Deuter Futura 28 day pack

I was in the market for a new day pack for a while and being the picky shopper that I am, I wanted to make sure that I was getting the most value for my money. I looked around for quite a while before settling on the Deuter Futura 28.

There are numerous features that I found truly well designed and worth mentioning, including the best part, the ventilated back.

The entire bag is essentially suspended off the wearer's back and covered in ventilated mesh to let the air flow. I can vouch for the comfort level of this bag in hot weather. Other interesting features include the attached silicone nylon rain cover, the water bladder compatibility, the zipped internal divider and a host of smaller features. The bag is incredibly well made, with quality fabrics and sewing throughout.

Of course, it is not a heavy duty bag in any sense of the definition. This is a lightweight, day hiking bag with several technical features. If you need a bombproof bag, you'll have to look elsewhere and it will be heavier and warmer to wear, guaranteed. Otherwise, take a look at this line of bags by Deuter and hike in comfort!

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles

I recently replaced my first set of trekking poles, a pair of MEC Mantis (discontinued) as the twist lock mechanism would no longer hold my weight, making them essentially useless to me. My next poles would have to feature a truly excellent locking mechanism. I returned to MEC and after comparing all of the poles they carried (almost 20 different models), I settled on the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles, a set of aluminium poles.

These poles feature Black Diamond's FlickLock 2, an improved version of their cam-type locking device. I can tell you from experience that this locking device is simple to operate and incredibly effective. I have put my entire weight on a fully closed FlickLock with absolutely no give! That is how a collapsible trekking pole needs to operate.

Another nice feature of this specific model are the ergonomically shaped natural cork handles, which are both shock absorbing, cool to the touch and comfortable. As an added touch, a foam rubber grip is also provided below the cork handles, for times when the poles are used on very steep terrain and can't be grabbed as easily in the standard grip.

The poles are provided with Black Diamond's standard flex pole tip, which is tipped by a single carbide cup. A set of standard trekking baskets as well as a set of snow baskets complete the package.

While I was there, I also noticed a great little accessory by Black Diamond: a set of rubber caps for the carbide pole tips! These are specifically designed to fit snugly and provide decent grip and shock absorption, while protecting surfaces from scarring by carbide!

I am incredibly satisfied by the quality of construction and the simple, robust operation of these poles. If you are in the market for a set of trekking poles, take a look at the numerous offerings by Black Diamond.With an extensive line of options (aluminium vs. carbon fiber, cork grips vs. foam rubber, etc), I am convinced that you will find the right ones for your needs!

Guyot Designs Squishy Bowl and Cup

As simple a thing as it may seem, the perfect outdoor plate does not exist. But the Guyot Designs Squishy Bowl and Cup come really close. I've seen these for several years in the Mountain Equipment Coop catalog, but every time I happened to be in the store, they would always be out of them... I finally broke down not that long ago and purchased a set in blue:

Made of food grade silicone, the bowl (with an approximate volume of 600ml, or a little more than 2 cups) and the cup (with an approximate volume of 275ml, or a little more than 1 cup) are both very flexible and easy to use, as it is easy to create a proper spout on either one, to control the flow of liquids more accurately than you've ever had it using a rigid plate.

Additionally, the silicone material these are made from also provides some thermal protection, helping you avoid burned fingers (and lips!!!).

If you've been looking for a dining set for backpacking or travel, you can stop your search! This is the set for you! And as an added bonus, they pack pretty easily, as you can collapse them to fit in pretty much any nook and cranny in your pack! Great design!