Ditch The Deet: Week 4

Okay, so I promise this is the last week for my Ditch The Deet giveaway. I'm running low on supplies anyway! :)

Once again this week, I'll be giving away one, and possibly two, summer survival packs to help fight off the bugs in the warmer months ahead. The pack includes a SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear, all of which should prove handy in the warmer months ahead. I say that I may be giving away two of these kits because my Week 1 winner still hasn't contacted me, and if he or she doesn't drop me a note by Friday, when I pick this week's winner, I'm giving away their pack too! So, there is a good chance you'll have two chances to win this week!

As in previous weeks, entering the contest couldn't be easier. Send me an email to kungfujedi@gmail.com with the subject line of "Ditch The Deet," and in the body of the email, tell me a little something about your summer plans and how you could use this swag. That's all there is to it! On Friday, I'll randomly pick a winner, and send off the stuff. As always, if you've already entered in previous weeks, you don't have to send in your e-mail again.

Don't forget to also enter the Ditch The Deet contest that Natrapel has running at the moment either. The grand prize is a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which should be a lot of fun. All you have to do to win that one is submit a photo of your bug-free outdoor adventures. Head on over to the official website for more information.

Finally, congratulations to Bob Czaplicki of Woodstock, GA for winning last week's Ditch The Deet contest. I'll be shipping your prizes today Bob and I know they'll come in hand in Georgia this summer.

Contour+ Helmet Cam Brings New Features

Contour has launched a new helmet cam, the Contour+, delivering a host of great new features that will give aspiring filmmakers some wonderful new options when creating their next adventure film. The new edition to the line-up delivers pro-level quality and ease of use in one very small, yet durable package.

The Contour+ adds a new "professional grade" lens that allows capturing of 1080p video, which is what you would expect out of any digital video camera in this day and age. The new lens also provides the ability to shoot in a wider format, while delivering a cleaner image as well. The camera also now includes an external microphone jack, as well as a built in GPS receiver that tracks location, distance, traveled, and other data. And if that wasn't enough, it is now capable of live streaming from events and can connect, via Bluetooth, to your smartphone, which can be used as an external display. All of this for just $499, including all the cables, a 2GB memory card, and 3 different mounts.

I have an earlier model of the Contour, and while it is a bit on the larger and heavier side, when compared to other helmet cams, it is also more durable and of higher quality than the other cameras I've used. The video that it shoots is great, and mine doesn't do 1080p, and it is fun to play with when mountain biking, climbing, or just about any other outdoor sport. My one gripe is that it is sometimes hard to know what you're shooting, but with the ability to use a smartphone screen, that doesn't seem to be much of a problem now either. At least for lining up shots and knowing that things are working properly.

This new gadget seems like a worthy upgrade and if you're looking for a great helmet cam, it is tough to beat all the technology stuffed into this little device.

Buy Stuff From Planet Gear, Help The International Mountain Biking Association

Remember that members only gear shop called Planet Gear that I told you about awhile back? Well, they launched on schedule at the end of March, and have been offering up some killer deals ever since. But they've also been partnering with some other organizations, and helping out the adventure community where ever they can. Currently, they're working with the International Mountain Biking Association, offering up some proceeds to help their efforts.

For everyone who signs up to be a member for Planet Gear using the link PlanetGear.com/IMBA, the company is donating $1 to the IMBA. Additionally, everyone who signs up through that link and spends $50 or more, Planet Gear will award the IMBA $10 in credit.

Remember, signing up for Planet Gear is absolutely free, and if you're a gear hound, like myself, they have some excellent deals to help update your aging gear or add some new items to the closet. And if you sign up now, you can also help an organization that works tirelessly to create and protect mountain biking trails across the globe. For those of us that enjoy that sport, this is a big deal, as some places have really cracked down on how trails are used, often excluding mountain bikes from the list of what is acceptable.

Definitely a great way to aid the IMBA, while also scoring some good deals on killer gear at the same time.

