Tuesday, November 28, 2017

$25??? - Excellent Quality, Excellent Price! - HQ Issue Reverse MOLLE Ba...



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Today Luke is reviewing a small military style pack which has really impressed him; the HQ Issue Reverse MOLLE Backpack!



Link : https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/hq-issue-reverse-molle-day-pack?a=1935341

Weight : 1.8lbs

Price : $25.00

Colors : Black, Olive and Coyote,

Based on the classic MOLLE packs you've seen throughout history. It features a durable 600-denier polyester shell, ventilated mesh back panel, and contoured shoulder straps for comfort. Get yours here for LESS!

·              Constructed from 600-denier polyester for lightweight durability
·              Ventilated mesh back panel
·              Contoured shoulder straps for comfort
·              Reinforced carry handle for easy transport
·              4 quick-release compression straps
·              Main compartment accepts up to a 2.5L hydration bladder (not included)
·              Covered dual hydration portholes
·              Soft touch-fastener lining won't scratch your gear
·              Dimensions are 10" x 8" x 17"h.
·              1,360-cu. in. (approx. 22 liters) capacity
·              Imported

Order today!

Key Specifications

·              Item Number: 641080
·              Dimensions: 10" x 8" x 17"h.
·              Weight: 1.8 lbs.

Capacity: 1,360-cu. in. (approx. 22 liters)
Country of origin: China

Review :

This is a small pack which is perfect for a day hike.  Perfect for your EDC needs, carrying a handgun for carry and conceal and so on.



Sunday, November 26, 2017

Chasing the Sun - Day Hike + Photography + Stealth Camp Scout



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Join Luke for a multi-aspect adventure where he is chasing the sunrise, doing some photography and scouting out for his next Stealth Overnight Adventure!

Previous Trip : https://youtu.be/Ut2-scGmRVk








Friday, November 24, 2017

That's a Lot of Gloves! - Texas Good Gloves - Viewer Product Showcase



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This is episode 3 of the Viewer Product Showcase and tonight we have some Gloves....gloves of all types from Texas Good Gloves!

Texas Good Gloves Web Site : https://www.texasgoodgloves.com

Texas Good Gloves Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TexasGoodGloves/


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

High Route Gear RectangleLight Food Bag – Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the High Route Gear RectangleLight Food Bag which is an excellent way to carry food and can be used as a bear bag as well!

….

Link : https://www.highroutegear.com/collections/ultralight-storage-systems/products/weekender-food-bag-black

Price : $30

Weight : 2.9oz

Colors :  Gray, Black and Blue

The RectangleLight Food Bag is perfect for a 2-3 day trip or a simple over-nighter. The simple design allows for easy access to your food and other consumables.

Xpac is a great fabric. While we are familiar with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) aka Cuben Fiber, we felt that the fabric lacked long term durability. DCF is a great material but while Xpac weighs slightly more it is FAR more durable. We wanted a storage/food bag that could be ultralight but still be scraped on rocks and dropped from trees. Xpac’s laminated and reinforced construction allows for that level of durability.

·              Made with durable X-Pac VX21 Fabric
·              Water-Resistant
·              YYK weather resistant, inverted zipper.
·              Weight: 2.9 ounces
·              Dimensions: 12 inches x 6 inches x 6 inches
·              Volume: 432 cubic inches (7 Liters)
·              MADE IN THE USA

Pros :

Excellent quality.

Looks to be handmade

Well thought-out and designed.

High quality materials-name brand zippers

It is weather resistant,

Easy to use as a bear bag

I keep a large thick plastic bag inside for trash along with lots of line and a carabineer for bear bag usage

Cons :

There is no logo or label on the bag and I have on multiple occasions who made it.  On a gear testing trip a week ago I was having lunch along side of the trail and had a hiker pass, we talked and he asked about my food bag…unfortunately I couldn’t tell him who made it as there isn’t a logo or label and I couldn’t remember it.


Sunday, November 19, 2017

Simple! - Mountain Laurel Designs Titanium Mug - Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the ultralight and simplistic Mountain Laurel Designs Titanium Mug.



 Solar Eclipse Bushcraft Overnight Adventure : https://youtu.be/WWYIxqseAh0

Link :  https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/titanium-mug/

Cost : $30

Weight : 1.4oz

at 475 ml, the MLD Titanium Mug makes the perfect UL drinking cup or cook pot for overnights and quick trips where you only plan to rehydrate a meal or two! Go Super Minimalist: Carry no stove and use a tiny twig fire to heat it up quick!

Small + Light + Strong

FEATURES
• Thanks to our custom thin-walled design, MLD Titanium pots and mugs are the lightest Ti cookware available
• Great for fast solo overnights when you only plan to rehydrate a meal or two
• Just the right size for “Dip-Zap-Slurp-Go” with a SteriPen UV purifier.
• Individual cup for drinks from the communal boil pot
• Beefy rolled rim for easy finger grip and setting securely on a mini caldera cone. Aluminum Foil makes a great lid if needed.
• Emergency back up boiling cup to purify water. Just the right size to store a “Ten Essentials” kit inside.
• We just love its small size – PERFECT for kids to have their own mug. We carry one for each little one and heat the hot chocolate in the big pot before serving all around.
• Stores in the MLD Titanium Pot – and most pots larger than 500 ml.

