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My Week Shadowing Storm Chasers in Oklahoma

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Have you ever seen a tornado? I paired up with a group of storm chasers for a week and have a newfound appreciation for them. We pulled off at a Kum and Go gas station to fill up the tank. Road rule: pee at every stop. Mike recalled how his best tornado video was ruined by someone chanting, “I’ve gotta pee,” like a mantra. Fortunately, I have a capacious bladder, but Dean keeps a roll of toilet paper in his glove box, just in case. Back in the car, Dean was refining our target area near Gotebo, checking RadarScope and the real-time Doppler radar, which tracks the location and velocity of storms, and referring to GRLevelX, a data-processing, and display program. His cell phone pinged with text messages from chaser friends in the area. By midafternoon, the National Weather Service had issued a severe weather warning on NOAA Weather Radio, and our …

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Trijicon Rolls Out New Concealed Carry Reflex Optic

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Michigan-based Trijicon chose September 01 to announce a long-awaited product. It’s a concealed carry optic, which they call the RMRcc. The company’s landmark RMR product line is so popular, the model name is often conflated with any brand’s reflex optic. Despite that, the company lagged behind many competitors in rolling out a compact edition appropriate for concealment-size guns. Tough and Durable Lightweight and low-profile aims were met with the new optic. It weighs just an ounce, battery included, with its 7075-T6 aluminum frame. Its dimensions come in at just under one inch in height and width. It’s also thinner overall than the original RMR. This new release has a black finish; the finish treatment is not yet disclosed. Recoil is not an issue Though the construction is lightweight, Trijicon says the RMRcc will stand up to the stoutest recoil from even 45 ACP and 10mm. With one of the available …

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Threat Perception – Refuse to be a Victim

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We don’t need to extol the value of everyday preparedness — if you’re reading this article, you already know its importance. But being prepared without looking prepared is a much more daunting task, and requires a conscious decision to blend into the environment. It offers the ability to go about your daily routine without being noticed or drawing attention. Some call this the gray man principle, others call it simply maintaining normality. The element of surprise can be paramount when it comes to addressing threats or other dangerous situations you may encounter. Alternatively, blending in can also help reduce the likelihood of being a target in the first place. In any environment, threat perception is key.  Threat Identification – Situational Awareness One of the elements often discussed when referencing this philosophy is situational awareness — the ability to pay attention to your environment in a way that helps you decipher …

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America’s Favorite Pet – Vote for Roger

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It’s official! Voting has begun to pick America’s Favorite Pet! This year’s winner will be featured on Dogster Magazine and receive tons of “pawesome” prizes! Click HERE to vote! Seriously Every year dogs and cats compete in one of the cutest competitions out there. America’s Favorite Pet virtually hosts pets from around the US to take part in this competition. And it’s you that gets to pick which dog and cat you’d like to see as America’s Favorite! The winner not only wins $5,000 in cold hard cash, but they also receive an opportunity to be featured on Dogster Magazine! Head on over to Instagram and give me a follow @nichoberle and see all of the Aussie antics in our house! Why Should Roger Be America’s Favorite Pet? Roger should be America’s Favorite Pet because he embodies everything that is good and resembles the American Spirit. His love of adventure …

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Tips for Camping with Your Dog

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Four-legged friends are an important part of our life and our family. Traveling together can be a choice or a necessity; the fact remains that going camping with your dog is possible and fun, but you need the right precautions. Are you thinking about taking the next holiday with your dog? If your destination is camping, here is a guide for preparing your holiday: what to bring, the checks before leaving, the rules of behavior and advice in case of accidents. The right equipment If you travel in a camper van, caravan, or have chosen to sleep in a bungalow, everything will be more straightforward, but for those who want to sleep in a tent, more precautions are needed. You need to bring all the standard equipment for yourself, and some more for your pet. Don’t forget that you are packing for two! Make sure that the two of you …

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How are Rifle Optics and Sights Different?

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Holographic sights. Red dots. Reflex sights. These terms get tossed around a lot—often interchangeably. After all, how different could they be? Each of them features a reticle, a glass surface, and 1x magnification, right? The truth is that red dots and holographic weapon sights work on two completely different principles. Here’s the CliffsNotes version: red dots use an LED emitter to project a reticle onto glass. Holographic sights use a laser diode and mirrors to “project” a reticle that appears to be floating on your target. Of course, there’s more to it than that, but it’s a good place to start. RED DOTS As stated, red dot sight uses an LED emitter to project a reticle onto glass, which is then bounced back to your eye. The LED emitter uses very little battery power, so red dots can have a battery life up to 50,000 hours. And because the design …

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How to Grill Steak – 5 Things to Know

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It’s our favorite time of year – grilling season! Grilling the perfect steak doesn’t have to be difficult. Cook a tender and juicy steak with these five simple steps to prepare both your steak and grill. 1. Start with a great steak The key to perfect grilling is starting with a great cut of steak. Marbling – the white flecks of fat in the steak – is important. It will melt into the steak as it cooks, adding flavor and tenderness. Select an aged steak for maximum tenderness – all Omaha Steaks cuts are aged at least 21 days. Our favorite steaks for grilling are filet mignon, ribeye, New York strips, top sirloins, and T-bones. Each steak cut has a unique flavor profile, visit our ultimate steak cut guide to select your desired fork and flavor.       2. Climatize the steak To ensure your steak cooks evenly, bring …

