I have been carrying knives on me for most of my life, so I’m comfortable carrying them. I have also chosen the knives I carry based on their form, function, and materials. However, I realize that many people do not carry knives every day and may not know what the right knife is for them.

But while there are vast choices when it comes to knives, some simply work for everyone.

UCO, a staple brand known for its variety of camping solutions, has only been in the knife game for a little more than a year. In that time, they’ve proven that they’ve not only done their homework, but that they can create a line of knives that are accessible to everyone.

The brand’s latest offering, the Whidbey Pushfold, is a button-lock flipper knife with a deep-carry pocket clip. Those three aspects are high on the list of wants when it comes to people picking out new knives, whether they know it or not. 

Additionally, by steering away from premium materials and instead toward affordable, yet reliable ones, UCO has been able to keep the price of the Whidbey at $60. The knife is a simple, safe, and capable tool for people of all experience and comfort levels.

In short: Knives like the UCO Whidbey Pushfold simplify the task of picking out a reliable folding knife. From price, to form and function, down to the materials, this knife could easily be the right knife for everyone in your family.

UCO Whidbey Pushfold

Check Price at UCO Gear

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 7.6”
• Blade Length: 3”
• Blade Steel: Titanium Nitride (TiNi) Coated D2
• Blade Shape: Drop Point
• Grind: Flat
• Hardness: 60-62
• Lock Type: Bush Button Liner
• Opening Type: Thumb Disc, Flipper
• Carry: Left or Right Hand, Deep Carry, Tip-Down
• Weight: 2.8 oz.
• Price: $60

Pros

• Simple, reliable, and safe design
• Smooth flipper action
• Push button liner lock
• Great first knife

Cons

• The rattle in the button might deter some folks

Nick LeFort

UCO Whidbey Pushfold Review

Design & Features

At 7.6 inches in total length, the UCO Whidbey Pushfold is a full-sized folding flipper knife. It has a 3-inch TiNi-coated flat-ground D2 drop-point blade. For handles, UCO went with glass-reinforced textured nylon. Additionally, for security and safety, the Whidbey employs a Pushfold button-style lock. For carry, the knife was purposely kept slender and has a deep-carry pocket clip.

Choosing Titanium-Nitride D2 for the blade material was a smart choice. D2 is reliable, tough, and easy to maintain. Adding the TiNi coating makes it highly corrosion-resistant. Picking the drop-point shape for the blade and giving it a Scandi grind sends its level of usability and adaptability into the stratosphere.

Similar to the Grivory that Benchmade uses on knife models like its Griptilian and Bugout, the glass-reinforced nylon scales on the Whidbey provide excellent grip and durability. Where materials like G10 and Micarta would have provided more structure, the steel liners fill in that space while keeping the knife’s overall weight below 3 ounces.

Button-style locks are on an upward trend in 2025. They’re easy to use, hardly ever fail, and keep your fingers away from the blade. Called the Pushfold lock here on the Whidbey, this mechanism pairs really well with the flipper opening as a closing counterpart. It’s also easy to activate and won’t disengage unintentionally. 

First Impressions

For a knife not specifically designed for a higher-level knife user, UCO certainly packed the Whidbey with aspects those folks would be looking for. The brand raises the bar for new and unassuming knife users. In fact, if this is someone’s first knife, they’re going to be spoiled.

Though the brand keeps the Whidbey lightweight, the glass-filled nylon scales might deter some knife purists, but I am here for it. As someone with extended knowledge and familiarity with a wide variety of knives, I enjoy the simplicity, safety, and overall reliability of what UCO has done here. Where G10 or Micarta scales would bolster the knife’s rigidity and therefore overall first impression, I think they would only make this knife bulky.

That said, my first reaction to the Whidbey is that the only thing the knife is missing is a lanyard hole. It would make the knife easier to retrieve and add to its overall theme.

In the Field

My first thought when I received the knife, was that it would make the perfect first knife for a youngster. In fact, I may give this one to my niece, who’s just breaking into the world of hiking and camping. I think the Whidbey is a great “first experience” knife. A month after using it outdoors, I haven’t changed my mind. 

That said, as someone who swapped out a boutique $400 knife for the Whidbey, I’ve got no regrets. This knife has been dependable, reliable, and fun to use. 

It’s been raining off and on for the last month. When wet, it stays secure in my hand, and the TiNi coating on the D2 blade has kept corrosion at bay. It’ll need to be resharpened sooner rather than later, but I believe that’s part of the experience of this knife. It gives people who are new to knives a chance to learn how to maintain them.

Additionally, I’ve really enjoyed the fast and smooth opening and closing operations, as well as the blade’s Scandi grind. Scandi grinds allow for more acute slicing and cutting. By deciding to use this grind and blade shape, UCO has made the Whidbey easy to use, adaptable, and strong.

One thing that has developed through use is a rattle. It’s in the button lock, and it hasn’t impacted the function of the knife. It’s just the sizing of the hole for the button and the button itself. I can’t hear it when I am carrying it, and it’s only apparent if I purposefully shake the knife. Not a deal breaker at all, but still worth mentioning.

Overall, the Whidbey has proven to be a reliable knife for everyone who needs one.

Whidbey Mini

The overarching theme that I can’t shake in testing the Whidbey is that, though I think this knife is great for anyone, a youngster could really benefit from it. In form, function, and materials, it’s the kind of knife that will spoil a kid, without breaking the bank.

That said, UCO makes a Mini version of the Whidbey. It has all of the same desirable aspects of the Whidbey, with an overall length an inch shorter. This makes the Mini more manageable for smaller hands.

Food for thought.

In Conclusion

We’ve seen considerable growth in the affordable knife market, but price isn’t the only thing that makes a knife accessible. Features like a push-button lock, reliable materials, and simple but effective ergonomics play a crucial role in making a knife what it is. Making that knife a flipper is chef’s kiss.

With the Whidbey, UCO has created a line of knives that cover all the bases when it comes to what you need in a good knife. That includes being affordable. Whether you decide to use it as an EDC knife or the knife you throw in your camp kit and carry for your next family adventure is your call.

However, I am here to tell you it’ll do the job in both settings. I have stated a few times in this article that I think this knife could be great for our younger knife users. I mean that. As a society, we’re moving away from carrying knives as a norm. But if you want your kids to be safe in the outdoors, a knife is a necessity.

That being said, I would tell you to consider the Whidbey. I would tell anyone who is thinking of getting into carrying a knife — and whatever capacity — to consider the Whidbey. UCO took all the best aspects of all the best knives and found a way to make them accessible for everyone. I’m going to miss carrying this dandy of a blade. But I know my niece will love it!

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“How about now?” 15 miles is a long distance for most walkie-talkies, but my voice was still coming in clear, transmitting from the Midland GXT67 Pro. Granted, this radio isn’t just any walkie-talkie, but a repeater-capable GMRS unit, and by leveraging a little radio know-how, it was booming over the heads of lesser handhelds.

The GXT67 Pro is the top of the line from the brand, and finally adds the ability to use repeaters — basically, remote signal amplifiers — which can greatly extend your range. Besides that, Midland gave the radio the full treatment, making it fully waterproof, boasting a long battery life, and giving it a user interface that doesn’t require a manual to figure out.

I folded the GXT67 into my everyday communication needs for a month and took it everywhere, from truck camping to whitewater paddling trips and scouting recent wildfire burns looking for morel mushrooms. Here’s what I learned about this little powerhouse communicator.

In short: The new Midland GXT67 Pro is likely the best handheld radio the brand has ever made. Despite some room for improvement, it makes a compelling case for getting a simple GMRS license and really leveraging these little radios’ power.

Looking for a new set of walkie-talkies? To see how the GXT67 Pro stacks up against the rest of the market today, check out GearJunkie’s Best Walkie-Talkies Buyer’s Guide.

Midland GXT67 Pro

$200 at Midland Radio$200 at Amazon

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Radio Class: GMRS
• Channels: 22 + 8 repeaters
• Privacy Codes: 142 (CTCSS and DCS)
• Frequency Range: 462-467 MHz
• Wattage: 0.5 W, 5 W
• Battery Capacity: Rechargeable 2,500 mAh Li-ion
• Dimensions: 8" x 1.2" x 2.2"
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 waterproof
• Weight: 10 oz.

Pros

• Repeater-capable GMRS radio
• Large capacity battery
• Very user-friendly menu set and usage
• Rugged IP67 build

Cons

• Non-removable battery and antenna
• Clunky belt clip
• Can't charge radio directly, and needs a separate charging dock

Nick Belcaster

Midland GXT67 Pro: Review

The Midland GXT67 Pro walkie-talkie looks like business. It’s actually wild that it’s taken this long to produce a walkie that doesn’t look like a lifesize G.I. Joe accessory, but credit where credit is due: the GXT67 looks slick. 

This radio is more than a pretty face, however. Shipping in a foam-lined case that’s reminiscent of a lower-protection Pelican case, the GXT67 is ready to rumble. Rated at IP67 water- and dust-proof (thus the name), this radio is far from a toy and can be fully submerged up to 3 feet for 30 minutes.

As a GMRS radio, you’ll need to obtain a license from the FCC to operate it, but the process is dead simple, and once you’ve got one, you’re set for 10 years. Do that, and you’ve got access to all 5 W the GXT67 Pro is capable of transmitting (double what your FRS radios can push) and, new for Midland, access to GMRS repeaters. Here’s what I learned about the handheld over a few weeks of use.

GMRS Repeater Ready

When I’ve previously used GMRS radios from Midland (the GXT1000VP4), I was dismayed to see that while those handhelds hosted the full 5W power output that GMRS radios can sport, the radios weren’t repeater-capable. No longer on the GXT67 Pro — this radio is repeater-ready.

