Friday, July 29, 2016

V3 Pocket Bellows - Review - A Must for Your Fire Kit



Today Luke is reviewing the Epiphany Outdoor Gear V3 Pocket Bellows.

Will it become a staple of his fire kit?  Find out now!

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Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Epiphany-Outdoor-Gear-V3-Pocket-Bellow/dp/B00LDSW5BA

Link Pocketbellows : http://www.pocketbellows.com

Price : $11.69 on amazon / $15 on their web site (they will accept international orders)

Weight : .8oz for the bellows / 1.0oz for the bellows and container

Telescoping

Pros :

Easy to use
Lightweight
Strong
Simple design

The pocket bellows also puts some distance between you and the combustion, reducing irritation.

Cons :
Could be longer :D

Review :

This has become a staple item within my fire kit.  Before I began testing this out, I pegged this to be somewhat of gimmick but folks, that was my mistake.  I’m about as experienced of an outdoorsman that there is and I love this tool and that is what it is. A valuable tool! This is purchase that I wouldn’t regret as it’s incredibly simple and incredibly useful.

I’ve used to get my fires going, I’ve used it to bring my fires back to life, I’ve used this to create smokey burns to get rid of bugs.  I have used this to focus heat to boil my water faster.

Buy it!


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Cross Country Invitation - Road Trip Adventure



Luke is about to begin his epic adventure across the United States with 'Trail Blazer!'  Join them both and get ready for the video Series which is coming soon!

9/10 days, 5,500+ miles!

Make sure to follow the adventure on Facebook beginning the 29th!

Facebook Link : https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Outdoor-Gear-Review/281509538652229

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Propper 16x8 Hook and Loop Hydration Sleeve – Review





Today Luke is reviewing the Propper 16x8 Hook and Loop Hydration Sleeve.

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Link Propper : https://www.propper.com/propperr-16x8-hydration-sleeve.html   $22.99

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Propper-Hydration-Sleeve-Black-Size/dp/B01BIY07ZO   $28.30

Colors : Black Only

Weight : 8.4oz

·        100% Polyester

·        Sized to fit most popular 3 liter hydration reservoirs

·        Padded for additional protection and insulation

·        Lined for water resistance

·        Hook backed and loop faced for attaching to loop fields without limiting additional hook and loop accessories

·        Large open-top compartment allows for easy entry and removal with a secure hook and loop retention strap

·        16" H x 8" W x 1" D

I wish that it had a clip on the inside to support the hydration bladder from sagging as water is removed from the bladder.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger Review



The viewers have been asking to see some Anker battery packs and here ya go!  This is the Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh with Quick Charge 3.0 review.



Link Anker : https://www.anker.com/products/A1272011

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/PowerCore-Qualcomm-Portable-Backwards-Compatible/dp/B00VLNT9KW

Price : Currently $50 on Amazon

Weight : 12.5 oz

Dimensions :

 a green USB QC 3.0 compatible output port, a regular 5V/1A USB output port,

All of the safety systems that you would expect from a powerbank are built in;

Short circuit protection         Temperature control         Surge protection       Auto shutoff.

 iPhone is not QC 3.0 compatible, I used the standard 1A port. And using it, it charged my iPhone just as fast as it does with my standard Apple wall charger.

Charging Times for Iphone 5s :

If your device accepts quick charging this powerbank is going to have much better charge times.  80% in 35 minutes fast.

PowerCore 20000 packs seven iPhone charges or five Galaxy S6 charges into your bag or pocket. That’s a whole week of charging without needing to plug into the wall.

Charging Time : 11 hours to fully charge the device.  LEDs will shut off when it is done charging.

Pros :

Fast charging especially with compatible quick charge products
Lots of juice.
Will automatically adjust the charging speed based on the device.
Can charge multiple devices at once.
This is a really good brand.  Trust worthy.  I have reviewed a lot of different brands, some were terrible.  Some were good.  Anker is just about always great.
Holds a charge for a very long time

Cons :

Large and heavy but for the amount of power, it’s understandable.  Perfect for a backpack, not for a pocket.

