Sunset : Day Hike Adventure

This is Luke and Susan's Sunset Day Hike Adventure.
Enjoy my friends.

Marmot Polartec Power Stretch Pullover - Zip Neck - Preview

Today we are previewing the much requested Marmot Polartec Power Stretch Pullover - Zip Neck.

These run about $110 but I picked mine up for $30 on Sierra Trading Post.  Sadly they have sold out so you may want to keep an eye on it and they could get more in.

I believe that this sweater has been discounted but you can still find it on sites like amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Marmot-Mens-Power-Stretch-Pullover/dp/B0085MBFJ0#customerReviews

Highly breathable Polartec® Power Stretch® is wind and abrasion resistant
Four-way stretch for comfort, mobility and shape retention
Flatlock seams reduce chafing and provide a low-profile fit
Stand-up collar for added coverage
Welded zip neck with interior wind flap
Offset side seams for comfort
Bonded zip sleeve pocket
Length: 29" (based on size large)
Made in El Salvador
Zip neck: 9"
Closure: YKK®,Zip neck
Length: 29" (based on size large)
Fabric: 9% elastane, 91% polyester

Excellent product. Fits true to size and isn't super tight like many power stretch pullovers. These are my favorite winter pullovers by far.

Ski, trail run, or take a hike while wearing the versatile Marmot Men's Power Stretch 1/2-Zip Fleece Top. Stretch fabric moves with you while you travel on the trail or the mountain, and the 1/2-zip front quickly dumps heat. Wear this top as a midlayer during the deep of winter, and wear it alone during the milder months.

Polartec Power Stretch fabric provides plenty of warmth in cold weather and helps to move chilling moisture away from the surface of your skin when you heat up
Elastane fibers allow the Power Stretch fabric to stretch and flex as you do so you maintain full range of motion
Athletic fit keeps this top close to your body for warmth but still allows for light layering underneath if needed
Flatlock construction eliminates hot spots at seams
Elastic drawcord hem lets you cinch the hem of this top so you can keep the cold out

I’ve been wearing this pullover for a few months now and I really like it.   It looks great, fits great, performs very well.  With just a shirt and this pullover I’m comfortable down to about 40 degrees F.  When it’s colder than that I will add another sweater and that will keep me warm down to 20F.

Sunset : Day Hike Adventure - INTRO

This is the INTRO for the Sunset Day Hike Adventure.
The actual adventure will be online soon.

Yukon Outfitters Bug Out Bag - Preview

Today we are taking a look at the Yukon Outfitters Bug Out Bag.
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http://www.yukon-outfitters.com/en/catalog/product/bug_out_bag_MG-5076#myTab

$50.00

Available colors are black, foliage, olive drab and storm grey.

Warranty: 1 Year Limited Yukon Outfitter's

The purpose of this bag is for when you have to get out of dodge as the saying goes.  In other words this is a bug out bag and it’s perfect for those who like to prep and for those who love tactical gear.  Like myself.

I also see this for another use; Vehicle Emergency Bag.  Food, water, blanket, some tools, duct tape, stove, flash light, batteries, etc.  Here in the mountains where I live, it’s common to carry with you an emergency bag especially in the winter.  Storms come in, they are hard to forecast and they close roads all the time.

This pack was designed to be worn as a back pack and to be carried as a duffle bag.  This is incredibly smart.  You can use it at the airport as part of your luggage today and your bug out bag tomorrow.

Dual zippers
Molle/pals compatible

Bug out bag
Hidden shoulder straps for bugging out
Urban and outdoor compatible
Drop top handle for use as a duffel
Made of durable 600D polyester with plastic buckles and neoprene handle

Specs:

Length: 26 inches
Width: 13 inches
Height: 11 inches
Weight: 4.2lbs
Capacity: 55 Liter
Materials: 600D

ThruNite Ti Limited Christmas Edition - Preview

Today we are looking at the ThruNite Ti Limited Edition Christmas Edition Flashlight.

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Ti:
Official Store: http://www.thrunite.com/thrunite-ti-limited-christmas-edition/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQBOW0G/
Amazon CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B00QQBOW0G/
Amazon Germany: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00QQBOW0G/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00QQBOW0G/
Amazon France: http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00QQBOW0G/
Amazon JP: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00QQBOW0G/

$29.95

Type: Key Chain Flashlight
Use: Excellent EDC Backup light

Battery: AAA

Lumens:
Low:.5 Lumens (115hrs)
Medium: 12 Lumens (6.3hrs)
High: 162lumens (1hrs)

Max Beam Distance: 45m

Memory: Yes

Material:Titanium Alloy (TC4)

LED: Cree XP-L V4 LED with a lifespan of 20+years of run time

Modes: Four output modes: firefly, low, high and a hidden strobe

Pocket clip: Removable

Weight: Light enough for your pocket

Waterproof: Yes ; IPX-8 2M
Impact Resistant: 1.5M

- Clip is surprisingly impressive. Strong.
- Tail stands without problem.

