tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57788834317595662582024-03-12T22:48:00.743-04:00BackpackBaseCamp BlogRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-28436155759202015202018-12-15T16:51:00.000-05:002018-12-15T16:51:25.927-05:00Energizer Cap Light<br />
This little flashlight clips to your hat and can be used in place of a headlamp.<br />
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<blockquote>
“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”~ Friedrich Nietzsche</blockquote>
When backpacking I normally bring the <a href="https://amzn.to/2rE9k0F">Princeton Tec Remix</a> for a headlamp. It weighs 2.6 ounces, can put out 300 lumens and has a burn time of 150 hours. The light is very bright, so is great for night hiking (which I seldom do) and can be dimmed for around camp. I've used it for years without a problem. BUT, it does not have a red light, which is annoying to anyone camped near you if you get up in the middle of the night to pee. Also, being a head lamp, when you are wearing a hat (which I normally do), it can be a bit cumbersome with the visor of the hat. <br />
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That being the background, a few days ago I was in the grocery store and I happen to see this little flashlight that can clip on your hat. It has the ability to tilt after clipped on to point up or down. It has a red light and two levels of white light. The highest being 85 lumens. It runs on two AAA batteries, with the batteries in it the whole thing weights 1.5 ounces. I think I'll swap this for my headlamp on my next backpacking trip and see how it goes.<br /><br />
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This little gadget costs $10 and and is well worth it (and BTY: if you buy it through a link on this blog, BackPackBaseCamp will get a small commission).<br /><br /><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GS74ZKY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=li2&tag=applmanagroui-20&linkId=8ebb5b06673dc4e69023b45eed6f529b&language=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01GS74ZKY&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=applmanagroui-20&language=en_US" /></a><br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-8369318779174399602018-11-06T13:45:00.001-05:002018-11-06T13:45:14.700-05:00A fall walk in the woods of Pyramid Mountain; Morris County New Jersey<blockquote>
<p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“The soul never thinks without a picture.” ~ Aristotle <br /></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vvd1pbLpxX0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-11365857529827254482018-10-31T13:26:00.001-04:002018-10-31T13:26:56.812-04:00A beautiful fall day for a walk in the woods <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA5tbZVOpPZKBe4vQrUXUpe1_DHlLrAcNK6GWuA_m1CPOTkUHquRe8S_Ma6jyxG5vDQAjzTn0CQQqdR2BvIBRnIMUx1bqb9jR0FxMQDfkOAQGuT1R0QO6wXVdSURJknepdszcafNwLJk/s1600/20181031_122659.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA5tbZVOpPZKBe4vQrUXUpe1_DHlLrAcNK6GWuA_m1CPOTkUHquRe8S_Ma6jyxG5vDQAjzTn0CQQqdR2BvIBRnIMUx1bqb9jR0FxMQDfkOAQGuT1R0QO6wXVdSURJknepdszcafNwLJk/s320/20181031_122659.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIEAczwZkIE6SUJA9a28wRsh5XK9tqTRU7RmHYsq-im0xEmXA38Xq4_YpAC3nmgP0SNQ1HMBVcKsEfp7yYCf0IBF-AP5-tsuReBeYuu-a5W2SpXY94jAIAPzbmzXBOeQ80C4MILH_xy4/s1600/20181031_122809.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIEAczwZkIE6SUJA9a28wRsh5XK9tqTRU7RmHYsq-im0xEmXA38Xq4_YpAC3nmgP0SNQ1HMBVcKsEfp7yYCf0IBF-AP5-tsuReBeYuu-a5W2SpXY94jAIAPzbmzXBOeQ80C4MILH_xy4/s320/20181031_122809.jpg" width="180" height="320" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-17354407923336563812011-09-30T14:42:00.001-04:002011-10-03T09:37:29.289-04:00Fitbit – Easy way to track your day <br />This little Fitbit device gets you motivated to do just a bit more be fit. <br />Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>). <br /> <blockquote>“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”~ Friedrich Nietzsche <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: navy"></span></blockquote> Even though I’m a “computer guy” I normally don’t go in for gadgets, It took a long time and a lot of convincing for me to even get a smart phone.  When I do get a new gadget I’m always hesitant to recommend it to others until I’ve had it quite a while.  There’s been too many times I thought something was the ‘next great thing’ and then after using a few weeks – well it wasn’t.  <br />So I’ve waited this long before blogging anything about the Fitbit.  I’ve had it since December 2010 – but it actually sat in it’s box until May 2011 when I got around to opening it.  I was convinced into getting it by a friend at work that has been using it for a couple of years now.  So what is it? <br />Essentially it is a solid state electronic pedometer.  It is such a <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nGVsrZZcaSE/ToYNkaR8ivI/AAAAAAAAATU/A8LkUvsCsTo/s1600-h/fitbit%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 4px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fitbit" border="0" alt="fitbit" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-diNP-Q-w9AE/ToYNkyi09nI/AAAAAAAAATY/G7uy2mGP8vo/fitbit_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="144" /></a>simple little device, the design is nearly perfect.  It measures your steps, converts them into miles and calories burned.  It wirelessly sends this information to the website to track your history.  The Fitbit has only one button.  It’s not an off/on switch – the fit bit is always on.  Each day at midnight it resets its self to zero steps (it saves the data for weeks in case for some reason it hasn’t ‘synchronized’ it’s self with the website yet.  When you press the button it tells you how many steps you have taken so far today, press again – how many miles, press again how many calories have burned, again and it shows a flower indicating how active you have been (more petals the better).  Don’t touch it for a second and it goes back to it’s normal state. <br />The beauty of the Fitbit is that it is so simple.  The battery is recharged when you put it on its’ base which has a USB connection your computer.  The base also acts as it’s wireless connection.  The charge lasts a LONG TIME – weeks.  This is a big advantage over using an “app” on my smartphone for a similar function.  I wear my Fitbit all the time.  It is always on.  Always tracking me.  Tiny and unobtrusive – I don’t even think about it.  It has been a tremendous help in keeping me motivated to reach certain “goals” (in # of steps), partly inspired by friendly competition with a few of my buddies that also have Fitbits. <br />The website that it feeds can not only be used to see your history but also to track other activities and your diet (which you need to key in what you eat if you want to track calorie intake – this is the one flaw of the Fitbit design – it has no way of knowing automatically what you are eating).  <br />Alright I’m not going to rehash all the information about the Fitbit that you can get from their web site.  If you are interested take a look at the site:  <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=286239&u=517623&m=31379&urllink=&afftrack=">FitBit.com</a> This little gadget costs $99 and and is well worth it (and BTY: if you buy it through a link on this blog BackPackBaseCamp.com will get a small commission). <br />While I’m being a bit commercial, I have to put a plug in for my kids (9 & 13 years old).  Last year they did a lemonade stand and it didn’t make to much money so now they got this idea to start making dog treats.  It is off to a good start, we put a simple web site together <a href="http://wilbursbiscuits.com/">http://wilbursbiscuits.com/</a> and they are selling at local craft fairs.  It is top quality all natural stuff if you have a dog and are interested check it out. <br />One more thing: Backpackbasecamp.com is now an affiliate of <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=85937&pw=17535" target="_blank">Eddie Bauer</a>; There <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=85953&pw=17535" target="_blank">First Ascent</a> line is great stuff.  For the next few days they are having a 50% off sale. In addition until Oct 2nd you can get 20% off of EVERYTHING is you used code: <b>FALL 2011</b> <br /> <br /><a title="Fitbit Website" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=301436&u=517623&m=31379&urllink=&afftrack=||Women_Walking|468|60|Fitbit Banner - Affiliate Program" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 5px" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/31379/A-Banner-468-by-60-1.jpg" width="407" height="68" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=88265&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/11233/88265/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="412" height="82" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-84979969646803533002011-07-18T16:02:00.001-04:002011-07-18T16:09:48.013-04:00A picture is a poem without words<blockquote> <p>"A picture is a poem without words." ~ Horace</p> <br /> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“The soul never thinks without a picture.” ~ Aristotle <br /></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>I was out for a hike Sunday morning, just about a perfect morning so I thought I’d get creative with my smart phone and took this picture.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wtU-ru_tPmI/TiSRNiTxz7I/AAAAAAAAAMs/-EcMqTtZRnA/s1600-h/Pyramid%2525207-16-11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Pyramid 7-16-11" border="0" alt="Pyramid 7-16-11" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YXN0lmftUeY/TiSRN64RnzI/AAAAAAAAAMw/Vhkayn1zslo/Pyramid%2525207-16-11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="231" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I thought it looked nice and when I looked at it today it made me think of my friend Paula who has real talent, but is a bit to modest to realize it.</p> <p>The photo below is one of her older ones. After I’ve been bugging her for a long time she has finally decide to put some of her work up for sale, and it will be available on the web hopefully soon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ozirfSw01hs/TiSROGiIamI/AAAAAAAAAM0/69r-RGwbUr0/s1600-h/Paula%2525207082%252520026-1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Paula 7082 026-1" border="0" alt="Paula 7082 026-1" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oLubZhWPruw/TiSROtm33hI/AAAAAAAAAM4/VCrmBj2-K_8/Paula%2525207082%252520026-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="291" /></a></p> <p>Paula loves to hike, you should check out her blog at: </p> <p><a title="http://thesmokieswhisperer.blogspot.com/" href="http://thesmokieswhisperer.blogspot.com/">http://thesmokieswhisperer.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>and follow her on Twitter at: @SmokyWhisperer </p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=78243&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10086/78243/14059/17535/image.gif" width="399" height="61" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-29480148041461374442011-05-20T17:57:00.001-04:002011-05-20T17:57:50.411-04:00The new Garmin Montana--the all-in-one GPS?