Gear Talk with Jason Klass

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter Review

2011-08-28T16:39:00.001-07:00

And I'm off...

2011-08-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

All packed up and ready for my trip to Mt. Whitney tomorrow! Will have lots of new content for you when I get back: gear reviews, videos, and some surprises. See you when I get back...

Gear Gathering Rituals

2011-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

So, I'm heading off to Mt. Whitney next week with Brian Green and Ben2World and have been procrastinating/flip-flopping about which gear to bring.

There's a scale at the trailhead where everyone takes pictures of their pack weight so I could shoot for the lightest pack.

On the other hand, I've been to Whitney before and have a pretty good lay of the land. It's not that difficult of a summit so I could bring some luxury items like a video camera, small tripod, etc. and bring back some good content.

Or, on the third hand (need to see a doctor about that), I also have some cool gear to field test that would add to my pack weight but would be fun to try out.

Hmm...questions, questions.

In the course of assembling some of the gear I think I want to take, I realized something: I don't have a gear gathering ritual. Some people make detailed gear lists, some people always start with the same basic stuff and go from there. I have nothing. I feel like I start from scratch every time and carry a completely different set of gear based on memory and whim.

So, I ask, do you have a gear gathering ritual before a trip? What is it?

The Flat Cat Alcohol Stove

2011-07-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Flat Cat Alcohol Stove is a very unique and efficient system with a really clever windscreen design. Here's a quick review and test burn.

Conditions:

Elevation: 5,700 ft.
Ambient temp: 78 degrees F
Water volume: 16 oz.
Water Temp: 60 degrees

Gear Grams Gear List Calculator

2011-07-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

I've never been that into using software to create gear lists (mostly because I fear the daunting task of entering all the data on all of my gear).

Many people use Excel spreadsheets and it works but it's not as convenient to slap together a gear list for a specific trip. You have to do a lot of cutting and pasting.

I recent came across a really cool gear calculator called Gear Grams and have been playing around with it this morning.

It's a free, very user friendly program that allows you to quickly build specific gear lists with a simple drag & drop interface. You simply enter all of your gear into your "gear library", then drag individual pieces of gear into a list. I like this a lot because you can easily build lists for summer, winter, ultralight, or even specific locations or conditions. And, of course, every list automatically calculates your total weight.

One feature I really like is the ability to quickly shift between grams, pounds, ounces, or kilograms. That makes conversion simple for the mathematically challenged (like me).

Once you make your gear lists, you can easily share them by generating links and sending them to friends or posting them in a forum.

Overall, this is a very intuitive program and if I can get over my data entry phobia, I might just use it and become a gear list person.

Here is a video showing how easy Gear grams is to use.

Do you make gear lists? What program do you use?

Golite Tumalo Rain Jacket Review

2011-07-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I suppose it's fitting that it's raining while I write this. I'll be climbing Mt. Whitney for the second time at the end of August and am slowly putting my gear together.

I recently upgraded my rain jacket to a Golite Tumalo and have been testing it over the last week to see if it's the one I want to bring. Verdict? It's definitely the one I'm bringing.

The Tumalo is extremely compact and lightweight yet still offers full protection. The Pertex Shield DS fabric really is waterproof, breathable, and stretchy making for a comfortable ride even in a downpour.

Last weekend, I wore mine on the Maid of the Mist beneath Niagara Falls. While everyone else who wore the disposable plastic raincoats they hand out was soaked with sweat, I was bone dry wearing my Tumalo:

Golite Tumalo vs. Niagara Falls. The Tumalo won.

Here's a quick video I shot just a few minutes ago in my backyard showing how well the jacket sheds water without wetting:

Waterproofing and breathability aside, I also like the cut of the jacket. It's very comfortable and not confining like many other rain jackets I've had for backpacking. The sleeves, hood, and torso all have ample room to give you freedom of movement without feeling like you're wearing an oversized garbage bag. BTW, I'm 5' 10" and a size medium fits me perfectly.

For a 10 oz. jacket, they sure did pack a lot of nice features in (some that are missing from many much heavier jackets).

The hood is just the right size and has a nice cinching system that isn't too complicated or that adds a lot of weight. It has a visor though it's fairly small and isn't reinforced. They probably did that to save weight and it's fine with me since I usually wear a baseball cap anyway to keep the rain off my glasses:

Pit zips with a minimalistic zipper are a nice touch and are rare in a jacket of this weight:

Hand pockets are water resistant with ergonomic, yet light zipper pulls:

Two huge interior mesh pockets are large enough to hold a Nalgene bottle. This gives me lots of internal storage for glasses, a camera, or anything else that I want to keep dry, yet close at hand:

Overall, I'm very happy with this jacket. I think Golite did a great job keeping the hardware minimalistic to reduce weight but still be functional and comfortable.

My only nitpick is the elastic cuffs. They aren't tight enough to seal around my wrists so if I have to raise my arms to adjust my hood, water can trickle in:

It's not a deal breaker by any means but it would be nice to have adjustable cuffs to prevent this. I'm sure they could do it for another ounce or so.

If you're looking for a lightweight rain jacket for backpacking, the Golite Tumalo is definitely worth checking out. For the $150 price tag, I haven't found an ultralight rain jacket I've been this impressed by. So when I post my pictures on Mt' Whitney, you'll see me sporting my ocean blue Tumalo--that is, if it rains.

What are you currently using for your UL rain jacket?

North Face Recon Backpack Review

2011-06-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I bought my 3rd North Face Recon Backpack. The Recon has always been my favorite multi-sport pack and every year, they seem to dial it in a little more to make it even better. Here's a quick video review of some of the latest features I like.

What is your most versatile pack?

The Patron Pole: A Combination Hiking Staff and Fly Rod Case

2011-06-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

How to pack your 2-piece fly rod while backpacking

I'm always on the lookout for interesting multi-purpose designs in backpacking gear and when I came across the Patron Pole, I had one of those "why didn't think of that" moments.

The Patron pole offers a simple solution for those who want to bring their 2-piece fly rods with them on a backpacking trip. If you've ever tried to carry a 2-piece fly rod in your backpack, you know it doesn't really work. It sticks out so far above the pack that it easily gets snagged in tree limbs, running the risk of losing--or worse--breaking your rod.

The Patron Pole is hiking staff that solves this problem. It's a hollow, powder coated aluminum tube that doubles as a fly rod "case". Simply unscrew the cap, slide in your 2-piece rod, close it, and your fly rod is completely protected while giving you a nice hiking/wading staff at the same time.

The tip of the Parton Pole can be easily switched out with different tips (they even offer a snow basket option).

What's good

Solid, near indestructible construction to give your rod maximum protection and on-trail/in-stream stability
It floats so you won't lose your rod and hiking staff if you drop it in the river!
It's multi-use: hiking staff, wading staff, rod case (maybe bear defense too?)

What I'd change

The cap is plastic and is a little bulky. I'd like to see a smaller aluminum one and maybe add a multi-use function to it like a built in compass or camera mount to turn it into a mono-pod.
The powder coated finish looks great and is durable but it can get slippery when wet. I'd add either some kind of knurling or wrap to improve the grip in wet conditions.

Overall, this is a very clever design and I have to give kudos to the inventor, Tim McCabe. The Patron pole isn't for everyone. Some people prefer trekking poles to hiking staffs, already have pack rods, etc. But if you've already got a lot of money in a bunch of 2-piece rods that you might want to take on a backpacking trip, then it will save you a lot of money by not having to replace them all with pack rods.

The Patron Pole comes in different sizes to accommodate different length fly rods and weighs in at less than a pound.

To learn more and see a video, visit the Patron Pole website.

What Gear Heads Sound Like to Normal People

2011-06-20T18:47:00.001-07:00

Materials for Alcohol Stove Windscreens

2011-06-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

A question I often get asked is which material is best for making a DIY windscreen for alcohol stoves. This is a big question as there are many types of materials that could be used (including natural windscreens made of rocks or found objects); however, there are some that are better than others depending on conditions, packing style, and budget. Here are 3 of the most common types of windscreen materials and their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Aluminum Flashing

This is probably one of the most widely used windscreen materials. Flashing is used in building construction as a weatherproofing material but can be used to make a great looking windscreen.

Advantages

Produces a nice, perfectly round screen
Durable
Lightweight
Easy to find

Disadvantages

You usually have to buy it in large rolls that can be expensive
Alcohol stove flames turn it brown (see picture above). To remedy this, you can either bake your completed windscreen in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes to burn off the coating or simply sand off the coating of the raw material with extra-fine sandpaper.
Somewhat difficult to work with. You will need tin snips to cut it (or patiently score it with a sharp knife against a metal yard stick). And, it's very "springy" making it somewhat of a pain to deal with.
Produces very sharp edges when cut. All cut edges should be sanded down and you should work with gloves to prevent injury.
Must be rolled for storage which can limit packing options

Where to get it

Aluminum flashing can be found at any hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowe's.

2. Aluminum Tooling Foil

This is my favorite material hands down because it's so easy to work with. Since it's so malleable, it doesn't product a perfect shape like flashing, but you can always smooth out the kinks with your hand.

Advantages

Extremely easy to work with (you can cut it with scissors and easily bend it by hand)
Doesn't brown like flashing
Can be bought in small quantities
Can be rolled or folded for storage to give you more packing options
Comes in different colors if you want to get fancy and pimp out your windscreen!

Disadvantages

More expensive than flashing (per quantity)
Crinkly looking after use (not a problem if you don't care about that sort of thing)
Less durable than flashing though still more than durable enough in my opinion
Slightly more difficult to find. Depending on your area, you might have to order it online.

Where to get it

Iv'e had my best luck at finding tooling foil locally at craft stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby (where it is sometimes called "embossing foil"). You can also usually find it on Amazon or eBay. Just make sure you get aluminum tooling foil and not copper or some other metal.

3. Aluminum Foil (Tin Foil)

Some people make windscreens out of the everyday aluminum foil they have in their kitchen. Basically, all you have to do is roll out the length you need, fold it over itself, and make a fold over each end to take care of the sharp edges and you're done!

Advantages

Cheapest option
Extremely easy to find
Insanely light
Can be either folded or rolled for storage
You probably already have some
Can build a functional windscreen in about one minute

Disadvantages

Least durable option
Can melt with exposure to alcohol stove flames
So light that it can easily blow away in the wind
Very crinkly look after use (much more so than tooling foil)

Where to get it

You probably have some in your kitchen drawer right now. Go look!

