SWISS RANGER WOOD STOVE

As long as I'm not above tree line, I like a lite wood burning stove.

It saves me having to carry fuel and well, I like the smell of the things. Above treeline is above fuel line so never plan on using a wood burner as an alpinist stove.

I have bought or built several types of woodies, from simple Hobo type "vented" cans to the POCKET COOKER (see page in this Blog for review). Now I have the chance to use the SWISS RANGER. The Ranger is little more then an aluminium vented Hobo can, but it has some interesting features.

First and most notably, it comes as a kit. The stove is equipped with "Corked" aluminium bottle, deep canteen cup and a neat bail that is designed to be both a handle and support for the cup/bottle while in the cooking mode.

The stoves design is pretty slick. Standing seven inches tall(17.5 cm) it is manageable. It is formed with six stamped ridges into the body that make it crush resistant and give it good grasping characteristics (when cool). Twelve draft holes circle the crown of the stove while ten circle it's base and a open fuel service window (1.5 inches by 2) make up for the missing two holes.

All in all the stove stokes and drafts quite well if not over fueled. Now that might just be an issue for some folk that don't want to sit and tend a stove while the water heats. Once a good bed of coals is established no great time tending is necessary.


The cup size is two standard cups and sports folding handles. It is tapered to allow the draft to bring heat (or flame) two thirds up it's sides, it gets hot (and sooty) but the top third is above the crown of the stove and remains reasonably clean enough for any hiker/camper to tolerate. The bottle appears to be approximately one liter and closely resembles a SIGG bottle...I wonder why that is?

In short, I like it. Oh it is black as a coal miners nose after the first use but that's nothing new for a wood burner. It can be a bit tipsy if you tried to put a larger pot on it (not recommended) this stove is a cup cooker/water heater. The bottle can be seated into the stove where it rests in a bent protrusion in the bail (neat idea) and a liter of tea can be boiled up in no time. The can is it's own wind break yet the draft holes really seem to pull in enough air to do the trick.

I have not weighed the stove but have seen accounts on the Internet of it being about 15 oz, I don't think so.

The stove could just as easily be used with ESBIT,TRIOXANE or HEXAMINE fuel tabs/bars.

If you had a small enough ALCOHOL stove (Pop can type) could be dropped down the barrel of the stove and used that way. The stove's wind shielding features would only serve to help an alcohol stove.

Okay, these things are cheap. less then twenty bucks and if you really hunt around you may even find one for half that. Is it worth it? It sure is. Handy, inexpensive and lite, what else do you want? Lets not make more of it then it is, a nested stove, bottle and cup combo, but it is pretty neat equipment and at this price, worth a place on the stove shelf.

I hear folks on the Internet claim it is no easier then using a camp fire. I remind them that fire rings are frowned upon in some places and the concentrated heat source of a can stove saves fuel and makes for very easy clean up.

The Swiss Ranger has no carry bag so you might want to buy or make one to store it in. This will save you marking up the rest of your kit with soot streaks when you pack it up.

Safe travels

RJ

SEWING (and repair) KITS

It's the little things

That go wrong at all the wrong times and always to the wrong people. At least that's what I've always heard. Problem is, that person is generally me.

I will rip the seat of my pants, tear off a button or ware a hole in my sock on almost every trip out. I could, and if time allows I do ignore the slight inconveniences but every now and then I need to fix something.

That's why I add two more ounces of junk to my regular kit. Like a sewing kit for clothes. These lite and tiny kits are easy to pack, carry and use.

Small kits like these are inexpensive and even FREE as hand outs from Banks, Stores, as promotional items (with name embossed)

Who cares what name is on it, it's handy.

If you are a four eyes like me, Eyeglass repair kits are a must to the wilderness traveler. Of course I always advise trekkers to carry a spare pair of specks (I throw in a pair of my last prescription, not as good as my up to date glasses but better then blind)

The eyeglass kit can be picked up anyplace (check your Mart store) ask your optometrist OR just like the sewing kits, keep your eyes open for promotional hand outs. You can't really "practise" with these kits but they are fairly self explanatory. TIP: make any screw replacement tasks on your knees with your hat on the ground in between your kneecaps, do the work INSIDE your hat. This way should you drop a tiny screw (and you probably will) you can find it in your hat.

