By Rob Shaul

Spend money on things you use everyday. Here’s my list in no order:

1. T-Shirts that Fit

When you find one, buy several. This is different for everyone, depending on your individual build. I’m short and stocky (5’7″, 160#). Most shirts that fit me for length are too tight across the chest and shoulders. Most that fit in the chest and shoulders are too long. Below are the two I’ve found that fit me perfectly.

• Patagonia Cool Daily T-Shirt. These are great for training, great for every day. I buy the non-logo ones, black, white, and athletic gray. These aren’t cheap …. $35/apiece, but they mine have help up under almost daily wear for 2-3 years. The athletic gray shirts are silky-soft and incredible to train in. Being polyester, these shirts dry super fast – and I’ll swim in them and use them as baselayers for backcountry missions. I buy size Medium.
• Carhartt Force T-Shirt – A cotton/poly blend, these shirts are great for daily wear and outside work, but I also use them for training. They don’t dry as fast as the Cool Daily shirts, but faster than pure cotton. I buy size medium.
• Billabong T-Shirts – Billabong is a surf company and I’ve found their medium T-Shirts fit well and wear cozy. On sale I can pick these up for $15 and the company offers free shipping and returns.

2. Arcteryx Jackets, Shorts, and Pants

Yep, it’s expensive, but as someone who’s cycled through plenty of mountaineering/backcountry jackets and other clothing, Arcteryx fit and design are worth the premium. I especially endorse jackets, softshell pants, and nylon shorts. Avoid the shirts unless you are tall and lean … they don’t fit my short/stocky frame. These are the Arcteryx products I especially endorse:

• Proton LT Hoody – Most versatile jacket in my kit, it’s truly a 4-season jacket for me here in Wyoming. Light, synthetic fill, and breathable, I wear it to work on most mornings, year-round, and it’s in my pack for every overnight trip. It’s replaced all the fleece jackets I own (except during hunting season – because it isn’t camo), and the light down-fill puffys. In the winter, I’ll layer a waterproof shell over it for skiing, and add a Carhartt vest for trips to the grocery store. The Atom LT Hoody is a bigger seller, but this is a better jacket. Fit is awesome for my short/stocky frame. I buy size medium.
• Beta  LT Jacket – You’ll get sticker shock, but this will be the only waterproof shell you’ll need. It’s bomber enough for resort skiing, yet light enough for my backcountry ski shell and backpacking and backcountry hunting shell (I have the green color). Size medium is perfect.
• Lefroy Short – Size 30 fits perfect. Nylon – so quick drying and super durable. I live in them all summer long … swimming, working, hiking, backpacking, etc.
• Gamma LT Pant – I own 3 pair (tan, black, gray) all size small and purchased 6 years ago – and they are comfortable over my chunky butt and thighs, but not too long for my stubby legs. Made of nylon, they are thin, do a good job at blocking the wind, dry super fast, and are incredibly durable. In the summer I backpack in them (I roll up the bottoms and wear them as “capris”), and in the early Spring and Late Fall, I wear them for vertical training efforts (hike up, run-down) and trail running. In the winter I run, skate ski in them … and all year round, I wear them casually. I’m wearing my tan ones as I type this.

3. Gym Training Shorts that Fit

I picked up some The North Face backpacking shorts 8 years ago – found their fit perfect, and immediately purchased 4 more pairs – all gray. They are still my go-to training shorts. I’ve tried other shorts over the years, Under Armor and even (gasp) Lululemon – but they’ve been passed along and my TNF shorts have lasted and performed. They’ve never failed. They are durable, move with me through squats, lunges, runs, etc. Mine have pockets and an integrated belt … but the reason they continue to be my everyday wear is because they fit perfect. The North Face no longer makes them … so you’ll have to find the brand/model of shorts that fit you. When you find them, buy several pairs.

4. Klean Kanteen Insulated 12oz Thermos

I drink a lot of coffee, and this thermos is my coffee co-pilot. Mine is army green, dented in several places from drops, and has paint chipping off. When the lid gets gunked up, I can easily take it apart, clean it, put it back together, and the seal is as good as new. I like the 12oz size – it’s perfect for a single cup of coffee, and small enough that I can fit into the side of my jacket pocket when I’m headed out the door at 5:30 am when it’s minus 16 degrees at my house. I see that Klean Kanteen has updated this model from mine, but I trust the quality remains. Expensive, but worth every penny.

5. Carhartt Rugged Stretch Pants and Shorts

Most comfortable pants and shorts I own. Heavy, but when broken in, they wear like butter. My go-to summer/spring/fall work pants and shorts – I wear them fixing fence, getting firewood, etc. In the winter, the pants are pajama-like in softness and comfort. In the summer, I’ll wear the shorts to lounge around in. I don’t own a pair of jeans … these have replaced them.

6. Hoka One One Recovery Slides

Hard to describe how cushy these slides are. I wear them year round … in the winter with socks as slippers, in the summer for anytime I want/need sandals. I take them off last thing at night before slipping under the covers, and first thing in the morning when my feet hit the floor. So light, I’ve even taken them backpacking for around the camp. I’ve worn out two pair.