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The Next Evolution of Roof Rack Have Arrived

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For 45 years, ARB 4×4 Accessories has innovated products for vehicle-based adventures over rough terrain. Now, for the first time in more than 26 years, ARB releases a new roof rack system. ARB’s very first product was a roof rack. And while the new ARB BASE Rack is just another platform-style roof rack, it’s one that thoroughly impresses. ARB says that BASE stands for “Build, Attach, Set, and Explore.” Sure, that isn’t a very exciting name, but it does make sense. Although Australian off-road companies aren’t known for their quality branding or marketing, they are luckily renowned for innovative and top-quality off-road products. Just Another Roof Rack? Why should you care about another platform roof rack hitting the market? It’s a valid question, as there are a ton of options out there. Some of the top players in this space are Front Runner, Rhino-Rack, K-9, Yakima, and, of course, ARB. …

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Ford Bronco 2021: That Was Worth the Wait

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Ford has been teasing us with the 2021 Ford Bronco for nearly 2 years. We finally saw it and are already drooling. So then, if you crave adventure in your vehicle, Ford just scratched a big itch. Therefore, I’m going to take a second and just let you drool over this photo. Go ahead and click the image to see it full size — we’ll wait. 2021 Ford Bronco: 2-Door & 4-Door So then, does that have you already checking your bank account balance? Saving your (many) pennies? OK, then read on. We’re going to break down Ford’s 2021 Bronco reveal and tell you what we know now. Furthermore, if you want to watch the buzz reel released today, you can find it at the end of this article. Ford swung for the fences with the return of the Bronco, offering three unique body styles right off the bat. Calling …

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Hike To The Secluded Cibecue Falls

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  Located on the eastern edge of the Tonto National Forest is the spectacular Cibecue Falls. The hike brings visitors to a waterfall situated in a charming desert canyon along Cibecue Creek, a small river that eventually feeds into the larger Salt River. When To Hike Cibecue Falls Late spring, summer, and early fall are best for hiking Cibecue Falls. Although situated in a desert environment, much of the hike is shaded by brush and canyon walls, so warmer weather is the best time to visit. The hike also presents plenty of opportunities to swim along the way. Although the hike provides plenty of shade and river to wade in, bring more than enough water. This is always an essential tip to follow, but especially important when hiking in a desert environment. Getting to Cibecue Falls From Phoenix, simply hop on the US-60 East. Stay on this road for a …

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Scout Campers: A Backpack for Your Truck

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The new Scout Campers line is all about versatility, value, and outdoor adventure. These new slide-in truck campers start at under $20,000 and are designed like a backpack. Every system and feature is multipurpose, removable, and the simplest-quality form possible. Scout Campers are all about remote self-supported vehicle adventure. They’re lightweight units with components designed to be robust and usable both in and out of the camper. Sure, we all love the shelter of a comfy camper, especially when the weather sets in or a swarm of mosquitoes descends on camp. Until that time, it’s usually better to enjoy the great outdoors. Scout Campers Adventure Manufacturing is based in Yakima, WA, and has over 50 years of truck camper building experience. This same facility and dealer network will create, sell, and service Scout Campers. The main feature that sets these new Scout Campers apart from the wide range of other truck …

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The Best Dog Leash for Running

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Have you been searching for the best dog leash for running? There are so many different brands and styles out there that make deciding rather difficult. So then, Paco, a red heeler puppy, came into my life like most other high-stakes things my husband and I have under our roof—after months of theoretical deliberation, then a swift Craigslist purchase when we spotted a good deal. We knew that being first-time dog parents would test us on many levels, but there was one thing I’d failed to consider: as much as Paco disliked being on a leash, I liked it even less. And while having a well-behaved dog like Paco off-leash is OK in select places, I knew he would often need to be tied to me if we wanted to venture into public spaces, which includes most trails near my home in Boulder, Colorado. The Search Begins My mother-in-law sent us …

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Kayaking for Beginners: An Essential Checklist

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Kayaking for Beginners: The Gear you Must Have.  People begin kayaking for different reasons — for physical fitness, for mental health, to fish, or to join a friend who has a kayak. And some people enjoy access to a sport where leg strength or mobility is not required. We’re here to help you navigate the exciting world of kayaking for beginners. In this article, we focus on kayaking in still water — primarily in lakes. This guide focuses on items to bring kayaking and will not dive deep into water safety, which is crucial to the experience. We recommend you educate yourself further before the first launch, whether from a guide, a friend, or another online resource. The Essential Kayaking Checklist for Beginners Kayak A sit-on-top kayak is the best choice for a true beginner. In general, they are more affordable, more balanced, and sturdy on the water. They’re also easier to …

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Motocamping: What to Know and Where to Start

