Friday, November 29, 2013

Freezing Rain Overnight Adventure II



This is the actual Overnight Adventure. Join me in Damascus VA as we venture out on the Appalachian Trail for an Overnight Adventure. It promises to be wet, cold and amazing as a winter storm barrels down upon us.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Freezing Rain Overnight Adventure II : INTRO



Join me in Damascus VA as we venture out on the Appalachian Trail for an Overnight Adventure. It promises to be wet, cold and amazing as a winter storm barrels down upon us. This is JUST THE INTRO! The actual video will be posted shortly following this one.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Backpacking Basics : How to Pack Your Backpack



Today we're looking at how to pack your Backpack.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Deal Hunting Series : Site 1



We're seeking out deals and in this new series we are heading to www.geartrade.com. Thanks for watching.

www.geartrade.com

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Eureka Solitaire Tent : Review -



We're reviewing the Eureka Solitaire Tent!

...

Eureka! Solitaire - Tent (sleeps 1)
-          $69 on amazon
-          Two-hoop bivy-style tent for one sleeper (21.33 square foot area)
-          Ventilated with a large mesh roof; attached full coverage fly
-          Zipper in roof cloth for easy entry/exit
-          Includes two storage pockets and one flashlight loop
-          Center height of 28 inches; weighs 2 pounds, 9 ounces
Perfect for singular trekking and walkabouts, the Eureka Solitaire is lightest, most compact three-season solo tent made by Eureka. It's also extremely well ventilated with a large mesh roof--great for stargazing during summer trips--and the zippered roof provides an extra exit in nice weather. This two-hoop bivy design offers an efficient tunnel design, with a durable 6.3 mm fiberglass frame is shockcorded for fast set up. The full coverage fly is attached, so it can be rolled back or put in place very quickly. Other features include nylon pole sleeves for easy setup, three storm guyouts on the fly, two storage pockets, and one flashlight loop.
Specifications:
  • Area: 21.33 square feet
  • Floor size: 2 feet, 8 inches by 8 feet
  • Center height: 2 feet, 4 inches
  • Wall fabrics: 40D no-see-um mesh
  • Floor fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta
  • Fly fabrics: 70D nylon taffeta
  • Pack size: 4 by 17.5 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
  •  
  • 2 hoop bivy-style tent
  • Durable 6.3 mm fiberglass frame is shockcorded for fast set up
  • Pole pockets on one end; ring and pin on the other speed set up
  • Nylon pole sleeves aid in set up and stability
  • 3 storm guyouts on fly
  • Includes 2 storage pockets and 1 flashlight loop
  • Zipper in roof cloth for easy entry/exit

I’ve had this tent for many years (2007, 2008) and it has always worked well for me.  It is more of a bivy than a tent in my eyes but it is a very cheap and economical shelter from the elements.  It does a great job of keeping rain out.  Used it many times in some heavy downpours and had no leaks.
Easy to set up, easy to break down.  While I wouldn’t recommend it for winter use, I have used it in a snow storm and I was fine.  This tent will not handle snowloading and for that I would say 3 seasons only.
FABRIC
·         Wall
40D no-see-um mesh
·         Fly
70D nylon taffeta, 1200mm
·         Floor
70D nylon taffeta, 1200mm
·         Mesh
40D No-see-um


: My Review :
For a beginning to backpacking this is a great option.  It’s inexpensive, offers just enough space, protection from the elements too.  The entire package weights about 3lbs which isn’t bad, especially for the price. 

Condensation is an issue with this tent but with some practice and experience you will learn how to set it up to minimize this as much as possible.  Set up is fast; roughly 2 minutes. 

Stake it down, 1st pole in.  2nd pole in.  4 stakes and you’re good to go.
Easier than many tents to set up in the dark as well. 

If you live in a dry climate you can keep the fly off and enjoy the night sky. 
Personally I like this tent but I would go with the Snugpack Ionosphere just because of the space factor.  Yes it’s a bit heavier about a pound more but that added space is so nice.  It’s also most expensive at $170 on amazon.

