Let me apologize right off the bat for digressing from great gear but sometimes I just can't keep from commenting on the things I see.


Sure, he is cute now with his dorsal fin haircut and wife beater T but just wait 'til he gets mauled.
 
I got several messages last night alerting me to a new TV show that was on Animal Planet about Grizzly bears.  The host was a guy named Dave Salmoni who apparently is the next in line to achieve fortune and fame by tempting both fate and wild, dangerous animals. 

Now, I know a little something about danger and risk and I know some other people that know a lot about those things because they do it every day.  One skid insertions at night in the mountains, cutting ventilation holes on the roofs of burning buildings, avalanche patrol, bomb squad duty, swiftwater rescues, combat medivac missions, clearing IEDs.  You know what I am talking about.  Dangerous things that have to be done because they are necessary not just because they are dangerous.  So it really chaps my ass when I see guys like this throw comfort and safety out the window and flaunt their arrogance in the face of lions and tigers and bears for fun, fame and profit.  It's either phony or stupid.  I wrote about Timothy Treadwell, who in my opinion was both, in an earlier article on this site called Bear With Me. 

Well, either Mr. Salmoni didn't read the piece very closely or he doesn't place much value on his life because in this program he actually retraces Treadwells ill fated steps in Alaska.  Supposedly with no more protection than a can of bear spray and a flare, (which is more than Treadwell carried) he sits on a beach with hungry Grizzlies walking back and forth no more than 10 feet away.  Incredible.


Here is Dave playing with a big lovable kitty cat.


Here is Dave with some other pets.  My, what big teeth you have.


Dave with his friend the Grizzly bear.


Ah, a bull elephant.  What is that Dave, 20 feet maybe?

Some put it all on the line to protect and serve.  This guy does it for the sake of good TV and, of course, the thrill.  It is not bravery.  It is not talent.  It is not even sporting.  Sorry Dave, I am not impressed. 

When one of these magnificent animals finally thrills you to death and has to be put down, I will feel bad...for the animal.   

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

 

       

        

They're here!  The first batch of Hardcore Outdoor T-shirts.  These are high quality 100% cotton T-shirts available in large, extra large and extra extra large and they cost $17 each plus shipping.  Place your order by sending me an email at products@hardcoreoutdoor.com. 
 
We are working on additional T-shirts designs, also caps and some other goodies. 


Front of the Dedication T-shirt



Back of the dedication T-shirt



Front of the Hunter T-shirt



Back of the Hunter T-shirt

        

Thought I would take a little brake from the boots and talk about another very important issue that every hardcore outdoorsman needs to address.  Fire.  More specifically, how to build a good one in adverse conditions. 

Fire is a big deal.  It keeps us warm.  It cooks our food and heats water.  It is a good signaling device.  Keeping it alive and under control gives us something to do.  It keeps the boogey man and other scary things away.  In short, it can be a life saver.  Remember the classic short story “To Build A Fire” by Jack London? 

I have spent a lot of time over the past thirty years working on my kit.  The fire making piece of it has been especially challenging.  I have heard just about every method imaginable including chemical mixes and batteries and steel wool.  When I was a SAR Tech-EMT on the Sheriff’s Mountain Rescue Team my favorite fire starting method was a road flare.  We had boxes of them and they were always handy to throw in your pack.  You can start a fire in a hurricane with a road flare but it suffers from two flaws.  One.  They are heavy.  Even if you cut them down to a more practical size.   Two.  A flare is a single use item.  Once you start it, that’s it.  You can’t use it again.

After a great deal of research, a lot of questions to the old salts and my own trial and error in the field, here is what I am currently carrying in my pack to get a good fire going.

Waterproof Stormproof Matches
Flint and steel
Jumbo size cotton balls-tinder for sparks from the flint and steel
Esbit Solid Fuel Tabs-individually wrapped and burn for 12 to 15 minutes each
Petroleum jelly-work it into the cotton balls to make them burn longer
Butane Lighter-I have tried them all and I am back to carrying a Bic
Tinder Quik fire tabs-waterproof tinder bundles burn for a few minutes 
Leakproof and airtight plastic bag-to keep it all dry
Knife-making wood shavings and preparing the tinder pile 
Hand saw-cutting fire wood into manageable pieces

I know there are other good methods but I have chosen these items because they achieve a balance between capability, shelf life, weight and dependability.  I mean, a can of gasoline is a great fire starter but it is impractical for obvious reasons.  I believe that with these items, a modicum of skill, and some practice, you can start a fire in most conditions.


I have come full circle on my fire starter kit.  This is everything I need to start a fire and nothing more.
It measures 6x9 inches, weighs 5.4 ounces and fits in a BDU leg pocket.  The AA battery is for scale.  

The right fire making materials are one thing.  Your skill in using them is something else entirely.  Practice makes perfect or at least proficient.  Your ability to successfully build a good fire in a reasonable amount of time under adverse conditions might save your life or the life of someone you care about.  So practice.  Oh, and try not to burn down anything important like a house or a forest.  I spent a little time on the Rodeo-Chediski fire in 2002, a 467,000 acre conflagration that was started by an arsonist and an idiot that got lost and tried to signal a helicopter with a fire.  During the day.  In high wind conditions.  In the summer.  That was her story anyway.

One last thing to consider.  Despite your best efforts, you might not be able to start a fire so you had better be prepared to survive your predicament without one.  Like always use your brain before, during and after your trip.

Good luck.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

        

At the risk of offending my readers who also happen to be French snipers, I found this picture on www.blackfive.net which is one of the best military blogs on the world wide web.  I couldn't help it.  I had to post it.


This is just wrong on so many levels I don't know where to begin.  If things like this have to be done for the sake of the mission, I guess I can understand but, pun intended, do we have to memorialize it by putting it on film and posting it on the web?

I'm just saying that if this is what I have to do to make the shot, the bad guy gets a pass this time.  The broke back butt bench just isn't going to work for me.  Call me homophobic, call me old fashioned, call me immature, just don't call me to do this one. 

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

        

Lowa is a pretty big name in the boot business so when you open up the box there is a certain expectation.  These boots did not disappoint.  I wish I knew who started this style of boots because most of the light mountaineering boots that I have for evaluation look similar.  However, looks are one thing, execution is another.  

