Category Archives: Kit

ARC’TERYX Rampart Pants

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The Arc’Teryx Rampart pants are super lightweight and provide phenomenal freedom of movement. As a result, these pants are extremely comfortable. In addition to being super durable, these pants are also breathable, making them a great choice for hot weather use.

 

Along with the two heavy duty snap buttons, I especially like the way the pockets are cut, particularly the side cargo pockets. The angles at which the cargo pockets are slashed is very ergonomic.

The only downside is their inability to hang around campfires as the material cannot handle sparks.

From the Arc’Teryx website:

Lightweight, breathable and durable, the Ramparts are urban inspired technical pants for climbing and hiking. Designed for unrestricted mobility they feature articulated knees and seat, and a gusseted crotch. Cargo pockets lie flat when empty and expand as needed. Gender specific patterning.

Technical Features

  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Quick-drying

Patterning

  • Articulated knees and seat
  • Gusseted crotch

Pocket Configuration

  • Two hand pockets
  • Two pleated cargo pockets with flaps
  • Two rear pockets with flaps
Zippers & Fly Configuration

  • Front fly with snap closure

Waist & Belt Configuration

  • Belt loops

Inseam Length (cm)

  • 80 cm inseam
TerraTex™—Nylon/Spandex blend
Care:
  • Machine wash in cold water.
  • Wash dark colours separately.
  • Tumble dry on low heat.
  • Iron on low heat.
  • Do not use fabric softener.
Cost: Around CDN $100

www.arcteryx.com

Outdoor Research Zip Sacks

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Ultra-durable, waterproof and fully featured.

The versatility and functionality of these zip sacks is in their simplicity. They can be used to create your own survival kit, First Aid kit, Toiletry Bag…the list is endless.

From the Outdoor Research website:

Made of a tough Antron nylon with a durable, waterproof Hydroseal® coating, this dry sack provides reliable waterproof performance. Taped seams and a roll-top closure ensure complete protection, and the external daisy chain and webbing bottom handle simplify carrying.

Avg. Weight (oz./g): 2.4 / 68 5L

  • Hydroseal® coated nylon is waterproof and durable
  • Waterproof taped seams; roll-top waterproof closure
  • Durable buckle secures roll top
  • External daisy chain
  • Webbing bottom handle

Cost: Around CDN $15 and up, depending on the size.

www.outdoorresearch.com

What Came First – the Spoon or Fork?

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What came first – the chicken or the egg? Did the spoon come first or did the fork? While the first question may never be answered, who cares which utensil came first when you can buy a Spork! (Spoon + Fork =  Spork).

Whether in your lunch bag or part of your camping gear, a Spork is functional and fun to use.

In this article, two well known producers of Sporks face off in a duel of hi-tech metal vs. plastic.

In one corner, we have the Japanese company SnowPeak whose material of choice for cutlery and other backcountry cooking products is titanium. Super light, super strong, and hypoallergenic, titanium is an excellent choice for those looking for a Spork that will “last forever.”

In the other corner, we have the Swedish based Light My Fire (LMF) who make lightweight ultra funky outdoor & urban food gear out of super durable plastics – also likely to “last forever.”

After testing these two Sporks on a variety of foods…here are my findings:

Weight: The SnowPeak is slightly heavier but both are incredibly lightweight.

Length: Basically the same.

Colour: The SnowPeak has a matt finish which reduces glare while LMF’s Spork comes in a variety of funky colours.

Design: The SnowPeak is clean and straight forward while Light My Fire utilizes both ends for a unique look. In addition, LMF’s Spork’s fork has a serrated outer prong edge.

Durability: While both are dishwasher safe and very robust, the LMF may have a slight advantage in terms of resisting bending and bouncing back to its original shape (within reason). However, the SnowPeak can resist direct heat from flames, campfires etc.

LMF Spork

Ergonomics: Although both hold a variety of foods well, the SnowPeak is much easier to grasp and use. The LMF on the other hand is slightly awkward due to the curvature of the entire utensil…it’s just not as comfortable.

LMF Spork food

In my opinion – the SnowPeak comes first.

SnowPeak – Cost: Around CDN $10

LMF – Cost: Around CDN $3

Western Arctic Inuit Ulu Knife

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Had this Ulu brought down from Nunavut. Some of the local Inuit made it from a saw blade and a muskox horn.

