Kesslund
Kesslund

The Kesslund Journal

Practical guides for the gear you actually own

Buying checklists, setup steps and care routines for the gear covered in our catalog.

Man wearing a heated jacket, men's cut, on a frosty forest trail at sunriseHeated Apparel & Cold Weather GearMen's Heated Jacket: Heat Zones, Battery Life and FitA heated jacket adds a rechargeable, battery-powered layer to your outerwear. Check heat zones, battery setup, fit and care before you choose one.Wes Tanner · October 17, 2026 · 7 min read
Fishing gear and equipment laid out on a lake dock at sunrise: rod, tackle boxes and packFishing GearFishing Gear and Equipment Checklist for Your First SeasonA first season needs a matched rod and reel, line, basic tackle, pliers, a license and a way to carry it. Here is what to buy now, what to add soon and what can wait.Wes Tanner · October 17, 2026 · 8 min readFamily pulling a loaded wagon on the beach access path toward the sandBeach & CoolersWagon on the Beach: Wheels, Load and Sand Tips That WorkA wagon on the beach works when the wheels are wide and low-pressure and the load is packed low and balanced. Here is how to compare wheels, size the load and pack the cargo.Wes Tanner · October 16, 2026 · 6 min readHeated vest men's layering: man in a vest over a flannel shirt in a frosty field at sunriseHeated Apparel & Cold Weather GearMen's Heated Vest: How to Choose Battery, Heat Zones and FitPick a men's heated vest by power source, heat settings, fit over your layers and washing method. This guide gives a step-by-step checklist and a care routine.Wes Tanner · October 16, 2026 · 7 min readGolfer seen from behind using a rangefinder in golf to aim at a distant flagCourt, Golf & Backyard GamesUsing a Rangefinder in Golf: Slope, Rules and When It HelpsA rangefinder in golf sends a laser to the flag and shows the distance. In competition, turn slope off and check the Local Rules, since devices may be restricted.Wes Tanner · October 15, 2026 · 8 min readAngler fish finder fishing from a small boat at sunrise, screen on the seatFishing GearFish Finder Fishing: How to Read Sonar and Locate FishRead the bottom first, then the arches. This guide covers transducer setup, depth, bottom type, sonar types and fish arches so you can choose where to drop your line.Wes Tanner · October 15, 2026 · 9 min readTwo of the main fishing reel types, spinning and baitcasting, on rods resting on a lake dockFishing GearFishing Reel Types: Spinning vs Baitcasting vs SpincastSpinning, baitcasting and spincast reels each suit a different skill level, line weight and target fish. Use this guide to match one to your water, then pick a spinning reel size.Wes Tanner · October 14, 2026 · 8 min readHiker seen from behind with a daypack, a day backpack hiking scene on a forest trailBackpacks & HydrationDay Backpack Hiking: How to Choose Size, Fit and FeaturesPick a day pack by hike length first (about 10-40 liters), then by torso fit, then by features. This guide gives you the steps, a size table and a fit check.Wes Tanner · October 14, 2026 · 8 min readTraveler with a carry-on backpack walking through an airport concourseTravel Bags & Trail ToolsTravel With a Backpack: Choosing a Carry-On Pack That WorksTo travel with a backpack, match it to your airline's carry-on size, choose liters by trip length, pick a flat-opening design and check the fit. This checklist walks you through each step.Wes Tanner · October 13, 2026 · 8 min readDeer trail through hardwoods with a camera strapped to an oak at sunriseTrail Cameras & RangefindersTrail Camera Hunting: How to Choose and Place a Game CameraPick the connection type that matches how often you can reach the site, then mount, aim and set sensitivity with a checklist. This guide compares standard, WiFi and cellular cameras.Wes Tanner · October 13, 2026 · 8 min read