Videos

MSR Windburner Stove System

Anyone who hangs out in the woods or mountains knows the name MSR or Mountain Safety Research. The Seattle based company has been pioneering innovative and safer outdoor equipment since it was founded in 1969 by Seattle engineer and lifelong mountaineer Larry Penberthy. Their well engineered products are conceived and mostly hand built in their Seattle headquarters. They manufacture lightweight tents, compact stoves, cookware, snowshoes and several variations of their popular water filtration systems.

The product I’d like to introduce you to is the MSR Windburner Stove System. The Windburner Stove System is similar in concept to the JetBoil line of compact stove systems. Where is separates itself from the competition is how it handles the weather. In windy conditions, I’ve found the JetBoil can struggle to effectively boil water in a timely manner. The MSR Windburner Stove System utilizes a fully enclosed radiant burner and a perforated metal wind deflector that leaves conventional burners in the cold. The 1 liter aluminum pot with built in heat exchanger, easily locks onto the burner to make a quick meal or pot of coffee.

Although I didn’t have very windy conditions while on my last hiking trip, I was able to bench test and compare the results while simulating wind. With a big ass fan from Home Depot and an anemometer, I was able to produce a constant measured 10-11 MPH wind. I used .5L of 60 degree water in a completely cool pot and came up with pretty consistent results over several test runs.

0 MPH wind time to boil: 2:25
10 MPH wind time to boil 2:45

The entire MSR Windburner Stove System and (1) IsoPro 4oz fuel canister nests into the pot for a fully contained system. The optional coffee press is a nice addition for us coffee lovers. Just grind your favorite blend of beans and bring it into the backcountry for a flavorful morning brew. The optional coffee press also has a place within the system for storage.

If you need a personal stove system that has the capability to operate in less than ideal or windy conditions, look no further than the MSR Windburner. Wether you’re into backpacking, mountain climbing or just car camping with friends and family, this would be a great option to try out. I’ve owned an MSR Dragonfly stove since it was introduced and haven’t considered anything else until I used the Windburner. The ease of set-up, lack of priming, less working parts and not having to pump the fuel tank to maintain fuel pressure were all things that appeal to me now.

Windburner features:

Lid with Drinking and Straining Ports
Insulated Cozy with Handle
1.0L Pot with Heat Exchanger
Secure Connection with Stove
Ultra-Efficient Radiant Burner
Pressure Regulator for Consistent Performance
Full-Size Bowl: 16 oz. / .47L
Folding Canister Stand
Coffee Press (sold separately $19.95)

Integrated System: Compact, all-in-one stove and cookware solution features a secure-locking pot/personal eat-and-drink mug with cozy.
Maximum Efficiency: Radiant burner and heat exchanger deliver faster boil times and more fuel efficiency than conventional stoves that use convective heat only.
Windproof Performance: 100% primary air combustion, enclosed design & internal pressure regulator work together to make stove virtually impervious to outside conditions.
Compact Design: Conveniently packs the stove burner, 4 oz. (110g) IsoPro™ fuel canister (sold separately), folding canister stand, and PackTowl® inside the 1.0L Pot. Extra full-sized bowl snaps onto the outside.
Modular Versatility: Customizable system works with optional cookware accessories, including the WindBurner 1.0L accessory pot, hanging kit and coffee press.

Get your MSR Windburner here.

(Featured Image and Specs courtesy of MSR)

– Erik Meisner for LoadoutRoom.com

20th Fighter Wing Deployment Compilation

Happy Sunday, FighterSweep Fans! Today we are very fortunate to bring you a very special presentation, one that has been in the works for some time and we feel is finally ready to share with all of you!

We have talked a lot about deployments, TSPs, and the various challenges of getting warfighters both downrange and back home. We have also touched on the realities of modern air combat, thanks to some fine work done by Combat Camera professionals who’ve deployed and embedded themselves with various flying units conducting combat operations.

We’d like to present to you another home-grown FighterSweep video. This one depicts deployed real-world missions as seen through the eyes of pilots in the 20th Fighter Wing, a unit we’ve worked with extensively over the past four years as they’ve been at home station at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and deployed for the real thing.

923920_F16_SW_JUNE15_HI1FS — “Slapshot,” the Wild Weasel 50th anniversary tail flash was revealed at Shaw AFB, Souther Carolina earlier this summer.

While the bread-and-butter skill of the Block 50 F-16CJ is SEAD, the jet and the professional men and women who fly it are also very adept at conducting other mission sets: Dynamic Targeting, Air Interdiction, Escort, Close Air Support, and others. While there is no threat requiring Wild Weasel missions in Afghanistan, there continues to be a need for combat airpower of those other flavors. The 20th Fighter Wing is ready and will answer the call when it rings through!