It is NOT freestanding so you will have to stake it out.  Think of that before you make a purchase.
Eurake makes in general budget friendly gear and that is what this is.  It’s a good shelter but not the strongest.  Be careful with the fiberglass poles as they do have a tendency to break. 

Overall it’s a good tent.  Not a great tent in my mind.  For a bit more money you can get something that is a bit more substantial such as the Euraka Spitfire. The Spitfire is more of a tent and the Solitaire is more of a bivy.  The spitfire runs around $110.


n  If you are on a tight budget or testing the waters for backbacking, this is a good economical options.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Leatherman Skeletool Review -



Leatherman Skeletool – 830846

There are a number of different models available.  CS, CX, etc.  This is the plan and simple Skeletool.  Nothing additional to add to the end of the name.  

The model number is 830846

$34 on Amazon at the time of this video

5 oz.

25 year warranty.

This is pocket-sized multitool even though it is often referred to as full size.
Roughly 4 inches in length and an inch a quarter wide.

-

There is a pocket clip that is removable.
Stainless steel body.
420 high carbon stainless steel blade – partially serrated
Holds an edge very well.  Chisel ground. 2.5 inches in length
Needlenose pliers – not the finest point but certainly good enough.
Regular pliers
Hardwire cutters
Wire cutters
Knife combo
Carabiner and bottle opener
Large bit driver
Handle bit storage
Locking blade
Philips head and straight heads.  Easy to access. 

…..
I consider this a dual purpose multi-tool.  In other words it has two main uses in the way that I use it.  You have the pliers aspect and then you have the knife aspect.  Sure it has a bit driver but that isn’t of any concern for me 99.9% of the time.

Heave duty basic multi-tool.  Has some good features but lacks the kitchen sink.

Awesome finish and quality.  Very tight movements and I like that. I don’t care for a loose tension.

I personally care this for backpacking but honestly there are some multitools that I would consider better for the job.  I do prefer having a saw, a can opener, file, etc.  Biking yes.  EDC, yes.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

After the Hike Discussion - 6,000ft Day Hike



This is After the Hike. Today we are going discussing the hike, the gear and the experience; 6,000ft Day Hike.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Fjallraven Barents Trousers - Review



It's time to review the Fjallraven Barents Trousers. The Best of the Best!

Fjallraven trousers as they have a great reputation Worldwide for being tough, durable and weatherproof. 

The classic, tried and true Barents trousers were launched in 2003 and are the most popular (for good reason) trousers that Fjallraven make.

Fjallraven Barents are trousers for tough trekking and active outdoor use in both summer and winter. Barents are made of hardwearing and super tough G-1000® fabric and have extra reinforcements over the rear and knees to handle tough treatment.

The trousers are really versatile as they have seven pockets, including a map pocket, axe pocket and inner safety pocket. High waist and comfort fit.

Barents have raw length, which allows you to adjust the length of the legs exactly as you wish. If you are looking for similar trousers but with fixed leg endings, have a look at Vidda trousers

After years of putting their Forester Trousers to the test, Woodlore are excited to now stock the Barents Trousers, part of Fjällraven’s 'Classical Trekking' range. A durable trouser with multiple pockets, the Barents feature reinforced rear and knee panels for extra durability. The legs are provided in raw length, meaning that they can be cut and adjusted to your exact requirements. The Fjällraven logo is sewn onto the right leg pocket.

As with the Forester Trousers, the Barents are made from Fjällraven's classic G-1000 material. This densely woven fabric is a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, making the material windproof and outstandingly hardwearing. It is also water-resistant thanks to a Greenland Wax impregnation. This high-strength fabric also wicks moisture away from the body.

The Fjällraven company had its humble beginnings back in 1960, running from a small basement in the town of Örnsköldsvik. Equipped with little more than his mother's sewing machine, founder Åke Nordin began producing garments tough enough to withstand the long, demanding winters of Northern Sweden. Ever since, Fjällraven have continued with this quest, earning the reputation of a company reliable for making functional, hard-wearing outdoor clothing.

