BAD Gear: Happy 10th Anniversary to my beautiful wife (Bad Ass Mom)

Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife, a bad ass mom! 10 years ago we got married before close friends and family, and then opened up the party involving pepper sauce and lots of liquor!

Several of my work colleagues came out to enjoy the festivities - some who put in leave from overseas postings just to come for the weekend.

 Here's to another decade!

Love you BAM

BAK Gear: Baby Bottom Better (Ass salve for your baby)

BAM and I swear by this shit. We've tried Penaten, Vasoline, Arbonne Baby Cream, and a whole host of other creams, salves, ointments with zinc oxide. We always come back to Baby Bottom Better in the 50ml tin. It's all natural and its even good for eczema. So far, we've used it on both our kids and the results are great. If your kid has diaper rash,  or you want to prophylatically protect your new born's butthole then use this. There's nothing better than a cycle of changing wet diapers, airing out the butt, and cleaning it, but if you need to have them in diapers then use this stuff. The tin is about the size of tobacco chew tin, and you only need to use a finger's worth. I like this stuff because its not messy and its not white and creamy.

Now if you have a new infant, you'll probably best to stick with vaseline (petroleum jelly) - use it like you own stock in it. This is when the merconium (that's the shit that newly born infants shit out) is kicking in. The reason being, vaseline coats the ass and butthole, so that the sticky shit is easier to wipe off. When the merconium turns to breastfeeding poo, then the Baby Bottom Better reigns supreme. 

It's a soothing petroleum-free salve made with three contact healing herbs and Calendula (an anti-fungal). This perfume-free salve has excellent healing properties and helps keep babys bottom dry by providing a barrier from moisture. Use for urine contact and yeast infected diaper rashes as well as cradle cap. I only wish this salve came in a pit-stick format, so that you can just run the stick down in-between the butt-crack without having to use your fingers. Idea for the next product enhancement maybe.

We buy the tin from Huckleberry Baby Shop, but it can be sourced on Amazon or at your other specialty baby stores. We have two of these, one at home, one in the travelling tote made by Generation Baby. 

The quicker you apply remedial action to your kid's diaper rash, the quicker you can get back to using her as your improvised iPAD stand device.

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BAD Gear: Bad Ass Dad T-Shirts

Get your Bad Ass Dad shirts now! 

About American Apparel Fitted T-Shirt

For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that loves to hug skin. (Size up for a looser fit).

Fuck that noise...this shirt will make your arms look huge, and your gut look small, and make you look generally bad ass. All the chicks and milfs will want to touch you, and all the hipster dads will runaway from you in fear. Git er done.

4.3 oz. Ultra-fine combed ring spun cotton

Vintage fit (size up for a looser fit)

Made in the U.S.A.

Size Chart

Size Chest Length Sleeve

Small 36" 28" 14.5

Medium 40" 30" 15"

Large 44" 30" 15.5"

X-Large 48" 31.5" 16"

2X-Large 52" 32.5" 17"

Measuring Instructions:

Chest/bust:

Raise your arms slightly and measure around your body. Be sure to measure the fullest part of your chest/bust, keeping the tape parallel to the ground.

Waist:

Measure around your waist where your pants usually fall. Keep one finger between the tape and your body to ensure an accurate fit.

Buy it Here

BAM Gear: Chariot Cougar 2 Stroller+Bike Trailer

So what happens when you want to do outdoorsy shit with your kids, integrating them into your outdoorsy healthy lifestyle - mainly because you're legally not allowed to leave your kids at home while you go and enjoy the great outdoors... Well, you go out and buy an outdoorsy stroller thing. Now, you may be ask yourself "why did BAD buy another stroller when he already has the BOB duallie?" Well let me ask you this - can the BOB duallie take your kids fucking skiing? Can you attach the duallie to a dirt bike or ATV or even a horse? No, and neither can the Chariot Cougar 2 - but it can attach to a mountain bike. 

