Initial Thoughts

Before receiving the boots, I was going back and forth on the size. I usually wear a women’s 7.5, but my current hiking boots are a size 8, so I went for an 8 to make sure they fit with a thick hiking sock, and they fit like a glove.

They were super comfortable even before breaking them in, which allowed me to hit some easy-moderate trails in them right away. The boots have a smaller tread than my typical pair, which left me a little nervous about their ability to grip on rocks or slippery surfaces. 

The “retro”-"-inspired look gives these boots a fashionable edge, and they come in two colors—a traditional brown and a more out-there blue. Whichever you’re feeling, you’ll be looking good out on the trails.

On the Trail

I took these babies for a spin on the Frank Coggins Loop Trail in Caesar’s Head State Park on the first day of fall. It was a moderate trail with a few steep inclines. I didn’t spend a lot of time breaking these boots in, and I wasn’t sure how good of a decision that would turn out to be. 

The Frank Coggins Loop Trail starts off rather easily, and the boots held up just fine on a flat, dry trail. Going up the inclines is where these boots shined, though. I prefer the style of a traditional boot, as I like the extra ankle support for inclines and declines. The Ridgeway boots provided that for me without worrying about hot spots or discomfort. 

At the end of the hike, my feet were still feeling pretty good. I did have some soreness, which is typical for me, but it didn’t stop me from doing any other activities that day, including walking the dog. After that first test run, I’ve found that the more I wear them, the better they feel. 

Let’s address the tread, which is a little smaller than some competing boot brands. On wet rocks and wood, I felt secure and safe with my footing and was impressed with the grip on the shoes. If I was doing a more strenuous hike or hiking in some more wintery conditions, I would want to also have trekking poles with me, but I’d want this no matter what boots I was wearing. 

Testing Water-Resistance

The Xero Shoes Waterproof Ridgeway Boots are advertised as waterproof, and overall I was impressed with how the water beaded right off of the toes and heels of the boots. After a few tests under a small waterfall, I did feel a little bit of water seeping through on the bottom of the eyestay (which holds the eyelets and laces in place). 

In general, I was incredibly impressed with how dry my feet were at the end of the day, even with the small wet spot from dousing my feet under the waterfall. Going forward, I will be reaching for this pair of boots for winter hikes, especially if there’s snow on the ground. 

The Verdict

Overall, I would rate these shoes four out of five stars. They were super comfortable, easy to break in, and provided the support I like. Despite being very waterproof, leakage is not impossible in these boots, and your feet could get wet if you’re in the water for an extended period of time. 
Check out the Waterproof Ridgeway Boots on the Xero Shoes website.

The post I Tried the Xero Shoes Waterproof Ridgeway Boots, and Here’s What I Thought appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Watching the season 45 premiere of Survivor left me thinking and feeling exactly what I imagine the show’s producers wanted me to. At the end, I felt irritated at people I don’t even know and questioned why the producers cast some of the contestants for the show. 

I mean, that has to be true. 

I say that because the casting team spent eight months screening some 25,000 audition tapes for potential candidates. Then, they screened those people further with psychological tests, background checks, and multiple rounds of interviews until they found the best 18 for the season.

Also, the show has been on the air for 23 years now, which breaks down into 44 seasons and approximately 650 episodes. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the best-performing shows for its primetime spot. You don’t typically reach that level of success without knowing what you’re doing. 

I could be wrong, though. 

Watching the press screener of “We Can Do Hard Things,” I couldn’t help but adopt the groupthink when one contestant did something that was obviously annoying or selfish. In one instance, a player was overly critical of all her teammates for things like stacking logs, and at times she even seemed to be expressing some sort of prejudice against them by using words like “they” and “these people.”  

Then, the same contestant couldn’t comprehend how all of her teammates could agree that aliens built the pyramids. It’s one of those conspiracies that people like to entertain because it’s funny and it happened so long ago that who really knows. What annoyed her about that conversation wasn’t the fact that it was offensive because people actually designed and built the pyramids. No, she just didn’t find the topic interesting. 

