We stood at the top of the line with wind tossing snow from every direction. The day-long storm was barely subsiding, and the conditions were deep — we even had to set a new skintrack on the 3,000-foot ascent. I was happy to be wearing the Patagonia PowSlayer Pants, a super-light, waterproof, and breathable ski pant, which was ideal for a big sunset climb. And the roomy cargo pockets were perfect for keeping my phone camera in an easy-access place. While transitioning at 12,100 feet, I watched the storm clouds start to break. I quickly unzipped the cargo pocket and…

Somewhere around 45 states have preemption laws on the books. These laws mean that local governments can’t enact their own gun control laws. All such measures have to come from the state legislature. In Pennsylvania, they have a preemption law, but they also created some gun control laws specifically for Philadelphia. The city was able to get the state to pass measures for rules regarding concealed carry specific to the city. Those are being challenged, of course, but that’s how local gun control can come about in a preemption state.The city of York, Pennsylvania, though,…

After 10 years, 30 chartered flights and more than 1,500 honorable passengers, Soaring Valor logged its final flight. The program, a partnership involving American Airlines, the Gary Sinise Foundation and the National WWII Museum, ended on Sept. 5 with its final run, flying veterans from Charlotte, North Carolina to the museum in New Orleans. With most WWII veterans surpassing age 100, it was likely becoming more difficult for the program to find passengers. Not only did veterans have a chance to see a museum dedicated in their honor, but the trips were also a learning experience for younger generations. Each veteran teamed…

The biggest handgun advancement of the last decade is the widespread adoption of reliable red-dot carry optics. Once dismissed as fragile toys, modern reflex sights have proven themselves to be reliable under harsh conditions, in competition, on duty, and in military testing. Battery life is astonishing (20,000–30,000 hours is common), LEDs and electronics are mature, and optical quality is excellent. Today, you can reasonably bet your life on a good RDS. Closed vs. open emitter Open-emitter dots work fine for many shooters. But enclosed-emitter (closed) designs offer clear advantages for a carry or duty gun: the emitter and glass live…

Not every down jacket has to be razor-thin and ultralight. Some are just meant to work, day after day, year after year. The Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody ($329) is exactly that kind of piece. Climbers, hikers, and travelers have relied on it for decades, and Patagonia has steadily refined it through countless updates. The latest version is warmer, more sustainable, and better fitting than ever, yet it still holds onto the simple, dependable DNA that made the original so popular. In short: I’ve tested lighter, warmer, and more technical puffies, but the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody is the one I…

The National Rifle Association’s annual Board of Directors election season is gearing up. The nominating committee released their report in August and there are 13 incumbents not on their list. Previously reported, the NRA Nominating Committee for the 2026 Board of Directors election released their report in August 2025. The committee tapped 30 individuals — to fill 25 potential board seats — whom they felt possess the “desired qualities and skills which” would make a good director candidate. There were 13 incumbent directors recommended by the committee. There were also 13 directors whose terms end…

For Vietnam War veterans of Bravo Company, the wait is over. While it took more than five decades, 14 veterans of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, were finally honored with Bronze Star Medals at an American Legion Post 1 ceremony on Sept. 18 in Omaha, Nebraska, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In an event filled with pride, recollection, and emotion, friends and family packed the hall to see their loved ones honored for valor and meritorious service. Presenting the medals was Army Maj. Gen. John W. Weidner, chief of staff, Strategic Command, and Col. Robert Newbauer, commander…

My first (and wrong) impression of the Armada ARV 100 all-mountain skis was: “Wow, these skis suck.” Turns out, I hadn’t figured out where and how to ski them. I made that mistake, so you don’t have to. Through trial and error, I discovered that the ARV 100 is a freestyle design with all-mountain capabilities. The ARV 100s excel for new school skiers who ski switch, chase side hits, and spend time in the park rather than just stop by once in a while. Away from the park, the skis remain fun — with a caveat. The consistent soft flex (from…

The name David Hogg is one that we know all too well. He’s spent his time in the aftermath of Parkland pushing gun control. Even as he branches out to other leftist political positions, gun control is still a primary driver of his politics and his efforts. And yes, he’s annoying, in part because he’s not actually bringing anything new to the table. He parrots talking points other people have used for years to advance the narrative. He claims he was going to sit down with gun rights folks, but I can’t see any evidence…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid down another red line, warning the United States over Tomahawk missiles. Relations between Moscow and Washington would be permanently ruined, should the latter give the long-range missiles to Kiev, the Russian president has said. Russia has had a habit of declaring its red lines, only to have the U.S. and other Western countries cross them. So far, Russia hasn’t retaliated directly against those who balk at their warnings. Russia Warns Of “Red Lines” Being Crossed…Again This warning comes after last month’s announcement by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance declaring that the White House was…

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied cert to a lawsuit brought by the state of Missouri against the federal government over the Show Me State’s “Second Amendment Preservation Act”, which itself was challenged by the Biden-era Justice Department.  The law in question not only prohibited state and local law enforcement in Missouri from cooperating with federal agents to enforce federal gun laws, but allowed for civil suits to be filed by individuals who were subject to local or state police action in relation to federal gun control statutes. A U.S. District Court judge threw out…

We’ve chronicled before the danger of so-called “red-flag” laws, many of which allow the government to confiscate firearms from a lawful citizen simply on the word from someone else that the gun owner might be dangerous. Now, a Montana man is fighting to get his guns back after being falsely accused by a former girlfriend in the state of Washington. Writing at ammoland.com, Gary Marbut, president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA), explained how the man became the victim of another’s state’s red-flag statute, even though his home state has a law banning such laws. According to Marbut, the…