Mar
Available at Amazon
MSR Hyperflow Microfilter Prefilter Replacement Feature
Mar
My best friend and I are never happier than when we are hiking, kayaking, or show shoeing. The only thing we ever wished for other than a super lightweight tent, which hasn’t been invent yet, is hiking underwear that promises all the things our other garments do. Ex Officio women’s briefs are all this and more. We’ve tried cotton (yuck), silk, we’ve even tried various bathing suit bottoms. On one of her trips to the US my friend saw Ex Officio briefs for the first time. They are all she talked about for two months, that and the fact that she should have bought a pair. I ordered her a pair for her birthday in August. She still talks about them all the time, how they feel like she doesn’t even have any on, how dry she feels all the time, how she wishes she had a whole drawer full, how she wishes she could go to 17 countries just to spread the word about them. I am so jealous now that I’ll be ordering some for myself. Truly a 5 star item.
Available at Amazon
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Full Cut Brief Feature
Mar
Available at Amazon
Gerber 22-80144 Onyx 50 Flashlight Feature
Mar
Max Burton 06975 Java To Go will keep coffee and other beverages hot for hours. Will even heat cold or room temperature beverages to a comfortable 130F drinking temperature.
Perfect for car camping weekends, late night driving, or road trips, this portable mug plugs into your cigarette lighter or other standard 12-volt receptacle and keeps your beverage hot for hours. Made from lightweight, durable stainless steel, the mug holds up to 16 ounces of liquid and is insulated with polyurethane foam. The square-angled handle is easy to grip, while the rubber bottom pad and splash-resistant lid help prevent spills in your lap. Great for keeping coffee, cocoa, and tea warm, the mug will also heat cold or room temperature beverages to a comfortable 130-degree drinking temperature.p
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 10, 2010 01:03:14
Mar
Available at Amazon
Camping: Cabela’s Hercules Industrial Canopy Wall Kits (Industrial 18×27) Feature
Mar
I saw my first Eureka Timberline at a boy scout jamboree when I was 12 or 13. At the time it was a unique design–shock corded construction, a floor, rain fly, doors with windows that can remain open during a rain. These things were unheard of at the time, and were unimaginable improvements over the canvas single-wall tents my troop was using.
A few years ago I bought a Timberline 2 with high-low ventilation and a vestibule. It is very comfortable, and the high-low ventilation, when open, creates a constant flow of fresh air into the tent. Although it’s fine for one person plus gear or two people with gear stored in the vestibule, it isn’t large enough for my wife and I to take our grand kids camping. So after a lot of research and trial and error I purchased the Timberline Outfitter 6, and we absolutely love it.
Ventilation is even better than the 2-person model because low vents are on each door. With the side guy chords properly deployed, the interior opens up offering almost as much head room as domed tents, the only difference being that the highest portion of the tent extends from end to end rather than the center of the structure. Sure it’s a wall tent, but the sloped walls don’t restrict interior room as much as one might think.
I can put it up by myself (I’m 5′10″) but doing so the first time took a bit of creativity because of the tent’s large size. But it can be done.
One of the world’s most popular tents (with over a million sold), the classic A-frame Eureka Timberline Outfitter 4 offers room enough for four sleepers and an industrial, heavy duty design. Ideal for car campers or using as a base camp, the three-season free-standing Outfitter 4 will stand up to the toughest of conditions. Set up is quick and easy, thanks to a sturdy shockcorded 0.5-inch aluminum frame, ring and pin attachments, and clip attachments.
It features a breathable nylon wall, polyester fly, and a heavy-duty bathtub floor made of 4 ounce 210D oxford nylon that repels water. The High/Low door vents from the top and/or bottom, providing options for moderating air flow. The hooded fly at the front and rear allows windows to remain partially open during rain for ventilation. Shockcorded eaves increase stability and tear resistance in wind. Other features include two mesh gear pockets, loops for gear loft, flashlight, and clothes line, and closable windows.
