Monday, April 30, 2018

How to Prevent and Remove Ticks!



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The backpacking season is upon us and that means that ticks are waiting.  Don't worry though, as it's not as bad as it sounds as long as you know how to handle them.  In this episode, Susan and Luke will go over tick prevention, tick removal, tick checks, repellants and so on.




Friday, April 27, 2018

Moose and Drone - See Lone Wolf Mountain Like Never Before!



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Let's hit the road with Luke and good old Moose (the army truck);
it's time to see Lone Wolf Mountain in a completely different way, from the Air!

This is Moose and Drone!




Wednesday, April 25, 2018

First Look - Fjallraven Abikso View 2 Tent - Preview



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Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theoutdoorgearreview/

Testing has begun with the Fjallraven Abikso View 2 Tent and while you're waiting on the review, here's the preview where Luke goes over all of the functions and features of this very expensive, high quality tent.

Want to see this tent in action, watch this adventure; https://youtu.be/W1GyPLLYC4w




Monday, April 23, 2018

Bushcraft Ground Stoves - How To - Bushcraft Basics



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Today it's time for some Bushcraft tutorials involving Ground Stoves.  I have receive a lot of requests for this video so here you go.

Expedition Research Bushcraft Grill Set Review : https://youtu.be/8CqP6TTKFPc




Friday, April 20, 2018

Canoeing in the Ocean - The Island - Overnight Adventure



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This trip has it all;

ocean canoeing, deserted island, military aircraft, dolphins, and plenty of adventure!

This is TOGR's latest Overnight Adventure!


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

You Will Want to See This Tent! - French Army Desert Commando Tent



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It's Military Surplus Wednesday and you will want to see this tent!

In the past I have shown you all the French F1 Commando Tent but did you know that there is another version which the French military uses?

It's the French Desert Commando Tent and in this video I will be going over both models and speaking of the differences and my future plans for them.

….

Link to F1 tent video : https://youtu.be/Wi1XN1EMTf0




Monday, April 16, 2018

Inexpensive Option - IceTek Backpacking Stove - Speed Test #3 - Versus



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Today Luke continues his search for the fastest backpacking stove on the market!  This is VERSUS and I'm testing the IceTek Backpacking Stove.  Will it dethrone the Crux as the fastest backpacking stove?

Also, can you spot a defect with the IceTek?  Comment if you do!




Friday, April 13, 2018

What Do You Get for $106 - Packit Gourmet Deluxe Meal Sampler



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Susan and I are gearing up for an adventure and we needed some meals to fuel us along the way so we ordered the Packit Gourmet Deluxe Meal Sampler.

What does $106 get you?

You're about to find out!



Link : https://www.packitgourmet.com/DeluxeMealSampler.html




Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Odd Military Tent - Nemo Shield Tanto SE - Review



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What you are about to see is one of the most interesting/odd tents which has had *SOME* level of use by US military forces;

Super lightweight.
More of a Bivvy.
A bit strange...

This is the Nemo Shield Tanto SE Tent Review.



Link : http://shield.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Tanto+SE+Tent+%28Black+Mesh%29

Price : $ 349.95 when these were being offered to government agencies.  These are very hard to find and sale for at least $530 on eBay.

Weight : 1lb 15oz

Essentially is an inflatable bivy

From what I understand, the design of this tent was taken from the Nemo GoGo and was converted for a military purpose.  How well adopted in the armed forces this was, I do not know.  I would venture to say that it wasn’t wide adopted.

Tanto SE utilizes our AirSupported Technology®, replacing traditional poles with inflatable ribs that reduce erect time and packed size and add strength and repairability. Combined with the Tanto™ Fly, this is a versatile shelter for milder weather conditions and rainy, tropical environments.

Traditional bivy bags are limp, claustrophobic and challenging to use when it’s raining or snowing. But Tanto™ SE tensions out like a tent, has a big enough interior volume to read a map or work on a laptop, a convertible vestibule for meal prep, and room inside for gear. AirSupported Technology® allows the Tanto™ SE to be inflated in under 15 seconds using the Integrated Pump and deflated in less than 5 seconds. The entire canopy of Tanto™ SE is mesh, keeping insects away and allowing excellent air circulation, even when the rain fly is attached. A front and a side entrance allow ingress and egress around whatever equipment you have inside. Used extensively by SOF, the Tanto™ SE is the go to shelter for fast and light operations in temperate and tropical environments.

Seasons: 3-Season

Capacity: 1-Person

Packed weight: 2 lb. 14.2 oz.

Pack size: 7x10"

Peak height: 27"

Floor dimensions: 114x41"

Floor area: 19 sq.ft.

Bathtub floor: Yes

Tent floor material: 30 denier polyurethane-coated nylon

Number of doors: 1

Number of poles: Rather than support poles, the bivy utilizes a built-in AirBeam strut that you inflate with air using the included foot pump

Tent wall material: No-See-Um® mesh

Rain fly material: 30 denier polyurethane-coated nylon

Stakes: Aluminum

Stuff sack: Yes

Recommended use: Backpacking,Mountaineering

Made in Viet Nam

AirSupported Technology tensions the bivy like a tent, placing No-See-Um® mesh above your body and keeping insects at a safe distance

Inflates in under 15 seconds using the integrated pump and deflates in less than 5 seconds

Rain fly provides additional storage within arms reach

Swallowtail patterning allows you to add a stick or collapsible pole to prop up the foot end of the inner tent with the rain fly

Stake out the back

Stick for the back

Click pump

Blow and pump

Review :

Pros

Lightweight (approx. 22 oz with accessories) – impressively small size

AirSupported rib provides space overhead

Generous length and shape provide ample headroom – plenty of room for your basic needs

Stakes and footbox help keep the walls off

Because of the limited ventilations, it is warmer than most 3 seasons tents.  During one trip I was able to record a 19 degree temp difference from the inside to the outside

 Packs small

Bigger than a traditional bivy

Very easy to setup – less than a minute!

