Product Review: Bandlands Zip-No Bino Case

When I first started hunting I carried my binoculars in my pack. After a few trips I was tired of every time I wanted to glass I had to stop, get my bino's out, glass, and then put them back. It got old really quick. On the way home from one of our first scouting trips Tyler and I stopped by Turners, I thought I had found the solution in the binocular straps. I purchased those and was off for some turkey hunting in the next couple of days. After hiking 6-8 miles that day chasing wild turkey, my binoculars where bouncing all over my chest, I had a new problem. I would rather pull them out of my pack then have my chest beat for hours. I knew that would not work as I would need them to glass spots quickly and on the move. I would need my bino's at any given moment. I have seen a lot of guys on the hunting boards looking for a great binocular case. With the Badlands Zip-No Bino Case you get just that.

After some research and chatting with Al, who at the time we were just starting to hunt together. He recommended the Badlands Bino Case. The more I looked into their bino system the more I started leaning to Badlands. Now there are 3 different Bino Systems, The Bino X, The Zip-no, and a zippered one.

From Badlands Website

Revolutionary new way to carry your expensive binos. The new Badlands Bino Case features a new water tight and dust proof closure called the Zip-no? system which makes accessing and protecting your binos easier than ever. The shoulder harness also accommodates your hydration needs with a rollout bladder.

Specs

Weight: 1 lbs 8 oz

Capacity: 200 ci

 

 Dimensions: 10" X 6.5" X 3"

Photo: Al Quackenbush 2013

 The Bino Case also comes with a mesh netting that holds a water bladder, the netting can be rolled up and zipped away when wearing a pack and rolled out if your just going for a quick hike. All you need is your water bladder and hydration hose. I have been using this system now for 2 full seasons and unless something better comes out I'm sticking with my No-Zip Bino Case. There are two straps that go over your shoulders then two more that wrap around just above your waste so the pack will not bounce around as you hike and break brush. On the inside of the pack it has the main pocket for your binos and 4 smaller pouches on the flap that opens, one has a zipper. I keep my hunting license, deer tag, trespassing laws and one of those high tech space pens in there. I also keep a water proof pad in the big section behind my binos for taking notes on the trail. On either side of the pack it has 2 small straps, I use one for my walkie talkie and I hang my sunglasses from the other side when I am glassing. I have everything I need right in front of me. This case also has a hook on the bottom side to hook your D loop onto so you don't have to set your bow down when you want to glass a hillside real fast.

The one down side to this Binocular system is the cost. At $129.99 MSRP it is not cheap. I was able to find one a little cheaper off Ebay. It also comes with Badlands unconditional warranty. If anything happens no matter what they will fix or replace anything new or used. They have one of the best warranties in the industry. If you buy it brand new, on Ebay or at garage sale it dose not matter they will still warranty it. Check out Badlandspacks.com for all of the great Badlands products. Little did I know I would have a Bino case and 3 packs in less 2 years.

CA Draw Results Have Been Posted

On my way to work this morning I got a text from my hunting partner Al, he informed me that the CA Draw Results had been posted this morning. When I got to work the DFG website was backed up due to everyone checking on what they drew. Hopefully you all got what applied for. Once the madness slowed down I was finally able to check my tags. Al and I both drew A-31, Los Angeles National Forest either sex archery only tag. It give us from September 27, 2014 to December 31, 2014. That is a lot of time to hunt, giving us lots of chances to get out in the field. Our trail cams are set in a great looking area. Now only time will tell.

For 2014 in CA I also have Archery Only Deer, a bear, wild pig, and bobcat tags. I will also be chasing wild turkey in the fall. In September we will be going to Colorado for over the counter elk and hopefully I will be able to get a left over bear tag too. There is a chance I might be going to Missouri for whitetail, that might be along shot with Colorado and a 1.5 year old. We will just have to see. Now its time to get the boots dirty and do some glassing.

Proud to anounce I am part of Deer Crossing Archery Shooting Staff

I had been hearing good things about Deer Crossing Archery online so I decided to check a little more into them.  After my inquires and discussion with them I was asked to be a part of the Shooting Staff. I like what they stand for and are doing in the industry. This is straight off of their website on the About Us,

Deer Crossing Archery was started on April 15, 2013 with the vision of creating a better arrow. Owner, Bart Lawhorn, has made carbon products for over a decade, and his experience brought a level of knowledge and efficiency unmatched in his field. Needless to say, we were quite pleased when we discovered that building a better arrow also meant building affordable arrows, and Deer Crossing Archery now holds its place as the Best Value in Carbon Arrows. We have expanded from our single spine hunter to a full line of hunting, target, and crossbow arrows for almost every archer. So if you want to know what its like to shoot great arrows without breaking the bank, look no further than Deer Crossing Archery.

