Heading to Jay Peak for New Years so here is my setup.

I have been snowboarding for a very long time and not only have I been riding with every range of riding ability I have been teaching first time riders. When I started snowboarding about 15 years ago the technology I started at was nothing like it is today. Here is a break down of my setup now along with a peak of what I have had in the past. 

I have always been a huge fan of Forum snowboards and have rode them for the past 13 years but last year after test riding a Bataleon Fun.Kink SnowboardI thought it was time to switch it up a bit. When I was working with a small snowboard company we had a chance to test out some new merchandise and this was the board I got the ride for a day. The day before I was riding a three year old Forum which was broken in nicely and I was very used to but the second I hopped on this board I was right at home. Brand new the board is fairly flexible and comfortable to ride. The detail about this board that I felt instantly was the 'triple-base' technology they have on the base of the board. Instead of it having a flat base with the camber making up the shape of the board this has the base near the tails split into three sections giving you not only front to back control but also side to side. I found this making the turning and maneuvering very smooth and fun. With other flexible boards you can get this same type of feel but with this triple-base it makes the board feel more flexible but gives you the stiffness some people like.

For my bindings I used to ride Forum ATP bindings but since Ride has came out with their metal base bindings that has been the best of the best in my mind. I purchased a set of Ride Delta bindings about 5 years ago and they have yet to fail me. These bindings I don't think are still in production but all other Ride metal base bindings I have seen have preformed very well. The Ride LX Snowboard Bindings are probably the most often seen and for a good reason, they work. They last and can be used by almost any type of rider.

The boots I have grown to love are my DC BOA style boots. These boots I have owned for longer than I remember and every year they seem better and better. The BOA lacing system is a must for me now that I have used it and seen it can hold up to my beating I have put it through while making it very easy to adjust the tightness of the boots. A comparable version I would recommend are the DC Scout Snow Boot 2012. There are a number of different version of this boot with all the new technology they have coming out but I have grown to like the simple leather exterior with the simple internal boot. The simpler it is the less chance of it breaking on you.

With a good setup under you it makes for the best time on the mountain. Time to shred!

Survival Wish List 2012 - Part 3

Part three I would like to focus on the smaller items in my survival wish list. Even before I heard the concept of EDC or 'every day carry' I always carried certain items that I felt would be important to have in case certain situations happened but with the growing interest I have been looking at improving my personal EDC collection to better suit my life style. Here are some every day carry items that I feel are important and worth the expense. 

First I feel it is extremely important to carry a folding knife. Ever since I was very young I was told to have a knife on me more as a tool than for survival. I carry this Mtech ChainLink Tactical Folding Pocket Knife and I love every aspect of it. When I first purchased this knife I thought it was a lot smaller than it actually is. It has a 3.5 inch cutting blade and when opened measures around 8.5 inches making it quite large for an everyday carry pocket knife. This I found to not be a problem at all with its light weight and fairly slim profile. The stainless steel blade keeps it clean and holds a nice edge that with regular use does not need much attention. I would buy many more of these as gifts as well as back ups for when mine finally fails for the low price of this fold locking pocket knife.

Next is something I rarely carry everyday but I try to have one close enough that if the situation is needed it is easily accessible. The only reason I do not carry one is I have not found one that is small enough to carry comfortable. After doing some searching I did find this Fenix Compact LED Flashlight and for the price it might be worth trying out. The size of the light is built around its AA battery it takes to run it so it keeps it small and easy to keep going with a cheap battery. Personally I have not heard of Fenix but after reading the numerous reviews I believe the 4.5 out of 5 stars stands to say it is a good quality for the price. This will be part of my EDC soon.

Having the right tool for the job is always a good thing but in most situations especially spur of the moment having a multi tool is the best you can do. I recommend having something like the Leatherman Skeletool Multitool. This tool in particular caught my eye with its simple design and small size. It does not have as many tools as some others but is useful in many different situations. The needle nose pliers and the universal bit adapter in the base would make this tool useful in many ways. If you are looking for a more complex multi tool I would look at the numerous other Leatherman versions they have available.

Paracord has become well known throughout the survival world today and has been incorporated into many different aspects of it. It is being used as bracelets, belts, dog leashes, gun slings, knife grips, key chains and countless others. This is because of its multiple applications to survival situations and how easy it is to incorporate into everyday items. The Para-cord Survival Bracelet is a perfect example of this. Something you can just throw on your wrist or ankle so if you ever need it it is always there. This version has a flint fire starter and is adjustable making it perfect for just about anyone.


