Honey Hole/ Gear Pocket

Honey Hole Inc. “The Gear Pocket” Review
By: GirlVSWild

Copyright December 2007

This is what the hunting and fishing industry has been waiting for. My new favorite piece of gear is now the Gear Pocket from Honey Hole Inc. Now, what to put YOUR honey hole? Basically anything you want!

I absolutely hate digging through my backpack for misc. items I use quite regularly in the stand. When you’re in a tree stand you want minimal movement and the Gear Pocket makes that possible. Made in the USA, the Gear Pocket holds just about anything you want on the side of your tree stand for easy access. Go ahead, put what is most useful to you in your honey hole!


The Gear Pocket when open has the dimensions of: 6” wide x 12” long x 5” deep and folds up to 18” long and 1.5” in diameter when not in use. It folds up small and is easy to carry along or store, but big enough for all your goodies.



The Gear Pocket is also water resistant. The fabric is 1000 denier cordura, which is the same material you would find on a pair of waterproof boots. I folded my gear pocket ½ way in a down pour that snuck up on me and my belongings inside came out dry.

Great places for the Gear Pocket to be put is on your tree stand, ATV, duck blind, fishing boat, hunting house chair, etc. It can be mounted with twine, net, hose clamps, screws, Velcro or cable ties. Or if you’re in a jam, use duct tape. ;-)

Again, this is an awesome product and one you shouldn’t go without!

Available only in Realtree HD
Price: $14.95 + Shipping

You can buy at http://www.honeyholeinc.com/ or on ebay here .

Mathews Genesis - MINI Genesis & NASP

Mathews Genesis- Mini Genesis & NASP Review
By: GirlVSWild
Copyright: November 2007


I want to first thank Mathews Inc. for the Genesis and the Mini Genesis. Both of these bows were given to two youngsters who have loved every minute of use. In fact, they loved them so much we bought a second Genesis. These have been great starter bows and the boys are now starting bow hunting this year! (1 year later)

The Genesis is great for kids and adults a like. You can adjust the draw length from 15” to 30”. The draw weight can be adjusted from 15 to 20 lbs. Set at 20 lbs the Genesis shoots like a 35lb. recurve! It has Zero Let Off weight therefore it has the holding weight to be able to pull the string from your fingers -which is great for kids, making it much easier to shoot! It’s perfect for families who are just getting into archery, kids who are just starting, schools or organizations. It basically fits the archer and helps prevent bad habits that an ill-fitting bow can cause.

I love how the Genesis Bow comes in Blue Raspberry, Key Lime,
Wild Berry, Red Cherry, Lemon Yellow, Camouflage and Orange.
They also have:
· Aluminum Genesis Cam
· Molded Competition Grip
· Quick Replacement Rest
· Composite Limbs
· Aluminum Idler Wheel
· Stainless Steel Cable Guard
· High Strength Durable Cable Strings


The Genesis Kit comes with a Genesis Bow, 5 Aluminum Arrows, Color Coordinated Belt Quiver, Color Coordinated Arm Guard, Two Target Faces and an Informative Owners Manual.

The Mini Genesis was given to my little sister, who has taken up archery just like her big sister. She is quite a shot. The Mini Genesis was the perfect size for her and still is. I hope to have this little gal hunting a few years down the road.

The Mini Genesis is just like the Genesis only smaller. The draw weight is lighter at 6-12 lbs and the draw length is just slightly shorter at 14” to 25”.
The Mini Genesis comes in the wild “flavors” of Red Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Black Licorice & Hardwoods Camo.
The boys were in a large archery competition and won some small prizes!

Since the Mathews Genesis is the official bow of NASP, I decided this was the perfect place to write about this wonderful program.
What is NASP? National Archery in the Schools Program is a program that I think every school needs. This program teaches kids Physical Education, History/Social Studies, Mathematics and my favorite- Character Development all through archery. Even disabled children can participate if able.

I downloaded the curriculum for the educators for grades 4-5 I was amazed at how much they are teaching these children in NASP. They are going far beyond teaching kids how to shoot a bow. They are working on their writing, physical education, respect, responsibility, organization, communication, cooperation and archery skills and techniques. This is the perfect curriculum and the program I think all schools need.

If your child’s school does not have this archery program you can do this program at home with your kids. All you need is the Mathews Genesis Kit and you can download the curriculum at home. This is a wonderful after school activity or an interesting course for homeschoolers. To order the products please find a retailer near you!

If you would like to donate you can do so HERE by either just being a “friend” for $25, a website partner for $100 or even going as far as Adopting A School for $2,500.00 .

Monkey Boy Products OAKMOSS HUNTING SOAP

Monkey Boy Products OAKMOSS HUNTERS KIT

http://www.monkeyboyproducts.com/

Copyright 2007

Review By: GirlVSWild

To be scent free or not to be scent free? I find it very hard with as much scented products I use to be scent free in the field. Even after scrubbing down with specialty made enzyme formulated stuff, it just doesn’t work for me. I STILL smell and not to mention my skin feels dry and cracked, like an alligator.

I personally like to smell like my surroundings. I found Teresa’s products online while searching for a nice cover scent soap. She told me about how much her hunting friends love her soap so I just had to try it out for myself.

I bought her Hunter’s Soap, Conditioner and she sent me a small sample of her lotion. I get comments about how I smell like a tree after I wear this. I actually love this smell and wear it quite often, even when not hunting. It reminds me soo much of being out in the woods. Her products are incredible.

First off, let’s start with what makes us smell, the Oakmoss Essential Oil. The Essential oil is actually derived from the plant to yes, it is all natural and it smells just like it would in the wild. Oakmoss smells like a damp bark with a bit of seashore thrown in. It’s comforting and steadying on a very deep level. It evaporated slowly so when you bathe in this, you can still smell it even after all day.

Monkey Boy’s Oakmoss Hunter’s Soap is only $5.00 per 4 oz bar or you can buy 5 and get 1 free (BEST DEAL!) . A 4 oz bar will last you quite a while. I noticed how it didn’t bubble as much as I had expected. But with soap it isn’t all about the lather, which is what most people think. I found the soap very moisturizing and nourishing to my skin. They add 30-40% Nubian Goats milk but also contains Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Canola Oil, Lye, Castor Oil, and Oakmoss essential oil.

Teresa makes her soap the old fashion way. Yes, with lye. The actual process and formulating of soap is a beautiful thing. To formulate soap from scratch gives you such a feeling of accomplishment and creativity. It is actually a long process of which you can view here on her website:
http://www.monkeyboyproducts.com/page/page/2414406.htm

If you have any concerns of the goat’s milk it does not smell. After the curing process of the soap, the goat’s milk smell is no longer. The rest of the oils she uses do not have any types of smell to them at all, which is the great thing. So, basically you are bathing in unscented soap with added Essential Oils.

The conditioner is absolutely to die for! First off let me tell you, I normally use Bumble & Bumble hair products which can only be found in salons. The conditioner alone is $32 for 8 oz. Monkey Boy Products’ Hunters Conditioner with Oakmoss surpasses the quality of my every day conditioner. I’ve never had more soft- smoother- shiner hair. I didn’t have to comb the knots out of my hair, it took them right out. I also didn’t have a big frizz ball after my hair dried. The price is amazing- at only $7.50 per 8 oz this is a steal! Here is the list of ingredients in the conditioner:
Conditioner Distilled water, Aloe Vera Juice, Conditioning Emulsifier, Glycerin, chamomile extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, dl Panthenol, liquid silk protein, optiphen, and oakmoss essential oil.

Teresa knew what she was doing when she sent me her Hunter’s Oakmoss lotion. Wow- silky soft skin indeed. I love how it isn’t greasy- she has concocted the perfect formula. Her lotions come in two different sizes of 4 fl oz and 8 fl oz.

Monkey Boy Products has come out with the new Hunter’s Value Kit. For $17.50 + Shipping you will receive a 5 oz bar of soap, 8 oz Conditioner and 4 oz lotion in a handy hunter green organza bag. You can purchase here: Be sure to let her know where you heard about her products!

I’d love to see her come up with an unscented lip balm. Us girls know how dry our lips can become after facing harsh conditions. She has raked in another customer (me!) and I’ll be back year after year for her products. I suggest you give her products a try- you can’t loose! She has a lot to choose, from Boo Boo Butter to Pain Cream and Bath Bombs to Silky Creams.