For the ease of construction and flexibility, I really think aluminum tooling foil the best. To me, it's the ideal compromise between cost, durability, and packability.

What is your favorite material for alcohol stove windscreens? Any tips or tricks for using it?

Coast LED Pro Pocket Pliers Contest Winner Announced!

2011-06-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest. The winner is Jeff East. Congratulations Jeff! You've been notified by email. More gear contests are on the way so stay tuned!

High Desert Survival School Knife

2011-05-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Just got my High Desert Survival school knife and WOW, this is a serious knife! Warning to ultralighters: this is not a UL blade. It's a hardcore survival knife for hardcore bushcrafters. Those of you that think you only need to carry a razor blade as your main cutting tool...move along. There's nothing to see here. But for you Crocodile Dundee types...

Let's get some specs out of the way, shall we?

Blade Length: 6 1/4″
O/A Length: 11 3/8″
Cutting Edge: 5 1/4″
Thickness: 1/4″
Blade Color: Black Traction Coating
Steel: 1095 High Carbon Alloy RC-58
Handle Material: Black G-10 with New Tuff Grip Design
Sheath: Combat Ballistic Nylon
Mfg. Handcrafted in the USA

The knife is heavy (13.6 oz. on my scale) but balances extremely well in the hand. The contours and jimping in all the right places of the handle give you excellent purchase and control with the comfort for sustained work. Your hand won't slip even when the handle is wet:

The spine of the blade is an astounding 1/4" thick and is coated with traction coating making it ideal for batoning and other bushcrafting chores. Compare the spine thickness of the High Desert Survival knife (left) with my SOG Seal Pup Elite (right):

Above the handle, there is a choil (an indent for your index finger) and jimping (ridges that improve grip) to choke up on the blade for more delicate work:

Choking up on the blade is still comfortable (and safe thanks to the finger guard):

The drop point tip is strong, yet sharp thanks to a tri-grind design:

The knife comes with a very nice ballistic nylon sheath that has a lot of features including a leg strap and sharpening stone pocket (sharpening stone is not included):

All in all, this is one of the best designed-knives I've ever used. It's razor sharp, ergonomic, and solid. I would trust my life to this knife. I wouldn't carry it on easy hikes and overnighters where a smaller, lighter folder would be more than adequate and this would be overkill. But if I were on a hard core trip in Alaska or doing some serious bushwhacking where my life depended on my knife, this would be the one I would choose. I'm happy to now have one in my aresenal.

Do you have a "beast" knife? What is it?

Gear Giveaway: Coast LED Pro Pocket Pliers

2011-05-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away a free Coast LED Pro Pocket Pliers Multi-tool. At first glance, this might look like a lot of other multi-tools, but check this out: It has TWO built in LED lights! One illuminates the area in front of the pliers, and the other illuminates the area in front of the knife (probably the two most used tools in a multi-tool). This feature makes it great for nighttime camp chores or repairs.

Definitely a unique feature and it even comes with a sheath! Read more specs here.

How to enter: Simply leave a comment on this Gear Talk blog post (posts on Facebook, Twitter, emails, etc. will not be eligible) stating how you would use this multi-tool and why the dual LED lights might be particularly useful for you. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. If you post anonymously or without your email, I can't contact you if you win and I will choose another winner.

Deadline: Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 at midnight MST.

Win a Free Hi-Tec Hiking Shirt!

2011-04-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Speaking of clothing...The Hiking boots blog is giving away a Hi-Tec Salt Creek shirt for the best comment left on their post. Contenst ends April 19th. Sorry ladies, looks like they're only giving away a men's shirt. Enter the contest here

The Dus-T: A Good Shirt for Desert Hiking

2011-04-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I was on a backpacking trip in Canyonlands, Utah. On the second day, a strong sand storm moved in. It was so powerful that it turned the entire sky red and even snapped one of my friend's tent poles like a toothpick! The most annoying thing was that sand was flying into our mouths and it was difficult not to breathe it in. I think I had sand in my mouth for 3 days after. I tried blocking it by putting a bandanna around my face but the wind was still pushing it in on the sides. It would havebeen nice to have had a shirt like the Dus-T.

The Dus-T basically looks like a regular shirt, except it's got a hidden dust mask in it. It fits much tighter than a bandanna and will keep the sand out if you're ever in a situation like the one above.

They offer several different styles and materials but I got white cotton one. Wait, did I just say the "C" word? Yep. In the desert, I like to wear cotton during the day because it's cooler (at night, I switch to a synthetic). I also like to wear light colors to keep the sun off so this was a natural choice for me.

If you do any desert hiking, you might want to check out Dus-Ts. The next time you're caught in a sandstorm, you won't have to put up with that annoying crunching noise in your mouth all day. Plus, you'll look like a desert ninja!

Insta-Fire Fire Starter

2011-03-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking to play around with new types of fire starting materials and I've recently stumbled across a very interesting one. Insta-Fire is a unique tinder that uses a blend of volcanic rock and wood pellets to produce a long burning, water proof fire starter. In the video above a small handful of Insta-Fire burned well over five and a half minutes under windy conditions and kept a steady flame (more than enough to start a campfire with even wet wood). One thing I like about this fire starter is that even though it's water proof, it's all natural and non-toxic. Also, they sell it in various volumes--everything from a 5 gallon bucket to small packages. I'd say most backpackers with decent fire skills could easily get a fire going with about a teaspoon or so making it very economical (both money and weight wise). If you're looking to try something new, you might want to check out Insta-Fire.

ULA Camino Panel Loading Backpack - First Impressions

2011-03-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Get the specs for the ULA Camino panel loading backpack

I'm now on Twitter!

2011-03-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say that I'm now on Twitter. This is where I'll be posting about gear deals, contests, blog updates, and other neat backpacking gear stuff. If you want to subscribe, click the button below:

Tell Us Your Favorite Outdoor Quote, Win Free Gossamer Gear Stuff!

2011-03-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The winner is Killerbee938. Congratulations! Please email me with your address so we can ship your swag. The contest is now closed.

The lucky winner of this contest will receive a nice little package from Gossamer Gear including:

1. One Thinlight 3/8" sleeping pad

2. One Medium Polycryo Ground Cloth

3. One Lighten Up DVD

RULES: Winner will be chosen at random Friday, March 11th 2011 at 6:00 PM MST. To be entered in the contest, all you have to do is reply to this post (no emails please) with your favorite quote about the outdoors. Good luck and I look forward to hearing your quotes!

Am I Missing Something?

2011-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

While I try to be good about keeping up with good outdoor blogs, there are so many it's impossible to not let some slip through the cracks. I'm trying to update my blog roll and need your help. Please let me know if you have a blog (or know of a good one) that's not currently in my blog roll. I will add it to the list (as long as it's about backpacking and of good quality). Just leave a reply to this post with the URL.

DIY Traction for Hiking Boots

2011-03-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

The Spring hiking season is coming and I've been thinking a lot lately about traction options. Spring hiking here in Colorado often means slippery, muddy trails with patches of ice and snow. There usually isn't enough snow to warrant snowshoes or enough ice to warrant big, heavy crampons but most ordinary hiking boots just don't cut it. I've used Yax Trax in the past and they work great but was wondering what other options are out there that are lighter. I was also looking for something that you don't have to put on and take off. Grip Studs seem to be a good alternative.

Grip Studs look like little cleats you would find on a golf shoe. You can install them yourself with a special tool and pattern guide that is included. They're great for trails with mixed surfaces and bite into with a nice, solid grip. In case you're wondering, they are removable so you can take them off in the summer when the trails dry out. I haven't done it enough to notice yet but I imagine you can only install and remove them so many times in the same place before the hole is stripped (I suppose you could alternate the location if you think you'll be removing them often).

For those of you looking for a simple "install and forget" traction solution, Grip Studs might be the way to go. Oh, and if you're an angler, they work great on wading boots too! Click here for more info.

Firesteel Giveaway! Win a Free Gobspark Armageddon!

2011-02-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Update: The 2 winners for this contest are Carl Lenocker, and Wakis85.

I recently did a post about the Gobspark Armageddon firesteel and many of you seemed very interested in trying one out. Well, now you have a chance to get one for free with this hot (couldn't resist) contest!

The Rules:

1. Simply reply to this blog post describing your most successful technique for building and starting a fire.
2. Two winners will be chosen at random on Sunday, Feb. 27th 2011 at 5 PM MST (no submissions will be taken into consideration after that).
3. The winners will be announced in this blog post.
4. The winners MUST email me in order to claim their prize. Please include your shipping address in the email. If a winner does not email me within 72 hours of the end of the contest, a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck everyone and I look forward to hearing your fire starting techniques!

Brooks-Range Field Organizers

2011-02-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

If you’re a map monkey, journaling junkie, or note-taking nut, you might want to check out the Brooks-Range Field Organizers. These lightweight organizers pack a ton of features to keep all of your pre-planning and on-the-trail navigational and record-keeping tools in one place.

There are two models: the Field Organizer and the Field Organizer Pro. Both are made of 1.9 oz. water-resistant ripstop nylon and cleverly store your maps, pens compass, and other gadgets in a convenient, compact package. They come in bright yellow and red colors to so you’ll never leave one behind on the trail, in the car, or at your pre-hike breakfast table in the local café. The main difference between the two is size. Here is a quick rundown.

The Field Organizer

The original field organizer measures about 4 ½” X 7 ½” with 3 outside penholders and is held closed by a Velcro strap.

When opened, there are 6 pockets on either side to accommodate maps, documents, or an optional Rite in the Rain waterproof notebook. It should be noted that standard size maps will not fit in this organizer and only smaller ones like this Mt. Whitney map (4 ¼” X 6 ½”) will fit.

It also features a strap that can be used as a bookmark in your notepad.

On the interior right side, there is a pocket that holds a compass quite nicely.

The Field Organizer Pro

At 4.625" x 7.375" the Field Organizer Pro is a much larger model that can handle more bulk. It features 4 penholders on the outside and a more secure, zipper closure.

Like it’s little sister, it has 3 map pockets on each side but they will accommodate standard sized trail maps. On the left, there is a very shallow pocket with a Velcro strap that could be used for a variety of things: to hold ski cards, a ruler, your most frequently needed map, or a few flyers about local attractions you picked up at the visitor’s center.