<p>Garmin GPS units; Review: New line of dual-use touch-screen GPS. A guest post by Kevin Jordan </p> <p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.”  ~Henry David Thoreau</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>First, there was Colorado. Then came Oregon, and after that Dakota, and now...Montana? If the my chronology seems a little out of whack, it's because I'm not talking about states here--I'm talking about Garmin GPS units. <img style="margin: 5px 5px 3px 0px; display: inline; float: left" border="0" alt="Montana GPS" align="left" src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb335/takeahikeGPS/Montana17.jpg" width="200" height="200" /> This week, Garmin announced the release of a new line of dual-use touch-screen GPS units. The "Montana" series, as it's called, is designed to bridge the gap between outdoor-use GPS units like those in the <b>Oregon series</b>, and automotive units like those in the <b>Nuvi series</b>. Both the Oregon and Nuvi series have been very successful and popular, and those GPS units are very good at their respective tasks. However, there has never really been a GPS unit that was a good fit for <i>both</i> the outdoor and automotive markets...but it looks like the <a href="http://www.takeahikegps.com/garmin-montana-handheld-gps-units.html" target="_blank">Garmin Montana</a> might just be the GPS that does that successfully. </p> <p><object width="250" height="172"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dbzt2ttRh8M?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dbzt2ttRh8M?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="250" height="172" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p> <p>For one thing, unlike previous outdoor-use GPS units that will just give textual turn-by-turn driving directions, the Montana GPS units will also give you voice commands. However, the speakers for the voice commands are located in the actual automotive mount, not the GPS. This way, Garmin could keep the size and weight of the GPS low enough not to be awkward for hikers and backpackers. <img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; float: left" border="0" alt="Montana Auto Mount" align="left" src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb335/takeahikeGPS/MontanaSuctioncupmount.jpg" width="125" height="125" /> Another first for the Montana is that, similar to many smartphones, you can hold it vertically or horizontally. I would imagine that holding it horizontally would make it a little easier to use in the automotive mode. There are two power options for the Montana: a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (included with the GPS), or 3 AA batteries. Useful battery life with the AA batteries is advertised as 22 hours, which is more than most handheld GPS units currently on the market. Battery life with the lithium-ion pack is advertised as 16 hours. </p> <p>All 3 units in the Montana series (the 600, 650, and 650t) include a barometric altimeter and electronic compass, have slots for microSD cards, and are compatible with all Garmin maps, BirdsEye satellite imagery, and custom maps. <img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; float: left" border="0" alt="Montana GPS" align="left" src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb335/takeahikeGPS/Montana18.jpg" width="150" height="150" /> The Montana 650 also includes a 5 megapixel camera, and the 650t includes the camera and is also pre-loaded with detailed U.S. topographic maps. All in all, the Montana GPS units look pretty impressive. They're slated to hit the market in late June, so we've got a month to drool in anticipation. Until then, we can only wonder--is the Montana the elusive all-in-one GPS we've all been waiting for?</p> <p> </p> <p><b>About Kevin Jordan</b>  I’m an avid hiker, <img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; float: left" border="0" alt="Kevin's Picture" align="left" src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb335/takeahikeGPS/profilepic.jpg" width="125" height="100" />backpacker, climber, and lover of the outdoors. I’ve been backpacking and climbing all around the world including trips to New Zealand and Chile. I currently run a business selling new and pre-owned handheld GPS units, as well as providing <a href="http://www.takeahikegps.com/handheld-gps-rentals.html">GPS units for rent</a>. I love teaching people how to use GPS technology to take their outdoor adventures to the next level. </p> <p><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=65353&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10032/65353/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="404" height="57" /></a> </p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=197&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10008/197/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="411" height="55" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-24197226075981849952011-05-16T15:22:00.001-04:002011-05-16T15:38:15.881-04:00Hiking in the Rain & Fog<p>The pleasures of hiking in the rain and fog</p> <p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“He who would travel happily must travel light." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery <br /></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>So it was raining this weekend and looks like rain all this week. I just took the dog out for a walk in the drizzle and it reminded me I wanted to write a short blog post about my hike yesterday in the rain.</p> <p>When I don’t have time for a full day hike I often hike at a very nice county park near me. It’s a wonderful park with many nice trails up to views of New York City and flatter trails along a reservoir.  The only down side being it sometimes gets a bit “crowded” (meaning you can spot some other people there from time to time). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TdF5bfJp19I/AAAAAAAAALw/Hn_Zl--3sMg/s1600-h/149%20rainy%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="149 rainy" border="0" alt="149 rainy" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TdF5bjqcBRI/AAAAAAAAAL0/GY1tUnCWbpU/149%20rainy_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a></p> <p>So yesterday I figured it was a good place to go, cause “Sunday” hikers don’t normally hike in the rain.  Thinking I would have the place to myself, I drive into the lot and find a troop of cub scouts.  They seem to be standing around debating if they should hike in rain or not and appear to be inclined against it.  They ignore me as I walk past them.</p> <p>Fortunately they were the only other people in the park and I walk for a mile or two before seeing anyone else.  When I get to the top I think about turning around – the fog and clouds are making it feel kind of spooky and I’m getting a little creeped out – but I decide to go ahead and do a long loop.  Just as I walk into a normally dark part of the woods (now really spooky) I meet a young lady and her dog walking the other way.  I recognize her as someone else who often haunts these woods and we exchange a smile as we pass; this makes me forget how creepy the woods is this day.</p> <p>The rain has stopped now and the woods are so quiet. There is just the stillness of the hanging fog in the air and the dripping of water from the leaves.  A peacefulness that is hard to describe. It’s like a vacuum that sucks the tension and stress out of my body. My daydreams, worries and thoughts evaporate into the mist and all that remains is that peaceful feeling.  The quietness. The solitude. </p> <p>A short while passes as I near the end of my loop and I hear the ear-piercing noises of cub scouts coming toward me.  That’s OK too. It’s nice to see the kids out in the rain.  They ignore me as they walk past.</p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=32541&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10713/32541/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="404" height="90" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=4004&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10086/4004/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="403" height="80" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-89620999166470239772011-05-07T17:01:00.001-04:002011-05-07T17:01:19.566-04:00Platypus Gravityworks Water Filter<p>Camping or hiking with a group? This gravity water filter does 4 liters in 2.5 minutes with out any pumping…</p> <p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.” ~ Abraham Lincoln </p> </blockquote> <p>If you are backpacking, camping or hiking with a group, share this Platypus Gravtyworks water filter.  As a group you save weight and <a title="Platypus Gravity Works Water Filter" href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=17535&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F813799%2Fplatypus-gravityworks-water-filter" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="platypus" border="0" alt="platypus" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TcWzHs_bOxI/AAAAAAAAALs/vqiYKsmtJCQ/platypus%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="289" /></a>there is no need to do any pumping.   Just hang this from a tree and Isaac Newton does the work.  It will filter 4 liters of water in 2.5 minutes with out any pumping.  It has a flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute.  </p> <p>The system weighs 10.6 ounces and filters to 0.2 microns.</p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=17535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F813799%2Fplatypus-gravityworks-water-filter">click rei from purchase to here<img style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; margin: 0px; border-top-style: none !important; border-left-style: none !important" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/tpv/10248/0/14059/17535/-/cl/image.png" width="0" height="0" /> </a></p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=196&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10008/196/14059/17535/image.gif" width="378" height="113" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=1877&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10086/1877/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="385" height="79" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-63281776853003863532011-04-24T18:56:00.001-04:002011-04-24T18:56:11.988-04:00Kickboards & Scooter Luggage<p>You no longer have to drag your hand luggage and yourself through the airport!</p> <p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.” ~ Abraham Lincoln <br /></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>Bored with dragging your hand luggage and yourself through the airport? Micro luggage is designed for the frequent flyer who needs to move quickly and effortlessly. Instead of pulling your luggage, how about riding on it to the gate? Micro luggage is a specially designed <b>Samsonite case</b> with a built-in <b>Micro scooter</b> allowing you to move quickly and easily. When folded, it fits in standard size overhead bins. When you are done scooting, the scooter folds up turning it into conventional wheeled luggage. The handlebar also retracts for carrying or placing in the overhead bin. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TbSqil3BLiI/AAAAAAAAALk/JJhi8otR7Bo/s1600-h/kick%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="kick" border="0" alt="kick" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TbSqixJR4_I/AAAAAAAAALo/5iQSpQTUkr8/kick_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="367" /></a></p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=37853&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10765/37853/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="346" height="97" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=42801&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10845/42801/14059/17535/image.gif" width="348" height="68" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-89240723243614330942011-04-02T13:57:00.000-04:002011-04-03T14:19:56.395-04:00End of Winter Gear Review<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p>“All that is gold does not glitter; not all those that wander are lost.”~J.R.R. Tolkien</p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>So winter is finally over, although here (in New Jersey USA) yesterday April 1st we had a bit of a snow storm.  Still, I’m putting away my winter stuff.  So I’ll make a few comments about things I liked the most.  I came across a few new interesting things: </p> <p>Somehow out of the blue Columbia Sportswear ask my wife and I to test a couple of jackets from their new Omni Heat line.  I’m sure by now you all have seen this stuff, jackets with a silvery metallic lining on the inside, said to increase warmth by about 20%.  It does actually do this.  The technology reminds me very much of the New Balance FUGU jacket I reviewed on this blog long ago (<a href="http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com/2010/02/ultralight-down-jackets.html" target="_blank">here is that post</a>). </p> <p>The Columbia Omni Heat line is nice, although so far I don’t see any jackets in that line particularly designed to be light-weight and so not so good for backpacking. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TZi6Se_h8UI/AAAAAAAAALU/tdeP_7rJL70/s1600-h/jacket%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="jacket" border="0" alt="jacket" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TZi6Sjf5NkI/AAAAAAAAALY/nN1nWpFRpLM/jacket_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a>                 </p> <p>My wife tested the women’s Heat Elite Jacket <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035432661&pubid=21000000000207428">Omni Heat Jacket</a>. She liked it very much but did find the sizing to be a little tight considering it’s main use other than day-to-day wear would be as a ski jacket.  The jacket is a soft shell; wind resistant, breathable.  Nicely soft to the touch.</p> <p>They sent me a <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=17535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F803092">Grade Max Full-Zip Sweater</a>. The thing is extremely warm comfortable and I find myself wearing it quite often.  I don’t <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=17535&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F803092"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="220" border="0" alt="220" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TZi6SxhhIAI/AAAAAAAAALc/AymP0r4clC4/220%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="220" /></a>think I would take it backpacking simply because of it’s weight and it wouldn’t pack down well.  I have used it on several day hikes and it breaths well.</p> <p>Gloves is an area where I’ve seen some improvement but you have to search carefully. Ideally I would like a glove that is warm, water-proof, but not to bulky so that you loss finger dexterity.  I found two sets that fit this: The <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=17535&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fsearch%3Fsearch%3Dseirus%26seq%3D21%26hist%3Dquery%252Cseirus" target="_blank">Serious Xtreme</a> all weather – these are top quality and really are warm (done to very low temps) and water-proof.  <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10263&pw=17535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ramseyoutdoor.com%2Fproduct%2Fpid-13070%2Findex.aspx"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="uaglove" border="0" alt="uaglove" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TZi6SwtVQTI/AAAAAAAAALg/G_Y3jxzrYhM/uaglove%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a>The other set of gloves I like for not so cold weather (not below 20 degrees F) is the UA Extreme Coldgear running glove. They say it is “water-proof” by I would say it is more like “water- resistant” so long as you don’t' get them to wet.  The fit – “like a glove”; extremely comfortable and give you great dexterity. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=13917&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10008/13917/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="417" height="68" /></a> <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000035185057&pubid=21000000000207428"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 5px" border="0" alt="Introducing Charged Cotton - True Performance Cotton " src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000035185057&pubid=21000000000207428" width="413" height="98" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-5512329992388616892010-10-29T14:14:00.000-04:002011-04-03T14:15:21.607-04:00Interesting New Products<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">"</font>"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion." ~Henry David Thoreau</p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> </blockquote> <p>I came across a few new interesting things: </p> <h5>JetBoil CrunchIt </h5> <p>Finally an easy way to recycle those metal gas canisters. The device screws on to gas stove canisters then punctures a whole in the empty canister like a can opener. So far I’ve only seen it for sale as part of a Jetboil set at <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=17535&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3DJetBoil%2BCrunchIt%2B" target="_blank">REI.com</a> but hopefully they will be around in stores soon separately.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TMsdBnST4HI/AAAAAAAAAKs/BKjuOtJ_dZ8/s1600-h/jetboil-crunchit%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="jetboil-crunchit" border="0" alt="jetboil-crunchit" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TMsdCJAziVI/AAAAAAAAAKw/uEuqosmN0-A/jetboil-crunchit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="134" /></a> </p> <p><b><b style="background-color: #a0ffff; color: black">Bear</b> <b style="background-color: #99ff99; color: black">Grylls</b> Survival Series Ultimate Knife</b></p> <p>This new Gerber Knife, tagged with the logo of <b style="background-color: #a0ffff; color: black">Bear</b> <b style="background-color: #99ff99; color: black">Grylls</b> “Man vs Wild” fame; will start shipping November 15, 2010, you can get is on <a title="Gerber Suervial Knife" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003R0LSMO?ie=UTF8&tag=applmanagroui-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003R0LSMO" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> for $59.99 (retails at $79.99).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TMsdCIiN5EI/AAAAAAAAAK0/JpHENyu-Ne0/s1600-h/bearknife%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bearknife" border="0" alt="bearknife" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TMsdCY7SRKI/AAAAAAAAAK4/uN5JCCQzC-w/bearknife_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="126" /></a> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c618af9b-47d7-48cc-87aa-ae461af9759f" class="wlWriterSmartContent"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px" id="92c78615-9353-4c9a-ad5d-bd2da4e6c08b"> <div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivOvUThMcnM" target="_new"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TMsdC9lmRmI/AAAAAAAAAK8/hUL7cTSuCdI/video2ab304042ae1%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('92c78615-9353-4c9a-ad5d-bd2da4e6c08b'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ivOvUThMcnM&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ivOvUThMcnM&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" galleryimg="no" /></a></div> </div> </div> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-1589137175949907562010-08-22T12:36:00.001-04:002010-08-22T12:36:02.011-04:00Cheap Quality Rain Gear<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">"</font>Well done is better than well said.” ~ Benjamin Franklin</p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>So this past week I was on a family vacation, part of which included a few days in Ocean City, MD at the beach. The first full day there we wake up to pouring rain.  I think my wife may have been secretly happy about this as it created an excuse to go to the factory outlet stores.  Having left anything that resembled rain gear at home, I agreed and off we went.</p> <p>After looking around in various outlets and not finding anything reasonable I decided to opt for an umbrella and spotted the “Totes” outlet.  I knew I could find a good quality small micro umbrella in there.  But what surprised me was top quality light weight rain jackets for the entire family.<a title="Marmot PreCip" href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10248&amp;pw=17535&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F718330" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="marmot" border="0" alt="marmot" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/THFR6uXTeqI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/zikDeFY5YLk/marmot%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Normally when I backpack I bring my <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=17535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F718330">Marmot PreCip Jacket</a> which is a great piece of rain gear.  It weighs about 12 ounces (336g), has a “breathable” coating, big zipper pockets and pit zips. It sells for about $99 (REI link on photo).</p> <p>I know lighter rain jackets are available, some as light as 7 or 8 ounces made of Gore Tex Paclite or Event.  But so far I have not been able to bring myself to spend the additional hundreds of dollars to save 4 or 5 ounces.  </p> <p>I was pleasantly surprised to find such high quality rain jackets at the totes outlet.  I purchased one that felt ‘light’ – turned out to be 11.5 ounces (medium).  It has a nylon shell and polyester lining, netting on the inside top half, vented back. Velcro wrist and rain pocket closures, a nice hood and a waist tightening cinch pull.  Unfortunately no pit zips. But guess the price? $14.