Product Review: Etekcity Ultralight

If you want to make life easier during camping trips or whatever your adventure particularly in terms of preparing your meals — then our featured product maybe a good thing to have.

Etekcity Ultralight. It’s a fully functional stove that uses standard single butane or butane-propane canisters; it weighs just under 100 grams so it’s certainly something to think about.

Okay. Being a lightweight and portable, it is.. indeed something to consider. More so, it’s just $10. Yep, you heard us right. $10.

Then again, some consumer concerns. How much cooking weight could it actually handle? How long does a canister last? And if you run out of gas, where could you buy one? Online? Walmart? But what if one’s overseas? And if it gets broken?

Hmm… Admittedly so, butane is still popular in our area — thus, the probable issue here would just be ‘refilling the canister’. Now, is this canister universally designed? Otherwise, could the butane we have refill Etekcity’s canister?

Well, it says it’s compatible with any 7/16 thread single butane or butane-propane mixed fuel canisters (EN 417). Just remember, we’re dealing with ‘gas’ here so take those necessary precautions — like, turning off the valve when screwing the canister and stuff — yeah, altho a slightly leaking gas is said to be normal when screwing on the Etekcity’s canister. Anyway, do not worry, you’d be given a manual for this of course.

Still, other than the above, there’s also the question of ‘experiencing adventure’. You know, if you got a device like Etekcity — you’d miss out on some survival fun. Like, getting firewood in the wilderness and of course, cooking meals with the wood you got. See?

Product Review: The Klax

How important is an ax anyway? Yes, like in your adventures, in camping and stuff? You know, a knife alone won’t do; for one, how’d you cut firewood in the wilderness then? Though by just simply breaking it would help, having an ax is definitely a plus.

And of course, we’re not talking about that big ‘Huntsman’ ax — but The Klax — or The Klecker Ax System.

Then again, you know what’s nice about this? Its size. All you really need is the head of the ax, and you could bring it anywhere since it could fit inside your pocket! Easy to carry, easy to use. Just attach the ax’s head to a handle through its nested clamping system — and you’ll be ready to chop away!

Still, it’s in fact more than just an ax as you’ve seen the video — it’s also a hammer, bottle opener, wrench and scraper, among others.

Okay, okay, we know your concern. Toughness. Well, the material is said to be 420J2 stainless steel, and its hardness is around 48-52 HRc. Yes, it’s heat treated. Oh, too technical, huh? Hmm… To make it simple, you don’t need to worry about it breaking or flying off your handle — as the clamps are well-designed so much so that it requires over 1000 lbs of load to shear it, so it is very stout.

Just choose your handle well. That’s the key. Once secure, you may even build a bed in the woods! Cool, eh?!

Yup, your $115+ is surely worth it.

Product Review: Sharp Survival Emergency Magnesium Fire Starter

Our adventure continues with a valuable camping tool in the Sharp Survival Emergency Magnesium Fire Starter. And for $8-$13 (depending on where you bought it), let’s see what it really has..

Okay, it’s first of all another way to quickly light your tinder on fire. Then again, it’s actually the best way to do so! Compared to regular matches, this magnesium fire starter is weather resistant — it doesn’t die down when lighting it up that is. More so, it’s also wind-proof, this means you don’t need to cover in worry while striking.

Cool? Well, here’s more.

It’s got a compass which could certainly be of help. And it also has an emergency whistle — at 150 decibels. Plus a little blade to cut small tinders just in case. Yet another nice thing about this is that the ‘fire starter’ rod could easily fit in your gears since it’s just 5.5 inches!

Sharp Survival Emergency Magnesium Fire Starter

And so, compared to matches that only carries 24 sticks and more so is affected by water and weather. magnesium fire starters could light up to 15,000 times with no problem.

Wow! Isn’t there anything negative about this? Sure. if you could take its price — just don’t leave it with your kids, or else..

Product Review: Sawyer Mini Water Filter

One of the critical necessities when on an adventure trip is water — not just for bathing but especially for drinking. Yet what if the body of water you find is not clean, or questionable in its potability? What would you do, go find another source — who knows where?

Luckily, there’s now more choices in terms of mini water filters.

Okay, let’s say this mini water filter removes bacteria — which any said ‘water filter’ should, huh! Now, the question is ‘how much water could it filter?’ or approximately ‘how long or how many times could it be used?’ — again, there would be claims of this and that. In the case of this 2 oz. Sawyer Mini Water Filter, it filters up to 100,000 gallons of water. 

Obviously, 100,000 gallons of water would be tough to prove for ordinary consumers since you’d literally have to use it until it’s almost unusable. Wow! Then again, going over the limit, or even just within its max could entail some digestive disorders. Would you wait for that? Otherwise, just don’t go the limit to be safe, of course.

Still, consumers would not want to waste hard-earned money on a trial basis. This means more education or consumer information needs to be provided by Sawyer and the rest of those making water filters — not simply demos and stuff — to show real value for money.

More than having that pouch, the next concern should be ‘cleaning’, of course. If it’s easy to clean without risk of damaging the filter then go, after all, it does its job and it’s easy to carry, too. So, at $17 each, the Sawyer Mini Water Filter should be worth the adventure.

Product Review: FISTRAL Heimplanet Tent

Last time out, we had the Cinch Pop-up Tent, now we bring you one of the Heimplanet Tents in FISTRAL — the smallest of the four inflatable geometric tents.

FISTRAL

The FISTRAL is said to be good for 1-2 persons but it costs a hefty €411,76 Euros. Yep, pretty expensive where the only thing different is its pumping mechanism. Now, is it really worth it? Let’s see..

Well, the video maybe entitled a test and review, but it’s really more like a demo on how to set it up. No real test or at least questions on the tent’s specs or durability. So.. let’s do our thing.

Hmm… While those chambers looks stable, how much wind and rain could it actually handle before those straps and strings tear off?

And unless the tent has a built-in foam — then the comfort of your back largely depends on the surface you place your tent on. Right?!

Still, what’s nice with FISTRAL though is it’s lighter at 2.5 kilograms compared to other ‘high-end’ tents which is double its weight.

As for its 2 entrances and 2 vestibules — ‘maximum comfort’ isn’t the right adjective for this as comfort should include your ‘bedding’. So, in this case, it’s more of ventilation.

And speaking of ‘air’, why is the pump (€23,53) separately bought? Is it for those who lost their pump? Ah, there should then be a discount on those who purchases the tent with a pump.

Rain or shine, let’s go!

Product Review: CINCH Pop-up Tent with Solar Power and LED

Camping is always fun. Always an adventure to look forward to. Yep, anywhere in the world. And so, how about going through one interesting tent? The Cinch pop-up tent with solar power and LED.

Yeah, you heard us right — it’s got solar power! Something campers everywhere would truly appreciate, and what’s more, it’s a pop-up.. Meaning, it almost practically sets up on its own. Cool, eh?!

Looking at a ‘new’ owner of the Cinch, Mark Boehnlein, you know that the tent is kinda ‘bulky’ in some way — nah, not thick but wide. And a 4-man tent practically weighs 9 kgs at that, oh, quite heavy!

Cinch 4-man tent

Then again, it maybe wide but it’s easy to set up though as it only takes less than than a minute to do so. Okay, it may seem ‘vulnerable’ but it could actually withstand rain and wind. Thanks to those pegs and strings that’s holding it down.

Oh, good LED pegs, very helpful. Well, the kit is basically equipped with what you’d need like 2 LED lanterns, of course, not to mention the solar power pack among others.

Cinch features

Yet, what’s nice is the porch area — it makes you ‘feel at home’. Hah! Tho with a noticeably good ventilation in having all those ‘windows’ and two entrances, the question now would be ‘durability’. Tearing?

So, here is the part where you’d need some practice — taking down the tent. If you remember how you took it when it was set up, then obviously you have an idea on wrapping it up. Hmm… with practice, it’s just as easy. Sure.

The tents come in 3 sizes: 2-man, 3-man and 4-man tent. And priced at $219… $248… $278 respectively, but excluding the ‘solar power pack’ that’s pegged at $131 as it’s optional. Reasonable?

Still, the ‘solar power pack’ is what really made this tent interesting, so it’d be a given that one would want to have it as well — 7W solar panel, extended data wires, water proof junction box, 4000 mAh power bank, and a cable lock.

Now, this is what you call ‘home away from home’!

Product Review: Kamp-Rite Tent Cot

Probably you’ve noticed this product at Facebook as we did many weeks ago; and we’re talking of no other than a cot that doubles as a one-man tent, the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot..

Well, while the cot keeps you 11 inches above the ground, just wonder where we could place all our stuff? ‘Cause in regular tents, we could put them inside as well..

Still, with its light weight aluminum frame supporting up to 300 pounds, and folds down to 33″ x 30″ x 6″ — it’s a good buy at $139.99.

Product Review: VSSL Flask Light

Going camping and want to bring something neat? How about the VSSL Flask Light? It’s a flashlight, flask and compass all rolled into one. VSSL which is pronounced as “vessel” is the world’s first, nearly indestructible, dual mode flashlight designed to safely hold your booze.

With 2 models to choose from – stainless and matte green – it measures approximately 2″ (50 mm) in diameter by 145 mm in length. And it could hold around 300 ml of spirits or beverages..

And don’t you worry, it’s stainless made.

Still, what’s cooler is that it’s “hidden compartment” holds 2 collapsible shot glasses – and it even comes with a bottle opener – all fashioned to fit tight and not rattle inside..

And in case you don’t wanna carry your flask, well, there’s actually a hole for a key chain where you could hang it.. So? No problem.

You could pre-order your flask at kickstarter.com.

Product Review: Citrus Zinger Sport Water Bottle

Here’s a wonderful product for sports enthusiasts as well as those who like the outdoors, or any physical activity for that matter – the Citrus Zinger Sport Water Bottle..

Certainly, staying hydrated through fresh fruit juices is much better than energy drinks; and this is where the product’s value comes from – the bottle comes with a juicer.

Nothing to worry though, the bottle is also lightweight and easy to carry wherever, whenever plus it’s plastic and dishwasher safe – so, you don’t have to think much about the cleaning side of things..

Still, while the Citrus Zinger has that hands-free flip-up straw – don’t hesitate to open the bottle when you’re real thirsty. Understandably, big gulps from your 28 oz. bottle are far more satisfying than little sips from a straw..

And for $20 at urbanoutfitters.com, you can beat the heat and have one today!

Product Review: SteriPEN Ultra

Oil maybe giving man prosperity, but without water there would be no life. Even simple recreations like camping require it, hey we need “potable” water..

And so, Hydro-Photon came up with SteriPEN Ultra, a kit that uses UV to deactivate harmful organisms in untreated water.. making it potable for us.

This kit could, in fact, in 48 seconds eliminate 99.9% of bacteria present in water. No, not necessarily kill them but deactivate the bacteria’s DNA. More so, this UV lamp could treat up to 8,000 one-liter containers. Well, at least that’s what the manufacturer said..

Unfortunately, after about 40 uses, it doesn’t work anymore. Same goes when it gets immersed. Hmm… makes sense. But sadly, even the repair takes a while.. what with shipping issues among others.

Then again, good thing is that Hydro-Photon has been trying to address it. And for a price of $99.95 each.. it maybe worth it.

Water is Life.