Reviews by Russ

Russ says "When 'Game Night' comes to the great outdoors." about Coleman Outdoor Game Table

Russ — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 02:59:35 GMT

The Coleman Outdoor Game Table has poker-night overtones, but is great for any multi-player game.

It is larger that your average camp table, able to seat 8 people. There are also 8 chip trays, for those nights when you do want to play poker. The chip trays just rest on top of the table, though, so you can keep them out of the way for other games. When the table is folded up for storage, the chip trays go inside.

The table can hold up to 300 pounds, so it can easily handle duties other than game table. Whatever you're doing with it, the top is covered with spill/water proof material that is pretty good at making it easy to pick up your cards (, especially for a non-padded surface.)

The only thing I would change would be to add drink holders to the chip trays. When you're outdoors, I thinks it's more important than ever to have a place to put your beverages on the table.

This is a great idea, and I recommend it.

(Serving suggestion- this table in the yard, surrounded by citronella candles, chairs,......

Russ says "The right (two) tool(s) for the job." about Gerber Gator Combo Axe II

Russ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:54:27 GMT

The only thing wrong with most camp axe's is that they aren't saws. And that goes the other way around, to. It seem like whichever one you have, you wish you had the other. Well, Gerber has solved that little problem.

The Gator Combo II has a 6" saw that stores securely inside the handle of the axe, using a magnet system. Neither tool suffers in quality or performance from the combination. Both are well designed, with comfortable, securely attached handles.

Only drawback- it's a six inch saw. It gets the job done, within it's scope of intended use, but I get frustrated with such a short stroke on a saw.

This camp axe/saw combo is well worth the price tag if you have ever thought,"If I only had a saw (or axe)."

(You'll notice that this is the Gator II combo. If you wondered what the Gator I is, it's got a knife in the handle. To me, this is somewhat of a waste, as a knife is the first thing in my pack, and an axe is around number 37 or so.)
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Russ says "Solid Performer" about Coleman PerfectFlow Camp Grill

Russ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:39:05 GMT

I love my PerfectFlow camp grill. I have used camp stoves before, and they have done just fine, but they are stoves and you can't change that without buying more stuff. The camp grill, however, goes both ways. You can use it as a grill when you want to, but you can put pots and pans on it when you need a stove.

That's why I prefer the grill. Why this one? It has several features that I like. The first is the wind screening system, which includes side shields that can double as shelves when they don't need to be blocking the wind. The second is the way it closes up. It's tight and as compact as it can be with no odd protrusions. Third is the PerfectFlow system. When the propane starts getting low, the grill still runs properly, even when other grills would have started burning low and/or sputtering.

The biggest plus for this grill, over others that I have used, is the grease trap. A grease trap is very important on a camp grill, in my opinion, so that you can use on a table or bench without...

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Russ says "Solid State Reliability- On Fire!" about Doan Magnesium Fire Starting Tool

Russ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:47:00 GMT

When I'm out in the woods, I almost always have a lighter or some waterproof matches with me, because, if things go south, fire is friend #1. Check that- controlled fire is friend #1- be safe kids! I ALWAYS have the Doan Magnesium Fire Starting Tool with me. Lighters and matches are a little more convenient, but lighters can leak and both can break.

The Magnesium Fire Starting Tool performs reliably under any conditions. If it does break while it's on your person, fire is probably not at the top of your priorities, what with just having fallen off a cliff and all. You also need a knife, or some steel with an edge, to make it work, but you wouldn't get out in the wild without a knife, would you? (If the answer was yes, please stay out of the wild.)

The tool consists of a flint embedded in one side of a bar of magnesium. Scrape off some magnesium shavings into some tinder, and then scrape the flint to send sparks from the flint onto the shavings. This is 100% reliable. The magnesium will catch......

Russ says "Don't loose your meat." about Coleman Deluxe Cooking Fork

Russ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 02:33:52 GMT

There really isn't that much to say about the Coleman Deluxe Cooking Fork, but what little there is is GOOD.

Coleman has put an incredible new spin on the good old two tine cooking fork. They turned it around. The tines on this fork point back towards the handle. Whatever stick or fork you're using to roast wieners, or whatever, always end up pointing down at the end because we humans are taller than cooking fires. (If your cooking fire is taller than you, stop, you're doing it wrong.) Invariably, at least one camper looses a piece of meat in the fire and turns into an unhappy camper. We don't like that. With this fork, however, the points point up because of there orientation and no hot dogs get sacrificed.

A simple, but outstanding, innovation. I highly recommend this for your next camp fire cookout.
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Russ says "Crazy camp comfort." about Coleman Overnighter Spacesaver Air Bed

Russ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 02:17:56 GMT

My favorite cot- period.

