Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy / Tent - Review - The Outdoor Gear Review

Here's the video review of the Snugpak Ionosphere Bivy tent.
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Snugpak – Ionosphere 

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·  Flysheet is a lightweight 210t Polyester RipStop pu with a 5000mm waterproof polyurethane coating

·  Inner Tent constructed of 190t Nylon with Polyester Mesh

·  50D Polyester No-See-Um-Mesh

·  DAC® Featherlite NSL® anodized poles with pressfit connectors

·  All DAC® Poles are made from TH72M aluminum - Featherlite NSL anodized aluminum poles

·  1 Doors

·  All seams are taped sealed

·  Alloy Stakes (14 + 2 Spare Stakes)

·  Available in Olive Outer/Black Inner only

Comes with a Repair Kit - repairs can be made on the move

• TRAIL WEIGHT 2.64 LBS (Fly, Inner Tent & Poles)
• PACK WEIGHT 3.34 LBS (Fly, Inner Tent, Poles, Stakes, Repair Kit & Carry Case)
• PACKSIZE 17”L x 5.25”D
• 2 way zipper

MSRP $ 229.00 but it can be found online for a wide range of prices; $120 - $170 on Amazon.

The Ionosphere™ by Snugpak® is an extremely small and compact 1 person tent. The Ionosphere™ has a very low profile and is great for those looking for a 1 person tent to keep out of the elements. Just like The Bunker™, the Scorpion 3™ and Scorpion2™ the Ionosphere™ also too has a 5000mm PU Coated Fly. The Ionosphere™ has a single entry point, No-See-Um-Mesh and all seams are seam taped. A very impressive small compact tent by anyones standard.

Endorsed by active duty military personal.

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Common Questions that one might ask :

·         Does it come with a footprint?

No.  But the floor is very durable.  I would still recommend one though.

·         Good for kayaking?

Excellent!

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Review :

The Snugpak offers excellent bag for the buck and is highly recommended for those looking for a light weight solution to backpacking.  This is a 3 season tent and I wouldn’t recommend it for snow.  Perfect for those who want something bigger than a bivy but something smaller than a tent. 

Great for stealth camping.

Setup is extremely easy and straightforward.

Very lightweight especially when you leave behind the carrying bag and repair kit.

Aluminum alloy stakes are just fine and light weight as well.

No condensation that’s to the ability to allow great air flow.

The zipper functions very well without any nagging.

Fantastic waterproofing and if set up correctly, water will flow off of the fly onto the ground.

Plenty of room within the tent for you and your gear.  I’m only 5’4 but I have heard of guys in the military who are 6ft that put their gear with the tent and still have plenty of space.

Definitely one person unless you want to spoon all night long.

-          Verdict : It’s a buy!  Great quality and value.  This product alone really paints Snugpak in a positive light and I’m curious to try out some of their other gear.  I ultimately have to agree with what others are saying about it on the internet.  It’s a great product.

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Additional Pictures
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FILBE Assault Pack Review - The Outdoor Gear Review

The Video review.

FILBE Assault Pack Review

After many months of use it’s time to pass down the final verdict on this Assault Pack that is part of the FILBE System.  This component of that system can be purchased separately and of course is part of the entire setup when purchased as complete package.

The Complete FILBE can be purchased for anywhere from $300 - $500.  Just depends on the deal you find at the time.  At the time of this videos making, the complete system new could be purchased for $300 on eBay.

FILBE stands for Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment.

The Assault Pack itself can be found for $150 to $190 new and in most cases this includes the additional assault pouch.

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As you can see this is Coyote Brown in color.

The main material used is Cordura Nylon. 

Manufactured by Eagle Industries

Features sternum strap, waist belt

Two way, ykk zipper that opens lower on the wearer left side.

Molle webbing on three sides of the pack which provide plenty of attachment points.

Heavy duty carry and drag handle

Grommets on the bottom for drainage.

Approx dimensions 20” x 14” x 8”

Approx 2300 cubic inches of space

Weight right at 4lbs give or take a few ounces

Very similar in design to the Camelbak Motherload

The structure of the pack is frame with a 3 – 5 mm plastic sheet that is accessible by a zipper within the main pack.

-          Impressions and review

Extremely comfortable even after long periods of use.  I have used this pack on literally hundreds of miles of hiking and have even used it for overnight backpacking trips.  You can see this pack in action with the Coyote Overnight Adventure.  Video below:

The closed cell foam backing offers good ventilation and offers an adequate level of comfort even when completely loaded.

Without a doubt this is my Go-To pack.  I always have it ready to grab, pack and run if need be. 

Carries a 3 liter hydration bladder without issue and does have ports to tube on both the left and right side. 

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Photos

Front of the main pack.

Front lower panel - Molle webbing.

YKK zippers - 2-way.

Quick release from shoulder straps.

Velcro fasteners.

Top view of one of the hydration/antenna ports.

View into the optional Assault Pouch.

Lower front pocket.

Inside view - Main compartment.

Sleeve which I use to store my hydration bladder.

Plastic sheeting 3 - 5mm thick.  Frame.

Back of main compartment.  Mess pocket.

Back of pack. 

Foam padding - Gap for ventilation. 

Side of pack.  Compression straps and webbing.

Bottom of pack.  Compression straps and grommet holes.

Shoulder straps : Padding.

2013 Creeper Walk 34 Mile Day Hike The Outdoor Gear Review

Thank you all for joining me on the 2013 Creeper Walk - 34 Mile Day Hike.
Damascus to Abingdon VA.