HARDCORE OUTDOOR-OUTDOOR GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS-BEST BOOTS, SLEEPING BAGS, BINOCULARS, JACKETS, STOVES

Army Picks New Camo For ACU

2010-03-05T04:10:00Z

Army brass picks a new camo for its ACU (Army Combat Uniform). Units headed to Afghanistan starting in July will be sporting the new pattern.

I am a MARPAT fan myself but Multicam is very nice stuff and will work out nicely for the big green machine I think. Let's just see how long they stick with 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 won't or can't turn back.

Raw Notes From the Field - Seattle

2010-03-03T05:58:00Z

snoqualmie valley, washington, 30s and 40s, rain

visited hilleberg the tent maker-super nice people who were very generous with both their time and knowledge. world class products. real craftsmanship. you know you are meeting with good folks when you are greeted at the door by a very large dog named "boomer"

visited beyond clothing-a great story of a gear head with an idea, initiative, and drive. precisely the kind of outfit I like to see succeed. "mass customization"

visited the feathered friends store in downtown seattle-i have never seen so much great gear in one retail shop. id'd the north face xtc zip top, arcteryx sk pant, la sportiva spantik and nuptse boots

visited the rei flagship store in downtown seattle-a fan saw the "HARDCORE OUTDOOR" on my hat and came right up to me, introduced himself and told me how much he enjoyed reading my stuff. my teenage daughter was mortified but maybe a little impressed too I think

visited the patagonia store-id'd the merino 2 zip neck, all time shell, synchilla snap t pullover

introduced to klattermusen of sweden and re-introduced to bergans of norway-these are people that know a little something about living, working and playing in bad, no, severe weather

learned that rab purchased integral designs. not sure if that is bad or good yet

learned a lot more about the mechanics of gore-tex, eVent and other membranes and laminates like dermizax and cutan stretch

hanwag cheyenne gtx boots continue to perform very well in wet conditions

learned again that i need to be careful what I share, how much i share and with whom i share it. most people have no concept of team. the phrase imitation is the sincerest form of flattery might be true but it doesn't soothe the burn

finally got to watch "Alone In The Wilderness" from start to finish. this is the story of dick pronnecke who moved to remote alaska in 1968 and spent the next 31 years living off the land in a cabin he built by hand. the documentary consists of his journal entries and homemade film. very telling look backwards

fantastic trip. i met some great people, learned a lot, found some promising new gear and played in beautiful country and bad weather, loved it. best of all, got to spend some quality time with the wife unit. 22 years and still ass over tea kettle in love

travel tip-a pair of disposable foam earplugs on a crowed plane can turn a nightmare trip into a chance to get through your entire nightstand reading stack

Raw Notes From The Field

2010-02-23T22:20:00Z

conditions-43 degrees and falling, windy, lots more rain, night hike
wore-danner striker merino wool mid weight socks, under armour boxer briefs, rei power stretch half zip top, sitka gear ascent pants, wilderness instructor belt, russell outdoors apx g2 L5 cyclone jacket, hanz gloves, flex fit cap, merrell outbound mid leather gore tex boots, black diamond trekking pole
boots look nice, well made, mid weight, interior collar seam rubs after 1/2 mile or so, would be a problem, good toe box room/mid to high volume but short, some toe bang, forefoot lacks a finished refined padded feel, did not leak
idea-modern last of the mohicans/messenger type shoulder bag for a hunter, off the back but not on the hips or around the waist, could cross with two
most people lose their minds when they end up unexpectedly in the dark in the boonies, had to walk an amateur photog back to the trail head, i think he might have actually been crying
polartec power stretch fabric is awesome stuff, warm, wicks really well and dries in a flash
like the socks, good density through out, good medium thickness, wish they were over the calf
jacket was waterproof, no leaks, cold and windy enough that active ventilation was enough for this hike
new motorola droid phone is impressive, all the bells and whistles are actually usable but i seem to butt call people more than i used to, must be the touch screen, weather bug application has a great real time radar satellite map that is completely zoomable
ascent pants really need some sort of closure on the thigh cargo pockets, even the weight of a petzl e+lite, bandanna, light gloves pulls them down to creates a gap that could cause user to lose something important
that bernard chick on the canadian olympic curling team was kind of hot, very intense
so what is up with autotrader magazine, what am i supposed to read in the bathroom now
check go daddy to see if karl hungus dot com is available

New Category - Field Journal - Raw Notes From The Field

2010-02-22T02:47:00Z

All right, I am adding something new to squelch some whining about too much time between posts and also to put a little more information out there on the products that I am evaluating even though they may not ever end up being recommended.

Here is how things normally work. I identify something from a myriad of sources that I think might be a good product so I make a phone call and have one sent to me. My deal with everybody is that if I like it I will use it, if I use I will promote it but if I don't, no review is written. I don't do negative reviews here because first, I don't think beating up on a company or product helps anyone. Second, because my readers have told me over and over again that they don't have time to read about gear they should not consider purchasing. Third, I am too busy to spend my time writing about gear that doesn't make the cut.

I am going to keep writing articles that are pretty much like the 170 that I have written and posted here over the past two years but I am also going to do more frequent after session brain dumps that come from the notes I make in the field. I do my best and most creative thinking when I am out there on the mountain doing my thing and I am betting that some of you might find something useful or amusing in the ramblings.

These posts will be raw, unpolished, not necessarily limited to just gear and may not make a lot of sense sometimes but the priority of the Field Journal Entries is speed to post not presentation. Got it? Good.

Here goes.

conditions-50 degrees, rainy, windy, been a good rain year so far

wore-asolo fsn 95 boots, danner siskiyou x-static socks crew, under amour boxer briefs, sitka ascent pants, rei mts zip t-neck base, russell apx g2-cyclone L5 jacket, hardcore outdoor flex fit cap, wilderness instructor belt, black diamond trekking pole

socks good, don't move around but tops are too low or too short

still love these boots-light, fast supportive

ascent pants have become favorites-a little funky looking but super comfy, tough and handle light rain and wind pretty well. sticky waist liner tape irritates skin after a couple hours

jacket needs adjustable cuffs and pit zips for venting. fabric has some stretch to it and does transmit water vapor, good fit, long tail, double main zipper. hood adjustments are weak. slick interior dries quickly. exterior is pretty quiet. over all not bad but strictly low exertion rain gear for me. needs some kind of breast/napoleon pocket for cel phone or ipod

try a new section of trail

love the weather. the nastier the better. nobody else on the trail

insanity or p90x

active ventilation, waterproof vapor permeable fabric, and exertion control can control perspiration/wetness from the inside if done properly-three legged stool works best

costco pizza is the best

post on books-mountaineers freedom of the hills, into thin air, rogue warrior, lone survivor, that others may live, not a good day to die, touching the void

is saying someone has a fertile mind just a nice way of saying they have shit for brains

Western Hunter Magazine - Gear Editor Wade Nelson

2010-02-20T22:01:00Z

Aimed at the high end hunter who prefers the big country and rugged terrain of the American West, Western Hunter Magazine is a top notch publication that competes with the best in the business.

You know that you have written a lot of articles when you can't remember if you have already covered something or not. I think I may have mentioned it here before but it certainly deserves repeating. Last summer I joined the staff of Western Hunter Magazine as Gear Editor. I had been a fan of the publication for a long time and was very pleased to be given the opportunity to add whatever I could to a group of such talented writers and accomplished outdoorsmen. "GEAR TACTICS INFORMATION ADVENTURE" is what it says on the cover. My role has to do specifically the "GEAR" and "INFORMATION" parts.

The best thing about the Western Hunter team, in my opinion, is that it consists of guys that spend a lot of time in the field and love what they do.  President Floyd Green, Editor in Chief Chris Denham, Senior Editor Trent Swanson, Field Editor Jay Scott and little ole me make for a pretty solid group.

GEAR-Chris Denham, who has probably forgotten more than I will ever know about glass, will continue to handle optics and I will try to cover all the hard and soft goods that you wear and carry. You might be wondering if there is a difference between what I do within the pages of the magazine and what I do here and the answer is yes, you bet there is. One look at the magazine and it is obvious that Western Hunter focuses on the serious sportsman who takes a great deal of pride in what he does, how he does it and the results he produces.  My goal is to support that reader by introducing him to a broad range of gear that will help him to be safer and more effective in the field. So, in my role as Gear Editor for Western Hunter Magazine I am a sort of informed and discerning reporter.

On HardcoreOutdoor.com I strive to identify the absolute best in class gear, regardless of price, associated with all of the things I like to do in a highly opinionated, hopefully entertaining, and sometimes provocative manner.  This website is all about my opinions and it is where I try to move the market in the direction that I think it should go by promoting the gear that I think is best. Here, in my role as Editor of Hardcore Outdoor, I am an egocentric advocate for the greater cosmic cause...perfect gear. Make sense? Good, don't confuse the two and don't hold the magazine responsible for anything I say here because they are separate and distinct.



One of my recent articles in Western Hunter Magazine combines gear recommendations and practical information for serious hunters.  That is my gear list for that hunt. That is the stuff I depended on.

INFORMATION-No matter how good it may be, gear alone won't get the job done. Gear is nothing more than weight in your pack if you don't know how to use it properly or if it doesn't fit in your system or if it doesn't work in a particular situation.  My second objective in writing for Western Hunter is to inform and instruct. I want to help good hunters get to the next level of performance by sharing practical, field tested and proven information. Not just stuff I read or heard about. Not theory or conjecture. Not armchair pontification. I mean real world, boots on the ground, pack on your back, get way off the beaten path kinds of things I do before a trip and in the field that work.

Hunting big game in the western United States means big country, rugged terrain, all weather adventure and those that do it with passion and commitment are a unique breed of outdoorsmen. They are in a word, hardcore. Western Hunter Magazine is dedicated to and celebrates those hardy hunters and their exploits. If that describes you then you need to check us out and join the family.  I don't know for sure how much a subscription is but based on what you get, it is a bargain at twice the price.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Black Diamond One Shot - Lightweight One Man Tent

2010-02-09T02:58:00Z

The Black Diamond One Shot solo tent is about as light and efficient as you can get. A great little tent if it fits you.  If you are taller than six foot one you might as well keep looking. Montrail Hardrock trail runners added for scale.

Did I ever tell you about the biggest Black Bear I ever saw in Arizona? I was hunting Coues Deer by myself last year at about 6500 feet and I was just about to the spot where I was going to bivy for the night and there he was.  In front of me about 35 yards and not in too much of a hurry to do anything. I am a poor judge of such things but if I had to hazard a guess I would say he was every bit of 300 pounds, maybe more. He looked right at me then eased off into the scrub.  I couldn't see how far he went and that made me nervous. As it turns out he didn't go very far.

I specifically ordered the Black Diamond One Shot tent for this trip and I was anxious to test it out.  I am not a big fan of tents.  I like to look up at the night sky and more importantly I like to see what is going on around me.  I can't do either in a tent but I have used a number of good ones up high and in bad weather so I understand that they have a place in my gear locker and sometimes in my pack.

I picked the One Shot because it is about as lightweight and efficient as I think you can get. It is a single wall model (meaning there is no fly) using Epic fabric. It measures 36 inches high at the peak by 85 inches long and 36 inches wide at the base.  It weighs just 2.22 pounds (tent and poles only). The whole package is just a tad bigger than a 32 ounce Nalgene bottle.  I am 5'11" and 235ish and I fit in the One Shot just right. My head and feet are just a couple of inches from touching the ends of the tent when laid out so if you are too much taller you can probably skip the rest of this post.  The One Shot ventilates very well on account of a half moon zip vent with bug netting on one side and a full half circle entry door on the other. Both are sheltered by an eve that is supported by a cross rod to keep rain and run off from pouring in.  I like the design very much.

36 inches tall, 36 inches wide and 85 inches long.  A brilliantly simple design, advanced materials and solid construction make this a dependable little shelter when you really need it. 3 seasons or more in a pinch.

I have used this tent four times.  Well, actually that is not true.  The one time with the bear I set it up but after he came back to visit I spent the rest of the night with my back up against a rock wall and my rifle in my lap. The last time was out on the sport court when a big storm rolled through the valley. Heavy rain all night and intermittent wind gusts were no problem. Plenty of air passing through the big vents kept condensation to a minimum.  Top notch workmanship and materials insured that there were no leaks. When guyed and staked properly this little tent could handle severe weather or even wet snow if it had to so I would certainly carry it for occasional super light and fast fourth season trips.

Three things to remember about this tent though. This is a reasonably sturdy one man shelter but it is made for specialized applications where low weight is a priority. Second, there is no room for your pack unless you are going to sleep on it or lay it on top of you. Third, the eye brow eve is fairly short and there is no optional vestibule so keep that in mind when pitching.

If you go solo and you want the lightest little tent you can find that actually works when you really need it, this is what I use.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

2010 - Winter Outdoor Retailer and SHOT Shows

2010-01-25T03:21:00Z

Once again your intrepid gear guy spent some hard earned money and much deserved personal time combing the shows in Vegas and Salt Lake City for signs that there are still a few hardcore outdoorsmen left in the outdoor equipment industry.  Every booth, row and hall is checked for the very best the market has to offer. They are very long days but I have to admit, it doesn't much feel like work. I am still, after all these years, a devoted gear head and the Outdoor Retailer and SHOT shows are my place of worship.

I now have three objectives for these trips. First, I determine if my favorite gear, the pieces I recommend to you, are still in the product lines for the upcoming year. Second, I search for new products or old ones that have been modified in a positive way and are in my opinion worthy of closer examination and field evaluation later. These are things I think might have a chance to make it on the recommended gear lists. Third, I seek out and meet people I consider important to the business. Subject matter experts, product developers, designers, trend setters, market makers, industry icons, expert users etc, etc.  I have collected hundreds of business cards over the years and there is not a day that goes by where I don't turn to that resource at least once for a contact or piece of information or an opinion. It is a fantastic network of people that keeps me from being tainted by the hype yet open to new ideas, technology and concepts. It helps to keep me objective and independent. In short, it makes me better. Hopefully, you benefit from that.

So, here is some of what I learned from the two shows. Bad news first.

Montrail-if you are a Montrail fan it is probably because you are a trail runner or adventure racer and have sworn allegiance to shoes like the Vitesse, Continental Divide or Hardrock (a Hardcore Outdoor recommendation). Unfortunately the suits at Columbia Sportswear who purchased Montrail in 2007 share neither your trail experience or love for the premium products that made it such a great brand and coincidently such an attractive acquisition target. That's right, the Hardrock and Hardrock Mid GTX are going the way of the Vitesse, Continental Divide and the Gooney Bird. They are being discontinued and will not be made for the 2010 year. They will be replaced by a shoe that looks just like it came out of the Salomon X line and will not be available in widths.  Montrail has been neutered. No heart, no soul and no difference from anything else out there.

Marmot-the outdoor products company not The Big Labowsky movie reference, in another text book example of big corporate disconnect of product designer from actual product user, Marmot has decided to discontinue the TR6 liner jacket (a Hardcore Outdoor recommendation). They will replace it with a jacket called the Cauldron.  The distinguishing feature of the TR6 and the principle reason we liked it was that it had pit zips.  The Cauldron won't have pit zips so it is really no different than any of the other 20 or so liner jackets on the market. I will try to find something to replace the TR6, hopefully something with Primaloft or Climashield insulation which would be better than Marmaloft anyway.

Now for the good news.

Lowa Boots-continues to crank out improved and new models that impress me. The renowned German boot maker seems to be tuned in and turned on to what serious operators want on their feet when they expect the going to get tough even if they have to pay for them out of their own pocket. Here are three sure things from a very strong Lowa line.

The Lowa Tamok GTX.  Fast and strong.


The Lowa Elite Desert.  Being used in large numbers by the British military and now available to mere mortals.


The Lowa Ranger GTX, on the left, was named best all around boot by Hardcore Outdoor last year. The new boot on the right, called the Ranger High GTX, is the same boot with an eight inch upper for a little more protection and support.

Ortovox-I have always wondered why anyone would buy and carry a packable snow shovel that didn't have a hoe feature. I think the hoe allows you to move a great deal more snow and is easier to hollow out shelters. My favorite is made by Ortovox. Their latest convertible shovel is called The Beast. Simple, robust, and innovative.


The Beast snow shovel is new from Ortovox. The Beast Saw (not pictured) conceals a snow saw in the handle.

Leupold-the Leupold 12 to 40x60 Golden Ring Spotting Scopes have become very popular with those that need very good performance in a compact, lightweight and easy to use package. The HD version is even better. I had heard rumors about a higher magnification version but had not seen it until now.  You can't see much detail because of the soft cover and the mount but all you need to know is that the scuttlebutt was correct. The new 20 to 60x80 is supposed to be out in a few months.

The prototype Leupold 20 to 60x80 spotting scope on display at the Leupold Tactical booth.

SPOT-Earlier this month I reported the pairing of the Delorme PN-60W GPS receiver with a new purpose built product from SPOT called the Satellite Communicator. I have not had a chance to use them in the field yet but I finally got to hold the pre-production models in my hand.  At the very least, we now have an even smaller, handier SPOT unit. The trade off is that it only does one thing, send SOS messages, when activated.


Left to right, side by side for size comparison. SPOT Gen 1, SPOT Satellite Communicator, SPOT Gen 2 in orange, Delorme PN-60W and SPOT Gen 2 in silver.

Sitka Gear-Alright, last but certainly not least. I was fortunate to spend a good bit of time with Sitka Gear founder Jonathan Hart going through next years line.  I am a Sitka Gear fan because they were the ones that took on the herculean task of bringing modern, technical, mountaineering grade clothing to the high end hunting crowd. The 2009 line was the first to feature Gore-Tex products including the new Optifade Big Game Open Country Camouflage.  Their bold step forward paid off and hardcore outdoorsmen are better for it. The line continues to evolve and progress as evidenced by another new Optifade pattern called Big Game Forest designed for close in work, other new products, improved sizing, and better exterior fabrics.

However, the best thing I saw in the Sitka booth was a re-worked Downpour Jacket using a brushed polyester exterior to solve the noise problem that has vexed everybody but Cabelas and their MTO50 cloth. What makes the Sitka Gear Downpour Jacket leaps and bounds better is that it is a fully technical design with modern features and state of the art camo patterns. While Cabelas sat back on their laurels and coasted, Sitka busted their ass, caught up, and surpassed them with a superior product. I am betting Cabelas will stay true to form and play follow or copy the leader. To that I say, if you are not the lead dog, the view never changes.


And here is what made the trip worthwhile. The Downpour Jacket returns to the Sitka Gear line sporting the new Big Game Forest Optifade camo and a soft exterior shell. Gore-Tex waterproof/vapor permeable, efficient technical design, state of the art camo and class leading quiet. Could this be the one we have been waiting for? Yep, I think so.

Thank you to Jonathan Hart for taking so much of his valuable time to talk with me and for introducing me to Brad Yeomans of Gore-Tex who made the science easy enough so that even I can understand it. It is always a pleasure to talk great gear with people who appreciate it and strive to make it even better. Strong work guys. Keep pushing that envelop.

One last thing. A sneek peek at a new camo pattern.


Camo guy. Guy Cramer of Hyperstealth walking the SHOT Show in his Fratical Camouflage. Originally developed for Chilean Air Commandos but don't be surprised if you see U.S. or Canadian special operators wearing this pattern soon.

That's all I got for now.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

SPOT Pairs With Delorme - Remote Texting

2010-01-11T03:23:00Z

Two separate pieces of equipment. The DeLorme PN-60W GPS receiver connects wirelessly to the new, purpose built SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR unit from SPOT to send position information, preprogrammed messages and user composed free form text messages from anywhere in the SPOT coverage area.

I have not seem them yet and I don't have much more information than what was sent to me in the official press release but here is the PR picture of the DeLorme PN-60W GPS receiver and something brand new from SPOT called the SPOT SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR.

Two primary gripes have come out of the very successful SPOT SATELLITE GPS MESSENGER product line (both SPOT 1 and SPOT 2 units). First, it has a GPS receiver built into it but it is only for determining the units position for messaging purposes. There is no window or screen like on standard GPS units so the user has to carry a separate, dedicated GPS unit for navigation purposes. Personally, when I am in the field, I carry a second generation SPOT or SPOT 2 and a Garmin ForeTrex 401. Second, as far as remote messaging goes, SPOT users are limited to the ones they set up on their account profiles for "Help", "Check In" and "Custom" messages. They cannot be made up and sent out from the user in the field. Same goes for the list of recipient addresses.

