Winter Gear Hunt

Hey everyone,



I am getting to the point that I am tired of bugs (for example ticks and chiggers) during the warmer months of the year. I have to add that I am not a small fry and my body temperature gets to really uncomfortable levels in the heat. I would prefer to go camping in the cold. No bugs, less people, and those campfires that I love to build too big can get even bigger. The only thing that brings me back to reality is that my wife things exactly the opposite. What to do???



I have thought about purchasing a tent heater and during my research on Coleman and Mr. Heater brand portable heaters I found this important bullentin that I think everyone needs to know about before venturing out to buy that tent heater.

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2002 Release # 02-179
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051
CPSC Alerts Outdoor Enthusiasts:

New Portable Heaters Can Save Campers' Lives - ODS technology will help prevent CO poisoning deaths WASHINGTON, D.C. - This summer, as friends, families, and outdoor enthusiasts head out to campsites, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing that there is a new generation of portable heaters with a safety device that can prevent the tragic loss of life due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The new heaters are equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and are safer to use when camping. If oxygen levels start to fall, this sensing technology automatically shuts down the heater before it can produce serious levels of CO.

Unlike earlier portable heaters that do not have an ODS and are intended for outdoor use only, the new ODS-equipped heaters are specifically designed for indoor use. They can be safely used inside tents, cabins, and campers, but it is essential that users comply with the manufacturers' instructions to ensure that there is adequate ventilation. CPSC still recommends shutting off any camping heater or lantern before going to sleep.

CPSC estimates that in 1998, the latest year for which data are available, 18 people died due to carbon monoxide poisoning associated with using portable propane heaters indoors. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the victims had been using the new heaters. These deaths often occurred when consumers brought radiant camping heaters that used 1 lb. propane tanks (but did not have an ODS) inside tents, campers, and other vehicles, thus exposing themselves to high levels of CO.

"CPSC wants all consumers to know that there is a new generation of portable heaters that are safer to use when camping," said Jacqueline Elder, Acting Director of CPSC's Office of Hazard Identification and Reduction. "Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer that has taken the lives of many first-time and even experienced campers. The new, safer heaters prevent CO deaths by automatically shutting off the heater if oxygen levels start to fall."

CPSC worked closely with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Camping Equipment Subcommittee and the industry to develop and implement a new standard for 1 lb. portable heaters. The ODS technology on these heaters senses when the oxygen level in a tent or camper drops below 18 percent. If this occurs, the ODS closes the gas valve and shuts off the heater, preventing the production of dangerous levels of CO.

Consumers can find the safer heaters under various brands in major retail stores nationwide. Consumers need to ensure that they purchase portable heaters that meet the current standard. The new heaters can be identified by labels on the package that read in part, "Designed for Indoor Use," "Low Oxygen Automatic Shut-Off System," and "Oxygen Depletion Sensor" or by a star with the words "CSA 4.98."

CO is a silent killer, so CPSC has developed the following guidelines to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you, your family or friends:

New ODS-equipped heaters are intended for indoor use.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for ventilation.
Older generation heaters without an ODS are intended for outdoor use only and must never be used indoors.
Do not use portable heaters that fail to meet the new standard in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased.
Do not keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping.
Do not attempt to use alternative sources of heat or power to warm a tent or camper. Charcoal grills, camping lanterns, and gas generators also can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. To heat an interior area while camping, only use a camping heater that meets the new safety standard.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Consumers who experience any of these symptoms should extinguish any possible source of CO and move to an area with fresh air.
Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death. See a doctor if you or a member of your family develops cold or flu-like symptoms while camping. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late.
Be aware that alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be aware that carbon monoxide is especially toxic to people with heart disease or blood or circulatory system problems, such as anemia. Fetuses, infants and the elderly are also more susceptible to CO poisoning.
The surfaces of the heaters are extremely hot - always locate the heater away from traffic and combustible materials.

Consumers can also view a video clip about this campaign (transcript). This is in "streaming video"format.

To get more information about this alert you can view this link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02179.html

- Bentley VentureTree Team

Highgear Summit Wristwatch - going high tech for a small budget.

I have not had the chance to test this altimeter, barometer, and digital compass yet. I am just informing you on the purchase of this Summit watch. I got a great deal on it. The newer edition will run you around $160.00 and for right now that was a little out of my range. I found an discontinued older model of the Summit at Campmor for a little under $90.oo. I am currently tingering with it learning the ins and outs of this new wristwatch based technology that has been created by Highgear.com.

You may be asking yourself why not a Suunto. The outrageous price and accessories may it not even a piece of gear I would be willing to tryout do to lack of low budget outdoor folks being able to purchase it. Ya, this includes me! For a more realistic comparison an average of $350.oo and up for Suunto versus the Highgear $250.00 to $150.00 for basically the same thing.

My wife and I are going to Hawaii and the Summit will be taken into the field for true field testing by a low budget outdoorsman. You may be asking why I decided to purchase the Summit. I purchased the Summit altimeter to help with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) issues that my wife has expereinced in the past. For more information about Acute Mountain Sickness check out our topic menu and click on tips. We have an article about the AMS and my reasoning for the purchase is detailed later in the article.

The top picture is the discontinued model and the second picture is the current model. The only difference in the two models is the coloring all the features are exactly the same.

Be sure to check back later for the total review of the Highgear Summit wristwatch.

Bentley - VentureTree Team

McNett Micronet Towel | Travel Towel

I got a real chance to test the towel last year in Mexico. We stayed in a house that had no dryer and we were on the move a lot so having a towel that dried fast and stored compactly was crucial. No one wants a heavy damp towel in their gear bag. On real hot, dry days, this towel dries in minutes. It works great and has a variety of uses.

The towel has a chamois feel to it and when you are drying you have to almost bunch it up and rub your limbs dry. But it gets the job done, and that's the important thing. Its microfiber weave allows it to dry faster after it has been used. Some people will argue that the "drying" experience isn't like a cotton towel, but I say, you're in the woods, its all about getting away from those creature comforts. Plus, this beats some of the other "travel towels" out there as far as comfort and drying ability. Mcnett's medium size allows me to fold it up and stuff it in my back pocket, a feature you won't get with a regular towel...Unless you dry yourself with a washcloth sized towel.

Features: the size I was testing was the medium (20 x 40 in). I would suggest getting the larger size (30 x 50 in) for car camping and normal traveling. As far as backpacking where lightweight is a necessity, the medium size works great at 3.5 ounces The Mcnett towel came with a store bag that I hardly use. It has a mesh front with a waterproof back. The other side of the storage bag is another pocket to add a small shampoo bottle and some soap and any other essentials. On one corner of the towel there is a hang strap that has a snap closure to secure it on the back of a backpack, the handle of a shower stall or sometimes as my case is, a tree branch near a river or creek.

This towel does what it's supposed to do. It's light, compact, dries you, and dries fast.

They run about $15-$20 and well worth the price.
You can find one at: botachtactical.com/mcnetttowel.html

Pikka | Venture Tree Team

Palm Centro | Gizmo Do-it-all?

The new Palm Centro from Sprint for $99 (after $50 rebate) arrived promptly 2 days after I had ordered it. The box resembled something of an Apple packaging... Very Slick. Neat. Simple. I had been researching a new phone for months. I was browsing between Blackberry, Palm and of course the Apple iphone. I knew that the iphone wasn't the right phone for me at the time, it was too new (1st gen) and too expensive (way too much) so I narrowed my choices down to the Blackberry Pearl and the Palm Centro. After much consideration, (screen size, browser, cost and user features), I settled on the Palm.

