To learn about our review methodology, as well as our approach to product testing, please visit our About page.
David McGillivray
Outdoor Living Specialist
Profile
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