Dan Caywood

Gear Reviewer

Dan Caywood is a gear reviewer who has sharpened his expertise in the U.S. Navy.   As an active-duty Senior Chief Petty Officer, he is qualified on ships, aircraft, expeditionary and undersea units.  He is a husband, father, adventure seeker and fixer of things around his house.   

Highlights

  • Senior Chief Petty Officer with seven overseas deployments
  • Qualified in multiple warfare areas and expeditionary skills
  • Avid outdoorsmen and DIYer

Experience

Dan has served 17 years in the U.S. Navy. He has served on ships, staffs and special warfare units deploying all over the world. As an Intelligence Specialist, the bulk of his job is reading, writing, and briefing—utilizing multiple intelligence sources to predict what he thinks the enemy will do. His hobbies are camping, hiking, and fitness. He has completed some interesting challenges with some highlights being an overnight backpacking trip of the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii, the Bataan Death March in White Sands Missile Range, as well as multiple triathlons. He enjoys working on his home through carpentry and home projects—mostly because he loves the tools involved. His varied background in the military and using a multitude of gear in the real world provide the backdrop for his gear reviews.

Education

Dan attended American Military University—but currently has his education on hold to focus on his family and career. He still aspires to complete his degree in Military History. He is qualified in expeditionary, surface, air and information warfare. He is a graduate of SERE (Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape) and many expeditionary combat skills courses. The Navy has deployed him on seven overseas deployments.

Fun Facts

Dan enjoys dragging his family along on camping trips to accompany him in his off-road triathlon and adventure pursuits. He is an accomplished athlete, earning All-American status wrestling for the All-Navy Team. He is also a journeyman carpenter. He strives to have the best gear for every situation, whatever problem arises.

Get latest from Dan Caywood

The best backpack coolers for your next overland excursion

By Dan Caywood / Jun 27, 2022

Review: Is the Wolf Tactical Plate Carrier Vest for fitness, tactical, or both?

By Dan Caywood / Oct 26, 2021

Review: the Gerber MP600 multitool shoots down the competition

By Dan Caywood / Aug 6, 2021

Review: Is the CRKT Woods Chogan T-Hawk a novelty or necessity?

By Dan Caywood / Aug 30, 2021