The right side also has an accessory pocket for you compass or other navigational tools.

Conclusion

While I’m not a compass master or diligent note taker, I think these field organizers are extremely well designed and can see that they have great potential for a wide variety of uses on the trail. I like the fact that they’re versatile enough to customize to your particular data collection and document storage needs. Since I usually carry just one map, I don’t really need to carry a backcountry office with me; however, the best application (personally) would be for pre-trip and on-the-road planning.

I like to gather different versions of maps, brochures, and flyers on my destination hike and sprawl them out in the hotel or table of the local greasy spoon to go over my hike. I like to mark up the maps and make notes about points of interest. I can see the Field Organizer Pro as being perfect for this and to keep everything together. The smaller Field Organizer would be better suited to someone wanting a more compact size that allows for note-taking, and organization of smaller maps.

What system do you use to organize your maps, notes, and other resources for a trip?

The FireSteel.com GobSpark Armageddon FireSteel

2011-01-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

As an amateur pyromaniac, I'm always on the lookout for new fire steels. I recently got a Gobspark Armageddon Fire Steel and am impressed with it's performance. While it's a little bigger and heavier than others, it truly lives up to it's name by raining down fire and brimstone mercilessly on helpless tinder. If I were going somewhere where I would be using a fire steel as my primary method for lighting stoves or fires, this is the one I would want to have with me (especially in rainy conditions). Here's a quick video comparing it to another popular fire steel:

What do you carry for a fire steel these days?

Gear Talk Update

2011-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a combination of the holiday vortex, family visiting from abroad, house hunting, and a variety of other reasons, I've been out of commission for the last month. But I'm back! And, I've got piles of gear to review for 2011! In the meantime, I thought I'd post a quick update to catch up.

After months of searching, I've finally settled on a waterproof, ruggedized camera for backpacking and fly fishing. I chose an Olympus Stylus Tough which I've already used in temps down to -9 F and have knocked around a bit. The picture quality is great and it takes decent macro pictures (which I need for my Backpack Fly Fishing website. I like the fact that I don't have to worry about dust or water getting into it. Here's a quick video that shows off some of it's machismo:

As some of you may know, I'm working on a DIY pulk this winter. I had a hard time tracking down a Paris Expedition sled and tried (unsuccessfully) to organize a group purchase. I'm happy to report that
I finally got one and for those of you interested, they are available again at REI.

I found a new gear site that aggregates gear that is at least 50% off retail. Check them out at Outdoorgearsale.org.

I've been invited to give a presentation at the American Long Distance Hiking Association West in September and am really excited. Hopefully, I'll see some of you there!

That's all for now. But now that I'm back on track, stay tuned for new videos and gear reviews on things like electronically heated boots, crampons, fire steels, survival kits, base layers, and much, much more!

Screw Pop Winners Announced!

2010-12-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who participated in the recent Screwpop contest. There were over 70 responses! Many of you came up with the same ideas and because I could only give away 5 Screwpops, I gave the winning prize to the person who sent in the idea first.

And the winners are...

Marvin Blackford

You can use it as an alternate striker for your Ferro Rod by inserting the Ferro Rod through the ring and using the flat edge of the bottle opener as the striker. Increasing usefulness of the Screwpop and eliminating the need to carry another striker.

Paul Dixon

I would use the screwpop as an impromptu tent peg if one of mine broke while pegging my tent down. Also I could see it working well as a guy line tensioner.

Nufriend3

I like to use it for my food bag. Just hook it up to a piece of bank line and toss it over a limb. I also like it for softening up small branches with the ring portion to help make cordage.

JJ Mathes

The Screwpop could be used to remove stakes out of the hard/frozen ground by hooking the ring around the stake twisting then pull upward.

Joe Geib

UL backcountry bubble blower. Use the O-end as a bubble blower ring. Pack some bubble suds in an old alcohol fuel bottle, and you have an instant backcountry party!

The winners have been notified by email. If you didn't win, you can still get a Screwpop here. Thanks again everyone and be on the lookout for more gear contests soon!

DIYers and Big Dogs Unite! (Or maybe not)

2010-12-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

DIY Lid for the Snow Peak 600. What if Snowpeak made one?

The other day I was thinking about some of the major gear manufacturers (Golite, Gregory, MSR, Evernew, GSI, etc.) and what I like and don’t like about their designs. Let’s call them the “big dogs” from here on out. I recently gave a presentation in which I talked about DIY gear leading to innovations in commercially-available gear. And this got me thinking. What if all the big dogs gathered a group of us DIYers and just listened. What if they put us all in a room together to show our designs and see if they could produce any of them? Would this be a good thing or a bad thing?

At first, it seemed like a good idea. I’d love to see some DIY designs be brought to the mass market so people could get more exposure to lightweight backpacking. I’d also like to see them be able to produce higher-quality gear than I can make with the tools I’m limited to in my apartment. Maybe we could even convince a decision maker at Snowpeak to finally make a production-quality titanium lid for the Snowpeak 600!

While at first glance, it seemed like a good fantasy, I immediately came up with two potential cons to this scenario:

1. It could put the cottage industry out of business. What would happen to the likes of the great cottage gear companies like Gossamer Gear, Trail Designs, and Tarp Tent if the big dogs can mass produce the same gear they make at a lower cost and higher volume? One distinct advantage that cottage gear companies have is that they are brave enough to step up and fill a niche that the big dogs largely ignore. What happens if that niche is now filled by companies like MSR?

While it is a possibility, I think it’s unlikely. Here’s why: Big dogs want to appeal to big markets. Even if they did pick up a few innovative designs to fill some niches, they probably wouldn’t pick up all of them. Their model is to focus on mass appeal. So this would likely leaving enough room in the niche markets for cottage gear companies to survive. Another reason is that Big dogs move slowly. The larger the company, the more bureaucracy and the more time it takes to get a product to market. By contrast, smaller companies are more nimble and could probably bring new designs to market faster, giving them a competitive edge. So because of the very nature of big dogs and the agility and bravery of cottage gear companies, I think the two could coexist even if the big dogs started incorporating DIY-inspired gear into their product lines.

2. It could put DIYers "out of business". If the big dogs suddenly start incorporating our designs into products you can buy at REI what will be left for us to tinker with?

I also think this is unlikely. Again, no big dog would take on every design idea so there would still be plenty of room left for experimentation and modification. Also, there are products we’ll have in the future that haven’t even been imagined yet and I’m sure we’ll have plenty to say about (and probably snip off of) them. I think we’ll probably never reach the end of the road in terms of opportunities for creativity.

Conclusion

It's entirely possible this whole discussion is moot. Maybe we already have the right balance: DIYers can build, big dogs can satisfy the masses, and the cottage gear companies fill in what’s in between. Maybe this is the perfect balance and changing that would do nothing but upset our equilibrium.

What do you think? If you could sit down with a gear manufacturer, who would it be and what would you tell them? What would be some DIY designs you’d like to see manufactured?

DIY Gear Presentation to Scout Leaders

2010-12-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a presentation I recently gave to a really great group of scout leaders in Denver about DIY backpacking gear. It's long so I had to break it up into 3 parts. If you have a high tolerance for dimly lit videos and 36 minutes of your life to kill, watch all 3 videos:

My DIY Pulk Project: Part 1

2010-12-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

I spent the better part of November trying to think of a good gear project to keep me busy this winter and have settled on...(drum roll please)...a pulk! For those that don't know what a pulk is, it's basically just a sled that you pull all of your gear in rather than carrying it in a backpack. Since winter gear tends to be heavier and bulkier, many people prefer a pulk because it's easier to pull more weight than it is to carry it on your back.

It's not that my pack is too heavy or that I plan on being a sled dog and pulling my wife up the mountains--it just seems like a fun project and I've always wanted to try it. I've researched a lot of designs and have found most of them are overbuilt with a lot of complicated metal hardware. So, I've given myself a challenge: Come up with a simple design that doesn't involve a lot of hardware and can be easily repaired in the field.

Here's what I've got so far:

Emsco Orange Beast sled. I originally wanted a Paris Expedition sled but they're hard to come by. I'm involved in a group purchase for one now but will use the Emsco as a guinea pig until I get the Paris sled.

Two 6' X 1/2" pieces of PVC piping. These will be used as traces (rigid connections between me and the sled to keep it from running into me on downward slopes).

Kelty Flight hip belt. I traded someone some gear to get this used hip belt which will be my harness for pulling the pulk.

My only 2 challenges now are deciding how I want to attach the traces to the sled and the hip belt. I've got some ideas but for attaching them to the sled, I think I am going do something similar to the method outline by Dr. Pulk in this video:

I'll be posting updates of my progress. I actually think this will be a relatively easy project but, of course, you never know until you're in the throes of it! Any other pulkers out there?

Cool Tools: The Screwpop. Get one free!

2010-11-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a really cool tool that would make a great stocking stuffer for any gear addict and a chance to get one for free! Watch the video or read below to find out how.

We are giving away 5 Screwpops! All you have to do is fill out the form below and think of a really clever use for the Screwpop. The 5 most creative ideas win. Contest ends December 10th, 2010 and the winners and their ideas will be posted here afterward. If you're not the competitive type or don't want to wait for the contest, get one here.

Contest has ended. Winners announced here.

Solid Fuel Burn Time Test: WetFire vs. Trioxane vs. Esbit

2010-11-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

While I'm not really into solid fuel, I thought it would be fun to compare 3 of the top solid fuel tablets for total burn time: Esbit, WetFire Tinder, and Trioxane. Here are the results:

Conclusion

Esbit was the clear winner while the Trioxane didn't even burn for a full 5 minutes (certainly not enough to boil 2 cups of water). Also, the Trioxane burned in a very uncontrolled flame pattern that would make it difficult to cook with. The WetFire Tinder did better but with an orange flame and shorter burn time than the Esbit, it's probably better suited to its intended purpose as a fire starter (to be fair, Ultimate Survival Technologies promotes the WetFire Tinder as being first and foremost a fire starter that could potentially be used to cook in emergencies and I think that's a good assessment).

One thing all of these tablets had in common was that the effective flame diminished the longer they burned. For example, while the Esbit tab burned for over 14 minutes, the strength of the flame weakened significantly about 3 or 4 minutes before it went out. So, I'd say the effective cooking time is actually more like 9-10 minutes. This was under ideal conditions so in the field, it might be less. 9 minutes is enough to boil water but I just wanted to underscore that there is a big difference between the stated total burn time on the package and the effective cooking time.

