Cabelas DryPlus Waders

Cabelas Dry-plus Waders are composed of a one piece chest wader that has insulated boots. The boots are very comfortable and can make those long das in the river bearable. They are packed with 600g thinsulate and spongy insoles. They are very bulky so I reccommend trying them on first and not ordering them from a catolog or the internet. The breathable membrane is a true life saver for days where the sun wont go away. The 900-denier nylon layer is extreamly tough and resists tears, scrapes, and cracking.  You can use knee pads to lean up on rocks or for kneeling in a boat. There is an outter and inner pocket that offer storage for small flat items such as money or hunting/fishing license. However these pockets are not waterproof so be very carefull what you put in them. On cold mornings it is really nice to have the felt lined hand pockets to keep your hands warm and ready to go; so there is no wasted time with gloves.
The Cabelas Dry-Plus waders have recieved a Tough Gear Dependability, Versitility, and packability grade of a B. The overall Tough Gear Challenge grade is a B. We hope this helps you and there are more reviews to come.

Write In the Rain Note Books

The write in the rain note books have been used by the military for a long time. I have tested these note books in Canadian winters, summer heat, humid, and wet coastal environments. They have never let me down and even come in handy to use for labels that are inside water or alcohol for preserving insects. This Brand receives a Tough Gear Overall grade of an A++ and is highly recommended. If you don't want to pay the high price for a water proof pen, pencils work very well but do tend to smear more often. Ball point pens will start to bleed and run if kept wet long enough. As an outdoor scientist and recreationalist I highly recommend these products for field and everyday use.

National Outdoor Leadership School

For many who don’t know about the National Outdoor Leadership School it is the leader in wilderness education. It is made up of people who love the Outdoors and the Environment!! NOLS offers Courses all over the world that will not only leave you with hands on experience for the job market but also college credit. The Leadership skills that you learn on these trips can be acquired nowhere else and will develop you into a stronger person both physically and mentally. My trip was to the Yukon for two weeks of hiking in the mountains and two weeks of white water canoeing on the Hyland River. I was able to meet fellow students and now friends from all over the world, from Israel to Vancouver, and Louisiana to Chicago. I was able to build my own perspectives of different cultures and to-do so in a war free, stress free, pristine environment. The life we live in today is often fast and stressful and I found that there is no better place than the wilderness to relieve you of these burdens. NOLS offers a scholarship and more information can be found at the NOLS WEB SITE.  You only live once and you are not doing your soul justice if you don’t experience these pristine places on earth!!!!

Coleman Sun Shower

We have found that the Coleman Sun shower can be a nice Item to have on a backpacking trip. It has many uses and can be that one luxury item that makes your personal backcountry spa even more enjoyable. However we did find a few flaws that we will note. Most importantly it has been put through the Tough Gear Challenge and that will be the final judge.

DEPENDABILITY: The Coleman sun shower was great if the sun was shining but obviously if there was no sun then you wouldn’t be enjoying a nice hot shower. It did not leak or puncture when I stepped on it, dropped it, and after sitting in the sun for several consistent days. For this it receives a Tough Gear Dependability Grade of a B.

VERSATILITY: When it comes to this sun shower I found that it could be used for much more than heating up water. It works well for transporting water, a make shift float bag, or heavy duty splint in survival situations. Since there are many options for this it receives a Tough Gear Versatility Grade of a B+.

AFFORDABILITY: This product is more on the economic end of the sun shower market. It comes more with the bare bones package that does not include the thermometer, or support rod. It costs around $9.99. With this in thought it receives a Tough Gear Affordability Grade of a B.

PACKABILITY: This item is very easy to pack and goes nicely at the bottom or side of your pack. It can also be roll up and lashed on the outside of your pack (however not recommended if bushwhacking). With this it receives a Tough Gear Packability Grade of a B.

All in all the Coleman Sun Shower performed very well. But there are some flaws that must be mentioned. The support bar for distributing weight around the handle at the top was small and did not extend the whole width of the bag. So if you would fill the bag full it was prone to rip if held in this manner. Also if it is in the heat of the day and the water has been sitting out in the sun for several hours it will be hot enough to burn you. This is where the thermometer would be convenient. It is nice for a short trip but for an extended trip in the backcountry I would recommend a sun shower of higher quality. Or just enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake. With this being said the Coleman Sun Shower receives a Final Tough Gear Grade of a B.  However no matter what you should read more reviews and buy the product that will fit your needs.

Here is a link for more information on this product at amazon

Mosquito Head Net

The Coleman Mosquito Head net is made of fine mesh and can block out mosquitos, black flies, horse flies, moose flies, and deer flies from your face. This can be the barrier between a man having an amazing trip or going insane. We put this head net through continuous nights of use and many days on the water. So now there is only one thing left between this item and a good review. That is the Tough Gear Challenge!!!

DEPENDABILITY: This product saved me and my friends so many times from swarms of mosquitos and black flies that it was well worth its weight in Gold. I could depend on it to keep those bugs from biting my face that with-out it I would have gone crazy. Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Dependability Grade of An A+.

