Heather's Choice Meals For Adventuring

As outdoor enthusiasts we know that there are lots of companies who do a lot of the same types of things or make the same types of products.  The benefit of this is that we can have a variety to choose from as well as compare different products to see which one is a better fit for us personally.  When someone prefers one company or product over another, it is important to recognize that this is their preference and that their take on it may be useful for you to make a decision but it is still important to find which product works best for you.  This is exactly what happened to me recently when considering backpacking meals for my adventures! 

I'll be completely honest... I saw a review posted on Journal Of Mountain Hunting on Heather's Choice Meals for Adventuring comparing these meals to the typical Mountain House meals many of us hunters/hikers have used.  When I first saw the review I was skeptical (mostly due to the price of the meals) yet still interested and wanting to know more.  I started doing a bit of research on their website as well as checking into a few other companies as well. 

The first thing that peeked my interest is seeing that the Heather's Choice Meals were dehydrated rather than freeze-dried.  I have dehydrated a lot of foods and know that dehydrating is a great way to have light weight quality foods that still taste great.  

The second item that grabbed my attention about Heather's Choice meals were the ingredients... Check this out... Imagine a meal with these ingredients: wild caught Alaskan sockeye salmon, peas,carrots, potatoes, powdered coconut milk, dill weed, cayenne, white pepper, vinegar powder, and sea salt... Sounds taste right... Now how about this one: 100% grass-fed elk, onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, garlic, purple potatoes, thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, tomato paste, plum tomatoes, sea salt, and black pepper. 

The third item that really stood out to me was not until a few months after I first heard about Heather's Choice meals... My son who is only a year old was recently diagnosed with having Celiac Disease which is extremely rare for a child this young.  Long story short, our whole lives have changed quite a bit in regards to the food we have around the house.  My wife and I have been pretty good at keeping some food storage around the house in case of emergencies which primarily consisted of backpacking meals that I would rotate through during my hunting and fishing adventures... Well the unfortunate part with that is that many of the standard backpacking meals are not gluten free, and then those that are are typically spicy which is not ideal for my one year old son.

My heart not only sunk at the thought of how I was going to take my son on backpacking adventures, but also of the thought that in an emergency, my son wouldn't be able to eat many of the foods we had for such a situation... I started looking again at all of the companies and products I had researched months earlier and to my surprise, ALL of Heather's Choice meals are gluten free!  These meals are gluten free, dairy free, and follow a Paleo diet.  In other words, the person who made these meals has graduated with a degree in Evolutionary Sports Nutrition and went on to study at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating in Boulder, Colorado and has used all of her knowledge/education to provide meals that are healthy, tasty, and give it the fuel needed in every condition.  This may not seem very important to those who can have gluten or dairy, but to someone like me who needs to meet my son's dietary needs, this is HUGE!

With these factors, I decided to make an order and try out their meals.  I ordered two of their buckwheat breakfast, two different Packaroons, an Elk Sheppard's Pie, and a Sockeye Salmon Chowder. As soon as the package arrived, my 1 year old son and I devoured the Packaroons.  Over the next couple of days we quickly went through the meals we had ordered.  With the primary consumer in mind being my son, we were hoping he was old enough to talk and let us know how he liked the food.  As a typical 1 year old, he would act like he liked it, then he would stop eating it so we were a little confused on his take on the meals for a child that young.  I enjoyed the meals and felt that they were a great hardy meal that would be awesome while camping, hiking, or backpacking.

The Heather's Choice meals weigh 4 ounces and their snacks weigh 1.8 ounces.  The packaging is much smaller than your typical Mountain House Meals while carrying just as much, if not more, food in each pouch.  I would encourage anyone to at least check out Heather's Choice Meals and see what they have to offer.  Especially if you have dietary needs like my son, these meals are a great way to have high quality food while on your adventures!

Right now Heather's Choice is running a Kickstarter fundraiser to help raise money to purchase different equipment to improve their dehydration, expand their menu, as well as improve their packaging and thus reducing the cost of their products.  If you can help out and make a pledge it wouldn't only help out Heather's Choice, but it would also help out all of the Heather's Choice customers as well.  Please check them out and give their meals a shot! Please click this link to go and make a pledge if you can! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heathertkelly/heathers-choice-meals-for-adventuring

Lucky Shot USA Review - 20MM Bottle Opener and 30MM Shot Glass

 Recently, I had the opportunity to review a 20MM Vulcan Bullet Bottle Opener as well as a 30mm A-10 Shell Shot Glass from Lucky Shot USA.  Just to give you a little bit of info on this company, Lucky Shot is a family owned and operated company who is dedicated to keep the military history alive through providing bottle openers, shot glasses, and many other products.  They make 12 gauge brass magnets, bullet casing tire valve covers, pens, and many other awesome items to help preserve the military heritage and way of life!  All of their products are built out of refinished/repurposed military munition which carry a significant meaning when using the product in a different setting.