That's one of shortfalls of the BOB duallie - is that there is a lack of options for converting it into an bike trailer. In terms of bike trailers, there are much much more cheaper offerings; however, I always say - buy the best you can afford. We owned a CCM (canadian tire special) bike trailer prior to this and when compared with the Chariot 2 the construction is night and day as is the materials used. Is the chariot worth $800 + $100 (for the bike attachment)? I don't know. It technically functions the same as a $100 bike trailer - but you won't get the oohs and ahhs from the hottie moms nor be the subject of jealousy for the lululemon-wearing dads. I do have to admit, its like the Range Rover of bike trailers - it gets your kids from point a to point b (just like a Kia Sportage would), but it gets them there with adjustable suspension, roll cage frame, 5 point harness, sunshades, integrated helmet space, load carriage, and so on. 

Yes I know I`m a bit tongue and cheek on this piece because I`m of two minds on it. I do know the Duallie is the cat`s meow mainly because it did offer great off-roading capabilities with that as a single purpose push stroller. The Chariot is mean to be dual role - push, pull. So there are some tradeoffs I think. I`ll get to those in a moment. 

But for now, here are the specs as posted on their site:

• Multi-Sport Capabilities
• Aerodynamic Design
• CAS™ Suspension
• Adjustable Handlebar
• Anodized Aluminum Roll Cage Frame
• 3M™ Reflective Material
• Five Point Child Safety Harness
• Partial Window Venting
• Weather Cover
• Sunshade
• Tinted Windows
• Padded Seating
• Shoulder Harness
• Integrated Helmet Space
• Back Wheels with Quick-Release Axle
• Parking Brake
• VersaWing™ Technology
• Patented ezFold™
• Click n’ Store™
• Rear Storage
Number of Children:1 or 2
Weight capacity (kg/lbs):45 / 100
Starting configuration:CTS Ready Chassis
Weight (kg/lbs) :12.7 / 28
Shoulder width (cm/in):59 / 23.2
Sitting height (cm/in):67 / 26
Dimensions (cm/in LxWxH):118 x 80 x 107 | 46.5 x 31.5 x 42
Folded dimensions (cm/in LxWxH):107 x 80 x 28 | 42 x 31.5 x 11
Height w/o handlebar (cm/in):85
Handlebar heights (Low/High, cm|in):93/107 | 36.5/42
Door pass through (cm/in):80 / 31.5
Wheels:20" aluminium spoked
* Weight include handlebars.

Ok so let`s hit up some of these points. I`ll start with the storage. Unlike the BOB where the storage is underneath the seat, the chariot places their storage bin on the rear-side. This facilitates ease of access. it`s long enough to store the bike attachment when not in use. It also has webbing so you can, for example, attach your BAK`s bike and carry it if they`re too tired to ride the last 10kms. Oh, and the Chariot is a whole 5-6lbs lighter than the Duallie. For those of you in the army or humping shit all day, you know that oz = lbs when it comes to load carriage. 

The next thing I`d like to highlight is the longness of it. It sits at 118cm`s whereas the BOB duallie is at 148cm`s. For those of you with shorter trunk space, that extra foot can be used for things like a 2-4 or a 6er of Keith`s India Pale ale. In terms of width there`s only 2cm difference. For handlebar height, the BOB is not adjustable at 102cm while the Chariot is adjustable for your height-challenged to the height-enhanced. Sorry, if you`re a dwarf, you might as well ride in the damn thing and get snow white to run you around. Just for reference, the handlebars are set to my midriff area - I can use my fatty stomach to push the stroller while I drink my 2-4 of Keiths - er I mean, my nalgene bottle of water...For anybody who cares, that`s the Arc`teryx LEAF Bravo jacket. And yes it is the shit.

So, there are rear-axle parking brakes actuated via a push-poll toggle made of anodized aluminum. Push in to set it, pull out to unset it. Use your feet, your hands, or make your kid do it.


OK, moving on is what the CTS terms as their CAS or adjustable suspension. Much like the adjustable forks on your Rock shox, you can adjust it for weight or smoother ride or stiffer ride. Either way, there`s a nice ruler measure thingy, that you can slide the adjustable shocks for. This is mainly for your kids`comfort and in no way a safety thing. Just set it to the stiffest, and let your kids go AHAHAHAHAHAHAHhahahahahahaaha...