 VERSATILITY: Being made for a specific purpose it doesn’t do much other than keep out blood thirsty insects. However in dire situations you can filter out bugs and debris from water, use it as a small net to catch minnows, or use as a nice breathable gauze type bandage if the situation called on it. Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Versatility Grade of a B+.

AFFORDABILITY: For the low price of $1.99-$5.99 it is sure worth bringing a few along. However I did not have to break out my second one because the first head net lasted the whole trip. For less than the Cost of a gallon of gas you can get one that will make your trip so much more comfortable and rewarding. Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Affordability Grade of an A++.

PACKABILITY: Unlike all those bug hats that require a huge metal ring and whatnot this item can go right around a normal boney hat. This thing can fit right into your pocket and be whipped out at a moment’s notice.  It is Extremely Packable and lightweight. Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Packability Grade of an A+. 

Overall this item was very beneficial to have and did not require all the space of a traditional head net with rings and whatnot. I hiked all over with this thing and I guarantee that it can’t be beaten for its price. You will need to have a boney hat or regular hat to keep the net away from your ears, but in the end it is well worth it. You should buy two just in case one gets snagged on a tree or if you have a friend who forgot to pick one up. It is indeed worth the extra investment. Therefore it receives a Final Tough Gear Grade of an A+.

You can go to Colemans website to buy them or buy almost at any local store. Here is a link Coleman Insect Head Net. As you can see in this picture I took many of my friends have them on!!

Digi power –Dual Power Wall Charger/Portable battery

Being off the grid for more than a week means that you will need back up power for your electronics! Being in the new technological age almost everything we do requires power. We aren’t saying eliminate the traditional methods of navigation but most of us have smart phones and GPS capable devices that can provide us with up to date maps and trails. The Digi power is the missing link between you and your wall charger. Equipped with two USB inputs, an adapter, a built in flash light and a fold-away wall charger, it is perfect for charging hand held devices on the go. So we will see how it stands up to the Tough Gear Challenge!

DEPENDABILITY: This product charged my IPod once and my cell phone twice with-out being recharged itself. I could depend on it when I had a low battery and had to check in or just listen to some tunes. However it is not water proof or crush proof and should be protected in a small case. It held up to the Canadian Backcountry and receives a Tough Gear Dependability Grade of a B.

VERSATILITY: This product is a wall charger, flashlight, portable backcountry battery, and has time to charge two items (VIA USB) at once and is equipped with adapters. It also works as a universal charger that means it is not necessary to pack a wall charger for each one of your hand held devices. I found out fast that it was nice to have because if you miss place your headlamp at night you can whip out this gizmo and have light in no time. Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Versatility Grade of an A+.

AFFORDABILITY: This product is about midscale on today’s market. The price range should be around $25.00-$35.00 dollars. This is a reasonable price to pay if you are going on a trip where you will be out of reach of an outlet. Many of the other portable batteries that I looked at did not come with the adapters and also did not have a wall charger. Also it was really expensive if I was going to buy another camera battery and it really helped me there. This is why it received a Tough Gear Affordability Grade of a B.

PACKABILITY: This Item is about 3”X 5”inches and can fit almost anywhere. The product is very durable but not completely waterproof so it needs to be packed in a safe spot protected from the elements. It is also recommended that you protect your investment with a small waterproof container. As stated above having this item eliminates the need for bringing a wall charger for each of your hand held items. This is going to mean that you will save a nice bit of cargo room. Therefore the Digi power receives a Tough Gear Packability Grade of a B.

Overall this product performed very well for me and I had no issues using it. However because it was so small and somewhat dense I found that if I didn’t put it into a specific pouch or container it would drop to the bottom of my pack. This is not a good thing for two reasons. One you won’t be able to find it when you need it and most important  if any moisture gets into the bottom of your pack it could ruin your battery.  This Item helped me a lot and even though I dropped it many times it kept chugging along. Therefore it receives a final Tough Gear Grade of a B+.

Columbia Omni-dry Long Zip off pants

Testing the Omni-dry pants made by Columbia started off questionable because of their high price. These pants market retail for $60.00 and sell on sale down to $30.00. So I tested with an open mind and let the Tough Gear Challenge take care of them. The conditions in which these pants were tested was the deciduous/coniferous forest of Ontario, Canada. Now the weather was about 75% sunshine and 25% rain.

DEPENDABILITY:  These pants were very dependable and I could count on them to hold strong when it came to going into the brush and high weeds. They also had a great resistance to tear. It proved this when I had to make my way through a thorny black berry patch and skidding down sharp rocks. It seemed that no matter what I would put these pants through they would heal up and be ready the next morning.  There for they receive a tough gear dependability grade of a B.

VERSATILITY:  This pair of pants was more like a two for one deal. The zippers around mid-leg can zip half off and make them into shorts for hot summer days. You can also use it as a pair of swimming trunks. These pants really paid off for me because I was working on the water a whole lot canoeing and doing fisheries research, if they got wet they were dry sometimes in fifteen minutes. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Versatility Grade of a B.

AFFORDABILITY: This pair of pants is on the high end of outdoor clothing. I have seen them from 30-60$ per pair. But in the end they will hold up during a long backcountry trip! I do recommend shopping around and looking for a pair of pants that is comfortable for you to wear. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Affordability grade of a C+.

PACKABILITY: This pair of pants weighs the fraction of a normal pair of jeans and doesn’t take up as much space.  They can compress down to fit in almost any pocket of a backpack. I could fit them right in the front pouch of my backpack if I needed a dry pair of pants. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Packability Grade of an A+.

Tough Gear Final Grade: After reviewing all of the different points of view the Columbia Omni-dry Long Zip off pants receive a final grade of a B+. They held up and the zippers were extremely durable and didn’t seem to be thrown off by mud or sand. The pants dried very fast and really are one of the most comfortable pairs of pants I have ever worn. They do tend to stain a little bit but that all comes with use. Now that you have read our review it is time for you to decide what qualities you’re looking for in a pair of backcountry pants!

Backpacking Expedition Food

The food you pack into the back country is going to be your main source of nutrients that keeps your blood pumping for the duration of your trip and you want to make sure that it is full of protein, carbs, and vitamins. When you are hiking up hills and down vast Vally's it is essential that your body get the full amount of nutrients needed. So I am going to tell you what I bring on my trips. Why I bring them and what they provide for the body. Also I am going to tell you some recipes that can be whipped up off of a Back country stove.

If you like to mix it up a little bit and are tired of frieze dried meals in a bag then this menu is perfect for you.

BREAKFAST 

A very nice addition to any camping/hiking trip is a well rounded meal. Some of us need the extra boost in the morning and some of us don't. If you are a person who does need a nice meal early then we have the best one for you. The meal consists of oatmeal grains and some dried nuts. you heat a pan up so that it is more than hot to the touch and pour in some butter. Make sure it is melted and then add in some brown sugar. White sugar can also work. Next you will to add in the oatmeal grains, granola grains and the nuts. After theses have cooked up you can throw in some raisins, Mellon, mango, or what ever you like. Serve hot or cold.
Fruit!!!!
 Remember that when you are on the trail staying hydrated is very important! If the fruit you are going to use is dried make sure you soak them in water first so that they have a little time to rehydrate. The juice from the water is good to drink after hydration. Doing this does a number of thing like help with digestion and prevent the dried fruit from draining water that is in your system. Also if you are eating dried fruit drink alot of water!!



LUNCH   


                when on the trail most don't like to stop to cook and eat a meal. For this fact I have chosen a snack that  many can relate to and one that will be fast and convenient . Trail mix is a very popular item that many bring with them but one that can have a variety of mixtures. The one that I prefer to most is one that will offer the protein, carbs, and nutritional balance that is needing during a long hike. To get protein you should add peanuts, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or any other nut that will offer the nice protein boost. Now getting your fix of carbs can be easy or hard. You can add some dried crackers or add some crutons.  The nutrients all come from fruit's! Dried apples, mango's, pears, strawberry's, Orange's, etc. But what it really comes down to is you finding what you like to eat and mixing it up to give you a well balanced trail snack. Just remember that your body is a well oiled machine and requires a well balanced fuel.







DINNER


Back Country Pizza



Nutrition on the Trail (important for your survival)

The amount of food you pack on your trip is going to depend on your personal needs and caloric consumption. Not all of us are built the same therefore we will not all consume or burn the same amount of calories. This is not a topic to sweat about but one that should be at the front of your mind so that you can have a healthier, safer trip into the backcountry. There are many meals that offer pre-quota calorie amounts but rarely go by body size or metabolism. Here at Tough Gear we want you to eat good and healthy while in the backcountry! So we are going to break down backcountry nutrition by applying the Tough Gear Challenge to multiple kinds of trail food. This is a first so let us know what you think.

If you are not familiar with The Tough Gear Challenge it is a set criteria for testing backcountry and front country gear. It includes Durability, Affordability, Packability, and Versatility. We are now going to apply this to some trail foods that we have used and enjoyed on the trail! We are going to call it The Tough Gear Food Challenge!!

The Most important thing you can put into your body while on the trail is carbohydrates and fats. They both are filled with calories that will keep you going and will last longer than basic sugars. However a balance in your nutritional diet is very important. Sugars will give you the fast fix of energy that is needed to get going in the morning and a nice amount of carbs, and fats offer endurance energy so you will be able to keep going on those long days of bushwhacking. No matter how you choose to ration you trail food always having the best and most vital nutritional needs is key to a successful trip. Having the best food does not always mean the most expensive!! Remember this when it comes to buying pre-packaged foods. You can often find good inexpensive trail mixes at your local Whole foods and can pack your rations on personal preference. Our First Test is coming Soon!!

Nalgene Containers offer Multiple Uses

Nalgene is known for their water bottles but what many don’t know is that they also offer a complete line of small containers that are perfect for the backcountry traveler.

The amount of uses for these products is endless and can create a high level of convenience. From storing liquid soap, to sauces these bottles will make your backcountry trip a little less stressful on the logistical side of things and let you focus more on cooking that backcountry pizza over your MSR stove.

