Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Series Air Pad

Do you like sleeping on the hard ground while camping?  Of course you don't.  It's uncomfortable and cold.  This is why we sleep on a pad at night.  Whether it be a foam pad, an air pad or a mattress, we all need some comfort on the trail.  Today, we have the pleasure to share our experience with the Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Air Pad.

A- Rating

The pad we tested was the regular 20"x72"x1.5" and came in at a little over 2 pounds in weight.  The top fabric is 70D Polyester Ripstop and the bottom fabric is a Polyester Taffeta.  The air valve is a non-corrosive nylon.  Also comes with compression straps.










This pad was taken on a backpacking trip and strapped to the outside of the pack.  Using the compression straps, the pad stayed folded nicely and was not bulky on our packs.  We definitely could have found a lighter pad but a the jet stream foam, self inflating pad, was needed for our comfort.  Set up was a cinch, just unfold and let the foam inflate the pad.  It didn't take long at all.

Close Up of Air Valve

Upon sleeping on the pad, the 1.5 inches of cushion was just perfect.  It kept us cozy and warm all night.  We did find ourselves sliding a bit but we also took into consideration that our sleeping bags were slippery and we were camping on a slight slope.

Packing the pad up was also easy and quick.  Unscrew the valve, fold pad back up to let the air out and put the compression straps on.  Couldn't have been simpler.  






This pad is a great pad for a lightweight comfort option.  It packed tight on the pack, was very durable and extremely comfortable to sleep on.  They range in several different sizes including long, short, XL and regular.  We tested the regular size and are very pleased.  We gave the pad a rating of A minus for how well it stood up to the abuse we gave it.  The minus is for the slight slippage but just make sure you find a flat camping spot.  If you would like to look into getting this pad for your next backpacking trip, you can find the details at http://bubnugget.com/Alps-Mountaineering-Lightweight-Series-Air-Pad-Regular-Blue-59249.htm Please feel free to comment on your experiences with this pad.   See you on the trails and enjoy your hike!

Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Air Pad.

Optimus Crux Lite Ultra Light Backpacking Stove

There are many heating options when cooking food on a backpacking trip.  You have your wood stoves, your alcohol stoves, your canned heat stoves and you have your propane/butane stoves.  Most people choose the lightest and most compact stove as their heating choice.  One of the smallest and lightest of these stoves is the Optimus Crux Lite.

A Rating

This stove weighs in at 3oz and is 3" x 2.2" x 2.2" in dimension.  It can burn butane, isobutane and propane and has an output of 3,000 W 10,200 BTU.   From an 8 oz fuel can, this stove has a maximum output burn time of 90 minutes.  It also boasts a boil time of 3 minutes for a liter of water.







One thing we really like about this stove is how small and light it is.  It can definitely fit in your pocket and may even fit in that weird small pocket of your pants.  Super convenient and can be put anywhere.  We used a 4 oz Optimus fuel can for our review.  The stove has no problem screwing on and lights extremely easy with a match, lighter or spark.  The prongs fold out with ease and can hold a variety of small pots.  We used the Stanley Adventure Cookset and the stove had no problem holding it up.  Make Sure you are on a flat service though.

The Crux Lite will boil your water but probably not in three minutes as they boast without a wind screen.  A wind screen would surely cut down on your boil time.  Once used, Crux Lite cools down very quick and is ready to be packed immediately.  With this stove, our 4 oz fuel can lasted four camping nights and a total of ten uses.

This Stove, Optimus Crux Lite, is an awesome little stove that is light and compact.  Perfect for those ultra light backpackers.  Our boil times were longer than advertised but we did not use a wind screen.  We have given this stove a rating of A for its ease of use, size and portability, and durability.  If you would like to check out this stove, go to http://bubnugget.com/Optimus-Crux-Lite-55188.htm
For other cool Optimus Gear, check out http://bubnugget.com/Optimus_c74.htm
Please feel free to contact us with any questions and post comments about this stove below.

Optimus Crux Lite Stove with 4 oz. gas canister

     Stove with Stanley Adventure cookset

 Optimus Crux Lite Stove with prongs out

Optimus Crux Lite Stove closed and compact

Crux Lite with carrying case

Alps Mountaineering 10"x 20" Camp Pillow

We all enjoy resting our heads on the flat ground...right?  Oh, You don't?  Is that why we all use pillows to rest our heads?  Well...I'm glad you like using pillows because we're here to talk about the Alps Mountaineering Camp Pillow.

Alps Mountaineering Regular Pillow =  B+ Rating

This is the 10" x 20" regular sized pillow featuring a MicroFiber fabric and TechLoft insulation.  The stuffed dimensions are 6.5" x 9" and weighs 8oz.







We used this pillow on a couple backpacking trips for our trial.  The material is very soft and comfortable and will help you get to sleep with ease.  We felt this particular size is better suited for a child as there didn't seem to be enough support for the neck.  There could have been a little more fill in the pillow to achieve this.  The larger size would be better for adults.

The gray pillow comes with a stuff sack which packs much smaller than the fluffed size.  On a backpacking trip, the pillow was a little too bulky.  It took up  a good amount of space that could have been used for other needed gear.  We would recommend taking this on a normal camping trip where space isn't that much of an issue.

