Top Posts


Recent Articles

  • Filson Dryden Backpack — Quick Look

    Filson Dryden Backpack — Quick Look

    A really great large backpack which does not care how you use it, it will work.

    It’s no secret I love Filson gear, I’ve been buying and reviewing their stuff for years now. Current Filson gear has two lines these days, and one of those lines is the Dryden lineup of bags/accessories. These are Filson designs made overseas, and primarily with Nylon materials and only small touches of the classic Filson materials.

    They are less expensive, but in the same way the the entry level Porsche is less expensive — factually correct, practically not worth being the reason alone to purchase. Here, I have been testing a Filson Dryden Backpack which I picked up in great condition second hand.

    I’m torn on this bag. It’s quite good, even very nice in many ways, and yet at the same time it is not at all for me. This is a quick look as I didn’t spend extended time with this bag, but publishing because it is worth considering for some.

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 8/15/22

    Why Stage Manager could be a huge boon for portable displays, and other nonsense.

    This week: stage manager and iPads; Home Screen complications; should I get a larger iPhone; Fuck Facebook; some updates to those awkward pics of me wearing bags.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • Foursevens Preon P1 mkIII

    Foursevens Preon P1 mkIII

    Not a lot of wow factor, but you’ll find yourself quickly using this light more than you ever expected.

    I had an older Preon (P2) for years, and it was one of those lights that I never really loved, never really hated, but always found useful. I snagged the current Preon P1 mkIII in HAIII Black to check out with the goal of trying to find something which walks a fine line: small, tail switch, and nice to carry. That’s not as easy to find as you might think, but this light might have perfected it.

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 8/8/2022

    Member Journal — 8/8/2022

    A new metric for analyzing bags, and also why some people should stick to blogging about bags, and not designing them.

    This week: Kaidan GR2; bag forgiveness metric; and stuff I am in the process of testing.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • Nerdle – Wordle Game History

    I’m not a Wordle person, but I am a fan of this developer. So if you are a Wordle person (I think it’s popular) check this out. (Also: what a great icon.)

    I’m not a Wordle person, but I am a fan of this developer. So if you are a Wordle person (I think it’s popular) check this out. (Also: what a great icon.)

  • SPD x Terrain 365 Caiman Slipjoint — Quick Look

    SPD x Terrain 365 Caiman Slipjoint — Quick Look

    What a wonderful knife to hold, with amazing aesthetics, but this blade material is not at all for me.

    This is a special edition version of the Terrain 365 Caiman Slipjoint, done in partnership with the SPD part of Prometheus Design Werx, here’s the product page. I’ve always thought these were cool knives, and I snagged this knife second hand to try out.

    The big thing about these knives is that the blade isn’t steel. It’s cobalt. And it, well the marketing is a lot, this is my first go with something like this. Let’s talk about it all.

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 8/1/22

    Member Journal — 8/1/22

    How I can pack light even though I always want to pack all the gear.

    This week: how a gear nut packs light; Heritage GORUCK bags are my new obsession; Blank Canvas Accessories; some packing cube stuff; and some updates to member sections.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • Evergoods Civic Access Pouch 1L (CAP1)

    Evergoods Civic Access Pouch 1L (CAP1)

    This is easily the best everyday pouch I have tested.

    This is an amazing pouch — I don’t normally start reviews like that, but I feel like it needs to be said, since I’ve generally not loved a lot of the stuff Evergoods produces. But this pouch? This is my favorite pouch. I am not sure I can even accurately encapsulate why this pouch is so good, but I shall try.

    (more…)

  • Safety Goggles (aka Adulting)

    Safety Goggles (aka Adulting)

    Eye safety is something you need in your emergency gear, and probably around the house too.

    I’ve always hated wearing safety goggles, even when I worked out in the field doing construction-type-things — ugh.

    Luckily my eyes had no major impact that I know of from lack of wearing safety glasses. However, a couple events recently led to me start taking safety goggles seriously, and to start wearing, using, and staging them in emergency gear.

    Allow me to dive in…

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 7/24/22

    Member Journal — 7/24/22

    Let’s talk about emergency bags, and then what is in for testing.

