Storm by Black Diamond

From Appoutdoors.com – When you need bright, reliable light in the worst conditions, the fully waterproof Black Diamond Storm offers up 100 lumens of illumination for spotting rap anchors or lighting up the trail. In addition to versatile proximity, distance and strobe modes, the Storm’s 2 red LEDs preserve night vision and activate without cycling through white mode. We also included a lock mode to stop accidental battery drain when the lamp is stored in your pack.

• 1 TriplePower LED, 2 SinglePower White LEDs and 2 SinglePower red LEDs emit 100 lumens (max power)
• Red night vision mode activates without cycling through white mode
• Sleek low-profile design uses 4 AAA batteries
• Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night vision and lock mode
• Three-level power meter shows remaining battery life for 3 seconds after switching on headlamp
• Protected against water immersion down to 1 m (3.3 ft) for 30 minutes (IPX 7)

My Thoughts: 

If you are looking for a headlamp to do it all this is it! This lamp is a torch on the highest setting it lights up the trail nicely and you will feel safe hiking in even complete darkness. I love the fact that you can dim it down to a low setting for simple camp tasks. The LEDs provide some of the whitest light I have seen from a headlamp. It even has a red night vision mode to avoid annoying camp neighbors…  taking 4 AAA batteries it is not for weight weenies, it weighs about 2.5 oz with batteries the headband keeps the weight put well though. The Storm is a very versatile headlamp, I’ve used this lamp reading in the bedroom on its lowest setting and out on a rough trail using the highest setting. The modes and settings include: full strength and dimming in both – distance or proximity mode, plus red night vision and strobe illumination. A lock mode feature prevents accidental battery drain. It has one big button for operation and different length button presses cycle through the different settings.  

Power on/off: Single click. Either the distance or proximity mode will activate at its brightest setting.

Switch proximity/distance modes: Power off and then on. The light will switch modes each time.

Dimming: Hold the switch down while powered on in either proximity or distance white modes, and release at the desired brightness level. When maximum or minimum brightness level is reached, the light will flash, and then reverse.

Night vision: With power off, hold the switch down for 3 seconds and release when the red LEDs power on. The light will remain in night vision mode when powered off. To return to white mode, hold the switch down for 3 seconds while powered off and release when the white mode powers on.

Strobe: With power off in either red night vision or white mode, use three quick clicks.

Lock: With power off in white mode, hold the switch down for 6 seconds. The red mode will activate first, and then the blue lockout indicator light will activate in the battery power meter window. To unlock, hold the switch for 6 seconds and release when the white mode powers on. To prevent accidental battery drain, the light will revert to lockout mode if the switch is not released.

I picked this headlamp due to its awesome reviews everywhere, I am a light nerd and this headlamp does not disappoint. It is the perfect combination of size vs output add the unlimited features and it is a real winner! I ordered this lamp from Appalachian Outdoors online. They were fast to ship and even price matched.  They have been around since 1974 please support the smaller retailers!

I was hoping the XPress would be a useful coffee tool for backpacking. I’m not sure I could carry a paper cup in my bag for a day without crushing it and the fact that the press part is not easily reusable nixed it off my back country gear list pretty fast.

Wilderness Logics

As any bigger people know finding outdoor gear that will work for you is a major pain in the butt… Sleeping bags, especially mummy bags can be tough to find.  Most outdoor companies don’t think about us “husky” folks.

Wilderness Logics, a relatively unknown company is different in this department, they make a top quilt (think zipper less sleeping bag). Top quilts are great they save weight and the insulation under you when in your sleeping bag does not do much for warmth when compressed.  Top quilts are the go to for hammock camping.

The Wilderness Logics King Top Quilt is built for us bigger folks in mind, tall or wide… It is 55″ x 78″ with a

King Quilt

sewn foot box to tuck your feet into.  I’m about 300lbs and this quilt fits me perfect. Big people’s hunt for a great sleeping bad has ended! They even have a smaller quilt for not so husky people… 6″ shorter and 7″ narrower, saving 3oz.

Every time I get a piece of gear from a cabin company I am always so surprised with the quality and Wilderness Logics has some of the best work I have seen.  They have a history in sewing for interior design and when a furniture company in their area closed the derided to jump into the outdoor market to put skilled people in their community back to work… HOW AWESOME!

Got Loft?

The quilt is made of 1.1 ripstop and stuffed with 14oz of 800+ down baffled to 2″, all the seams are straight and sturdy.  The down seems to stay put well not shifting around too much… One of the neatest features is the fleece patch to absorb condensation,    I like it because it is comfy against the skin too. The patch attaches with Velcro so it can be removed for washing.  I took this quilt into the 40′s in a hammock with nothing but underwear on and was toasty warm.  They give the bag a 20 degree rating, but I think it would go lower.