With the 20MM Vulcan Bullet Bottle Opener, you get a card certifying it's authenticity which states: "This brass shell casing is authentic, fired by an procured from the US Military." The shell has been refinished, polished, and has had a expertly milled aluminum tip resembling the projectile for this round.  In case you were wondering what type of gun shoots a 20MM Vulcan round, this is the cannon style Gatling gun mounted on a F-16 Fighter jet.  If that doesn't impress you then I'm not sure what will...

The bottle opener is 3 times the size of a 50 cal. and measures out at just over 6 1/2 inches long.  This is definitely not a bottle opener you are going to lose or have a hard time finding when needed.  Needless to say, the product works well and opens bottles.  This review isn't necessarily to tell you how well it works, but more rather, to tell you how I feel this is a bottle opener with a purpose as well as a story behind it.  You can personally design your bottle openers with custom engravings or even choose one of their colored shell casings to create your own style of bottle opener.  Each bottle opener comes in a slick looking black bag with a drawstring top to protect it when storing it in a cupboard or drawer.  With the manliness behind using a 20MM Vulcan shell as a bottle opener as well as being able to personalize it with a custom engraving, I feel that this is a great gift idea for the military personnel or gun enthusiast in your life.  The 20MM bottle opener costs $24.99 without any engraving.

The 30MM shot glass is made out of a shell casing from a A-10 Warthog's (Thunderbolt II) GAU-8/A  Avenger seven barrel Gatling-type cannon.  The shot glass hold up to 2.25 ounces.  The only down side to the shot glass is that it is no dishwasher safe, just to avoid losing the vibrant color which has been put on the shell casing.  Other than that, it is completely safe to drink out of and is another item that can be personalized with engraving as well as one of their multiple color options.  They also have pre-made shot glasses with "Don't Treat on Me", "'Merica Est. 1776" and other patriotic/military friendly slogans.  The 30MM shot glass runs $14.99 without engraving and carries with it, a piece of history.

Both of these items are great conversation starters, gifts, keepsakes, as well as functional manly style house hold items.  Who wants a simple bottle opener when you can rock a 20MM Vulcan Bullet Bottle Opener! Without fail, every time I pull out my new bottle opener when we have guests over, everyone asks to see it and asks me what it is.  I am not huge into the military culture nor do I know a lot about the ammunition they use in the military, but I do appreciate the history and culture these products and company stands behind.   If you are looking for a good gift idea, a new addition to your man cave, or just curious about their other products, be sure to check out LuckyShotUSA.com

Modern Day Hunting Slogans

View from the boarder of Idaho looking into Montana

This year has been one of the hardest seasons for me for many different reasons.  At the same time, I have had some great experiences that have helped me from becoming so discouraged that I throw in the towel.  Through these high's and low's, there have been quite a few different thoughts cross my mind that I felt I would share with you to see if I am the only one who feels this way.

Public Land "Slogans"

My hike in

This year has by far been my most disappointing hunting season in regards to my interaction with other hunters.  There have been at least 5 specific situations where another hunter has spooked the game I was after as I was making a stalk or calling one in.  Not only have I had this happen, but I was also flipped off, yelled at, and cursed at even though I was the hunter stalking the animal first or set up prior to the other hunter even showing up.  I spent plenty of time hiking "further and longer" than the typical hunter yet as well as "going in early and staying late".  With that said, I will say that even though you hear that you need to go in earlier, stay later, hike further, and stay longer than other hunters... some times those slogans are nothing more than words.  Don't get me wrong, the message in these saying have a place and are true to an extent, while realizing that you are not nor ever will be the only hunter who has the same mentality or game plan.  The truth is, you hunt where the animals are.  The reality is that when you hunt public land, you are never going to be the only one who hunts an area or is moving in on a elk that is bugling.  There have been plenty of hunting trips that I have gone on where I have been so high in the back country that I start to think to myself that I may be the only one within miles... just to look down and find a beer can, a candy wrapper, or even look down the ridge with my spotting scope just to see a group of hunters following my exact same path.  We live in the time where the "high country" is as much of a status as it is an adventure.  I have even had many non-residence contact me asking where they should hunt while making the point that their main motive is to be on a "backpacking high country elk/deer hunt".  I have talked to a few of them about where they may be able to find a mature buck or bull and if it's not in the "high country" they aren't that interested.   Soo to conclude this point, as long as it is "cool" to backpack into the high country and chase screaming bulls or big mule deer, then you will never be alone on public land.

