When hiking in the NorthEast, we frequently run into ticks. They’re so awful. This is the only measure I have found to keep the nasty ticks of my pup. Amazon is having a special sale with 25% off if you subscribe and save.
Category Archives: gear review
KLYMIT DEALS
Deal Alert: Jetboil Camping Stove
Campsaver has the Jetboil cooking stoves for 21% off right now, and some include the free utensils kit – what a deal on my favorite adventure stove!
http://bit.ly/1A4EHj8
Use Code ‘CMPSVR21’ at Checkout.
New Gear: MSR Stoves
MSR is back at it again, releasing the new WindBoiler Stove to compete with the likes of Jetboil in the lightweight backpacking arena.
The WindBoiler looks like a very promising device with some great features.
Description
The MSR® WindBoiler 1.0 L Stove System is the ultimate windproof personal stove system. It features the WindBoiler’s radiant burner, which offers greater performance, fuel efficiency and wind resistance than open-flame burners. The stove draws all the oxygen it needs in through ports near its burner, allowing the pot’s heat exchanger to protect the flame and maximize heat. Lastly, a pressure regulator ensures the stove maintains consistent power, even if canister pressure drops. The result is a stove that operates fast and reliably, even in challenging conditions.
Features
Windproof performance using MSR Reactor™ technology
Smart design features for a more user-friendly experience
Superior durability, fit, and finish throughout the stove
Smaller packed size due to an improved heat exchanger design
Specifications
Capacity: Full-Size Bowl: 16 oz/ .47 L
Boil Time: 8 mph/13 kph wind: WindBoiler: 2 min 30 sec
8 mph/13 kph wind: Competition: 3 min 30 sec
12 mph/ 19 kph: WindBoiler: 2 min 45 sec
12 mph/ 19 kph: Competition: Does Not Boil
Weight: (Minimum) 15.2 oz
(Packaged) 16.1 oz
Not only is the Reactor Stove System the fastest and most fuel efficient stove ever made, its the only one that delivers that level of performance in the cold and wind of the real world. Youll burn … more info.
The MSR WindBoiler 1.0 L Stove System is the ultimate windproof personal stove system. It features the WindBoilers radiant burner, which offers greater performance, fuel efficiency and wind … more info.
Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Deal Alert!
Yes, its still very much winter, but you can feel better by getting ready for for fast packing season. Our partner at KLYMIT have put together a great package to get you going!
USE CODE:30% to save even more!!!
For $279 USD you get a 35lpack, a sleeping pad, a 20 degree sleeping bag, and a pillow, best of all, the whole setup weighs in at a mere 5.4LBS total!!
Selling Used Gear Quick and Easy
I am a big fan of Gear Trade. They make it easy to buy and sell hiking, climbing, and all other sorts of outdoors gear, you can really score some deals there. It’s fast and easy to get an account setup, and you can set the price and put photos of the gear you want to sell. As much as I love gear, my needs change over time, and unloading some lesser used gear makes more room and funds available to get the next hot ticket item on my wish list. Have a look at their site, you might find something you’ve had your eye on! You can even get setup right from your I-Phone!
Gear Review: La Sportiva Electron Trail Running Shoes
These were my first pair of “trail shoes”. I’ve always worn big, heavy, leather, waterproofed hiking boots. Then I went to a presentation about fast-packing and how 1lb on your foot is like 5lbs on your back. These shoes weigh in at 24 ounces, whereas my ASOLO backpacking boots weigh in at around 60 ounces. So if the 1lbs of footwear is 5lbs on your back, then checking down to these shoes is like dropping 11.25 lbs. from my pack. I have to admit, it sure feels like I did after a long day, they’re super light. The sole is very grippy and even do well on wet rocks. Now, they will get wet if I step into a deep puddle or stream, but they would dry quickly, so that’s the compromise. Some may say well I like the ankle support of backpacking boots, but that’s a personal choice, and I invite you all to try a trail runner. This is a fantastic shoe!
CLOSEOUTS . La Sportiva’s Electron trail running shoes pull all the stops for exceptional on-and-off road traction, superb shock absorption and outstanding agility.