The moment reminded me that Survivor is a game show that’s selectively edited to highlight drama and create a story arc. For the episode, the cameras filmed 18 people for 48 hours, but the producers only used 60 minutes, so there’s some context missing. Plus, watching benevolent people do things competently doesn’t always create entertaining social situations. 

Which brings me to my last point.

In the first few minutes of the episode, we see a grown man cry uncontrollably because he’s feeling “a lot of emotion” by fulfilling his lifelong goal of competing on Survivor. It’s not my goal or the goal of anyone I really know, but to each their own. 

What gives me pause, though, is that he didn’t appear as if he trained or conditioned himself in any way for this experience of a lifetime. He appeared both mentally and physically incapable of enduring the challenges of the show and struggled with things like climbing a ladder and living without a medication he’s been taking his entire life.  

I have full confidence that the people behind the scenes at Survivor would never let someone die on TV, but I do wonder what happens to some of these contestants after what appears to be their worst traits and incompetencies are on full display for the world to see. 

With that said, 10 out of 10. Will watch the next episode. 

The season 45 premiere of Survivor airs Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 8 pm Eastern on CBS and you can stream it on Paramount+. 

‘Survivor’ 45 Premiere Recap: ‘Lulu Losers’

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1. Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards – $7.50

Card games are a great way to spend time together on a quiet night in, so why not bring them to the campsite? Even better, bring a set of waterproof cards that won’t get destroyed. Made from 100% waterproof plastic, these cards are easy to shuffle and are hand-washable. 

2. 3-in-1 Giant Checkers and Tic Tac Toe – $24

Sometimes, playing a super-sized version of a childhood game is all you need to have a little bit of fun. With checkers, tic tac toe, and super tic tac toe, this large game mat is sure to keep the family entertained during your next camping trip. The game board and chips are safety-test approved, non-toxic, and BPA-free. The game mat will make a great addition to your summer backyard parties and to any outdoor adventure.

3. Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito – $25

This one-of-a-kind dodgeball card game will make a great addition to family game night—at home or in a tent. Players try to collect matching sets of cards faster than their opponents for a chance to win. Oh, and you’ll be ducking and dodging plush burritos at the same time. Whether you’re a group of old friends looking for a fun way to reconnect or your little ones are about to have their first game night, this game is sure to be a hit.

4. Elite Sportz Ring Toss Outdoor Yard Game – $30

Made with five rings for ultimate fun and competition, this game is easy to set up and can be played almost anywhere. Great for playing with young kids who are developing their hand-eye coordination, this ring toss game will help develop motor skills or just bring more enjoyment to your next outdoor party. 

5. GoSports Ladder Toss – $33

This ladder toss is easy to set up and made with thick, pre-glued PVC targets. The bolos are made of soft rubber, making them kid-friendly and safe for indoor use. The strings are made from an extra-thick rope, which helps prevent tangles. This GoSports set also includes scorekeeping cards to faciliate friendly competition when you’re playing with your friends and family.

6. SpikeBall Standard 3 Ball Kit – $70

If you’re tired of playing the same old games on your camping trips, it’s time to purchase SpikeBall. A combination of volleyball and foursquare, this game is easy to learn but hard to master. SpikeBall is perfect for your next camping trip, or it’d make a great gift for your camping buddies.

7. SPORT BEATS Large Tower Game Life Size Lawn Yard Outdoor Game – $38

It’s like Jenga, but it’s giant. The numbered blocks help you keep track of all the pieces, which is handy when there are kids in the mix. Play with two to four players of mixed skill levels, and it’ll still be fun for all. Made from pine wood, these blocks have been hand-sanded and could easily be painted or stained, if you want to personalize your set.

8. Kan Jam Disc Toss Game – $40

Great for the campsite or the backyard, Kan Jam is an American-made outdoor game similar to cornhole and horseshoes. The goal? Be the first person or team to reach 21 points (or you can get an instant win if you go through the Kan slot). The game is easy to store and set up and will make for easy packing if you decide to bring it camping.

Which of these games and activities would you most like to bring camping? Tell us in the comments below.

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The Coast PX250 flashlight might not have been designed with camping in mind, but I found that it was perfect for camping and road-tripping.

First off, you have a powerful 650-lumen light focus with a quick twist. It's more than enough power for anything you'd need to do outdoors. On low, you're still getting 95 lumens and over seven hours of runtime.

