In this episode of Sintax77’s Mail Call, I open a package containing an item that I can’t quite figure out at first…
At first glance, I could at least devise that it was some sort of hammock camping gear accessory. Specifically what it was though, was confusing the heck out of me to be honest.
All that written on the envelope was a face book page, which cleared things up pretty quickly. https://www.facebook.com/myhangtimehook/
Apparently it’s an early production run prototype for an accessory that allows you to easily hang your cellphone from your hammock ridgeline. It also appears to be useful for mounting other items such as a light or USB charger as well, by using the various attachment points or the main clamp.
A Review of the Olight HS2 Headlamp for Running & Hiking.
In this gear video I go over my personal experiences with using the Olight HS2 rechargeable headlamp system, specs, features, and operational procedures to access the Olight H2R Nova’s light modes and charging functions. As a backpacker more so than a runner, I also go over my thoughts and experiences with using this as a running headlamp vs a hiking and camping headlamp.
HS2 Specs, as per the Manufacturer
Beam Distance Max: 279 feet / 85 meters
Max Performance (lumens): 400
Charge type: Micro-USB
Compatible Batteries: Customized LiPo Battery
Light Intensity (candela): 1,800
Light Form: Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
Lens / Reflector Type: TIR bead lens (wide/broad beam)
Mode Operation: Side Switch
Size Factor: Small size (Car key / Zippo Lighter)
Series: Series H (Headlamps, Multitasking)
Unique Characteristics
Can be powered directly from any USB power source – never run out of battery.
Dual LED system for long range and up-close wide illumination.
Audible beep at 10% battery capacity to alert the user to charge.
Compact and lightweight at only 4 ounces.
Lighting Levels
Dual Beam High: 400 lumens , 2 hours 12 minutes
Dual Beam Low: 100 lumens , 9 hours
Single Beam High (wide or spot): 200 lumens , 4 hours 30 minutes
Single Beam Low (wide or spot): 50 lumens , 18 hours
Moon 1 lumens Cool White / 1 lumens – Neutral White – 45 days
Strobe: No
SOS / BEACON: Yes
Technical Characteristics
Waterproof: IPX4
Weight: 4.06 oz , 115 grams
Length: 24mm / 0.94 in
Head Diameter: 23mm / 0.91 in
Body Diameter: 45mm / 1.77 in
LED: Cree XH-G2
Use: EDC, car, camping, fishing, household, general use, fishing, climbing, cave exploration, outdoor activities, house activitie
A discussion on deciding which backpacking gear items to buy / upgrade first when first getting started with hammock camping.
A viewer, Chuck C., recently sent me the following question:
“I have been buying my gear spread out so the wife won’t kill me. Rank these in the order you would buy:
Cuben Fiber Tarp
Down Under Quilt
Down Top Quilt
Hammock
Backpack
In the video I try to answer this question as well as get some discussion going on the topic of hammock camping gear in general. Which items would you upgrade or buy first?
A Review of the Enkeeo Mosquito Zapper Lantern for Backpacking and Camping.
For 15% off click here and enter the code UIF34MML at checkout (offer good until 10/18/17)
The Enkeeo Enkeeo 2-in-1 Mosquito Killer Camping Lantern Tent Light is both a standard backpacking / camping lantern with 3 levels of light output, as well as a mosquito zapper. The bug zapper function uses several blue looking LEDs operating at 360nm to 400nm that specifically targets the attraction of mosquitoes (while mosquitoes are said to not be attracted to UV light (which has wavelengths of around 10nm – 400nm), these LEDs seem to emit light just at the edge between visible light and non visible UV Light. Once attracted, a wire mesh grid operating at 1000 volts completes task.
Features and Specs, As Per the Manufacturer
High Light (100% lighting) ≥ 180 Lumen, ≥ 6h
Normal Light (50% lighting) ≥ 90 Lumen, ≥ 12h
Low Light (20% lighting) ≥ 30 Lumen, ≥ 20h
Weight: 200g/ 0.44lb
Dimension: φ3.46″ x 5.08″
Zapper-Only Mode ≥ 15h
Voltage Input: 5.0±0.2V
Current Input: 900mA±100mA
Full Charge Time: 2~4 hours (depends on the input current)
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.
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.
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.
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
(150 lumen max)
(15 lumen max)
(70 lumen max)
and enter the code UIF34MML at checkout (offer good until 10/18/17)
, 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.
– 
DIY (made out of pellet tin)
slivers
– Brunton Classic
in a 
(1 Pair)
, Synthetic workout style
– light weight 1/4 
w/ battery
GPS Locator