Hope you enjoy your spring travels!!

Gordini Winter Gloves (did they hold up?)

Over the winter months I tested a pair of Gordini gloves that I bought at a ski shop. I used them whenever I went skiing this past winter, and on fun days enjoying the winter wonderland. With that said and having already put them to the Tough Gear Test I will not break them down on how they performed according to the Tough Gear criteria.

DURABILITY :( C-) These gloves really did not hold up like I expected them. They did not insulate very well and after about 10 minutes on the lift back up the mountain I could feel the cold penetrating back in. However once I got moving it wasn’t a problem. When I had a nice wipe out they did not keep the snow from filling in. After a day on the slopes I knew that I should have shelled out the extra money for the pair of Marmot gloves but did not want to give up on my investment quite yet. Time was to tell and they ended up not preforming to the Tough Gear standards. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Durability grade of a (C-)

AFFORDABILITY :( B+) One thing that this brand of gloves has going for it is that they are extremely affordable. If you are the person that is looking for a nice cheap winter glove that won’t break the bank then these are for you. But I do warn, if you are like me and spend countless hours outside during the winter months a nice set of gloves is worth spending a little more on. This set of gloves is nice for the price because they do a quality job and are really better than being caught outside without gloves. Because of this they receive the Tough Gear Affordability grade of a (B+).

PACKABILITY :( A) For the most part gloves are not the hardest thing to find a spot for when it comes to packing you bag, but with a lot of people doing these long trips every little space adds up and therefore it does count. These gloves were very nice to put into a side pocket or mesh area. They also have a clip that will keep them from separating within your backpack and keeps organization to a max. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Packability Grade of an (A).

VERSITILITY: (B) I was not very pleased with this brand of gloves but did find that they offered some use in different situations. The felt lining is very comfortable and is nice to have when a camp setting is in place. The leather on the outside of the glove offered good resistance from tear and added nice gipping capability. They also make a very nice hammy down that your siblings can use. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Versatility Grade of a (B).

Over all the Gordini gloves did a fairly good job of standing up to the pressures of the outdoor environment. They are not suited for the snowy environment but really more for a cold environment. They have no features for snow sports and will not keep the snow out if you fall. If you are mobile then you will keep warm, but if you are looking to be in a tree stand or watching birds then these really won’t do the job you’re looking for. I recommend a pair of mittens for this situation or a higher quality brand. Therefore they receive an overall Tough Gear grade of a (B).

Leatherman's Freestyle Mulititool (Tough or Bluff?)

  To introduce this light weight multi-tool made by Leatherman, I would first like to tell you a little about where I tested it. I used this tool on a month long adventure in the Yukon wilderness and used it for a multitude of things. In freezing temperatures in the mountains, and moist environments along the river I depended on it for day to day use. The weather in the Yukon is one that will surprise anyone because you cannot plan on one type. You have to plan for all situations, and all scenarios, because when you’re not looking there is a snow storm rolling in, or a flash rain storm, followed by bone chilling winds that are  just waiting for you to underestimate mother nature. I am going to break down this produce based on what I went through and experienced with it. I am going to use the Tough Gear Criteria to grade this multi-tool and see if it has the grit to stand up to the versatile back country conditions.

DURABILITY: (A) The freestyle Multi-tool preformed up to my standards and above. Not only did I drop it in the sand multiple times but I cut through several ropes, and used the blade until exhaustion and the thing did not go dual. I used it when I was on the river and stored it in a pocket that was on my life jacket. Not only did it get wet every time I went in, but it stood up quite well to river conditions in general. To this day it still has not showed a speck of rust. With all of these factors taken into thought the Leatherman’s Multi-tool receives a Tough Gear Durability grade of an (A).

AFFORDABILITY: (B) Even though this multi-tool is very high quality and I would recommend it to anyone there are some price issues. Compared to other tools on the market one can get by with a much lower end product that will most likely last the duration of your trip. The freestyle cost anywhere from 28-38 dollars and to a lot of outdoors man this is a lot of money to spend on one multi-tool. However with this said you are investing in a quality product that has a 25 year warranty and will perform every time no worries. Also you get the great customer support that comes with the Leatherman brand. These are just a few things to think about! However with them all in mind the Leatherman Freestyle receives a Tough Gear Affordability grade of a (B).

PACKABILITY: (A) The freestyle offers a nice light weight option to the conventional bulky multi-tool. It offers a nice knife with a reliable pair of pliers that will be worth its weight in the burden of carry. The Multi-tool can fit into almost any small space, pouch, and pocket. It weighs in at 4.5 oz. or 127.57 g, and is only 2.6 inches long when all closed up. It has a clip on the side to attach to your pants or belt for easy access, and a compact design to slide right into your pocket.  With taking all of this into mind the Freestyle Multi-tool receives a Tough Gear Packability Grade of an (A).