A repeater is best thought of as a remote amplifier station, picking up your signal and boosting it with more transmission power to get your voice out to a much wider audience. Radio nerds across the country (and indeed the world) have set up and operate these stations, sometimes for public use, and sometimes for private.

The GXT67 Pro is Midland’s first handheld to access this functionality, and it does so excellently. To test this, I keyed up the local GMRS repeater, which corresponded to channel 23 on the radio. I was about 3 miles from the antenna, which is mounted atop a 500-foot hill here in town. 

Three miles was no problem getting into the repeater, and even after moving out to 15 miles, I could still get my signal in enough to be able to have it picked up by my partner on the other side of town. A good showing for the GXT67.

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Head to Head With the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt Radio

GMRS radios are having a bit of a moment. The small fuss you’ll need to navigate in securing a license from the FCC opens up a great bit more communication power, which also means there are plenty of stellar GMRS handhelds out there currently.

One of those is the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt Radio ($180), a radio that I’ve used extensively. Specing out at IP67, 5 W of transmission power, and also repeater-capable, the two handhelds are fairly similar, but they do have some notable differences: For one, the Rocky Talkie supports a removable antenna and battery, as well as a better optional hand mic.

The GXT67 Pro, on the other hand, incorporates automatic noise cancelling into its microphone, and the display is far more refined than the Rocky Talkie, relaying a good bit more information. This interface is also user-customizable (using a separately available AVP34 cable), but even without this functionality, I found the menus very easy to navigate through.

To accurately test the GXT67 Pro, I set it head-to-head with the Rocky Talkie to see where it excelled and where it still has some room to improve. First off was a range test, where I aimed to challenge the GXT67 in both unobstructed and complex terrain. This took the form of some wide-open farmland, as well as some dense forest in the hills outside of town.

In the flatland test, the Midland radio was able to transmit a mostly clear signal up to 8 miles and 3 miles in the forest, compared to the Rocky Talkie, which could hit 9 miles and 3, respectively. Pretty even results, all things considered.

An Impressive Battery Life — With One Flaw

Midland equipped the GXT67 Pro with a reserve tank of battery — a 2,500 mAh Li-ion cell that’ll net you around 4 days of solid use, Midland reports. My testing showed that this was just about right on the money, and that keeping the radio in a lower power output will get you even more run time.

The battery itself, however, isn’t removable and instead sealed into the radio. Midland reasons this provides a better waterproof package in the long term and notes that lithium-ion cells have a long lifespan on their own. Both are solid points, but the fact that you can pop the battery out on the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt and it’s rated at the same IP67 puts the GXT67 a bit on the back foot.

There’s also some functionality you’re missing out on. Some users may want to purchase a second battery to hot swap into the radio without waiting the 4 hours it’ll take to fully recharge the unit. And, while lithium-ion cells do last a long time, they aren’t infallible, and eventually will start to degrade. Once that happens, you’ll likely be done with the radio anyway, but it’s something to consider.

Offroad Ready?

Somehow, the GXT67 Pro doesn’t support a user-removable antenna — one of the features that distinguishes FCC-rated GMRS radios from FRS units, and for many, a big deal. Namely: off-roaders and overlanders. 

Those who rig up GMRS radios in their rigs for trail rides will know that running a small, magnetic antenna on their roof and into a base unit in the cab is the way to go. Midland even offers a range of different antennas and mounts. However, these are aimed at the brand’s line of MicroMobile radios, which are more permanently mounted units.

That said, I did run the GXT67 Pro as a mobile rig radio for a few days, and the results weren’t half-bad. When used side-by-side with the Rocky Talkie (running the brand’s stock 7.5cm antenna), results were similar from the driver’s seat of my truck. However, when I switched to the 17cm Rocky Talkie antenna, the 5-Watt radio did pull away a bit in terms of transmission and reception clarity.

The included car charging dock certainly shows that Midland was thinking of off-roaders when building the GXT67 Pro, but I’d love to see some refining in this area in the future.

Midland GXT67 Pro: Conclusion

Quibbles aside, the Midland GXT67 Pro is a solid GMRS radio, and certainly the best handheld from the brand so far. Its form factor blows the others in the GXT line away, and the IP67 rating is the real deal when it comes to a radio that can be run hard and put away wet. 

Compared to the Rocky Talkie 5-Watt, the GXT67 Pro is a radio I’d see using more often in less austere environments (the 5-Watt, for example, is my whitewater paddling radio of choice). Not because it can’t hang in tough conditions, but because it’s simply a larger radio that’ll take up some more space.

Instead, the Midland radio excels when it comes to ease of use, battery life, and keying up repeaters when aiming to communicate across long or complex distances. The GXT67 Pro is a radio that’s easy to put into someone’s hands and quickly instruct them on usage, and there’s certainly a high technical ceiling to grow into.

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Many people can’t afford to spend $500-2,000 on a set of hunting binoculars. It’s just not that realistic because hunting can be expensive. At minimum, you need a weapon of some sort, warm clothes, boots, gas to get to your hunting grounds, tags, and licenses … the list goes on and on. After all of that, it can be tough to justify expensive optics.

That’s why I think “budget” binoculars are just as important to review as high-end ones. There are numerous options available in the $150-250 price range, and for many hunters, that’s as much as they can afford. This year, I received a new budget set from Cabela’s, the Cabela’s Intensity ED Binoculars.

To give them a fair, meaningful assessment, I decided to stack them up against the other budget binoculars I own, the Vortex Crossfire HD and the Vortex Diamondback. I’ve relied on both of them for years, both for personal use and as loaners to friends and family. Vortex is a staple in the hunting community, and I assessed different features to see which was the better budget binocular: Vortex or Cabela’s.

Note: I tested the standard Vortex Diamondback, which was replaced by the Diamondback HD. The price of the binoculars didn’t change much, so I’m unsure of the difference in performance.

In short: It’s not a cut-and-dry answer. I found the Cabela’s Intensity ($199) to be noticeably clearer than the Crossfires ($149), but they do require a larger investment. To my surprise, the Intensities performed toe-to-toe with the more expensive Diamondbacks ($249). However, just because they’re 50 bucks less doesn’t mean they’re the perfect choice. Which one you should purchase comes down to more than just price.

Shopping for new hunting binoculars? Check out our buyer’s guide and the list of our favorite pairs.

Vortex Crossfire HD 10×42

Check Price at Bass Pro Shops

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Magnification: 10
• Objective: 42mm
• Eye relief: 15mm
• Linear FOV: 325'
• FOV: 6.2 degrees
• Weight: 1 lb., 7 oz.
• Prism: BaK-4 Roof

Pros

• Price
• Warranty
• Decent fog resistance

Cons

• Not as optically clear
• Noisy chest harness
• Components feel less sturdy

Morgan Nowels

Cabela’s Intensity ED Binoculars 10×42

Check Price at Bass Pro Shops

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Magnification: 10
• Objective: 42mm
• Eye relief: 15.1mm
• Linear FOV: 330'
• FOV: Not specified
• Weight: 1 lb., 10.2 oz
• Prism style: BaK-4 Roof

Pros

• Price
• Aggressive texture on knobs
• Low-light performance
• Great clarity for the price
• Quiet binocular harness

Cons

• Warranty
• Slightly easier to fog
• Weight

Morgan Nowels

Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42

Check Price at Bass Pro Shops

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Magnification: 10
• Objective: 42mm
• Eye relief: 15mm
• Linear FOV: 330'
• FOV: 6.3 degrees
• Weight: 1 lb., 5.3 oz.
• Prism style: BaK-4 Prism

Pros

• Good optical clarity
• Warranty
• Weight
• Fog resistance
• Decent low-light performance

Cons

• Not as good in low light as others
• Price (compared to other budget binoculars)
• Noisy chest harness
• Not as sturdy of components

Morgan Nowels

Spec Comparisons

For a quick overview on the difference in specs between the Intensity EDs and the offerings from Vortex, check out the above chart. I left out magnification and objective lens size because each set I used are 10x42s. It should also be noted that the prices I listed for the Vortex binoculars are not the listed MSRP, but rather the price at which they are regularly available (lower than MSRP).

Weight

Based on the spec sheet, you’ll see that the Cabela’s Intensity EDs are the heaviest binoculars of the budget binocular bunch. I do not notice that difference when carrying them in the harness. In all honesty, all three pairs feel the same when being carried in their harness.

I do, however, notice the weight difference when I’m holding them to my face. I actually prefer the heavier feel of the Crossfires and Intensities. For me, it feels more stable, and I can get a steadier image with them. It comes down to personal preference. But if you’re a weight-cutting type of person, the Vortex Diamondback is the clear winner.

Close-Focus Distance

All three of them have a different close-focus distance, which is the closest distance the binoculars can focus on a subject. The Intensity HDs have the worst performance in that category at 8.2 feet. From a hunting standpoint, though, I don’t really care. I’m looking for far-off creatures. I don’t need to get a macro view of the annoying squirrel that keeps buzzing my treestand.

The winner: Vortex Diamondback

Budget Binoculars: Optical Clarity

Optical clarity is arguably the most important feature when purchasing binoculars. Often it’s lacking with budget binoculars, and there can be very tangible differences between them. You know when you’re trying to decide if that thing in the distance is a stump or a bedded mule deer? Improved optical clarity will solve that and potentially keep you from an unnecessary half-mile jaunt.

With hunting seasons being closed, I’ve been spending my evenings on the back patio searching for squirrels and other critters in the woods behind my house. It’s a laid-back way to look at the same things with different binoculars back to back to test clarity.

Cabela’s Intensity ED vs. Crossfire HD

Within a few minutes of looking, it was clear that the Cabela’s Intensity EDs are more optically clear than the Vortex Crossfire HDs. The edges of the image are especially more distorted with the cheaper of the Vortexes. To ensure that I wasn’t just imagining it, I had my wife compare them as well, without telling her my thoughts. She quickly came to the same conclusion I did.