Ditch The Deet: Week 3

Okay, I haven't had a whole lot of luck giving away these Ditch The Deet packages I've been mentioning on my blog over the past couple of weeks. I have indeed selected, and e-mailed, winners the past two weeks, and I have yet to hear from either of them. So, if you've entered the contest, be sure to check your e-mail. The Week 1 winner didn't have a name attached to the e-mail, but Week 2 went to Bob Stocker. Bob, if you're out there, get in touch with me so I can send you your stuff! ;)

Which brings us to week 3. I have two more "Ditch The Deet" survival packs to give away. The packs include an SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear, all of which should come in handy for the summer months ahead.

To win this swag, all you have to do is send me a note at kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject line of "Ditch the Deet." In the body of the message, write me a note about what your summer outdoor plans are,  and how this swag could come in handy. I'll pick a random winner later in the week and ship off the stuff. Easy as that! (At least in theory!) If you've already entered the contest, no need to send me another note. You'll be automatically eligible for the prize until I give away all the stuff.

Also, don't forget to enter the Ditch The Deet contest, which could send you and three friends off to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. For details on how to score that trip, click here.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't send a big thank you to my friends at Adventure Medical Kits for sharing these prizes with us. I've been a big fan of the AMK stuff for awhile now, and I appreciate their support of the Adventure Blog. Great stuff guys! :)

Update: Yay! I've heard from Bob! I'll be shipping his kit ASAP!

There Is Still Time To Enter The Ditch The Deet Week 2 Giveaway

There is still time to enter this weeks "Ditch The Deet" giveaway in which one reader will receive an SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear. I'll be drawing a winner tomorrow and shipping off the swag after that.

To enter the contest, simply send me an e-mail to kungfujedi@gmail.com. Make the subject line "Ditch The Deet" and in the body of the message share your plans for the warmer months ahead. I'll then randomly pick a winner to give the gear to tomorrow and alert the winner via e-mail, and post the name here as well.

The Week #1 winner still hasn't gotten back to me, so if you've entered the contest, be sure to check your e-mail to see if I sent you a note. If I don't hear from the winner, I'm giving away his or her stuff next week! ;)

And don't forget that Natrapel is running a "Ditch The Deet" contest of their own, in which they're giving away a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. To enter that contest you'll need to upload a photo of your favorite outdoor destination. Go to this website for more information.

Good luck everyone and thanks for playing!

Gear Box: Brooks-Range Cirro Hoody Jacket

Just because calendar says that it is spring it doesn't mean that the weather will cooperate, especially when you head up into the mountains, where conditions can be notoriously fickle this time of year. Fortunately, Brooks-Range makes a fantastic jacket that is taylor made for springtime adventures at altitude.

True to the Brooks-Range philosophy, the Cirro Hoody is a no-frills jacket that gives you everything you need, and nothing you don't. Super-light in weight, the Cirro is warm, comfortable, and good looking, which also makes it versatile enough to wear on the slopes or around town. With three zippered external pockets, elastic cuffs, and a well designed hood that protects the wearer from the elements, it is clear that the designers knew what they were doing when they created this jacket. The inclusion of an internal pocket is much appreciated as well.

The Cirro uses Permaloft One as its source of insulation and Pertex as an outer shell. That means that you get a jacket that stays warm, even when it gets wet, but is also well protected from moisture as well. Those synthetic fabrics help provide a garment that is both warm and durable, but weighs just 12.4 oz (342 grams). I was particularly impressed with how warm this jacket is, especially considering the lack of weight and bulk. It makes for a fantastic piece of cool weather gear on its own and an excellent insulation layer in colder conditions.

As a frequent traveler, one thing I always appreciate is clothing that is highly packable. That described the Cirro Hoody to a tee. As I mentioned, this isn't a bulky or heavy jacket, and it also compresses down to a very small footprint, which comes in handy when you're stuffing it in a backpack. The fact that it adds very minimal weight to that pack is a further reflection on how well Brooks-Range knows their market and what we are looking for in our gear.

All of this comes at a great price as well. Brooks-Range lists the MSRP as $189, which is an excellent deal for a jacket this versatile and well made. Add one to your gear closet for a little extra springtime protection on your next adventure.

Outside's Cycling Issue 2011

Just in time for the warmer weather of spring, Outside Magazine has released the 2011 edition of their Cycling Issue, which takes a look at the hot new trends in bikes and gear for both on the road and on the trail. And if you're in the market for a new bike, they even off up some great suggestions on what to look for when you head to your favorite bike shop.

