Teton Sports Responds about the AmazonBasic 55L Backpack

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Being Agenda free means that I can hold companies accountable for what they say and do...or don't say and in this episode of Companies Respond, I have an interesting story to tell about Teton Sports.

Can I continue to support them and make their recommendation to others?

That's a Knife! - Maxwell Edition 2 - Viewer Mail Episode #60

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This is the second episode of the Maxwell Edition of Viewer Mail!
Maxwell, I can't thank you enough for all that you have done.
I hope that you all are ready to see some Military Surplus!

What the Heck is a Mini Alice Pack?

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What happens when you take a famous piece of military surplus (Alice Pack) and shrink it down to a mini size?

Nothing good!

This is the Mini Alice Pack....

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Weight of Entire System : 3lbs 11oz Approx.

Cost of Entire System : $113 before shipping fees

Pack Link : https://www.armysurplusworld.com/small-nylon-alice-pack

Frame : https://www.5ivestargear.com/packs-bags/backpacks/gi-spec-lc-ii-alice-pack-frame-complete

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Pack :

Price : $60

The Small Nylon Alice Pack at Army Surplus World is a great, durable pack for recreational use. The Small Nylon Alice Pack is ready to transport your gear safely, time and time again. G.I. Style Mini Alice Pack features shoulder straps, 3 outside pockets and measures 14 1/2" x 12" x 7". ALICE stands for All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment system and was adopted by the United States Army in the 1960's to help soldiers carry large heavy packs.

It too me forever to figure this out as there are no markings on the pack itself but hidden away on the Army Surplus World Web Site it says that it is made by Rothco and Fox Outdoor.  If you are interested in this pack, make sure to pay attention as Rotcho has a canvas version which will not fit on the frame.

This is referred to as the Rothco G.I. Style Mini Alice Pack

Features According to Manufacture :

• Constructed of durable P.U. coated polyester

• Large main compartment under storm flap

• Hidden map pocket under flap with hook & loop closure

• 3 outside pockets with compression buckles & 2-snap closure

• Wrap around compression straps over storm flap

• Adjustable padded shoulder straps

• 14 1/2" x 12" x 7"

• 600 Denier Polyester

No waist belt unless used with a frame
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Frame :

GI SPEC LC-II ALICE PACK FRAME COMPLETE

Price : $53

The 5ive Star Gear® GI Spec LC-II ALICE Pack Frame is designed as a mount for either the medium field pack or the large field pack. This frame comes complete with everything you need for comfort to carry large loads with no problem, including shoulder straps and kidney pad. Item is compatible with the 5ive Star Gear® GI Spec LC-II ALICE Pack.;

Features According to Manufacture : 

Heavy duty construction

Complete frames include all straps kidney and shoulder pads

Imported

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Summary :

A viewer sent me this pack and for that kindness I am incredibly thankful.

At first, I was highly confused by this; I’ve used medium and large Alice packs but I’ve never seen a small and there is a reason for that; it’s terrible!

As far as a review goes; I wouldn’t purchase this pack and I certainly wouldn’t use it with a frame.  Yes it looks cool and initially I thought that it was really, really awesome but as I begun using it the more it became clear that this simply isn’t a realistic backpack.

At this size, it is too small; so small and so limited that it is virtually impossible to use unless you are carrying only a few items.  I was going to use it with my latest overnight adventure which was a survival trip and I had virtually nothing with me with the exception of a small emergency shelter and some minor camera gear and it simply wouldn’t work.

Look awesome but isn’t useable.

The outside pockets are very small.

You can remove the frame and that will increase the storage of the bag but will decrease the overall comfort as the pack will become more round shaped and won’t fit flatly on the back.

If you like the Alice pack, go with the Medium one; don’t get this one.

Good for school? Maybe if you are carrying a few books….maybe.

Something else to keep in mind is that that Gi Style of packs, copy cats in other words have a strong reputation for failure; it’s a simple fact and if you go out and buy one of these, be ready to treat it gently and to have problems.  This pack is made out of polyester, not nylon.  Polyester isn’t the best of materials for backpacks.

More of a novelty in my opinion and for the pack itself, it is very expensive.  I wouldn’t recommend buying this; take your money and buy something else. Buy a medium alice with frame for $55 and call it a day.

Frame looks to be very well made and I don’t personally see any issues with it.

Worth $20? - Canway Wood Burning Stove - Review

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Looking for a good quality wood burning stove that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?  This is the Canway Camping Stove!

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Link : https://www.amazon.com/Canway-Backpacking-Portable-Stainless-Traveling/dp/B071P1X3ML

Price : $20 on Amazon at the time of filming

Weight : stove - 1lb 1.8oz Bag - .6oz

It is time for another gasifer stove review and today we have the Canway Camping Stove.

First off, I love stoves like this as I have always been interested in the design; this one was sent by a viewer to review and I happily accepted the challenge.

Longest title every; Canway Camping Stove, Wood Stove/Backpacking Stove,Portable Stainless Steel Wood Burning Stove Nylon Carry Bag Outdoor Backpacking Hiking Traveling Picnic BBQ

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Pros :

Easy setup.
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

Legs have been sturdy so far with no bending or flexing.

Good quality mesh bag.

Centralized flame
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Cons :

Heavy

Legs are stiff to move which I actually like but time will tell if they become very hard to move which I can see happening.

Smokey until it gets going; it’s a wood stove….so I’m taking this off of the con list.  If you don’t like soot and smoke, don’t use a wood stove!

General cons to wood stoves like this;

Cons - this takes longer overall than my Optimus. I enjoy the ritual of building the fire and tending it, but if you’re with impatient people or needing to get on the trail quickly this may not be for you. And you also have to wait for the stove to cool after use.

- I may not be able to use this in the parks if a burn ban is in effect

- it does get soot on your pots

- you have to tend the fire and keep it fed and hot

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Summary :

For the money, there isn’t much to complain about; hey, it’s only $20!

Want to improve the design; drimmeling some of this material would make feeding slightly easier