Another consideration is that the tablets are different sizes. The WetFire Tinder is significantly smaller than the Esbit tab so maybe using 1 1/2 - 2 tabs would make it more effective for cooking. That doesn't eliminate the residue on the bottom of your pot but it might help you out in a pinch.

Overall, I'm still not impressed with solid fuel tablets for cooking but definitely see a need for having a few in your emergency kit for backup or fire starting. When I need to boil a couple of cups of water for my dehydrated meals, I'm sticking with a good old alcohol stove.

What's your experience with solid fuel tablets? Love them? Hate them? Friends with benefits?

The Ultimate Sheath for Mora Knives: The Slida

2010-11-13T06:29:00.000-08:00

Love Mora knives but hate the sheaths they come with? Here's a great replacement sheath with versatile carry and accessory options.

The Slida (Swedish for "sheath") was designed and is made by Chris Stanford from the Dad of All Trades Blog and is available for a very reasonable price of $18.95. Currently, he is offering Slidas for the following models:

All Mora Bushcraft Models
Mora High Q All Around
Mora Woodsman 2000
Mora Craftline Q 511 and 546
Frosts Clipper 840 and 860
Frosts 740 and 760

Weight (as shown in video): 2.2. oz.

Get Your Gear Ready for Winter with this Quick Checklist

2010-11-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

It’s time again. The snowflakes are just beginning to fall and it’s time to make sure your gear is as up to the challenge of winter backpacking, hiking, and snowshoeing as you are. Here are a few quick tips to make sure your gear won’t spoil your first winter adventures of the year.

Worn out crampons on my old Tubbs Altitude 25 Snowshoes

1. Snowshoes: Check your crampons to see if they still have bite. If they’re worn down (like in the picture above) spend a few minutes with a file to bring them back to life or replace them if they're ready for that big crampon place in the sky. If your snowshoes have any screws, check to see if they need tightening (or loosening to allow a toe cord to more freely rotate for example). Check all rivets that attach the decking to the frame as well to see if there are any pressure points that look like they're about to pull out.

2. Trekking Poles: If you use them, switch out your regular baskets for snow baskets. It’s as simple as unscrewing the old ones and screwing the new ones in. If you don’t have them, they’re pretty cheap and keep your poles from sinking too deep into the powder.

3. Clothing: Run some water over your shell and snow pants and let it sit. If it beads up and stays on the surface, you’re good to go. If it seeps into the fabric, you might need to restore the Durable Water Repellent coating (DWR). First, wash it with something like Tech Wash from Nikwax. Then, dry it in the dryer on low. The Tech Wash will remove things like sweat and oils that affect water repellency and the heat from the dryer will restore the DWR.

4. Boots: Leaky boots suck. If you have all synthetic boots, try a spray on repellent. For boots with leather uppers, something like Snowseal is a better (though slightly more labor-intensive) choice. Check your laces too to see if they're frayed and need to be replaced.

5. Stove: Many people carry white gas stoves in the winter because they perform better than canister or alcohol stoves in extreme temperatures. Yet, one bad O-ring can ruin everything, leaving you hungry when your body needs fuel most. Take your stove apart and check all of its O-rings for degradation. Replace if necessary by getting a stove maintenance kit. Do the same for your fuel bottle as well. The best thing to do is to do a test burn or two in a safe place to see if your pump, jets, and fuel line are all in good working order. Depending on the type of stove you have, you might have to do some minor maintenance if it’s been sitting in the garage all summer.

6. Heat: Check your inventory of chemical hand & foot warmers. If you’re low, buy in bulk to save and get you through the entire winter season on the cheap.

7. Pack: Check all the straps and buckles on your pack and make sure everything is in good condition. Winter amplifies the effect of every gear failure and a something as simple as a broken buckle that is a minor inconvenience in summer could cause a major problem in winter.

8. Food: (Yes, food is gear too!) Leftover Halloween candy usually makes for a good stock of high-fat, high calorie snacks for winter snowshoeing and backpacking (exactly the kind you need). But for entrees, you’ll want to stock up your favorite, hearty dehydrated staples as well. Luckily, many gear shops have sales on dehydrated food this time of year because sales slow down since for most, it’s not “backpacking season” anymore.

What are some tips you have to gear your gear ready for winter?

Keeping Your Pot Handles Cool: A Different Approach

2010-11-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

Like many backpackers, I have an MSR Titan Kettle in my cooking arsenal that I take when I need more capacity than my Snow Peak 600 will handle. I've always thought that the Titan Kettle was one of the best titanium pots ever designed. It's the perfect size to boil a significant amount of water yet still remain functional as a multi-purpose mug and bowl. Plus, it's durable, has a tight-fitting lid, spout, and the lid handle is insulated and stays upright so you can grab the lid without burning your fingers. However, like all titanium pots, it has one Achilles heel: the handles get HOT!

Many people use a pot grabber of some sort--anything from a bandanna to a folded silicone disc to protect their fingers from the hot handles but I find that it actually makes it awkward and harder to get a good grip on your pot full of boiling water. If you look at the picture above, you'll see a more clever solution which involves removing the handles and sliding silicone tubing onto them to provide built-in insulation.

This might not be a new idea to you but look at the picture again (specifically, at the MSR Titan Kettle). Notice anything strange? The handles are upside down!
Gear Talk reader Judd Swanson came up with the brilliant idea of not just adding the silicone tubing, but also inverting the handles so there is less surface area near the stove to absorb heat. This not only keeps the handles cooler, but also makes them more comfortable and secure to hold. Kudos to Judd on an excellent idea! I already have the tubing and will be inverting the handles of my Titan Kettle tonight.

If you want to insulate your handles, Judd got his Du-Bro 222 3/32" x 2' Medium Super Blue Silicone Tubing for $1.80 on Amazon.

Do the rest of you have any pot handle insulation tips or tricks?

Gear Talk Site of the Month: Gearburger.com

2010-10-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you've probably spent countless hours online looking for good gear deals. Now, Gearburger does the work for you. It just doesn't get any easier than this. Select the type of gear you're interested in, and Gearburger will scour dozens of sites like REI, Altrec, Moosejaw, etc. and alert you by email when it's found a deal on what you're interested in. You can specify which brands you're interested in too so if you're not a fan of a particular brand, you can deselect it. You can even tell it the minimum discount you want. So if you're only interested in mega deals, just set your minimum to 75% off, sit back, and wait! No more hearing about an awesome deal from someone on the forums after it's too late!

The site is still relatively new but definitely growing. I think it is going to turn into something big and if you're an early adopter like me, you will see the potential here.

So instead of checking Steep and Cheap 50 times a day, you might want to give Gearburger a try. I have no idea what their name means or what the heck that logo is supposed to be, but I think Gearburger is a great idea and is going to soon become a gear addict's best friend. Oh yeah, did I mention it's free?

What's in my Day Hiking Backpack

2010-10-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have emailed me asking to do a video on what I carry while hiking and/or backpacking. Since I was on a quick hike today, I took a moment to do a video on what I typically carry on 3-season day hikes in my Osprey Kestrel 32 backpack. A video on what I carry for 3-season backpacking is soon to follow. Sorry about the wind (it gets better).

Gear Swap at the Wilderness Exchange

2010-10-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the biannual gear swap at The Wilderness Exchange here in Denver. There were tons of great deals on all sorts of backpacking gear--enough to make any gear addict drool. Here's some quick gear porn for those who couldn't make it.

What about you? Have you ever been to the Wilderness Exchange Gear Swap? If your in a different city, do you have local gear swaps? This is the place to brag about the killer deals you've gotten!

A DIY Cap Keeper for your DIY Water Bottle

2010-10-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

Many ultralight hikers forsake the standard-issue Nalgene in favor of disposable plastic water bottles from the likes Aquafina or Gatorade. One nice feature of Nalgenes is that they feature a built in cap keeper (something lacking from the choices available in the soft drink aisle at the supermarket). But fortunately, Gear Talk reader Adam Bailey has come up with this clever way of easily adding a cap keeper to your favorite reincarnated soft drink water bottle.

Like all good DIY gear ideas, you can easily make this cap keeper with things you probably already have laying around the house--in your junk drawer or in your gear closet.

Materials

Your water bottle of choice
8" zip ties
Some paracord
Superglue

Step 1

Gauge the approximate diameter of the cap of the water bottle by wrapping a zip tie around the edge of the cap (don't tighten it all the way).

Step 2

Add superglue to the inside of the zip tie.

Step 3

Tie an overhand knot in one end of the paracord and trap the cord against the cap with the zip tie. Cinch up the zip tie and let the glue dry.

Step 4

Now, trim off the excess of the zip tie and pull the para cord until the knot catches between the zip tie and the cap. Tie a loop knot in the other end of the paracord and loop it around the neck of the bottle. That's it! You're done!

One thing I like about this idea is that while your Gatorade or soda bottle may be disposable, this cap keeper system is not. If your bottle gets so beat up that you finally have to send it off to that great big recycling bin in the sky, you can keep the cap and install it on its replacement. Thanks for sending this in Adam! Others...any tips or tricks for DIY hydration?

The Instaflator - A Closer look

2010-10-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

A little while back, I posted about the Instaflator. I didn't have much experience or information with it until I met the inventor: Mile Miller. Mike is a great guy and a very creative designer. Here's a quick video of him demonstrating the Instaflator with my Insulmat sleeping pad.

Weight with adapter shown in video: 1.7 oz.
Weight without adapter: 1.5 oz.
MSRP: $3.99

New Pack Smell: Osprey Kestrel 32 Review

2010-09-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing like holding a new pack in your hands, meticulously combing over its slick features, and imagining all the great trips you’ll have with it. Don’t get me wrong—old packs have their charm. Every stain, fray, and battle wound conjures up past trips and fond memories. But new packs invoke an excitement for adventures yet to come that old, trusted packs could never rival. As I write this, one eye is staring at my new Osprey Kestrel 32 daypack and dreaming about future hikes and travels we’ll have together. I took it out on its maiden voyage today and here is my review.