Top of the footbox

It weighs in a 25oz and stuffs down to 12×7. This may seem large and a bit heavy for down but remember you are getting a bag that is going to fit you comfortably…

Wilderness Logics has other products from hammocks to tarps and under quilts too.  I would not hesitate one bit to stand behind them 100% check them out you will not be disappointed!

Kako IceTrekkers Diamond Grips

I will be comparing Kako IceTrekkers Diamond Grips to Yaktrax because they are closest in price, and I am familiar with Yaktrax.

First Thoughts

They came in a simple plastic bag with a product insert.  The Diamond Grips are much beefier than Yaktrax. By design no rubber parts are underfoot. Wielded chains attach the rubber to wire loops holding the metal “diamonds”.  Diamond Grips are bit heavier (12oz vs 8oz) then Yaktrax at  but one would expect them to be and worth the weight for the added durability.

Putting them on

Diamond Grips have no left or right pair so no need to keep track.  They slip on just like Yaktrax. The rubber is a bit stronger so a little more pull is required.  The easiest way to put them on is to slip your toe in first and pull over your heal. Give them a good check to make sure the “diamonds” are centered on the ball and heal of your foot.  Adjustments are easy.

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Traction

The first time I used these was to shovel the driveway… again… they gripped great on both ice and hard packed snow.  On fresh snow the Diamond Grips gripped well. I had some slipping on steeper climbs, but I expected it. I don’t feel like I have to worry walking on rocks and non snow covered surfaces because underfoot is only metal no rubber. They slightly outperform Yaktrax and I feel Diamond Grips would last a lifetime.

Conclusion

For thefew extra bucks that Diamond Grips cost I would recommend them over Yaktrax.  They will outlast and outperform Yaktrax for everyday use and hiking on packed snow. Even though they are heavier they are still hardly noticed. The security of not having thin rubber underfoot is great!

Disclosure: Kato provided HuskyHiker.com with a complementary pair of of the IceTrekkers for this review.  However, This product review is based on first hand experience and not biased due to receiving free merchandise.

Survive!

I finally finished up the original survival man Les Stroud’s book Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive.  As a fan of his show I really wanted to read the book.  If you watched the show the book just reiterates most of was covered in episodes of the show, just more in depth.  Les goes into detail about water, shelter, food, navigation, etc. for various locations worldwide.   The best part of the advice he offers is you know it is tested and true. Les has spent years in the wilderness practicing his skills.

In the book, he covers building survival kits for auto, home and wilderness.  If you carried everything he recommends on every day hike you would have legs of steel.

The book was informative and kept me entertained. The added survival stories were fun to read. If you are a Les Stroud fan pick it up.  Survive! Would make a great gift for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Yaktrax Pro

I have had my Yaktrax Pros for a couple of years now and love them… I have used them on everything from deep powder to crossing a frozen lake.  They really grip!

First Thoughts

When you open the package, they seem flimsy, it is a rubber web with some thin metal coils around parts of the rubber. They are kind of flimsy. The coils take some abuse. I have used them on ice-patched pavement and haven’t bent or flattened the coils. I can see how the rubber could break, although this has not happened to me.

Putting them on

They do have a left, a right pair, and a toe and heal side so some thought is required in putting them on.  They are pretty easy to get on, just slip your toe in the toe side and pull the heal of the yak over your boot or shoe heals.  Some adjustments of the sides are needed, and then tighten the Velcro strap over the top of your foot.  The strap is what make the pros differ from the regular Yaktrax, and the strap is a big help original Yaktrax are known to slip off shoes easily so don’t skimp, go with the pros.  If you are going to be wearing them on big winter boots, I would recommend getting one size bigger than your shoe size.

Traction

I have hiked in them, used them around town, and out when shoveling the driveway, and they really help keep you stable… I always wear them to shovel!  On some hikes, if the trail is well broken in I opt for the Yaktrax rather than snow shoes.  In snow, you will still slip and slide a little but on ice these things keep you put!  Best of all at 6-8 oz (depending on size) you barley notice you are wearing them.  One word of caution though DO NOT wear them in side especially on tile or linoleum floors, the metal coils provide no traction, and you will fall… trust me!

Conclusion

They might not be a burly as other traction devices out there, but they do the job.  They are light and provide great traction, especially on ice.  They stay on the foot, and I have been using mine for two years with no breakage (I can see how the thin rubber could break and this worries me when I am 3-4 miles into a hike).  If you are looking for traction around town and for the occasional hike I would not hesitate to buy a pair of Yaktrax Pros…

Disclosure: ScrewPopTool provided HuskyHiker.com with a complementary ScrewPopTool for this review. However, This product review is based on first hand experience and not biased due to receiving free merchandise.