7. LL Bean Boots

I’ve owned mine for 15+ years – and they are no worse for wear. I don’t know how LL Bean does it with these boots, but they are at once comfortable/soft, and firm. Waterproof, yet breath enough to wear inside for extended periods. Loose enough to throw them on quick without tying for a quick trip outside to refill the firewood box, yet stiff enough when laced tight that I’ve used them for bowhunting elk after a late September snow storm. They deserve the hype. Mine are the 10″, uninsulated model – great wet weather Spring and Fall boot, and with a warm pair of socks, will work 20-degrees in the Winter, or colder if you’re moving.

8. Smartphone Wallet Case

First I went to a front pocket wallet, then, after I lost it, I moved to a “wallet case” for my iphone SE. Now, instead of having to keep track of my phone, wallet and truck keys, now all I have to keep track of is my phone and keys – I’ve cut down the list by 1/3! My case cost $20 on Amazon, protects my phone and holds 2 credit cards, my driver’s license and health insurance card.

9. Leather Couch

Got kids and dogs? Take my word for it and spend the extra money for a leather couch. Ours is a sectional purchased on sale from Macy’s and delivered to Wyoming. Expensive, but so worth it for comfort, clean up and durability. Buy once, cry once ….

10. Dyson Cordless Vacuum

I would have never purchased this myself, but my wife did, and the thing is truly amazing. Ours is over 2 years old, works like new, and makes vacuuming actually “fun.” Yes – it’s worth the $300 price tag.

11. Buckwheat Pillow

I’ve slept on one of these for 20+ years. Unlike down pillows, I can mold my buckwheat pillow to fit under my neck, thus keeping my spine neutral when sleeping. When using a down pillow, my head/neck is always propped up on the pillow, and I wake up with a sore neck. I see now they make buckwheat neck pillows – which might be even better.

12. Patagonia Merino Socks

My choice for summer cardio is hiking up a steep hill, off-trail, and running down. Running down is especially hard on shoes and socks, as the dirt, gravel, and rocks get inside and chew everything up. Over the years I’ve cycles through several pairs of shoes, but only a couple pair of these merino socks from Patagonia. It’s amazing how durable they are, and the job they do for me whether gym training, trail running, or backcountry hunting, backpacking, etc. I wear a pair every day and several of my pairs are 5+ years old.

13. Outdoor Research Echo Boxer Briefs

Only underwear I own. I stumbled on these 5-6 years ago, and promptly threw out all my other underwear. Light, breathable, dry super quick, and durable (I’ve yet to wear a pair out).

14. Bedside Pee Bottle

A couple years ago I spent a week in the hospital with a severe kidney infection. The nurses were tasked with tracking how much I was urinating and so next to my bed they placed a wide-mouth, pee bottle. At the time, in addition to a kidney infection, I was recovering from foot surgery and was using crutches – making going to the bathroom all that much more of a pain. The convenience of this bedside pee bottle was a revelation, and on return home, with me came the bottle. It was a cheap model, with a questionable lid, so I soon replaced it with an old, dark green, plastic, nalgene-like, wide-mouth water bottle I had in the garage. I can’t tell you how many times prior to having a bedside pee bottle, I woke up at 0130 to go to the bathroom, and by the time I got back to bed, couldn’t go back to sleep. With my bedside pee bottle, I can almost get up and relieve myself without opening my eyes. Rarely now do I not fall back to sleep. Mine is dark green (so it’s not gross to look at), and decorated with a piece of red duct tape so everyone knows it’s not filled with water …. Your wife/partner will think you’re gross, but she’ll appreciate not being woken up by your zero dark thirty bathroom trips. Your mind, body, and mood will appreciate the ability to go back to sleep.

15. Oral-B Toothbrush

I was stupidly against buying a $30 electric toothbrush until 10 years ago after visiting the dentist and coming away with a big bill. These toothbrushes are amazing and clean your teeth better than I could ever do with a cheap manual toothbrush.

16. A Quality Watch

I grew up before cell phones and learned to appreciate a watch will at the Coast Guard Academy. Only recently (past 5 years or so) have I come to appreciate the workmanship, wonder, and pleasure a quality, mechanical wrist watch, can give. I’m not talking about a super expensive luxury watch, or a cheap, blingy fashion watch, but rather a quality, mechanical “tool” watch, usually a diver, what you can get wet, can take a beating, and isn’t so expensive you have to baby it. Today I’m wearing a classic Seiko black SKX 007  I purchased years ago. However, the SKX shares time on my wrist with a Garmin Instinct II Solar digital watch. Battery lasts 30 days, solar panel, GPS tracking, fitness tracking, stop watch, interval timer, etc. It’s on my wrist while hunting and otherwise in the backcountry.

What’s on your list of Everyday Things worth every Penny? Share in the comments below…. 

