Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Too Complicated? - Catoma Stealth 1 Person Tent


Today Luke is setting up the Catoma Stealth 1 Person Tent and as you know, the Setup process is very important when it comes to the purchasing of a tent; 

How easy or how complex will it be?
What about the reversible fly?
....
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Monday, December 28, 2020

MSR Zoic 2 Tent Leaking Update - Companies Respond


Since the catastrophic failure of the MSR Zoic 2 tent I have been in touch with MSR and I am here today to share with you all that I have learned. This includes why my tent leaked, the problems that MSR has faced with the development of the Xtreme Shield technology and what the current status is of the tents that utilize this system of waterproofing.

You'll be shocked at how upfront and honest MSR is about this matter, I certainly was.
This is an episode of Companies Respond!

....
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Agenda Free Review MSR Zoic 2P Tent :

https://www.msrgear.com/tents/backpacking-tents/zoic-2-backpacking-tent/10893.html

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Real World Review - Maxoak Bluetti EB240 Power Station


This is an Agenda Free Review of the Maxoak Bluetti EB240 Power Station and in this video, Luke goes over the good and the bad along with all of the points which you need to be aware of before making a purchase.

Is it a good fit for off-grid use?
How does it work with overlanding?
Emergency Use?
....

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Maxoak Bluetti EB240 Power Station Review ::

Agenda Free Link : https://maxoak.net/products/bluetti-eb240-2400wh-1000w

Battery Size : 2400Wh Lithium Polymer battery cell Battery which are automotive cells. (87% of the 2400 is useable)

Price : $1900 retail but finding these for $1600 is common.

Weight : 48.5lbs

Dimensions : 19.43x6.5x14.4”

Included: Power Station, Power brick, Cord and MC4 Solar cable

From the Company :

All-in-1 power station with various outputs: 2*AC outlets for most household appliance under 1000W, 1*DC12V for car powered devices, 1*PD Type-C (Max 45W) for USB-C devices, 4*5V3A(Max) USB.

Review Pros :
Per watt hour, the price of this device is very good; 70 cents pers watt hour, Jackery runs more than 80 cents per watt hour.

Great quality Excellent handle - feels very sturdy and stable Great connectivity options Impressive capacity -

Sine-wave AC ports Regulated DC Port

1000W Draw Inverter (500watts per AC port) The AC ports are pure sine wave 1200W Peak - this is good but not great. It will run 1200 peak for 2 minutes before shutting off.

Features pass through charging; you can charge and use it at the same time.

Protections : built in BMS(battery management system), it has over-load/ over-current/ over-temperature/ over voltage/ low-voltage/short circuit protection.

Comes with a barrel port MC4 solar cable

Screen shows power input and output

Fast charging via AC and Solar : Solar is faster if you can harness the max 500W. - The text says 60v but it will handle up to 67v according to the company

AC takes roughly 12 hours to fully charge. Charging with solar; for 300W input solar energy, the charge time is about 8-8.5Hrs. for 500W solar panel, the charge time is about 5.5-6hrs.

USB can run indefinitely without a load which may be important for some users.

Review Cons :

Inverter could be larger - 1500w would make more sense considering the size.

1200W peak surge protection is a bit low considering the max draw is 1000W so if you plug in a 1000W draw device and it surges initially higher than 1200w, it could trip the device and shut down. Most of the time, the surge is double the draw rating.

Because the device is heavy, it can be a beast to move and maneuver around your vehicle. In your own, it won’t be much of an issue.

Battery level indicator doesn’t show actually percentage points but rather 20% blocks. This translates never knowing exactly how much power remains which I don’t like.

Only 2 AC ports - surprising to see with such a large device

The power brick and the device are very loud when charging....so loud that one likely couldn’t sleep with the device charging say at night time. Equivalent to a blow drier on low.

No Anderson power port nor convert cables included.

Lower than 30w draw inverter devices will not show on the screen.

Can’t be charged via vehicle DC which is a problem for overlanding which I find to be a major drawback for this unit. Yes, there are smaller Bluetti models which will charge VIA DC but this one does not.

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Worst Stove Ever - Small Lixada Wood Burning Stove - Real Review


Luke is back with another 100% Agenda Free Review of a wood burning stove from the company known as Lixada.

This happens to be the biggest piece of JUNK and I wouldn't waste your money on it.....it's terrible in just about every single way possible.

....

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:: Lixada Wood Burning Stove with Alcohol Plate ::

Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DF6XQNI

Price : $14 at the time of filming even though a few months ago I purchased this for $9

Weight : 4.9oz

Version : There are 5 versions;

Small 201 Stainless

Medium 201 Stainless

Large 201 Stainless

Medium 304 Stainless with Titanium Coating

Small 201 Stainless with Titanium Coating

The options are confusing and the information on Amazon isn’t very helpful. Plus each one of these stoves is a different size even when talking about two smalls stove or even the medium.

Also, the information for these products is poorly written; here is an example -

The medium 201 stainless stove includes the following;

Stove with Alcohol Dish & Pouch Stove & Pouch

Setup process :

Not easy – not because it is complicated but rather, the pieces do not stay together once the stove is put together fully. You can grab it and lift and it will fall apart VERY easily and that’s after long terms burns and warping of the stainless plates.

Want to increase your frustrations? Add in the alcohol pan….

Easy of Use :

The small size of this stove sounds good in theory but in truth, it is far more irritating to use than it should be. You have to feed the stove very small pieces of wood but with a pot on top of the stove, you will burn your fingers feeding it. So you have to change your approach; either feed it long piece of wood and leave some of that length hanging out or take the pot/cup off of the stove and drop in the fuel.

If you put in long pieces of wood, as it burns you will have flaming bits and pieces of wood falling on to the ground which is a fire hazard.

If you feed from the top you are extending your boil/cooking time. It doesn’t sound like much but it is as you continuously have to feed the stove.

Yes you can burn large pieces of wood but you have to have a good hot base to get to that point and more than likely once the stove is ready for large diameters of fuel, you will be done with the boil/cooking event.

Pros :

Lightweight

Small and compact

Comes with a carry pouch.

Quality of the stainless is ok but the edges are sharper than most stoves of this type. It won’t cut you but it is without a doubt sharper than most that I have reviewed.

Cools down quickly after you are done using it

As far as pros go, that’s it.

Cons :

Price – for what this stove offers and all of the problems and irritations which come with using it, the price is too high in my opinion.

Pain to setup and put together.

Isn’t sturdy - Stove once setup doesn’t stay together unless you hold the stove by two sides.

Can’t be moved easily.

No pot supports which means that this small stove can’t be used with small cups and pots.

Because there are no pot supports, your pot or cup will sit on top of the stove which limits airflow to your fire which causes a ton of smoke and inefficient burning.

Very inefficient to use

Because there is so much smoke thanks to the inefficient burn, there will be soot all over everything! Incredibly dirty stove to use.

Hard to feed

Accepts only small pieces of wood when using the stove safely.

Will burn your fingers if you aren’t careful.

Plate warping will happen immediately

Pointless alcohol pan – if you want to use alcohol, go with something else completely. You’ll waste so much time setting this up...

Summary :

Most of the time I like wood stoves like this but this is one which I absolutely hate. There are very few pros to using it and I can easily say this; don’t waste your money on it. I wasted my money so you don’t have to; there are other stoves out on the market, many that I have reviewed which are much better.

This is a poorly thought out product and my Agenda Free Advice is to buy something else if you are looking for a wood stove or an alcohol stove.

