Category Archives: Equipment

BioLite

Equipment, Food, Review

The BioLite cooking system is a very innovative product designed to solve two problems at once, namely, cooking and electricity. The BioLite stove includes an internal fan for extremely efficient burning, a power pack that converts heat into electricity, and a mounting system that supports a variety of optional attachments. Attachments include a portable grill and a large KettlePot. The BioLite can burn almost anything combustible to generate heat and electricity.

Advantages of the BioLite system include:

  • Can be powered by almost any combustible material
  • Generates electricity and has a USB plug
  • Can accept a grill, kettle pot attachment, or lights

Disadvantages of the BioLite include:

  • Weight: the BioLight is heavier than most camp stoves
  • Less efficient than comparable gas backpacking stoves
  • Larger in size
  • Small firebox requires adding fuel often

I am not sure what to think about the BioLite system. It is definitely a very cool concept. Being able to cook, generate electricity, and not require store bought fuel is a very appealing concept. However, the BioLite is large and heavy compared with other cooking systems and you can generate electricity more passively with portable solar panels. The small firebox means that you will have to add fuel often. If it takes a few hours to charge a device then you will have to babysit the stove to ensure that it does not run out of fuel. I would prefer to have a solar charger that I could “set and forget.”

If you are going to be extremely remote and have no way to obtain fuel then the BioLite makes sense. For normal backpacking the BioLite is simply too large and heavy to be practical especially for solo trips. While being able to use any combustible fuel seems appealing there are ultra efficient gas stoves that use very little fuel and are much lighter. There are also lighter stoves that can burn any biomass fuel.

Review: Streamlight ProTac HL3

Equipment, Illumination, Review

The Streamlight ProTac HL3 is a durable, ultra high-power flashlight, that uses three CR123 batteries to generate an 1,100 lumen beam at 36,000 candelas. At 7.4″ long and a head diameter of 1.6″ this is a larger flashlight. The HL3 comes with three CR123 batteries, a tactical belt holster, and sells for about $80. The aircraft aluminum body of the HL4 is the same diameter and uses the same tail cap as the HL. It will NOT use rechargeable batteries.

The HL3 tactical light generates a remarkable 1,100 lumens at 36,000 candelas. The front and rear have semi-aggressive strike bezels that would make an effective weapon. The body is very comfortable to grip. Many of the other Streamlights such as the HL, PolyTac, 1L-1AA produce a beam with a very hot center and the light decreases significantly towards the outer edges of the beam. The HL3 has a very noticeable hotspot but it produces a brighter and more even beam for the entire diameter of the beam.

  • Construction: The HL3 is machined from aircraft grade aluminum, has semi-aggressive striking bezels on both the head and tail, threads are tight and smooth, and sealed with an O-ring.
  • Size: The HL3 is large (7.4″ long) and would work well on a service belt.
  • Waterproof: The HL3 is rated at IPX7 waterproof.
  • Features: Has high, strobe, and low modes. You can also change the light mode using the Ten-Tap programming feature.
  • Batteries: Uses three CR123 lithium batteries.
  • Light Output: (high) 1,100 lumens at 36,000 candelas for 2 hours, (low) 35 lumens at 1,200 candelas for 43 hours.
  • Beam Pattern: 40″ x 7″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)
  • Power Fail: No low battery indicator and the flashlight will significantly dime when the CR-123 battery gets to 2.84v.

Things I like about this ultra high-power flashlight:

  • The beam pattern is very nice. There is a definite hotspot but entire diameter of the beam is bright
  • While this is a large flashlight it is still a manageable size for a utility belt
  • Nice tactical belt holster included

Recommendations

If you are looking for a high-power tactical light then this is a good choice. This would be a good choice for first responders that do not use the light extensively. The CR123 batteries are still a bit expensive and with a runtime of only 2 hours on high power it could get expensive to operate if it were used extensively.

