MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit Review

A Review of the MalloMe Camping Cookset.

The MalloMe Cookware set is a 10 piece nesting mess kit for backpacking and camping that I’ve had for about year now, with great results.

While I typically pack pretty minimal for my solo backpacking trips, for group backpacking trips and snow melting in the winter, I’ve grown to really like this budget mess kit. It’s also quite nice for more involved backpacking meals and trail food cooking.

Items included with the MalloMe Cookware Set

  • Aluminum 1 Liter Pot
  • Pot Lid
  • Aluminum Frying Pan
  • 2 BPA Free Bowls
  • Folding Stainless Steel Spork
  • BPA Free Soup Spoon / Ladel
  • Wooden Spoon Spatula
  • Cleaning Sponge
  • Folding Stainless Steel Fork (free bonus)
  • Nylon Travel Bag Drawstring Pouch

Other Trail & Backpacking Cooking Items Seen

Toaks 450ml titanium cup
Toaks 750ml titanium cook pot 
Sea To Summit Alpha Light Long Spoon
Budget Canister Stove

Gregory Optic 48 Review

A Review of the Gregory Optic 48 Backpack. 

The Optic line of backpacks is aimed at weight conscious and ultralight backpackers. There is a larger Gregory Optic 58 for those with additional space needs as well as a women’s version called the Gregory Octal 45 and Octal 55. All of these packs are very similar, so this review should hopefully be applicable to hikers looking at any of these backpacks.

You can check out my full 7.5 lb Summer Ultralight Backpacking Gear List using the Optic 48 here: Sintax77’s Summer Ultralight Backpacking Gear List 2018

You can see the Optic 48 in action on my ‘Hiking the Standing Indian Loop – 3 Day Hammock Camping‘ video where I take it out for a 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip in the Nantahala National Forest.

Gregory Optic 48 Specs, as per the manufacturer

  • Gear Capacity (L)
    SM: 45
    MD: 48
    LG: 51
  • Gear Capacity (cu. in.)
    SM: 2746
    MD: 2929
    LG: 3112
  • Product Dimension h x w x d
    SM: 26 x 12.5 x 10.5
    MD: 28 x 12.5 x 11.5
    LG: 30 x 12.5 x 12
  • Weight (lbs)
    SM: 2.39
    MD: 2.47
    LG: 2.62
  • Rain Cover Weight (lbs)
    SM: .21
    MD: .21
    LG: .21
  • Stripped Weight (lbs)
    SM: 2.28
    MD: 2.37
    LG: 2.51
  • Material(s)
    100% Nylon

*Optic 48 pack furnished by Gregory for Trial & Evaluation. Opinions expressed are my own.

Sara’s Giving a Box of Gear to 3 Viewers! – Nomadik Box & Camping Gear Discussion

Sara’s Giving Away Nomadik Boxes to 3 Viewers!

Use this link for a chance to win.

3 Winners will be chosen at the end of this month (July 2018)

10% off – use code “sintax10” with this link.

This Month’s Theme
Happy Camper

Items in this Month’s Nomadik Box

Sara on Instagram @SarasGreatAdventures

Disclosure: A commission is received for purchases through the above product links. Your support is appreciated and makes the backpacking trip videos on this channel possible.

By the way, don’t mistake my giving you a 10% off code as some sort of order to do something. Be a smart cookie. Do your own research. Duh. 😉

Olight i3T EOS Review – Every Day Carry Flashlight

A Review of the Olight i3T EOS LED Flashlight for EDC (Every Day Carry)

The Olight i3T EOS is a single AAA battery LED flashlight with a 5 lumen low mode and a 180 lumen high mode. With a weight of 1.5 ounces (including battery), 3.5 inch length, and deep pocket tail clip, it lends itself well to every day carry.

Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc

Specs and Features, as per Manufacturer

  • General Data
    • Beam Distance (ft): 196
    • Beam Distance (m): 60
    • Max. Performance (lumens): 180
    • Charge type: Optional Charger
    • Compatible Batteries: 1 x AAA(R3)
    • Light Intensity (candela): 900
    • Light Form:  Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
    • Mode Operation: Tail Switch
    • Form / Size Factor: Small size (Car key / Zippo Lighter)
    • Lens / Reflector Type: TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot)
    • Series: Series I (Keychain)
  • Notable Characteristics
    • Powered by a convenient and widely available single AAA battery producing an output of 180 lumens.
    • Double helix body knurling for unique style and solid grip.
    • Super easy carry: Barely know it is there with its lightweight and slender form factor. The dual direction pocket clip makes the
      I3T even more convenient for carrying in a pocket or attaching to a hat or strap.
    • Highly integrated tail switch: The user can operate momentary on and quick mode shifting (5/180 lumens) all through a convenient tail switch.
    • The I3T is equipped with a TIR optic lens producing a soft and balanced beam for comfortable use.
  • Lighting Levels & Run Times
    • Low – 5 lumens, 16 hours
    • High – 180 lumens, 21 minutes
  • Technical Characteristics
    • Waterproof IPX8
    • Weight: 41 grams / 1.45 oz
    • Length (mm / in): 89 / 3.5
    • Head Diameter (mm / in) 15 / 0.59
    • Body Diameter (mm / in) 15 / 0.59
    • LED:  Philips LUXEON TX
  • Package Contents
    • Flashlight Olight i3T x 1
    • 1.5V Alkaline AAA battery x 1

Our Dog’s New Custom Sleeping Bag …from the Netherlands!

A first look at our Dog’s new Sleeping Bag.

Custom made by viewer Pim in the Netherlands.  He’s just getting started, but you can check out his website JustHanging.eu for custom backpacking and hammock camping gear.  Thanks, Pim!

Denali and I are excited to try his new doggie sleeping bag out on future hammock and tent camping trips  🙂

Here’s some more info on the bag from Pim’s website

“This bag is designed for dogs whom love to travel with there owners,
it is light weight, easy to pack and wil fit in a doggy backpack so he can
carry his own sleep system!

The estimated total weight for medium sized dogs is around 500 grams
or 18 Oz using the climashield 100 gr or 3 Oz.

For Goose down fill please send us a e-mail, also if you have other wishes you can
mail us so we can see if this is possible.”

Steripen UltraLight Water Purifier – Overview , Operation, Myths & Tips

A look at the American Red Cross Steripen UltraLight UV Water Purifier for Backpacking, Camping & Survival. 

The Steripen UltraLight is a compact, lightweight alternative to more traditional camping & backpacking water filters.  Instead of using a filter, the Steripen uses ultraviolet light to kill any bacteria, cysts and other harmful microorganisms.  Unlike most backpacking & survival water filters, Steripen also eliminates viruses.

In this video, we’ll go over the pros and cons of the Steripen UltraLight, versus traditional filter based water purification systems.  I’ll also demonstrate how to use a Steripen, frequently asked questions, water bottle options, common myths and concerns, and what the various indicator lights mean.

Specs and Features, as per the Manufacturer

  • SteriPEN ultra-violet lamp destroys over 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and protozoa
  • American red cross ultralight UV purifier quickly purifies 1.0L of water in only 90 seconds.
  • Easy to use, one-button operation provides 8,000 treatments producing up to 8,000 liters of purified water
  • Compact, lightweight at only 2.6 oz
  • American red cross ultralight UV purifier can be recharged using its USB port

Other Gear Seen