Rocky Boots review Lynx 400 in realtree camo

Rocky Boots Review [Lynx 400… In CAMO!]

When you’re I the woods hunting, the last thing you want to have to worry about is whether your boots are going to keep up and hold up.

We were excited to get a chance to review the Lynx 400 from Rocky Boots. Here’s what we learned….

Lynx 400 Features

Rocky Boots Lynx 400 profile view

Now, I’ve had multiple knee surgeries, and I’ll say it’s hard to find boots that are not only easy on my knees while wearing them, but also don’t leave me with sore knees after the hunt or hike. However, the Lynx 400 is definitely comfortable during the hike and/or hunt.



Rocky Boots Lynx 400 fiberglass shank
Rocky Boots Lynx 400 Thinsulate material
Rocky Boots Lynx 400 side and back


Rocky Boots Lynx 400 supportive cement construction
Rocky Boots Lynx 400 in water


ROCKY Lynx Waterproof 400G Insulated Boot Size 10(W)
$187.68
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09/12/2024 03:48 pm GMT


Check out our video review of the Rocky Boots Lynx 400 in Realtree camo on our YouTube Channel!


Final Thoughts On The Rocky Boots Lynx 400

We hope you’ve enjoyed taking a closer look at the Lynx 400 in Realtree Excape camo from Rocky Boots. We have really enjoyed wearing this boot in the field and think it’s one that should be considered if you’re looking for good, all terrain boots!

Rocky Boots Lynx 400 walking in woods

So, whether you’re hunting, hiking or just enjoying the great outdoors… in the Lynx 400 in Realtree Escape Camo, you get ruggedness, durability and comfort, all N1 boot!

orange sun in sky

Sunshine Dilemma – SPF vs. UPF: What’s The Difference?

Most of us love waking up and seeing bright, beautiful sunshine waiting for us outside. That warming sun can provide endless opportunities for beach trips, hiking, and other fun outdoor activities. 

While thinking about the countless adventures you can have on warm, sunny days, it’s also worth sparing a thought for your skin; specifically, how to protect it.

kayak fishing at dawn

What’s So Dangerous About the Sun?

There must be a reason why we lather ourselves in sunscreen and wear sun hats and skin protection sleeves. It’s because the sun can be dangerous. However, not everyone understands how hazardous it can be and the repercussions of poor sun safety. 

fiery sun

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can result in skin, eye, and immune system damage. Sunburn and excessive UV light exposure can also result in skin damage, which might cause premature skin aging and even skin cancer

The Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays

UV radiation type chart

Earth’s atmosphere absorbs UVC (Ultraviolet-C) rays , so we don’t need to worry about those. However, long-term exposure to UVA (Ultraviolet-A) rays can cause wrinkling, aging, and skin elasticity loss.

UVB (Ultraviolet-B) rays can increase your risk of skin cancer compared to UVA rays. However, UVA rays may increase UVB’s damaging effects, like cataracts and skin cancer. 

CDC UV Rays graphic

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Sun Protection Factor (SPF) vs. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

So, what’s the difference between SPF and UPF?

Well, let’s take a look at what differentiates them…

sun and clouds

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Sun protection factor is a rating included on sun protection products for skin, like sunscreen and lip balm.

This is because the SPF rating measures how much protection a product can provide against UVB radiation, the UV ray known to cause sunburn and contribute to a skin cancer diagnosis. 

SPF 50 sunscreen

Most SPF products like sunscreens and lotions are produced for the sole purpose of preventing sunburn. Whether you’re hiking or relaxing poolside, SPF products can be crucial to wear at all times. 



Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

In contrast to SPF, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is a rating for UV radiation that penetrates fabrics to get to the skin. It factors in UVA and UVB radiation, whereas SPF only factors in UVB.

UPF is something you might see mentioned on the labels of sun-protective clothing items like specific fabrics and hats. The higher the UPF rating, the less UV radiation can pass through the material.  Like SPF, UPF products are designed to prevent sunburn. However, they also aim to reduce the risk of skin damage. 




How to Protect Yourself From the Sun’s Harmful Rays

As much as we love spending time outside basking in the sun’s rays, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep ourselves safe when we do.

You can take a number of proactive measures to protect yourself and your family whenever you venture outside for relaxation or outdoor activities

Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging effects. It’s also one of the most effective ways to prevent sunburn while reducing the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. 

However, what you use and how you use it matters in your bid to enjoy sun protection.

sunscreen in hand

Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to all exposed skin. Ensure it has an SPF rating of at least 30. Remember, the higher the number, the more protection you can enjoy.