Here's why-

Air mattress. The average cot isn't hard, per se, but taught flat canvas is not the most comfortable thing ever. The air mattress makes for a much smoother ride through dreamland.
Clips. There are straps with clips the snap onto the frame to secure the mattress in place. It is stuck firmly in place, but still removable for cleaning.
Available in 80" length. That theoretically means 6'8" is comfortable. The air mattress, however, makes it o.k. for even taller people. When your feet hang off the end of a regular cot, there is a sharp line of pressure at the foot of the bed, but the air mattress makes the end much softer.
Organizer. There is a flap with two big pockets at the head of the bed. They are about the size of a magazine, but thicker, and they have flaps to keep stuff from accidentally getting in to them.

I am all about this cot, if you need a cot. It's big, well made, and well thought out.
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Russ says "Keep your friends close, and your guns closer." about Coleman Outfitter Cot

Russ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 01:54:53 GMT

The Coleman Outfitter Cot was a dream come true when I found it. It's the first cot I met that I didn't have to hang my feet off the end. Add to that the storage and stability and you've got a nice cot.

The Outfitter is 80" x 30", and stands 17" off the ground. Taking up part of that 17" you will find a (removable) storage unit with 4 big pockets facing out, and sleeve and loop rifle/shotgun storage hiding on the back. It's great for hunters.

The cot is rated to hold 225#, but feels solid under my 230#. The only reason that I'm giving 4 stars, and not 5, is that it weighs 13# itself, and I would expect it to hold considerably more than 225# if it's going to weigh that much.

It packs up small enough, and comes with a carry case.

This cot isn't for a serious hiker, but is good for car-camping and hunters etc. who are going to be out at camp for extended periods.
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Russ says "Oh heck yeah!" about Coleman - 5 in1 Air Mattress

Russ — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 05:32:44 GMT

When I saw this, I got really excited about it's potential if it worked.

It does.

Deep down in it's heart, this is 2 inflatable twin mattresses. The great thing is the configurability (please feel free to use my new word, there, just give me credit). You can use it as one, double thick twin. Or you can undo 2 connectors and make 2 separate twin mattresses. Or you can keep them connected and fold them open to make one king size mattress. Or, and this is where it really rocks, you can flip up part of one of the twin mattresses while it's double thick and make a sofa. It is an actual, functional sofa. It can hold 2 regular adults, and it even has cup holders in the arms.

One of my initial concerns was that it would not be good in all configurations, but the fasteners keep the twins firmly together in king size mode, and the way the funky twin is designed makes it so that you hardly notice it's not your usual air mattress if you put the correct side down.

Caveats-
1) You are not going to blow......

Russ says "I wondered what that was for." about Marmot Earlylight Gear Loft

Russ — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 05:07:02 GMT

Have YOU ever wondered why there are loops hanging from the top of your tent. They aren't there so you can cure hams in the tent, they are waiting for you to get the Marmot Earlylight Gear Loft.

There isn't a whole lot to write about, really. It's a rectangle of mosquito netting with a band sewn to the edges and clips on the corners. It allows you to store things overhead when you don't want to keep them on the floor. Like my eyeglasses, or anything really, these days, now that I'm getting a LOT of sand in the tent.

These reason that I use, and recommend, the Marmot, is that it's pretty generic. There are a lot of gear lofts out there that are designed for a specific tent. Frequently, these will have clips on the ends of longer tapes, instead of right on the corner, and/or odd sizes and shapes. I guess it's great, if you have that tent, but it turns into a liability if you want to use it in another tent, or loan it to a buddy with a different tent.

It ain't fancy (FAIN-tzee), but that's why......

Russ says "License please." about Omniseal Wallet Holder

Russ — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 04:45:19 GMT

Back in the day, I'd put my wallet and other important stuff in a zip top bag whenever I went canoing, rafting, or fishing. That resulted in folded baggies poking me through my pocket and more than one wet wallet (or pack of smokes, but I'm over that now). These days I have graduated to the Omniseal Waterproof Wallet Holder.

The Wallet Holder is reliably waterproof, and it's the right shape for a wallet. It's the best option if you don't already have a dry bag going along for the ride, and f you're in white water, you might want to go ahead and keep your insurance card on your person, anyway.

It's made of heavy clear vinyl. That's means it's sturdy, but it's not immortal. I recommend going ahead and getting the 3-pack. That way you won't be putting off getting a new one, even though it's showing wear, until it fails in a critical situation and you don't have a legible fishing license to show the nice game warden. (Plus, it's way cheaper. Where I get mine, you can get the 3-pack for less than......