Cabela’s Intensity ED vs. Diamondback

I can’t say which of these two binoculars is clearer. It’s been driving me nuts. I go back and forth, flip-flopping between them. I’ve hung up the binoculars for the day and revisited at a later date, time and time again.

After observing the tiny details of close objects and counting pinecones on distant trees, they seem about the exact same to me. I tried to focus on the clarity of the image’s edges and couldn’t tell much of a difference.

Like comparing the last two sets, I gave it the “wife test” to see what she thought. She also couldn’t decide, so from a real-world perspective, you’ll be hard pressed to find a difference in clarity.

Budget Binoculars in Low-Light Conditions

With the Cabela’s Intensity ED being so much optically clearer than the Crossfires, I didn’t waste valuable evening light comparing the two for low-light performance. Honestly, if you have the extra 50 bucks, I think it’s worth the upgrade to go to the Intensities. So, I stuck to comparing the Diamondbacks and Intensities in the last minutes of light.

Like the clarity testing, the two are so close it’s ridiculous. After multiple nights of comparing the two, I came to the conclusion that the Intensity EDs have slightly better low-light performance. I could make out more details on tree trunks in the dark timber with waning light while looking through them. However, the difference is barely noticeable.

My wife concluded that the Cabela’s Intensity EDs are better in low light more quickly than I did. She said she noticed a difference within a few minutes. Again, I would like to stress that we tested them independently, so she had no idea what my thoughts were.

Fog Resistance

Both Vortex and Cabela’s claim to be “nitrogen-purged for fogproof performance.” Yeah, OK. Fogproof. I doubted it.

That usually means that binoculars won’t internally fog, which is true of all of these binoculars. However, every pair of binoculars I’ve used will fog externally while going through drastic temperature changes. Picture hopping out of your nice, toasty truck cab to glass on a blistery November day. Your lenses will fog up.

To test fog resistance, I kept them all on my desk in the cool A/C for a few hours and then hopped out the door into a humid 98-degree Tennessee day.

All of the binoculars fogged up, but the Intensities fogged up quicker and more intensely than the Vortex Diamondbacks and Crossfires. Rather than getting a quick look at a whitetail in the neighbor’s yard, I was immediately met with a blurry image. With the Diamondbacks and Crossfires, I was able to sneak in a 5-second glance before fog took over.

Again, I’m referring to a slight difference. Once the fog hit, each set was unusable for about 5 minutes until they adjusted to the warmer, more humid environment. So, it may not really matter from a hunting standpoint.

Included Binocular Harnesses

All three of these binoculars come with a pretty basic harness, and both sets of Vortex binos come with the same harness. I always switch over to an aftermarket binocular harness that can store a rangefinder. If that’s you, and you plan on junking the included harness, you can skip this part of the showdown. If you plan on using it, read on, because there are differences.

Both harnesses feature a zippered pouch on the back and come with components to hang the binoculars with clips to the external straps of the harness. Below are the differences.

Harness for the Cabela’s Intensity ED Binoculars

The Cabela’s Intensity HD Harness gets bonus points for being quiet. The internal portion is made of neoprene, and it’s dead silent when I pull the binoculars out of it. The external material is also quiet when you rub your hands across it. That may not be important for some, but for bowhunters pursuing skittish whitetail in thick cover, it’s vital.

I also like the mesh pockets on the side of the harness. The elastic portion is stretchy, and there’s enough room to store a few diaphragm calls in each one.

Unfortunately, the harness gets some points knocked off because its latch system is a touch off. The metal hook keeper is too close to the lid, so the elastic band on the top sits loosely around it. The only way to completely secure the top of the harness is to jam the leather tab on the elastic band into the hook.

Harness for the Vortex Binoculars

If you want the short of it, the Vortex harness’s strengths and weaknesses are the exact opposite of the harness included with the Intensity HD binoculars.

The internal and external materials are loud when getting in and out of it. It also has mesh pockets on the side, but they’re really tight, to the point of being unusable.

But, on the plus side, the latch system is tight, and the elastic band stretches down for a snug fit on the metal hook keeper.

Components and Construction

Every adjustment knob on the Intensities features aggressive texturing, including the diopter adjustment. It’s extremely grippy, and I prefer it over the slicker feeling adjustments on the Vortex binoculars.

Overall, the focus wheel, diopter adjustment, and the cover for a tripod mount all feel heavier duty and sturdier on the Cabela’s binoculars. That’s probably part of the reason they’re heavier. I also like how the tripod mount cover is larger. It’s much easier to take on and off than the thin one found on the Vortex binoculars.

That’s not to say the Vortex components aren’t good. They’ve held up well for me over the years. I just like the aggressive texturing and sturdier feel the Cabela’s Intensities provide.

Warranty of Budget Binoculars

Vortex has one of the best warranties in the biz. There’s no two ways around it. Basically, Vortex doesn’t care how you broke your binos or where you bought them. They promise to take care of you free of charge, whether that means a repair or outright replacement.

The Cabela’s warranty is laden with your basic “defects in materials and workmanship” language. There is no language about accidental breakage. To me, that means no warranty.

I know people who have used Vortex’s warranty and had great experiences with it. So, the Cabela’s Intensity EDs easily lose out in the warranty department.

So, Which Budget Binoculars Are Best?

That’s a personal question that comes down to what matters most to you. If budget is the most important, the Crossfire HD binoculars are the clear choice. They may not be the best, but they’re reasonably priced, and I can attest that they provide passable service for many hunters. And, with that warranty, you’ll have them forever.

If you can spare a few more bucks, though, I think the other two options provide better value. From a hunting standpoint, optical clarity and low-light performance are the most critical aspects of a budget binocular.

You may have noticed that I scored both the Cabela’s Intensity EDs and the Vortex Diamondbacks the same. They’re scored the same, but for different reasons. That’s why I have such a tough time recommending one over the other. The Cabela’s binoculars get the nod in low-light performance, components, and price.

But that Vortex warranty is a big deal. It should be noted that I personally have not broken a set of binoculars in 13 years. But if I did, the Vortex backing would be nice. If warranty really matters to you, and you have the extra 50 bucks, go for the Diamondbacks.

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If you had told me a year ago that my favorite pair of pants would be joggers, I would have laughed in your face. I would have found it even more ridiculous if you told me that I would be wearing them while fishing. Joggers bring to mind lazy Saturday mornings, grabbing coffee in Suburbia. Not outdoor pursuits.

However, my line of work requires that I keep an open mind and eliminate bias when it comes to assessing outdoor equipment. That includes negative bias, which I clearly have against joggers. This spring, I’ve had the opportunity to test out the Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Jacob Wheeler Angler Joggers, and I have to admit, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by them.

In short: These are the most comfortable fishing pants that have ever graced my legs. I assumed I would look weird in joggers — and I might — but they’re so comfy, I don’t care. At a reasonable price of $45, they’re also a great deal, given the current state of the cost of outdoor apparel. While some aspects of them don’t work well, I find myself reaching for them time and time again. They’ve become my favorite fishing pants.

Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Jacob Wheeler Angler Joggers

Check Price at Academy

7.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
• Sun protection: UPF 50
• Water resistant: Yes
• Sizes: S-XXXL

Pros

• Crazy comfortable
• Drawstring waistband
• Cool and breathable
• Price

Cons

• Things fall out of pockets
• Don't dry as fast as other pants

Morgan Nowels

Features of the Magellan Pro Angler Joggers

These pants are part of Magellan Outdoor’s line of Jacob Wheeler’s fishing apparel. For those of you not in the know, that’s a dude on the Bass Pro Tour who’s good at fishing.

He’s sponsored by Academy Sports+Outdoors, the retail chain that owns Magellan. Across the board, the Jacob Wheeler line of apparel is designed to be technical fishing attire at a lower price point than competitors. Most of the “top dog” fishing brands charge about $100 for pants, and these come in at less than half that.

The pants have an elastic, drawstring waistband and elastic cuffs around the ankles. Somehow, Magellan was able to stick seven different pockets on these pants, which are all made of a “fishnet” type material. The back pockets are zippered, and there’s a zippered pocket on each leg. In the right-hand main pocket, there’s a secondary, small zippered pocket.

Comfort Galore

With my bias against joggers, I wasn’t expecting to like these much. But after trying them on out of the box, I left them on for the rest of the day. The next day, I put on a different pair of pants. It was immediately noticeable how much less comfortable they were. So I swapped them out for these. The next day, the same thing happened.

In fact, after day three, my wife commented, “Wow, you must really like those pants. I haven’t seen you in anything else since you got them.”

It was true. I saw the light in joggers. From the drawstring waistband to the loose, flexible fit and soft material, I was in love. It really feels like I’m wearing lightweight, breathable pajama pants when I wear these.

The only thing, fit-wise, that seems off to me is the length. At times, my ankle is exposed in them, but I think that’s how joggers are supposed to fit. I don’t know. Like I said, I don’t wear joggers, and this is my first foray with them.

Fishing in the Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Angler Joggers

There are a lot of comfortable pants in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re good for fishing. I took to the water this spring to see how they performed as a technical piece of clothing.

Sunny, Hot Conditions

I live in the South, where we get plenty of heat and humidity. The Magellan Outdoors Angler Joggers are made from nylon (which traditionally doesn’t breathe well) and spandex. Despite that composition, I haven’t found these pants to be hot.

It may be due to the looser fit, but even in the hottest conditions, my legs don’t get hot and sweaty. I’ve worn these on days when my boat deck turned into a grill. Everything felt cool and breezy in these bad boys. They’re ultra comfortable in the hottest conditions.

