The Portland Expo Center is hosting the 38th annual Pacific Northwest Sportsman’s show from February 6 – 10, 2013. I went on opening day. It was $8 to park, and another $12 for admission. I made the trip worthwhile, checking out every booth and demonstration.
This show has something for every adventurer. There’s boating, rving, and fishing exhibits, to name a few. So if you’re looking for gear, or ideas on where to travel, this is for you. I was impressed with the high amount of outfitters around. There’s a guide for everything under the sun. Most were for hunting trips, but I saw whitewater rafting experts offering their services too. I liked talking up the small, mom and pop vendors with interesting, lesser known products. My favorite item I found is called Squat Strap (www.squatmonkey.com). It’s a strap that wraps around a tree, or rock to help support you while you go poop. Brilliant. Now I can read a business book outside, while doing my business. I had to get a strap to test. More on that soon.
I also talked to a local inventor named Andy Gorman. He developed the Retractable Tool Tether, so you stop dropping things (www.retractabletooltether.com). I picked up a few of these to review also. I’ll put one on my jacket, and one on my EDC backpack. Maybe I will stop losing things. Doubtful.
There was lots to peruse, and stuff to sample. I tasted storable foods, oils, jams, meats, and energy drinks. Skoal was giving away cans of chew, put I passed. The Expo was serving beer as well. And at one booth you could try panning for gold, or buy a small nugget. Fun, but I will be panning outside. I shopped knives too, and picked up product catalogs to browse later. If you like the outdoors better than the indoors, visit this show before it’s gone.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 