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Revisiting the Born Primitive Women’s Pants: Two Months Later
A few months ago, I wrote about the challenges of finding quality women’s hunting pants. At the time, we were still in the testing phase. We had tried numerous options from both hunting and hiking brands and kept running into the same issues: fit, comfort, durability, mobility, and finding something that could handle demanding backcountry…
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Revisiting the Search for the Right Women’s Hunting Boot: Early Impressions of the Lowa Tibet GTX
A few months ago, I wrote about the challenges of finding the right women’s hunting boot. At the time, we were deep in the research and testing phase. We had tried numerous boots, spent countless hours trying on different brands, and kept running into the same issues. Some caused toe bang. Others caused arch pain.…
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Revisiting Protein Bars: What I’m Actually Buying After Testing More Options
A while back, I wrote about how I evaluate protein bars. The framework was simple: At the time, I discussed several bars that looked good on paper and a few that appeared promising based on ingredients and macros. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to test more options and compare them side by side. As…
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Solar Strela 490 Follow-Up: Our First Fully Loaded Camping Trip
One of the biggest questions I had before buying the Solar Strela 490 wasn’t how fast it would go or how it would handle with one person on board. I wanted to know how it would perform when it was actually loaded the way we intended to use it. That’s a very different test. Many…
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First Day on the Water with the Solar Strela 490: Lessons Learned During Break-In
After months of research, ordering, pickup, and preparation, we finally got our Solar Strela 490 and Mercury 60/40 jet on the water. Like most first outings with new equipment, the day was a mix of excitement, learning, troubleshooting, and building confidence in the setup. Fortunately, things ended well, and we learned several valuable lessons that…
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Picking Up My Solar Strela 490: First Impressions and Dealer Walkthrough
After months of research, comparing options, and ultimately deciding on a Solar Strela 490 paired with a Mercury 60/40 jet, pickup day finally arrived. Up until this point, everything had been theoretical. I’d spent countless hours researching boats, comparing designs, talking to owners, and trying to determine what would best fit my needs. I had…
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Choosing the Right Boat for Alaska: Why I Chose a Solar Strela 490
Choosing the Right Boat for Alaska: Why I Chose a Solar Strela 490 Buying a boat seems simple until you start looking at all the options. Ocean boats, river boats, jet boats, prop boats, inflatables, hard-bottom boats—the deeper you go, the more complicated the decision becomes. The mistake I think many first-time buyers make is…
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SIG SAUER x AXIL Hearing Enhancement Earbuds: A Practical Hunting Perspective
Over the years, I’ve used a variety of hearing protection options while hunting and shooting. Traditional foam plugs work, but they limit situational awareness. Over-the-ear electronic muffs provide amplification and protection, but they can be bulky and uncomfortable in the field. Recently, I’ve spent time using the SIG SAUER x AXIL hearing enhancement earbuds, and…
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Teepee Tents vs Traditional Tents for Hunting and Backpacking: What Actually Matters in the Field
Choosing a shelter system for hunting and backpacking seems straightforward until you start putting it through real conditions. On paper, a lot of tents look similar. Lightweight, weather-resistant, designed for backcountry use. In reality, the differences between systems—especially teepee-style tents versus traditional tents—become very noticeable once you’re actually living out of them. I’ve spent time…
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Why Finding the Right Women’s Hunting Pants Is Harder Than It Should Be
On paper, finding a good pair of hunting pants seems straightforward. Pick something durable, weather-resistant, and comfortable enough to move in—and you’re set. In reality, it’s rarely that simple. And when it comes to women’s hunting pants, the process becomes significantly more difficult. We’ve been working through this recently, trying to find a pair that…