This is a fun little pillow which is very comfortable and comes with a convenient stuff sack.  The rating given to this pillow is a B+.  We felt this would be better suited for a child and taken on a camping trip...not a backpacking trip.  We also think there should have been a little more fill in the pillow.  Below we have a picture showing the regular size verses the large size.  If you would like to try one out for yourself, please follow the link Alps Mountaineering Camp Pillow.  For other camping gear, check out our extensive supply at Bubnugget.com.  Please share your comments below.

Both Pillows Back to Back

Hey!  Do you like to eat?  I'm sure you do...as we are human.  Well... I think I speak for most people and don't like eating uncooked food.  Especially on a long backpacking trip, it's a delight to consume some delicious hot cooked food.  While backpacking, you're also looking for a light and easy to use pot to cook your meals in.  That's why when we came across the Stanley Adventure Camp Cookset, we were blown away.

A+ Rating

This Cookset is made of single wall 18/8 stainless steel and is BPA free.  It won't rust naturally.  It's able to hold 24oz of liquid/food and is dishwasher safe.  I don't know how many dishwashers are on the trail though.  The set has a locking handle that folds up to make a more compact system.  Included are two nesting 10oz. insulated cups that fit snugly inside the cookset.  One vented stainless steel lid is also included.






Using this set is easy...just unfold the handle and you're ready to go.  We only tried this cookset on a propane stove and gel fuel type stove.  This set performed extremely well on both types of stoves.  The handle did not seem to ever get hot.  I imagine if you had it over a wood fire or coals, it would get hot.  The lid has a plastic handle which never got hot as well.  We've heard stories of this handle melting but this was because it was put in a fire.  The lid has hole vents that can be used to separate solids and liquids.  Steam coming through the vents let us know when our water was boiling.

Mostly, we used the pot to boil water in, but also used it to cook noodles, chicken and rice,  beef and rice, oatmeal and to steep tea.  All of which use boiling water...so I guess we used it to boil water.  The two insulated cups came in handy for two people but with one person, the pot can be used to eat and drink out of.  

This pot became very convenient and easy to use on our backpacking trips.  It compacts nicely into your pack and is light as to not add much weight.  We highly recommend this cook set and give it a rating of A plus.  To grab this cook set for yourself, please visit Stanley Adventure Cook Set.  If you have any questions or stories about your own Stanley cookset, we invite you to leave a comment.  For this and other camping gear, check out our gear at Bubnugget.com.

Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set

Chinook Venture 3 Adjustable Hiking Poles by: Jason

There are those that venture a hike without poles.  There are hikers that hike with one pole.  To no surprise, there are hikers that trek with two poles.  I, however, have been in each situation.  The severity of the hike or the load on my back usually determines which mode of poles I use.  Recently, I have really been into the two trek pole system.  My latest of such pole has been the Chinook Venture 3.  I was able to put these poles through many of my rigorous hiking trips.  Here are my thoughts...

B+ Rating

Venture 3 Specs.

• Extended EVA foam handle
• Strong and lightweight anodized aluminum pole.
• Three-section adjustable pole.
• Comfortable hand grip with web strap.
• Carbide tip for use on rocky or icy surfaces.
• One set of hiking baskets and one set of snow baskets.
• Chinook Antishock Spring system that can help reduce stress and strain on lower back and knees during long and short trek  

These poles held up to our challenge fairly well.  The extended EVA foam handles are designed for climbing up steep grades.  The idea was to not stop and adjust your poles but to just grab lower on the pole and still have a good grip.  They did very well but we didn't end up using this feature all that often.  The grip itself is extremely comfortable and stayed in tact through all types of weather.  The straps are also comfortable but did loosen slightly after a while.  I think this is true with any strap though.

Extended EVA Foam Handle with Web Strap

The locking mechanism is a twist lock and never came lose or collapsed.  The mid portion comes with a measuring gauge which is helpful in resetting the pole to the correct height.  We were a little disappointed the bottom portion did not have the measured gauge and had to make marks with a permanent marker.  This wasn't a huge issue but just a little surprised they wouldn't put it on the lower adjustment.  We only tested the one pair...maybe we got the fluke that didn't have it.

Mid Portion with Measureing Gauge

 These poles come with plastic tips and carbide tips for rocky and icy surfaces.  The plastic tips work awesome on flat well tamped surfaces, but we did lose them in thick mud.  Two types of baskets are also provided.  The hiking baskets are great in that your pole doesn't get too far in any mud.  The snow baskets were also wonderful in the snow but be careful as they might work lose on you.

Carbide tip with Snow Basket

 One of the features I was most interested in was the Antishock Spring.  This feature helps to alleviate constant impact on the ground by dispersing the shock rising up the pole.  To use it, the twist lock is just tightened a little more.  If you don't want to use it, just loosen the twist lock a little.  You'll be able to feel it click into place.  After a while of hiking, the antishock would turn off and I would have to re-tighten it.  Turning on and off the Antishock does not affect the locking mechanism.