Though the phone would be considerably bigger than my previous flip phone (I won't mention what kind here, but let's just say it was an old one!), I went ahead and ordered it. I won't do a FULL review on this thing (you're savy enough, use good ol' Google to find some reviews), but I will post the top reasons why I got this phone...and maybe why you should too!

So, here they are, in no particular order:

1. Cost- I paid 149 smack-a-roos but you get a $50 rebate if you are a new customer
This was the deal maker for me. I didn't want to spend 300 bucks on a new Blackberry, even if it was sexier. Though, the Pearls browser wasn't really to my liking.

2. A Great Entry-Level Smart Phone - with a calendar, memo pad, to-do list, and the ability to view Word, PDFs, Excel, and PowerPoint files, I was stoked that this little guy could do so much. Even has Blue tooth and came with sync cables to back my data up with my computer. Will I use all of these apps? Probably not but it's nice to know that they are there.

3. Google maps, Internet, and On Demand - With my job (I'm out a lot) Google Maps has been a godsend, Sprints EVDO network is surprisingly fast. I use On Demand to get my movie info, news, and stock updates (not that I have any stocks... but it's fun to keep up with how ridiculously expensive Google's stock is.) Its good to have info at your disposal. I've used it to look up movie info quite a bit this holiday season.

4. Messaging, Email, Full keyboard, and Camera. I gotta admit, having my Gmail sent to my phone is pretty cool. You also get support for Microsoft's direct push with Exchange Server and just about any other POP3 and IMAP email accounts. Palm makes messaging easy by keeping conversations of your texts. You also have the ability to use AIM, MSN & Yahoo Messenger to keep up with your friends. A 1.3mp camera and video recorder to capture life happenings and whatnot's with the ability to add memory via the micro SD Slot. I may use the camera every once-and-a-while to snap a photo and upload it to my personal blog.

The Centro has been a great way to keep track of my life. Aside from a phone and messaging device, I use it everyday to input blog ideas, notes, dates to remember, never-ending appointments, and to-do lists. Its sorta like a Swiss Army phone...Now all I need it to have is a can opener and I'm good to go.

There's a ton of stuff I could have mentioned, but check out Palms site to get a more complete look.

Check out www.palm.com/us

Pikka Venturetree Team

Moleskine Weekly Planner

I bought the new Moleskine (pronounced Mole-a-skeen, but I say Mole-skin....eh tomato, ta-motto) 2008 planner this weekend for the new year. I've been using this brand for the last 3 years and just recently the Italian company released a newer version of the popular notebooks.

Originally the note book was available in ruled, unruled and grid versions. Now, it has many more flavors and sizes to choose from. I tend to favor the pocket sized one because of its portability. Now that Moleskine had introduced the weekly calendar, I had to have one. The new version is in a soft cover edition.

Inside are tables of travel info, a personal info page, 08 and 09 at a glance, international holidays and calling codes, a travel planning section to document upcoming trips, and even a ruler for last minute measurements. The week is shown on the left page and on the right page is ruled for notes.

As always, there's a pocket on the back cover of the book for keepsakes. I sometimes keep extra biz cards or a 10 spot. Though this pocket doesn't expand like the original, so you cant fit as much. I can live with it though. The notebook also has an elastic band to keep the book closed and a bookmark to find your place.

This makes a versatile guide to jot down events and even some random thoughts throughout the year.
You can pick one up at a Borders, Books-a-million, Barnes & Noble, or any fine bookstore.

Check out : http://moleskineus.com/ and moleskine.com

Pikke | Venturetree Team

Leatherman WAVE review | Could this be the ultimate multi-tool?