Jan. 21st 2014 Update :

The sunset hike was a blast and the INTRO will be up on Monday. The SunSet Adventure video will come later next week. Tomorrow is a big day; Overnight Adventure Time!!! This trip will be pretty epic especially if everything falls into place. While some elements may change, the trip will be awesome no matter what. HINT: S-T-E-A-L-H! 
- Luke

Swiss Kitchen Reserve Hatchet - Preview

It's Military Surplus Wednesday and we are taking a look at the Swiss Kitchen Reserve Hatchet.

$23.99 FROM SWISSLINK .COM

http://www.swisslink.com/products/tools_utilities/swiss_kitchen_reserve_hatchet-18-1893/

Solid hardwood handle is 13”.

Sharp solid steel head

Flat pounding surface on back side of head

3 1/4" cutting edge.

 Weighs 2 lbs., 4 ozs.

I will do a video in the future on how to sharpen axes.

Exotac polySTRIKER XL Ferrocerium - Preview and Test

Today we are previewing and testing out the Exotac polySTRIKER XL Ferrocerium Striker.

Exotac polySTRIKER XL Ferrocerium Fire Starter
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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K7F4SY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$15.82

Available in three colors: Red, Black, Gray

Snap-in striking tool
Ultra sharp tungsten carbide striking tool
Ferrocerium rod works when wet
Up to 10,000 fire-starting strikes
Made in the USA

There is a smaller version of the polyStriker which offers you up to 1500 strikes and it weighs half an oz.  It cost $12

Pronounced : Exo-Tac

I/O Merino Limitless Bandana - Review

Today we are reviewing the I/O Merino Limitless Bandana.
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http://iomerino.com/limitless-bandana-black-s-m

$29.50
Stats:
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Weight: 1.6oz
Materical:  Enigma fabric. (96% Australian Merino wool with 4% elastin.)   18.5 micron soft and lightweight MicroMerino

Comes in two sizes: S to M and M to L.

Features: Tag free, flat lock seems

This is a hybrid face mask and neck tube and it can also be warn as a head cover.

When used as a mask or neck tube, you can tuck it inside of your jacket to prevent your neck from getting cold.

Pros: Very light weight, very compact.  Can easily fit in your pocket without taking up much space.  Does a good a job blocking wind and keeping you warm.  I have worn this down to 2 degrees F with 40mph winds and it certainly works well.

Con.  Price.  Sadly $30 for a merino wool mask is a little expensive even though for the product, this is right around the average going rate for a merino wool bandana.  Example: Icebreaker has a very similar bandana for $24.99 and a thicker model for #29.  For much less one could pick up a wool scarf and do everything that this mask does with a little know how.

So you’re probably wondering, would Luke buy one.  I have to say that I really like this Bandana but for $30 I think the price is high even though it is Australian merino wool.  When it comes to a winter bandana I would feel comfortable spending $10 - $15.  At the most $20.

I do thank I/O Merino for sending this to me to test out and review.

German M31 Mess kit - Preview

Today we are taking a look at the German M31 Mess kit.

AKA: West German Mess Kit - Preview

it should be mentioned that there are at least three variations of this kit;

The east german, the west and the west german police.

$19.99

THAT IS A VERY GOOD DEAL AND THESE ARE NORMALLY FOUND FOR $25 -  $30

http://www.swisslink.com/products/camping_outdoor/austrian_mess_kit_used-3-2638/

Swiss link has these for $20 but they are labeled as AUSTRIAN MESS KIT USED.

German 3-Pc Mess kit. Light aluminum Alloy
-Can carry food or knife fork and spoon
-Seals neatly easy to carry
-Olive Green
-West German(Bundeswehr)-excellent shape
-2 eating dishes

Weight : 1lb 2oz
Measurements : 7” long x 4.5 “ wide x 6.25” tall

Has markings on the inside and outside of the pot every 16oz (2cups which is almost 500ml)

Vargo Titanium Water Bottle with Lid - Preview

Today we are previewing the Vargo Titanium Water Bottle with Lid.
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Vargo Titanium Water Bottle with Titanium lid
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$84.50

http://www.vargooutdoors.com/titanium-water-bottle-with-ti-lid.html#.VLK89IuJn0c

I have seen them a bit cheaper on the net though.

Stats:
LID : Foldaway carry loop with silicon ring around the top of the lid.
Weight: 3.9oz
Capacity: 650ml (22oz)
Dimensions: 2.8” wide 8.6” high
Material: Titanium

One thing that I have noticed is that the product details are inconsistent when it comes to Vargo’s descriptions.

Their site says that the bottle with lid weighs 3.9oz.  The box that the bottle comes in says that it weighs 4.6oz

On my scale the products weighs 3.9oz.

Expensive even though this is made of Titanium.

There are stainless steel water bottles that are almost identical which weight 3 oz more but cost in some cases $60 less!

With a product like this you have to ask yourself, is saving a few oz with your water bottle work such a steep price.

Pros: Very light weight.  Can be used over a wood fire to boil water from what I have read.

Cons: I don’t mind the lid but I HATE screwing the lid in and securing it.  It’s like scratching your nails down a chalk board.  If there was any dirt or sediment in the threads it would be a nightmare.

Into The Backcountry - Day Hike

Thank you for joining Susie and I on our first day hike of the year!
Let's head into the Backcountry!

ThruNite TN11S V2 - 365m Thrower - Preview

It's powerful, it's a 'Thrower' and it's affordable;
today we are taking a look at the ThruNite TN11S V2 Flashlight.

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The links are as below:
TN11S V2:

Official Store: http://www.thrunite.com/tn11s-v2/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q3VF7BC/
Amazon CA:  http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00Q3VF7BC/
Amazon Germany: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BS5EZD4/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BS5EZD4/
Amazon FR: http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B00BS5EZD4/
Amazon IT: http://www.amazon.it/dp/B00BS5EZD4/
Amazon JP: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00Q3VF7BC/

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$49.95

1163 max lumens.
Instant access to strobe mode.

4 Modes : Strobe, Low, Medium, High

Offered in both Cool White and Neutral White

Accessories: Extension Tube x2, Holster x1, Pocket Clip x1, O ring x2, Lanyard x1.

Wide working voltage enables CR123, rechargeable RCR123A and 18650 batteries.

LED: CREE XM-L2 U2 LED with a lifespan of 20+ years of run time.

I/O Merino Altitude Zip Base Layer - Review

Today we are taking a look at the I/O Merino Altitude Zip Base Layer.

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$94.50

http://iomerino.com/altitude-lightweight-longsleeve-zip-carbon-grey-s

The Altitude Collection is the I/O Merino Essentials Range.

Comes in Numerous sizes; S M L XL
Two Colors : Gray and Black

There is also a version for women too.

I/O Merino is an Australian company

Made from IO Merino flagship 'enigma' 96% Australian merino wool and 4% elastin fabric providing a four way stretch for easy movement and maximum next to skin contact

Flat lock stitching and raglan sleeves eliminating chafing, maximizing comfort and next-to-skin contact.

Thumb-loops that stop your sleeves riding and uncomfortable sleeves bunched under your arms when layering

Drop back hem designed for tucking into your outer layer, meaning that your skin is never exposed when bending or moving.

Zip neck collar for temperature regulation and infinite adjustability.

Layering: base layer

 Weight: lightweight 6.6oz

Fabric: enigma – 96% merino

Into The Backcountry - INTRO

On the first day of 2015, Susan and I ventured deep into the Backcountry to do a little exploring.  This is the INTRO for the Day Hike which will go live later this week.

Enjoy!

Christmas Giveaway - Winners Announcement

Today we are announcing the Christmas Giveaway Winners!
Thank you everyone who entered.
Have a terrific 2015!

Pack Winners

MusicalWeasel from Youtube

Andrew T. From the web page.

Cara Siccardi Smith from Facebook

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20 Patch Winners :

1 Adam Lippman 

2 Michael Hansel

3 Hunter Petrie

4 Christiaan Van Kleij

5 Isaiah Eagle 

6 Hayden Knight

7 Karla Bueso Arreola 

8 Donald Liverance

9 Miranda Griffin 

10 Sherman Jett 

11 Aaienaa Khurana 

12 Von338LM 

13 Patrizia Giocherò

14 Danielle Lyndon 

15 PureTazr 

16 Drew Richards

17 chelseafeth

18 fraggle79 

19 D Rogers 

20 jamie wall 

Thank you for entering!