VERSITILITY: (A+) When it comes to a product that meet the needs of almost any outdoors man the freestyle multi-tool by Leatherman is the way to go. This tool can come in handy especially in situations where a sturdy knife and pair of pliers will help you out. I used it for two weeks in the mountains opening food packs, cutting and chopping food, and tending to broken zippers on the tents. I then went on to use it for two weeks on the river whitewater canoeing and it put up to the brutal test of the river conditions. It was used to cut tie down ropes, carve walking sticks, and a multitude of other uses.  For this the Freestyle receives a Tough Gear Versatility grade of an (A+).

In conclusion I have found that The Freestyle Multi-tool made by Leatherman preforms very well and holds up in a variation of climates. The tool is reasonably priced for those wanting to invest in reliable tool and not out of range for many who want it for everyday use. It is extremely packable and folds up into itself when not in use. Also you can clip it just about anywhere. When it came time to look at the versatility of the product it did not let us down. It could be used to cut up a potato one minute and the next be fixing a broken zipper on my tent. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a light weight backpacking multi-tool that will live up to its name. Not recommended for someone looking for a multi-tool that has a screw driver and all those other additions. For this the Freestyle Multi-tool receives an overall Tough Gear Grade of an (A).

Cabelas compression coolmax socks ( Tough or bluff?)

Cabela's has put a number of items on the market and here I have tested there compression coolmax socks. These socks are for hiking and everyday comfort. They are supposed to increase blood flow to your feet and provide extended comfort throughout the day. Here I am going to break down how these socks stood up to the Tough Gear criteria.

DURABILITY :( B+) Having hiked in these socks for days on end i can personally say that they stood up to my abuse. I put them through creek after creek, mile after mile, down mountain sides of skeet and back up again. They are very comfortable and will keep your feet dry and snug. One thing that i found them very helpful is when my wool socks got wet i could put this pair over them and wear them around camp and they could wick the moisture away from my wool socks and then dry out quite fast themselves. They are a great pair of sturdy socks and therefore receive a Tough Gear Durability Grade of (B+).

AFFORDABILITY: (B) This pair of socks is great however with many other pairs of socks on the market I found them to be a little pricey. They are constructed of synthetic materials that will keep your foot insulated when wet and do offer extreme comfort. There are sock systems out there for a better price. But if you are the person that can get away with wearing one sock these are cost effective and nice to have on a long packing trip. I would recommend having at least three pairs. Standard price is around $14.99. However they are about in the middle of the price range for hiking socks and come with the Cabelas know name for quality. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Affordability Grade of a (B).

PACKABILITY: (A) This pair of socks dries out extremely fast and will there for not soak your pack. When wet they are easy to tie on the outside of your pack and will often dry within 20 minutes. I have found that if you are going to keep them inside your pack make sure to keep them inside a nice small dry bag or plastic bag. Do this because they tend to draw moister, but i guess that shows there extremely strong wicking ability. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Packability Grade of an (A).

VERSITILITY :( A) The cabelas coolmax material is highly versatile. Its ability to insulate when wet makes it great for hiking where you are getting your feet wet. I had some cold nights with my sleeping bag not doing quite the best job. I had to put on all my cloths and three pairs of these socks and they defiantly allowed to me to fall back asleep and recharge for the next day. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Versatility Grade of an (A).

Overall this pair of socks performed very well in the backcountry and front country. They held their ground in cold, wet, and dry environments and also stood up to the consistent day to day vigor’s of the Yukon wilderness. This is a great pair of socks and I would recommend them to anyone. Therefore they receive a Tough Gear Grade of (B+).

Link to product on Cabelas website

Pictures Of Yukon, Canada

Me with moose shed

Camp

Me with Caribou shed

Hiking Down vast valley in Coast mountian range

Caribou

ptarmigan

Chad Fly fishing on wheaton River

Vally

Hyland River

Night on Hyland River

Aligator Lake

Portage

Rapids on Hyland

Wolf Track and James Hand

Griz skull

Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals or Real Food?

Sometimes you will find yourself seeking a new choice for the pack. Not the Standard Mountain house meal or MRE. If you are looking for variety then you can add a number of ingredients to your pack to spice up your menu. Some really easy and simple ingredients are flower baking powder and salt. You can make some nice flat bread that will add to any meal and is nice to have with some of the freeze dried meals. If you are going on day packs or trips that are only a couple of days long you have more options. A nice chunk of cheese if stowed in plastic deep within your pack to keep cool can stay good for a while. Also summer sausage is nice to have and beef jerky always adds some variety to the menu. Hope this helps and I am going to post an upcoming full length review on Menu options for the back country.

Homemade Back Country Pizza NOLS style

Steri-Pen With Solar Charger (Pro or Joe)

When it comes to purifying your drinking water everyone wants to make sure that they have the job done right. There are many bacteria and viruses that live in the environment. Even if they are not dangerous to us we don’t know how our bodies will react. Also if you are somewhere in the world that you have not been your immune system has not been exposed to foreign strains of bacteria and viruses in there water. There is many water born disease that can turn you’re backpacking trip into a nightmare. There are many types of purifier’s on the market; plus multiple brands of particle filters. With this said there are several ways you can go by killing all the organic living materials with in the water and one way is called the Steri-Pen.  It uses UV rays to kill all of the living microscopic creatures in your water. The one that I have tested has a solar panel charging case that could be relied on in the back country without the constant changing of batteries.