The Lowa Hunter Extreme GTX is a renowned hunting boot for high country, extreme terrain sheep hunters.  The Hunter is a 10 inch boot.  The Tibet GTX is the 8 inch version and the subject of this article.

This is an exceptionally well made boot.  There is nothing cheap or flimsy about it.  The hardware is all metal and the Nubuck leather is thick.  There is a Gore-Tex liner to keep water out and the Lowa Climate Control System works to eliminate moisture inside the boot from your sweaty feet.       


The Lowa Tibet GTX boots.  My U.S.11Ds weigh 2lbs 2oz each and have a little more room in the toe box and forefoot than others that I have tried.  Lowa also offers this boot in a Wide version.

The difference between a heavy hiker and a light mountaineering in my way of thinking is the rigidity of the sole and it's ability to haul big loads.  These are heavy duty boots with a hard footbed and a sole stiff enough to handle strap on crampons but they have a unique tread design that makes it easier to walk on the flats.  There seems to be a pronounced break over point at the ball of the foot.  Once you roll forward and cross that point, the front part of the sole tapers off to allow a full rock forward.  It makes for a nice, smooth rolling forward movement.


The Tibet GTX fit me nicely and the lacing made it easy to adjust for changing conditions.  There is a mid-tongue lace cleat to keep the top laces from creeping up.  I like that feature.  They do not have a pinch cleat at the flex point which means you do not have a clear distinction between how the top and the bottom of the boot is laced but it did not seem to be an issue for me.


The perforations around the nicely padded collar are part of the Climate Control System which is supposed to move air in and out of the boot to encourage evaporation of sweat moisture.  The tongue on these boots is very trim and tidy.  It lays down nice and smooth and is very comfortable against my feet.  When you crank the laces down on these boots, they just feel snug, not restricted.

I liked the Lowa Tibet GTX.  It was comfortable out of the box, walked nicely, and didn't cause me any problems.  It is a top quality boot that is built for the abuse of  high country, mountain activities.  I have more work to do with these but so far I am impressed.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

        

Friend Jay Scott and Cody Nelson with a nice, big Northern Arizona turkey.  Why yes, those are pine trees.

Congratulations to my brother Cody for a successful turkey hunt this last weekend in Northern Arizona.  Actually, Jay is the one that called him in.  All Cody had to do was pull the trigger.  And how tough is it to miss a tom that big anyway?

Nice job boys, save me a little white meat, please.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

 

        

Walk into a Cabela's store, find your way back to the boot department and ask one of the kids there to bring out a pair of their finest boots.  It will say Meindl on the outside of the box.  The Cabela's version of these German made boots comes in two flavors, the 10 inch high Alaskan Hunter and an 8 inch version called the Alaskan Hiker.  Since I like a shorter boot, I had them send me the Hiker.  

You pull one out of the box and you are immediately struck by the fact that this is a very well made, heavy duty boot.  There is nothing dainty about it.  It is made of the finest leather, shod with a Vibram outsole, sports a Gore-Tex liner and has a heavy rubber rand running all the way around it.  You will notice that it looks very much like some of the other boots that I have shown you in this class and it doesn't end here.  I assume that is because people who make these kinds of boots know what works.

This is a boot that came very highly recommended to me by a number of very experienced guides and outfitters.  In fact, just about as many suggested this boot as did the Kenetreks.  I liked the Kenetreks very much so I had high expectations for the Cabela's Meindls.  

I met the UPS guy at the door like I always do, took the box, opened it, inspected the boots and then wore them for at least a couple of hours around the office before I head for the trail to try them out.  My first impression was that the fit was right and that they were comfortable.  Remember that I am pretty much a 10.5D in dress and running shoes and an 11D in boots.  I was also pleasantly surprised that these boots had a little more room in the toe box and forefoot for a fuller volume foot.  I like that, like a king size bed or a seat in first class, a little extra room is always appreciated.  So far so good, right? 
  

The collar of the Alaskan Hikers is a smooth, perforated foam that wraps the ankle nicely.  Lacing is easy and you can adjust the top and bottom independently by virtue of the pinch cleats right where the top of the foot meets the bottom of the shin.  Again, indicative of a well made light mountaineering boot.

The interesting thing about these kinds of boots and especially these is that the insoles are hard.  I mean very hard.  It may seem counter intuitive but heavy loads, difficult terrain and long distances require a very stout boot.  It's a lot like the suspension on a one ton pick up.  Pretty rough until you load it up and then it comes into it's own.  A softer boot may seem more comfortable in your living room but out in the bush your feet will take a beating, fatigue faster and will be more prone to injury.  However, even as these kinds of boots go, these are pretty firm.


Again, these are very well made.  They are nice looking too I think.  Forward flexibility was about average or maybe even a little better than average for this class of boot.  They are pretty easy to walk in on the flats and the talus.

After four or five hours of wearing the boots I headed for my test loop in the mountain preserve.  I try to keep these comparisons apples to apples so I use the same socks, the same trail, and the same distance for all of them.  Everything was going pretty good until I hit the first incline and then I started to get some numbness in the bottoms of my feet.  Numbness is caused by either a reduction in blood flow or pressure on a nerve.  So I sat down, took the boots off, traded socks, put the boots back on, laced them back up a little looser this time and took off again.  No relief.  I played that game for the whole rest of the time I was on the trail.  Sometimes it was the tops of my feet, others it was the bottoms and sides.  I don't know what the problem is really, it's never happened to me before.  My theory is that either the collar is putting pressure on a nerve somewhere or the tongue is not thick enough and the laces are restricting blood flow.  The shame of it is that I really like the boots.


The tongue is gusseted so you don't get any unwanted water or debris in the boot.  You can see that the tongue is not made out of the same material as the collar, nor is it as thick which is part of what I think was causing me trouble.  I think maybe I am going to try a thicker sock next time I take these out for a spin. 

This is where I explain to everybody again that feet and ankles are as individual as faces and just because this boot gave me a little problem the first time on the mountain doesn't mean that it is an inferior boot or that it won't be perfect for you.  Remember, this boot was highly recommended by some pretty salty dogs so I know they are good boots.  I only have 9 miles on them so far so I am hoping that it is a break in issue that will simply go away with time.  I plan to do at least two more circuits on the loop which is another 12 miles so I will let you know how it turns out between me an this particular Cabela's Meindl boot. 