Friday, December 18, 2020

Some of the WORST Leaking EVER - MSR Zoic 2P Tent - Test Night


I'm not going to sugar coat this folks, in this episode of Test Night I experienced some of the worst leaking that I have ever had in a tent....EVER!

In the last 30+ years, I have only experienced one other tent which has leaked more than this and that was the River Country tent which I reviewed a few years back.

The amount of leaking with this tent is SHOCKING for a shelter that is this expensive. 

This is Test Night with the MSR Zoic 2P Tent.

.... 
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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Too Tough? - Honest Real World Multi-Year Review : Fjallraven Barents Pr...


This is the review that many have been waiting for;

over almost 10 years I have been wearing primarily Fjallraven Pants on my channel and today, I'm reviewing two different kinds;

The Barents Pro Trousers and the Vidda Pro Trousers.

You want the best of the best when it comes to outdoor/bushcraft pants? This is them!

....

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Fjallraven Barents and Vidda Pro Pants

Barents Agenda Free Link : https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/trousers/trekking-trousers/barents-pro-trousers-m
Vidda Pro Agenda Free Link : https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/trousers/trekking-trousers/vidda-pro-trousers-m-reg

Fjallraven is a Swedish company who makes some serious outdoor gear and clothing and with just about everything that they make, the quality is amazing and their prices are exceptionally high.

My experiences with the company go back 10 years; I had a pair of the Barents imported and fell in love them these pants as they were so strong, so durable, and the performance was so good…..I’ve worn virtually nothing else since then.

Differences : Barents have a raw length and when you receive them, you will need to get them hemmed to your size.

The Vidda Pro Trousers have a predetermined length and one less pocked.

In truth, I have owned a pair of each and unless I looked really closely, I wouldn’t even notice a difference. The Vidda pants do come in a larger variety of colors than the Barents.

Price : Retail $145 for the Barents, $155 for the Vidda

Weight for Size 48 : 1.25lbs

Colors : Dark olive, Dark Grey, Black

Review Pros :

Incredibly tough – have handled all of my use and abuse without any issues. One pair of pants can literally last years and years. For an example, these are 3 years old and I wear them just about daily. Seriously, I wear them to go to town if it is cool, I wear them for most hiking trips….and they have taken everything that I have put them through.

I’ve ripped the crotch on some barbed wire, resewn them and no issues.

Left side pocket where I put my phone has begun to worn through and I have sewn them the best that I can...For 3 years of hard use, I’m very, very pleased.

Good wind resistance.

Good water resistance

Dry quickly.


Price – They are more expensive that a lot of pants but they are so strong, I consider even full price to be very fair.

Lower waist is awesome for backpacking as your harness will go above your belt if you wear one. This makes for a more comfortable backpacking experience. If you are aren’t familiar with wearing a lower wasted pant, these will ruin you once you get accustomed it. Anything higher wasted will not be your preference.

Lots of pockets

Re-enforced knees

Knee pads can be used but I have only done this once...it worked well but I found that I don’t really need them in most cases.

Lifetime warranty…..as long as you have your receipt. I’ve heard that the company can be less than helpful if you are not able to prove that you are the original purchaser.

Can be waxed….if you wish go through that process. I’ve done it a time or two and prefer not to it. It’s a chore to do, a job to wash it out, adds to the weight, limits breathability, and so on. I would suggest doing a cotton water repellent wash and that will help make them much more resistant to light to modern rain.

Belt loops are great for hanging items…

My experiences is that the fit is relaxed and comfortable….but with everyone having a different body type your mileage will vary.

Review Cons :

No rear wallet pocket

Not the best for hot conditions – in the summer, if you have to wear pants I would definitely recommend something else unless you need some pants that are very strong and durable. By the way, Fjallraven has pants which are better suited for warm weather...

Sizing can be confusing for American users. EU sizing has to be converted...I am a 32” waste and I wear a 48 in EU sizing.

Material doesn’t stretch….this really isn’t a big deal...but if you plan to rock climb of run around in an obnoxious sort of way...these aren’t the best pants for you.

Heavy...there are much lighter pants out on the market

Summary :

For the majority of my adventures and daily life use, these are my go to pants and I can’t state their praises any more than I already have. They are top notch and are well worth the money.

Great for bushcraft, great for hiking, great in warm, cool and cold conditions...not hot.

Great for being at the range, working around the house, and every day use.

Monday, December 14, 2020

How Difficult Could It Be? - Wildlands Outdoor Gear UL 2P Tent



Today Luke is setting up the Wildlands Outdoor Gear UL 2P Tent and as you know, the Setup process is very important when it comes to the purchasing of a tent; 

How easy or how complex will it be?

Are there any issues?

Find out now!
...
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Support TOGR through Patreon

Friday, December 11, 2020

Solo Camping Trip in the Windy Forest - A Storm Approaches



Susie is alone in the remote mountains of Virginia for this Solo Camp Adventure and a Storm is on the way! Will she be able to get out before it hits?

....

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Wednesday, December 9, 2020

RED DAWN! - Opening Stuff You Sent In - Viewer Mail #83


The generosity of our viewers continues to blow us away; thank you all for the kindness which you have blessed us with. 

This is Viewer Mail Episode #83!

....
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Monday, December 7, 2020

Serious Flames and Heat - Lixada Large Stainless Steel Wood Burning Stov...


In this Agenda Free Review, Luke is discussing the Pros and Cons of the Large Stainless Steel Wood Burning Stove from Lixada.


For the money, this stove is awesome!

....

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Lixada Large Stainless Steel Stove

Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012NHG1CS

Price : $29.00

Weight of stove : 1lb 1.7oz

Weight of storage bag : .5oz

Sizes : There are multiple sizes and variants of this stove including smaller version and even a titanium version of this stove – This is the Large Stainless Steel Stove and it measures :
Small
medium
large
some versions come with an alcohol stove and cost a good bit more

Lixada also has different stoves which feature a more boxy design

Measurements :

Setup : 6.5” wide x 7.5” tall with pot supports

Folded : 7” wide x 7.25” long x .25” thick

…… 
Review Pros :

Large size stove

Good price

Good quality

Smooth edges

Stainless steel construction

Good size storage bag – big enough to easily fit the components into it

Weight isn’t bad considering the size

Setup process is straight-forward

Plenty of air holes

Raised legs so it can sit on all types of surfaces without issues
once it is put together it stays together

Large fuel chamber

Feeding this stove is very, very easy and can be done from the top of the center plate.

Accepts large pieces of wood

Easy to Lite

Review Cons :

Setup with this style of stove is somewhat cumbersome and gloves aren’t a terrible idea easily as you use the stove and there is some natural warpage.

Summary :

This is a good stove for those who like to burn wood and want a larger stove to work with. This is made for large pots, big pans and would be great for larger groups. Before purchasing this stove, I would ask yourself whether or not you need the size as it is large.

Should be mentioned that the design isn’t anything unique or special and in fact, there are many companies who make the same product but with a different company logo on it. This is the least expensive version that I have seen but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if there was another company out there who was selling it for less.

Performance is good, it’s of a large size, can burned for a long time and can put out a lot of heat.

Friday, December 4, 2020

Real Survival with only an Emergency Tarp - Freezing Temps!


In this Survival Overnight Adventure Luke the Lone Wolf is headed into the remote forest for the purpose of sharing how to survival with only an Emergency Tarp and very little supplies.