Last I found this small and simple Credit Card Size Survival Pocket Tool would come in handy while still be able to keep in a wallet until you need it. This multi tool has very simple tools for small tasks but in a time of need could be very handy. The parts I find most useful would be the ruler, small saw edge, cutting edge, can opener and flat head screw edge. Being the size of a credit card this small survival asset can be put in your wallet and forgotten until you need it.

Survival Wish List 2012 - Part 2

After the first part of my Survival Wish List I started looking at more things that I would include in this list and these are some more I have found. Let me say that this is a "wish list" and not a packing list or a starter list to be fully prepared. These are things that I would like to add to my collection and I will make a more in depth list of a go-bag or something like that in the near future. 

To start of my list I suggest any and all should get used to firearms and be comfortable around them. I have been shooting ever since I was very young and have shot many different caliber and style firearms. This being said bullets I feel are a very important piece of being prepared. Whether it be for home protection, hunting, target practice or what ever the need is a good stock pile of the ammo is never a bad thing. I suggest stocking the ammo that you prefer using and are most comfortable with. Ammo that is most widely used is also a good thing to stock up on. Ammunition such as 22lr, 9mm, 45acp, 410ga, 5.56 (223), and 7.62 (308) are never a bad thing to have either. Having firearms such as these also makes it easier to find ammunition if the need ever comes about. Hornady came out with the Zombie Just in Case ammunition and of course they turn heads with the 'zombie' style preparedness in mind but these are very good rounds to say the least. Hornady is known for its quality but fairly expensive ammo that gets the job done. Even if you grab a couple boxes of these to put for the aesthetic look of the box it will still come in handy if it is needed. I like to have at least a couple extra boxes in storage. 

This leads me to my next item on my list. The Hornady Lock N Load Classic Reloading Kit would be a pricey investment to solve most of your ammunition needs but in the long run would easily pay for itself. This kit comes with almost everything you need to start pressing your own ammo except the individual dies you will need per caliber bullet you wish to make. With a box of ammo bringing the cost of a round to right around $1.25 a round having the ability to press your own rounds to suit your needs for a faction of the cost is a no-brainer. As I mentioned the initial cost would be high with the cost of the press kit and individual ammunition components but the more and more you shoot the more of a savings you will see. If you enjoy shooting and want to be prepared this is a good thing to look into.

Switching to a slightly different survival element I would add paracord to my wish list. 550 Paracord is a very light weight and strong tool you can use for survival situations. This strong cord can almost be woven into bracelets, belts, slings or anything you could think of making it very easily available. You can grab sections of this military spec cord for about $10 per 100 feet or $50 per 1,000 feet. Having a roll of this at your disposal could come in very handy for simple things like making a grip on a knife more comfortable or making strong shoe laces for your boots or shoes. Integrating this into the rest of your survival kits as well as your everyday life will only benefit you in the long run.

Tools can make or break a survival situation so I think to have tools that have multiple implications add to the overall importance of the tool. I posted about different types of hatchets a little while ago and of course I would have one on my wish list. The Gerber Gator Axe II Saw Combo is a multi-tool that has many different uses while at the same time keeping it light enough to carry and still pack a punch. This hatchet combo has a very sharp out of the box cutting edge with a hammer edge on the back of the blade along with a hand saw that stores in the handle. I have used similar products as this and with the light weight of the entire tool along with the multiple uses it an essential item to have at your disposal.

Last on this part of my list is a need that everyone everyday as and that is water. I have been outdoors enough that having a good filtration system like the Katadyn Vario Multi Flow Water Microfilter is a must. Everyone is used to having clean water at the turn of a knob or in a bottle but if you do not have clean water that is accessible you need a way to clean water to make it safe to drink. They have all sorts of filtration systems now that are as simple as a filter straw or bottle that can filter around 100 gallons of water. This system can filter around 500 gallons of water per filter depending on the quality of the water. With its small size and potential to provide so much valuable clean water having this in a situation could keep you alive. This system is around $80 and the straw filters range around $20 so having something like this isn't a huge investment so I feel this is the most important to have to be prepared for a survival situation.

That finishes this part of my Survival Wish List. As I said in the beginning this is not a list of stuff I would pack or place in a go-bag but these are items I would suggest to have for each of their potential uses. I am sure I can find more items and I will post some more soon. Thank you.