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

        

This is my backyard test track.  It is close to home and gives me a nice variety of ups and downs in the talus.  My usual loop is a little over 6 miles but I can do 20 if I want to keep going.  The rugged beauty of the central Arizona Sonoran desert and very few people.  Nice, eh?  

I have received a nice response to my posts on boots and one of the most asked questions is, what do I use myself.  I am a boot whore, I admit it.  As my wife often reminds me I have more than 50% of the available space in our walk in closet and much of my allotment is devoted to footwear.  Boots to be more precise.  Yes, I have more boots than I can wear.  I like to refer to it as my pedal reference library.  She is not amused.  However, I do have my favorites that I wear more often than the others because they consistently perform better than the others. 

The Danner Quarry GTX in both the 6 and 8 inch versions have been great for me.  Technically they are classed as a work boot by Danner but I don't really know if that is where they belong.  They have been extremely comfortable from the time they came out of the box to now.  I have hunted New Mexico Antelope, hiked the Superstition mountains, and walked the snowy and muddy meadows of northern Arizona for days in these versatile boots.  No blisters, no leaks, no problems.  These boots have been very good to me.


 
These Danner Quarry GTX 6 inch boots have about 100 miles on them.  They have performed beautifully for me which is why I recommend them to my readers.  The Gore-Tex booty and a little silicone spray touch up keeps my feet dry.


While these have proven to be a great all around boot my recent evaluations of heavy duty boots has revealed an important difference between the different types of boots I use most.  The Quarrys are very comfortable and can be worn for days on end without any problems.  The double leather rand provides very good protection in mixed conditions including rocks and cactus but even though they have a little Thinsulate insulation they are not made for the alpine environment.  The Kenetreks, Lowas, Meindls, La Sportivas and others that I am currently evaluating are made for difficult terrain and light mountaineering.  Meaning that they have stiffer soles for side hilling and hauling heavy loads over long distances, however, they are not particularly comfortable on the flats when compared to the Danners.  

The Quarrys are not as precise on the down hills and will roll over a little when side hilling.  They are not sloppy, they just don't offer you the control and rigidity of a mountain boot.  Better?  No, not necessarily but they are different and something that you need to consider when choosing the right boot for what you want to do.  That is the real difference here, the trade offs, between long term comfort and walkability and control and support.  The Quarrys can be walked in and worn comfortably forever it seems.  The mountain boots are not as comfortable but they are purpose built, extremely sturdy and very controllable in extreme terrain.


These are the Danner Quarry GTX Brown 8 inch models.  Same boot as above but with a little more support from the taller collar.  These also have a heavier Vibram Olympia outsole.  These boots come in at about 5 lbs a pair which is heavier than the light mountaineering boots that I have been testing by about a pound.  Although, they don't feel like it.  I like these so much I bought an extra pair. 

For trail running and day hiking I like an adventure racing shoe made by Salomon.  I think it is called the Raid Race, I don't know for sure because, of course, they are no longer made.  These are great shoes.  Fit is very good, support is very good, stability is outstanding, and the locking laces are fantastic.  My favorite feature though is the padded neoprene collar.  You sort of slip into these like a dive booty and then lace them up.  Why Salomon did not continue this design in subsequent models is beyond me because these are the best wearing trail shoes I have ever used.  Loosen the laces for going up or crank 'em down for the descent, no matter, the integrated collar stays snug to your ankle and has the added benefit of acting like a low gaiter.  They are also light weight while providing good cushioning, ample rock protection on the bottoms and excellent traction.     


Notice that there is no tongue on these Salomon trail shoes.  The tongue and collar are all one integrated piece of padded neoprene that moves comfortably with the ankle.  It is a fantastic design and I am amazed that no other manufacturers use it.


These probably have 200 miles or more on them and they are really starting to show it.  The lace cleats are pulling out and the tread is worn down but I am still using them because I can't find anything better in this class.  I am very loyal to products that perform.

To that point, the boot that I have used the most and consider to be the gold standard of backcountry footwear is the Danner Special Forces boot which is now called the Recon.  They are black, all leather, 8 inch military duty boots with 200 grams of Thinsulate and a Gore-Tex booty.  I originally purchased the Ft. Lewis "Go Devils" boot from Brigade Quartermaster or U.S Calvary but that is a 10 inch boot and is just too tall for me.  The Special Forces model is the same boot but 2 inches shorter.


The Vibram Kletterlift sole on these was perfect for what I needed.  They were good on the trail and on the rock but not too heavy or clunky.  It is a very efficient but effective tread.  I especially like the tapered heel for helicopter skid work.  Danners higher end, American made boots can be recrafted.  I had these done for about $125 and then retired them.  They deserved a rest.  Phenomenal boot.


I don't know how they accomplished it but these boots archive a delicate balance between stability, rigidity, and wearability and comfort.  I have more than 300 search and rescue missions and thousands of hours of training in these boots.  Hot, cold, snow, rain, on the flats or in the mountains I wore these boots exclusively for 6 or 7 years.  They kept my feet dry, warm, comfortable and blister free.  Always.  In my opinion, and isn't that why you are here, these are the best all around boots on the planet.

So there you have it.  Those are the boots I wear the most but things can change.  I have been eyeballing the Danner Rain Forest lately and some of these new heavy duty and heavy hiker boots are very nice.  I think I am going to need some more closet space.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

        

This is the final screen shot of their trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles.  33 messages plotting their locations on Google Maps.  They turned SPOT on and activated the Track Progress function when they left the house and turned the unit off when they arrived at their destination.  Not once during the 6 hour trip did SPOT fail to send a successful message.  I don't care who you are, that is impressive.


I am putting this post in the Navigation category because even though the SPOT Satellite Messenger is first and foremost a communications device, I am using it today for navigation.

Anyone who has been reading this blog for any length of time knows that I am a fan of the SPOT device.  It has filled an important niche for me and has given my family, primarily my wife and brother, piece of mind because they know where I am when I am in the field.  It has been 100% perfect for me so far.  However, today, the shoe is on the other foot and the favor is being returned.  Now I am the one wanting a little piece of mind and SPOT is giving it to me.  Let me explain.