The focus of this episode is a survival product known as an Emergency Tarp and Luke will show you how to use it correctly to improve your chances of surviving in conditions below freezing! .
...

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Prepare for Wind the Right Way - Pitching a Tarp in Windy Conditions


In this episode I'm going to share with you some very important points for using a tarp in windy conditions including when to use regular tent stakes and when to put those away and go with something much more substantial.

In this instructional video, Luke is going to be sharing information that every outdoorsman/outdoorswoman should know.

Instructional Playlist with more Tarp Setups

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Monday, November 30, 2020

Catoma Responds - End of an Era - Military Tents


Recently I have been testing out some military tent shelters from a company known as Catoma and today, I am sharing with you some very interesting information which they shared with me.

I was contacted by Catoma and it's the end of an Era!

....

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Flooded Trails - Truck Camping in Cold Rain, Thick Fog and Strong Winds


In this adventure episode, TOGR takes you all to a remote section of Virginia to take advantage of a break in the weather....while it lasts!

Within hours of arriving, thick fog engulfs the area, strong winds begin to blow, rain begins to fall and Luke and Susie have to utilize their gear to make it through the night.

...

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

How Bad Can It Be? MSR Zoic 2P Tent - Before You Buy


Today Luke is setting up the MSR Zoic 2P Tent and as you know, the Setup process is very important when it comes to the purchasing of a tent; 

how easy or how complex will it be?

...

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...
MSR Zoic 2P Tent - Before You Buy

Monday, November 23, 2020

LiteFighter Military Tent 4 Season Conversion Kit


Have you ever wanted to convert your 3 season summer tent into a 4 season winter tent?
This is a product that I have been waiting to show off all year and finally it is beginning to get cold enough to use and to begin testing it out. The purpose of this product is to act as an add-on for the LiteFighter military tents as it converts their 3 season tent to a 4 season tent by adding a layer of rip-stop nylon over the top of the existing mesh fabric which holds in warmth and blocks wind from circulating inside of your tent.

This is the LiteFighter 1 – Cold Weather Kit (Windbreaker) and it is going into testing now. 
...
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...

LiteFighter 1 – Cold Weather Kit (Windbreaker)

While I can’t comment on how effective it is yet I can tell you that if this works as it is meant to, it could be a game changer as far as 3 season tent use within the 4th season.

In the warmer months, you run the tent as-is but when the temps drop, you grab the cold weather kit and you can stay far warmer by holding in some warmer air and by blocking the wind.

At the same time, you still retain all of the ventilation performance of the original tent design.

Agenda Free Link : http://litefighter.com/product/litefighter-1-cold-weather-kit/

Price : $102.15

Weight : 14.6oz

Materials : 30 Denier water resistant nylon.

From the Company :

The LiteFighter 1 Cold Weather Kit adds a custom windbreaker layer and snow/sand anchors to the LiteFighter 1 Individual tent. This windbreaker is made out of a lightweight 30 Denier water resistant nylon.

It is compatible with all LiteFighter one-man tents and attaches onto the inner tent. The windbreaker covers all of the exposed mesh on the inner tent and allows the system to retain body heat while decreasing the amount of wind that circulates through the tent. Since the system sits directly on the mesh it still allows air to pass in between the windbreaker and rainfly, and eliminates condensation inside of the inner tent. Four included snow/sand Rip-Stop tent anchors offer more holding power than similar-sized aluminum anchors, but at half the weight.
Included with the LiteFighter 1 Cold Weather Kit

Wind breaker cold weather inner tent cover.
4 snow/sand anchors designed for filling with snow or sand.

Going into testing now and my review will be coming up into the future.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Remote Wilderness Camp Adventure with a Tarp and Bug Bivy Shelter


Luke is off trail in this Overnight Adventure and this time, he is in a boreal forest just like those found in Canada. 

Tarp...
Bug Bivy...
Off Trail....
Middle of Nowhere...
Lots of Mystery...

After receiving countless messages from viewers about supporting the channel through Amazon, I have begun using Amazon Affiliate links in the Adventure Videos and if you choose to purchase one of these products via these links I will receive a small commission which will help fund future honest reviews and adventures. 

The channel remains as it always was, 100% Agenda Free with no sponsored videos, no paid reviews, and I don't care if you purchase these products or not; you won't find affiliate links in review videos only in adventures. I'm going to do my best to put gear lists into all of my videos since everyone is asking for them all the time. 

For this trip, here are the big items that I used. 

Gear List :

Fjallraven Greenland Jacket : https://amzn.to/3vhebEg

Fjallraven Barrents Pants : https://amzn.to/3fFvUyN

SCARPA Men's Kailash Trek GTX Hiking Boot : https://amzn.to/342zFcd

Savotta Backpack :

Toaks 750ML Pot with Bail Handle : https://amzn.to/3ywOpOw

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon with Polished Bowl
: https://amzn.to/3vcItrL

Thermarest XTherm Sleeping Pad : https://amzn.to/3vcsEBr

Rab Sil Tarp 1 : https://amzn.to/3ui9N6D

MLD Bug Bivy :

Fire Dragon Solid Fuel Stove : https://amzn.to/3oL71pg

Expedition Research Hexamine Solid Fuel Tablets : https://amzn.to/3fi3E6e

Matches : https://amzn.to/2QNgMH3

MSR Titan Small Cup : https://amzn.to/3f8U4T0

Marmot Down Jacket : https://amzn.to/3vmf4vl

NiteCore NU32 Headlamp : https://amzn.to/3fxqLbU

Enlightened Equipment Convert Sleeping Bag / Quilt :

Kifaru Ultralight Pullout Bags :

...
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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Real Review - Small, Bright and Compact - Fenix E28R Flashlight


This is the Agenda Free Real World Review of the Fenix E28R rechargeable flashlight!

Small. Powerful. 
1500 Lumens. 
18650 Battery.
Almost perfect....almost!

....

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Fenix E28R Flashlight 


Price : $65

Weight including Battery : 4oz

Measurements : L 4.2” Head D 1.04” Body D .88”

Battery Type : 3400mah 18650 or 2x CR123A batteries

Materials : premium anodized aluminum

Button : Side Switch on and off and mode selection

Lens : Lightly frosted

LED : SST40 Cool White

Modes : 6 Modes – ECO, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Strobe

Tail Stand Non Magnetic base Electronic lockout Indicator LED

USB – C Fast Charging port Rotatable pocket clip that doesn’t offer deep pocket carry
....
Usage :

Fenix E28R features single button UI with a multicolor LED indicator at the center of the button/switch. The LED indicator shows the battery status:

Green light ON: 85% - 100%

Green light Blinking: 50% - 85%

Red light ON: 25% - 50%

Red light Blinking: 1% - 25%

and can only be activated at flashlight OFF state.

A single click will light up the indicator LED for 3 seconds to show the battery status. The UI of Fenix E28R follows its usual press-and-hold for 0.5 seconds for ON/OFF, single click to cycle the modes of Eco-Low-Medium-High-Turbo. Strobe must be activated explicitly by holding the switch for 1.2 seconds (just hold it down until your flashlight flashes) in either ON/OFF state.

There are mode memory in all modes except strobe.

Electronic lockout can be engaged by double-clicking the switch button from OFF state, Fenix E28R will flashes twice to indicate the flashlight is in locked state. When in electronic lockout state, Fenix E28R will just flashes twice to indicate its electronic lockout is engaged. There are several ways to unlock Fenix E28R:

Method 1. Double-clicking the switch button again, Fenix E28R will flashes twice, Fenix E28R will turned-On in Eco mode.

