight with the Gore Softshell or medium noise and light weight with the Gore Performance Shell but low noise and low weight just doesn't exist yet in a waterproof breathable shell. It is hard to quantify but I would describe it as middle of the road for sound which will be just fine for most of you.
If this Stormfront Jacket doesn't push the Sitka Nimbus Jacket off the top of my list and become my favorite I will be very surprised. It is a beautiful piece.
When you order make sure you get the size right. I am, nine times out of ten, a straight forward XL Regular in tops and bottoms from most manufacturers but I had to go with an XXL in the Sitka Nimbus Jacket to properly accommodate my heaviest insulation layer pieces. I think that I will have to do the same for the new Stormfront. It is not as bad as what Mountain Hardware calls an XL but Sitka could stand to use a fit model that is a little broader across the back and thicker in the shoulders.
So far, so good. Well done and congratulations boys. I think you nailed it.
I will have a full review on the field performance of the Stormfront Jacket and other pieces in the 2009 Sitka Gear line later.
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.