My daughter plays club volleyball with a traveling team.  She is pretty good and our philosophy is that the busier we keep her the more peaceful all our lives will be.  You know teenagers.  They have a tournament in California this weekend but there was a screw up in the team travel arrangements.  The result, no plane ticket for my little girl.  So my wife, a former SoCal beach girl, loaded up the mommy mobile and hit the road.  Not so fast there girly girls, I am the anal, retentive, obsessive, compulsive type remember.  First thing this morning the truck got an oil change, lube, new belts, fluids checked and topped off, the tires were balanced and rotated, and it also got a wash.  They have their cellular phones, AAA road service cards, On-Star, a med kit, an extra fire extinguisher, plenty of water, jumper cables, a basic survival kit and other incidental items that make me feel better.  

As I said I am a big fan of SPOT but I have always thought of it strictly as a wilderness tool.  I knew there were other applications for it but I never really gave them much thought.  That is until today.  I got the brilliant idea to use it for their trip to California.  I gave them a quick run down on how it works, put in a fresh set of Lithium batteries and Velcro'd it up on the dashboard as close to the windshield as possible so it could get the best view of the sky. 

Now the interesting thing here is that I have been a little critical of the Track Progress feature (also known as SPOT Casting) of the SPOT service even though I paid the extra $49 for the option.  My problem was that I thought it was just asking too much of a hand held, portable unit to continuously track a moving person or vehicle.  Boy was I wrong.  Right now, as I write this, I am receiving location messages plotted on Google Maps about every 14 minutes.  I can see their progress.  Incredible.  Amazing.  Cool.

The bottom line is if you give the SPOT unit a stable platform and a good view of the sky, Track Progress will work beautifully, even at 75 miles per hour.  The Track Progress feature will work for 24 hours straight then the unit shuts itself down.  To continue you simply turn it back on and repeat the process.  It is very simple.  

Hey, it is just a 6 hour trip to California, right?  No big deal.  To me, it is a big deal.  I am a father so I worry.  I am also a husband so I care.  SPOT really came through for me today and I am grateful.   You gotta love technology.  Again, I give the SPOT Satellite Messenger my highest recommendation...because it works.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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





          

        

This picture came in from one of my readers, a Doc with the 435 Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility in Ramstein, Germany.  It was titled "The CASF Dancers" and I am sure there is a good story here.  They make the ECWCS outerwear look good though don't they.  Note the snow blowing in at an angle.  Get more about the CASF mission here.  Thank you ladies for your service, we appreciate it and thanks David for the pic.



Still the best all-around jeep I have ever seen.  Biased?  Yea, I built it.  Capable, dependable, comfortable.  98 TJ, 4.0ltr H.O., 5 speed, Rubicon Express lift, Rancho RS-9000s, ARB Lockers fore and aft, Warn winch, Gibson exhaust, 4.56 gears, Mickey Thompson wheels, 255-85-R16 BFG Mudders.  Rear seat removed for my gear.  A very bad ass ride. 



Hand throttle, ARB switches, Hella flood lights, Motorola Saber VHF radio, hands free cellular, Husky liners.



Optima red top battery, ARB air compressor and accessory air line hook ups, custom air intake, oversize throttle body.



At the Water Rescue Rodeo, Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger 52, a Bell 407, out of Phoenix Fires station 41.  SAR, LE and ALS medical configured.  They do it all.  Great bird.  Great crews.
 


Water rescue training with Phoenix PDs Firebird 3 in the CAP canal.  At one time Phoenix had the largest fleet of NOTARs in the country.  They have successfully transitioned out of them completely.  Interesting bird, I liked it but it was not my favorite.  Always enjoyed working with Phoenix.  Professional, organized, on top of their game.



Firefighter Paramedic Brett Tarvers LOD funeral fly by.  Phoenix Firebird 2, DPS Ranger 38 out of Tucson (they had not gotten their 407 yet, they were still flying the 206L3), MCSO Fox 2 (before the Board of Supervisors in their infinite wisdom decided to sell the better of our two 407s).  Air Evacs AS350 was on our port side.


 
At the Water Rescue Rodeo with Loren leonburger and Fox 4.  I have had the privilege of flying with many talented pilots and I don't think it will offend any of them if I say that this might be the best of the bunch.  DFC winner, AZ DPS pilot, Guard pilot, contract fire pilot, fixed wing pilot, ski racer, hunter, and a man that can make a fantastic meal out of whatever is left over in the fridge.  A great guy and one of my favorite people.


   
This military surplus OH-58 is older than I am yet it was still my favorite search platform.  Sit in the middle between the two aft seats, hook into the hard point and scan out both sides of the aircraft.  You can low and slow forever.  The closest I ever came to crashing was in this aircraft out at Wind Caves, the operative word here is wind.  It took three of us to get the seat out of Mikey's ass back at the hangar. 



Fox 4 up at Four Peaks.  CFI, news chopper pilot, and Alaska bush pilot Josh Johnson was at the controls.  No, it never snows in Arizona and we don't have any trees either.  Central Arizona offers the most diverse climate and terrain in the country.  You can say what you want to about doing SAR work in Alaska, Colorado or Washington state but this rugged landscape is always trying to stick you, scratch you, eat you, drown you, freeze you, cook you or swallow you whole.  Staying prepared for the mission here is a formidable challenge.



One of the movie stars of the rope rescue world is Reed Thorne of Ropes That Rescue in Sedona, Arizona.  The courses are more intervention than class.  They are intense.  You go to one of the most beautiful places in the world and spend seven 10 hour days of classroom and field work with a guy that is a musician, master mason, climber, fire captain, and mathematical genius to learn not just the how but the why of rope rescue.  You learn to think, not just do.  I have survived a number of Reeds classes and had the privilege of assisting him in teaching others.  Reed takes you to another level and...you don't even have to put your coffee cup down.



Short sleeves with snow in the mountains above us.  Reed watches during a mid-face litter scoop of a simulated fall victim.   The only thing simulated is the blood.  Everything else is pretty real.    


  
Same day but a little later.  The art of clean rigging on the arch with Reed in the rain.  Note the Arizona Vortex being used.  I saw the evolution of this piece of equipment go from a gin pole made out of a road sign standard to the highly refined, adaptable tool that it is today.  A lot of great equipment has come out of these classes.



