Gear Tasting Radio artwork

Gear Tasting Radio

116 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 306 ratings

Have you ever analyzed why you've chosen the gear you have? Was it based on recommendations, or a true look into the skills to consider when making your selections? Look no further, Gear Tasting Radio is here with an in-depth look into the usage and philosophy behind the equipment in our lives.

Education Sports Wilderness solutions tactical gear imminent its tasting threat
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

127 - Preparedness Packs

August 14, 2020 18:02 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MB

This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the different bags, packs and boxes we keep our preparedness gear in and share some tips on storage.

126 - Paranoia and the Effects of Living in the Red

July 10, 2020 17:14 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MB

Situational Awareness is always a good thing to practice, but this week on Gear Tasting Radio we’re examining why too much paranoia or living “in the red” can be detrimental to your health and overall safety.

125 - How to Keep Your Data Private

July 10, 2020 17:13 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MB

With data collection being more prevalent than ever these days, this week on Gear Tasting Radio we’re highlighting a few things you can do, both physically and digitally, to help protect your data from bad actors.

124 - Defining First Aid

July 02, 2020 19:34 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MB

This week on Gear Tasting Radio we discuss the confusion surrounding terms like “First Aid” and “Trauma.” We offer our thoughts on what products are essential and why you might not always be the one using your kit’s supplies. Medical Resources - https://bit.ly/31Attbn

123 - Fieldcraft vs. Tradecraft

June 19, 2020 15:02 - 16 minutes - 22.3 MB

This week on Gear Tasting Radio we discuss a brand new emergency preparedness product to stay ready for disasters. We also highlight the differences between Fieldcraft and Tradecraft, including why you should think more like a spy when it comes to home security

122 - Our Cause at ITS

June 05, 2020 17:55 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MB

Since 2009, ITS has strived to provide tips, tools and solutions to better prepare you to deal with the unexpected. In this episode of Gear Tasting Radio, we highlight our competencies and convictions that empower people to better themselves and become their own insurance policies.

121 - Seconds Count

May 11, 2020 18:49 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MB

Stop the Bleed Month is underway and today on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the importance of bleeding control training and tools. We also address some of the myths surrounding using medical equipment and responding as a civilian. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

120 - How Much Vehicle Gear Do You Really Need?

April 27, 2020 16:23 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MB

This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we’re discussing how our vehicle loadouts have evolved over the years. We dive into items that can be trimmed away and things that are always going to be emergency staples on the side of the road. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

119 - All the Small Things

April 13, 2020 16:30 - 18 minutes - 25.5 MB

This week on Gear Tasting Radio we’re discussing the smaller gear-related things you can do around your house to make life a little easier. We cover everything from important gear to keep stashed in drawers to some software updates you might not even be aware of. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

118 - The Immediate Need for Home Security

March 30, 2020 18:53 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MB

This week on Gear Tasting Radio we discuss how you can best utilize the downtime from COVID-19 to better prepare yourself, your family and your home.

117 - Where to Start with Land Navigation

March 16, 2020 16:25 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MB

Learning to navigate with a map and compass can feel like magic and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss how you can get started. In addition, we provide some resources for compasses, maps and even tips on how to make your own navigation gear!

116 - Skip the Panic

March 02, 2020 20:29 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MB

With the recent news of virus outbreaks around the globe, we’re taking this episode of Gear Tasting Radio to highlight things you can do to skip the panic that happens during disasters.

115 - Why You Should Learn to Pick Locks

February 17, 2020 18:25 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MB

Lock picking is a valuable skill that can save you money and showcase how vulnerable the locks around you are. On this episode of Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss a real world example of lock picking and how you can jumpstart your learning!

114 - Frequent Flyer Security

December 09, 2019 16:32 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MB

Personal security when traveling comes with a unique set of contingencies and challenges. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss our tips and tricks to help get you through your next trip safely; whether you’re flying, driving or just checking into a hotel.

113 - Are We Telling Secrets?

