I’m no knife expert, but I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and really appreciate having good tools available when I need them. I recently added a new CRKT knife to my collection that I’m quite excited about…it’s called the “Ultima,” and, I got to use it the other day while out fishing. The Ultima is an all purpose, tactical/survival, fixed blade knife. The uniquely crafted, injection-molded black Zytel®handle, is designed to stand up to wet and muddy conditions while providing a sturdy and comfortable grip.
In addition to having an outstanding feel and great performance, the Ultima also has a small pry-bar at the end of the handle for opening cans or other items. I really appreciate the sheath that comes with the knife; it has belt loops and a leg strap to hold the knife firmly in place on your person. It also comes with a small pocket for a multi-purpose tool, sharpening stone or flashlight…and, some 550 paracord attached.
If you have an “Ultima” CRKT knife, let my readers and me know what you think by posting a comment below.
If you’re a follower of Mike’s Road Trip, you know that I often feature applicable “road trip” and outdoor related products. About a year ago I reviewed the Armor Lid Tonneau Cover—since it’s been so essential to my travels, I thought I’d do a follow up.
In addition to keeping my belongings safe, secure and dry along the way, I’ve found the Armor Lid to prove quite useful/helpful in many other ways. For example, I shoot a lot of video and photographs and because the Armor Lid cover is a hard (non-painted) tonneau, it allows me to stand on top for elevated shots. Additionally, I often go camping, along with other outdoor activities…when doing so, the tonneau provides a nice clean area to rest camping equipment and other belongings while setting-up camp. It also provides a good rest while doing some target shooting. There have also been a number of times when I haven’t felt like setting up a tent, so I’ve just slept atop the Armor Lid. With a good mattress pad, and a level surface, sleeping on the tonneau cover is quite comfortable.
I conducted a lot of research before eventually deciding upon the Armor Lid. I was overwhelmed with all the choices…so many variables and brands to choose from. You can get a soft roll-up cover, a hard tri-fold cover, a soft tri-fold cover, or a hard fiberglass cover to match your truck…the list goes on and on. After all my research and weighting the pros and cons, I thought the Armor Lid was the perfect tonneau cover for me. It offers strength, security (especially with a locking tailgate like I have), an interior light so you can get at your stuff in the dark—and, it’s pretty much weatherproof. The other aspect I like a lot is the material…it’s made of nearly indestructible ABS plastic—which allows me to actually use it by getting on top (even with sandy/dirty boots)…something you wouldn’t even think of doing on a painted fiberglass tonneau.
Here are just a few of the highlights of the Armor Lid Tonneau Cover:
It’s made out of automotive-grade ABS plastic with UV protective polymers, which prevents the tonneau from warpage and discoloration under direct sunlight.
Textured surface that resists scratches.
Very easy to install…takes about 30 minutes. I’ve never taken it off, but all you have to do is remove two clips, and slide it forward slightly to release it from the brackets.
Two metal locks to secure your belongings while providing a weather tight storage area.
Best part…the price! Not only did the Armor Lid meet all my requirements, but the price is below many comparable products.
If you have any questions about the Armor Lid, feel free to drop me a line. Otherwise, you can visit ArmorLid.com to learn more. Click the following link to see my original post and to watch a basic Armor Lid Installation video.
If you have an Armor Lid, please leave a comment below and let my readers and I know what you think. If you’ve found this post with video helpful, please hit the “like” button below.
I’m always on the lookout for cool and innovative products to assist me in my adventure travels—so, when I recently ran across the JakPak, needless to say, I was intrigued. The JakPak is a waterproof jacket that turns into a tent. Yes, you read correctly…a tent. For a nomad like me, this was a product I had to get my hands on.
Made of quality materials, the JakPak is ingeniously designed and loaded with features…including:
All-in-one design…waterproof breathable rain jacket with integrated tent, mosquito netting and sleeping bag
3 season design (spring, summer and fall).
Lightweight design (medium size is less than 3lbs).
12” 5 coil Pit zips.
Integrated hood and collar with drawcord and visor.
Integrated suspenders to help distribute weight evenly.
Integrated tent provides shelter over the head, neck and shoulders.
Easy and quick setup.
Tent and bag are detachable and can be stored separately.
Two-way bag zipper allows for ease of entry/exit, which enables you to walk around. There is even a hook & loop to secure the bag from dragging on ground.
The JakPak may not be for every outdoor enthusiast, but I do think it can/will serve a niche segment. The minimalistic combination of weight, bulk and use will be very appealing to some. At less than 3lbs, you’d be hard pressed to find a solo tent under that…and, with the JakPak, ya get a jacket in the deal. I really like how the tent and bag portions of the jacket are detachable, it makes the product more versatile. Overall I’m very impressed with the thoughtfulness of the design. I would like to see better illustration materials that would show the best methods for folding and re-packing the JakPak…but other than that, they seem to have thought of everything.
