Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Outdoor Products Pinnacle Internal Frame Backpack Review

Outdoor Products Pinnacle Internal Frame BackpackTook this brand new pack on a 3 night,4 day trip through the Sierras.I had my sleeping bag and bed roll straped to the bottom and had a tent wedged between the front panel and the pack itself.This pack was big enough to carry all the gear I needed for 4 days.The trails had major climbs up and down trails carved into granite.My pack weight was about 40lbs. The pack held together great. The extra lashing points on the front panel are handy when used with carabiners for small items such as water shoes, flashlight, sierra cup. My only real gripe is with the two side mesh pockets.They are rendered useless because the bottom adjustment/cinch straps are on the outside of the mesh pockets and the only thing you can get in there is a flat map.What I ended up doing was cutting two slits in each pocket and passed the the adjustment straps through the slits on the inside of the pockets.That gave me the use of the pockets back.In addition, the mesh pockets have little to no elasticity.With a full pack, it was still tough getting an item such as Sierra cup in the mesh pockets and impossible to get a 32oz water bottle in there.Anyway, for the money this pack is a good deal.I thought for sure this pack would've been in shreds after the trip.Well, after inspecting it after the trip, no rips, no bad seams, nothing torn or broken.

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Product Description:
This mid-capacity backpack is great for multi-day hiking trips. It's top-loading with a drawstring closure, and includes a full-length vertical zipper for easy access to all gear. Two oversize mesh side pockets hold water bottle, maps, and more, placing these essentials at easy reach. The unit is compatible with Outdoor Products' hydration devices (sold separately). A reinforced, adjustable front compressor panel holds a shovel, tent, or other bulky items, and multiple lashing straps and daisy chain loops provide space for additional attachments.
Outdoor Products' packs are designed with comfort in mind. This model features an ultra-padded back and two removable aluminum stays to ensure a perfect fit. The Pinnacle backpack has a capacity of 3,160 cubic inches. It measures 21.5 x 15 x 8.25 inches, and weighs 3 pounds, 8 ounces.
About Outdoor Products
Outdoor Products is a worldwide outdoor sporting goods manufacturer, established in 1973. Before that time, the Outdoor Products founders were busy retailing outdoor sporting goods in their Los Angeles-based department store, "The Famous Department Store". This retail establishment was noted for a wide array of merchandise and was the primary source for outdoor gear in Southern California during that time. The experience of buying and selling outdoor gear eventually led the Outdoor Products family to designing and manufacturing their own goods. Eventually, the new product line became the hottest-selling items in all their four floors of retail space. Outdoor Products no longer has their department stores but they still continue in their longtime retail commitment to customer satisfaction. This commitment is backed by an unrivaled lifetime guarantee and a desire to create the most innovative, quality designs at an unbeatable price for outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike.
What's in the Box?
Outdoor Products Pinnacle internal frame backpack
Manufacturer Warranty
Fully guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials as long as the original owner/purchaser keeps the bag.
Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.


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Vargo Titanium Eaglespork Review

Vargo Titanium EaglesporkThis spork has long thick blunt tines that are different than the spork pictured in the ad and being so big don't make a decent fork-component.The fact that the tines are long mean the bowl doesn't make a decent spoon.I understand this type of spoon-fork 'spork' combination is a compromise but this item isn't a 'good' compromise.

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Product Description:
The Vargo Titanium Eagle Spork is a fork, knife and spoon combined into one smart utensil. It's constructed from high-grade, lightweight titanium and comes with a handy locking mechanism that attaches easily to packs and sacks for easy access when hiking. The Eagle Spork features a blasted handle for easy gripping and a polished tip for no-fuss cleaning. Features: Lightweight, high-grade titanium construction A fork, spoon and can opener all in one Locking mechanism attaches to pack straps for easy trailside access Blasted no-slip handle and polished tip Item Specifications: Length: 6" Weight: 0.5 oz. Material: Titanium

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Granite Gear DreamSack Review

Granite Gear DreamSackThis is a great companion on the trail and it feels weightless in your hands. The fleece is nice but the best part is the sac is cut to be flat rather than round and if you carefully fold what ever you stuff in it you will have a large area to use as a pillow rather than a small spot when using a regular stuff sack. The wide flat shape accommodates any tossing and turning while you sleep.

All granite gear products are made with exceptionally high quality so purchase this sack with confidence.

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Product Description:
Do you want the comfort of a real pillow without the weight? The dreamsack is an ultralight sil-nylon stuff sack with luxurious fleece on one side that is shaped like, well, a pillow. Stuff it with something soft like a fleece or down jacket and snuggle in. Sleep well!!!