I have been shooting the Deer Crossing Archery Hunter and SD Hunters for 4 months now. I have to say the quality of these arrows are great. I opted for the .001 straightness. At this time I have only fletched up 6 of each. They hit the target hard and group together nice and tight. The SD Hunters stands for small diameter, these arrows are just what they say small. At this point I only have only set up the glue in 100 grain heads. At 20 yards it hits the target in split second. The SD's fly so fast it is crazy. I have been shooting the Hunters more just because I have not set up all the SD's  with the outserts. I don't want to get sighted in on arrows that I will have to change once I get them set up with the outserts. That will be my project this week is to get all the SD Hunters set up with outserts. I also have the LD Target arrows on the way. They should be at my house tomorrow.

This high momentum small diameter arrow is perfect for the hunter who wants a TON of down range penetration and bombproof durability. It is also well suited for the field archer who wants wind drift free arrow flight. Featuring our patent pending outsert technology, the SD Hunter is the best value small diameter arrow available. Have us build your own custom design using the different vane and nock options, or purchase shafts and do your own custom build.
All outserts will be sent loose with instructions for installation. Make sure to add 1/2" to your Carbon to carbon length to accommodate the outsert.
All cut Shafts/Arrows are measured carbon to carbon
.166" Inner Diameter
Spines (Grains Per Inch) (Outside Diameter)
300 (11.6 GPI) (.254" OD)
350 (10.2 GPI) (.245" OD)
400 (9.2 GPI) (.238" OD)
500 (8.3 GPI) (.232" OD)
- See more at: http://deercrossingarchery.com/collections/dca-arrows/products/sd-hunter-series#sthash.GCyzEzi3.dpuf

SD Hunters

This high momentum small diameter arrow is perfect for the hunter who wants a TON of down range penetration and bombproof durability. It is also well suited for the field archer who wants wind drift free arrow flight. Featuring our patent pending outsert technology, the SD Hunter is the best value small diameter arrow available. Have us build your own custom design using the different vane and nock options, or purchase shafts and do your own custom build.

All outserts will be sent loose with instructions for installation. Make sure to add 1/2" to your Carbon to carbon length to accommodate the outsert.

.166" Inner Diameter
Spines (Grains Per Inch) (Outside Diameter)
300 (11.6 GPI) (.254" OD)
350 (10.2 GPI) (.245" OD)
400 (9.2 GPI) (.238" OD)
500 (8.3 GPI) (.232" OD)

Hunters
The Hunter is the arrow this company was founded on, and continues to be our most popular arrow for year round use. Whether you are on the 3D course, practicing in the yard, or hunting in the field or treestand, this mid-weight arrow provides a great balance of speed and momentum. Manufactured with our Y-Weave technology, the Hunter Series also has exceptional durability and consistency. Have us build your own custom design using the different vane and nock options, or purchase shafts and do your own custom build. Either way, you will be getting the Best Value in Carbon arrows.

Inserts and tips will be shipped unglued so that customers may utilize the PDP weight system or use third party inserts. Inserts/tips can be installed with super glue. Please clean and test fit before gluing.

.245 Inner Diameter
Spines (weights in Grains Per Inch)
300 (8.9 GPI)
350 (7.7 GPI)
400 (7.4 GPI)
500 (6.6 GPI) 
 

Deer Crossing Archery has a full line of arrows. From Target to Hunting and even crossbow bolts. If you are in the market for arrows check out Deer Crossing Archery. They sell high quality arrows at an affordable prices. For those of you interested in arrows you can use Brett104 for a 10% discount off your order on the Deer Crossing Archery website. I am proud to be a part of Deer Crossing Archery Shooting Staff and hope you give them a try. Why not save some of your hard earned money and shoot high quality arrows. You can have both.