– Scott Wolff for FighterSweep.com

Happy Birthday To The USAF!

Happy Friday, FighterSweep Fans! Today we are celebrating the creation of the United States Air Force, sixty-eight years ago today when President Truman signed the National Security Act and established a new defense organization independent of its previous life as part of the Army.

As you read these words, airmen all over the globe are hard at work, reminding friend and foe alike why the courage, innovation, tactical prowess, and overwhelming mastery of the aerial battlespace have come to be the calling card of the USAF. It is the most respected, feared, agile, capable, and dominant instrument of air power the world has ever seen…bar none.

The value of airpower has been demonstrated in every major conflict since the dawn of the 20th Century. That proud heritage began with the heroes of the Lafayette Escadrille and continues on to this moment, where the first two combat-coded F-35As have begun local flying at their home station of Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

The truth is, we live in uncertain times. The Air Force is in a position where its senior leaders have to decide the way ahead and continue to ensure battlespace dominance, all while they make agonizing choices about the longevity of current inventory and despite our nation’s fiscal and societal challenges. It’s no small task.

The world is a very scary and dark place, and regardless of the origins of the current menace, we can rest assured the sword of freedom is well placed on the wings of our men and women in blue. As General Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff says, “Tomorrow’s Air Force rests in America’s hands. I have faith were entrusting our future to the hands of servant leaders…heroes whose stories are still being written.”

Happy Birthday to the USAF!

Black Diamond: Back in the USA

Black Diamond originated as a climbing equipment company. Although they manufacture a large variety of outdoor equipment; including skis, outerwear, and tents, the company is still best know for its high quality climbing hardware. A number of years ago, the company decided to build its own facility in China and move existing climbing hardware manufacturing away from the USA.

Rarely does a company move manufacturing overseas to then realize the error of their ways and move everything back to the USA. Over summer 2015, Black Diamond has successfully moved manufacturing of climbing equipment back to its Salt Lake City headquarters. Referred to as the repatriation initiative, their efforts not only brought jobs and money back to the USA, but also improved their R&D process and speed of product completion. A win for the community and win for the company.

While at this years Summer Outdoor Retailer, we had a chance to attend Black Diamond’s 25th anniversary party at the Salt Lake City facility. Not like your normal social event, we got to mow down some great food and drink a few cold beverages, all while wandering the aisles of a running manufacturing facility. I own close to 30 items from Black Diamond and trust my life to most. Watching how each of these items are made was a new experience for the crew, gave us a greater appreciation for the process, and understanding why I pay what I do for a device that will save my life in the event of a fall.

The evening was polished off with a slide show by one of my personal (and many others) climbing heroes, Tommy Caldwell. Tommy is arguably the greatest big-wall climber to ever live an continues to raise the bar of what’s capable with hard work and desire. Tommy Caldwell and Keven Jorgenson completed the Dawn Wall climb on El Cap last January after almost seven years of effort.

Below are a few photos of what goes into the process of making some of the world’s best climbing equipment.

BD-Crampon-Cutting — Cutting crampon spikes from sheets.

Pile of carabiners before gates are assembled and anodized.

BD-Barney-Nut — For making climbing stoppers, Black Diamonds oldest piece of machinery, BARNEY.

Black Diamond has some new gear they are ready to kick out the door in the coming months. Below are a few shots of some old and new gear from their climbing division.

Stay tuned for upcoming reviews of Black Diamonds new releases for 2016.

– Isaiah Burkhart for LoadoutRoom.com

5.11 Tactical at Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015

If there is a brand that’s synonymous with contracting or PSD (personal/protective security detail), its 5.11 Tactical. At this years Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015 we had a chance to get our hands on some of 5.11’s new fall line of gear. From what I can tell, they’ve added more features, and at the same time gone even more casual and versatile. We particularly like the look and everyday fall/winter wear capabilities of the Anorak. Check out the video below for more information and an in-depth look at all the features of some of 5.11’s new products.

Look for full reviews of each of these products in the next couple months.

– Isaiah Burkhart for LoadoutRoom.com

Liberty Mountain: Tiny Stoves and Bad Ass Carabiners

The company at this years Summer Outdoor Retailer with the most variety for the outdoorsman was Liberty Mountain. Liberty Mountain is one of the largest wholesale distributors of outdoor products in the US.

