So what makes me think that my opinions are worth more than anybody else's?  Nothing really but technology gives every schmuck with a computer and internet access the opportunity to pop off with their opinions so I thought I would join the party.  

This is not really a gear review site because we don't review everything in a particular class or genre and then rate it.  To me that wastes a lot of time and energy.  There are other things that distinguish us from the other guys.  First of all, this is not just some thing I decided to do because it sounded like a good business idea because it isn't a good business idea at all.  I have been fascinated with outdoor gear for more than 3 decades and during that time I have been obsessed with sorting through the junk and the false claims to find what really works and what is the best.  Yes, I said best.  That is what we are after here.  Google won't let me use that term but it is indeed what we are searching for on this site.  Second, I only write about the gear that I have chosen to use myself.  Third, I have no ties with any of the manufacturers or retailers that sell this stuff.  Fourth, 14 years of hauling bodys, both alive and dead, out of some of the nastiest terrain in the country, I think, gives me a unique perspective on gear and it's effect on performance and survival.  Lastly, people are always asking me what gear they should get.  They don't want to hear all the reasons behind my suggestions, they don't really care.  They just want to know what it is and where to get it.  What I really wanted was a good website to send them to but that website didn't exist.  So I created it.  

Look, I am not an "expert" and I am not the smartest guy in the world but I spend a lot of time searching for and testing for what I think is best-in-class equipment for me to use in the field.  If you find something you can use out of this effort, great!  If not, that's fine too, you got what you paid for.  Ha!

Here is my biography and a pic of me just about to board Fox 1, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Bell 407, to go do something stupendously heroic I am sure but I can't remember exactly what it was now.  Ain't that a pretty bird.  That was my primary ride for four incredible years.  I got to work with some great guys, do some amazing things and help people in the process.  It was good duty.  The photo is courtesy of Team mate and friend, Glenn Speight. 



When Wade Nelson talks about gearing up, getting out and going deep, he does so with passion and authority.  He served as a Rescue Technician-EMT for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Mountain Rescue Team for eight years and another two years as its Commander.  The all-weather, all-terrain Team of highly trained mountaineers is tasked with handling high angle-rope, underground, swiftwater, alpine, and helicopter search and rescue operations in one of the largest and most geographically diverse counties in the United States.

During his time with the Team Wade was instrumental in developing two innovative programs.  Trail Guard put resources in high incident wilderness areas to provide a faster response to emergency calls while also achieving critical training, fitness and visibility objectives.  Airborne Search And Rescue (ASAR) loaned Senior SAR Tech-EMTs to the Sheriff's Aviation Division to enhance the search, rescue and emergency medical capabilities of unit helicopter crews, which are often first to arrive on the scene of back country emergencies.  ASAR proved so effective that Wade transferred to Aviation and spent four years as the division Airborne SAR Tech-EMT and Rescue Training Coordinator.  

In his fourteen years with the Sheriff's office, Wade participated in more than three hundred fifty search and rescue missions in conditions ranging from triple digit desert heat to alpine snow and sub-zero temps to torrential monsoon rains.  He has had the privilege of training and working with some of the best in the business like Tom Pendley of Peoria Fire and Fire Rescue Magazine, Reed Thorne of Ropes That Rescue, Ken Phillips of National Parks Service-Grand Canyon, Mountain Rescue Association, Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Unit, Phoenix Fire Department Technical Rescue Team, Phoenix Police Department Air Support Unit, USAF PJs-305th Rescue Squadron-Davis-Monthan, Rescue Three International, Rainier Mountaineering, National Ski Patrol and of course the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Lake Patrol and Aviation Units.  Wade received numerous commendations and awards for his service including Employee of the Quarter and the Medal of Valor for Life Saving.  He is also a professional member of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association. 

Wades fascination with the backcountry began as a kid and he has been backpacking, trail running, ATVing and hunting for more than 30 years.  Whether he is out with family and friends or going solo, he enjoys getting as far back in the boonies as possible.  "For me, a great day in the field is stormy weather and a deserted trail."

Home for Wade is in Scottsdale with his wife and children but he might just as easily be found on the beach in Coronado, on Lake Pend Oreille or glassing for that giant Coues buck on some wind swept mountain top. 

There are more knowledgeable survival training experts and better wilderness athletes out there but few outdoorsmen can match his hands on experience with life and death situations in remote locations.  His opinions on being prepared, survival and "getting found" are based on practical, real world lessons and deserve serious consideration by anyone who trades the comfort and safety of civilization for the cold brutality of the bush.

His email is wade@hardcoreoutdoor.com