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GSI Outdoors: Wine in the Backcountry

There are many water bottles on the market these days. But we’ve seen few designed specifically for wine. This entry from GSI Outdoor brings the wineskin into the modern era with some nice details and a great price ($10). We filled it with some red wine and tested it out. Our first impressions on the Soft Sided Wine Carafe are below. Drink up!

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The Gear: GSI Outdoors Soft Sided Wine Carafe (available now; $9.95)

Where To Test It: Campsite happy hour.

Who’s It For: Deep woods drinkers.

Specs: 750ml capacity. Weighs 1.3 oz. when empty. Double-screw cap opens to two sizes, a large opening for filling and a smaller spout for an accurate pour. A re-writeable date bar lets you record the type of wine in the bag.

Boring But Important: Made of a BPA-free plastic pouch.

First Impressions: It weighs almost nothing and folds down tiny when empty. The back of the carafe lists the proper serving temperature of 19 popular varietals (see image below), not that you’ll have much control over this in the backcountry beyond a bath in a chilly stream. Caveat: Wine is heavy, and this only carries one bottle. Fill it with whiskey for longer backcountry trips. (Or check out the Highland Flask and Highland Fifth.)

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GearJunkie’s Take: While this modern version of the bota bag is pretty cool, it still doesn’t measure up with the classic leather pouch. Plus, it really needs a strap for ‘round the shoulders portability and easy access! For the price, though, this is a handy container to carry wine in a backpack.

Would We Buy It: Sure, it’s a great product for $10. It seems pretty tough and didn’t leak from a hard hand-pressure squeeze. I’d probably stow the red in an external pocket, though, just in case.

 

—Sean McCoy is a contributing editor. The “First Look” column highlights new gear arrivals at GearJunkie.com. Photos © Monopoint Media LLC.

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Peak Design: Bino Kit and Cover

At Peak Design we’ve always got a few stews in the cooker. Towards the end of our most recent Kickstarter campaign we announced 3 new products that will ship in the Spring/Summer 2015 timeframe, hopefully sooner: CaptureBINO, Bino Kit and Shell. Sign up here to get updates on the development and availability of our newest gear.

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HOW DOES CAPTURE BINO WORK?

For those familiar with our Capture Camera Clip, Bino Kit works exactly the same. For those wondering what the heck a Capture Camera Clip is, read on.

CaptureBINO consists of two parts: an aluminum quick-release clip that clamps onto your backpack/belt, and an aluminum adapter that screws into your binoculars. The adapter slides and locks into the clip. It can be released by pressing a little red button on the clip and sliding your binos out in the reverse direction of how you slid them in. The system is extremely secure – capable of holding over 200 lbs (90 kg) – far more secure than a strap. Unlinke other binocular pouches and holsters out there, CaptureBINO keeps your binos very quickly accessible and does not add a bunch of unnecessary bulk to your gear.

WHAT KIND OF BINOCULARS WILL CAPTURE BINO FIT?

Any set of binos with a 1/4″-20 tripod mount. Some cheaper binoculars don’t have this mount, but most prosumer and professional rigs do.

WILL BINO KIT WORK WITH ALL VERSIONS OF CAPTURE?

Yep.

 

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WHAT KIND OF CAMERAS WILL SHELL FIT?

Shell will be created in two sizes, small and large.

The small version is intended to cover small to medium sized SLRs and mirrorless cameras (squeezing a Canon 5D/Nikon D600), and a standard zoom (55-200mm) lens when retracted.

The large version is intended to cover medium to large SLRs (loose on a Canon 5D/Nikon D600 to Canon 1D Nikon D4), and a lens up to a 70-200 F2.8 lens (without hood).

The intent of Shell is protection from water and dust, not to create a waterproof, hermetic seal for your rig. It will allow you to carry and operate your camera in rainy and dusty environments. It will not be submersible – it’ll be more like a rain jacket.

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Scott Wintersports

PRW is stoked to be representing Scott Wintersports in the Northwest!

We will be profiling the greatest wintersports gear in the coming weeks. First up the Scott LCG Goggle.

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SCOTT LCG Goggle

The reigning champion in goggles, the SCOTT LCG is back for year two. Featuring SCOTT’s award-winning Lens Change Slider system, the SCOTT LCG raised the bar. The interchangeable lens and Fit Systems allow skiers to fully adapt their vision. Thanks to the LCG and its portable low-profile molded lens case, you can now quickly and confidently adjust to whatever the mountain throws at you.

 

 

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CamelBak 2015 Kudu 12 Hydration Pack with Back Protection

From Pinkbike.com – Richard Cunningham
The Kudu 12 pack has wings which spread the load securely and comfortably to the rider's hips. The shoulder straps are ventilated with mesh fabric.
The Kudu 12 pack has wings which spread the load securely and comfortably to the rider’s hips. The shoulder straps are ventilated with mesh fabric.

