Gear Review : Earth Pak

     I love success stories, and what I love even more is to be a part of those stories. It’s one thing to be successful, but it’s another to do it on your own. The gear review I’m doing today is from a company who did just that. They built something special from the ground up.

                A few months ago I won a contest on Instagram. Yep! You can actually win some of those giveaways without being flooded with junk emails in the future. Anyways, I was lucky enough to win a 30L dry bag and a waterproof phone case from the guys over at Earth Pak. @Alyfromalabama was doing the giveaway, if you are an outdoors enthusiast I highly recommend following her and Cody on Instagram. About a month later I received the earth pak in the mail, and instantly I was drawn to it. So today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the Earth Pak.    

          

               Who they are

Earth Pak was founded in 2015, when a group of friends went on a trip to Asia before grad school started. Sometime during their trip, they realized that their gear wasn’t holding up to the conditions they were in. On the way home, the group decided to drop out of grad school and start their own company using their savings and their inspiration for quality gear that they missed out on during their trip. With $5,000 they ordered 700 bags, they had no investors or crowdfunding but went all in anyway. By October 2016 their products evolved and the company hit the 1 million dollar milestone, and now they are expanding with new products and gear.

The product I’m going to share with you all today is the 30L dry bag in a unique shade of blue. It has been field tested many times, from canoeing and hiking to fishing and hunting. I’ve even done some other tests with it in weather that was anything but sunshine. Let’s dissect the toughest dry bag I’ve ever come across.

Design

There are numerous series of dry bags offered by Earth Pak, but most of them have a unique design to seal out liquid. This one of a kind buckle is very useful out in the field in that it doesn’t make much noise. After filling the bag, fold over the top a few times and click the buckle to keep it in place….that’s it. I went squirrel hunting a few weeks ago and having this pak with me in the woods made it easier to hide and I felt as though I wasted little time getting something out of the bag.

The bag is made from a thick 500D PVC material and the larger bags come with shoulder strips and D rings to attach it to a boat or another backpack. The Torrent series bag (like mine) has a outside zipper which is perfect for my phone and wallet.

The bag comes in numerous colors to fit your lifestyle, while the bag I won is blue I’m planning on my next one to be the Olive green for hunting in the woods. The Viewpoint series bags are nice if you can’t pick a color, since they are clear to help find what you need without digging through the bag.

Versatility

What I love about my larger Pak is how often I can use it. 30L bags are perfect for day trips, it’s large but I’m still able to move comfortably while packing everything I need for the day. The first time I took out the bag was to my Boys football game. It poured that night but I left the bag on the bleachers to see how it held up. When Earth Pak claims “waterproof” they mean it.

 I took this bag on a 3 hour hike with my 3 and 6 year old as well. We had all of the essentials such as the first aid kit, water bottles, and snacks. But I also packed my personal belongings, phone, knife, camera, throw blanket, sunscreen, bug spray, and even more snacks and I still had room.

I took the mountain bike out In October to a new trout stream. I brought the Dry bag and packed it full of fishing gear including my rod. Again, the shoulder pads held up on the trails and the bag held everything I needed with room to spare. The bag made it through the day with a scuff on the front and nothing more.

I have to admit that before I won this bag I had never heard of the brand or products. Being grateful for what I was given I dug into the history of the company and started shopping around the site. If any of you follow me on Instagram I’m sure you have seen this bag put to the test. Even tonight, as NY is being hit with its first snow storm of the season. My bag is outside in the snow with a scarf in it, and once the snow has stopped I will post the results to Instagram like I always do. The dependable design and the integrity of the company is why I am brand loyal to Earth Pak. I was recently honored with being a Brand Ambassador, which hasn’t changed much of how I review and promote the product from before I was a team member. If you’re not into the dry bags check out their other products. They have soft coolers, duffle bags, accessories and even a waterproof phone case that does come with select bags.  Visit them at earthpak.com, and use Derrick15 for an additional discount just for reading this blog or following me in Instagram. 

Got a product you want me to talk about? Or ideas for the blog? let me know at djb602@hotmail.com. And don't forget to subscribe to our email list.

When the winter blues keep you from the outdoors

                It’s the dead of winter, Hunting season is over, and it’s cold and windy but not cold enough for the lakes to freeze. Hiking is doable as long as you dress for Mount Everest, and your mountain bike doesn’t come with heated seats and handles. So how do people keep the outdoor fire lit when there seems to be no way to feed the flame? Below are 4 ways to pass time while waiting to get outdoors.

             

   Blogging

Let’s start with the obvious, you are reading a outdoor blog about blogging. I actually got into blogging last year right around this time. If I couldn’t be outside then I might as well write about it…agree? Blogging may seem like a cliché in the internet age, but you can actually benefit greatly in the outdoors by blogging inside.

                First, you have the chance to make your blog your own brand. I’ve had 5,000 visitors to my blog now and it feels like a great accomplishment.  I made the name, shopped around for a free blogging site, and spent countless hours making a logo with no design skills what so ever. I started this blog for fun, with the intent of sharing my opinions and information with others. It didn’t cost me a dime, and Iv’e met some great people along the way that share the same passion that I do.

                Second, you have the chance to monetize your blog if it takes off. I am personally at the point where I may be able to start doing this, but currently I’m enjoying the opportunity to write about the outdoors when the weather isn’t suitable to be outside. Ive talked to pro anglers who have shared their story, I’ve become a brand ambassador for a great outdoor company after doing a gear review (and have since received awesome gear), and now I’m talking with an internationally known country artist. Blogging is a great way to pass time when you have the outdoor itch.

              

    Crafts

              

  I’ve never been big on crafting, but last year while browsing Instagram a Pro Angler had a beer bottle cap fishing lure challenge. I thought he was crazy, but as it turns out I’m not the only one who likes Miller Lite. A fishing hook and bottle cap is all you need and you can actually fish with it like it’s a spoon. We made a few out of the old fashioned Stewarts bottle caps with the kids and they loved the project.

                I was also introduced to para cord this year. Paracord is considered to be the 8^th essential in survivalists and avid outdoor enthusiasts. It’s time consuming, but it’s another project that you can make your own and even make a profit off of. I spend 6 dollars at Walmart on the good stuff, and another 3 dollars on key chain rings and plastic buckles for bracelets. Our dog now has a Para cord collar, my three kids have them on their book bags, and I made what is formally known as a Para cord grenade. A disabled vet reportedly made $8,000 in 2017 by making para cord designs while on disability from his home.  

           

     Outdoor TV apps

                As an outdoor hunter and angler I love watching big hunts or fishing tourneys on TV. The problem is that there isn’t that many options on cable, at least not Direct TV. I was introduced to the MyOutdoorTV app this year which is on both android and IOS. There is a ton of content from across the outdoor world and it even has educational hoe to videos. This isn’t the only app out there, Mossy Oak and other big names have an app… I mean who doesn’t have an app today?

 Speaking of apps, the best social media app out there for the outdoors men in by far GoWild. It just launched a new version which allows tracking through GPS and is now partnered with Garmin. The app is for anyone in the outdoors who wants to share their passion by posting on a friendly social media platform. I’ve been on it a year and I’ve never seen any negative comments. Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Cooking, Kayaking, Hammock laying… you name it in the outdoors you belong here. Check out timetogowild.com to download this app, it’s free.

Social Media

                Speaking of social media, Instagram and Facebook are also great ways to stay connected to the outdoors. While not as friendly as GoWild there are huge opportunities to learn about new brands. A few months ago I also discovered the power of the giveaways. In the last six months I’ve won dry bags, hats, fishing lures, cell phone cases, a carbon fiber kayak paddle, and even a Guitar with a Magic Hat brewery wrap on it. Social media giveaways are an e commerce tool used to help spread the word of products you can’t see in person. Find ten friends who share the same passion as you, agree to be giveaway tagging buddies and let the fun begin. A great place to start would be on Instagram. Look up Kong Valley Collective who is giving away something every day in January. I’ve known these guys since before Kong Valley was a reality and I’m telling you now they are the real deal. These guys have come together to bring something unique to the outdoors, and it’s for everyday outdoorsmen who aren’t ashamed of the smaller deer, the smaller fish, the easier hiking trail. For more info check them out, you will thank me. I’ve found that when I won something online, it’s more than just a product that I’m winning. I end up meeting great brands and the people behind them. I live in New York, and now I have friends I’ve never met all across the country and even one amazing dude out in Scotland.

While the outdoors is supposed to keep us off of the electronics, it’s also important to embrace the power of technology and use it in the outdoors. It doesn’t have to be every day, but there’s nothing wrong with combining old fashion with the new. If anyone makes a battle cap lure after reading this send it to me, I would love to share it on our page.    

Keep your roots deep.

Fall facts to get you through the day.

Fall facts

Happy November everyone, we are in the middle of my favorite time of year. Apples and pumpkins, whiskey and cider, hunting and fishing. What isn’t there to love about the fall… or is it autumn? Or is it harvest? Today I’m going to share some fun facts about this beautiful season, which is being forgotten about thanks to Christmas being celebrated earlier and earlier every year.

Where did the season come from?

In the late 16^th century there was an English saying, “fall of the leaf”. The time of year when the leaves began to turn colors and fall from the trees stuck, and became popular in the 17^th century. Until this time, the English referred to this season as , “harvest” due to the crops that peaked and is often associated to the pilgrims.  In the 17^th century, the term “fall” followed Westerners over to America, and at the same time Frenchmen came and referred to the season as, “Autompne” which came from the Latin word, “autumnus”. Autumnus came from the Latin word, “Augere” which means to increase, in this case it is believed that it was used for the increase in color of the leaves.

What is Halloween?

Halloween originated as a Celtic Festival known as Samhain. During this time, some 2,000 years ago the Celts made bonfires and wore costumes to send away bad spirits. The day was also celebrated as the end of summer and the start of Harvest. The change of season meant a cold dark winter was coming and the Celts associated this time with death. On the last night of the year, the Celts believed that the living and dead world merged for one night. Their costumes consisted of dead animals, and skins.

 In the 8^th century nearly all of the Celtic land was overrun by the Roman Empire. Pope Gregory the 3^rd declared November 1^st all Saints day, a day to honor all of the Saints within the Roman Catholic Church. Some of the Celts traditions of Samhain were used to celebrate all saints day. The evening before all saints day become known as all hollows eve.

By the 9^th century, The spread of Christianity had consumed what is now Ireland. Part of this attempt, was to make All saints day more about Christian lore, and the tradition of dressing up became less about animals and more about dressing as devils, angels, and saints. Now, All saints day in Middle English is called, Alholowmesse. Then all hollows eve, then Halloween.

Halloween came to America in small waves. There was a strong Protestant belief at the time so most Halloween traditions were celebrated in Maryland colonies to the south. As America became more diverse, including Native American Traditions and African traditions. By the 19^th century, many immigrants came to America with their own traditions, including the Irish…descendants of the Celts. 

  

One of these Irish traditions was to dress up in costumes and go door-to-door looking for food or money, which began the tradition of trick or treating. Another was to carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. Ireland did not have pumpkins, their tradition started with carving turnips and placing coals inside to ward off evil spirits. Pumpkins were a better choice for numerous reasons, but with Pumpkins being a big harvest this time of year it was easily accessible.  

Thanksgiving

Thanksgivings story isn’t as long as Halloween. In 1621, two groups of people, the Pilgrim colonists of Plymouth had a shared feast with the natives of Wampanoag. This Feast was a huge deal at the time, as tensions were high between Native peoples and Westerners. Together they celebrated the crops and harvest that came throughout the year.

By 1890, Pilgrim descendants and natives alike used the Feast as a milestone of becoming a free nation, and helped teach children about being thankful for what they have.

Election Day

Yes, there is a reason behind Election Day as well.

Election Day is Always in November. It is held on the Tuesday following the first Monday of the month. The reason for this? This allowed each States to conduct their Presidential elections any time before the 3^rd Wednesday in December. Which is when meetings between the President, Vice President, and Electoral College. The Middle of December was ideal because the harvest was over and the worst of winter had yet to come. It was chosen on a Tuesday so that voters didn’t have to vote on a Sunday (separation of church and state). This date became official in 1845, and currently 14 states recognize it as a public holiday so most people can vote and not go to work.

If you would like to know more about a topic, or have any suggestions, Please email me at djb602@hotmail.com

Plant your Roots.

Today’s hunt… Animal vs man or Animal vs Tech.

After a long stretch of being inactive…I’m back. I do apologize to my followers and readers, this was a very difficult summer for many reasons and I needed to take a break. If anyone has any topics that they would like to read about or if anyone has any stories to share, please contact me, djb602@hotmail.com or send a message on the Blog.

Today’s hunt… Animal vs man or Animal vs Tech.

            I’m going to paint a picture for you, it may be a little biased at first but I want you to open your mind to both stories.

            It’s 1973, Thanksgiving morning in Upstate NY. John is sitting on a 2 by 6 15 feet in the air. There’s an old wooden ladder leaning on the tree. He’s wearing multiple layers of long johns, but on the outside he wears green khakis with a red and black Flannel and black winter hat. His old Zephyr Woodlander Double Barrel Shotgun is sitting on his lap and he’s surrounded by hemlocks. While working in the yard this fall he has seen two nice bucks, but he hasn’t been to his tree stand to see where the deer are moving too. This hunt is all about luck, the man vs the animal with a million years of evolution leading up to this moment.

            It’s now 2018, John the 3^rd is hunting on this cool Thanksgiving morning. His 20 foot lightweight tree stand with gun rest is swaying in the breeze. 40 yards out John is looking at his automatic deer feeder, it dispenses on a timer every night. He checks his phone to see if his 2 new trail cams picked up any activity this morning. There have been does caught on camera all summer but not much for bucks. His Leafy one piece camo makes him almost invisible to the human eye. He has a brand new Browning 30-06 with 180 grain in the chamber, and a bushnels high powered tactical scope. Just then his phone goes off, and a 10 point buck is seen passing his trail cam 50 yards to the right of the feeder, this is his moment.

            It’s 2018, and we live in the technology age, but which one of these scenarios seems more natural? There has been a debate brewing for some time with question, how much technology is too much in the hunting industry?

The pros

            The hard truth is that baby boomers are getting older…myself included. There are less and less hunters in the woods, and more and more young adults doing other things. One of the draws to modern hunting is the technology we have to do what we love. Young adults, which we call digital born, can work a keyboard better than a wood splitter. So it’s only natural for the hunting industry to resort to this tech to get consumers to buy it. According to real tree business, 63.1 billion dollars was spent in 2016 on outdoor retail spending. That’s a lot of money put into the economy on a business that is said to be dying. Adults are willing to pay top dollar for that added edge in the woods, whether it be a gps tracker or state of the art trail cam. It’s keeping people interested in the sport

            Another pro to tech in our outdoor world is security. Having these trail cams placed around your property allows land owners to see intruders, predators, and even animal in need of help. It’s also allowing more hunters to pass on young bucks and go for trophies by allowing us to see what is on our land. 

The cons

            PJ Reilly from bowhunting. Com asked a very important question, “Are we ruining the sport of bow hunting by using gadgets and techniques to bring deer to us – and to then stay hidden from them – as opposed to simply going out after them with nothing but our bow and arrows and our knowledge of the woods?

            Joe Byers from the hunting page suggests, “States are considering regulations concerning drones, self-sighting rifles, and a host of other high-tech gizmos that affect the very hunting culture we strive to protect”.

            There are arguments out there that technology is ruining the culture and lifestyle of the sport. Many argued about the issue of technology when instant replay hit the NFL and then the MLB. We find ourselves caught between a rock and battery…place. We have become accustomed to this world, and we are losing sight of the old world. At what point do the wildlife become too disadvantaged in the hunt? At what point is the technology considered unethical when harvesting an animal? Hunting is unique in that it is a sport and a way of living. But shouldn’t there be a balance of both?

Social Media

            Beyond the gizmos and gadgets of the hunt itself, we also live in a world where we are connected online. Social media has played a huge role in the outdoor lifestyle. Like anything else online, there is a debate on using social media as a platform for hunting and fishing.

            In 2014 I started a Facebook page called NYS hunting and Fishing Forum. After seeing a guy post a photo of his trophy buck on craigslist, he was then harassed and threatened for killing the animal. I know his intentions were pure, but to people who don’t understand the culture and just see the dead animal it can be shocking. Knowing this, I created a page for NY hunters and anglers to share photos, stories, and ideas with others in the community. A safe haven from the anti-hunters. It was a huge success for the first two years, but then I become involved with Instagram.

            Using social media as an outlet for hunting can be very positive. We have to go beyond the kill shot to get our point across, which is where we fall to the anti-hunters. As conservationists Hunters have done a lot of good getting the importance of conservation and acquiring food through hunting. We as a society have done great things and converted many anti hunters to hunters, but we still have more work to do. Using social media for hunting also has its downside, some people are just liking for followers and post questionable content. The gore, the half-naked girl with the deer, the unnatural field dressing photo. Sometimes we shoot ourselves in the foot, and make ourselves out to be killers when the reality is the kill is only a small part of what hunting is. 

            I want to know your thought on this topic. Do you think technology has gone too far and is ruining the sport? Or do you believe it is saving the sport and we should embrace it. let me know through blogger message, mail, or instagram

Either way… plant your roots outdoors.