OK, let`s talk harnesses. If you`re just moving one kid, put them in the middle. If you have two kids, SxS them. The padded seat-belt cover hides the snap buckles. So the question is, is it any roomier than the Duallie. I think they`re about the same. The Duallie was a bit more compartmentalized so that each had their own sunshade, and sitting area - in case of duelling sisters. This one, well, they`s gonna fight. Some ear biting`s gonna happen bros so be forewarned.


Actually its not bad at all, my eldest BAK is almost 5 now, and although she prefers to be running and gunning on her own, when she`s pooped after the first 5kms, its a good place for her. The cool thing about the Chariot is that it integrates various levels of protective coverings, weather coverings, sunshades etc. This prevents the bugs from flying into their teeth when on a bike ride - something the Duallie could not guarantee. From this pic, you can see that they fit in there nice and cozy.  Rain or shine, BAM goes jogging with this thing, and she says its better than the Duallie for its lightness and its weather protection from inclement weather. Now, if you're doing trails that are wet and muddy, make sure you use the cover unless you want your kids to eat mud..
The bike attachment pieces are infinitely better than the Canadian tire special one, using stainless steel versus what was probably aluminum or some cheap bendable metal. The hitch arm is made of aluminum, and is mounted to your bike via Quick release on the bike`s axle. An extra tall safety flag and an approved reflector kit is also included. 

So what are few of the things I don`t like. Because its a 4 wheeler its not as maneuverable as the tri-wheel Duallie. It also uses a dense solid rubber on the front tires versus the air-pump bike tire kind. I can see this being an easy-wear item. Although it folds nice and flat, its not a one-handed operation - meaning you can`t be holding your infant and tearing this shit down at the same time. There`s a few edges to be weary of lest you pinch yourself or some shit.

Duallies are being sold at the 7 bills marks, and this is being sold at the 8 + 1 Benjamins mark. For an extra 2 Bs you get dual use. Think about it this way... The chariot integrates weather protection, whereas the Duallie requires a 80 dollar piece of plastic which is an afterthought design.

My recommendation, between the Duallie and this...get this one. Like I said, you can put ski`s on it.

BAD Gear: Loadout - Guns, Gear

So some of you probably do all sorts of cool shit like climbing mountains, or riding bikes, or make clay figurines of astroboys. I, when I do have time away from work, try to get loaded on tac courses. Most recently I had the opportunity to take an advanced carbine course with Earl Green of PLGT. He is good peoples, as is his training. We went through a ton of rounds and I came away with a few good notes and lessons learned. But thats not what I really wanted to post about. I'd like to post more about the guns, gear - cause thats what you guys and girls want to see.

These are just my thoughts, and in no way should you do as I do. You gotta do what works for you.

First thing - Get a good gun. Train with what you use the most, and most likely to use. I brought two, one for backup - and indeed I needed it, as my first gun shit the bed after the first hundred rounds due to sheared off bolt lugs.

So I normally use an AR as a primary. I brought two - the first being my NEA PDW, and the second being a Stag Carbine.

My secondary is a G17 with a threaded barrel and a Streamlight TLR-1 light with XS Tritium Big Dots. For mags I use a combo of Pmags and Lar15. The Pmags are like butter so silky smooth, and the lar15 has the capacity for 20 rounds when done up properly. Of course you always download by 2 if loading full 30 rounds. For optics I generally use Aimpoint - H1/T1 or the PRO. Sometimes I might even mount an ACOG.

For this course I used the PRO and it is good (I wanted to see if it would handle the snappiness of a PDW). The Aimpoint PRO stands for Patrol Rifle Optic. It's basically an enhanced M2 with a QRP2 mount prepackaged. For the pricepoint, you should be asking yourself...WHY THE HELL NOT. I will review this awesome piece of kit another time.

Ok so the rest of the gear - the nylon, and the kydex. For holster I use a safariland SLS thigh rig that rides high near the junk. Safariland is by far the best choice for everything in my opinion. I do not like trigger-finger-actuated holsters.

For kneepads the most comfortable ones I have ever used are the
Arc'teryx ones. For gloves, I wear whatever tactical ones I have lying around, Oakleys, Blackhawk, Outdoor Research - whatever. This particular course I used HellStorms. They worked. I've resigned myself to the fact that gloves - like boots - are sacrificial pieces of kits, no sense in babying them. Just use the shit out of them, and get new ones.

