Rambling Review – Quilomene San Carlos Bird Vest

Why:

There are several good options for quality strap vests on the market. I’ve written about several of them on this blog already. For the early Arizona bird hunting season, I’ve had the opportunity to wear the Quilomene San Carlos Bird Vest and I’ve been really impressed with what this light weight strap vest has to offer.

First impressions:

Q5 Outdoors Products – Dan and Joanne Priest started Q5 Outdoor Products several years back and introduced the original Q5 Upland Strap Vest and the Q5 Centerfire Vest. Recently, the Priests brought the Quilomene line up of vests into the Q5 Outdoor Products fold, and now offer these highly renowned, field tested vests for sale. One of the coolest parts about all of the Q5 and Quilomene Vests is that a portion of each sale gets donated to Arizona Outdoor Adventures, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthy outdoor activities for underprivileged children.

Customizable and Adjustable – The Quilomene San Carlos Vest comes in two styles. One is a “Y” back and the other is an “H” back design. Both styles offer quite a bit of adjustments. When purchasing your vest, you are also able to choose a size based on your waist measurements. This ensures that the vest fits properly and carries any weight comfortably.

Storage – There is a total of seven pockets on the San Carlos vest, which makes it easy to carry all the essentials in the field. Lash straps are located on the back of the pack for stashing a jacket once the day gets warm. The bird pouch is spacious and capable of carrying a limit of quail easily. Although there are no water bottle pockets, there is a large hydration pocket on the interior of the bird pouch, and handy hose clips located on the shoulder straps.

Made in the USA – All of the Q5 Outdoor Products are made in the USA.

Field Use:

I’ve enjoyed using the Quilomene San Carlos bird vest so far this season. From the early dove season, to grouse hunting at 8,500′ in the mountains, and back to the valley for the quail opener, the San Carlos really shines in the field.

The first things that really stood out to me while chasing birds was how lightweight and slim fitting this vest is. It is a very simple design and even when loaded, it does not have a lot of bulk. This is beneficial whether you are hanging in field waiting for the next flight of doves, or slipping through the dark timber looking for grouse.

Another thing I really was impressed with was how comfortable the vest is, and how well it carried a load. With early season quail especially, I loaded up on lots of water, shells, and other odds and ends, and the vest was pretty heavy. Even with the vest fully loaded, the waist belt carried the weight really well. Although there are vests on the market with more pockets and carrying capacity, the Quilomene San Carlos handled the everything I threw at it.

Although I was extremely happy with the how much the vest was laid out and how much it could carry, I could see how a hunter with a dog might want a little bit more carrying capacity for extra water or designated water bottle holders. Quilomene has quite a few different accessories that allow these vests to be totally modular and customizable for each individual customer. Check out their accessories page for water bottle holsters and more.

Pros:

Made in the USA

Quality material and durable construction

Lightweight 

Water bladder pocket and hose hooks

Portion of each sale goes to non-profit

Cons:

Lack of water bottle holders

Prognosis:  The Quilomene San Carlos Bird Vest is an excellent lightweight strap vest option and worth looking at if you are in the market for a new vest. 

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Quilomene San Carlos Bird Vest was provided by Q5 for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Quilomene San Carlos Bird Vest appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review: Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame Stove

Why:

Although many times I’m looking for the lightest equipment for backpacking into the backcountry, there are plenty of times where I’m truck camping and space and weight are not an issue. When it comes to stoves, I have several compact camp stoves that are ideal for those backpacking trips where all that is needed is to boil water for dehydrated meals, but these compact stoves are limited in the amount of any real cooking. For my fishing and hunting trips, where I’m camping next to the truck, I’ve been using the Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame 2-Burner Propane Stove which has been a pretty solid stove for me.

First impressions:

• Dimensions – This stove measures 26.8″ x 6.6″ x 14.9″  and weighs in at 17.1 pounds.
• Coleman’s HyperFlame burner technology cuts boil time in half compared to a standard burner at 3 m/sec. windspeed
• The Coleman Hyper Fyrchampion Hyperflame stove boasts 12,000 BTU from each of the two burners
• The Fyrechampion comes with two griddles, for use as a two-burner stove, griddle, or stove/griddle combo
• Uses a standard 16.4-oz. propane cylinder
• The Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame Stove is covered by a 3-year limited warranty

Field Use:

After a couple months of use, the Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame Stove has proven to be a great piece of gear for my truck camping trips. It’s seen several fishing and hunting overnight trips, as the two burner top really comes in handy when cooking up the main course and a side.

The removable griddles are an interesting touch on the stove, and to be honest, I was a bit skeptical if I would even use them and thought about leaving them when I first packed the stove for a trip. But the first time I cooked up scrambled eggs and toasted the tortillas on the griddles, I was sold. They are great for warming tortillas, cooking eggs and sausage, but unfortunately the the short sides of the griddles make them too short to contain bacon grease. Regardless, I’ve realized how nice the griddles are to have in the field.

One of the standout features on the Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame Stove is how much heat this stove puts out. Between the Coleman Perfect Heat Technology and Perfect Flow Pressure Control System, this stove puts out high, steady heat, even at 9000′ in the White Mountains on a chilly fall morning. The recessed cook top, lowered burners, and high intensity flame make for a fairly wind resistant unit. Although high heat is a positive when talking about a stove, I have found it a bit difficult to find the sweet spot for low heat and simmering.  While  the stove is capable of putting out, it takes a bit of playing to find the lower end of the flame without causing the flame to snuff out.

Pros:

A solid stove for vehicle camping trips

Two 12,000 BTU burners 

Bulk propane tank compatible

3 year warranty

Wind resistant

Cons:

The griddle sides are a bit short. Perfect for everything but bacon.

Made in China

Prognosis:  The Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame 2-Burner Propane Stove is a solid stove and worth your consideration if you are in the camp stove market.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, The Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame Stove was provided by Coleman for the purpose of this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Coleman Fyrechampion Hyperflame Stove appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review: GSI Glacier Stainless Percolator

Why:

Regular readers of this blog know that I take my morning cup of coffee fairly seriously. At home I have a pretty standard French press routine, but I mix it up when I’m in the field depending on how much time, space, and weight I have. I’ve found that I really enjoy the taste of percolated coffee in camp, and the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator has become standard in my camp cookset.

First impressions:

Stainless Steel – The GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolators are constructed from corrosion-resistant, marine-grade 18/8 stainless steel componentry and welds.

Sizes – GSI Outdoors sells several sizes of their Glacier Stainless Percolators: 8, 14, 28, and 36 cups. In this review, I am using 14 cup percolator

Dimensions – The 14 cup percolator weighs 2 lbs. 2 oz. and measures roughly 8.80” x 6.70” x 9.00”

Field Use:

My Glacier Stainless Percolator has been a staple on my hunting and fishing trips this past summer and fall. One of the biggest aspects about the GSI Outdoors percolator that stands out is it’s rugged design. I never have any worries when I toss it in the back of the truck for an overnighter in the woods.

The other aspect that I appreciate about the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator is the overall simplicity that comes with percolating coffee. Everything that is needed for making coffee is in one unit and completely reusable. As with all percolators, no filters are needed. The only ingredients needed are coffee, water, and a flame to boil water or filtered water can also be used, since there are filters that remove fluoride and chloride and that you can get online. Typically, I use my camp stove to get a boil going, but there’s nothing more aesthetically pleasing then hanging the percolator by the wire bail handle over an open campfire to make coffee.

Pros:

Rugged design

Made from corrosion-resistant, marine-grade 18/8 stainless steel

Simple and easy to use

Cons:

Made in China

Plastic glass PercView top might be the piece to break if not careful

Prognosis:  The GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator is an excellent choice for someone looking for the esthetics and ruggedness of a quality percolator. 

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator was provided by GSI Outdoors for the purpose of this review.Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review: Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

Why:

Whenever I’m heading into the woods and walking away from the truck, it’s important to do the dummy check and make sure you have the necessities. Whether fishing, hunting, or just going for a hike, one of those key elements in my pack that I always double check for is a headlamp. Over the years, I’ve been through a couple different makes and models, but the one headlamp that has stood the test of time is Black Diamond Spot Headlamp.

First impressions:

Dimensions – The Black Diamond Spot specs out at 2.25 x 1.6 x 1.4 inches, and with the 3AAA batteries, the headlamp weighs 3.25 ounces

Settings – The Spot Headlamp has multiple settings: 1 high-power LED (90 Lumen), 2 white proximity LEDs and 2 red proximity LEDs

Adjustable – The headband is a durable and adjustable elastic that is comfortable with a hat or without. The head of the light pivots downward so that you can adjust the angle of the light.

Weather resistant – Although not fully waterproof, the Black Diamond Spot is weatherproof and can be used during wet weather.

