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Post image for Adventure Anywhere with the Lightweight, Packable NEMO Meta 1P

I arrived to my camp site around 2 in the morning. The full moon gave decent light but the drive into Yosemite Valley was completely foggy so I missed out on the scenery.

Searching for a spot to set up my tent, I eventually found one that someone had recently dug out. I wasn’t prepared to clear the hard pack frosted layer of snow so this was perfect.

Even in the dark, setup was a breeze with the Meta 1P. Pitched and ready for sleeping, I threw my bag in the tent and racked out.

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Editor’s note: ITS Plank Owner Brock Carter wanted to share his experience during the massive tornado that devastated Oklahoma a few short days ago. 

As a citizen of Southwest Oklahoma City for 20 years, I’ve seen numerous tornadoes and many of them firsthand. I was a mile west of the 3 May 1999 tornado that, until now, was the most deadly tornado in Oklahoma. There’s a saying that Oklahomans go out on the front porch to look for the tornado when the siren sounds, I can tell you that is absolutely true. I can also tell you that when I stepped out on to the front porch to survey the site of the 20 May tornado, I decided to flee for my life.

May_20,_2013_Moore_Tornado_Radar

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had produced several warnings of a possible severe weather outbreak for the three days leading up to and including 20 May. Just the day before, on 19 May, massive tornadoes ripped through parts of Edmond and Shawnee, Oklahoma, resulting in loss of life. On the morning of 20 May, most Oklahomans had hoped and assumed the worst was over; we had no idea how wrong we were.  [Read More…]

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The World’s Strongest Coat Hangers are built solid enough to handle plate carriers with body armor, heavy scuba diving wetsuits or just about anything with substantial weight.

You may remember our review of these hangers and Bryan’s testament to how strong they really are. The folks that make these were kind enough to send over a few with the ITS logo and graphics on them, and we want to give them away to two lucky members.

Worlds Strongest Coat Hanger 01

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Post image for Ten Essentials for a Summer Day Hike

Warmer months are just around the corner, and that means the hiking trails will be filling up with explorers looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

There’s no sense in lugging around a backpack full of unnecessary items or three days worth of food though when your hike is only three hours long. You need only cover the basics for a successful day hike.

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See below for winner announcement.

While Bryan and Kelly are out having a blast at the Overland Expo, the rest of us back at ITS headquarters want to have some fun too. To kick off the weekend, we decided to run a contest giving away one of every single patch we make!

It’s easy to enter and all added up, one lucky person is going to receive over $180 worth of our patches! You better act fast though because this contest only runs through the weekend!

ITS Patches 01

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Most of us have experienced a winter that brought on warmer temperatures than expected. I for one can’t say I minded it, and above average temps certainly make the rain here much more bearable. With all of that in mind though, the water temperatures have still fallen to reasonably chilly levels.

Most of us divers have to consider that unless you are diving in the tropics along the equator, you need some sort of exposure protection. So let’s take a look at a few methods for protecting your body from the brutal cold underwater by examining some fun facts about temperatures and the difference between wetsuits and drysuits.

SCUBA1

The human body loses heat approximately 26 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature. For this reason, when diving in water temperature less than about 90°F (32°C), you must have some means to keep your body warm to prevent hypothermia. The most popular candidate for this task amongst divers across the spectrum is the wetsuit. [Read More…]

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We’ll soon be hitting the open road on a 1,000 mile journey that will take us from Texas to just south of Flagstaff, Arizona for the 2013 Overland Expo.

OverlandExpoBirdsEyeView

Running from May 17th – May 19th, the expo is one of the world’s largest events for DIY adventure travel enthusiasts with classes for overlanding, demonstrations, food, music and over 140 vendors of adventure equipment and services.

This is our first year to attend the Overland Expo and I couldn’t be more excited about participating in all the different workshops. From recovery techniques, vehicle marshaling, 4WD maintenance, cooking and overland driving skills, the expo is packed full of awesome!

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Post image for Guardian Centers: An Unparalleled Training Facility for First Responders

Guardian Centers of Georgia looks to be the most impressive first responder training facility in the country if not the world. The scope of the compound is mind bending, especially when you start to look at what scenarios they are able to replicate all in one location.

As a private sector facility, they are ready to meet any clients needs night and day. These needs may range from flooded homes to crumbling office buildings and crushed vehicles but the key is that the level of realism here is incredible.

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Post image for The BladeKey Bolt – A New Kind of Key Organizer

Note: The model shown here is a prototype made from 3D printed plastic. The final version will be milled out of aluminum.

The BladeKey Bolt is a simple but well thought out device. Actually, you can probably guess how it operates just by looking at it. In a nutshell, it transforms your keychain into a pocket knife style key organizer.
No jingling. No poking. Just organized keys.

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Parodied from Robert Downey Jr.’s classic line in the movie Tropic Thunder our newest morale patch is perfect for any occasion you might find yourself in as words to live by.

You Never Go Full Retard 01

Featuring 100% embroidery, these patches measure 3″ wide x 3″ tall and feature a velcro backing to stick them wherever you’d like! The velcro can also be removed with a seam ripper if you’d like to sew them on.

Pick up a You Never Go Full Retard Morale Patch in the ITS Store today!

Kydex Rescue Hook Sheath

Made in the USA by our friends at W2H Kydex, these Rescue Hook Sheaths were purpose built to carry the Benchmade Rescue Hook 7 and are perfect to attach to the side MOLLE channels of our ETA Trauma Kit Pouches.

Kydex Rescue Hook Sheath 06

Using an integrated short MALICE Clip for attachment, not only do these fit our Tallboy or Fatboy Trauma Kit Pouches, but can be mounted on any MOLLE compatible item for quick access to your rescue hook.

Kydex Rescue Hook Sheath 01

We’re also carrying a limited number of Benchmade Rescue Hook 7′s available to purchase separately if you’re not already carrying one. They’re perfect for quickly and reliably cutting in an emergency situation and made in the USA.

Kydex Rescue Hook Sheath 04

The larger handle of the 7 hook works well with gloved hands and the coated handle allows for a better grip. Made of 440C premium stainless steel, these 4.3″ long rescue hooks also feature a .5″ blade length. These 7 hooks do not include the Benchmade soft sheath and are available to accompany the Kydex Rescue Hook Sheath available here.

Click here to purchase a Rescue Hook 7 or here for a Rescue Hook Sheath

MPIL MultiCam

Battle Systems has recently released MultiCam version of their MPIL and we’ve got them available starting today in the ITS Store. Sharing the same characteristics as the original Orange/Violet MPIL, the MultiCam MPIL replaces the Violet panel with MultiCam ripstop fabric.

MPIL Multicam 01

These were spec’d by an American Military unit to offer the ability to flash the HiViz Orange to communicate with aircraft or ground elements and then return to a subdued side without stashing the MPIL away. Made from 1.55 oz. and 1.1 oz. ripstop material, these MPILs weigh in at just 1 oz.

The MultiCam MPIL is a limited edition that you can pick up here in the ITS Store

Sons of Liberty PVC Morale Patch Restock

Our Sons of Liberty Morale Patches are back in stock and now feature more vibrant colorways, including the classic Red/White, as well as Tan/Coyote and MultiCam.

ITS Sons of Liberty PVC Morale Patch 01

The Sons of Liberty were influential in orchestrating effective resistance movements against British rule in colonial America on the eve of the Revolution, primarily against what they perceived as unfair taxation and financial limitations imposed upon them. The Sons of Liberty effectively undermined British rule, paving the way to America’s independence.

In 1767 the Sons of Liberty adopted a flag that has often been referred to as the rebellious stripes flag, which features nine vertical stripes (five red and four white.) These nine stripes have been said to represent the Loyal Nine, a clandestine political group that inflamed public opinion of British law and predated the Sons of Liberty.

A seminal act and lasting legacy of the Sons of Liberty to the history of the American Revolution, was the December 16, 1773 orchestrating of the Boston Tea Party. Some might point out that the echo from the Sons of Liberty can be heard today, as our rights are being encroached upon and our Constitution attacked. Not a flag of distress or of war, but one of defiance, one that was used in the face of such tyranny. We will Prevail!

The ITS Tactical Sons of Liberty Flag PVC Morale Patch is made in the USA and measures 2″ x 1″ with hook velcro on the back.

Grab your Sons of Liberty PVC Morale Patch here!

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