Gerber Legendary Folding Exchange-A-Blade Saw
A light weight folding saw great for backpacking, hiking, camping, or any other general outdoors use. The saw is actually produced and manufactured by Fiskars- the guys who brought you child safe plastic scissors- but distributed and marketed through its sub-division company; Gerber. Its marketed as being a tough, durable, and light weight piece of serious equipment for the serious outdoorsman. Unfortunately the only accurate description is the light weight. Otherwise this saw is very disappointing. It is very sharp, however the blades are too thin and flimsy to handle moderate use much less rugged use. While using the saw to cut a 1 inch diameter cedar limb, I was impressed at how sharp it is. But a larger limb proved to be the saws undoing. I noticed the thin blade would bend during use. Within the first 5 minutes of use, the blade actually broke in two. However the shorter blade was stiffer than it was in its original length. Unfortunately I now couldn't cut anything over a 1.5 inch diameter while using only short sawing strokes. I could have lived with the blade breaking, but the saw handle broke in two as well. In short, the saw fell apart with less than moderate use during a minimal period of time.
I would not recommend this saw at all. I instead have a Wal Mart folding saw that I purchased in the gardening section for $8 and it has held up to very heavy usage. Sorry Fiskars, but this product failed to live up to its marketing and my standards.
I would not recommend this saw at all. I instead have a Wal Mart folding saw that I purchased in the gardening section for $8 and it has held up to very heavy usage. Sorry Fiskars, but this product failed to live up to its marketing and my standards.
Kelty Comal 3500
Great Pack!!! This was my first backpack that I have owned. It has
proven itself to be a sturdy piece of equipment. I bought it at Academy
Monroe, LA. I loaded it in the store with about 35lbs then tried it
on. It fit great and was very comfortable. Although I'm sure I looked
like an oddball walking around the store with it on. But if you're
going to invest in equipment, you have to make sure it performs to your
specifications.
I have used this pack on about every hike I've been on in the past 3 years. I don't carry more than 20lbs of gear for a 5+ day trip so the 3500 cubic inches of space is more than enough for a lightweight/minimalist's gear list. The pack is constructed well with double stitching at all strap terminals. The shoulder and hip pads are more than adequate to make a 15+ mile a day hike comfortable. But with the sturdy construction comes the trade off of weight. The pack weighs in at a beefy 4 lbs plus change. So it is not ultralight (I have a Mariposa Plus for that) but it is ultra-dependable.
I would recommend this pack as a great starter pack for anyone (male or female) to cut their hiking teeth on.
I have used this pack on about every hike I've been on in the past 3 years. I don't carry more than 20lbs of gear for a 5+ day trip so the 3500 cubic inches of space is more than enough for a lightweight/minimalist's gear list. The pack is constructed well with double stitching at all strap terminals. The shoulder and hip pads are more than adequate to make a 15+ mile a day hike comfortable. But with the sturdy construction comes the trade off of weight. The pack weighs in at a beefy 4 lbs plus change. So it is not ultralight (I have a Mariposa Plus for that) but it is ultra-dependable.
I would recommend this pack as a great starter pack for anyone (male or female) to cut their hiking teeth on.
Brasslite Turbo II-D
Manufacturer's Description
The Turbo II-D (2.8 oz/ 80 gm) is the improved version of the Turbo
II (now discontinued). The Turbo II-D has a double wall (the reason for
the "D" in the name), which creates significantly improved flame
control. The Turbo II-D is for use by one to two people. It has a fuel
capacity of 2 US fluid ounces (60 ml) and will burn for a maximum time
of 20 minutes on a full load (longer if simmering).
The Turbo II-D is now available with custom soldered stainless steel stand extensions that significantly improve stability, especially for larger pots. The minimum recommended minimum cook pot base diameter is 4 inches (10 cm). Flame size can be adjusted by partially closing the ports to compensate for pots that are on the borderline of the stove's recommended minimum capacity and base diameter.
This is a great backpacking stove!!!
I use denatured alcohol and the stove performs as advertised. I've boiled 16 oz of ambient temperature water in less than 5 minutes (given I was less than 3000 feet in Arkansas in July). It has also preformed well (16oz boil time under 6.5 minutes) on the AT in January. I am very pleased with this stove. I use it to cook for my son and I on our hiking trips. So he carries the stove and I carry the fuel. I highly recommend this stove for its durability, portability, and efficiency when used with a wind screen. The only drawback is not being able to quickly snuff the flame when finished cooking to recycle fuel. I highly suggest the use of an ultralight stove when in the back country to minimize weight and waste (empty fuel canisters vs empty plastic fuel bottle).