On my armoured CIRAS I have a bungee pouches for AR mags, and a couple of pistol mag pouches from 5.11. I also have a Med pouch for my trauma kit that includes QC and other blowout kit. I also have a TQ sandwiched into my admin pouch. Easy access.

Regarding boots - My go to are the Lowa Desert Zephyrs. I've used these in the desert, in the tropics, in the urban, and they are the shizzle for course-work.

So the Wx for the course was a mix of inclement and fair weather. Most of the time, the Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha was used to sheer off the rain and the wind. I wore this jacket both under and over my armour. Of course, wearing the Alpha over the armour made me look like the Michelin man, but whatever, this isn't a fashion show. Because of the mixed Wx, when it was warmer and the rain ceased, it's quicker to take the jacket off than to take off the armour, then the jacket, then putting the armour back on. It gave me no problems at all for accessing waist workspace tools.

My Sling recommendation - BFG Vickers sling for carbine. For PDW that is 7.5" I would go with a MS2 or MS3. But that BFG Vickers is very versatile and works great. What I do is mount the forward point on the "inside" of the gun, while the rear mount would be on the "outside" part of the butt stock. This actually gives me more space to do transitions, and easier too.

This is stuff that I use normally anyway, so its not like I'm trying this kit out for the first time. What I would recommend is to use what you have, spend the extra money on ammo, optics, and training. Then buy the kit as you "need" it.

OK so what didn't work. Shitty ammo. Don't buy shitty ammo. That's it. There is that question about the PDW that screwed the pooch, but thats a direct result of using steel casings in a high-pressure gun. The warranty guys said that it was actually a metallurgical fault of the bolts they manufactured a batch of, after sending me the new one, it seems to be fine.

BAM Gear: BOB 'Revolution Duallie SE' Stroller

Yeah you knew this was coming. The BOB Revolution Duallie SE Stroller is the side by side double stroller version of the very popular BOB Revolution. The BOB is what most would consider a jogging or active lifestyle stroller. That means if you would rather be sitting on your ass watching ricki lake reruns, than be outside doing stuff, this isn't the stroller for you.

The double, fills a niche market where both kids are not of the age to walk and do stuff on their own yet. Say, if you have twins, or kids who are about 2 or 3 years apart. However, there comes a point where the elder kid just won't fit in it anymore, even my 4 year old is starting to not like sitting in it. Having said that, even though the time frame for using this would be relatively short, what you get out of it, is worth it in my opinion.

Having a dual stroller is a force multiplier in that it enables the bad ass mom or dad get their exercise or take two kids to the park or even yes, stroll through the mall with a latte, without having to take two strollers, or strap one kid to the back. You can even think of the duallie as a load carriage system. There's a grocery store about 2km's away that we walk to. One evening we were able to load in no less than 7 grocery bags - and that's with 2 kids sitting inside. It made for an awesome uphill workout. There's a basket underneath capable of holding a few grocery bags - normally we keep the duallie weather shield, plus an extra diaper pail, and all the jackets. 

I was at first extremely adverse to even entertaining the thought of buying a $600 stroller. That kind of money can buy you a few shares in Lululemon which would offer better returns. It can also buy a crate and a half of 5.56mm NATO rounds. But the way I see it, if there was a way for me to integrate an active healthy lifestyle with child rearing while instilling some life lessons to these kids about being outside, then $600 is an investment. Now note, we did not buy it at that price point. NO WAY IN F*CKING HELL. Tech saavy BAM used the facebook and found a used one at a local mom swap shop group and probably paid about half. That's about 3/4 crate of 5.56m NATO rounds.