Method 2. Connect the USB-C fast charging port to a power source via USB-C cable, this will disengage the electronic lockout.

Method 3. Loosen the body quarter turn, this will effectively cut-off/open the current flow. This is also an effective method to mechanically/physically lockout Fenix E28R.

Review Pros :
Excellent fit and finish – looks good Feels good in the hand good size for those who like a smaller flash light – compact lightweight lightweight good performance all around with good stepping adequate switch detection which means that you can find the button within a reasonable amount of time even in the dark. Good battery life Button gives good feedback when clicked USB-C port is a great….if there has to be a physical port I like for it to be USB C. - flip-over the cover will reveal the USB-C fast charging port, in my charging test, the port pulls ~1.8A for charging and the whole flashlight feels warm during charging. Fenix claims to feature an inner waterproofing treatment to the USB-C port, thus, it should be safe even if the cover was broken or the charging port was subject to water immersion. The beam is particularly wide and well defined.

When charging - During charging, the status indicator will light up constant Red and turned into Green when E28R is fully charged. You can still use Fenix E28R during charging, however, there is only single Eco mode brightness available for use during charging.

Interesting : Interestingly, Fenix E28R can also be use without the body tube when connecting the USB-C fast charging port to a power source as seen from above picture. However, you only have access to Low mode (not Eco mode) when used in this manner.

Review Cons :
Rubber covered charging port; it is 2020 and it is time to move passed charging ports as they are a weak point for the light. Magnetic charging is the future and it would be easy to develop a magnetic charger that features a detachable usb – c base.

As for other cons, I don’t have any. In the end it is a good quality flashlight that is small, light, compact and performs very well. While I would like to see magnetic charging USB C is a definite plus for myself and my personal preferences.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Sierra Designs Responds - Making Better Tents for Target


Thanks to The Outdoor Gear Review some big changes are taking place at Sierra Designs as some major improvements are being made to their products that are exclusively offered at Target.

This is an episode of Company's Respond and Luke will be sharing with you all that was discussed with his conversation with the company!
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Friday, November 13, 2020

Good Grief This Tent is Terrible - Catoma Combat II Tent - Test Night


As Luke was testing out the Catoma Stealth 1 Person Military Tent in Hurricane Zeta, he was also testing out the Catoma Combat II Tent which has proven to be even worse in some ways.

Will it leak?

How good or bad is the ventilation?

How bad will the condensation be?

Are there quality issues?

....

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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Helikon-Tex Pilgrim Anorak Jacket - Real Review


This is the Helikon-Tex Pilgrim Anorak and today with The Outdoor Gear Review Luke is passing on his 100% Agenda Free Review of this excellent mission ready jacket!

Helikon Tough!

Bushcraft Ready!
....
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Sizes : 2X Small to 2X Large
Colors : Black, Coyote and Taiga Green
Price : Retail $114
Weight of the Size : 2lbs 1oz for small size
….
Materials :
Duracanvas - 63% Polyester, 34% Cotton, 3% Elastane
YKK Zippers 

Benefits :
Can be impregnated with wax
Dries faster than cotton
Fire/spark resistant 

From the Company :
We’ve designed the Pilgrim® jacket for demanding outdoor activities in dynamically changing weather. Based on the zipped "kangaroo" construction proven for decades, it has been clearly refined to meet the expectations of modern travelers, while still hitting the aesthetics of the "old guard". Numerous pockets will allow for convenient placement of equipment, while their characteristic arrangement will make them constantly available, even when working in a sitting position or kneeling. We have elongated the whole construction of the jacket, thanks to which it protects our body regardless of the equipment we carry. By lowering the "kangaroo" pocket, we were also able to extend the front zipper of the jacket, which allows the user to better ventilate his body during strenuous approaches or work

Features :
Insulated Kangaroo Pocket Zippered Bicep Pockets Adjustable Hood Zipper Chin Guard Zippered Front pockets with internal organizer Internal Loops Zippered Hip Pockets Adjustable bottom via Shock Cord Adjusters Button Chest pockets with internal loops Pit Zips Adjustable cuffs Duracanvas 

Review Pros
I have been running with this anorak or jacket, whatever you wish to call it for over half a year and here are my thoughts and observations concerning it; Awesome quality which Helikon-Tex is becoming known for. The company makes awesome products and this is one which I can easily recommend for any outdoor adventure. It’s comfortable enough for a hike in the woods after work and is tough enough for a bushcraft trip. Built tough; as soon as you get this in your hands it is going to impress most people; it’s feel like it is going to last and with my experiences it certainly has.

Good wind resistance

Good breathablity especially as you open the zippered pockets - that helps with ventilation

Hip pockets are low enough to be accessible with a backpack waist-belt

Quick drying

Price is very much fair for what you are getting; I’ve mentioned this before with other Helikon Anoraks; the prices of similar products can be absolutely insane. The Fjallraven Anorak no 8 which is similar to this is $450!

Large center zip which makes putting on and taking off the Anorak easy. Not all designs are like this and some can be difficult unless you go with a much larger size.
Sizing is on the larger than side which I like as it provides enough space for additional layering but you need to be prepared for this before you make a purchase. 

Review Cons :

Picking up from the last pro, Sizing is on the larger than side and for myself, I had to go down in one size for a good fit; I’m a medium to large and I had to go with a small and fits fine.
No Velcro on the shoulders or chest for patches - 

Pro Tip :
While you can wax it for added waterproof protection, you can treat this with a nikwax dwr and it does an awesome job and it’s a hell of a lot easier. Waxing will offer overall better water resistance but limits breathability and don’t think for a second that even with wax that this will become a rain jacket.

With a Nikwax Cotton Proof treatment, you add Durable Water Repellency; add virtually no weight while maintaining the breathability of the polycotton in wet weather. Also, it will dry faster with a Nikwax treatment

Monday, November 9, 2020

Inexpensive British Military Fire Dragon Solid Fuel Stove - Real World R...


This is the British Military Fire Dragon Stove which is a NATO / Military approved product from across the pond that utilizes Solid Fuels.

In this Agenda Free Review, Luke goes over the Pros, the Cons and why this may be the right stove for you.

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British Military Solid Fuel Stove Fuel Cooker

Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Unisex-Foldable-Burner-Silver/dp/B01CJZWBPK

Cost : $8 at the time of filming and that is only for the stove – no fuel – in the UK, these are even less expensive with common pricing being around 2 euros

Weight without fuel cubes : 3.8oz

Weight with 5 .5oz (14g) fuel cubes : 6.4oz

Dimensions : 3" X 1" X 4.5"

Features : Retractable side walls and removable windshield. Integrated fuel receiver channels heat from fuel to mess tin, cup or pot. Can store fuel blocks within closed cooker.

…..

Made by BCB International, the FireDragon Stove is a British military product; even though the name of the product is the BCB FireDragon Multi-Fuel Cooker it doesn’t come with any fuel even though the packaging states FireDragon which is weird.

Fuel : Can be used with any type of solid fuel including Hexamine and Trioxane and some liquid fuels.

Use : With 14g/.5oz Hexamine tablets; each tablet burns approximately 12 minutes and one tablet boils 500 ml (2 cups) of water in about 8 minutes – Results will vary greatly with such a fuel and stove

Benefits of Hexamine :

✔ Clean - very little soot 
✔ Renewable 
✔ Burns even when wet 
✔ Suitable for extreme conditions 
✔ Easy to light 
✔ Lightweight 
✔ Cost Efficient 
✔ Low luminosity 
✔ Easy storage

FireDragon Fuel : This company has their own fuel which you can purchase separately which is like hexamine but is reportedly nontoxic and is alcohol based. I haven’t tried the fuel myself but I will get some in to test out and to compare.

Hexamine Fuel Cost : 40 tablets cost around $30 – burn up 1300F degrees

About the BCB Company :

Since its creation in 1854, BCB International has been developing pioneering innovations that have helped generations of armed forces personnel, seafarers, aid workers and adventurers operate and survive in some of the world’s harshest environments.

Review Pros :

Very simple designed

Good quality

Light weight

Hold multiple fuel Tablets

Features a windscreen

Lightweight

Inexpensive

Easy & Quick To Use

Retractable Side Walls which allow for multiple angles of use which allows for many sizes of cup or pot to be used

Fuel Channels allow for multiple tablets to be used at once; 1 – 3 at a time for faster use and for larger pots and longer cooking events.

Can be used with multiple fuel types and fuel sizes; hexamine can be found in multiple sizes.

Hexamine is excellent for high altitudes and sub-zero temperatures

Review Cons :

With the BCB FireDragon stove, it doesn’t actually include any FireDragon Fuel

There isn’t much to complain about; it’s inexpensive, fuel is inexpensive and it doesn’t weigh much.

Is a stove actually needed?

There are lighter weight solid fuel stoves but they aren’t expandable for larger pots and cooksets.

Summary :
These little stoves are great for those who want to go out on adventures with a lightweight, small form factor stove and fuel solution. Inexpensive, simple to use, compact and fuel is easily available.
If you are looking for an alternative to this brand, one that comes with some fuel, Esbit has a version which is very similar;

It is very similar in size, weight and design. Cost is around $13

Saturday, November 7, 2020

I Didn't Expect it to be this Bad - Catoma Stealth 1 - Test Night


Hurricane Zeta approaches and Luke the Lone Wolf is out to weather the storm in the Catoma Stealth 1 Person Military Tent.

Will it leak?

How good or bad is the ventilation?

How bad will the condensation be?

....
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Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Lightest in the World - NITECORE 10,000mAh Power Bank - Real Review


Luke is back for another Agenda Free Review and this time he has the NITECORE 10000mAh Power Bank which is the lightest 10,000mAh battery bank in the world today!

In this action packed (hehe) review, Luke goes over the pros, the cons and his experiences while testing out this product for numerous months.
....
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...
NITECORE NB10000 Quick-Charge USB/USB-C Dual Port 10000mAh Power Bank

Agenda Free Link : https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-NB10000-QC-Dual-Port-10000mAh-Power-Bank-p/bat-nite-nb10000.htm

Price : $60

Capacity : 10000mAh
- There is also a 5000MAH version

Input Port : USB-C: 5V-2.4A / 9V-2A

Output Ports :
- USB-C: 5V @3A / 9V-2A / 12V-1.5A - USB-A: 5V @3A / 9V-2A / 12V-1.5A

PowerCap : 38.5Wh

Features :

- NB10k is IPX5 rated water resistant, and comes with a slew of safeguards against short-circuit, overcharge, over discharge, or overheat.
- Dual Charge from both ports
- When quick charge is not needed, the NB10000 has a one-touch low current mode for delicate devices such as Bluetooth headphones and smart watches.

- It can charge and discharge at the same time
- Features a low current charging mode for Bluetooth headphones and smartwatches – Hold mode button until white light turns on. Hold mode button again to turn off.
- Has a LED indicator which shows power level : *** 100% Remaining ** 70% * 30%
- Supports quick charge 3.0 for fast charging
- Blinking LED indicator lets you know when it is charging

Materials : Carbon Fiber Case and a Carbon Fiber Frame

Weight : 5.4oz

Dimensions : L-4.8" x W-2.32" x H-0.42"

Includes : Power Bank, USB charging cable

Testing :

My testing has involved roughly 3 months of use throughout the summer; in the colder months if I have any notable issues, I will do a followup video but as of the time of this video, with temps down into the upper 30’s F, I’ve had no issues.

As it, my typical charging habits tend to involve charging my phone, headlamp, and camera batteries and I have had no issues with my use.

My Note 9 charges two full times with an estimated 30% of power remaining...I say estimated because the bar indicator isn’t accurate.
…..
Review Pros :

- Extremely light weight – one of the lightest on the market - Very small power bank - Excellent quality - No issues with charging : no glitches experienced - Excellent waterproofing : IPX5 rated water resistant – there are other channels completely submerging these are they keep working - Looks great, feels great, feels very sturdy even though it is so lightweight - It recharges quickly too; from one bar flashing to full charge in just under 3.5 hrs. - Can dual charge – charge two devices or charge a single device while charging the power bank

Review Cons :

- Power remaining indicator is very hard to see – it’s small and blue in color - only 3 bats on the remaining power indicator which is odd and make it difficult to know exactly how much power remains. - No USB C adapter cables were included so if you wish to use the USB C port to charge a second device, you will have to get your own adapter cable so that it can work with what type of port that you are connecting to.

Would like to See with Future Models :

- Improved power indicator which is easier to read and that depicts more accurately how much power is remaining. - Would love to see a larger size of power bank; 20,000mAH is what I am interested in myself. - With larger models, I would like to see 2 USB A ports and one USB C

Summary :

As it is, this has become my go to battery bank for single overnight trips. It’s incredibly lightweight, performs extremely well and I can easily recommend it. The Carbon Fiber material makes a true difference in terms of weight and also assist with being shock resistant to drops and bumps.

At 5.4oz, this power bank is impressively lightweight and features a very small form factor and in fact, it is smaller and lighter weight than any powerbank that I personally own.

Monday, November 2, 2020

Inexpensive Military Tent - Catoma Stealth 1 Tent - First Look


In this episode, Luke is discussing the Catoma Stealth 1 Person Military Tent as it is going into testing now and in fact, the Test Night Episode will be coming up on Thursday as the Stealth 1 will be enduring Hurricane Zeta as it comes into the area!

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Saturday, October 31, 2020

Survival Overnight Adventure with only a Mylar Emergency Tent and Bivy


This is the second Survival Overnight Adventure and for this episode, Luke the Lone Wolf is headed into the woods with very little in terms of food, gear, clothing, and supplies. 

The focus of this trip is a Mylar Emergency Shelter and Bivy and Luke will show you how to use mylar, how not to, will explain the pros and cons and how it can save your life.

At the same time, he will also explain the marketing BS which surrounds these type of products and how the material can be deadly if used incorrectly.

Mylar is amazing but it isn't what most companies make it out to be!

In this episode you will see a beautiful remote forest, deer, owls, and experience real survival with temps close to freezing with absolutely no overnight gear. .

...

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Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Expert Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Tips - Part 1


Join Luke as he goes over 16 minutes of extremely important tips that will keep you not only safe but also healthy when you are practicing your outdoor skills.

Topics covered include;

food, water, focus, wilderness, survival, bushcraft, do's and don'ts and will even touch upon the mistakes made by "experts" that you see on tv and online.

This episode is all about increasing your skills as an outdoorsman / outdoorswoman and covers points not often mentioned by others. 

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Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Opening Stuff You Sent In - Viewer Mail #82


The generosity of our viewers continues to blow us away; thank you all for the kindness which you have blessed us with. 

This is Viewer Mail Episode #82!

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Monday, October 26, 2020

My Pick for the Best Ultralight Rain Pants - Outdoor Research Helium Pants


These are some of the lightest and also compact rain pants on the market which make them an excellent choice when packed space and weight are important!

This is the Agenda Free Review of the Outdoor Research Helium Pants.

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...
Outdoor Research Helium Pants

Agenda Free Link : https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/mens-helium-pants-242968

Price : $119

Weight : 6.3oz

Colors : Black, Gray (pewter) and Coyote Brown

Sizes : XS - XXL

Versions : Mens and Womens

Materials : Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L, 100% nylon, 30D ripstop – YKK AquaGuard Zippers



From the Company :

Building on the legacy of our award-winning Helium Collection, the completely revamped Helium Rain Jacket and Pants take durable lightweight waterproof protection to an entirely new level. Diamond Fuse technology enables the Helium Rain to be 5x more tear-resistant than the Helium II, and an even lighter weight. Completely seam-taped, waterproof, yet still breathable and comfortable in rugged conditions, the new Helium Rain Jacket and Pants will be the first thing any hiker, peak bagger, or off-trail adventurer will pack for the most durable lightweight rain protection.

The 5.4 ounce, Pertex® Shield+ Helium Pants—inspired by our best-selling flash-storm insurance Helium II rain shell—come with all the waterproof performance and lightweight packable protection you’ll need in a serious deluge.

Review Pros :

Durable Impressively Lightweight Waterproof Fully Seam-Taped Good but not great Breathablity – if you push it hard enough you will sweat it in but it offers better performance in this regards than less expensive products.

Good overall fit with pants but could be a bit more spacious; you may want to consider going up in a size – I would classify this as a trim fit so keep that in mind when placing your order if you decide to get a pair. Windproof

Packs down very small YKK AquaGuard Zippers are smooth but do take some work which is a characteristic of a waterproof zipper. Single Separating Center Front Zipper Reflective Logo and Overlay at Forearm Carabiner Loop and Key Clip Elastic Drawcord Hem Elastic Cuffs

surprisingly tough; on some rough hikes where this jacket has been pulled across rocks it has shown no damage.

Review Cons :

Two complaints;

No side pockets – they are missed…

No Easy access to your pant pockets which means that you have to pull down the rain pants to gain access to something that is in your pocket.

Note : This material doesn’t give much in terms of stretching so they may not be a good match for activities which require a high range of motion.

Summary :

What I said about the Helium Jacket applies here as well;

Outdoor Research is a company that makes excellent products and what I really respect about them is that they back up every item they make with a lifetime warranty. I was a fan of the Helium Line when it was first introduced years ago and I’m still a fan today with the latest version.

The quality is excellent. The performance is excellent and in my opinion, it is worth the money 100%.
Something to keep in mind with this jacket is that it is minimalist in terms of design so it lacks some features which may be important to you. Depends on what you want and in the end, I have no problem with recommending it fully.

Again I would like to point out that one should consider sizing up for the pants if they want additional room to maneuver as these pants off a trim fit.

Friday, October 23, 2020

A Lone Wolf Mountain Adventure


Join Luke the Lone Wolf for an adventure up on Lone Wolf Mountain as he works the land and cooks a delicious gourmet meal! 

On the menu, cast iron fried Salmon, Sweet Chili Noodles, and some fried Green Beans!
Amazing!

This is Chronicles Adventure #6!

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Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Smart Design - Japanese Quality - SOTO Thermostack Cook Set Combo


Luke is back with an Agenda Free Review of the SOTO Thermostack Cook Set Combo! This is a unique, smartly designed system of cups and pots which are insulated!

Japanese Quality all the way!
...
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... 
SOTO Thermostack Cook Set Combo 

Agenda Free Link : https://sotooutdoors.com/product/thermostack-cook-set-combo/ 

Price : Retail $70 

Components :
750ml Pot with lid
400ml Titanium Cup with lid
350ml Stainless Steel Cup that can be used standalone or to make the 400ml cup a double walled cup – Titanium Cup Lid will also work with the stainless cup
Pot Cozy that also works as a storage bag of sorts for the kit
Pot/Cup Lifter 

Full Kit Storage Size and Weight :
Diameter : 5” tall x 4” wide : 

Total weight : 10.9oz

750 ml/26 oz cup : Weight : 3 oz Material: Aluminum 

400 ml/14 oz cup : Weight : 1.8oz Material : Titanium 

350 ml/12 oz cup : Weight : 3.1oz Material : Stainless steel 

Lifter Dimensions : width 3.4” long, less than an inch wide Weight : 0.6oz

Materials : Aluminum, Stainless steel

Large Lid : Weight : .6oz Materials : Resin, O-ring–Silicon

Small Lid for both the 350 and 400 ml (12 and 14 oz) cups : Weight : .5oz Materials : Body–Resin, O-ring–Silicon

Cozy : Weight: 1.5oz Materials : Tarpaulin, Aluminum evaporated sheet

……………………..

Review Pros :

Price is excellent consider the fact if you were to purchase a 750ml pot and two cups of a similar size, you would pay more than what you will for this kit and you wouldn’t get the cozy, the lifter, nor the double walled functionality

Very lightest

Small form factor

Excellent quality

Pots and Cups are of a good size for most people

Incredibly versatile kit – take with you what you need depending on the trip – you can take the pot for cooking, one cup for coffee or the rest of the kit if you have others with you.

Very smart design

Cozy works as it shouldn’t

Double walled cup does keep contents warm for a long period of time

Pot/cup lifter is excellent

Mesh part of the cozy is big enough to hold a fuel can (read oz on can)

Lids feature drinking ports and pour ports as well

Plenty of room inside of the system for a stove.

Review Cons :

The lifter isn’t doesn’t have a spring in it which makes it a bit more fiddly to pick up and use

Summary :

SOTO has been impressing me for a while now with their unique designs and high quality and this kit impresses. You can head out on your adventure with the full kit or scale it down when you needs are less.
The price is excellent and ultimately, there isn’t much to complain about; I can easily recommend it.

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Gregory Maya 16 Backpack - Real Review




Susie is here today to share her review of the Gregory Maya 16L Backpack; this is the women's version of the Miwok which Luke reviewed some time back and in this episode, she is going over the Pros and Cons as part of her Agenda Free Real World Review.

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... 
Gregory Maya 16 Backpack Review : 

You can find this pack online at gregorybackpacks.com. The price at the time of filming is $99.95. 

Agenda Free Link : https://www.gregorypacks.com/packs-bags/day-packs/maya-16-111477XXXX.html

The weight of this pack is 1.65lbs and it is a one size adjustable torso pack. 
It will fit torsos from 14 to 19 inches and hips and waists from 27 to 45 inches.

The pack I am using is Mercury Gray, but you can find it in Red, Blue, and Teal.

The materials are :

External Material 100% Nylon Pack Body 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip HD Nylon Pack Bottom 420D High Density Nylon Lining 135D High Density Embossed Polyester Suspension 3D Perforated EVA Foam

Dimensions : 19" x 9.5"

For the features of this pack:

It has a biosync dynamic suspension which means this pack moves and stretches with your body.

It offers the adjustable torso length and a 3d foam breathable back panel.

The hipbelt is women specific and hugs the body while offering dual zippered pockets on either side.

The shoulder harness is also women specific and offers a sternum strap and hydration clip. It is very flexible as well.

There is a sunglasses stow system.

There is a dedicated hydration pocket with a speedclip hydration hangar. This is compatible with the Gregory 3D Hydro reservoir. That specific bladder is not included with this pack.

You have a top zippered soft lined pocket.

An interior mesh zippered pocket with a key clip.

Two side stretch mesh pockets.

One front stretch mesh pocket, buckle closure and reflective webbing.

Trekking pole attachment

Molded webbing keepers for strap management which is nice to have.

Now onto the review of this pack. The Gregory Maya 16 Liter pack is a small pack that offers a lot of features. I like that. It offers excellent organization for all your gear. You have numerous pockets to use. You can easily fit your lunch, rain gear, 3 Liters of water, and still have plenty of space for more. This pack is women specific so I feel that it offers a lot of comfort with it and fits my body well. The recommended weight is 20 lbs for this pack and I agree with it. I have packed it full and have never had any quality issues, but noticed that the heavier it is, the shoulder straps can start to dig into your shoulders. You lose a little bit of comfort obviously with it being heavier. It’s hydration compatible with room on the side for an extra bottle. The hip belt has two pockets on it which Iike so I can keep my items that I go to most often such as my phone and my chapstick. It’s a small pack with a roomy feel.

For the cons of this pack, I will start with price. At $100 and for the size, it is only going to be a daypack. It isn’t the right pack for overnight trips.

Also, the hydration clip that is compatible with the Gregory reservoir may cause issues with other bladders as I clipped one onto it and almost got it stuck on it. I almost broke the clip trying to take it off. Just be aware that the clip may not work with any other bladder easily.

That pretty much covers with the Maya 16 Liter pack from Gregory. I like that this is a women specific pack. It offers so many features for being a daypack. You have comfort, breathability, and organization. It all comes with a bit of a high price, but what do you all think? Let me know your thoughts.

Friday, October 16, 2020

No One Can See Me - Solo Stealth Camp Adventure





Luke the Lone Wolf is out for a Solo Stealth Camping Adventure;

he is dropped off at a remote mountain park and within minutes his plans are shattered and he is forced to come up with a Plan B!

Where will he go?
What will he do?

Some strange events take place on this trip....some of which, can't be explained....

After receiving countless messages from viewers about supporting the channel through Amazon, I have begun using Amazon Affiliate links in the Adventure Videos and if you choose to purchase one of these products via these links I will receive a small commission which will help fund future honest reviews and adventures.

The channel remains as it always was, 100% Agenda Free with no sponsored videos, no paid reviews, and I don't care if you purchase these products or not; you won't find affiliate links in review videos only in adventures.
 
I'm going to do my best to put gear lists into all of my videos since everyone is asking for them all the time.
 
For this trip, here are the big items that I used.

Gear List :

Propper Summerweight Tactical Shorts : https://amzn.to/34cp26p

Fjallraven - Abisko Friluft 45 Backpack : https://amzn.to/3bP34KX

North Face Ultra 109 GTX Shoes : https://amzn.to/3hSUEpK

Osprey UL Packing Cube Bags : https://amzn.to/34hqyo8

Toaks 750ML Pot with Bail Handle : https://amzn.to/3ywOpOw

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon with Polished Bowl : https://amzn.to/3vcItrL

MSR Titan Small Cup : https://amzn.to/3f8U4T0

Fire Dragon Solid Fuel Stove : https://amzn.to/3oL71pg

Expedition Research Hexamine Solid Fuel Tablets : https://amzn.to/3fi3E6e

Kershaw Cryo II Folding Knife : https://amzn.to/2Sej6aD

Lighters : https://amzn.to/3vhdXwU

Snugpak Ionosphere Tent : https://amzn.to/2RNKZGp

Nemo Zor Sleeping Pad :

Oakley Men's Gradient Flak Jacket 03-881 Black Wrap Sunglasseshttps://amzn.to/3yGy6Pk

NiteCore NU32 Headlamp : https://amzn.to/3fxqLbU

Onewind Quilt : https://amzn.to/3oPVCVp
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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

I Can't Recommend It - OneTigris ROCUBOID Splicing Wood Burning Stove




This is the OneTigris ROCUBOID Splicing Wood Burning Stove and after testing it out for numerous months, it has become clear that this isn't a product that I can recommend as it simply has too many problems.

In this Agenda Free Review, Luke goes over the Pros, the Cons and why this may not be the right wood burning stove for you.

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OneTigris Splicing Wood Burning Stove

Agenda Free Link OneTigris : https://www.onetigris.com/rocuboid-splicing-stove.html

Agenda Free Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/OneTigris-ROCUBOID-Collapsible-Stainless-Weighs/dp/B0899R9CT9

Price : $23

Weight : 1lb 1.8oz

Dimensions :

Folded – 6.1”(L)*6.5”(W)*0.4”(D) (Encased)

Setup - 4.7”(L)*4.7”(W)*6.7”(H)

Material : 304 Stainless Steel, Nylon Fabric Casing

Versions : There is an “evil eyes” version of this stove available which features a slightly larger feeder hole. It is slightly bigger and heavier than the regular version.

Fuel : Can be used as a wood burning stove, stand for your alcohol stove, or a solid fuel burner stand. In my opinion, the stove is a bit heavy and if I was using an alcohol stove or solid fuel, I would leave this behind completely and build something out of rocks or sticks; it would be faster than putting this together and using it.

…..

Review Pros :

Good quality Good price

Good volume burn chamber

Because of the stainless steel materials, alterations can be made easily….or you could buy the evil eyes version which solves some of the issues which this model has.

Good quality pouch

Review Cons :

Surprisingly heavy; heavier than many similar products

Smaller feeder holes

Fiddly setup – there are faster to setup wood stoves

Marketed at being use with an alcohol stove; it’s very heavy for that purpose

Stove requires flat ground for use due to the design; a very significant issue is the way the bottom of the stove sits on the ground. Most backpacking stoves are cut out a little on each of the sides, and essentially only sit on the ground at the corners. With this stove, three of the four plates sit flush on the ground for the whole bottom of the plate. That's fine if you're sitting on a perfectly flat surface, but that practically never happens out in the field. Having fewer contact points on the ground makes it much easier to find a level spot to set the stove. Because of the way this stove fits together, the front and back sections just sliding down to connect with the side sections, they can easily lift up as the stove tries to adjust to ground it isn't perfectly level on all four sides, which, under the worst of circumstances could actually cause the stove to Fall apart. even at the corners, the plates that are sliding down to fit would be better off cut so they don't even contact at the corners, just allow the side plates to make contact at those corners.

Summary :

After testing this product out for a while now, my thoughts are this;

it’s a functional stove and the price is good but it has issues which many other wood stoves don’t have; it’s a good first try at a collapsible wood stove but it would be my advice to wait until a version 3 comes out. There is the evil eyes version which is a version 2 but it only fixes some of the issues which this stove has. There are also stoves which require less fiddling to get it together than this, there are lighter weight stoves and that perform better than this so I would recommend researching and considering other options before making any purchase.

Monday, October 12, 2020

Onewind Quilt Review - Helikon-Tex Alternative?



Interested in seeing a much less expensive alternative to the Swagman Roll from Helikon-Tex?

This is the Onewind Quilt which shares in many of the same features which makes the Swagman Roll so capable/versatile but costs a lot less.

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...

Onewind Top Quilt Review -

Agenda Free Link : https://www.onewindoutdoors.com/products/topquilt-winter-poncho

Amazon Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/onewind-Topquilt-Ultralight-40F%EF%BC%8CCompact-Backpacking/dp/B07YTH2TS3

Sizes : 86”X55” and 78”x55”

Pack Size : 11” X 6”

Colors : Olive Green with Black inside

Temp Ranges : 50f to 70f and 40F to 60F

Price : Retail price on the OneWind site is $69 for the 78” - $70 for the 86” The 40F version at 78” is $70

Price on Amazon is lower

Weight of the 78” 50F Model : 2lbs 1oz

Includes : Compression bag and Quilt

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Materials :

20D 400T 1.1oz Nylon Fabric

Teflon treated to resist stains and features a DWR treatment

Sustans Insulation which is made by Dupont; this is made from plant fibers- I’m impressed with this insulation as it punches well above its weight class.

From the Company : The lightweight nylon top quilts are with DWR materials and water-resistant, keep you all night dry and warm, you can use the hammock quilt as blankets, warm poncho when both camping and backpacking, making it a versatile option for your four-season hammock sleeping system


This topquilt shell fabric and lining fabric are 20D 400T ultralight(1.1 oz) nylon fabric. The shell fabric is Dupont Teflon (DWR, protects from stains), Fabrics and quilt fillers are ultralight materials with a total weight of only 1.8LBS for Size 78"*56" With a compression bag, the compact Top quilt is packable easily into the 11"*6".

…….

Can be used as;

- Blanket
- Quilt
- Poncho
- Top Quilt

Single Snap at the top

Multiple Snaps for the footbox along with a drawpull

Strap and buckles to secure when wearing as a poncho

Snaps to head hole

Review Pros :

Versatile-can be used in many ways. - Works for ground sleepers and hammock users Easy to vent if you are getting warm

Price is excellent!

Good size for most people- easy to stay covered

Weight is also very good

Material is comfortable against the skin

Warmth; far warmer than what I was expecting. It’s rated for 50F but I have taken into the mid 40’s and was still warm. Your mileage will vary but 50F is accurate for most people. Excellent quality all around with only Minor loose threads here and there Good compression bag; it works and compresses quite small

No hood which allows for a seamless blanket/quilt use – with other similar products, I have never used the hood myself.

Review Cons :

For some, a lack of hood could be a negative.

I would love to see snaps all the way to the top of the blanket so it could be used as a sleeping bag of sorts

It lacks a way to secure itself to a sleeping pad so that the user can toss and turn without it moving with them

Compression bag could be a bit bigger and that would make getting the blanket into it with a sloppy roll.

Because the nylon material is silky, rolling it tight enough to fit can be problematic.

Friday, October 9, 2020

A Strong Storm Forces me to Setup Camp - Solo Adventure




A powerful cold front is approaching the high mountains and Luke the Lone Wolf is out in the middle of nowhere facing the elements while exploring old farm land;

A storm is coming that will force him to take shelter!

Strong Winds! Heavy Rain! Lightning! Adventure!


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Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Inexpensive DIY Overland and Camping Toilet System




As a couple who have spent decades Overlanding and Camping across the country, we have used countless camp toilets and none of them come close to the system which we have put together ourselves.

This is an inexpensive DUY system which can be used by anyone for any purpose ranging from Overlanding to Car Camping!

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Agenda Free Gear Links :

Camco Portable Toilet Bucket with Seat and Lid Attachment : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075BZVVLD

UltraSac Contractor Trash Bags : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DH4IUMQ 

Reliance Products Bio-Blue Toilet Deodorant Chemicals : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011MXVD4

Monday, October 5, 2020

Test Night! Rain and Storms with the Wildlands UL2 Tent




This is Test Night with the Wildlands Outdoor Gear UL2 Tent;

Will it Leak?

How does it manage with AirFlow and Condensation?

How is the quality of the tent?

Are there any issues?

Find out now!

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This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

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

Friday, October 2, 2020

River Camping Wilderness Adventure - Mysterious Forest




In this Overnight Adventure the The Outdoor Gear Review is backpacking through an old hand planted forest (never seen anything like it before) to camp next to the 2nd oldest river in the world!

Following closely behind is Hurricane Beta....Rain is on the way!

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Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station - Real Overland Review




When It comes to products like this, you will often times find videos on Youtube which amount to nothing more than unboxings but with TOGR we do things differently;

I've been testing this product for over 6 months, I've taken it across the country to Colorado and have relied on it for countless adventures into the middle of nowhere and I have a lot to share.

This is a real overland review of the Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station. Also, I review the Jackery 100w Solar Panels.

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This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

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


...

Jackery Explorer 1000 Review

Agenda Free Link Explorer 1000 : https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-1000-portable-power-station

Agenda Free Link Solar Panels : https://www.jackery.com/products/solarsaga-100w-solar-panel

Price : $1000

Weight : 22lbs Dimensions : 13.1 x 9.17 x 11.1”

Capacity : 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah)

Output Max : 1000W Continuous, 2000W Max

Battery Type : Li-ion NMC

Protection Systems : Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection and so on.

Ports :

USB A : Two USB-A ports (5V 2.4A,Quick Charge 3.0)

USB C : Two USB-C ports PD18W (5V 3A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A)

AC : 3*110VAC, 60Hz, 1000W Continuous, 2000W Max

DC : DC 12V, up to 10A

Operating Temp Range : 14-104F – I’ve had this running in temps around 102F with no issues.

Included : 1* Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station, 1*AC Adapter, 1* Car Charger Cable, 1*SolarSaga Parallel Adapter Cable, 1* User Guide

Review Pros :

Excellent quality – I’ve had no issues with this device; it has always worked flawlessly with no errors nor problems

3 standard PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets

Multiple ways to charge – Wall, DC, Solar

Power Levels is in percentages and not bars; bars are absolutely pointless and will get you into trouble as you will never be able to know exactly how much power you have left. Also, you won’t be able to determine how much power something that you plug in is being used.

1000w limit is great for running multiple items and appliances all at once and for running appliances that are under 1000w range.

Excellent Warranty – easy to contact the company via their web site and also via phone. Not all companies who make and sell power stations provide a phone number to call.

Dual Solar panel adapter cable included

Quick Charging via all methods;

8 hours by connecting two SolarSaga 100W solar panels together with an adapter cable

16 hours to charge via a single panel -

Solar Charge times are very much subjective and will be based on solar intensity, direction and so on.

Time for full recharging is approximately 7 hours from an AC outlet

11 hours from 12v car ports but your mileage will vary as there are differences in vehicles.

Features an Anderson Power port so you can use solar panels with this system

Good weight : I have larger power stations but they are a chore to move as they are very heavy. 22Lbs, isn’t bad

If charging via your start battery when the vehicle isn’t running, it does have built in protection so that you have enough juice to start. I don’t recommend doing this as you should drain your start battery.

Silent operation

Simple power solution for those who don’t want to mess with a dual battery system.

Review Cons :

Wattage usage can be slow to present on the lcd screen.

Flashlight isn’t super reliable.

Review Summary :

Without a doubt, the Jackery brand is the one Power Station Brand that I can easily recommend as it checks off all of the boxes for what I feel makes an excellent power station.

Lots of power, excellent peak wattage range, reliable, lots of ways to charge, quick to charge, power levels are in percentages, and can be charged via dc 12v.

1000wh is an excellent capacity for overlanding and also for emergency use; speaking of which, I’ve ran this station for months now and not once have I had any issues. I use it mainly to power my DC fridge/freezer and it has been excellent.