On top of that, they’re rated at UPF 50 sun protection, which helps fight off the harmful UV rays anglers are constantly exposed to.

Cold Conditions

Obviously, these pants were made for warm weather use, and on their own, they would be terrible to wear in the cold. But, since they’re so comfortable, I still found myself wanting to wear them in the nastiest conditions.

In those cases, I slipped a base layer on underneath them and was all set. That set up kept me warm down to about 50 degrees. Colder than that, and I had to throw bibs on over the top. But man, I still felt comfy under those bibs.

Under Waders

I absolutely love wearing these under waders. The elastic cuff at the bottom does a decent job of keeping them from riding up your leg when you put waders on. With the exposed ankle issue I noted, it’s important to wear a long sock, but most people wear those under waders anyway.

Somehow, even in bulky waders, these pants still make it feel like I’m wearing pajamas. They’re magic.

Wet Conditions

This is where my love for the Magellan Outdoors Angler Joggers starts to wane a bit. They are rated as water-resistant. They aren’t. Rain does not bead up on them and fall away. It seeps into the material and gets you wet. To be fair, though, you shouldn’t expect a lightweight, quick-drying pant to keep you dry in the rain.

Speaking of quick-drying, I’ve found that these pants don’t dry out as quickly as some of the other technical fishing pants in my arsenal. They still can be labeled as “quick-drying” without me taking issue with it, but it’s not lightning fast. If you’re going to be in rainy conditions, I’d recommend bringing along some bibs to throw over them.

Problems With the Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Angler Joggers

When I sit down in these pants, everything falls out of the main pockets. Once, I lost my phone in a boat ramp parking lot due to that problem. Fortunately, a good Samaritan picked it up and placed it by the state park sign.

I really wish the main pockets had a zippered closure. The small internal zippered pocket that’s in the right-hand main pocket is too small for functional use.

The zippered pocket halfway down the right leg somewhat solves the problem. But it opens up to the rear of your leg, which I’ve found makes it awkward to use. So really, you have one functional pocket in the zippered pocket on the left leg. Overall, the pockets need some fine-tuning.

Final Thoughts

How much do I like the Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Angler Joggers? Well, if I notice they’re dirty the night before a fishing trip, I make sure to wash them so I can wear them the next day. I’ve washed them 4 days in a row before. They’re that comfortable.

The drawstring waistband allows me to keep them tight around my waist without wearing a belt, and the slight stretch provided by the spandex allows ample mobility. If you’re used to wearing standard “fishing pants,” you’ll be shocked at how much more comfortable these budget-friendly pants are.

I have an arsenal of fishing pants, but I keep reaching for these. Somehow, they turned me into a jogger guy. In the words of Nacho Libre, “When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants.” Be a man, and buy these pants.

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When I was coming up as a new bowhunter, the standard release everyone was given was an index-style release aid. It was the easiest transition from gun hunting to bowhunting. Fast forward to the present day, and I’d argue that the standard is slowly moving toward handheld releases.

More specifically, a thumb release. They offer a natural, open-handed feel at full draw but still provide the shooter with the ability to send an arrow quickly if need be for hunting. I’ve used a lot of thumb releases through the years, but none of them are quite like the new Shadow from Evolution Outdoors. This is one that begs to be tried out.

In short: As long as you don’t need to size up, any bowhunter will be pleasantly satisfied with the Evolution Outdoors Shadow thumb button release, from feel and functionality to the one-of-a-kind features it offers.

Shopping for a new release? Check out our buyer’s guide for expert tips and tricks to help you find the right one for you.

Evolution Outdoors Shadow Thumb Button Release

check price at evolution outdoors

9.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Weight: 2.3 oz.
• Material: Aluminum
• Colors: Arizona Archery Green Cerakote, Sniper Grey Cerakote

Pros

• Very smooth and crisp
• Can hang from D-Loop
• Same profile as the Ibex hinge, meaning the two can be interchanged while still maintaining the same point of impact

Cons

• Only offered in size Medium at the moment

Josh Kirchner

Evolution Outdoors Shadow Thumb Button Review

Overview

Evolution Outdoors is no stranger to the archery release game. The Evolution Outdoors Ibex hinge release has been a huge hit among bowhunters. This hinge can lock on your D-loop and be left at the ready, much like a thumb release. With that, it also has an inaudible click. I personally love the Ibex.

With that said, not everyone wants to hunt with a hinge release, and some may be downright gun-shy of doing such things. So, owner Dale Perry decided to come out with the Shadow thumb button release.

The Shadow was made with the intention of having the same exact profile as the Ibex, but in a thumb-release version. Dale wanted to not only provide a top-notch release for the folks who weren’t ready to hop over to a hinge, but also one that could be used seamlessly alongside the Ibex hinge. Two completely separate release styles with the same one impact point downrange.

Sizes and Colors

When picking out an Evolution Outdoors Shadow Thumb Button, you’ll have the color choices of either Arizona Archery Green Cerakote or Sniper Grey Cerakote. At the moment, the Shadow is only offered in size Medium, but I’m sure Evolution will come out with a Large in the future.

Like most thumb releases, the Shadow can be effortlessly attached and locked to the D-loop, left hanging at the ready. These releases have an ergonomic design providing comfort for long shooting sessions. With that, you’ll have the option to adjust trigger travel and ring finger angle to really tailor the feel of the release to you and your style. Each Shadow weighs 2.3 ounces and comes in its own EVA carrying case.

Another thing I need to mention is that Evolution offers the option to purchase an inline thumb barrel, which would position the thumb barrel directly inline with the body of the release. This is a unique feature that we’ll talk about more below.

Shadow Features

Same Impact Point as Ibex Hinge

First and foremost, the Shadow was made quite literally in the Shadow of the Ibex hinge. The Ibex has experienced an immense amount of success, but hunting with a hinge isn’t for everyone. Some folks train with one, but hunt with a thumb button. The problem in the past switching between releases, though, is that hunters experience different impact points downrange.

Even anchor points can change a bit between releases. With the relationship between the Ibex and the Shadow, you don’t have to worry about such things at all. They are the same, but different to appease you, the bowhunter.

Hang at the Ready

Whether you’re in the treestand or crawling into range and waiting for a buck to stand up, having the ability to hang your release from the D-loop at the ready is a huge advantage. Time is money in the field, and this feature is going to save you time when the moment of truth presents itself.

The Shadow attaches seamlessly to your D-loop simply by rocking the clasp into the head. That’s it. Locked and loaded, no fumbling at the last second.

Inline Thumb Barrel

This feature is one that caught my attention immediately, as it’s never been done before. Thumb releases have all traditionally been made with the thumb barrel offset from the body of the release. This puts the button on the opposite side of the release body that your face is on while at full draw. It puts it out of line. In archery, we always preach about keeping everything in line and straight. This is where Evolution Outdoors decided to make a change.

By simply detaching the original thumb barrel and reattaching the inline thumb barrel, your button will now be directly in line with the body of the release. This provides an incredibly natural feel that I think archers will gravitate toward over time.

My Experience

I’ve been a huge fan of the Ibex hinge release since it came out. It’s my main release and the one I hunt with. So, when I got word that Evolution was coming out with a mirror-imaged thumb button release, I had to try one out.

It literally feels exactly like the Ibex, but there is a button on it. I shot these two releases side by side at 50 yards and was amazed at the consistency between the two. My arrows were all grouped right together.

Being someone who plays around with releases on a regular basis, I have seen the difference in impact points between even the same styles of releases. Two thumb buttons may hit differently downrange. For a thumb and a hinge to hit the same place, that is nothing short of awesome.

Clean Break

Along with the seamless shooting between Shadow and Ibex, I was really impressed by how crisp the Shadow trigger was. This is a pet peeve of mine. I cannot stand a trigger that feels sloppy. It leads to inconsistent breaks in the shot, which leads to bad groups.

Plus, it just feels bad, too. In my opinion, a release should break easily without me feeling it much at all. This Shadow is super crisp, and I never feel like it’s fighting against me on the shot.

Standard vs. Inline Configuration

Lastly, I have to touch on the inline thumb barrel. After playing with both configurations, the standard and inline, I have to admit the inline feels so much better. It took some getting used to, of course, because it was different.

However, after using the inline and then going back to the standard, my exact words were, “Oh, wow. I don’t like that.” You need to try out the inline if you get the chance. It feels so much more natural.

What’s Wrong

My only gripe with the Shadow at the moment is the fact that it’s only offered in one size. Unlike the Ibex, offered in sizes Medium and Large, the Shadow is only offered in Medium. So, if someone uses a Large Ibex, the Medium Shadow might not fit exactly the same.

With how new the Shadow is, I have confidence that Evolution will eventually make a Large version available, but time will tell.

Final Thoughts

While the Shadow was made in the shadow of the Ibex, it holds its own in the thumb release world, and I’d put it up against any thumb button out there. It has been wildly accurate for me, and I love that it has the same impact point as my Ibex hinge from Evolution. On top of that, the ability to switch to an inline button is next-level and sets it apart from anything else out there.

This is a winner from top to bottom if you ask me, and I guarantee you’re going to see more from the Shadow in the future because there is truly nothing else like it.

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You might be asking yourself, “What is bushcraft, and why are there specific knives for it?” Well, according to Dave Canterbury, in his book “Bushcraft 101,” bushcraft is a term for wilderness skills and the practice of surviving and thriving in the natural world.” This may lead you to believe, then, that bushcraft knives are survival knives. But they’re not, not really.

The bushcraft and survival categories often get lumped together in the outdoors. But there is a big difference between the two styles. Just ask anyone who’s tried to split logs with a carving knife or whittle with a machete.

Whereas survival knives are heftier and generally designed for life-and-death situations, bushcraft knives are meant for carving, kindling a fire, and performing everyday chores in the woods. Fear not — we have a separate list for the best survival knives.

