The BIG Orange Strap!

THE SPORT STRAP
Not many people like me but a few think I’m special (which we know I am).

Last year a friend gave me a gift I’m ashamed to say I’m just getting around to using. It was a wrist band for active sports enthusiasts like me.

The SPORT STRAP is designed to protect your chronograph from
bumps and bangs. It comes in several colors but knowing my unnatural attraction
to the color Orange, my gift was just that…BRIGHT ORANGE!

The strap is like many I have seen over the years. A Velcro closure holds a flap over the watch/compass/weather instrument until needed then it is simply pealed back for a peek.

However the SPORT STRAP has an almost pillow like cushion that protects the instrument very well indeed, this is much more than a scratch guard.

I have decided to carry my TIMEX EXPEDITION on this band. This particular model the M540-V7 is a thick chrono probably due to its silent vibration alarm capability, however it fits
as if custom made.

The SPORT STRAP is nicely appointed with reflective piping
and tape as well, you know I love that. A very well thought out and produced
piece of kit.
If you are a climber, kayaker or just a clumsy
hiker/camper, the SPORT STRAP might be worth a look.

Catskill Cloud Hiking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik4e9kxAcIc&feature=g-upl

A Day In The Forest, In The Rain and with my Brother John....great day.
I always carry an extra rain jacket (thank goodness) and always pack goodies in the truck for after the hike. I was happy to share with my new friends Kevin, Cheryl and Rebecca.

GERBER SURVIVOR LIGHT...Bear who?

The GERBER
Survivor LED torch (Flashlight)

Over the years I have collected many personal lights. Some have been better than others but all
were serviceable and I’ve found uses for them all. Each and every bag, pack,pouch I carry has its own dedicated light. What I look for in a personal light is simple and I think just about what most seasoned outdoor travels and adventurers look for.

The light must have adequate output for its intended task.
It must be rugged enough to survive rough handling and the elements.
It should have a fair light to battery life ratio (for its intended use).
It should have at least fair ergonomics.
In this category which would include pocket, neck or backpack “task” lights, the options are
many and give the buyer a great selection to choose from. If you are like me, you never go anywhere without light and you also have a collection of lights to serve many needs and
rightly so.
I go nowhere without a MICROSTREAM clipped to my tee shirt under my clothes or a PROTON on a length of para cord around my neck.
If you are a regular reader of this Blog you may know I like the GERBER “Extreme Task” and
the GERBER “RECON” multi filter tactical lights. Both of these AA battery pocket torches are
bomb proof and well designed. Their output is good for the intended use and battery
life is very good indeed.
So what’s new from GERBER?
Well the other day I was walking through my local Mart store and was involuntary drawn to the
sporting goods section (this always happens and I have spoken to my Doctor about it….apparently there is no cure yet).

I spied the GERBER end cap of Bear (EDDIE)
Grylls toys. Now, I have never tip toed around my feeling for this young man.

I find him obnoxious and self-serving.

His antics while entertaining demonstrate very little of what a true survivor
should consider in an emergency situation. In short he is eye candy for
armchair adventures but NOT a practical teacher. Sorry my English cousin.
The Bear Grylls tools sold by GERBER are fun and useful in most respects but the BG turns me off enough for me to ignore anything of that line. I have however found an exception?

The GERBER Survivor hand torch.

Basically a task light on steroids. Like the smaller version of this light, it sports no bezel and is made of aluminum. The twist is the addition of a match compartment in the tailpiece. Both the tail piece and light head are sealed with rubber O rings to keep the insides dry.
The barrel has zero taper (which I like for holding in your teeth) and sports a lanyard hole.

A silicone type rubber grip gives fair handling characteristics and both ends are knurled to help with manipulation when wet.
Run time is in the eight hour range and output is very good for average camp tasks or trail navigation.

The GERBER Survivor torch comes with five (5) lifeboat type matches and a strike card in a small sealed plastic envelope as well as a tiny zip bag of cotton fiber. I have added a ball of drier lint (my favorite tinder) which fits well under the tail cap. The body of the Survivor torch is anodized in a vibrant orange that is hard to miss. I like equipment that is easy to find. The light is impressive for the price (which I purchased from the reduced rack) and I have seen the price vary in wide swings from as much as $32 to half that.

