Category Archives: Gear

Olight H2R Nova Review – 2300 Lumen Palm Size Flashlight / Headlamp System

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A detailed review of the Olight H2R Nova versatile illumination tool.

In this gear video I go over my personal experiences with using the H2R Nova flashlight / headlamp system, specs, features, and operational procedures to access the Olight H2R Nova’s light modes and lockout function. I also talk about my thoughts on the systems application for backpacking, camping, personal defense, and daily chores, based on my use of this light as my EDC (every day carry) light over the course of several weeks of testing.

H2R Nova Specs, as per the Manufacturer

Beam Distance Max: 501 feet / 153 meters
Performance (lumens) 2300
Charge type Magnetic USB charge base
Compatible Batteries customized 18650
Light Intensity (candela) 5850
Light Form Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
Lens / Reflector Type TIR bead lens (wide/broad beam)
Mode Operation Front SwitchForm/
Size Factor Medium size (Permanent Marker)
Series Series H (Headlamps, Multitasking)
Unique Characteristics Huge beam spill (TIR with diffuser lens)
Optimal for packstrap, pocket, headlamp, pocket light and headlamp in one with magnetic charging.
Magnetic tail fix, 90 degrees light illumination direction

LIGHTING LEVELS

  • Turbo 2300 lumens(~750lm) 1h10m- Cool White / 2000 lumens (~750lm) – Neutral White1h50m (1m)
  • High 600 lumens Cool White / 550 lumens – Neutral White 2h30m
  • Medium 150 lumens Cool White / 140 lumens – Neutral White 10h
  • Low 30 lumens Cool White / 27 lumens – Neutral White 50h
  • Moon 1 lumens Cool White / 1 lumens – Neutral White – 45 days
  • Strobe: No
  • SOS / BEACON: Yes

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Waterproof IPX8
  • Weight 2.26 oz , 64 grams
  • Length 110mm / 4.33 in
  • Head Diameter (mm / in) 25 / 0.95
  • Body Diameter (mm / in) 23.2 / 0.91
  • Led Cree XHP50
  • Use: everyday carry , car, camping, fishing, household, EDC, general use, fishing, climbing, cave exploration, outdoor activities, house activities.
  • Package Contents: Flashlight Olight H2R, 1 pocket clip, 1 head strap, 1 silicone mount, 1 customized Olight 18650 3000mAh battery, 1 Magnetic Charging Cable,  1 EVA Pad (replacement of the magnet), Single-sided Adhesive Replacement EVA Pad, instruction manual

Other items seen in the video: Aukey 30,000mAh USB Battery Bank, ThorFire BD04 Flashlight, ThruNite Universal Charger

Ultralight Backpacking Gear List 2017

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A detailed look at my 2017 Ultralight Backpacking Gear List (warm weather & 3-season)

For a detailed list of my backpacking gear, with itemized weights and descriptions, you can download PDF and CSV format copies of this list as well as lists for previous trips / videos my Gear Lists page.

Sintax77 Gear List 2017 in PDF Format for viewing and printing.

Sitnax77 Gear List 2017 in CSV Spreadsheet Format for use in your favorite spreadsheet or backpacking software.

Below is a simplified list of the backpacking items shown in the video (without weights or descriptions) along with links for details and current pricing.

Backpack
Backpack – ULA Ohm 2.0
Pack Cover – Dutchware Argon

Shelter
Hammock Body – Dutchware Half-Wit
Hammock Suspension – Dutchware Dyneema Beetle Buckle
Tarp – Hammock Gear Cuben Hex Tarp
Tent spike – Titanium
Ground Cloth – Tyvek, long 3′ 6′ – I forgot to show this in the video. I like to place this under my hammock for organizing gear, keeping my feet dry when changing / getting out of the hammock and for wrapping around my pack to keep it dry during windy rain storms. 4 oz.  A 3’x3′ square can get the job done as well for half the weight.

Sleep System
Under Quilt – Hammock Gear Phoenix 30
Top Quilt – Hammock Gear Burrow 40

Storage
Bear Bag Line – Zing-it rope and Carabiner
Zip-lock Bag – Gallon
Zip-lock Bag – Sandwich

Cooking & Eating Utensils
Cook Pot – Toaks 750ml Titanium
Stove – Esbit DIY (made out of pellet tin)
Cookset Stuff sack (came with Toaks pot)
Matches – Waterproof
Fire Steel – Light My Fire, Mini
Pot Cozy , DIY Reflectix
Spoon – backup, disposable
Spork – Sea to Summit Alloy
Windscreen – Vargo Folding Aluminum
Paper towels squares and Sea to Summit Pocket Soap slivers

Water Treatment & Storage
Water Filter – Katadyn BeFree
Water Bottle – 1.5 Ltr, Disposable (2)
Spare water bottle caps

Tools
Compass – Brunton Classic
Lighter – Eddie Bauer
Multi Tool – Tool Logic Card

First Aid
First Aid Kit
Bug Spray – 100% Deet in a 3ml bottle
Sunscreen – 30 SPF in a 10ml bottle

