Four Wheel Driving

Highlights of the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2015 Trade Show:

There are some wonderful new products here. Katadyn’s new water filter has arrived. Lots of new shoes to try out (under 400 grams), new raincoats, packs sleeping bags, etc. http://gearjunkie.com/topic/outdoor-retailer & http://www.outdoorretailer.com/summer-market/show-info/product-showcase.shtml & http://gossamergear.com/wp/coverage-summer-2015-outdoor-retailer-lightweight-and-ultralight-backpackers The Thermarest Easy Inflation system gets my vote. It works like this: http://www.gizmag.com/windcatcher-air-pad/27582/

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More Fun With Sticky Tape: Ultralight Mylar Vest:

23 grams that may save your life. See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fun-with-sticky-tape-mylar-poncho/ Patterns will follow Eventually) Se also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-pocket-poncho-tent/

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Sambar Deer Stalking #103:

I have been a hunter for over 60 years. I still feel much more thought needs to be given to the ethics of the hunt. It never ceases to amaze me (for example) that Rene Descartes, one of the West’s pre-eminent thinkers (and someone I also recognise as an outstandingly bright hombre cf his contribution

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A Further Use for Drinking Straws:

Emergency fire starter storage: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fire-Tube-Drinking-Straw-Hack/ This is a top idea. It is also easy to do. All you need is some drinking straws, a pair of needle nosed pliers and a lighter.   See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/single-use-antibiotic-packs/ See also: http://www.instructables.com/id/11-unusual-uses-for-straws/

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Fun with Sticky Tape: Mylar Poncho:

49 grams and five minutes that may Save your Life: Follow the instructions here: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/hole-less-ponchoshelter/  As you can see you can sit down against a tree in front of a fire wearing it and be perfectly dry – with a little help from your small dog, Spot!   See also: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/more-fun-with-sticky-tape-ultralight-mylar-vest/ Actually you can buy

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Tyvek Bivi, Poncho, Tent Floor:

7’ x 5’ of ‘Tyvek Homewrap’ (and some waterproof zippers)  is all you need to make this multi-use piece. Most people who use a tarp use a Tyvek groundsheet/footprint anyway. If it can double as a bivi, before bed you will have a spacious comfy floor, and when you turn in you can be confident

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Toaks Bail Handle Pot

These folks have re-introduced billies with bail handles (along with side handles): http://toaksoutdoor.com/potwithbailhandle.aspx It adds a little bit of weight but means that you can cook by suspending it over a fire. You have to buy the frypan lids separately unfortunately, eg: http://toaksoutdoor.com/accessories.aspx This goes with this: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/humping-your-bluey/

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Hole-less Poncho/Shelter/Hammock Tarp:

Here is  my poncho/shelter which I promised some time ago. When we first made this (back in 2000 – for my first ‘moose hunting’ trip to Supper Cove, Fiordland) there was no such thing as a waterproof zip. As you can see we used 2 oz ripstop and Velcro. Della made three of them in

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Roman Swiss Army Knife:

Category: tool/implement. Name: compound utensil. Date: 201 — 300 AD. Period: Middle Roman. Description: eating implement, folding, with three-pronged fork, spatula, pick, spike and knife. Production Place (legacy): Mediterranean, production, region. Material(s): iron; knife, silver. Dimension(s): height, 88, mm, max width, 155, mm, max http://webapps.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/explorer/index.php?oid=70534

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