We’ve spent the year researching and testing knives in real-life situations to determine which is the best of the best. Lead author Nick LeFort has been writing about knives and blades for ten years and is part-owner of an outdoor knife company.

Editor’s Note: This guide received an update on June 25, 2025, adding the MKM Knives DCA Pocket Tango 1 as our favorite small fixed-blade knife for bushcraft.

Best Overall Bushcraft Knife

Benchmade 165 Mini Bushcrafter

$380 at Amazon

9.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 7.58”
• Blade length: 3.38”
• Blade steel: CPM-S30V
• Blade shape: Drop point
• Grind: Flat
• Hardness: 58-60 HRC
• Sheath: Leather
• Carry: Right side
• Weight: 6.45 oz.
• Price: $380

Pros

• CPM-S30V Stainless Steel
• Optimal hand control and fit
• Overall stout build
• Drainage hole in sheath (uncommon in leather)

Cons

• The knife will far outlast the sheath
• The sheath is right-hand only

Josh Wussow

Read Review: Small Changes Make a Big Difference: Benchmade’s Best Bushcraft Knife Got Even Better

In the spring of 2024, Benchmade released both its new Bushcrafter ($400) and the Mini Bushcrafter ($380). The knives were very similar, but what was different between the two was what made a big difference. We had a chance to have a ton of fun with both knives, but in the end, we found that the Mini Bushcrafter was the best suited for the tasks associated with bushcraft.

First and foremost, traditional bushcraft lore claims that bushcraft knives need to be made of carbon steel. There’s also an unwritten rule that a bushcraft knife’s blade has to have a Scandi grind. The Mini Bushcrafter has S30V stainless steel and is flat ground. While we can appreciate a good Scandi grind, the higher flat grind on this knife is more useful overall. That’s partly due to the false edge on the top of the blade, which allows it to pierce and puncture effectively.

Additionally, it’s always been a headscratcher that bushcrafters preferred a carbon steel that can rust over a stainless one that won’t. They argue that carbon steel is stronger, but that’s just not the case anymore. Knife steel — like S30V — has been inspected and perfected to the point where it could be argued that it’s better than any carbon steel out there. But that’s not an argument we’re going to take up here!

The Mini Bushcrafter is short and stout, which allows it to be both durable and precise. It sits well in your hand and gives you a heightened level of control for cutting and carving. Also, the handle tapers in all directions, which aids in the overall ergonomics. This, of course, keeps you from cramping up prematurely. For $380, you want a knife to do everything it’s expected to. The Mini Bushcrafter exceeds those demands.

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Best Budget Bushcraft Knife

Morakniv Companion Spark

$24 at AmazonCheck price at Blade HQ

8.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 8.75”
• Blade Length: 4”
• Blade Steel: Sandvik 12C27
• Blade Shape: Drop Point
• Sheath: Polymer
• Weight: 4.5 oz.

Pros

• Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel
• Ferro Rod in Butt
• You can’t beat the price

Cons

• The spine is broken making it harder to make a fire

Josh Wussow

Read Review: The Morakniv Companion Spark

Throughout the world, you can find the Morakniv Companion ($20) sitting next to the register in hardware stores, tucked on shelves in outdoor stores, and even for sale in some upscale gas stations in the Midwest. We named the Companion the Best Budget Bushcraft knife for 2024. But, after some consideration, we’ve decided to kick things up a notch and name the Morakniv Companion Spark ($35) the Best Budget Bushcraft knife for 2025.

The main difference between the Companion and the Companion Spark is that the spark adds a fire starter that stores in the butt of the knife. This is a consumable piece that will eventually need to be replaced, but Morakniv sells those when the time comes for you to replace it. Either way, we think it provides an affordable solution for fire prep, as well as the myriad of other things you can do with the Companion knife itself.

The Companion Spark is made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. This stuff has been around seemingly forever, and can be found in a majority of Morakniv knives. Aside from being impervious to corrosion, it holds a fantastic edge which is enhanced by the blade’s Scandi grind. Rounding out the Companion Spark is the rubberized handle which provides excellent grip in all conditions.

Fun fact about the color-matched sheath that comes with the Companion Spark: it can hang from a button on your shirt or coat, or clip to your belt.

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Best Bushcraft Folding Knife

GiantMouse ACE Jagt Knife

Check Price at Scheels

9.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 8”
• Blade length: 3.27”
• Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut
• Blade shape: Modified drop point
• Grind: Flat
• Hardness: 60-62 HRC
• Lock type: Frame lock
• Carry: Left or right hand, tip-up
• Weight: 4 oz.
• Price: $215

Pros

• Nessmuk blade design
• Rippled Micarta is EPIC
• Fantastic hand feel
• Well-balanced

Cons

• Rounded edges minimize your firestarting options
• Spine jimping could be a stretch for smaller hands

Josh Wussow

Read Review: The GiantMouse ACE Jagt Hunting Knife Makes a Damn Fine EDC

Folding bushcraft knives are far and few between. Helle Bleja previously held this spot, but when we saw what the GiantMouse ACE Jagt ($215) was made of and experienced how it performed, we deemed the switch necessary. And that’s not a knock on the Bleja. That knife will be written about and touted for years to come. However, the Jagt is made from MagnaCut steel, which, as far as we’re concerned, is hard to beat. It also hosts a historically significant blade shape and comes with a pocket clip.

That blade shape was first seen on the “Nessmuk Knife” and has since become a low-key staple for people into hunting, gathering, and spending time in the outdoors with a knife that can perform a lot of tasks exceedingly well. The Nessmuk styling allows the Jagt to process meat, fruit, and vegetables precisely and easily. It’s also great for carving and shaping, which is something that comes in handy when considering some of the facets of bushcraft.

We openly admit that the Jagt can do so many more things than what’s expected of a bushcraft knife, but that’s part of the appeal. We believe that a knife should be something you can go out and rely on in the middle of nowhere. With bushcraft being akin to survival, we see this knife as being beyond compare.

It’s small enough for precision tasks but large enough to process kindling. We also found it great for foraging, as the shape of the handle in conjunction with the blade allows for you to hold it in such a way that you get under a morel cap or fiddlehead stem and get in a good, clean cut.

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Best Tactical Bushcraft Knife

Demko FreeReign

Check Price at DLT Trading

8.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 9.875”
• Blade Length: 5”
• Blade Steel: MagnaCut
• Blade Shape: Drop Point
• Sheath: Injection Molded Plastic
• Weight: 6.9 oz.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Super grippy handles
• The sheath is awesome

Cons

• Can’t find the MagnaCut version anymore

Josh Wussow

Read Review: The Demko FreeReign

The first thing you notice about the Demko FreeReign ($200) is just how light it feels. At almost 10 inches in length and only 7 ounces, it’s got a great weight-to-length balance that keeps you from getting prematurely fatigued when putting in the hard work. The FreeReign, after all, was designed to be used hard and put away wet. With the knife being made from MagnaCut steel, you totally can too. However, we always recommend you clean and dry your knives and tools to keep them in good working order.

I know, we’re party poopers.

MagnaCut steel has really made a name for itself this year. It excels where you want it to — in corrosion and abrasion resistance. It also holds a very good edge, and with 5” of blade to play around with, staying sharp is important. We really like the stonewashed finish of the blade here, it adds to the all-around machismo that the FreeReign gives off.

The grippy rubber handle on the FreeReign is great in all conditions. It’s a softer durometer rubber so you can get a good, prolonged grip, without having to really squeeze down on it. This is a fantastic feature if you’re working on a tough task, especially in the cold.

Additionally, the included sheath has a nice drop which allows it to be worn on your belt without interfering with a pack. It also has four slots in two additional holes that allow you to strap the FreeReign down or hang it from your neck.

As of right now, you can’t find the MagnaCut version anywhere. But the AUS-10A variant is only $100 and does a fantastic job. It’s also available in a tanto blade configuration if you want to bridge the gap between survival and bushcraft.

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Best Multi-Function Bushcraft Knife

Victorinox Venture Pro

Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Victorinox

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 9.5”
• Blade Length: 4.13”
• Blade Steel: 14C28N
• Blade Shape: Drop Point
• Sheath: Nylon / TPE
• Weight: 7.4 oz.

Pros

• 14C28N Stainless Steel
• Multiple carry options
• The fire-making blow tube/sheath

Cons

• Do we really need a ballpoint pen?

Josh Wussow

Read Review: The Victorinox Venture Pro

Victorinox decided they wanted to throw their hat into the bushcraft ring, and we’re wicked happy they did. The brand’s Venture Pro ($115) is not only a great full-tang bushcraft blade but it’s got some onboard accessories that make it a viable multitool as well. Additionally, it’s got a bow drill cup in the handle, and its sheath can be used as a fire-making blow tube. In short, Victorinox really did their homework with the Venture Pro.

Made from 14C28N stainless steel, the blade on the Venture Pro won’t rust on you, is tough, and is super sharp. Victorinox chose to not break the edges on the spine, so the included ferro rod can throw an impressive shower of spark with a singular pass. Other accessories like the 1⁄4 hex bit holder, bow drill divot, and tweezers open up your options to do a whole heck of a lot more. But we’re really not sure why Victorinox added a ballpoint pen into the mix.

Two sheaths come with the Venture Pro. The sheath that holds the knife itself is small, portable, and features the aforementioned blow holes so you can amplify your breath to stoke a fire. This sheath nests into a larger sheath that carries the accessories. Rounding off this carry system is a nylon leash that allows you to carry the Venture Pro on your belt without it interfering with your pack’s hip belt.

The Venture Pro is also available in a stripped-down version, the Venture ($75). With the Venture, you get the same knife and belt sheath, but you lose the larger sheath that holds the accessories, as well as those accessories that aren’t built into the knife (Tweezers, Pen, and Ferro Rod).

