Posts Tagged ‘Gear’

Permethrin

Well if you’ve read any of my reviews, you’ll know that I don’t typically talk bad about products.  I won’t talk bad about Permethrin spray, but I can’t honestly say anything beneficial either.

The product states that after applying the permethrin spray to your clothes and allowing it to dry, your clothes will become a deathtrap to any ticks or flying bugs and mosquitoes that come into contact with it.  I wouldn’t put my money on that…

The directions state that you should completely spray down your clothes before going out, allowing them to dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them.  DO NOT get this on your skin.  It burns rather harshly.  So spray down your pants and shirts, even your jackets and bandana, and let them dry very well before wearing them.  The directions state that you can even wash them several times before you have to spray them again.

Well, I’ve used this spray on dozens of my hikes, including those with rampant mosquitoes and ticks.   I have not noticed any difference in the attitude of bloodthirsty mosquitoes biting through my shirt, or the demeanor of the tick I had to dig out of my shoulder.  Ticks are supposed to die on contact with permethrin, yet this tick managed to get through 2 layers of clothes, both sprayed with this product.  I have been thoroughly unimpressed with this product for years, and I’ve given it dozens of chances.

In my opinion folks, I would look into other options or just go the old-fashioned route and buy some DEET-based bug spray.

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Have you ever paid $15 dollars for a spoon? Well then you just haven’t lived yet! Today I found a fantastic spoon, the Cadillac of the spoon world! The Sea to Summit™ AlphaLight Long Spoon weighs in at a mere .4 oz!!! The beauty of this spoon is that it is made of 7075-T6 aircraft aluminumalloy, which gives it the uncanny ability to cool down and dissipate heat in record time. Also, this metal beauty is 8.5 inches long! It’s perfect for your trail gourmet recipes from Freezer Bag Cooking, and getting that last delicious bite out of the bottom of your quart sized freezer bag! Pick yours up today and shed those pesky extra ounces!

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One product that I have overlooked in the past but need to give it the spotlight is the GSI Micro-table.  Although we backpackers look amusing as hell trying to juggle our stove, fuel canister, water, food, chainsaws, and burning torches, it gets to be a bit tedious after the first severed finger…

Well now you don’t have to!  I bought our GSI table for a gift and thought it might be an item that we would only use on occasion.  Boy was I wrong!  Weighing in at only ONE pound (ish) this lightweight aluminum table offers a flat surface to work on.  Whether it be chopping up some food or just having a stable surface to set your stove on, this table will cure what ails you.  The cost is rather cheap (I think around $30) and it’s worth the minimal weight sacrifice.  It is a must have in every backpack.

The table comes in a handy nylon carrying case, and is folded up like an accordion.  By removing the 2 rods from their clips on the side, you simply fold out your table, slip the rods through, fold out the legs, and EAT FOOD!  …or play cards, or juggle chainsaws!  The possibilities are endless!  So next time you stop at the outdoors store to look around, look for the GSI Micro-table and buy it while you still have fingers left!

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The newest addition to my hiking family is a new 2009 pair of Leki Summit Anti-Shock trekking poles.  I will admit, these are my first pair of trekking poles, as I normally just take a homemade hiking staff along with me.  The disadvantage of a staff is what’s called “sausage fingers”, that is your fingers engorging with blood and becoming plump and numb (i.e. sausages).

So I finally broke down and purchased a set of trekking poles.  Thus far, I am very impressed with the craftsmanship and quality of the Leki brand.  They are very lightweight making for a very easy carrying load, as well as they have a snap-hanger for the off season when you’re not using them.  The handles are made of a synthetic material that prevents wear and tear on your hands, as well as allows sweat to pass through and not remain under your grip.   This particular set comes with a nice little micro-DVD to give examples of use and proper height adjustment.

The breakdown is as follows;

• Positive Angle COR-TEC Grip
• Auto Strap
• Classic Expander Lock System
• Triple Spring Antishock System
• Carbide Flextip
• Ultra Sonic Finish
• Interchangeable Basket System
• Weight: 20.6 oz
• Length: 72-140 cm

MSRP:  $99.95

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Alright, if you were to walk up to me and ask “What do I need to know about backpacking?” I would simply walk to my shelf, grab the recent issue of Backpacker, and smack you with it. This edition of Backpacker Magazine is the most informative book to hit print since the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

I sat welded to each page and after several hours and a short nap, I felt a bit more educated.

This edition of Backpacker reviews this years new gear, packs, tents, mats, bedrolls, you name it! Each section of the magazine is appropriately labeled based on what item they are going to review. Under the header, is a full page schematic of the item, labeled with every important point and feature, plus a description of the benefits. I cannot tell you how helpful this is to beginning backpackers, and even veterans.

After the educational section, they then review roughly 32 of the items, giving each one a breakdown, description, price, features, and rating. I do not exactly agree to some of them, but that’s why we’re not a hive-minded society, I’m allowed to have an opinion.

This edition is fantastic for many reasons. If you are considering purchasing ANY new gear, and want a breakdown of good/bad for ALL of the big brands out there, find this magazine and read it. It will help give you a better understanding of the design, pros/cons, and functionality behind whatever item you are thinking of buying.

The downside to this edition? There’s a few car ads. It essentially throws off my grove while reading.

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