Review: Streamlight PolyTac

Equipment, Illumination, Review

The Streamlight PolyTac is an extremely durable, high-power flashlight constructed from a very tough nylon polymer. It sells for about $40 and generates a 275 beam at 9,500 candelas. This light output should temporarily blind an attacker using either the high-beam or strobe modes. The front and read caps have a semi-aggressive pattern to make it an effective striking weapon. The grip areas are textured and easy to grip and it includes a nylon holster.

  • Construction: Extremely tough nylon polymer, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing, removable clip, extremely durable and can withstand a 3-meter drop (other Streamlights withstand 1-2 meter drops)
  • Size: Small enough for everyday carry (EDC), diameter is large enough to hold effectively, long enough to fit across your palm when gripped tightly, and fits a variety of weapon mounts
  • Waterproof: IPX7 waterproof to 1-meter for 30 minutes
  • Durability: Withstands 3-meter drop
  • Features: High/Strobe/Low modes with Ten-Tap programming to switch it to High/Low only or Low/High only
  • Batteries: Two CR123 batteries with 3-hour run time on high
  • Light Output: High: 275 lumens, 9,50 candelas, 3 hour run time
    Low: 14 lumens, 500 candelas, 65-hour runtime.
  • Beam Pattern: 41″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

If you want a very tough, bright, everyday carry flashlight then consider this one. I worked someone who dropped his PolyTac while riding his motorcycle at 40 MPH. His light had a few scuffs and one of the nubs on the tail was beveled a bit but the PolyTac worked fine. For me it was a tough call choosing between the PolyTac and the Streamlight 1L-1AA. The Polytac has slightly lower lumen output than the 1L-1AA but slightly higher candela output.

Review: Sawyer Zero PointTwo

Equipment, Review, Water

The Sawyer Zero PointTwo water filter is one of the few that filters contaminants down to 0.02 microns. Most other filters filter down to 0.1 to 0.3 microns. While these “normal” filters are fine for most application they will NOT filter the ultra-small organisms that can live in extremely fouled water.

The Sawyer Zero PointTWO uses either gravity or a faucet adapter. The kit contains the filter, faucet adapter, and bucket fittings including a spade bit to drill the hole in the bucket. You need only a drill to assemble the bucket kit. The filter has a quick disconnect so that you can easily remove it for backflushing. The filter is sealed and you simply replace it when it wears out. It is rated at 100,000 gallons of water.

Normally you fill a bucket with water and the water flows downward through the filter and into a clean water container below. It normally takes about 20 minutes to filter about 3 gallon of water. The faucet adapter allows a greater volume of water to be filtered more quickly. This filter retails for about $140. You will also need to purchase a bucket and install the fittings yourself (easy to do).

Advantages

  • Affordable at $140 for 0.02 micron filtration
  • Filters up to 100,000 gallons
  • Cleaning is easy by backflushing
  • Simple design and very easy to use
  • Gravity feed or connect to faucet

Disdvantages

  • Gravity filtering is slower than pump filtering
  • The hook included with the filter never seems to stay attached
  • Requires frequent backflushing for dirty water

This is a very fine product that I use in my home. It is simple, affordable, and extremely effective. I believe that every home should have either the Sawyer Zero PointTWO or an MSR Guardian filter readily available. I use this filter routinely for filtering tap water to make it taste better.

Review: StreamLight ProTac HL4

Equipment, Illumination, Review

The Streamlight ProTac HL4 is a durable, ultra high-power flashlight, that can use either disposable CR123 lithium batteries or 18650 rechargeable batteries (not included). At 8.6″ long and a head 2.4″ in diameter this is a large flashlight. The HL4 comes with four CR123 batteries and a heavy, and sells for about $100 (does NOT come with a holster). It does NOT include rechargeable batteries but can operate on two 18650 rechargeable batteries.
The HL4 has a poly covered machined aluminum body. This large tactical light generates a remarkable 2,200 lumens at 30,000 candelas. The front and rear have semi-aggressive strike bezels that would make an effective weapon. The body is easy and comfortable to grip especially with the poly cover.

