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

Coleman CHT 15 Ultra Bright Headlamp

One thing you need for sure when camping or backpacking is a flashlight.  Not just any flashlight but a Headlamp.  I never realized how much easier camping would be until I purchased one.  With two hands-free,  you no longer need to fumble with one hand holding the flashlight and the other getting the task done.  Everything is so much quicker.

A Rating

The waterproof Coleman® CHT 15 Ultra Bright Headlamp allows you to get the job done hands-free. Choose from seven modes: extra-bright, high, medium, low, white strobe, red and blue modes. Up to 150 bright lumens deliver a powerful beam that covers up to 180 feet on the highest setting. Each headlamp is powered by three AAA cell batteries and includes LEDs which never need to be replaced.  Has an extra-long runtime, up to 6 hours on high and 27 hours on low.


Our road test of this headlamp went extremely well.  The batteries are inserted into the side via a battery cartridge.  Follow the instructions as to which directions they face and slide the cartridge back into the unit.  The battery door, as they call it, unscrews with a key attached to the head-strap.  The door is supposed to stay connected to the key but falls off very easily... so keep an eye out for this.  

Turning on the light is a cinch... just press the button on top to toggle through all 7 modes of lighting.  The modes in order are: red, blue white, low, medium, high and strobe.  You can turn off the light by simply pressing the button after the strobe mode or past ten seconds in any mode.  Hold the button down three seconds and you'll skip straight to the high mode.  We used mainly the high beam during camp set-up and hiking.  The blue and red beams were used during the night in our tents.  All modes worked extremely well and as advertised.  There is even a battery indicator that lets you know if you're low on juice.  Used for three nights, the indicator was still green... meaning the batteries were well charged.

Wearing the headlamp is very comfortable and stayed on very well.  The headband is elastic, fully adjustable and will leave marks on your forehead if you're not wearing a hat.  That didn't matter much with us.  The light can adjust down and up for aiming the beam were you need it.  It's touted as being waterproof in some instances but I've also read water resistant.  We did not test the waterproof part but it held up fine in some rain...both light and heavy.  We're not exactly sure how durable this headlamp is as we didn't try to swing it into every rock we saw.  It will definitely withstand a drop though.  This lamp held up as promoted and we were more than pleased at it's performance.  

The only issue we felt may be a problem is the battery door getting lost...as it does not attach to anything.  All other functions worked wonderfully and as advertized.  We would recommend this headlamp any time and anywhere so we gave this headlamp a rating of A.  Our price of $34.99 comes with Free Shipping.  It sports a green/black color as pictured or in a grey/black color.  To purchase the Coleman CHT 15 Headlamp and browse our products, please visit our link Coleman Headlamp.  Please feel free to leave your comments about this product below.  Enjoy your day!

Coleman CHT 15 Headlamp

Headlamp showing battery cartridge,

 battery door and door key on strap

Coghlans CampHeat Emergency Folding Stove

 Ever wanted a quick, easy to use backpacking stove with no fuss and no muss.  Well here we have the Coghlans Emergency Folding Stove.  It's made out of a coated steel construction standing at 4" high, 6.5" in length and 6.5" in width.  

A Rating

Closed, the stove gets down to less than an inch in height. This stove weighs about 14 ounces and slides nicely into your backpack.  Figuring out how to put it together is very simple.  It just takes a couple of seconds to fit the side notches into the bottom piece slots.  The door hinges open from the left side wall and can be closed into a notch on the right side wall.  The bottom piece fits Coghlans Camp Heat fuel, other canned heat, or any other solidified alcohol fuel.  The top piece/range holds your standard backpacking cookware and is extremely sturdy.  

We've tested the stove's strength with a stew pot full of water and had no problems with bending or anything.  Obviously not designed for this big pot but held up very well.  On the trail, we used  the Stanley Camp Cook Set to heat water on the stove.  The walls kept the wind out for the most part and helped keep the flame focused.  We did not use the Camp Heat but used a generic canned heat.  Using one to two cups of water, the heat source took 15 to 30 minutes to heat the water.  This wasn't too bad as we tore down or set up camp as the water heated.  The door would get stuck from time to time but nothing serious.  The Cook Set also left some scratching on the range as well.  After cooking, it didn't take long at all to cool down...allowing you to quickly put it back in your pack.  Tearing down, you just need to figure which piece folds first...pretty much a cinch.  

All in all, this stove did exactly what it was designed to do.  The wind could get in a little with the cook set we used and the door would get stuck at times.  Back home, an attempt to cook an omelette was made with no success.  Our heat source took way too long.  We would like to try another heat source to get faster cooking times.  With the stove functioning as intended and very minor problems, we have given it a rating of A.  To view this stove and related products, please follow our link Coghlans Folding Stove.  Please feel free to write a comment about this product.  Enjoy your day!

Omelette Skillet

Stew Pot Full of Water

Stanley Camp Cook Set

Camp Heat Perch