The Ulu is a traditional Inuit knife, used primarily by women for general purpose needs.

There are several different styles of Ulu. This one in particular is an example of a “Western Arctic” Ulu knife. Other variations of the Ulu are specific to the geographic location in question.

This is a “mid-size” Ulu. Note the full-size Bic lighter for reference.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulu

 

Kit Considerations…

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When looking for kit, don’t necessarily concern yourself with what’s new… Instead, concern yourself with what’s best.

Remember: Don’t let cost dictate what’s “best.” More expensive doesn’t mean it’s better.

Dress for Success

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Here are a few quick tips to remember the properties of clothing fabrics to help you dress for the outdoors:

Remember – In a survival situation, shelter and protection from the elements is critical. Don’t forget that your clothing is your primary shelter and clothing should therefore be well thought out.

Shelters are effectively micro-climates which allow us not only to survive, but to live and settle in environments that would otherwise be quite inhospitable. Proper clothing is what allows us to leave our shelters (homes, buildings, vehicles etc.) and move around. Therefore it is essential to think of our clothing as a shelter… After all, our clothing does in fact protect us from the sun, wind, rain, snow etc…

C is for Cotton: Casual, Comfort, Cold when wet, Can’t Wick moisture

W is for Wool: Warm, Wicking, Works Well Wet, Won’t Stink, Works Well around a fire

F is for Fleece: Fluffy (warm), Fears Flames, Fights moisture (wicking)

P is for Polyester: Poor around fires and flames, a Pro at wicking

S is for Synthetics: Sensitive to fire and flames, Super for Specialty kit (technical clothing)

Tip: If your outdoor clothing is not particularly suitable for sitting around a camp fire, pack a light wool blanket with which you can wrap yourself up in…this will help protect your clothing against sparks.

 

Patagonia Capilene® 3 Midweight Baselayer Bottoms

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These baselayers from Patagonia are extremely soft, wonderfully comfortable, and wick moisture quite effectively – by far the best baselayer bottoms I’ve ever tested.

In a survival situation, shelter and protection from the elements is critical. Don’t forget that your clothing is your primary shelter and clothing should therefore be well thought out.

Shelters are effectively micro-climates which allow us not only to survive, but to live and settle in environments that would otherwise be quite inhospitable. Proper clothing is what allows us to leave our shelters (homes, buildings, vehicles etc.) and move around. Therefore it is essential to think of our clothing as a shelter… After all, our clothing does in fact protect us from the sun, wind, rain, snow etc…

Cost: Around CDN $60
From Patagonia’s website:
Our most versatile synthetic baselayer keeps you dry and warm in cool to cold conditions.
Product Information
An alpine fact: Sweaty leads turn into cold belays. Designed to manage the extremes of high-output exertion in cool to cold conditions and keep you dry and warm beneath layers, Capilene® 3 Midweight is the most versatile and fastest-wicking of our performance baselayers. Brushed on the inside for warmth, it’s soft and compressible and has a jersey exterior that glides smoothly under layers. Details include a brushed-elastic waistband and a gusseted crotch with a functional fly. Made of a 5.4-oz Polartec® Power Dry® polyester double knit, with Gladiodor® odor control for the garment.

Details

  • Stretchy, double-weave fabric wicks extremely well
  • Durable smooth jersey face slides easily beneath layers
  • Fabric is brushed for warmth, softness and compressibility; provides excellent insulation and breathability
  • Elastic waistband is brushed for next-to-skin softness
  • Gusseted crotch for unimpeded mobility
  • Functional fly
  • Machine-wash cold, tumble dry at low temperature
  • Solids: 5.4-oz Polartec® Power Dry® 100% polyester (65% recycled) double-knit. Heathers: 5.4-oz Polartec Power Dry 100% polyester (51% recycled) double-knit. Both have Gladiodor® odor control for the garment
  • 187 g (6.6 oz)
  • Made in El Salvador.

Material

Capilene baselayers feature a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that dries quickly. Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor® garment odor control.

