"BIG" Bone Collector 2.5 BACKPACK from Blacks Creek Guide Gear! Click Buy Button to View all Packs and Accessories from Blacks-Creek! Reviewed! www.montanatest,com
The 8x wader is the newest addition to an already outstanding line of product for the angler. The 8x wader from Cloudveil is a work of art and function with endless features that make it the most talked about new wader for 2006.
8x Wader features.
GORE-TEX? Immersion? fabric 3-layer body and 5-layer lower leg.
Removable adjustable tri-point suspenders.
Waterproof zippered hand warmer chest pocket, and waterproof zippered fly box/tippet pocket.
Nylon webbing wading belt, bib drawcord.
Gusseted crotch for increased range of movement.
Elastic Schoeller? Dynamic? gravel guard.
Field repair kit.
Internal GORE-TEX? dot sealing at all seam junctures.
My Cloudveil wader on the Yellowstone River for some cast and blast!
I am a guide on the Big Horn River and the 8x wader received a consistent workout on consecutive days in all kinds of weather conditions and performed fantastically.
Montana Test is fortunate; we analyze and review all kinds of great outdoor gear. On rare occasions, we receive a product that all testers want.
The Cloudviel Crystal Creek jacket falls into that rare category. Every one of our testers wants the Crystal Creek, unfortunely for them and fortunately, for me, the Crystal Creek is mine and mine alone to test and review.
The Crystal Creek is beautiful. It stands out and probably wins first prize in a pageant of beautiful and functional jackets. When you add up the features, function, and looks, you have a sure fire classic.
The 8x wader is the newest addition to an already outstanding line of product for the angler. The 8x wader from Cloudveil is a work of art and function with endless features that make it the most talked about new wader for 2006.
8x Wader features.
GORE-TEX Immersion fabric 3-layer body and 5-layer lower leg.
Removable adjustable tri-point suspenders.
Waterproof zippered hand warmer chest pocket, and waterproof zippered fly box/tippet pocket.
Nylon webbing wading belt, bib drawcord.
Gusseted crotch for increased range of movement.
Elastic Schoeller, Dynamic gravel guard.
Field repair kit.
Internal GORE-TEX dot sealing at all seam junctures.
I am a guide on the Big Horn River and the 8x wader will receive a consistent workout on consecutive days in all kinds of weather conditions.
Chris Stinson on Yellowstone River for some cast and blast wearing Cloudveil 8x wader. (Badly)
Cloudveil’s new Run Don’t Walk ½ Zip arrived just before Christmas. The Holidays are a slower than normal time for us testing and reviewing, so we were curious about a Polartec® Power Stretch® piece of fleece that was not camo. We tested on the Big Horn fishing and have used as a layer Goose hunting. This is skintight product designed for layering, we can attest to its tight fit and four way stretch. Claims of wicking moisture are consistently overstated but in this case, the claim is true. I dumped a glass of water on the inside of the pull over and water immediately wicked to the exterior while the inside was dry. I was amazed at the half zips wicking ability and immediately tried it again to make sure I wasn’t witnessing an aberration. The outside fabric was wet to the touch but the inside, dry. Cloudveil continues as a name and product many have never heard of especially the bullet crowd, but Fly Fisherman are more than familiar with many of there products. We have tested for a long time and know quality when we see and test.
Coleman Instant Tent 8 person 14x10 feet New for Spring 2010! Reviewed !! www.montanatest.com
Coleman Instant Tent Assembles in One Minute
Coleman Eight Person Instant Tent
Coleman Tent stake on the left the Hogan Hook just under 7 inches came with tent. Large stake on the right with polypropylene top just under 10 inches is the one I used to stake tent down. Both are Coleman stakes. Use larger stake!
Exofficio does not manufacturer waterproof waders, wading shoes, or fly rods, but they do generate first-rate fishing and casual clothing. When we take off our waders and Camo jackets, we step into casual sportswear. Exofficio offers a unique collection of casual clothing and is a treat to wear.
The following are styles that we dress in and hope you will consider.
Dri-release Pique.
