gear
Fillo Camping Pillow
03.20.2013
Nemoequipment.com Fillo (camping pillow) MSRP: 49.95 nemoequipment.com Honestly, I took my five pound Tempur-Pedic pillow on my last kayak expedition; a good night’s sleep is that important to me. But I won’t have to do that again; next trip I’ll haul the Fillo (rthyms with pillow). Because it’s inflatable, it smooshes down to the size [...]
Jetboil Sol Ti System
03.20.2013
JetBoil Sol Ti System: $149.95 Jetboil.com Jetboil Sol Titanium Premium Cooking System. If my buddy doesn’t bring me a cup, I brew my own cup of coffee while still in my bag, leaning out the front door and firing up the JetBoil. Some of us like to pre-empt (or obviate) the wait for camp coffee [...]
Boat Camping Essentials
03.20.2013
By: Rob Lyon The two extreme styles of kayak camping are, of course: light and, not so much, and they both have their upsides. The corollary of light is easy traveling, while the corollary of heavy is comfort ashore. With that as a yardstick, the following are some gear items that can turn a camp [...]
Petzl Ultra Rush
03.20.2013
Petzl Ultra Rush MSRP: $430 Petzl.com For kayak camping, particularly in critter country, it’s good to pack a lamp with punch, in case you need it. This baby sheds some serious bright at the turn of a knob and putting big light on a problem at night, be it storm tide, bear, raccoon or busted [...]
ComPack Chair Kit
03.20.2013
ComPack Chair Kit: $49.95 Cascadesdesigns.com Now, Cascade Design recently introduced the ComPack Chair Kit, which is a redux of their bomber, Trekker Lounge. The ComPack came out recently with CD’s Neo-Air line that radically streamlined their inflatable tech, which is their expertise. You can run the chair kit with either the Neo Air pads or [...]
Trekker Lounge Chair Kit
03.20.2013
Trekker Lounge Chair Kit: $49.95 If you’re out for any length of time a portable chair that doubles as your sleeping pad, is an awesome thing. Most of you are familiar with CD’s chair kits, but the Trekker Lounge knits them together. A pad cover cum conversion sleeve morphs the pad from sleep to sit [...]
Motorola MS250R two-way radios
03.19.2013
Whether out in the ocean, down a whitewater gorge or through dense wilderness, having good communication among members is always important. Photo editor Aaron Schmidt and online editor Charli Kerns tested out the Motorola MS250R two-way radios to see what they were made of. The C&K rating, on a scale of 5: Durability— Function— Ease [...]
Newest Kayak “in the Fold”
03.16.2013
When he moved to San Francisco four years ago, Anton Willis was dismayed by the realization that he’d have nowhere to store a hardshell sea kayak in his apartment. Then he read a magazine story about advances in origami and got an idea. Instead of buying a typical skin-on-frame folding kayak, he would design his own.
Best In Show: Canoecopia 2013
03.12.2013
Every March, more than 20,000 Midwestern paddlers make an annual pilgrimage to attend the Canoecopia consumer expo in Madison, Wis. Over the three-day event this weekend, paddling enthusiasts visited more than 200 exhibitors to check out the latest canoes, kayaks, paddles, apparel, gear and accessories. Here’s a handful of products highlighted for attracting the most attention at Canoecopia 2013.
LifeProof LifeJacket and Case
03.12.2013
Sometimes, having a cell phone while on the water is a nice thing to have. Some cases such as the Watershot offer both full-on water protection and the capability to take underwater photos/videos. For those who need something a little less sophisticated but still protective, the LifeProof LifeJacket and Case may be the perfect option. Photo editor Aaron Schmidt tested it out, and here’s what he had to say:
MSR: Carbon Reflex 3
03.07.2013
Same vertebral shape as the smaller Topaz 2, but much bigger. I ran a CR3 on the Owyhee recently and dropped my jaw when it set up. It is amazing how spacious a tent of this weight and packed size becomes. Design targets maximum livable space with few bells and whistles. Sets up easily, enters [...]
The North Face: Topaz 2
03.05.2013
The North Face: Topaz 2 MSRP: $249 thenorthface.com Admittedly, a TNF fanboy here, the Topaz is another 2P/3S tent option and one I might actually consider for two. A half moon shape with a pole at front and back and two connecting strut poles sets up tight, suggestive of a vertebra as seen from the [...]
Sierra Designs: Mojo 2
03.05.2013
Sierra Designs: Mojo 2 MSRP: $399.95 sierradesigns .com The Mojo is a hybrid, single/double wall structure that reminds me of a shirt tail sticking out below a sweater or two dogs humping, I’m not sure which, but the way the rear of the tent protrudes out from under the fly jars my aesthetic. Rant end. [...]
Kelty: Vista 3P
03.05.2013
Kelty: Vista 3P MSRP: $349.95 Kelty.com Another good 3S, 3P choice with highly livable interior space. Excellent vestibule footage as well, front and rear, always a premium for storing dry bags and cooking a quick meal. It has average weight, with slightly more interior space and vestibulage than the much lighter Carbon Reflex 3. Fabric [...]
Kayak Shelters: Take Two
03.05.2013
Multi-day kayaking and canoeing are as much about how to spend the night as they are where to paddle. Having the right tent, tarp or even hammock really can allow the paddler to have a good night, sleep tight, and rest sure the bugs can’t bite.
Mountain Hardwear: Hoopla 4
03.05.2013
Hoopla 4 MSRP: $373 Mountainhardwear.com An interesting design and one that would work well for kayakers needing an emergency group shelter from rain and light winds. Storm winds might make a mess of it, but if well positioned, it might be a game saver. Covering 64 sq ft and weighing a hair over two pounds, [...]
NEMO: Morpho 2
03.05.2013
NEMO: Morpho 2 MSRP: 489.95 Nemoequipment.com Air Supported technology again from Nemo (see GoGoEx). Nemo air beams are too cool. Inflated AIR tubes are stronger and more durable than metal, erect quick and easy and pack down smaller than poles. Roomy with sit-up head room at the door, where you want it. Although it’s a [...]
Buyer's Guide