Specifications:
About Eureka
Though the exact year is unknown, Eureka’s long history begins prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where the company still resides today. Then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, its first wares were canvas products–most notably, Conestoga wagon covers and horse blankets for nineteenth century American frontiersmen–as well as American flags, store awnings, and camping tents.
The company increased production of its custom canvas products locally throughout the 1930s and during the 1940 and even fabricated and erected the IBM “tent cities” just outside Binghamton. The seven acres of tents housed thousands of IBM salesmen during the company’s annual stockholders meeting, which had since outgrown its previous locale. In the 1940s, with the advent of World War II and the increased demand for hospital ward tents, Eureka expanded operations and began shipping tents worldwide. Ultimately, upon the post-war return of the GIs and the resultant housing shortage, Eureka turned its attention to the home front during the 1950s by supplying awnings for the multitude of mobile homes that were purchased.
In 1960, Eureka’s new and innovative Draw-Tite tent, with its practical, free standing external frame, was used in a Himalayan Expedition to Nepal by world renowned Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person documented to summit Mt. Everest only six years earlier. In 1963, Eureka made history during its own Mt. Everest ascent, with more than 60 of its tents sheltering participants from fierce 60+ mph winds and temperatures reaching below -20°F during the first all American Mt. Everest Expedition.
For backpackers and families, Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. Truly the first StormShield design, this completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent became one of the most popular tents the entire industry with sales reaching over 1 million by its ten year anniversary.
Eureka tents have also traveled as part of several historic expeditions, including the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition to Annapurna I in 1978 and the first Mt. Everest ascents by a Canadian and American woman in 1986 and 1988. In recent history, tents specially designed and donated by Eureka sheltered Eric Simonson and his team on two historic research expeditions to Mount Everest, this time in a quest for truth regarding the 1924 attempted summit of early English explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. During the 1999 expedition, the team made history finding the remains of George Mallory, but the complete mystery remained unsolved. Returning in 2001 to search for more clues, the team found amazing historical artifacts which are now on display at the Smithsonian.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it’s wise to choose a tent that’s designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you’ll face. For instance, if you’re a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick–especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you’re a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you’ll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you’d like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you’re a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don’t need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it’s easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It’s also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you’re considering.
Available at Amazon
Eureka Timberline Outfitter 6 10′ 3″ by 8′ 6″ Six-Person Tent Feature
Mar
Constructed of bombproof Dyneema gridstop nylon, the Pinnacle is the ultimate large volume ultra-lite pack. Foam padding in the back and hip belt wings provides support, and Brock foam padding beefs up the spacer mesh shoulder straps to ensure long-lasting comfort. A large front pocket with a watertight zip and two side angled stretch mesh pockets provide easy access to stored items, and two side compression straps plus the comPACKtor system neatly decompress unused pack space for smooth hauling.