I have been researching daypacks for about 2 months. My old daypack (a North Face Recon II) was ready for retirement and I wanted something a little more technical. Aside from the obvious like comfort and fit, my technical requirements were the following:

Panel loader for easier access to gear
Hip belt pockets that open with one hand
Side pockets that are accessible without taking the pack off
Hip belt straps that tighten by pulling forward
Able to carry snowshoes
Front mesh pocket

The Kestrel 32 not only met all of my requirements, but exceeded my expectations with features I didn’t even think about. After all of my research, I decided that this was the pack for me. The best part? While the pack retails for $130, I found a brand new one on eBay for only $85! If you don’t hate me out of jealousy yet, please continue reading to see why this pack is so cool.

I’m 5’ 10” and got the S/M size, which fits me perfectly. The suspension is adjustable so I adjusted it to fit my torso length. Once dialed in, it was apparent that this is an extremely comfortable pack. One thing I like is the Airscape system which allows air to circulate against your back to keep you cooler. I’ve always been skeptical of these “sculpted” back panels but on my hike today, I was noticeably cooler. I like the fact that the Airscape design doesn’t intrude on the main compartment of the pack, making it awkward to pack like some designs. It’s just enough space to allow airflow but subtle enough that you don’t even know it’s there when you open up the pack (you can still pack stuff flat against the inside of the back panel).

The panel loading is probably my favorite feature. This is a true panel loader that unzips beyond 50% of the pack length giving you easy access to all of your gear. Nothing gets buried.

In terms of organization, the Kestrel is a gem. I love the hip belt pockets and the fact that I can grab and return my water bottle to the side pockets without taking the pack off. There’s a slash pocket on the top of the pack that is good for storing smaller items you might need semi-quick access to on the trail or quick access to at the trailhead.

One of Osprey’s strong points for me has always been their “straightjacket” compression system. The Kestrel features a version of this that is slightly pared down from their older packs like the Ceres but it still just plain works. Remember how I said that one of my requirements was to be able to carry snowshoes? How smart is this: The compression straps on the side of the pack have opposing male and female buckles. This means you can unclip them from the sides, bring them around, and clip them together horizontally across the back of the pack. This gives me the perfect system to carry my snowshoes (or other gear) when not in use. That’s smart design.

Something that wasn’t a requirement for me but turned out to be a serendipity was the built-in rain cover. Rather than digging through a trash compactor bag liner, all you have to do is unzip the zipper on the bottom of the pack, pull out the rain cover, and pull it over the pack. If you absolutely don’t need it, it’s removable and will give you another pocket!

Another feature I really like (but didn’t expect) was the Stow and Go trekking pole storage system. I hike in a lot of places where trekking poles are intermittently a good idea. Sometimes you want them, sometimes they’re a nuisance. This feature solves that problem by allowing you to easily stow your trekking poles out of the way when you don’t need them, but keeps them easily accessible when you do.

Some other small details worth mentioning:

Dual daisy chains with loop Velcro on the inside
Reflective stretch cord loops with cord locks to carry ice axes or other gear
Hydration sleeve is accessible from the outside of the pack for easier refilling
Sternum strap is adjustable and has an integrated whistle

Nitpicks

Of course, no pack is perfect so I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few design changes I’d like to see:

The slash pocket opening is a little narrow. You can’t really open it up wide and see all the contents (but you can easily reach your hand in and feel for the piece of gear you’re looking for). I’d like to see it open a little wider.
The front pocket is a stretch mesh that is very tight and narrow. It’s perfect for things like maps but you wouldn’t be able to put a wet rain jacket or pair of Chacos in there to dry out. This isn’t such a big deal because the Kestrel has so many other points of attachment but it would be nice to have a bigger front mesh pocket.
The hip belt pockets could be gusseted a little more to hold more gear. I can easily fit my camera, Chapstick, lens cloth, and other things I need quick access to on the trail but it would be nice if there was a little more room like in the ULA-style pockets so I could carry slightly bulkier items like snacks.
The hip belt straps are way too long but I will cut them down to a more appropriate length.

Conclusion

None of the nitpicks above were deal breakers for me (obviously, otherwise I wouldn’t have bought the pack). Overall, I think I made the right decision and the Kestrel 32 outshines every other daypack I have researched over the last 2 months. Honestly, I wouldn’t have had a problem paying the full retail price for this pack given its brilliant design, but the fact that I got such a great deal on it was just icing on the cake. If I had to put a percentage on it, I’d give the Kestrel 32 a 99.5% approval rating. I’m not sure if a 100% or 99.9% is even possible, but I think this pack comes the closest I’ve ever seen to the perfect daypack for me. Nice job Osprey! For the specs, visit Osprey. Now, let me get pack to daydreaming about all the adventures my Kestrel and I have in store for us…

Gossamer Gear Raffle at Sectionhiker.com

2010-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Philip of Sectionhiker.com is conducting a raffle for a free Gossamer Gear backpack of your choice! All you have to do is answer a few questions and send in a photo. The raffle is open to section hikers of the AT, the PCT, and the CDT. I'm not eligible but thought there might be some Gear Talk readers out there who are so I thought I'd share it. Click here to find out how to enter. Good luck everyone!

The Mora Clipper - A Good Backpackng Knife

2010-09-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

In my ongoing quest to find the ultimate fixed-blade backpacking knife that is sturdy, lightweight, and cheap, I recently got a Mora Clipper 840 on eBay for a steal. Compared to the Mora Classic knife I recently reviewed, I find this to be a better knife for about the same money.

While the Mora Classic certainly has its charm with the wooden handle, I find the non-slip grip of the Clipper to be more practical. It has a similar carbon steel blade that is easier to sharpen in the field with a smooth river stone (as well as with a proper sharpening stone) thanks to the Scandinavian grind, but with a more modern handle that includes a finger guard. Like the Classic, the sheath leaves a little to be desired but it's still a great value for the price. Unlike the patina I tried to force upon my Classic Mora with mustard, I think I will let this one acquire a natural patina and see how it goes. Any other Clipper users out there?

Blow Up Your Sleeping Pad with One Breath!

2010-08-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's ever used a non-self-inflating sleeping pad is probably familiar with this phenomenon: after countless breathes, your pad still isn't inflated and you're dizzy and out of breath. Do this at altitude and it's even worse. But the Instaflator might just save you from collapsing from oxygen deprivation.

At only $3.99 and 1.5 oz., this could be just the ticket for those frustrated by having to manually blow up their sleeping pads. While originally designed for pool floats, according to the company, the Instaflator works with all sleeping pads and lots of backpackers buy them. What's your take? Have you ever carried one? Would you carry one?

Special thanks to Gear Talk reader Kathy Handyside for sending this in.

Top 5 Alcohol Stove Myths

2010-08-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of stereotypes perpetuated about alcohol stoves. Initially believing many of these myself, experience has taught me otherwise. Some are reassuring, some disappointing, but in the long run, backpackers thinking about getting into alcohol stoves might benefit from a little mythbusting on the subject. Here are some of the the main myths I’ve heard that might mislead an alcohol stove newbie.

1. Alcohol stoves always save weight. This might be true some of the time but it depends on a lot of things. The length of the trip and efficiency of the stove are probably the two biggest factors. If you have to carry two weeks worth of fuel because your stove isn’t efficient, then in might be actually be lighter to carry a butane stove that is faster and more efficient. However, even an inefficient alcohol stove is bound to be lighter on an overnight trip. The best thing to do is to do some testing ahead of time based on your cooking requirements and get a feel for which is more practical.

2. Alcohol stoves don’t work in cold weather. This myth is only partially busted. It’s not the stove that doesn’t “work” in cold weather, rather it’s the fuel. When cold, denatured alcohol is hard to light. Once it warms up though, it will perform fine even in freezing temperatures. If you look on Youtube, you’ll find plenty of videos showing alcohol stoves running in sub-freezing temperatures. If you want to use an alcohol stove in cold temperatures, keep the fuel warm. Keep it in an inside pocket of your jacket and put it in the foot of your sleeping bag at night (just make sure the cap is tight). Do NOT attempt to warm your fuel bottle next to a fire. If you don’t understand why, please drive directly to the nearest psychologist for a full mental evaluation.

3. Building your own stove is always cheaper than buying a commercially available stove. It really depends on the design. If it’s a simple Pepsi-style stove that you can make from a couple of soda cans and tools you already have laying around the house, then yes. But some designs require special tools and materials that could easily put your cost above a butane stove like the venerable MSR Pocket Rocket. Probably the biggest cost is associated with the inevitable addiction that building stoves tends to create in people. Over the years, I’ve spent enough money on specialized tools to make alcohol stoves that I could have purchased one of every stove REI currently offers. Alcohol stove building is a serious addiction. Pfizer really needs to come up with a patch for it.

4. Alcohol stoves are slow. True, some are slow but what they lack in speed, they make up for in efficiency (thus allowing you to save weight in fuel). There are plenty of alcohol stoves out there that can boil the standard 2 cups of water in under 5 minutes. I wouldn’t call that slow. I’ve used some commercially manufactured stoves that had 4-5 minute boil times. Sure, my Snow Peak Gigapower boils 2 cups in about three and a half minutes (on average), but does another minute and a half constitute “slow”? I don’t think so. How impatient have we become? I don’t consider a boil time of around 5 minutes slow at all. I guess it all depends on your perspective.

5. Alcohol stoves are hard to use and unreliable. This is not true at all in my opinion. They’re a lot more user friendly than most butane or white gas stoves. There’s no maintenance, no moving parts to fail, and really just require filling, lighting, and windscreen placement to operate. What could be simpler? There is no priming to be done, no flame adjustment. You pretty much fill, light, and go. I’m not sure where this myth came from. If you step on most commercial stoves and break a valve or pot support, you’re pretty much out of luck. But even if you step on your Supercat stove, you could most likely bend it back to working order with minimal effort. If my life depended on it, I’d much rather have an alcohol stove in the field than a complicated high performance stove with a lot of parts to fail.

Those are some of the common myths I’ve encountered. Which ones have you heard, confirmed, or dispelled?

Altoids Tin Firestarter

2010-07-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me by Gear Talk reader Ryan Hussain. It's a pretty unique idea and certainly looks like a fun DIY gear project. I think it could also spark (yes, I know) ideas for other fire starter designs. Ryan just took rubbing 2 sticks together to a whole new level! The pictures are pretty self explanatory so I'll let them do the talking. Thanks Ryan!