Amongst the online articles for this year's Cycling Issue are separate articles on the best new Road, Mountain, and Commuter bikes for 2011. These three articles offer up some very drool worthy rides, to say the least, but they don't come cheap. Outside's road bikes started at $2460 and the mountain bike selections began at $1500. Those prices don't sound like a lot for hardcore riders, but I think the "Cycling Issue" could have used some affordable suggestions for beginners and weekend warriors who don't want to drop a couple of paychecks on a bike they'll every few weeks.

That said, if you are a cyclist who finds riding is just part of your life, you'll be in heaven as you gaze longingly at some of the bikes on display. This is pure bike porn, and each of the mini-reviews that accompany the selections will have you wondering how soon you can upgrade your current ride for something new.

On a personal note, I've been doing a lot of riding myself the past week or so. I've got a bit of a foot injury that is keeping me from running at the moment, so I'm working out on the bike instead. Last week I had four hour-long rides on my road bike and over the weekend I hit the trail on my mountain bike. While I miss the running, at least for now, I'm having a blast battling the Texas winds on two wheels.

Ditch The Deet: Week 2 Giveaway!

Today marks the beginning of the second week of the Ditch The Deet giveaway that I launched last week in conjunction with Adventure Medical Kits and Natrapel. Over the course of the next few weeks, I'm giving away a couple of "survival kits" that include a SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear.

As I've mentioned before, all you have to do to enter the contest is send me an e-mail at kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject of "Ditch the Deet." Then, in the body of the e-mail, share some details about what you have planned for outdoor adventure in the months ahead, and how this kit would be of benefit to you. With that done, I'll automatically enter you into the contest to win the prize. If you already entered last week, there is no need to enter again, I'll keep everyone in the contest until I've given away all the prizes.

I did pick a winner last Friday, but I haven't heard back from them yet. So, if you entered the contest, you may want to check your e-mail to see if you won. The entry didn't include any name with it, so I can't even announce who gets the swag!

Good luck everyone and have a great start to the week!

Nat Geo Adventure Announces Spring/Summer Gear of the Year for 2011

Our friends over at National Geographic Adventure have posted their picks for Gear of the Year for Spring/Summer 2011. As the weather heats up, we all need different gear for our outdoor activities, and the items on the list reflect a different approach for the new seasons.

As you would expect from a list like this, there is a little of everything, including backpacks, tents, clothing, and more. One of the items making the list is the Osprey Hornet 46 backpack, which receives high honors for being lightweight and flexible, something that I noted when I reviewed the Hornet 32 awhile back. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the convenience and comfort that comes with the Osprey packs, and this one is definitely no exception.

Also making the list is the Stretch Cohesion jacket from Mountain Hardwear, which gets the nod for its many multisport uses. The Marmot Plasma 30 sleeping bag was a hit thanks to its comfort and lightweight, while the Salewa Alp Trainer hiking boot earned a spot on the list for it all around quality and design, not to mention comfort, on the trail.

This is just a sampling of the gear that made the cut however, as there is plenty of other footwear, gadgets, and other items as well. For instance, there are both DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras on the list, as well as a great outdoor watch. The iPad 2 gets a mention as well thanks its more svelte design and all around usefulness as a travel companion, something I whole heartedly agree with.

So, if you've got some spare cash burning a hole in your pocket, and you're looking for some new gear for your warm weather adventures, take a look at what Nat Geo recommends, and maybe you'll find an item that is exactly what you're looking for.

Gear Box: SteriPEN Sidwinder Water Purification System

In the spring of 2010 I traveled to Nepal and made the trek to Everest Base Camp. A trip like that one requires plenty of gear, including a good pair of boots, a comfortable pack, and plenty of clothing to keep you warm at altitude. But one of the pieces of gear that I found to be the most invaluable was my SteriPEN Journey water purifier. The little electronic device allowed me to drink the local water without fear, which is both more cost effective and environmentally sound.

For those not familiar with SteriPEN's products, they use ultraviolet light to kill off 99.9% of all the harmful bacteria that can live in drinking water. In the case of the Journey, you simply stick the little wand inside your water bottle and stir for a couple of minutes. After the process is complete, you're good to go. The Journey was so effective that I never once had issues from drinking the water, despite the fact that many in my trekking group suffered ill effects.

