Gear Review

The Timex Expedition E-Altimeter Watch combines a rugged style with an altimeter function. Unlike other digital altimeter watches, the E-Altimeter watch has an analog display. This lends to the classic styling that can be worn for any occasion.

Timex E-Altimeter Mountain Biking

The GoLite VarioSleeping Bag features two temperature ratings. One side of the bag is insulated for 25 degrees, the other side is rated for 40 degrees. This makes it an excellent bag for camping from spring to fall. The rectangular shape adds room for ample movement. You can also use this bag as a comforter, or zip it to another GoLite sleeping bag.

The Hammock Bliss Ultralight is a 13oz. compact travel hammock that can be used for any outdoor adventure. This
lightweight hammock packs up small so it can be added to your gear stash without compromising size and weight.

Hammock Bliss Ultralight

The Solar Competition is a 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs), one person backpacking tent that is intended for year round use. This is a free-standing tent which has a split-pole design at the foot end of the tent for increased stability. The Solar Competition is made from the same fabrics as the award winning Terra Nova Laser Competition and utilizes a side entrance for easy access to the long porch and has very good ventilation provided by several mesh panels in the inner tent. Without the rain fly this tent only weights 633 grams!

Ever try putting your tent in the bed of your Pick-Up Truck? It does not work that well. Now you can get a tent designed specifically for Pick-Up Truck Beds.

The Napier Sportz III truck tents are sized to fit the make and model of any Pick-Up Truck.

Setting Up the Sportz III Tent

The Jetboil Helios Cooking System incorporates the bomber Flux Ring technology into a large capacity cooking pot. The whole system packs into the pot, and weights 28 ounces (without fuel canister). The standard Helios holds 2 Liters, but you can purchase a larger 3 Liter pot. This system can boil 1 liter of water in 3 minutes.

Jetboil Helios Cooking System

Jetboil continues to refine it's line up of fast boiling stoves. I'm now able to boil water faster than I can get the coffee beans out of my pack. It's great for early mornings on the trail when you need to get going mentally and physically.

The Screwpop Tool is a handy keychain gadget. The tool features an interchangeable #2 Flathead and Philips Screwdriver, a 1/4" hex nut driver and a bottle opener. It's small enough to add to a set of keys without extra bulk.

Screwpop Tool

Stanley is introducing a new line of stainless steel water bottles this summer. These bottles will come in 3 metal finishes (stainless steel, pewter, and gold) with 7 different art styles. They hold 24 ounces of fluid. The bottles feature a new lid that seals air tight and can be opened with one hand.

Stanley Nineteen 13 One-Handed Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Despite the slow economy, a few companies introduced new technologies at the 2010 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show. I was immediately interested in the new TransDRY technology from Cotton Incorporated. Believe it or not, this technology allows cotton to wick moisture from your skin to the outside of the fabric where it can evaporate. The details of how the technology works were not released, but I've been testing out a baselayer shirt made with TransDRY and the new technology does work.