HEIGHT: 3.5 in | 90 mm

WIDTH: 3.2 in | 82 mm

Pros :

….

Perfect size for coffee or hot chocolate.

Extremely light weight

Strong. – it has seen a lot of use and abuse without any issues.

Can be used for boiling where not all titanium products can be.

Cheaper and lighter weight than the MSR Titan Cup…but the Titan cup does hand butterfly handles.

Fits inside of other cups and pots; those over 500ml so you an additional titanium pot, you can have a full light weight cookkit; pot and cup.

Cons :

….

MLD seems to be a bit confused as to what the weight of this product is as they state on the listing page two different figures; 1.2oz and 1.3oz.  According to my scale, neither are correct as it is 1.4oz.

This is small; 475ml but that is filled to the brim so you will be boiling less if you decide to boil in the cup.  The small size isn’t con really because this is a cup, not a pot.

Pricey! – At $30 it is roughly $8 more expensive than many comparable products….but most comparable products are twice as heavy.  Something to think about.

….

Review :

I love this cup and it makes for a perfect addition to my backpacking kit.  I use it with a 750ml pot and I have all of my needs covered.  It is pricey but the weight savings are important to me.  Now with that being said, they may not be that important to everyone.  To a thruhiker, it will be.  To the average short distance backpacker, the weight won’t likely be that important.


Friday, November 17, 2017

Will It Leak? - ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent - Test Night



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It is time for another episode of Test Night!

Join Luke in the backcountry as he puts the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1 Person Tent to the test.

Will it Leak?

A special thank you goes out to CampingSurvival.com for making this video and review possible.



Link : https://www.campingsurvival.com/zephyr1al.html




Wednesday, November 15, 2017

For The Right Price - Aqua Quest West Coast Combo - Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the Aqua Quest West Coast Combo!

Tarp + Bivy/Tent;

It's all about the price....

….

Aqua Quest West Coast Combo

Link :  https://www.aquaquestwaterproof.com/product/west-coast-combo/

Price : $300 for the combo but can be purchased as each individual components if desired. ($160 on amazon)

The Bivy : $160. ($80 on amazon)

The Tarp 13’ x 10’ King Defender : $170 retail.  $100 on Amazon

Weight : Total weight around 5lbs (4lbs 14oz)

Just in case you don’t know, Aqua Quest is known for making some of the best Tarps on the planet; very strong and feature rich.

 With this setup here, it is called the West Coast Combo for a reason; namely that it is perfect for west coast conditions; namely hot arid climates.

For serious storms and tons of rain; there are better options out there.

Specs:

•       Capacity: 1-2 Person
•       Weight: 2.33 lbs / 1060 g
•       Set-Up: 87 x 35 x 39 in / 200 x 90 x 100 cm
•       Width at Shoulders: 35 in / 90 cm
•       Height at Shoulders: 24 in / 60 cm
•       Width at Feet: 25 in / 65 cm
•       Height at Feet: 8 in / 20 cm

Packed: 17 x 6 x 5 in / 44 x 15 x 12 cm

Features:

•       3 walls of ‘No-See-Um’ insect proof mesh
•       Batwing stiffeners keep the foot section elevated
•       Waterproof floor (double coated nylon with heat taped seams)
•       2 internal mesh pockets
•       Overhead loop for hanging a light
External loops for rolling up the mesh door or hanging small items

LG Guide Sil Tarp
Specs:

•       20,000 mm hydrostatic resistance
•       Weight: 1.9 lbs / 860 g
•       Packed Size: 12 x 6 x 2 in / 30 x 15 x 5 cm
•       Total Area: 12.6 x 9.8 ft ( ca. 130 sq. ft) / 3.91 x 2.95 m (ca. 12 sq. m)

Features:

•       40D RipStop fabric
•       Non-toxic dual Silicone & PU coating
•       Reinforced stitching
•       Heat taped seams
•       16 reinforced webbing loops around the perimeter

1 top center loop

…..


Monday, November 13, 2017

What a Mistake! HaHa - Sunjack LightStick Mini Powerbank – Review



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Up for review is the Sunjack LightStick Mini.  Watch now to find out why this product has Luke shaking his head.  What a Mistake.....



Link Sunjack Web Site : https://www.sunjack.com/products/waterproof-lightstick-powerbank?variant=26229579017

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/SunJack-Waterproof-LightStick-Mini-Backpacking/dp/B0195TNJXQ

Price : $30

Weight : 4.5oz with lanyard

Light : 350 Lumens

Battery Bank : 2.600 mAh battery bank

Mini Technical Specifications


• Waterproof LightStick – a rugged, portable lighting solution complete with internal powerbank.
• 2 brightness levels + emergency flash (350 lumens on brightest setting)
• IP68 Waterproof to 6.5 feet depth

durable ABS  body, no glass, shock resistant.

