Gear Rooted in Readiness

Spring has a way of softening the edges of winter just enough to make people forget how quickly conditions can still turn against you. The ground thaws, the light lingers in the sky longer, and the urge to get outside returns. This transitional season is also where gaps in preparation tend to show themselves. Gear stored for winter gets pulled out and dusted off, systems are reassembled, and assumptions are quietly tested dripping with anticipation.

With Mother’s Day landing squarely in the middle of this seasonal shift, it’s worth recognizing readiness has always been rooted in care for family, for capability, and for the people who depend on us when things don’t go as planned. Mothers understand this instinctively and are those who are prepared to confront the day’s challenges more often than not.

Moms don’t prepare for convenience, but continuity. Moms keep extra food; they remind us to “wear a hat!” and build redundant safety systems in our daily lives. As we move toward warmer months, Gear Up is honoring that mindset as we dial in for the realities that spring unveils. Preparedness is not about individual items, but systems that support us and loved ones. Keep these things in mind and you’ll go far.

Knives by Nuge Bruin Swedge

• MSRP: $355
• URL: knivesbynudge.com
• OG Rating: 8

NOTES
In stark contrast to Tom Nugent’s giant hands, he makes what many, myself included, consider to be a fairly narrow handled knife. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All Knives by Nuge are purpose-driven tools. Nuge’s Bruin is specifically designed to get deep inside of areas with narrow constraints, specifically field dressing white tail deer comes to mind. Having a thinner-built grip area means more maneuverability and precision without the hand fatigue that is associated with larger or chunkier options.

A blade length of 3.75 and 8.25 inches overall, the 3/32-inch CPM-154 blade is blackened and tumble finished. Perfect for chopping, slicing, and other bushcraft chores, the Sabre-ground Bruin Swedge has superior durability and edge retention. Bruins are available in up to six different colors of canvas Micarta or G10 grip scales and ship with beautifully crafted leather sheaths.

Halfbreed Blades MIK-08 Tracker

• MSRP: $258
• URL: halfbreedblades.com.au
• OG Rating: 8

NOTES
If there is anything in the gear world, I am not shy about, it is my love for tracker knives. This MIK-08 Tracker is no exception. It has long been my opinion that tracker knives are the multi-tool of the bushcraft world. Starting out with 6.69 inches of cutting surface, a modest belly starts at the drop-point tip and can be used for chopping and fleshing, down to the concave radius where you’ll be focusing your feather sticks and culminating at the straight portion of the blade where you’re able to perform camp tasks like batoning through firewood.

Austrian-made Bohler K110 makes up the overall length of 11.7 inches of the drop-point tracker, while G10 makes up the grip scales. The MIK-08 comes with a well-thought-out molded Kydex sheath you can scout carry or go vertical. Cheers, mate!

Wiley X WX Axe

• MSRP: $206
• URL:wileyx.com
• OG Rating: 8.3

NOTES
Sunglasses are very hit and miss in my experience. After a week in the field with the WX Axes, I was in love with them (as were everyone else who got a pair). They quickly became my daily go-to frames based on a few key features outside of the incredible comfort. Shatterproof Selenite polycarbonate lenses protect your peepers from not just the sun, UVA, and UVB, but are also ANSI Z87.1 rated against impacts.

Wiley X uses a non-metallic Triloid Nylon frame that is tough and lightweight while the dual-injected rubber temples keep your frames on your head in camp, on hikes and bikes, or firing lines. All WX Axes come standard with polarized lenses for reducing glare from snow, water, and roads at the same time strengthening clarity, color, and contrast while reducing fatigue in the eye. Available in multiple frame and lens colors.

Steiner Micro Pistol Sight (MPS)

• MSRP: $632
• URL: steiner-optics.com
• OG Rating: 8

NOTES
Steiner’s MPS is not only a solid option for your pistol, but I’ve also found them to be a great addition to a shotgun as well. The MPS is a closed emitter, which means the source of light will not be interrupted by external elements, as the open emitters generally known as RMRs are. Equipped with Steiner glass, the MSP is a true 1x magnification and has a generously sized window for rapid target acquisition.