Military / National Security / Foreign Policy

Bill Would Force Army to Halt ACFT Until It Can Study Impacts, Military.com
For the first time in almost 100 years, San Diego Marine Corps boot camp will train co-ed recruits in 2021, Stars and Stripes
Navy Arms First New Flight III Destroyer With Next-Gen Weapons, RealClearDefense
Elf Confidential: Santa’s 2020 National Security Gift List, War on the Rocks
Special Tactics airman awarded Air Force Cross for saving Green Beret team in desperate 8-hour firefight, Task & Purpose
Our Bases In US Will Be Attacked: Army, Breaking Defense
Corps to shrink by 5,000 Marines under defense compromise bill, Defense News
National Guard Helping to Roll Out COVID Vaccine, Defense One

Wildland Fire / Law Enforcement

Forecasters expect Western drought to continue through December, Wildfire Today
Officials report 31 structures were destroyed in the Bond Fire in SoCal, Wildfire Today
This RMS is made for cops, by a cop, Police1 Daily News
5 DC Fire and EMS members to be among 1st to receive COVID-19 vaccine, FireRescue1 Daily News
5 features to look for in an SCBA bracket, FireRescue1 Daily News
Congress Passes Legislation to Address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), International Fire Chiefs Association
IAFC compiles chart listing vaccine priorities for fire, EMS in every state, FireRescue1 Daily News

Mountain

8 Must-Have Ice and Alpine Tools, Climbing Magazine
Video: Avalanche Flows Like River In The Indian Himalayas, Unofficial Networks
NEWS: Japan Lose Olympic Quota Place Lawsuit, and Asian Championships Cancelled, UKClimbing News
Alone in the Andes, Backcountry Magazine
How a Meteorologist Plans a Backpacking Trip, Backpacker
A Simple Personal Anchor System – Metolius Anchor Draw, Gear Institute
A Brief Excursion into Skiing’s Cyborg Future, Outside Magazine

Fitness / Health / Nutrition

The Mechanisms of Muscle Hypertrophy, The Barbell Physio
The Best Cold-Weather Protein Drink Recipes, Outside Magazine
Are You the One Sabotaging Your Gains? Breaking Muscle
Three pillars of mental health: Good sleep, exercise, raw fruits and veggies, Science Daily
Artificial Sweeteners May Pose Same Risks to Heart Health as Sugar, Study Shows, verywellfit
Should You Be Worried If Your Joints Crack All the Time? health.com

By Sarah Ferreira

I came hobbling back into my office fresh from the ER with a little bag of 800mg of Motrin and a tube of biofreeze. My lumbar back is totally locked up and I have bouts of sciatica shooting down my left leg. About four hours earlier I herniated my L5-S1 disc doing heavy deadlifts (always a good reminder to keep your ego in check). My civilian co-worker who I share an office suite with, eager to help alleviate my pain, hands me a lotion and proceeds to tell me how she uses it all the time for joint and muscle pain that pops up from her days of collegiate gymnastics. I take a closer look at the label and I see that it’s actually CBD lotion.

Me: Does this stuff actually work?

Her: Oh yeah, I use it all the time. Really helps with inflammation.

Me: Does it get you high?

Her: No! It doesn’t contain any actual THC.

As I begin to open the bottle, eager to start slathering this stuff all over my back, I pause and wonder if I’m even allowed to use or take CBD as an active duty servicemember. I’ve been working an office job for the past 3 years and been out of the loop so to speak on the latest policies as it relates to these types of things. I open the discussion up to my other military officemates and ask them. “Hey-what’s the military policy on CBD products?” I get a wide variety of answers, quickly prompting me to head to the Google search. After a few minutes of searching there it was, plainly stated on the Uniformed Services University website- all CBD is off-limits to all military service members. I continued down a rabbit hole and after 30 minutes of internet searching, I had more questions than answers about CBD use and its benefits. I politely declined my coworker’s CBD lotion, but I couldn’t help but wonder if this stuff could actually work and get me back under the barbell. 

Fast forward a few weeks and I’m catching up with some of my veteran friends who are out of the military. They openly share their struggles with PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideations. The conversation turns toward the unwanted side effects of the prescription meds they are on to help treat their mental health issues. Many of them openly use CBD as a part of their personal treatment plan. Again, I ask the question of “Does it get you high?” and the answer is always no.

So, if this stuff has potential benefits for a wide variety of ailments and conditions why does the military take such a hard stance against it?

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is often confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the “high” that comes from marijuana use. CBD does not cause a “high” sensation. CBD can be derived from hemp or from marijuana with the primary difference being that hemp plants contain no more than .3% of THC. Knowing the difference between hemp and marijuana is important because marijuana CBD products will contain enough THC to pop hot on a drug test. Hemp-based CBD products contain such small traces of THC, less than .3%, that it is highly unlikely to show up in a drug test, however, there is no absolute guarantee. 

Despite the oftentimes confusing legality of CBD as the laws vary from state to state, the industry is booming right now. CBD is being added to drinks, gummies, food, and oils. The country’s most popular podcast host, Joe Rogan, who is also a very serious BJJ athlete, recently teamed up with Kill Cliff to launch a CBD infused drink with his full endorsement.

CBD is commonly advertised as providing relief for anxiety, stress, PTSD, sleep disorders, and pain. It’s easy to see why veterans and military members would be drawn to this type of product, as many are constantly seeking a way to alleviate mental and physical pain outside of prescription medication.