The old reliable tools are still here, Pins and over sized rubber bands, Super Glue and Vinyl seal liquid. These are great for pack and tent repairs.

Most tent manufactures will provide a repair kit with the shelter. Fabric, Seam and Pole repair items are usually included.

For tough outer ware items like Gators and Rain Shells/Pants, I like to use a fabric "Tape" from 3M, it is very flexible and strong. I can remove it and make a proper repair or replace the item once I get back to the homestead, for now it does a super job.

When I hunt primitive (with Flintlock) I will usually carry a repair kit in my possibles bag just in case I pop a stitch. My Buddy Buffalo Bill S, is handy with fur and hide and is always fixin something up for me. He gifted me a really neat sewing wallet made from Elk skin (I think) it's needle proof. He packed it with some over sized needles and raw cordage. The tip of a buck antler completes the look and serves as a thong wrap to secure the wallet. Very cool Bill, Thanks

As a note of interest, I have these "Hand Needles" packed in vacuum glass tubes. I carry two or three just in case I lose the thread pullers in my standard kit. I think their neat.

Safe Travels

RJ

CANDLE LANTERS....oil lamp

I Love Candle Lanterns.
The soft glow that a candle puts out is at times preferred to the harsh white/blue light of an LED. Even intentionally low powered tactical LEDs (and I advise everyone to own at least one, like the Gerber Recon or Task lights) can't compare to the friendly omnidirectional light of a candle.
Candles are cheaper then batteries and can be found just about everywhere camping equipment is sold. You will need the special extended life candles not a dinner candle. These last between seven and nine hours depending on type.
Now I have heard many things about BEEs WAX candles and some folk just love em. They claim the bee's wax burns slower and more efficiently, while others advise to stay far away from them and prefer the white Specially formulated type. These white candles are easier to find anyway so they are the ones I use.......I mind my own bees wax.

I use a camp candle from "Limelight Productions" I'm told this company no longer produces this light but it can be found under the name UCO lanterns...same lantern as far as I'm concerned. I have had mine for years (15 +years) and have had to replace the globe (tube) once due to rough handling. Other wise the lantern has always done a great job.
What I like about the candle is the warmth output as well as the soft light. It can really warm up a small bivy shelter and is safe as long as you never let it touch the sides, these suckers get HOT and will burn nylon in an instant.

Years ago I purchased an oil conversion that allows me to supplement the candle with lamp oil (liquid paraffin) as needed. I really like the oil insert and have used it more then the candle configuration.
At one time the conversion was hard to find. Mine was produced by "Northern Lights", I can no longer find it on the NL web site but "Campmor" has one that is identical for about $15.00.
I see many accounts of campers/climbers complaining about these oil units leaking. mine has never leaked. Wait for the unit to FULLY cool before you screw the cover back on over the wick and you should never have a problem.
Modifications:
I have applied some foil tape (real duct tape) to one of the lamps three sided windows. This serves as a reflector that allows me to direct light like a flash light. It also provides a dark side should I need to use the light while others are sleeping or if I want to direct the insects to the other side of camp. It was a great idea that works like a charm.
The Lantern has an inspection window so you might better judge how much life (wax) is left in the lantern. It is fed via a soft spring that brings the candle up as it is consumed, the flame never drops below the lantern's window so light is consistent.
The oil insert has no way to confirm fuel without opening it and having a look see. A full lamp will burn about six hours, but check it after five so you don't burn wick.
TIP: Burn oil NOT wick.

Here you can see the cool (dark) spot behind the reflector. The lamp only throws light from the front and sides.

The wick on the oil lamp is generous and I have never needed to replace it.

So as a source of light as well as heat the candle lantern is pretty good. Lite and tough (if not abused) and easy to use. The lantern came in a rough out leather bag with draw string closure....junk. I have it in a nylon belt pouch made by "BLACK HAWK",

good stuff.