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/THFR60cUEII/AAAAAAAAAKU/9XQwb4cp3LM/s1600-h/blog%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="blog 003" border="0" alt="blog 003" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/THFR7eMM0aI/AAAAAAAAAKY/LQ9IAfu0kjE/blog%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/THFR7_nnl1I/AAAAAAAAAKc/xj3OZ2De1DU/s1600-h/blog%20006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="blog 006" border="0" alt="blog 006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/THFR8Yow95I/AAAAAAAAAKg/ikSfsd6Q48Q/blog%20006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="150" /></a></p> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-72970593990702924302010-08-08T11:15:00.001-04:002010-08-08T11:15:01.753-04:00Bug Hunting With Kids<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">"Be who you are & say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss </font></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>This is a guest post by Debi Huang; Check out her blog at: <br /><a title="Go Explore nature Blog" href="http://goexplorenature.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Go Explore Nature</a><i></i><em> </em></p> <p><strong>Bug Hunting With Kids</strong></p> <p>While it’s true not all kids like bugs, going on a bug hunt is still fun – especially if you take along some friends. After all, the more eyes looking out for critters, the better! Here’s how to make your next adventure a success, even for the most squeamish among you.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TF7J6aiuV3I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/DRbkNeJQaNg/s1600-h/Bug%20hunt%20container%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Bug hunt container" border="0" alt="Bug hunt container" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TF7J6mOap6I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/AsXM6LniLo8/Bug%20hunt%20container_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="131" height="171" /></a></p> <p><b>1. Bring the right tools.</b></p> <p>A bug container, bug tweezers and a magnifying glass are pretty much essential. The kid-sized tweezers make grabbing fairly simple, even for little ones. Store your catch in a bug container long enough to examine it close up without fear of it crawling or flying away. Just be sure to release it before heading inside!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TF7J7Hxpl5I/AAAAAAAAAKA/LkIQOT6htaU/s1600-h/Bug%20hunt%20worms%5B1%5D%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Bug hunt worms[1]" border="0" alt="Bug hunt worms[1]" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TF7J7VDnyMI/AAAAAAAAAKE/gQkrRlXKNqg/Bug%20hunt%20worms%5B1%5D_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><b>2. Know where to look.</b></p> <p>Backyard bugs can usually be found <i>under </i>things, like potted plants or other heavy items. If you’re on the trail, look for bugs in flowers and trees or near water. </p> <p><b>3. Take your time.</b></p> <p>Bugs are easy to miss if you’re walking too fast. Most are small and many have the gift of camouflage, making them tough to spot at first glance. Take it slow and let your eyes roam the area for anything that moves. You might even want to pick one place and hang out for a while. </p> <p><b>4. Search for signs of bugs, too.</b></p> <p>Finding bugs is thrilling, but so are signs of bugs or bug homes. Spider webs and vacated cocoons are good examples. My kids are also enthralled with dead bugs, so don’t be too quick to discourage curiosity in whatever form it comes.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TF7J8CpAKNI/AAAAAAAAAKI/r3yoOd_-P8s/s1600-h/Bug%20hunt%20damselfly%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Bug hunt damselfly" border="0" alt="Bug hunt damselfly" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TF7J9OcALvI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QJ4YUB1Maio/Bug%20hunt%20damselfly_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p><b>5. Try to stay quiet.</b></p> <p>I know what you’re thinking – how is staying quiet possible with kids? But you’d be surprised how willing kids are to listen and be still when looking for bugs and other wild critters. And once you’ve spotted one – and you will, trust me – even the littlest of kids seems instinctively to know to be still and enjoy their new toy. At least for a little while!</p> <p><em>Debi Huang is a Los Angeles-based wife, mom and adventure guide for two young boys. Her blog at </em><a title="Go Explore nature Blog" href="http://goexplorenature.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Go Explore Nature</a><i></i><em> is all about getting kids and families outdoors and connected to nature.</em></p> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-39206605415699581532010-07-17T16:18:00.001-04:002010-07-17T16:18:32.657-04:00Evernew DX vs Trail Designs Caldera Cone; Comparison tests<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me." ~ Noel Coward </font></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> <p></p> </blockquote> <p></p> <p></p> <p>For a couple years now I’ve been using the <a href="http://www.traildesigns.com/" target="_blank">Trail Designs</a> Ti-Tri Caldera Titanium Cone as my main backpacking stove.  It is an extremely efficient light weight design.  For those of you not familiar with the Caldera Cone; it is an ultralight alcohol stove with an aluminum (or in this case titanium) cone.  The cone drastically increases fuel efficiency and is both the pot stand and the wind shield.  With the titanium version you can burn wood as well as alcohol (you can also burn Esbit, thus the ‘Tri’ in the name).  This design allows the hiker to carry much less weight in the from of fuel.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TEIQEgjRc3I/AAAAAAAAAJk/AM1ZrU5lGPg/s1600-h/Ti-Tri-Alcohol-Mode%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ti-Tri-Alcohol-Mode Caldera Cone" border="0" alt="Ti-Tri-Alcohol-Mode Caldera Cone" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TEIQEyxz7zI/AAAAAAAAAJo/UViGt00GMpo/Ti-Tri-Alcohol-Mode_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Overall I’ve been happy with the Caldera Ti-Tri system.  There are a few things that still bug me about it and caused me to look for better alternatives.  The first is that it takes up a lot of space in my backpack.  There are a few ways to store the thing, Trail Designs sells it with with a plastic container (food quality that can double as a cup).  The trouble with the plastic container is that it is not light and the second time I used the stove I ripped a slit in the top (good bye usefulness as a cup).  The edges of the titanium cone are very sharp (that’s how I ripped the top of the container) and so I need to be very careful not to cut myself.  Not something I want to be worried about in the wilderness.  On my particular cone the pot gets stuck in it, giving me trouble getting the hot pot out of the cone.</p> <p>The stove I’ve picked to use now is the Evernew Ti DX set.  Again it is made out of titanium and can burn alcohol, word or Esbit.  It packs down much smaller than the Caldera Cone (I store it in my pot).  The Evernew stove has no sharp edges and has a very high quality ‘feel’ to it.  Unlike the Cone, the Evernew is not fuel efficient. It burns hot and fast.  Boil time for the Evernew is 4 minutes, 30 Seconds (2 cups 68 degree water) versus the Caldera Cone boil time of 6 minutes, 5 seconds.  So you can get your water to boil fast – an advantage.  The disadvantage is it burns hot – burn out time on 20 ml of alcohol was under 5 minutes whereas the Caldera Cone burned for over 8 and 1/2 minutes on 20 ml of fuel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TEIQFdhzz7I/AAAAAAAAAJs/LDXtPZwTySI/s1600-h/EBY255_img2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Evernew Stove" border="0" alt="Evernew Stove" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TEIQFgBU4QI/AAAAAAAAAJw/R96zB4QWb8k/EBY255_img2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="217" /></a></p> <p>The Evernew wins on weight; The entire DX set is only 3.2 oz. (92g); My Caldera Ti Tri is 2.4 oz (68g) but including the plastic container it is 5.0 oz (143g).  Note: Each Caldera is a different weight depending what pot they are made for.  Mine is for a 700 pot which weights 3.2 oz (92g).</p> <p>The Pot I use for the Evernew is a 1 Liter Evernew Pasta Pot that weights 4.1 oz (116g).  Since the Evernew is not custom made for specific pots I have much more flexibility here, which is another reason I now prefer the Evernew DX.  </p> <p>So my entire setup including the larger pot with the Evernew is now 7.3 oz (208g); The Caldera was 8.3 oz (234g); so I also save an ounce by switching.</p> <p>Here is a video testing the two stoves side by side: </p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:819588df-eea2-40c3-b01f-51466a45ae69" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="38543f0b-ca1f-44d1-8d2c-a64bdd4cec35" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDDsKNrEleY&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TEIQF6kMobI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/6jhPtYGyPEc/video1e1e454fb82e%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('38543f0b-ca1f-44d1-8d2c-a64bdd4cec35'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/tDDsKNrEleY&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/tDDsKNrEleY&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>Related reviews:</p> <p><a title="Evernew DX Ti Alcohol Stove Review" href="http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com/2010/04/evernew-ti-dx-alcohol-stove.html" target="_blank">Evernew DX Ti Alcohol Stove Review</a></p> <p><a href="http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com/2010/05/evernew-ti-dx-backpacking-stove-burning.html" target="_blank">Evernew DX Ti Stove Burning Wood</a></p> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-51710880116644516852010-06-26T08:31:00.001-04:002010-06-26T08:31:37.523-04:00Eight Year Olds and Fire-Belly Toads<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“You have to kiss a lot of toads before you find a handsome prince.”</font></p> </blockquote> <p>On at least one morning each weekend I <em>try</em> to go on a fast paced hike up and around a mountain and reservoir that’s about 20 minutes from where I live. The whole hiking loop I normally do is about 5 miles. I attempt to do it and get back before the family is 100% up and about. It’s a little bit of quiet alone time for dad and it helps me clear my head. Usually I make an insincere offer the night before or that morning asking if anyone would like to come with me. Normally no takers, but this past Saturday for some reason (I was suspicious already) my son decided he would love to join me. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TCXzINsrEMI/AAAAAAAAAJU/rCBWGZDg7kM/s1600-h/fire_belly_toad3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="fire_belly_toad" border="0" alt="fire_belly_toad" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TCXzIzCJdZI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WF4qgObOV3k/fire_belly_toad_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="202" /></a> </p> <p>So my pace dropped to the stride of an eight year old boy. A boy who was apparently in the mood to talk a lot (so much for quiet time), to talk a lot about Fire-Belly Toads. The hike went something like this:</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#0000ff">“Dad, did you know they sell Fire-Belly Toads at Petco?” <br /></font>“No, I don’t think I know what a Fire-Belly Toad is.” <br /><font color="#0000ff">“They are really cool toads, they eat crickets, could we get one?” <br /></font>“Live crickets?” <br /><font color="#0000ff">“Ya, you can buy the at Petco, they come in a box.”