SL3 - Fire - with Magnesium Fire Starter / Whistle

The tool Logic SL3 - Fire - with Magnesium Fire Starter / Whistle / Knife is an excellent addition to your gear.  It is well built and is a true three-in one, saving on bulk and weight.  The knife has a sturdy clip for securing to clothing or a strap on your pack.  The knife body is made of a dense plastic that has a good solid feel.  This is one of my survival gear items and is one of my must haves where ever I go.

  

                                                                    

Water Proof Bible, Sportsmans Edition

As I go on my adventures, I have missed reading my Bible.  After a little surching, I found some water proof Bibles, but throw out the idea of packing light.  This Bible is almost the equivilent in weight of one gallon of water.

SurvivalStraps

Now here is an original idea.  Made in America and functional.  SurvivalStraps offer a wide range of useful multi purposed items.  Their basic idea is a bracelet, belt, sling... that un-ties into many feet of 550# paracord.  The para cord can then be used in a pinch to get you out of a jam.

Sea to Summit Stuff Sacks

Can you imagine how crazy it would be to fill your kayak or backpack with all of your gear without organizing it in some way?  You would loose gear, have difficulty finding gear, and waist valuable time.  The bottom line is that you cannot afford to be unorganized.  Everything in your pack is needed and when you need it, you want it now.  Enter Stuff Sacks!

Stuff sacks come in many sizes and colors and are the key to organizing your gear and protecting it from loss or damage.  Regardless of the activity, organizing your gear in stuff sacks allows you to quickly identify what you are looking for.  The size and color of the sack helps you decide what will go in them and writing on them with a permanent marker can help customize the whole organization process. 

Sea To Summit makes several types of sacks: stuff, seam sealed, dry, mesh, compression, and e-vac sacks.  Each has a intended purpose and all come in multiple sizes and colors.  The two types that I bring everywhere are the "Nylon Stuff Sack" and the "Dry Sack".  The Nylon Sack is made with a tough 800mm nylon - water proof coated fabric, a heavy duty grab handle, and has reinforced stitching on all stress points.  The closure consists of a nylon cord that pulls and cinches the sack closed and locks with a spring loaded slide lock.  The Dry Sack is of course water proof.  The material is soft and packable.  The closure end is reinforced and folds over itself then locks with a tough plastic buckle.  For securing the dry sack, it has a D ring that attaches to the buckle, this allows the sack to be secured to the outside of your boat or pack. 

When I'm out for more than a few hours, I've always got my stuff handy.  And my stuff is always organized in a Sea To Summit stuff sack or dry sack.  Click on the link and visit my friend Rick at 2K Adventure Gear for more information and to place your order.  Mention Rich sent you.

Crazy Creek Hexalite Original Chair

It was the last mile or so. I was exhausted and I needed to lay back and rest.
It was 1999. I was hiking in the Apps with my brother, his eldest son Ryan, and his Marine buddy XXX. It was Oct. 22nd and that first day, it snowed. I loved that trip!
When we got to our camp area, we were all perty tired and needed to eat. We started with setting up camp, a fire (the first in a group of many to dare break the low impact rules - many huddled around our fire), and dinner of course. That was when I recognized that there was true value to packing light with a twist. Comfort was the twist. It sucked sitting on the ground when your legs and back were yelling at you...
Enter camp chair.
I've tried a few different camp chairs and you really need to figure out what YOU want? My Fave as of yet is Crazy Creeks' HexaLite.
They roll up, they're light and flexible, and they can be used as a sleeping pad when unbuckled. (remember my philosophy: Light weight, simple, and multi purposed) Huge! In your tent, they become a sleeping pad, a chair that you use as a lounger, or that thing that makes sitting out the storm a little easier. The shell is made of a rip stop nylon, the pading is a honey comb closed foam pad, and the support comes from 4 light weight rods and a strap and clip buckle at each corner.
There are are others. I just like these cuz the name.... Crazy....

Packa Rain Coat and Backpack Cover

Back in '99' My no. 1 son and I took a drive up to Black River Falls, WI to do a little backpackin. He was 10 and we were unprepaired for the down pour of rain. Rather than expose him to a soaking wet 1st backpacking experience, due to not having rain gear or pack covers, we turned the transportation unit around and headed for home. Our next trip was different. We set off for the Pocupine Mountains in Michegin's U.P. We were prepaired with rain gear and pack covers. But, what happens when it rains hard and that little gap between your back and your pack lets water in and soaks your pack? What happens when toilet paper gets wet? What happens if your snacks, clothing, and sleeping bag get wet? I'll tell you - not only does your load get really heavy, It's just not fun! What about zip lock bags, garbage bags, and dry bags Rich? All great ideas, but the pack still gets wet.
Now, have you ever thought you had all the bases covered only to realize that there was something missing? This has happened to me a lot over the years and it usually ends up with a relly great idea that I don't follow thru with. Well, I'm not alone. Eddie, at thepacka.com noticed this problem and followed thru with a sollution. The Packa is a raincoat/backpack cover that does not allow any rain between your back and your pack. It is a simple, easy to use, and light weight product that you want along on any multi-day trip. The whole package folds up neatly into its own pocket. I was amazed at how well this prodoct fit into my packing philosophy: Light, simple, and multi purpose. The first time I put this on I thought how much of a no brainer can this be? It is such a simple design, but ingenious! The fit and function of the Packa are so well thought out that it almost puts itself on.
I mentioned my philosophy. To my fault, I've never let a price tag get between me and something that lightens, simplifies, and or takes the place of two or more other items. But, as with any hobby/passion, your needs must be considered and you get what you pay for. Now, When you add up the cost of a decent pack cover and a decent rain gear set up (pants and coat), you are going to spend between $75 - $185 for uninsulated, light weight, packable gear. On the cheeper end you have your non-breathable fabrics (sweat suits). And on the higher end you have your breathable fabrics with features such as the pit zips that come standard on the Packa.
For the serious backpackers who find themselves hiking in the rain, the Packa is for you! It fits your philosophy and lessons the potential for discomfort.
For details on how you can purchace a Packa, visit: www.thepacka.com