Field Use:

I bought two of these lights a couple years ago, one for me and one for my wife. Every time I head into the woods or to the creek, I have one of them in my pack. The number one thing I can say about my experience with the Black Diamond Spot is that it have never failed me. The Spot has received the typical abuse that most items in a fishing pack see, but every time I push the button it turns on.

The Black Diamond Spot has three settings: one super bright LED, two small LEDs on the side, or two small red LEDs. The two small white LEDs and the small red LEDS have a strobe setting for emergency signalling situations.  Each of the different light settings can be accessed by a click of the power button and by holding the power button, you can adjust the brightness of the LED.

The specs on the Spot say that at the lowest setting, the light will last for 200 hours. I’ve never actually tested that data, but the light lasts a ridiculously long time and is very kind on the three AAA batteries.

The Black Diamond Spot does have the ability to lock. By holding the power button down for 6 seconds, the headlamp enters locked mode and won’t turn on until the button is held down for 6 seconds again. I did have the lock mode disengage while tightly packed away in pack. Anytime I’m not using it regularly and stowing it for emergencies, I like to flip one of the batteries around so that I know it won’t accidentally turn on.

Pros:

Price tag

Multiple LED settings

Pivoting head

Weather resistant

Cons:

Lock mode isn’t perfect. 

Prognosis:  If you are looking for a solid headlamp to add to your fishing or hunting kit, the Black Diamond Spot headlamp is certainly worth your time.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Black Diamond Spot Headlamp appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case

Why:

That stupid Orvis magazine shows up at least once a month in the mailbox, and every time it did I would give it a quick flip through. Inevitably, I’d find several things that peaked my interest, but I showed restraint (which isn’t hard to do with the price tag on some of the items) and held off on pulling the trigger. One of the items that I’d had my eye on for a while was the Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case. Luck was on my side when a fishing buddy wanted to get rid of his and I picked up the Orvis case for a reasonable price.

** Note – The case reviewed here in this post is the older model. Orvis has come out with a new case for 2015 called the Orvis Safe Passage Carry It All.

First impressions:

The size – This Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case is the medium size case. It is 31″L x 9½”H x 5″W and holds 4-piece rods up to 9′. The large version will hold 10′ 4-piece fly rods. The case weighs a hair over 5 pounds

Organization – There are 3 clear plastic zippered pockets on the outside of the lid along with several large zippered mesh pockets on the inside of the lid. The main bay of the case is divided by a removable partition which allows you to customize the inside of the case. The smaller partitions have Velcro attachments as well, and can be moved to the different desired locations.

Field Use:

The Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case lived up to the hype. It is one of the best pieces of fishing luggage that I’ve seen for transporting fly fishing gear. One thing I really like is how much you can actually fit in this case.  You can easily fit six 9′ fly rods in this case along with reels, fly boxes, tippet, leaders, and all the other small odds and ends that need to make it on a trip. There are plenty of pockets and dividers to keep everything neat and organized. It serves as the perfect work station when rigging up lakeside or riverside once you reach your destination.

The Safe Passage Case keeps everything in one place, and pretty well protected. It’s perfect to stow in the back of the car for a vacation trip with the family or to take as a carry-on on an airplane. One thing that I’ve never done is to check the bag on an airline. I make it a general rule to never check anything that I truly care about and/or that could be damaged. Although the case is rigid and very tough, those baggage handlers make me nervous.

One thing that I vastly underestimated was its utility around the house. With an ever growing family, space is becoming more limited and we have to hire men from https://www.gohenryreview.com/ to teach us about parenting. I can’t leave nippers and hemostats lying around on the tying table or have rod tubes littering the spare bedroom. The Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case makes it easy to store fishing gear in one place and out of the reach of the Tasmanian Devil our beautiful little girl. I know that in a moments notice, I can grab the case and toss it in the truck before heading out to fish.

Pros:

Plenty of organization

Very nice build quality

Customizable layout with Velcro dividers

Can be used as a airline carry-on (leave the nippers, hemos, and knives in your checked bags) 

Cons:

The price tag (New, the price tag is pretty steep for a piece of luggage)

Length can be limiting for 10′ or 3-piece fly rods (Orvis does make a size large)

Prognosis:  Although it comes with a steep price tag, the Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case has been a great piece of gear for organizing and traveling with fly gear.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. I bought this case second hand with money from my personal fishing fund. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Orvis Safe Passage Carry-it-all Rod and Gear Case appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Kelty Pathfinder 3.0

Why:

If you have been following along at all, you know that my little girl has been growing fast. My wife and I are avid hikers and really like to get outside and enjoy all that Arizona has to offer. Trying to fit a one year old baby girl into that lifestyle is tough, but very doable. All of our outdoor activities became a whole lot easier when we picked up the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0.