Seeing broad-spectrum on the label can also give you peace of mind that the sunscreen can protect you from UVA as well as UVB rays. 

Re-applying the sunscreen every two hours will help maintain its protective barrier. However, you’ll need to apply it more frequently if you’re sweating, participating in swimming or other water sports, or exposed to moisture in other ways. If you don’t like the feeling of sunscreen on your lips, purchase an SPF lip balm for total protection. 



Panama Jack Sunscreen Lotion Multi-Packs (Pack of 1, SPF 50)
$13.95
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09/12/2024 05:39 pm GMT


Wear Protective Clothing

The less skin you expose to harmful UV rays, the more protected you can be. Alongside applying sunscreen to any exposed skin, you can also wear protective clothing.

Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts with skin protection sleeves, pants, sunglasses, as well as hats can all be excellent options. You might also like to purchase clothing and accessories with tightly woven fabric or an ultraviolet protection factor rating. 




Seek Shade

Spending time in the sunshine can be fun, but you don’t have to spend all day in it.

Seek shade when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, which is typically between 10 am and 4 pm. Fortunately, seeking shade when you’re out and about can be easy.

woman with sunscreen on nose

Get Vitamin D In Other Ways

If your entire aim with being outside in the sunshine is to ensure you get enough vitamin D, consider obtaining it in other ways. You can obtain vitamin D through supplements, oily fish, eggs, and red meat. Some food producers also add it to other foods like plant milk and breakfast cereals. 



Final Thoughts on SPF vs. UPF

As much as we can enjoy seeing the sun when we’re participating in outdoor activities, it can be more harmful than you think. So the more you know about sun safety and protecting your skin, the smaller your risk of sun-related illnesses and damage might be.  

Remember to wear sunscreen an UPF protective clothing… and have fun outdoors!

Tiny Pump 2X Review

BIG results? | Flextail Tiny Pump 2X Review!

The Flextail Gear Tiny Pump 2X… “Tiny” is definitely a good word to describe it!

But, can a pump that fits into the palm of your hand really pump it up like a foot pump or other larger compressor? We wanted to find out!

The Unboxing

tiny pump 2x and N1 Outdoors

We couldn’t wait to see what this Flextail Gear Tiny Pump 2X was all about!

flextail tiny pump 2x unboxing

Do “big” pumps come in small packages? With both pumping AND vaccuum capability, we wanted to find out!

flextail tiny pump 2x in palm of hand

The size of the 2X is pretty amazing. It easily fits in the palm of your hand!

flextail gear tiny pump 2x with accessories

The kit comes with standard with the pump itself, several pump attachments and a USB charger cord.

flextail tiny pump 2x handle

The pump has a little carrying handle as well.


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Flextail Tiny Pump 2X Performance Review

The packaging and aesthetics of the Tiny Pump 2X are definitely top-notch, but how would it perform in some real-life applications?

Let’s find out!

Pump VS. Queen Air Mattress

tiny pump 2x filling up queen air mattress

Our first test of the pump was on a queen-size air mattress. It pumped it up completely in about 10 minutes!





Pump VS. Vacuum Bags

tiny pump vs flextail vacuum bags

Flextail also makes vaccuum storage bags. So, this was a perfect way to test the vaccuum feature.

flextail vacuum storage bags

Here’s a look at the vacuum storage bags right out of the package.

N1 Outdoors shirts to be put in flextail vacuum bag

Not that you would EVER want to store away awesome N1 Outdoors shirts…

putting shirts in flextail vacuum bag

…but they made for a good test subjects!

vaccuum sealed flextail bag

To vaccuum the air out, you connect the opposite side of the pump to the port opening.

flextail vacuum time 20 seconds bag

It took about 20 seconds to suck all the air out of the bag. Pretty neat!


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INTEX 64102E Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Air Mattress: Fiber-Tech Full Size 10in Bed Height 600lb Weight Capacity Pump Sold Separately
$25.98
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09/12/2024 04:50 pm GMT



Watch this video review of the Tiny Pump 2X, from Flextail Gear!

Final Thoughts

Overall, we were impressed with the design and performance of the Tiny Pump 2X.

And, although the pumping performance was not super fast when pumping up the air mattress (10 minutes), it would allow someone time to set up something else on their campsite while letting the this little pump do some big work of its own.

flextail tiny pump 2x with bag

The Tiny Pump 2X is a great addition to a camper or backpacker’s supply list!

The storage bags that Flextail makes are also a great use for the vaccuum feature of the pump.

All-in-all, a great little product from Flextail that won’t take up much space in your vehicle, backpack or supply bag, and will come in handy in a variety of outdoor scenarios.

Great job Flextail!