Jason Klass is a Complete Idiot

2010-07-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope I'm not a complete idiot but apparently I'm at least an official source for "idiots" looking to get into the great outdoors. Former Backpacker Magazine editor (and friend) Jason Stevenson has referenced me in his new book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking under the DIY gear section.

Click here for the PDF and scroll down to page 2 to see the reference. I have to admit, some of the "The Complete Idiot's Guide to...(insert your new interest here)" books are actually pretty good for newbies and I'm honored to be mentioned in Jason's book. I'm not sure, but as far as I know, this is the first time I've been referenced in a published book (not just a magazine). Anyway, Jason is an excellent writer and if you know of anyone looking to get into backpacking or hiking, this would be a good recommendation or gift. His style is fun, informative, and very accessible.

If you're new to backpacking and read this book, you're not an idiot. You're starting in the right place.

Now all I have to do is get published in a "(fill in the blank) for Dummies" book and some Cliff's Notes to make it big time!

The Pot Pal - Multi-use Stuff Sack

2010-07-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm no backcountry gourmet. I carry a pretty simple mess kit and usually just boil water but still appreciate innovative cooking gear design (what kind of gear addict would I be if I didn't?). So many of the new designs in pots or accessories that are hyped up by marketers these days are just rehashed ideas from the past and don't really contribute to the evolution of lightweight backpacking. They all look the same and are marketed to solve problems we don't have while not solving problems we do have. It's been hard for me to get excited about a lot of the new cooking gear coming out recently until I met the Pot Pal.

Aside from being one of the most innovative designs I've seen in backpacking accessories in a long time, The Pot Pal is a true multi-use item that can help you drop weight while increasing convenience (rather than sacrificing it). Here are some of the many hats it can wear in your backcountry kitchen:

Stuff Sack
Pot Cozy
Kitchen Organizer
Trivet
Pot Grabber
Towel
Pillow?

Can your stuff sack do that? Oh yeah, if you're a crazy Aussie (like the Pot Pal's inventors at Soul Trampers), you can also wear it as a hat (see the video). Video review from me on the way...

In the meantime, here's an initial review from Sarah Kirkconnell over at Trail Cooking & the Outdoors.

The 10 Non-Essentials

2010-07-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard of the 10 essentials. But what about the 10 things you absolutely don’t need to carry in your pack? It’s common sense that one of the best (and easiest) ways to lighten your pack is to leave things behind and replace them with either multiple-use gear or skills. Some of you may disagree with my choices and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m guilty of having carried some of the items below in the past. But after a lot of trial and error (and careful consideration), here are 10 pieces of gear I consider to be the 10 non-essentials:

1.    Candle Lantern. Terrible weight-to-light-output ratio. A good headlamp is far lighter, brighter, and more versatile.

2.    Camp furniture. Why carry a camp chair and table? Part of getting out is exactly that: getting out! It’s not about trying to recreate your living room in the woods. To me, it diminishes the experience of being outdoors.

3.    Radio/iPod. An MP3 player prevents you from absorbing the sounds (and quiet) of the forest. Nature provides its own music. You can listen to your iPod all week. Why drown out the few opportunities you get to hear woodpeckers pecking, the wind rushing through the trees, or the elk bugling with Lady Gaga? You can wait until the rave next weekend.

4.    Tent stake hammer. Ever hear of a rock?

5.    Saw. It takes more time and effort to saw through a small branch than to simply break it with your foot. For larger pieces, burn them in halves, thirds, or fourths, then throw the pieces into the fire. Spend more time enjoying the fire than preparing the wood for it.

6.    Axe. Unless you're building a log cabin a la Dick Proenneke, see # 5.

7.    Trowel. Multi-use substitute: your knife. Some people suggest digging your cat hole with a stick or your boot but if you’ve ever tried that, you know it’s pretty ineffective (especially if you’re in a hurry). A knife actually works almost as well and as fast as a trowel if you know the technique (think cutting out a circle in the dirt, then scraping out the middle).

8.    Espresso maker. Les Stroud eats grubs and scorpions for a week. You can’t go a couple of mornings without a fancy Italian espresso? If you really need your caffeine fix in the morning (like I do), try something lighter and more compact like Starbucks via. It isn’t exactly a triple venti latte, but as they say, everything tastes better on the trail (even instant coffee). So go ahead and rough it a bit (not too much). Your back (and taste buds will thank you).

9.    Ground cloth. I think a lot of people will disagree with me on this one but I haven’t used a ground cloth for years and my tent floor is fine. Not one leak. It’s about site selection and preparation. Clear the area of sharp objects like pine needles, rocks, etc. Most of us don’t keep a tent long enough or get out enough to truly benefit from whatever protection a ground cloth might offer. It’s just extra bulk, weight, and one more thing to set up and pack away.

10.    Gun. Grizzly territory? Yes. 3 miles in on a trail in Rocky Mountain National park? No. Political issues aside, the weight-to-usefulness ratio of a firearm is probably the worst of any piece of gear imaginable. Some people carry them for decades without ever “needing” to use them. All that accumulated weight for nothing. I know some will argue “but when you REALLY need it, you’ll be glad you have one”. And that may be a valid argument if you’re in a dangerous place (like on safari in Africa). But the reality is, for most of us, a gun simply isn’t necessary in the places we hike. It reinforces the same false notion perpetuated by outdoor gear marketers that nature is out to get us and we need to protect ourselves from it with more equipment (i.e. buying their gear). Ray Jardine describes this myth much more eloquently than I can in his writings but basically, it puts us “at war” with nature rather than in harmony with it which (to me) is one of the reasons for getting out. I think we enjoy backpacking because it gives us a chance to get back in touch with our natural state a little bit. Carrying a gun automatically puts us at odds and skews our perception of our place in nature.

So, those are what I consider to be the 10 non-essentials. Which ones do you agree/disagree with? Do you have your own that I missed? Please post your non-essentials.

Free Gear From Golite!

2010-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

I just got an email that Golite is giving away a piece of free gear every day for the next 93 days of summer! All you have to do is register on the Golite homepage by giving them your email, birthday, and zipcode. Please note that this will also put you on the Golite mailing list but I was already so I signed up. Hey, it's a chance for free gear!

Winners will be announced on Golite's Facebook page. Are you going to sign up? If you register and win anything, please post it here and we'll see who ends up with the coolest swag in the fall! Good luck!

The History of the Camping Stove

2010-06-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

The next time you fire up your 2 oz. titanium butane stove before you enjoy (or tolerate) some freeze-dried delights, you might want to give a quiet nod to Alexis Soyer: chef, humanitarian, and inventor of the first portable stove.

His pioneering Magic Stove paved the way for early camping stoves like the original Primus and started the evolution that eventually lead to the back country cooking convenience we enjoy today. It's astonishing to think that in the nineteenth century Soyer could have even envisioned the concept of a multi-fuel portable stove when the convention of the day was to literally pack up entire kitchens and reassemble them in the countryside for the Victorian version of "roughing it". If you want to get a good perspective on how far we've come with backpacking stoves, read the full article here.

The Top 5 Backpacks of All Time (My Picks)

2010-06-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of lightweight and ultralight packs out there and I've tried many of them. Here are my picks for the top 5 including their strengths and weaknesses.

These are my choices and their specs in no particular order:

GossamerGear Mariposa Plus

Golite Jam

ULA P-2/Catalyst

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus

Mountainsmith Ghost

What are your favorite packs?

How to Choose an Alcohol Stove: Part 3: DIY or Buy

2010-06-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

This one covers making your own stove vs. buying one. I had that same dilemma when I first got into backpacking so I thought it would be a useful topic.

After finishing this video, I put up a page on Squidoo called How to Choose an Alcohol Stove for Backpacking. It's meant as a primer for anyone who is considering trying an alcohol stove. Most of you have probably already seen the videos there but if you know of anyone who is looking to get started with alcohol stoves, please forward them the link. I had a lot of requests from people to put my alcohol stove videos in one place so this is it.

Gear Talk has a New Look!

2010-06-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so it's not Earth-shattering news but I updated the Gear Talk site today. It was looking a bit stale and too Web 1.0 so I thought it was time for an upgrade. I tried to retain some familiar elements while giving the site a cleaner, more user friendly look and feel. It's a lot wider which should make reading easier and I have more room to make video players bigger. I hope this all contributes to a better visitor experience. Let me know what you think. Does it suck or is it better?

Gear Pods - Modular Gear System

2010-05-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a really innovative gear concept I haven't seen before. Gear Pods is a very unique site that ultralight backpackers should take note of. While the pre-packaged "pod" systems they sell on their site might seem on the heavy side, digging deeper, you will find a lot of great design ideas and other gear for UL backpacking. Plus, you can customize your own system. If you are like me and are engaged in other back country sports, this flexible system will appeal to you on multiple levels.

How to Choose an Alcohol Stove Part Two: Output, Capacity, & Efficiency

2010-05-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here's the second in my series on how to choose an alcohol stove. In this one, I focus on heat output and efficiency,

Is REI Paying Attention to Us?

2010-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I did a post on what I called "designer backpacking gear" in which I identified an increasing trend in backpacking gear design to add whacky graphics and neon colors to gear that was previously pretty spartan. I hinted that I prefer simple aesthetics and a lot of Gear Talk readers seemed to feel the same. Whenever this topic comes up in the forums, the majority of backpackers tend to favor neutral colors and simple designs as well, yet it seems like the manufacturers are still pushing blaze-orange packs and neon water bottles with retro 60's graphics on us. So imagine my surprise when I turned to page 20 of the latest REI catalog...

TWO whole pages of Earth-tone colored packs! I can't remember the last time I've seen an REI catalog without at least one or two obnoxious chartreuse or orange packs in the mix. I wonder if REI is finally paying attention to us and test marketing a more subdued color lineup. After all, some of these packs do come in brighter colors and they could have featured those--but for some reason, they chose not to. Granted, on page 18 they do picture the most hideous dry sacks ever conceived...

Still, it's interesting to me that they would decide to deviate from convention on one of their higher-margin products. Maybe I'm reading too much into this but it's an unusual move for REI that makes me suspect someone in the marketing department has been checking the forums and blogs lately. If that's the case, kudos to REI! Give me brown, green, tan, and grey...chartreuse is for bass-fishing lures!

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Backpack

2010-04-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

While I've been a big fan of the Golite Jam for years, I've always felt it was a little lacking in the "feature" area. It lacks hipbelt pockets, a functional mesh back pocket, and lash points. To my delight, the Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus pack fits me every bit as well as my Jam but is a much better design with a lot of features that I've always wished my Jam had. Say hello to my new Jam replacement!