Since that time, SteriPEN has released a new product called the Sidewinder, which does away with the battery operated light in the Journey in favor of a new system that uses a hand crank to power the light. The system includes a 32 oz water bottle (BPA free of course!), which you fill up with water and then attach to the Sidewinder. After flipping the device over, you are free to start turning the crank.

SteriPEN has made it nearly impossible to screw up the purification process. If you are turning the crank too slowly, a pair of red LED lights turn on to let you know you need to go fast. The instructions say you need to turn the crank at about two revolutions per second, and turning it faster does not speed up the time it takes to complete the process. It takes about 90 seconds to finish, and when you do, the LED lights turn green to indicate the water is now safe to drink.

That's really all there is to it, and much like the Journey, the Sidewinder does an excellent job of getting you water free from all the potentially harmful stuff inside. But just for a bit of added security, SteriPEN included a filter in the box. That filter attaches to the water bottle and further helps to clean the water for drinking. It is a nice added touch and shows the company's commitment to keeping us healthy while traveling.

The Sidewinder has a few decided advantages over the Journey that I used last year. For starters, it doesn't require batteries, which can be difficult to obtain in the backcountry or a foreign land should you run out of juice. It is also super-easy to use, although it does take some practice to get the cranking perfected, and it can be tiring. Consider the Sidewinder a way of working your biceps while on a camping trip though, and you'll be fine.

On the other hand, the Sidewinder is a bit large and bulky, and I can't imagine taking it with me to Nepal, or most other countries for that matter. It is better suited for car camping or for when you're staying in a base camp for some time and won't be lugging it about. Don't get me wrong, the device isn't all that heavy, just a bit on the large side and awkwardly shaped.

Still, the addition of the Sidewinder to the SteriPEN product line definitely fills a niche. The fact that it doesn't require batteries at all will be a big bonus for some, and it works as advertised, purifying your water as needed.  (MSRP: $99.95)

(Both the Sidewinder and the Journey are available from TravelCountry.com)

Don't Forget To "Ditch The Deet!"

Just a quick reminder of the contest that I launched yesterday in which I'm giving away a little Spring/Summer Survival Kit that includes a SOL Core Lite survival tool, as well as a Natrapel insect repellent wipes, Afterbite Itch Eraser and Ben's Insect treatment for clothing and gear. All you have to do to enter to win is send me an e-mail with the subject line of "Ditch The Deet" to kungfujedi@gmail.com. In the body of the message tell me about your outdoor plans for this spring and summer, and why this "survival kit" might just come in handy. On Friday of this week, and for the next few weeks, I'll be randomly picking a winner to send this pack to.

And while you're at it, drop by DitchTheDeet.com to enter the contest that Natrapel has going at the moment. On that site, you can upload your favorite photo from your outdoor adventures, and you just might end up winning some other cool swag, gear, or even a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Not a bad place to spend a few days this summer!

Good luck to everyone who enters, I've been enjoying the notes that I've received so far!

Win A Spring Survival Kit From Adventure Medical Kits and The Adventure Blog

Last week I posted a review of a great little tool called the SOL Core Lite from Adventure Medical Kits. I gave it high marks for being a lightweight knife, flashlight, and emergency whistle combo that you could throw in your pack on any outdoor venture. I also noted that I would be giving a few away in the near future, along with a few other products from AMK.

The Core Lite is just one element to a Spring Survival Kit that we've put together for readers. I've also got Natrapel insect repellent wipes (good for 8 hours!), AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear. Each of these products should prove extremely helpful in the warm spring and summer months ahead, when the bugs will be returning in force and looking to spoil your outdoor fun. Best of all, none of these items uses Deet, which we all know can be quite harmful.

In fact, Natrapel is running a Ditch The Deet contest at the moment, which encourages us to submit photos of our favorite outdoor adventures (bug free of course!) to their website. From there, photos will be voted on by site visitors, with the winning image being awarded a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Runners up will receive gear and other prizes as well. So, dig out your favorite snap-shot, or take a few new ones, and submit them to the site. You and three friends could be off on a fun vacation thanks to your award winning photo!

