Since 2016, Outdoor Empire has been your go-to independent source for outdoor gear product reviews you can trust. Here you’ll find in-depth, hands-on hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking gear reviews based on the real-world experience of our experts and enthusiasts.

OUTDOOR GEAR REVIEWS

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Mission-Driven

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Our mission is to equip you with top-notch outdoor gear and a conservation mindset. Love nature, choose quality gear, then bring it all together and make it last. Whether you’re into hunting, fishing, camping or hiking, let’s enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably.

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We’re real people – experts, gearheads, and enthusiasts with a passion for the outdoors – no AI, no armchair critics. From backpacking to deer hunting, our team lives and breathes adventure. It’s what we love to do, and we want to share our knowledge with you.

What We Do

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Expect nothing but honest, 100% independent outdoor gear product reviews, practical answers to your questions, and insightful tips for success. Be it articles or videos, we deliver trusted information to enhance your camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking adventures.

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No vague info or regurgitated Amazon reviews here. We dive deep, research, purchase, and personally test gear to bring you genuine, first-hand experiences and advice. From extensive spreadsheets to torture tests, our detailed analysis is unmatched.

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ARTICLES WITH VIDEOS

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Hunting

Midland gxt1000vp4 and gxt 1050 in action

Midland GXT1000VP4 & GXT1050VP4 GMRS Radio Review

BY

Alex Marshall

There are a plethora of great license free FRS two-way radios on the market. However, these radios are limited in …
Elk standing in meadow with trees in background

.308 for Elk Hunting: Pros, Cons, & What to Consider

Elk may be a species of deer, but they’re not like the …
Best. 308 hunting rifles side by side comparison

Best .308 Rifles of 2023 (Hunting, Bolt-Action and Semi-Auto)

There are dozens, if not hundreds of different models of rifles chambered …
4 shotgun shells standing up showing markings on them and two shotgun shells laying down

Shotgun Shot Size and Shells Explained (What to Use When)

Shotguns are suitable for all sportsmen, from novice hunters to experienced sporting …

Fishing

Close up of medium spinning reel size in anglers hands on a fishing rod

Fishing Reel Sizes Explained! All Reel Types with Charts

BY

Ian Standard

Every bit of fishing gear has an effect on what you can catch and how easy it’s going to be …

Fishing rods

Fishing Rod Size Guide: How To Choose Fishing Rod Length

The perfect cast isn’t always just about the person behind the rod. …
Caught sturgeon

How to Fish for Sturgeon: A Complete Guide to a Huge Catch

Covered in armor-plating and spiked scales to deter predators, it’s surprising to …
Tubefishing bass

What Makes a Good Tube Fishing Rod (3 Best Tube Rods)

Anyone hoping to catch bass can get the most out of fishing …

Conservation

Camping

How much camping tents cost - two tents setup side by side in forest

How Much Camping Tents Cost in 2024 (Budget to High-end)

If you’re starting your journey into camping and looking to purchase your first tent, you …

Yeti cooler on black pavement in bright sun

Don’t Ruin Your Cooler: How to Avoid the 9 Most Common Cooler Mistakes

In the world of outdoor adventures, a quality cooler is your trusty sidekick, keeping your …

Nine of the best wheeled coolers stacked up in a backyard

6 Best Wheeled Coolers of 2023 and 3 to Avoid

Ever tried to lug a fully loaded cooler all by yourself? All too often once …

Couple pitching tent

Differences and Use Cases of Camping vs Backpacking Tents

The world of camping gear is filled to the brim with variations of similar products, …

Six different homemade ice packs lined up on rim of cooler with lid open

6 Easy DIY Ways to Make Ice Packs for Coolers

Are you tired of buying store-bought ice packs that can be expensive and unreliable? Making …

Tent at sunset with doors open

Tent Too Hot? 13 Proven Ways to Keep a Tent Cool

Last summer, I paddled on the Noatak River, a river above the Arctic Circle where …

Hiking

Midland gxt1000vp4 and gxt 1050 in action

Midland GXT1000VP4 & GXT1050VP4 GMRS Radio Review

There are a plethora of great license free FRS two-way radios on the market. However, …

Best cheap walkie talkies lined up on a log

4 Best Cheap Walkie Talkies That Are Still Useful

We tested four budget-friendly two-way radios and rated them by range, clarity, ease of use, …

Cobra acxt345 walkie talkie review

Cobra MicroTalk Walkie Talkie Review (ACXT345/ACX390)

Due to the plethora of license-free radios available, choosing a walkie talkie can be confusing. …

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