Author: news

Big, fluffy snowflakes swirled across my face as I walked out of the Whistler Heli-Skiing office — but I could clearly see the lengthy labyrinth of riders gathered at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola in the early morning glow. Hundreds of skiers and snowboarders were eagerly waiting for the midweek pow day via the First Tracks program, which is only offered at Whistler (not at Blackcomb). It caps at 600 patrons, of which the first 250 are the luckiest in the cattle pen — that’s the initial wave to reach the rope drop at 8:15 a.m., before general…

By Scott Conditt Posted in #Gear There is a certain clarity that comes with getting deep into the backcountry. Cell service fades, outside noise disappears, and your focus narrows to terrain, weather, time, and decision-making. That is a big part of why many of us seek it out in the first place. That clarity also comes with responsibility. Once you are far enough out, help is not immediate, mistakes compound quickly, and communication shifts from convenience to capability. That is where the Garmin inReach Mini 2 has earned a permanent place in my kit. Background I have…

Headborne Systems – Modular Accessory Retention System (M.A.R.S.) Headborne Systems’ Modular Accessory Retention System (M.A.R.S.) is a lightweight, low-profile solution designed to secure helmet-mounted accessories such as battery packs and night vision devices. Developed in the Netherlands in collaboration with Flimmuur and produced by British Tactical in the UK, M.A.R.S. has been on the market for several years and continues to evolve through incremental updates. The latest laminate baseplate weighs just 3 grams (approx. 0.11 oz), keeping the system’s footprint minimal, while maintaining durability.  The system integrates with all ballistic and bump helmets and is available in MultiCam, Ranger Green,…

FirstSpear Friday Focus – SOV Scalable Operator Vest FirstSpear’s SOV SCALABLE OPERATOR VEST is built for high-threat environments where speed, protection, and adaptability aren’t optional—they’re expected. Designed to scale with the mission, it gives operators the flexibility to run slick or fully loaded without fighting their gear. Rapid-release Tubes make donning and doffing fast and painless—because nobody wants to wrestle their kit at the end of a long day. The SOV supports soft armor for increased coverage without turning you into a statue. Its winged armor panel design ensures continuous side protection, closing critical gaps while still allowing you to…

Feature Photo Credit: Patrick McCarthy/Match Grade Media.Good glass is expensive, but the Zeiss LRP S3 6-36×56 punches well above its weight.6 months ago, if you asked me the top 10 rifle scopes for long range distance shooting, I would have honestly forgotten that Zeiss even made a scope for the job. Zeiss has been around since my grandfather’s grandfather was still trying to find the last potato in Ireland, and is one of those rare brands that is everywhere but often just out of sight. Outside of the camera world and the world of precision optics for industrial applications, Zeiss isn’t…

Whether you’re out on a solo car-camping adventure, making fireside meals with friends, or relaxing in your hammock, the best camping string lights make the mood what you want it to be. Our experts have been testing camp lighting for nearly a decade, and we’ve tested just about every option on the market and settled on eight of the best for every occasion. A long string of twinkle lights like the BioLite Luci 44′ Solar String Lights — our top pick — can really brighten the mood wherever you use them, and even a budget-friendly option like the Revel Gear…

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving warfare, special operations stands at the forefront of transformation. As the Army adapts to the pressing demands of a battlefield plagued with changing threats, 3rd Special Forces Group is spearheading a significant transformation. In an invigorated effort to enable multidomain operations, 3rd Special Forces Group is transforming its legacy military intelligence company into a robust multidomain operations company. The move not only enhances the capabilities of special operations but also aligns with the broader initiative to foster interdependence, interoperability and integration across the force. The transition to a multidomain company…

There’s no better way to end a day outside than to gather around the campfire. While we’ve all spent many an evening balancing on a log, it’s hard to beat the best camping chairs. That’s why our team has tested close to 50 over the last decade, and I’ve collected the top 14 on the market today in this guide. While no single “best” chair will suit everyone, I’ve broken the list into categories that should help you identify the ideal chair for your needs. Look to the top-pick REI Co-op Campwell if you’re after the most well-rounded available, or snag…

Ultralight backpacking is exploding in popularity — and rightfully so: Going light means going farther, faster, and more comfortably, but you’ll need the right pack to do it with. I’ve been testing the best ultralight backpacks since my first thru-hike in 2018, and all of our current testers are long-distance hikers. Collectively, we’ve put down somewhere north of 15,000 miles on long trails. In 2026, the headlines are this: consider the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 as an excellent light-and-tough option, and the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60 for a lot of UL pack for a little less spend. Otherwise,…

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA / LENGGRIES, GERMANY (25 March 2026) UF PRO and Lindnerhof will exhibit at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Conference 2026, taking place from 22–26 April in Round Rock, Texas, with both brands present at the exhibition on 23–24 April. The event is one of the key gatherings for tactical law enforcement professionals in the United States, bringing together SWAT teams, special operations units, and training professionals for a week of training, education, and equipment evaluation. This year, UF PRO and Lindnerhof will present their latest tactical clothing and load-carrying solutions, with a focus on systems designed…