Wednesday, July 31, 2019

How To Care for Your Backpacking Gear When the Trip is Over



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The adventure is over and you return home with some dirty gear and some work to do.

When I come home from a backpacking trip, these are the steps which I go through every single time to ensure that my gear continues to work properly and lasts me long into the future.


Friday, July 26, 2019

Military Gear and Storms! - Military Surplus Solo Overnight Adventure




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Within nature, it isn't just men and women who are susceptible to the conditions as life and death are very much an active part of the entire process which makes this world possible.

In this adventure, I stumbled upon an animal which was hurt and dying and I did my best to care for it until it passed away; it was an intense adventure for many reasons.

Additionally, the brutality of nature is presented with a series of high elevation storms with some VERY close lightning strikes.

Military Gear; LiteFighter Combat Tent, FPG MarPack, 'Woobie,' Swiss Stove and More!

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Worth $19? - �� TOMSHOO Budget Gasifier Wood Stove - Review




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Remember the Canway Wood Stove?
This is its competition which features a very similar design but there are some important differences.

Is it Better or is it Worse?

This is my review of the TOMSHOO Wood Stove!

..

Link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RK5MJ2

Weight : 14.1oz for the stove and legs; the entire stove and all components is 1.06lbs

Price : $20

Recently I reviewed the Canway Wood Stove and this stove from Tomshoo is very similar.  In fact, it shares in essentially the same design but with some minor changes.

First off it is lighter weight than the Canway stove as it features thinner metal. The pot support system is different as well.

Wood and Alcohol Stove

There is two versions of this stove, this one and a version which has a handle on the bottom support.  That version is $30 and isn’t worth the money in my opinion.


From the Company : 
·  Sturdy & Stable: This camping stove made of durable stainless steel. The windproof serrated cross stand offers a stable platform for your cookware and increases heat contact.

·  Unique Design, Efficient Burning: The wood stove has the double wall inside makes cold air to be heated fast when entering the chamber, thus significantly improve burning efficiency.

·  Unlimited Fuel: Use the twigs, leaves, branches, wood as fuel to cook a meal on your hike, and the stove includes a tray to hold solid alcohol fuel.

·  Foldable & Lightweight: Easily collapsible into a compact size (5.4" x 2.8") and packed in the mesh carrying sack for convenient storage. At only 1 pound.

·  What You Get:1*TOMSHOO Camping Stove,1*Alcohol Tray, 1*BBQ Grill Net 1*Mesh Storage Sack, 12-month worry-free warranty and friendly customer service.

….

Pros :

Good quality gasifer stove.

Good design, simple to put together

Stable!

Very good quality – no flex at all- impressive for $20

With good materials, it takes roughly 3 minutes for the gasification process to start and the stove is ready to go.

Wind resistant.

Thanks to the size, it can burn for a very long time and it is easier to simmer with than some wood stoves.

Coals will stay hot very a very long time
Good quality mesh bag.

Centralized flame

Legs are solid into place, stable

Comes with the grill cover

You don’t have to use the included alcohol plate, you can uses a different stove if you want to. If you were going to, I would leave all of this at home and built a pot stand out of sticks or rocks

Compatible with any cup or pot – this can’t be said with all wood burning stoves.

Cons :

Doesn’t feel as substantial as other wood stoves, which is especially true with the Canway stove in mind.

Summary :

You all know that I like wood stoves like this and with the Tomshoo stove, the trend continues.  The design isn’t unique but it is different than some of the other stoves on the market.  It is lighter weight and for some, that will be important.


Monday, July 22, 2019

Fjallraven's Newest Backpack - Fjallraven Keb 52L - First Look




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For the Summer of 2019, Fjallraven has released the Keb Backpack which features a new version of the G-1000 Material which they are calling Bergshell!

This is the first look at the Fjallraven Keb 52L backpack with Wooden Stays!
...

Price : $275

Weight : Almost 5lbs (4lb 15.7oz)

Colors : Men, Blue and black

Women : Black, red navy blue

Versions : 52L (3173cu in) and a 72L

Sexes : The Keb is available in men and womens makes.

Sizes : One fits all

New for 2019 Fjallraven has released the Keb 52 backpack and what makes it very interesting is for me at least, the wood frame which I have only seen on one other of their pacts, the Kaija!