Moisture wicking and wrinkle resistance for long lasting wearability.
Rib mock collar with tagless label at neck for no itch, comfort, Great feature.
Quick Drying.
Canvas Nomad Pant.
Durable Stretch Nycott Oxford.
75% Nylon, 24% Polyester treated with Teflon.
Water, Wrinkle, and stain resistant.
Quick drying.
Elastic waist.
Reinforced knee panels.
Two security zip back pockets.
Order resistant Dri-release? Knit.
60% Polyester, 28% Nylon, 10% Cotton, 2% Spandex.
Moisture wicking and Quick Drying.
Contoured Shaping and slightly scalloped hemline for a feminine fit.
Tonal stripe for subtle styling.
Tomboy Twill Pant
Constructed from Pre-Shrunk 7.5 oz Stretch Twill.
98 percent Cotton, 2 percent Lycra.
Sand washed.
Slight stretch so they move with you.
Stacked hand pockets.
Floating Pocket.
Boot cut leg.
EXOFFICIO
Clothes for a big planet.
May August...2006
Men's Air Strip Lite LS Shirt
The Men's Air Strip is one of the fishing shirts we are testing. This is a lightweight shirt of 80% nylon/20percentage polyester. The Air Strip dries very quickly has an adjustable 3-position collar to keep the sun off your neck, and pleated bellows pockets. This is a BUZZ OFF shirt it repeals all kinds of irritating and biting bugs. We have tested BUZZ OFF shirts before and can assure you they do keep bugs away.
The Air Strip comes in eight different colors we tested the Khaki
Pat wearing Men's Air Strip Lite fishing shirt on Big Horn River.
This is the first time that we have received Fly-fishing outerwear for me, before the so-called experts get there's first. I haven?t been fishing long but there a few things that I know I want and need from fly-fishing clothing, comfort, fit, and function. I also want it to look good and Exofficio does not disappoint.
Janie wearing Women's Air Strip Lite L/S Shirt.
Roll-up sleeve tabs.
Moisture-wicking finish.
Three position sun collar and 30+ UPF for UV protection.
Pleated bellows pockets.
Hidden security zip pocket.
Airomesh Plus for increased ventilation and high-speed drying.
Dryflylite ultra lightweight.
80% nylon, 20% polyester.
Comes in Lemon, Lt Aloe, Coral, Bone, Lt Azure, and white.
Women's Amphi Capri pant and ExO Dri Pointelle Tank top.
Women's ExO Dri Pointelle Tank top.
Shaping and scalloped hemline for a great fit.
60% Polyester, 28% Nylon, 10% Cotton, 2% Spandex, DriRelease odor resistant.
Quick drying moisture-wicking finish.
Comes in Pale Coral, Pale Azure, and White.
Fits great.
Women's Amphi Capri Pant.
Water, wrinkle, and stain resistant.
Built-in belt.
Security Pocket on left leg.
Mesh panels at knee for comfortable fit.
Fast-drying Nycott.
100% Nylon treated with Teflon..
Comes in Deep Coral, Dr Charcoal, Khaki, and Aloe.
Heat Factory is one of the small numbers of companies that manufacture Heat warmers. I don?t mean they are a small company; there are not many companies that do what they do.
We use hand warmers, foot warmers, toe warmers and every other type of artificial heat source we can find when cold winds blow and we don?t care what direction. We carry every kind of warmer made; we have then in every vehicle and hunting bag. I keep a good supply in the Duck blind and in the blind; hand and foot warmers are imperative. We heat our blinds with two and three burner cook stoves to stay warm and cook our gourmet meals. However, you can warm your hands but the feet are another story.
I keep a hand warmer in the double entry front pocket of my waders so when I call or need to grab the shotgun I?m doing it with warm hands. The biggest problem I have, and so do the other testers is sitting and occasionally standing around in a Duck blind for long hours. Your feet will get cold and the last thing you want to do is get out and walk around to warm up our feet. Every time you do, you?ll have the best flock of the day spook. If you want to decoy, ducks and geese get out of the blind and walk around.