It's really ridiculous how durable this tool is. Really folks... I've used in many trips and adventures as well as small jobs around the house. I'll be the first to admit that this guy is kind of a heavy tool to be lugging around, but its well worth the weight. Its stainless steel design proves true when using it on the field. With it's armament of tools and bits, I've used it in jobs such as putting my friends dining set together to sharpening a hatchet using the locking diamond file. I find the needle-nose pliers useful for pulling tent stakes, lifting a boiling pot, or untwisting wire hangers into hot dog skewers. There are too many jobs for me to list here but I'll tell ya about a few. Two locking blades, clip-point and serrated, are located outside the closed pliers for one-handed opening. I find this very convenient when trying to open thick food packages (I like to get to my food fast!) There is also a locking saw blade that is great for hacking through wrist-sized pieces of wood. These are the tools that I end up using the most aside from the little scissors located inside the Leatherman. I use these bad boys mainly for cutting up my credit cards(joke) or unsightly strings hanging from my shirts and jeans, you know, the small chores. While in Mexico for 3 months, I had forgotten to take my nail clippers and ended up using the scissors to keep my hands well manicured.

I've had the Wave now for almost 3 years and it has always provided consistent service. I take it on every hike and when I'm on a road trip I throw it in the glove box. Search hard enough and you can find the Wave for about $65. Mine was a Christmas gift. It quickly replaced my Gerber Multi tool. In fact I ended up giving my Gerber to my brother. One day he borrowed my Wave after leaving his multi-tool at home and was so impressed he wanted to trade back his Gerber for my Wave. I politely declined and said. "What. Was my gift not good enough dear brother?" - Er. Something to that nature. Needless to say, hes been eyeing my Wave every time we go camping together.
So, will I be giving away my Swiss Army knife? Probably not, but its good to know that when I need a durable tool to finish the job, my Wave will be waiting.

Below are the features that makes this multi-tool a jam-packed beast.
Needlenose Pliers
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
Clip-Point Knife
Serrated Knife
Saw
Scissors
Wood/Metal File
Diamond-Coated File
Large Bit Driver
Small Bit Driver
Large Screwdriver
Ruler (8 inch/19 cm)
Bottle/Can Opener
Wire Stripper
Lanyard Attachment
Two Double-Ended Bits Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed - 6.3 in / 16 cm open
Weight: 8.5 ounces / 241 grams Materials: 100% stainless steel (Optimum grade hardness for each tool/blade) Included Screw Bits:

Phillips and flat tip eyeglass screwdriver
Phillips #1-2 and screwdriver 3/16"
Pikka | Venturetree Team

source: leatherman.com

Pikka | Venturetree Team

Camelbak Alpine Explorer Review

I am a gear head, gear junkie and the best of all a bag whore. I enjoy all the little cool features that the gear has out there. Bag whoring is a very complicated position to hold. I basically have a backpack or bag for almost everything or for any purpose. I like to be organized and like to have something that fits the sport in which I am participating. I hate having something that does not meet the standards of someone who expects ruggedness and durability. I often need a hint of more space for that one adventure that may go a little longer than expected. I like things to be multi-functional and I cannot force myself to cough up the big bucks if I cannot use a bag or pack for more than one event.

In my earlier years, I preferred to do lots of mountain biking, rafting and trail running. I used a Camelbak M.U.L.E. for most of my adventures. Nowadays my body has experienced too much trail carnage and I needed more space. There are things that I prefer to carry with me that I did not carry with me before such as FIRST AID KIT. The Alpine Explorer is a technical daypack/hydration pack that offers outdoor enthusiasts cargo organization and the ventilation they need for a one-day peak ascent. This also includes 3 hours of hydration as stated by their site. For the more space, I jumped from the Camelbak mule’s 549 cubic inches of cargo space to the Camelbak Alpine Explorer’s 1900 cubic inches of cargo space. Now I still have the 100-ounce water bladder that comes in very handy, but now I can possibly put the bladder from the mule into the outer large mesh pocket of my Alpine Explorer and carry 200 ounces. This would come in handy to share with my wife and our four-pawed friend. Even by doing this, I have two nalgene sized mesh pockets on the each side of the large one.