Deer Crossing Archery was started on April 15, 2013 with the vision of creating a better arrow. Owner, Bart Lawhorn, has made carbon products for over a decade, and his experience brought a level of knowledge and efficiency unmatched in his field. Needless to say, we were quite pleased when we discovered that building a better arrow also meant building affordable arrows, and Deer Crossing Archery now holds its place as the Best Value in Carbon Arrows. We have expanded from our single spine hunter to a full line of hunting, target, and crossbow arrows for almost every archer. So if you want to know what its like to shoot great arrows without breaking the bank, look no further than Deer Crossing Archery. - See more at: http://deercrossingarchery.com/pages/about-us#sthash.Vo7hxTEv.dpuf

Deer Crossing Archery was started on April 15, 2013 with the vision of creating a better arrow. Owner, Bart Lawhorn, has made carbon products for over a decade, and his experience brought a level of knowledge and efficiency unmatched in his field. Needless to say, we were quite pleased when we discovered that building a better arrow also meant building affordable arrows, and Deer Crossing Archery now holds its place as the Best Value in Carbon Arrows. We have expanded from our single spine hunter to a full line of hunting, target, and crossbow arrows for almost every archer. So if you want to know what its like to shoot great arrows without breaking the bank, look no further than Deer Crossing Archery. - See more at: http://deercrossingarchery.com/pages/about-us#sthash.Vo7hxTEv.dpuf

My other Hobby Smokin' Bumz BBQ

When I am am not out setting trail cams, glassing hillsides, or hunting deer you can find me in my or one of my great neighbors backyard. Standing around the smoker, open pit or Weber. Between myself and my neighbors we have 2 griddles, 2 offset smokers, 1 Real Steel Pit, 2-3 Weber Kettles, and 1 Santa Maria style pit. When we BBQ we go all out.

I myself have my Real Steel Pit (The Tin Man), an Offset smoker, a griddle and a Weber Kettle. If you can't tell I love to BBQ. I started Smokin' Bumz BBQ to hopefully get more into cooking at parties and events but mainly just for fun. I cook anything from carne asada to beef brisket and everything in between. For now I am practicing as much as I can to perfect my flavors which my neighbors don't seem to mind.  My favorite cut of meat is the pork shoulder or butt. I love a good pulled pork slider with a splash of my home made BBQ sauce. I have been toying with a few good ideals that might take them over the top. You will just have to wait and see on that.

My go to pit right now is my Real Steel Pit. A great guy named Gilbert and son build these awesome pits in Las Vegas. They are as much piece of art as they smoker. I have been using this pit for over year now and I love it.  It has spots for 3 racks and 4 hooks on the top of  the inside of the smoker. The pit has a unique feature of the top, middle and bottom piece are old plow disks. They are thick steel and hold heat very well. You also get a discada that is made out of the plow disk.  I opted to get 2, one for cooking and one acts a second water pan.

 

This pit works great, I use half the wood as my offset smoker. The pit keeps great heat and I only have to add wood about every hour. Gilbert is on to something with this pit design. I haven't really found a bad thing to say about how this pit cooks. To me there is nothing better than starting the smoker at 5:30-6am and putting 6-8 pounds of meat on the smoker.  From the first time I met him he was always nice and friendly. He never tried to sell me on his pit. He answered all my questions from how the pit held heat to cook times. He told me this pit was a game changer and he was right. This pit changed how I smoke meat. The quality of how this pit was built speaks for itself. If you are looking for a new pit check these guys out at the Orange County Market Place or check out the web site at RealSteelPits.com. If you stop by the OC Market Place tell Gilbert I sent you.

Wilderness Athlete: Hydrate and Recover and Energy and Focus

Since the beginning of the year I have tried to cut down on my daily energy drink intake. For me I love a Monster in the morning like most have a coffee. I don't like coffee, I have tried everything from 7-11 to the high end Starbucks stuff. Either way I just don't Like it. Take for example my hunting partner Al and I one morning while deer hunting A-31 in the Los Angeles National Forest. It was 29 degrees, cold and windy. When we me up after glassing for 2-3 hour and seeing nothing we pulled out the jet boil and heated up some water. Al pulled out his coffee and I pulled my Swiss hot chocolate. You should of seen the look on his face, priceless. Ok lets get back on track.

I had been reading about Wilderness Athlete for some time and decided to give it a shot. After talking to a few buddies I came to the conclusion I was going to get a tube of Hydrate and Recover and Energy and Focus.

Hydrate and Recover

NEWEST GENERATION OF SPORTS DRINKS FORMULATED TO REPLENISH AND REFUEL YOUR BODY.

Nearly fifty years ago, the era of sports drinks began with the introduction of Gatorade® to the marketplace.  Scientific research, however, has continued to uncover the body’s “thirst” for specific nutrients that keep us operating at peak levels.  With this new infrmation, sports drinks have evolved beyond simple fluid and electrolyte replacement products into versatile performance enhancing fuels.  Wilderness Athlete Hydrate & Recover is the latest generation of sports drinks, incorporating all the current science related to rehydrating and refueling your muscles to meet the demands of physical activity.  By replenishing the broad array of nutrients that are consumed during exercise, and by refilling fluid “reservoirs,” Hydrate & Recover keeps your body and brain fueled for increased endurance and ready to meet the next challenge.* Gluten Free

HYDRATE & RECOVER ADVANTAGES:

• Precisely balanced electrolyte and mineral composition to support proper hydration, energy metabolism, and physical endurance*
• Isotonic formulation ensures fast gastric emptying, rushing fluids to muscles and organs where they’re needed most*
• Contains no artificial colors, flavors, stabilizers, or preservatives*
• Low Glycemic Index (GI) sugars combined with complex carbohydrates and L-Glutamine help support increased endurance and prevent fatigue*
• Includes Glucosamine to maintain and nourish joints and retain their proper fluid levels*
• Provides energy cycle cofactors and standardized botanical extracts for sustained ATP (energy) production throughout the body*
• *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Energy and Focus

FINISH STRONG BY INCREASING YOUR ENERGY AND BOOSTING MENTAL CLARITY.

We’ve all tried them, one or more of them, in fact – convenience store energy drinks.  These are the beverages that seem to share some very common traits: interesting, provocative names, non-stop advertising, and almost cult-like following.  The reality is that these products usually end up taking far more of our energy than they could ever give — producing roller coaster highs and lows, all the while depleting vital nutrients and overstressing our physiology.  Wilderness Athlete Energy & Focus is a notably different type of energy drink, uniquely formulated to feed the energy producing mechanisms in the body while boosting mental clarity and increasing physical output.  Originally developed for professional, Olympic®, and other elite athletes, Energy & Focus is the healthy, effective alternative to  “cult” canned and bottled products, and is now available to the athlete in each of us.* Gluten Free

ENERGY AND FOCUS ADVANTAGES:

• Contains no simple sugars to interfere with normal blood sugar metabolism and regulation – a true “no crash” formula*
• A comprehensive profile of neuroactive nutrients to support optimum brain and nervous system energy and physiology*
• Potent antioxidant profile of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Mixed Carotenes protects tissues from free-radical damage*
• Fast acting, steady energy boost – Feel it in minutes, enjoy for it hours*
• Includes adaptogenic botanical extracts to support physical stamina*
• Naturally flavored and colored, contains no artificial ingredients*
• *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

I have been mixing them together in what mountain firefighters have dubbed the Blaze. It is a great tasting and fast working energy drink. There is no crash like with regular energy drinks, less than half the calories, and has vitamins and minerals. I have been drinking this now since the beginning of the year. The Blaze has became my go to morning drink.

You can drink the Hydrate and Recover of Energy and Focus alone as well. I have tried both. I like the mix the best but alone they both taste great. I have also used the Hydrate and Recover after a long night of drinking man sodas. The next morning I drink a Hydrate and Recover and I'm back to 100%. Not that I condone long nights of man soda, but they happen. The Energy and Focus to me did not do to much. But when you mix them together the magic happens.

Wilderness Athlete also sells both the Hydrate and recover and Energy and Focus in single serving packets. This will be great for backpacking, hiking or even out with the family at the county fair. For my Colorado backcountry Elk hunt in September I will be mixing the two into milk shake straws and heat sealing both sides. So when I am ready for a boost I grab a straw cut it open and dump it into my water pouch. I am very happy with both products and I will continue to purchase these as well as trying out a few of Wilderness Athlete's other products. 

Pros
-Great Taste
-Fast acting
-No Crash
-Packed with good Vitamins and  Minerals

Cons
-Best with a shaker bottle.

A great product for this would be one my hunting partner reviewed on his blog The SoCal Bowhunter  (http://socalbowhunter.blogspot.com/2014/04/product-review-easygo-dispenser.html) It is a great product for those who do not have a shaker.