Hey, compared to what we used to have in this respect, which was nothing, the current capability of the SPOT 1 and 2 units is pretty damned good and a giant leap forward but many of us are licking our chops at the prospect of real live field composable text messages and can see just how close we are to that reality. Well, we are apparently there with the pairing of these two products. By using the touch screen keyboard on the PN-60W GPS unit you can type in whatever message you want and send it wirelessly to the SPOT SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR unit and it will be transmitted up to the communications satellites along with your location information and then beamed back down to the ground stations and out to individuals or groups.

So, with the DeLorme PN-60W, you have a modern GPS receiver for navigation that also allows you to send text messages via communications satellites by way of the SPOT SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR. Two separate electronic gadgets that work together to provide better backcountry communications capability. Got it?

What's that you say? Is there a word limit on each text message?  Are text addresses predetermined and stored in the on-line account profile or composed in the field?  Can it also receive texts? Can the SPOT SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR be used on its own like the SPOT 1 and 2 units? Can you use any other GPS unit? How much do they cost? Does DeLorme make a good GPS receiver? When will we have an honest to God, all-in-one, combination full featured GPS and satellite communications device?

Those are all good questions that I cannot answer at present because this information is so new.  I have not had a chance to physically look at the units myself and talk to the DeLorme folks but rest assured that I will. I will get with them at the SHOT Show or Winter Outdoor Retailer Show in a week or two and update this post.

Stay tuned.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Lowa Silberhorn GTX Mountaineering Boot

2009-12-28T19:51:00Z

Lowas alternative to the plastic mountaineering boot is the Silberhorn GTX. As with everything I have evaluated from Lowa, these are made very well with top notch materials. Destined to end up on my "keepers" list? Probably. Berry compliant or not, these would be a good boot for the 'stan.

Here is how REI describes them.

"Ideal for long haul expeditions, Lowa Silberhorn GTX mountaineering boots feature waterproof protection and stout construction to keep your feet warm and comfortable as you look to the next summit. Flexible and breathable, the single-piece split-grain leather uppers feature protective rubber rands for enhanced protection from abrasion and impacts. Seam-sealed Gore-Tex® liners with wicking polyester linings deliver complete protection while allowing moisture vapor to escape. Warm, light and nonbulky PrimaLoft® polyester microfiber insulation delivers great warmth. To-the-toe lacing allows a precise and adjustable climbing shoe-type fit. Special insoles feature a highly breathable top layer of foam, which conforms to the shape of your foot to deliver comfort and support while also managing moisture. Polyurethane midsoles are durable and shock absorbent, providing mile after mile of cushioned comfort. Rigid, full-length nylon shanks control flex and add the stability needed during use on rough terrain and with crampon use. Vibram Teton outsoles offer excellent grip, stability and durability; outsoles are step-in crampon compatible."

I have been looking for a hybrid mountaineering boot that is suitable for both local alpine work and mountains like Rainier and McKinley. Especially important to me is that they be compatible and work well with my Black Diamond Sabretooth crampons. The Silberhorns do. I will let you know if these make the the list.

Thanks and happy holidays to everybody.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

New Swarovski Binoculars - EL Swarovision

2009-12-23T19:06:00Z

The latest and greatest from Swarovski, the 10x42 EL Swarovision binoculars.  These are factory loaners so I used a Sure-Loc Tripod Adapter (Webster bar) mounted to my Outdoorsmans Pan Head and Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 tripod. I prefer the Outdoorsmans Tripod Adapter system but this works with ELs.

Slimmer, trimmer and little shorter but about the same weight at 28 ounces. A whole new system of lenses inside including one specifically to flatten the image and provide a crystal clear picture all the way out to the edges. HD fluoride glass, a full compliment of coatings and over sized ocular lenses.  They even improved the focus mechanism.

Field of view is increased over previous models to 399 feet at a thousand yards for the 8.5x42s and 336 for the 10x42s.

I have only had these in the field for a day and have not been able to do a good side by side comparison with my other favorites but I have to say that I am not sure how binoculars can get any better. These are just very impressive in every respect but most striking to me was how comfortable it was to sit behind them hour after hour. The big, new ocular lenses combined with a sharp as a tack edge to edge image make looking through them effortless. No eye strain, no accessory muscle fatigue. Just nice, relaxed, easy glassing.  In addition, the picture seems significantly bigger and the depth of field issues are reduced to nil.

I was so impressed I woke Terry from The Outdoorsmans up from a much deserved Sunday morning snooze with a text asking when Swarovski was going to upgrade the 15s. Don't know the answer to that question yet but I sure hope it is a yes and soon.

I want to say that these are the best binoculars that I have ever used but I should hold off on that until I put all the top contenders on tripods and line them up for comparison.  For now, I will just say that they are outstanding and an improvement over the my old (three months old) ELs which were already excellent.

You can't buy them yet but if you want to be the first kid on your block with a set of EL Swarovisions you have to get on the pre-order list. Call The Outdoorsmans and they will fix you up. Yes, I am already on the list for a set of 8.5x42s but please don't tell my wife.

Thanks and happy holidays to everybody.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Some Recent Shots Of Nothing In Particular

2009-12-19T19:25:00Z

Kind of a cool shot of the moon taken with a Minox DCM and a Swarovski ATS 65 spotting scope. The challenging part to this was keeping the moon properly framed and centered on the screen.

Part two of a big winter storm that rolled through Northern Arizona this last week. Snow accumulation totals were more than 3 feet with drifts over 5.  Coconino County SAR Teams ran non-stop over a 72 hour period rescuing 50 stranded elk hunters that were strung out from South of Flag to the Grand Canyon. Well done guys.

Big storms used to mean long days of one mission after another.  Now they mean long days of one gear test after another. That's enough boots, shells, snowshoes and crampons for a couple of days. Those vertical white streaks you see in the picture is sleet.

So far so good for the 2010 Sitka Gear line. That is the Stormfront Jacket, 90% pants and Traverse Zip T just after 3 miles on the MSR Denali Ascent snowshoes. Good stuff.

In Northern Idaho clearing brush and cutting wood with friend Jeff Korte. Pretty fancy lunch, huh? Don't worry, he said the pitchfork had only been used a few times.  Although, I don't recall him saying for what.

Jeff's buddy couldn't wait to show me his "good pair" of Irish Setter hunting boots once he found out I was the Gear Editor for Western Hunter Magazine. Apparently, this is the result of one season of chasing elk and hunting sheds in Idaho. Yikes!

Thanks and happy holidays to everybody.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Medical Kit Contents - Recommended List

2009-12-16T00:18:00Z

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

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

Blister Care For Hardcore Outdoorsman - "Fixing Your Feet" By Vonhof

2009-12-05T20:25:00Z

The guy in the dress, err, kilt turned me on to a great book on blister care, prevention and foot issues for hardcore outdoorsmen and wilderness athletes.  "Fixing Your Feet" is by John Vonhof.

If you add up all the time I spent taking care of my Dads players, me and my own team mates, 14 years of heavy duty search and rescue experience and 16 years of patching up three knuckle headed kids and their friends and combine it with the fact that I do at least as much boot/shoe testing as any other single person on the web you could reach the conclusion that I know some about blisters. I certainly thought I did anyways. That is until I met Todd Phillips.