The anodized aluminum poles are very light and super strong.  I was able to put all my weight plus a 50lb pack onto them without and problems.  The locking mechanism held in tact perfectly.  We used the poles to hold up tarps and tent flies as well.  These poles are able to take a good beating and still be ready for the next task.

After a years worth of constant abuse backpacking, I am very pleased at the results the poles gave us considering the affordable cost.  One pole broke as I over tightened it for some reason.  I guess I just don't know my own strength anymore.  Other than that, we feel these poles are extremely worth the purchase at a very affordable price.  We have given the Chinook Venture 3 the rating of B+ for having great stability, affordability, comfortability and good looks.  Some minor detractions are the antishock working loose, no measure gauge on the lower portion and baskets and straps coming loose.

Chinook Venture 3 Trekking Poles

If you would like to purchase these great poles, visit Chinook Venture 3 and check them out.  We'd love to here what you think of the Chinook Venture 3 and invite you to leave your own review.  Comments are welcome and encourage everyone to participate.  To shop for other camping gear, please visit Bubnugget.com.

Enjoy your Day!
-Jason

Coghlans Backpackers Trowel

If you've ever gone backpacking, you know you will always need to dig a hole for something.  Whether you need a hole for a fire pit or to go number 2, a good digging tool takes all the frustration out of trying to use a stick.  This is where the Coghlan's backpackers trowel comes handy. 

A Plus Rating

This trowel is a lightweight, 2oz., convenient trenching tool made of high impact styrene.  It has a length of 11in. and a width of just 2/8 shy of 3in. at its widest part.  The handle is the thickest part at 6/8 of an inch. 



We used the trowel mainly to clear fire pits and holes to lay waste.  We also used the tool to make a dakota fire pit.  It is super tough and durable.  There wasn't any problem with it breaking or cracking under pressure.  This trowel is super light and fit nicely in the side pocket of our backpacks.

The Coghlan's Backpakers Trowel is a must if you're going backpacking.  It's light, slim and strong unlike some of the other options.  The old metal trenching shovel is bulky and heavy.  A tent stake or a stick is tiny, can't shovel enough dirt, bends too easily and breaks often.  There is no other alternative as good as this trowel.  We highly recommend this trowel and have given it a rating of A Plus.  To grab a trowel for yourself, please visit our website, Bubnugget.com  Also, we welcome everyone to comment on their experiences using this or other digging tools.  Enjoy your day!

Alps Mountaineering Chaos 2 Person Tent

Camping is one of many activities we participate in that gets us in touch with our primal side.  Trying to be one with nature is part of our instinctive attributes.  Building a shelter is the most basic of these traits.  However, lazy man has created, "The Tent" to make the process much easier... More specifically, the dome tent.  The dome tent is a two or three crossing poles free standing tent.  Most of these tents can be erected by one person.  We recently had the opportunity to check out one of these dome tents made by Alps Mountaineering.  The Chaos 2 was the tent of choice.

A Rating

 This tent features: mesh walls for optimal ventilation on muggy summer nights, a full-coverage fly that provides maximum protection during storms, pole clips that quickly snap into place allow for easy assembly in the dark, factory sealed fly and floor seams to keep out moisture, Large-size #8 zippers on doors and vestibules which can stand up to years of abuse, extra guy-outs on fly to help stabilize tent in wind or squalls, two vestibules for plenty of gear storage and extra weather protection, mesh storage pockets and gear loft to help keep you organized.

The tent comes with one gigantic big X looking pole system that can be a bit bulky and awkard to work with.   The sections just snap together like any other tent system...connected by the elastic cordage.  The poles fit into the eyelets on all four corners.  The rest of the tent attaches to the poles via simple hooks/snaps which are quick and easy.  The rain fly droops over the tent using another, much simpler, pole.  The fly has velcro loops that secures it to the tent poles and plastic buckles to attach on all four corners of the tent.  Total setup takes 10 minutes for one person.  Check out the time lapse video for this set up.

The vestibules offer plenty of shelter for packs and boots on rainy days.  They can roll up for a fantastic view of your campsite.  The two door system makes entering and leaving a cinch for two people.  Gear lofts on either side and one top center of the tent makes storing loose gadgets secure and easy to find.  The doors did seam to sag slightly but didn't affect the function of the tent.  All the stakes and guy lines were strong and sturdy.  We didn't use the vents as our nights were chilly.  They were easy to use with the veclco props.  Not a fan of the rope handled zippers but we didn't have any problem with them bunching or sticking.  having rained on our test, the tent kept all our gear perfectly dry.

This tent, The Alps Mountaineering Chaos 2, was very strong and sturdy.  It is a great tent for camping.  We felt it was a little bulky and heavy for a long backpacking trip, so keep this in mind.  This tent is well deserving of an A rating for its design, quick setup, and functionality.  Just shy of an an A plus with the doors sagging slightly.  This is definitely in our camping arsenal for years to come.  To read more specs on this product, visit Alps Mountaineering Chaos 2.  This tent comes with free shipping on bubnugget.com.  Feel free to leave comments on our blog. 

 

Chaos 2 without Rainfly 

Chaos 2 Dimensions and Layout