So some of the features and specs as listed by BOB are:

• Swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability. Locks forward for increased stability when jogging or if the terrain turns tough.
• Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage.
• State-of-the-art, adjustable suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride.
• Accessory Adapter allows for quick and easy attachment of BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter or Snack Tray.
• Ultra-padded, adjustable reclining seats for enhanced seating comfort. Five-point padded harnesses help keep your children comfortably secure.
• Independent multi-position canopies adjust for protection against the elements. Large viewing windows let you keep an eye on your babies.
• High-impact polymer composite wheels with pneumatic tires and tubes take on tough terrain.
• Low Boy Cargo Basket provides plenty of undercarriage storage. Additional space in large seatback pockets. Internal seat pockets provide a great place for snacks and toys.
• A simple twist of the front wheel tracking adjustment knob keeps you rolling straight.
• When engaged, the parking brake helps secure a stopped position. 
• Padded handlebar for comfort; wrist strap helps you secure stroller when strolling and provides handy fold lock when folded.
• Weight (Net): 34lb, 15.3kg
• Capacity: 100lb, 45.4kg (occupants plus luggage weight). Maximum occupant height is 44in or (112cm). Do not exceed the maximum weight or height, as stroller will become unstable.
• Frame Materials: High strength chromoly and aluminum.
• Seat Material: Poly and Dobby weave fabrics with water repellent coating and open cell foam padding.
• Seat Care: Sponge area with a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and allow to dry. DO NOT USE DETERGENT.
• Seat Harness: Padded 5 point harnesses.
• Safety Features: Padded 5 point harnesses / parking brake / wrist strap / seat retention strap.
• Seat Recline: Adjustable seatback recline, down to 70° from vertical.
• Suspension: Coil spring and elastomer core shock absorbers provide three inches of wheel travel. Adjustable shock release knobs allow for two shock positions to fine-tune suspension for varying occupants and cargo. Position 1: 0-50 lbs. Position 2: 51-100 lbs.
• Tires: Pneumatic tires. Rear 16" x 1.75", Front 12.5" x 1.75".
• Tubes: Pneumatic with schrader valve.
• Hub: Quick release axle with sealed cartridge bearings.
• Wheels: High-impact polymer composite.
• Bearings: Sealed cartridge ball bearings.
• Spokes: High-impact polymer composite.
• Rear Brake: Foot-activated parking brake.
• Wrist Strap: High strength, polyester fabric webbing attached to stroller handlebar. Also used to secure stroller in folded position.
• Canopy Adjustments: 5 position toggle system with a 125° range of coverage provides ample protection from the elements.
• Canopy Window: 85 sq. in (54.8 sq. cm) clear viewing window.
• Handlebar Release Lever: High-impact polymer composite.
• Swing Arm: High strength aluminum alloy.

Some of the things I appreciate about this stroller include the ability to one-hand manipulate the steering, using the padded handle bars.

Some other notable features include a cross bar that locks the rear with just a kick of the foot. The wheels are attachable/detachable using a lever to tension the axle in place. I prefer inflatable tire over the solid rubber ones found on most non-activity-based strollers, as they won't wear out.

The front wheel is mounted using a lever camming system to a fork, much like a quick detach wheel on a bike. It has 360 degree full swivel, and can be locked in place for added stability on hard terrain or straight stretches. You can also use the adjuster knob to fine tune the trueness of the straightness (if that makes sense)

The built in shades are dual, and operate independently of each other, giving full customization ability for both kids. The seat back also operates independently enabling the BAD or BAM to recline one seat or another. This is ideal for when one kid likes to nap during the stroller jogs.

So typically BAM likes to take the BAKs to the local forest trails and just bomb up and down them to the lake. The big tires, and the ease of steering really makes traversing some of these areas as smooth as hot knife through butter.

 I've kicked it, dropped it, hit it (haven't shot at it yet), and its endured some hard use with only minor scratching. Its tubular chromoly/aluminum structure is the same as those found on higher end hardtail/softtail mountain bikes. The built-in rear suspension makes the ride comfortable, and dampens much of the roughness normally experienced if using regular hipster strollers.

This is a piece of equipment that is designed for hard use. Don't be afraid to rock the shit out of it. Don't baby it, don't coddle it, don't put it in protective wrap. When my BAK's grow out of this beast, I plan on using it as a range cart. But for now, it pretty much goes where we go.

There are other kinds of double strollers, some are the same SxS, others are tandem, but few I have seen is designed for outdoorsy shit. A comparable product the Chariot. I haven't been able to put my hands on one yet, but I did see one on the ski hill. But all the lady did was drink coffee and mull around the lodge. She wasn't badass at all. She had bratty little kids whom I wished my BAK would push into the snow.