Blisters are a fascinating subject to me. They range from a relatively small irritation while you are mucking out stalls or raking the yard to completely debilitating injuries in the backcountry that require evacuation. Some of us get them only occasionally while others are plagued with them. Regardless of where you fall in this spectrum, blisters are, well, a pain.

I have watched the Navy SEALS train in Coronado for many years and I recently covered the Primal Quest adventure race. These extreme athletes, although for completely different reasons, work past pain thresholds that would make normal people crawl up into the fetal position and cry like babies. However, there is one thing that even these "can't quitters" can't overcome. Problems with their feet. Both groups strive to push the limits of human endurance and both groups take the matter of caring for their feet very seriously. If you are reading this article, you should too.

By the way, the connection between the SEALS and Primal Quest is no coincidence. Don Mann, the Mann behind Primal Quest, was a Navy SEAL and has a chest full of medals to prove it. While he has never told me this, I think PQ is a sort of civilian version of BUD/S that he likes to inflict on the few that think they can hack it. And, they pay a lot of money for the privilege to boot.  You gotta love how a spec warrior thinks.

This is no 30 second, throw on a new set of tires, fill up the tank kind of pit stop.  It's more like reconstructive surgery to get racers back on the trail. Most will have to do this again at the next med tent 10-15 hours later.  Some will quit because the pain is just too much.

I met Todd Phillips, the guy in the kilt, working one of the medical tents at Primal Quest and was immediately impressed with his expertise on treating his teams feet. Primal Quest should really be called something like Primal Feet Shredder or Foot Carnage Quest because I have never seen that kind of damage on such a large scale. Not just blisters but blisters on top of blisters and big patches of skin that had been worn or torn away over many hours of water logged physical abuse. The real challenge was that the med tent folks were supposed to patch them up and get them back out on the trail so they could finish the race. I have a lot of experience in treating blisters but had never seen the techniques these guys were using. It was like a General Practice doc observing procedures being performed at a front line military trauma facility. Night and day. I wasn't even familiar with some of the medical supplies they were using. I asked Todd where he learned these methods and he said it was a combination of OJT and a book called "Fixing Your Feet" by John Vonhof but mostly Vonhof.

If you have feet and you are any kind of serious outdoorsman, you need to add this book to your reference collection.  I found mine at REI but you can also get it at the Fixing Your feet website.

The first thing I did when I got home was procure my own copy of the book from my local REI and based on subsequent research and my own testing, it is the definitive work on the subject. It contains a great deal of useful information written by a guy with a lot of experience. If you are a wilderness athlete or responsible for taking care of one or a bunch of them you have to get this book. It will put a lot more tools in your tool box or arrows in your quiver or whatever metaphor you like. The point is that it will help you or your guys perform better in the field.

Thanks Todd...and no I didn't ask what he is wearing under the kilt. I don't want to know.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

New Optifade Concealment Pattern From Gore and Sitka Gear - Big Game Forest Pattern

2009-12-03T14:20:00Z

Sneak Peek. The new Optifade Concealment camo from Gore is called Big Game/Forest and is designed primarily for tree stand hunters.

Gore's "Forest" camo is seen here on a new Sitka Gear jacket called, at least at this point, the Incinerator Jacket. Although there is no front double zipper it looks like this piece is indeed designed for sitting or riding. I like the drop hood design and the shoulder pocket but I am betting that they go with a different pocket set on the torso in the finished product to accommodate that style of hunting. The Incinerator Jacket is supposed to be available Summer 2010.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Petzl Tikka 2 Plus Headlamp - New and Improved

2009-11-22T21:20:00Z

And the beat goes on. Great gear from great companies continues to get better. Lighter, brighter and longer lasting. The Petzl Tikka Plus 2 replaces the Petzl Tactikka Plus as my favorite all around headlamp.

Great companies produce great gear. That has proved to be a good rule of thumb to follow but even I am amazed at the incredible products the hardcore outdoorsman currently has at his command. Case in point, the new Tikka 2 headlamps from Petzl. I have been using, correction, depending on Petzl products for a long time. Their full sized headlamps lit up my search areas regardless of weather. Their harnesses kept me safely and securely tethered to the helicopter or anchor systems. Their helmets protected me from rock fall and dinged melon syndrome in tight spots. And nothing moves my big butt up a fixed rope like Petzl ascenders. I am a Petzl fan based on many years of heavy duty field experience so I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised with their new line of Tikka headlamps.

The old Tikkas were my favorites and my particular model of choice for almost everything was the Tactikka Plus with the slide down red lens cover/filter. It was never a problem for me but I did hear some belly aching and hair splitting about the fact that these lights were not Lithium battery capable or waterproof. Why are Lithium batteries a big deal? They weigh less than Alkalines and they perform better in cold temperatures. Petzl took care of this gripe. The new Tikka 2 headlamps are Lithium compatible.

The issue of waterprooffness is a little more involved. The new Tikka 2s are the same as last year’s models in that the electronic circuitry is sealed and unaffected by moisture and wetness but the battery compartment, while an improvement over previous designs, is not waterproof. It is water resistant. If you submerge the unit or it is subjected to long term heavy rain the company suggests that you dry the battery compartment out and replace the batteries. Like I said, it has not been an issue for me.

The Tikka 2 comes in a few flavors but my choice is the Plus. It weighs 2.5 ounces, has a low profile and doesn’t move around no matter what I am doing. It also provides me with up to 140 hours of burn time and what I think are the right combination of light settings. White light-high (50 lumens), low and strobe. Red (a separate dedicated LED)-regular and strobe.

A comment on strobe lights. I like this feature in my headlamps but only for redundancy. I do not rely on these relatively soft LED strobes for signaling. In an emergency, when I absolutely positively have to be found as quickly as possible, I still want the omni-directional, darkness piercing, canopy punching, and eye gouging capability of the Xenon bulbs that are in the ACR Firefly III. This is a dedicated, mil spec unit that has one purpose, to attract attention at night, and it does it better than anything else out there. Hang out the side of a helicopter for as many years as I have looking for people in trouble and you will understand why I think the Firefly is worth the extra weight and space in your pack. Just trust me on this one folks.

In my experience, over the past 30 plus years, I have found that after the right shoes and clothing there are a few critical, indispensable pieces of gear that should be included in every wilderness travelers kit. Chief among them is a dependable source of light. Since Mr. Murphy tends to tag along on many of these trips I carry a second as a back-up. Both of mine are made by Petzl. I carry a Petzl e+Lite mini headlamp and now the Tikka 2 Plus.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

New And Improved SPOT Satellite Messenger - SPOT 2

2009-11-18T18:28:00Z

The SPOT 2 compared to the original SPOT Satellite Messenger on the right. The new unit is smaller, lighter, and easier to use.  The SPOT 2 is just better all the way around. Very nice.

You have to love technology and the way new products progress. I liked the SPOT Satellite Messenger device from the very beginning and while I enthusiastically promoted the product, I was candid about some of its short comings.  To their credit, SPOT admitted that they could do better and in fact asked for my input.  I was happy to help with the second generation unit.  The SPOT 1 is a great concept that has saved many lives and given its users peace of mind. The SPOT 2 is even better in every aspect.