First impressions:

The specs –

• Maximum weight load (Child + Gear + Pack): 50 lbs / 22.6 kg
• Child weight: Minimum 16 lbs / 7.3 kg; Maximum: 40 lbs /  18.1 kg
• Length: 19 in / 48.5 cm
• Width: 15 in / 38 cm
• Height: 30 in / 76 cm
• Volume: 1300 in³ / 21 L
• Weight: 7 lb 10 oz / 3.5 kg
• Suspension: Adjustable

The fit – The Kelty Pathfinder is a fully adjustable aluminum frame pack. It’s just as comfortable as any other pack that I’ve worn and carries weight right on the beefy hipbelt very well.

The small things – Kelty has done an outstanding job of marrying the fit and feel of a rugged quality pack to the tiny nuances of baby life. Some of the things that really stood out to me are the:

• sun hood (It’s Arizona. The sun is always out.)
• toy loops (Favorite 1-year old game – throw things on the floor and see how many times Daddy picks it up for you)
• changing pad (Poop happens)

Storage – The zip-off day and bottom storage compartment pack provide ample storage for baby and parents.

Field Use:

Imagine my surprise when my wife pipes up one Saturday morning, “Let’s go fishing.” In situations like this, I don’t ask questions. I just start packing. We picked a spot in town where there are plenty of ponds to walk around and look for cruising fish. We loaded up the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 with a fly box, tippet, diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, sunscreen, water, and a binki, and we were ready to go. The one thing that is probably the most important thing I learned about the Pathfinder 3.0 this day was that my daughter loved being in it. A kid-carrying pack doesn’t do any good if your kiddo doesn’t like being in it. Our little girl gets the biggest smile on her face when we get the backpack out of her closet and she tries to climb into it all on her own. Kelty passed the first test – Baby approved.

The second aspect of this pack that makes it so attractive to a parent is how comfortable it is for me. I spend a good deal of time with different packs on my back and the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 is about as good as it gets. The big beefy hipbelt puts the weight right on your hips and takes the pressure off your shoulders and upper back. There are upper load lifters, lumbar compression pulls, and a sternum strap all help to keep the weight of the pack secure and close to your back. Between our little girl, water, and all the odds and ends in the pack, the Pathfinder 3.0 was right about 30 pounds and felt very comfortable and stable to carry.

There are so many small things that went into designing this pack that there are almost too many to describe in a post. I’ve mentioned several of them above. Here are some other key additions to the pack that I think are worth noting:

• There are several waterbottle holders along with a H2O pocket all set up and ready for a bladder and hose.
• Auto deploy kickstand for when the pack is on the ground. The kickstand allows you to easily get your child in our out while the pack is stable.
• The high aluminum frame of the baby carrier provide some added protection for the back of the child’s head and acts like a bit like a roll cage, should you take a spill.
• The Pathfinder 3.0 really takes the safety of the child seriously 5-point harness and color coded leg straps make sure that your child is in nice and snug.

Pros:

Very comfortable pack

Ease of use

Tons of storage space

Strong aluminum frame

Baby friendly

Cons:

Cost (top of the price range for child carriers, but so worth it for the extras)

Weight (a 7lb starting weight for a pack is a bit heavy, but again worth it when you’re talking about keeping a baby happy)

Prognosis:  If your looking to keep after your outdoor hobbies with a baby in tow, do yourself a favor and look at the Kelty Pathfinder 3.0. This pack is worth it.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review: Olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens

Why: While traveling this summer, I used my iPhone as my primary camera, but I couldn’t always get great detail shots or get decent perspective on wide angled shots. On a recent trip to Arizona, however, to hike a small canyon north of Phoenix, I was able to capture detail and perspective by using the Olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens.

First impressions:

The Lenses – I didn’t quite understand the lens system at first, as there is a single piece with two macro lenses on either side, a 10x and 15x. You can also attach either a fisheye or wide-angle lens to the macro bases. Once I got over the initial confusion, I was able to get the lens I needed fairly quickly.