Clothing (not worn)
Dri Ducks Rain Jacket
Underwear – Synthetic (1 Pair)
Shorts, Synthetic workout style
Shirt, Long Sleeve – light weight synthetic
Shirt, short sleeve synthetic Champion
Hat, Beanie – Lt Wgt Fleece
Socks, Wool – light weight 1/4 Darn Tough

Lighting
Headlamp – Fenix HL21 w/ battery

Toiletries
Toilet Paper
Toiletry Kit
Wet Wipes
Hand Sanitizer

Clothing Worn
Pants, Hiking – Lt Wgt
Shirt, short sleeve synthetic Champion
Underwear – Synthetic
Socks, Wool – light weight 1/4 Darn Tough 
Shoes, Trail Runners – Merrell Moab Ventilator

Optional Items Seen at End of Video
My every day carry flashlight – Preon 2
Long Underwear, Synthetic
Down Jacket – Montbell UL Down Parka
Dri Ducks Rain Pants
Dri Ducks Poncho
Spot Messenger Gen3 GPS Locator

AllPowers Solar USB Charger Review

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A detailed review of the AllPowers USB Solar Charger.

In this video, I go over my personal experiences and thoughts on the AllPowers Solar Charger, along with a detailed look at the features and specs.

For 10% off, click here and enter code 9KSMN867

Specs, as per the Manufacturer

  • Fast Charging Technology: Exclusive iSolar automatically adjusts the current and voltage to deliver its fastest possible current up to 4.8 amps per port or 5 amps overall under direct sunlight
  • Battery: Built-in 8000mAh. About 8-10 hours to fully charge under 70,000 lux light conditions. An hour charging can support 1.5-2.5 hours talk time
  • USB Outputs:  4 covered USB outputs (2 2.4A, 2 1A)
  • Size13.38×7.0x0.79 inch folded or 22.8×7.0x0.39 inch unfolded,
  • Weight 29.5oz
  • stainless-steel eye holes for attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents.
  • Package Contents: ALLPOWERS 21W Foldable Solar Charger, Carabiner, micro USB cable, instruction manual, 18 Month Worry-free Warranty and friendly customer service

Katadyn BeFree Upgrade! – Larger Water Bag & Gravity Filter System

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Using the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter with a HydraPak Seeker 2L Reservoir and Gravity Filter Tubing Setup.

After my previous review of the Katadyn BeFree water filter, I discovered and acquired a compatible water reservoir bag that would increase my filtering capacity to 2L – the HydraPak Seeker collapsible water bottle (also available in a 3 liter version).  The main challenge with the BeFree filter is finding a water bottle or reservoir with wide mouth 42mm threads, which the HyrdaPak has.

In the video I go over my thoughts and experiences using the Katadyn BeFree in conjunction with the HydraPak Seeker 2L and Sawyer Squeeze 64 oz Pouch as part of a gravity water filter system, as well as a stand alone squeeze style system using just the HydraPak Seeker and BeFree.

System Components Seen in the Video
Katadyn Befree Water Filter With Hydrapak 0.6L Collapsible Flask
Hydrapak Seeker 2L Water Storage Bag, Mammoth Grey (for dirty water)
Sawyer Inline Adapters for Screw On Filters
1/4″ Food Grade Plastic Tubing
Sawyer Squeeze Bag – 64 oz Pouch (for clean water)

First Look – Apex Tarp Shelter by GO! Outfitters

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Taking a look at my second item from GO! Outfitters, the Apex Tarp Shelter.

This is an 11′ x 9.5′ 70D Polyester Tarp that comes standard with 6 aluminum stakes and 8 guy-lines which can be configured in a variety of ways in conjunction with the Apex tarp’s 20 tie-out points. Personally, I’ll probably tie permanent lines to the 4 main corners and use removable a removable setup (either via larks head or hardware, like Dutch Hookworms) for the remaining lines for maximum adaptability on the fly.

**A note on the side middle side tie-outs: The official production model has the middle tie-outs on each side, unlike the configuration seen in this video. I believe this was simply due it being a pre-production model.

The tarp itself weighs 20 oz. Included guy-lines and aluminum stakes weigh a total of 8 ounces. I can see this tarp work great with any of my current camping hammocks, or as a nice stand alone shelter for minimalist ground sleeping situations. Color options are Forest Green, as seen and Slate Grey. There are also plans for an additional door kit as well, which may shed some light on the importance of those extra tie-out points on each side.

For full specs and the latest details, check out their Apex Shelter Kickstarter Page.

First Look – GO! Outfitters Hammock System

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Taking a look at a new hammock I’m testing out, the GO! Hammock by GO! Outfitters.

This is an 11 foot by 70 inch wide, netless, 70D camping hammock, available with or without the cinch buckle and nylon webbing strap suspension system. They also make a full bug net version as well, but I’m looking forward to giving it a spin for some cooler weather and winter backpacking, so netless should work out just fine for now.

For full specs and details check out the official GO! Outfitters website.

Or their original Kickstarter page by clicking here (funding complete).