Russ says "Don't let the rain steal your tunes." about Pelican i1010 Case

Russ — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 04:33:23 GMT

I've got to admit up front that I was a late adopter on the iPod. Now that I have one, however, I'm glad to have the Pelican i1010. It means that I can have my tunes going wherever I am, whenever I want, without regard to rain or the possibility of dropping it into water.

The i1010 will fit any iPod- regular, shuffle, or nano. That's from the packaging, but looking at the design, this is the only case I've found that I would probably fit some other off brand mp3 player. The others I've seen are each designed with a specific player in mind( as in- this one's for the nano and that one's for the video iPod, etc.)The case has a wire that plugs into the iPod headphone jack, and then you plug your headphones into the swiveling jack on the outside of the case.

The packaging said that it was waterproof to 10 feet. Mine has been tested to about 37". No, I didn't measure, but I was reaching in all the way to my shoulder when I grabbed it and later analysis put it at 37". This case is also tough.......

Russ says "I hope you don't need more protection than this." about Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag

Russ — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:41:25 GMT

This bag has made me so happy. When I first got it, I was buying a Christmas gift for an employee who was a kayaker. I didn't even know dry bags existed until he asked for one, but as soon as I discovered them I picked one up for myself. I did NOT get the $100+ hard-case model that he wanted for his camera. I got myself the Seattle Sports Explorer Dry Bag.

I have rarely used it on the trail or in boats, but that's why I can give it a 5-star rating. This bag rode around in the back of a pick-up truck for 6 years. It has been over, under, in, and around all manner of lawn-mowers, chain saws, edgers, shovels, hoes, chemicals, rocks, and full Georgia sun. I bought it for that purpose, expecting that I'd have to buy a new one every year because that's clearly not an intended use, but it's still going strong. The 19oz vinyl coated nylon has a few places that are showing the abuse, but it is still completely water proof. (Ask me about the regrettable field test of that while fishing for King......

Russ says "Protect your pad." about Therma Rest Stuff Sack

Russ — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 04:44:21 GMT

Thermarest makes a variety of stuff sacks to protect your Thermarest sleeping pad. (They also make some generic ones for pillows, etc., but my policy on those kinds on things is,"What's cheapest today?")

They come in a variety of sizes, to fit their various size/style pads. It's nice to have sack that's just the right size for that kind of thing. If you read my review of the Z-Lite sleeping pad, my only concern was that it might get snagged and torn while in transit. These stuff sacks take care of that concern. They also keep it clean, which is nice even for those bags that you aren't worried about damaging.

Neat feature-handle on the end, not just the side.

I recommend these as an important accessory to your sleeping pad(s).
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Russ says "It can be a life saver...no, really, it can be a life saver." about Coleman Survival Kit

Russ — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 04:31:44 GMT

When it comes to things like survival kits and first aid kits, I'm kind of a hard-case. I always find something to bit...gripe about, but the Coleman Survival Kit comes about as close as it can to making me happy. I usually put the 'ingredient list' at the end, but I'm going to put it here first and then get into it.

Adhesive bandages
3 Gauze pads
3 Alcohol pads
3 Antiseptic pads
1 moleskin
1 needle
Foldable, stainless-steel scissors
Emergency blanket
Emergency poncho
2 Travel Towels
Signal whistle
Thermometer/compass, ziper pull
2 Glow sticks
Waterproof matches (two boxes)

First the bandages. There's a pretty good assortment here, including a knuckle bandage. The mole skin is also a nice touch. I have an almost pathological need to fiddle with the bandage assortment in pre-packaged varieties, but I haven't had to touch this one.

The needle is a genius idea. I have never had a kit with one, and I haven't had to use it, but now that I've seen it I know that no survival kit is complete without one. And forget......

Russ says "Tent fan that's out of the way." about Coleman Cool Zephyr Window Fan

Russ — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 05:13:00 GMT

The Cool Zephyr Window Fan is the best tent fan is my choice for best tent fan. I have used the Cool Zephyr Ceiling Fan With Light (reviewed separately), and that's a decent fan. Now let me tell you why this one's better.

The window fan doesn't take up head-room. This is relevant for head-bonkin' reasons, and for gear storage. If you are planning to use a gear-loft/tent-attic the ceiling fan may get in the way.
It mounts on the window mesh of the tent, this keeps it out of the way, and it brings in fresh air. The ceiling fan may bring in fresh air, but I wouldn't count on it unless it's right under open mesh.
It's aim-able. You can pick which window to mount it in, and where in the window to mount it. This gives you some control over where it's blowing- like on you or not.
It can stand alone. It has a built in stand that can be use to place the fan elsewhere, like on a picnic table.
Air volume. This is purely subjective, but I think the window fan moves more air.

