4 Gear Picks for Hunting Season

August 18, 2017 - posted by Rose Marion

Hunting season is here, and Smith & Edwards has 4 new tools to help you have a big (& successful) adventure out there.

Allen Co. makes a huge variety of shotgun & rifle cases that our customers love. New this year from Allen are these 2 all-in-one gun cases that will make hunting easier this year.

Allen® Gear Fit Pursuit Bruiser: for Big Game hunting

When you’re out in the brush or on the side of a mountain, you’ve got to have your gear close. Not only close, but all in the same spot, if possible. No extra rustling around to find your range finder or ammo if you can help it!

This MossyOak Break-Up Country camo Bruiser gun case has big pockets to keep your gear all in one spot. Keep your rangefinder, ammo box, magazines, scent eliminator, and other must-haves on-hand, so you only have 1 bag to keep track of when you’re waiting for that deer, cow, or bull elk.

This 42″ gun case features two large pockets plus a cinching third pocket for a scent eliminator spray bottle, rangefinder, or water bottle. Click here to shop.

Allen® Gear Fit Pursuit Punisher: for Waterfowl

The Waterfowl shotgun case will keep your duck calls, cleaning kit, choke systems, and shells all in the same spot, along with any shotgun up to 52″ long.

You don’t need to drag a whole extra bag full of calls & cleaning supplies out to the duck blind or on your boat, along with your decoys, gun, and dog. Make it easy on yourself, pack all your gear into the pockets of this Realtree Max-5 camo duck hunting shotgun case. It features two gear storage flaps and 3 zippered pockets. Click here to shop.

Steiner® Binoculars

Maybe your binoculars are 15 years old and it’s time to step into newer glass. Maybe it’s time to pass your hunting binoculars down to your son (or hunting buddy) and upgrade to a new pair. Steiner’s the choice for you.

Steiner uses high-end German glass in their optics to create excellent quality binoculars. These are true hunting binoculars, lightweight and easy to grip. And since the company is just getting started in the U.S., they’re not well-known, which means you can get them at a good price.

In fact, during our hunting sale on now through August 26, you can get these 10×42 Steiner binoculars for 249.99 at our Gun Counter – a $50 savings off the $299.99 regular price!

Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak Cub Binocular Case

With a brand-new pair of binoculars in your gear stash, there’s no way you’re going to use an old case for them, right?

Ditch your magnetic-closure old binocular case and upgrade to this made-in-USA, ultra-quiet, rugged camo binocular case.

It’s exactly what it says it is: designed by Alaskan guide Jaret Owens and born from the need to survive and succeed in any outdoor endeavor, this Kodiak Cub binocular case is designed to be quiet: no clicking magnets, no rough & noisy fabric. This high-quality binocular case features pockets, a cell phone slip on the top of the case, a back harness, and a 100% lifetime manufacturer guarantee. Click here to shop.

Now that you’re geared up, make sure you’ve got the camo you need, and get out there!

Have more questions about hunting in Utah? Check out the Utah DWR’s website or give us a call at 801-731-1120. We proudly sell fishing & hunting licenses at our gun counter.

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Campfire Food for Camping in Utah this Summer

May 26, 2017 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

Spring is almost over, and summer is fast approaching. Kids will be out of school and for many of you this means vacations and adventures in the great outdoors. My favorite summer adventure includes sitting around a campsite, eating good food, and hanging out with good friends while roasting things over the campfire. I love it!

When you set out on your next family trip you’ll want to make sure that you have the essentials with you. Essentials like sleep gear, a working car, and good food. That last one is my personal favorite. Check out these great products that we carry here at Smith & Edwards! Guaranteed to make your mouth water and allow for a good time.

Make fresh Mayo, Whipped Cream, & Butter while Camping

Some of the newest items we got in are these fancy food prep items by Cookut. This France-based company delivers fun, innovative products that are simple, practical, and cool. Check out their mayonnaise, butter, and whipped cream shakers!

Each shaker is made of a glass jar with specially shaped silicone balls. These balls are shaped specifically to whip up these condiments in minutes. You have great tasting, easy to make condiment from scratch. Follow the recipe printed on the bottle or alter it slightly according to your own tastes.