What a classroom, huh?  Reed running through mechanical advantages with a class on Hurricane Island.  Skull sessions are an important part of the Ropes That Rescue experience.  You gotta get the hay down out of the barn so the cows can get at it or however he says it.  Can't you just smell the gray matter burning?  I can.  Still.


That's enough for now.  Got some good pictures you want to share with the hardcore outdoor community?  Send 'em to wade@hardcoreoutdoor.com.  I would like to see some more from the troopers in the field.  I want to see the equipment that is working for 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.

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

   

        

You regular readers know that I am evaluating about 30 different pairs of boots for my recommended boot list.  Boots are the biggest, single gear category we deal with here and it is not easy to cull out the best ones or even a top three for a couple different reasons.  First, there are so many outstanding boots available.  Second, because feet are what we are trying to fit here and they are all different.  Something that might be good for me, a pretty standard size 10.5 D street shoe, won't work for my brother, who has the goofiest 8.5 EEs you have ever seen. 


 
The Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers with Smartwool Light Hiking socks after a Six mile loop in the McDowells.


These particular boots are made in Italy for Kenetrek of Bozeman, Montana.  As with most of the boots at this level, quality and attention to detail is outstanding.  Impeccable.  Really, these are very well made boots.  Since I prefer 6 to 8 inch boots, I can't wear anything taller, I picked the Hardscrabble Hiker model which is a 7 inch, all leather, heavy duty model with a Windtex waterproof/breathable booty.  While these boots are not insulated they do have a padded lining and thick, ultra low nap, rough out leather.  As you can see from the pictures, the heavy rubber rand wraps the entire side of the boot for superior protection and longevity. 
   


Note how high the rand comes up around the toe box and the mid-tongue lace lock.


The full, one piece tongue is pre-creased and lays down nicely even on the first wearing.  Half way up the middle of the tongue is a lace lock that allows the top and bottom sets of laces to be at different levels of tightness.  A nice feature and more common in the high end boots.  It gives the user a fine degree of adjustability and control for all types of terrain and weather.



Note the padded collar and the inlayed strip of non-slip material in the foot bed.


The Kenetreks were comfortable right out of the box and handled my 6 mile mountain test loop without so much as a hot spot.  They accommodate moderate plus to full volume feet well.  They sit up a little bit higher so you feel taller, sort of like driving a truck as opposed to a car.  These are heavy boots, right at 4 lbs per pair and are made for hard days, heavy loads and difficult terrain.  That means that they have a firm feel and a pretty stiff sole.  Bedroom slippers they are not but they provide tremendous support and control.  I like these boots very much.

I had not heard of Kenetrek before reading about them on one of the hunting forums.  The guys that were talking about them are very experienced and gave them their highest recommendation.  So I ordered a pair.  I am glad I did.  I also posted a message on one of the big backpacking forums asking if anyone had any experience with Kenetrek and despite all the people that read the post not one responded.  That is unfortunate, this would be a good boot for some of them.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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

        

A news clipping of my first search and rescue mission.  I am in the middle of the picture looking down with a white helmet.  Tom Pendley is directly in front of me and the stokes basket carrying both bodies is between us.  Ray Keelor and John Wyatt are also pictured.


My first Search And Rescue mission was in 1990.  A single engine Glasair with two adults on board left Mesa’s Falcon Field against the advice of the FBO.  The weather was bad at the airport and worse in the Four Peaks area to the North.  Apparently the mic stuck open so everyone on that frequency heard the brief discussion between husband and wife as they turned back towards Falcon, then clipped the top of a tree and a Saguaro cactus.  When I arrived at the command post Pendley grabbed me and said I would be going in with him.  That was the first of many times that I would follow him into an unknown situation without reservation.  He evokes that kind of confidence.  This was a body recovery plain and simple but they called us because the FAA guys needed to be looked after on such a steep slope and somebody had to package the bodies up and get them on the helo.  That was typical of the kind of work assigned to Mountain Rescue.  If there was a dangerous, dirty, nasty job to be done, we got the call.  I liked that about the Team from the very beginning.  

The scene was pristine.  No blood.  No smell.  Just parts.  It had all been washed clean by the rain.  While we waited to do our part we walked the site.  You could see where the airplane struck tree and the cactus and the cone shaped pattern of debris that ended with the engine block almost 600 yards down slope.  I had worked some nasty car accidents but this was brutal.  The energy of the impact savaged the bodies.  It was as if they had been fed through a high-speed cheese grater.  He was a big man and she was an over weight woman but despite our best efforts all we could manage was a single partially filled body bag that fit easily into the stokes basket. 

The severity of the incident didn’t hit me until a few days later.  It wasn’t the wreckage or the condition of the bodies.  It wasn’t even the oily, sticky gelatinous substance covering my boots and pants legs that turned out to be subcutaneous fat.  It was the phone calls afterwards from my Teammates asking if I was OK.  They were waiting to see if I was going to quit and turn in my gear.

Over the next 14 years I witnessed many remarkable things.  Suicides.  Car accidents.  Fall victims.  Drownings.  Heart attacks.  Burns.  Gunshot wounds.  Mountain Lion attacks.  A lot of blood.  A lot of death.  A lot of bodies.  The sights, the smells, the risks.  None of it really bothered me.  Except for one.  It’s been exactly ten years now and it still wakes me up in the middle of the night. 

Saturday night, March 28th, 1998.  My wife and kids and I were down the street at a fraternity brother’s house.  We were going to have dinner and then walk around the neighborhood in the rain.  I had a VHF radio with me as I often did on the weekends because that is when people got into trouble.  One of us would usually have channel 8 on to see what was cooking and then put out a heads up page to the command staff.  We did it because sometimes that was the only way we found out that we were needed.  Since 1969 the Team had served the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office but it still took forever for them to dispatch us and sometimes it didn’t get done at all.  It was the source of constant friction between the Team and the Office.  It was ridiculous, completely unnecessary and the result of incompetence and apathy.  Not ours.  Keeping an ear on the radio gave us a chance to do a slow roll towards the scene just in case.  It also kept us from getting scooped by Rural Metro, a for profit fire department that worked several of our first due areas and always seemed eager to cut us out of the action when they could. 