Heat Factory makes a line of secret pocket clothing. Fleece jackets, hand muffs, vests, hats, headbands and other secret pocket clothing. The apparel has pockets you put warmers in and are not visible to anyone.
Keep warmers with you always, you will never know when you will need them.
Recommend..........Buy.
Hightlight.........Affordable.
Drawback...........None so far.
Rating.............8 points. Best!
Testers?Pat Stinson, Jane Stinson, Chris Stinson, Ryan Stefek, Casey Anderson, Cody Hoefle, Gabe Lapito
HeatMax Hand,Foot and Body Warmers! Tested and Reviewed September 2008! www.heatmax.com
September...2008
HeatMax warmers
Hi-Tec Owaka, Multiterra Targa HPi V-Lite, V-Lite HNL HPI Sandals and Water Shoes for Spring 2010! Reviewed V-Lite HNL HPi by Jim Abel! www.montanatest.com
Hi-Tech Footwear for 2009 and Spring 2010 with ion-mask™ Reviewed by Jim Abel www.montanatest.com
HI-TEC V-LITE THUNDER HPi SPORT SHOE with ion-mask™ hydrophobic technology
Hi-Tech Women's St Moritz Luxe 200i Snow Boot
Higdon Magnum Mallard FOAM FILLED Reviewed! See All Goose and Duck Decoys! www.montanatest.com
Our staff will be giving the Sportsman Series from Korkers a test run for the coming fishing season. We tested and reviewed the Amphibian in 2006, and continue to wear. The folks at Korkers have set the bar high, for styling and quality with the new Sportsman Series.
The first wading boot this season to hit the water is the Streamborn Wading boot. At first glance, and a quick touch and feel this boot seems to have the makings of a winner.
The following are features of the Streamborn Wading Boot.
Weight 2.6 lbs per pair.
Six micro-screen drain ports.
Water-repellant Nubuck leather.
Rust resistant Speed lacing.
Triple stitch construction.
Omintrac? ?Quick Change? sole system, with six different interchangeable soles, and six interlocking points.
Very shortly, we will have the Streamborn immersed in trout waters.
Check back for further reviews and photos in use.
Korkers New Streamborn Wadind Boot before it gets dunked.
Korkers Amphibian Series
June July...2006
Korkers has three new styles for 2006.
Swift Sandal
Torrent River Runner
Ultra-Lite Boot
The Swift Sandal has six interchangeable performance soles. Trail, Golf, Stream, Boat Sole, River Bottom and Mossy Rocks which is a Felt-Studded Sole. The Swift Sandal is made of water resistant suede and breathable uppers.
Swift Sandal on Big Horn River
The Torrent River Runner also includes six interchangeable soles. The Torrent made from quick drying Dri-lex breathable air mesh.
Torrent River Runner
The Ultra-Lite Boot has five interchangeable soles. The Ultra-Lite has quick drying breathable mesh locking out sand but allows boots to drain quickly.
This will be my first boot that I will test for the boy's from Montana. I spend most of my time in Los Angeles working on various film and television projects. My work does take me to various locations where a good pair of boots is a necessity. I have worked in freezing weather and 120-degree heat. You need to wear the right clothing and footwear for every weather condition. Mornings can be incredibility cold and mid-days reach 100-degrees, you have to have the right gear for extreme fluxuations in weather.
I will wear the LaCrosse Broadside when I hunt and when I work.
Water Resistant Premium European Soft Full Grain Leather.
Pigskin Leather with Spun Wool Collar and Trim.
Leather Lace.
200 Grams of Thinsulate.
Polartec? Lining.
In-Board? Compression Molded EVA.
Midsole/Footbed with Integrated Air Cushion.
Women's Spirit Tibet High.
Colors: Oyster, Timber, Seal Grey.
Women's Sizes: 5-11
Suggested Retail: $129.95
May July...2006
Merrell footwear are at the top of there game with the new Aqua Sport foot coverings for 2006. Montana Test is very selective when it involves footwear other than wading shoes and boots. We test very few shoes of any kind and when we do, they have to meet certain criteria. Fit, comfort, and durability, we could fill your head with technical information. None of the information will do you a bit of good if the shoe doesn?t fit and is comfortable. Here is what we are testing with a limited amount of technical info. Remember, we wear Merrell for an everyday casual shoe as well as a shoe around water but not as a wading shoe.