BADGR Broken Links fixed

Hi all, I've gone through the entire blog and fixed up the broken image links. All should be working now. Not sure WTF happened, some of my photos are hosted remotely, and the URL for those pics changed. Carry on.

Regarding the Sandy Hook School Massacre...

I felt compelled to write something about this. As a dad with little girls who are almost at age to be in elementary school, words cannot describe the feelings of sorrow, despair, and hatred as a result of the actions of a low-life scumbag who's name shall never be mentioned.  Before I became a dad, the news wouldn't of affected me the way they do now. Even now, days after the massacre, that lump in my throat, the welling up of tears in my eyes, as I visualize my own girls in that unthinkable situation.

(AP Photo/David Goldman)

Now, as I write this, there is much public discourse about effectiveness of gun control, mental health resources. There's calls for assault weapons bans more gun control. There's calls for more money thrown at mental health. The thing is, we live in a time where crazy people exist; whether they are terrorists, homegrown extremists, or just plain crazy.

I submit that no amount of debate, legislation, or money thrown at gun control or mental health will deter the determined crazies from exacting their brand of fucked up shit on civilians. Just like nobody, can ever predict an earthquake, I really don't think anybody can predict a crazy person going into a school and murdering 20+ people. In terms of stopping it, God Bless the LEOs who's active shooter training kicked and went in without SWAT. They probably saved the lives of countless more kids and teachers. However, LEO's are not posted at every school, and response times vary from region to region.

Sure regions can post LEO's or security at every school, but this is just not financially sustainable. Nor, is it exactly an environment conducive to learning for kidlets. What can and should be done, are failure drills. Drills that are ingrained at every level, from the Principal down to the Student. Failure drills are just what they sound like. Drills that happen when there is a failure or compromise of a secure and safe environment for learning. Whether its an unknown person roaming through the halls, or unknown smell emanating from unknown source, or weird smoke coming from a westerly, these are all candidates for failure drills. And it need not be rocket science.

Much like earthquake drills teach duck and cover, failure drills for students can be the same simplicity, such as lock and hide. There are numerous ways to lock a door, with all sorts of devices on the market. Hiding behind a barrier would help. For the Principal and the teachers, it is incumbent on them to secure the windows and doors as soon as there is an alarm.

Terrifying as it is, the reality of what could happen if these types of mitigation aren't actioned, would be worse.

I've sidestepped the whole gun control debate, mainly because guns are not the problem. Crazy fucked up people are. I admit, I'm not read up on crazy fucked up people issues. All I know is that, if fucked up crazy lowlifes do unspeakable things, they deserve to burn in hell - but not before they spend some time in a room with a bunch of bad ass dads with steel toe boots and a concrete curb.

BAD Gear: Lowa Desert Zephyr TF (Taskforce) Goretex Boots

I've been running the Lowa Desert Zephyr Goretex boots for a few years now. At least one year domestic field ops including some leave-time deer hunting, and over two year overseas in both dry and super wet monsoon season. I bought mine with 30% off from shoebuy.com at a total of $134 USD. I think this is one of the best pairs of boots I have ever worn. Lowa is world renowned for hiking and mountaineering shoes and they don't disappoint.

I've worn various combat boots in my military career, and various combinations of hiking and combat boots in my contracting/consulting postings. Of all the shoes I've tried (Asolos, Danners, Merrels, Garmonts, Columbias), these Lowas are my favourite. There is no break-in period at all. Just run and gun. These boots are no different than the civilian version of the Lowa Zephyrs one can buy from REI. They are meant to be hiking style, more than a combat boot style. The only differences are the monotone colours, and the goretex lining.  One of the things that attracted me to this boot, is that I can still be incognito at the park walking the dog, or walking the kids, or being walked by the kids. Its a great multi-purpose boot. 

The lightweight multi-function boot is made with PU Monowrap technology for surefooted stability. Designed to breathe in hot, dry climates, it features split leather and Cordura uppers and quick-drying Goretex lining. The cushioning and fit inside is fantastic. The first thing I noticed was that if fit like a pair of high-tops (Hipster translation: kicks).