The German styling of the exterior is a love-it-or-hate-it design. I happen to enjoy it quite a bit, as there is a bit of personality there. With 13,000 hours of battery life and eight brightness levels, two of which are night vision compatible, and ACRO mounting footprint matched with the previously mentioned features, this a strong option for consideration for your red dot needs.

Artilect Performance Women’s Sprint Tee

• MSRP: $90
• URL: artilectperformance.com
• OG Rating: 7.6

NOTES
Spring is famous for throwing us curveballs when it comes to weather forecasts. Fortunately for us, Artilect chose to spoil us by creating this Sprint Tee from Nuyarn 115 GSM. Nuyarn is a merino wool combined with nylon to create an ultralight material that is great as a base layer or as a stand-alone during warmer days.

With dry times five times faster than standard merino wool, the Sprint Tee will assist in keeping your head in the game or concentrating on having fun, because of the exceptional comfortable level provided by the material. For an added touch, Artilect has embedded reflective tape in the seams of this shirt to increase visibility should your adventures take you near trail heads, road crossings, or the occasional missed turn on a path. It’s available in four colors and sized from XS-XL.

Le Bent: Women’s Feathertop Hooded Ls Tee

• MSRP: $160
• URL: lebent.com
• OG Rating: 7.7

NOTES
Le Bent hit the mark with the Feathertop Hooded Ls Tee title on this garment. Weighing in at just 4.4 ounces, the merino wool and bamboo blend is sure to keep your mom comfortable this Mother’s Day. Meant for warm to mild weather, the mom in your life will love this four-way stretch fabric that provides UPF50+ protection from the sun as well as being quick drying and moisture wicking. If the built-in hood and naturally relaxed fit doesn’t sing, “I love you, Mom!” loudly enough, maybe the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification will drive the depths of your love home.

Le Bent has painstakingly selected fabrics free of over 1,000 known chemicals, dyes, and threads with even tighter constraints on materials coming into direct contact with your mother’s skin. Be proud that you scoured the web and found a gift befitting the unchallenged queen of the family.

Forloh Women’s Raider Fleece

• MSRP: $130
• URL: forloh.com
• OG Rating: 7.5

NOTES
Nothing says “mom” like pre-planning to be warm and cozy in cold weather. This means layering up. Mom seems to know best about this. You can always remove layers if you start to sweat or generally overheat, but you’re out of luck if you show up with a deficit of clothing. Enter the Forloh Women’s Raider Fleece Vest. Made from 100 percent sourced and made in America Polartec Shed Less anti-microfiber technology, this vest is great for hanging around a campfire or using it as a mid-layer while braving the cold.

Made of Shed Less Polartec fleece, this garment won’t molt or pill the same way most fleece products do, making this a cleaner overall product. Forloh also utilizes Brrr Pro enhanced cooling, wicking, and drying technologies to keep the mom in your world comfortable and in the moment.

Paramo Velez Adventure Smock

• MSRP: $390
• URL: paramo-clothing.com
• OG Rating: 8.3

NOTES
Probably the most high tech and meticulously designed garment I’ve received in years, the Paramo Velez Adventure Smock is ready for whatever you throw at it. You want to scurry up a rockface, hit a tough trail, go blasting through a bike course, or do all three? That won’t be an issue for the Velez Adventure Smock. Starting with the zone design, the Velez was laid out in such a way that allows for air to move through the garment to keep you comfortable as well as dry.

Two “dual phase” chest pockets can act as vents, while forward facing mesh-lined zippered arm vents increase or restrict air flow. PFAS-free Analogy technology from Paramo includes an inner “Pump Liner” that pushes liquid water away from your body, not only the vapor built up from exertion. There is no crinkle sound from a layer of plastic, as the Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric sheds water from the outside.

