Guides & Resources

How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag Temperature for Your NeedA sleeping bag doesn’t generate heat on its own. Instead, it works like a thermos, insulating and trapping the warmth your body produces. The effectiveness of this insulation is indicated by the sleeping bag’s temperature rating. Choosing the right sleeping bag isn’t simply about opting for the warmest model available; it’s about finding one that matches the specific conditions you’ll encounter. If you’re unsure about which temperatur …

Military ECWCS Thermals vs. Smartwool Thermals In a cold-weather layering system, thermal base layers play a crucial role by wicking moisture away from the body. This keeps you dry and prevents heat loss due to evaporation. Since base layers are worn directly against the skin, their material and construction significantly impact your comfort. To illustrate this, we’ll compare two distinct base layers: the Military’s ECWCS thermals and Smartwool thermals. Military ECWCS Thermals Befor …

How to Wash, Store and Care For a Military Sleeping Bag Military sleeping bags are designed to take a beating, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be cared for properly. This guide will walk you through the best practices for washing, drying, storing, and maintaining a military sleeping bag--including synthetic, down, and DWR sleeping bags--to ensure your bag stays in top condition for your next outdoor excursion. How to Wash a Military Sleeping Bag Can I Wash My Military S …

Are MREs Healthy? Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) have become a popular choice for disaster preparedness due to their convenience, long shelf life, and comprehensive meal packaging. Originally designed to sustain soldiers in the field, MREs are also great for taking on camping, bushcraft, and outdoor trips. But when it comes to health, how do MREs measure up? Let’s explore their nutritional profile to determine if MREs are healthy and whether they provide nutrition. Macronutrients: Where Do the …

Not Just a Can Opener: 14 Ways to Use the P-38 or P-51 While rucksacks, poncho liners, and vests might get more attention, the humble P-38 can opener has been called the “best army invention ever.” Also called a “John Wayne” by soldiers because of its toughness, the P-38 can opener is compact and lightweight enough to carry on your key ring. It is an amazingly versatile tool with a cool history and dozens of uses beyond just opening can, making it great for EDC and prepp …

From the canvas haversacks of the Revolutionary War to the modular designs and MOLLE systems used in modern warfare, military rucksacks have seen significant advancements in functionality and durability. Newer doesn’t always mean better, though. Here we will go over the top 10 rucksacks ever issued by the US Military. Not familiar with military rucksacks? Check out our selection of military surplus packs here. 1. ALICE Pack The ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) …

The 5 Most Common Outdoor Injuries and How to Treat Them Outdoor enthusiasts know that the thrill of the wilderness comes with its share of risks. While dramatic injuries such as from a bear mauling or lightning strike are incredibly unlikely, there is a high risk for certain injuries while outdoors. These common outdoor injuries may seem minor. However, if you aren’t prepared, they can easily ruin your trip, or even escalate into something more serious. For example, a minor foot injury ca …

How Long Do Military MREs Really Last? Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs) are incredibly popular disaster preparedness foods because they don’t require any cooking, are shelf stable, and are cheaper than traditional emergency meals. Before you rush out and buy a huge case of MREs, though, it’s important that you understand MRE shelf life, how to determine MRE expiration date, and know whether it’s safe to eat old MREs. Find deals on bulk MREs here MRE Shelf Life Meals, Ready to Eat (M …

How Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Are Determined When choosing a sleeping bag, the temperature rating is the most important thing to look at. However, if you want to avoid freezing your butt off when camping in extreme conditions, it’s crucial to understand how these temperature ratings are determined. This guide breaks down the complexities of sleeping bag ratings, from the EN/ISO system to military evaluations, so you can understand what those ratings mean. EN/ISO Ratings Before 2005, …