 

Helmet and pad storage is well thought out and accessible.
Helmet and pad storage is well thought out and accessible.

CamelBak Kudu 12 Hydration Pack

One of the more impressive items seen at Press Camp in Park City in June was CamelBak’s Kudu 12 hydration pack. The Kudu has a pouch between its ventilated mesh back and its bladder compartment which contains a three-layer impact protection pad. CamelBak’s ‘Impact Protector’ is a CE 1621-2 Level 2 certified protector, which adds very little weight and bulk to the pack in exchange for a hefty measure of safety. The Kudu 12 features a pull-over rain shroud, a wide hip belt with a quick access pocket and the usual range of useful zip compartments that CamelBak is known for. An outer flap is designed to stow a helmet for transfer stages, and there are straps on the lower end of the pack to secure pads. The reservoir holds 100 fluid ounces (3 liters) and there is enough room in the larger compartment for foul weather gear. Inside a stretch-mesh pocket is a roll-up tool organizer to facilitate quick repairs. The pack design is wider than it is deep, to keep the bulk of the its contents closer to the body and less apt to throw the rider off balance. I thought the pack was an important development – a necessary item for enduro racing which has been redesigned to serve a greater purpose. The Kudu 12 holds 549 in³ (9 liters) and MSRP $200.

Six pads on the mesh-lined pack separate the Kudu 12 from your back, and form channels for ventilation. The tri-layer protection element is inserted into a dedicated pouch directly behind the six pads.
Six pads on the mesh-lined pack separate the Kudu 12 from your back, and form channels for ventilation. The tri-layer protection element is inserted into a dedicated pouch directly behind the six pads.
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Outside Inside: Adventure Games

Ahhh, summer. Great time to get outdoors. We have lots of things you can do back at the camp after the hike or paddle. Check out our new and ever growing adventure games. Great packable fun for everyone in your group.

BACKPACK TABLE TENNIS

This one-of-a-kind Backpack Table Tennis Set features authentic style table tennis paddles, 3 table tennis balls and 1 net with adjustable posts. For use on a smooth, flat table top surface, you can play at home or take it on the go for all your adventures. A great way to inject a little friendly competition into your down-time, the included net will fit most tables up to 1.75” thick.

  • Authentic table tennis paddles
  • Net expands up to 6’ wide
  • Includes: 2 paddles, 3 balls, 1 net w/ pac

 

Dome 2 in 1 Ladderball/Cornhole

You’ll enjoy two different games in one unique, packable set with this Dome 2 in 1 Ladderball/Cornhole game set. Set it up just like a tent and play for hours around the campfire with your family or buddies. Perfect for any outdoor space, this set conveniently packs down to a small, lightweight pack-sleeve making it a great option for backcountry trips as well.

  • Shock corded fiberglass poles w/ Rip-stop nylon outer
  • 2 players
  • 2 games in 1
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Yakima SupDawg

Our twice-annual pilgrimage to the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City was this month. Thousands of brands display new wares and gear that won’t be available to public until 2015.

Yakima introduces ‘world’s widest’ SUP carrier — The Yakima SUPDawg is a SUP roof rack that can carry two 36 inch wide boards, making it the widest on the market, Yak cites. The universal mounting hardware can fit to any bar shape, eliminating many of the hassles of fitting a new rack.

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 The ultimate SUP carrier that does all the work for you

• Premium, sleek glossy black finish to complement modern vehicles

• Integrated rollers for easy loading of oversized SUP boards

• Fully assembled out of the box

• Slider adjusts to boards up to 36˝ wide

• Soft padding cradles and protects boards

• Integrated strap management stows strap ends for travel

• Tool-free install on round, square, factory and aerodynamic bars

• Includes everything needed to carry up to 2 SUP boards

• Fully integrated security

 

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GoPro Fetch Dog Mount

This one’s for the dogs.

Have you ever wanted to see the world through your dog’s eyes? Fetch makes it possible, allowing you to mount your GoPro to your dog to capture life from his point of view.

Mount your GoPro to your dog to capture the world from his point of view. This harness features two mounting locations for a variety of perspectives: the chest, for bone-chewing, digging and front-paw action, and the back, for over-the-head shots of running, jumping, fetch and more. Made of washable, water-friendly material, your dog can swim, play and get dirty without a worry. Soft, padded construction keeps your pet comfortable. Fully adjustable to fit small, medium and large breed dogs from 15 to 120 lbs (7 to 54 kg). Chest mount is removable for smaller dogs.

  • Capture the world from your dog’s point of view
  • Two mounting locations (back and chest) enable a variety of perspectives
  • Fully adjustable to fit dogs from 15 to 120 lbs (7 to 54 kg)
  • Chest mount is removable to accommodate smaller dogs
  • Padded at all adjustment points to ensure your pet’s comfort
  • Washable, water-friendly material holds up to swimming, splashing, mud and more
  • Quick release bases make attaching and removing the camera easy
  • Includes a camera tether to further secure your GoPro
Note: Not intended for walking or restraining your dog. Never leave dog unattended wearing Fetch.
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GSI Outdoors: Car Camping Essentials

From Blue Ridge Outdoors

By Aaron Bible

What’s not to love about car camping?

All the comforts of home rolled out into the woods, plus your favorite gadgets and techy tools to boot? You get breathtaking views, all the fresh air you want, and if the weather turns or things get weird, you’re only a car ride away from a Denny’s or Motel 6. And for most of us, car camping brings back all the child hood memories of camping with the family – both good and bad.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, of the 43 million people who camped last year, 38 million of those were car, RV, or backyard camping, and manufacturers are taking notice of this fact.

When I’m heading out for a weekend of climbing or paddling, car camping frees me to focus on the gear and preparedness for my sport, not my camping gear. With that, here are a few Blue Ridge Outdoors picks for some must-have car camping favorites…

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GSI OUTDOORS

One of the most trusted names in camping and still family held, GSI is especially known for their durable camp kitchenware and innovative accessories. And once you have a set of dedicated and reliable pots, pans, dishes and utensils for camping, you’ll thank yourself every time out. One of our favorites is the new 4.7-liter Halulite cooking pot ($44.95), featuring dual locking stainless steel bail handles, integrated straining holes (no need to carry a colander), silicone thumb pads for handling, and a spiral-turned base that helps it stay put. The enduring Destination Kitchen Set 24 ($49.95) gives you everything you need to serve a family of four and stays put in a handy carrying case. You’ll also want to add the Vortex hand-crank blender ($99.95) to the gear box, because eating good food and making fancy drinks is really what car camping is all about. GSI even has a new line of campground games designed to be packable and durable, even for backpacking. New items include Freestyle Bocce ($30), Table Tennis, Kubb, and classics like Chess ($12), Checkers and Backgammon. http://www.gsioutdoors.com

Destination Kitchen Set 24
Backpack Kubb
Backpack Table Tennis
4.7 liter Halulite cooking pot
Vortex hand-crank blender
Freestyle Bocce
Backpack Chess
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Junk in the Trunk: Yakima Skybox 18 Carbonite

Room for all your gear, and then some

by:

The Yakima Skybox will hold skis up to 215 centimeters, if you still like them long and skinny. PHOTO: Jakob Schiller
The Yakima Skybox will hold skis up to 215 centimeters, if you still like them long and skinny. PHOTO: Jakob Schiller

 

I drive a double cab Toyota Tacoma with a camper shell so there’s lots of space. But my wife and I also have a dog, a kid, a jogging stroller, and a ton of our own gear, so you’d be surprised just how fast the back get’s cluttered up when we head out for a weekend trip.

To try and organize the chaos and make sure I can see out the rearview mirror, I’ve been using Yakima’s Skybox 18 Carbonite cargo box. In the winter it works great for carrying and organizing skis: It will hold anything up to 215 centimeters long (remember those days?) and easily caries four or five pairs with tons of leftover room for boots and poles. In the summer, it will hold your camping gear plus plenty of beer.

Unlike some older roof racks, which require an annoying amount of assembly, the Skybox 18 Carbonite comes out of the box ready to go thanks to four simple pre-installed mounting clamps. Adjust the sliding clamps so they’re lined up with your roof bars and then lock them around the bars by flipping latches inside the box; 10 minutes and you’re done. The pre-installed clamps fit Yakima’s round bars of course, but are compatible with square, aerodynamic, and factory bars as well.

 

The Yakima Skybox comes out of the box and on top of your truck in 10 minutes. PHOTO: Jakob Schiller
The Yakima Skybox comes out of the box and on top of your truck in 10 minutes. PHOTO: Jakob Schiller

 

Totally empty, the box weighs 52 pounds. It’s a little cumbersome to handle, but I’m able to get it up on top of my truck by myself no problem. In terms of design, the box is built to reduce drag and I’ve never heard any crazy wind noise while cruising on the freeway. You’ll see a reduction in gas mileage, but nothing drastic.

The box conveniently opens from both sides and Yakima designed it so you can’t lock the key inside (it won’t shut and lock without the key). The durable plastic should hold up to years of freezing temps, brutal sun, or anyone trying to mess with your gear.

If you need more room for some reason, Yakima also offers a gargantuan 21-cubic-foot version. Eighteen is plenty for us right now, but we’ll probably have a second kid, so you never know.

 

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Power Practical: Lithium 4400

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Skip that bulky flashlight and extra battery pack

Kill two birds with one stone with a sleek product that does both! Power Practical’s Lithium 4400 battery pack not only has enough power to charge your smartphone 2-3 times, it also comes with a built-in 4 LED lantern that will light up the night.

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The Lithium 4400 Battery Pack is small, lightweight, with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to slip into any bag or pocket. Pick one up today and streamline your charging plans for this weekend. Click here to find a dealer near you.

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