5.11 Women’s Industry Pant

• MSRP: $98
• URL: 511tactical.com
• OG Rating: 7.2

NOTES
In my opinion, one of the best things 5.11 Tactical has done in recent years is making their highly capable lifestyle gear. The wearer keeps many of the high-functioning features like adaptive stretch materials and sequestered magazine pockets, while applying these key features to clothing that does not scream “Tactical!” As a matter of fact, they don’t scream anything. They tastefully say something casual, functional, and understated. The 5.11 Industry pant is available in men’s and women’s sizes and share the same features.

These are a great option for the woman who loves being outdoors, getting in the thick of things, or just enjoys a good weekend of spring cleaning. Moms are going to love these for the comfort and utility they provide as well as the all-day comfort, saying nothing of their ability to shed dirt and grime from a day of yard work and planting flowers. For Mother’s Day, let her take in the outdoors while enjoying the flattering fit and clean style of the 5.11 Tactical Industry Pant.

Sea To Summit Big River Dry Bag

• MSRP: $65
• URL: seatosummit.com
• OG Rating: 8.2

NOTES
It seems like there is no end to the use of a good dry bag. What’s not love, right? You stow your valuables in one, keep them safe from the elements, and pack all like items together for safety’s sake. What happens when all you need are the items in the dry bag? You’re always stuck carrying it around by the folded-over closer as a handle like some kind of awkward purse. Not anymore! Sea To Summit has made a couple changes to the outdated thinking of dry bags.

Not only are there tie-down and attachment points similar to MOLLE or PALS webbing on the sides, but there is also a D loop at the base of the bag. Now you can add a shoulder sling to this overbuilt waterproof bag and go fast and light should you decide to. Adding to how well thought out this bag is, the all-white lining increases visibility when searching for much needed items.

Gregory: Zulu 65

• MSRP: $300
• URL: gregory.com
• OG Rating: 7.5

NOTES
Planning to step off the tail for an extended time period or just like to bring a bunch of gear along? Gregory Zulu 65 is right up your alley. Weighing in at just 4.28 pounds, the Zulu 65 sports trekking pole attachments, sleeping bag compartment, U-zip opening front panel for fast access to the main compartment with a drawstring closure at the top. A Speedclip hydration hanger makes it easy to attach your bladder and is paired with a routing system on each shoulder and sternum strap for your hose.

For small items you’ll need fast at hand, there is a zippered top cover, and for quickly stashing a hat, gloves or small towel, there is an outer mesh pocket secured with a side-release buckle. The enveloping mesh padded hip belt articulates with you as you traverse the trails, the mesh back allowing for a bit of standoff to keep air circulating and you comfortable.

Katio Electronics KL101 Emergency Camping Lantern

• MSRP: $70
• URL: kaito.us
• OG Rating: 7.6

NOTES
Katio has a reputation for supplying consumers with as many features as they can in the space they’ve got to work with. This KL101 is no exception. Equipped with a hand-crank rechargeable battery, AM/FM weather radio, SOS alarm, and detachable handheld flashlight, this waterproof lantern does not shy away from tough use.

When we’re under stress the last thing we want to be thinking about is how gingerly we need to handle our life-saving gear or supporting electronics. After some use in the field, the KL101 has earned its place in my gear locker. No need to worry about powering small electronics with the KL101, with its solar panel top and battery charging crank.

Nemo Equipment Satellite Camping Chair

• MSRP: $200
• URL: nemoequipment.com
• OG Rating: 7.6

NOTES
Nemo Equipment never disappoints with their offerings and has become a household favorite amongst outdoorsmen and women wise to the brand. Nemo’s Satellite Camping Chair checks all the right boxes with its simple-yet-innovative design. Full body support and a comfortable height of 23 inches ground clearance is a welcomed surprise in such a package. Easily reclining the high-back and headrest with ergonomically located sliders to adjust for different seated tasks from relaxing, eating, or getting a little work done on the laptop is a welcomed feature.

