Reviews by cjfatcat

cjfatcat says "Essential for hiking" about Feather 442 Dual Fuel Stove

cjfatcat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:10:19 GMT

This was one of my first stoves when I started backpacking. It was light, compact and fit into any little crevice of my backpack that was available. The white gas option is much better over butane if you're hiking in colder weather. I never had a clogging problem with this stove in three years. But the main drawback was that you need to find some kind of wind screen if the weather is kicking up. And I'm not much of a fan of cooking in the tent for obvious reasons. It also held up well and sturdy to holding small pots of food. Although I never tried large pots, I don't think I would recommend it if it's the only thing you have to eat. It might end up on the ground. This is a great little stove for light backpack camping.

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cjfatcat says "Not my first choice" about Coleman Expandable Water Carrier

cjfatcat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:07:53 GMT

The Coleman Expandable Water Carrier definitely has some flaws. With so many other alternative water carriers on the market, Coleman needs to do some revisions to their design. Although it is light (without water), and collapsible for easy storage, when filled it is awkward to carry. With the light material it moves and shifts and causes balance to be thrown off while walking with the carrier. Its cube shape also makes it difficult to carry close to you without bumping into you n at every step. It also has a tendency to "roll around" on a flat surface making it unstable until about one third of the water has been used. For the price, there are many other water carriers on the market that are more stable and carrier friendly.

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cjfatcat says "only if you really need tent light" about Coleman Tent Light

cjfatcat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:05:32 GMT

This light is inexpensive and lightweight. The light it puts out is more than enough to see what you're doing in a tent and getting ready for bed. But it is not enough if you're a reader at night. The biggest downfall of this item is the way it is attached to the tent. You have to be outside and inside almost at the same time since it magnetically attaches through the tent shell. I tried it on the side of the tent but it always slid down and wouldn't stay were it was. If you have a taller tent like I do, it's a little difficult to get the light all the way at the top unless you are in the habit of bringing a ladder with you when you camp. The good thing is that it works a bit better for a backpacking tent. Personally, I just use a flashlight or candle lantern.

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cjfatcat says "never leave without it" about Therma Rest Trail Comfort Sleeping Pad

cjfatcat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:03:54 GMT

This is one item that I never go camping without. The only slight drawback to the mattress is that it's a little large when you take it backpacking. But the additional size is easily overlooked when you lie down for the night after hiking ten or twelve miles. It self inflates. If you need it a little fuller, a few puffs of air and you have a little more comfort. It's a little large as far as width, but rolled up size is as big as most other packing pads. It comes with a small repair kit for small holes or tears, but in years of use, mine has never sprung a leak. This item is just like American Express: Never leave home without it!

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cjfatcat says "number one item for camping" about Nalgene Wide Mouth Lexan Bottle

cjfatcat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:01:55 GMT

I have exclusively used the Nalgene brand Lexon bottles for years. Time after time, they are one of the most indispensable hiking items I carry. Most any quality backpack has a compartment made special for these bottles. Most water filters have adapters available that fit, sealed on top of the bottle when filling. And if you hike where I do and dropped your bottle, you're extremely thankful that it's Lexon. They just don't break even with most accidental abuse. They also have adapters for the top with a straw that screw on to make it easier to use while doing activities so you don't get water down the front of your shirt. I have seven of these bottles and I'm not done yet.

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