But I have an even simpler contest for you. To win your own Core Lite tool, Natrapel insect repellent wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for your gear, simply send me an e-mail with the subject line of "Ditch The Deet" to kungfujedi@gmail.com. In the body of the message tell me a little something about your outdoor plans for the spring and summer, and why you would need this little "survival kit." On Friday of this week, and for the next couple of Fridays, I'll select winners and ship them off their kit, just in time for the insect invasion of 2011. It's that simple!

Good luck!

yourLUME Contest Winners Selected!

I wanted to post a late afternoon note to let everyone know that I've selected the winners for this week's gear giveaway contest that was brought to us courtesy of yourLUME.com. I've sent e-mails to the two winners informing them of their prizes, and I'll be posting their names here once I hear back from them.

I want to thank yourLUME for providing the great gear to give out in honor of Earth Day, which is going on today of course, and I want to thank everyone who entered the contest. I had a blast reading the e-mails, and not only did you come up with some fantastic places to enjoy the outdoors, many of you had very kind things to say about my blog as well. I want everyone to know that I appreciate those comments and you dropping by this page regularly to see what's going on in the adventure world.

Also, don't forget that yourLUME is right in the middle of its 30 Days of Giving campaign, during which time 100% of their proceeds from gear sold, up to a total of $10,000, is going to the Mercy Corps to help with the relief effort in Japan. It has been more than five weeks since the catastrophe there and it will be many months before life truly returns to normal. yourLUME is doing their part to help the cause.

Check back in next week for the start of another cool give away and enjoy the weekend!

Gear Box: Core Lite Survival Tool From Adventure Medical Kits

Adventure Medical Kits has a great reputation for producing a wide variety of excellent first aid kits for just about any outdoor activity. They've got a range of products for the hiker on an easy day trail all the way up to the mountaineer heading for Everest, with pretty much everything you need in between. Personally, I'm a big fan of their ultralight kits, which are perfect for backpackers and adventure racers.

Recently AMK added a nifty little item to their catalog called the Core Lite, a survival tool that is tiny, lightweight, and offers three essential items in one nice package. The Core Lite incorporates an AUS-8 locking blade, a 10 lumen LED flashlight, and a very loud rescue whistle.

Each of those tools can prove quite useful on their own when you're in a bind, but AMK has managed to incorporate them together quite nicely. I was very impressed with the build quality on the tool which feels heavier than its listed 1.38 oz (39 grams) weight, thanks to the sturdy construction. The steel blade locks into place easily and feels solid when being used, and in a nice touch, the designers put the LED light right at the end of the blade so when it's illuminated, you can see exactly what you're cutting.

Speaking of the LED, 10 lumens may not sound like much, but when you're caught in the dark without any light at all, it is surprisingly bright. The Core Lite comes with a sturdy belt clip as well, which can keep the tool close at hand when needed, but it is also handy for attaching it to the bill of your hat when you want to turn the device into a headlamp. The battery of the light is also quite easy to change, although you will need another tool to remove the screw on the outside of the case.

There isn't much to say about the whistle other than that it is quite loud and shrill, which is exactly what you want out of a rescue whistle should you ever find yourself in a position to need it. AMK says that the whistle is capable of putting out 100db of sound, and after a couple of tests, I'm inclined to believe them, as are all the dogs in my neighborhood.

The Core Lite is another great little addition to your back. It is super lightweight and gives you three useful tools in one package. Tools that you would probably want with you anyway. With an MSRP of $25 this is another excellent product at a good price of Adventure Medical Kits that could end up saving your life some day.  (Check out more great Adventure Medical Kit products at TravelCountry.com)

Come back next week for information on how you can win your own Core Lite survival tool, and several other great outdoor products!

Final Reminder: yourLUME Gear Giveaway Ends Tomorrow!

Just one last reminder that time is running out to get your entry into the gear giveaway that I'm currently conducting with the folks at yourLUME. Tomorrow, in celebration of Earth Day, we'll pick two winners, one to receive the GoLite Men's Litespeed Backpack and another to take home the Sierra Designs Verde 20 Sleeping Bag.