Designed for efficient and comfortable mountain travel climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, or trekking, the GoLite Women’s Pinnacle Pack is built for high-intensity use in any weather conditions. Weighing just one pound, eight ounces, and constructed of bombproof and amazingly lightweight Dyneema gridstop nylon, the Pinnacle is one of the lightest and most durable large-volume alpine packs available. The Dyneema fabric is stronger than steel and lighter than any other high-performance fiber. Composed of extremely durable and light polyethylene fibers that are chemical, water, and UV resistant, used to reinforce 210 Denier (medium-weight) ripstop nylon, this fabric is 10-times stronger than steel and twice as strong as Kevlar by weight. The resulting pack fabric is extremely light and durable and is somewhat water resistant, designed for the rigors of backpacking and mountaineering.p The Pinnacle pack offers an ample 61-liter capacity for longer and gear heavy trips. But offering incredible versatility, the comPACKtor system reduces the pack’s volume so you can still maintain a streamlined and balanced load for shorter trips with two fixed compression anchor clips. Simple to use, you simply connect the two fixed compression anchor clips with the pack empty, and your pack volume and profile are instantly smaller.p With a streamlined design, built for comfort on the move, the Pinnacle offers optimum support with foam padding in the back and hip belt wings and Brock foam padding in the spacer mesh shoulder straps. The sternum strap and webbing hip belt are fully adjustable. A large front pocket with a watertight zip and two side angled stretch mesh pockets provide easy access to stored items, while the top loading main compartment is easy to pack and has a top compression strap for load control. Two side compression straps further tighten down the load. The pack also features two angled side mesh pockets with elastic top bindings, ice axe loops with lightweight elastic cord, a pack hook system for closure, a haul loop, and a three-liter hydration compatible sleeve.pstrongSpecifications:/strongulliWeight: One pound, eight ounces liVolume: 61 liters liHydration: Three-liter hydration compatible, reservoir not included liFabric: Dyneema gridstop nylon liComfortable foam back pad and hip belt wings liSpace mesh shoulder straps with Brock foam padding liAdjustable sternum strap and webbing for hip belt liTwo side compression straps with quick release buckles liTop compression strap liComPACKtor system liLarge front pocket with watertight zipper liCord Lock to secure top closure liHydration compatible liTwo angled side mesh pockets with elastic top binding liIce axe loops with lightweight elastic cord and pack hook system for closure liHaul loop liImported /ulpstrongRecommended Uses:/strongulliMountaineering liBackcountry skiing/snowboarding liAll-season backpacking liAlpine-style backpacking /ulpstrongCare Specifications:/strongulliUse a mild soap and a damp sponge to wipe the outside and inside of the pack. Never use detergents or solvents. liStubborn stains may require scrubbing with a soft bristle nylon brush. Excessive cleaning may damage the protective coatings and is not recommended. liUse McNett Mirazyme enzyme cleanser to neutralize organic contaminants such as sweat and food. liNever tumble dry your pack–the heat may damage the protective coatings. liThe use of solvents and dryers may damage your pack. liBe sure to completely air-dry the pack. liOpen all zippers and roll-tops prior to storing. liAlways store your pack in a cool, dry place. /ulpstrongManufacturer Warranty/strongbr Lifetimepstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Backpack Guide/BIG/font/strongbrstrongfont color=CC6600Finding the Right Backpack/font/strongbr For extended trips into the backcountry, there’s no getting around the fact that you’ll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:pstrongfont color=CC6600Internal vs. External/font/strongbr Up until late 1970s, external frame packs–which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag–were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack iinside/i the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.p The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you’re doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack’s compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions–another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.p There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.p External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don’t situate the load directly against your back, you’ll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you’re on a budget, or you’re buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.p If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don’t need a lot of body movement, you’ll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.pstrongfont color=CC6600Packs for Shorter Trips/font/strongbr In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don’t need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.pstrongfont color=CC6600Sizes and Capacities/font/strongbr Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you’re going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you’ll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you’ll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.p
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 07, 2010 04:04:56
Mar
Couple this lantern with the Coleman 2 Burner Dual Fuel Premium Compact Liquid Fuel Stove, and you’ll have decades of reliable, economical, environmentally friendly cooking and light. You can cook and light up your campsite for a week with a can of Coleman fuel. With other solutions (even Coleman’s), you buy about five cans of compressed propane for the same effect, which costs more and creates a lot more litter.
This lantern puts flashlights to shame — it truly illuminates a campsite with hours and hours of even, white, bright light. The output of even a 4 D-cell flashlight is very dim by comparison. Seem silly? Not if it gets dark before you’re finished cooking dinner!