Some may nudge the JakPak toward novelty over function—and, that may be true for some. For others who think outside the box, there could be a number of uses beyond the obvious for a JakPak—for example…the bag portion could be used during a rainy sporting event or other inclement weather spectator activity. The JakPak retails for $250, and for the quality and versatility…is probably a fair price.
If you or someone you know has a JakPak, let me know what you think by posting a comment below.
Looking for a great pair of performance socks for blister-free hiking and other activities? Look no further than Dahlgren Footwear socks.
I am an avid hiker and backpacker…I can tell you that nothing will suppress your enjoyment more than developing a blister five miles into a ten mile hike. It’s so important to prepare and protect your feet before you venture out for a long hike or backpacking trip. Developing blisters can be extremely painful and debilitating…fortunately, they can be minimize, if not prevented all together. Of course you need a proper fitting pair of boots/shoes, but the single most important item is without question, a really good pair of moisture-wicking socks.
I have tried a number of pairs of socks over the years…always in search of a better pair—I think my search may finally be over after discovering Dahlgren Socks. My initial impression of Dahlgren was one of delight. The Dahlgren Footwear socks almost feel fitted, just for my feet…amazingly comfortable. Comfort is certainly nice, but how would they preform? In a word…spectacularly.
I have to say, the Dahlgren socks seem to be some of the most advanced performance socks I’ve come across…made of several different materials that separate the foot into various zones. Made of Merino wool, nylon, alpaca and spandex, the socks absorb, then transfer moisture away from the foot…effectively keeping them drier and blister-free. Dahlgren even has a patent on their high-tech line of performance socks for their Dri Stride zone construction.
For those interested in “buying American,” you’ll be happy to know that Dahlgren Footwear is a family-owned company and their socks are manufactured in Iowa…the heartland of America.
If you’ve tried Dahlgren socks, let me know what you think by posting a comment below. For additional information on how to prevent blisters, click here.
I am a big time gadget fan and am often an early adopter of technology. I’m always on the lookout for cool products that will enhance my travel and outdoor needs. A good flashlight is one of those essential items for any road trip, camping or backpacking excursion.
Over the years I’ve tried many, many different types of flashlights and headlamps…most have fallen short in one way or another. About a year ago I bought my first Fenix flashlight and have been extremely satisfied. I have since acquired a few more Fenix light sources, each serving a different purpose.
My video below will give you a brief overview of the four Fenix flashlights I have…you will see a comparison between comparable, albeit inferior flashlights.
MC10 – This probably my favorite Fenix flashlight…it’s absolutely perfect for backpacking—lightweight, versatile and powerful for its size! This flashlight has a built-in clip; 90 degree flexibility; tail-standing capability and lanyard attachment…which makes it perfect for washing dishes, reading and doing general camp tasks. There are three lighting levels with two flashing modes. Oh, and the MC10 is also waterproof to IPX-8, it runs on a single AA battery and has a max 125 lumen output.
TK11 – This is a tactical flashlight, it’s really durable and incredible bright (on the turbo mode)…it has a max output of 285 lumens. There is a Tactical tailcap switch which allows you to switch on for momentary on/off function. The TK11 runs on two CR123 batteries and is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum.
LD01 – This tiny little light does not lack any power, it runs on a single AAA battery and boasts an amazing 85 lumens. This flashlight is perfect for the ultra-light backpacker, or for anyone who needs a powerful, but compact flashlight. It’s worth getting a couple of these…one for your keychain, glove box, overnight bag, etc. The clip attachment allows you to fix this light to the brim of a hat, giving you the ability to use it as a mini headlamp.
HP10 – With a great balance of spot and spill light, this high-powered headlamp is the perfect choice for mountaineering, climbing, backpacking, search and rescue or when hands-free operation is a must. This light source uses 4 AA batteries and provides 225 lumens of light.
For complete specs and to see the vast array of Fenix light sources, check out their website. I have found Amazon to have some really good prices on Fenix products.
If you have a Fenix Flashlight, leave a comment below and let my readers and I know which one, and, what ya think.
If you travel, camp or backpack as much as I do, you know how essential it is to have the right tools…be it a tent, sleeping bag or a knife. A good knife is one of those absolutely essential tools needed for backpacking and camping on the road. I have owned a CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) for a couple of years now and have really enjoyed it. One of the cool aspects of many of their foldable pocket knives is the finger flipper, which makes it super easy to quickly open the blade with one hand.