November 18, 2019 18:49 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MB

At ITS, we’ve always advocated skills and products that can make a profound difference in your daily life, or even when it comes to saving a life. Today we address illegal restraint and why even after a decade, we’re still busting the myth that our content helps criminals more than prepared citizens.

112 - The Why Behind Medical Kit Preparation

November 04, 2019 18:42 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

Gear Tasting Radio is officially back in the saddle with a new format and schedule! On this episode, we discuss medical kits, where to store them and how many to keep on hand. We also highlight the dangers of improvised medical devices and how to turn your family members into force multipliers. Additional info on this topic is covered in our new supplemental article on itstactical.com and linked below. Episode Intel ITS Medical Kits Article - http://bit.ly/2JOQjCu CoTCCC Principles - h...

111 - Questions on Foot Care and Long Range Survival

June 11, 2019 18:17 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MB

We promised and now we’re delivering another round of questions this week on Gear Tasting Radio. We answer everything from foot care in the field to getting the family involved in Bug Out Bag preparation. Finally, we tackle a question involving preparing a bag for extreme long distance travel and survival. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

110 - 5 Item 48 Hour Challenge Revisited

June 04, 2019 20:04 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB

We’re revisiting our 5 Item 48 Hour Challenge that we covered on Gear Tasting Radio a little over a year ago. Our items have changed a bit and we want to see how yours have changed as well! Use the poundtag #5ItemChallenge on any social media network to post your items. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

109 - Communications Equipment for Your Bug Out Bag

May 28, 2019 19:39 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

When it comes to emergency communications, there’s no one clear “best” option. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss several items you can consider including in your Bug Out Bag to have the best chance of communicating during an emergency. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

108 - Mindset Tips with Former Navy SEAL Nick Hays

May 21, 2019 17:22 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

We’re joined this week on Gear Tasting Radio by former Navy SEAL and longtime ITS contributor, Nick Hays, to discuss his upcoming book Elite. We cover everything from steps to remove negativity in your life to why a routine can help recenter you. Check out the episode intel for more information on how to pre-order your copy of Elite! For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

107 - Miscellaneous Bug Out Bag Items

May 07, 2019 19:15 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MB

We’re using the term “miscellaneous items” on this week’s Gear Tasting Radio to describe things in a Bug Out Bag that may not fit into an exact category, or may spread across multiple categories. We highlight items like tape for repairs, protection items like ponchos and why pack covers shouldn’t be included. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

106 - The Best Hygiene Items for Your Bug Out Bag

April 30, 2019 19:40 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

We’re cleaning house on this episode of Gear Tasting Radio, as we discuss the hygiene items in Bryan’s Bug Out Bag. He takes us through swapping items like full-sized toothbrushes for more compact and lightweight choices.  For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

105 - Must-Have Gear for Precision Rifle

April 16, 2019 18:19 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

This week we recap some of the gear Bryan took on his recent training trip to Rifles Only, which you may have heard about in last week’s episode. Bryan describes what gear performed well for him, including a new pack that he may be replacing his beloved ALICE Pack with. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

104 - An Interview with Rifles Only

March 26, 2019 22:45 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

Bryan recently returned from a week training with Precision Rifle at Rifles Only and during that time, he sat down with Jacob Bynum and Lindy Sisk to record an episode of Gear Tasting Radio. They covered everything from the basics of getting started in Precision Rifle to busting some myths that have been perpetuated throughout the community. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

103 - Electronic Charging in the Field

March 19, 2019 15:53 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

It’s a powerful episode of Gear Tasting Radio this week, where we discuss keeping devices charged up in the field. In addition to the battery storage methods we use, we also highlight the benefits and drawbacks to rechargeable devices with internal batteries. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

102 - Choosing Food for a Bug Out Bag

March 12, 2019 19:13 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

Today, Bryan rolls the dice on eating a five-year-old PowerBar and we discuss selecting food for your Bug Out Bag, weighing different meals and why it’s important to have ready-to-eat things like snack bars or packets. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

101 - Navigating A Bug Out Bag

March 05, 2019 21:24 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

It’s all about navigation this week on Gear Tasting Radio, as we revamp the gear Bryan’s including in his Bug Out Bag. In addition to some changes he’s making on the gear side, Bryan covers some navigation basics and highlights where a GPS fits in his plan. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

100 - Our 100th Episode

February 26, 2019 18:58 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

It’s our centennial episode of Gear Tasting Radio this week and we celebrate by highlighting some of our (and your) favorite episodes. In addition, we answer a couple questions on training classes after CERT and cold weather layering. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

99 - Signaling Options for Bug Out Bags

February 19, 2019 21:24 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

Proper signaling gear can ensure that rescuers or first responders can find you as fast as possible. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we break down some of the best signaling options to include in a Bug Out Bag. In addition, we also highlight the different redundancies Bryan is including for signaling as we continue to analyze and improve his bag. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

98 - Upgrading Shelter

February 12, 2019 19:01 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

You may need to take cover for this week’s Gear Tasting Radio, as we break down and upgrade the shelter components of Bryan’s Bug Out Bag. Shelter items can end up being some of the heaviest items in a pack, but we also discuss the morale boost that can come from having warmer and more comfortable items. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

97 - Upgrading Water Purification

February 05, 2019 22:39 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

We’re “filtering” through the water purification side of Bryan’s Bug Out Bag this week on Gear Tasting Radio. While it might seem like a fairly small item, we cover the importance of ensuring your filters are properly removing everything they should. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

96 - Upgrading Fire and Light

January 29, 2019 18:44 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

It’s all about fire and light this week on Gear Tasting Radio, as Bryan evaluates and makes changes to his bug out bag. As we covered, it’s always good to have multiple methods for both flashlights and fire building, so you’ll always be ready to light your way. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

95 - Complacency Kills

January 22, 2019 20:04 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

When’s the last time you refreshed and checked the contents in your bug out bag? Today on Gear Tasting Radio, we offer an honest look into Bryan’s GR2 pack and the contents within. Join us over the next few episodes as we look into “renovating” certain elements within the bag. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

94 - Too Much Organization?

January 15, 2019 20:20 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

Can you put too much thought into your organization methods? This week we discuss where we draw the line between tidying up and overdoing it. In addition, we highlight some of our philosophies behind organizing things like gear and tools. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

93 - Rope DOPE

January 08, 2019 21:22 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MB

We’re all about rope this week on Gear Tasting Radio. We discuss everything from the construction of different ropes, to some of the important math and considerations based on our DOPE (data on previous engagements.) For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

92 - Focusing On the Skills

December 18, 2018 22:28 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Whether it’s learning how to start a fire so you’re better prepared in an emergency, or just having the knowledge to navigate with a map and compass, today we explain the skills we advocate and how simply learning a skill can empower you to do even more. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

91 - What to Look for In Quality Gear

December 11, 2018 21:43 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

Quality gear usually has a few telltale signs and we discuss what you should look for this week on Gear Tasting Radio. We also highlight that it’s not always the most expensive piece of gear that performs the best. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

90 - Emergency Communication Options

December 04, 2018 23:01 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Communicating on existing networks and infrastructure can be challenging during or after a disaster. Today on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss different radio options for emergency communications, as well as some of the licensing required for transmitting on different frequencies. In addition to the nerdiness behind communications, we discuss some of our favorite gear and talk about an upcoming ITS product that will make carrying your radio much easier. For Episode Intel, visit GearTasting...

89 - Talking to Family About Preparedness

November 28, 2018 21:39 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MB

Is talking to your family about preparedness an awkward subject? We know the feeling and today on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss how you can approach skills and knowledge with family members. While it’s not always something they’re interested in, we discuss how planting a seed for certain things can help down the road. There’s also a few of our EDC pet peeves in this episode. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

88 - Do Ballistics Matter When it Comes to Treating Trauma?

