With ammunition at record-high cost and record-low availability, hitting the range might not be an option for many of you. Articles abound about how to continue firearms practice during the shortage, most involving some sort of dry practice. It seems like everyone is on the bandwagon and dry practice is no longer just for weirdos like these guys. Some exciting new tools are available to make dry practice more productive and engaging; one of the most interesting is the Mantis Blackbeard.
EDC Flashlight Review: Olight I5T
The new(ish) Olight I5T is a lightweight, compact, AA-powered flashlight, and big brother to the Olight I3T I recently reviewed. In fact, the appearance of the newer, AA-model prompted me to review the AAA-powered I3T. Let’s take a look at the new light.
EDC Flashlight Review: Olight I3T
I’m generally not the biggest fan of AAA-powered lights. After reviewing the Streamlight Microstream I figured maybe it was time to give the AAA Olight I3T another look. I have a little bit of history with this light. I actually own two of them because this was one of the first lights with a pocket clip that I carried on a daily basis (the second was purchased as a backup).
Lumbar Pack: Mountainsmith Tour
Writing about the Helikon Essentials Kitbag recently got me thinking about alternate means of load-carriage. Backpacks are cool, all of us probably own one, but they aren’t the only fish in the sea. Today I’m going to revisit one of my old favorites: the Mountainsmith Tour lumbar pack, an alternative to the ubiquitous backpack.
Malkoff Conversion LED for Legacy Surefires
Like many guys of my age and background I have some old, legacy Surefire flashlights lying around. These lights where the cat’s pajamas back in the day. I recently pulled out my old Surefire 6P “Defender” and was blown away…by how weak the light was. Good news, though: you can breathe new life into those old flashlights with the Malkoff Conversion LED.
Streamlight TLR-9 Handgun Light
In early 2020 Streamlight released a new line of weapon-mounted lights. One of those was the TLR RM2 long gun light, which I’ve reviewed here. Another was the Streamlight TLR-9 is a new-for-2020 weapon-mounted light for handguns. Let’s take a closer look at the TLR-9 handgun light.
Helikon Essentials Kitbag and My Minimal Survival Kit
I recently wrote about the contents of a theoretical minimalist survival kit. I love the concept of such a kit: the bare minimum stuff you’d want to survive in the wilderness, so I decided to put one together. I’ve walked with it several times now and here’s what I have to report.
Read MoreHelikon Essentials Kitbag and My Minimal Survival Kit
EDC Flashlight Review: Fenix E12
I have owned a Fenix E12 for several years. I purchased it for use as a backup in my EDC bag, but it never really got very much use today I’m going to review this light…with a caveat.
EDC Flashlight Review: LUMINTOP Tool AA 2.0
I wrote about the LUMINTOP Tool AA 2.0 (hereafter just “Lumintop Tool”) in my article on getting friends and family more prepared. While not the latest tactical wonder, I think it’s a pretty decent little light, especially when you consider the cost. Let’s take a look.
Beyond the IFAK: Home Medical Gear
The IFAK (individual first aid kit) has become extremely popular. A number of companies sell purpose-built, military-style IFAKs for civilian use. Many more sell IFAK components. Numerous methods of carry, including wallet kits and ankle rigs have proliferated. I think that’s fantastic. Unfortunately I think the twin Gospels of the Tourniquet and the IFAK aren’t the end of the story as far as first aid for the well-prepared is concerned.