Ep. 462 | TUSC Loadout: Tactical Urban Sustainment Course Gear & Kit

Want to fill your freezer more consistently? The moment of truth rarely offers a flat, stable setup. In this episode, Vortex’s Mike Tassoul and Jimmy Jordan break down how practical shooting sports translate directly to real-world big game hunting scenarios. Learn how competing under pressure trains you to manage gear, control your nerves, and make lethal shots when infinite variables are in play. Whether you are preparing for your first elk hunt or looking to tighten your groups under stress, this is your blueprint for better marksmanship.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

What gear do you actually need for a Tactical Urban Sustainment Course (TUSC)? Vortex Edge® instructor, in-house prepper, and survival hobbyist Mike Griffin joins Mark Boardman to break down the TUSC loadout he selected for his recent course with the Direct Action Resource Center (DARC) in Little Rock, Arkansas.Mike walks through the Tactical Urban Sustainment Course gear he brought, explaining the “why” behind each selection—including what worked, what didn’t, and what he would change next time.TUSC is a serious training challenge, both mentally and physically. The program teaches small, cohesive groups how to secure, sustain, and operate effectively in urban environments. The right gear can make a demanding course more manageable, but preparation, grit, and mental toughness ultimately make the difference.If you’re interested in TUSC training, urban survival, preparedness, tactical gear, survival gear, or building a practical course loadout, Mike’s experience can help you understand what gear matters—and what may not be worth carrying.Watch the full TUSC gear breakdown to see what made Mike’s kit—and what didn’t. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 adds the new VMR-5 reticle to its lineup for shooters who prioritize a clean field of view. Less can be more for some shooters when it comes to reticles. Andrew Lunde from Vortex’s product development team walks us through the VMR-5. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

What happens when precision rifle shooting meets real-world field scenarios? Mark Boardman sits down with Ken Wheeler, owner of the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), and Vortex’s Tucker Schmidt to explore  Ken’s path into long-range shooting, and the story of how he came to purchase the Precision Rifle Series. Then they dive into PRSuit, a brand-new nationwide network of range-and-engage shooting matches designed around practical rifles, real-world scenarios, and an accessible, engaging competition format. If you’re into precision rifle, long-range shooting, practical shooting, or just looking for your next outdoor hobby, PRSuit might be your next obsession. Listen now—but don’t blame us when you find yourself adding another hobby to your life. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Vortex Optics GeoBallistics® app just got better. In this video, we break down the latest GeoBallistics® updates, new features, technology, and functionality—including what’s changed and how these improvements can make your ballistic calculations and shooting experience more intuitive. GeoBallistics® is a comprehensive, stand-alone ballistic solver app designed to work seamlessly with GeoBallistics®-equipped Vortex products. With every software update, the app becomes more powerful, user-friendly, and feature-rich. Hit play to see what’s new in GeoBallistics® and discover the features you’ll want to know about in the latest update. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Bryan Broderick from Day Six Gear drops by Vortex to drop some serious arrow and broadhead knowledge. Bryan’s archery philosophies are backed by 10 lifetimes of practical field experience and are as sound as the products he’s developed. Tune in to hear about Day 6 Gear’s new products and get Bryan’s thoughts on the “WHY” behind what makes a great bowhunting arrow setup. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

What does it really take to build a successful YouTube channel in the hunting and fishing world? Gone All Season’s Cole Booth and Brett Walker join Mark Boardman to share how they got started, what they’ve learned along the way, and their philosophy on creating content that connects with an audience. Young, hungry, and talented, they’ve built serious momentum in a short time. If you want to start making YouTube videos—or take your hunting and fishing channel to the next level—this conversation is for you.  As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Packing gear in and game out requires a quality backpack purpose-built for the job. Quick day hunt or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the right backpack can make all the difference. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down the hunting packs they've been using lately, what features stand out, how they've configured them, and why they continue to trust them in the field. If you're comparing packs or looking for your next hunting backpack, this conversation covers the features, accessories, and real-world considerations that matter most. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The next evolution of our flagship rangefinder is here. Built from real golfer feedback, the NEW Anarch+ is engineered to help you play with more confidence. Ultrafast distance readings and image stabilization to Pin-Spotter Mode and premium optics, every upgrade is designed to make finding your target faster and easier. In this episode, we break down what's new, and how the Anarch+ can help improve your game on the course. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The .308 SUPER is here—and it might be one of the most interesting new .30-caliber cartridge concepts we've tested. In this episode, we put the Barnes 212-grain LRX Bore Rider to work in a .308-based case and answer the questions everyone is asking: Did we hit our target velocity? How does the .308 SUPER compare ballistically to the .300 SUPER WSM? What does terminal performance look like in 10% ordnance gel at 100 yards—and at extended range? Who is this cartridge built for? What could the future hold with a purpose-built, high-pressure case? And the big question: Could the .308 SUPER outperform Ryan Muckenhirn and Mark Boardman's beloved .300 SUPER WSM? Long-range shooter, handloader, hunter, or cartridge nerd, this episode dives into the data, testing, and where the .308 SUPER could fit in the future of .30-caliber performance. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast