Black Rucksack - The Gear, The Lifestyle and The Pastimes of Men » hiking

Arches National Park

J. A. — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:33:16 +0000

Arches National Park is one of the most unique and vibrant national parks of the U.S. The top hike in the park is the Devils Garden Loop, which is 7.2 miles long, and hits great views of eight awe-inspiring arches.

Arches National Park - Photo by J. Mays

You can view a park map here. Arches National Park offers very accessible hikes, so expect the shorter hikes to be somewhat busy. The Devils Garden Loop is the least frequented hike and takes you away from the busier areas of the park! In the not-to-distant future, Black Rucksack will be travelling to Moab, UT once again to travel and test some less frequented hikes!

Arches National Park - Photo by J.Mays

Best time of the year (with moderate temperatures and generally clear) to visit? April, May or October, with April being the wettest month. If you love the heat and lots of visitors, then June, July and August often offer temperatures over 100. Bring your water!

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Craghoppers Bandero Jacket

J. A. — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:00:30 +0000

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.

Craghoppers Bandero Jacket
$110 (currently on sale for $60)

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GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt

J. A. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:22 +0000

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

GoLite Dakota Wind Shirt
$80

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

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Mark Seven (Mk.VII) Bag

J. A. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:00:33 +0000

A requirement for any adventure...

As I stomped through a canyon outside of Moab, Utah I stumbled upon an oddly shaped outcrop of red rock. I was intrigued and immediately started examining the surrounding area. As I moved to the sunlit side of the outcrop, my eye caught a glint coming from an object on the ground. I knelt to take a closer look at the object and as I did, I smashed my knee on a piece of glass that I didn’t see because it was covered by dirt. I found that just barely underneath the topsoil there were a number of antique bottles and such. I dug deeper and found no less than six separate bottles, mostly whole. Since I was 3.5 miles into this canyon and had to climb in numerous areas, carrying a bunch of glass out was not going to be possible. Due to this experience back in 2003, I started carrying either a rucksack or some sort of bag almost everywhere I traveled and regardless of whether or not an adventure may ensue. My absolute favorite bag is the Mark VII…

In the early years of the Second World War the British military adopted the Mk.VII bag to carry the standard service gas mask; it’s also the bag that Indiana Jones always carried with him. This bag is rugged and worthy of carrying more than just gas masks. In fact, I can think of no other bag that would be better suited to carry trinkets out of a canyon in Moab. A canvas sack with a leather shoulder strap is one of the most simple yet essential carry-all devices. Measuring roughly 11″ tall, 10″ wide and 3″ thick, the Mk. VII neatly separates gear you’ve carried in and finds that you’re going to want to carry out.

The Mk. VII has utility for a variety of hobbies and adventures. If you’re a hunter, it’s perfect to use as a shell bag in addition to carrying your knife, flashlight and a Snickers. If you’re a fisherman, you’ll find the bag good for use as a creel or to carry all of your misc. fishing gear, ie. pliers, knife, tackle, repellents, etc. And if you’re an adventurer well, it’s good for your many adventures.

I’ve ordered three replica Mk. VII’s (one for myself and two as gifts) from What Price Glory (onlinemilitaria.net) and they’ve all been very high quality.

Mark Seven (Mk.VII) Gas Mask Bag
$48

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Leatherman Serac S3 Flashlight

J. A. — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:46 +0000

Turn the light on...

Leatherman, known for their multi-tools, also produces an LED flashlight worth noting… the Serac S3.

As we all know, a flashlight typically has at least a few fragile components. Therefore, often it is essential to take close care of your flashlight. That does not work for me because I treat my flashlight just like any other piece of gear. And therefore, I was breaking a lot of flashlights. Thankfully, my Leatherman Serac S3 has held up very well to the many tests I’ve put it through, ie. hiking, boating, camping and road tripping.

The Serac S3 has three settings and can put out up to 100 Lumen on high. Granted, set that high a full battery will only last about an hour but, the high setting is great for signaling and other short uses. The medium setting pushes out 43 Lumen for four hours per battery and the low (normal) setting 7 Lumen for up to thirty-six hours. The low is plenty bright for most uses including map reading, hiking, setting up a tent, etc.

Also of note, the flashlight body is made of a hard-anodized aluminum, has a 10 year warranty and is resistant to humidity, corrosion and shock. Tough… as… hell.

Leatherman Serac S3 Flashlight
$90

Get the Leatherman Serac S3 Flashlight:
-at Cabela’s
-at Amazon

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Dr. Martens Robson Ringo Open Toe Sandal

J. A. — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:00:27 +0000

Doc Martens… they’re like a vacation for your feet. I don’t consider Doc Martens the quintessential footwear but they do make a lot of choice gear. And one such piece of gear that is perfect for this summer season is their Robson Ringo Open Toe Sandal.

Every single pair of Docs I’ve owned have been durable beyond that of any other brand. These open toe sandals are no exception to that rule. The stitching is tough, the footbed is very comfortable and the fit is ideal.

