Category Archives: Gear

Sawyer Micro vs Katadyn BeFree – Flow Rate, Size, Weight & Gravity Filter Options

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A detailed comparison of the Sawyer Micro Squeeze & Katadyn BeFree Water Filters for Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping.

For this backpacking gear review, I’ll be comparing two light weight, hollow fiber membrane water filters for ultralight backpacking – the Sawyer Micro Squeeze and the Katadyn BeFree.  Both of these filters are available in minimalist, personal use setups for solo hiking, as well as gravity water filter setups for group backpacking trips.  I’ll detail the specs, configuration options, features, and flow rates for both, along with my own personal experiences with these water filtration systems.

Both of these water filters are .1 micron, suitable for the majority of contaminates encountered in the greater North American region – cysts, bacteria (such as E. Coli, salmonella, leptospirosis, cholera, etc), and protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium).  When combined with the Sawyer select system, the Saywer Micro also offers the ability to protect against viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.

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Sneak Peak – Dutchware Pup Tent (Prototype)

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A solution to Hammock Camping with your Dog?

In this backpacking gear video, I’ll be tinkering with a new prototype piece of hammock camping gear, the Dutchware Pup Tent.  Please keep in mind that this is a prototype that is still in development.  I’ll be checking out it’s features, setup options, and usage with my dog Denali.

I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on DutchwareGear.com from future developments.

Weight: 275 grams (9.7 oz) with the stuff sack.

Other Hammock Camping Gear Seen:

Olight S2R Baton II Review & Operation Guide – 1,150 Lumen EDC Flashlight

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A Review of the Olight S2R Baton II – 1,150 Lumen Flashlight

The Olight S2R Baton II is a USB rechargeable battery LED flashlight with a 5 lumen low mode and a 1,150 lumen turbo mode, along with 3 other lighting modes. I got my hands on a pre-release of this LED flashlight and have been testing it from the standpoint of Every Day Carry, Backpacking and Camping applications.

Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc

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First Look – Hammock Gear Zippered Bug Net Hammock

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A look at the new Hammock Gear Zippered Bug Net Hammock.

For this backpacking and hammock camping gear video, I’ll be taking a look at the Hammock Gear’s new hammock with integrated bug net. This is Hammock Gear’s first foray into making their own hammock (they also released a netless version), and I’m quite impressed.  I’m looking forward to getting it out on an upcoming backpacking trip video.  I’ll go over the various features, specs, and my own personal experiences with the HG Hammock so far.

Correction: I mentioned in the video that their are 4 internal grosgrain loop, but their are actually 6.

Specs and Features as per the Manufacturer

  • Width: 58 inches
  • Length: 11 ft (132 inches)
  • Fabric: Hexon 1.6 Single Layer (40 denier)
  • Weight (body, without suspension): 17.85 oz (147 grams)
  • Symmetrical gathered-end design that allows you to comfortably lay in any direction.
  • Attached Noseeum mesh stuff sacks located at each peak for bugnet and personal item storage.
  • Attached zippered bugnet allowing peak to peak visibility.
  • Attached Hexon stuff sack adequate for stowing the hammock and complete suspension system in one convenient place.
  • Comes ready-to-hang, pre-installed with: ridgeline, 2 continuous loops, and 2 carabiners
  • Six internal grosgrain loops for adjustments and organization
  • Four pack hooks for easy underquilt adjustment
  • Weight Limit – 350 lbs.

Other Gear Seen in the Video

Outdoor Vitals Loftek Adventure Jacket – In Depth Review

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An in depth look at the Loftek Adventure Jacket.

On Kickstarter until 12/5/18 (Early Bird special ends 12/5/18)

For this backpacking gear review video, I go over the features, specs and my personal experiences with the Outdoor Vitals Loftek Adventure Jacket for camping, hiking and travel.

Specs and Features as per the Manufacturer

  • LoftTek™ is the world’s most advanced synthetic down imitation. The loose fill nature of the fibers mimics down’s extreme weight to warmth ratios and packability, while the it’s synthetic nature allows it to stay warm in wet conditions.
  • Unlike down, LoftTek uses siliconized fibers that dry quickly and always stay lofted for optimal warmth – even when wet.
  • Get the ultralight warmth and packability of down and the versatility and moisture advantages of synthetic.
  • You can pack the entire jacket into its own pocket. Use it when you need and and pack it into itself when you don’t.
  • Because of it’s ultra soft material, your packed jacket can also second as a pillow. Another way to save space without compromising your comfort.
  • LoftTek™ Adventure Jacket is coated so that water will bead up and roll off rather than absorb into the fabric.
  • The LoftTek™ Adventure Jacket is fully weatherproof and can stand up to the harshest conditions including snow, rain, cold temperatures, and extreme wind without sacrificing warmth or performance.
  • If you find yourself storing too much warmth, use the underarm zippers to release some of the heat. These are especially useful during high activity.
  • The thumbholes in the sleeve ends allow the sleeves to stay fully extended and in place, even when layering up or being active.
  • The insulation dries extremely quickly so if you need to wash it in a hostel or hotel sink, it can air dry fast and be ready to go the next day.

Totalpac – Packable Backpack Review

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A Review of the Totalpac Packable Backpack.

In this backpacking and travel gear review, I give a run down of the various features of the Totalpac Packable Backpack from the perspective of both outdoor applications as well as airport travel, etc.

Sintax77 Viewers Get 50% off by using this link and entering the code TOTALP50 (offer good for a limited time following release)

Disclosure: This post or video contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links. Cross reference, do your own research and make your own decisions, duh 😉

Specs and Features as per the manufacturer

  • ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT (11oz) – Weighing less than a pound, the portability of this bag is unrivaled. When not in use, the foldable daypack takes up almost no space. With its packable stowaway design, it quickly zips into its own inner pocket for easy compact storage. Store it in any small space and expand into a full sized backpack as needed. No more taking up space or paying airlines extra carry on fees. One of the best mens and womens daypacks on the market
  • FUNCTIONAL & ORGANIZED (35 liters, 11 pockets, USB Cable) – 35L of storage and 11 pockets to hold your accessories, you’ll have no problem fitting everything inside this roomy daypack. Main storage compartment with internal organization, traveling school laptop sleeve, 2 front pockets with additional zipper pocket inside, mini keychain clip, adjustable dual side water bottle accessory pockets, hidden anti theft pocket for id valuables. USB charging port makes this the go to trekking hike bag
  • DURABLE – Ultralight but equally strong, this little bag will be your companion for years to come. Made with the best premium grade Diamond Ripstop Nylon, this pack is both water and tear resistant. Robust metal SBS “no catch” zippers provide easy access to pockets. High quality reinforced stitching and bar tacks add structural integrity. Deluxe polyester 200 pound bearing straps and strong ABS plastic buckles make this the perfect outdoor back pack for travel hiking camping and backpacking
  • COMFORTABLE – Designed with comfort in mind, you’ll be able to pack this bag around for hours on end and still feel great at the end of the day. 2.5 inch carrying straps with breathable padded foam, sleek slim design reduces unnecessary bulk and weight. Adjustable chest strap transfers weight from shoulders to chest for a well balanced load. Packs come in black blue grey orange and are the perfect fit for men women girls boys and kids of all sizes. Ideal comfort for running biking and cycling
  • NO WORRIES GUARANTEE – Get a full refund or exchange on our backpacks for any reason, at any time. Yes! For any reason, at any time! Buy 100% risk-free knowing that we’ll always have your back. So buy today and enjoy it all, hiking travel gym beach camp trips and more

Other Gear Seen and Discussed