Katadyn Pocket

I have been thinking about getting a water filter for awhile now, running out of water on a hike can make the last few miles true hell.  I figure if I can carry a filter for the same weight as an extra bottle of water that is a good trade off… www.allfilters.com contacted me about reviewing a filter and I jumped at the chance.  All Filters sells all types of filters ranging from whole house filters to compact backpacking and camping filters. I went with the Katadyn Pocket because of its durability. I have heard some not so good stories about the hiker pro that most carry, what good is a piece of gear if it fails!

The Pocket is more expensive than most ($289) but it is the only filter with a 20 year guarantee. This thing is built tough, I mean really really tough.  It is mostly aluminum with a plastic outer sleeve. Very solid and easy to maintain. The ceramic filter element is good for 13,000 gallons, so basically forever.

When the box arrived I was excited to open it up and check it out. The Filter comes with a carry bag, a tube with a pre-filter, a output tube with a clip to connect to the container you are filling, a plastic bag for the output tube so it does not get contaminated, and a maintenance kit. Before even looking at the manual I quickly took it apart to see how it worked, it is super easy to disassemble and reassemble for in field maintenance. The manual tells you to flush the pump by filtering a liter of water to flush the ceramic dust from the manufacturing process.  This is a must do step, the fist liter of water was very cloudy and kind of stinky. I ran a second liter through it and it was nice and clear.

Pre-filtered Water

For my first test I decided to scoop up some water from a local river the Mill River. I would never think of even taking a sip of the water out of this river. I set up the filter and started pumping away, each pump moved a fair bit of water and the pump moves with little resistance. The filtered water was clear. It did just what I expected it to do. This filter filters down to 0.2 microns because of their size no micro-organisms can pass through the mini pores of the filter ceramic ( 0.2 microns = 0.0002 mm).  The Katadyn Pocket Microfilter eliminates bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae, spores, sediments, and reduces viruses (but will not eliminate them) in combination with particles greater than 0.2 microns meeting EPA Purifier Standards.

Filtered Water

My second test was on a day hike.  I filtered 32oz from a trail side stream.  The water was flowing good after recent rains. The filter made quick work of 32oz of water, the filter rate for this filter is a liter a minute and that seems pretty accurate. I drank the full 32oz on my way out it’s been a couple weeks with no ill effects so I guess it works…

It weighs in at 20oz so it is slightly less than the full extra bottle of water I would normally carry. So as long as my destination has a good water source I will be carrying my Katadyn Pocket for piece of mind.

Disclosure: AllFilter.com provided HuskyHiker.com with a complementary Katadyn Pocket Microfilter for this review. However, This product review is based on first hand experience and not biased due to receiving free merchandise.

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GUTR Sweatband

When I felt the headband I was surprised at how soft the PVC material is. It is super flexible and light weight, the side that is against your head is very smooth and if fitted properly will not leave any marks on your head after it is removed.  It works by channeling the sweat away from your eyes to the sides of your face via the channel in the gutter. Fitting was easy, the sweatband comes with three elastic bands for sizing and velcro for fine fit adjustments. You want a snug fit, not tight,  just enough not to move.

I used it on a couple 5 mile hikes in 90 degree plus weather and humid, this summer in New England was been brutal.  It really works I don’t care if I look like a dork… No more burning eyes, no more trying to find a dry spot of shirt to wipe my eyes. Awesome! I have tried hats, bandannas, cloth headbands, they all make me feel hotter and I end up just taking them off… Not once have I felt like I needed to remove the GUTR. It is a great feeling to have sweat pouring down the sides of your face but not in your eyes.  No matter how filthy it gets a simple wash in soap in water cleans it right up.

If you are a sweater like me I highly recommend the Sweat GUTR Headband, Husky Hiker seal of approval!

Even if you hate it Sweat GUTR will let you return it for a full refund as long as you let them know why… so don’t sweat it…

Disclosure: GUTR provided HuskyHiker.com with a complementary GUTR Sweatband for this review. However, This product review is based on first hand experience and not biased due to receiving free merchandise.