November 13, 2018 21:17 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

We discuss how firearms ballistics affect trauma treatment this week on Gear Tasting Radio, breaking down a recent 60 Minutes segment. We also explore different things you should keep available to be prepared for treating all aspects of trauma, not just gunshots. Finally, we highlight what we thought was the most important message of the 60 Minutes segment, sharing knowledge to help save lives in the future. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

87 - Emergency Gear Storage Locations

November 06, 2018 21:24 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

Having your emergency gear close by saves time and possibly lives. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss the thought process behind where to store your gear and what to keep on hand. In addition, we highlight the benefits or purchasing for redundancy and talk through how you can help prepare other members of your family for disasters. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

86 - Home and Car Security Questions

October 30, 2018 20:46 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

We’re tackling some great security-based questions this week on Gear Tasting Radio. First up is a question from a listener dealing with car theft, who’s wondering if getting a GPS tracker would help out. We also answer an inquiry from someone looking for a good lock pick practice solution and another on what to do when you just can’t pick a lock. Finally this week, we hit up a non-security question on solutions for emergency food on the go. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

85 - Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

October 23, 2018 20:00 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MB

Winter is coming. Prepare for it by getting your vehicle prepped for the cold. Today on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some things you can do to “winterize” your vehicle. In addition to adding things like warmer clothing, we highlight some tips and gear that you might not consider to be cold weather essentials. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

84 - Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 16, 2018 20:44 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Protect your data and devices by doing a cybersecurity checkup. This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some steps you can take to ensure your digital safety. While October is Homeland Security’s designated month for Cybersecurity Awareness, we also highlight that you should always be practicing good security habits year round. In addition to some of the checkup items you can perform, we cover software and other gear that can help you keep your info close to the vest. For Episode Int...

83 - The Importance of Getting Outdoors

October 09, 2018 20:33 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

Whether it’s camping or just a walk in the woods, this week on Gear Tasting Radio we discuss the importance of disconnecting and getting outdoors.  In fact, we make the case that it doesn’t even really need to be the “outdoors,” just some time set aside for you to work on projects or just not be bothered by the copious notifications from your devices. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

82 - Clearing Organizational Clouds

October 02, 2018 20:03 - 20 minutes - 19 MB

We’ve talked in-depth about organization on Gear Tasting Radio before, but this week we’re discussing what to do when you find yourself falling out of the organizing habit. In addition to some tricks used to get back on track, we highlight why it’s not always a bad thing to let our mind wander. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

81 - Advanced Lock Picking Techniques

September 25, 2018 21:23 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Bypass methods are a bit more tricky when it comes to lock picking and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss several options. While bypassing might seem less challenging that standard picking, you’d be surprised how much practice and skill it can take to get a method to work correctly. In addition to the bypass methods, Bryan gives on overview of what he keeps in his “bag of doom” that enables him to be ready to open up almost any kind of lock. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingR...

80 - Skills You Can Learn in an Afternoon

September 18, 2018 21:25 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Ever found yourself with a couple hours to spare? Consider learning a skill! This week on Gear Tasting Radio, we highlight three types of skills you can learn the basics of within a few hours. While you certainly won’t master anything in this timeframe, you can get a fundamental understanding and be ready to practice more in the future! For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com

79 - Our Thoughts on National Preparedness Month 2018

September 04, 2018 20:22 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Are you and your family prepared for a disaster? September is National Preparedness Month and this week on Gear Tasting Radio, we discuss some steps you can take to be more prepared while reviewing the FEMA campaign, which brings awareness to everything from having emergency supplies ready to go, to having enough savings to cover post-disaster needs. We've also included some past articles and podcasts below that you can check out to get you started. For Episode Intel, visit GearTasting...

78 - Tradecraft Tools & Usage

August 21, 2018 21:32 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

Want to know more about tradecraft tools and their usage? Today we're not only discussing that, but also how to upgrade your door security with better locks and anti-kick measures. We also hit on prioritizing your skill-set development around other potential encounters that you can train for. For Episode Intel, visit GearTastingRadio.com