Author: Jack Bogart

Two and a half years ago, the research division at Canadian outfitter MEC set an audacious goal. The brand wanted to create an entire ultralight camping kit collectively weighing just 2 kg — or roughly 4.5 pounds. The kit would include the four essentials for backpacking: a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a backpack to carry them. After a lot of trial and error, the MEC team pulled it off. In March 2026, it finally released the capsule, which it’s calling “the 2 Kilo Project.” It’s not just crazy lightweight, either. The gear included in this capsule…

This week’s gear roundup covers a lot of bases. Those planning rugged, multiday adventures have some cool options, including a classy backpack and some lightweight waterproof jackets from Helly Hansen. But for those just gearing up for relaxing summer days, there’s even more. From a chic car camping stove and lightweight angling inflatables to stylish shades and sandals, we make sure there’s a little something for everyone. Find all that and more in this week’s Emerging Gear. Balance Bike Balance bikes can serve as a crucial first step in teaching toddlers the fundamentals of cycling. My 4-year-old niece has loved…

New Waterproof Lighting System Introduced at FDIC International EAGLEVILLE, PA, April 23, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), a high-output, waterproof lighting system delivering up to 10,000 lumens for fire, emergency response, military, industrial, and outdoor applications. The new system debuted at FDIC International in Indianapolis, IN. The PSL III delivers powerful, adaptable performance featuring 12 LEDs with wide-pattern reflectors, providing uniform scene illumination and three output levels to match the task. On High, it provides 10,000 lumens and 121,000 candela for maximum scene illumination with a…

California is a public lands paradise, with the most national parks (nine) and state parks (280) in the country. Soon, there will be even more outdoor recreation areas. On April 22, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a major expansion of the state park system, adding three new parks and enlarging several others. As the public land policy on the federal level moves toward extraction and commercialization, California is the latest state to reinvest in conservation at the local level. What’s New In a press conference on Wednesday, Newsom announced his new State Parks Forward plan. The project is part of…

Ferro Concepts – DANGLER AR purpose-built to carry two AR-15 style magazines horizontally, the new DANGLER AR from Ferro Concepts is manufactured from hydrophobic X-Pac fabric. The internal divider secures items but can be opened to create a full-length pass through for linear charges and other longer items. Multiple shock cord routing points let you customize retention for different sized items. A 2″ hook and loop interface mounts to both front and rear of plate carriers, back panels, or belts. Engineered with just the right rigidity to stay put and reduce bounce. Perfect for AR-15 magazines, Skin packs, breaching charges,…

By Scott Conditt Posted in #Gear I love to tinker. You can give me a completely sound gun that doesn’t need anything else, and I’ll still want to swap out some parts “just to see.” You know the type. Heck, I bet most of you are the same way. I recently swapped a Midwest Industries Combat Rail HD, in the 13.5-inch length, and the company’s low-profile gas block onto a Springfield Armory SAINT 5.56 M-LOK rifle I have in my collection. The SAINT is an excellent and accessible rifle that does many things right out of the…

Aerial firefighting is one of the most demanding and precise operations in emergency response. When wildfires outrun crews on the ground, aircraft become the front line – fighting with calculated accuracy to slow the spread of the threat and protect lives, homes and critical infrastructure in its path. Cooling temperatures, reduced wind and rising humidity at night make for the ideal environment to turn the tables on a raging fire. B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer and aerospace applications worldwide, is proud to announce Coulson Aviation USA…

After 10 years, countless adventures, and about 70,000 miles of bouncing around in the bed of my truck, I think it’s time I gave the STIHL Pro Universal Forestry Axe its due. It’s the perfect axe for camping, offroading, and general all-around outdoor duty. If that seems like a big statement, I have a decade of use to back it up. This is why I love the reasonably priced Stihl Pro Universal Forestry Axe. In short: Durable, compact, sharp, and ergonomic, the Stihl Pro Universal Forestry Axe ($120) is the ideal tool for campers, overlanders, and anyone who needs a…

FirstSpear Friday Focus: TUBES Fasteners FirstSpear’s TUBES FASTENERS replace outdated hook-and-loop closures and bulky cummerbunds with a system that actually works when it matters. Traditional setups were noisy, soaked up water, held onto mud like a souvenir, and usually demanded two hands—none of which are ideal when things go sideways. TUBES FASTENERS fix that with a patented, mechanical interface that locks in solid and releases with one hand, no fumbling required. Whether you’re treating a casualty, climbing, or keeping a weapon up, that extra hand matters. Built from high-strength polymer, the system holds its shape under load and doesn’t quit…

Smith & Wesson has just upgraded its classic defensive snubby with the Bodyguard 38 2.0.Snub-nose Smith & Wesson revolvers have been a staple of self-defense for a very long time, and one of the go-to models is the Bodyguard 38. While the last incarnation of this revolver has been discontinued, Smith just gave it a facelift and replaced it with the new Bodyguard 38 2.0.Firstly, let’s talk about what’s stayed the same. It’s still a 5-shot, double-action only .38 Special +P snub-nose revolver. It still has a 1.875-inch stainless steel barrel, and it still features an aluminum alloy upper frame…