DURABILITY :( B) This product is the Adventurer Opti. It uses UV rays produced in the pen to kill any life with in the water. With the direct focus of the UV light the fungi, bacteria, and viruses stand no chance. This product is nice to have if you can spend the money on it and is very convenient to pack on long trips. It eliminates the extra batteries that might need to be taken and stands up very well to the harsh river environments. It also worked well in the mountains and I didn’t notice any change in the performance due to altitude. I was also very impressed with the little amount of time it takes to cleanse the water. It performs much, much faster that purifying tablets usually sterilizing in a couple of minutes. It was very dependable when it was time to cook, get a drink, or just purifying some water for cleaning cuts and scrapes For this it receives a Tough Gear Durability grade of a (B).

AFFORDABILITY :( C) With many of these products on the market the companies are competing for your business. This is the benefit of a supply and demand market and you can often find good deals from different brands. But remember to do your research on the product before you commit to buy. This product is one of much better quality and will last you a long time. It is worth investing in if your trips into the backcountry are long where every ounce of weight counts. Also it will save you fuel from boiling water every time you cook. Very good but again it is on the upper side of the price range at $140.00. Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Affordability Grade of (C).

PACK ABILITY :( A)  With its ability to clip on the outside of the backpack and charge while you hike it takes up virtually no space. It is well worth its weight in Gold! Therefore it receives a Tough Gear Pack ability grade of an (A).

DEPENDABILITY: (B) The steri-pen is dependable everywhere that the water is clean and clear. But if you are hiking anywhere that is downstream of a city, farm or almost any modern day infrastructure then you will most likely want to filter your water to get out the inorganic material such as fertilizers, oil run off and other contaminants. Also with-out filtering out the dirt particles and inorganic material the steri-pen will not be as effective. This is because instead of being spread throughout the UV light particles reflect off the inorganic particles and do not make it all the way through the amount of water and thus not killing all of the living organic material.

In conclusion the Steri-Pen is extremely efficient in killing viruses and bacteria. You can almost always count on it to get the job done in a pristine back country environment. But because of the steri-pens inability to perform with cloudy water and not being able to clean the inorganic material it receives an overall Tough Gear Grade of a (B-).

Here is a link to the product
http://www.rei.com/product/807755

Cabelas Waterproof Gore-tex pants

The Cabelas Gore-Tex pack lite pair of pants worked out really well for me. They fended off harsh winds and also kept me dry in the ever changing Yukon environment. The pants breathe really well and have zippers at the bottom so you can roll the legs up during times in between rainstorms. The Pants are 100% polyester. The pants also feature a nice draw string that can tighten them to what-ever size you desire. Now I will show you how they stood up to the Tough Gear criteria.

DURABILITY :( B) This pair of pants was extremely durable. They lasted my whole trip of a month in the Yukon environment and I wore them for many miles on the trail. I recommend a pair of gators however to offer the most protection on the bottoms of the pants and to also keep them lasting the whole trip. I fell down on my butt on a patch of skeet and slid for 15 feet and these pants did not rip or puncture (Truly amazing if you have ever hiked on skeet). I still have this pair today and use them when skiing and on long hikes in the rain. With this in mind they receive a B for their Tough Gear Durability grade.

AFFORDABILITY :( B) This pair of pants was extremely affordable and you can find them often in the bargain cave. They are however one of the more pricey pairs on the market and are not as versatile as other pieces of gear that you might need to spend the 100.00 dollars on. There for they receive a B on the Tough Gear Affordability grade.

PACK ABILITY:(A+) With their ability to compress very well and being so light weight this pair of rain pants offers there weight in gold on a long hiking trip. If you have ever had a pack that was overweight and had your back aching and had to go digging for things you need you will find comfort in this pair of light weight Gore-Tex pants. There for they receive an A+ on the Tough Gear Pack ability grade.

DEPENDABILITY :( A) This pair won’t let you down in the field. They test up to the harsh environment and offer extreme comfort. When testing them I didn’t even have to hesitate to use them if the weather was changing because I could put on layers underneath and knew that they would do their job. They are easy to remove over boots with their zippers at the bottom and fit snug with the Velcro straps around the ankles. There for they receive an A on the Tough Gear Dependability grade.

Overall this pair of Cabelas Waterproof Gore-Tex pants will prove tough and hardy when the time comes. They performed extremely well in the field (unlike my friend’s rip-stop pants from North Face) and will get the job done time and time again. If you are looking to invest in a piece of rain gear that will last you a good many years then I recommend them. If you are looking for something that is good for casual hiking they are good also. But not to be biased there are many good pairs on the market and you should look around and buy what is most comfortable for you. Overall Tough Gear Grade Is a B+.

Here is a link to Cabelas Website


 

Cabelas Guidewear Gor-tex All weather Jacket (Extream or lean?)

When I went on my trip up north I was lucky enough to come across a Cabelas Guideware jacket in the bargain cave. I was so overjoyed that it was the perfect fit I had made my mind up to buy it. This jacket has many features that I will point out and tell you how to get the most of your jacket.