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Best Bushcraft-and-Survival Knife Combo

Zero Tolerance 0006

$269 at AmazonCheck Price at Blade HQ

8.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 10.7”
• Blade Length: 6”
• Blade Steel: CPM 3V
• Blade Shape: Clip Point
• Sheath: Kydex w. Nylon Belt Loop
• Weight: 7.4 oz.

Pros

• CPM 3V Steel
• G10 Handle Scales
• Sleek Profile

Cons

• The price tag

Josh Wussow

Read Review: The Zero Tolerance 0006

The Zero Tolerance 0006 ($400) is the closest to feeling like Rambo that most of us will ever get. If we were forced to describe the 0006 in one word it would either be “aggressive” or “effective” as this knife is ready for war. But, you’ll find that it’ll suit you rather well on your next outdoor adventure.

The CPM 3V steel is wicked tough, but — unlike almost every other knife on this list — it’s not stainless. To combat that, Zero Tolerance Cerakoted the steel so that it’s even more durable and now impervious to rust. When you combine that with the rugged, and thick, patterned G10 handle scales, the 0006 becomes formidable in every situation it faces.

The one surprising thing about this knife is its weight, or lack thereof. For a full tang knife of this length to only be 7.4 ounces is a real treat. At this weight, the 0006 can maneuver with increased fluidity. So, where the 0006 is built to do demanding tasks like splitting kindling and hunting down bad guys, it’s also able to cut and slice with precision.

We had a little too much fun testing the Zero Tolerance 0006, which we found out makes a great throwing knife as well as a survival and bushcraft knife. It’s great around camp for various reasons, from food prep to fire prep, but the steel butt on the 0006 makes it perfect for hammering in tent stakes as well.

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Best Small Fixed Blade Bushcraft Knife

MKM Knives DCA Pocket Tango 1

Check Price at Blade HQ

9.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 6.69”
• Blade length: 2.54”
• Blade steel: MagnaCut
• Blade shape: Nessmuk
• Grind: Flat
• Hardness: 61-63 HRC
• Sheath: Leather
• Weight: 2.54 oz.
• Price: $220

Pros

• Nessmuk-style MagnaCut steel
• Incredible size-to-weight ratio
• Ambidextrous magnetic leather sheath

Cons

• May be undersized for large hands

Josh Wussow

Read Review: A Little Precision Goes a Long Way: MKM Knives DCA Pocket Tango 1 Review

Pocket fixed-blade knives are a growing trend that have found their way into bushcraft due to their natural utilitarian abilities. Though they’re not intended to replace your belt knife, a knife like the DCA Pocket Tango ($220) from MKM Knives easily could. Especially when you consider the Nessmuk version, which is uber-efficient for shaving, slicing, cutting, and carving.

Made from MagnaCut steel and featuring Micarta handle scales, the DCA Pocket Tango was designed by David C. Andersen of KnifeCenter fame. DCA is a bit of a knife encyclopedia, so it’s really nice to see him apply his vast knowledge to knife design. This one is small and slight and feels like a scalpel in your hand. Along with the advanced ergonomics, this sets the tone for your ability to perform precision tasks without the need to shy away from more demanding ones. 

Being that it’s made from MagnaCut steel, you needn’t worry about the elements or having to resharpen the Pocket Tango very much. However, if you get into shaving down wood or slicing up meat, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a pocket knife sharpener along for touch-ups. Knives like this work best when they’re razor sharp.

One of the Pocket Tango’s unique innovations is the ambidextrous leather sheath, which is one of our favorite innovations. This sheath uses a magnetic closure on the belt flap to keep it attached to your belt or in your pocket. In testing, we had zero issues with the sheath detaching, and we also enjoyed how easy it was to remove from our belt and pocket when needed.

Overall, the DCA Pocket Tango became a knife that graduated from specific bushcraft tasks to an EDC carry within a day of arrival. Whether this was due to how easy it was to install and remove the sheath or the overall experience of the knife itself is hard to discern. So, we’ll just leave it at the fact that this knife was designed to give you the ultimate experience in anything you plan on doing with it.

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Another Excellent Folding Knife

Helle Bleja

Check Price at Helle

8.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• OAL: 7.90”
• Blade length: 3.35”
• Blade steel: H3LSS (Triple Laminated Stainless Steel)
• Blade shape: Drop point
• Sheath: Leather
• Weight: 6.6 oz.

Pros

• Helle’s proprietary stainless steel
• Curly Birch handles scales
• Scandi Grind

Cons

• It’s a wee heavy

Josh Wussow

Read Review: Bushcraft-Ready Folding Knife From the Land of Trolls: Helle Bleja Review

There aren’t a lot of folding bushcraft knives on the market, but the Helle Bleja ($224) is the blueprint of how one should be. Made from Helle’s own triple laminate stainless steel and curly birch handles, the Bleja is a robust knife that’s built incredibly well. Aiding in the build of the knife is a pair of stainless steel liners. These liners help keep the knife rigid and allow it to be used and abused without worry.

In regards to the steel, known simply as H3L33, it has excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance. It also keeps an incredible edge. We do love a good Scandi grind around here, and it’s an enhancement on the Bleja that aids in cutting and slicing. Helle has put a lot of stock in this proprietary blade formula and has been using it in a majority of their knives since the 1960s.

Overall, the Bleja is intended to function like a fixed-blade knife, and it does. Its lock-back lock keeps the blade in place even if you decide to hammer on it to split kindling. Due to this design, you’ll need both hands to open the Bleja. This isn’t a fidgety knife at all; it’s a workhorse. There’s a nail nick on the blade to aid in the opening.

There’s no pocket clip on the Bleja, but it does come with a really well-made belt sheath. If you’re looking for a knife like this with a pocket clip, consider the Helle Nipa. It’s an inch and a half smaller than the Bleja and is made from Sandvik 12C27 steel, but features a Scandi grind and those stellar curly birch scales.

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Bushcraft Knives Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Bushcraft Knives

The GearJunkie team is composed of avid outdoor folk who live and breathe the products they test. Bringing together years of product knowledge as well as a keen sense of what kind of situations we’re going to get into, we scour the interwebs for knives and tools that will meet our needs. Before we even get out on an adventure, we’re looking for materials that we know are durable and reliable. We’re looking for sheaths that are easy to carry, and possibly a ferro rod thrown into the mix.

The whole idea behind bushcraft is self-reliance. The knives we pick need to be able to process food and timber, and yeah — they may need to act as a line of defense. I mean, who doesn’t want to be in that same situation that Brad Pitt found himself in at the end of “Legends of the Fall”? Okay, we’re not really thinking that dark or that deep. But we do head off on our adventures knowing that the knife we’ve chosen is the knife we need to keep us alive.

Nick LeFort — outdoor knife expert and lead author of this guide — has been testing and writing about blades for over a decade. He has been around long enough to see blade steel evolve and understands the true meaning of durability. He’s also a part-owner of a boutique knife company.

So, What Do Bushcraft Knives Do?

Before we head out on any adventure, we do our research. A good bushcraft knife needs to be reliable, packable, and durable. You can’t always figure that out by reading some specs on the internet. So, we’ll head out to retail shops, talk with our survivalist friends, and read up on what people are seeing and thinking out there. From there, we make our decisions on what bushcraft knives we want to test out.

The internet is peppered with people testing and reviewing knives and tools in their garage or at their kitchen table. In those controlled environments, everything works as intended. So, we take it one step further and spend time with these knives in real-life situations. That could be a few days in the woods on a state campground. It could also be a few days in the woods in the middle of nowhere without a trail or campsite in proximity.

Here at GearJunkie, we decided long ago that if we’re going to recommend something to you, we need to be as authentic as we can. In terms of bushcraft, the only way to determine the top line of knives is to get out there in it and rely on them.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Bushcraft Knife

Blade Shape

The key to bushcraft is simplicity. So when looking for the right bushcraft knife for years of use and abuse, avoid knives with wild grinds. Recurved blades and serrated blades will only complicate things and prove to be a royal pain to resharpen. 

The ideal bushcraft knife blade will be between 3.5 and 4.5 inches long. The knife itself should have an overall length of 10 inches or less. Regarding the overall shape, drop point and clip profiles are the most common because they’re the most useful.

In his book, “Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival,” legendary outdoorsman Mors Kochanski states, “All general-use knives should have the blade tip close to the profile center-line of the handle.” This allows users to more easily control the blade’s point during drilling or detail work. This approach also brings added durability to the knife, as the tip is less thin than a Bowie design.

Knife Steel

The amount of knife blade steel and handle materials out there is pretty impressive. But, where the handle materials seem to have stabilized, there’s new steel coming out every year. As you can see from the above selection of eight knives, there are seven different knife steels. Our recommendation is to consider each steel on a case-by-case basis. But they should still meet or exceed the following requirements:

Corrosion Resistance

The last thing you want is your knife turning orange on you out in the field. Especially if you’re planning on using it to prepare food. All of the steel mentioned in this guide either has exceptional corrosion resistance or has been coated to eliminate the occurrence of rust.

Abrasion Resistance

Some people consider this property to be more form than function. But in all reality, if your blade can easily get scrapped up that can lead to chipping, which then could lead to blade failure.

Edge Retention/Ease of Resharpening

No matter what knife you carry, the worst knife you could carry is a dull one. That being said, you want to look for knife steels that either excel in edge retention or can be easily resharpened.

All that said, a lot of traditional bushcraft subscribers believe that using carbon steel is the best way to go. They believe that because carbon steel is usually softer than stainless steel those blades are less likely to shatter. Where at one point, we would have agreed to with this hypothesis, over time it’s proven to be a moot point.