Initial Research

Herein lies the problem. The popularity of the product has outpaced the science. The current body of research on CBD and its potential benefits is lacking. The FDA has only approved one drug with CBD extract used to treat a rare seizure disorder in children. However, there is emerging evidence to suggest that CBD may be beneficial for anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain (Masataka, 2019; Babson, 2017; Xiong, 2012).

Numerous smaller studies show promise that CBD can be used to help treat addiction, inflammation, and even side effects of chemotherapy (Xu, 2020; Hurd, 2019; Parker, 2011). The primary issue with many of these studies is that they have very small sample sizes and are not randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies which is the gold standard. Also, many studies with CBD are conducted with animals-not humans.

In an effort to better understand if CBD can be used to effectively treat PTSD, the Department of Veterans Affairs is funding its first study on CBD and pairing it with psychotherapy (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03518801). From my perspective, it’s exciting to see the VA taking open-minded, proactive steps to help the vet community.

The general consensus among the medical community seems to be that initial research is promising, but much more needs to be done.

Current Military Policy

The challenge with CBD products is that they are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, there is no way to guarantee that the CBD products are actually containing less than .3% THC, which could cause current servicemembers to test positive on a drug test. A 2017 study concluded that fewer than a third of 84 CBD products tested actually contained the amount of CBD on their labels (Bonn-Miller, 2017). However, there are reputable and safe CBD products and companies that utilize 3^rd party verifiers and testers. 

In order to safeguard troops from generally unregulated industry, and to protect the integrity of the drug testing process, the DoD issued a blanket ban on CBD products (Cannabidiol: Are products with CBD legal? opss.org). Service members can be punished under UCMJ for possession or use of CBD products.

But does an all-out blanket ban on CBD make sense? The military allows servicemembers to consume dietary and nutritional supplements; another multi-million-dollar industry not regulated by the FDA. The DoD Dietary Supplement Resource Operation Supplement Safety (OSS) website lists banned substances and ingredients that are off-limits to servicemembers. Many of the reasons listed for the banned ingredients include “synthetic substance that currently does not meet the definition of a dietary ingredient” or “new dietary ingredient lacking evidence of safe use”. Those reasons are logical and are in place in order to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of servicemembers. CBD and hemp are also listed as banned on the OSS website. The reasons listed why CBD and hemp are not allowed simply states “new DoD Policy” or “service policy”- no actual safety reason to ban the substance outright.

Servicemembers can currently screen dietary and nutritional supplements for safety using the OSS website. This same safety screening tool could be modified and then applied to CBD products thus adding a layer of protection to servicemembers. The DoD could also easily help servicemembers identify reputable hemp and CBD companies. Would it really be that difficult to have a comprehensive policy in place that allows servicemembers to use CBD products containing less than .3% of THC? I don’t think so. Through consumer education, safety checks, and health care provider support, the DoD could implement a realistic solution to allow for responsible CBD use.

Why CBD should be authorized

We’ve all seen the staggering statistics and there is clearly a problem. The latest VA report published in NOV 2020 shows that on average, 17.6 Veterans commit suicide every single day. If you include active duty, reservists, and national guardsman that number increases to about 18 per day (Shane, 2020). Many factors such as PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance abuse/addiction, depression, chronic pain, and personal life stressors contribute to the high veteran and military suicide rate (USU, 2020). The military has made great progress in the past few years in terms of reducing mental health stigmas, increasing mental health screenings, and encouraging service members and vets to seek help from professional health providers, but more needs to be done. If CBD, which is non-habit forming, generally safe, and non-psychoactive, can help treat vets with mental health issues, the same opportunity should be afforded to current servicemembers.

While I don’t see a one for one swap of CBD for the traditionally prescribed 800mg of Motrin for normal aches and pains, I do think that military medicine should be advocating for the safe use of CBD for serious chronic pain issues and inflammation. We have too many Soldiers walking around with permanent profiles for pain injuries that they have given up on treating. Or worse, we have servicemembers who turn to alcohol, opioids, or illicit drugs to help deal with the pain. The DoD policy may be putting servicemembers in a no-win situation, almost forcing some to choose between the proverbial rock and hard place scenario. Servicemembers could be jeopardizing careers by taking CBD in order to manage pain, which is crucial in order to say fit for duty and continued service. So, do they risk violating the DoD policy in order to try and stay mission ready?

With all these considerations, it’s evident that the benefits of advocating for safe CBD use clearly outweigh the risks. The common side effects of CBD include dry mouth, fatigue, reduced appetite, and diarrhea- very low when compared to the potential advantages to thousands of servicemembers.  It is absolutely necessary to take a holistic, open-minded, and maybe even experimental approach to combating veteran’s and current servicemembers suicide and health issues. CBD containing less than .3% of THC should be authorized for use for current servicemembers.

The military has a unique opportunity to shape the narrative and lead the charge by advocating for safe CBD use and funding research into new health treatments that include CBD. In the meantime, I’m stuck with 800mgs of Motrin and my heating pad for my sore and aching back

Questions, Comments, Feedback? Email coach@mtntactical.com

By Rob Shaul

My recreation of choice is hunting or fishing. Below is the list of my “10 Recreation Items Worth Every Penny” in no order of importance.
Add your list to the “Comments” below. Be sure to add your favorite mode of recreation – if you have one.

