Many worship at the altar of Stoner, exalting the AR-15 platform’s ergonomics, versatility, and modularity. But with a receiver extension and buttstock that can’t be folded, since the bolt carrier group reciprocates into it, compactness for transport wasn’t Stoner’s first priority. The aftermarket has come up with solutions for this — but what if you’re looking for an even smaller footprint than a folding stock will provide? That's where the AR-15 Takedown comes in. If you don’t mind disassembling your weapon, Stoner’s original design gets you halfway there, as you can easily detach the upper ..read more

What do you own that costs upward of $10,000 but is fragile enough to break if it’s dropped a few feet onto a hard surface? Unless you’re a collector of Ming vases, antique Waterford crystal, or high-end camera equipment, it’s probably a very short list. But there’s one thing that many military members, law enforcement officers, and shooting enthusiasts wear that fits this category: night vision. A set of dual-tube night vision goggles (NVGs) can easily set you back $8K to $15K, and this equipment is extremely sensitive to hard impacts, long-term light exposure, and other environmental damage ..read more

When you look at knives these days, especially tactical types, the handles are usually finished in one of three colors: black, green, or tan. Sure, there are variations to each of those like Ranger Green versus OD Green, or Flat Dark Earth versus Desert Tan, but there are plenty of other colors on the spectrum for those willing to break out of this tactical trifecta. Orange symbolizes safety in most situations, because it stands out from everything else, and a blaze orange color has been used by hunters for decades because the color isn’t often found in nature. For this reason, on an orange kn ..read more

Ammo cans are the Tupperware of the emergency preparedness world. Although they were originally intended to carry loose ammunition or machine gun belts, we’ve seen these rugged, inexpensive stamped steel boxes repurposed to contain everything from tools and camp cooking utensils to fishing tackle, portable radios, and medical gear. Some DIYers even outfit them with batteries and USB ports to function as a portable charging station, or with speakers to serve as a boombox. Washington-based gear company Ignik Outdoors came up with their own ammo can contraption — a portable propane fire pit calle ..read more

Much like bringing up a bitter team rivalry in a crowded sports bar, bringing up the subject of AK variants among gun enthusiasts is an easy way to stir up a heated discussion. Everyone who’s ever owned or fired an AK, despite hundreds of imported and domestically produced types in the wild, seems to have an opinion on which one is the best. And in almost every one of these debates, you’ll hear someone shout, “just get a WASR!” The Romanian-built WASR series has become a mainstay of the U.S. imported firearms category, and it’s regarded by many as the gold standard of affordable AKs available ..read more

Welcome back to our dive into the world of gear! In this edition of Gear Up, we explore the latest innovations and reliable classics that are key to staying prepared for any challenge. From cutting-edge technology to time-tested tools, our focus is on equipping you with insights and information that keep you one step ahead wherever the journey of life may take you. Whether you're bracing for the unknown or fine-tuning your preparedness kit, join us as we unpack the must-haves for this month. CRKT: Bugsy NOTES Designed by survivalist Kaila Cumings, the CRKT Bugsy Fixed Blade Knife is a ve ..read more

Here in my home state of Michigan we get our share of snow in the winter months — however, you may fall asleep to snow and wake up to rain and mud. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, you’ll need to be prepared to play whatever hand nature deals you. When I’m stepping off into wild areas or prowling for game animals, I like to keep things as simple as possible, which means taking the same gear with me regardless of the duration of the trip. The chance of getting turned around on a hike or a stalk — as much as you can attempt to stalk in Michigan — means taking your gear with you when you’re in ..read more

Let's take a look at something interesting that's stirring up the camping and survival scene. Meet the latest Outdoor Element entrants that are set to improve how we interact with the wild: Flicker Feather and Scout Feather. These aren't just any knives, they're innovative, merging tradition with cutting-edge design to cater to adventurous spirits. Kickstarter Campaign For those unfamiliar, Kickstarter is the launchpad for creative minds to bring their visions to life. It’s a place where backers and creators build a community around projects worth believing in. Remember, backing a project is a ..read more

Howling winds and bone-shattering waves crash against the moonlit shore. Trees bend and uproot from the earth. Power lines snap, and the city plunges into darkness. This narrative is a reality for those who have lived through a hurricane or a similar natural disaster where devastating storms wipe out entire sections of the power grid. With critical infrastructure such as cell towers and internet service provider nodes gone, how can first responders or prepared citizens stay connected to assist rescue operations and inform others about what’s happening in the area? Enter the Tactical Assault/Aw ..read more

If you’re a Boomer or Gen-Xer, you may have a fond memory of your father or other relative giving you a pocket knife at a young age. It may have been a lock-back or a fixed blade, but for most of us it was a simple slip-joint folding pocket knife with no locking mechanism. The blade was held open under simple spring pressure. Sometimes it was a single blade Barlow style or Jack knife. In other cases, it may have been a Trapper with a drop-point knife blade and a Spey blade. If you were really lucky, it could’ve been a multi-blade Congress knife or a Swiss Army Knife. Many of us who were more s ..read more