    This week: short, quasi-break for me. But let’s talk about when you only have a hammer, and stuff I got in the house for testing.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • Chris Reeves Small Sebenza 31 (and 21) Long Term Review

    Chris Reeves Small Sebenza 31 (and 21) Long Term Review

    This is why the Small Sebenza is the best pocket knife, and might as well be the perfect pocket knife, about ten years into my ownership.

    My last review of the famed Chris Reeve Small Sebenza was in 2013 and I reviewed the ‘21’ edition of the knife. In the intervening 9 years since I wrote that, well not a lot has changed, and yet if you ask enthusiasts a bunch has changed about the Small Sebenza with the introduction of the 31.

    Over those years, though, I kept giving the Small Sebenza different top spots on my best lists, and many rightfully have been asking for me to update my article on the knife — it’s been a while. Luckily I still have that same Small Sebenza 21, and a couple years ago I nabbed a Small Sebenza 31 as well. Let’s talk about the absolute best all around pocket knife money can buy, shall we? We shall.

    (more…)

  • Db Världsvan 17L Backpack – Quick Look

    Db Världsvan 17L Backpack – Quick Look

    Some really great attention to detail, as long as you don’t open the bag.

    I saw this brand advertised all over my feeds, and the bag looks to have a lot of neat little touches — so I said screw it and ordered this small 17L backpack. To be honest, I didn’t really read much of the description about it, I thought it looked cool, might make for a neat daypack, and hit order.

    I have mixed feelings, and I have only used this bag a little (but doubt I will use it more), so this is more of a quick look than in-depth review.

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 7/18/22

    Member Journal — 7/18/22

    A look at some relatively inexpensive items, which can really make your life less annoying if you have them on hand.

    This week: let’s talk about some lower cost improvements to your day-to-day; touch on hybrid work; and a quick look at yet another new bag(s) I am testing.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • Focusworks EDC F2

    This is a perfectly acceptable light, and looks neat.

    I’ve been toying with the idea of getting this light for a while now, and waffled on it. It’s a very competitive price for this type of light, offers a nice selection of options and generally seems like a good buy. And that it is, it is a good buy, but that’s about it.

    Allow me to explain…

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 7/11/22

    Member Journal — 7/11/22

    Let’s talk about how I evaluate flashlights; but also some new gear.

    This week: my guide to evaluating flashlights; dry duffle bag; a new backpack; and a new hat.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • Kuiu Founder’s Day Sale

    Some silly good deals on Kuiu gear at up to 40% off. I’ve tried quite a few things from them, and every single item I have gotten has been great. Their training shorts are my favorites right now for rucking. I snagged a couple more things during this sale.

    Some silly good deals on Kuiu gear at up to 40% off. I’ve tried quite a few things from them, and every single item I have gotten has been great. Their training shorts are my favorites right now for rucking. I snagged a couple more things during this sale.

  • Filson Small Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

    Filson Small Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

    A classic duffle, with amazing materials, and intangible things that make it great.

    Of the more iconic duffle bags on the market, Filson is probably the most prominent with the Rugged Twill Duffle Bag line up (three sizes). Once you note the design details on this bag, you’ll see it all over media and generally everywhere. Being a bag nut, I’ve always wanted one, and my wife surprised me with this Small Rugged Twill Duffle Bag in Otter Green over the holidays.

    It’s fantastic.

    (more…)

  • Member Journal — 7/4/22

    Member Journal — 7/4/22

    If you’re one of the people who send in emails like “cool stuff, but what the heck do you do with that?” Then this is for you.

    This week: all about EDC and the reasons why I carry certain items.

    You must be a member to read the rest of this article. (Already a member? Log In.)

  • GORUCK X-Mas in July Sale

    This is one of the best sales GORUCK has every year. Get to shopping.

    This is one of the best sales GORUCK has every year. Get to shopping.

  • Filson Sale (40-ish% off)

    Some good deals to be had, oddball sizes so don’t get too revved up. I grabbed a dry bag to try for a great price though. (Pro-tip: Filson tends to randomly add more stuff throughout sales.) Gear up. 

    Some good deals to be had, oddball sizes so don’t get too revved up. I grabbed a dry bag to try for a great price though. (Pro-tip: Filson tends to randomly add more stuff throughout sales.)

    Gear up.