Mini Mag Flashlight

When it comes to flashlights, there are more choices than you can shake a stick at, even if you're good at shaking sticks. Today we're going to discuss a light that I've been using daily for about 3 months now, the Mini Maglite.

Operation is simple, twist on/off with flood or beam depending on how much you twist. The light output isn't anything to write home about, but it is more than adequate. It is also a krypton bulb, not an LED, which I kind of like. I personally find things to appear clearer in non-LED light, so I like having a "regular" bulb light on me.

It is not a waterproof light, but it can withstand a quick submersion...like that time I dropped it in the creek. Just brought it out, turned it off, let it dry, and it was good to go. It also seems fairly shock resistant. I've dropped it more than once. Which brings us to a slight downside...it is a little slick. Also, I wish the lanyard hole was large enough to accomodate Paracord.

These arn't ultralight flashlights by any means at 3.78oz, and you can get much more performance/weight with a lot of other lights out there. They will easily fit in with a lightweight backpackers gear list though.

The best part about this light is the price. I got mine, with a sheath and 2 extra bulbs, for under $9.00. Hard to beat for what has so far been a very durable flashlight. It runs on 2AA batteries, also, so batteries are not expensive.

Other than backpacking, I find this light very handy and wear it almost every day in its nylon sheath. Good product for the price.

Performance: 5
Quality: 7.5
Weight: 3.5
Price: 9
Tilt:7

Total: 6.4

Can be found almost anywhere lights are sold for $8-$10.
3.78oz

Primus Isobutane Lantern

Let there be light...at your campsite. Today I would like to share my review on the Primus isobutane lantern. I have owned this product for over a year. I have always liked traditional fuel based lanterns. As a kid I fondly remember the big Coleman lantern illuminating the summer night. Light from an LED or bulb is too artificial for my taste.

This Lantern is well built and solid. I enjoy the added protection of the hard plastic case that is provided from Primus. This little guy puts out 80 watts of light and is adjustable. One criticism I have is a lack of different light intensities. For the most part you have a high, middle, and low setting. The glass that surrounds the mantle is glazed which is fantastic. Too many lanterns I have seen just have a clear glass globe. This makes the light too intense to look at and provides uneven lighting. This glazed globe makes great light. A nifty feature is the wire string the lantern is on. This allows you to hang it off of a branch or stick in the ground. Burn time is respectable. Using a midsized can of fuel I have had this thing go at full blast all night. The new model comes with a penzo ignition system which adds even more ease of use. Noise level is also low compared to other lanterns I have used. This lantern is one of the lightest around but I have seen some others that are slightly lighter. The case is rectangular and is 4.75 inches high with 2.75 inch sides.

This device is obviously not going to find its way into an ultralight backpacking setup but is appropriate for groups or those that like to have little luxuries. At 6.8 ounces you can make room in your pack for the Primus Isobutane Lantern. We have come a long way from the 3 pound beast of a lantern from oh so long ago.

Performance: 8
Quality: 8.5
Weight: 7.8
Price: 8.0
Tilt: 8
Total: 8.06

REI $59, 6.8 oz

Backpacking Chair

Today we're going to talk a bit about backpacking with a chair. This is not recommended for the ultralight backpacker, as the ground or a rock will always suffice. But it is possible for the standard ol' "lightweight" backpacker, thanks to REI's "Trail Stool."

The Trail Stool is a tripod style chair. Its obviously not the most comfortable, or most luxurious thing to sit on, but it is relatively comfortable compared to the other options. It sits about 15 inches off the ground, again not optimal, but still better than the ground itself.

REI lists the stool as able to handle 225lbs, and I would not argue with that very much at all. I weigh in at roughly 210, and when I stand up or sit down adding to the pressure on the chair, I sometimes worry that I may have done it in. It has, however, not failed me yet!

The price is right for this chair when it's on sale. The typical price is 19.95, but I was able to grab it for 12.95 (IIRC), and I'd say thats about what its worth. The weight, while not ultralight, is very do-able for 1 or 2 days trips, at 18oz. This can even be cut down slightly by the removal of some unnecessary straps.

Performance:7
Weight:8
Quality:7
Price:5
Tilt:7

Total:6.8

Its a nice little chair, depending on your trip.

This chair is available for purchase at REI for $19.95.

Snow Peak Titanium Mug

I had a hard time figuring out what labels to give this little guy. Some people would agree that a mug is a luxury item in the backcountry, while others would say it is required. Enter the Snow Peak doubled walled mug and you have a strong case for adding a hot beverage holder to your gear list.

Right out of the box you will be pleased with the aesthetics of this mug. It is stunning. The second thing you will notice is how light it is. The third thing you will notice is no lid is provided. I must strongly criticize Snow Peak for omitting a lid. When spending over forty bucks on a cup one would expect all the bells and whistles. A carry sack is provided at least. Total weight is 4.2oz. This Snow Peak holds 15.9 fluid ounces and has fold out handles. I have owned this product for about 8 months.

When I am cooking a meal I always boil extra water for my after dinner drink (usually tea or hot chocolate). Before adding my meal to the water I dump some into the Snow Peak. After cooking and eating my drink is still extremely hot and waiting for me. I understand that I could just use a weightless Styrofoam cup, but there is something special about drinking out of this titanium chalice. I will not try and defend this purchase against the ultralight crowd. They are right, why do you really need a mug on the trail? Bring a Styrofoam cup if you must have a hot beverage. Although I have been going light/ultralight the past few months I still pack the Snow Peak doubled walled mug...we all have our guilty pleasures.

Pros: Ultralight titanium, gorgeous
Cons: Very expensive, does not come with a lid

Performance: 9.0
Quality: 9.0
Weight: 9.0
Price: 4.0
Tilt: 9.0

Total: 8.0

REI $42.50, 4.2oz (with stuff sack)