Black Rucksack – The Gear, The Lifestyle and The Pastimes of Men

A rugged jacket for adventuring...

You know that spring or summer rainstorm/monsoon/torrent that we all inevitably end up in at the most unexpected and inopportune time?   Say, when you need to fill the gas tank or just as you arrive at the campsite but haven’t yet setup?  ”Infrequent” may describe how often these scenarios occur, still, they happen. Good news… there is a jacket that you can rough up and will still keep your top half dry. The Craghoppers Bandero Jacket…

There is something you should know about the Craghoppers company before getting to the details of the Bandero Jacket.  Simply, they have a passion for gear.  For 45 years they’ve been producing quality outdoor gear in the United Kingdom, all started by a dream to summit Mt. Everest.  Craghoppers is a company based on a quintessential adventure and because of that, they succeed perfectly in creating worthy gear.

Craghoppers also works with Bear Grylls to create clothing specifically for the extreme conditions Bear will encounter.  While we don’t know for sure whether or not the Craghoppers Bandero Jacket was influenced by Bear, we are pretty sure it would qualify for one of his adventures.

The jacket itself is a thing of beauty… stylish, et al.  Even if Craghoppers didn’t already have a great reputation for creating quality gear, I would recommend this jacket solely on its reliability.  It’s comfortable and the fit is perfect. I am 5′ 10″ with broad shoulders and the large jacket fits like a glove.  All the pockets, flaps, zippers, seams and buttons are NOT flimsy like they can be on many other jackets.  This jacket keeps the bulk down but truly feels rugged.   A side benefit of the Craghoppers Bandero Jacket is that it could be worn in a variety of conditions: hiking, fishing, hunting, a night on the town, urban, rural, treasure hunting, fall, winter, spring and possibly even in the summer.

Specifications:
-23oz. (660g)
-Roll-away hood
-2 zipped hand pockets and inner pocket plus concealed map pocket
-Chin guard and waterproof storm flap
-AquaDry polyester fabric with water-repellent finish
-Lifetime Guarantee!

Bottom Line:
One of the best multi-use jackets at an absolutely great price.

Pete and Myka on adventure...

Warehouse 13 is SyFy’s 2009 ratings phenomena and is coming back today, July 06, 2010 at 9e/8c, with a vengeance.  Featuring Eddie McClintock (on Twitter @EddieMcClintock) as United States Secret Service agent Pete Lattimer and Joanne Kelly as agent Myka Bering, the show focuses on the trials and tribulations of the two agents as they attempt to gather and protect mysterious ‘artifacts’ from falling into the wrong hands.  Ultimately, they serve as Warehouse 13’s curators and keepers, weaving their way through history and mystery.

The show is equal parts adventure, mystery and comedy all rubbed in a little bit of suspense and science fiction.  Truly, it is one of the most enjoyable dramas currently being produced. You absolutely do NOT have to be a sci-fi geek to enjoy this show; it’s accessible to anyone who enjoys a good one hour weekly drama.

Five Reasons To Watch Warehouse 13:

• Adventure and comedy in a perfect mix, not seen since Indiana Jones.
• Eddie, Joanne and Allison – All three are young, fun, and wicked smart.
• The artifacts are based in history… with supernatural tendencies, of course.
• It’s got soul…
• The entire supporting cast is strong and noteworthy.

Investigate, Gather and Protect

I was a casual X-Files fan, so it is easy for me to love this show.  On the other hand, my darling girlfriend is a watcher of The Hills, Desperate Housewives and many other shows of that nature.  She happily enjoys Warehouse 13 and she would absolutely attest to that fact.  Despite our very different taste in entertainment, we have common ground with this show.  Warehouse 13 is a welcome diversion from the mundane and has something for everyone without even having to try to accomplish that feat; it’s inherent in the writing.  Want more proof of its accessibility and entertainment value?  It enjoys a near 50/50 split viewership between men and women… a sci-fi, nerds-only show on SyFy could NOT manage that.

There are many reasons Warehouse 13 succeeds in entertaining, among those are its strong supporting cast.  Joining Pete and Myka at the Warehouse are Allison Scagliotti (on Twitter @allisonscag) who plays Claudia Donovan, the Warehouse’s resident tech-expert and Saul Rubinek as Dr. Artie Nielsen, the director of Warehouse 13.  The cast is rounded out with C. C. H. Pounder as Mrs. Irene Frederic, a shadowy and influential figure and Roger Rees as James MacPherson, nemesis of Warehouse 13 director Artie.

Spoiler Alert:
Season 2 picks up tonight after the explosive ending of Season 1.  Is Artie alive?  What has been unleashed in Warehouse 13?  Expect to see relationships and a betrayal explored through Season 2!

Bottom Line:
-Watch it.  Tonight.  Go on an adventure.

If you want to catch-up on the series (and support Black Rucksack) get the Warehouse 13 – Season One DVD’s from Amazon!

Stand-up to the wind...

Editor’s Note: Welcome back to Black Rucksack! We took a hiatus and we’re back now; we’re moving on down the trail.

Attention adventurers!  Attention hikers!  Attention trail runners!  Attention bikers! Remember that hot, muggy summer day that suddenly turned into a cool (almost cold), muggy summer night?  Remember starting your dune climb in a blistering heat at the bottom and then upon arrival at an overlook for the ocean or a Great Lake, getting hit with a cool from-the-water wind?  Well, say goodbye to not having an easily packable piece of wind gear to protect from cool nights and lake or ocean breezes.  Meet the GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt…

This shirt has three stand-out features.  First off, this “GoLite” product really is lite; it’s only 4 ounces (103 grams) and packs down into its own (apple sized) pouch.  That makes it convenient for bringing along on any outdoor exploit or stowing in the car with other emergency gear.  Second, the stretch nylon side panels allow for maximum mobility; you’ll be able to climb, paddle and adventure with ease.  Third, the Dakota Wind Shirt’s fabric perfectly blends durability and breathability.  It’s tough enough to be worn through a trail ride spill and it won’t cause you to overheat even when you’re at 110%.  That is a rare combination, indeed.

Really, there is only one slight con to this jacket, and it’s based on a personal preference… the 3/4 zip should simply be a full zip.  A full zip would improve mobility and allow for quick, hassle-less on and off.  All in all though, we recommend this jacket.

Bottom Line:
Worthy of howling back at the wind!

Specifications:
-4 oz. (103 grams)
-3/4 Zip
-Recycled, anti-static fabric
-Stretch Nylon side panels for improved fit
-Self-stowing lower back pocket
-Reflective logos

Get the GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt:
-at Amazon.com