Details:
  • Material: G-1000
  • Colour: Dark Olive with Black inserts
  • Fit: Comfort, high-waist
  • Weight: 1.2lbs
  • Raw length legs
  • Hidden, inner security pocket with zip fastening
  • 2 x standard hip pockets
  • 1 x large pocket on right leg with stud fastener
  • 1 x medium pocket on left leg with stud fastener
  • 1 x tall pocket on left leg with stud fastener
  • 1 x saw/knife pocket on left leg with stud fastener at top and bottom
…………..

Tough, fast-drying, very comfortable. These trousers have been through some pretty tough conditions since I bought them (rocks/thick brush/etc). They show no signs of wear. In rain they resist water for a while, but soon succumb and get wet through (as expected). They dry quickly and remain comfortable while wet.

simply fantastic! Very comfortable fit and they are certainly hard wearing and have the ability to be waxed which is great as you can wax certain areas to keep them breathable. You will not regret buying them.  Speaking of which, this is an aspect that I have never done.  You can order the Fjallraven Greenland Wax and impregnate them yourself which will make them waterproof.

I must say I was impressed by their weight! I thought they would be heavy and on the contrary, they're so light, you hardly feel them.

The cut gives plenty of freedom of movement when walking, hiking, running and climbing.
Built tough as nails yet very comfortable.

…….

The Review : If you can find them, buy them.  Fjallraven is still fairly uncommon here in the USA but are beginning to make a presence.  After years of wear they are still going strong.  I have 4 pairs  and have only worn this pair that I have on.  You never have to worry about ripping this paint or a spark burning a hole in them.  Super tough.  Super strong.  Bullet Proof quality.

When you have to have the best and you will accept no substitutes, these are it.  Yes they are expensive.  Yes they can be hard to find but they are absolutely worth it. 


If you decide to purchase, make sure you get the right size.  I have a 30 inch waist and I had to order a size 46.  There should be some guides for the conversion if and when you decide to purchase.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Kershaw Ken Onion Folding Knife - Review



Kershaw Ken Onion Folding Knife
$51 on Amazon.
Multiple Colors available.
4.8 oz

This is what I call Fast and Furious…Why you may ask?

·  Folding knife for outdoor adventures with partially serrated blade
·  Blade made of premium 13C26 stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance
·  Anodized aluminum handle with rough Trac-Tec material for a non-slip grip
·  SpeedSafe assisted opening system for smooth, one-handed opening

This blade may not be for sale in all areas because of that spring assisted action

Constructed of 13C26 stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance, Kershaw's Ken Onion Blur folding knife features a 3-3/8-inch smooth or serrated blade. Ideal for extreme or everyday situations, the Blur series offers power and performance. A lightweight anodized aluminum handle offers Trac-Tec inserts which provide a non-slip grip even in wet and slippery conditions.

Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted opening system helps you to smoothly open the knife with a manual push on the blade's thumb stud or Index-Open system. SpeedSafe's torsion bar helps keep the knife closed, preventing it from being opened by accident. In order to open the knife, apply manual pressure to the thumb stud to overcome the resistance of the torsion bar. After the blade is out of the handle, the torsion bar moves along its track and takes over. The blade opens
Review Assault

…..

Razor Sharp out of the box.

Holds it edge very, very well.

Perfect for daily needs and with the fast action of this blade, perfect for self defense as well.
It's build quality is outstanding, opens quickly and easily, quality of the steel is adequate, the blade shape is attractive and useful, the grip is comfortable and much improved over earlier version (they had sand paper, current version has thin rubber inserts), and Kershaw's service and support is perfect.

This blade is highly used in the military and by law enforcement officers.

Microtech and protech will cost you three times as much.

1.      Fastest assisted opener I've seen. A little thumb pressure on the really well crafted thumb studs and "smack". Opens in a "blur".
2. Blade stregth is superb. Arrives sharp, stays sharp, and cuts with ease.
3. Perfect size. Extremely comfertable in the hand.
4. The grip is very good. An almost soft rubbery silicone grip tape along the outside will not allow you to let go.
5. Pre drilled holes for tip up or tip down carry.
6. If you get the Blur with the partially serrated edges, the serrations are wicked sharp.
7. Well built, put it through abuse fella's just don't get stupid with it.
2.      One amazon it’s a 5 star rated item and it absolutely deserves those glowing reviews.
3.      This is typically one of the blades that I carry every single day and I carry this on my night hikes on the back roads.

