Rambling Review – Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case

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Rambling Review – Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case

Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case

Why:

I’ll be the first to admit it. My iPhone takes some serious abuse. I drop it, dunk it, and generally abuse it. When I first bought the phone, I paid some pretty good money for the original Lifeproof case, which did alright for a while, but eventually started to fail. For those of you who are planning to buy the latest iPhone for an upgrade, loanovao offers a mobile loan. They have helpful site since there are specific instructions for every step of the process. I could never hear really well through the case, the keys were not sensitive enough, and eventually the corners started to peel up and therefore it was not waterproof anymore. I had kind of given up on waterproof and shockproof cases until I came across the new Otterbox Armor Series Case. This thing looks like a tank, and many of the things that I hadn’t liked about the Lifeproof case had been addressed.

Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case on the left and the old Lifeproof Case on the right

First impressions:

The size – At 5.14 in x 2.94 in x 0.82, there’s no way around it. The Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case is bulky, but that bulk buys you some serious protection.

Idiot Proof – This thing was made for me: waterproof, drop proof, dust proof and crush proof.

Latches – One thing that was immediately noticeable was the big corrosion resistant latches on the case. The previous case that I owned was a snap shut case, and it always left me wondering if the case was fully sealed. The latches on the Otterbox Armor Series guarantees a watertight seal every time.

Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case

Field Use:

The Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case is the perfect case for the outdoorsman. You can easily tuck it in your wader or jacket pocket for a quick photo on the creek and not ever worry about the phone getting wet. All the features on the phone work really well with the case on, except one button. The button that turns the ringer on/turns the phone to vibrate is very stiff and takes some work to move.

I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive the screen was on the Otterbox Armor Series case. On the old Lifeproof case, the screen was a bit temperamental and did not always recognize key strokes. The Otterbox is substantially better with little to no difference from using the phone without the thin screen of the Otterbox.

Another thing that I did not like about the old Lifeproof case was how difficult it was to have a conversation through the case. It would often times be very hard to hear the person on the other end, and I would have complaints about how hard it was to hear me. The Otterbox Armor Series Case is a step up for sure with better clarity on both ends, but in my opinion, you sacrifice some of the sound quality when using a “waterproof” case like the Otterbox.

The Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case is a beast. Now, I say that in a good way and a bad way. Good, because it can take some serious abuse and keep your phone safe from whatever you throw at it. Bad, because it’s bulky. The case is a bit much, if you’re used to carrying your phone in your back pocket like me. If you’re carrying a briefcase, backpack, or purse, size doesn’t matter too much.

Over the course of a couple of months, my Otterbox Armor Case has seen its share of abuse. It has been dropped countless times, splashed several times, and had one good dunk. Throughout that whole time, my phone was safe and secure inside the case.

Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case in the quail vest.

 

Pros:

Drop-proof (from 10 ft)

Crushproof (2 tons of pressure)

Waterproof (6.6 feet of water submersion for up to 30 minutes)

Dust-proof

Corrosion-resistant hinges 

Touch sensitivity for the screen

Cons:

Size (This thing is huge)

Sound quality for phone calls (although much better than it’s predecessor)

Stiff ringer on/vibrate button

Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case
Otterbox iPhone Armor Series Case

Prognosis:  This is not my idea of an everyday case, but there is nothing else I would trust my phone to on a day of fishing or hunting. In my opinion, the extra bulk is a small price to pay for the protection that the Otterbox Armor Series Case provides.

 

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Ottorbox iPhone Armor Series Case was provided for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.
In addition, you may read the full info here if you are searching for advice and tips on how you can get bad bad credit loans for yourself.

Arizona Hunting: Take what the desert gives you

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Desert Sunrise
Desert Sunrise

Grandma was in town and on baby watch, so I snuck away for an hour or two in the desert. The birds worked me over pretty good, and although I enjoyed the sunrise and the sounds of the desert, my heart was still with my little girl back at the house. So, I started the walk back to the truck and ended up not going home empty handed after all.