Construction Materials:
Body: 30 ga. brass shim (0.012 in, 0.305 mm)
Simmer Sleeve: 32 ga. brass shim (0.008 in, 0.203 mm)
0.5 in. stainless steel wire clothl
Medium grade jeweler's silver solder (melting point 1275 F, 690 C)
Width of chamber and stand: 2.4 in (60 mm)
Width of Preheat Pan: 3.0 in (75 mm)
Height of chamber: 1.7 in (43 mm)
Overall Height: 2.75 in (70 mm)
Side Port Diameter: 8 mm
Top Port Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 2.8 US oz (80 gm)
Fuel capacity: 2 US fluid oz (60 ml)
Total burn time using 1 US fluid oz (30 ml) of methanol is about 10 minutes
Time to bring 16 US fluid oz (475 ml) water to boil: 5:00
Time to bring 32 US fluid oz (946 ml) water to boil: 9:00
The Turbo II-D is now available with custom soldered stainless steel stand extensions that significantly improve stability, especially for larger pots. The minimum recommended minimum cook pot base diameter is 4 inches (10 cm). Flame size can be adjusted by partially closing the ports to compensate for pots that are on the borderline of the stove's recommended minimum capacity and base diameter.
This is a great backpacking stove!!!
I use denatured alcohol and the stove performs as advertised. I've boiled 16 oz of ambient temperature water in less than 5 minutes (given I was less than 3000 feet in Arkansas in July). It has also preformed well (16oz boil time under 6.5 minutes) on the AT in January. I am very pleased with this stove. I use it to cook for my son and I on our hiking trips. So he carries the stove and I carry the fuel. I highly recommend this stove for its durability, portability, and efficiency when used with a wind screen. The only drawback is not being able to quickly snuff the flame when finished cooking to recycle fuel. I highly suggest the use of an ultralight stove when in the back country to minimize weight and waste (empty fuel canisters vs empty plastic fuel bottle).
Construction Materials:
Body: 30 ga. brass shim (0.012 in, 0.305 mm)
Simmer Sleeve: 32 ga. brass shim (0.008 in, 0.203 mm)
0.5 in. stainless steel wire clothl
Medium grade jeweler's silver solder (melting point 1275 F, 690 C)
Width of chamber and stand: 2.4 in (60 mm)
Width of Preheat Pan: 3.0 in (75 mm)
Height of chamber: 1.7 in (43 mm)
Overall Height: 2.75 in (70 mm)
Side Port Diameter: 8 mm
Top Port Diameter: 25 mm
Weight: 2.8 US oz (80 gm)
Fuel capacity: 2 US fluid oz (60 ml)
Total burn time using 1 US fluid oz (30 ml) of methanol is about 10 minutes
Time to bring 16 US fluid oz (475 ml) water to boil: 5:00
Time to bring 32 US fluid oz (946 ml) water to boil: 9:00
GoLite Jam 50L
The Backpacker Magazine's 2012 pick of the year!
According to backpacker.com, the top performing pack in their 2012 field test was also the cheapest. “It has the comfort, stability, and support of packs twice its weight,” says one tester. “When I topped out on the rim after a long patrol, I didn’t have the urge to immediately ditch it like some packs.”
Besides the price, here are the numbers that matter: It carries up to 30 pounds (manufacturers specifications), has the capability for extended multi-day use, and weighs less than two pounds. Key feature: the pliable backpanel, which is made of high-density closed-cell foam*.
The backpanel flexes with the torso but is stiff enough to transfer pack weight to the hipbelt. The frameless design doesn’t have the rigid, supportive suspension of the heavier Osprey packs, but it provides more load control than the other superlight rucksacks in the test. “Carrying five liters of water was no problem,” says one ranger who loaded the Jam’s hydration sleeve with a three-liter bladder and placed bottles in the two mesh side holsters. The drawstring closure (no floating lid) has a nine-inch extension collar that allows overloading.
I have to admit that the 50 liter offered more than enough room for a 14 day, 110 mile trek through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It took me a day to figure out how best to pack it, but once I tweeked the way I packed my gear, I found that I had room to spare.
I carried 3 litters of water at a time (about 8 lbs), 10 lbs of food (4,000 calories per day for 6 days), and a base pack weight of 9.5 lbs (includes my big three, clothes, first aid, hygiene, etc..). Given my overall weight was approaching the max 30 lb limit, I was well pleased at how well the pack distributed the weight. With the new feature addition of load lifters, I was able to transfer weight from shoulders to hips and back again while not breaking stride. I will recommend that you don't pack it over 25 lbs because I found that the pack was much more comfortable around 20 lbs. Over time the back panel conformed to the curvature of my back and I thought it was sufficiently rigid to help maintain a comfortably cylindrical pack shape. Once I had the pack loaded and adjusted correctly, the pack wore effortlessly on my back. It was a comfortable extension of my body that allowed for natural movements and ease of travel through rough terrain. I took a nasty spill on the last day of the trip. I fell completely parallel to the ground and allowed the pack to take the majority of the impact. I weigh 280 lbs and the pack broke my fall without suffering any damage. I expected to see at least stressing in the stitching connecting the shoulder harness to the bag, but that didn't even occur.