Rocky Women's Ranger Boot

Review Rocky Women's Ranger Boot
Copyright 2007
by: GirlVSWild



Waterproof and breathable
Gore-Tex® fabric 1,000 denier Cordura® nylon and full-grain leather
800 grams of Thinsulate™ Insulation
New lightweight blown rubber outdoor lug outsole

It is a known fact that every hunting girl needs some type of boot in her closet. The good thing about this boot is that it can be used for hunting, working, etc. Since it has camo is very versatile. This would not, however, be my first choice for hunting. I found this boot to work better for me as a work boot. For activities such as planting green patches, riding ATV's, etc.


Things I did not like about this boot were:
1. If you have already "huge" feet, this is a bulky show that tends to make your feet look bigger.
2. Despite wearing these quite often they have yet to soften up. I like my boots to be somewhat flexible, this one is just too stiff.
3. They make blisters . . . BUT ONLY IF YOU DON'T WEAR WOOL SOCKS WITH THEM! Yes, please, if you get, these boots do NOT make the same mistake I did and wear cotton socks. Cotton, obviously, absorbs moisture and in this boot it is NOT good. At first I thought it was either the wrong size (they fit fine . . . ), or it was just the shoe. I searched on the RockyBoots.com FAQ and found this bit of helpful information.

On a positive note, things I love about this boot:

1. They have camo on them, so you can wear these hunting if you want them too. Very versatile, as stated above.
2. They are good for both fall and winter. I have also worn them in the spring while gardening. They breathe well but keep your feet warm, which is a must for a boot in my opinion.
3. They are stiff. Okay, I said I didn't like this up there but it does have a plus side to it. They don't wear out like I thought they would. A very long lasting boot and very good quality.
4. These are WATERPROOF! So, you can stomp in the muddy water all you want and your feet will stay dry to the bone!
5. It is actually made for a woman, which I know is hard to find when you find a boot you like. This is a very big PLUS as women's feet are not like men's.
6. I really liked how it had padding on the top part of the boot, around your leg. If you've ever worn a boot without this, it can tend to rub you raw. I didn't have this problem at all with the Rocky Women's Ranger Boots.
7. Oh, and if you lack a little in the height department, these boots will help out with that. Adds a few inches in an instant. *wink*
This is a very good boot by all means, I just had a hard time writing about it after MY ignorance of wearing cotton socks with these and they made huge blisters on my feet several times. This had nothing to do with the make of the boot or the company-it was my mistake.
I was not able to find this boot last time I looked on the website. They might have quit making this boot? I do know you can find it at the following website for $99.95.

Hatchie Bottom Review

Hatchie Bottom Review

Copyright 2007

By: GirlVSWild

I don't always get items sent to me from companies to field test. Often if I don't get them sent to me I'll go out and buy them after they've been on my wish list for a while and I find some extra spending money. But, when you have "takin' a liken' " to a line of clothing like I have, you have to let everyone know!!

When I think of Hatchie Bottom, I think of QUALITY items made just for ladies.
Last summer I bought a set of their swim wear. Being a girl who is very proud of her obsession (hunting) it only seemed fit to get the camo swim wear for summer time. Not only is it fashionable but camo is something that fits me, my personality and is a big part of my life. One thing I do like about their whole line of swim wear is they have styles for all body types. Yes, even the not so young ladies can look stunning in their Hatchie Bottom Swimwear! Unfortunately though, it looks as if they quit carrying their one piece swim suit.

They have regular shorts & cover shorts as well to look sporty wherever you go. Every girl needs hair ties/scrunchies and flop flops! Its camo heaven there at Hatchie Bottom!
They have a wide variety of intimates and lounge wear. I was very skeptical of purchasing the lounge wear do to the thickness and stiffness of it in the store. The lounge wear is very thick and does not wear out quickly like most thin lounge wear does. It did, however, softenup quite a bit after a few washes. Very comfortable. The thickness is good for when you would like to wear in the winter as well and it isn't hot in the summer time, so basically great all year 'round. I cannot wait to purchase the lounge pants and shirt, from the Comfort Cabin Collection, this fall!! What a great addition to my Hatchie Bottom collection this will be.