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McNett Folio Cotton Sleep Sack,Single Review

McNett Folio Cotton Sleep Sack,SinglePurchased this to replace a defective Cocoon travel sheet I originally purchased from Amazon. I used the McNett during a 4 day trip to NY. Very roomy, but the velcro patches are small and don't do a good job of keeping the sack closed during the night. After a couple days I noticed the fibers have broken in some areas. Can't really complain, since I only needed a affordable product.

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Product Description:
The newly developed series of sleeping bag liners from Slumberjack provide superior performance, comfort and warmth. Each liner is made of soft, anti-pilling, double-brushed 100% polyester microfleece with a tricot fabric trim. With its full-length, two-way zipper and matching stuff sack, this sleeping bag/liner is an excellent addition to your camping gear. Features: Lightweight and easy to store Anti-pilling, double brushed 100% polyester micro fleece Tricot trim fabric Hip-length, two-way zipper Durasoft snap closure Matching polyester microfleece stuff sack Item Specifications: Size: Mummy 30" x 82" Rectangular 32" x 76" Stuff sack: 6" x 11" Weight: Mummy 1 lb. 1 oz. Rectangular 1 lb. 3 oz.

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Guyot Designs Squishy Bowl and Cup Set Review

Guyot Designs Squishy Bowl and Cup SetI will say that I love the color of this bowl/cup set, (I got Tangerine).
The inside is very smooth, while the outside has a brushed/grippier texture.
I was a little disappointed when unpacking and being confrotned with how small they really are. I know that the capacity is listed here, but it's kind of hard to visualize. The cup is 6 oz. That's about the size of a Yoplait yogurt container. The bowl is 16 oz. and is probably about an average cereal bowl size.
I was purchasing these for backpacking, but I don't think the cup would even be worth taking along (although I would definitely conserve food/water!)
I bet these would be great for staying at home with the kids!

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Product Description:
Collapsible for easy packing, yet made to retain their shape, these bowls are perfect for hot and cold foods on-the-go. Made of flexible food grade silicone. Temperature resistant to 400 Degree F. Easy clean-up - hand wash using soap and water.

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Slumberjack Fleece Pillow Review

Slumberjack Fleece PillowI'm afraid this is not much of a pillow. May be o.k. for a small child. Way too small for an adult!

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Product Description:
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Cocoon Travel Pillow Review

Cocoon Travel PillowThe pillow is OK I suppose. It will help me rest on longer US domestic flights. I am concerned that the synthetic down will compact over time. It is already showing signs of this, reducing it's functionality as a pillow. Cocoon should also make it clear that unless you have neoprene for skin, the pillow is very uncomfortable without a pillow case. You have to buy a pillow case to go with it to use it. Another $10 for the pillow case plus delivery I found out after I opened up the box. So the pillow ended up costing about $35 inc delivery and case....

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Product Description:
For plane, train, tent or cabin, these are the ultimate lightweight travel pillows. Ultra-compact designs with their own carry bags, plus optional, washable, pillow cases means you can bring these along on every trip. Small enough to easily fit in your carry-on bag, you can now avoid those questionable airline pillows and all the potential germs they carry!

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High Peak Luna 55+10 Women Camping Rucksack Backpack Review

High Peak Luna 55+10 Women Camping Rucksack BackpackMy wife & I went on a 3-day, 24-mile hike in the Smokies, and this bag performed great. It has lots of standard features like the camera pouch, cell phone pouch & built in rain fly that usually have to be purchased separate. The netting on the bag makes a great place to store food to eat during your hike. It's very adjustable, and I think it would fit just about any woman. Highly reccommended!

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Product Description:
The perfect pack for a woman.It is the middle in the series of Luna packs by High Peak.

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Columbia Cloud Haven Packable Fleece Pillow Review

Columbia Cloud Haven Packable Fleece PillowI enjoy backpacking or just being lazy at a campsite all weekend and this has got to be the best "compressible pillow" that I have ever laid my head on.This pillow is fairly lightweight (for being fairly inexpensive), and it is still able to provide adequate support all night long.

The pillow is attached to its carry bag and simply rolls up into the bag where it can be zipped up inside.Once more, if you wish you can compress the pillow even further with a compression sack or by simply squishing it where you want it (within reason).

I am a fairly big guy who likes to sleep in comfort.I like 3 pillows or more on my bed, but this one pillow provided me with just enough support that I found myself content for the very first time with just a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, and one little pillow.

If you can't afford something extravagant, and you want simple camping (without lugging along your entire bed from home) or a fairly lightweight pillow that provides satisfactory support for when you go backpacking I would definitely recommend that you give this product a try.It worked for me.

Now, if I can just find the perfect camp sleeping mat...

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Product Description:
Columbia Cloud Haven packable Fleece Pillow

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