These shakers are not only great for home use! Their sleek, compact design makes them perfect to use at your next family outing or camp-out. You’ll be able to make the perfect amount so none of it goes to waste. You can even use your fresh-made butter on other goodies you roast over the campfire!

Make Sweet Campfire Treats with the DoughyMaker

The Doughy Maker isn’t a new item, but it is definitely a product to get excited about. Previously marked at $19.99, we’ve got the Doughy Maker sitting at 50% off! This little tool is perfect for making delicious cinnamon sugar coated dessert balls, and our Housewares manager Vickie’s son Gabriel can tell you how good they are.

You can even use them at home over a backyard fire pit! Your possibilities for campfire desserts doesn’t end at cinnamon coated biscuits. Try your hand at using corn bread dough, cookie dough, and brownie batter. Or, make delicious meatballs and mushroom delights! All it takes is a little bit of imagination.

You’ll definitely want to add this must-have item to your camping list. Not only is is a great product, but it was also developed right here in Northern Utah. This is just the start of the delicious possibilities that Smith & Edwards has to offer.

Mountain House = Mountain Man Meals

Many outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with the Mountain House brand of freeze dried meals. For those of you who are new to the game, here is a little explanation for you.

Mountain House freeze dried meals were originally developed for the special forces troops. Freeze dried foods are lighter than traditional MREs and they retain more of their original flavor. Each meal weighs mere ounces and cooks in under 10 minutes. All you need is boiling water!

Awhile ago we asked our customers what some of their favorite flavors are. People were really passionate as they shared their favorite meal. Some of the responses we received included beef stroganoff, sweet and sour pork, and spaghetti. Smith & Edwards’ own Paul Wright said he really likes the Italian-style pepper steak. You can check out these an other great flavors by clicking right here.

I had never experienced the Mountain House freeze dried foods until this past year. On a snowshoeing excursion up the North Ogden Divide in Northern Utah I had the sweet and sour pork. It was delicious! I’m definitely looking forward to camping trips this summer so I can have more of these great meals.

We just added new flavors, including Spicy Southwest Breakfast Hash and Chicken Fajita Bowl.

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Hanging Out with Grand Trunk and Enjoying the Klymit

March 10, 2017 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

Today, we are going to talk about one of my favorite things… Camping! We have two camping essentials that are going to knock your socks off and leave you wishing you could “head for the hills” right now.

Sleep… What’s That?

In a recent conversation with Mike Vause, sporting goods manager, he reminded me that sleep is an important aspect that is constantly overlooked when camping, hiking, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. Mike said, “You may have to [fill in the blank].” You may have to get to the next ridge. You may have to land that next catch. You may have to bag that elk that has eluded you the last two days. You may have to stop and look at the scenery…

The Missouri River near Great Falls, Montana.

A view near Great Falls, MT from a hammock.

Whatever “you may have to” do, you’ll need all the energy possible in order to obtain that goal. So, you’ll want to make sure that you are getting the best night’s sleep while in the great outdoors. Let’s take a minute to look at my favorite bed, the hammock.

Click Here to shop our great selection of sleeping pads and air mattresses.

Time to Hang Out and Chill Out

Hammocks are a recent trend that everyone, especially the younger generation, is going crazy about. We carry a variety of brands and sizes, but my favorite brand that we carry is Grand Trunk. Made out of the same nylon material as parachutes, these hammocks are strong and durable. They come in a few different colors and patterns, so we are sure to have one that fits your style.

EmmaLee and her friend sitting in a hammock.

Hammocking under a bridge.

My favorite thing about hammocks is their versatility. Whether you’re going on a day trip, a 50-mile hike, a 3-day hunting weekend, or just a trip to your backyard, you always have a lightweight, portable resting place that takes minutes to set up and enjoy. The Grand Trunk double hammock weighs only 2 lbs and can hold up to 400 lbs, so it is easy to enjoy with a friend or by yourself. Plus, at 10′ 6″ long by 6′ 6″ wide, there is no way you could go wrong.