Definitely waterproof

Cons :

Price if you can find it

 AirSupport pump is not integrated

 Poor Ventilation – poor airflow

Because of the poor ventilation, it’s not a great tent from locations where temps will be above 75f.  Any warmer and this tent becomes a sauna.

Lightweight fabrics require caution/footprint

Single wall condensation issues  - Your sleeping bag will get wet!

Fabric sags when wet

Lose the pump and this tent isn’t going to be inflated!

** Not enough Stakes are included for staking out the back

·       limited breathability

Monday, April 9, 2018

MOLLE and PALS Pouches - Propper U.C. 2 Pack Assault Kit – Review



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MOLLE...
PALS...
Need some additional space?

Today Luke is reviewing the Propper U.C. 2 Pack Assault Kit which can be used with the UC pack or any MOLLE and PALS compatible backpack.



Link : https://www.propper.com/bags/pouches/propperr-u-c-2-pack-assault-kit.html

Price : $50
Weight : Small one – 5.2oz
Laege one – 9.0oz

Colors : Black, Coyote, Olive Green

The perfect companion to the Propper U.C. Pack, the U.C. 2 Pack Assault Kit provides two individual storage compartments which attach to any MOLLE bag. Each piece has additional MOLLE and hook and loop on the exterior for further customization. The large compartment contains organization for all of your essentials.

·       MOLLE compatible
·       Internal organization within large compartment including key clip, elastic pen channels, and a large zippered mesh pocket
·       MOLLE and hook and loop front allows for additional customization
·       4" H x 11" W x 2" D and 8" H x 11" W x 2" D
·       100% Nylon

Friday, April 6, 2018

What Will We Find? - The Rock Slide - Day Hike Adventure (GH5)



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Storms often close the roads in our area for months at a time; when that happens, it's a great time to explore!  With this Adventure, Luke and Susan are jumping the barricades in search of a rock slide and some storm damage!

What will we find?

Find out now.

Link to Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theoutdoorgearreview/




Wednesday, April 4, 2018

How to Setup the Fjallraven Abikso View 2 Tent




Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theoutdoorgearreview/

Being able to see how easy a tent can be pitched is very important to the purchasing process.  With that in mind, here is how to setup the  Fjallraven Abikso View 2 Tent.




How to Setup the Fjallraven Abikso View 2 Tent





Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR



Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theoutdoorgearreview/



Being able to see how easy a tent can be pitched is very important to the purchasing process.  With that in mind, here is how to setup the  Fjallraven Abikso View 2 Tent.




Monday, April 2, 2018

Epiphany Outdoor Gear Bellows Fire Starting Kit



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Today Luke is reviewing the Epiphany Outdoor Gear Bellows Fire Starting Kit.  Do you need the entire kit or just the Bellows?  Find out now!



Link to V3 Bellows Review : https://youtu.be/EnIYti2UOhE

Link : https://www.amazon.com/EPIPHANY-OUTDOOR-GEA-EOGV3LEO-Starting/dp/B00LDYLJDE

Price : $19 at the time of filming

Weight : 2.3oz for the kit including the tube

Included : 3 piece fire starting kit – ferro rod, bellows, fire fuses



This is a basic but highly functional fire kit which I can easily recommend.  I reviewed the V3 pocket bellows a long time back and finally I’m able to get around to the review of the kit.

Light weight, watertight, acceptable price, good performance.

Received a handful of these for review purposes where I have been using one, I have this one for review and I ended up giving away two others away.  One to a viewer and another to a friend of mine.

The Baddest Bees Fuses : The "Baddest Bees" tinder fuses work extremely well. Compact, waterproof, fast-starting, hot burning. But be sure to tease them apart into little fluffballs before trying to light them. In contrast, cotton balls impregnated with petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) are also compact, waterproof, fast-starting , hot burning, and they last longer (all once you tease them apart into fluffballs), and can be made cheaply at home, but your hands get greasy when handling them. The Baddest Bees seem to be wax-impregnated, so there's no greasiness, and they're more compact than cotton balls (but don't burn as long). You choose.

These are great for getting the fire going; strike up, place tender and materials around it and go.

Would I purchase more of these; no as I can make my own fire starter..

Bellows : The bellows is very well made, sturdy, and works extremely well. (Works well for fires in fireplaces too, but a little short for that use.) Buy it, carry it, use it!  It's long length keeps your face out of the fire and the smoke out of your eyes. Bellows can be purchased on its own for $12 and it is WORTH IT!

Extended it is 19" long
Collapsed approx 3.75"
Max width at base is 3/8"

Fire Steel : The fire steel is a pretty standard product. This one has a nice, ergonomic plastic handle. It's a little short, but then this is a compact kit. You can easily get longer ones if desired.

The fire steel striker has serrations on the short end. I found it awkward to use the end, but it strikes easily along the long edge.

The striker is a bit flimsy in my opinion but you can put your own in there if you like.

Container : is awesome – 5.5 inches long. A little over an 1 wide.

Plenty long enough for the included items and anything else that you may want to add.  Steel wool, magnesium shavings, or even a small lighter.

The smaller container is also watertight and once you run out of fuses you can purchase more or you fill it with something else such as Magnesium shavings.

The star of the kit in my opinion is the V3 pocket bellows and the waterproof continer which is comes in.  In my opinion, it is well worth the money especially in regards to the Bellow.. The bellows are of very good construction and made of 300 series stainless steel.

This is perfect for backpackers and bushcrafter; just awesome

Great for getting a fire going.

Great when working with wet materials

Great for getting a fire going in the morning with only embers.