A constant problem that I’ve had with sandals is that they are unwearable for an entire day, especially if there was a lot walking or hiking to do. On the rock, these sandals perform better than expected. On sand, cement and underwater they perform well enough to be worn every day.

I have a water dog (1/2 Labrador Retriever, 1/2 Rhodesian Ridgeback) and these shoes are perfect for taking her into the nearby Bear Lake for a swim.

Dr. Martens Robson Ringo Open Toe Sandal
$85

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Filson Shelter Cloth Packer Coat

J. A. — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:30 +0000

Rugged... resilient...

The Filson company has a long, reputable history among “hunters and fishermen, engineers and explorers, mariners and miners” alike. Their gear is well-known as being among the toughest gear for the outdoorsman; the Filson Shelter Cloth Packer Coat is no exception.

This coat has several features that make it ideal for most day-to-day outdoor work and travel. It is made of a ‘shelter cloth’ which is named after military shelter tents due to its durability. The oil finish and is paraffin treated to aid in repelling water. There are pockets-a-plenty on this jacket as well; perfect for tools, knives, or any impromptu item you may need to carry.

Critical to any jackets performance is its hardware. The zipper, grommets and snaps on this coat are damn high quality and will themselves last longer than the coat. With all of the above features and a moleskin-lined collar, this coat will always keep you well-protected and comfortable!

Filson Shelter Cloth Packer Coat
$275

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Emergency Two-Way Radio

J. A. — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:34 +0000

All-in-one...

In the toughest situations, it’s essential to have the right communication gear. But sometimes, the battery power in your gear doesn’t last as long as you do. For those situations Eton Corporation has the perfect answer… a two-way radio that can be powered by a hand-crank with several other features… the FR1000 Voicelink.

First off, this radio has several features worth noting: 22 channel two-way radio (GMRS and FRS), NOAA weather radio and weather alert system, AM/FM receiver, siren, flashlight and cell-phone charging jack. The weather alerts and AM/FM receiver will keep you informed while the siren and light can act as an SOS beacon, saving your voice.

All of these features can be powered in one of four, redundant ways. The FR1000 has a built in Rechargeable Ni-MH battery. Additionally, it is possible to power the system using 4 “AA” batteries, the included AC Adapter or, in the case all other power is depleted, the dynamo hand crank.

At 3.6lbs the unit is a bit heavy for light hiking however, if you can spare the weight in your pack, it’ll be a welcome gear addition.

Eton FR1000 Voicelink
$94

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Survival Knife and Fire Starter

J. A. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:12 +0000

Survival of the fittest...

The single most important item in any survival kit is the means to start a fire. Another necessity for every survival situation is a knife. When you combine those two functions, you get the ToolLogic SL3 Fire.

The SL3 features a partially serrated 3″ blade and a magnesium alloy fire starter. This particular type of fire starter will spark at over 2500 degrees Fahrenheit and will always spark when wet. If you watch Man vs. Wild you’ll notice that survivalist Bear Grylls often uses a similar type of magnesium fire starter.

Perfect for any rucksack at only 2.7 ounces, the ToolLogic SL3 Fire is a fundamental piece of survival gear.

ToolLogic SL3 Fire
$38

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Forever Flame: The Zippo

J. A. — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:44 +0000

Got a light?

Much is familiar about the Zippo lighter: the “clink” they make when they open and shut, their windproof flame and the distinct shape. My Grandpa had one that he cherished and kept with him in his trouser pocket every single day. And like the few Zippo’s in my family, Zippo’s around the world hold the same two roles: lighter and heirloom.

There are few day-to-day items that carry as much history as a Zippo lighter. It was 2007 when a friend and I were driving through Pennsylvania on a road trip. We literally, accidentally drove past the Zippo Manufacturing Company in Bradford… and we then stopped. There we toured the part-store, part-museum visitors center and took in a lot of the history of Zippo. First produced in 1933, the lighter was popularized by many American soldiers of World War II and the tradition continues on; it remains one of the most popular brands to date.

In 2007, Zippo released a new line of lighter… the Zippo Blu. It’s a butane torch lighter and a must for the cigar smoker. The case design is slightly different than the standard Zippo case and thus a distinguishing feature.

The Zippo is sturdy and resilient but just in case, it also includes a lifetime guarantee. If there is a problem with your lighter the company will replace or fix it for free.

Zippo Windproof
~$18

Zippo Blu
~$38

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Climate Outside… Comfort Inside…

J. A. — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:00:38 +0000

Photo by: thenorthface.com

Picture this… it’s the weekend… it’s calm and cool… you’re grilling… and suddenly your dog is at your side begging. At first, you thought the pup wanted something off of the grill; it turns out she wants to go for a long walk.