The Case – The clear case that comes with the lenses turns your phone into more of a camera, adding two tripod attachments for both portrait and landscape. The top of the case, around the iPhone’s camera, flips open to allow the lens to slide on. This flipped piece then acts like an extended shutter button, clicking down on the iPhone’s volume button to snap a photo.

Field Use:

With a day-long hike ahead of us, I packed the lenses up in the small bag that comes with the kit. I opted to not use the case, as I worried about dropping my phone and the case not really protecting my phone well enough. I popped the case into my backpack just in case and carried the small bag with the lenses in my pocket.

Throughout the morning, I pulled the lenses out at various points to capture fauna and vistas, and I eventually got sick of pulling my own case off my phone to slide the lenses on. So I finally opted for using the case that came with the kit, as it has a space cut out for sliding the lenses on and off. This ended up being a huge win, and I never ended up dropping the phone to test it’s durability. Switching the case, though, made it much easier to pull out the camera and quickly take pictures, a circumstance that led me to take way more pictures throughout the afternoon of our hike.

Pros:

– Wonderful macro shots

– Case turns an iPhone into a functional camera

– Lenses fit into your pocket

Cons:

– Macro only worked within a very specific range (no focus)

– I never found a use for the fisheye lens.

Prognosis:  If you are looking for an easy and effective way to get more out of your smartphone camera, the Olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens is well worth checking out.

This Rambling Review was written by my brother Joel Smith who is an avid climber, hiker, and lover of nature. When not in the great outdoors, Joel can be found with his nose in a book. He chronicles his thoughts and passion for literature at JSumnerSmith.com.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are the honest opinion of the field testers. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  TheOlloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens was provided by Olloclip for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings’ independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Olloclip 4-in-1 Photo Lens appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Thomas & Thomas Heirloom Fiberglass 7’6 4-weight

Why:

Let me start by saying, that in my humble quiver of fly rods, the Thomas & Thomas Heirloom Fiberglass 7’6 4-weight stands out as the most beautiful. I was lucky enough to win this fly rod in the Fiberglass Manifesto’s photo contest in 2012 and since that time it has become one of my favorite rods to fish.  Although I am usually reaching for a rod with a faster action to cut through our Arizona canyon winds or to throw big meaty streamers, I cherish the days when the wind dies down and the trout are looking up for a dry fly. On days such as this, I gladly reach for the Thomas & Thomas Heirloom Fiberglass 7’6 4-weight to fling dry flies at finicky trout.

First impressions:

The look – The T&T Heirloom rod is built on an 3 piece olive green blank and contrasted beautifully with deep orange/brown wraps that match the bubinga wood spacer. The final touch of a bright aluminum uplocking hardware with the Thomas & Thomas engraving give this fly rod an extremely classy look.

American made – All Thomas and Thomas rods are made, start to finish, in New England.

The price tag – I was a bit taken aback when I looked at the price tag on the Heirloom series, as the number is a bit out of my wheelhouse here. In all honesty though, at $700, the Heirloom fiberglass rods are certainly not T&T’s most expensive rods. The Thomas & Thomas name is synonymous with fine American made fly rods and the Heirloom series is not an exception.

Field Use:

Thomas & Thomas Heirloom Fiberglass 7’6 4-weight is a very fine rod and is was built to do one thing exceptionally well – delicately present dry flies. Thomas & Thomas describe the action of this rod as “subtle” and every time I read that word it makes me smile, because it so perfectly captures this rod. Not to get all weird and cerebral on you but the Heirloom is a wand. It has a rhythm all of it’s own and once you find that rhythm the presentation is nothing short of magic.

I paired the Thomas & Thomas Heirloom fiberglass fly rod with my Orvis Battenkill Barstock, Cortland’s Sylk Line in 4wt  (which is an awesome throwback to old-school silk lines), and a 4′ furled leader. With the bamboo-like action of the Heirloom, I was able flick flies to fish rising on the creek in that 10-15′ range with ease but also found that airing out an ant pattern to a rising fish at 35′ from my pontoon boat was just as pleasing.

Nothing puts a smile on your face like a big fish on a glass rod. The pulsing 16 inch Apache trout put a beautiful bend in the 7’6 4-weight while protecting the lightweight tippet. I’m not above getting down and dirty, so I also took the T&T Heirloom to Canyon Lake after some panfish in the spring. Equally as entertaining and proof that fine fiberglass fly rods play just as well with sunfish, dirty water, and cut-offs as they do with trout, crystal clear water, and waders.

