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/

Trekking Pole or no trekking pole?

Trekking poles are coming popular with hikers all over the world. Not only are they offer stability and shock absorbent, they also have many second uses that come in handy once you get into camp. I am going to tell you what i have experienced with different brands of trekking poles and how they held up under the extreme conditions of they Yukon's Coast mountains.

Swiss Gear
           Swiss gear has one of the most inexpensive trekking poles on the market. They hold up good in grassy Teriann but once you get up high where there are boulders and smaller rocks  they have a tendency of getting stuck, and this means bending and crippling the pole. This then makes if an inconvenience to carry around because it will no longer fold in on it self. They had a nice strong grip but the support straps were not built for long expeditions. If you are looking for a nice affordable trekking pole that you can use on day packs into the woods then this is for you.

• Durability     (D)    broke within a week of continuous use in the mountains.
• Affordability (A+)  is the cheapest trekking pole on the market and a bang for the buck, if you don't need a pole for rigorous use.
• Pack ability  (C)   Isn't the lightest weight trekking pole on the market but for the price its worth the extra weight. If comes with end covers so the sharp gripers on the end of the poles do not pierce you backpack.
• Dependability (D) do to the tendency this product had to break i didn't find that i could depend on it when i needed it the most.
• Tough Gear Grade (C)

 Black Diamond          
               Black Diamond offers a numerous amount of styles for what ever kind of outdoor adventuring you are into! Hiking, mountaineering, ext. These are the top of the line products on the market. They are more expensive but you will be getting your moneys worth. They are tough and dependable. You can throw your weight on them, catch your self falling, use them as posts for your wind tarp, over and over again and they will keep on proforming like their brand new.  If you are the person who is going on a long trek in the mountains in which you need a reliable trekking pole that will be worth its weight in gold then these are for you. 

• Durability (A+) I put my full weight on the poles multiple times when i was descending a 7000 ft peak and they preformed flawless. Used as wind tarp poles, and first hand used them to cross a river. After a months use they held up to extreme physical and environmental conditions.
• Affordability (B) They are more expensive than the cheaper brands but you also get what you pay for.
• Pack ability (A) Were very convenient and folded up to a size that could easily fit right into the side of your pack or on a strap in the back.
• Dependability (A+) I found that i didn't hesitate to put weight on these poles even under risky circumstances. I could always count on them standing strong when i needed them and not once over a two week period even after rigorous use did they fail me.

   Tough Gear Grade (A)

                  Contemplating on buying a pair of trekking poles?
       If you are thinking about buying a pair of trekking poles i suggest that you write down a list of things that you want to get out of them. Also think about what you are going to need them for. Do you want affordable or durable? Are you going to use them on a small hike in the hills or be using them consistently for a long period of time under stressful conditions? You can look on the web at reviews and find good deals on eBay. They make a really nice addition to the equipment pile and come in handy when your least expecting it. But remember its your body and your trip. Buy them for you and get what you need to be comfortable.Some times spending a little extra in the front country will save your life in the back country.  So i hope this will help any one and let me know if you have any other brands that you have personal experience with. Thanks                                          

                                            
                                                                                              

Jet Boil Is it worth the money?

The Jet Boil is an excellent way to get hot water fast and with little hassle. It is only $99.99 and available from most equipment companies and gear shops. With my personal experience I have found that when on the river or up in the mountains the Jet Boil holds up good and performs each time with the same productive out put. It can make a boil in as little as 2 minutes. Now that you have heard my take i want to dissect the workings and tell you what i experienced with the Jet Boil in the Back country for a month. One of my friends who was on the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) trip with me had one of these and it made for a quick hot meal during the worst of weather!

Endurance....Holds up good in sandy and dirty conditions and is extremely easy to clean.
Convince factor..... It all collapses into itself and does not take up very much space in the backpack and is extremely light weight. The fuel is enclosed in cans so you don't have to worry about a leak in your pack.
Affordability.... It is priced competitively and is extremely efficient when it comes to using fuel can get a lot of boils out of one can and a consistent 90 minutes. But i have found that at higher altitude and colder temps it does consume more fuel so be expecting that.

Pros... Light weight, compact, efficient, fast clean-up, fast boil, electric start, great for freeze dried meals!!

Cons.... If you are still looking at buying a stove to cook meals on the jet boil might not be for you. It does an extremely well job at boiling water but may only be that extra item in your backpack that adds weight if you are going to end up buying a stove. If you are like me and enjoys freeze dried food that you can add water and eat it is a priceless addition to your gear.

If you are in the market for a fast, fuel efficient, power house that can have your water ready in a flash for a hot drink, meal in the back country or when ever you are on the go this is for you.

Jet boil does however offer a new cooking system that is quick and efficient. Its called the Helios Guide! The also have a 1.5 liter one for smaller groups. Have not used this one yet but if you give it a try let me know how it works out.
Here's a link to the product!
http://shop.jetboil.com/index.php/helios-guide.html
 P.S. Just remember not to add your co-co powder to the water until it is done boiling or it will explode my buddy found this out the hard way but no one got burned thankfully.


I would like to here what anyone has to say about the Jet Boil thanks

Tough Gear Rating of an A-

Here is a link to the Jet boil website
http://www.jetboil.com/

Mountian Equipment Co-Op Sleeping Pad

The Sleeping pad made by Mountain Equipment Co-op is a nice affordable inflatable sleeping pad. It is comfortable and is light weight. The only down fall is the air nozzle! After 30 days in the rugged Yukon mountains the nozzle jams and is really hard to open and close.

There are more inflatable sleeping pads on the market but also a thing to consider is just a foam pad that you can roll up. These are cheap but will not have the packability that the inflatables offer. If you do go with a foam pad then you should bring a protective sleive to protect it in brush and while bushwacking.