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.

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

Wall-mounted and out of the way!

Editor’s Note: Happy Birthday to the youngest Swider, William!  He’s four!

In a world of IPAs, lagers and whisky it’s easy for a guy to ignore wine. That said, we want to make something clear… do… not… ignore… wine. We won’t go into all of the merits of wine here.  Just remember, there is a lot of good damn wine out there, perfect for just about every social occasion. Note: There is no acceptable wine to drink while watching a hockey game or while fishing. For those activities, you’ll be best served by something brewed or distilled and from Canada.

In a future post we’ll get into what wines are for what occasions. For now, buy a bunch, find what you like and rack it in the Blomus Wall-Mounted Wine Rack.

The biggest problem with most wine racks is that they tend to be obtrusive and inconveniently occupy some needed area. Since this wine rack is wall-mounted it takes up very little space and is perfect for those of us in small houses, condos or apartments.

This rack is made of stainless steel and is incredibly solid and durable.

Rivals...

Downtown Columbus, Ohio has a lot to offer for the guy who just loves to travel or the guy who is looking for a simple vacation with the big city feel but without the big city hassle.

First off, most of the downtown area and especially the “Arena District” is well organized, easy to navigate and densely populated with quality restaurants and bars. We ventured to Gordon Biersch Brewery, Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar and Buca di Beppo’s. Of those three restaurants Buca di Beppo, a family Italian eatery, had the best food, Gordon Biersch Brewery had the best drinks and Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar had the best atmosphere and was the perfect place to close out a night. All were quality establishments and are worth a visit.

The Arena District is so named for Nationwide Arena, home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets have been in Columbus since 2000 and by the looks of it, they’ll make the playoffs this year for the first time in franchise history. Personally, I’m a Detroit Red Wings fan but, it’s always fun to catch a game in another city; especially if you can get tickets like we had… one row off the glass. Sitting that close you’ll better understand the speed and the grit that is the NHL. See the previous Black Rucksack article on the NHL experience and get tickets from StubHub!

More rivals...

Another feature in Columbus a few miles outside of downtown is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; one of the best zoos in the country. It’s a good place to relax and enjoy a sunny Spring afternoon. A zoo typically isn’t the place for a hardcore adventure (unless something escapes) but, a lot of the kids, girlfriends and wives you guys have will enjoy it.

This is just a taste of what downtown Columbus, Ohio offers… find a hotel and book it now!

Gordon Biersch Brewery – $$$
3.5 out of 5 Rucksacks
-

Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar – $$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks
-

Buca di Beppo – $$$
4 out of 5 Rucksacks

Super small Shuffle...

After owning each previous version of the iPod Shuffle, the newest third generation shuffle has certainly piqued my interest. The first Shuffle was shaped like a pack of gum and was the first iPod without a screen. The second generation Shuffle shrunk to a clip-shaped design while the capacity increased. Apple has yet again shrunk the Shuffle and increased the capacity, this time to 4GB.

The shape of the third generation iPod Shuffle is essentially a smaller flatter clip. Its dimensions are 1.8″ H x .7″ W x .3″ D and it no longer has buttons on the iPod itself. Instead, the buttons have been relocated to the right earbud cord and Apple’s VoiceOver feature has been built-in. So, by just pressing a button, the iPod will tell you what song is playing and the artist. This interesting move by Apple has prompted a lot of debate though, consumer reception (while critical) seems positive.

Apple iPod Shuffle 3rd Gen, 4GB
$79

For here and there...

In all my travels I’ve found that the biggest packing problem is typically bathroom items.  Whether packing for a weekend, business outing or a road trip, it is essential to have a good pack for your razor, cologne and other like items. And let’s face it, it’s difficult to find such a pack that is durable and is truly a good fit for all your grooming items.

Most travel kits tend to be either too flimsy or too sissified. Thankfully, our good friends at Victorinox have a good solution… the Victorinox Swiss Army Zip Around Travel Kit.

Every single piece of Victorinox gear we’ve tested has performed above average and this travel kit is no exception. It has a large pocket for electric shavers and the larger bottles with liquids, a medium size pocket with a mesh separator and a few small zipper pockets. The built-in hangar is very convenient and folds neatly into the tri-fold kit.

A damn good travel kit for trips of most any length… and one I’ll keep faithfully packing until I finally wear it out or find one better.

Victorinox Swiss Army Zip Around Travel Kit
$58

Staying afloat...

One of the most refreshing experiences I can think of is spending an afternoon on the dock throwing a stick out into the water so my dog can fetch it. She gets a running start and flies yards off the end of the dock landing SPLASH into the water. It’s obvious she enjoys it and she is an excellent swimmer. In fact, all dogs have a strong innate ability to swim. Still, there are some times on boats, canoes or fast rivers when even the best swimming dogs need a little extra protection… enter the Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat.

This coat is made from a durable ballistic nylon and has buoyancy cells that are variably sized for added fit. It also features luminescence reflective trim so it is easier to find the dog in low light. The Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat is well designed and a must have for the water-bound dog owner; it’ll keep man’s best friend alive if an accident happens on the water.

Available in colors yellow and red and sizes XS through XL.

Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat
$56

It's grillin' time...

It’s only January, it’s around 21 degrees Fahrenheit outside here in Lansing, MI and I’m thinking about one thing… grilling. Last year my Dad designed and built himself an outdoor grill island in his backyard (and from what I hear, my Mom gets a lot of credit for the engineering as well). The design includes a gas grill, tiled top, wood trim, stone facing and many other features. The most kick-ass feature of this grill has to be the view while you’re grilling… Bear Lake.

It’d be awesome to duplicate his custom grill station in my backyard someday… not this year, maybe next. This spring, summer, and fall I am going to stick with grilling on the porch. But, lucky for me there is an equalizer in this grill island v. porch grill throw down… grill tools.

There are a lot of puny, cheap grill tools out there and we don’t want you to buy something you’ll regret. For example, the average grill tool set you might see at your local grocery store is most often not acceptable. For your grilling pleasure you need the serious grill tools. The tools made out of tougher metal that will last through more abuse and torture then the cheap-o grocery store kind. The toughest we’ve tested so far is the 12 piece Deluxe BBQ Tool Set by Ledmark Industries.

The right tool for the job...

This set includes a multi-function spatula, a marinating brush, tongs, a two pronged fork, a BBQ knife, four skewers and a two piece steak set. The tongs are great for large pieces of meat because of their large grip.  The knife and fork are long enough to reach the back of the grate on a deep grill without causing a serious mishap. Plus, the set is easy to carry, easy to pack away and well protected in the included aluminum case.

This spring we plan on testing out more grill tools and letting you know the results. And for our gear-addict friends patrolling all of the B[+]R gear posts… “hey!”

Ledmark Industries 12 piece Deluxe BBQ Tool Set
$60