July...2006
I have changed my mind regarding the Waterpro Flow as a wading shoe. I wore it for six hours on the Big Horn River fishing with Chris and did not slip once. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it performed on a rocky bottom. The Waterpro fits great and is very comfortable and worked for me as a wading shoe. I highly recommend the Waterpro Flow from Merrell.
A word of caution here, my son Chris who is a guide on the Big Horn recommends not wearing the Waterpro Flow on any other river here in Montana other than the Big Horn. All other waters you will need a felt bottom because of the rock size and slippage.
Patrick Stinson
Waterpro Flow
Color: Check Availability
Suggested Retail: $89.95
Men's Sizes: 7-12,13, 14, 15 Medium
Women's Sizes: 5-11, Medium
Chameleon II Web.
The Chameleon II is extremely lightweight, with a removable Neoprene padded ankle strap that you can adjustment for a snug fit. The Chameleon II has a leather and non-leather version. We received the non-leather version because this shoe will get wet. The Chameleon II barely looks like it would hold together it is easily one of the lightest shoes tested. A size 8 in men's weights 1 lb, 11ozs, and this shoe stripped to the bare minimum for weight but does not sacrifice comfort and durability. The following is technical info on the Chameleon II. Synthetic upper, injection molded instep stability arm, elastic cord lacing system, and in-board compression molded footframe. The list continues with the Chameleon II technical features, what you need to know are what we need to know, does it fit, is it comfortable and how tough is it. We have not had time to finish testing, but will continue to bring you what we find.
Chameleon ll Web
Color: Check Availability
Suggested Retail: $89.95
Men's Sizes: 7-12, 13, 14, 15 Medium
Women;s Sizes: 5-11 Medium
May July...2006
I love my Waterpro Ultra-Sport shoes. I wear them everywhere and they are very lightweight.
I have not tried them as a wading shoe yet, but have worn them around and in the water. The Ultra-Sport dries very quickly and is incredibly comfortable. I would recommend the Ultra-Sport for everyone.
Puma Knives Review on Wildcat Stag by Chase Gartner Click Here to BUY! www.montanatest.com
Puma Sergent Folding Knife
Puma Wildcat Stag
Puma Wildcat Stag
Quake Industries Rifle, Shotgun, and Crossbow Slings! Reviewed! www.quakeinc.com
Quake Crossbow Sling
Hush Stalker II Sling Swivel
Rab New eVent Waterproof Breathable Jacket for the Flyfisherman! Reviewed! www.rab.uk.com
March...2008
New Latok Alpine eVent Jacket
Rab Latok Alpine Jacket worn by Chris Stinson with Yellowstone River Smallmouth Bass.
If you have not heard the word eVent, you may be wearing it before you understand its value to the outdoors. We started hearing rumblings a few months back and like everything else, we decided to do some research and find out if the buss was real or imaginary. First, we wanted to test before we gave a recommendation, we contacted Verge PR in Durango, CO the rep group that works with eVent. They helped us secure a jacket the Latok from Rab, a U.K. company.
We received an XXL and it fits more like a small XL or even a Large. This is European sizing, which is not the same as American sizing. We are anxious to test this latest technology and pushed hard to find something to test, this was not easy. Most companies do not make product for the hunter and angler. Primarily for Mountaineers and skiers, this did not deter us from wanting to test we think the new eVent will make a big splash for the outdoorsman. REI will have a Man and Women’s jacket and pant ready for the fall.
Montana Test is the first to test eVent for the hunter and angler. We want to find out if everything we hear and read about eVent is true…stay tuned!
Redington Fly Fishing Rod, Wading Boot, and Fly Fishing Shirt for Women! Reviewed! www.montanatest.com
Chris Stinson used this 12 GA. all fall on duck?s geese, and pheasants. The gun performed outstandingly. The 870 Super Mag is chambered for 2 ? to 31/2 inch shells, and Chris shot all sizes. All worked well.