1. Jetboil Flash Stove

Jetboil revolutionized the backpacking world 20 years ago when it was first introduced in 2001. Finally, an easy-to-ignite, brainless stove that boiled water fast. Few, if any, backpackers make meals from scratch in the backcounty. We all eat freeze dried meals – and all you need for preparation is hot water.

Since Jetboil was introduced, many other stove companies have imitated the basic design and come out with similar products, but I’ve never moved from the Jetboil. My original jebtoil stove is 20 years old and I recently passed it on to my son. I replaced it with a Jetboil Flash stove, for around $70 during a spring sale. I actually have two of them – one in my backcountry/backpacking food kit, and another in my truck cabover camper. You can’t go wrong with a trusty jetboil.

2. GSI Long Handle Essential Spoon

The most recent addition to my backcountry kit, this $5 spoon has made eating backpacking meals so much more pleasant. Backpacking meal pouches are tall, which means that with a regular spoon, you have to reach your hand into the pouch …. your hand can’t help but touch the side of the pouch and as a result, you get a lot of your dinner smeared all over your knuckles. Kinda sucks.

Not so with this long handle spoon. Worth every penny!

3. Prime Logic Compound Bow

Bowhunting an immersive activity, but it’s one downside is how incredibly gear-intensive and technical it can be. It takes special equipment and technical expertise to work on compound bows. As well, the bowsite, release, rest, and arrows all come with their own technical specifications, learning curve, etc. For example, you can’t just go to the internet and purchase a bow. Each bow has to be “fitted” to the shooter, which if you don’t have the knowledge or equipment to do this yourself, means you have to find and visit a local bow shop.

When you first get into the sport, it’s nearly impossible not to fall down the rabbit hole into the gear. Of course all the bow, site, rest and release makers want you to do this, as new hunters are the primary focus of they and their celebrity hunter marketing efforts. This is compounded by the fact that each bow manufacturer has its own cliques, camps and zealots.

The result is many bowhunters purchase one of the newest and latest bows every hear, and for the first 3-4 years I hunted I was one of those guys. But, like everything else, I finally learned what was important, invested into my own bow press and other equipment and knowledge so I would not be at the mercy of the local bowshop.

I also found a bow that fit me well, that I shot well, and I liked … and I stopped buying a new bow every year. For me that was the Prime Logic, which is a 4-year old bow, now. It works for me, and not having to spend time and make gear decisions each off season means I can spend more time studying google earth, improving my marksmanship, and spending more time scouting and becoming a better woodsman.

4. Onx Map Hunting Application

This smartphone application is incredible. It shows land ownership, hunt areas, overhead satellite imagery, topo maps, etc. It allows me to set routes, waypoints, mark my position, – just about everything I could ever need. On one hand you might think that technology like this would inhibit your backcountry experience, but I found it enhances it. Using Onx I’m able to see and explore nooks and crannies in the terrain I would never find or go to. It’s helped me understand the landscape in ways that were off my radar before.

5. Salomon Quest 4D Gtx Boots

Hardly the most expensive hiking boots available, what makes these boots from Saloman special is their fit. They have a narrow heel and a wide forefoot, and overall “sneaker” like, out of the box fit, which is really amazing.

They’ve been my hunting boot choice for 2 years now and this year I put 45+ backcountry days on them without issue and I’ll be able to get another season out of them.

They are on sale this time of year – like $170. Worth every penny.

6. Benchmade Bugout

For years I used a $15 Kershaw Chill pocket knife for hunting. I thought it was awesome …. I’d just have to re-sharpen it 6 times every time I bowned out a deer or elk in the field.

I’d always wondered why people would spend $100+ dollars on a hunting knife, so in a moment of weakness a couple years ago, picked up a Blue Benchmade Bugout knife when I couldn’t find my trusty Chill.

Now I know … it’s the steel. This Benchmade knife has SV30 steel. And I’m not sure exactly what that means in the field it means I can bone out and entire bull elk without sharpening the knife once. The steel is amazing. I spray-painted mine bright orange so I could keep from losing it when processing game.

Since I’ve upgraded all our kitchen knives to better steel … trust me … the difference is worth paying for.

7. Hoka One One Speedgoat 4, Wide

While I hunt in the Salomon boots, I backpack, peak bag, scout and trail run in the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4’s.

Hoka One One exploded on running scene a few years ago soon after the minimalist running shoe craze ended. Hokas emphasize cushion … lots of it … and some of their shoes look like clown shoes. But boy are they comfortable!

The decrease in jaring joint impact has changed running for many.

Hoka first moved into road running, then began building shoes for trail running. Now they have several trail running styles – all with a focus on cushion. The Speedgoats are my favorite for all around. Other styles work really well and have more cushion for trail running, but are too unstable for anything off trail. The Speedgoats aren’t quite as cushy, but are more stable.

One downside of Speedgoats is they aren’t as durable as other trail runners. The EVA foam they use to give the shoes the great cushioning just gets chewed up. I’ll go through a 1-2 pairs a season. But my knees, hips and low back all thank me for it.