Stainless steels like Sandvik 12C27 and 14C28N have been used by Morakniv and Victorinox, respectively, for more than 50 years in bushcraft and utility applications without fail. Newer stainless steels like S35VN and MagnaCut, which feature improved toughness, have started replacing carbon steels like 1095 and 440C, which are great for toughness — but are susceptible to rust.

Handle Material

When it comes down to handle material it’s all about grip. Ergonomics play a part in this as well, as you could have great handle material in a weird shape that will cause fatigue. In the end, you won’t want to use the knife, and you’ll have wasted your money. These are some of the more preferred materials on the market today:

G10 & Micarta

G10 and Micarta are both extremely strong materials. Both excel in grip whether your hands are wet or dry, which is why those two materials are so popular with EDC, Survival, Tactical, and Bushcraft-style knives.

Nylon & Plastic

Nylon and plastic also make for great handle materials because they’re durable and lightweight, but they’re also generally textured. It’s this texturing and styling that increases the grip on a knife with these materials.

Note: Nylon and plastic handle scales can be called a litany of names. Some of the more popular names are FRN/Zytel (Fiber Reinforced Nylon), GRN (Glass Reinforced Nylon), GFN (Glass Filled Nylon), and Grivory (Injection Molded).

Rubber

In some knife worlds, rubber is the sign of a cheap knife. However, in bushcraft, rubberized handles can be a great benefit to you due to their durability as well as their unsurpassed grip.

Wood

Wood is a fantastic handle material as long as it has been stabilized so it won’t crack. It offers a good amount of grip, which generally increases when the wood gets wet. It also looks very nice.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is a big deal when considering what knife is right for you. It can come in many forms from ergonomics, to lock design, to the hardware used to keep the knife together and in good functioning order. All in all, the last thing you want to do is struggle with or be uncomfortable using your knife.

Ergonomics

A good knife will feel right in your hand. From the shape of the handle scales to the overall thickness, and even texturing, ergonomics can be the difference between you being confident with your knife or leaving it in your drawer at home. When you consider a knife, put it in your hand and give it a good squeeze. Then, push down hard on a hard surface. If everything feels right — that’s your next knife.

Sheath

A good bushcraft knife is only as good as its ease of carry. In considering your next bushcraft knife, consider a sheath made from leather or kydex. Leather will cost you more, but can last you for years. Kydex, which is widely used by the military, is durable and generally offers not only multiple carry options, but room for you to expand it to carry a Ferro rod.

Lock Mechanism

Without fail, you will find yourself in a position where you need to rely on the lock on your knife more than you expected. 

Some of the more common lock types are liner/frame locks that use a bar that indexes into the back of the blade. There are also button-style locks that use a steel barrel to keep the blade engaged. However, the most popular lock type is the crossbar lock which also uses a steel bar to hold the knife in place.

In our time and experience, we have never seen a crossbar-style lock mechanism fail without some outside force creating a major disruption in how the knife functions. Like a truck running it over.

Price & Value

Knife pricing isn’t as cut and dry as I think most of us would like it to be. Yes, just like with any other consumer good, factors like materials, design, and function all play into the final price of a knife. However, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that determine what we pay at the store for a knife.

How much material a knife manufacturer buys has a major impact on the price you pay for a knife. Material prices, in general, will fluctuate based on how much of each item is being bought overall. We’ve most recently seen this with MagnaCut, which became a popular steel seemingly overnight. As more brands adopted it in knives, the overall price of the steel itself went down.

Overall, bushcraft knives tend to be more affordable. They’re simple knives designed to do a lot of different things. But they’re generally not flashy and composed of common materials. For a niche market, this is a welcomed departure. As we have seen with other knife categories — like Tactical Knives — sometimes being purpose-built or labeled a certain way can have a big impact on pricing.

With that being said, we’re going to break knives down into the following three categories based on pricing in general. But, to be fair, in the production knife world, there are no clear and defining lines between budget knives, mid-tier knives, or premium knives. The following is a generalization of what you can expect from each category.

Budget

Budget bushcraft knives are usually made from carbon or stainless steel and feature simple designs for use and carry. Although some bushcraft knives can excel in ergonomics and be more complex than others, the common recipe is to keep the form simple so it functions with ease. With that being said, a good budget bushcraft knife could easily be under $50.

The Morakniv Companion Spark is made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and uses a simple polymer handle that stores a ferro rod in the butt. Like other Morakniv knives, the Spark is what you should expect from a budget to even mid-tier bushcraft knife with the added benefit of having a firestarter included. If you don’t need a ferro rod, you can always save another $10 by going with the standard Morakniv Companion.

Mid-Tier

A good mid-tier bushcraft knife will be top out at $200. If you look at this list, a majority of the knives on it are mid-tier. Again, bushcraft is about durability and reliability. Sure, there are a couple of carbon fiber-handled bushcraft knives out there, but if you bring one of them out there by the fire, someone is going to give you a hard time. 

The Victorinox Venture Pro is a multifunction knife designed specifically for bushcraft and the Scouts. For $115, you can have a reliable stainless steel knife that comes with a ferro rod, tweezers, pen, and two sheaths, making your carry and deployment experiences enjoyable. 

We also really like the Demko FreeReign ($200). It’s an every day, all-day kind of knife that works really well in the bushcraft scene. It has a simple, straightforward design that allows it to adapt to a variety of tasks. Being made from MagnaCut makes it strong, efficient, and easy to maintain.

Premium

A premium bushcraft knife is one that goes above and beyond the demand of bushcraft. It’s one that is built from premium materials, and hosts advanced ergonomics. In some cases, this is where you’ll start to see a transition from a polymer or Kydex sheath over to a leather one, but that’s not always the case. 

Benchmade’s Mini Bushcrafter ($380) is the definition of premium. In both form and function, it will offer you a lifetime of reliability while being used and abused. It’s not only made from premium materials but there’s an extra layer of attention baked into all facets of the knife.

This can be seen in the tapering of the handles, the false edge on the blade, and even the notch at the back of the blade for the ferro rod. This carries over to the premium leather sheath, which has been stylized to cradle the knife and has a spot for a built-in ferro rod.

Frequently Asked Questions

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It’s embarrassing how many tents I have tucked away in our garage. So much so, I’m pretty sure I got an eye roll from my partner when the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 showed up. In my defense, it’s hard to purge our stash of tents, with some feeling like part of the family, like my parents’ old center-pole Kelty, and the four-season Sierra Designs, patched from where a passing black bear took a swipe.

For car camping, we now gravitate toward high-top tents since my partner is 6’1”. We have been using Marmot’s Torreya six-person tent. It’s well-built and luxurious if we’re going to be somewhere for a week or traveling somewhere where we need to hide our bikes inside, but it’s rather massive for overnights. So I was hoping the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 might fill that slot, and it does.

The Aurora Highrise 4 is amply roomy, but not sprawling. It packs better in the car, and it’s lighter to carry. We’ve now used it in the desert and mountains, and have grown to appreciate it enough that it’s already packed in the car for an upcoming 5,000-mile road trip. Here are our impressions so far of the Aurora Highrise tent. 

In short: A huge door, tall ceiling, and ample ventilation are reasons enough to add the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent ($400) to your outdoor adventure collection. But this tent also has a jovial personality and an easy set-up. It’s a great fit for a small family (whether the kids are furry or regular) or a cushy setup for a couple who wants extra living space and gear storage. 

To see where the NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 tent stacks up in the larger market, check out GearJunkie’s Best Camping Tents Buyer’s Guide. Spoiler alert: We awarded it “Most Livable 4-Person Camping Tent.”

NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Floor Area: 62.5 sq. ft. (100" x 90")
• Weight: 15 lbs., 14 oz.
• Height: 75"
• Footprint Included: No
• Number of Doors: Two
• Carry Size: 25" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Seasons: 3-season
• Best For: Camping with the whole family, sleeping on cots, and tall parents

Pros

• Steep side walls bumps up livable space
• Fun print on interior floor
• Both doors stow away completely

Cons

• Rainfly doesn't provide 100% coverage
• A little heavier than comparable tents

Karuna Eberl

NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P: Review

First Impressions: Quick Setup and a Cheery Attitude

As soon as the Aurora Highrise 4 arrived, we decided to set off on a last-minute camping trip. It was a bit early in the season, and the wind was blowing, but our excuse to play hooky and get outdoors wasn’t going to be dampened by a questionable forecast. Plus, we were only going across the valley, a 45-minute drive, so it’s not like we couldn’t scramble home if anything went awry.

Because of our haste, he hadn’t even laid eyes on the tent until we got to the campsite. By then, the wind was blowing a solid 20 miles an hour. It’s always a challenge to set up a tent under those conditions, but especially one we weren’t familiar with. Still, it only took us 10 minutes, rainfly and all. (On our second trip, we set it up in five.) 

Once we got it set, we noted that it’s also a strikingly attractive tent. The shape is dynamic, and the color, which NEMO terms “atoll oasis,” brightens a gray day. Plus, the floor is a cheery plaid.

Built for Comfort 

The Aurora Highrise 4 uses steep walls to achieve standing height throughout the inside. As long as you’re shorter than 6’3”, you can walk around with ease. Combined with a 62.5-square-foot floor, it makes for spacious sleeping, eating, storage, and rainy-day activity space.

Another outstanding feature is a massive front door, which includes three zipper sliders so you can control not just how much you want it open, but also where you want it to be open along multiple spans of the door.

The door is also nearly as tall as the tent, which provides ease of entering and exiting. The two 19.5-square-foot vestibules are ample for gear storage or light cooking. The second door is half the size, but is still easy to navigate.

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Voluminous Ventilation

The ventilation on the Aurora Highrise is particularly well thought-out. The top third-ish of the tent is mesh, including the entire ceiling, and there are windows on all four sides.