Pros:

Beautiful craftsmanship

American made

Subtle bamboo-like action

Superb dry fly presentation

Cons:

Price tag

Prognosis:  The Thomas & Thomas Heirloom fiberglass fly rod truly is a work of art and a very fine fly rod.  If you are interested in adding a beautiful fiberglass rod to your collection, the Heirloom 7’6 4-weight certainly deserves your consideration.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Rambling Review – GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press

Why:

Going right along with my GSI Outdoor JavaMill review, I had the opportunity to check out the GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press. These two products are a match made in heaven. If you’re looking for a easy, no-hassle cup of coffee in the woods or on the water, then you’ve got to check out the GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press.

First impressions:

The set up – I was actually expecting the Java Press to be a bit more complicated, but the whole thing is pretty simple. There are three main pieces: the cup, the lid, and the “plunger.”

Dimmensions – All said and done, the GSI Outdoors Java Press will hold about 15 fluid ounces. It stands 7.8″ tall and weighs 10.4 ounces when empty.

The finish – The GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press is built with a non slip base and comes with an insulating sleeve. The top also has a hinged cap which allows the top to be sealed.

Field Use:

The GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press is pretty slick and very simple to use. Here’s how it works:

It works like a charm, but here are some of the highlights that I really found useful:

1. The Commuter Java Press is extremely easy to cleanup. I have a JetBoil french press, and although it makes great coffee, it’s a huge pain to setup, clean, and break down.

2. The cup and plunger are BPA free and shatter resistant. Combine that with a nice foam insulation sleeve and you’re looking at a drop proof mug.

3. It makes a darn good cup of coffee.

Pros:

Simple to use

Easy cleanup 

BPA free shatter resistant

Cons:

At 15 fluid ounces of coffee, I’m going to need several cups to get me started

Prognosis:  I’m a coffee lover and always interested in a quick, quaility cup of coffee when I’m in the woods or on the water. The GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press is the perfect way to start a morning in the great outdoors.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – GSI Outdoors Commuter Java Press appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Woolx Lightweight Merino Wool

Why:

I really like Merino wool. To be completely honest, I have a bunch of different garments from a variety of different manufacturers and I can definitely see the differences in workmanship and quality of merino in these products. I recently had the opportunity to check out a few pieces of clothing from the WoolX lightweight merino line, and have been thoroughly  impressed with their products.

First impressions:

The wool – All Woolx garments are made with superfine wool which contains 19.5 microns. With such a fine wool, the shirt and boxers were extremely comfortable with literally no itch.

The Fit – The Woolx lightweight merino wool runs true to size. I picked up the Woolx lightweight short-sleeve shirt and a pair of their lightweight boxers too. Both garments are sewn with freedom of movement with underarm sleeve gussets in the shirt and a gusseted crotch in the boxers. Merino wool has the tendency to shrink a bit if you toss it in the dryer after a wash, but the Woolx held it’s form with very minimal shrinking after making a run through  the dryer.

The guarantee – WoolX has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied then send it back for a full refund or replacement. Pretty hard to argue with that.

Field Use:

I wore the Woolx shirt as a base layer and in the Arizona heat it excelled as a breathable layer. Merino is one of those wonderful natural materials that manages body temperature extraordinarily well. When the heat is on and you’re working up a sweat, it breathes well, wicking moisture away from the body and cooling you down. When the temperature drops, the wool works as an insulation layer. Most of merino that I own is long-sleeve and works well in hunting situations and cold temps. I really liked the Woolx short sleeve for fishing here in the Arizona summer. Truly a great layer to have to keep you cool in the hot sun.

Without getting into all of the nitty gritty on the boxers, let’s just say they performed better than I could have imagined. Long hot hikes into some backcountry creeks as well as a cold snap on my turkey hunt really showed the versatility of the garment.  Merino wool is so amazing in the fact that it is anti-microbial, and the natural wax found in wool actually fights bacteria and odor. As a hunter (and sensible human being) clothing that fights odor is a big plus.

One thing I wish Woolx would do is to offer their garments in a few more colors. I’d love to add a few of their heavier weight merino wool shirts and hoodies to my hunting gear, and would like to see some greens, tans, and browns.

Pros:

Extremely comfortable

No itch

Moisture wicking

Merino wool regulates body temperature

Minimal shrink

Cons:

Color selection

Prognosis:  Woolx lightweight merino wool is a great option if you are looking to add a merino baselayer to your wardrobe.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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