Gear Tasting Radio

Adversity doesn't always have to be a negative thing and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss how embracing difficult tasks can help you in the long run. Whether you're forcing yourself to park at the back of the parking lot or embracing a new skill you haven't tried, challenging yourself ensures that you stay sharp. In addition, we also highlight the benefits of placing yourself into a team environment and what the team dynamic does to help you personally.

While these skills are just as relevant to females as well as males, today we're focusing on the top 10 skill-sets out of everything we advocate on ITS. Many of these are perishable and must be practiced to stay proficient! Got one you feel should have been represented or one you feel is out of order? Post up a comment below and add to the conversation. Below we've gathered a collection of related links in our Episode Intel, including some past articles, podcasts and videos dealing with the aforementioned skills. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

It's been one year since Bryan began his journey on a new way of eating after reading Wired to Eat by Robb Wolf. Today we discuss challenges faced and cravings conquered. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Knowledge is power and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the books that we're currently reading. We also highlight some of our favorite books and what we consider must-read pieces. In addition to books, we also talked in-depth on a few lessons learned from reading, including some discussion on Stoic Philosophy and why a daily checklist isn't exactly "daily." For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

As promised last week, this episode of Gear Tasting Radio is all about your questions! We answered inquiries on everything from storing guns to the best methods of transporting things to the range. It wasn't all guns this episode though, as we also answered some questions on productivity apps, home security and the best lock pick tools for a beginner. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Without diving into a debate on which caliber is best, this week on Gear Tasting Radio we examine some of the science behind different rounds. We also highlight some important things to consider when choosing rounds for pistols, as well as rifle and long range firearms. In addition, we discuss some of the math behind ballistic coefficient and how the environment affects different rounds. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

A kayak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of summer gear. However, this week on Gear Tasting Radio Bryan explains some of the benefits and professional uses for his folding kayak. In addition, Bryan covers some of the essential gear he brings with him anytime he sets out to sea in his kayak. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Home automation may be the future, but there are still some security concerns regarding smart technology. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some of the steps we've taken towards home automation, as well as a few things we've avoided. In addition, we examine some of the security aspects behind smart devices and home security in general. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Creating products takes a good deal of patience, as well as perseverance. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we offer a look into the process behind creating our products and discuss everything from the materials used to the product lifecycle. We also go over our design philosophy here at ITS and explain why it's sometimes important to sweat the small stuff. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Road trips are an American pastime and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the power of having a road atlas available on your next outing. While many may scoff at the idea of a paper atlas compared to the latest GPS app, we explain the many benefits of having a physical map on hand. In addition to the atlas, we cover some additional recommended gear for road trips, including tips for food and tools. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Body armor may sound simple in theory, but there are wide range of types and ratings available. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some of the basics of body armor, including the National Institute of Justice rating system. In addition, we discuss body armor materials and some good options for manufacturers for both armor and armor carrying solutions. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Emergency rappelling involves safely egressing from a building during an emergency, like a fire or other dangerous event. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss a product from Petzl that's specifically designed to assist with quickly and safely rappelling from a building. In addition to emergencies, we also discuss rappelling in normal situations, including things to look out for and the best place for beginners to start learning. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Routines help keep your life in order and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some of our routines and the gear behind them. Covering everything from alarm clocks to dialing in the morning coffee routine, we examine how keep a set schedule on certain tasks can boost productivity. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Many times in discussions, the terms Survival Kit and Escape & Evasion Kit are interchanged. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we highlight some of the differences using two kits that we produce. While we do offer both a Survival and E&E Kit, we try to stress that anyone can assemble these kits and we simply use the contents of ours to highlight the similarities and differences. In the end, the kits share quite a bit in common so the interchangeability of the term is definitely not without reason. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Recovering a stuck vehicle can be a tricky process and having the right gear for the job makes all the difference. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some important gear and resources you should consider before attempting an off-road recovery. Keep in mind that vehicle recovery is an inherently dangerous process, so you'll need to take your time and understand the mechanics behind the process and tools to stay safe. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Whether you call it an assault pack, three day pack, or just a backpack, this week on Gear Tasting Radio we discuss some important items to consider for your bag of choice. Continuing the discussion on various "lines" of gear, we examine why items kept in a pack shouldn't necessarily be critical gear. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

This Gear Tasting Radio gets a little knotty as we discuss the benefits of knots and why you should sharpen your knot tying skills frequently. We also discuss five of the best knots you can have at your disposal. Resources and instructions for these five knots are listed in our Episode Intel, as well as instruction for the DIY Knot Tying Board Bryan mentions in the episode. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Load bearing equipment comes in many forms, one of the most popular being the chest rig. Today on Gear Tasting Radio, we review the equipment that we choose to carry in our chest rigs and offer some helpful tips and tricks for organizing and wearing them. Do you have additional equipment you keep in your chest rig? Let us know in the comments what you load yours with! For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Are you able to physically save yourself? This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the importance of sleep, diet and fitness in order to remain healthy and able to be capable in any situation. While it's important to focus on all three activities, we also highlight the importance of not trying to make sweeping changes across the board all at once. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

It can be difficult to know where to start with SCUBA Diving and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, Rob asks Bryan some basic questions about how to jump into diving. Bryan offers his thoughts on PADI and NAUI certifications, as well the importance of finding a good local dive shop. As it wouldn't be Gear Tasting Radio without a discussion on gear, Bryan also recommends some beginner equipment. However, he also stresses the benefits of finding a shop with gear rentals. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

The benefits of trekking poles while hiking, far outweigh the cool points you'll lose by using them. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, Bryan highlights some things to look for when selecting your own set of poles, including handle material and features of the feet. In the last moments of this week's episode, we cover some rapid-fire tips for hikes, including equipment to take and selecting proper footwear. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Learning new skill-sets is something we heavily advocate on ITS and this week's Gear Tasting Radio recommends a "Jack of All Trades" philosophy when it comes to this type of learning. In addition, we discuss staying current on your skills and bringing the learning process full circle by helping impart your knowledge onto others. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Whether you're just camping or preparing for a survival situation, there are a large number of factors to consider when sleeping outside. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss selecting gear like tents, hammocks and sleeping bags that ensure you'll stay warm and comfortable. We also covered several types of ground pads, which can be an invaluable insulating asset and help cushion you from nature's floor. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Bryan is joined this week by John Lovell of Warrior Poet Society for a special episode of Gear Tasting Radio. The attempted live stream we did at the time of the recording didn't turn out well so unfortunately, there's no video to accompany this week's episode. However, Bryan and John did cover some great topics, including John's choices for our 5 Item 48 Hour Challenge and his recommendations on getting in shape for Special Operations. In addition, both Bryan and John highlighted their favorite knives and why they usually don't prefer battle belts. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

While we always try to keep the tone of Gear Tasting Radio somewhat light, this week we wanted to have an honest conversation about the mass shootings that continue to dominate the news cycles in the United States. This is a charged issue for many people, but we attempted to discuss the root causes of these events and how we believe they can be deterred in the future. These events aren't black and white issues that can be solved with a single action, but multi-faceted problems that will require open and honest dialogue between all of us. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

With 52 episodes now under our belt, this week on Gear Tasting Radio we're celebrating one year of bringing you an in-depth look into the usage and philosophy behind the equipment in our lives. Not only did we recap some past episodes and give some updates, but we also announced a "real life" 5 Item 48 Hour Challenge that we'll be doing to put our skills and gear to the test.

With online ordering at an all-time high, package theft is becoming more and more of a problem. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we answer a Question Over Coffee and discuss a few steps you can take to thwart package thieves. While your first instinct might be to start renting out a Post Office Box, we offer a few solutions as an alternative, including one device that we feel every home should have. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

SHOT Show 2018 saw tons of new gear introduced, including some gear from ITS! This week on Gear Tasting Radio, Bryan discusses the new products we unveiled at SHOT, as well as some of his favorite items from other vendors at the show. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

If you could only take 5 items to survive in the woods for 48 hours, what would they be? This week on Gear Tasting Radio,we discuss the 5 bare-bones items we'd take with us, knowing that we only needed to survive for 48 hours. If you're imagining a bunch of high speed gear in our hands, you might be surprised! In addition, we've put the call out to the listeners to tag us on social media using the poundtag #GearTasting with the five items they'd choose for this endeavor! For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

When discussing philosophy, no conversation is complete without covering Stoicism. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we give our interpretations on the 12 Tenets of Stoicism. In addition, we highlight some examples of integrating Stoicism in our lives, including routines, practices and resources. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Having a trauma kit is simply the first step to ensure you're ready for medical emergencies. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss why it's so important to seek out medical training in your area. In addition to training, we also highlight some of the components necessary for a good first aid kit and trauma kit. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

With the new year upon us, many people will be striking out to make some changes in their life. However, on this episode of Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss why making resolutions might be hurting you in the long run. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Staying warm in the outdoors can be harder than you think, especially when you factor in the sweat you'll exert while hiking or doing other activities. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we dive into the science behind layering up in cold temperatures and offer our thoughts on the best cold weather gear. In addition, we tackle some Questions Over Coffee, involving permanently attaching a suppressor and the financial side of gear purchases. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

There are thousands of options when it comes to optics for the AR-15 platform and every combination will get you something different. This week on Gear Tasting radio, Bryan and Rob discuss choosing an optic for a short barreled rifle and why magnification may not be as important as you'd think. In addition, they walkthrough some of the issues experienced when shortening the barrel of an AR, including decreases in velocity and increases in pressure inside the gun. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