Also, Hokas are known for having a narrow forefoot. I buy the “wide” version.

8. 4-Wheel Campers Project M

This truck, cab-over camper is about as basic as it gets. No sink, heater, benches, table or creature comforts of any kind, except the top pops up, and makes into a queen size bed. Which is totally amazing. As well, you can stand up in the back – with the top up – which is also pretty amazing.

One of my hunting partners has a fancier version, which is finished inside. I almost got one of those until I saw this new, Project M. Model. His camper weights 1,800 pounds, and because it is finished inside, he needs to take it off if he’s going to haul anything.

The Project M weighs just 400 pounds, and I can haul dogs, garbage, lumber, firewood, etc. without taking it off. If fact, since having it installed on my Ram 2500 last year, it hasn’t moved.

I’m 52 and getting soft. For years I backpack hunted for both elk and deer. But, I mostly solo-hunt, and for elk, I can’t venture further than 2.5-3 miles from the truck or road, because of the pack out. With the Project M, now I hunt from the truck. It means I have to leave earlier in the morning, and headlamp back to the truck to sleep every night, but it also means my pack is lighter. Plus, I like walking in the woods, in the dark.

In mine, I installed some off-the-shelf Dewalt tool boxes, and now I pretty much keep all my cooking gear and bedding in the camper at all times – so all I need to go is a soft cooler with some food. I can head out alone or grab my 5-year old son and be gone headed to the hills in 20 minutes. This camper has gotten me out in the woods more.

Plus, I can tow a drift boat or lake boat behind the truck and still have a camper.

For what you get, it seems expensive, but its well designed, and built tough, and should last for years.

9. Exo Mountain Gear 3500 Pack

This is my hunting pack, and it was expensive – around $550. You don’t need a pack like this for backpacking – where it pays for itself is organization for backcountry hunting, and especially for meat packouts after you’ve downed game.

The pack has an innovative design where the “bag” portion separates from the frame of the pack, allowing you to carry heavy, boned out bags of meat, between the frame and the pack. If you have room, you can carry more meat in the “bag” portion of the pack.

I’ve packed out multiple antelope, deer and elk using this pack. Most recently, I carried out and entire boned out spike elk this fall using this pack in one trip. The pack weight was over 100 pounds, and the 2 mile pack out sucked ass …. but this pack was bomber, didn’t fail, and make it as comfortable as it could be.

A few years ago we tested 3 different hunting packs and this pack was the winner.

10. TFO 1 or 2-Weight Fly Rod

Flyfishing is another one of those sports that can overwhelm newcomers with gear shit. But, unlike bowhunting, much more of the gear emphasis is all about image and marketing, not about enjoying the sport and catching fish.

I’m a self taught fly-fisherman, who grew up spinner fishing for trout in small rivers and creeks with spin-casting rods. I didn’t start fly fishing until my late 20’s.

I quickly learned that I couldn’t tell the difference between a $500 rod and a $150 rod, and neither could the fish. As well, I could never understand why people needed to wear $300 gore-tex waders in the summer when it was 70-80 degrees outside.

Finally, I didn’t have the time or interest to learn the complexity of reading the hatch and carrying a flybox with 36 different types of flies.

I carry a small flybox and three flies: black wooly buggars, Parachute Adams and different sized bugmeisters or similar. I fish in shorts and a t-shirt, carry my smallf fly box, calipers, floatant and extra leader in a shorts pocket, and fish with a light, cheap, entry-level Temple Forks Outfitter 1 or 2 weight rod.

Temple Fork Outfitters is a rod making company focused on keeping things affordable and accessible. They sell expensive rods too, but I was attracted to them for their quality entry-level models, and especially for their 25-year no-fault guarantee. Fly rods are delicate, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve closed the truck door on my rod, stepped on it, or lost a section or had some other thing happen. I send it in to TFO and they send me a new one.

Size 1 or 2 is super light weight, which means a 8-inch fish feels like a 12-incher and a 14-inch fish takes talent to land. It makes flyfishing the small creeks I mostly wade a pure joy.

Bonus …. Garmin InReach Mini

There are lots of places I hunt and hike these days far away from any cell phone service. The Garmin InReach Mini is a satellite messaging device I can use anywhere with a clear view of the sky.

This means I can check in with my family everynight so they don’t worry. It also means if something happens I can call in help. This is a welcom peace of mind when I’m out alone, especially.

If you travel in the backcountry, an Inreach Mini, or something like it, is a must have.

We would love to hear about your favorite gear in the “Comments” below. Be sure to add your mode of recreation – if you have one.