While Coast has a lot of flashlights with similar specs, the PX250 literally has a trick up its sleeve. The body of the flashlight slides apart to reveal a bar light that works great for lighting up the picnic table or tent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDD1_fWanG8

The bar light also has solid red and flashing red. The solid red is great for casting just a little light at the picnic table for a mellow vibe. The flashing red is handy to have in case you have car troubles because the bottom is also magnetic.

The Coast PX250 runs on 4 AAAs and is weather resistant, with a double cap keeping moisture out of the battery compartment. I found it to be a solid choice for the outdoors.

Coast PX250 Flashlight

Features

• Chip-On-Board Optic technology
• Dual-color white and red beam
• Emergency signals
• Magnetic tail cap
• Twist focus
• IP54 Water resistance rating

Specs

• Battery: 4xAAA
• Runtime: 1 to 4.5 hours
• Beam distance: 68 feet
• Length: 6.7 inches
• Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Lumens: 650/high, 250/medium, and 95/low

Price: $40

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Some years ago, the New Jersey-based Bernzomatic introduced the Maker Detail Torch as a sort of multi-tool for starting fires. On paper, the butane-fueled lighter features a three-in-one versatile tip, an adjustable precision flame, and a pen-style grip. Since then, the device has garnered overwhelming praise, but how did it hold up during our testing? Read on. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJHhmlJ3YH8

Bernzomatic Maker Detail Torch

At the core of the Bernzomatic ST500 is the micro torch tip. It may be small, but it is mighty. The powerful butane flame provides pinpointed direct use. Due to its compact size and reliable flame output, it has become a favorite tool during camping trips. It burns at 2300 degrees, so getting a fire up and running is as easy as flipping a switch.

Traditionally, people would use a hot blower tip on a torch to shrink casings and tubing while working on repair projects. Though it can be used as a lock defroster during those bitter winter months. This attachment allows for heat to come out without a directly exposed flame. Blowing 1200 degrees of hot air into an iced-over lock will do the trick much quicker than a pocket hand warmer ever could.

The heated tip is useful when melting the ends of frayed rope – and putting some heat (630 degrees) where a hot direct surface is needed. A really well-thought-out feature is the continuous switch, which allows butane to continue to be fed to the torch, even when the trigger isn’t engaged by your hand.

The Verdict

The Bernzomatic Micro Torch has become a staple for camping. Similar to a multi-tool, it isn’t just a “torch," but rather, it's a powerful three-in-one fire and heat tool that comes in handy almost anytime and anywhere. It has three core features that make it an excellent tool for campers.

Features

• Adjustable, Precision Flame
• Trigger-Start Ignition
• Continuous Flame Lock
• 3-in-1 Versatile Tip Included: Micro Torch, Soldering Tip, Hot Blower
• Refillable with Butane Fuel
• Limited 3-Year Warranty

Price: $26

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In 2019, the GCI rocking chair got even better. Although we loved the original, the new GCI Road Trip Rocker had some welcomed upgrades. The new changes, based on customer requests, included flat padded armrests that are not just more comfortable but also more stable. And GCI Outdoors also deepened the seat and altered the color options. And that’s really about it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZexJIAXVp4c

Otherwise, it still has the Spring Action Rocking Technology that sets them apart from other chairs in the camping space. The patented tech automatically adjusts to uneven surfaces, so you get smooth, fluid rocking. 

For this review, we hauled the GCI RoadTrip Rocker all over California and all we can say is that they made the right adjustments. Plus, it still folds up like a regular camping chair, so it’s easy to pack. 

The GCI RoadTrip Rocker is a solid chair that can support up to 250 pounds and it is incredibly comfortable. 

Specs

• Height: 39.8 inches
• Width: 24.8 inches
• Depth: 26 inches
• Weight: 12.8 pounds
• Supports: 250 pounds

Price: $106

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With the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle, cooking is as simple as rolling into the campsite, hooking up the propane tank, and you’re ready to cook. It’s that easy. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzglfTvBVOw

Performance

With a surface area measuring 15.25 inches deep by 18 inches wide, the Blackstone Griddle has 260 square inches of cooking space. It’s powered by a one-pound propane tank and equipped with an electric igniter for fast heating. It also has a built-in grease catcher for no hassle clean up. 