It features Lowa's cross sole unit with 3/4 length shank for stability. For the goretex lining, Lowa uses a proprietary lasted method for a smooth and seamless waterproof lining which reduces hot spots, promotes a better fit and fewer blisters. Feet stay dry and comfortably warm even in extremely cold and wet conditions. This I know first hand from waiting in my hide during the freezing and wet deer hunts in October. I liked that it kept my feet dry (granted I also have a great sock system), and the bottom soles had lots of grip in the kind of terrain. 

The kind of weather my boots shined in can be seen in this video (monsoon season in Africa). It rains like this from March to July, then again from September to about November. Then its Dry season. This boot truly covers it all. The moisture-wicking lining enabled me to not only stay dry during this wet season, but also maintained moisture-wicking ability during the dry season. 

This other video shows during hunting season, walking through flooded fields. Instead of uncomfortable galoshes that don't take my custom orthotics well, nor keeps me warm, nor offer support on rocky terrain, I use these boots. As you can see I don't worry about getting wet. The only thing I do need to be concerned with is the depth of these fields. I oped to buy the mid-length boots, but there  is the full length combat-length. I don't need that anymore, as I don't blouse my trousers. As long as water does not ingress from over the top of the boot, you're golden.

One of the things I don't like about this boot, is that it is super super slippery on ice and snow. Its not meant for that. Nor is it meant for wet polished concrete. Try running in a parking garage with these boots on after a rain storm. Wear a helmet. It also is slippery on algae covered rocks. Or shit covered pavement, as is often the case in the places I work.

But for fieldwork, mountainous areas, hunting, mounted ops, dismounted patrols, hiking, standing around looking badass, picking up hotties, drinking scotch, smoking cigars, drinking scotch, looking like a goon in the airport, drinking scotch, doing push-ups  shooting people in the face, training to shoot people in the face, photo ops, looking for a Christmas tree to cut down for your BAKs, drinking scotch...this boot can do it all. When I said push-ups  I meant push-ups  Part of my PT drills is to do push-ups in full battle rattle. Part of my shooting drills is to also include push-ups and other forms of PT to simulate physical/mental stress. These boots have just the right amount of stiffness and malleability so the toes don't buckle during these exercises.

In terms of colour, it will pass parade inspection, sergeant major, uniform police as it is that desert colour. Here you can see the boot with my Arc'teryx LEAF combat jacket in Croc colour. The croc is a blend between Olive drab and desert, so if you wanted to do a linear regression analyses between the two, the boot would be closer to the desert colour.

A few other features I would like to point out: the speed laces. I don't have to tug on each section to tighten my boots (like your standard combat boots), I just need to yank on the top laces and everything else just tightens. I have seen some of my mates' boots where the top eyelets have gotten bunged up. Lowa replaced them easy peasy. But I've personally had no issues with them.

Another feature I would like to point out is that it's light, weighing in at 1.327lbs per boot. Now, that is quite light given the style and kind of boot, and it's intended purpose. Now, for sizing, its true to size. Size it like a sneaker. In fact, if you have the chance to visit a good hiking store, try before you buy.

In Asics I'm a 10, in Saucanys I'm in 10.5, in Asolo I'm a 9.5. In general I'm a 9.5 so I got a 9.5, and it fit. Mind you, I do have to put in custom orthotics. It is narrower, so if you have wide feet you may want to size up as I don't think they come in W. Also, if you intend to wear a sock system you may want to think about sizing up to accommodate the extra width.

I am now a Lowa evangelist, that is, anybody who asks me about hiking or mountaineering boots, I always direct them to try Lowa's first. That's not to say that Asolo isn't good, or Garmonts aren't good, or whatever, its just that at the price point, the fact that it is EU-made (DING DING DING DING), and with the Lowa Guarantee, there's no reason to look anywhere else first. Usually at the $140 price point, one is still hovering around the amateur market(stuff you can buy at Sportchek or Sportmart) and not considered a serious work boot. But this, this my bad ass friends, is a serious work boot. Granted it doesn't have a full length steel shank for shit kicking, but it can definitely kick down doors. I like Lowa so much that I bought my parents each a pair. BAF still likes her Garmonts as they are super stiff and provide support for her flat feet. But one day, one day, I will convert her. Isn't Christmas just around the corner?