Ultralight Backpacking Grill

2010-04-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

While I don't normally cook on the trail, a lot of people have been looking for lightweight grilling options for backpacking. At the supermarket today, I stumbled on to the Oscarware Grill Topper and thought some people might find it interesting.

The one I got was $1.50, measures 7" X 11" and weighs 0.8 oz. This one looks like a good size for grilling trout or for a solo hiker but they make larger ones and different shapes. It's little more than an aluminum mesh that you would have to prop up with rocks but looks like it would work pretty well. Now all you need is an ultralight spatula.

How to Choose an Alcohol Stove Part 1: Flame Pattern

2010-04-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Here's my first in a series of videos on how to choose the right alcohol stove for you. There will be more to follow: each focusing on one aspect of alcohol stove, menu, and cookware considerations.

Survivor Stud Episode 7

2010-03-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

The Caldera Cone

2010-03-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

I used to be a naysayer of the Caldera Cone from Trail Designs but after some testing, I've become a convert. Because it's an enclosed system, it is extremely efficient and since the windscreen doubles as a pot stand, it saves weight too. This is probably one of the most creative designs I've seen for an alcohol stove cooking system and I look forward to doing more testing with different models. Here's a quick look at a Caldera Cone for a Snowpeak 600 titanium mug.

I also have their titanium Ti-Tri which can be used as both an alcohol stove and a wood stove. I will be testing that soon but in the meantime, here are the specs for the cone tested in the video for the Snowpeak 600:

Windscreen Weight: 1.3 oz.
Stove Weight: 0.5 oz.
Combined Weight: 1.8 oz.

Alcohol Fuel Bottles

2010-03-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have asked me about how to carry fuel for their alcohol stoves. Here are a few ideas and what I use but I'd love to hear what you guys carry as well.

The Bushbuddy Ultra Wood Burning Stove

2010-03-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

There have been a lot of videos done on this venerable wood burner so I probably don't have a lot to add. But for what it's worth, here's my take on the Bushbuddy Ultra. A special thanks goes out to my good friend Dick Matthews who was kind enough to let me hold it hostage for so many months. Dick, I promise you'll get her back!

Designer Backpacking Gear?

2010-03-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the lookout for backup Platypus bottles and when I found one at an outlet store on sale for only $4, it seemed like it was a no-brainer purchase--until I saw the design change they made for 2010. What used to be a humble, soft-sided water vessel had turned into a flashy "accessory" that looked more like it belonged on a fashion runway in NYC than in the side pocket of a backpack in the wilderness. My once familiar, Spartan 1-liter soft bottle now had a bright orange retro-looking "wave" splashed across the bottom. I was disgusted by the aesthetics, yet tempted by the price. So did I buy it?

I did (partly out of frugality but more to remind me about a trend in backpacking gear I've noticed recently). "Fashion" has clearly infiltrated outdoor clothing for some time now. It has crept up on us so slowly that glaring logos and graphics seem normal on jackets, hats, and hiking shoes. But water bottles?

After thinking about it, I realized that the same trend in clothing is starting to happen with gear (hard goods).My Peztl Tikka Plus head lamp has a funky graphic on the head band. I remember when you had one choice of headband color: black (The old Henry Ford approach). Now, you several have choices of neon headlamp colors.

Light My Fire Sporks come in a variety of colors. Sigg water bottles have become canvasses for all kinds of crazy graphics:

Even survival tools like firesteels now come in a choice of colors. Look at the Osprey Talon. Those "talons" on either side of the pack add nothing to the functionality but someone in the marketing or design department must have thought it was a good idea.

I'm not saying that we're on a slippery slope to fashion driving gear design (yet). But I think about the implications and wonder what the rest of you think. Do you like "designer" gear or do you like to keep it simple? Or, do you put function over aesthetics so much that you don't care what a piece of gear looks like as long as it serves it's purpose? I think I'm somewhere in the middle: if it's not aesthetically offensive to me and is functional, I can live with it. But I prefer the way the cottage industry does it" plain and simple. What about you?

Ultralight Tent Stake Bags

2010-02-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe tent stake bags aren't the sexiest piece of gear and you might not think there's really much left to improve on them (after all, they're just small bags). I've sewed a few of my own and despite my lousy sewing skills, they worked fine.

One thing that has bothered me though was the tendency of sharper stakes (such as titanium shepherd's hooks) to eventually poke through the bottom of the stake bag material. So, I came up with this idea: make a stake bag with a silnylon upper, and use Dyneema for the bottom to prevent the stakes from poking though. Here are a couple of prototypes I had made. I will be selling them within the next couple of weeks so if you'd like to to get one, I'll post a link when they're available. And don't worry, they're being made by someone with a lot better sewing skills than me!

Hands-free Water in Camp: The J-Sink

2010-02-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea I had a long time ago that I thought might be worth revisiting now that we have more innovative materials and products at our disposal since I posted it. Basically, it's a "hands-free" water system that's good for washing your hands, pots & pans, etc. in camp without holding anything. Here's a simple diagram of how to put it together:

And here is one of the first videos I ever did showing (very badly) how to use it:

So, do you have any suggestions for improvements now that we have the benefit of the hindsight? Do you have a better/lighter/more convenient solution for managing in-camp water usage? I'd love to see what you guys think.

Random Gear Talk

2010-02-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

How to Make Fatwood Matches

2010-01-27T17:55:00.001-08:00

OK, so you may have noticed I've been on a bit of a fire-starting binge lately (not arson mind you) and this video really got me excited. Chris from the Dad of All Trades Blog shows us a really interesting technique for making your own matches out of cotton and fatwood. I haven't seen this technique described anywhere else and definitely want to give it a try. Thanks for sharing Chris! Has anyone else tried this?

How to Make Tinder from Tampons

2010-01-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

You can use some pretty strange things as tinder: dryer lint, jute cord, or even corn chips. This one has to be one of the most unusual. But, it works!

What's the most unusual tinder you've ever used?

Maya Dust Vs. Dryer Lint

2010-01-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Always on the lookout for the latest and greatest, I just had to give Maya Dust a try as a potential replacement for my standby tinder: dryer lint. As you'll see in the video, the results were somewhat disappointing and it has convinced me to stick with my instinct that paying $5 per ounce for good tinder is...well...like burning money.

Unless I'm doing something wrong, Maya Dust is difficult to light and not worth it. Dryer lint doesn't burn as long but at least it's easy to light and free. Have you tried Maya Dust and what were your experiences with it? What's your preferred tinder?

"Handy Hundred" - Good Alternative to Paracord

2010-01-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Cordage is one of those great, inexpensive, multi-use items that we're always glad we've packed when we've needed it. It's great for bear bagging, adding extra guy lines to our tents, rigging tarps, replacing shoelaces, and a whole host of repairs. I wouldn't be caught dead without it.

In my early years of backpacking, I always carried a 50 ft. length of the stan dard paracord you can find at REI (because that's what everyone told me I should carry). While it's great stuff, I eventually realized how bulky it was and started searching for something more compact. I settled on mason's line for a while. It's thin and strong; however, it tangles easily since it's so pliable. Plus, the cut ends are difficult to cauterize with a lighter to avoid fray. Ever since, I have been on a mission to find something that had the thinner diameter of mason's line with the properties of paracord and have finally found it.

Handy Hundred is basically anorexic paracord. It looks & feels just like regular paracord, but is a lot thinner; meaning that you can reduce the bulk by about 1/3 for the same functionality. Even though it's significantly thinner, it still handles well. The strength is 100 lb. test--more than strong enough for typical camp duty. The best part? It's $1.99 for a 100ft. spool. That means I get 2 usable lengths for 1/4th the cost of the heavier, bulkier standard paracord. And, it comes in a variety of colors. I got mine at my local army surplus store but you can find them here if you can't get it locally. 50 ft. weighs 1.1 ounces and it's rigid enough to inhibit tangling. NICE! Have you tried this stuff? What for you carry for cordage?

Mora Knife - First Impressions

2010-01-12T05:47:00.001-08:00

I've heard so many good things about the Mora S1 Classic that when I saw the price, I just had to try one out. I'll be doing some testing with it and making some modifications but for now, here are my initial impressions. I bought it at SwedishKnives.com for $13.50 (not $12 like I said in the video).

Do any of you have experience with Mora knives? Which model and what do you think of it?

Ultralightenment

2010-01-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my thoughts on what it means to be an ultralight backpacker beyond just what we carry in our packs. Warning: talking head video.

What do you think? Have you observed some of these same qualities in yourself or other ultralight backpackers? What would you add?

Yak Trax

2010-01-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

My wife bought me a pair of Yak Trax for Christmas last year and I've been pretty happy with them in a number of situations. For those of you that have tried them what do you think?

My Backpacking Sundries Kit

2009-12-29T20:16:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of us have a version of this but I'm curious to see what you carry that's different. Let me know!

Exotac Nano Striker

2009-12-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have finally found a better flint than my Light My Fire Scout. The Exotac Nanostriker is lighter and more compact. Don't get me wrong, the Scout is a great fire starter, but I favor the design of the Nanostriker.

How to Custom Fit Aarn Backpacks - Featherlite Freedom

2009-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Aarn Packs are known for their comfort due to the front balancing pockets that redistribute weight and align your spine in a more natural position. But they can be a little tricky to set up for maximum comfort. Here are tips to get your Featherlite Freedom pack customized to fit you perfectly. Remember, you only have to do these steps once, then you adjust it like a regular pack with the hip belt, shoulder straps, and load lifters.

Gear Talk Thru Hike Challenge

2009-11-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today, a reader emailed me with a challenge. He'd like to see a discussion about the best gear list for a thru-hike of the AT that takes advantages of resupply. So what have you got? You don't have to post a full gear list. Let's just focus on the biggies: packs, shelters, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, sleeping pad, clothing, ect. Also, he's willing to go without a stove. So what about some suggestions for good ready-to-eat food along the way?

My New Site, BackpackFlyfishing.com is live!