A month earlier Tom had prepared a briefing on swiftwater preparedness and sent it to the SAR Coordinators, our bosses.  He opined that it had been a very wet winter and that if we got a heavy, warm storm as we often did in early spring, there would be a significant number of serious swiftwater rescue incidents at all the usual unbridged water crossings throughout the county.  Nobody paid any attention to it.  Not even the plaintiff’s attorneys afterwards.

My radio sat on the Mandinos mantle and crackled away while we visited and made dinner.  The kids played in the back bedrooms.  It had been raining good and steady in town throughout the night and most of the day.  My gear was in the Jeep ready to go, as it always was.  I wasn’t the best rock climber or the fastest one on the trail and there were more experienced medics on the Team but nobody was better prepared or quicker to the line than me.  Being ready for anything, anytime was a big deal to me and I worked hard to stay sharp.  I caught a piece of something about a vehicle in the water and walked over to turn the volume up.  Apparently, there was a car full of Boy Scouts stuck in the middle of Sycamore Creek, near Sunflower.  One of the hot spots Tom had identified.  It was about 1830.  I listened for a while longer and then put out a page.  Since I was the one that put the new digital paging system together I took great pride in the fact that we no longer had to depend on an antiquated telephone tree to get the word out.  I loved the idea that one phone call and a set of numbers could put everybody on stand by or get them moving.  It had cut our response times, once we were actually called, dramatically but that pager now controlled my life.  It was with me 24/7/365.  No exceptions.

I was telling Matt that we were under the supervision of a new SAR Coordinator that explicitly ordered us not to self-dispatch to incidents that we heard brewing on the radio.  No exceptions and punishable by dismissal.  We listened for another 45 minutes and I was growing angry.  People, kids were in trouble and the rescue team that could help them was waiting around for word from a newbie that had no idea what he was doing.  Then a second deputy got on the scene and suggested that because of the distance maybe Mountain Rescue should be started or at least put on stand by.  It was not an official call out and I was in fact violating a direct order but it was all I needed.  Matt was still talking to me as I got up and ran out the door.  I didn’t even say goodbye to Rebecca and the kids but they were used to that.  I had left in the middle of so many things nobody really even noticed anymore.  Wild horses could not have stopped me.  I ran home, jumped in the Jeep, still wearing jeans and loafers, and headed for Sunflower.  43 miles away.

The wind was so strong that the sheets of rain came down at a 45-degree angle.  The gusts blew my hard topped TJ from one lane to the other.  I knew that our helicopter crew had been alerted to what was happening and was probably listening in so I gave periodic reports on the weather conditions as I went.  They couldn’t fly in that weather.

I finally got on scene, parked and grabbed my dive bag.  I jumped into the back of an ambulance that had come up from Fountain Hills to get suited up.  I only glanced at the scene but what I saw will stay with me forever.  Several spot lights were trained on a Ford Explorer that was in the middle of the road running from the highway to Bushnell Tanks where they had been camping.  A man, a woman and four boys were sitting on the top of the vehicle.  The creek that was normally only deep enough to get your tires wet was now well over it’s natural banks and moving fast.  The water was up to the headlights and rising. 

Swiftwater incidents are a very much a Johnny-on-the-spot call.  You have to get there and be ready quickly or you miss your chance.  It takes me about two and a half minutes to doff my civvies and don a full wetsuit, rescue PFD, socks and felt bottomed lace up river boots.  To save a little time, I skipped the socks.  I bolted out of the ambu and went over to a Deputy standing next to the water.  We had gone through EMT school together and he was now a Sergeant.  He looked me up and down and started to tell me that the Explorer was kind of rocking back and fourth.  Tim, one of our senior guys had been on
duty and come in just behind me.  He was wearing a PFD but still had his uniform and duty belt on. That meant that I was it for now.  I bent my head down to put my helmet on and Jimmy yelled there it goes.  As I buckled my chinstrap I watched the vehicle roll and dump the people into the water.  Outside of the light from the emergency vehicles the only other illumination came from a sodium light that was about 600 yards away.  My first reaction was to sprint downstream through the brush and try to take a position a head of anybody being swept down by the torrent.  If we had been on scene earlier we would have had already deployed spotters and SAR Techs with rope bags and lights downstream.  As it was, I was the only one there that was equipped and ready. 

It reminded me of a time in one of my high school football games.  It was the opening kickoff and we were receiving.  I was in the middle row and the squibbed kick came right to me.  I smothered the ball with both arms and charged forward with everything I had.  The crush of the kickoff team hit me like a truck and immediately put me on my back knocking the air out of me.  I was a Center not a Running Back.  The three strand barbed wire fence I hit at full speed did the same thing only there were no cheerleaders, no band, no teammates to pick me up and slap me on the ass.  I picked myself up and started running again but not quite as hard.  I suspect I had covered about 300 yards when I saw something tumbling in the water.  I was able to keep up with it.  I thought it was a cooler.  Then it popped up on two legs like a gymnast finishing a floor routine.  It was a woman and she came to rest on what was the actual creek bank between two saplings.  She looked right at me.  Ghostly white and shaking.  There was 40 feet between us.  The noise from the rain and the rushing water made it hard to communicate but I told her what I was going to do.  I tossed my throw bag just like I had practiced a hundred times.  The line paid out as it flew through the air and it landed just beyond her but between the two saplings.  It was a perfect shot that I couldn’t duplicate again in a million years.  I made a decision that could have turned out to be a mistake because it broke all the rules of swftwater rescue.  I had the woman tie the rope around her waist.  That is a major league no no because if she goes back in the water before I get to her she becomes a fishing lure and the force of the water and the line holding her will push her down and keep her down.  Killing her.  But I was still alone and I didn’t want to loose her.  She was standing in knee-deep water.  I tied my end to a good size tree next to me, another no no.  The water at its deepest part hit me just above the waist and it was cold. 

You never know for sure what a scared, cold, desperate victim is going to do once you make contact with them.  Sometimes you have to fight them, sometimes they collapse.  Lea Stubblefield, the driver of the Explorer and mother of one of the Scouts, was pretty cooperative as we made our way back across the water, onto land and up to the ambulance.  She kept asking where her son was and all I could tell was I didn’t know.  Six people had gone into the water.  Lea, her son and another boy were out and safe.  The adult male and two 12-year-old boys were unaccounted for.