The Desert Mountains
The Desert Mountains
Cholla and Prickly pear
Cholla and Prickly pear
Cottontail
Cottontail
Home on the Range
Home on the Range

Smithmas

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The Smith Family
Smithmas

My family rolled into town for the week of Christmas and it’s been a fantastic time introducing them to the newest member of the family. Good times were had by all. I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Brothers and K
Brothers and Mama K
4 Generations
4 Generations
Gingerbread houses
Gingerbread houses
Christmas Breakfast
Big Christmas Breakfast
Casting
Tighten up that loop, baby brother
Grilling
Meats
Grilling
Anticipation
White Tank Mountains
A much needed post-Christmas feast hike into the White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
Ford Canyon Trail
White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountains
The abandoned dam
White Tank Mountains
Brothers
White Tank Mountains
A View from the White Tank Mountains

 

 

Rambling Review – Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

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Rambling Review – Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase
Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

Why:

I recently made the move from education to the steel business. I work as an estimator for a local steel company and couldn’t be happier with the move. I’d been looking for a briefcase/bag to carry to and from the office. It had to be able to fit a laptop, thermos of coffee, lunch, and a few files.  There are many options out there, but I settled on the Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase.

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase
Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

First impressions:

The look – There are plenty of pretentious looking leather briefcases out there on the market, and maybe someday I’ll get there, but the Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase fits the kind of lifestyle that I live.

The layout – The Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase is extremely functional with plenty of pockets for organization. The main pocket is plenty big enough for the laptop, coffee and lunch and the plethora of other pockets leave room for the other odds and ends.

The materials – The Bootstrapper Briefcase is constructed from Duluth Trading Co.’s Fire Hose 100% cotton canvas (apparently they used to wrap heavy duty fire hose with this fabric). The bottom of the bag has full grain leather for durability and support, and much of the trim of the bag is also leather.  Hefty brass zippers offer closures on most of the pockets, another pocket has a magnetic closure,  while some of the internal pockets utilize velcro.

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase
Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

Field Use:

I’ve been toting the Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase to and from work for several months and couldn’t be happier with it. It does what it’s supposed to do and my wife says I look more professional than carrying a grocery bag like I used to. Overall it is extremely functional and durable for my day to day work life.

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase
Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

On the weekends though, I like to get a bit more use out of it and took it out several times loaded with shells and accessories for the gun range. Because of the it’s stout construction it held multiple boxes of shells, water, and some of the other tools needed for a day of clays.

I like everything about this bag except the velcro. The nice thing is that the velcro is on the inside and doesn’t see a ton of use, but velcro is on of those things that never seems to stand the test of time. What is exceptional though is the Duluth Trading Co.’s “No Bull” guarantee.

“If you’re not 100% satisfied with any item you purchase from Duluth Trading, return it to us at any time for an exchange or refund of its purchase price. Simple, unconditional, no nonsense, NO BULL.”

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase
Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

Pros:

Heavy duty Canvas Cloth

Leather bottom

Layout/size

Duluth Trading Co. “No Bull” Guarantee

Cons:

Velcro (not a fan)

Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase
Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase

Prognosis:  I’m very happy with the Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase and look forward to it standing the test of time.

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Duluth Trading Co. Fire Hose Bootstrapper Briefcase was provided for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

Arizona Quail Hunting: That much sweeter

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Winchester and Feet
Winchester and Feet

The sun has a unique way of complimenting the mountains in Arizona. Whether it’s turning them pink in the morning or purple at dusk, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so many beautiful sunrises and sunsets. As an outdoorsman, I have the privilege of being in the field to see these picturesque sights, and on a certain level, I feel sorry for the poor saps who sleep in and spend their days indoors. They seem to miss out on all the beauty that nature has to offer.

On the same line, there’s nothing quite like the beauty of a male Gambel’s quail. From the creamy white chest to the burnt orange head, this beautiful bird stands out to the stark contrast of it’s rough environment. There is nothing quite like holding one and running your fingers over the small intricate feathers.

Although the pickings have been a bit slim this season for birds in some of my usual Gambel’s quail hunting spots, it makes every bird that much sweeter.

Male Gambel's
Male Gambel’s Quail
Quail Country
Quail Country

The Baby Post

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The first long night
The first long night

She’s here. Our baby girl, Evelyn Jo Smith arrived on Sunday, December 1st. She decided that 3:09 was as good a time as any to make her entrance, and she came screaming in to this world to greet her mama and papa.

I won’t try to describe with words the emotional high, sheer terror, and unconditional love that I feel when I look at her. Next to her mama, she’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.

In our short few days together, I’ve found out we have quite a few things in common.

We both love flannel, she farts and poops more than I do and we both love her mama. Can’t wait to take this little girl fishing.