The down side:
As I noted earlier, the business end of the light has no bezel, a recessed cone protects the LED which is exposed and actually rises out of the body of the light. In truth I must tell you that I noted this future when I purchased my original GERBER Task light and was concerned if it would prove problematic with rough handling. It never has.

What I do see as a fault it the design is that this “cone” is anodized the same color as the rest of the flash light. If it was reflective instead of orange or black as it is with the original light, usable light could only be improved.

She's Got Allot Of Moxie

Outdoor Products MOXIE Lite Duty Day Pack.

Out hunting for a "Lite Hiker" day pack for my girlfriend today. The major considerations were as follows:

Firstly Gillie (My Girlfriend) is no hiker, not by a long shot. Much more comfortable in Flip Flops (God Forbid) then an approach shoe, she is cutting her wilderness teeth on some lite Catskill trails this summer. I knew to burden her with a technical piece of LBE would not only put her off but might actually scare her away from the experience. So the load needed to be lite and fun to carry not the type of kit a vet might schlep but a really nice starter bag.

Once again and as almost always, OP or Outdoor Products came to the rescue.

For just a few shekels we found the MOXIE / 4234-OP day pack. A "NON" technical trail bag that seemed to fit the bill.

First note on the bag was that the guys at OP were sneaky as hell in producing this model specifically targeted at the fairer sex. Women and girls will love the color scheme. I found one in mixed pastel pink and another in a calm pastel blue, both very eye appealing to females and in fact were the first things spotted in the camping/hiking section of our local Mart store. We opted for the pink because it matched today's nail polish. Shame on you OP for using such underhanded tactics....give your sales team a nice Ata Boy.

The MOXIE is one of a line tailored to fix the female form and has a specific Logo indicating that it is a woman pack. With a narrower profile, contoured waist belt and ergonomic shoulder straps (with slash pockets for ipod or bear bell) the bag does seem to hang well with a lite load. Now on to the load bearing characteristics....the shoulder straps have no load lifters and are bar tacked directly to the bag so not much adjustment to be found there. The very European tear drop "Ruck" design does lend itself nicely to walking with minimal kit and the bag does have compression/lifters near the mid to bottom range of the pack to keep things tight, that's a plus.

Being "NON" technical, the bag sports no frame at all but instead uses a semi ridged frame sheet to keep the bag standing and provides some protection against pointed objects within the bag from poking into the wearers back. Four cushioned pressure points rest the bag against the two shoulder blades and kidney areas while an open cross section keeps air circulating between bag and the wearers back

Specs are 18.5 in x 20 in x 6 in (47 cm x 50.8 cm x 15.2) small by my standards but adequate for it's designed task.

It is like almost everything OP makes Hydration compatible and will fit a two liter reservoir but does not come with a bladder or tube.

With all the standard appointment we have come to expect from Outdoor Products such as reinforced stress points, clean design and friendly fit the MOXIE was no let down.

After we spend more time on trail I'll give you a complete report.

RJ Mosca

I'll TAKE A JAUNT

THE JAUNT LUMBAR PACK

In my seemingly never ending search for quality affordable equipment and my incurable addiction to load bearing equipment (backpacks) I was lucky enough to find a lumbar (Butt Bag) type day pack or "Lite Hiker" about six months ago that really caught my eye and after some testing via regular use I can now recommend.

The Kelty JAUNT, is the bag and like most things that interest me, it is a bit different. The Jaunt is one of a line created by renowned pack maker Kelty for use as a minimalist carrying system.

The pack is attractive, well laid out and built to provide long life even with regular hard use.

With a textile count of 600 denier ripstop and "Oxford" polyester (whatever that is) the bag seems more then a little tough and smart looking I might add. The Brown (Kelty calls it Bronze) and grey give it a desert camo kind of look but it fits in urban environments just as well.

The Bag lay out is simple and that's what appeals to me. A large main compartment holds the larger items I tote. Under the top cover is a sort of flap pocket that I use for pens, and items of that size and shape. A smaller elastic inside slash pocket holds flat paper type items like passport, I.D. and my Ranger counting beads (yeah I know real kool).