</font><font color="#0000ff"> <br /><font color="#000000">“You want to keep live crickets in a box in your bedroom, aren't they noisy?”</font> <br />“You have to feed them every couple of days” <br /></font>“Hmm…”<font color="#0000ff"> <br /> <br /></font>Time goes by, as we walk along…</p> <p><font color="#0000ff">“Dad, did you know my friend Mary won a national art Contest in school.” <br /></font>“Oh, that’s great, she seems like a nice girl.” <br /><font color="#0000ff">“She’s interesting. She doesn’t eat meat. They eat worms too, you have to give them live food (the toads, not Mary) ”. <br /></font>“What did she draw to win the contest?  She’s a vegetarian?” <br /><font color="#0000ff">“She draws pictures of airplanes.”  “She’s a Muslim, she’s from Portugal.” <br /></font>“Hmm…”</p> <p>Time goes by…</p> <p><font color="#0000ff">“My one friend, Nick, he is a model. I think it might be better to be an actor” <br /></font>“You, want to be an actor?” <br /><font color="#0000ff">“No. You have to keep them between 72°F to 78°F degrees, can’t let them get to hot, but they can get colder sometimes” <br /></font><font color="#000000">“Hmm…”</font><font color="#0000ff"> <br />“Anyway, there aren’t any actors my age. <br /></font>“Sure there are; what about Cassady, she’s an actress, you know her.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TCXzJlAYFnI/AAAAAAAAAJc/pDj-Z8H8zX4/s1600-h/fire_belly_toad13.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="fire_belly_toad1" border="0" alt="fire_belly_toad1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TCXzKDKfjhI/AAAAAAAAAJg/QFKML4_stLA/fire_belly_toad1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#0000ff">“She’s Nickie’s age <font color="#000000">(12)</font>.”  “Toads are amphibians, we need to have a pool of water in the cage.”</font></p> <p>“What about Annasophia Robb (continuing to try to change the subject), she was about your age when she made “Winn-Dixie”</p> <p><font color="#0000ff">“Ya, I like dogs too.” <br /></font></p> <p>“Hey, Look Connor, there’s a Frog!” <br /><font color="#0000ff">“Cool!” <br /></font>”Why don’t you pick him up?” <br /><font color="#0000ff">"Dad, I don’t want to touch him.” <br /></font><font color="#000000">”Won't you have to touch the toad to pick him up to clean his cage?” <br /></font><font color="#0000ff">”That’s different. That is  a WILD frog!” <br /></font><font color="#000000">“Hmm…”</font></p> <p>Time goes by…</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font color="#000000">“How long do these toads live?” <br /></font><font color="#0000ff">"About 10 to 12 years” <br /></font><font color="#000000">(OMFG!) <br /></font><font color="#0000ff">“So is it final we are getting a toad?” <br /></font>”Hmm…”</p> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-82683202082844963672010-06-13T10:47:00.001-04:002010-06-13T10:47:40.075-04:00A Too Short Visit to the Rocky Mountains<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“Faith, indeed, has up to the present not been able to move real mountains . . . But it can put mountains where there are none.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche </font></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>This past weekend I went to Denver to be at my nieces’ wedding. I was lucky enough to be able to take a few additional days off work and do some hiking in the Rocky Mountains.  My brother and I, both being sea level people, decided to take Sunday to do a day hike and acclimate ourselves to the altitudes. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvepkv-WI/AAAAAAAAAIw/99i0LCW2R5w/s1600-h/Denver%20062%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Sniktau Mountain View" border="0" alt="Sniktau Mountain View" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvfnrKcFI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Hh6R-U0hZ0k/Denver%20062_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="318" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>We chose Sniktau mountain on the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass.  To get there from Denver, use I 70, exit at Loveland Pass just before the Eisenhower Tunnel onto Highway 6.  This mountain has an altitude of 13,234 feet at its’ summit.  This is a good hike to start with for us low landers.  At the bottom of the mountain the temperature was about 75 degrees.  The trail head starts at about 11,900 feet and goes up fairly steeply.  Having a bit of trouble getting used to the thin air, we just took our time.  The trail ascends steadily as it reaches the first knoll.  The temperature dropped to about 50 degrees at the summit, with some serious winds.  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvgYp2y8I/AAAAAAAAAI4/v5dbNDR8d78/s1600-h/Denver%20067%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Sniktau mountain ridge" border="0" alt="Sniktau mountain ridge" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvgogKPQI/AAAAAAAAAI8/5FOLwVkZ0NM/Denver%20067_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains are extraordinary and breath-taking (couldn’t resist that pun).  The trail then follows a ridge line descending and ascending from Knoll to knoll. The partially snow covered trail (this was June 6th) continues to give fantastic views well worth the hike.  At the fifth knoll you reach the summit and are rewarded with picture perfect panoramas. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvhJTqa7I/AAAAAAAAAJA/dkDwNKseaQg/s1600-h/Denver%20081%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="View from summit of Sniktau mountain" border="0" alt="View from summit of Sniktau mountain" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvhhNnCrI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Iq89lyNoHK0/Denver%20081_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>On the way back down the ridge line, winds picked up significantly, somewhere between 60 – 90 miles per hour winds, giving us a go feel for the power of nature.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> Some video clips from the hike up Sniktau mountain:</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e1278ac4-7f56-42b6-b04d-3ef8ea2d911f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="834f4a01-0892-4498-9328-40d2a0047f6d" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hytovnyQK68&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvh5mFT1I/AAAAAAAAAJM/Dz2t6D7YDN0/video2e686139b978%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('834f4a01-0892-4498-9328-40d2a0047f6d'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/hytovnyQK68&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/hytovnyQK68&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>Monday we went to <a title="RMNP Web Site" href="http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm" target="_blank">Rocky Mountains National Park</a>.  About 2 hours from Denver, RMNP is a national treasure.  If offers over 350 miles of hiking trails, many drive in camp sites and over 200 ‘backcountry’ campsites.  Permits and bear canisters are required for backcountry camping.  We visited the parks backcountry permit office, were greeted by an attractive young ranger, Megan.  She was helpful and efficient.  Walked us through the rules and paperwork, and issue us a permit to camp at Spruce lake.  We were on the trail minutes later.  No problems whatsoever.</p> <p>I only wish I could have spent more time exploring the trails and mountains.  That will have to wait for a longer next visit.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:dbdfef09-73f4-4dda-87a3-e2e6eba18512" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="a64357ad-525b-49af-82a3-38792e3288c8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciAsib6NTDg&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TBTvi0a97II/AAAAAAAAAJQ/QRnFYghwRQI/videoff34a6f055fd%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a64357ad-525b-49af-82a3-38792e3288c8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ciAsib6NTDg&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ciAsib6NTDg&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=3408&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10248/3408/14059/17535/image.gif" width="418" height="68" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-80203174873936139922010-06-09T13:12:00.000-04:002010-06-09T13:18:32.112-04:00Vargo Triad Titanium Alcohol Stove<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“Contentment consist not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire.” ~ Thomas Fuller </font></p> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial"></font></p> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>I really love this little Vargo Triad stove, I don’t really use it much but maybe I will start again.  It has 3 folding legs that are intended to be pushed into the ground to hold the stove steady.   It has another three ‘arms’ that form the pot stand.  It weighs practically nothing, boils 2 cups of water in about 7 to 7 1/2 minutes.  It is VERY sensitive to wind, so you must use a good wind screen.  One unique thing about it, you can blow it out when you are done and easily pour the remaining alcohol back into you fuel canister.</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:59482ce5-b346-41f6-b7b7-46fcf8e88568" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="54961d28-8e04-4ced-abf5-7db14f83e0ff" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V8OnF1uu3E&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TA_M5_uS9-I/AAAAAAAAAIs/ApJGjHtlyqs/videof72fdc855924%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('54961d28-8e04-4ced-abf5-7db14f83e0ff'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"409\" height=\"306\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_V8OnF1uu3E&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_V8OnF1uu3E&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"409\" height=\"306\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=32553&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10713/32553/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="413" height="72" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=4004&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10086/4004/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="412" height="59" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-59296025712171518482010-06-04T14:10:00.001-04:002010-06-04T14:10:39.331-04:00Hiking & Backpacking First Aid Kit<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“For safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.”  ~Eleanor Everet </font></p> </blockquote> <p></p> <p>So if your like me you have some sort of a first aid kit in your pack, and probably only look in it when you are on the trail and need something, then discover you used your last one (of whatever it is your looking for) on your last trip.  Tomorrow I’m flying to Denver for a wedding and following the wedding will be doing some backpacking in the Rocky Mountains.  