Technology

Climbing, skiing, running: at some point you’re going to sweat, and at some point you’re going to stink. Gladiodor® Garment Odor Control reduces unwanted smells on the fabric of a garment so you and your partners can breathe a little easier. Gladiodor treatments are rigorously tested for functionality initially and after washing.

Outdoor Research Highcamp Mitts

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In preparation for next winter, I bought these Outdoor Research Highcamp mitts to replace my North Face Nuptse mitts. Haven’t had a chance to test them much, but from what I can tell, they should be a great mitt.

Cost: Around CDN $80

www.outdoorresearch.com

From the Outdoor Research website:

Super warm waterproof protection for cold, variable conditions.

With incredible versatility for extended backcountry adventures, these modular mitts are the warmest in the HighCamp™ family. Removable liners provide warmth and waterproof protection in variable conditions. A waterproof/breathable Ventia Dry™ nylon shell keeps hands dry on the ice, and a wrap-around water-resistant leather palm ensures a confident grip on even the wettest routes. The included 100-weight fleece insulated liner gloves, combined with integrated heat packet pockets and the natural warmth of the mitt design, provide warmth in freezing winter conditions.

Avg. Weight (oz./g): 8.9 / 252 L

Features:

  • Features: Shell:
  • Ventia Dry™ construction
  • Waterproof/breathable Ventia™ insert
  • Waterproof/breathable, durable nylon shell Insulation:
  • PrimaLoft® One Insulation: 340g on back of hand and thumb
  • Moonlite Pile fleece palm Palm:
  • Wrap-around water-resistant leather palm Features:
  • Enhanced pre-curve, boxed construction
  • New thumb construction for enhanced articulation
  • Carabiner loop on back of hand
  • Ladder-lock wrist cinch with easy-grip tab
  • SuperCinch™ gauntlet closure
  • Removable Idiot Cord
  • Removable Liner:
  • 100-weight fleece
  • Silicone prints on palm provide solid grip and keeps liner in place under shell
  • Heat pack pocket on back of hand

Here at Outdoor Research, we are committed to developing truly functional solutions for Human Powered Adventure.

OR products are Designed By Adventure™ and from this, we deliver the hallmark of all Outdoor Research products – functional gear that works and lasts. By placing quality and function first, we can offer the finest guarantee in the industry for each and every product – OR’s Infinite Guarantee™.

We believe so strongly in the quality of what we make that if, at anytime, our product fails to meet your needs, we are happy to exchange or return it. Because of this solid belief, our products are guaranteed forever and are designed with this in mind. Your total satisfaction in our product is our goal.

Though we doubt you’ll ever need to, if you ever have to use our Infinite Guarantee, see the Returns and Exchanges section above.

MSR Snowshoe Bag

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Well…it’s time to pack away the snowshoes. Just purchased the MSR Snowshoe bag to pack away my Atlas 1025s – a perfect fit. Fits all 22″ and 25″ MSR snowshoes.

This pack features a ripstop nylon mesh which is rugged, long lasting, and allows for great ventilation and breathability. It also has an internal pocket for snowshoe accessories such as flotation tails, and exterior velcro loops for pole attachments. This bag is easy to carry thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap and handle which allows for different carry options.

“Great for worry-free packing and storage, this convenient, zippered bag is built from extra tough fabric to protect your snowshoes and the things you pack them in.”

– MSR website

Cost: Around CDN $35

www.msrgear.com

FYI: MSR = Mountain Safety Research

 

Woolpower Balaclava

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This was my second year wearing the Woolpower Balaclava. On very cold winter days when I want to reduce heat loss and limit exposure from the neck up, I’ve come to appreciate the tried and true balaclava. The Woolpower Balaclava is breathable and quite comfortable. Not too itchy, this 200g/m2 straight neck piece is machine washable in hot (60°C) water, and machine dry-able. Simple and functional, this balaclava can be worn under winter headwear, accommodates ski goggles well, and is very packable.

The primary problem I’ve had with this particular item is its weakness for velcro. Wool is a great material but is prone to terrible snagging and often gets mangled when it comes in contact with velcro (with the exception of some finer wools and wool blends), and a lot of outdoor technical clothing these days often feature velcro. Although it has held up, my balaclava has been noticeably chewed up from a velcro flap closure near the neck of my parka.

Cost: Around CDN $30

http://www.woolpower.se/en/default.asp