I am hoping to visit several national parks this summer while I can still enjoy them. The Smokey Mountains is likely one of these. I haven’t been there in years and wanted to get the latest scoop on what they allow visitors to carry. As far as I can tell from the review of their website: long guns are out ( which is fine - I have no interest in carrying one), concealed handguns are ok (provided you have a conceal carry permit, reciprocity, and you keep it out of park buildings), bear... Read more ..read more

Hi! With warmer weather finally arriving, I'm in a spring mood. The thoughts of canoeing, swimming, and brush work are dancing in my head . However my warm weather wardrobe isn't up to the task and is composed of worn out walmart brand jeans, and cotton tee shirts. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good source of heavy duty Linen or Hemp shirts for general outdoors use. If possible I would prefer to pay less than 70-80 dollars. Thanks ..read more

So the more I dig the more obscure companies I start finding. So, to our members in Central/South America (and those in the know, like Joezilla)--what companies do you know of? So far I can think of (off the top of my head): Barteux Bellota Briddell Campos Hermanos Case (not presently making machetes) Chies Cold Steel Collins (defunct) Condor Corneta Corona DINGZHOU JINLONG Disston ESEE Knives Gerber Ghirardi Hansa... Read more ..read more

Greetings all. I' ve thought about buying some of those Sterno or similar "fuel in a can" types. They are cheap enough but I was wondering if they have an expiration date or how long a shelf life they may have. I came across a few in a variety store and they are clearly inked stamped with a date of 10/15/99. I could light a few to test them but I' d like to know just the same before purchasing. Any thoughts/ experience? Thanks. L8r, Nakano ------------------ "To earn a million is easy, a... Read more ..read more

Hi everyone, I’m pretty new here and this is my first post. I’m a female and love the outdoors and love to go hiking and canoeing. I’m in search of a small fixed blade which can also throw sparks off its spine with a ferro rod. Something along the lines of white river M1 backpacker, Bradford guardian 3.5, 3.2 or ESEE Izula II. Something with blade size 2.7-3.5”. Reading reviews I believe non of these knives can be used with a ferro rod? Something light that I can carry on hikes (scout... Read more ..read more

I'm looking for survival hatches, axes, saws, shovels, hammers, and other necessary tools. When searching online, these products are typically made of stainless steel, not high carbon or tool steel. I don't think such tools would be reliable, when made from stainless steel. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. Maybe I'm incorrect, and there are stainless steel tools that are indeed reliable ..read more

I dont recognize these tracks. what type critters made them? I am in N Alabama ..read more

in steady moderate/heavy rain, no less, fire with out batoning using resin, site acquired dry kindling, and a ferro rod ..read more

Knots have fascinated me lately, I've made a lot of lanyards that use Diamond knots, Wide Diamond knots and snake knots as well as a whipping knot to keep the lanyard in place. But recently learned of a knot called a Reever Bend. This is the type of knot used to tie two ends of cordage together, either to end up with a loop or just to extend a length of cord. I've used it to make a loop to hang a bird feeder so it can be hung on a hook, using that knot made it much neater and also very... Read more ..read more

Hi, I was thinking about getting two of these for camping, one for warmer weather and two for when it gets colder. What is the lowest temperature that you think you could be comfortable under two of these (wearing a base layer)? I really appreciate any advise you have. Thanks, Jason ..read more