Military / National Security / Foreign Policy

Marine Corps says it’s going to start hunting submarines, War is Boring
Washington braces for clash over defense budget, The Hill
82nd Civil Affairs Battalion’s Last Deployed Company: Lessons Learned, Small Wars Journal
Marine Corps’ first F-35C squadron ready to deploy on carriers, Navy Times
Pilots, maintainers are worn out and under-trained, aviation safety commission says, Defense News
Military pay raise safe from Trump’s veto threat, but troops’ bonuses could be in trouble, Air Force Times

Wildland Fire / Law Enforcement

FAA gives approval for company to use swarms of drones to reforest burned areas, Wildfire Today
It’s time to come to the aid of wildland firefighters, Wildfire Today
Surgeon by day, firefighter by night: A surgeon’s journey back to the fire service, FireRescue1 Daily News
LA looking at layoffs for as many as 951 cops, 728 civilian jobs, Police1 Daily News
New L.A. County DA Ends Cash Bail for Most Suspects, POLICE Magazine

Mountain

These Ski Guides Will Improve Your Backcountry Game, Outside Magazine
Mount Everest Is Now Higher—Officially Speaking, Anyway, Adventure Journal
Sport Climbing Officially Added to Paris 2024 Olympics, Climbing Magazine
Legendary Alpinist Doug Scott Dies at Age 79, Climbing Magazine
Hip Mobility for Rock Climbers to Improve High Stepping & Frogging, Training Beta
NEWS: Rainshadow 9a by 15-year-old Toby Roberts, Climbing News

Fitness / Health / Nutrition

Oversleeping: What Happens When You Sleep Too Much? Men’s Journal
Healthy muscles are a carrot on a string for healthy lungs, Science Daily
The Lost Art of Winter Cycling, Outside Magazine
Do This To Increase Your Bench Press, Breaking Muscle
How poor oral hygiene may result in metabolic syndrome, Science Daily
Obesity impairs immune cell function, accelerates tumor growth, Science Daily
How Stress Affects Gut Health (and What to Do About It), Mark’s Daily Apple
From 0 to 5: Beginner Pullup Tips From US Marine Michael Eckert, Men’s Journal

Interesting

Training May Speed Smell’s Return After COVID, WebMD
Researchers find ‘missing link’ between stress and infertility, Science Daily
Australia Gears Up for the Great Koala Count, Using Drones, Droppings and Dogs, NYT
Who’s Really to Blame for the Monolith Shitshow, Outside Magazine
Climate change threatens ‘most Alps glaciers’, BBC News
Chuck Yeager, 1st to break sound barrier, dies at 97, Air Force Times
These photographers set out to film the aurora borealis from the edge of space, The Outbound Collective

By Sarah Ferreira

Since 2018 my unit has been executing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) on a mass scale. We found that we can test a battalion size element (about 1,500 Soldiers) in a 9-hour time frame given the following conditions:

20 fully equipped, 60m lanes. Each 3m wide.

• Grass/turf field that can accommodate 20 lanes-each lane is 3 meters wide and 60m long
• 2 x Rogue pull up rigs located at end of the testing lanes
• 2 mile run course co-located next to testing lanes
• 80 Soldiers per group arriving in 30-minute increments

With each testing repetition we’ve increased our proficiency in setup, administration, grading procedures, assigning support staff, and Soldier throughput.

Below are some lessons learned plus advice and tips for anyone who may be tasked to administer large scale ACFTs in the future.

FIELD SPACE AND EQUIPMENT

Equipment will always be a limiting factor in how many lanes can be established for the ACFT. The number of lanes will dictate how many Soldiers can be tested in a group. For example, we set up 20 lanes for the ACFT which allows us to test 80 Soldiers per group (4 Soldiers per lane as directed by FM 7-22).

1) Set up as many even lanes as possible but no more than 20 lanes total.

Having an even number of lanes is essential for efficient and timely grading procedures, as graders pair up lanes for the Standing Power Throw (SPT) and Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC). Having an odd number of lanes will throw everything off. Anything more than 20 lanes you begin to lose command and control of the element and voice commands become difficult to hear without use of a bullhorn.

2) Turf vs Grass.

We utilized both surfaces to administer the ACFT and each surface has pros and cons. A grass surface provides the opportunity to spray paint lane lines directly onto the field which saves tons of time on-site setup, spares the use of cones as well as the aggravation of trying to use engineer tape.

The major downside to using grass is that based on the heavy traffic pattern and weather, the grass can quickly turn to mud/dirt which greatly impacts the SDC event. You won’t have that issue with turf.

However, unless the turf field was specifically designed for the ACFT, you are going to be using a ton of cones and a measuring wheel/tape to establish the lanes. This greatly lengthens the setup time as the coned-out field needs to be the first thing established on site. If using a turf field, we found it helpful to place rubber matting underneath the hexbars for the deadlift event. This will help save unnecessary wear and tear, as well as denting of the turf surface.

3) Create 2 separate 25m distances per lane.

We have the field space (both on turf and grass) to create 2 separate 25m distances per lane. Based on space, many units must utilize the same 25m distance for the standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up (HRPU), and Sprint-Drag-Carry event (SDC).

For our ACFTs, we create a 25m distance for the SPT and another 25m distance for the HRPU and SDC farther down the lane. The ability to create 2 x 25m distances per lane allows us to test multiple groups of Soldiers simultaneously. For example, as a group of 80 Soldiers moves down the lanes to start the HRPU event, another group of 80 Soldiers can start the 10-minute warm up for the 3RM deadlift event since there is enough space between events where the groups will not interfere with each other.

The 2 x 25m distances per lane have been a total game-changer in terms of Soldier throughput.

