Oasis 2100 Hydration pack by Teton Sports

   I recently upgraded from my Camelback hydration pack to the Teton Sports Oasis 2100. I can have to say this is the best day pack that I have ever used. Plenty of storage space, a 3 liter hydration bladder, a safety whistle built into the chest buckle, a large internal compartment with a couple of quick compartments and 2 waist zippered pockets. It even has a built in rain cover, and clip for your keys.

This pack is not only stylish, but incredibly comfortable and has a well thought out design. The padding on the back is not only designed for comfort, but airflow.  A mesh pocket on the back is perfect for those wet socks or in my case the dog bowl allowing the contents to dry while you are on the move.

I would recommend this pack to anyone who hikes, walks, trail runs, or is just looking for an excellent pack for family outings. 

  

Specs

• Dimensions: 19.5" x 12" x 9.5"
• Shell: 600D Dobby / 210D Polyester
• Hydration Capacity: 101-Ounce (3 Liter) Large Mouth Bladder Included
• Capacity: 1200 Cubic Inches / 20 Liters
• Color: Blue | Black
• Pack Weight: 2.45 lbs (unfilled)
• Waist Belt: Expandable up to 60"

Tent Review: REI Quarter Dome T2+

Thinking of getting a new tent? Check out NutnFancy's video review and make sure to follow him on YouTube he's got some informative well done videos.

Hammock Camping?

I came across this diagram for hammock camping and thought it was pretty informative. I have never used a hammock in place of a tent, but the freedom that comes with it is enticing. Light weight, sleeping under the stars, sounds almost romantic to an wilderness lover.

I had my eye on a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC an awesome hammock with all the bells and whistles. But the ENO Double Nest is much more affordable, especially since I have never truly tried sleeping in a hammock!

I would love to hear from you hammock people. What are the things that you have learned through trial and error? Please comment below.

Image from Survival Magazine

The Dark Energy Reservoir Charger

Join me on the dark side…Dark Energy Reservoir. This is a sleek dark mystical USB charger that has a ton of power. About the size of a cellphone and weighing in at a 5.9 oz, this portable charger has a power capacity of 8000 mAh. On a single charge of the Reservoir, you can charge your phone (3-6 times), camera (4-10 times), GoPro (6-7 times). That's a lot of juice! The Dark Energy Reservoir can charge 2 devices at the same time.

See more at Dark Energy Reservoir

How to use Bear Spray!!!

Check out this how to use bear spray from Backpacker Magazine and don't forget to visit their site!

How to make fresh drinkable water

Building a solar still is an important craft to know. Stranded on a beach, in a desert, or lost in the wilderness on a day hike gone bad? This can save your life.

Rule of 3's: The average human body can go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.

Knowing how to create drinkable water from a stagnant source or from vegetation can save your life!

How many of these 40 knots do you know?

Knots are important to know for many different reasons. From tying your shoes to securing something on the roof of your car, to saving your life or the life of a friend.

How many of 40 knots do you know?

Shemagh- Top 10 Uses for this Tactical Scarf

Worn in the Middle East for centuries this piece of cloth became popular in the United States after Special Ops groups realized the benefits that they offer. Pronounced shmog I recommend adding one of these to your day pack or bug out bag.

Sporting goods stores sell the glamorized "Buff" but in my opinion its no Shemagh!!!

Here are my top ten uses for the Shemagh, please comment below any uses you may have below!!!

1. Cooling wrap– Soak it before tying it around your head or placing it under your hat, coupled with convection it will actually make you cooler. Great way to prevent sunburn too.
2. Warm wrap – Wear it under a hat, or around your neck for extra warmth in cold weather.
3. As dust protection – Even if you don’t live in a very sand or dust storm prone region, it makes great protection from sawdust, grass clippings, or other flying particles.
4. As a backpack or shoulder sling – Tie the corners together, put over your head and across your chest, and carry anything in the middle pocket that is formed.
5. As a pillow – Wrap clothes, leaves etc inside to form a pillow to rest your head on if you forgot your camp pillow.
6. As a sling – Much better than a bandanna in my opinion due to its size for slinging broken arms/collar bones.
7. Trauma bandage – Its not a replacement, but in an emergency it can be tied around a gusher to help control bleeding.
8. Filter your water – It wont protect you from microbes but its a first line filter to get the chunky stuff out.
9. Towel– I used mine to wipe sweat off my face, or you can even use it as a towel for those river dips.
10. Bug Protection– I use mine during the day and at night to keep those pesky buzzing flies out of my ears! It does also help to keep mosquito's off your face and neck, although I still use products containing Deet.

Gear Review: REI Airrail 1.5 Sleeping Pad

I recently purchased the Airrail 1.5 and I have to say I love it. As a big guy this provides excellent support and comfort and at a 1lb. 15oz is fairly light. The side rails, coupled with the non-slip material, are designed to cradle you your bag. Preventing the middle of the night shuffle trying to get your bag back on the pad.

With a combination of foam and self-inflating air pockets this is one of the most comfy pads I have slept on.

I would definitely check this one out if you re in the market for a great sleeping pad.

I will do a YouTube video on this later.

Specs:

* Weight 1lb 15oz
* Self-inflating
* 25" x 78" with 2.5" side tubes
* R-Value 4.2
* Thickness 1.5"
* Non slip texture
* Foam and Air
* Stuff sack
* Orange and Grey
* Cost About $100.00

Pizza Burritos for Camping

Great little dinner item that can be pre-made at home.

*Large tortillas not those little soft taco kind but the GRANDE
*Pizza sauce
*Your choice of toppings- We used cheese and pepperoni
*Aluminium foil





Pretty self explanatory on how to put them together, just roll it up tight and make sure the foil is rolled tight with the ends sealed. Throw them in your cooler  and when you are ready place them on the grill or right on the coals for 3-5 min on each side.

CAUTION- The foil does get hot, I use a glove to turn and remove them.

Get creative! Let me know what concoctions you come up with!