Explorers - Day Hike Adventure with Photos and Stories

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Explorers....
Hitting the Trails....

Susan and I head into VA to do some exploring and found some great trails!  Enjoy the adventure as we go from trail to trail, tell stories and share some of the photos which Luke took.

Hot or Not - UCO Sweetfire Strikable Fire Starter - Review

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Fire from Sugar?
7 Minute Match?
Hot or Not?
Find out Now.

This is the review of the UCO Sweetfire Strikable Fire Starter.

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UCO Link : https://www.ucogear.com/sweetfire-strikeable-fire-starter-mt--sfp

Amazon Link : https://www.amazon.com/UCO-SweetFire-Strikeable-Firestarter-Piece/dp/B01L2V5E6A

Price on Amazon : $7.30
Price on UCO : $5.99
Weight Per Package : 4.7oz
Weight per Match : .2 of an oz
5 tenders are 1oz

Tip : Light and then hold at a downward angel to light the others sides

The Sweetfire Strikeable Fire Starter is not only sweet for your gear collection, it's sweet for the planet. Made from a sugarcane by-product called bagasse, this key ingredient is already used around the world as a renewable biofuel. Each of these match points (there are 20 per box) is infused with vegetable wax to allow for up to 7 minutes of burn time per each point. There's also no need to bring matches to light the Sweetfire as each match point has a strikeable tip that can conveniently be used with the striker on the box.

It’s not a match but rather a strikeable fire starter and therefore bridges functions between a match and a compressed fiber fire starter

Pros :

• Small form factor
• In the right conditions they can burn for a long time.
• Can carry many without much added weight
• No strong odor like some similar products
• Easy start for a fire or wood stove (good weather)
• Long burn time – UCO claims 7 minutes and I have gotten up to 10 with my testing.  When pushing passed the 6 minute or so mark the flame isn’t very hot or effective.
• Burns when wet and in rain/snow
• Environmentally sustainable product
• Can be lit with a ferro rod if you take the time to scrap some of the fuel into a pile.
• Can be lit with a lighter

Cons :

•  Strike point is not waterproof and will get gummy if damp enough.
•  Match will absorb water if exposed and will fall apart…but can still be lighted with a lighter
•   No windproof – will need shelter in the wind
•  Not strike-anywhere
• Cost/unit higher than alternatives

Uses :

For calm weather and for wood stoves, these are awesome. You could wake in the morning, grab one of these, throw it in your stove, put some wood on it and go brush your teeth, use the bathroom, then come back and your water is boiling.

These are great in good weather, not the best in rough conditions.

Recommendation :

Make the striking point storm proof as this would make the product much more usable

Great for perfect weather conditions.

Car camping

Hunting

Situations where you can do a better job at keeping them dry

Not So Quick - How To Setup the Sierra Designs Convert 2

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Being able to see how easy a tent can be pitched is very important to the purchasing process.  With that in mind, here is how to setup the Sierra Designs 4 Season Convert 2 tent.

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Link : Link :  https://sierradesigns.com/convert2/

Warm, Lightweight, Less Expensive, Excellent Quality - UGQ Bandit Top Quilt

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Today Luke is reviewing the UGQ Bandit Top Quilt!

Light, Warm and Less Expensive than other companies!

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Link : https://ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/bandit/

Weight : 1lbs 13oz on my scale

Price : As Shipped $297.95.  Can be customized for each user.

When it comes to price, this is afford for a custom made quilt. I have other quilts which are for less harsh temps that cost almost double the price of this one here. Very competitive!

All BANDIT Quilts include a 40d Silpoly Stuff Sack and our Pad Attachment System (Single Strap).

With a custom order like this, there is going to be a wait time which is common across all companies like this one.  At the time of filming, wait times were running 9 – 10 weeks!  Again this is very common with smaller companies who are offering custom products.

The loft on this quilt is amazing!

Awesome for backpacking, camping and hammock use

When compared to other companies; similarly speced quilts would run;

Zpacks : Around the $360 price range

Enlightened : $300

Katabatic Gear  : $460

Without a doubt I would recommend this company and their products as I am more than thrilled with what I have received here.  Absolutely awesome in terms of quality and construction.  Very fair pricing which puts most of their competitors to shame.  Very well thoughtout and very customizable in terms of your order.