Mama and Evie Jo
Mama and Evie Jo
Snuggling on the couch in Flannel
Snuggling on the couch in Flannel
Early Christmas Gift
Early Christmas Gift (This girl doesn’t stand a chance)

Rambling Review – Lowa Renegade LL Mid Boots

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Rambling Review – Lowa Renegade LL Boots

Lowa Renegade LL Boots
Lowa Renegade LL Boots

Why:

I’m a big fan of hiking. Whether hunting, fishing, or putting on a backpack, I like to leave the sounds of civilization, quads, and dirtbikes behind to find country that others don’t typically get to see. My feet end up taking the bulk of the abuse and therefore it becomes imperative that they get the support from a good pair of boots. I have been a hard core Merrell fan for the past couple of years, but when they did a redesign of their one boot, something changed. I had the opportunity to try out a pair of Lowa Renegade LL Mid boots, and I don’t think I need to look for new boots anymore.

Lowa Renegade LL Boots
Lowa Renegade LL Boots

First impressions:

The Fit – The Lowa Renegade LL Boots feature an over the ankle fit. With three boot lace hooks, the boots are able to be cinched to the proper tension and comfort.

Leather-lined – I don’t have a whole lot of need for Gore-tex while hiking and hunting here in Arizona, so having a pair of glove leather-lined boots that are comfortable and breathe well is critical.

Vibram® Evo rubber – I’m a big fan of Vibram soles and the Vibram Evo rubber boast superior traction and durability.

Lowa Renegade LL Boots
Lowa Renegade LL Boots

Field Use:

There is no better test for a pair of boots than a season of Arizona quail hunting. I started wearing these boots prior to the season in order to break them in and was pleasantly surprised to find that they needed little to no time to break in. I went on several short hikes as well as a couple longer scouting trips.

Since quail season arrived, I’ve spent just about every weekend chasing Gambel’s through the desert in my Lowa Renegades. Even in Temperatures as high as 95º, I have found these boots to be extremely comfortable. I typically do most of my hiking/hunting in a pair of merino socks, and when paired with the glove leather that lines the inside of the Lowa Renegade boots, my feet were comfortable and breathed exceptionally well.

Arizona Quail Country
Arizona Quail Country

One thing that I really like about the Lowa Renegade LL Mid boots is the extra support that they offer in their “over the ankle fit.” Although they are labeled as a “mid” type boot, they offer substantial more support than other mid-type hiking boots that I’ve owned. With three lace hooks, I can get the perfect tension, fit, and support that I need for the steep desert hills that I need.

The Lowa Renegade LL are soled with Vibram  which provide serious traction on the ever unstable desert floor. The boot uppers are constructed of a water-repellant waxed nubuk leather is not only flexible but strong, and offers a layer of protection while hiking.

Pros:

Little to no break-in time

Vibram Evo soles

Waxed nubuk leather uppers

Glove grade leather lining

Cons:

Price tag (but well worth it for the quality)

Prognosis:  I love these boots. Need I say more? Check out the Lowa Renegade LL Mid boots and the rest of Lowa’s boot lineup.

 

Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Lowa Renegade LL Mid Boots were provided by Lowa for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The Trout Underground vs. Tom Stienstra

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I don’t often take a break from my weekly drivel of trip reports and gear reviews to talk about the news, but this is just too good to pass up. Tom Chandler of the Trout Underground has long been one of my favorite reads, and I find myself stopping whatever I’m doing when a new article from him pops up in my RSS reader. Lately, Tom has been busy as he defends the every blogger’s right to freedom of speech.

The story is almost unbelievable. Here’s the short version:

Mr. Chandler and several other media outlets report the arrest of local newspaper writer for cultivating cannabis. Newspaper man sues the blogger for defamation because the blog post is sitting at number 1 on Google. Judge sees through the newspaper man’s shenanigans and upholds the First Amendment. Big newspaper man (who should have known better than to try and infringe on someone else’s right to report factual information) loses lawsuit.

Tom Chandler
Image borrowed from the Trout Underground

 

Tom Chandler shares the entertaining journey here in the three posts below.

1. How it all started: Outdoor Writer Tom Stienstra Busted for Marijuana Cultivation in Weed (Or, Ooops!) Learn more at houseofcannabis.ca

2. The persecution of the First Amendment: The Lawsuit Post

3. Victory: Free Speech Wins – SF Chronicle Writer Tom Stienstra Loses Lawsuit against Trout Underground