I turned and ran back to the water.  There were more people here now.  Fireman in full bunkers and fire helmets.  They were not properly outfitted for this but they went anyway.  We walked the creek for a while looking and yelling.  We didn’t see anything but some junk and camping gear.  It was about 2030 or so, the weather wasn’t letting up at all and we were getting father and farther away from Command.  After some discussion the fireman turned back to get geared up but I never saw them again. 

I spent most of the next 12 hours in and out of the water searching.  Our helicopter was able to make it out through the weather and it took Chuck and I to the other side of the creek where it branched several times.  The water was neck deep in places but a lot slower. We had sort of moved into recovery mode so we had to check out every nook and cranny and snag for a body.  The weather was crazy.  We had thunder, lightning, rain, sleet and then it started snowing.  It got so cold I had little icicles hanging off my helmet.  At about midnight, out of nowhere, a cowboy on a horse with a dog walked up to us.  He was wearing a full-length duster, a felt western hat and smoking a cigarette.  Command told us to send him away but he lived up the creek and knew the area well.  Plus, from atop that big gelding, he had a much better vantage point than we did on the ground.  The dog might help too.  So we recruited him.  I believe Haught was his last name.

At about 0100 he found one of the missing boys.  901H.  Dead.  We found the other a little later a few hundred yards away.  Also 901H.  Those are the images I can’t get out of my head.  As the sun came up we still had not found our last victim, the Troop Leader.  It was snowing so hard that our helicopter crew could not fly.  Our Bell 407 did not have snow baffles.  When the cowboy showed up again at the Command Post to tell us that his dog had found the last victim about three miles downstream a TV helicopter had to take me in and let me off in a clearing.  I found Haught and we walked in.  I didn’t see the victim at first because he was two feet below the surface but then I saw the blue glint of his jeans.  That was all that he had on.  I marked the water level.  We were in the middle of the main channel but it flattened way out so there were lots of little tributaries.  If the water came up farther we would be in trouble.  Command wanted some pictures of the scene and was trying to get a Detective out to us but it was taking too long.  It was now snowing so hard that I could not see the far side of the creek and the water was rising.  If we didn’t get out of there now we were going to get stuck.  I figured we had to get the body out while we had it so we tied it to the saddle, which was no small feat because that horse did not want any part of it.  I hung on to one stirrup and the cowboy the other and that horse pulled us all the way to the bank.  By the time TV5 came back in the entire area was underwater.  I sent the cowboy on and managed to get the body into the bird.  We made the short flight back to the Command Post with the doors open.  Between my fogging up the windows and the snow we could barely see.  I was cold, exhausted and pissed off.  All I wanted to do was go home and see my wife and kids.  It had been an epic battle and we had lost three people.  Needlessly in my opinion. 

I got something hot to drink, fired the heat up in the Jeep as high as it would go and headed for home still in a wetsuit that stunk of sweat and urine.  I listened to the news.  They were all talking about it.  They listed the names of the victims and speculated about how it could have happened.  If I had had cellular coverage I would have called in and told them.  Everything. 

When I turned on to my street I keyed the mic and cleared Dispatch.  Mountain Rescue 16, show me 10-7 at my 48 please, goodnight Ma’am.  She said good night back and something about it being a long day.  I rolled up onto the driveway just as a mans voice came over the radio.  All he said was good work out there today Wade and then there were a series of clicks from other guys keying their mics.  My kids came running out of the house and the emotion of the whole thing hit me like a ton of bricks.  The dead kids.  My own kids.  The absurdity of the situation.  That voice.  I cried like a baby.  Rebecca peeled the wet suit off of me, got me in the shower, and put me to bed.  I didn’t wake up until the next morning. 

It was that mission that made me realize why I was so committed to this.  Why I was willing to put it above everything else.  It wasn’t to serve the community like I told everybody.  It wasn’t for the medal they gave me or the commendations.  It was for those clicks.  To be recognized by my peers for being there and doing the job when it counted and the way that made me feel.  It was the game ball for hitting the winning home run.  There are firefighters, cops, soldiers, and athletes that will read this and know exactly what I am talking about.  It’s a very powerful experience. 

Lea asked me once why I rescued her and not one of the kids.  You were the only one I saw, I told her.  I didn’t tell her that I would be asking myself the same question for the rest of my life. 

It is funny how things affect you later.  I had seen worse and been in tougher spots but there was something about those boys that got into my head.  I can only imagine what a combat medic or a 9/11 firefighter has to deal with.  Peace be with them.

Here's to those boys.  They should have been graduating from college this year. 

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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


                                                       

        

Well, two mother boards, one processor and one video card later my Dell XPS M2010 transportable is back up and running again.  Last Wednesday in the middle of typing an email I got the dreaded black screen of death.  This computer is just over a year old and it is an absolutely beautiful machine.  It has a 21 inch monitor and it is the finest picture I have ever seen.  Anyway, I am back.  Two words.  Extended Warranty.

I am working on several articles right now.  One is a serious subject that I have been mulling in my head for a number of years.  The other one is on boots.  One of my favorite subjects but also one of the most difficult because while there are a number of great boot makers and many fantastic boots, it is impossible to pick "the best" out of the bunch.  The reason is simple, everybodys feet are different.  Fit is a very big deal.  What is great for me may be totally unacceptable for you but we are in the process putting out a list of recommended boots for you to use as a guide.

The footer on every one of my posts pretty much says it all but the truth is we serve a diverse group of people.  One thing they have in common is that they love the outdoors and they like to push the envelope.  The other common thread that connects us is the gear we use.  I break our readers down into three groups. 

First, the Sweaty Bi-Peds.  Backpackers, fastpackers, trail runners, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, mountaineers, Search And Rescue.  Pretty much anyone that makes it happen with their own two feet.  Weight, moisture control and utility are the most important things to this group. 

Second, the Riders.  ATVers, trail horse riders and packers, motocross riders, four wheelers, pilots, canoeists, rafters.  These are people that travel by any means other than human power.  Weight is usually not an issue but durability and quality are. 

Third, the Trigger Pullers.  Tactical law enforcement, backcountry law enforcement, military special operations, extreme hunters aka performance hunters, aka hard hunters, aka backpack hunters.  These are people with guns and all that goes with that particular burden.  They are a lot like the Sweaty Bipeds in most respects but differ in that color and noise control is critically important to them.  

