A little bit back, we gave you a quick roundup of some options from Jack Wolfskin (you can see that here). Temps are starting to change here in Chicagoland, so thinking about some different layers for heading out on trails (or even grocery store runs) is something we’re doing. Following on from that roundup, we had samples come in for two of the items – the Jack Wolfskin Tech T and Go Hike Softshell.
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In Review: Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc Straps
These days, when I’m thinking of tie-down straps, it’s generally the larger sort for holding stuff down in the cargo basket in the family hauler. That said, there’s still something to be said about being able to tie things down – or simply attach them – on a much smaller scale. That’s where the Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc Straps come in handy.
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In Review: BioLite Alpenglow
Last week, we talked to you about something that I would consider a “standard” camping/emergency lantern, in terms of overall design and the fact that it uses standard D-cell batteries. Today, we’re going to go through something that is very much a modern take on a camping (or backyard) lantern, the BioLite Alpenglow.
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Some Jack Wolfskin Items to hit the trail with
While you may not have been thinking about heading out on the hiking trails in the heat of summer, cooler temps are just around the corner. If that means you’re itching to get out there and do some exploring, then we’ve got a super quick roundup of three different items from Jack Wolfskin that could help you get out there – some layers and a bag.
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In Review: Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars
Whether you’re spending time in your backyard, front porch, or off in the parks and forests, you’ll find yourself wanting to see something that’s further away. You might be the nosy neighbor on the street, trying to see what, exactly, is on your roof, or what bird that is hiding up in the branches. For that, you want a pair of binoculars. Perhaps even a pair like the Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars that we spent time with.
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Introducing: BioLite AlpenGlow
Used to be, if you wanted a lantern for camping, it was Coleman or nothing. While I do have one of those liquid fuel lanterns sitting on my workbench at the moment, these days, it’s all about battery-powered lanterns that house LEDs. Those were – at first – just one intensity, and then got to be dimmable. And now, with the BioLite AlpenGlow, you’ve got even more options.
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Be Prepared with FosPower
Emergency preparedness is never a fun thing to think about, but it’s something that’s worth considering. I mean, when we got hit with the tornado less than a mile away last summer, we were not quite ready for the 3 day power outage. Sure, our camping gear covered a lot of our needs, but we realized there were some things we needed to add, like additional backup batteries and lanterns. The great thing about that is that it doubles nicely as camping gear, and we’ve got a quick roundup up some offerings from FosPower.
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Ready for summer grilling and chilling – the BioLite FirePit Cooking Kit
We’ve written about BioLite and their FirePit a few times in the past, both in terms of reviewing the original version (you can see that here), as well as some of the improvements that they made earlier this year. Well, now we’re back into the swing of backyard grilling and campfires, so we thought we’d bring this back up, as we saw a small price drop on the BioLite FirePit Cooking Kit.
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New packs from Gregory Packs help keep the stink at bay
When you’re going to be backpacking for an extended amount of time, odor is, well, something you need to deal with. If you’re in the backcountry, you don’t have shower access, so you may get a bit ripe between the exertion and the campfires. Of course, your pack – especially an internal frame one – hugs close to your body, and can get a bit unpleasant as well. At least, until Gregory Packs released the Katmai and Kalmia.
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In Review: AquaVault FlexSafe
Until I ran across some ads for the AquaVault FlexSafe, being able to lock up some smaller items – a phone, camera, or wallet – wasn’t anything I had given too much thought to. Either I’ve got the stuff on my person, or it’s tucked away in a spot that’s not publicly accessible. However, as it seems like we might be able to get out and do more soon, maybe you’re thinking something like the AquaVault FlexSafe might be a solid choice to protect your valuables.
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