On this not particularly sunny day you decide that since it may storm later, it’s best to get the walk in now. It’s about 55 degrees F and the calm day may suddenly change to windy and brisk as a cold front moves in. Knowing this, you grab for the perfect jacket…
the Apex Bionic Jacket by The North Face.

This jacket is windproof and just about waterproof. With it’s breathability it’s ideal for hiking into a cold wind with your dog, while staying warm and dry. It’s made out of a stretchy material that provides the ultimate comfort. I’ll go so far as to say you could play some pond hockey in this jacket and still be well protected!

The North Face Men’s Apex Bionic Jacket (Spring 2009)
$129

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The Quintessential Swiss Army Knife

J. A. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:57 +0000

The Climber by Victorinox

The Explorer, Ranger, Rucksack, Mountaineer, Climber or the Handyman? My personal favorite of all the Victorinox Swiss Army knives is without a doubt the Climber, followed closely by the Rucksack. There aren’t many pieces of gear as simple and as useful as a Swiss Army knife. I carry mine in my front pocket just about every day.

It’s easy to see how the Swiss Army knife has become the quintessential piece of gear. The knives flexibility and diverse set of tools lend favorably to its usability. Compared to many other multi-tools it is far less cumbersome and the bold red shell is pretty tough. While the Swiss Army knife is a good friend for a cautious fellow, it is also the embodiment of resourcefulness. Choose this knife and you’ve chosen brains and versatility over unsteady, oft detrimental brawn.

Take a look at the rich history of these knives and you’ll catch a glimpse of World War I and World War II. Since the birth of the knife in 1891 it has been a stand-by for many soldiers. And, now in 2008 there is a new soldier’s knife that has been re-invented for this era.

The Climber and the Rucksack represent two different types of Victorinox knife. The Climber is a traditional Swiss Army knife with the following 14 tools: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, can opener with small screwdriver 3 mm (also for Phillips screws), cap lifter with screwdriver 6 mm and wire stripper, reamer, punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick, scissors and multi-purpose hook.

The Rucksack is a more ergonomic knife with a locking blade and contains the following 12 tools: large lock blade, corkscrew, can opener with screwdriver 3 mm, cap lifter with screwdriver with automatic locking and wire stripper, reamer, punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick and wood saw.

Both are fine companions for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and most any other outdoor activity you can think of, as well day-to-day use even in the office.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
$15 to $38

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A Watch Above Watches – The Suunto Vector

J. A. — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:04 +0000

A watch above watches... the Suunto Vector.

Suunto labels their watches as “wristop computers” and while this description is accurate, I don’t think it captures the how damn nice these watches are. After some research on Suunto watches I decided that the Suunto Vector best suited my needs. I’m in the woods a lot so, knowing the temperature, barometric pressure and fluctuations, altitude and having a compass is not only convenient but often times necessary. Most frequently and on a daily basis I use the compass and the thermometer. I will use bearing tracking when hiking and the barometer to detect weather patterns. The standard time features such as the stopwatch, countdown timer, calendar and three daily alarms all function as expected. Oh, and I love the 24hr time setting.

I received the Vector from my beautiful girlfriend, D.M. (thank you!). Guys, just a note, having a girlfriend that will give gifts of gear is awesome. This watch wears well with many styles of clothing and is very comfortable. The face is easy to read and the control interface is very intuitive. A quick glance at the manual and you’ll be able to use 90% of the features that this watch incorporates.The durability of the Vector (and most Suunto products) is serious. I’ve beaten, dropped, drowned, smacked, smashed, nicked, knocked and generally abused this watch and it is no worse for wear. If I didn’t utilize and love this watch as much as I do, I think I would spend my time trying to figure out just how to make it stop working.

All thing considered, the Suunto Vectoris definitely my favorite “wristop computer” among all of the watches I’ve owned.Suunto Vector
$190

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The Legendary Stormy Kromer

J. A. — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:06 +0000

Photo By: stormykromer.com

All of us here at the Black Rucksack are experienced travelers. One thing that every traveler and more specifically every hiker knows is that when the weather changes, the gear you carry needs to still be suitable. A Fall day in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula can easily start in the 70′s and end up in the 20′s. For those days we have the perfect solution for your head: The Stormy Kromer.

I can’t even count the number of times that I have pulled down the flaps on my Kromer. Yes, a few times it may have been just for the impression it gives at a local bar, but in most cases I’ve wanted to keep my ears from freezing! I also have to thank my brother, D. W., for giving me one of these hats as a gift. It has certainly served it purpose! Keep in mind, that the Stormy Kromer is not just a baseball cap, it’s a legend. On a cold morning in 1903 the warmth of ear flaps and the functionality of a baseball cap combined to give us the perfect hat to handle the fluctuations of nature.

The creativity, focus on fit and quality craftsmanship behind this hat are well-known to hunters and woodsmen alike. One thing is for sure, if you’re out catching some big Brook Trout and the wind picks up… you’ll be happy we told you about the Stormy Kromer.

Stormy Kromer Cap
$30

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