Category Archives: Gear

Olight i3T EOS Review – Every Day Carry Flashlight

Posted on by
Reply

A Review of the Olight i3T EOS LED Flashlight for EDC (Every Day Carry)

The Olight i3T EOS is a single AAA battery LED flashlight with a 5 lumen low mode and a 180 lumen high mode. With a weight of 1.5 ounces (including battery), 3.5 inch length, and deep pocket tail clip, it lends itself well to every day carry.

Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc

Specs and Features, as per Manufacturer

  • General Data
    • Beam Distance (ft): 196
    • Beam Distance (m): 60
    • Max. Performance (lumens): 180
    • Charge type: Optional Charger
    • Compatible Batteries: 1 x AAA(R3)
    • Light Intensity (candela): 900
    • Light Form:  Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
    • Mode Operation: Tail Switch
    • Form / Size Factor: Small size (Car key / Zippo Lighter)
    • Lens / Reflector Type: TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot)
    • Series: Series I (Keychain)
  • Notable Characteristics
    • Powered by a convenient and widely available single AAA battery producing an output of 180 lumens.
    • Double helix body knurling for unique style and solid grip.
    • Super easy carry: Barely know it is there with its lightweight and slender form factor. The dual direction pocket clip makes the
      I3T even more convenient for carrying in a pocket or attaching to a hat or strap.
    • Highly integrated tail switch: The user can operate momentary on and quick mode shifting (5/180 lumens) all through a convenient tail switch.
    • The I3T is equipped with a TIR optic lens producing a soft and balanced beam for comfortable use.
  • Lighting Levels & Run Times
    • Low – 5 lumens, 16 hours
    • High – 180 lumens, 21 minutes
  • Technical Characteristics
    • Waterproof IPX8
    • Weight: 41 grams / 1.45 oz
    • Length (mm / in): 89 / 3.5
    • Head Diameter (mm / in) 15 / 0.59
    • Body Diameter (mm / in) 15 / 0.59
    • LED:  Philips LUXEON TX
  • Package Contents
    • Flashlight Olight i3T x 1
    • 1.5V Alkaline AAA battery x 1

Olight i1R EOS Review

Posted on by
Reply

A Review of the Olight i1R EOS USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight for EDC, Backpacking & Camping.

The 5 lumen low mode provides ample lighting for low light chores around camp, with a 7 hour runtime per USB charge.  For high visibility needs, the 130 lumen high mode provides longer distance spotting capability in a pinch, while still being able to run for around 20 minutes.

Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc

Specs and Features, as per Manufacturer

  • General Data
    • Beam Distance (ft): 177
    • Beam Distance (m): 54
    • Max. Performance (lumens): 130
    • Charge type: Micro-USB
    • Compatible Batteries: Customized Li-Ion Battery
    • Light Intensity (candela): 730
    • Light Form:  Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
    • Lens / Reflector Type: TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot)
    • Series: Series I (Keychain)
  • Notable Characteristics
    • Lightweight and Tiny. The entire light is slimmer than a pinky finger with the length shorter than a AAA battery and weight at only 0.42 oz/12g.
    • Features a high-performance Philips LUXEON TX LED paired with a TIR optic lens producing a soft and balanced beam.
    • Rechargeable through a built-in Micro-USB charging port. Fully charged within 1 hour and 15 minutes.
    • ON/OFF and output changes are controlled through twisting the flashlight head. Twist it slightly to turn it on at 5 lumens and a bit further for 130 lumens.
  • Lighting Levels & Run Times
    • Low – 5 lumens, 7 hours
    • High – 130 lumens, 20 minutes
  • Technical Characteristics
    • Waterproof IPX8
    • Weight: 12 grams / 0.42 oz
    • Length (mm / in): 41 / 1.61
    • Head Diameter (mm / in) 14 / 0.55
    • Body Diameter (mm / in) 14 / 0.55
    • LED:  Philips LUXEON TX
  • Package Contents
    • Flashlight Olight I1R x 1
    • Key ring x 1
    • 80mAh 3.7V Li-ion Battery (Built-in) x 1
    • USB-microUSB rechargeable cable x 1

Stealth Backpacking Gear List – Go Camping on the Sly

Posted on by
3

9 lb Stealth Camping Ultralight Backpacking Gear List. Go Camping on the Sly – Hammock Camping & Tarp Camping Options Shown

Check out my live gear list on LighterPack.com for weights, prices, descriptions and product links.

Backpack Base Weight: 8.94 lbs (4 kilos)
Backpack Volume: 21 liters

For this load-out, I wanted to create a kit that was not only light and concise, but would appear outwardly as a “regular backpack” for an upcoming stealth camping trip. Stealth camping is a term that can elicit a lot of definitions and responses from hikers. At the very least, the common thread seems to be camping overnight in a way that leaves no visual impact.  For some this is simply for purposes of immersion in the outdoors (both for themselves and for others in the area).  For others, the term refers to camping illegally and / or without permission.  I am not advocating the latter.  I like to experiment with backpacking load-outs and scenarios, so for me this kit was just a fun way to challenge myself.  Regardless, do with the information what you will.

