The Gear Bunker
Transitioning from the military or law enforcement can be challenging. I’ve transitioned from both careers and have had my share of rough spots both times. I first heard of Mike McCann while listening to a podcast hosted by Stew Smith . For those who don’t recognize Stew Smith’s name, he’s a former SEAL that has been […]
I’ve been a fan of the 5.11 RUSH series backpacks for years and have previously reviewed the RUSH12 and RUSH24. I had wanted a RUSH72 for a while but just hadn’t had the extra cash for one. In December of 2020, the year of the apocalypse 5.11 had a blowout sale of their RUSH series […]
In 2019 I started hearing some online rumblings about a collaboration between Kelly McCann of Kembativz Brand and Spyderco on a folder. For those who are not familiar with Kelly McCann, he is a former Marine Corp Special Mission Officer, government contractor, security trainer/provider, and combative trainer with over thirty years of experience. I’ve had […]
If you live or spend time in the woods, it’s once again tick season. Here in New Jersey ticks are out in force and attaching themselves to people and pets. Unfortunately, ticks can cause serious illnesses, including; Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Anaplasmosis to name a few. The consequences of these […]
I wasn’t always a fan of headlamps, in fact, I thought they were gimmicky and not all that functional. Decades of using hand-held flashlights in the military, law enforcement, and security work had institutionalized my mindset. Then, about eleven years ago, I discovered Goruck. And decided to participate in a local event. One of the […]
For the past few years my go-to fixed blade knife for bush crafting and general work around the house has been the Mora Companion. They are solid knives are a bargain price generally under twenty dollars. Last year I decided to upgrade to a Mora Garberg. The Garberg just like the Companion is a solid […]
I’ve been carrying and using the Gerber Fastball folding knife for a while now. And it’s quickly becoming a favorite for situations where a smaller less attention-getting knife is appropriate. Gerber Fastball Review [Video] The Fastball carries discreetly in your pocket with its thin profile and lightweight, making it barely noticeable. The clip allows it […]
“It’s a completely inconspicuous way to carry your gear. On your head, the Cache Cap looks like your everyday hat. What you don’t see, is that on the inside this cap has 6, count ’em, SIX HIDDEN POCKETS!” ~wazoogear.com I’m a hat guy. It’s rare that I leave the house that I don’t have a ball […]
I recently received the Uncharted Supply Triage Kit for review. A few things I noticed right away is the small size, light weight, and that it was packaged in what appears to be a water proof sack. Upon opening the kit via the waterproof Velcro closure similar to dry bags I found a selection of first […]
In the first Bourne movie there is a scene where Jason Bourne goes to a bank and accesses a safe deposit box. In the box are various forms of identification, cash and a pistol. He takes the ID and cash and begins his journey to avoid the forces looking to capture or kill him. I […]
Former Law Enforcement Officer Torture Tests Olight’s Warrior Mini 2. Did it survive? I’ve had many pocket tactical lights over the course of my law enforcement and security career. I was one of the first officers in my department to carry one when they first came out in the mid nineties. Back then 60 Lumens […]
For awhile I’ve been using a round stackable Esbit cook-set and have been more than happy with the little German stove. But when I recently opened the Esbit 1100ML Solid Fuel Cookset, I was pleasantly surprised. Its rectangle shape is very compact and reminded me of an old mess kit I had from the UK, but […]
I was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for over twenty years and a Police Officer (PO) for ten. I still maintain certifications in CPR/AED and Advanced First Aid. Back when I was a PO and EMT I responded to hundreds of motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Back then our tool of choice was either […]
About twelve years ago, there was a major storm in my area of New Jersey, and we lost power. Luckily, it only lasted for about eighteen hours, but the lesson learned once again is how much we rely on external power for our news and information. In addition to the basic emergency supplies like food […]