Since I have to check my backpack on the plane, I figured I better look what’s in the first aid kit and make sure it is OK to bring on the plane.  It’s  good opportunity to refill it and replace any old stuff anyway.  I sometime leave out a few of these things to reduce the weight.  If I’m hiking with a group, I can sometime bring much less.  Solo or with my children, I feel comfortable with this.</p> <p>So here is what I have in mine:</p> <p>Medications:</p> <ul> <li>Ibuprofen tables (Motrin) </li> <li>Acetaminophen (Tylenol) </li> <li>Nasal decongestant (Sudafed) </li> <li>Diphenhydramine HCI (Benadryl) </li> <li>Tylenol Cold </li> <li>Zantac 75 </li> <li>Pepcid </li> <li>Gas X </li> <li>Cough drops </li> <li>Burn gel (1 blister pack) </li> <li>Chloraseptic strips </li> <li>Anbesol Toothache pain killer </li> </ul> <p>Basic Care & Wounds:</p> <ul> <li>Sunscreen lotion (2 blister packs) </li> <li>Neosporin (3 blister packs) </li> <li>Benzoin Tincture </li> <li>Antiseptic Towelettes </li> <li>Moleskin </li> <li>Blister bandages </li> <li>Sting Relief Pad (Benzocaine) </li> <li>Ace Bandage </li> <li>Medical tape </li> <li>Small magnifying glass </li> <li>Dental floss </li> <li>Tweezers </li> <li>Safety pins (2) </li> <li>Contact lenses </li> <li>Aquamira water purification tabs </li> <li>BreatheRight stips </li> <li>Assorted bandages </li> </ul> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c35875c2-51a9-48e1-afaf-1803e1f3ad77" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="08e808b9-27a0-4c0f-8000-9043efca7781" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbjW0FsKKgs&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TAlBnizi6TI/AAAAAAAAAIk/s7gII4icEFU/video024713d029ee%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('08e808b9-27a0-4c0f-8000-9043efca7781'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"398\" height=\"298\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/nbjW0FsKKgs&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/nbjW0FsKKgs&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"398\" height=\"298\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=3400&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10248/3400/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="401" height="53" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-23176944922280198932010-06-03T14:44:00.001-04:002010-06-03T14:44:42.379-04:00Alcohol Stove Fuel Comparison – Part 2<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“Contentment consist not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire.” ~ Thomas Fuller </font> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>My prior post “<a title="Backpacking Stove fuels" href="http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com/2010/05/backpacking-alcohol-stove-fuel.html" target="_blank">Alcohol Stove Fuel Comparison</a>”  did a few tests comparing different backpacking stove fuels such as HEET, Iso-HEET, denatured alcohol and grain alcohol. </p> <p>When comparing HEET (methyl alcohol) in the yellow bottle to Iso-HEET (Isopropyl alcohol) in the red bottle, Iso-HEET showed itself to be a much better performer.  Although it is an extremely sooty and dirty fuel.</p> <p>This surprised myself and some of my readers.  One viewer suggested the performance issue of HEET might be related to the height of the pot stands.  In the below video of this follow-up test, this indeed proved to the case.  I varied the distance between the stove and the pot and at the medium distance HEET performed well.</p> <p>Here’s the video of my results:  </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:10986ee5-4833-4ef8-9b37-30733a2f2ca2" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="3a0a4f8d-e910-4f5b-abff-2f7ffc0248ef" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvUsx2PqTuA&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TAf38-vocnI/AAAAAAAAAIc/5-fhA_3efeQ/video143643032d4c%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('3a0a4f8d-e910-4f5b-abff-2f7ffc0248ef'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"407\" height=\"305\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/FvUsx2PqTuA&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/FvUsx2PqTuA&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"407\" height=\"305\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=3400&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10248/3400/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="404" height="61" /></a></p> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-85327207860191687302010-05-29T12:52:00.001-04:002010-05-29T12:52:34.918-04:00Backpacking Alcohol Stove Fuel Comparison<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever while you live, expense is constant and certain: and it is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel.” ~ Benjamin Franklin </font> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>So many people use alcohol stoves as a way to lighten their backpacks, myself included.  Yet we still have to carry the fuel, which is one of the reasons I use stoves that can burn wood or alcohol, sometime reducing the fuel weight or as a backup fuel (I’m currently using the <a title="Evernew DX blog post" href="http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com/2010/04/evernew-ti-dx-alcohol-stove.html" target="_blank">EVERNEW Ti DX</a> stove).</p> <p>Most hikers use either denatured alcohol or HEET to fuel their alcohol stoves.  I was curious which of these performed better as well as other alternatives.  In this video (below) I compared the four most likely choices:</p> <ul> <li>HEET (yellow bottle)</li> <li>Iso-HEET (red bottle)</li> <li>S-L-X Denatured Alcohol</li> <li>Everclear Grain Alcohol</li> </ul> <p>The price difference between HEET and denatured alcohol is minimal and varies depending on where you are buying it.  At the local LOWES HEET is $1.79 for 355ml (about 1/2 cent per ML).  Denatured Alcohol is $6.68 for 946ml (about 7/10 cent per ML).  Everclear at the liquor store is $15.75 for 750ml (about 2 cents per ML) – far more expensive.</p> <p>When looking for HEET competitors, the marketing people make it very difficult to tell what is actually in the bottle.  Some companies put the chemical abstract number in the ingredient list (the number starting with CAS#…..) others like “STP” don’t (by the way STP is not a good fuel).</p> <p>HEET in the yellow bottle is CAS#67-56-1: Translation – This is 100% Methyl Alcohol.  Iso-HEET is CAS#67-63-0: Translation – This is 90 – 100% Isopropyl Alcohol.  Iso-HEET is not the same as “Rubbing Alcohol” sold in drug stores which is only 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.  Denatured Alcohol is “ethanol” a.k.a. Ethyl Alcohol plus an additive that makes it poisonous to drink.  It is not clear what percentage of S-L-X Denatured Alcohol is Ethyl.  Everclear Grain Alcohol sold in liquor stores and drinkable is 95% “Grain Alcohol” which is Ethyl Alcohol.</p> <p>All that said I compared these four options.  The Iso-HEET performed “Best” in my test bringing the water to a boil first.  Denatured alcohol was a close second, nearly the same as Everclear.  HEET (yellow bottle) did the worst boiling the water last and the flame going out first.</p> <p>However, Iso-HEET also burned very ‘dirty’ covering the pot in soot.  I often use my pots on a wood burner so you wouldn’t think this would bother me, but this soot was much dirtier than you get from a wood fire, getting all over my hands and making everything dirty.</p> <p>It was also pointed out to me by one of my viewers on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/RLMorris42" target="_blank">my Youtube channel</a> that the height of the pots my be effecting the results.  That I may have inadvertently placed the pots at the optimum height for Iso-HEET and the worst height for HEET (flame temperature varying by it’s height). Hmm.  This could be.  I will need to redo this test with the pots at different heights – I’ll see if I can make some time for that.  In the mean time, here’s the video of my results:</p> <p>  <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0df48ecb-09c4-4b11-88bc-7b1571cae737" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="bc8aa819-a7cc-4450-94fc-26d85e622ac9" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7xK6jNwaqg&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/TAFGUvETvhI/AAAAAAAAAIU/mvvRrctTVOs/video6478e33c2b93%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('bc8aa819-a7cc-4450-94fc-26d85e622ac9'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"405\" height=\"303\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b7xK6jNwaqg&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/b7xK6jNwaqg&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"405\" height=\"303\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </p> <p> </p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=3400&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10248/3400/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="404" height="61" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-22593598092951608952010-05-27T14:07:00.000-04:002010-05-27T14:07:00.059-04:00“Live Free or Die” – Review of Dead Men Walk No Trails by Rick McKinney<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.” -- Paul Dudley White </font> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>DEAD MEN WALK NO TRAILS</p> <p>Dealing with suicidal depression after a friends suicide, the author’s self prescribed treatment is to hike the Appalachian Trail (GA>ME 2004) writing this book as he goes uploading a bit at a time.</p> <p>Blue blazing, aqua blazing (a canoe trip through Shenandoah) , yellow blazing. listening to the radio most of the way.  The author writes more about heavy drinking, ‘self-medicating’, and taking weeks at a time ‘off-trail’, than he does about the actual hiking - not your typical Appalachian trail thru-hiker.  White-blaze purist would be incredulous. And yet, even though in large parts of the book he spends obsessed with chasing this girl or the other girl (some parts more like an adolescent romance novel than a trail journal) there is still deep insight into our motivations and desires to be ‘free’.  At times, freedom from loneliness seems to be his main concern. </p> <p>His writing style at first appears a bit choppy, jumping about through time and from subject to subject. After a few chapters it takes on a certain rhythm and it holds the readers interest.  He has a humorous way of ranting about life, fits in meaningful discussions and gives us some understanding of why people choice to go on long distance hikes.  For Rick is it mostly about freedom.  </p> <p><iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=applmanagroui-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=1591138701" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p>The author is a talented writer who hiked the AT, not an AT hiker who decided to write a book.  The difference in the quality of the writing is clear.  