That means you can create ample cross-ventilation, no matter which direction the wind is blowing from. It also allows you to peek out of any side for safety, or to see who’s on their way to raid the cooler. 

The rainfly doesn’t overly inhibit the ventilation, either. Thanks to a double zipper, you can roll up the fly to expose a large swath of the palatial front door. And since the fly is shaped to create a small awning for the windows, rather than extending to the ground and covering them up, you can be ready for rain and still enjoy the view and the breeze.

Quality Crafting

For a three-season tent, the Aurora Highrise 4 is sturdy enough. It includes aluminum poles and quality no-see-um mesh. The zippers slide smoothly, and there are a lot of nice touches for tying back doors, windows, and the rainfly. The floor is a sturdy 150D PU polyester, so it has no fear of dog claws, sticks, and pine needles. 

While this tent doesn’t have color-coded poles, those are not super-necessary, as the setup is intuitive. Two larger-diameter, longer poles go crossways to hold up the main body of the tent, and two smaller poles keep tension along the ends.

To add to its ease of setup, there are only four stakes on the main tent and four stakes for the fly. The plaid floor also helps by making it easy to identify the bottom. 

This tent has a number of nice touches, too, like a loop with a snap closure on the ceiling, for easy lantern hanging. It has adequate storage pockets, including a nightlight pocket with a headlamp diffuser, plus standards like guylines and sealed seams. It also meets flame-retardant standards without using added harmful chemicals. 

Stormproof?

The biggest question with the Aurora Highrise 4 is how it performs in severe weather. While it functions fine in light rainstorms and holds up decently enough under wind, I fear it wouldn’t fare great in heavier weather conditions.

I haven’t yet been camping in it during a squall, but I can imagine that some rain would come through the side windows. The fly doesn’t cover them vertically, and the windows are only covered by flaps; no zipper or Velcro. This problem would be amplified if the tent were not properly tensioned by the stakes. 

Another hassle is that without the fly on, there are only four stakes holding down the tent, which means wind can blow under from the sides and billow up the floor. The stakes are also just bent-steel style — what we call nail bruisers — because as you pound on them, you’re likely to hit a finger or two. But that’s easily remedied by picking up some stouter stakes from the hardware store.

Finally, the storage bag is a little flimsy, and it’s not particularly easy to get everything back in, but neither of those should be deal breakers. 

NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P Tent: Conclusion

The NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent is a solid choice for a couple who want to set up an extra-comfortable living space, like an air mattress and camp table, or a small family with a kid or dog or two. Either way, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, horizontally and vertically.

There are certainly other easy living tents out there, such as the North Face Wawona 4 — a $450 four-person tent with equally vertical walls and a voluminous vestibule. That said, the Aurora Highrise does best in a number of different metrics, including floor space (62.5 versus 58 square feet), standing height (75″ versus 68″), and obviously price, at $50 less. For most folks and families, this edges the NEMO into the front-runner position.

This tent particularly excels with comfort and ventilation, and its main door is a prize. If you’re looking for headroom and comfort, through hot days and chilly nights, you’ll be happy to have set your bet on this tent. And if you need even more room, NEMO also makes a six-person version. Either way, the living is easy in the Aurora Highrise.

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It was a scorcher in Vail’s back bowls. Without a cloud, the snow softened to perfect corn. I enjoyed uninhibited turns for thousands of vertical feet. While those conditions are my favorite, the blasting sun and snow reflection demand solid eye protection. Thankfully, I was testing the Vallon Freebirds ski goggles — alongside a heavy layer of sunscreen.

The lens protected my eyes from the intense brightness. Its crisp optics gave me the confidence to dial up my speed. And the chic aesthetic didn’t hurt my vibes, especially for on-mountain après.

In short: The Vallon Freebirds ($186) ski goggles prioritize style and quality versus a bunch of features. The high-end lens by Zeiss is the headliner — providing crisp, clear, and precise optics for skiing fast. The medium-to-large frame provides a nice fit for most faces, being neither oversized nor too small in terms of coverage. While this pair forgoes additional lenses and a fancy lens-swapping system, the streamlined features and fair price will meet the needs of skiers looking for a stylish pair of goggles with solid optics for fair weather skiing.

See how this design compares to a competitive lineup in the Ski Goggles buyer’s guide.

Vallon Freebirds Goggle

Check price at Vallon

7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Best for: Sunny conditions
• Lenses: 1
• Frame size: Medium/Large
• Lens shape: Spherical

Pros

• High-quality lens by Zeiss
• Medium/large frame should fit most faces

Cons

• Limited field of vision
• Only include one lens
• Clumsy lens swapping

Bergen Tjossem

Vallon Freebird Ski Goggles Review

I tested these ski goggles over several days of skiing in Colorado through both good and downright nasty weather to see if they perform as elegantly as they look.

Let’s be honest: aesthetics and style are factors that weigh heavily when choosing a pair of ski goggles. That’s what attracted me to the Vallon Freebirds in the first place. The retro-inspired design harkens back to sun-drenched days on the ski mountain, gorgeous ski sweaters, classic après, and good vibes. 

Along with vintage style, Vallon aimed to incorporate enough tech and quality to make the Freebirds competitive in a rapidly evolving snow goggle market while retaining an approachable price point.

Available in 10 frame colors and with three possible lens pairings, these $186 ski goggles are among our top picks in the middle of the price spectrum.

Fit & Field of Vision

The Freebirds offer a medium-to-large fit that should work with most faces. Not being oversized means they fit decently well with my medium/large Sweet Trooper ski helmet. However, the frame has small gaps on each side that the straps covered.

The triple-layer face foam added comfort on full ski days, though I wouldn’t call them a perfect fit on my face — the nose bridge felt a little low. Everyone’s nose is different, but it’s worth noting for users who experience this issue with other goggles. Once on my face, the frames fit snugly without annoying gaps between the skin and foam.

Spherical lenses typically provide the widest field of vision, but I found the Freebird’s field of vision cramped, especially vertically. The lower half of the frame is omnipresent in the field of view. The lens’s upper part has a thick foam and adhesive strip that cuts into the upper view.

For comparison, Smith’s I/O Mag ski goggles provide a bigger field of vision despite having a more petite frame. The design minimizes the frame, and it neatly tucks the adhesive and foam between the lenses.

Quality Lenses, Moderate Price: Cat 3 Lens by Zeiss

The Freebirds utilize a spherical polycarbonate lens developed by Zeiss, which makes high-end lenses for a variety of uses, from snow goggles to spotting scopes. True to its reputation, the optical quality is excellent. Details in the snow were crisp and precise — a quality I typically see in more expensive goggles. 

There are three lens options: 15% VLT, 18% VLT, and 25% VLT. The Silver Cat 3 lens that I tested (15% VLT) had a subtle brown tint that seemed to enhance the definition of the snow’s texture in sunny conditions. Overall, that lens was good for a “one lens to do it all” setup, especially in Colorado, where it’s generally sunny. I didn’t feel like I lost much detail or definition when sunny days turned partly cloudy. 

When the clouds took over, or the light went flat — like during a nasty blizzard on top of Vail mountain that I skied in — the Freebirds’ Cat 3 lens wasn’t ideal. That lens has a low VLT and lacks contrast enhancement technology like Smith’s ChromaPop. This is why many high-end goggle brands bundle models with a second low-light lens. It’s tough for a single lens to perform flawlessly in most or all light conditions. 

High Quality, Somewhat Limited Versatility

So, while the optical quality was high overall, the versatility of the Cat 3 lens was somewhat limited — they thrived on sunny and mostly sunny ski days. But they left me wanting more in flat light. They’re serviceable, but aren’t my first, second, or third choice for blizzard powder skiing. 

Vallon offers additional lens options with up to 36% VLT for low-light conditions for $47. Users who choose the 15% VLT as a primary lens will probably want to throw the low-light lens in the cart. Consider the 25% VLT or at least 18% VLT primary lens options for more versatility across the light spectrum for set-it-and-forget-it skiers. 

The inside of the lens is coated with an anti-fog treatment from the Italian brand Mazuchelli. The treatment fended off fog as well as competitors at this price point. They weren’t miraculous when things got sweaty, but they were plentifully fogless for day-in, day-out resort skiing. 

Traditional Lens System

The Freebirds don’t use a fast lens-swapping system, instead relying on a tried-and-true manual method. The lens has seven notches around its edge that align with seven retention posts in the frame’s lens channel. Starting at the nose, snapping the lens in takes about 30 seconds, while popping it out takes just three. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done

The only issue I have with the swapping process is that the lens gets covered in smudges from my fingers. Be prepared to wipe them off before you ski away. Thankfully, the polycarbonate lens is easy to clean and quite resistant to scratches.

The rest of the Freebirds’ chassis — the strap, frame, and triple-layer face foam — is on par with pricier options. I loved that sticky silicone strips under the strap kept the goggles locked to my helmet. They were easily adjusted between a hat and a helmet using two sliding adjusters on the strap. 

Conclusion

Nothing about the Vallon Freebirds wowed me other than the crisp, precise optics. That doesn’t mean they’re bad ski goggles. On the contrary, the Freebirds performed fine across the board, considering the $186 price point.

The fit was good, the lens quality was excellent, and the triple-layer face foam and strap were on par with more expensive pairs. The only place it suffered compared to the competition was the shallow field of view in the vertical dimension and the clumsy lens-swapping process.

The lens of the Freebirds lacks contrast enhancement compared to pricier options. They also only include one lens for bright conditions, so versatility is limited unless you shell out more dollars for a second low-light lens. 

The Vallon Freebirds offer a distinct retro aesthetic in a crowded sea of high-end goggles. Skiers searching for a unique classic vibe who mostly ski in sunny weather could find a good match with the Freebirds.

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