Designed to be a year round backpack, it can be easily adjusted for most users.

The pack features a narrow profile

Made from new Bergshell fabric and well-proven G -1000 HeavyDuty Eco S  – it offers outstanding performance in challenging terrain.

trekking backpack with ski touring functionality.

Made from G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco S with base and side sections in Bergshell, a waterproof 400D ripstop fabric made from 31% recycled nylon.

Wooden frame made from FSC-certified birch.

Narrow profile gives freedom of movement on technical treks/ski trips.

Ergonomic carrying system with snow-repellent stretch fabric.

Carrying system can easily be adapted to fit a wide range of back lengths.

Supportive hip belt and shaped shoulder straps.

All features designed for easy handling with winter gloves on.

Large main compartment with snowlock closure.

Top lid with two zippered pockets.

The hip belt has two pockets plus loops for pulling a toboggan.

Side compression straps.

Hydration system compatible.

Rain cover included.

Bergshell, Fjällräven’s very own waterproof and sustainable fabric, is made from 100% recycled nylon. It is developed specifically for backpacks and has a very high tear and tensile strength. But what makes it unique is a new flat ripstop construction combining airtextured yarn with filament yarn in a balanced weave that gives exceptional abrasion-resistance while also increasing tear strength.

This means that the lifespan of the backpack is considerably increased.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Exploring Mountain Trails - Hiking Adventure



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It is the First Day of Summer (when filmed) and Susie and I are out exploring a portion of the Tanawha Trail!  In this episode we discuss how everyone has limitations and that we have to work with them!

Enjoy everyone, thank you for joining us!



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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Wow, My Mind is Blown! Viewer Mail Episode #62



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Wow is all that I have to say!
Hat
Clothes
Weird Headlamp
Food

I'm speechless and thankful!


Monday, July 15, 2019

Sierra Designs ClearWing 2




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This is the Sierra Designs ClearWing 2 tent, it is almost perfect and it is time for Luke to hand down his review!



Email SD's Parent Company : outdoor@exxel.com

Link SD : https://sierradesigns.com/clearwing-2/

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-Designs-Clearwing-Person-Backpacking/dp/B07NZ917GC

Price : $230
Minimum Weight : 3 lbs 15 oz / 1.78 kg
Packaged Weight : 4 lbs 10 oz / 2.1 kgVersions : 2 person and 3
Design : freestanding
Poles : 3
Doors : 2
Number of Vestibules : 2
Dimensions: 93” x 51.5” / 232cm x 131cm
Vestibule Area: 12.3 sq ft / 1.14 sq m
Floor Area: 33.3 ft2 / 23.09 m2
Peak Height: 40.5" / 103 cm
Design Type: Freestanding
Number of Guylines: 4
Stake Quantity: 10
Company Statement :

The Clearwing is a 2 door, 2 vestibule fully freestanding backpacking tent. Hoop poles over the doors provide vertical sidewalls and tons of interior space, and a full coverage, vented rainfly keeps the weather at bay. A hubless pole system allows the Clearwing to pack down small into its burrito bag.

Number of Poles: 3
Pole Material: DAC Pressfit Aluminum
Fly Fabric: 68D 190T Poly Taffeta 1800MM PU WR FR CPAI84
Floor Fabric: 68D 190T Poly Taffeta WR/1800MM PU, FR CPAI84
Body Fabric: 15D Nylon No-See-Um Mesh

Pros :
Easy to Setup / breakdown
Two doors
Excellent ventilation
Plenty of room for two individuals with regular size sleeping mats
Lots of headroom
No issues with leaking

No real issues with condensation; there has been some of course in humid and wet conditions but I’ve had no issues that are outside of what is to be expected.

Large overhand with the vestibule means that you can stay dry with the door open unless it is a driving rain.

Good price for the size and features.

Small pack size


Cons :

Larger size means that it is less stable in stronger winds; stake it out is my advice.

Ugly colors unless you like white, blue, yellow – seriously SD, if you want to excite more campers and backpackers, consider altering your color choices.  You can keep these colors for your logo but your products don’t have to be colored the same.

The white color will show dirt very easily; the first night out with this tent I had a huge dirt stain on the fly and it took a goo bit of work to get that out safely.

