After paying my Capital One credit card off I noticed on the statement that I had accumulated a number of points. The points could be redeemed for merchandise, or gift cards or cash at the rate of $1 per 100 miles/points etc. I had enough points to redeem for a Eureka Tent.

Eureka Grand Manan 9 Tent – CP01379
in Outdoor Recreation
Product Description:
Eureka Grand Manan 9 Tent Eureka! Grand Manan 9 is an all-weather dome style tent that sleeps up to five. The fly vestibule can be configured in multiple ways including awning and it has two large, side-opening D-style doors with Hi/Low venting offer entry and an access to the rear vestibule. There are eight interior pockets that help organize small items, a freestanding fiberglass frame with clips, pole sleeves, and ring and pin assembly make set up easy. Floor size is 9′ x 9′ with 6′ center height. Tent weighs 21 lbs. 7 oz. Model No: 2601202
32,000 miles (equal to $320)

Now this seemed like a slam dunk. A good Name Brand base camp tent, with no cash out of my pocket. I almost hit the REDEEM button then and there.

Then I noticed the Cash option. I could take the Rewards as cash so long as I had at least 5000 miles/points ($50). So I searched for that tent on line and found it from a variety of online retailers for quite a bit less.

Amazon.com New No tax + Free shipping $235.64
Cabela’s New No tax + Shipping: $5.00 $254.99
Campmor New No tax + Free shipping $259.97
Keenzo.com New $202.08
MJ Tactical Outpost New $180.13

There was nearly $100 difference between the average online price, and the REWARDS value. So beware of inflated rewards merchandise values. Your local retailers that accepted the card, actually paid the fee that the rewards percentage comes from. So take the cash from the credit card company and buy something from that retailer and both of you will be money ahead!

Alternatively, If you have a credit card balance, you may be able to apply your rewards to that balance. This is the best return on that money since it saves you the APR for that amount of principle over the next year. While paying off a credit card is the best method, using rewards over your payment actually saves you money in the long run.

Say for example you have a $1000 balance on your credit card, with a minimum payment of $35. If you have 5000 reward points, you could apply $50 to your balance over and above your minimum payment. That $50 goes against your principle and saves you $9 annually on an 18 % APR balance. That is an 18% return on investment. Better than any stock pick out there!

So keep this in mind when you get these reward cards.  If it seems too good to be true, then it is..

As my blogger and pro-staff buddies are all at the ATA (Archery Trade Association) show drooling over all the new gadgets, I find myself being a bit of a “Scrooge” when it comes to new archery innovations. The way I look at it is that it has taken me eight or so years to find a setup I like, and I’m effective with and I don’t want to change it.

To do so now would seem to be an insult to those pieces of gear that got me through some tough seasons and performed when I needed them to.

In fact I have come to appreciate a number of items strictly for their longevity.   Many other hunters do as well.  When I asked a group of dedicated hunters, about their oldest piece of gear, many replied that their rifle or their hunting knife was the constant through out the years.  And with good reason.  There is a great deal of emotion and sentimental value attached to these items, and often times they are handed down from generation to generation. 

Even though we are constantly bombarded with the “Latest and Greatest”, perhaps we as journalists should also put more emphasis on those things you only want to buy once.  On major purchases like tents, optics and weapons, I tend to look at products that have had the same design for years.  My point being if someone has had a piece of gear for 30 years, that is a good indicator of good performance and rugged durability.

Of course there are things I wear out every year and I’m prone to look at innovations.  There are also those products where the technology is improving exponentially every year (think ultralight backpacking, hunting clothing,  and compound bows.)  But even among those products there are some constants that have stood the test of time. 

So what things in your gear list have stood the test of time, that you wouldn’t trade for something “new and improved”?

Trail running gaiters fit tight to the boot and lower legs. The result, fewer shoe issues while out hunting.

In our part of the world, annual grasses are very prolific due to the seed burrs and foxtails that hitchhike along on your shoes, pants and socks.

To combat this I’ve incorporated a new piece of gear, the trail running gaiter. It has 3 benefits in addition to keeping debris out of my boots:

• Keeps your pant cuffs contained so they don’t catch of brush and limbs
• Resistant to rain and dew on grass.
• Covers up boot laces so branches don’t pull them undone at the most inopportune time.

The ones pictured above are REI trail running gaiters but there are gaiters available from hunting retailers that carry Sitka Gear and Kenetrek products as well.  Try some on your next hunt.

When I got this in my e-mail I almost chucked it. But then I remembered I DO have three pair of Superfeet in Running shoes and Hiking boots. I can say they have helped me in my conditioning and my ability to hike all day, day after day.

