Category Archives: Videos – Gear Reviews

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

Unigear Sleeping Pad Review – Budget Backpacking Gear

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A Review of the Unigear Inflatable Sleeping Pad.

In this camping gear review, I give a run down of the various features of the Unigear Sleeping pad, as well as my own personal experiences with the Unigear pad for backpacking.

Sintax77 Viewers Get 20% off by using this link and entering the code 20sintax77 (offer good through the end of October, 2018)

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

  • Comfortable & Stability: The sleeping pad’s wave air tubes support your weight, keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the pad, you won’t bottom out if you roll on your side. 2 Inch thickness of cushioning provide unrivaled comfort, stability and support, great for sleeping in any position
  • Durability & Warm: The durable 40-denier ripstop nylon polyester with TPU coating helps prevent tearing, offers the right balance between low weight and durability. You don’t need to worry about punctures or leaks. Thickness material limit heat loss for better support and warmth (R-value 1.3)
  • Ultralight & Ultra-compact: Unigear sleeping pad with ultralight weight(Only 507g/1.1lb) and compact packed to the size of a 1-liter water bottle, Inflated size is 74”x24”x2”, which is ideal for outdoor activity like fast-and-light backpacking, traveling or camping
  • Easy to Inflate & Deflate: This sleeping mat with one way valves for inflation and deflation, blowing air into this inflatable sleeping pad really is a breeze! Which allows quick to inflate (10-15 breaths) and super fast deflate(only one second). Includes repair kit with 4 self-adhesive patches for fixing punctures in the field
  • 100% SATISFATION GUARANTEE: If you are not 100% satisfied with this product for any reason, please contact customer service within 60 days, and we will immediately refund your purchase price – no questions asked

Other Gear Seen and Discussed

Olight S1R Baton II Review – Mini EDC & Backpacking Flashlight

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A Review of the Olight S1R Baton II for EDC (Every Day Carry)

The Olight S1R Baton II is a USB rechargeable battery LED flashlight with a 0.5 lumen low mode and a 1,000 lumen high mode. I’ve found this lumen range, combined with it’s size and weight of 1.8 oz (including battery), to make the S1R Baton II a very useful light for my backpacking and camping trips where the expected lighting needs are a bit more critical.  The 2.48 inch length, and deep pocket tail clip make it a great light for my EDC needs as well. Particularly for front pocket carry.

Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc

Specs and Features, as per Manufacturer

  • General Data
    • Beam Distance (ft): 476
    • Beam Distance (m): 145
    • Max. Performance (lumens): 1000
    • Charge type: Magnetic USB charge base
    • Compatible Batteries: Customised RCR123A IMR
    • Light Intensity (candela): 5250
    • Light Form:  Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
    • Mode Operation: Side Switch
    • Form / Size Factor: Small size (Car key / Zippo Lighter)
    • Lens / Reflector Type: TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot)
    • Series: Series S (EDC, General Use)
  • Notable Characteristics
    • 1,000-lumen output: With the help of the all new customized 10C discharge current lithium-manganese battery, the S1R II delivers a huge output of 1,000 lumens in a small pocket light powered only by a single IMR16340.
    • Premium beam: Perfectly balanced hot spot for optimal clarity and a soft transition to maintain comfortable vision during use.
    • Three-color power level indication: Once the light is turned on, the power indicator located in the center of the side switch shows the power level in three colors (Green: Power>60%, Yellow: Power is between 10% and 60%; Red: Power<10%).
    • Highly efficient MCC II charger: This round-edged magnetic USB charger is not only 13% thinner than the previous MCC but is also compatible with all existing rechargeable flashlights and headlamps using this charging method. The new MCC II provides another fast charging solution to future Olight products with high capacity batteries.
  • Lighting Levels & Run Times
    • Moon – 0.5 lumens, 8 days
    • Low – 12 lumens, 20 hours
    • Medium – 60 lumens, 3 hours 40 mins
    • High – 600 lumens for 1.5 mins, then drops to 300 lumens for 45 mins
    • Turbo – 1,000 lumens for 1.5 mins, then drops to 300 lumens for 37 mins
  • Technical Characteristics
    • Waterproof IPX8
    • Weight: 51 grams / 1.8 oz
    • Length (mm / in): 63 / 2.48
    • Head Diameter (mm / in): 21 / 0.82
    • Body Diameter (mm / in): 21 / 0.82
    • LED:  Cree XM-L2 CW
  • Package Contents
    • Olight S1R II flashlight x 1
    • MCCII Magnetic Charging Cable x 1
    • 550mAh IMR RCR123A Battery x 1
    • Lanyard x 1
    • Battery box x 1
    • Pouch x 1
    • User Manual x 1

GCI Slim Fold Cook Station – Make your Vehicle Adventure Ready

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A Review of the GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station.

In this video camping fear review, I give a run down of the various features of the GCI Slim Fold Camp Cook Station, as well as my own personal experiences with the GCI cook station for car camping and various camp cooking applications.

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

  • Folds flat for storage
  • Easy to open, set up and close
  • Four multi-use fold-out side tables – beverage, wine glass, garbage bag, paper towel and utensil holder (weight limit per table: 30 lb / 13.6 kg)
  • Aluminum counter top (weight limit: 48 lb / 21.8 kg)
  • Lower rack for storage/dry goods (weight limit: 35 lb / 15.9 kg)
  • Powder-coated steel frame
  • Open size: 20.9 x 52 x 32.3 in (53 x 132 x 82 cm)
  • Folded size: 20.9 x 3.7 x 34.6 in (53 x 9.5 x 88 cm)
  • Unit weight: 18.9 lb (8.6 kg)