This is my biggest issue with SD products and I mention this every single time and 99% of the viewers agree with me.  Everyone watching this video should send SD a message and let them know, we light the design of your products but we want colors which match our tastes better; you will find their email address in the description box below;

outdoor@exxel.com

The email address is for their parent company as it says on the SD web site to send suggestions to them.

With the exception of one Tent, I have liked everything that I have tested out by Sierra designs with the exception of the Divine Light; remember water coming through the walls?

Besides that hiccup, they innovate which is rare when it comes to the tent segment of the outdoor industry as most companies simply copy the same design over and over again.  Anyone remember the MOJO UFO Tent?  That was next gen and nonsensically priced.

I like this tent and I do recommend it; the quality is there, the features and design are top notch. The weight is good.  The colors are bad…for my tastes and many of yours.  Not much to dislike other than those terrible colors.


Friday, July 12, 2019

Fenix E30R Flashlight - Rechargeable - EDC - Review



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This is the Fenix E30R Flashlight;
Small form factor
1600 max lumens
Rechargeable
What's not to like?

I'll answer that question in this review.



Link : https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-e30r-rechargeable-edc-flashlight/
Price : $80
Weight : 3.7oz with battery, lanyard and pocket clip
Battery : 18650
Max Power : 1600 Lumens Fenix ARB-L18-3500 included (two CR123A Lithium batteries can be used in emergency)
Form Factor : EDC
Measurements : 3.9 inches in length and 0.85 inches in diameter body. 1” diam. Head.
Charger Type : Magnetic
Max Run Time : 70.5 hrs on eco mode which is 30 lumens
Light Type : Cool White; I don’t believe there is a neutral version available, if there is I haven’t see it.

Specifications

Utilizes Luminus SST40 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours

5 Output Modes Plus Strobe (runtimes based on using a 18650 3500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery)

Turbo: 1600 Lumens - 1 hr. 27 min.
High: 800 Lumens - 1 hr. 55 min.
Mid: 350 Lumens - 5 hr. 28 min.
Low: 150 Lumens - 17 hrs. 32 min.
Eco: 30 Lumens - 70 hrs. 30 min.
Strobe: 1600 Lumens

4-level Battery indicator

Soft and Balanced Beam

Extreme Output: 1600 Lumens with visibility distance of 666 ft.

Magnetic suction charging port in the neck

Ultra-thin Optical lens

Tailored magnetic charging cable also available in portable Micro USB devices

Lock-out function avoids accidental operation (Double Click within 0.5 seconds)

One switch for fast, convenient operation

Intelligent over-heat protection to avoid high temperature of the surface

Low-voltage warning reminds when battery replacement is needed

Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation

Digitally-regulated output maintains constant brightness – will downshift after roughly 1 minute 30 seconds from turbo to 900 lumens

Heat protection : The light will accumulate a lot of heat when used on Turbo or High output level for extended periods. When the light reaches a temperature of 65℃ or above, the light will automatically step down by 5% every 10 seconds to reduce the temperature, and until to 350 lumens.

When the temperature is reduced below 65℃, Turbo mode can be reselected; or only 900 lumens can be reached.

Review Pros :

Easy to use and understand battery indictor
Green constant on: saturated (100% – 86%)
Green flashes: sufficient (85% – 51%)
Red constant on: poor (50% – 26%)
Red flashes: critical (25% – 1%)

I love the magnetic charging port; usb sockets with rubber cover is old tech and I’m not personally interested in any flashlight which uses it.  With that being said, it would be nice if flashlight and headlight companies could come together and select a unified magnetic port so there was one to charge all.  But because that is unlikely to happen, it would be great if Fenix would make it so that the magnetic end was usb so individuals like myself don’t have to carry a bunch of cables.  Some will dislike that it is a property charging port.

Excellent quality – no issues in the last couple of months of use.

Excellent stepping between modes

Easy to use lock out mode.

Great beam balance; flood and throw

Super small flashlight; perfect for EDC use

Quick charging speed – 3 hours to fully charge

There is no memory settings with this light so every time that you turn it on, it goes back to low.  That maybe a con to some but for myself, it’s a pro as I can use it when I need to in the dark without completely destroying my natural night vision

Review Cons :

On/off switch can be hard to locate in the dark; I rotate the pocket clip over the charging port which means that the on/off switch is on the opposite side which makes it easy to locate.