The firm, contoured, shape of the Superfeet Performance Insole provides support, balance, and comfort that softer insoles can not achieve. Once properly alligned, your feet will hold up and balance the bodies weight better than before, taking the stress off of your joints and muscles, preventing soreness and pain. When your feet are sore, your whole body feels sore. Guaranteed to improve the fit and performance of any boot, you won’t believe how much better your feet will feel at the end of a long day of hiking in rugged terrain. TRY A PAIR OF SUPERFEET TODAY! Warning! Wearing Superfeet Insoles can create comfort that is addicting. Customers that become addicted to wearing Superfeet Performance Insoles have been known to purchase several pairs.

You can get Superfeet at Running Stores such as Fleet Feet, Outdoor Stores such as REI, and Online at Kenetrek Boots.

While in Nevada, I was having trouble spotting deer while Cal and Jerome were picking out the tan patches before me regularly. When I expressed my frustration, Jerome asked me what power optics I was using. I replied “8×42′s”.

Just then Cal handed me his 10x 42′s and the deer I couldn’t find was clear as a bell. After I had determined that it was a buck (3×4) and that he had eyeguards, I examined the binos in more detail. The glasses were a dark green roof prism style that screamed “European Glass” . But I was surprised that there was not a silver hawk on the body of the binocular anywhere. Instead the words “VORTEX RAZOR” greeted me.

I was sold instantly. When I returned to civilization, one of the first things I did was log on to http://www.elknut.com and follow the links to Paul Medel’s Web store , and order my own pair. They arrived today, and I have to say they are a pleasure to look through.

The price tag was not as painful as European brands and the VIP warranty never expires, and Vortex will repair or replace the binoculars regardless of the owner, or age.  (Of course deliberate damage, loss, theft and other things aren’t covered under warranty.) Pretty much everything  you get with a European optic, plus a better warranty. 

PLUS, on purchases until October 31st, 2009 you can get up to $150 rebate on your Vortex Razors.  All of a sudden top quality glass, just became a little more affordable!

SPOT is a satellite relayed way to transmit position and a preprogrammed message to friends and family. In the case of emergency a signal can be sent to local search and rescue to come to your aid.

With only 3 buttons you can let friends and family track your position via Google Earth. 

 You can let them know you are safe with a pre programmed e-mail or text message.   you might pre program it to say  ”Hi guys, all is well”

If you need assistance you can have a pre programmed message that states just that.   If you are on an elk hunt and Need to pack meat out your message might read “Bull down, bring pack horses.  See you at last camp…” If you are doing a point to point backpacking trip your message that you program might read  ”We reached our pickup spot.  Need a ride as soon possible” 

 In case of emergency the closest 911 search and rescue response is summoned. 

ALERT 9-1-1: Use this function In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide – for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe.

SPOT sends your GPS coordinates to a GEOS Emergency Response Center every 5 minutes, allowing you to keep moving if necessary. Emergency responders are then updated with your last known location.

Because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works virtually anywhere. All it needs is a clear view of the sky.

In each case your coordinates are sent with the message.

For a limited time SPOT is Giving a FREE Spot Unit with a subsciption for one year of basic messaging and tracking

So if you are looking for a way to let family and friends know you are safe while in the wilderness, SPOT could be your answer.

Those of you who have been following my training know I’ve had good results with the Wilderness Athlete line of supplements, Gels and Drink mixes.   In studying the product line, I see a scientific approach to the ingredients used, not a least cost formulation.  I’ve used the 10 day hunt packs in concert with a daily multivitamin and this year for the first time, I tried the Hy-Altitude advantage, and bought a 10 day pack for my 67 year old father.  Both of us really felt that the products helped us hunt better, and I managed to kill a good bull at 9500 feet elevation (9450 feet higher than my home.)

So when I got word from the folks at Wilderness Athlete that there was going to be a sale, I thought I would pass it along to my fellow hunters:

For a limited time, you can get most of the Wilderness Athlete products for only a buck per piece! That’s right, A BUCK PER PIECE! We’ve got plenty of Mistletoe hanging around the office, because with this special, we KNOW you’ll want to kiss the boss!

• Buy a box of WA Buck Fever Reliever for a Buck a Bottle – that’s 12 Bucks for a 12 count box of Buck Fever Reliever (regular price is $39.48)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKBFR

 

• Buy a box of WA Performance Bars (any flavor) for a Buck a Bar – that’s 15 Bucks for a 15 count box of Bars (regular price is $41.85)! Coupon Code: BIGBUCKBAR15 (Limit 8 – 15 count boxes per order, any combination of flavors)

 

• Buy a box of WA Energy Gels (any flavor) for a Buck a Gel – that’s 12 Bucks for a 12 count box of Gels (regular price is $17.88)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKGELS

 

• Buy a box of WA Energy & Focus Drink Mix for a Buck a Packet – that’s 20 Bucks for a 20 count box of Energy & Focus Drink Mix Packets (regular price is $29.80)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKE&F

 

• Buy a box of WA Hydrate & Recover Drink Mix for a Buck a Packet – that’s 24 Bucks for a 24 count box of Hydrate & Recover Drink Mix Packets (regular price is $30.96)! Coupon Code: WABIGBUCKH&R

All you have to do to take advantage of this CRAZY Holiday Special is:

1) Go online to our website at www.wildernessathlete.com,
2) Add a product from the above list to your shopping cart,
3) If you would like to order 2 or more of the product, change the quantity in front of the product to the quantity you would like to order, then click on the “Recalculate” button,
4) Type the corresponding coupon code for the product you are ordering in the coupon code space provided,
5) Click on the “Apply” button (you will see a green confirmation appear when the code has been accepted),
6) Click on the “Continue Shopping” button to add more products to your shopping cart,
7) Repeat steps 1 through 6 until you have entered all the products you wish to order, Click on the “Checkout” button when you are ready to pay for your order.

This special won’t last long, so you have to hurry to take advantage of the WA Big Buck Holiday Bonanza! The coupon code is only good from 12:00 am EST December 10, 2008 through 11:59 pm EST December 31, 2008.

This special can not be applied to any orders made prior to the start time of the special, nor to any orders made after the end time of the special. NO EXCEPTIONS!

You may order any combination of the products listed above, however, there is a limit of 8 boxes of the 15 count Bars ordered at the special pricing per order. These coupon codes are not to be used with any other specials, coupon codes, or discounts.

Wishing you a Spectacular WA Holiday Season!

The Wilderness Athlete Elves
Wilderness Athlete

Thanks to my Skinny Moose buddy Jason Hendricks over at the Adventurist.  He alerted me to a HUGE discount sale at the Altrec Outlet.  Much of the products for sale there would be well suited for us Western Hunters.  Names like Mountain Hardware, Kelty and Marmot, are all veterans of high peaks and mountain climbing expeditions. 

So check out Jasons page as well as the deals at Altrec.  I think you will be glad you did on both counts..

John is in Wyoming chasing Elk.  But he thought that his readers might enjoy this new gear from Badlands.

Salt Lake City, Utah –The new Badlands Bino system is in a class of its own. The patent pending ZipNo™ technology uses a system of magnets sewn completely around all openings on the case, eliminating the need for zippers (and we know that zippers can be a hunter’s worse nightmare). Only the ZipNo™ closure, allows you to open and close the case with one hand and protect your glass from the unpredictable elements of the outdoors and the rugged activities of a hunter. The practically water tight seal allows your binos to be fully functional and protected, all without the use of zippers or buckles. Here are some of the other features the new Bino system has to offer.

-Built in 35 oz Hydration System on the harness
-Side straps allowing you to attach Range Finder, GPS, or Two Way Radio.
-Work station with pocks for all your game calls, maps or snacks
-Can be mounted to pack using the sternum strap
-Bow Hook, allowing you to use both hands for your glass and not having to set your bow on the ground
-OUR UNCONDITIONAL LIFETIME WARRANTY

Available from Badlands pack dealers including Sage Creek Outfitters. 

Normally I’m a button down collar kind of guy.  But when I’m out on the weekend I’ll put on a t-shirt.  Now my general theory on T-shirts is that I don’t have to buy them.  I’ve never seen any company that I wanted to support and pay to advertise for them…UNTIL NOW.

Chad Robvold, of Field Dress has put together a line of classy active wear t-shirts that pay homage to the progression of our outdoor heritage since their beginnings.  You can find designs for hunting, with rifle or bow, as well as fishing, big game and upland game t-shirts. 

Field Dressed, a name easily recognized within the outdoor community, creates highly professional designs, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to demonstrate their particular passion for the outdoors in a classier manner. Field Dress focuses on the rich history of gun hunting, archery hunting, and fishing by portraying the trademarked terms “field dress”, “load-up”, “nock-up”, and “hook-up” and established dates of each sport. Founder, Chad Rodvold, has been a member of the hunting and fishing community for over twenty-five years. Originally from North Dakota and raised in the retail clothing environment, he saw a need for more quality designed outdoor apparel after realizing he has never owned casual clothing demonstrating his passion for the outdoors. “In deciding what I really wanted to do with my life, I realized my passion was being in the outdoors hunting and fishing. I took my son to Bass Pro and after noticing all the shirts, I then realized I had never owned a shirt demonstrating how much I love to hunt. I came home and spent the next several weeks coming up with what is now Field Dress.”

 Stop by his Web store and take advantage of his $4 t-shirt sale. The Special Close-Out Pricing will continue as supplies last, but Field Dress promises to continue to put out the very best designs and prices on the web. New designs are being completed and in the coming months, Field Dress hopes to put out hats, long sleeve shirts, and tees for the holiday season so come back often and see what is next for Field Dress.