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Recently, FLEXTAIL sent over a beta version of their new ZERO PUMP for me to test out, and I have to say that I’m excited about this little pump. If you’re an ultralight backpacker or paddler looking for a lightweight, compact, electric pump to inflate your sleeping pads, then read on. Even if you’re not, you may be interested after reading my impression of this little device. It makes inflating a thick sleeping pad easier than with the pump bags provided by pad manufacturers. What is it? The FLEXTAIL ZERO PUMP is the world’s smallest pump for sleeping pads, weighing only 1.2oz (about 34.02 g) without the battery and measuring…

Over and over, Nitecore has innovated in the flashlight and electronic category and has found its way into my paddling kit. With the introduction of the EDC27, a everyday carry (EDC) flashlight, I’m now using three different Nitecore devices for various trips. The first device is lightweight NU25 headlamp that I carry on all my canoe and kayak camping trips. The next is the NB10000 power bank. The final is the EDC27. What is the EDC27? The Nitecore EDC27 is a high-performance EDC (everyday carry) flashlight. This flashlight has an ultra-slim and flat design that’s easy to carry in your life vest, but is packed with features. It’s most eye-catching…

Earlier this year, Duk Gear sent me out a phone case for review. I used the case over the last few month for kayaking and canoeing. These are my impressions. What is it? The Duk Gear Waterproof Phone Case is a soft plastic phone case that floats. It holds an IPX8 certification which means that it can be submerged in depths greater than 1 meter. The manufacturer determines the distance, and Duk Gear says it is waterproof up to 65 feet. The plastic is touchscreen compatible. It has a clear plastic opening on the back for your phone’s camera. It comes with a carabiner and lanyard. Multiple colors are available.…

Nitecore’s latest headlamp, the Nitecore UT27 Headlamp, offers a lot that paddlers will get excited about. I got my hands on a pre-release copy of the headlamp and this review will focus on my initial impressions. The Nitecore UT27 features a waterproof (IP66) and lightweight body with the total weight of 2.61 ounces (74g) including the headlamp, headband, and battery pack. The battery pack has a built-in USB-C charging port, and the headlamp accepts both the rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries. Like many modern headlamps, the UT27 has both a spotlight and a floodlight for different situations. The spotlight uses a 3,000K bulb for a slightly yellow or warmish…

The Fenix E12 V2.0 AA Flashlight for Everyday Carry is a flashlight designed to fit in your pocket and be forgotten until you need it. Because it weighs less than 1 ounce without the battery, it made me wonder if it would be a good replacement for a headlamp. So, let’s dig deep into a Fenix E12 Flashlight for Everyday Carry Review. As with my other Fenix reviews, I received this flashlight in exchange for an honest review (see Fenix PD36R Flashlight Review and Fenix HM65R Headlamp Review). While I love headlamps, there are downsides. One of the downsides has to do with people who use headlamps but aren’t familiar…

Headlamps are the most convenient way to light your way through the dark. When paddling, they point where you look, and when in camp they help you see the area so you can complete your chore or just kick back with a good book. I recently received a Fenix HM65R Headlamp for review. In the past I reviewed another Fenix light and liked it. The Fenix PD36R was a solid flashlight. I was looking forward to trying another one of their lights out. So, how did the HM65R do? Fenix HM65R Headlamp Description The Fenix HM65R Headlamp is a rechargeable headlamp constructed from a lightweight magnesium. It features a USB-C…

Recently, Nightcore reached out and asked me to do a Nightcore P30i Review. The P30i is a wide-throw, long-range and rechargeable flashlight. The opportunity to do a review on a Nightcore product was exciting, because I’ve heard great things about the Nightcore NU25, a lightweight headlamp of just over an ounce that gained popularity in the lightweight hiking world. The P30i is a completely different beast and to let the cat out of the bag early, a flashlight that I’ve fallen in love with. Reviewing the specs of the Nightcore P30i makes it seem like an impressive flashlight. At the strongest setting, it outputs 2,000 lumens and throws up to…

Back in the good old days, I had a sponsorship for an expedition from Action Wipes, which were basically great-smelling, oversized baby wipes originally designed for post-love-making sessions. Since then a number of other companies have come up with something similar, including Sea to Summit Wilderness wipes. Sea to Summit designed the Wilderness Wipes were specifically for the outdoors. The Wilderness Wipes allow you to “shower” when you’re out on a wilderness trip and don’t want to jump in a lake. They’re made from extra thick soft fabric and designed to be gentle on your rugged exterior. You can compost them when you get home. The wipes contain aloe vera…

I’d hate to admit this but since I bought a Subaru Outback, I tend to sleep inside the car more than I front-country camp anymore. It’s far more convenient unless I’m camping in the same spot for several days. That doesn’t happen as often as it used to. The car gets stuffy without the windows down, so during bug season it’s good to have mosquito netting to cover the windows. This last summer, North Fork Gear sent me a set of Skeeter Beater Magnetic Vehicle Window Screens to review. The Skeeter Beater Magnetic Vehicle Window Screens allow you have open your car’s windows while providing protection from biting bugs. Made…