Just about everything is available in blaze orange as well!
But.. don't stop there. They don't just make ladies clothing. They also have a wide variety of Men's Apparel, Men's Beachwear, Youth Apparel, Gun Cases, Bags, ATV Accessories & More!

Crocs Islander Review

Crocs Islander Review
Copyright 2007 - by GirlVSWild


Would I walk a mile in these shoes? Heck yes!! I have only been excited about a pair of shoes only twice in my life. I am absolutely CRAZY about these. Okay, I will admit. I was VERY skeptical of these shoes. In fact, I was given a pair of these shoes a couple of years ago right when they became popular. I refused to wear them. I didn't care if everyone was wearing them, I would not be seen in public in holey shoes. Boy, did I not know what I was missing and if you don't have a pair then you don't either. I was sent a pair of blue islanders from Crocs a few months back. They have gotten worn more than any other paid of shoes in my closet so far. They are the most comfortable shoes on the planet. They originally came out with the Beach Model in 2002 for boating shoes. They sold out in two days. It’s no wonder- this shoe is magnificent. Comfortable . . . there is just no words to describe how this shoe feels. They are so light weight, like wearing nothing. In the summer time they are cool and cool can be. NO SOCKS and since they have holes your feet are less likely to stink since, well, because you have air circulation. In the winter, just put on some socks with your Crocs and you're ready to go. Hey, if you get them dirty, they are a breeze to wash! What is so amazing about Crocs is they are coming out with so many styles of shoes. To fit every outdoors woman and man. I loved my Croc Islanders so much I went out and bought me a pair for the fall and I also bought my dad a pair. I would love to try their other styles such as the Athen, but their new line called BITE is calling my name too!! No matter how big Crocs gets, they are always 100% dedicated to making a lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, fashionable and functional shoe that can be produced quickly and at an affordable cost to their customers.

LLBEAN Upland & Wild Weather Clothing

L.L.Bean Upland & Wild Weather Big Game Clothing
Copyright November 2007

by: GirlVSWild

I am always in search of the best clothing one can purchase. I’m not very forgiving when it comes to clothing. When I’m out bow hunting in the freezing rain, pheasant hunting or trekking through briars my clothing has to keep up. I can’t get out there in the middle of no-where and have my clothing ripped to shreds, leaking water and freezing cold.

I have field tested several outfits from L.L.Bean. Every single one of them surpassed my expectations. And I was very surprised at the versatility of each outfit.

In September we are planting green fields in Alabama. We always pack our green field work in this month because we spend our summers fishing. I decided this would be one of the best times to try out my briar pants. Being September it’s still terribly hot and the briars are still in full fledge. The L.L.Bean Upland Women’s Pants are very heavy. They are made with 500-denier nylon base fabric. It’s not the lightest fabric in the world and so I was very shocked, to say the least, that I stayed cool in 80 degree weather. The pants are wind-proof and weather proof. While I was pheasant hunting in Kansas, the temperature was 28 degrees for opening day. I stayed as snug as a bug in a rug but when it reached 70 degrees it was still very comfortable. I went through the largest briars I had ever seen and I never felt a one. The cut of the pant is very comfortable and flattering. You’ll have freedom of movement from every angle and also has a double layer seat, reinforced stress points, shirt grip waistband, two back button closure pants and suspender buttons. So, the L.L.Bean Women’s Upland Pants received a 5 star rating from me! Price: $59.00



I also wore the Upland Women’s Jacket while in Kansas. With pockets for everything from shells to game, you’re set! It was very comfortable and light. The fabric is five times stronger than denim so getting through those briars is a breeze. It is light enough that it will not weigh you down. It even has a front loading game bag that has a zipper all the way across the back, which is great for easy cleaning. Adjustable button cuffs, and my favorite, corduroy trim for a classy look. The fabric is treated to resist stains and repel mist and rain. Price $99.00



The Briar Shirt is awesome too. It has a wonderful women’s fit and a classy look as well. In that harsh Kansas wind I found my best friend was chap stick, which I hid in the chest pocket. It also is made with a fabric which wicks away moisture yet protects you from thorns and briars. Available in the color Eucalyptus Price: $49.00

Now, the sport I am most comfortable with, big game hunting. I love big game hunting and hunt in the most extreme conditions - from 80 degree weather to freezing, pouring rain. I had quite a bout with the wet weather during the Thanksgiving week.

