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GORUCK Shadow Pocket


Sometimes you just need a simple bit of organization in a backpack or other bag. These are quality packing cubes made in the U.S. out of 1000D CORDURA and they come in four different sizes and three colors. I prefer the Coyote color myself but they’re available in black and MultiCam too.

Marbles G.I. Utility Knife


An inexpensive utility knife with a classic design. Perfect for simple chores around the house or at work and doesn’t look “scary” to folks not familiar with knives. Just remember that if you get one as a gift, you should give a coin in return for it. Old tradition.

Mini Museum


"The mini museum is a portable collection of curiosities where every item is authentic, iconic and labeled. It’s been carefully designed to take you on a journey of learning and exploration." You really have to check out the site and see what’s included as it’s very cool. Everything from a shell of a dinosaur egg to a piece of foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module. Great presentation too.

2014 Ural Gear-Up


"Despite its clearly military upbringing, the Gear-Up is equally fit for more peaceful missions, such as fishing or hunting trips. If outdoor adventures are not your forte, you can still amaze your friends with the motorcycle’s ability to blaze over outdoor obstacles or urban challenges."

Tenkara Teton Fly Fishing Package


I’ve always wanted to try fly fishing and I’ve heard good things about Tenkara. Overall simple in design, this kit comes with everything you need. Well, except the water and the fish.

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[Acquired] The new Ashtanur - Pencil Case


“Ashtanur is the Arabic word and the local slang name for flat-bread made in Jerusalem. Hand made of fine cotton fabric. Elastic webbing holds up to 10 items. Split ring holds your USB drive/ keys. Velcro tab for easy closing and opening.  Five elastic webbing colors to choose from. Stays fresh forever!”

Shinola Public-Supply Pencils


"Produced in collaboration with Public-Supply, a for-profit company that donates a quarter of its profits to public school art programs and high-need classrooms. A percentage of profits will support creative arts classrooms in Detroit Public Schools, and each box will have a hand stamped tracking ID allowing those who purchase to track which classroom they helped fund and what their money went to."

Tom Bihn Tri-Power Safety Whistle


"Designed by search-and-rescue professionals, this is the whistle of choice for the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Forest Service and National Parks Service, US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, and NASAR (National Association for Search & Rescue)."

Skilcraft B3 Aviator Pen


“Originally designed to fit in a flight suit or BDU pocket, the B3 Aviator multi-function pen includes black and red medium ball point ink cartridges and a 0.5mm pencil. The screw-top eraser fits tightly on the pencil top meeting all Foreign Object Damage (FOD) requirements. The all metal construction provides added durability. This triple function pen includes a special finish that won’t reflect light.”

Vintage 6505-1 Aviators Kit Bag


"This vintage military duffel was used during the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. This bag is model #6505-1 and the bag is labeled as an Aviators Kit Bag. The soldier who owned this bag flew all over the country on many special orders which date back to the early 1940’s to 1950."

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[Acquired] Field Notes Shelterwood Edition


The latest (at time of original posting) limited edition memo books coming from Field Notes are the Shelterwood Edition notebooks. Each cover is unique in that they are made from actual thinly sliced American Cherry wood.

[Acquired] America The Beautiful National Park Pass


I don’t know what this year holds in terms of places to explore but I want to be prepared.

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” - John Muir

The New American Road Trip Mixtape


"It’s a story about living on the road, the search for the American Dream, and our evolving ideas of happiness and home." I recommend checking out the video trailer too.

DSPTCH Standard Camera Sling Strap


I recently got a new camera for Christmas but I’m looking for a decent strap. Made in USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee, I have a feeling this strap will work out just fine.

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America's Wild


What’s left in America to call “wilderness”? It turns out that only 5% of the United States is labeled as wilderness and protected under the National Wilderness Preservation System. If you're just counting the contiguous U.S., that number drops to 2.7%.

I recently came across this information in the latest issue of National Geographic and saw a map of the country that caught my eye. The specific article [50 Years of Wilderness] is available to read online if you aren't a subscriber.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness as â€śan area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

I'm not sure what that means to you but I can tell you what it means to me. This map made me realize that even though there's not that much left in America that's "wild" (if you're counting the green vs. white places on the map), I desperately want to visit, experience, or live in as many green spots as possible.

As Ansel Adams once said:
"In truth, 'Wilderness' is a state of mind and heart. Very little exists now in actuality."
Despite only 5% of wild America left, it can live on in our hearts as long as we maintain an adventurous attitude. Yeah that totally sounds cheesy as I read it back but you get the idea.

If you want to see a slightly more interactive version of the map above, click here.