Outdoor Gear, Tools and Supplies

I'm naturally kind of a gear geek anyway but when it comes to the outdoors, I love my kits, tried and true products and anything that helps me prepare for outdoor challenges.

Whether I'm hiking, in a vehicle, or camping out I want to be ready with the best outdoor gear, tools and supplies so I can take action if in a bind.

How to Prepare for Outdoor Challenges

Over the years we've learned how to prepare for outdoor outings. We've learned how to plan, what gear and supplies to take, how to prepare for the weather, how to stay safe and how to ensure we get back home safe.

Adventure Story: Now That's Stuck!

...We plunged into the mud pool and gunned it. We made good progress...My brother then said calmly, "don't look at your feet." Of course I did. Thin mud was pouring into the cab. I pushed on...

Read the Story

Below you'll find the following topics:

• Tips for assembling the right outdoor gear and tools
• How to build the perfect day pack
• Top outdoor gear and tool product reviews
• Best outdoor gear and tool resources

If you're like us you'll love the trail and preparing for the outdoors will become second nature. Let's get started.

Outdoor Gear Tips

Over the years we've learned how to prepare with the right gear and tools. We thought we'd list a few tips to consider for your next outing:

1. Plan ahead - Even if you decide to go on a spontaneous hike, take a minute and plan just so you're prepared. If your hike is more involved, spend the time you need to make sure you're ready.
2. Collect the right gear - Hiking gear needs are different than ATV/UTV gear. Make sure you have the right gear for the activities you'll be doing.
3. Buy the good stuff - We're all on a budget and we all want more gear. However, not all equipment is created equally. Some gear is priced for bulk sales but is built cheaply and doesn't hold up when you need it most. Save up and buy good gear for the outdoors.
4. Maintain your gear - Once you own it, be sure to keep it up. Don't let knives rust, filters sit dirty, vehicles run low on oil, etc. Observe your gear after each outing to see if it needs attention.
5. Organize your gear - Keep track of your gear and supplies. Build kits and keep them in bags or bins so you know where to go looking. 
6. Protect your gear - Gear tends to wander off when neglected. Keep track of it and be leary who you lend it out to. At some point you may depend on gear for survival and finding it missing or broken can be problematic.

Safety First

We all have different risk tollerances. As I've gotten older I've consciously slowed down a lot and take fewer risks. I've seen guys with life-altering injuries who can't enjoy the outdoors any longer. I talked with a man this week who has messed up his knees and joints so much he can't go on a simple hike. That can't be me!

When we venture out, we need to keep in mind that we have future outdoor experiences to enjoy so we need to get home safe after every one. Our chances of survival and safe return increase with a few principles:

1. Prepare before you go out
2. Take adequate first aid supplies - just in case
3. know your limits and opt for safety over risky activities.

Having the right first aid supplies handy can help a lot. Make sure you have the right supplies for the activities you're doing. 

Survival Medical Guide

Critical first aid field guide for survival situations

Buy on Amazon

The Perfect Day Pack Checklist

I take my day pack on every outing. I log between 100 and 200 outings per year. I'm often surprised how often I needed the gear and supplies in the pack. Over the years I've locked down the perfect day pack for my climate and area. This checklist is highly recommended trail gear for every day pack. Of course, you can adjust for your area and outing style.

I divide my gear and supplies into 3 kits: gear, first aid, toiletries. These kits go into my pack and are with me on every outing.

Gear Kit

• Water filter
• Multi-tool
  • blade
  • saw
  • tweezers
  • screw drivers
• Paracord
• Lighter
• Ferro rod
• Emergency blanket
• Poncho
• Emergency fishing kit
• Snares
• Duct tape
• Head band (ear protection)
• Safety pins
• More...

First Aid Kit (IFAK)

• Bandages
• Ace bandage
• Tablets
  • Pepto
  • Tylenol
  • Allergy
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Alcohol pads
• Burn cream
• More...

Toiletries

• Pocket tissues (perfect portion of toilet paper)
• Carmex
• Toothbrush (handle cut off)
• Toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• More...

Top Outdoor Gear and Tool Product Reviews

I've used or seen others use just about every outdoor product you can imagine. When it comes to outdoor adventures, there are some pretty tried and true products you can rely on. Here are some of the outdoor products we recommend taking on all outings.

Click on the image to read the review or click on the button to purchase.

Camping Cookware/Mess Kit

Modern cookware mess kit with accessories

Buy on Amazon

Biodegradable All Purpose Soap

Clean your hands, body, dishes and other items with biodegradable multi purpose soap

Buy on Amazon

550 Paracord Type 3

Milspec type 3 550 paracord for survival

Buy on Amazon

550 Paracord with Integrated Fishing Line, Wire, Tinder

Enhanced milspec type 3 550 SurvivorCord for the outdoors

Buy on Amazon

Lighter

Ideal primary option for rapid fire starting

Buy on Amazon

Ferro Rod with Striker

Great secondary option for fire starting, especially when wet

Buy on Amazon

Pocket Tissue

Individually packaged pocket tissues and toilet paper.

Buy on Amazon

Toiletry Kit

Toiletry kit for the trail or camping

Buy on Amazon

Outdoor Resources

Being prepared with some survival skills, trail information, and weather forecasts can make your hike relaxing and help you get home safe.

Maps

Don't get lost! Find the right map for your area. We recommend reviewing the map BEFORE your embark on your adventure. Get a feel for the topography, water sources, trails and roads, etc.

Time to Hit the Trail

We love our trail time! We hope your outings this year are memorable, relaxing, full of adventure, and safe. 

We'd love to hear about any memorable stories you experience. Submit them to us and if we feel the story matches the site we'll publish it.

Gear up, prepare, and hit the trail! Enjoy!