Shop our growing selection of hammocks right here, or give us a call so see what all we have to offer!

EmmaLee showing off the Grand Trunk batik hammock.

EmmaLee pictured with her hammock, the Grand Trunk Batik Hammock.

Recently I set a goal to go camping with nothing but my Grand Trunk hammock, a tarp, an emergency blanket, and my sleeping bag for shelter. I still have yet to do so and my goal changed slightly when Mike Vause showed me an evolutionary sleeping pad designed specifically for your hammock. Wow! This evolutionary sleeping pad is none other than the Klymit Hammock V inflatable sleeping pad.

What’s New for You

Like all Klymit air pads the Hammock V is made with a V-chamber design that limits air movement and provides excellent insulation. With an R-value of 1.6, it is perfect for the coming season of camping and warmer weather. The two valve system allows you to inflate the Hammock V quickly, using only 15-25 breaths, without the worry of deflating as you go.

Hammock V air pad with EmmaLee, who is 5′ 7″ tall.

One of my favorite features of this air pad is the grip zones located on both sides of the pad. Your sleeping pad will be held in place in your hammock and you won’t have to worry about your sleeping bag slipping and sliding around either. You can check out our other Klymit sleeping pads here.

One of the three (3) silicone, non-slip grip zones.

These coming months are my favorite because I get to head outdoors and do some camping and exploring. I am excited for my night’s sleep to allow me to climb to the top of the next mountain and take time to enjoy the beautiful vistas in comfort. Be sure to get a tarp and rope to keep the rain off of you. Shop online or in our store for tarps and rope.

Come On In and Check Us Out

Buy your very own Grand Trunk Hammock and Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad at Smith and Edwards! We’ve got the gear you need for all of your adventures and our helpful and fun staff will be there for you every step of the way. Let us answer your questions and help you find exactly what you need.

Come on in or give us a call today!

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CarryMeGear Holsters: Concealed Carry Holsters made in Utah

December 8, 2016 - posted by EmmaLee Sessions

Look out, Utah! There is a new brand of gun holsters in the state and they are exclusively at Smith and Edwards. We know you are going to love them.

CarryMeGear is owned and operated by Smith and Edwards’ own Mike Vause, right here in Ogden, UT. Mike is the Sporting Goods manager here and we are super excited to be carrying his handmade gun holsters!

Mike has spent most of his professional career in the shooting sports industry. For years, he has been looking for something new to bring to this growing market.

“I have owned and tried many holster styles and brands,” he explained, “and decided to take some elements that I like and incorporate them into my thoughts and needs. I woke up one morning and said, ‘Let’s do this!'”

After a lot of work, trial and error, collaboration and help from his good friends, the first CarryMeGear Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster came to be.

Why Carry with Kydex?

Carry Me Gear holsters are made out of Kydex, which is a thermal plastic designed for heating and shaping for custom fit. Kydex is lightweight and durable, lasting longer than other materials.

Why is Kydex superior? It is thinner and easier to conceal, and it is sweat and weather resistant. You no longer have to wait for your holster to dry out, making these the perfect holsters for backpacking and hiking.

This Springfield XDS doesn’t print with the CarryMeGear holster in kidney position.

What sets CarryMeGear Apart?

When asked what sets CarryMeGear apart from brands we carry, Mike said, “The difference is adjustability of attachment and fit to the body. It spreads the load over a larger area than single attachment designs, and is sleeker than other 2-point, soft-back styles.”

Still, the greatest things that set these holsters apart are: 1) they are handmade right in Ogden, so you’ll be supporting a local business, and 2) they are about $10 less expensive than other great brands!

Additionally, each CarryMeGear holster is hand-fitted to a mold of the exact model of gun, and hand-sanded for snag-free carry.

We asked one of our buyers, Chris Jacobson, why he was so excited about the new CarryMeGear gun holsters. “These holsters are handmade locally in Ogden, UT and are fitted to your exact gun,” he said. “The Inside-the-Waistband holster is surprisingly comfy. I personally own one and really enjoy using it.”