Remington Firearms license?s there name to others. The Firearm division are the one?s we contacted and they told us to hit the road, would not work with us. We still recommend the 870 Super Mag because it was much nicer to us than the people at Remington Firearms were. We hope that in the future they will treat not only us but also others with more respect. Retail $300.00 to $400.00
Recomend........Buy
Highlights......Great looking. Well Made.
Drawbacks....... Unfriendly PR Firm.
Rating..........6 Points. Great
Tester?Chris Stinson
Remington® introduces HyperSonic Steel™ The World’s Fastest Waterfowl Shotshell. Featuring the New Xelerator® Wad Technology www.montanatest.com
In the last 90 days or so, we have ruined two digital cameras. Let me correct that, I ruined two digital cameras. One camera dunked in the Madison River and the other in the Big Horn. I won?t bore you with the how, but I have to take responsibility for both cameras being no longer useable.
After the loss of the second camera I went searching for waterproof digital cameras and found three, one of them is the SeaLife? DC500 Digital Camera.
The SeaLife? DC500 is a digital camera and a waterproof housing that the camera fits in for underwater photos.
Underwater picture of Trout taken with SeaLife camera.
SeaLife Fully Rubber-Armored housing for camera
Housing.
SeaLife Camera
Here is some but not all the technical information on the SeaLife? DC500 Digital camera.
5.0 mp CCD
Auto Focus
3X Optical Zoom
Self-timer 3 second or 10 second delay
2.0? color LCD screen
USB connector
2.3?H x 3.6?W x 0.9?D inner camera.
3.5?H x 5.5?x 3.4D housing for camera
Sitka Hunting OPTIFADE Gear! Pre-Review !Voluntary Recall on Sitka Dutch Oven Vests! Click here to find out more! www.montanatest.com
Fall...2009...Spring...2010
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
SITKA DUTCH OVEN VEST BURN HAZARD
Sitka has been notified that Ardica Technologies, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has issued a voluntary recall for products featuring Ardica warming components. This product recall includes Sitka Dutch Oven vests sold between August, 2009 and February, 2010.
Electrical connections in the warming components of the vest may overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers. No injuries have been reported. Sitka values the safety of our customers and is cooperating fully to ensure that those who purchased the item in question avoid harm and receive a full refund.
If you own a Sitka Dutch Oven vest, DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY. In the coming days, Sitka will update our website to share the process for returning your gear and receiving a full refund. If you would like to receive email alerts and updates regarding the product recall process, please email us at productrecall@sitkagear.com
Sitka remains committed to producing innovative gear that improves outcomes in the field. We prioritize the comfort and the safety of our hunters and we thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sitka Stormfront Lite Jacket GORE™ OPTIFATE™ Camo
JetStream Big Game Cap
SOG Knives and Multi-Tools for 2010! Reviewed Powerlock Multi-Tool by Jim Abel! www.montanatest.com
Ultra Box Model 408
SIZE: 9.11 L x 5.90 W x 4.25 D inches
INTERNAL SIZE: 7.87 L x 4.72 W x 3.95 D inch
Vizion LED Headlight
BRIGHTNESS: 29 Lumens
BURN TIME: 150 hours
BATTERIES: 3AAA Alkaline, 3AAA Lithium
SIZE: 2.9 in L x 1.47 in W x 1.82 in D inches WEIGHT: 3.9 oz (alkaline batteries) 3.5 oz (lithium batteries)
We will continue to test the new product for the coming 2006 Hunting Season.
Grabber is the largest manufacturer of warmers. We use these in the blind and fishing in cold weather. Grabber makes a variety of warmers, hand, body, foot, toe and Ultra and Mega warmers.
One of the nicest features is the length of warmth that you get with Grabber warmers. The Hand warmers are 7 hours plus, the Mega and Body warmers 12 hour plus, and the Ultra warmers 24 hour plus. This isn't a hollow claim from Grabber, they last, and for us this is what we require.