There are two cinch straps that run over the mesh pockets, which come from a medium sized organizer pocket in front of the bag. The bag has an enormous main compartment that has plenty of room. The day I tested the bag I put two beach towels near the bottom of the bag (to mimic my rain gear), two swim suits, two t-shirts, and still had enough room to stuff another towel or two if needed. This was just in the main compartment, not including the mesh. On the top of this main compartment pocket there is a small pocket that that can be used for sunglasses and could be converted to hold an mp3 player or iPod if needed.

So, Why this pack? If you need more space and like to carry a few more things than usual, or you just do not like stuff dangling from your pack this is the pack for you. The extra space and multi-functional compartments including the cinch down system made this pack the ONE! If you are looking for something smaller check out the review on the Camelbak M.U.L.E.

Here are some features that I was wanting in this pack. I wanted an equal amount of water storage to my mule but more cargo space to stuff my gear. After hiking or running for a period of time, the dangling gear from a pack can get really bothersome and annoying. I wanted a comfortable snug fit, a bigger waist belt, and space in my new pack and the Alpine Explorer was the answer. The Dynamic Suspension Harness system helps secure the load carried by the alpine explorer with increased stability. Another key feature is the Air Director. The Air Director allows for an air to travel between you and the back panel of the pack to increase comfort and to increase ventilation. Here are some important stats for the pack:

Capacity: 100 oz. (3L)
Cargo: 1900 cu.in. (31.1L)
MSRP: $100

In summary this is a great pack if you’re wanting more space for those unexpected extra things. The pack will cinch down tightly to keep things tied down and keep things from shaking all around. You will have to at least partially feel the main compartment to secure everything and would be able to leave the other pockets empty. This bag could be used for day hikes, long road trips, and bare bones overnight trip. The pack rides well and adjust to the small of your back. After adjusting the multiple straps you can get a real enjoyable fit. You barely notice that it is there. It has great loading options and can carry a heavier weight.

www.camelbak.com

Bentley | Venture Tree Team

Best Sandals Ever

The best money I’ve ever spent on my feet
Ah, my Chacos. Man I love em. Yes, it was hard shelling out 90 bucks for the pair but It was sure worth it in the end. I’ve had these things for over a year. They’ve been on 2 river trips and will be there with me on another one this summer. These fully adjustable sandals have been on multiple day hikes and afternoon Frisbee golf sessions. Needless to say, they are an essential part of my gear AND an essential part of my summer.

It’s good to come home after a hard day of work and slip these on. They’re made to be good to your feet by having a contoured foot bed that produces amazing comfort. The heel cup helps keep your heel centered right on the lug and the webbing dries fast and doesn't rub or chafe.

After much use, my Chacos have proven to be easy to clean. The Vibram tread is designed to shed mud and dirt easily and if you hand wash them and move the straps around to get the gunk out they come out looking like new so you can wear them out to town - without that nasty river smell, of course.

p.s.-a little WD40 at the straps entrance to the sole, pulled back and forth, will keep the straps easy to tighten.

For more info, check out: ChacoUsa.com

Pikka | Venture Tree Team

Coppertone Sunscreen

This summer, while venturing out in the wilderness we need to protect ourselves from the suns harsh rays. From my experience, most sunscreens I have tried do not perform in the way I would expect them to. Needless to say, I have become the victim of what I like to call “lobster baking”.

There are hundreds of types of sunscreen to choose from, but I have found one that provides both UVA and UVB protection. I have hiked, climbed, canoed, rafted, and mountain biked all over the southeast and have become dependent on Coppertone Sport. It has proven to be sweatproof, waterproof, and is reliable with outdoor activities. I happened upon it from a review from Backpacker magazine. They listed several different brands in their article but this is my pick and it has proven to be the best. Coppertone features SPF 15, 30, and 50 for your sunblocking pleasure. This summer before you go out and get hammered by the suns rays on an exposed ridge, make sure you lather up with some Coppertone.