IWB holsters are especially popular because you can adjust to use your choice of strong side, kidney, or appendix carry. CarryMeGear holsters are even more comfortable because they are easily adjustable to fit every body shape and size.

The holster’s forward and backward cant, or angle, can be adjusted. In addition, tension on the firearm itself can be increased or decreased. Screws and bushings also allow the holster to move closer to or away from the body.

A Sig P238 is secure in an Inside-the-Waistband, left, or Outside-the-Waistband, right, CarryMeGear holster.

Outside the Box: OWB & Small-of-Back Carry

CarryMeGear also makes Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holsters for strong side carry. Smith & Edwards carries these OWB holsters for several models of semiautomatic handguns, as well as a Smith and Wesson J-frame Revolver model.

This Sig P238 disappears completely in the CarryMeGear OWB holster.

Mike is also very aware of the needs of his customers, and is open to additional feedback and insights. Mike began working on Small-Of-Back holsters due to requests from women shooters.

The small of the back design allows ladies to carry while maintaining a natural hip silhouette. “We are designing, thinking, and testing more designs and products,” he told me. “A Small-Of-Back (SOB) holster has been tested and approved by some of our Smith and Edwards concealed carry permit holders.”

This Small of Back CarryMeGear Holster conceals her Glock perfectly!

Look for the small-of-back holsters, magazine pouches, and even more styles of holsters from CarryMeGear at Smith & Edwards soon!

Get Yours at Smith & Edwards and on our Website

We know that you will love the CarryMeGear holsters, whether you are a CCP holder or looking for a good range holster. We love the CarryMeGear holsters and recommend them to everyone. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without one!

Talk to one of our experts and try them today at Smith and Edwards. You can also find our selection of handgun holsters here on SmithandEdwards.com.

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Keep your Camping Food from Getting Soggy with the Cooler Tray!

May 31, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

Bryan stopped by and showed us how the Cooler Tray can keep our food from getting soggy while camping.

(yikes, who films in portrait mode?!)
When you’re camping, you want to keep all your food cool overnight or over the weekend. But that doesn’t have to mean soggy buns, soggy grapes, soaking-wet beverage cans that have gunk on them – ick!!

This is an easy & economical solution to that summer problem.

As one of our managers said, “I’m sure gonna miss scooping the hamburger labels out of the water when I empty the cooler…. NOT!”

What a cool invention! You can get yours in the Sporting Goods department of Smith & Edwards as well as right here in our online Camping Coolers section..

The Ice-Olate Cooler Tray is designed to adjust to fit practically any size coolers: from 45 up to 100 quart ice chests & coolers, by Igloo, Yeti, Coleman, and just about any other brand. It holds up to 80 pounds of food & drinks.

Thanks for coming by, Bryan!

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Q&A: Why use a Gun Vise?

April 25, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Send us your question to help@smithandedwards.com. We’ve got good advice, bad advice, & years of experience with all kinds of crazy outdoors activities. Send us your question, you just might get something fun or helpful back!

Question:

I saw your post on how to clean a rifle. I’ve never used a Gun Vise to clean my rifle… does it make any real difference? -Major Paul

Answer:

You don’t have to use a gun vise to clean your rifle. But it’s a good idea to have one, or a bipod, so your rifle is secured and the stroke of the cleaning rod is consistent with the plane of your bore.

A lot of people also use a bore guide so that when you clean from breech to muzzle, you don’t scrape your crown on the muzzle end. You don’t really want the cleaning rod to contact the crown. A vise will help you clean consistently without scraping the sides. Also, that keeps the mess in one area.

Thanks for asking!
– Mike Vause

Smith & Edwards Gun Counter

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Prepare with 72-Hour Kits & Bug Out Bags

April 2, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

It’s that time of year to check your preparedness gear, make sure you have a communication/meetup plan for your family, & rotate your food storage.

One important piece of your preparedness plan is having a bag with all your necessities. Some people recommend a bug-out bag, but here in Utah a 72-hour kit is the most recommended pack to have.

What’s the difference? Mike Vause from our Sporting Goods department asked Ryan Seager, our Surplus manager, and Jean Dimick, our Preparedness manager, and here’s what he found.