  • Construction: The HL4 is machined from aircraft grade aluminum that has a poly cover and semi-aggressive striking bezels on both the head and tail. The threads are tight and smooth and sealed with an O-ring.
  • Size: The HL4 is large (8.6″ long) and would work well on a service belt.
  • Waterproof: The HL4 is rated at IPX7 waterproof.
  • Features: Has high, strobe, and low modes. You can also change the light mode using the Ten-Tap programming feature.
  • Batteries: This light can use either two rechargeable 18650 batteries or four CR123 lithium batteries. Three rails in side the body that allow it to use batteries of different diameters. Recharge the 18650 batteries using a separately available charger.
  • Light Output: (high) 2,200 lumens at 30,000 candelas for 1.75 hours, (medium) 600 lumens at 8,300 candelas for 4 hours, (low) 60 lumens at 8,000 candelas for 43 hours.

Advantages

This is an ultra high-power flashlight that can use either 18650, rechargeable batteries or CR123 batteries. Things I like about the HL4:

  • Built to use either rechargeable or disposable batteries. Some rechargeable lights cannot use alternate batteries. Consequently, if those lights lose power when you are in the field then you are stuck without a light. With the HL4 you can run on rechargeable batteries but use CR123s as a backup. I would never purchase a flashlight that could not use backup batteries.
  • You DO need a separate charger and 18650 batteries for this flashlight. You cannot directly charge the batteries in the flashlight.

Disadvantages

The ProTac HL4 is an excellent ultra high-power flashlight. My only issues with the flashlight are

  • Large size
  • Rechargeable batteries and charger sold separately
  • No case included
  • For heavy use the rechargeable batteries would have to be manually replaced — you cannot simply plug in the flashlight to recharge the batteries

Recommendations

If you are looking for a high-power tactical light then this is a good choice. This would be a good choice for first responders with the caveat being that the rechargeable batteries must be swapped when drained.

Streamlight Siege

Equipment, Illumination, Review

The Streamlight Siege is just a good, solid product that is well constructed and does its job very well. The Siege sells for about $30-40 and runs on three D-cell batteries. When browsing in a store this might be a product that you would quickly pass by. It is more expensive than similar products and is not flashy. However, in my opinion, this is the product to purchase.

It has three white light modes and two red light modes:

  • Low white light: 33 lumens runs for 295 hours
  • Medium white light: 175 lumens runs for 70 hours
  • High white light: 340 lumens runs for 30 hours
  • High red light: 10 lumens runs for 235 hours (9.7 days)
  • Red flashing SOS mode for emergency signaling: 10 lumens runs 430 hours (17.9 days)

Press the power button to activate the light, and press again to move through the lighting modes. Press and hold the button to toggle between white light and red light modes. The lantern can be hung right-side up or upside down. The handle allows the lantern to be hung on the edge of tables, cords, or branches. You can remove the diffuser cover and hang the Siege upside down to provide more even lighting (works well inside tents).

The selling points for me with this lantern are the durability and the red light. The Siege is very durable and can easily withstand one meter drops onto concrete. It is IPX7 waterproof and can be submerged in water for 30 minutes and it floats. The red light can be used for emergency signaling. If you have car trouble you can put the Siege in red blinking mode to alert others. The flat areas on the main body help eliminate rolling and the square rubber feet on the base help it to not slip.

When I worked at an outdoors store I would routinely show this lantern to customers. They would be unimpressed since they can purchase a similar looking lantern for about $10. Then I would drop the Siege onto the hard floor (thin, carpet covered concrete). I would then say that in an emergency situation you need to the light to function even when subject to dropping and abuse. That would usually close the sale.

