This past weekend, we pulled an overnight camp down on the rocky banks of the Roanoke River, hauling in our gear with military surplus USMC FILBE packs. The river was running smooth, the sky clear, and the scent of cedar and pine filled the air.

I set up my LiteFighter FIDO AI tent—a reliable one-man shelter that always earns its keep—and placed my USMC 3 Season sleeping bag on top of my TomShoo inflatable sleeping pad, which kept the rocky terrain at bay and added a welcome layer of comfort. 

Gabriel slung his Hennessey Hammock Jungle XL between two trees and rolled out his military poncho liner. The Jungle XL is double-layered, with a small opening that allows for the placement of a reflective pad beneath the sleeper. It’s quite effective at keeping the cool night air at bay, and the included rainfly provided more than enough coverage under the clear night sky.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we grilled boneless beef chuck country-style ribs and grilled onions over a bed of glowing oak coals. The smell of smoke, meat, and earth mixed in the air—an unbeatable trio.

Testing Night Vision Goggles

After dinner, we tested the AKASO Seemor 200, scanning the shoreline and riverbank. We were impressed by its clarity—we could clearly see skin tones, hair color, garment details, and terrain features even in total darkness.

We'll have a video review coming soon on the AKASO Seemor 200.

Sunrise on the Roanoke River

Around 4AM, I was stirred by the howls of coyotes echoing through the woods. It was a haunting and beautiful reminder of just how wild this place still is. By 6AM, I was up for good, greeted by one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen on the river.

The calls of geese and ducks mixed with the songs of songbirds in the treetops. Inspired by the moment, we even penned a poem while the colors shifted across the sky.

I got a fire going again and brewed some coffee using a GSI Pour Over Java Drip resting over a Stanley cup. It was simple, hot, and perfect. Breakfast came shortly after—eggs and thick-cut country ham fried in an old WWII mess kit that’s still going strong after all these years.

Once the fire died down and breakfast was done, we packed our gear—my LiteFighter tent and Gabriel’s Hennessey hammock—and hit the trail, trekking upriver toward the cabin.

Gear List Highlights

• Shelter: LiteFighter FIDO AI | Hennessey Hammock Jungle XL + Reflective Mat
• Sleep Systems: USMC 3 Season Sleeping Bag | Military Poncho Liner
• Cooking: WWII Mess Kit | GSI Pour Over Java Drip Coffee | Stanley Cup | KUVIK Titanium Grill
• Tech: AKASO Seemor 200 Night Vision Goggles
• Packs: USMC FILBE Surplus Packs
• Survival Food: My Patriot Supply food supply kits

Field Notes & Reflections

These are the kind of trips that stay with you—the scent of the oak coals, the surprise coyote chorus, a sunrise so beautiful it demanded poem.

Upon the Roanoke, the dawn breaks slow,
With blush of pink and amber glow;
The river stirs, its mirror wide,
Between the rocks, where shadows bide.

No haste has it, this gentle stream,
It moves like thought within a dream;
And morning’s hush, though softly stirred,
Is pierced by song of waking bird.

The ducks float past in drifting grace,
The geese call out from place to place;
Their echoes roll through waking trees,
And mingle with the scented breeze.

Here, time forgets its sharpened blade—
All things are still, yet none do fade.
And I, a pilgrim to this shore,
Ask nothing, and yet feel far more.

-CDR

More to come as the season unfolds.