All warmers contain fundamentally the same ingredients. Iron or Iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal and all have Vermiculite.
Vermiculite: any of various micaceous minerals that are hydrous silicates resulting usually from expansion of the granules of mica at high temperatures to give a lightweight highly water-absorbent material. I have no idea what all that means I am not a scientist but all have Vermiculite and without it none of the warmers would work.
Average temperature of Grabber depends on what warmer you buy. They range from 95 degrees up to 166 degrees. Look at the back of the packaging, average temperatures are given and instructions on usage.
Grabber makes great product and we don't go anywhere without them.
William Joseph Surge Fanny Pack and Current Chest Pack! Reviewed! www.montanatest.com
William Joseph Surge Fanny Pack
William Joseph Current Pack Chest Pack
Winchester Ammo New for 2008 Steel Shot and 204 Ruger! Reviewed! www.winchester.com
November...2008...Updated...March...2009
Winchester Ammo
Tested Ruger 204. Tested 12 ga. 3 ½ inch 1625 Hi-Velocity double BB and the 12 ga. 3 ½ inch 1150, Velocity 2 shot. We also tested the Supreme Elite in 12 ga. 4 and 2’s in 2/¾ inch.
XPert HV Steel
Supreme Elite
Steel Shot from a XPert HV 3 1/2 inch 1 3/8 3 Shot.
Greenheads from Big Horn River late season.
Pheasants from early season.
Ruger 204
Wolverine Guide II Convertable Fishing Shirt and Pioneer Jacket! Reviewed! www.wolverine.com
W&M wants you to know that they are in the Fly-Fishing business and from what we have seen and are testing, we have no doubt they are serious. W&M make fishing gear for both men and women. We will be testing both.
Janie wearing Fly Girl Waders on Big Horn River.
Fly Girl Waders are designed for girls just as the name implies. The women's wader as well as the men's wader is made of AQUALEX a waterproof breathable material.
Pat wearing Men's Wright-McGill wader
Both waders offer innovative features that everyone will appreciate.
Shoulder straps are removable to convert to high waist waders on warm days.
Double layer of fabric from knees to ankle.
Built in gravel guards.
Built in 5" wide back support.
A 12" wide storage pocket made of same 4-layer fabric incorporated in the gravel guard to keep everything dry.
Heavy-duty belt for conversion to waist waders.
Freshwater Fly Rods
Fly Girl 6 wt. 8'6" Medium / Fast 4 pc.
Janie with 21" Brown caught on Fly Girl Fly Rod!
Essentials Fly Rod 6 wt. 9 wt. Fast 4 pc.
Essentials Fly Rod 3 wt. 7'6" Medium / Fast 4 pc.
All rods come with a durable travel case finished in leather. This is one of the nicest rod cases we have ever seen or used.
All are graphite rods.
Cigar shaped handle for comfort.
Maple reel seats.
Titanium snake foot guides.
Titanium SiC stripping guides.
Internal ferrule for continuous taper from butt section to tip eliminating dead spots.
Big Horn Wading Jacket
Aqualex 4-layer breathable and waterproof fabric used in the WM waders.
Oversized zippers for easy access in cold weather.
Fleece lined hand warmer pockets.
Two large tackle pockets.
Neoprene cuffs for watertight seal.
Oversized back pocket assessable without removing jacket.
Large roll down hood with dual draw strings.
Left sleeve pocket, large right breast pocket for a ton of gear.
Metolious Tackle System
Used as a fanny pack or chest pack.
Tippet dispenser allows you to retrieve without opening pack.
Main compartment folds down for a working station.
Removable water bottle holders.
Flashlight attachment.
Removable Velcro patches attach to fly boxes securing then to main compartment.
Numerous mesh and zipper compartments.
These are just a few of the products that we have tested, we continue to test products from Orvis, Otter Boxes, WrightSock, Theorlos socks, ExOfficio and others and will bring those results to you. If you have an outdoor product that you want to see tested contact us at
montanatest@tgrsolution.net or visit our website at
montanatest.com.