Do to the size constraints of my “regular size” pack, the primary challenge for this kit was not necessarily weight, but volume.  Compactness superseded weight and price.  These volume constraints created an advantageous by product – my pack’s base weight came in at under 9lbs.  My lightest backpacking gear list weight yet.

This kit is intended for a warm weather backpacking trip.  Because of this, you’ll notice that the clothing options are limited. Perhaps someday I’ll attempt to devise a winter stealth camping load-out. One step at a time.  For instance there is no down jacket. In it’s place is a simple light weight long sleeve shirt. Many of you will also notice that there isn’t any rain gear either.  I’m fine with getting rained on in warm weather.  My synthetic clothes will dry quickly and the effects won’t be life critical for my expected conditions.  Besides, I mostly use my Frogg Toggs rain parka not for rain, but as an ultralight windbreaker for supplemental warmth.  Something I don’t expect to need for my upcoming trip.  Plan and adjust for your own load-outs accordingly.

Simplified Stealth Backpacking Gear List:

Backpack

Shelter

Sleep System

Storage

  • Bear Bag Line (25′ guyline and small carabiner)
  • Bear Bag – 13 gal trash bag
  • Zip-lock Bag – Sandwich
  • Zip-lock Bag – Gallon

Cooking & Eating

Water Treatment & Storage

Tools

First Aid / Fire Starting

  • First Aid Kit
    (Adhesive bandages, 1 gauze bandage, superglue, neosporin in straw tube, tealight wax candle, 6 doses benedryl, 10 doses ibuprofen, spare water bottle cap, needle & thread for mending gear)
  • Sunscreen – 30 SPF in 10ml bottle
  • Wetfire Fire Starter Tablets
  • Light My Fire Mini Fire Steel
  • Picardin Lotion Bug Repellent

Clothing (Packed, not worn. For spare, sleeping)

  • Underwear – Synthetic (1 Pair)
  • Shirt, Long Sleeve -Lt Wgt
  • Hat, Beanie – Lt Wgt Fleece
  • Wool Socks – Lt Wgt (1 pair)

Lighting

Toiletries

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toiletry Kit
  • Wet Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer

Additional Stealth Camping Gear Options Discussed 

Our Dog’s New Custom Sleeping Bag …from the Netherlands!

Posted on by
Reply

A first look at our Dog’s new Sleeping Bag.

Custom made by viewer Pim in the Netherlands.  He’s just getting started, but you can check out his website JustHanging.eu for custom backpacking and hammock camping gear.  Thanks, Pim!

Denali and I are excited to try his new doggie sleeping bag out on future hammock and tent camping trips  🙂

Here’s some more info on the bag from Pim’s website

“This bag is designed for dogs whom love to travel with there owners,
it is light weight, easy to pack and wil fit in a doggy backpack so he can
carry his own sleep system!

The estimated total weight for medium sized dogs is around 500 grams
or 18 Oz using the climashield 100 gr or 3 Oz.

For Goose down fill please send us a e-mail, also if you have other wishes you can
mail us so we can see if this is possible.”

Accessory Guide – Dutchware Chameleon Hammock System

Posted on by
2

Setup & accessories for the Dutchware Chameleon Hammock System for Lounging & Hammock Camping. 

Gear & Accessories Seen / Setup in Order of Appearance

Budget Backpacking Gear List – Go Camping for $250

Posted on by
Reply

Budget Backpacking Gear List. Go camping for under $300 – Tarp Camping, Tent Camping, & Hammock Camping options shown.

Check out my live gear list on LighterPack.com for weights, prices, descriptions and product links.

Simplified Budget Backpacking Gear List:

Backpack

Shelter

Sleep System

Storage

  • Bear Bag Line (25′ guyline leftover from tarp setup, and small carabiner)
  • Bear Bag – 13 gal trash bag
  • Zip-lock Bag – Sandwich
  • Zip-lock Bag – Gallon

Cooking & Eating

Water Treatment & Storage

Tools

First Aid

  • First Aid Kit
    (Adhesive bandages, 1 gauze bandage, superglue, neosporin in straw tube, tealight wax candle, 6 doses benedryl, 10 doses ibuprofen, spare water bottle cap)
  • Sunscreen – 30 SPF 10ml bottle https://dutchwaregear.com/product/eye-dropper-bottles/
  • Fire Starter, DIY (dryer lint and wax, or cotton balls with vasoline)
  • Bug Spray – 100% Deet Mini Bottle 

Clothing (Packed, not worn. For spare, sleeping, rain)

  • Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Jacket 
  • Underwear – Synthetic (1 Pair)
  • Shorts
  • Shirt, Long Sleeve -Lt Wgt
  • Shirt, short sleeve
  • Hat, Beanie – Lt Wgt Fleece
  • Wool Socks – Lt Wgt (1 pair)

Lighting

Toiletries

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toiletry Kit
  • Wet Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer

Additional Budget Backpacking Gear Options Discussed 

Approximate Costs for Each System

  • Tarp Camping version $248
  • Kelty tent version $317
  • Hammock Version $352