I was just about to ask if survivorman was dramatized? He always goes out alone and has to operate his camera's and everything. That alone would make what he does harder than Bear.

TV sucks. The only reality show I can stand is COPS. . . The original, and still the best.

Survivorman is great.I've only seen a few episodes as I pretty much hate TV, but the girlfriend loves it. I always enjoy the out-takes from that show. And think of all the long shots he does - He's got to set up the camera, hike away from it, get the shot, then hike back to it and recover it before moving on.

He wears a lot of MEC gear which makes me suspect he might be a fellow Canuckistani Jihadist. I couldn't find out where he's from on his website.

Les is Canadian, not sure what part though. MEC has some nice gear but it's steep to get down here in the US when compared to other decent gear companies. Is MEC known for being whackos in Canada? I only hear about REI down here.

Les shot one of his episodes down here in the Altamaha River swamps. I noticed he did it in Winter. Summer nights there can get a little too exciting. Army Rangers and SEALS occasionally come down for training (75th Ranger Battalion is up the road at Hunter AAF in Savannah). I plan to go there this Fall just to revisit some of my old stomping grounds, if I can find anyone crazy enough to go with me.

MEC is the equivalent of REI up here. Very similar in style and products offered. I wouldn't be surprised if the guys that started MEC were originally inspired by or shopping at REI. I've been a MEC member since close to the start, but have found lately they're more of a fashion store that sells stuff made in Vietnam. The women's clothing (non-sport) takes up about 1/2 the store now. Yoga pants are big here right now. Other more niche providers carry the real high-end gear now.

Speaking of Survivorman, Season 2, Starts August 15th on the Science Channel... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

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sweet. good to know. need to mark it on the Tivo.

Ah. Its getting tougher to find quality gear from the older standby company's. I am a member at REI, but I don't really care for the hippy type employees. Fortunately there is a local climing shop where I get my rappeling gear so I don't need to go to REI much.

Best place for gear in my area is probably Hudson Trail Outfitters. To much clothing in the store but still have some decent gear, and the sales people don't give you the hard sale. I hate that.

What is REI? MEC is mostly hippy university student but I do like some of their older gear. I have an old pack of theirs that is just one huge pocket with really first rate zippers though. Perfect for carrying odd shaped gear on the bike.
I like milsurp gear and some high end hiking stuff. I have noticed that most canadian forces soldiers hate whatever gear they are issued on principal.
They do use it under much harsher conditions though.

I am disappointed in Bear, I do think survivorman is more real but sometimes not so entertaining. It would be real hard to find cameramen to eat bugs and drink urine.