I field tested the Wild Weather Big Rain Jacket & Pants and absolutely fell in love with them. They protected me in the worst rain I have been in and in a tree stand. The fabric is highly abrasive making some of your toughest hunts that much comfortable. The quiet polyester makes drawing on that animal at 10 yards that much more quiet. They are very breathable yet I found that it was wind proof. The winds were extremely vicious not to mention cold and I don’t think I could have stayed out in the tree stand until dark if they had not been wind proof.



The Wild Weather Big Game Rain Jacket has roomy cargo pockets. I fit my Leupold RX-IV Rangefinder in one of the pockets during a downpour. I love the lined hand warmer pockets, they are a hand saver. I also loved the little flap on the hood that prevents the rain from dropping into your jacket or on your face. Price: $79 Available in Advantage Timber or Hunter Orange


The Wild Weather Big Game Rain Pants are really nice. I do wish they had more of a form fit but then again you could not layer clothing underneath if you needed to. I do like the drawstring waist with belt loops. Sometimes we tend to eat far too much during the holidays and these pants are easy to adjust for us who have eaten too much. ;)
Price: $59.00 Available in Advantage Timber or Hunter Orange

Bottom Line.. You can’t go wrong with L.L.Bean Upland Clothing and Wild Weather Big Game Clothing !

Carol Davis Thermals Product Review

Carol Davis Thermals Review
Copyright: December 2007
http://www.cdsportswear.com/



I hate the cold. If it’s too cold it will actually keep me from hunting in the tree stand. I cannot withstand cold temperatures and have never been able to find good quality thermals/long johns that would keep me warm. Layers, layers, layers, I’d look like Ralphie’s brother Randy from the movie The Christmas Story after his mom finished dressing him for a snowy day, once I finished putting on my layers. With that many layers you cannot pull your bow back and walking to the tree stand will make you sweat. I believe most of us have run into this problem and I’ve found the solution!

Carol Davis has created the best thermal ever! Made with Power Stretch Polartech they are super duper light but extremely warm. I love how I don’t have to layer as much as I normally would with my other thermals. The fabric is oh-so stretchy so getting into the tree stands isn’t a chore. I also found that the fabric wicks away moisture, so if you do sweat it wicks it away, making you warmer when you cool down. Another great feature is that is hydrophobic (REPELS water)! It is also anti-microbial, which retards the growth of bacteria. So, for all who go scent free, this is a big PLUS. It would also be good when going for longer periods of time without a shower when camping or other activities.

I love to wear my suit while hunting and just around the house on cold winter days. I can’t wait to try it out while camping in early spring when the nights are in the lower temperatures. Without Carol Davis’ thermals, I honestly would be skipping more hunting days when the temperatures are too cold for me. THEY ARE WONDERFUL!
These are also a perfect fit for me. How do you get the perfect size thermal? Miss Carol Davis has a wonderful size guide for height and weight, so you get the perfect coziest fit.
If you choose to get a rear zipper flap, the flap sits high on the hips so you don’t sit on the zipper.

Carol Davis has several styles of thermals and they also have “Web Paws” mittens, “Web Head” Skull Caps, “Web Necks” Neck Warmers and Web Foots Socks. I can’t wait to try all of these! They would make great gifts.

Don’t forget the kids either. Style 3, Web Paws, and Web Head Skull Cap are available in children’s sizes.

Web Foots Body Sock Style 1 features:

· 2-way front zipper which opens from top and bottom
· Zippered rear flap for when nature calls
· Nylon knit cuffs at ankles and waist

Web Foots Body Sock Style 2 features:
· 2-way front zipper
· Stirrup Feet
· Anchoring Thumb Holes with hand warmers-
slip thumbs out and wear as regular cuffs when not needed
· No Rear Flap

Web Foots Body Sock Style 3 features:
· Zippered Rear Flap
· 2-way front zipper
· Anchoring Thumb Hole with hand warmers
· Stirrup Feet

Web Foots Body Sock Style 4 features:
· 2-way front zipper
· Knit Cuffs- Writes and Ankles
· No Zippered rear flap


Prices varies by size
Colors: Black
To Purchase Go To: http://www.cdsportswear.com/