Great survival gear.
Safe Travels
RJ

PARADISE

SKYLINE 8.0 A DAY PACK I CAN WORK WITH

The SKYLINE 8.0
Day Pack



Is yet another one of the "new thinking" pack designs from OUTDOOR PRODUCTS. Those that have discovered equipment from this manufacture have long known that you very often get much more then you pay for. OP first came on the scene back in 1973ish and has always been on the leading edge of equipment design.

The SKYLINE 8.0 is yet another example of their thoughtful mixture of materials, construction, function and style.

I admired the SKYLINE the first time I spotted it in my local Mart store. Like many of us, I have toted enough pack cloth to know what I'm looking at and in just a few moments, I fell in love with the thing.

The deep blue coated rip-stop pack cloth trimmed with grey accents and webbing were a real eye catcher. Bar tacks and pipping tape were at all the stress points and the expansion / reduction layout of the compression straps was nothing if not genius. Someone over at OP was doing their job right.
The design looked classic and modern at the same time.

Much more then a glorified hydration pack, this bag carries like an alpine ruck with very good distribution of load and center of balance characteristics.

Load lifter straps are featured throughout the design enabling the wearer to place the weight in the optimum location for the task at hand, be it a trail hike, vertical climb or biking.


The side compression straps are angled to not only pull the load in close but also to lift the load up. This prevents that "lump of gear at the bottom of your pack" syndrome. I really hate that.

The pack's main hip belt is generously sized (I should know) well padded and have relief openings that wrap around the hip bone instead of cutting into it. Pockets are built in, they are just great for GPS , SPOT units or GORP.

Features like this are generally reserved for packs with much higher price tags.

Ain't that cool?

Access to the main load is via the top panel as well as a side zip on the port side. A center zip back panel opens a nicely sized "outer" pocket that is great for TP, maps, flashlights etc.

The SKYLINE's main support derives from a single aluminum stay that can be formed to the contours of the wearer's spine for a custom fit. The top end of the pack frame is semi ridged and well cushioned. The entire suspension is secured via Velcro hook and loop material.

Deep and wide water bottle style side pockets as well as a Daisey chain ladder and believe it or not ice axe loops add to the versatility of the pack as does an elastic top cord for sweaters or hats just to round out the possibilities. Lets try hard not to forget that this thing is hydration bag capable with a dedicated compartment, hose window and bite valve retainer clip.


The SKYLINE 8.0 pack is just one more reason to give Outdoor Products another look. Well planned and produced equipment is their hallmark and you just can't beat the price. What a wonderful piece of gear to help make our days in the field more enjoyable.
Good work OP, we will be watching you.

Safe travels
RJ

HOBO fishing at the "Y"

YMCA
wilderness skills class.....and stuff

Another day spent with the kids.

Today's lesson was Hobo fishing, an idea that did not automatically instill much confidence in the kids or the counselors. After a bit of practise and a change in location (thanks Dan) we found fish and connected!

For Those not "in the know" Hobo fishing utilizes mono filament line wrapped around a can (which is the reel) and a simple lure, in this case a marabou jig which is cast by hand and retrieved with a re-wrapping motion around the can. By varying the speed of the retrieval, depth can be varied and fish located. "Playing" the fish is a technique that just can't be described, it must be experienced.

Camp Counselor "Dani" had just learned this technique earlier this morning, by lunch time she was an expert! Now it will be her job to spread the knowledge and pass on the skill / fun.

There is nothing sporting about catching fish this way, it truly is a sustenance exorcise. However it can be great fun. Blue Gill were the order of the day, but this fine pan sized Perch would have made a great lunch.

Most days I'm just a fat guy in a funny hat, today I was a teacher and maybe a mentor. I like that. I doubt these kids will ever look at an aluminium can the same way again. Thank you very much.

After four classes of can fishing, I was glad I had a bit of time to meet with some of the kids to talk about "survival kits" and even had some time to discuss snare design with some of the counselors. It was a full day for me, and I'm sure thought provoking for the kids.

A great day of fishing

Safe Travels

RJ