Conclusion

This is a larger, higher-output lantern is not flashy or gimmicky. It is just a bright, durable, effective, and affordable lantern. This product does one job and does it very well. If you need a smaller lantern then consider the Streamlight Siege AA.

Carabiner

Equipment

Carabiners are strong metal loops with a spring-loaded gate. They are used for climbing, in safety-critical systems, and for securing items to your pack. Your pack should include at least one carabiner rated for climbing. Carabiners are used for a variety of purposes and come in a variety of shapes and formats.

Carabiner
Carabiner

This is a typical D-style carabiner. The numbers on the spine indicate the weight capacity in kiloNewtons. Only use carabiners that have a kN rating engraved on the spine. A kiloNewton is a force of gravity rating (not static weight) equivalent to 225 pounds (kN to Pound-Force Converter). Force equals mass times acceleration and these devices must absorb the force generated by a fall. You should also check and/or replace worn gear. The ratings are for the strength along the spine, the gate, and along the spine with the gate open. In this example the values are 24, 7, and 7 which means that this carabiner can hold 5,400 pounds along the spine and 1,575 pounds along the gate or with the gate open.

This is a symmetrical D-style carabiner. The D-style can generally hold more weight because the ropes concentrate the force close to the spine. O-style carabiners generally hold less weight because the ropes are farther from the spine. There are many other styles of carabiners designed for different climbing requirements.

Recommendations

Carabiners are useful for holding items on your pack. Many people use the wimpy version sold in many retail stores. These work for holding small, lightweight items but should NEVER be used for climbing or safety purposes. Climbing grade carabiners can hold your stuff but they can also do real work when required. I recommend the simple D-style carabiner that can hold at least 13 kN. I prefer the type that are smooth all the way around.

Additional Information

Types of Carabiners and What kn Ratings Mean

Review: Energizer TUF2AAPE

Equipment, Illumination, Review

Energizer TUF2AAPE. This light is bright (250 lumens), durable (high impact plastic case), very affordable (about $16), and it uses 2 AA batteries. This is just a good, basic, bright, inexpensive light. The Energizer is IPX4 water resistant and will withstand a 7 meter drop (about 23′).

Advantages

  • Very tough and will withstand a 7 meter drop
  • Long battery life of 5 hours on high-power
  • Very long battery life of 50 hours on low-power
  • Very low cost

Disadvantages

  • Non-tactical light
  • Larger in size

The Energizer produces a more even beam that does NOT have an intense hotspot.

Review: Streamlight ProTac HL USB

Equipment, Illumination, Review

The Streamlight ProTac HL USB is a durable, rechargeable, high-power flashlight. It is on the larger side and sells for around $100-$140. The machined aluminum body fits nicely in the palm of my hand and the larger body extends well past my palm. This rugged tactical light generates 850 lumens with 10,000 candelas which should temporarily blind an attacker (has high-beam and strobe). The front and rear have semi-aggressive strike bezels that would make an effective weapon. The body is knurled and very easy and comfortable to grip.

  • Construction: The light is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and it has a semi-aggressive striking bezels on both the head and tail. The threads are tight and smooth and sealed with an O-ring.
  • Size: The ProTac HL UB is larger than my StreamLight ProTac HL. It would work well on a belt holster but would be too large for a concealable light. This light has a slightly larger body diameter than the ProTac HL and it can accept an 18650 rechargeable battery.
  • Waterproof: The light is rated at IPX4 which means that it is water resistant against rain and splashes. This lower level of water sealing is probably due to the USB charging connector.
  • Features: Has high, strobe, and low modes. You can also change the light mode using the Ten-Tap programming feature.
  • Batteries: This light can use either a rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123 lithium batteries. Three rails in side the body that allow it to use batteries of different diameters. The light includes a USB charging cable that can be plugged directly into the body of the light.
  • Beam Pattern: 48″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

The ProTac HL USB has a higher lumen and lower candela rating than my ProTac HL. This means that the HL USB generates a brighter overall beam (higher lumens) with less intensity in the middle of the beam (low candelas). The lens is also the same diameter as the body.