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First of all, you may be asking what is “Motocamping?” Motorcycle camping combines two all-American pastimes. The freedom of the open road can be daunting and uncertain, but exhilarating all the same. So then, if you are ready to channel your Easy Rider and hit the open road, check out these tips to help your motocamping trip run as smoothly and safely as possible. Get the Gear: Figuring Out Your Camping Style When you’re traveling and living out of your motorcycle, you need the right gear. Light, compact gear alleviates any hassle or headache from lack of space. The gear you’ll need depends entirely on the adventure goals you have. For example, are you a rock climber? A hiker? Do you love the simplicity of just cruising all day and camping each night in a new spot? Simply, decide what you’ll need based on your dream itinerary. Furthermore, if you …

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Best Rooftop Camper? Meet the Redtail Overland RT

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Redtail Overland’s rooftop camper may have just created the ultimate vehicle rooftop bedroom. Think of the Redtail Overland RT as a super-high-end rooftop camper (RTC). It’s basically a high-tech, carbon fiber, hard-sided rooftop tent with a full electrical system and heater. As a bonus, it offers access from the vehicle interior — if your vehicle has a sunroof, that is. However, carbon fiber, machined aluminum, lithium batteries, a diesel heater, LED lighting, and more don’t come cheap! Initially, Redtail Overland will offer two models, the RT 90 and RT 110, which will cost $20,000 and $25,000, respectively. That’s a lot of adventure money! “We took everything that is great about rooftop camping and enhanced it — adding heat, power, lighting, security, and next-level comfort,” the brand said. “We simplified the setup and breakdown process, making it easier to blaze more trail, and packaged everything in an elegant design we’re proud to keep …

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Perspective – What do you see in the Clouds?

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Take a moment and look at these clouds. What do you see? If you were to drop your thoughts in the comments you would see that all of us hold a different perspective. But what if I told you that there is a tortoise and a hare hidden in the clouds? Chances are that you would visualize a tortoise and a hare, especially if I were to make this claim adamantly over and over again and maybe even drew it out for you to help with the realization that they are actually there.  My point is, make your own determination of how you interpret [in this case, clouds] a situation. When we are told what to see or believe, we tend to see and believe what people tell us. Why is that?  If you apply this theory to the way the world has shifted in the last few months what …

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10 Waterfall Hikes in the U.S. to Start your Summer

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10 Waterfall Hikes in the U.S. to Start your Summer Wanderlust There’s something magical and soothing about watching water pour over a cliff. And what better way to kick off your summer vacation than by spending some time recharging alongside some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the U.S. Many of these waterfall hikes are easily accessible to all ability levels. However, a few, like Havasu Falls, require an overnight hike, making the waterfall payoff even more special and rewarding. Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Often referred to as The Niagara of the South, Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world where you can see a “moonbow”. A “moonbow” is a rainbow formed by the water of the falls but is only visible on clear nights, two days before and after a full moon. From the parking lot, several viewpoints at the top, base, and downstream of …

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5 Clever Backyard Storage Ideas

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One all-important aspect of home design is storage. We all need extra space to put tools, toys, supplies, and more in the backyard. And while it’s simple enough to just toss everything into buckets or set up cheap shelves, why not make your storage look like a natural part of the backyard? It’s easy and fun to find ways to incorporate your storage into your overall design. Have too much stuff to store in your yard? Try out these backyard storage ideas for design inspiration! Creative Outdoor Storage Why not get creative with your backyard storage? Find ways to integrate your storage naturally into your design scheme or make it subtler. Whatever you choose, the possibilities are nearly endless! Try one of these popular storage ideas: Firewood cubbies Hidden storage spaces Pool houses Outdoor bars Outdoor kitchen cabinets 1) Firewood Cubbies A new wood-burning fireplace or firepit requires a decent …

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3 True Ghost Stories for Your Next Backyard Campfire

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True Ghost Stories that will send shivers down your spine! We’ve given up so much outdoor recreation this year. Not that we’re mad about it. Saving lives matters more than backpacking trips and summer marathons. But as the days get warmer, I feel myself craving the smoke-in-my hair smell from a campfire. I miss the sound of owls, the dwindling supply of beer in the cooler, and the way time suspends as you wait for the flames to die. Oh, and telling some true ghost stories! Mostly, though, I miss the stories. There’s something about the light of the fire in the backcountry darkness that makes you lean in and listen to a little closer. And, of course, a few sips of wine never hurt a good tall tale. We can’t bring back your spring campfires with friends. We can, however, bring our favorite campfire stories to you. Save these …

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RV Road Tripping Along Route 66

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Traveling the historic route between Chicago and Los Angeles is the quintessential American road trip—and a great cross-country trip to do in an RV. It’s not America’s longest or oldest highway. Yet, it stands out in American history as a symbol of freedom; from the time the automobile became accessible to all, and how it transformed society during the 1930s and 1940s. Today, much of the original Route 66 is still navigable, with hundreds of historic landmarks, tourist attractions, old-time diners, natural wonders, and campgrounds lining the route. The entire 2,400-mile route makes for an epic RV trip, or you can tick off one segment at a time, in any of the eight states that the route passes through. Either way, an RV trip is a nostalgic journey through America’s early days of westward travel. What is Route 66? Also known as the Mother Road or the Main Street of …

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