With climbing ropes, all varieties of camping gear, rock/ice climbing hardware, and outerwear, checking out there booth is like walking into a wonderland for the absolute gearhead. Fortunately, no one is allowed to buy any products while at the show, because I would be flat broke with all the amazing gear on view.

Two standout items this year from Liberty Mountain were Olicamp’s insanely tiny ultralight stove and a probably the safest carabiner on the market. For more information on these two products you can check out the videos below. We had the pleasure to hear about the Grivel’s captive eye technology from ultra-badass Stevie Haston. Stevie’s crushed some of the world’s hardest climbs and continues to do so well into his 50s.

Grivel’s new K10G carabiner provides the best of both worlds when it comes to safety. Twin gate and captive eye in one. These features eliminate the need for a screwgate and keep the carabiner loaded on its major axis. Bottom line, this thing is about as safe and idiot proof as they come.

– Isaiah Burkhart for LoadoutRoom.com

Keep Your Weapon in the Right Hands

Safariland Group offers a broad range of products including: holsters, gun accessories, body worn cameras, forensic equipment, coms/hearing protection, body armor, and less lethal (OC, batons, etc). Whether you are an average gun owner, or part of a tactical law enforcement group, they have products that you can use. Rick Dembroski recently wrote an article about the 7004 7TS SLS Tactical Holster. After his article, I decided to look into Safariland for my duty holster.

I work with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP Officers work at the major ports of entry (POE) into the United States, and abroad. If you go to any international airport, land border, or seaport you will encounter CBP Officers. Sometimes CBP Officers are confused with Border Patrol. Although similar, the two groups have different areas of operations. Border Patrol covers the areas between the POEs. While on-duty I carry a gun belt equipped with: OC (pepper spray), PRD (radiation detection), baton, handcuffs, magazine pouch (holds two magazines), and my service weapon (H&K P2000 .40).

Most Police Officers are required to use holsters that slow, or inhibit an attacker from getting their weapon. These types of holsters are called retention holsters. Depending on the agency, or department, there will be certain retention requirements that must be met in order for an Officer to use a specific holster. Also, there will be guidelines as to the aesthetics of the holster (material, color, etc.). I am required to use a level II (or better) retention holster, black, mid or high ride, for a 2” belt.

Safariland has an awesome compatibility tool. You simply make selections based on your weapon (manufacturer, model, barrel length, caliber, etc.), needed specifications, and all compatible holsters will be displayed. I ended up with Model 6360-97-131 (STX) Mid-Ride, Level III Retention Duty Holster. Depending on your customizations (materials, light options, etc.) the MSRP ranges from $147-$217.

Level III Retention

Hood Guard
Self-Locking-System (SLS) rotating hood
Automatic-Locking-System (ALS)
- Internal locking mechanism that keeps the weapon secure regardless of the SLS system. It maintains security regardless of the direction of attack. It’s operable with the thumb, and the weapon can be drawn straight out of the holster with no twisting.
These devices are designed to prevent someone from getting a Police Officer’s gun while in a struggle. There is a balance between making it difficult for an assailant, while making it easy for the Officer to use. Safariland created a solid holster, addressing both concerns. If you have never used retention devices, it will take some practice before you become proficient.

Customization (Customization depends on your weapons specifications and accessories)

Material
- Leather, Accumold, Accumold Elite, Ranger, Patroltek (Click here for a description of each)
Colors
- Black, Coyote Brown, Dark Earth Brown, Foliage Green, OD Green
Finish
- Basket Weave, Hi-Gloss, Nylon Look, Plain, STX
Draw Hand
- Left, Right
By their very design, retention devices will slow your draw. Although the intention is to slow an assailant, there is no way to avoid adding time to your draw. Knowing this, you should set time aside for holster/draw drills, making your draw smooth through muscle memory. Be prepared in the field. Have confidence that an assailant will have difficulty taking your weapon, but also know that you may need a fraction of a second longer to put your weapon into action.

If you are in need of a retention holster take a look at the Safariland lineup.

– Robert McCartney for LoadoutRoom.com

Stop Drinking Warm Water…Even Worse, Warm Beer

About five years ago, I was doing some summer biathlon training and I had a race that consisted of running, kayaking, and standard prone/standing shooting. I was out of town and forgot to bring a water bottle for hydrating prior to and after the race. I felt unprepared and quite embarrassed for not having what I needed. I ended up borrowing a bottle from a friend, filled it with ice cold water, and headed off for the race. In another rookie move, I left the bottle on the front seat of my pickup on a 90 degree day.

The race went great and I finished in a much higher place and time than expected. I headed back to my truck knowing I would find some nice warm water to drink prior to my post race cool-down. I unscrewed the bottle and was pleasantly surprised the water was still ice cold. Over the last five years I’ve heard countless other similar stories. At the time, I had never heard of Hydro Flask and had no idea the bottle was even insulated.

If there’s one company that started the insulated bottle revolution, it’s Hydro Flask. There collection now comes in all shapes and sizes. From food containers, standard water bottles, to the highly coveted 64 oz. growler and True Pint, I haven’t found a line of products that keep your cold drinks cold or hot drinks hot for as long as Hydro Flask.

We had a chance to visit Hydro Flask at Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015 and see what’s new.

Below, Hydro Flask has some pretty awesome new products and holiday gift packs arriving that are definitely worth checking out.

Hydro Flask True Pint Holiday Gift Pack

Hydro Flask’s 16 oz True Pints are made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and the double wall vacuum provides top-notch insulation power. Hydro Flask is proud that all of its products are BPA-free, 100% recyclable and are backed by a lifetime warranty. Gift givers can also feel great about their purchase as the company gives 5% of its net profits to 12 different non-profits through its charitable arm 5% back. 4-Pack of True Pints — MSRP $79.95

Hydro Flask Food Flask Holiday Gift Pack

The newly redesigned 12 oz and 18 oz Food Flasks are just the right size for snacks and in-between meal temptations. Durable and backed by a lifetime warranty, the Food Flask’s wide mouth opening allows for easy access for eating straight out of the container, as well as easy pouring. Great for transporting food or hearty liquids to and from the office, school or anywhere in between, our double wall vacuum insulated technology will keep hot foods steaming hot and cold foods chilled and fresh. The 18/8 food-grade stainless steel interior provides non-porous storage with no residual odors or flavors from the previous day’s contents, while our airtight lid keeps today’s meal as fresh going out as it was going in. — MSRP $59.95

– Isaiah Burkhart for LoadoutRoom.com

Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015: NEMO Equipment

I’ve recently wrote about four essentials I always keep in my pack when traveling overnight in the mountains. It may have come as a surprise that all these items are from NEMO Equipment. I’m always searching for the next best thing to switch out with one of my essentials. NEMO doesn’t make a wide array of different products, but their tents, sleeping systems, and accessories don’t make it easy for an exchange. We at the Loadout Room knew we would see some sweet new products coming for 2016 at this years Summer Outdoor Retailer.

For good reason, at least one of NEMO’s products wins some sort of industry award on a yearly basis. After using and abusing their gear I’ve learned they aren’t a giant company concerned with turning massive profits at the expense of quality products, but a company that strives to makes gear so you can enjoy your experience in the outdoors.

Take a moment and check out the video below to see a NEMO ultralight solo backpacking setup, a sleeping bag that’s rated from 20 – 80 degrees farenheit, and a new ultralight insulated sleeping pad that could keep the weight off your back in the most austere of environments.

– Isaiah Burkhart for LoadoutRoom.com

Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015: Mammut’s Absolute Alpine

Mammut is a mountain gear company that’s been around for a long time. Although not as prominent a name in North America, they consistently design and manufacture some of the most cutting edge outerwear, climbing hardware, and alpine gear for thriving in the mountains.

We had a chance to swing by the Mammut booth at Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015 and check out some of their new and innovative “Absolute Alpine” products. As many know, a product is more than its material and more about the design process. Mammut has some of the worlds best mountain athletes as ambassadors to give constant feedback on what works and what doesn’t. From simple GORE-TEX jackets, helmets, to ropes, their end-user thought process generally exceeds other brands I’ve encountered.

The Swiss company’s product prices are on the high-end, so start depositing those two dollar bills your grandmother gave you as a child before you purchase one of their new products. From the products I’ve used, the quality is worth the price. There are many here at the Loadout Room that will attest to Mammut’s quality. It’s not that they’ve never made a poor product, they are just more consistent than most.

The first video at the top covers Mammut’s climbing ropes and dry treatment, new climbing helmet, and a super rad chalk-bag that any climber will want in their quiver.

Aspiring to travel in the backcountry on skis or a snowboard? Maybe you’re a seasoned backcountry skier and are in need of a new avalanche air-bag. Mammut’s ultralight and interchangeable system could save your life.

The next product has been around for the last couple of years, but has some serious application potential in the special operations community. Integrating the comfort of pants into the safety of a climbing harness is something that has only been done in firefighter turnouts, but should be considered for special applications throughout the military.

– Isaiah Burkhart for LoadoutRoom.com