A slightly smaller outer pocket holds those items needed quickly like small flashlight or keys. I keep a micro tool kit in here as well.

I Like the Jaunt, it fits so nicely into my EDC that I actually use two. One is for trekking in the suburbs and one I use for more urban (Man Bag) type service.

A GPS and my usual list of thirty items not to leave home without are in bag number one. A scanner and my "urban" survival items are in bag number two. I carry one of these bags almost every day.

Now for the "carry" itself. The Jaunt is exceedingly well designed for comfy load bearing. Over sized hip belt with load transfer straps help the bag conform to the shape of your body and distribute the felt weight across the hips very well. A padded shoulder strap helps keep the bag in place while walking without transferring the load to the shoulder and a arch shaped DELRIN ( a lite yet high strength homopolymer thermoplastic) support stave keep the bag erect against the spine. Hey this thing really works well too, the bag never settles low or hangs, in fact it's flexible and comfortable!

Mesh outer pockets with both elastic and Fastex type secured tape hold water bottles and glove or pepper spray type items that might be wet or otherwise not fit to carry inside the bag.

One bag is rigged for hiking the other for walking city streets, both ride securely and comfortably. I carry about four pounds of "things" in my EDC lumbar kits, these are perfect for the job.

Whether in the woods or in the crowds, the Jaunt fits in well as a Bug Out Bag, gear haul or even as a really cool Man purse. It is one of the few Lumbar packs that do what they claim to do and at a great price....one of my favorite features.

Safe Travels

RJ

Cutting the Mustard OR Mustard the Cutter

After reading much about the advantages of an acid wash patina on carbon steel blades, I decided to try the simple Mustard and Vinegar treatment I had heard so much about. And No I don't have any Grey Poupon!
I began the project with a brand new Mora 840 MG Carbon Clipper. These inexpensive knives have a reputation for being sharp, durable and easy to maintain. I chose a Carbon blade for it's ease of resharpening and fire sparking qualities. The carbon steel is of course more susceptible to rust and corrosion. The fast answer was an acid patina, the fastest patina? Custom Condiment!

The bright silvery steel of a brand new Mora is beautiful as this picture shows, but will tarnish and pit before very long. The edge of a Mora is sharpened in the traditional Scandinavian or "Scandi "grind. A long flat continuance with a wide easy to follow angle. These knives are renowned for their ability to achieve a "shaving" sharpness.

The application of the acid (Mustard) was easy enough. After cleaning the blade well with solvent (Alcohol wipes) and allowing to dry, I mixed a liberal squirt of Mustard with a table spoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. Mixing it only slightly so I would have a clotty half runny half firm semi paste, I applied the acid to the blade with a Q-tip in an intentional random organic pattern that I hoped would give the blade some character.

I allowed the acid to remain on the blade undisturbed for three hours. I had heard others say six to eight hours was necessary but I doubted this as the carbon is so open and willing to take a stain, I was correct. After washing the blade and neutralizing the acid with WD-40 I only needed to give the Mora a loving wipe down.

The Mora took the acid with better then expected results. A semi spotted pattern not unlike marbled conglomerate or pudding stone was etched in the now grey blue and beautiful steel. The natural, organic look of the metal gave the edge the appearance of a custom knife, only Damascus would have more charm. I think the look is worth it even if the patina did not provide some protection from corrosion....which luckily it does.

How Kool is that? I will never look at a jar of Mustard the same way again. What a fast and efficient way to blue steel. Who knew? Now even if the Mora needs to be re-touched now and again, who cares? It is so easy to produce a delicate and interesting protective pattern on the steel it is no chore at all.

Now as easy as this was to achieve, it was controlled. I planned the application and pattern for this affect. Should you just wipe your blade down with a vinegar type acid, you will only achieve a grey blush and possibly streaking. The protection may be there but the character and raw beauty of the blotching will be missing. Plan out your blade pattern before you commit.

I can't think of a Carbon blade I own that would not qualify and benefit from the "Mustard Treatment". The once plain Jane, purely utilitarian look of the classic Mora now has a personal custom coating that deserves a second glance. This ain't your Daddy's Mora.

Safe Travels

RJ

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