Topics of Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Knives and Tools, Knifemaking, Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, Marketing Strategy, Roof Racks and Accessories, Off-Roading, Overlanding, Being a dad
Years of Expertise:Â 25+
Education and Certifications
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing, Minors in Native American Studies and American History
Years of Writing: 25
Certifications:Â SolidWorks Certified Mechanical Design Professional, Cicerone Certified Beer Server
Clubs or Association Memberships:Â Overland Bound, Member #2183
Awards or Recognitions: Being a father to two of the most amazing people on the planet
Previous Publications: Gear Institute
A Word From Nick LeFort
I am a contributing writer for GearJunkie and make guest appearances in a handful of other outdoor and craft beer publications. I am also the author of my own blog, The Tribe of Flannel, and part-owner of Ragged Mountain Knife Works.
I have been writing for over 30 years but spent 10 years writing professionally about knives and tools, off-roading, overlanding, and outdoor living. Prior to GearJunkie, I was the Director of Knife and Tool Testing for Gear Institute.
Based in Connecticut, I am an avid wanderer and love spending as much time as possible in the outdoors with my two daughters. That includes doing my best to find all the best muddy ruts throughout New England to see if I can ever get my 4th Gen 4Runner stuck. So far, so good.
In 2017, I helped open a brewery in Connecticut and am an avid supporter of local breweries and helping them market themselves successfully in a real bear of a market.
BearBolts are the only IGBC-certified cooler security devices that can bearproof your bear-resistant ice box. We didn’t have any grizzlies to test them against —…
For some folding knives, portability takes a backseat to sheer muscle. The Sniper Bladeworks provides massive utility that just so happens to (almost) fit in…
For just a couple of extra ounces over its ‘Mini’ sibling, the Benchmade Freek positions itself as a standalone, premium tool to rival almost anything…
The Mountain Hardwear JMT 25L Backpack is packed with technical features that are more common on overnight technical backpacks, making it perfect for adventures on…
Unless you’ve been living in an underground bunker for the last decade, you’ve probably noticed a major uptick in portable and solar power. Nestout has…
The Coors Banquet Free Range A-frame Tent from Seager is a collaboration shelter that surprised me with its durability, waterproofing, functionality and “true grit” —…
The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite + External Frame backpack convinced me that an external style of pack still has a functional place in the backcountry.