Smaller just doesn't mean more convenience, it also means that there is a greater chance that the device will be carried in the field more often or all the time.  That is a good thing from my perspective.

You can see from the photos that the SPOT 2 is much smaller. It is lighter too. According to my scale, SPOT 1 weighs 7.1 ounces including batteries while SPOT 2 is only 4.2 ounces.  A smaller, lighter form factor is nice but the improved performance is what really sets this new unit apart.  I am still field testing but I am very pleased so far, especially with the speed of GPS acquisition and message transmission. It is fast.

How fast?  How about 2 minutes from turning the unit on, pushing the CHECK/OK message button and setting it on the tailgate to text message on my mobile phone fast. Consistently.  Considering that this little device has to communicate with two separate sets of satellites orbiting something like two and three hundred miles above the earth respectively, that is amazingly fast.  It is accurate too. The little green arrow on the Google Earth aerial photo is dead bang on every time. Shit hot fast and deadly accurate. Very impressive.

If you love to get out and away in the great outdoors do yourself a favor. Buy a SPOT Satellite Messenger and learn how to use it.  This device and a good flashlight or strobe light could be the difference between life and death in a backcountry emergency. Don't be that guy that should have gotten one or was going to get one but just didn't get around to it. Besides, I can't think of a better stocking stuffer. If you have the original model, it is time to upgrade to the new SPOT 2. Put it on your Christmas list or do a boomerang gift back to yourself.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Vortex 6x32 Viper Binoculars

2009-11-10T00:22:00Z

Great little glasses. A pair of Vortex 6x32 Vipers mounted on the Outdoorsmans Pan Head and the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 tripod using the Outdoorsmans Binocular Adapter.

A few months ago I was looking for a light weight, compact set of binoculars with descent glass to wear around my neck when I was hunting. I was wanting something less than 8 power and less than $1000 but there just wasn't much on the market that tripped my trigger.  I called over to the Outdoorsmans and they had just received a set of these.  The 6x32 Vortex Vipers are in fact great little neck glasses for hunting but they are so handy I have been using them for everything from reading real estate signs and aircraft N numbers to scouting opposing football teams. They just seem to tag along wherever I go and everybody that sees them wants to check them out.  Everybody that checks them out loves them.

With specs like these, what's not to love.  19 ounces, 420 foot field of view and a 5.33 exit pupil.  They are well made, easy to use and very nice to look through whether you are hand holding them or using a tripod. The kicker is that at $479 a pair I am not afraid to let my, gasp, wife and kids use them (with the strap around their neck and strong admonitions not to under any circumstances even think about touching the glass or messing around with the diopter adjustment of course).

In the picture above I am using a carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod, the medium height 190CXPRO3 to be exact, but the really astute and observant gearheads among you will notice that something looks a little different...and you would be right. One of the reasons I like working with the guys at the Outdoorsmans so much is that we apparently suffer from the same mality. I didn't like the Q90 vertical/horizontal collar feature thingy that normally comes on it because it wasn't something I would ever use and it added extra weight. They didn't like it either so they cut it off. You gotta love people that aren't afraid to take a hack saw to a high tech, high dollar tripod and then re-machine the column to make a good piece of gear even better.  Psst! Hello, Manfrotto. Are you paying attention?

Candidly, I was a little hinky about carbon fiber at first because while it might be great in tennis rackets and stealth bombers I have seen some less than perfect applications of it on the sport optics market. I thought it would be too flexible but I was wrong.  The 190CXPRO3 is an outstanding tripod that is every bit as good as its heavier aluminum counter parts, the 190XB(black) and 190XV (green) but not quite as rigid. Lighter weight for a little less rigidity is a perfectly acceptable trade off for this application in my opinion.

If you are looking for a really nice set of glasses that are small enough to wear around your neck all day but big enough to be usable in a wide variety of situations the Vortex 6x32 Vipers are literally in a class by themselves. And they are so darn cute. Check 'em out.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Best Stoves List - Recommendations

2009-10-18T22:18:00Z

This is pretty straight forward folks. Three proven stoves for three different situations. Feel free to futz around with everything else on the market but most of you come here to see what my research and experience has led me to conclude.

These are the ones I currently carry and recommend.

Snow Peak LiteMax Stove (super light weight, canister stove, for temps above 20 degrees and trips of 3 to 4 days or less)

JetBoil PCS (light weight, self contained, all in one canister stove with cup for temps above 20 degrees and trips longer than 3 to 4 days because of its high efficiency)

MSR XGK-EX (moderate weight, heavy duty, bomb proof reliability, burns pretty much anything flammable, for high altitude, extreme cold, expeditions or international travel)

The only other types to consider are the car camping and alcohol stoves but I am not ready to go there yet.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Best Insulation Pieces List - Recommendations (Revised)

2009-10-18T17:28:00Z

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

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

Phoenix Police And Fire Departments Partner Up

2009-10-15T21:37:00Z

Guns and hoses. Two city agencies work together to enhance public safety and serve the 5th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

During the 14 years I did search and rescue work for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (M.C.S.O.) I had the opportunity to train and work with the City of Phoenix Fire and Police Departments many times. On every occasion I found their members to be knowledgeable, professional and generally a lot of fun to be around.  These are good guys that work hard to be good at what they do.  So, when Battalion Chief Tom Pendley asked me to help with a training video project I just asked when and where.

Phoenix PD embraced the concept of airborne law enforcement in the early 70's and has committed significant resources since to make the unit more than just an effective platform for observing and directing traffic.  When I was coming up in the early 90s they had developed an impressive pilot training program and put together one of the largest fleets of McDonnell Douglas 520N NOTAR helicopters in the country. More recently, under the leadership of Chief Pilot Phil Telford, Phoenix has successfully transitioned from the MDs because of performance limitations and maintenance issues to Eurocopter and Agusta products. Now, since neither entity could justify the expense separately, the fire and police departments participate in an innovative partnership to operate a twin engine, multipurpose helicopter for special operations type incidents. They chose the Agusta A109E aka the A109 Power.


The Agusta A109E is a twin engined, 8 passenger aircraft with retractable gear.  PPD Air Support specs called for extraordinary performance capabilities considering the power robbing effects of Phoenician summers and the specialized demands of joint Fire/Police department use. They got a lot of bang for the buck.

Regular readers may remember the name Tom Pendley. I have known him for a long time and written about him before. Tom was Commander of M.C.S.O. Mountain Rescue when I joined the Team in 1990. We have been on many missions together, done Rainier and the upper Salt River together, taught rope rescue courses and ski patrolled together and remained good friends even though life has taken us in different directions.  Tom is smart and talented with a long list of accomplishments including, flight medic, rotor wing pilot, and author of a best selling Technical Rescue Field Operations Guide for firefighters. On this particular day Chief Pendley was working on a company training video to be used on a very slick site that he created for the department.