Packing all those elements into a 17.5x8x6-inch packed down kit is impressive. Robust while especially elegant, this camp chair’s assembly is nothing if not sleek. The intuitive design with shock cord captured poles makes setting up a snap even in low light conditions, while the carrying case doubles as a ground sheet to keep the legs from sinking into the ground. It’s available in four colors and has a seating capacity of 350 pounds.

Helinox Helidisk

• MSRP: $100
• URL: helinox.com
• OG Rating: 7.1

NOTES
Not that I’ve done any scientific studies or anything, but do you know what moms seem to love? Games! Games in the living room and games on vacation. So, I would assume they’re going to love games while you’re out camping too. Helinox has put together a fun game where you get to decide the level of difficulty and how many tries you get. This is a very easy system to unpack and set up.

All you need is a little space away from the campfire. You’ll end up with two stands each that you’ll also track your scores on, a pedestal, and a cup that is the target you’re attempting to knock off with a frisbee-like disc. Take this car camping or to the park. Team up or go solo, you’re going to have a good time, a lot of laughs, a little friendly family competition, and a whole lot of memories.

Sea To Summit Frontier Ultra-Light Collapsible Pour Over

• MSRP: $31
• URL: seatosummit.com
• OG Rating: 7.8

NOTES
Few things make moms happier than a good cup of coffee in the field. I’m not talking about instant freeze-dried stuff you dump into hot water. You’re putting thought and a little comfort into your outdoor journey this spring with mom. Sea To Summit had me very excited when this fold-flat Frontier Ultra-Light Collapsible Pour Over was released. Made from food-grade heat-resistant silicone that is not only BPA free, but also non-PAS.

This thoughtfully designed compact piece of gear has a super fine stainless steel mesh. This is important for keeping coffee grounds out of mom’s morning brew as well as being easier for you to clean. As an added benefit the pour-over platform is sized right for most mugs and cups as well as wide-mouthed bottles. If you’re planning overnight or just day trips, don’t leave this essential piece of gear behind. It’s sure to keep morale high and mom happy in the woods.

High Camp Flasks Firelight Flask 750

• MSRP: $130
• URL: highcampflasks.com
• OG Rating: 7.8

NOTES
I’ve rarely found a quality wine or spirit worth taking on a trip that wasn’t in a glass bottle. Since I’m not a fan of traveling with glass in a suitcase, backwoods pack, etc., the Firelight Flask is a great option. Not only is this good for cold or room temperature drinks, but it’s also a great option for hot drinks. High Camp Flasks Firelight Flask 750 will accept an entire bottle of your favorite wine, spirit, or 25.4 ounces of your preferred hot drink and maintain its temperature for up to 24 hours.

The flask is fitted with two 10.5-ounce magnetically connected vacuum sealed cups. Each cup has six shooter grooves for a pleasant nonslip grip. Shrouded underneath the top cup is a well-knurled twist-off cap with seal, covering a wide-mouth opening finished beautifully with a no-spill lip for a clean pour. Available in four colors.

Slightly Grittier, Still Controlled

Each piece of equipment is something I’d happily add to my gear locker; however, two of the items have earned a second look and some added attention. The WileyX – WX Axe glasses are something I’ve been using now for five months nearly every single day. The lightweight comfort and perfectly clear lenses with no distortion detectable from edge to edge was the lure, but what set the hook were the safety features, clip-on side shields, and knowing that I can get them with a Rx when that day inevitably comes for me.

Halfbreed Blade’s MIK-08 Tracker is much more than a tough-built rugged-looking blade. It’s a tool that is extremely versatile to those who take time to learn the intended purposes behind the sweeping design. Building shelters, field dressing small and large game, clearing brush, or processing firewood, I’ve not found an outdoor task this knife is shy about tackling. Once you pair the features of the knife with a sheath every bit as adaptable as the blade it carries, you have a knife that is worthy of serious consideration of being by your side.

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