Survival Wish List 2012 - Part 1

Survival for most people can mean very different things. Some survive by having their important jobs, nice houses, expensive cars and no "worries." While others strive to be prepared to survive an apocalypse. I can personally say I like the section directly in the middle of these two groups. Being prepared can not only be helpful but can also be a fun learning experience. That being said here are a couple of the things on my "Survival Wish List" for this year in no order of importance or need.

To start I have been looking for a good bag to not only use for "survival preparation" but also everyday use. I found the Maxpedition Jumbo E.D.C. Versipack that seemed to be a light weight but heavy duty bag that fit most of my needs. A version of this pack has also been used by Gerber for their Gerber Go Bag. It is designed like an over the shoulder carry bag which I have grown to like over the past couple years for the ease of taking on and off as well as comfort. The exterior of the bag makes it very easily modified with velcro and with other specialty add on pieces made by Maxpedition. There are many pockets for storage of tools and other things you might while still keeping everything compact. This wound not a an ideal "go-bag" for extreme situations with its smaller size but for everyday preparedness I think this fits perfectly. This will be one of my next purchases and I will write a complete review at that time.

Next  on my list is a good quality full tang knife. I have numerous knives that all have different purposed that range from every day carry to special use skinning knives. A good sheath knife with a full tang would be a very important piece for any survival situation. First on my list is the Gerber Epic Knife. I have found most knives that I have owned or used by Gerber are of good quality and can handle a beating. This knife looks ideal for a small purpose survival tool with its compact size at just over 7 inches and the way it looks like it fits to your hand perfect with the large finger grip on the top. I also like the large opening at the bottom that would make it easier to grab in a rush as well as maybe hang to keep clean during use with a bottle opener feature that is never a negative.

Another full tang knife that caught my eye is the Camillus 10" Fixed Blade Knife. This knife is a bit larger at 10 inches and a bit heavier with the bamboo handle but is made of a titanium keeping it stronger and hold an edge longer. This knife looks beautiful and with the Camillus name I can imagine it is of great quality. The looks of this knife got my attention and I would definitely add this to my collection.

Next is the M-Tech Tactical Combat Fighting Knife. I have always liked Mtech and have carried one as my everyday carry knife for many years but when I saw this full tang "combat" style knife I knew it would be in my collection some day. This is a bit longer than the Camillus with a total length of 12 inches and is made of 440 stainless making it probably the heaviest on my list. With the style and look of this knife along with the quality that I have found that comes with Mtech the weight might be worth it. The large finger grip on the blade makes it look comfortable to hold but I personally might wrap the handle in paracord to give it a little more comfort due to the ridges found on the handle. This knife fits the look of a survival style full tang knife that I would love to have as a boot knife or on my waist.

Last on this part of my survival wish list is another Camillus product that caught my eye most by its looks. The Camillus 18" Titanium Bonded Carnivore Machete is a beast at a full 18 inches with a 12 inch cutting blade. The blade has a serrated section on the bottom for light sawing and a chisel style blade for cutting and strength. It also features a gut hook or rope/wire cutter on the back of the blade with a comfortable looking handle. The one draw back I have seen about the blade and handle is I do not believe it is full tang leaving the blade weaker than it might look. Still this looks awesome and comes with a nice sheath that would fit perfectly on the side of a survival backpack.

These are the beginning of my Survival Wish List and I will post more to come that address other survival needs. Please click the links above and below to find out more information about these products.

Outdoor tools - Fiskar & Gerber

Every outdoors man needs the tools that fit that lifestyle. No matter if it is hiking, mountain climbing, rafting, cycling or something as simple as cleaning up the back yard there are certain tools that can make tasks a lot easier and at times can save your life. When it comes to tools most of them can carry a hefty price tag so getting the best bang for your buck is always a goal. I found this comes with specific tools that are specialized for the tasks you find yourself tacking the most but can also be used for many other tasks. 

I am going to start off with a tool I bought on a whim but found it worth every penny spent. This was the Fiskars 14-Inch Hatchet. This hatchet came extremely sharp and with a solid design. Along with the nice hammer backside of the blade and a very nice plastic sheath it was also very easy to transport for a spur of the moment type of situation. This hatchet/axe comes in various lengths and with a cutting or splitting style head. The shorter style fit my needs as I could attach the sheath to my belt while out in the woods without it being uncomfortable and bulky. Even with the short length it was not a problem to cut a decent size piece of wood (6 inches & up) if needed.