Pros: UVA & UVB protectant, waterproof, sweatproof
Cons: 10-15 minutes to soak in, slimey texture
Price: about $9 - $10

Bentley | VentureTree Team

Snow Peak 600 Single Wall Mug

Originally I bought this mug because I needed something to drink my hot chocolate, eat trail mix, and chow down on some oatmeal from and it did the job every time. I took it on some trips to the backcountry and constantly was pleased on how multi-functional it was and, when stored, I hardly felt the weight. The Snow Peak 600 is super lightweight and handles any task a “normal” mug has. It has a good and wide enough mouth to eat out of and is a very convenient piece for overnighters if you just need to boil water for dehydrated meals (most meals require about 2 cups of water. This does a little over 3 cups.) A space saver for minimalists, when you don’t want to take your other cook sets, I learned to use this as a cook pot for overnighters.

The 600 is great to use on a stove. It’s very durable but has no cover. My Brunton Raptor fits perfectly inside the cup. There are claims that you can even fit a small fuel canister inside. It quickly became my favorite piece of cookware. Use with the Light My Fire Spork (read that review here) and make the ultimate set! It’s great to take on winter hikes when you want a nice hot cooked meal. Or rather, boiled water for a hot cooked meal.

If you're looking for that near perfect multi-use piece to add to you camp kitchen, I recommend the Snow Peak 600. Titanium has low heat transfer properties, is essentially a non stick type surface, Cleans easy, and does not melt or freeze. Well it does melt ....but its gotta be super hot. (about 3034°F)

Cost: $24.95 @ Campmor.com
Weight: 2.8 ounces
Capacity: 21.2 fluid ounces
Comes with a mesh stuff sack that helps keep your stove and other cookware items all together.

Pikka | VentureTree Team [+]

The mighty blue cup

The outdoor gear world has a tool or gadget for just about everything. No matter how small or technical the activity, there is something to provide a helping hand to the outdoor enthusiast. Depending on the activity, I prefer to simplify my gear. I wouldn't bring my whole tool chest with me on a backcountry backpacking trip, just my trusty Leatherman Supertool. Plain and simple.

Simplifying your gear is one of the ways to cut down on space, weight, and maximizing what you have with you. Now, I know that your thinking, we all bring stuff we don't need out there. And I admit I do, but I’ve learned from many experiences on what I want to carry to be comfortable, and what I need to carry to just get by. Every situation is different. All I'm saying is, take a closer look at how useful something is and make your decision from there. I prefer to use gear that has a multi-purpose use on most occasions.

One simplified item that I cannot live without, and goes on just about every trip with me, is my mighty blue cup. Yep THAT enamel blue cup. It has been beaten, battered, and still keeps taking a lickin'. I've used it for a hard case to protect my digital camera, a boat bailer, a mug for hot chocolate, soup bowl, an easy clean plate, a handwarmer, a tarp pitch point, a gear bag protector, and a mini-stove. How about that for a multi-use item? It's gear pieces like these that make handling those camp chores more efficient.

What’s your multi-use item?

Got your own cup already?
Try this: smores mini-cooker
1. Place charcoal from fire on a stable rock
2. Place blue cup upside down and cover coals
3. Place graham cracker on bottom of cup
4. Place chocolate on top of graham cracker
5. Let chocolate melt as you toast your marshmallow
6. Warning: moving smore off cooker takes skill ;)
7. Top chocolate with marshmallow, graham cracker and enjoy

Bentley | VentureTree

Top 10 things to take on the trail this summer!

Summer is here…for the most part, and the hiking season has arrived and the trails, parks and backcountry will be hot with visitors from all over. This season stock your pack with these essentials… I’ll cover each one with a brief summary. It’s up to you, however, to thoroughly inform yourselves outside this article. I’ll provide some links below to start you off. And here it is in no particular order the TOP 10+ things to take with you on the trail this summer!