CLOSEOUTS . Conquer the toughest trails without losing speed, support or balance in La Sportiva?s Lynx trail running shoes, designed with a grippy FriXion(R) outsole and an impact braking system that … more info.
Gear Review: Getting Ready for Black Fly and Deer Tick Season
Spring is beginning, the snow is melting, and that can only mean one thing; bug season. I’m getting a jump on things by treating my 3 season backpacking gear with a Permethrin based spray.
Permethrin is a synthetic chemical, used by the US military as an insect killer and repellant. It is also effective at killing ticks, including those that carry lyme disease. It is most commonly sold in a liquid, non aresol form. I plan to spray it on my pack, clothing, and shelter to keep the ticks and black flies and mosquitos away. While some may arge DEET is a more effective way to go, I’ve read that the high concentration DEET products can damage the delicate fibers of tents and the like. Most products claim the treatment is good for several weeks, and up to 6 washings. I normally do my best to do a post hike tick check, and to wear long sleeves and pant legs as much as I can stand it. I’m hoping adding this to my defense will make hiking and backpacking even more enjoyable this year! What is your plan to avoid ticks and insects this year?
Obligitory caution (via wikipedia)
Permethrin acts as a neurotoxin, slowing down the nervous system through binding to sodium channels. This action is negatively correlated to temperature, thus, in general, showing more acute effects on cold-blooded animals (insects, fish, frogs…) over warm-blooded animals (mammals and birds):
Permethrin is extremely toxic to fish and aquatic life in general, so extreme care must be taken when using products containing permethrin near water sources.
Permethrin is also highly toxic to cats, and flea and tick-repellent formulas intended and labeled for (the more resistant) dogs may contain permethrin and cause feline permethrin toxicosis in cats.
Very high doses will have tangible neurotoxic effects on mammals and birds, including human beings.
Pesticide grade permethrin is toxic to cats. Many cats die after being given flea treatments intended for dogs, or by contact with dogs having recently been treated with permethrin. Only the less toxic human, pharmaceutical grade Permethrin with well defined impurities and a reduced CIS:TRANS ratio is considered safe for pet use
Permethrin is listed as a “restricted use” substance by the United States Environmental Protection Agency due to its high toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Insect killer and repellent for your clothing is effective against ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes for up to six weeks.
This insect-killing repellent for your clothing is effective against ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes for up to six weeks.
Preparing for a Pemi Loop – 3 Days of Backpacking in the Pemigewasset Wilderness
I’ll be doing a 3 day long, ~33 mile backpacking trip (known as a Pemi Loop) over Memorial Day weekend, and I started planning today. I am pleased to say my pack weight has gone down quite a bit, although I dont always buy gear with weight in mind. Over time I have become more aware on what I need to bring, what I want to bring, and what I bring home that never was used on the trails. I’m sure more items will come along, but I think I am off to a good start.
Under Armour’s performance mesh underwear-the UA Mesh Boxerjock(R) boxer briefs-deliver maximum ventilation and breathability. All the benefits of UA’s original performance underwear, but with an … more info.
Buying Used & Hardly Used Gear on the Cheap
There are a number of ways to save big bucks buying gear, a new favorite site of mine is Gear Trade. GearTrade.com is the premier marketplace to sell and buy outdoor gear, and many of the items are not even used, they’re product returns to sites like Backcountry and others. I’ve racked up some significant savings there and you can sign up to unload some gear if you dont want it anymore.
Some of my other favorite spots to check are the REI 50% off outlet, REI Garage Sales, Sierra Trading Post (always google for coupons), and the GoLite Clearence Closet. Also, I tend to keep an eye on one deal a day sites like SteepandCheap.
Here’s how it works:
- Steep and Cheap sells one screamin’ deal at a time until it’s gone.
- The deals are fat, so they sell out fast.
- You have to act fast or you’ll miss it, but don’t stress—as soon as one deal sells out, we kick off another.
- It’s back-to-back deals all day long.
There’s always Ebay and Craigslist, as well as the LL Bean outlet if you are lucky enough to live near one! Have any to add?
At 10 ft. long, the Explorer Ultralite Asym Classic from Hennessy Hammock was designed for anyone under 250 lbs. or more than 6 ft. tall-you get more comfort without the weight.
SDIZZY's Outdoor Adventures 