The specific topic of this segment was using the hoist on the A109 with the Bauman Bag Helicopter Transport device to evacuate patients from remote areas.  Tom needed a second cameraman for the video shoot but also wanted to draw on my experience with the Bauman Bag. I have used it many times in actual rescues and did in fact rep the product for Rainy Day Equipment, the manufacturer.  It is a fantastic piece of gear responsible for saving many lives and will work well for Phoenix in this application. The Bauman Bag is now available through CMC Rescue.


Not every mission requires the speed and muscle of the A109 so they have several single engine A119s configured with aft mounted spots and FLIR units for more traditional urban patrol and support duties.

Learning their lesson from the all MD days where critical parts shortages could all but cripple readiness, Phoenix also employs the reliable and economical Eurocopter AS350B3. Day in and day out, Phoenix has a bird in the air or one on the pad that is ready to go. You can count on it.

Technical Rescue Specialist Captain Mark Delima steps out of "Firebird 10" after being canceled in route to a rescue mission. Dual use takes coordination and cooperation but Phoenix pulls it off and makes it work.

If I were going to design the best job in the fire service the description would sound a lot like Car 957. Phoenix has a comprehensive and well respected Technical Rescue Training (TRT) program to address local needs as well as the national disaster response capability that goes with being a FEMA US&R Team. The tip of that spear in the Phoenix system on every shift is a specially trained TRT Captain, designated Car 957, responsible for responding to structural collapse, water rescue, mountain rescue and other special calls. Car 957 also serves as the airborne SAR Tech, Crew Chief and Hoist Operator on the A109.

The Car 957 Captain on duty this day was Mark Delima.  Yea, it is good duty with a very high cool factor but these guys have a full operational dance card and a lot to stay on top of.  I think it is the most demanding job in the department and my hat goes off to them. Oops, is my TRT biased showing?

Peoria Battalion Chief Tom Pendley interviews Phoenix PD Chief Pilot Phil Telford for an on-line company training video on the use of the Bauman Bag Helicopter Patient Transport device and hoist operations.

I love working with Pendley but I was lusting to get close to the new helos.  I don't have much experience in or around anything made by Agusta and I couldn't wait to check them out. They are impressive birds and by all accounts Phoenix is happy with them. I was particularly interested to know what it was like to operate out of a ship that didn't have skids for mountain rescue and swift water incidents.  The Hueys, 500s, 206L3s, 407s, OH-58s, Twin Stars and AStars that I have worked out of all had skids but then they didn't have the hoist capability that Firebird 10 offers. The Sheriff's Office had a small Breeze-Eastern hoist for our Bell 407 but we didn't use it much which was OK with me.  I am a rope guy. I know rope and I know what to expect from it in different situations. I don't have the same comfort level with wire cable.

My thanks goes out to the Crew. They were patient and gracious with all my questions. We got through the static part of the filming and then moved out to the North training area to do the practical part. The sexy part. The fun part.  I dig helicopters. Can you tell?

On the pad. Captain Delima does a thorough brief and dry run with evolution participants before they do it it live.  This is where written SOG meets practical application and any discrepancies between the two gets resolved.  To tie it altogether, they will do a proper debrief when they finish.

Sophisticated machines, courageous men, and disciplined professionalism come together to provide state of the art capability for the unwitting masses of The Valley Of The Sun. I enjoyed spending some time with this outfit, again. It was a kick and the distinctive smell of jet exhaust stayed with me for a week afterwords.  I kind of miss that smell.

FLY SAFE.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Hanwag Cheyenne GTX Vs. Lowa Ranger GTX

2009-10-15T02:03:00Z

Scottsdale in October. On the trail again.  Testing the new Sitka Ascent Pants but also comparing the tried and true Lowa Ranger GTX to the new Cheyenne GTX boots from Hanwag.

I figured out that picking up a set of binoculars in a store and looking at something across the way or even going outside was an exercise in futility. With the quality of glass that is available today everything looks pretty good to me.  The best way to compare and judge binoculars or spotting scopes is side by side on tripods so you can go from one to another and then back again for hours at a time. You have to be sitting down, you have to be outside and 4 is about the most that I can manage at any one time. It is an effective methodology.

Evaluating boots does not usually require such care and precision. You put them on, hit the trail and figure out what you like and don't like. Pretty straight forward, right? Well, yea, most of the time but when you wear as many different pair of boots as I do over the course of a year it can be a little more problematic.

Last year I announced to every one that would listen that the Lowa Ranger GTX was the best all around boot that I had evaluated but a couple of months ago I came across the Cheyenne GTX from Hanwag and I wasn't quite so sure anymore. I don't know if anyone else will but I find it interesting that both boots are German.  So, I went back to the trail with the Rangers. Then the Cheyennes. Then the Rangers again and so on.  It was just like looking through binoculars at the store.  They were both great boots that won me over every time I wore them.  I couldn't decide and I couldn't have two best all around boot title holders, that just isn't how things work in my world.


Genius or idiot?  I don't know but they are both so good this was the only way I could think of to figure out which of these was really the best all around boot for me.

I did 7 miles on the mountain like this and then walked around the rest of the day and nobody noticed except for my 10 year old son who took all of 2 seconds to catch it.  Nothing gets by Coop. Then he put his hand on my shoulder like he was talking to a head injury patient and asked me if I was aware that my boots didn't match.  I replied, no, but I was pretty sure they were on the right feet. Didn't phase him at all. He grabbed an apple and his long board and was gone.

It was a good day on the trail.  The 2009 Sitka Ascent Pants are super comfortable, easy to move in and quiet. I love the stretchy Schoeller like fabric. The XLs are cut a little too big for me in the waist, they could use a few extra belt loops and the pockets need some sort of a positive closure but other than that I like them. We will see how durable they are after I run them down the West side of Four Peaks.

Talk to you later.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Keepers - My Private Collection

2009-10-06T19:20:00Z

Team picture. Out of more than 150 pairs of boots and shoes tested these are the ones that have earned a spot on my "keepers" list and a place in my closet. Yes, I do wear them all.

Leno has his cars. Hefner has his girls. I have my boots. All great collectors have the same issue to deal with though. They can't keep them all and they can't pick just one. However, unlike Jay and Hef, space is limited at my place so if my wife is to have any room at all in the walk-in I have to draw the line somewhere. This is where it is currently.

FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT
Brooks Beast for running-motion control, heavily cushioned to take a daily pounding
Brooks Cascadia for walking-very flexible, very light, good cushioning, no structure
New Balance 908 for mountain biking and trail running-super light, structured sole
Montrail Hardrock 08 for trail running-very stable, best rough terrain runner/walker
Montrail Hardrock Mid GTX same as above with more support and Gore-Tex protection

MIDDLE ROW, Left TO RIGHT
Kayland Contact for hiking/backpacking in moderate to difficult terrain (eVent)
Lowa Ranger GTX for hiking/backpacking-best all around on heavier/stiffer side
Hanwag Cheyenne GTX for hiking/backpacking-best all around on lighter/flexible side
Asolo FSN95 for hiking/backpacking-mid height, very supportive and structured
Lowa Renegade Mid GTX for light hiking and duty wear-quietest on all surfaces

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT
Sorel Conquest for extreme cold weather/snow-snowshoeing, heavy duty (insulated)
Lowa Creek for cold weather/snow-light duty, ski hill, around town (insulated)
Danner Santiam for cold weather/snow-hunting, hiking/backpacking (insulated)
Lowa Tibet Pro GTX for heavy duty backpacking, light mountaineering, crampons
Scarpa GTX for heavy duty backpacking, light mountaineering, crampons
Hanwag Mountain Light GTX my favorite for heavy duty/difficult terrain backpacking
Danner Pronghorn for light/moderate use-flatlands/foothills hunting, bird hunting

NOT PICTURED
Danner Recon 8 is still the best duty/black boot available, Gore-Tex (insulated)
Salomon Explorer GTX for fastpacking and trail running but runs narrow
Danner Quarry for work-rain or shine, day in and day out, does everything well

Nice collection, huh? Kind of ridiculous I know but it keeps me busy and out of trouble. Still looking for winners in the tactical and mountaineering category so there are at least two more spots on the "A" team to be filled. Remember, feet vary greatly and what might be perfect for me won't work at all for you but these are all first rate, high quality products that I recommend without hesitation for the appropriate purpose. Just make sure you spend plenty of time training in yours before heading out to the boonies. Game day is never a good time to discover you have a problem.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

The National Parks - Americas Best Idea

2009-10-03T04:42:00Z

Have you all been watching the new Ken Burns documentary on PBS? It is called "The National Parks-America's Best Idea. Great stuff from a master story teller. His best work yet, in my opinion. It celebrates our most valuable treasure, something anyone visiting this site loves and cherishes. Wild places. Big, beautiful and austere.

Watch it and enjoy.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Get Your Feet Ready - Conditioning For The Mission

2009-09-22T19:49:00Z

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

Make sure that you are using the same sock/boot combinations in your training runs that you plan to use on the trip
identify footwear problems early and fix them-persistant problems won''t just go away on their own, they will get worse
make sure you clean and re-dress your boots often
spend as much time as you can in the same type of conditions you expect to be in on your trip-altitude, grade, terrain, weather etc
do extended training runs lasting several hours or more-funny how things that were hidden during hour 1 tend to reveal themselves in hour 5
load your pack up and incorporate it into your regime-this improves core strength, balance and puts a proper test load on your feet/socks/boots
do a thorough dress rehearsal or a shake out cruise to see what goes wrong and address it accordingly-minimize game day surprises
Prior Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance-the 7 Ps will make you safer and more effective in the field which increases your chance of achieving the objective whatever it might be.

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

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

Morning Pick Me Up - Coffee - Supplement

2009-09-16T18:37:00Z

Energy & Focus supplement powder from the new Wilderness Athlete, Java Juice Liquid Coffee Extract and my cook kit set up which consists of the Snow Peak Lite Max stove and fuel and the Titan Kettle from MSR. Hot or cold, a nice way to start the morning.

Do you like coffee in the morning? Put another way, do you need coffee in the morning? That's not a problem when you are at home, but it can be problematic when you are living out of a pack in the field.  There are a couple of ways coffee lovers can address this issue. They can pick up a backpackers coffee press and carry some coffee grounds, but that takes time, adds weight, and makes a mess. It is generally a pain in the neck, if you want my opinion and I think you do or you wouldn't keep coming back here.

I found Java Juice Liquid Coffee Extract a couple of years ago and it has become my easy, light, and fast coffee in the field solution. Here is how I do it. Fill the MSR Titan Kettle half way up with water, fire up the Snow Peak Lite Max Stove, heat the water, tear open the Java Juice packet, and pour it into the Kettle. Stir. Drink. Pretty simple, huh?

Add a little sugar and or powdered creamer, pick one of their flavored coffees or drink it black. However you do it, it is a darn good cup of Joe and like I said, it is easy, light, fast, and clean up is a snap.

Not a coffee drinker or running a super fast and light cold camp but still want a little something to get you moving in the morning? I got you covered there too. I am happy to report that after a brief interruption, Wilderness Athlete is back up and running stronger than ever. In fact, I made the introduction that got it going again and I wish Floyd Green the best of luck with the venture. Anyway, one of the most popular Wilderness Athlete products is a supplement called Energy & Focus.  Put a scoop or more in some water, mix it up and you are good to go. It contains caffeine, B complex vitamins and other goodies that gives you a nice but subtle lift. It tastes good, doesn't make you jittery, and there is no crash when it wears off.  Good stuff.

So there you go. More great product recommendations and good advice from Hardcore and it didn't cost you anything. What a value. By the way, in anticipation of your email questions, my complete cook kit weighs 12.5 ounces and works beautifully.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Notice To All Users And Visitors - Use The Advanced Search Button

2009-09-15T18:17:00Z

Thank you, again, for your support. Hardcore Outdoor continues to grow in popularity, blaze new trails in this space, influence the market and above all, save you time money and aggravation by...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.

To that end, when you want to find something specific, make sure you use the ADVANCED SEARCH button found at the top of the sidebar on the left of this page. It allows you to search Title and/or Content for key words all the way back to the very first article.

The basic SEARCH function that comes up automatically only searches titles from the last three months which is useless and I would get rid of it altogether if I could but Go Daddy doesn't allow it.

Also, do you have comments, a good story or pictures of great gear in action. Send 'em in. If I like 'em, I will post 'em.

Take care of yourselves and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Garmin Foretrex 401 - New And Improved GPS Unit

2009-09-11T20:48:00Z

New and improved. Garmins Foretrex 401 GPS receiver is smaller, lighter and adds some great new features. Wear it on your wrist with the included wrist strap (shown) or DC it and carry it in a designated pocket. However you do it, just do it because the sweetest little GPS on the market just got better.

About this time last year I posted an article about my favorite Global Positioning System receiver, the Garmin Foretrex 101. At the end of that piece I mentioned that there were a couple of things that I had been bugging the good folks at Garmin about to make a very nice little GPS even better. Well, apparently, I was not the only one that was making noise. The military Special Ops crowd also likes the Foretrex so an upgrade was ordered.

We got to keep all the good things I like about the 101 such as a sturdy, waterproof construction, field changeable AAA battery configuration (instead of rechargables), and a simple, straight forward design that is easy to use.

The upgrades include the same high sensitivity receiver/chip set found in the popular 60CSx, a smaller, lighter form factor, electronic compass, Barometric altimeter, Jumpmaster function, USB port interface, and wireless data transfer capability.

Just so you know, the 401 does not have a built in base map which is cool with me and my military brothers because we do our research before hand and know how to use a map and compass. I do not want the added weight, size and complexity of a mapping GPS but if I did, the Garmin 60CSx would do nicely.

So, we got pretty much everything we wanted this time which is both gratifying and satisfying. If you are the high speed, low drag sort and need a no nonsense but feature rich GPS unit that you can depend on the Garmin Foretrex 401 is what I use and recommend.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

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

Best Optics List - Recommendations (Revised)

2009-09-08T01:57:00Z

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

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