As I've mentioned all week, entering the contest couldn't be easier. Simply send me an e-mail at kungfujedi@gmail.com with the subject line of "yourLUME." Then, in the body of the message tell me about your favorite outdoor destination or where you would most likely use this gear if you were to win. It's as simple as that. Tomorrow, I'll randomly select a couple of winners, and post them here, along with a mention of their favorite destinations.

The entries so far have included places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, the Himalaya, the Great Smoky Mountains, Kilimanjaro, and many, many more. It has been a real pleasure reading through these e-mail so far, and I have loved every one of them. You all deserve a prize, but unfortunately I only have these two. (For now! Stay tuned!)

Good luck everyone!

Reminder: Win Gear From yourLUME and The Adventure Blog

Just a quick reminder that I'm giving away a couple of great gear items this week to help celebrate Earth Day, which is this Friday. The two items that are up for grabs include a GoLite Men's Litespeed Backpack and a Verde 20 sleeping bag from Sierra Designs. Both are great products and would certainly come in handy on your next trip.

To enter the contest all you have to do is send me an e-mail at kungfujedi@gmail.com with the subject of "yourLume." In the body of your message leave me a little note about your favorite outdoor destination or a place you'd love to use this gear. On Friday, I'll randomly select two winners and announce who gets the swag!

Big thanks once again to the folks at yourLUME.com for providing the gear for the giveaway. I've mentioned it a few times this week, but the site is an excellent source for great outdoor gear, but is also a social hub for sharing stories from our adventures, posting photos, and finding inspiration for our own future excursions. They also happen to be in the middle of their "30 Days of Giving" promotion, during which time 100% of their proceeds, up to $10,000, is going to Mercy Corps to help provide relief for the victims of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Japan. So when you get a chance, swing by the site to check out everything they've got going on over there, and maybe even drop them a note to say thanks as well.

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been very happy and excited to read the notes that have been sent my way. I love that everyone has some great outdoor destinations to share and excellent plans for how they would put the new gear to good use. Keep 'em coming and good luck to everyone!

yourLUME Supports Relief Effort In Japan

Yesterday I announced a new contest that I'm running in conjunction with the fine folks over at yourLUME, who were kind enough to provide two great items to giveaway. It turns out, their generosity doesn't end there however, as they are also taking steps to help in the relief effort in Japan as well.

The website is a great resource for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only do they have plenty of good gear on sale at good prices, but it is also an online community where we can swap stories, share ideas, and post photos from our own adventures. The crew at yourLUME has also announced their 30 Days of Giving campaign, which is running from April 6 - May 5, during which time 100% of their proceeds, up to $10,000, will be donated to help the struggling and suffering people of Japan.

And of course, we'll be running the contest that I launched yesterday all of this week, culminating with giving away a GoLite Litespeed Backpack and a Sierra Designs Verde 20 sleeping bag on Friday, which also happens to be Earth Day. To enter the contest, all you have to do is send me an e-mail at kungfujedi@gmail.com with the subject of "yourLUME." Then, in the body of the message simply leave me a note about your favorite outdoor place where you would put this gear to good use. On Friday, I'll randomly select two winners, and share their favorite destinations.

As you can probably imagine, with two great prizes to give away, I received a number of entries yesterday. I have to say, that I have really enjoyed reading through them all, and just as I suspected, you are a really outgoing, adventurous lot! The selection of outdoor destinations has really run the gamut, and I've even found a few new places that need to go on my "must visit" list! Keep 'em coming!

And stay tuned for another giveaway coming very soon!

Win Great Gear From yourLUME and The Adventure Blog!

Regular readers know that I love great gear. The only thing better than getting new gear, is giving away cool swag to someone else. That's why, the Adventure Blog (thats me!) and yourLUME are joining forces to give away some fantastic gear this week in celebration of Earth Day, which takes place this Friday, April 22nd.

We have two pieces of gear up for grabs. First, we have a GoLite Men's Litespeed Backpack, which is a fantastic, and versatile bag that is great for travel, day hikes, or peak bagging. The second item is a Sierra Designs Verde 20 sleeping bag. This is a three-season bag rated for 20ºF/-7ºC, very comfortable, and lightweight. Either one of these items would make a great addition to your gear closet, especially as the spring/summer hiking and camping seasons arrive. Being a big fan of both GoLite and Sierra Designs gear, I'm already a bit jealous of the readers who win these items.

If you've ever taken part in one of my contests before, you know that I try to make them simple and fun. This one is no different. To enter to win either the backpack or the sleeping bag, all you have to do is send me an e-mail at kungfujedi@gmail.com with the subject of "yourLume"and somewhere in the body of the message tell me your favorite outdoor destination where you would use this gear if you were to win. That's it! Very easy! I'll collect all the entries, and on Friday I'll announce a two winners. One gets the backpack and the other the sleeping bag!

A big thanks to the team over at yourLUME for contacting me and providing the gear for the contest. If you're not familiar with yourLUME, it is a great online site for not only purchasing gear, but also for swapping adventure stories, finding ideas for your next trip, or simply connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. I'm happy to be working with yourLUME on this Earth Day promotion.

Good luck to everyone who enters the contest!

Gear Box: Solite 150 Headlamp

Back in January, when the Winter Outdoor Retailer show was taking place, there was a lot of buzz about a new headlamp from a company called Light & Motion. The headlamp is called the Solite 150, and all of the early previews and reviews raved about what a great product it was, but all I could think was "For $150, it better be a damn good headlamp!" Recently, I got my hands on a unit so I could see first hand if it was worth the hype – and the money!

The first thing I noticed when I took the Solite out of the box was that it certainly lives up to its name. It is indeed very light, weighing in at just 150 grams or about 5.3 ounces. The second thing I noticed when I turned on the light was just how bright it is. At the highest of the three settings, the Solite cranks out 150 lumens, which is very bright in the dark. At that setting, the included rechargeable battery pack is only rated for three hours, so you may want to crank it down to the medium or low settings which offer 75 and 33 lumens respectively. Both were more than adequate for casual around camp and night trail hiking.

Where the highest setting does come in handy however is when riding your bike. Those 150 lumens make it easier to see further down the road, which is useful when traveling at higher speeds, and it ensure that other vehicles will see you as well. The Solite comes with a great, easy to use quick mount for your handlebars, keeping the light locked in place when out for a ride. It is a nice touch that the Solite comes with both a headband and handlebar holder, making it all the more useful For your $150, you're going to want to use it as often as you can.

The Solite does have one issue, and that is its rechargeable batteries.  While they are rated for 40 hours of life on their lowest setting, and my tests seem to bear that out, on an extended trip you'll want some way to charge them, and there is no way to use standard batteries. The light charges via USB, which means you'll have to get creative on how you want to charge while in the backcountry. You could take your laptop with you of course, but that's generally more weight than you'll want to carry, and laptops have their own battery issues. Fortunately for me, I have a Solio Classic solar charger, which collects and stores energy from the sun just for recharging these kinds of devices. It worked well with the Solite, although it did take awhile to charge it up fully. I realize that not everyone has that kind of gear at their disposal, and for them I'd recommend a headlamp from another manufacturer that uses standard batteries. Chances are, you'll find one for less money as well.

On the other hand, if you really demand performance out of your gear, and you're always looking to shave weight off your pack, the Solite is a great choice, even for $150. I also have a feeling that this headlamp will prove very popular with the adventure racing crowd. It is durable, bright, and versatile. Something that the AR crowd is always looking for in their gear.

So? Is it worth the $150 price tag? For the casual hiker/backpacker, I'd say no, there are cheaper alternatives that get the job done for them. But for those that need a little something more than "getting the job done," this is a great piece of kit that will definitely prove itself useful in a wide variety of situations.

Unfortunately for me, I have a penchant for leaving my headlamp in some distant country while I travel. Leaving my Solite behind would hurt. A lot!


MSRP: $150

Gear Box: Satmap Active 10 Trek GPS

GPS devices are a dime a dozen these days. It use to be fairly easy to go into your favorite gear shop and plunk down your hard earned money, and walk out with a handheld device from Garmin or Magellan. Now though, there are a number of other options to choose from, all with a host of features to help you navigate your way through the backcountry.

One such option is the Active 10 Trek from Satmap, a company with a strong reputation in Europe, but a bit lesser known here in the States. As you would expect, the Active 10 Trek has all the features you could ever want in a handheld GPS device, including a built-in base map with a good level of details, the ability to mark way-points and chart courses, and a digital compass to keep you on course. The device is also ruggedized to protect against all sorts of weather and has a color screen to help the maps easy to read, even in the bright sunlight. A red backlight for navigation at night helps protect your eyes, and large buttons make the Active 10 easy to use, even while wearing gloves. 

The device is well built and screams high quality and refinement at every turn. It has a nice heft in your hands, but isn't too heavy either, and you get the feeling that it can stand up to all kinds of punishment on the trail. There are eight buttons on the unit, plus a tiny joystick. Those can be a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of how it works, you'll soon be using all of those buttons easily and without thinking. The interface is intuitive and easy to use. So much so, that I took it out on my first trial run without even reading the manual, and used it to successfully navigate off trail between two points. That should say something about how easy it is to use the Active 10. 

Of course, a number of GPS devices could be described in the same manner that I described this one above. But the Active 10 has something that no other handheld GPS device can boast, which is access to the library of National Geographic Maps right on the unit. The Active 10 has an SD card slot along the left side of the device, which facilitates expansion maps that can add far more detail to the built-in base map. SD cards with the Nat Geo maps are purchased separately, but deliver the kind of expertise that can only come from National Geographic. 

With my test unit I received two of the Nat Geo map cards to try out on the Active 10. Those cards included the Trails Illustrated: America's Greatest National Parks and the Topo! Texas maps. The latter of those would prove very useful on weekend hikes in my home state. The first time I zoomed down to the highest detail level while out hiking, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Seeing all of those topographic lines, trails, and POI's was very impressive, and a HUGE upgrade from my previous GPS device that is over eight years old. Similarly, the National Parks card includes a similar level of detail for 25 of the best parks in the U.S. That list includes: Acadia; Arches; Big Bend; Bryce Canyon; Canyonlands; Channel Islands; Death Valley; Glacier/Waterton; Grand Canyon; Grand Teton; Great Smoky Mountains; Isle Royale; Joshua Tree; Kings Canyon; Mount Rainier; North Cascades; Olympic; Redwood; Rocky Mountain; Sequoia; Shenandoah; Voyageurs; Yellowstone; Yosemite; and Zion.

Satmap didn't scrimp on the accessories that come with the Active 10 either. Inside the box you'll find a lanyard, as well as a very nice case, for carrying your GPS on the trail. There is also a USB cable for connecting the Active 10 to your computer, 3 AAA batteries and a rechargeable battery pack. There is also a car charger and a wall charger with every international adapter you could ever hope for. The batteries last for a good long time, especially the included rechargeable pack. It is difficult to give you an accurate number, as how you use the device greatly impacts battery life, but I had no problem getting 15+ hours of use, and with the USB cable I could connect the device to my Solio solar charger to recharge the batteries on longer treks. 

Performance on the Active 10 is excellent. The first time I turned it on, it took it awhile to connect to the satellites, but it managed to lock on to every one of them, even under a decent tree cover. Subsequent uses of the device showed a marked improvement in locking on to the satellites as well. I'm not sure why there were performance gains, but I suspect that the first time out of the box, there was an initialization process that the Active 10 had to complete. 

After an initial get acquainted session, I found the Active 10 very easy to use, and I was quickly drilling down into some of the more high level navigational functions without even thinking about it. Setting way points was a breeze, and navigating to them was even easier. The electronic compass was useful in a number of circumstances, and the interface was so quick, that I could turn the device off, and store it in the case, only breaking it out as needed. 

I haven't had the opportunity to go geocaching with the Active 10 yet, but I'm told that it is easy to load up geocaching coordinates and go in search of those hidden treasures. I hope to give it a go sometime in the near future. 

If you couldn't tell, I'm highly impressed with the Satmap Active 10 Trek. By itself, it is an excellent, easy to use GPS device with all the features you could ever hope for. Throw in great battery life and an interface that is easy to use, and you have a real winner. Pair the device with the amazing National Geographic Maps, and you have a GPS unlike any other o the market. Those maps unlock a lot of potential for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and just about any other outdoor enthusiast. You won't get the Nat Geo maps on any other handheld GPS device, and that puts the Active 10 in a class all it's own. (MSRP: $369.99)