• Full charge in 5 hours from the wall, provides up to 60 hours of light on lowest setting.. Highest setting is around 5 hours.

Red SOS Mode

• 2600mAh internal battery charges up to 2 smartphones
• Unit Dimension: 6" x 1.5" x 1.5" (15.25cm x 3.8cm x 3.8cm)
• Unit Weight: 4oz / 113.4g
• Packaging Dimension: 6" x 2" x 1.75" (15.2cm x 5.1cm x 4.5cm)

Pros :

….

Sunjack makes excellent quality lightsticks; some I have had for years now and they continue to work flawlessly. A few years back I received a knockoff from a company; don’t remember the name of it but it didn’t work very well.  The point of this is; Sunjack continues to offer excellent quality products and that is true with the LightStick Mini.

Good amount of light on all three settings.

It isn’t 360 degrees of light so you can hold it, work and not blind yourself at the same time.

Great for backpacking; use around camp at night and then charge your phone.

The interface works; but it is a bit clunky as you have to click to switch modes and to turn it off.  Not a con, just clunky.

Makes for an excellent emergency light source and battery bank.

Makes for a great work light too.

Excellent size; not too big, not to small.

Weather resistant; I’ve used this one in light rain without any issues and the regular size model has seen rain, snow and bitter colds.  Handled all conditions without any issues.  I don’t expect this model to have any issues either but I will update if something comes up.

Tail cap is secured to the stick so you won’t lose it

You can use the light and charge your device at the same time. Only the lowest setting is available.

Cons
Considering that the full size stick is offers more modes and a larger battery bank, you would expect these sticks to be further apart in regards to price but they aren’t.  The mini is only $10 cheaper than the regular size.

Because of the shape of this stick, it doesn’t stand very well and will roll easily.

the red "SOS" signal is NOT correct -- it blinks 3 short, 2 long, 4 short and then repeats this pattern. In Morse code this is "SMH" not "SOS".. For me, it’s not a deal breaker; to be honest, I don’t care at all.

SMH stands for; shaking my head.. FAIL!

SOS is

3 short, 3 long, 3 short.


Sunday, November 12, 2017

That's Awesome! - Viewer Mail #37



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

It's mail time again and as always I am honored and thankful!

You all are the best viewers!




Thursday, November 9, 2017

Alpine Aire Sides : Apples + Peaches + Trail Mix + Guacamole Review - Ca...



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

It's time for Camper's Cafe where Susan and Luke try out backpacking foods from all around the world.  Up for review today are some side items from Alpine Aire;

Apples, Peaches, Trail Mix and Guacamole Dip.

Three of these we love and one of them.....

Well, you have to watch and see for yourself.

Link : https://www.alpineaire.com


Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Slightly Confused - Nomadik Subscription Box - October



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Nomadik Subscription Box - October

Susan and I know how much you love seeing these unboxings so here is another one!  This is the Nomadik October Box; the unboxing and discussion begins now....

...

Link : https://thenomadik.com


Sunday, November 5, 2017

What Should We Review Next - Vote Now - Help Decide




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It is time to vote on the product that we will get in to review next.  The following options have been suggested by you all; thank you very much!

Head over to;
http://www.theoutdoorgearreview.com/

Remember, every dollar helps to support the channel!

Cast your vote on the right side of the page and once the voting ends I will purchase the product and will get it in to show off and review.




Friday, November 3, 2017

Now That is Different! - Fenix TK25 R&B (Blue/Red) Flashlight - Review



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Today Luke is reviewing the Fenix TK25 Red and Blue Flashlight!  This is certainly....different!




Link Fenix : https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fenix-tk25-rb-blue-red-light-flashlight/

Price : Retail $120 but prices vary all over the net; At the time of filming, I saw them for around $90.

Weight : 7.1oz with 18650 battery

NOTE : On amazon I have seen a couple of listing which the reviewers state that the flashlight that they received were knockoffs so make sure that you are purchasing an authentic product.  I have also seen a warning about fraudulent sellers on the Fenix web site which you should check out.

Battery life is dependent on a 3,500 mAh Battery

·              Uses Cree XP-G2 S3 and XP-E2 (red & blue) LED’s with a lifespan of 50,000 hours

·              Powered by one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries

·              Free switching between white, red and blue lights

·              Compatible with AER-03 remote pressure switch

·              Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery insertion

·              Tactical tail switch for momentary activation

·              Functional tail switch for output selection and strobe activation

·              Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum

·              Premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish

·              Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating

·              Titanium pocket clip

·              Very versatile light with multipurpose applications. Hunters will find it useful with the red setting for a “kill light”, the blue setting for map reading and movement at night, and the white setting for going in and setting up before dawn or withdrawing after dark.

·             

Pros :

Excellent fit and finish

Excellent quality

Excellent battery life

Innovative design

No glitches


Cons :

It is pricey but you are getting your monies worth

No battery included