I went on Friday. They gave military discount, so my son and I got in for $8 (he's 7yo). Had a decent couple of hours. I stayed the hell away from the Doomsday morons. Spent some good time with the Equip2Endure guys. Joe showed my son how to use a Blastmatch and he had fun setting jute on fire. Joe also showed me how to use a machete and a ferro rod (not earth shattering but educational).

The best part of the show was the Appleseed range set up in the back. It was my son's first time using iron sights and he shot about a 1 inch group with the air rifle. That was awesome considering his arms are so short, he had the stock under his arm instead of on his shoulder. That target was the first thing he showed his mom when we got home!

Looking back, I wish I'd bought some of the books that were available. I had no idea who "Doom and Bloom" was until Sunday - I should have picked up their book. I also tried some of the Thrive freeze dried food - that stuff is every bit as good as I heard and the prices aren't unreasonable. Most of the gear for sale was ridiculously overpriced. I had to bite my tongue a few times since I knew what Sportsmans Warehouse charges for some of that stuff.

I know I made one guy unhappy. I was looking at their backpacks when he started to chat me up. About that time I saw the price tag and said something about "those are Kifaru prices" and put the pack down on the table. The Solar Oven guys were ridiculous as well. Who's going to pay $300 for something you can DIY for under $50???