Solo hunting experience

Learning to Hunt Solo...
This is one struggle I have had for a couple years now... I recently saw a post that said, "Good hunting buddies are hard to find so keep the ones you've got".  This post hit home for me because I have struggled recently to find someone to go hunting with me.  My wife has naturally been my best hunting buddy while having kids, and her being a working mother, it has been hard for her to find time or justify leaving her other responsibilities to come hunting with me.  My other hunting buddies either have moved, demanding work schedules, or other friends they would rather hunt with which has left me with the option of hunting alone most of the time.  When you have spent most of your time hunting in a group of 2-4 people, it is quite an adjustment to learn how to hunt alone.  Spotting and stalking can be done easier when you are a solo hunter, but when you try to set up and call in an elk, it is nice to have someone behind you calling while you set up for the shot.  Another adjustment for me (which makes me sound like a softy) is being "okay" with experiencing some of the most amazing views, some of the most unique experiences, or some of the most rare moments in the wild yet not being able to share that moment with someone else.  Don't get me wrong, I could spend days on end alone in the mountains and be as happy as could be, but sharing these moments with someone else creates a bond that can't be adequately expressed in words.   No matter how good I am at explaining an awesome experience to someone, it never seems to do it justice.


"Hunters need to support one another"

Permanent structure I found some hunters building

Sorry for starting this section so bluntly, but... SCREW THAT!!!! As I mentioned earlier, this year has been one of the most disappointing years I have ever had while hunting.  I have been flat out embarrassed by some of the other hunter's conduct.  From seeing illegal behavior to unruly treatment toward other hunters, it has been hard to follow the slogan or saying that "hunters need to stick together" or "We're on the same team". From what I have been experiencing this year, as well as previous years only in smaller amounts, is that not all hunters are built the same way... The truth of the matter is that there are some hunters that are great, respectable, and considerate even if this involves them allowing another hunter to pursue or tag an animal they were after.  On the other hand, there are some hunters that are selfish, greedy, entitled, and down right rude when interacting with other hunters.  Don't get me wrong, I'm protective of my hunting areas and wish that I was the only one who hunted it, but when this reality sets in I will ALWAYS have some interaction with other hunters as long as I'm hunting on public land.  It's been hard for me to cope with the reality of how rude and inconsiderate some hunters can be, but I have had to remind myself that the more I let them bother me and upset me, the less I enjoy my passion of being in the outdoors.  One concept that is shared often in my profession is to not allow certain people to have control or influence over your life.  I have had to force myself to let things roll off my shoulder and not hold on to the conflicts I have encountered this year.  I can let go of all the drama without supporting or endorsing their behavior.  I actively stand up for the rights of hunters as well as the ethical and legal treatment of our land and animals.  Often those who are confrontational and arrogant are doing something they shouldn't be which is one more reason to avoid them and do your own thing.  I have reported illegal activity as I have seen it, and feel better when I let some hunters be how they are while I do my own thing... Never will I "be on the same side" or "be on the same team" as someone who treats others with such little respect or treats the land/animals as disrespectful as they do...

Under the permanent structure they were dumping feed, baiting in the elk

In essence, even though there are a lot of popular slogans and saying for hunting on social media, remember that this is all stuff that is said on the internet.  There is truth to many of these slogans and sayings but in reality we are all different, hunt differently, have different goals, and have different motives.  You can hunt as hard, far, and long as you want but in most cases you still won't completely avoid other hunters as long as you are on public land.  Yes there are more people in certain areas than others and you can choose to hunt in an area with less pressure, but just know that its just a matter of time before another hunter has the same ideas as you.  Hunt the way you like, we are not on the same team, but you don't have to be rude and inconsiderate toward others.  You can do your thing and let others do theirs without being confrontational.  When all is said and done I enjoy chatting with other hunters but if we let other people, slogans, sayings, social media, or other popular memes govern our experience we won't experience anything other than disappointment.  They can inspire us, influence us, or even discourage us, but when push comes to shove hunt the way you want and treat others with respect and you'll enjoy your experiences much more.  

Moments I "hunt" for :)

3 Year Journy Ends With Unique Buck

It all started 3 years ago when I decided I needed to head down on the river bottoms south of the desert to look for sheds.  While walking on a game trail I ended up jumping a small white tail spike that took off immediately.  Shortly after it took off I heard a loud crash, sticks breaking, and then the sound of the young buck running off.  Seems how there was snow on the ground I followed the tracks to see what all the commotion was about.  Based on my assumption from the tracks I was following, I assumed that the deer attempted to jump over some fallen logs, landed in between two smaller snow covered branches and crashed... I continued to follow the tracks where the buck had hoped back up and continued to run away... This is when my heart sank and I automatically had a deep emotional connection with this animal...

 

When I began to follow the tracks after the spot where the deer crashed, I noticed that about every so often there would be a couple drops of blood in the snow on the left side of the trail.  I slowly tracked this buck for about 15 minutes attempting to catch a glimpse of him to make sure he was okay, at that point I decided to back out and just hope that the little guy would be okay.  As any hunter knows, even though we take the life of an animal, we all hate to see the animals suffer.  All I could think about for the next couple of days is how this area was know to have quite a few coyotes and other predators who loved to prey off weak wintering animals... I felt responsible for this buck and hoped that I would see it come next fall to see if it was alright.

 

Throughout that summer and into the first part of fall I was unable to get a picture of a buck that I thought was the deer I encountered that winter.  Then, luckily, I was able to catch a photo on my trail camera of a buck who was growing a odd antler on it's right side.  I had heard that if a deer or elk happened to break a bone on one side of their body, the opposite antler growth is affected.  I had always thought that was a myth, but when I caught this guy on camera I couldn't help but be convinced that this was my deer!

 

Sure enough, I was able to get another picture of it which confirmed my thoughts, while at the same time, made my heart sink more.  When I looked at this pic, I saw this deer's left foot completely busted, pointing in the wrong direction, and a huge bone growth cluster at the bottom of his leg... I could tell this buck had a rough life seeing how bad his leg was,  I told myself I wouldn't hesitate using my tag on this buck if I saw it during the season, but unfortunately these two pictures were the only evidence/sign I had that this buck was even still alive.  All season long, I looked for this buck with no avail.  I assumed that some other hunter had taken the buck, and I hoped that the hunter was smart enough to realize it was a broken leg rather than some random growth or tumor.  I was afraid that if another hunter took this animal they would leave the animal rather than pack it out because they were afraid to eat it due to the abnormality on his back leg as well as the odd set of antlers on this deer.

After the 2014 season I will admit, I didn't think about this buck much and pretty much called it off as dead or gone.  I spent the summer getting ready for the 2015 season as normal, and was even able to play a part in getting my cousin who is 23 years old into hunting.  This was a great experience for me as I was able to answer a lot of questions, coach/mentor him while practicing his archery skills, and just spend some quality time with him.  Of course, as any hunter would do, all summer long I was hoping more that my cousin would have success than I even hoped that I would have success.  I wanted this first time hunter to be hooked, and experience the amazing moments that hunting provides.  As the season got closer, my younger brother and I set out 5 different cameras looking to locate a few certain bucks in anticipation for hunting season.  The very first week we pulled the cards, I was not only impressed with how many deer we had on our cameras, but I was thrilled to see that my buck with the broken leg was back in the area!   This year,  the buck's leg was almost twice the size it was the previous year and the antler growth was looking a lot more effected by the broken leg.  The left antler grew decent yet was not a typical white tail antler, while the right side was more of a failed attempt at any shape at all..

For the next few weeks, we kept pulling our cards and getting more and more pictures of deer.  We were all getting excited for the season and felt that we would have a decent shot at a few of the bucks we were getting on camera.  As the season was about to start, like always, the deer started to become a lot more nocturnal and the number of pictures started to decrease.  Luckily, the frequency of "The Hoove" had stayed about the same.  We were even able to get a few early morning or early evening pictures before the dark set it.  Even though there were numerous other bucks with larger antlers in the area, I told every, I was seeking out to take that buck this year.

 

 

When the season started, I did what I typically do, and took off to chase elk the first few days of the season and then later that week decided to go after deer.  On September 5th, my cousin who I had helped throughout the summer decided to go back down where my younger brother and I had taken him a few days prior while looking for deer.  That night he was sitting in one clearing while his other cousin was sitting in a different clearing waiting for the deer to move around right before night fall.  Sure enough, at 7:48 P.M. my phone range... On the other end, my cousin Jeff was whispering to me how he had just arrowed his first deer at 28 yards away! The excitement in his voice and the adrenaline I heard running through his body was the moment I had anticipated all summer long when shooting bows with him in my backyard!

I hurried home from the errands I was running and headed down to help take care of the deer.  Jeff and my other cousin had waited until I showed up before they tracked it just to be safe.  I had Jeff be the one to lead the way and follow the blood trail.  By this time night had set in and we were using our lights to follow the trail.  In less than 40 yards from where this deer was first hit, there it lay taking a dirt nap!  When we first found the deer, Jeff was needless to say, overwhelmed with emotions, not knowing what to do or how to feel other than the surge of adrenaline and assurance that he had just successfully tagged his first deer!  As I looked a the deer, I realized that the deer he had just tagged was "The Hoove" who I was set on taking this year! I was ecstatic that Jeff not only got his first deer, but also his first bow kill, as well as tagged a very unique buck!

 

Without going into all the lengthy details of the pack out and taking care of the animal, I will just say that numerous times Jeff would say that now he knew why people say that hunting is addicting.  He stated over and over again how he couldn't remember the last time he felt this good!  He had work hard for quite some time practicing, learning, taking his hunter's education courses, and spending time getting ready for this moment.  All of his preparation came down to one moment and he was able to seal the deal on the buck I had been following for three years.   My emotional connection with this buck did not end after I was assured that he was tagged, instead, my respect and connection with this buck deepened as I could see just how strong and resilient this warrior truly was!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Game Gear Camouflage Review: Function and Durability

One of the main reasons I attend the Hunting and Outdoor expos are to find some outdoor gear that I haven't heard about yet through main stream media.  This past year I attended the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City and was introduced to some great new gear.  One of the new companies/gear I was introduced to was Game Gear's hunting clothes.  My first impression was that I liked the pattern that seemed close to a few other brands I was familiar with, yet different enough to give it a unique break up.  I sat and chatted with the people in the booth for quite some time and then moved on my way.  After the expo, it didn't take me long to decide I wanted to know more about Game Gear and their hunting clothes.  I checked into their company and decided I would do some research and share what I found with my followers!  One of the first things I will point out is that Game Gear has been making athletic clothing for over 72 years (Since 1943) so even though they may be new to the hunting/camo industry, they are well seasoned in making clothing built for active life styles!

I ordered me their Tala Mid Season System which currently runs at $230.00 for the following items:

Tala Shirt (BT3002LH50)
Tala Pant (SL3003H50) 
Tala Vest (WS3004H50) 
Heat Tech Shirt (H603S)
Heat Tech Brief (HT113)

Considering that some of the camouflage companies these days are selling their pants alone for prices between $150 - $650, the package deal from Game Gear is a great purchase considering what you get! The pants are polyester with a mesh liner and the vest is polyester with a fleece liner.  Both are stitched with 100 weight heavy duty thread to hold up to the elements while hunting.  The shirt is extremely soft and comfortable made out of a polyseter/lycra blend.

I received the Tala System around the first of May and have been hitting the mountains pretty hard testing out the gear.  I could have easily written a quick post in June stating that the camo was great and that I would recommend it to anyone looking for new camo, but I wanted to make sure to give the gear, and my readers, an in-depth review to make sure I wasn't just writing out of excitement of owning a new set of camo.

The pattern: 
At first I will admit I thought the pattern was kind of a knock off of the Kuiu pattern, but when I set them side by side to Kuiu, Sitka, and other brands of camo, I realized how all of them have similarities and distinct features which set them apart from one another.  As far as how it works in multiple settings, I will let the pictures do most of the talking while I just say that I'm glad that I finally own camo that I can wear in all of my hunting elements! I love how well the patter performs in everything from desert sage brush, cattails in the duck blind, and high mountain pines or aspens.  I would say the best performance out of the Game Gear pattern would be in the desert/sage brush, the aspens, and in the cottonwoods.   Be sure to click on the pictures to make them bigger. I also have lots of other pictures if you would like to see them in other settings please let me know in the comments and I can email you a few pics.

Aspen trees

Aspen trees with shadows

Rocky high country pines

Crawling in the desert

Kneeling shooting my bow in the sage

Sitting then standing in a tree stand

Standing in the cattails

Here is my 411 on the Tala Pants:
The pants were comfortable, durable, and as with the rest of the camo, I like the pattern.  The pant waist band is built structured in the front and elastic in the back to give them a comfortable snug fit.  With the the way the waist is constructed, I could wear these pants without a belt and they would sit right all day long while hunting.  The length of the pants seemed a bit long when I first tried them on but when I put on my hunting boots I loved how they stayed low while hunting and walking through thick brush.  On the Game Gear website, the state how the length of the pants is "generous" to keep ankles covered while squatting or kneeling.  I would say that their design and purpose behind the longer pants was one thing I wouldn't have thought about when looking for a good fit of pants.  Another feature I like about these pants is how the knees are sewn differently than any other camo pants I have ever owned.  They are sewn angled which is a lot more aligned with the stance and movement involved with hunting.  It didn't matter if I was walking, running, standing, kneeling, climbing into my tree stand, or crawling the pants never bunched up, crawled up, or became uncomfortable.

The pants also have a mesh liner to "optimize air flow and breathability" as stated on their website. They also have two back pockets, two deep hand pockets, as well as two convenient zipper pockets on the thigh.  I will say though, that if you plan on hunting in cooler weather, it would be wise to wear thermals, or a warmer base layer, rather than what comes with the Tala System.  I ended up getting caught in a snowstorm while looking for bear mid May and needless to say my legs were pretty cold.  The pants are also water repellent and wind resistant.  Don't confuse that with water proof... Hiking in wet cold conditions, my legs still got wet when wearing these pants after hiking for a while.  If you are hunting in such conditions it would be wise to wear gators (Just like with most other camo/hunting pants).  I myself would like to see Game Gear make some water proof gators that they would offer as accessories for hunting in such conditions. 
 
Now onto the Heat Tech Shirt:
The shirt is very comfortable and extremely soft.  I won't go on an on about the shirt; I will just state that the cut is very supportive of the movement of both bow hunting and rifle hunting.  The material was a great match for hunting due to how fast it dries when aired out.  As I would hike around either hunting or scouting I would work up a sweat, stop for a rest and let me gear air out, and within just a couple minutes the shirt was dry and ready for me to comfortably continue on my way.  When in the cooler conditions the zipper zips high enough to cover the base of my neck securely to help keep the heat in and keep my neck warm.

Next up is the Tala Vest:
The vest is a great piece of gear which I really enjoy hunting in.  The vest has two chest zipper pockets as well as two hand pockets down by the waist.  The zipper is a high quality quiet zipper with a sturdy rubber zipper pull.  The vest keeps your warm and protects you from moisture without restricting the movement needed when hunting.  I enjoyed wearing the vest on all of my outings even if they weren't always outdoorsy just because of how comfortable it was.

Now to be fair, I will post the one concern I have/had...

I wore this system for quite some time and put it through some pretty good tests.  I feel the products are all built great and should hold up for any of the hunters out there.  I do wish the pants were a bit thicker/warmer... The polyester is a pretty thin material and it didn't seem to take much before my lower half started to feel the chill when the temperature dropped.   I'm not one to get cold while hunting so this was not a comfortable feeling for me while in the mountains.  The shirt and vest kept my upper body warm, while my lower half was a bit cold.  This could easily be fixed by wearing the warmer base layer offered by Game Gear so, I wouldn't say this would be much of a deal breaker when considering purchasing this gear, just something that is good to be aware of.  I want you all to know that I worked very hard to give the Game Gear as unbiased of a review as I could. If it wasn't for the the cold weather I wouldn't have anything to say in this section.

Sooo... to wrap this all up:
 To me,  the Game Gear camouflage is a great purchase for what you get.  For a company who has been building athletic clothing for over 72 years, it shows in their new line of camo! This is not a company who looked around and tried to copy what someone else was doing.  These people are hunters, athletes, and outdoors men/women who know what works, and who have decided to start marketing their line to hunters!  If you see me in the mountains this year you can bet I'll be wearing my Game Gear camo... but then again that's if you see me...