1. Water/purification: Very essential for you to bring water with you on the trail and possibly a means to purify water (tabs, filter). I take my 100oz. camelbak MULE. Quick Story: My friend and I went on an 8 mile rugged hike to see a popular water fall. We had spend most of the day hiking through rough and steep rock-filled ravines, and on our way out as we reached the trail head we encountered a couple on their way to the falls. They stopped us and asked us how the trail was and we told them it was pretty rough yet moderate. But upon seeing their attire (1 water bottle, huge tripod, an unleashed dog, a camera, a book, no food, and flip flops) we encouraged them to not undertake the trail considering the summer heat and ruggedness of the hike. Being grateful, they thanked us and returned back to the lot and went on an alternate and less intense hike. That would have been a hairy situation.

2. Food or extra food: My favorite essential…Food. Grub. Chow. Whatever you want to stick in your pack. Energy bars, pepperoni, crackers, sandwiches, salami, GORP… Food gives you energy to power through those calorie-blasting hikes.

3. Headlamp/flashlight (and extra batteries): You took that extended lunch and nap out by a scenic waterfall and now daylight is escaping. It’s good to have one handy just incase you need to spend an unexpected night in the woods or for a hike back to the trail-head at dusk. I use a Petzl Tikka Plus because it is water resistant and lives light for over 80 hours.

4. Pocket knife or Multi-tool: With these tools, Utility is important. Get something that is durable and functional. I recommend a Swiss Army Knife or Multi-function Pliers.

5. Map, Compass and Knowledge: I know, I know. “When am I actually gonna use this?” you ask. But wait till you decide to get adventurous and realize that you can’t find your way back to the trail head and its getting dark…(hope you packed that headlamp!) Before you begin your hike, get some general knowledge of the trail. Example: If a there is a main road west of the loop trail, then you know that you may have to travel west to get to that road if you get lost (Which way is West?). Make sure you inform yourself on how to use a compass. Take the time to print out maps if they are available online or stop by the rangers station to get map and info essential to the hike. Here is a site to get you started: http://www.compassdude.com/

6. FIRE! Matches, lighter, magnesium starter: Again…for those unexpected nights on the trail. Practice using a Magnesium starter at home (small fires of course!) so you know how to properly use each fire starter. Light My Fire has great solutions.

7. First Aid Kit & emergency blanket: It’s always great to have a small First Aid kit even for short hikes. Always essential. Add any extra meds that might be handy ( Advil, Neosporin, chapstick, prescription, etc…)

8. Raingear/Poncho: Any lightweight raingear is always appreciated when a downpour catches you. Lightweight so you don’t know it’s there, but ready to go when you do. If needed, you can use a poncho as a way to make a shelter, should you get caught an extra day.

9. Sun block/ Bug dope: Sunblock…I always regret not taking it. Good for when you might get be exposed on a ridge line or open field. Bug Dope (repellant): I hate mosquitoes…but I hate ticks even more.

10. Signaling: whistle, signaling mirror: A whistle is good and loud and helps you signal in case you get out too far. A signaling mirror can be seen for miles. Get these items, because they may be the only way to get out of a predicament.

Don’t forget to take common sense and the understanding to use these items. These items don’t guarantee survival but they sure do help in a situation. These items and cultivated understanding will help boost your experience in the outdoors. With a lot of consideration for lightweight packing you can fit all of these items in a small bag making it even more comfortable for you to hike in. Heres a picture of my essentials (minus food & water) laid out by my MULE Pack.
Other essentials to consider: Duct Tape (see my post about this), extra clothes (fleece jacket, cap, etc), Digital camera, Parachute Chord, binoculars, Sunglasses, GPS receiver. Links to consider: http://www.backpacking.net/ten-essl.html , http://www.wilderness-survival.net/ , US ARMY Survival Manual

Pikka | VentureTree Team [+]

[ Light My Fire Spork Review ]

Light My Fire's innovative design gets a "Two Forks Up" for this stylish utensil.

This is a handy must-have for the trail or any trip where grub's gonna be! Made of light weight polycarbonate material, this spoon and fork combo weighs 0.35 ounces and has a length of 6.7 inches. It's heat resistant material which means no getting soft when stirring a boiling pot. I got a chance to test it out in the Tennessee mountains and noticed its pot friendliness because it didn't pull up any of the non-stick surface on my pots. The spork also features serration on one side of the fork to help you hack away at some sausage or slice through some hearty pancakes! The spoon did pretty well in my "soup test," but I felt the depth of the spoon could have been a bit deeper, though it does the job just fine. In my backpacking trips I managed to fit it in my MSR cook set pot. Over all, I can tell that this utensil is pretty darn durable. Its available in a variety of trendy colors like: red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and pink. It is dishwasher safe and its just plain simple! Get this spork for your next venture and you may have a few jealous eyes staring back at you...

click to find it at REI.com or Campmor.com
sources: lightmyfireusa.com/

VentureTree | outdoors. gear. life.

[ CamelBak M.U.L.E. review ]

I have way too many daypacks but this one’s a keeper.
Camelbak’s MULE was originally not what I was looking for in a daypack but I was gearing up for some summer hiking and camping sessions and bought this under a friend’s recommendation. When I went to the store to pick it up I was surprised on how “compact” it was. Originally this pack is made for mountain biking but I had been looking for something that would be fast, light and pretty durable. That means no “trashbag” texture.

I’ve had it long enough to test it in many conditions and here are my results. One Word: This MULE is lean and mean. OK, so that’s six words…But I can’t help but say a lot about this pack. For a long time I was taking a larger, bulkier pack and I ALWAYS ended up overfilling it or at least I ended up taking un-necessary things. I mean, who packs towels on a hiking trip?! Me. Or I did. Not anymore.

So, why this pack? This is not the “end-all-be-all” for light-weight packs. In fact the material that makes up the CamelBak MULE isn’t even considered lightweight material. It’s the size and functionality that sold me on this one. So if you are looking for a pack that forces you to pack smart, stores plenty of water and is pretty bomber, then you might check this one out.

I had two main reasons for getting this pack. More water storage and lighter packing options. I wanted something to take on day hikes without the bulkiness of my other day packs. Here are the stats for the pack:
Capacity: 100 oz. (3L)
Cargo: 549 cu.in. (9L)
MSRP: $80

The features include a weather-resistant MP3 pocket and the site claims that there is enough water storage for over 3 hours. The MULE also features a Dynamic Suspension™ Harness System for load stability. I found this to be pretty darn neat since we can get pretty active on the trail. The Air Director also proved to add some comfort once the trail got hot-and-heavy. It allows your back to breath just a little bit better which means a lot to me since I get pretty sweaty. Loading options include a pocket for the Camelbak bladder, a main compartment for storing raingear, snacks, small first aid, or extra gear. There is also a smaller secure cargo pocket for putting even more gear like a digital camera or GPS device. Inside has a small clip for your keys and organizer pockets for other essentials.


The pack features two overflow pockets for even more loading; a small one on the front of the pack and a larger overflow pocket in-between the zippered compartments. Over all, this pack makes a great daypack. It has showed me to pack smart and therefore has made my outdoor excursions that much more enjoyable. Aside from taking it on day hikes, I got the opportunity to take it on a canoe trip in which I got a chance to really test its ruggedness on the river. It came home with sand, dirt, moisture, and sweat. After a good cleaning it looked like new. Not bad. Now I know that I didn't say much about the bladder, but with 100 ounces of water to carry there’s not much you can say other than it’s plenty for a 3-5 hour hike. On the canoe trip it actually lasted all day with a few sips left over the next day. It’s a great pack with good loading options. My friend recommended it, and I also recommend it.

What’s your favorite pack?
Click here to find this pack at backcountry.com
Sources: camelbak.com

VentureTree| outdoors. gear. life