Advantages

This is a good, solid, high-power, rechargeable flashlight. Things I like about this light:

  • Built to be rechargeable but you can use disposable batteries also. Some rechargeable lights cannot use alternate batteries. Consequently, if those lights lose power when you are in the field then you are stuck without a light. With the HL you can run on the rechargeable battery but use CR123s as a backup. I would never purchase a flashlight that could not use backup batteries.
  • You do NOT need a charger for this flashlight. Simply connect the USB cable to charge the battery.
  • The beam pattern does have a good hot spot but it gives a more even beam pattern.

Disadvantages

The ProTac HL USB is a very good light but it is not perfect. Here are some minor issues that I have with this light:

  • The watersealing is only IPX4 and I prefer lights that are IPX7 or greater.
  • The HL USB is a larger light and I prefer smaller lights.
  • While the light is not outrageously priced it is priced on the high side for me.

Recommendations

If you are looking for an everyday, tactical light then I would NOT choose the HL USB. It is large and would be difficult to conceal for everyday carry. If you need to use the light extensively then a rechargeable light is extremely practical. The standard 18650 rechargeable battery is easy to replace. You can carry CR123s to use as backup batteries in the field. If you use your flashlight extensively, need to generate a lot of light, and do not need to conceal the light then the ProTac HL USB is a solid alternative.

Review: Nitecore P12 Flashlight

Equipment, Illumination, Review

The Nitecore P12 is an amazing, durable, and high-power flashlight. I only got to examine it for a few minutes at a local outdoors retailer and I was able to put it through some of its paces and compare it with my Streamlight 1L-1AA light. The diameter of the P12 is 1″, about 5.5″ long, sells for about $60, and can output 1000 lumens with 12,450 candelas. It is roughly the size of my Streamlight ProTac HL but it does not have the enlarged front head. The machined aluminum body appears to be of top-notch construction. The knurling makes the body of the light easy and comfortable to grip. It has a tail button and a side selector switch. It is powered by either 2 CR123 batteries or one 18650 rechargeable battery.

Advantages

This light has some really nice features including:

  • Very bright with a maximum output of 1,000 lumens
  • Decent candela power at 12,450 to give the beam some distance
  • Side selector switch to set light output mode
  • Nicely machined aluminum body
  • IPX8 waterproof (submersible)
  • Can use rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123s
  • Side switch can show current battery voltage

I did not think that I would like a side selector switch but I was mistaken. You can activate the light and set the output mode using the side switch. Then next time you activate the light it will default to that setting. This is a REALLY nice feature. If I want to use my flashlight in tactical strobe mode then I can select that mode, turn off the light, and when I activate the light again it defaults to strobe mode (or whichever mode was selected). This means I can single-click into whatever mode I want. This is REALLY nice. The feel of the button is good and the flashlight appears to be v waery well constructed. The cost is extremely reasonable for a flashlight of this caliber.

Disadvantages

While this appears to be an excellent light it is just a bit larger than I prefer as an everyday carry (EDC) light. With an EDC light I want to be able to easily conceal the light in a pocket. This light would work well on a belt holster but this creates another issue. With I carry a light on my belt I use a holster with an elastic, friction grip. If I need to grab the light quickly I have to overcome the friction fitting of the holster. My ProTac HL light has a larger head making it easier to grasp and remove from the holster. The P12 body is the same diameter and would be slightly more difficult to remove from certain belt holsters. The P12 has a tactical strike bezel on the tail but a smooth bezel on the lens. While this is not a deal breaker I would prefer to have a tactical strike bezel on the front lens also. These are minor points. I did find some user reviews that stated that the light is not as durable as others. I could NOT verify these claims but saw these in the comments of YouTube review videos.

Additional Reviews & Information

Review the Light