Gear Review: Sea to Summit TPU Case

Difference in sizing

With so many electronics today making their way into the backcountry, the challenge of protecting them from moisture while still being able to use them has become an issue.  As we started planning to hike the Appalachian Trail we thought about what electronics, after our cameras, we would be bringing along and the Peek topped our list.  My comfort (luxury) item was a Nook eReader because I’m such a book worm.  Both of these electronics were important to us and we needed a way to protect them while still being able to use them.  After looking around at various electronic cases, we decided on the Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Cases.

Gear Review: Tilley Undergarments

---

She Said:
Space is limited and checked bags are not cheap, so what is an adventurer to do when traveling?  There are many ways to save space and reducing the amount of clothing carried is one way.  Tilley challenges the traveler to reduce their undergarments to just two pairs of underwear, two pairs of socks and two undershirts.  Is it possible to travel comfortably for 10 days with limited undergarments?  Equipped with Tilley’s travel wear, it certainly is possible.

Gear Review: Inov-8 Race Pro 18 L

When I day hike I like to go fast and light.  I like to carry just what I need and nothing more.  I find the larger the pack I take, the more weight and unnecessary items I start to bring along.  With the Inov-8 Race Pro 18 L pack, I have just enough room for essentials.

The pieces that make the bite valve

The Inov-8 Race Pro series is a great series of packs for runners, cyclists and day hikers.  The Race Pro line comes in several volumes ranging from a 12 L to a 30 L in the pack style and two smaller fanny pack styles in a 2 L and a 4 L.  The 18 L pack comes with two hip belt pockets, one of which is mesh the other is a water resistant pocket with rubberized water-resistant zipper.  The pack has three compartments accessible from the back.  The top pocket is a small mesh stretch pocket for small items.  The main compartment contains a rubberized, water-resistant zipper and allows for access to the frame-sheet by way of a Velcro entry.  The last pocket is a mesh pocket open to the elements and has multiple access points.  The pocket has a reflective loop for visibility as well as attaching a light to it.  The hip-belt has a single adjustment point and the shoulder straps have a sternum strap to prevent slipping.  The sternum strap has an integrated whistle.  Check out the video for more details on the various features of the pack.

Gear Review: Clif Crunch Bars

Clif Bars have long been a staple in the outdoor industry.  As an avid fan I was excited to hear of them developing a new product called Clif Crunch Bars which are all-natural granola bars.  The bars hit markets this year in four introductory flavors of: Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Honey Oat and White Chocolate Macadamia.  Clif Crunch Bars are 70% organic, contain between 4-5 grams of protein and provide a good source of fiber and organic whole grains.

Gear Review: Exped Air Pillow

Shape when fully inflated

Sleeping in the back-country doesn’t need to be about sacrificing so much weight that a comfortable night’s sleep can’t be had.  A cold Silnylon clothes bag stuffed with clothes just doesn’t work for me.  I’ve tried doing without, wrapping a fleece around bundled clothes, and even resorted to putting my shoes under the edge of my pad to raise it up.  For me, none of these options resulted in a comfortable night’s sleep.  So I have been searching for a pillow that is light-weight, comfortable and works for both stomach and side sleeping.  With the Exped Air Pillow I feel my search is finally at an end.

Gear Review: GU Chomps

We play hard on the trails to put our gear through the test.  In order to play hard we need to keep our bodies fueled.  Having something to replenish our electrolytes and fuel our body is definitely a plus on our trips.  Consuming GU Chomps are a great tasting way to satisfy our hunger and help maintain proper electrolyte balance.

GU Chomps are a gummy chew containing electrolytes, vitamins C and E, and amino acids.  Each package of Chomps comes with eight Chomps inside which amounts to two servings of 90 calories each.  Each serving contains 100% of the daily recommended serving of both Vitamins E and C.  There are currently four flavors available; blueberry-pomegranate, orange, cranberry-apple and strawberry.  GU is currently introducing a new watermelon flavor.  Cranberry-apple and strawberry both contain caffeine while the others are caffeine-free.  According to the packaging, each package will fuel 1 1/2 to 2 hours of activity.

Gear Review: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Following in the paddle drips of the fur traders, settlers and Indians, this 740 mile paddling trail winds its way through some of the most rugged forests the northeast coast offers.  The trail spans New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine, meandering from ponds to lakes, streams to rivers.  This book opens the possibility to explore this trail in many ways.  Breaking the trail down into easy to manage sections, this book gives a paddler many choices in terms of length of paddling and possible destinations.