nick lefort
208 articles

Nick LeFort

Title: Contributing Writer
Email: ragged@rmkw.net
Location: Middletown, Connecticut, USA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlefortrv/

Expertise

  • 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: 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: SolidWorks Certified Mechanical Design Professional, Cicerone Certified Beer Server
  • Clubs or Association Memberships: 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.


work sharp rmx convertible knife on rock

Grayl Mission EXP Hip Pack

Years of Excellence at a Nice Price: Leatherman Rebar Review

Firemaple Petrel Ultralight G2 Pot shown close-up outdoors in the evening

Celestron Outland X 10x42 resting on a wooden bench

Big Idea Design Ti Pocket Knife II standing upright outdoors with greenery behind

A Garmin Instinct 3 Solar watch displaying a compass heading of 282° (west) on a person's wrist

CRKT Mbombo Frame Lock close-up of the blade’s sharp edge

The Best GPS Watches of 2026

Close-up of the Boker Plus Thicker Clipper blade against tree bark

Testing the Best Binoculars

GiantMouse Iona V2 knife resting on yellow leather gloves with a green radio and honeycomb packaging in the background

The Hardcore Hammers Camp Companion Axe lies on a log, with its wooden handle and braided lanyard against autumn leaves

Bestech Knives Constellation knife

Fully assembled Weber Spirit Propane Grill with four control knobs and closed lid on a patio

A Skullcandy Fat Stash 2 power bank is charging a phone on a wooden surface

Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker with orange paracord, displayed against a cardboard background

Nocs Pro Issue 8x42 hanging from a strap indoors

Zero Tolerance 0512: The knife resting on a mossy surface with the blade visible

The Best EDC Knife You Never Heard Of: OKNIFE Rubato 2 Review

CRKT Straight embedded in a tree branch, with a solar-powered home in the background

Artisan Cutlery Holm resting on a bowl of cranberries

giantmouse gmf1 xl pocket fixed blade knife on cutting board with cheese, meat, and goldfish snacks

The WE Knife Bougie Banter rests on a frosted log, showcasing its sleek design and textured handle against a natural background

SPD CAS OTF knife on a wooden surface

Five fixed-blade knives on a wooden surface

The OKNIFE XEN-OAL knife open on fresh snow, highlighting its sleek blade and textured handle

the hults bruk spika all purpose axe

dailycarryco tislide gravity knife review

The Best Tactical Knives of 2026