All Entries in the "Gear Reviews" Category
Hiking Report (Nov 26, 09)
Here is a quick comparison of my backpacking stoves. Super Cat, Svea Optimus, MSR Dragonfly, and MSR XGK.
Field Test: Osprey Kestrel Backpack
I’ve been anxious to give my Osprey Kestrel some field time, but I’ve been unable to break away for an overnight trip. This weekend I planned to make a day trip to Redfield Canyon Wilderness so I decided to pack the Kestrel as if it was a two day trip and see how it did. [...]
Gear Review: FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer
I’ve only been using my vacuum sealer for a couple of days and I’ve already decided that this is a “must have” item. My wife picked up a FoodSaver V3840 at Costco last month and I unpacked it this week during my latest food drying marathon. The sealer was selling for around $140 at Costco [...]
Gear Review: Nesco FD-35 Food Dehydrator
Let’s face it, store bought camping food is expensive and a bit dull, but weight is a constant factor on the trail. So what is the alternative? Dry your own food! Here is my review of my first dehydrator, the Nesco FD-35.
Osprey Kestrel Backpack: Initial Impressions
Shedding gear weight has become a primary focus for me. I’m not obsessive, yet, but reserve the right to become so later. In my last post I outlined how I shed close to two pounds with a Super Cat alcohol stove. Today I lost two more pounds by purchasing an Osprey Kestrel pack. It may [...]
Super Cat Alcohol Stove
After my trip up Mt Lemmon last month I realized I had to cut some gear weight. The first target was my stove, so I decided to build a Super Cat alcohol stove. This is an easy project for any hiker looking to lighten their load.
Gear Review: Buff Headgear
I’m generally not very excitable (it’s a bad trait when you fly helicopters or fall out of airplanes), but sometimes the littlest things get me going. The Buff is one of those things. It’s just so darn useful…hat, bandana, headband, scarf, face mask, pot holder, wash cloth. Plus it only weighs a couple of ounces, [...]
Gear Review: Leki Trekking Poles
I’ve always been a fan of walking sticks. Of course, when I grew up that meant hacking down a sapling that just happened to be the right size and then hauling a couple of pounds of wood around with you. That’s not very politically correct in our more enlightened days.
Gear Review: Ursack Bear Bag Initial Impressions
I recently purchased an Ursack “Bear Resistant Food Bag”. I haven’t had it out in the field yet, but wanted to give a quick review. First the specs:
My intended purpose: General animal & varmint bag for local trips.
Material: Ballistic Fabric & high tensile strength cord
Volume: 650 cu in
Weight: 8 oz (bag); 10 oz (aluminum insert)
Website: http://www.ursack.com/index.html (site has [...]