WEATHER

1) Postpone for anything more than light rain.

Unless your unit has access to an indoor testing facility, the weather can substantially impact test administration. We found that anything heavier than a light rain is grounds to postpone the event, especially if performing the ACFT on a grass field (mud accumulates quickly).

The moisture can also negatively impact Soldier performance on the SPT (power throw). Towels don’t really do much in terms of getting the moisture off the ball. It’s still going to be wet.

Same goes for the kettlebell handles and the pull up bars.

TIMELINE AND SOLDIER THROUGHPUT

1) Plan on 2 hours for set up.

With an experienced setup team, we found we can establish the 20-lane test and 2-mile run (2MR) course in about 30 minutes. This took several reps to achieve. When we first started this process, setup took us a full hour. A good initial estimation for large scale site setup with would be between 45min-1hour.

2) Deadlift Setup Tips.

The station that takes the longest to setup is the 3RM deadlift, due to the sheer number of weight plates needed in order to establish 20 stations that range from 140lbs to 340lbs. I highly recommend starting setup of the deadlift early, as it initially surprised us how long it took to setup.

Have change plates (5 lbs. and 10 lbs.) centrally located between the stations so Soldiers can quickly add weight to the hexbar if desired.

If possible, have multiple stations of popular weights. For example, many Soldiers in my unit easily max out the 3RM deadlift at 340lbs. To alleviate a backlog at that specific weight, we crated 5 x 340lbs deadlift stations. Be ready to adjust the weights based on where Soldiers congregate during the 3RM deadlift.

3) Space soldier groups 30 minutes apart.

Report times for groups of Soldiers should be spaced approximately 30 minutes apart. For example, if we are testing 20 groups of 80 Soldiers for a specific day- group 1 arrives at 0630, group 2 at 0700, etc.

The 30-minute spacing allows for a group to execute the preparation drill (warm up sequence), 3RM deadlift, and start the standing power throw, before group 2 arrives.

We found that the trigger to start the next group onto the 3RM deadlift station, was when the group that is ahead starts the HRPU.

4) Always strive to get 4 Soldiers per testing lane.

Three is okay, but 5 is a no-go. Having a fifth person in a lane will throw off the entire group’s throughput timeline. For example, having a fifth person in a lane means an additional 2-minute iteration for the HPRU, an additional SDC iteration (up to 3 mins in duration), and an additional leg tuck iteration. In total that could add up to 7 minutes or more. Multiply this by numerous testing groups and you can quickly find yourself behind schedule.

5) Arrange Soldiers from heaviest to lightest (or lightest to heaviest) deadlift before starting the Sprint-Drag-Carry event.

We found that Soldiers who lift heavier on the 3RM deadlift event generally have faster times on the SDC. If you can front load those Soldiers, then it will save time across 4 x SDC iterations per group.

6) Have the 4th Soldier count HRPU reps for the grader.

For the HRPUs, have the last Soldier in the stack of 4 come and count the number of repetitions out loud. This allows the grader to focus on form and give the performer feedback.

GRADERS & SUPPORT STAFF

1) Staff 2 Groups of 20 Graders plus 10 Graders/Support Staff for the 2-Mile Run.

In order to have multiple groups of Soldiers testing at any given time, we needed 2 groups of 20 graders (1 grader per lane), as well as a fully separate 2 mile run grading group consisting of about 10 graders/support staff. Here’s why …..

The lane graders take the groups of Soldiers through the first 5 events of the ACFT. Once complete with the leg tuck event, graders give the Soldier their scorecard and the Soldiers are then escorted to the OIC/NCOIC at the 2MR site. The lane graders then go back to the staging area to pick up the next group of 80 Soldiers to start another iteration of the test. This grader schematic allows for 3 groups of 80 soldiers to be testing the ACFT at any time- 2 groups of 80 Soldiers on the lanes, and one group of 80 Soldiers on the run.

2) Identify 3 Support Staff to Assist with Flow and Organization at 3 Critical Areas.

The first is reception and staging, the second is Soldier movement from 3RM deadlift to standing power throw (arranging Soldiers in stacks of 4 per lane), and the third is the escort from the leg tuck to the 2MR station. The personnel assigned to flow are instrumental in reducing transition time.

COVID-19 MITIGATION MEASURES

All ACFT testing is done outside. Soldiers are required to sanitize their hands prior to starting the ACFT.  All Soldiers are required to wear masks during the warmup, 3RM deadlift, SPT, and LTK. Soldiers are permitted to remove masks when actively performing the HRPU, SDC, and 2MR. When masks are off, Soldiers are required to maintain appropriate distancing. If possible, have hand sanitizer or handwashing stations near the staging area and at the end of the 2MR.

We also incorporated the use of sanitation teams to clean the equipment after each group of 80 Soldiers completed an event. For example, once all Soldiers were complete with the 3RM deadlift station, the sanitation team would spray and wipe down the hexbar handles. This was done with plenty of time for the bars to dry prior to the next group starting the 3RM deadlift. Sanitation was repeated for SPT, SDC, and LTK stations.

Sarah is an Army Major taxed with early implementation/testing of the ACFT.

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