                                             

DURABILITY :( A+) this is one of the toughest jackets that i have ever come across. The Pockets have riveted holes underneath them so that when you are in harsh rain or in the river the water that goes in will easily drain out. They have a Main zipper up the middle that is then supported by a wind prof velcro. The hood is built for the harshest weather and has a bill that sheds rain from you face, a drawstring that allows you to tighten or loosen the opening around your face, and a tightening belt in the back of the head that can move the bill forward for heavy rain or back to enjoy a light rain. The inside of the pockets have a felt that is similar to a microfiber towel. During a strong storm it works well to keep your hands warm. It’s almost like if you have ever been cold and curled up in a warm fleece blanket but on the inside of the pockets. There are multiple pockets on the inside including a nice mesh pocket and a zip pocket for valuables or things that need to stay dry and warm. Also around the torso there is a draw string that allows you to tighten to your size. The cuffs also fit to your wrist to keep wind, rain and snow out!

AFFORDABILITY :( B) This jacket is quite expensive but you will find that in the end it is going to pay off. Not only for me did this jacket double as a paddling jacket, and rain jacket but it also is good to wear around camp on a windy day.  What sold me was this jackets versatility! I used it one night to put over my sleeping bag to keep my feet warm and then the next morning used it as a rain jacket. If the jacket was soaked like when i rolled my canoe into the river the next morning it was dry and ready to hit the current. Trust me you don’t want to skimp out on a few extra bucks now to find yourself in a surprise wind/rain/sleet storm in the bush and be stuck with a light weight poncho. It’s better to invest in a jacket that will provide you with many years of service. Also remember that Cabelas is a highly respected store and their customer service is great. You might be lucky like I was and come across one in the bargain cave. A good time to look is after Christmas or during summer.

PACK ABILITY:(C) Compared to other jackets on the market that are built to be light weight this jacket is quite heavy and takes up a lot of room in the pack. It doesn’t compress very well and will tend to get in the way. If you are a light weight backpacker then i would not really recommend it. You may want to go with a light durable rain jacket instead. And Cabelas, Patagonia, Marmot, and many other company’s make good quality rain jackets. However this jacket does double for multiple items and during a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm I would not of rather had any other jacket with me. If fits well over a thin puff jacket and will keep you warm and dry at the same time.

DEPENDABILITY :( A+) I found that it didnt matter if I was in the mountains or on the river I could always count on this jacket to perform. The versatility of the jacket is amazing and it never failed to let me down. I wore it through rain storms, up into the mountain snow storms, on the river as a paddling jacket, and in camp as an all-around comfortable thing to wear jacket. It is extremely nice to have and withstands sand and dirt great.

Over all the Cabelas Guideware Gore-Tex All weather Jacket gets a Tough Gear grade of (B+) and would be highly recommended to anyone looking for a jacket that will be the MacGyver of your gear pile. It is highly versatile and never disappoints. You can get more information at the Cabelas website listed below.
 http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/search_within.cmd?form_state=default_state&searchWithin=true&N=0&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=cabelas+guideware+jacket&search=cabelas+guideware+jacket&nttWithin=gortex+jacket&x=14&y=14

Here is me sporting the Cabelas jacket while doing some white water canoeing on the hyland river,yukon with my buddy alex.

Synthetic or Wool

When going on extended long back country camping trips is is vital to carry the best, and toughest gear. Do not fail to take into mind the power of  mother nature. When it comes to wearing synthetic material or wool material you should take into mind the climate you will be traveling, what time of year it is, and  the altitude you will be traveling in. I will tell you some of the synthetic materials that are available.

Synthetic 
 Modern synthetics are great for a base layer and offer great moister wicking abilities. They are very comfortable and can come in many insulating strengths. Many companies offer a whole line of layers that can be used independently or as a system. They dry out fast and pack light. Patagonia has many options as far as synthetic clothing goes. If you are looking for a comfortable, durable light weight material then go synthetic.
Here is a link to Patagonia's website for their Capilene line.
http://www.patagonia.com/us/shop/mens-capilene-baselayer?k=1D-6x

Wool 
This  material has been used for ages for clothing. Wool socks are a must in the winter if you are hunting or hiking in a cold environment. Wool socks also offer a cushion between your foot and your boot. So it makes for a less likely situation to form blisters. To some wool is uncomfortable but their are multiple types out there that come in different textures.  Wool is great for insulation and also works good for a mid layer. Wool does however take a little longer to dry and is not as packable as synthetic material but overall it has worked for hundred if not thousands of years and wont let you down. If you are looking for a durable material that will get the job done and insulate when wet well wool is for you. Many company's offer wool clothing lines and even a blend with synthetic material.

