52 Nebraskaland • December 2021
MIXED BAG
I
put a few hundred miles on two
models of AKU boots this summer
and fall, and can say the newest entry
into the premium hunting boot market
in the U.S. is worthy of a spot.
Handcrafted in Italy, the all-leather
boots Jager Evo GTX, a mountain boot,
and the Riserva GTX, a heavy-duty
hiker, are solid. I wore them in moderate
terrain in eastern Nebraska and on
rugged trails at Fort Robinson State
Park, traversed some of the steepest
slopes I've set foot on in Colorado
and hiked the rockiest trails I've ever
seen in Wyoming. Many of these miles
included training or hunting with a
heavy pack, and never did I question
the support my ankles needed in the
steep or rocky terrain. The rugged
Vibram soles provided plenty of grip
and the GORE-TEX liners kept my feet
dry.
Both models required a considerable
break-in period, as can be expected
from a boot made with leather this
thick. Once broken in, they fit like
a glove. There are lighter boots out
there, but these are built for durability.
The factory insoles were lacking in
cushion and support, and even slipped
a bit, but since I have high arches and
use after-market inserts, that wasn't
an issue for me.
AKU boots are currently available
at only a handful of retailers in the
U.S., but the company is working
to expand that presence. The
boots are also available online at
akuoutdoor.us. –EF
I
was immediately intrigued with
FLPSDE, an Elkhorn, Nebraska,
company, when I saw their dual
chamber water bottles.
With one side for drink, and the
other for snacks, these water bottles
have become a mainstay for my kids
and me at athletic practices and times
hunting and fishing.
Coming in an array of colors,
including hunter-friendly black,
evergreen and sand, these vacuum-
insulated, stainless steel bottles live
in my vehicles.
While at times I wish these
20-ounce bottles were larger, their size
does allow for perfect packing into the
deer stand or duck blind. Plus, I have
another 7 ounces of dry storage for my
favorite trail mix or protein bar to keep
me from starving until a whitetail
walks within bow range.
Visit f lpsde.com for more
information. –JK
I
f you're looking for a stocking stuffer
or a snack to throw in your pack,
grab some of Old Trapper's Jumbo
Kippered Beef Steak.
Made with thick strips of lean beef,
well-seasoned with spices and fresh
ground pepper and then wood-smoked,
the steak snacks are moist, tender and
flavorful. They come in three flavors:
old fashioned, peppered and teriyaki.
The Kippered Beef Steak is the latest
snack from Old Trapper, which has
been making its authentic handmade
beef jerky in Forest Grove, Oregon, since
1969. It is available in individual and
12-pack boxes at numerous retailers
and online at oldtrapper.com
–EF
HOLIDAY GIFTS
By Eric Fowler and Jeff Kurrus