4.      Note: Don’t use the blade to pry with.  This isn’t the right type of blade for such activity.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

VOTE : Viewer’s Choice for November 2013




Viewer’s Choice for November 2013
....


Multiple Options to vote on.

Location and Gear.


...............

Locations :

Appalachian Trail: Towards Tennessee (like our previous trip)
Appalachian Trail: Towards Grayson Highlands
Grandfather Mountain (6,000ft Day Hike)


...............

Shelter Options


Golite Shangri-La 3




Black diamond Tripod Bivy




REI Cirque 




Sleeping Bag Options


Mountain Hardwear Tioga




Mammut Ajungilak 





Big Agnes Crater




...............

Packs


The North Face Zelot





The Black Diamond Infinity





Gregory Baltoro




Friday, November 15, 2013

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Improved Combat Shelter - ICS - Preview



Today we are taking a first look at the ORC ICS (Improved Combat Shelter) Tent. The review will be in the future after testing.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

November Day Hike Clothing and Gear Loadout



We're getting ready to go on a COLD Day Hike and this is our Gear Loadout. Thanks for joining me.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Friday, November 8, 2013

ThruNite T10 FlashLight Open Box and Preview



Today we are doing an open box and preview of the ThruNite T10 Flashlight. Links below:

http://www.amazon.com/Thrunite-Keychain-flashlight-lumens-waterproof/dp/B00A1ZUFSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383746278&sr=8-1&keywords=thrunite+t10

Cree XP-G LED (R5) with lifespan of 50,000 hours Three modes of output:High (115 lumens, 1.5hrs) - Low (9 lumens, 39hrs ) - firefly 0.09lumens 147hours with memory Tested with Ni-mh battery with actual capacity 2500mAh Stable current regulated circuit, stable brightness Uses one 1.5V AA battery ni-mh, alkaline . 14500 batteries are not recommeded, because they heat up quickly. 17-gram weight excluding batteries Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard Toughened double ultra-clear glass lens Reliable twist switch Candle mode Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle Accessories: key ring. Size: 81x17mm

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Preparing Camp - Processing Firewood



The Outdoor Gear Review presents an afternoon in the woods with some of our favorite gear. The SP50, the Fiskars Axe, and the Sven Saw. We spend an afternoon processing firewood in preparation of an upcoming overnight adventure. Sawing and chopping...

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

FILBE Hydration Carrier - Review



It's time to finally review the FILBE Hydration carrier after month and months worth of use and literally hundreds of miles and hours of trail time.

FILBE Hydration Carrier Review
-          Literally used for hundreds of miles worth of hiking.
-          Easily attaches with the use of D-rings to other packs.
-          3 (100oz) liter USMC version of the Camelbak Milspec Antidote Hydration Reservoir.
-          Hose is long, 46 inches and the tube is insulated. Has a bite valve cover to keep dirt out and off it.  Quick release for the tube and the bite valve.  Clip to attack to pack for keeping it in place.  Has shut off valve
-          Some pals webbing on the front to attack a small pouch
-          Two zippered pockets
-          Buckle in the front, I will put my sweater or hat in there to carry it.
-           Velco placement at the top
-          Drag handle
-          Divided mesh pocket
-          Side zip to access bladder
-          Back pocket where I keep a lightweight poncho
-          Has shoulder straps with sternum strap
Made by Eagle Industries and it part of the larger FILBE system.
Can be found sold separately time to time for $70.  Price will vary of course.
Cordura fabric.
…..
Highly water resistant, not waterproof.  I’ve carried this during rocking thunderstorms and nothing was soaked on the inside, it was damp.

Finally we move to the review; Guys it’s a buy.  It’s fairly lightweight, very versatile.  Offers enough room for a good day hike.  Comfortable.  Certainly one of my favorite pieces of gear and certainly worth $70.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Vaultz Mesh Bags - Review - Organizing Gear - The Outdoor Gear Review


Amazon Link : http://www.amazon.com/Vaultz-Storage-Assorted-Colors-VZ01211/dp/B001CDD0X8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383218409&sr=8-1&keywords=vaultz+storage+bags