While I love my CRKT pocket knife, I knew I needed a couple additional variations, so I recently got two of their A.B.C. (All Bases Covered) knifes, one with a blunt tip that’s great for prying or digging. Both the A.B.C. knives come with a sheath that allows you to carry the knives in various fashions, such as on a diving buoyancy compensator, pocket flaps, webbing (like a backpack strap), with dive leg strap, on a PFD, or on a neck cord.
CRKT produces a large range of knives for virtually any use, from tactical, survival to hunting and fishing. I’m always amazed at how innovative these guys are. CRKT knives are moderately priced and a good value for the quality.
Let me know if you have any questions, or, you can check out their website at www.CRKT.com. BTW, a lot of the product overviews on their site have videos, which I find very helpful in making a decision on which knife to buy.
Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammock in front of Mt. Rainier
For many years now I had been looking for a compact, lightweight hammock that could be used for camping and backpacking. Just recently one of my friends and Mike’s Road Trip followers sent me a link to the perfect product to try…the ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters) Hammock system. When I checked out the ENO site, I was extremely excited…their products were exactly what I’d been looking for.
I received my ENO Hammock system a couple weeks ago, which came complete with a mosquito net and rain fly. My first adventure with the ENO Hammock was on my Mount Rainier trek, however since we camped above the treeline I was unable to use it to sleep in—it still got used while doing some relaxing down below as you can see from the pic to the left.
Just the other day I was camping in the Olympic Peninsula area and got the opportunity to sleep in my new hammock for the first time…what an experience! The ENO Hammock takes but a couple minutes to hang (a bit longer to set up the mosquito net and rain fly, however both come with easy to follow instructions).
The folks at Eagles Nest Outfitters have thought of everything. For example, each peripheral product has its own attached stuff stack; the mosquito netting fits over the hammock without being cumbersome, while allowing for easy access…yet still keeping the bugs out. Needless to say, I’m really impressed with ENO and can’t wait to try out some of their other products.
I recently purchased probably the best pair of sunglasses I’ve ever had…the Maui Jim Pono (bronze). They not only look good, but they fit amazing well (which is hard to do with a nose that has been broken more than once). I personally prefer glass lens over plastic, I think you can really see a difference…and, they seem to be more scratch resistant.
The quality of the optics, along with the polarization makes me feel like I have bionic eyes on. I am constantly amazed at how wonderful the world looks through these Maui Jim lenses…the colors just “pop,” and the contrast/detail are heightened.
When you do as much driving and outdoor activities as I do, you need to have a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Check out a pair for yourself and let me know what you think.
If you think I’m kidding about how good Maui Jim Sunglasses are…watch the video below and see what lengths I went to after I lost mine. Click here to read the post I wrote about the experience.
An essential component to the success of my journey depends on being able to keep my belongings safe and secure. I looked at several options and determined that a Tonneau cover would make the most sense. I did a ton of research on both hard and soft covers and determined that a hard shell cover was the only way to go.
I then embarked on the somewhat arduous task of researching the various manufacturers. You cannot believe how many options are out there, and depending on your needs, there is probably one that will meet yours perfectly.
For my needs, I wanted something strong and rugged, and something easy to install and remove. When I ran across the Armor Lid ABS Tonneau Cover, I was sold. I really liked that it’s not painted like the fiberglass covers, because I imagine I will be using it to store stuff on top while camping ,as well as sleeping on it every so often when I’m too lazy to set up a tent or unable to find lodging.
Installing the Armor Lid could not have been easier, it really only required a socket and ratchet as far as tools. The instructions suggested using two people to install, but I was able to do it myself pretty easily.
I filmed some video segments to give you an idea of the install process as well as what it looks like fully assembled. Armor Lid has dealers across the country, but you can check out their site directly for more info: www.ArmorLid.com
I have been a Keen Footwear fan for some time now and really enjoy the original Newport sandals. The Keen Newport Sandals are extremely comfortable, durable, stylish and long-lasting. I’ve owned several pair over the past six or so years and would highly recommend them.
I’ve been wearing sport sandals for more than a decade, from Timberland, Merrel to the originator in the category, Teva…however, for my money, the Keen Newport Sandal wins over the competition. My only slight complaint would be the weight…the Newport Sandals are a bit heavier than Timberland or Teva, but that’s a small price to pay for the ruggedness and quality that Keen offers.
Click the following link if you’re interested in learning more about the Keen Newport Sandals.
I’m no knife expert, but I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and really appreciate having good tools available when I need them. I recently added a new CRKT knife to my collection that I’m quite excited about…it’s called the “Ultima,” and, I got to use it the other day while out fishing. The Ultima is an all purpose, tactical/survival, fixed blade knife. The uniquely crafted, injection-molded black Zytel®handle, is designed to stand up to wet and muddy conditions while providing a sturdy and comfortable grip.
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