When discussing productivity, it's important to understand the value of capturing ideas when they happen. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss tools and methods for capturing those ideas and processing them later. We also walk through why it's important to build in a time or place to review those ideas and discuss the different ways that email has changed the capturing process, possibly for the worse. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

There are a lot of ways to define quality gear and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some of the important things to look for when choosing gear that will stand the test of time. In addition to the materials and techniques used, we highlight the importance of knowing the companies you're purchasing gear from. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

When you're in the great outdoors, having clean water is one of the most important requirements. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some great options for carrying water with you on a trip, as well as some of the best methods to purify it. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

While it might seem like a simple task, setting up a campsite correctly can ensure that you're prepared for things like bad weather or emergencies. This week on Gear Tasting, we discuss everything from selecting your campsite, to the order of operations for setting things up. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

It's Halloween and on this special episode of Gear Tasting Radio, we're taking it a bit lighter by examining the Everyday Carry of your favorite movie slashers. Comparing both their clothing and gear selections, we break down which EDC is the most effective and deadly. Also this week, we offer tips for those that may find themselves as a potential victim of one of the slashers. (Hint: If you're following the information you hear on Gear Tasting Radio, you should be a hard target.) For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

You don't have to be Jason Bourne to know if you're being followed. Today on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the tradecraft of running a Surveillance Detection Route and how's it's applicable to your everyday life. We also get into why it's important to know where the exits are and what Col. Jeff Cooper's color scale is all about. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

With winter right around the corner, this week on Gear Tasting Radio we discuss items you should keep in your vehicle to stay prepared for emergencies. In addition, we discuss some of the things to check regularly on your vehicle to avoid unpleasant surprises or breakdowns. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

When it comes to basic skills, navigation is at the top of the list. This week, fresh back from our Muster Alumni Conclave, we discuss some of the principles and tools behind navigating with a map and compass. In addition, we also examine the incorporation of GPS into your navigation and why it's so important to ensure your map information and GPS information match up. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Starting a fire is one of the most valuable skills you can keep sharp on. In fact, we think it's so important, we dedicated an entire episode to it! The previous fire starting mention on Gear Tasting Radio addressed the skills and gear for fire starting and this episode goes a bit more in depth into the gear, mindset and knowledge you'll need to achieve a roaring fire. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

When it comes to Precision Rifle, fundamentals are everything. Today on Gear Tasting Radio, Bryan talks about his recent trip to Louisiana to attempt a shot at a mile. In addition to the knowledge necessary to make a shot at that distance, we also discuss some of the gear you'll need to reach out and touch something at a mile. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

In the last few years, the popularity of the AR-15 has skyrocketed and the options for purchasing one are almost unlimited. Today on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some things to consider when looking at the AR-15 platform, including some great manufacturers you should consider purchasing from. In addition to some of the basics behind the AR-15, we also examine some of the spare parts you should think about keeping with your gun or at least in your range bag. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

An essential part of any good Every Day Carry, wristwatches are the focus of this week's Gear Tasting Radio. We break down some of the differences you'll find in the watch market, including why some watches vary in price by thousands of dollars. We also highlight some of our favorite watches and why they'll have a place on our wrists forever. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Emergencies may require you to make entry or leave an area quickly. During these times, it's helpful to have gear that can open locks quickly or make you aware of someone following. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss tools for breaching and booby trapping. Booby traps in Hollywood may be dazzling and exciting, but our conversation deals more with equipment designed to alert you to an intruder so you can be ready. To make entry or escape, we always prefer gear like lock picks, however during an emergency you may not have time for these methods. In these times, having some breaching gear can save you time and maybe more. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Whether it's replacing the paracord pulls on your bags or adding 100 mph tape to your favorite water bottle, everybody's got some "hacks" they do to their gear to make it fit their needs. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some of our favorite tweaks we like to make to our gear and offer some general tips on prepping your gear. In addition, we answer a couple Questions Over Coffee including selecting a VPN service and the best radios for day-to-day communications. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

It seems like everyone has their favorite pen, whether it's a fancy gel pen or a regular old rollerball. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we break down our criteria for what makes a great pen and discuss some of our favorites. Also on this episode, we answer some questions dealing with gloves, chest rigs and carrying cigars in the field. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

Some pieces of gear are so rare that they might as well be a unicorn. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some of the gear on our want list that's unattainable; whether due to price, discontinuation or due to the fact that it doesn't even exist. We also tackled a question this week from a listener preparing to climb some 14'ers in the near future. Bryan gave some tips that helped him when he completed the GORUCK Ascent and offered some advice on preparing to be at altitude. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com