These are all things that I have done or have a strong interest in.  They are all wilderness athletes in their own right and I have a great deal of respect for what they do.  These are the people this site strives to serve.  However, while I am very pleased to announce to you here that I have been invited to start writing articles for Western Hunter magazine, I don't want anyone to think that I am restricting my efforts to the hunting genre.  The fact is that I have been presented with many opportunities as a result of this effort.  Some I dismissed immediately, others I am considering but this one was something I jumped on without hesitation.  I have been a fan of Western Hunter magazine for some time.  It is aimed at the high end, hardcore hunter.  People that hunt like I do.  The guys that run it hunt hard and love great gear.  It is a good match.  So we will continue to do what we do here but look for my articles in Western Hunter.  If you like what you see on this site, you need a subscription to Western Hunter magazine.  You will enjoy it as much as I do.

Lastly, Danner sent a few pairs of boots to evaluate and the first ones I tried were the Talus.  I like them so much I haven't even put the other ones on.  The Talus is an intermediate weight, all leather, uninsulated boot.  It is a 6 incher with a Hyphalon rand that comes up over the side of the boot to provide additional protection without a bunch of extra weight.  Now, I make no apologies for being a Danner fan.  I have had very good luck with them when it really counted.  The Talus is consistent with my previous Danner experiences.  They are comfortable right out of the box and required no break in time.



The Danner Talus after a six mile hike in the McDowell Mountains North of Scottsdale.  Out of the box comfort.  Zero break in time.  No hot spots when used with Smartwool Light Hiking socks.



The rand that comes up over the side of the boot looks like heavy rubber but it is Hyphalon which is a much lighter material.  The Vibram sole is soft and forgiving but provides plenty of gription on rocks. 

One of the things that I like best about these boots is the Vibram Bifida tread.  It is soft and flexible but sticky and quiet.  These are not heavy duty boots but they are a robust moderate duty hiker that I really like.  You will definitely see the Danner Talus on the upcoming recommended boot list.  Check them 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.

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

      

        

I have had a chance to spend some more time in my new TR6 Jacket from Marmot.  As my regular readers know, my favorite insulation layer jacket has been the Cirrus Jacket from Moonstone but Moonstone is out of business and the Cirrus is no longer available.  I like the Cirrus because it is a no non-sense, short waisted liner, no hood, just two pockets and pit zips.  The Cirrus has performed admirably for me in many, many situations.  But since this site exists to recommend great gear to you, I had to find something comparable that is available.


The TR6 jacket is a little longer then the Cirrus Jacket.  Man, I gotta cut some weight.  Pizza and chips and salsa are my weakness.  Not together.  Well, sometimes.  No ice cream though.  Never ice cream.

There are a lot of these kinds of jackets on the market but dam few of them have pit zips which is a big deal with me.  In fact, the TR6 might be the only liner jacket currently available with that feature.  Why?  I don't know but it makes no sense to me.  Well, actually, I think it is because most designers are not hardcore users and have never had to keep their insulation layer on why they broke a sweat.  But the whole designer thing is a much bigger issue that requires it's own rant, er, article.  Don't worry, it is coming and I can assure you that it is going to ruffle some feathers. 

Anyway, the Cirrus Jacket is 20 ounces and insulated with Thermolite.  The TR6 Jacket is 26 ounces and uses Marmaloft.  It is not as short as the Cirrus but it does have elastic draw cords at the hem so you can blouse it if you need to.  The TR6 has two hand pockets and a Napoleon pocket on the left chest.  I like the Napoleon pocket for keeping batteries warm or my IPod or cel phone close.  The TR6 is not as light as the Cirrus because it has more insulation and I am just fine with that.  It is not belay thickness, I would go with a Western Mountaineering Meltdown Jacket or a Nunatak Torre Down Parka (Microlight) but it is not liner wispy either.  For that I would go to the Mont-Bell U.L. Thermawrap Jacket which uses synthetic insulation.  It is a very nice piece but would be better if I can get them to put pit zips in this year like they did with some of their other products.


The Marmot TR6 Jacket fits nicely under the Carhartt Waterproof/Breathable Jacket.  Those are 5.11 TRT Pants, Danner Quarry GTX boots and Hanz Nomex Gloves.  It was cold but I was warm even at speed.

The TR6 is a nice tweener and it fits beautifully under any of my shells.  By-the-way, I have grown fond of my Carhartt jacket and I have decided that if they want it back, they are gonna have to come and get it, if they can find it.  The TR6 comes in black or a stealthy tan color called Burnish.  So far, I like this jacket.  It is warm, efficient and flexible.

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.



   

        

"The hardest working, best riding" side-by-side all terrain vehicle.  This is my 2007 Polaris Ranger XP on a fire road in the Mazatzal mountians.  

My regular readers know how much I like my Polaris Ranger XP.  I know there are other side-by-side on the market ATVs but I did my research and drove them all and picked the Ranger.  The fact that the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) was using them in  Afghanistan with good results was further justification.  Arizona.  Afghanistan.  What's the difference, right?  I'm not interested in going fast.  40 to 45 mph is faster than I need to go.  I wanted reliability, durability, utility and all terrain mobility.  So far, the Polaris, shod with the ITP Mud Lite XTR tires, has exceeded my rather high expectations. 

I mention the ITP tires specifically because I think it is such an important part of the Rangers performance.  The tires that come on the Ranger from the factory are good for the street, dirt roads and grass and that is it.  I have some experience with that brand of tire in the Arizona backcountry and they have failed me every time.  So, my advice to anyone that goes out and buys one of these amazing machines is to spend a little extra and buy tires to match the Rangers capability.  My picks are the ITP Mud Lite XTRs and Terracross tires.  The former being much more aggressive than the later so pick what works for you.

Anyway, one big reason I went with the Ranger is that I wanted to give the $50,000 truck a break and make the $11,000 ATV do the hard, dirty work.  That plan, with the exception of my Carhartt trip up North, has been working pretty well.  However, that also means that when I am out there, I am away from everything that I might need in my truck.  The answer was to move everything from the truck to the Ranger.  The Ranger has a nice big bed for an ATV but it is much smaller than the short bed Dodge.  So I had to do a little retooling.  I had to pare down my gear list, which is always a good idea but a little painful.