Getting right into it, we’re pretty happy with the way it distributes heat. Beneath the hot plate is an H-style burner — it’s called “H-style” because it’s shaped like a capital “H.” Comparatively, most other griddles use two burners. 

Starting it is as easy as twisting a knob. For heat distribution, it pumps out 12,000 BTUs, which is perfect for just about anything you want to cook from a dozen eggs to nine pancakes to a few searing steaks. 

In addition to a generous amount of space, the cooking top is very heavy. It’s cold-rolled steel, so it’s durable and will last a long, long time. Overall, the entire griddle weighs about 25 pounds. 

In the front left corner, it has a small hole that serves as the oil trap and then the entire front has a little ridge. Beneath the hole is the grease catcher, which you can slide in and out to dispose of the grease.

Blackstone Table Top Griddle

Specs & Features

• Uses an electric igniter, fueled by one-pound propane tank, and has a built in grease catcher
• Grill space measures 15.25x17-inches, so it has a 260-square-inch cooking surface
• Retail Price: $199.99

Overall, we loved cooking with the Blackstone Table Top Griddle. It’s super easy to pack, use, and clean. You can buy it on Amazon for about $200. 

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Ahead are the top moments from each of the four challenges on the show’s first episode, which premiered May 18 on TBS at 9:00pm ET/PT.

Left Out in the Cold

“I will not only survive Bear Grylls, I will destroy the competition,” proclaims gym rat contestant Kevin. Fresh out of college, Kevin reveals, he weighed just 120 pounds — but watching survivalist Bear encouraged him to get fit and be more confident. It’s no spoiler to say Kevin didn’t exactly do Bear proud. The first competition requires contestants to grab on to a rope and tote tents, coolers and other objects up a slippery avalanching slope called Mount Sherpa. While the other contestants blow by him, Kevin keeps crying, “Why can’t I get up?” It all goes downhill from there, and he clearly doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning. “Welcome to the mountains,” Bear says. “When things go wrong, things go wrong fast.” 

Lip Service

The contestants worked up an appetite climbing Mount Sherpa, and Bear, who has drunk pee through a snakeskin and oxblood fresh from the source, has a solution for that: giant ostrich eggs. More specifically, eggs filled with special ingredients, including fish eyes, ox lips, pig uterus and pizzle, also known as animal penis. “If Bear wants me to do something, I’ll do anything,” wild mom contestant Sarah gushes. “I’m not afraid, bring it on!” Bear does, and she valiantly pushes through, gagging down ostrich egg yolk and the other disgusting treats all the while. That is, until a chewy piece of ox lip resurfaces and flies from her mouth. Multiple times. 

Puzzling It Out

“The stakes get ever higher, the challenges get ever harder and arguably ever more disgusting,” Bear warns as the competition continues. And he’s not kidding. The challenge “Mind over Matter” is based on Bear’s time in the Namibian desert, and it’s all about hunting prey — in this case capturing hidden puzzle pieces — in varying environments. Evil mastermind Bear’s idea of a tough game terrain translates to a barrel full of raw meat filled with real worms. Just in case that’s not disgusting enough, amateur survivalists must use only their heads and mouths to recover the puzzle pieces. “I would describe the raw meat as putting your head in a toilet, like that’s how gross it is, but then everything’s wriggling,” one contestant with meat-filled hair explains. Even grosser? Contestants must figuratively and literally get their hands dirty when they have to root around in a manure pit for even more puzzle pieces.

Parting Shot

The fun of watching I Survived Bear Grylls is seeing past highlights from the survivalist’s time exploring the wilderness, like a clip showing him in the Rocky Mountains in 2008. At the time, all that stood between him and starvation was a chipmunk and a homemade slingshot. The memory becomes the inspiration for the final challenge, “You’re Killing Me.” Contestants aim for targets (photos of their faces) using, what else, a slingshot. At the end of the game, the show’s first winner gushes: “I know Bear has some amazing stories, but now I have one of the most amazing stories of all time, with Bear Grylls.”

Stay wild!

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