At first I found all the same companies that I found on my last search with some new ones that just didn’t seem to have the quality or look I wanted. So I turned to twitter, geoseaeye said I should check out www.adstuit.com. I checked out Fred’s site and was not sure what I thought, it was hard to tell the quality from the pictures on his site, but the prices are great… (100 for $30, 250 for $50 0r even 1000 for $100) Prices are for double sided with custom graphics.  I emailed Fred and asked about better pictures and he had none to offer.  Still unsure I sat on it for a while… One night I sent Fred my design and asked how he though it would print, he said that it looked like it would come out great and asked if I wanted to see a proof. Well 20 minutes later saw my proof and placed my order and I am glad I did.   Fred was awesome to work with and they got the wooden nickles to my door in under a week!  They came out great!!! Thanks Fred!   If you are in the market for wooden nickels (they are so neat) without a doubt see Fred at Ads-Tuit and tell him Husky Hiker sent you!!!

So here are the nickels

My Nickel

P.S. Any geocachers want to trade wooden nickels please contact me…

Crown Point, NY

Crown Point Public Campground is located at 784 Bridge Road, Crown Point, NY 12928. This campground is located on the southern edge of the 281,600 acre Lake Champlain and right on the New York / Vermont border.  Crown Point rests over battlefields and fort locations dating back to 1775, remnants of the old forts can still be seen.  In the campground you will also find a beautiful lighthouse and fishing pier, both seem to be the main draw of the campground. A boat launch ramp is also located inside the campground so, if boating is your thing, this is a great place to stay.  The rate to camp here is $17 a nite and reservations can be made through reserve america.

The Lighthouse

The Crown Point website shows many sites that you would think to be waterside or lake front camping, but only few sites even have water front views. Sites 1-10 are they only sites with a clear view to the water but a fence (and a steep hill) block access to the water from your site.

The other sites that look like they might be on the water are not and the view is blocked by heavy tree cover.  Most of the sites here seem better suited for RVs and campers more so than tents.  Most sites have water close by and no other hookups, The do have a waste dump station on the grounds.  If you seek seclusion from other campers this might not be the place for you.  The whole campground is essentially a field with enough trees to create mostly shaded sites, but you will have a full view of your neighbors site.  The lean-to site, site 48 is the only site that offers true privacy.  All sites are full grass with fireplaces and picnic tables. Sites 27-32 are very close together and I would rate them the worst sites in the campground, also 55-59 are very close to the main road (Bridge RD.) that sees a good amount of traffic.  Sites 42-47

Entrance Road

are the best group of sites in Crown Point in my opinion.

Bathrooms can make or break a campground and Crown Point didn’t excel nor fail here.  They had bathrooms with hot water and they were clean enough.  Nothing spectacular and nothing gross either. The showers near the check in station seemed to have a lower water pressure than the other shower but was usable.

Shopping for food and supplies can requie a bit of travel withing 10 min you have a great general store that has most things and a bait shop that seems well stocked, but it is a

Sites 27-31

20-30 min windy road drive to a grocery store, Super Walmart in Ticonderoga, NY

Conclusion: If you want a relaxing campground where you can fish, boat, and explore history this is a great place. If these things don’t interest you or you want a private site you might want to look elsewhere.  I would stay here again if I had a reason to be in the area buy would not go out of my way to stay here…

Silver Springs Park

First I want let you know this is not going to be a technical review (go to stevesdigicams if you want that), this is going to be a review that I feel the average shopper can find useful…

I bought this camera because I wanted something  I could take hiking, camping, kayaking, and use every day and not have to worry about it.  The Stylus SW line is a water proof line of cameras. The 1050 is water proof up to 10 feet and can be used in temperatures below freezing.  The 1030sw is good to 33 feet and adds a shock rating  to withstand falls from 6 feet.  But you will have to spend about a hundred extra bucks for the features.

Silver River State Park

The 1050sw is a 10.1 MP a few of the reviews I read said that the camera might not perform as well as other 10MP cameras.  If this is the case it works just fine for me.  Most of the pictures I take have been along the trail and it seems to

Under Water in the Silver River

do just fine. The camera has a ton of scene options, I find myself using landscape, landscape with subject, and snow & beach the most.  It also has a panoramic mode that give you 3 different methods of combining them. The Stylus 1050 SW also has a tap feature that allows you to change various settings by tapping on the sides or top of the camera. This

Justin Throwing the Net

is a great option to have when you are all bundled up for the cold.  Most of the pictures on this site have been taken with the Olympus Stylus 1050sw.

The only thing that I don’t like about this camera is the fact the it used a XD media card.  Well, you can use a micro SD card but you can’t use most of the special scene features in the camera.  I have a 2 GB XD card and even at 10MP fine quality I can fit over 400 pictures on the card.  I have never ran in to a storage problem.

I think for the price this is a great worry free camera.  I love it because if you take it

camping or to the beach and it gets dirty you just have to wash it off.  When I was at the beach I could take it with me in the water and not worry about it. Take pictures in the rain without a problem…

Worry free…