Safety Gear

Recent Safety Gear Reviews

UCO Stormproof Matches

The UCO Stormproof Matches are great for all types of weather. No matter the conditions, you can count on getting a fire started with these matches. These matches are amazing. They are definitely stormproof. I’ve taken these matches with me in all seasons in all sorts of weather conditions. They haven’t failed me once. I live in Washington where it’s wet and cold seven months out of the year. I’ve started a fire with these in the rain and snow as well as in the humid summer air. These matches… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Bought at a convention—pretty darn happy with them! I was skeptical at first, but I went ahead and bought the shoulder pack, larger rectangle pack, and two hand packs. I had a friend who bought one as well since she had run a marathon and was sore. I loved the instant heat (too bad they don’t have an insta-cold for summer for the mechanics I work with). She loved hers and it gave me hope. As soon as I went home I put them in the freezer (whoops! It’s supposed to be fridge!) so I ended up boiling… Full review

SOL Thermal Bivvy

Turns a light summer bag into an impromptu "colder weather" bag. Very compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Durable, and it's NOT a mummy style for us larger guys/gals. On a recent summer outing with my son, I made an egregious rookie mistake when packing and did not account for a "cold snap" that was moving thru the area. While low temps had been in the low/mid 60's F for awhile, on our trip they dipped down into the high 30's and low 40's for several nights. I had only brought my Coleman light… Full review

Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad

The Frogg Toggs Cooling Chilly Pad is amazing. It makes any activity during the warm summer weather more enjoyable, keeping you cool and protecting you from overheating. The Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad is amazing. I’ve taken this canoeing, backpacking, camping, and hiking. Man does this thing work! You just take the towel, dunk it in some water for a few seconds, and then boom it’s ready to go! You can put it inside of your had or rest it on your shoulders, or whatever else you find comfortable. Full review

Lightning Nuggets Lightnin' Bug

A very simple fire starter that provides a good robust flame and holds up well in storage. I have had these Lightnin Bug fire starters setting in a box of miscellaneous gear for almost a year and hadn't brought them along on a trip yet and wondered if they were still any good, so I decided to take a few out of the package to see if they would still light up. The Lightnin Bug fire starters are about one inch in diameter with a flat side and are made up of resinous pine pitch wood blended with a small… Full review

Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent Treatment for Clothing, Gear, and Tents

Love, love, love this stuff! Keeps bugs and ticks away. No smell for hunting. Lasts many, many days on treated garments and gear. This is a MUST for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman! Much better than stinky, dangerous DEET. Can also use on pets. Full review

Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller

Love this product! A real lifesaver when camping, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and fixing fence in tall weeds on our farm! Would definitely recommend this to anyone who would like to enjoy their outdoor activities without pesky bugs! Full review

Ursack AllMitey

I'LL NEVER USE A BEAR CAN AGAIN (unless I have to...). We have all used BearVault or similar bear canisters. And although they do what they're supposed to they are an unarguable pain in the butt. Heavy, bulky, they take up the same amount of space in our packs whether we are on day one or day 10... Ursack is collapsable, about half the weight of BearVault, and carries the same, if not more food.  Unfortunately they are not yet approved in all of the National Parks, but I wouldn't be surprised if… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

I bought ClickHeat at the World of Wheels Auto Show in Rosemont a week or so ago. I spent $80 and the first time I used the packs it leaked onto my new sheets and mattress. I emailed Customer Service and spoke with Jodi Dobrinsky (757-472-9123) and she was by far the worse customer service rep I have ever dealt with in all my life. She sends me an attachment showing that my money was nonrefundable and no where on the box nor the receipt does it state this was nonrefundable and I advised her of that. Full review