Takes a long time to fully charge the powercore.


Friday, July 22, 2016

What's in the Box??? - Viewer Mail - Unboxing 13




What's in the Box???

Today we're looking at some viewer mail that was sent in to The Outdoor Gear Review.  As always I'm honored and thankful.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Fenix RC11 - Magnetic Rechargeable Flashlight - Review



Today Luke is reviewing the Fenix RC11 1000 Lumens Magnetic Rechargeable Flashlight!



Link Fenix : http://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-rc11-led-flashlight/

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/RC11-rechargeable-Flashlight-battery-EdisonBright/dp/B01DQH275Y

Price : Retails for around $100 but I have seen it selling for $80 at the time of filming

Length: 4.5” (113.5mm)

Diameter: 1.2” (29.5mm)

Batteries: One 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery (included) Fenix 2600 mAh

Included: Lanyard, holster, body clip, spare O-ring, charging cable, Fenix 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery

Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee from Fenix Lighting US

Pros :

Easy charging                  Great performance                 Nice stepping between modes              Great size

Good fit and finish              Charging indictor light on the cable             Excellent run times  Low voltage notification

Cons :

Will turn on in your pocket unless locked          Not the easiest to use       Down shifts from turbo to high in 5 minutes

*Cree XM-L2 U2 LED
*Five brightness levels:
---*Turbo: 1000 lumens - 1 hr 20 min [downshifts from Turbo to High after working 5 min. to prevent overheating.]
---*High: 500 lumens - 2 hr 50 min
---*Medium: 150 lumens - 11 hr 10 min
---*Low: 50 lumens - 29 hr 30 min
---*Eco: 10 lumens - 135 hr
*Beam distance: 208 Yards (190m)
*Length: 4.5" inches (113.5mm)
*Body Diameter: 1.2" inches (29.5mm)
*Weight: 2.5 oz. (70g) (excluding battery)
*Waterproof: IPX-8 (2 meters underwater)

Contents: Lanyard, holster, body clip, spare O-ring, charging cable, Fenix 2600 mAh 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery,

user manual and warranty card.

Press and hold for .5 second to turn on.

Press to select modes.

Press and hold while on for strobe mode 1.2 seconds

To lock, double click when off.  Same to unlock


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Monday, July 18, 2016

Teton Sports Scout 3400 Backpack - Review



Today Luke is reviewing the TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack.  This is a budget friendly pack that doesn't cut any corners.



Link Tenton : http://www.tetonsports.com/Backpacks/Internal-Frame/Scout3400.htm#.V3qjEfnyu5g

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/PowerCore-Qualcomm-Portable-Backwards-Compatible/dp/B00VLNT9KW

Price : These run around the $70 mark on the net.  At the time of filming Amazon had the green version of this pack for $60 and the Orange for $85

Colors : Two colors – Orange and Green

Weight : 4.5lbs

Materials : Polyester

Size 30" x 17" x 12", Capacity 3400 Cubic Inches/55 Liters, Weight 4.5 lbs.

Torso length adjustable from 15" - 19. 5"

Side and front compression straps to secure sleeping bag, pad or tent

Sleeping bag compartment located on bottom of bag and accessed with a front zipper

Front and top bungee stash storage for jackets, shoes, rope, or sleeping pad

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Pros :

Well built.     Inexpensive.      Lots of great features.     Adjustable      Good warranty.      Nicely padded.        Includes a rain cover

Cons :

Heavy.  That is my biggest complaint with this pack.  Since it is more a budget pack, the weight goes up.

Review :

I’ve had this pack for 6 years and it continues to perform very, very well for me and I paid $55 for it.

Was it worth $55?  Absolutely!  Is it worth a $100?  I believe so.  This is a terrific pack for those who are on a limited budget or those who are testing the waters when it comes to backpacking.

With a 30lbs loadout I find this pack very comfortable.  As you drop down in weight it becomes even more so.

My brother bought one of these 3 years ago and it has served him well too.  No issues to report.

For this price, this is an amazing backpack and 5 years later, I continue to use it.




Friday, July 15, 2016

Fjallraven Father and Son Overnight Adventure



Join Luke and his son Lucas for an overnight trip on the Appalachian Trail.  This is the Fjallraven Father and Son Overnight Adventure.

We hope that you all have as much fun as we did.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Italian Army Vegetato Rucksack - Military Surplus





It's Military Surplus Wednesday and today Luke is taking a look at the Italian Army Vegetato Rucksack.



Link Keepshooting : http://www.keepshooting.com/italian-army-vegetato-rucksack.html

Price : 169.95

This large Italian Army Vegetato Rucksack is by far the nicest and most versatile military issue rucksack we have ever sold. Looking at all of the features, you would be correct in thinking the designer considered every possible military use and where possible added features for it. Capable of carrying over 90L of cargo along with one of the most comfortable padded frames, no job is too big or too small for this military issue backpack.

Material “ Cordura

(veg – e-tat-o)

Features:

·        Authentic Italian Army Vegetato Rucksack
·        Zippered Side Pockets for External Storage
·        Zippered Bottom Access to Main Cargo Compartment
·        Zippered Bottom External Pocket
·        Full Molle System for Attaching Included Pouches or Other Molle Gear
·        Extensive Use of Buckles for Compression and Access
·        Holds over 90L of Cargo - Exandable to 120L
·        Vegetato Camouflage Pattern
·        Near New Condition


Monday, July 11, 2016

Happy Camel Wool Socks - Review



Today Luke and Susan are reviewing the Happy Camel Wool Socks.

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Link Happy Camel :  www.happycamelwool.com

Price : $16.00

Weight : 2.6oz for the pair

Size : small, Med, large, extra large

Details about the socks :

•       92% camel wool, 8% spandex and polyester

•       Lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking

•       Naturally odor resistant

•       Natural lanolin moisturizes and softens

•       Hollow fibers provide excellent insulation

•       Comforting for achy muscles, sore joints, and arthritis.




Friday, July 8, 2016

Fjallraven Father and Son Overnight Adventure - INTRO



This is the INTRO for our latest Adventure, the Fjallraven Father and Son Overnight Adventure.

The actual Adventure is coming soon.

Enjoy.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

SurvivalBoxes.com Subscription Box #5 - Unboxing



Today Luke and Susan doing an Unboxing of the SurvivalBoxes.com Subscription Box.  This is box #5.  Will it be good or will there be some major issues?  Grab a cup of coffee and lets see what's inside.

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LINK : http://survivalboxes.com

SURVIVAL BOXES are packed with items from the survival elements of Gear, Food, and Water. Plus Survival Garden Seeds!

Every month you will receive:

• Survival Gear - (2-5 survival items or 1 major one)

• Survival Food - 25-year shelf life storable meals and foods (Different entree & food varieties every month)

- 24 hours/1 Day supply of 25-year storable food in every box

***Minimum of 8 servings/2000 Calories in every box***

• Survival Water - Emergency water & water purification

• Survival Seeds - Storable Non-GMO Heirloom seeds (3 varieties per month that will produce renewable food in your survival garden)

• Survival Knowledge Cards - Survival Tips and Instruction

Cost : $39.99 monthly

prepay for 3 months : $116.97

Prepay 6 months : $227.94

Prepay 12 months : $443.88

Shipping : $9.95

Monthly Box :

Boxes will ship around the 7th

Awesome Money Back Guarantee :

Cancel or skip a box anytime!  No questions and no hassle!  If you are not 100% satisfied with your Survival Box,  just send it back.

Survival Food :

The company also has a survival box of food supplies which include storable food along with seeds.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Monday, July 4, 2016

Backpacking Basics : Inexpensive Kit (ditty) Organizer Bags





This is Backpacking Basics and Luke is going over an inexpensive option for creating your own kit (ditty) bags.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Viewer Mail - Unboxing 12




Today we're looking at some viewer mail that was sent in to The Outdoor Gear Review.  As always I'm honored and thankful.