Can get extremely hot and will do so very quickly.  That is to be expected with so much power though.

There is no true low mode as the lowest setting is 30 lumens.  For some people this is huge, for myself, I don’t mind it at all.

Summary :

For the money, this is in my opinion an excellent edc flashlight.  The performance is good, it doesn’t have any annoying characteristics for myself.  Everyone is different when it comes to flashlights and may want different features such as a memory mode; lower lumen count and so on.

For myself, the only issue to mention is the recessed on/off switch which can hard to locate and use with gloves.

I like the power and I like the size immensely.


Wednesday, July 10, 2019

River Country Responds about the Trekker 2.2 Tent Failures




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Recently I have had numerous videos concerning the River Country Trekker Tent 2.2 and in this video, River Country responses concerning the failures which I have had and shares what is being done to fix this tent!

There are changes being made!




Saturday, July 6, 2019

��Overland Adventure 1⚡ Testing out the 'New' Truck System





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The moment that everyone has been waiting for, this is the next Overnight Adventure and it's a wild one!

It is the very first Overland Adventure featuring the 'New' Truck and a series of severe thunderstorms are moving into the high mountains of Virginia.

In this trip we test out our next Overland setup, we hike some beautiful mountains, run from quickly approaching thunderstorms, see some seriously awesome lightning and enjoy hours upon hours of rain.


Wednesday, July 3, 2019

⚡ Incredible Failure! ⚠️ - River Country Trekker Tent 2.2 - Test Night




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This is Test Night and in this episode, Luke faces a line of Thunderstorms which are barreling down upon him at Lone Wolf Mountain.

The Tent which is being tested is the River Country Trekker Tent 2.2 and the failures which were experienced were absolutely insane!

Warning, Do Not Attempt!



Link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FNVTNSL




Monday, July 1, 2019

⚠️Warning ⚠️ Do Not Buy the River Country Trekker Tent 2.2




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This is a quick warning NOT to purchase the River Country Trekker Tent 2.2 tent.

At the same time of this upload, I have posted a setup/first look about this tent.

Link to setup/first look video : https://youtu.be/9HVN3rP6Ga4



Link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FNVTNSL

Price : $55




This Tent Costs How Much? - River Country Trekker Tent 2.2 First Look




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This is a VERY budget friendly tent and it is the River Country Trekker Tent 2.2 and this video is an initial Setup and First Look.

At the same time of this upload, I have posted a warning about this tent; DO NOT BUY IT!

Link to Warning Video : https://youtu.be/bX0uH6DQKKk



Link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FNVTNSL

Price : $55

Weight : 3lbs 2oz

Colors : Blue and Green

Versions : This is the 2.2, there is a 2 version which has very little mesh.  When I saw the model 2, it is essentially a single walled tent which looks to be a condensation machine!  I might get it in to test out in the future but I figured I would start here with this product from a company which I personally haven’t heard of before.

Stumbled upon this tent on amazon while looking for interesting products to purchase and to review for you all. As mentioned before, I haven’t heard of this tent, looked online and didn’t see any real reviews and being that I’m agenda free that is how I got about the products which I decide to review and for everyone who supports the channel it is appreciated.  Because I’m agenda free I can do real reviews without holding back any punches.  If there is something I don’t like, I say so. 

Requires two Trekking Poles, two sticks or it can be tied between two trees.

Super fast and easy set up! Great for hiking, backpacking, camping, or adding to your survival bag, this compact tent will fit into your backpack without filling it up.

This tent is intended for use with your own trekking poles, but can be used with almost any stick that is over 42 inches tall.

At over 7 feet long, over 5 feet wide, and 42 inches high, this tent offers more room inside than almost any other ultralight tent.

This tent has large mesh sidewalls and vents making it close to a full 2-layer tent. Double wall tent on the sides and front only. The back wall is single wall.

Two-person tent comes with 8 ultralight stakes, guy lines, and a carry bag.

Internal loops: I would string a line between these two points for drying cloths, hanging items, etc.

Would love to see a front vestibule version of tent