Weather
When you are deciding on the material that you are going to be outfitted with make sure you take into consideration the elements. I have seen first hand the weather in the Yukon change from 85 degrees and sunny to 50 degrees and raining, then to snow and back again. Luckily I did my pre-trip planning and was hiking with seasoned outdoors men and women. You will want to make sure that if you will be hiking hours on end to have a layer system that offers maximum breathibility. For this I recommend synthetics such as polyester or capilene. However there are many other synthetic materials out there. The most important thing is that you stay warm. Wool and these materials will insulate you when your wet. If a flash rainstorm catches you off gard you can through a layer over top and let your body heat dry it out and be nice and toasty at the same time. Do not and i mean do not wear cotton. It will not insulate you when wet and also takes a long time to dry out. So spend the extra money and get the best material!!!  Because a little more money spent here in the front country could end up saving your life in the back country. And most important learn about the environment you are entering and do not under estimate the power of mother nature.

 If you want to learn more about layering systems I have put up a link to the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) blog that includes tons of information for beating back the elements. As a NOLS alumni i highly recommend it.
http://nols.blogs.com/nols_news/2010/02/fresh-from-nols-teton-valley-the-latest-video-from-nolsywood-debuts-today-featuring-the-nols-layering-system----get-a-glimp.html

Crocs Sandels (The shoes from down-under)

If you are in the market for a pair of the most comfortable sandals that you will ever own then a pair of Crocs are for you! These are great for camping, running the river, or just an all around comfortable shoe. They protect your foot from rocks and at the same time offer the breathable comfort of an open toed shoe. They come in camouflage, blue, black, green, and mostly whatever color you desire. So now that you have heard my view I going to break them down based on the tough gear methods.

DURABILITY: (B) These sandals are very tough. However they are made of comfortable soft plastic and due to the tendency be punctured by nails and sharp rocks would recommend wearing them on the beach, river, or around the house. The construction site probably not the best idea.

AFFORDABILITY:(A) When it comes to saving money buying a pair of crocs is where its at! You don't need those orthopedic foot pads just get a pair of these and you will be surprised how much better your feet will feel. For guys that play football after a two-a-day in steel tacked cleats these are worth a million bucks. Now However I think they feel great I'm not a doctor so if you really have bad foot problems taking my advice would probably not be the smartest choice.

PACK ABILITY:(A) For anyone who has traveled on a multiple day backpacking trip you know that every ounce of weight you can cut from your pack means a better feeling you at the end of the day. Crocks offer a great addition to your pack and do so with the lest amount of weight. I have learned this first hand when i was hiking through the mountains of the Yukon. I was the youngest of our NOLS group and for the most part had the least amount of experience. So i was unaware of what to bring for use in camp. I ultimately had a pair of tennis shoes but there not the best when you jump into an alpine lake. I found myself many a times air drying my shoes on my pack. However with this said the advantage of being surrounded by people who have more experience than you  is that they are always prepared. One of my friends let me barrow his pair of sandals which worked out at the time. But always remember you wont always have help!

DEPENDABILITY:(C) Don't get me wrong crocs are a great addition to your gear pile. But being realistic they are not a pair of closed toes shoes and should not be worn like one. If you are hiking in the thick brush or conifers i recommend not substituting your closes toes pair for them. You will not be able to depend on them in stressful conditions because ultimately they do not offer the support that you should count on in these times. If you are a heavy river runner, or white water canoeist then they make a good addition but the lack of straps to secure them tightly to your foot may mean you go the rest of your trip in hiking boots.

Over all they do make a great sandal for the beach, walking, and all around comfort. they are worth the money and wont break the bank. They can be stylish and comfortable and if your anything like me they it sure beats wearing a pair of those crappy flip-flops. Hope this helped and I would like for anyone to make a comment with their experience.
Here is a link to the Crocs website!
http://www.crocs.com/

TOUGH GEAR GRADE( B+)

Rocky Brand Hiking Boots

Rocky Brand hiking boots are some of the most durable boots I have-ever worn. The pair that i have now have lasted a month in the Yukon hiking through mountains and across streams. They have borne the winter hunting season in south eastern Ohio and six months of school. They dry really fast are for the most part waterproof. I however from experience would not recommend hiking with them if you are going hunting and have to sit for long periods of time. They do not hold up long in cold weather. DURABILITY: (B) These boots have performed better than I could have ever asked. For a guy with a wide foot they worked out extremely well. The leather is tough, made with thick rubber soles, and has Gore-Tex to keep the water out.  However they did lack some of the comfort, and insulation one would need in the snow therefore they receive a B.  AFORDABILITY: (B) These boots are quite expensive but if you shop at the Rocky boots store in Nelsonville, OH you can get some good deals. I bought my pair 50% off. Go to the second floor and look around. PACKABILITY: (B+) the boots are very easy to carry and pack deep into a pack or lash on for use as needed. The Boots however are bulky and do take up quite a bit of space in a luggage bag. If you are traveling by plane and can take getting strange looks I would recommend wearing them not packing them, even with shorts on!  DEPENDABILITY :( A) Whenever i was crossing a river or a mountain in the Yukon I could always count on these boots to preform and hold up under extreme pressures. I would recommend them to anyone and once broken in they will offer you several months, possibly years of comfort depending on what you dare to accomplish.

Here is the link to their web site.

http://www.rockyboots.com/