As with the Coleman stove, it uses liquid gas, not pressurized propane. This means you have to pour liquid gas into its tank — which is very easy, especially if you use the Coleman Fuel Filler. You also have to pump the stove and lamp, but this is super-easy to do. Both units prime themselves, which means you light them, and their flame heats up the tube which feeds them gas. As soon as the tube heats up, it fully draws the gas and the stove/lantern run for hours without more pumping. It’s a little old-fashioned, but it is extremely reliable, and there’s something very rustic and romantic about using the same camping gear that people used in the 1940’s and 1950’s.
I bought the plastic carrying case for this lantern and I love it. There is a trick — you have to press in the sides of the case at the bottom in order to “latch” the lid onto the bottom. Otherwise, as another reviewer mentioned, the bottom will come off. As long as you make sure it’s latched, it works very well to protect the lamp during transport and storage.
A word of warning: This lantern produces a flame, it is encased in glass, and it gets very hot. It is very dangerous to use inside of a tent, and of course you must be careful not to knock it over in the woods. It has a large handle, and it can be hung, but make sure it isn’t going to burn whatever it’s hanging from. This isn’t a big deal – just use common sense, and you’ll have years of camping fun.
The Coleman 286A700T One-mantle Adjustable Gas Lantern is the lantern that made camping cozy. Clean-burning, this Coleman lantern provides a soft glow for late-night stories, or a bright beacon shining the way back to camp.
The Coleman one-mantle gas lantern features porcelain ventilators that won’t rust, and an adjustable flame that allows you to get up to seven hours of burn time on high, or up to 14 hours of burn time on low. Powered by 1.3 pints of Coleman fuel (not included) this quality lantern will provide you with consistent lighting.
Manufacturer Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Available at Amazon
Coleman Two-Mantle Adjustable Gas Lantern Feature
Mar
This is a nifty light. It takes any normal AA,AAA,C,or D battery. The lantern feature is the main reason I bought this as I’ll be using it as a tent lantern and flashlight backpacking.
I’ve tried it with a single AAA up to a D cell battery and both produce a good amount of light. I imagine the main difference is run time, there was a bit of brightness difference (AA seemed dimmest actually, D brightest) but you can play around and see what works best for you. There are two levels of brightness, both being bright enough to light up a small room or decent sized tent when in lantern mode. The beam spreads out very well, it doesn’t use reflectors, so there aren’t any dead zones, the bulb is actually like an led ring. The flashlight mode works like most other LED flashlights, which I am not a huge fan of, because you cannot focus the beam, but it does the job.
The light is a little larger than I expected, probably more like 6″ long, but it is fairly light using AAA or AA batteries. The D cell made it significantly heavier, but it felt better in the hand. I’ll be using this backpacking as a flashlight and as a tent lantern.
Available at Amazon
Brunton Lamplight 360 LED Lantern/Flashlight Feature
Mar
I looked everywhere for a nice cookset that didn’t weigh too much but was still big enough to be usable and found some nice MSR stuff and nice Brunton stuff among other brands, but the thing that sold me was the non-stick coating. When I’m camping, the last thing I want to be doing is scrubbing burnt-on food out of my cookset. This set worked great! I went camping with 2 other people for 4 days and they each brought various cooksets. By the third day, mine was getting more use than the others. Clean up is easy, and they pack together nicely so as to not take up much space. I also have the Brunton Raptor cookstove (Which is AWESOME by the way.) and it works great with this cookset and stores inside when not in use along with the handle for the cookset. The set comes with a nylon case that keeps it all together and is not really necessary, but it is a nice touch. I highly recomend this cookset to anyone.
Made of hard-anodized aluminum for durability and coated with Teflon, this backpacking cookware set consists of a two pots, a frying pan, and a universal handle that grips both pots and pan. The pots and pan nest without rattling so they fit compactly and quietly in a backpack. Pots and pan bottoms are grooved to increase friction and reduce slippage on a stove. Weighing 21 ounces, the set packs away in an insulated stuff sack with accessory pocket. The set carries a 1-year warranty against defects.
Available at Amazon
Brunton Vapor Non-stick aluminum Cookset, grey Feature