And as this writer walked he came to grips with the boredom of long-distance hiking and developed a love of the trail. </p> <p>Rick is currently walking the PCT (2010); is blog on the PCT hike is at: <a title="http://whodaresdomoreisnone.wordpress.com/" href="http://whodaresdomoreisnone.wordpress.com/">http://whodaresdomoreisnone.wordpress.com/</a></p> <p></p> <a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000030860109&pubid=21000000000207428"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplimage?lid=41000000030860109&pubid=21000000000207428" width="398" height="103" /></a> <p></p> <a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000030324239&pubid=21000000000207428"><img border="0" alt="Free Shipping (Everything you need for the outdoors)" src="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplimage?lid=41000000030324239&pubid=21000000000207428" width="385" height="68" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-26497186775867617722010-05-25T20:47:00.002-04:002010-05-26T20:04:25.340-04:00Synchronous Bioluminescent Fireflies / Lightning Bugs in the Smoky Mountains<p>Hi, thanks for coming, you’re now here and may want to: <br /><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">subscribe to my feed</a> (click on this <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BackpackbasecampBlog">link</a>).</p> <blockquote><span style="font-family: arial; color: navy">"The fireflies o'er the meadow In pulses come and go." ~ James Russell Lowell Source: Midnight (st. 3) </span></blockquote> A natural wonder is about to take place in the Smoky Mountains.  One of only two places in the world where fireflies will, for a short time, synchronize their blinking.  This is an amazing natural light show that takes place each year for about a week in mid-June. (June 7th – June 14th).  If you are near the Smokies you want to get to the Little River Trail at Elkmont (via park trolley service from Sugarlands Visitor Center). <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S_xvm2T1y_I/AAAAAAAAAII/Ah8i1L40wxA/s1600-h/synchronizedfireflies1284x350use3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="synchronized-fireflies-1-284x350 use" border="0" alt="synchronized-fireflies-1-284x350 use" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S_xvnbQvpvI/AAAAAAAAAIM/3ScMU64VbSM/synchronizedfireflies1284x350use_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" height="244" /></a> <br />An except from the National Park Service website: <br /> <blockquote><span style="font-family: times new roman">Synchronous fireflies (<i>Photinus carolinus</i>) are one of 14 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: times new roman">Fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are beetles. They take from one to two years to mature from larvae, but will live as adults for only about 21 days. Their light patterns are part of the adulthood mating display. Each species of firefly has characteristic flash pattern that helps its male and female individuals recognize each other. Most species produce a greenish-yellow light; one species has a bluish light. The males fly and flash and the usually stationary females respond with a flash. Peak flashing for synchronous fireflies in the park is normally within a two-week period in mid-June.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: times new roman">The production of light by living organisms is called bioluminescence. Many species of insects and marine creatures are capable of it. Fireflies combine the chemical luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in their lanterns (part of their abdomens) to make light. The chemical reaction is very efficient and produces little or no heat.</span> <br /><span style="font-family: times new roman">No one is sure why the fireflies flash synchronously. Competition between males may be one reason: they all want to be the first to flash. Or perhaps if the males all flash together they have a better chance of being noticed, and the females can make better comparisons. The fireflies do not always flash in unison. They may flash in waves across hillsides, and at other times will flash randomly. Synchrony occurs in short bursts that end with abrupt periods of darkness.</span></blockquote> <a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+index.html+" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="WildernessDining" border="0" alt="WildernessDining" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S_xvno2z9YI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/H9Ytmks3WAI/WildernessDining%5B3%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="203" height="116" /></a> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=33995&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10537/33995/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="417" height="56" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-25487881643492571072010-05-22T16:06:00.001-04:002010-05-22T16:06:35.658-04:00Hiking with Powdered Drinks, Lemons and Powdered Butter<blockquote><font color="#000080" face="Arial">“Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways.” ~ Stephen Vincent Benét</font> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>A few odds and ends in this post, first something about these powdered drinks mixes – Am I the only one that thinks they just might be repackage, over priced cool-aid?   If you hike with a hydration system in your backpack like a Camelback or a platypus you probably don’t get as much use out of these things as I do.  I never really got used to drinking out of a bladder in my backpack.</p> <p>So I find these powdered drink mixes quite useful, for when I just get bored with plain water or when the water along the trail might taste a bit nasty.  I started out using Gatorade mixes, but have found several others I like better, especially just plain pure lemon juice.  Often you can pick up a few these little packages of lemon juice no charge and gas station convenience store – normally where they have the sugar for you coffee.<a title="Lemon Juice" href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+pp31180.html+" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Lemon Juice @ Wilderness Dining" border="0" alt="Lemon Juice @ Wilderness Dining" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S_g5SItYyRI/AAAAAAAAAH8/R4jcqfGtVFQ/LemonJuice5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="113" /></a></p> <p>If you can’t find it, you can buy the packets on-line  from “<a href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+index.html+" target="_blank">WildernessDining.com</a>” our newest affiliate advertiser. Click on the picture of Lemon Juice to buy it on-line.</p> <p>I ran across Wilderness Dining a couple weeks ago and was impressed enough to have <a href="http://Backpackbasecamp.com" target="_blank">BackpackBaseCamp.com</a> become an affiliate of theirs.  I found them because I was searching for dehydrated <a title="Wilderness Dining dehydrated butter" href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+tf611.html+ " target="_blank">powdered butter</a> for backpacking.  This <a title="dehydrated butter" href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+tf611.html+" target="_blank">dehydrated butter</a> comes in a package of 36 tsps, weights just 2 ounces for the entire package. Each teaspoon of it can make a tablespoon of butter.  I found a few suppliers for dehydrated butter, but that all wanted to sell in very large quantities (for the survivalist and emergency food markets). I didn’t need a lifetime supply of powered butter and didn’t want to spend that much.  Fortunately I found <a title="WildernessDining" href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+index.html+" target="_blank">WildernessDining.com</a>, they have reasonable price on a great variety of dehydrated backpacking foods and camping cookware supplies.    </p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3fdfb72c-386a-4f08-9a87-480b938d21bd" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="bc7ce04a-6044-4a4c-bb80-fc35a0e96ce3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7K-tcGyMso&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S_g5SR2fPYI/AAAAAAAAAIA/WvMNJ4IfQNs/video1a2d5f627e1e%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('bc7ce04a-6044-4a4c-bb80-fc35a0e96ce3'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"405\" height=\"303\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/R7K-tcGyMso&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/R7K-tcGyMso&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"405\" height=\"303\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>On a completely unrelated subject; If you have a few more minutes, this is an excellent article on the REI web set on <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=17535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fexpertadvice%2Farticles%2Fultralight%2Bbackpacking.html">Ultralight Backpacking</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://Backpackbasecamp.com" target="_blank">BackpackBaseCamp.com</a> is now an affiliate with Wilderness Dining: </p> <p><a title="Wilderness Dining" href="http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?wildernessdining+59phaX+index.html+" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="WildernessDining" border="0" alt="WildernessDining" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S_g5SnGQeSI/AAAAAAAAAIE/ZxUEP6cks3o/WildernessDining2.gif?imgmax=800" width="203" height="116" /></a></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>And…Since we just got a new puppy at home…Check out the dog gear at altrec.com – They are having some great sales:</p> <p><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=35221&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10032/35221/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="417" height="68" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=36193&pw=17535">Columbia Outdoor Sale - Up to 55% off<img style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; margin: 0px; border-top-style: none !important; border-left-style: none !important" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/tpv/10032/36193/14059/17535/-/ml/image.png" width="0" height="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=36041&pw=17535">Memorial Tent Sale - Up to 30% off<img style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; margin: 0px; border-top-style: none !important; border-left-style: none !important" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/tpv/10032/36041/14059/17535/-/ml/image.png" width="0" height="0" /></a></p> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-50016195961166151872010-05-14T14:35:00.001-04:002010-05-14T14:36:05.865-04:00Bug Repellents for Hiking and Backpacking<blockquote><font color="#000080" face="Arial">”Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield.” </font> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>OK so finally the nights are starting to get warm now in the Garden State.  Overall that’s great except it also means – BUGS!  Lions, Tigers and Bears my scare the novice backpacker or hiker, but anyone that’s been backpacking for awhile knows that bugs are the ones that can ruin your trip and drive you out of the woods.  I’ve tried a few different repellents, personally I still find DEET works the best.  