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David McGillivray

Writer

Outdoor Living Specialist

Profile

Join date: May 26, 2025

About

With over 20 years of service as a U.S. Army First Sergeant, David McGillivray brings experience, discipline, and reliability to everything he does. His background means he doesn’t just talk about gear, safety, or travel—he’s lived it. If a product is made to serve a real-world function, chances are David’s tested it in action.

Now the owner of Bull Creek Outdoors, David leads workshops and outdoor adventures focused on wilderness survival and practical preparedness. His hands-on approach to training covers everything from reliable trail gear to eco-conscious living.

When it comes to reviewing products, David keeps it straightforward and honest. He’s known for cutting through the fluff to evaluate what truly works. For him, quality isn’t about price tags. It’s about performance when it counts. Whether in the field or everyday life, he believes the best gear is the kind that delivers when you need it most.

EXPERIENCE

Bull Creek Outdoors - Owner (Dahlonega, GA)
Product Tester
Writer and Editor
Fly Fishing Guide Program - Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School - 2022
Wilderness First Aid - American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) - 2022
SARTECH III certification - National Association for Search and Rescue - 2016
Military Mountaineer Course - Army Mountain Warfare School - 2005

Posts (6)

Dec 7, 2025 ∙ 13 min

Best Ping Pong Tables: Dad’s Guide To Affordable Luxury

I ranked the best outdoor TT tables on the market, and here's my ultimate hands-on guide. If covers the most popular models, each with a personal review. FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing. 1. JOOLA NOVA Pro Plus - Best Exterior Ping Pong Table DELIVERY: I read reviews that this was going to be a difficult delivery process, but honestly it was awesome. It was in perfect condition when it arrived, and I liked that I could pick from different time slots and that the...

Jul 14, 2025 ∙ 3 min

Powerbeats Pro 2 Review: By An Actual Gym Buff

I tested the Powerbeats Pro 2 to see if they could keep up with my workouts, and they sure did. Here's my hands-on review and some photos. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - High-End Sound Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds I just want to say up front, I actually preordered these and have only been using them for four days, so this is definitely a first impression. Normally I’d wait a while before talking about something new, but after seeing so many negative...

Jul 1, 2025 ∙ 16 min

Cool Swimming Goggles: We Tried 6 Top Picks From Amazon

We finally found goggles that don’t leak, don’t hurt, and work great as open water swim goggles too. Here are some photos along with hands-on reviews. Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing. 1. FORM Smart Swim 2 - Triathlon-Designed App-Connected Goggles I picked up my first pair of Form V1 goggles off eBay, and honestly, they completely changed my swim training. I ended up using them for almost two years. I even got a brand new pair for my son, who was 12 back then and swimming...