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Gear Review
UpNorthica Reviews: Cooke Custom Sewing Food Pack System
There are plenty of ways you could haul your vittles into the wilderness. Garbage bag. Back pack. Your kids insulated lunch bag. You name it. It’s likely been done.
Save yourself from further embarrassment.
UpNorthica Reviews: Granite Gear Superior One Pack
Hauling your pack over a 325-rod portage should be like walking in a park. Almost. So, how do you choose a well made, durable pack and save your back for future trekking?
We put Granite Gear’s Superior One Pack through extensive testing on several trips.
The largest of their Expedition Series, the Superior One is made of 210D nylon Cordura fabric. For the layman, 210D –denier– refers to the thickness of the nylon measured. The higher the number, the more tear-resistant and waterproof the material is. Cordura fabric is known for combining lightweight, water resistant and long-lasting properties. Our pack has sat in mud, on rocks, been drug over dirt and we can happily report that it has held up without any wear.
UpNorthica Reviews: Cabela’s GORE-TEX PacLite Rainy River Pants
Maybe it’s all the rain that we’ve been having, but staying dry is on our radar.
After picking up Cabela’s GORE-TEX® PacLite® Rainy River™ Pants a few years ago, we are happy to verify that they hold up incredibly well.
We have slogged through mud, over fallen trees, and thick brush to find that after all the abuse, the pants held strong. Made of the lightest GORE-TEX fabric, they are a durable top layer without the added bulk. The Paclite fabric has been bonded to the GORE-TEX, eliminating the need for an additional liner. Best of all, the fabric has nearly invisible polymer dots on the membrane that protect it from damage.
We like that they peel off easily thanks to a draw-cord adjustable waist and side leg zippers. They slipped right over our chunky hiking boots.
Terramar Children’s Thermolator II Crewneck
Keeping the kids warm, particularly in the frost brushed mornings of the Boundary Waters, is a worthy consideration to everyone planning trips during the months of September or October.
This fall we’re taking the kids. How do we keep those bodies from becoming blue?
Layers.
Choose a good base-layer to start with. We like Terramar Children’s Thermolator II Crewneck with Ec2 Qwik-Dri. Yes, it sounds like it could take down a bear, but what matters is that the poly/spandex blend ensures that it wicks moisture, dries fast and has exceptional warmth with minimal weight. Top and bottoms weigh 6 ounces respectively.
After initial tests, the fit is true to size. And, because we know our kids will be wearing these for 72 hours straight, it boasts a antimicrobial process to help eliminate the stinks.
Finally, if you are saturated with a rare day of sun, it has a UPF rating of 25+ blockage.
Because our kids grow fast and we are concerned about cost, we are happy to report that you get all this coverage and durability for around $13 bucks, which means you can afford more treats for the trip.
Buy here.
UpNorthica Reviews: Integral Design Siltarp 3
Mountaineers are protected from snowfall. Rangers get a break from the wind. It’s hard to beat the quality and durability of Integral Design’s outdoor products. Even the government uses them.
But isn’t a tarp just a tarp? Read on to see what we uncovered.
UpNorthica Reviews: Duluth Pack Moose Hide Choppers
Duluth Pack has been making their Moose Hide Choppers since infinity ago. For so long, in fact, I’d heard a rumor that they actually hold a patent on the moose itself.
As with their canoe packs, Duluth Pack’s choppers have maintained a certain loyalty among outdoorsy types. While most outerwear brands have chased after ever-newer materials and technology, the choppers have changed little since Ely tanner Henry began making them in 1974. Are they still tough enough?
UpNorthica Reviews: GoMotion Sternum 3-Watt Luxeon LED Kit
A headlamp that’s made to go on your chest? Nope, I sure hadn’t tried that one before.
But when I first saw GoMotion’s Sternum 3-Watt Luxeon LED Kit, I was curious about the concept. Could it actually better a night-time wilderness experience? Would it avoid the drawbacks of traditional headlamps? And would this huge searchlight on my torso put out a really cool Iron Man sort of vibe? Of course I had to find out. Initiate Gear Review…
UpNorthica Reviews: Granite Gear AirVent Packing Systems
A message to all you holdouts who still use Hefty Bags to haul gear into the BW:
Granite Gear loves you and they just want to help.
Yes, it’s true that tall kitchen garbage bags could be considered within ultra-light weight class. And the newer models with Country Lemon Scent, do cut the odor of the hiking socks. Just listen, though…
Products with silicone-impregnated nylon have been around for a while now and what’s more, a couple new offerings in Granite Gear’s AirVent DryBloc line, could help you with your problem.
UpNorthica Reviews: Brunton Eterna Monocular
Missing thousands of Kodak moments to shutter delay over the years (thank you Coolpix) will teach you something: To appreciate the pure experience of simply seeing a thing. You learn how to watch actively. And if perchance you are witness to something remarkable, you become exceedingly good at relishing the magic of that moment. The picture itself is not an end; even the most well-taken shot is a means, a vehicle to bring you back to that sight, that memory.
So if I do catch that glimpse of a bull moose or otters at play, I decided, I want it to be the best it can be — prize-winning photo or not.
With that in mind, I’ve been toting the Brunton Eterna Monocular on outings for several months now. Touted as lightweight, fogproof and even waterproof, it was recommended to me as ideal for the canoe camper. Here’s why I would agree.
UpNorthica Reviews: GoLite Adrenaline Sleeping Bag
Mention GoLite around the water cooler and you’ll likely get blank stares. But bring up the outdoor brand around your outdoorsy buddies, and people listen. Those on the fringes of your conversation will crash it. Pulses quicken, shirt collars get unbuttoned. You’ll have to throw them subtle hints to wipe the drool from their jowls.
GoLite is a standard-bearer among the ultralight set. The company’s commitment to making products with “maximum performance for minimum weight” has earned them awards, respect and adulation.
So I tried some of their stuff.
Specifically, the stuff that the Adrenaline 0 ̊ sleeping bag is made of. I wanted to know if the bag’s performance lived up to its high reputation – and high price point of $400.
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