Gear Ratings...

**Apocalyptic_Sojourner** · 07-03-2010, 09:42 PM

I got another boot for ya: Merrell's Outland Mid Gore-Tex. My unit let us use civilian hiking boots during deployment & I took these babies up & down the mountains of Afghanistan for 15 months. I also talked about half my platoon into getting Merrells too, and everyone else loved em as much as I do. Excellent traction (even on slippery surfaces such as snow, river crossings, rainy trails, etc.) and good ankle support (a must when humping 80 pounds of gear everywhere you go). They retail for $140 but worth every penny.

I think Asolo would probably be 2nd best, but it's a lot stiffer boot & not nearly as good on wet surfaces.

**Diesel** · 07-06-2010, 08:35 PM

thanks for the intel Sojourner

**slowz1k** · 08-11-2010, 11:19 AM

Just got a few of these Jet Scream whistles for the family to carry when hiking. You never know when you might get separated, or need to signal for help. At $5.00 each, my rip-off alarm was going crazy, but I have to say, I am very impressed with these little screamers.
The sales lit stated that they were good for 122db... To be honest, I wasn't really sure how loud that would be. But after putting a good lung full through the Jet Scream, I can say that 122db is quite close to painful. It is without a doubt the loudest, schrillest (is that a word?) sound I've ever heard.

I just posted a gear review on a whistle...... Yes I'm bored.

**Diesel** · 08-11-2010, 08:45 PM

heard good things about them too

**TacSKS** · 08-11-2010, 11:16 PM

On a similar note to your whistle, I picked up one of the Ultimate Survival Tech Wetfire Stoves and like it well so far. It is super light (half ounce) and fold very compact. It comes with one cube of their fuel but I just use cheaper trioxane bars. Beware, the stove holds round cups/pots fairly well but has trouble with anything that's not round (i.e. my canteen cup). $15-20

**nakadnu** · 08-28-2010, 10:25 AM

My currently favorite field knife is the Cold Steel True flight thrower. It is a spearpoint with a cord wrapped handle. 1050 carbon steel made to put up with the abuse of throwing. It came quite sharp and holds an edge very well. At around $20 I am willing to use and abuse it.

**maric** · 04-27-2011, 05:34 PM

Where did you get these ( the whistles) ? Thanks

**slowz1k** · 04-28-2011, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by maric

Where did you get these ( the whistles) ? Thanks

I think I sourced these from an outdoors company on Ebay. You can google "jetscream whistle" and find many sources. I've only seen them for sale locally at Gander Mountain.

**maric** · 04-28-2011, 07:13 AM

Thanks! I found them. We have a Gander Mountain here as well. I may check with them, before paying shipping prices.

**Snow Walker** · 05-14-2011, 03:56 PM

My newest piece of gear is the Eberlestock G4 Operator pack. It's a little on the heavy side at 10#, but wears VERY comfortably! It's in the dry earth color and will carry a large rifle or swallow a smaller one. It has numerous pockets for the guy who likes to be organized and plenty of webbing. My back does sweat a little with it, but far less then any other pack I've owned. Believe it or not you hardly feel any weight on your shoulder at all, it's focused on your hips where it should be. The torso length is adjustable and the waist belt can be removed. The load lifter straps work like they are supposed to and you would never know there is hardly any padding in the shoulder straps. It's a very comfortable pack to shoot a bow or rifle with. This thing is built like a tank and I would definately recommend it to a friend.

http://youtu.be/ohKttKaJfU8