Spray on seems to the best way to reach various body parts and it keeps you hands from getting sticky.  I have found that some containers leak.  You don’t want leaky bug spray all over your hands or worse spilled in you backpack.  For a while I as putting the container in a plastic zip-lock bag as insurance, but that is a bit of a bother. </p> <p>This year I’ve been using “REPEL Sportsmen Max pen” which comes in a light weight 14ml tube (weight: about 1.0 ounces).  What I like about this item is that in addition to being an affective repellent –it has a <iframe style="width: 121px; height: 241px" marginheight="5" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=applmanagroui-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B0037TTQX8" frameborder="5" marginwidth="5" scrolling="no" align="left" inline?="inline?" display:="display:"></iframe>plastic cap over the spray head that clicks tight – no possible leaks.  I got mine at Target but it is also available via Amazon.  </p> <p>I’ve also tried and still sometimes use disposable wipes / Towelettes that are treated with DEET.  These weigh practically nothing but then you also have the remaining trash to carry out.   Currently I have a box OFF! Deep Woods Towelettes I’ve been using which are 25% DEET. The Ben’s Wipes on the on link below (click on picture) are 30% DEET.<a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000000399487&pid=02498630&pubid=21000000000207428"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" align="right" src="http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_518076_imageset_01?$main-Large$" width="187" height="196" /></a></p> <p>If the bugs are really bad I also have a small bottle of Ben’s 100 (which is actually 98% DEET). This little bottle holds 2 1/2 times more than the REPEL pen – 37 ml (1.25 fl oz) and weighs 1.8 ounces.  It also has plastic cap that slips over the sprayer – so far it has not leaked – but the plastic cap does not “click on” so I’m not feeling it is quite as leak proof as the REPEL pen (click on photo for link).<a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000029314060&pid=82161WC&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.campmor.com%2Fbens-max-100-100-deet-insect-repellent-pump-spray.shtml&usg=AFHzDLuxrs0gr8G3GokCqBcYkO_0Qj9HzQ&pubid=21000000000207428"><img style="margin: 5px 0px; display: inline" align="left" src="http://www.campmor.com/wcsstore/Campmor/static/images/acc/82161.jpg" width="156" height="168" /></a></p> <p>  An alternate to the REPEL pen is a similar Coleman product – photo below.  </p> <p><a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000029314060&pid=89331&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.campmor.com%2Fcoleman-100-deet-insect-repellant-ready-spray-pen.shtml&usg=AFHzDLvRFiez07qcAzfo5zW84UK6aQkx4g&pubid=21000000000207428"><img style="margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; display: inline" align="right" src="http://www.campmor.com/wcsstore/Campmor/static/images/acc/89331.jpg" width="126" height="136" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000029314060&pid=89331&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.campmor.com%2Fcoleman-100-deet-insect-repellant-ready-spray-pen.shtml&usg=AFHzDLvRFiez07qcAzfo5zW84UK6aQkx4g&pubid=21000000000207428"></a></p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=36069&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10032/36069/14059/17535/image.jpg" width="409" height="105" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778883431759566258.post-13217565540380737202010-05-10T14:26:00.001-04:002010-05-10T14:26:17.969-04:00Backpacking with a Tween<blockquote><font color="#000080" face="Arial">” We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher</font> <p></p> </blockquote> <p>I’ve finally managed to get my pre-teen daughter out backpacking. Actually it was due to my wife joining in the conspiracy so that we could surprise her with a new puppy when we returned the following day.  She’s almost twelve and in good shape so we could have gone on a much longer hike, but the timing of my wife picking up the puppy required that I keep her out of the house from after school on Friday – then having her back late Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>For those of you in the New York/New Jersey area that might like to duplicate this hike; I decided to take her up to Bald Rocks shelter in New York Harriman State Park.  We started the hike on the White Bar trail just of RT 106 (off 17 N) about 1/2 mile past Lake Stahahe (small parking area on the right).  We hiked a flat 1/4 mile then turned right on the Nurian trail (marked with White with “N”).  The Norian trail soon goes up steeply and terminates into the Ramapo-Dunerberg trail at “Black Rock” (very large boulder).  We turned left onto the “R-D” trail and followed it along the ridge to Bald Rocks Shelter.  The entire hike is under 2 miles with some intense steep parts.  Just the right distance considering how late in the day we started and that this was the first time Nickie had hiked with a backpack of any real weight (12 LBs).</p> <p>We found we were the only ones at Bald Rocks, very surprising since this is one of the most popular and most accessible camp sites in the park.  I’m guessing the threat of thunderstorms that night kept people away.  But we were lucky and only got strong winds and a slight rain.</p> <p>We were able to setup our tent before dark, relax and cook a nice meal.  Normally backpacking I bring my one man tent ( a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo – <a title="Ultralight backpacking tents" href="http://backpackbasecamp.com/Articles/Lightweighttents.html" target="_blank">see prior article</a>) but having Nickie with me, that wouldn’t do.  So a packed in my L.L.Bean Micro Light two person tent.</p> <p>Video of hike to Bald Rocks and L.L.Bean Micro Light tent:</p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a617f52d-3663-49ff-8abd-d14e97903e9b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="d2a97502-d6f8-4c6c-a476-28364bda0a40" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afec2KTZCoA&feature=youtube_gdata" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPu24FcTI/AAAAAAAAAHY/6bBzA3WLRwU/videoeb65f120f08e%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('d2a97502-d6f8-4c6c-a476-28364bda0a40'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"397\" height=\"297\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/afec2KTZCoA&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/afec2KTZCoA&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"397\" height=\"297\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>I purchased the Bean Micro Light tent a few years ago when I first thought my kids were old enough to go camping.  Its gotten minimal use up to now but it looks like it will be getting much more exercise this year.</p> <p>The LL Bean Micro Light Two-Person Backpacking Tent (<a title="L.L.Bean Backpacking Tent" href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/53422?parentCategory=500105&feat=500105-tn&cat4=1096" target="_blank">non-affiliate link</a>). Sells for $149, weights 3 lb 12 oz (respectably light for a two-person tent). Without the fly, other than the floor it is complete no–see-um mesh – fantastic for ventilation and for seeing the stars.  It’s made of 30-denier ripstop nylon.  The rain fly is coated with 1,500 mm silicone on the outside and a polyurethane layer inside. It has a 2-pole hoop-style construction, making it great in the wind (was proved this weekend), easy to setup although not completely free standing. Very good head room – two people fit very comfortably. </p> <p><a title="LL Bean Micro Light Backpacking Tent" href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/53422?parentCategory=500105&feat=500105-tn&cat4=1096" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Microlight" border="0" alt="Microlight" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPvJfOjfI/AAAAAAAAAHc/iBcP_wg8erI/Microlight5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="219" /></a></p> <p>So I’m very happy with this tent and will continue to use it with my children and wife (if I can every get her to go backpacking!).  That said, if I was to buy a two-person tent today, I might bypass this one and choose the Big Agnes Fly Creek Ultralight 2 (<a title="Big Agnes Ultralight Fly Creek Tent" href="http://backpackbasecamp.blogspot.com/2009/06/mainstream-vendors-making-progress-on.html" target="_blank">see previous review of the UL1</a>).  </p> <p>The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 is over a pound lighter than the Micro Light and is free standing (well almost).  The down side of course is the price - $200 more than the Bean Micro Light.  I know, that’s an expensive pound.  It also packs smaller (19”L vs 6.5”W versus 23”L x 6”W).  You do loose a bit of head room with the Fly Creek also (Been peak is 3’6”, the BA is 3’2”).  On top of that it is hard to find to find the Fly Creek UL2 in stock anywhere.<a title="Ramsey Outdoor" href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=10263&amp;pw=17535&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ramseyoutdoor.com%2Fproduct%2Fpid-10868%2Fg-153%2Findex.aspx" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Flycreekul2" border="0" alt="Flycreekul2" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPvxHHEpI/AAAAAAAAAHg/XEoeK_kPMtI/Flycreekul24.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="181" /></a> </p> <p>At  the time of writing this, I found it at <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10263&pw=17535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ramseyoutdoor.com%2Fproduct%2Fpid-10868%2Fg-153%2Findex.aspx">Ramey Outdoor</a> (Affiliate of BPBC) and on Amazon.com.</p> <p>OK, enough about gear – the really good news is that Nicole loved backpacking and wants to go again (so back to gear - I’m going to have to find a decent backpack that fits a 12 year old girl).  We made it back to the house Saturday afternoon with zero problems, a happy kid – and then an ecstatic kid when she was surprised by a new puppy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPwotqPYI/AAAAAAAAAHk/vS52Xb7JeNk/s1600-h/Wilbur%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Wilbur" border="0" alt="Wilbur" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPxN6DKgI/AAAAAAAAAHo/0Ubrvfg4LEU/Wilbur_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPwotqPYI/AAAAAAAAAHs/LcpIHtZ7ZLg/s1600-h/Wilbur%5B1%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> <iframe style="width: 120px; height: 240px" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=applmanagroui-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B0036GWP9Y" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_r7sX_8Pd69I/S-hPwotqPYI/AAAAAAAAAHw/d7-YtooKYu0/s1600-h/Wilbur4.jpg"></a></p> <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti=197&pw=17535"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" alt="" src="http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10008/197/14059/17535/image.gif" width="412" height="68" /></a> Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495441507908789479noreply@blogger.com1