What Ryan suggests for a Bug-Out Bag

A bug out bag, or go-bag, is a small bag designed to get your from Point A to Point B. Point B should have more supplies, such as your 72-hour kit or your food storage.

You might keep your bug-out bag in your car or truck, or in your desk at work; some place you can get to it easily and go.

So it’s a minimalist kit that has just the necessities to survive. You can buy a pre-made bug out bag, or create your own based on your needs & preferences:

1 quart water, a container, & water purification method
Food (preferably a high-calorie bar)
Bivvy or compact sleeping bag
Poncho
Paracord
First aid kit
Multitool with a good blade
Lighting: headlamp or area lighting
Gloves, hat, scarf, light jacket, and spare clothes (if possible)
Fire starter
Personal defense

Jean’s picks for a 72-Hour Kit:

A 72-hour kit has the supplies you need to survive for 3 days. You’ll store more food and supplies than a bug-out bag, and for this you should consider a large backpack from the camping department, rather than a slim tactical pack. See Hiking & Camping packs here.

You can download a list of suggested items for your family’s 72-hour kits Get a printable ID card and 72-hour kit ideas from Smith & Edwards, as well as ID cards for your children:

Did you know?

Save the Children has excellent resources for teachers, parents, and caretakers. Check them out here! You can even make your own ID cards for your children on their website.

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Valentine’s Day Advice (Video)

February 4, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

The guys of the Gun Counter at Smith & Edwards really have seen it all.

We’ve seen husbands and boyfriends who think they’re getting her the perfect gift… but it doesn’t go quite as planned.
Trust us – we KNOW how it goes!

Bonus Tip from one of our Fans

“My rule for Valentine’s is to buy a gift that you won’t mind being thrown at the back of your head. Appliance-bad. Flowers-not so bad.” – posted on our Facebook page

…Thanks for the tip!

Key Takeaway

If she WANTS a gun, get her one, by all means! Get her the one she’s been eyeing!

But if you have any doubt…. Don’t get her a gun for Valentine’s Day!
Play it safe with one of these woman-approved gifts:

Candles Tip: “Romance”-scented candles are 25% off in February!	Wind Chimes
Bird Feeder	Get your girlfriend a cuddly Beanie Boo stuffed animal!
Baking goodies & kitchen gadgets	Cowboy Boots like in our Valentine’s Day outfit!

Let me know what you think!

Do you agree with this video? Do you have different advice? Let me know in the comments below!

And do YOU have a video request for Smith & Edwards? Do you need relationship advice, fashion advice, or help with a project? Leave a comment for what you want to see in our next video! :)

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How it all Started!

January 28, 2016 - posted by Rose Marion

Smith & Edwards’ Gun Auction has been a tradition for 32 years! Discover how Mike Casey came up with the idea and how the tradition will continue. click here to see the video on YouTube.

Click here for Gun Sale & Auction lists!

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Freeze-Dried Food Review: Try something new

September 2, 2015 - posted by Mike Vause

Some of us don’t like change.

I sometimes lean on tried and trusted gear for my outdoor adventures. I might be weird, but I like eating freeze-dried backpacking foods, especially the flavors from Mountain House.

I have favorite flavors like Spaghetti, Beef Stroganoff, Lasagna, and Chili Mac. These meals always go with me on backpacking and hunting trips.

This trip I wanted to try something new. (Totally out of character….just ask my wonderful wife).

I went for Biscuits & Gravy, and Granola with Blueberries.

Mike’s latest Freeze-Dried Food Review

Warm Biscuits & Gravy chase off the cold morning really well.

With dehydrated meals, sometimes you expect everything to be casserole-ish.

This Biscuits & Gravy was such a change from your typical dehydrated meal. I’d eat it for lunch here in town at 4200 feet.

Blueberries at 10,000 feet are a treat.

Some of the foods you take backpacking don’t remind you of home. This Granola with Blueberry has a good taste to it. The blueberries puffed right up; the powdered milk softens the granola and makes it a milky blueberry treat. I thought I was at home eating fresh fruit.