2009-11-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

I've been talking about it for 2 years and it's finally done. Many of you may not know that I'm a former fly fishing guide and when I go backpacking, I like to take along a fly rod to tease some of the trout in the Colorado backcountry. I found that there wasn't much info. on combining backpacking and fly fishing on the net so I decided to create my own site. There isn't a lot in the way of blog posts yet, but there will be. If you like to backpack and fly fish check out www.BackpackFlyfishing.com. We also have some pretty unique gear there that even people who don't fly fish will find interesting.

I'll be adding new blog posts and products to the gear shop on a regular basis. If you'd like to stay up to date with what's happening on the site, follow us on Twitter. I'd love to get your feedback on what you think of the new site. And if you like backpacking and fly fishing, I'd be honored if you shared your knowledge by participating in the forums.

An Interview with Jason Klass

2009-11-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

I know it's not as exciting as an interview with John Muir, but I got interviewed by the folks over at The Hiking Boots Blog. In it, I talk about some of my favorite brands of gear, reminisce on my most memorable trip (probably the closest thing I'll ever get to writing a trip report), and other ramblings. Here's the interview.

Snowshoeing Gear

2009-11-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a great snowshoe hike and thought it would be a good opportunity to talk some gear. While I don't apply the same system to every hike, this video shows some of the typical things I carry when snowshoeing. I skipped over certain things like hydration and snow pants but you'll get a pretty good idea of what I usually carry. What's in YOUR pack?

Hiking Footwear Testing

2009-11-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

This looks like a fun job! Here's what some of your hiking shoes go through before you ever try them on at REI. In the flex test, the shoes get flexed underwater hundreds of thousands of times. Pretty cool.

How to Clean Your Waterproof, Breathable Jacket

2009-11-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sure some of you are getting sick of videos from my Gore-Tex experience, so I'll back off for a while (even though I have a lot more cool footage to share). So for now, I'll just post this one about how to restore the DWR coating on your jacket. This applies to any garment with a DWR. It's pretty simple but I think you'll find it useful.

If you've exceeded the number of times washing and drying will restore your DWR (10 - 15 times), then here are a couple of after-market products you may want to check out:

McNett Revivex Spray
Nikwax Tech Wash

Event Fabric vs. Gore-Tex

2009-11-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

A lot of people claim that Event breathes better than Gore-Tex. This demonstrations shows that they actually transfer water vapor at the exact same rate. Could it be merely psychological that people think Event is more breathable?

My Visit to Gore-Tex

2009-10-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the Gore-Tex Experience More Blogger Summit in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. I not only learned a lot about the technology behind breathable fabrics and all of the testing methods that Gore does but also that there is a lot of misinformation about breathable fabrics out there. Over my next few posts, I'll try to share some videos that will hopefully enlighten people, dispel some myths, and spark some interesting discussions. For now, here is a sneak preview of some of the things that go on behind the scenes at Gore-Tex. Enjoy and stay tuned for more!

HEET vs. SLX Denatured Alcohol

2009-10-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have touted the virtues of HEET over regular denatured alcohol for alcohol stove fuel and I have always wondered if there really was a difference. Here are my findings:

Snow Peak Trek 700 and 900 Lids are Here!

2009-09-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who have been so patient. I finally have the Snow Peak lids back in stock, including the 600, Trek 700, and Trek 900. Here you go: http://pinnaclelids.com/

A Prototype for a One-Piece, Integrated Pot Stand and Windscreen

2009-09-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

I hate having to unroll and shape my windscreen when I set up my stove and have been thinking about a solution for a long time. Here's one idea I had for a carefree pot support/windscreen.

Obviously, further experimentation is needed. I need to do a field test and I'd also like to try it out with a regular (0.5 oz.) tea light to see if the narrower flame comes into less contact with the fencing. In the mean time, any ideas for other materials for the skeleton?

My Alcohol Stove Collection

2009-09-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

In my gear closet video, I said that one day I would do a video on my alcohol stove collection. It took a year, but I finally got around to it. Here is a good sampling of what I've collected and built over the years. FYI, this is officially my longest video ever.

Spyderco Salt 1 vs. Delica 4 Review

2009-09-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

I just got a Spyderco Salt 1 and am very impressed. Besides being totally rustproof, one of the things I like about it is the high-visibility handle. That can come in handy when doing a last-minute spot check before leaving your campsite. Here's a long, boring video of me cutting some stuff with it and comparing it to my venerable EDC Delica 4.

I know there are a lot of people who prefer fixed-blade knives but I like the compactness of folders and find they're more than adequate for most basic backpacking tasks. What do you carry? Are you a fellow Spyderco fan?

Gore-Tex Blogger Summit

2009-09-15T13:49:00.001-07:00

Gear Contest - Win a FREE Wood Stove!

2009-09-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

That's right, I'm giving away a brand new Jim Falk Bushwhacker stove. All you have to do to win is post the best gear disaster story. Tell us about the most catastrophic gear fiasco you've ever had. The time you accidentally impaled yourself with your own spork. The time both of your pack straps failed, leaving you to carry your pack down the mountain as if you were holding a baby. Or the time you almost set the garage on fire when your new prototype stove unexpectedly exploded. Extra points if you lost an eyebrow or two.

Here are some features of the stove:

- Small ultra-light wood gas stove.
- 3 stoves in 1 - wood stove, slow cooker and food warmer.
- Extremely small pack size of 4-1/4" wide x 4-7/8" high.
- Weighs only 6.7 ounces.
- Double wall construction - 2 piece nesting design.
- Burns twigs and wood for fuel.
- No dangerous liquid or gas fuels to carry, perfect for airline travel.
- Boils 2 cups of water within 12 minutes.
- Keep your meal warm with simmer times up to 30 minutes.
- Adjustable air intake ports allows for heat control and variable cooking times.
- Special design feature allows for easy lighting.
- Hands free cooking, load once with wood, light and walk away, no need to baby sit the fire.
- It even makes charcoal.

I look forward to hearing all of your stories. I will make a final decision Friday September 18th. Good Luck!

WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Thanks for all your stories everyone. They were great. The winner is Chris for his story of Scorpian stove. I love the fact that the hose wasn't on. Very Benny Hill. Chris, send me your address and I'll get the stove out to you. be careful out there!

Snow Peak Lids are Here!

2009-09-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

I just got them tonight! Gear Talk followers get preference. This is the first run. The next run will be about a week out so if you miss this one, it won't be that long and I'm accepting pre-purchasing. You have a choice between a lid with strainer holes and a lid without any holes if you want to customize it. Click here to get one. Have fun!

BTW, I'm working on some Snow Peak 700 and 900 lids as well if anyone is interested. Let me know.

Trail Designs Caldera Cone for the Heineken Pot

2009-09-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

I've always been a little skeptical of the Caldera Cone because of issues with storage, but I recently got one that rolls up and fits inside of a Heineken pot and am pretty impressed with the design. This initial kitchen test passes but I'd really like to get it out in the field and see what it can do in real-world conditions.

Why You Shouldn't Spend a Lot of $$$ on an Insulated Mug

2009-08-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Bushcooker LT 3-Fuel Stove

2009-08-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

If you picture a metal bucket the size of a small bear canister when you hear the word "wood stove", check out the Bushcooker LT. I think this just might be the smallest wood stove on the market. But, it's more than just a wood stove. Bring some Alcohol or Esbit along because the Bushcooker can burn those too! In this video, I demonstrate its wood-burning capabilities but there's a quick shot of it's mesmerizing "cyclone" flame pattern when being used with alcohol.

I really like this little gem because of it's compactness. But, because its so compact, I've found that you need to use really small wood (twig size is best). If you put pieces that are too big, the stove might not perform. Also, in order to feed wood into the burning chamber while it's running, tall, narrow pots work best. If you want to use a wide pot, I would suggest using one with a bail handle. Then, just take the pot off, throw in some wood, and put the pot back on.

The stove is designed and manufactured by FourDog Stoves in Minnesota.

Weight: 2.5 oz.
Boil Time: 6-7 min. (wood)
Material: Titanium
Price: $90

The Perfect Lid for the Snow Peak 600

2009-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

OK, so I cheated a little on this one. Not exactly DIY but I think I have the ultimate lid for the Snow Peak 600 titanium mug. I might see if I can get another, lighter version made but for now, this is great. If you're a 600 owner, what are you using for a lid?

UPDATE: OK, for those of you who want one, I will be able to sell you one within a week or so. It will be an improved and lighter version with a wooden handle. If you can wait, I'll give you an update a.s.a.p. They're on their way! Also, there will be some slight design modifications including a wooden handle like the ones below. We're trying to make it lighter by using thinner aluminum as well.

An Ultralight Candle Lantern: The Glo Toob

2009-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

For most Ul backpackers, heavy, bulky candle lanterns are out. But it's always convenient to have ambient light inside your tent or around your campsite. Here's a great alternative that is compact and super light.

The Glo-Toob comes in different colors and is practically indestructible. It's LED lights and array of settings give you a lot of versatility and ample battery life. The high and low settings are perfect for lighting up the inside of your tent while the various blinking settings can be used as "beacons" for finding your way back to the tent after a late-night bathroom run. I'm going to add this to my list of regular gear that I carry since the convenience factor far outweighs the weight. Did I intend that pun? Anyway, here are the specs:

Weight: 1.1 oz.

Battery Life: 30 hrs. useable light

Operating Temperature: 14 degrees to 176 degress F

Waterproof Depth: A mere 11,500 ft.

Battery Type: 24A 12 Volt

Remember, if you get yours from scorpionsurvival.com, you'll get a 10% discount if you enter the promo code "GEARTALK"

Trail Designs Vari-Vent Windscreen

2009-08-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever built their own windscreen has, at some point, taken a pause to consider the following: Where should I put the ventilation holes? How many should there be? How big should I make them? It's a delicate balance. To many holes and you lose wind protection. Too few and you suffocate your stove. Check out this design...you'll get the idea.

The windscreens come in 3 sizes and you can easily trim them to size: Here are the available heights and their respective weights:

4" 1.1 oz. (31 grams)
6" 1.6 oz. (46 grams)
8" 1.9 oz. (54 grams)

The one shown in the video was a 4" Vari-Vent that seemed to fit the MSR Titan Kettle perfectly. Click here for more info. Also, here's a cool page with tips & tricks for using the Vari-Vent.

TOP SECRET: Gossamer Gear Rain Covers

2009-07-20T20:10:00.001-07:00

After a harrowing mission, I was able to steal some of the latest prototypes from the Gossamer Gear Laboratories. Here's a sneak preview: