Off Duty, Technology - Navy Times

Doublewide gear guide

ORLANDO, Fla. — We like big stuff and we cannot lie. Monster trucks. Twelve-ounce Red Bulls. Double Stuf Oreos.

Our two favorite words are “supersize it.”

We buy our beer by the case and our ink by the barrel. Go big or go home, that’s our motto. So when we hit the annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference here in January, we packed twice the staff, twice the gear and twice the time into scouring the trade show floor, looking for the latest and greatest in guns, gear and gadgets.

Bigger than ever, the SHOT Show covered more than 14 acres of convention center floor space. It took 20 minutes just to walk from one side to the other, longer if we got sidetracked by a booth babe or impressive marketing blitz.

From pistols to flashlights to backpacks to knives, if it was hot, new and cool, we fondled it longingly, took detailed notes and started our letters to Santa. Then we boiled it all down to the best of the best.

What we were left with was more than 50 of the hottest pieces of personal gear headed to a retailer near you this year. Many of these items have never been seen anywhere else — so new that the paint isn’t even dry.

So pour yourself a drink and settle in to read our “Doublewide Gear Guide,” bigger and badder than ever.

You’re gonna be a while. Better make it a double.

The Good Stuff

• Cover yourself: The clothes that make the warrior

• Vanquish the darkness: Shine on, you crazy flashlight

• A whole toolbox in your hand: Triple threat -- Hot new multitools

• Pack it up: Only the organized survive

• Stay sharp: Give yourself an extra edge in battle

• Look out: New sights make every shot count

• More firepower: Pistol makers offer tactical .45s

• Concentrate on what you drink: 3 new ways to refuel for the fight

• More great stuff: 6 reasons to love leftovers