There a couple things......

Russ says "Counter-intuitive, but great." about Therma Rest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad

Russ — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 03:24:58 GMT

The Thermarest Z-lite is a sleeping pad made from closed cell foam. It is quite effective at making your sleeping experience more pleasurable. It is just thick enough to relieve your pressure points when you sleep on hard flat ground and take the edge off the rocks in other terrain. Also, it's got a little bit of an egg carton texture added to help with both comfort and warmth. It's a lot prettier than the shiny green pads that leap to my mind when I hear 'closed cell', and it has a smooth surface that's easy to clean.

Counter-intuitive was kind of a strong word to use in the headline. I just expect camping gear to roll up, and this thing folds up like an accordion. I'm sure that it takes up less space this way, and it's easier to pack.

My only negative is the toughness of the Z-lite away from it's intended use. I know that it will stand up to me sleeping on it for a long time, but I sometimes fear for it's little life in transit. If it catches on a thorn bush or some piece of my junk while......

Russ says "Comfy picnic in camp." about Coleman Pack-Away Table Set for 4

Russ — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 03:12:10 GMT

My next camp furniture pruchase...maybe. I don't own one, but I got the oppurtunity to enjoy this table set, along with some good company, recently. Coleman really got my attention with this good design.

This set includes a table and two benches, two benches, and two padded seat covers for the benches. The table looks like the kind with a roll up top, which I love, but it is in fact all one piece(nothing to attach and/or lose), and it's still sturdy and stable. The benches are solid pieces, with fold up legs, and they act as the case when the table it put away. The seat cushions can stay on,or be removed, for storage. The removable part also means you can take them off for cleaning.

The table is 28" high, and 35.5"x23" on top, while the benches are 16.25" tall with a 36.5"x11" top. When you pack it up for storage it's only 36.5"x11"x5.25". The whole set weighs in at about 23 pounds.

My only problem is the max capacity. It's listed by Coleman at 250 pounds for the bench. I sat on one, albeit......

Russ says "A real space saver with no extraneous parts." about ESR Consumer Products Poptite Collapsible Bottle

Russ — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:09:38 GMT

I love my Poptite Collapsible Bottle. I don't really go in for collapsible cups, but this collapsible bottle does it for me. It takes up less space than a similar capacity collapsible cup, and I can leave stuff in it if I want. It comes with a pull open top, but a lid from a 20oz soda will also fit, just in case you really want it closed.

These come in 16oz and 23oz varieties. My 16oz collapses to less than 4oz. Maybe I haven't looked hard enough, but I've never seen a collapsible cup over 12oz. There's usually a lid or container for the cups, to. I don't want to have to keep up with something like that, and once it's lost the cup doesn't stay collapsed.

The collapsing process involves folding and unfolding plastic, so they will wear out one day. Mine has lasted for a couple hundred collapse/expand cycles already, though.

I have come up with some quantifiable things that make this a favorite of mine, but I had to think them up. I like it, but it's a more instinctive like. I was liking the......

Russ says "Works fassssst." about Benadryl Itch Relief Spray

Russ — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:28:40 GMT

Whatever your itch, Benadryl Itch Relief Spray will put an end to it. It's good for allergic reactions, like poison ivy, and bug bites. Relief is instant and total. It usually lasts for a couple of hours for me.

In the case of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, this spray will relieve the itch, but it won't do anything for the underlying cause. Check out my review of Tec-Nu Oak and Ivy if you expect exposure to those threats.

Over-spray is an issue when you're applying it. Don't get it on your glasses, or anything else, unless you've got a good place to wash up. It dries sticky.
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Russ says "What kind of leaf is this? Oh my!" about TecNu Oak and Ivy

Russ — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:47:07 GMT

Tec-Nu Oak and Ivy can be a lifesaver. Whether you accidentally got into some bad plants, or want a little prevention, it can keep you from itching. The best way to avoid the itch is, of course, to learn to identify and avoid poison ivy and poison oak. This is the next best thing.

When you realize that you've come in contact with poison ivy or oak, you just rub this stuff on for a minute, hopefully before a reaction starts. After the rubbing, rinse it off, and you are trouble free. If you start having a reaction before treatment, the procedure is a lot more trouble, but the Oak and Ivy can still help.

When I don't have my regular preemptive strike (Benadryl Itch Relief Spray) on hand, on coat my exposed skin with the Oak and Ivy if I'm expecting to get exposed. It works decently at preventing an outbreak.

If you get into the poison ivy this summer, you'll be glad you've got it....