Author: news

Hello there people of the knife. Sitting beside me is a box of March issues, yet I have not received my personal copy in the mail, so I can still get away with calling this a Sneak Peek instead of Preview. Mark and I are busy pulling together the final pieces of the April SHOT Show review. Thanks for your patience as I haven’t updated the website as much these past couple of weeks. But enough looking back, it is time to look forward to the March issue… As always, March’s issue is jam-packed with the expert writings of Frank…

The United States has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its national parks among the biggest attractions. But several national travel organizations are sounding the alarm about a noticeable dip in foreign tourism. Last year, international visitor arrivals to the U.S. fell 5.4%, according to the U.S. Travel Association (USTA). The organization worries that 2026 will be even worse. That trend also directly impacts national parks. Bookings in 2026 are down 40% from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, according to Intrepid Travel, an Australia-based travel agency that now collaborates with REI on guided…

By Wayne van Zwoll Posted in #Skills It was Thanksgiving weekend. James Kim and wife, Kati, with their young daughters Sabine and Penelope, were motoring on their trip home to San Francisco on I-5, then turned toward Gold Beach on Oregon’s southern coast. The road James took began to climb. There was no traffic, and soon no cell service. By evening, the Kims realized they’d taken a wrong turn, but Bear Camp Road was now one track cleaving rugged steeps. Backing up in the dark, James almost sent the Saab over a precipice. The idling engine kept…

Enforce Tac 26 – Asolo Asolo has introduced the Eldo Evo Tactical LTH to their tactical line of footwear which has been brought over from the Eldo Evo family. It features an upper of water resistant suede while a polyamide lining for breathability and comfort. The thermoformed Eva midsole is paired with the Asolo/Vibram AG Pro with XS Trek compound sole. This new sole incorporated deeper Gus and a new compound for grip and traction on varied terrain with self cleaning. Also offered in mid height. Sizes 7-12.5 UK. Made in Vietnam. Available through Brigantes. This entry was posted on…

Alaska has long been at the center of the debate over the fate of public lands under the Trump Administration, and it made headlines again this week. On Feb. 20, the Department of the Interior (DOI) announced that it would open 2.1 million acres of land in the state for oil, mining, and other economic development. The move is part of a longstanding effort to roll back wilderness protections in order to boost energy development there. The Order and the Land In issuing Public Land Order (PLO) No. 7966, the DOI is essentially transferring control of the land to the…

EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated 2/24/2026, written by Mike Searson & David Lane BEST SURVIVAL RIFLES Best “Every Man” Survival Rifle: Ruger 10/22 Take Down Best Retro Survival Rifle: Springfield Armory M6 Scout Best Over/Under Survival Rifle: Savage Model 42 Takedown Best Self-Contained Survival Rifle: Henry AR-7 Best 12ga/.22LR Survival Rifle: Chiappa X-Caliber Best 9mm Survival Rifle: Ruger PC Carbine & Charger Editor’s Pick: FoldAR Call them whatever you want — bug out guns, pocket rifles, get home guns, survival rifles — if you ever need one you’ll be damned glad to have it. There are a variety of them available, and all…

At MLF’s BPT Stop 2 at Lake Hartwell, spring officially sprung. If winning a February tournament without forward-facing sonar was on your bingo card for 2026, you’d be in luck. Fortunately, for Takahiro Omori, it was on his bingo card, and the veteran angler took home a $125,000 check thanks to his power fishing proficiency. The result surprised even Tak. “To be honest, I had no motivation to come here,” the Tokyo native said. “I thought I was coming here to get beat by the spots.” But, he didn’t let that stop him from hitting the lake with tenacity. He almost led…

Enforce Tac 26 – Tilak 2nd Generation Raptor Tilak has updated their Raptor hardshell with a second generation design. It’s a very sleek design. Here’s a shot of the rear of the Raptor. The hem drawstring only tightens the front of the hem, leaving the rear to move freely. One of the most glaring differences is how thy deal with pocket gussets. The original Raptor had external gussets but those could catch on things. Now gussets are internal. Additionally, both chest pockets and sleeve pockets integrate a small drain at the bottom. Here you can see sleeve pocket configuration with…

Enforce Tac 26 – 6-Color Desert at Helikon-Tex Last month we told you about Helikon-Tex creating gear in the classic US 6-color desert pattern. At Enforce Tac they outfitted a manikin with their new clothing paired up with Desert Storm-era gear to recreate the SCUD Hunter. Here’s the rear of the manikin. Here’s a shot of the Raid Shirt worn on the manikin to give you an idea of some of the details. This manikin is wearing their new 6 Color & DNC Hoodie. They’ve also introduced a cool graphic t-shirt with a SCUD Hunter design. helikon-tex.com This entry was…

One of Five New FAST Line Extensions Launched Since SHOT Show UNITY Tactical unveiled its Bridge for FAST REKE at Enforce Tac. Bridge is a high-performance accessory for the FAST REKE mount that brings an LRF to 12 o-clock above a mid- to long-range scope, clearing taller turrets while allowing full access to dial them. Replacing FAST REKE’s original top rings, Bridge was developed specifically for USSOCOM to clear the INOD and INOD-X Cooled Thermal CNVD. The design allows full access to dial and set zero stops on the scope but can also be easily removed for initial zeroing procedures.…