Durability ding: According to the Backpacker Mag's test, the mesh side pockets suffered a nickel-size hole and several more small tears after 20 days in the field.
According to several reviews and GoLite's QA department, the mesh side pockets have been revamped with a more durable material that doesn't add weight. I spent 14 days on the Appalachian Trail and I think the pockets held up wonderfully. Now I will say that I advise against butting anything pointy or sharp in the outside mesh pockets that can puncture the fabric. You'd be surprised how many people risk puncture by carrying metal tent stakes in those pockets.
My overall opinion of this pack is very high given that my first experience with it was on the AT. I saw many hikers on the trail with GoLite packs, including the 90 liter Tioga! I recommend this pack to anyone seeking lightweight gear on a lightweight budget. Its has proven to be durable, practical, comfortable, and a joy to hike with!
> Weight 1 lb. 14 oz.
> Capacity 50 liters
> Price $109
> Sizes 3 unisex sizes: S, M, L (16-22.5 in.)
According to backpacker.com, the top performing pack in their 2012 field test was also the cheapest. “It has the comfort, stability, and support of packs twice its weight,” says one tester. “When I topped out on the rim after a long patrol, I didn’t have the urge to immediately ditch it like some packs.”
Besides the price, here are the numbers that matter: It carries up to 30 pounds (manufacturers specifications), has the capability for extended multi-day use, and weighs less than two pounds. Key feature: the pliable backpanel, which is made of high-density closed-cell foam*.
The backpanel flexes with the torso but is stiff enough to transfer pack weight to the hipbelt. The frameless design doesn’t have the rigid, supportive suspension of the heavier Osprey packs, but it provides more load control than the other superlight rucksacks in the test. “Carrying five liters of water was no problem,” says one ranger who loaded the Jam’s hydration sleeve with a three-liter bladder and placed bottles in the two mesh side holsters. The drawstring closure (no floating lid) has a nine-inch extension collar that allows overloading.
I have to admit that the 50 liter offered more than enough room for a 14 day, 110 mile trek through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It took me a day to figure out how best to pack it, but once I tweeked the way I packed my gear, I found that I had room to spare.
I carried 3 litters of water at a time (about 8 lbs), 10 lbs of food (4,000 calories per day for 6 days), and a base pack weight of 9.5 lbs (includes my big three, clothes, first aid, hygiene, etc..). Given my overall weight was approaching the max 30 lb limit, I was well pleased at how well the pack distributed the weight. With the new feature addition of load lifters, I was able to transfer weight from shoulders to hips and back again while not breaking stride. I will recommend that you don't pack it over 25 lbs because I found that the pack was much more comfortable around 20 lbs. Over time the back panel conformed to the curvature of my back and I thought it was sufficiently rigid to help maintain a comfortably cylindrical pack shape. Once I had the pack loaded and adjusted correctly, the pack wore effortlessly on my back. It was a comfortable extension of my body that allowed for natural movements and ease of travel through rough terrain. I took a nasty spill on the last day of the trip. I fell completely parallel to the ground and allowed the pack to take the majority of the impact. I weigh 280 lbs and the pack broke my fall without suffering any damage. I expected to see at least stressing in the stitching connecting the shoulder harness to the bag, but that didn't even occur.
Durability ding: According to the Backpacker Mag's test, the mesh side pockets suffered a nickel-size hole and several more small tears after 20 days in the field.
According to several reviews and GoLite's QA department, the mesh side pockets have been revamped with a more durable material that doesn't add weight. I spent 14 days on the Appalachian Trail and I think the pockets held up wonderfully. Now I will say that I advise against butting anything pointy or sharp in the outside mesh pockets that can puncture the fabric. You'd be surprised how many people risk puncture by carrying metal tent stakes in those pockets.
My overall opinion of this pack is very high given that my first experience with it was on the AT. I saw many hikers on the trail with GoLite packs, including the 90 liter Tioga! I recommend this pack to anyone seeking lightweight gear on a lightweight budget. Its has proven to be durable, practical, comfortable, and a joy to hike with!
> Weight 1 lb. 14 oz.
> Capacity 50 liters
> Price $109
> Sizes 3 unisex sizes: S, M, L (16-22.5 in.)
- Double-Wishbone™ hipbelt with quick-access zippered stretch pockets
- Removable foam back pad
- High-void meshes on back panel and shoulder harness
- ComPACKtor™ system reduces volume via easy to use anchor/strap system
- Large front organization pocket
- Side stretch water bottle/accessory pockets
- Side compression/accessory attachment straps
- Twin ice axe loops and handle straps
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Cinch and roll-top closure system with top compression strap
- Load lifters control and transfer weight closer to the body (Jam 70 and 50 only)