Since my first purchase of this hatchet I have been on the hunt for a couple new ones and found the Gerber Gator Combo Axe. This comes in a couple different lengths and includes either a knife or a hand saw hidden in the handle of the hatch. This does give the entire piece more weight than the Fiskars but also gives the addition of the secondary tool if needed. As I started to look over this hatch I noticed on the back of the sheath included with it there was the Fiskar logo branded along with the other information molded into the plastic. This instantly increased the appeal of the product.

I will be testing out the Gerber style hatchet and follow back with my thoughts. If you have an outdoors man or women in your family I would recommend both of these products for them. The links below and above can take you to my recommendations. If you have any thoughts please let me know.

Hoppe's Cleaning Kit

Hoppe's yet again coming through with a great deal when it comes to cleaning supplies. I recently purchased the Hoppe's Elite Gun Kit on the Go Cleaning Kit and wanted to get some more pieces to fit the cleaning needs I needed for my different rifles. On the search for a better rod for at home cleaning and a 243 caliber cleaning brush I stumbled upon the Hoppe's Cleaning Kit for .22-.255. that met all my needs. This kit was very cheap considering the contents. The rod itself sells for $9.99, the cleaning solution and lubrication sell for around $5 to $6 each, the brush another $2 and around 50 or more cleaning patches. All of that costing around $12 so as you can see the contents greatly make this kit worth the price. They make this kit in many different variations as well including pistol, shotgun, rifle and basically anything you can think of. Search around to see if you can find the one that fits you best.

I will post soon with how the rod works in durability along with the rest of the kit. Any questions or if you see something you want to know more about please comment. Suggestions for more reviews you might want are more than welcome. 

Gunnar Technology Eyewear

Gunnar Technology Eyewear has made my work life immensely better ever since I started wearing them. I am a full time graphic designer and sitting at a computer for hours on end takes a great toll on your entire body but especially your eyes. When I first heard about Gunnar I was instantly sold. With my job being computer work and my love for video games my eyes could use all the help they can get. I purchased the pair pictured above about a year and a half ago and I have been wearing them every day since. They are very light weight and comfortable which was important since I have never worn glasses in my life. There is a slight magnification from the lens so you can stay at a comfortable distance and they make the contrasts of the bright monitor not as intense.

On their website they say, "GUNNAR Advanced Computer Eyewear is a technical eyewear solution that protects, enhances, and optimizes visual performance for anyone who spends long hours viewing computers or digital screens. GUNNAR Advanced Computer Eyewear helps minimize eye fatigue and visual stress, while improving contrast, comfort, and focus for anyone who spends long hours viewing digital screens."


With the eye wear aiding you in these ways many other benefits come along with wearing them. Less headaches from reading text or staring at layouts and less damage being done to your eyes. I used to go home and not be able to watch tv from the eye strain of working all day and now after wearing a pair of these I feel my vision has only gotten better.

The only down fall I felt with this pair is the yellow tint to the glass due to the amount of color I work with in my design and layouts. This is kind of a plus and a negative at the same time. On one hand the yellow does change the colors slightly but on the other the yellow tint greatly helps block the damaging light by filtering out harsh fluorescent light and reducing high-intensity blue light. They do however supply a crystalline lens version of most of their glasses that does everything the normal pairs do except not as much blocking of the damaging light. The crystalline lens is aimed at the designers and visual artists that need true color.

If you work with computer a lot and there is ever that product you would never want to live without it is these. I have been telling my friends and colleagues that they should get a pair and I am looking into my next for work and home. They also make video gaming eye wear as well as outdoor eye wear. For more information you can go to their website: www.gunnars.com

Celtek Snowboard gear

Going along with the winter cold theme...Celtek another great winter apparel that makes the cold seem not so much. I came across Celtek almost four years ago while working with a skate and snowboard shop. The company was at a retailer show that my company was at viewing new product and this was a must for our shop.

They have a variety of face masks and gloves that fit almost every situation. The "lobster" style gloves became my quick favorite because of the warmth of a mitten but still having the use of the finger. In the mitten section of this glove the three other fingers are separated by the fleece liner making them very comfortable. These are my new winter glove for every thing outside when it is cold.

The face masks are made with great quality and help protect against the cold elements great. I found that these combined with an Outdoor Tech Yowie is an unbeatable combination.

Not only do I have multiple of each of these I also suggest them to my friends and family where they are never unhappy with them. Click the links below for where I have purchased them. You can also find them on the Celtek website. www.celtek.com