Under Review - Gear I am Currently Testing - Hiking Photos, Trip Reports, Trail Info and Gear Reviews

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Here is a list of gear that I am currently testing, as well a list of my completed reviews.

Camp Pillow – Fishbone I-Beam Construction
- Recently discovered that a decent pillow is as important to me as a sleeping pad to getting a good nights sleep. I tried using my down sweater in a small pillow case, but learned of sweat’s effect on down.
- First inflatable pillow I’ve ever tried. It will take some time to get used to, especially figuring out the correct air pressure. I may make a pillow cover for it as the material isn’t comfortable.

StrapShot
- Cheaper alternative to similar systems
- Easy to move between different packs (velcro, no tools needed)
Camera Vest
- Seems like a great solution for:
  - carrying a heavy DSLR
  - on trip/hikes when you need to take for pack off frequently (camera attaches to you, not your pack)
  - climbing/scrambling trips – camera is in the center of your chest and is easier to ‘protect’
Hand Strap
- provides additional comfort and security when using cameras on the trail, especially heavy DLSRs

Airlite 28
- Regulating my body temperature and perspiration is always a challenge for me. As a result, I am always interested in packs that have a suspended back panel.
- We own one Deuter pack, the Kid Comfort II. It’s been a great pack over the last 3 years, so I am very excited to get the Airlite out on the trail.

Riksak
- Very lightweight pack meant for light loads.
- Planned uses:
  - When I hike with my wife and son, we will use it to carry the usual contents of our diaper bag.
  - Day pack for my quick, 90 min training hikes near my house
  - ‘Summit’ pack for backpacking trips.
  - Gym bag as needed.

Sun King Pro
- Keeping my techie-gear charged without carrying a ton of extra weight (batteries) is a challenge on multi-day trips. Cutting down on battery use on car camping trips and in general is a personal goal also.The Sun King Pro looks like a promising product:
  - 45 hours of light on 1 days charge
  - 3000 mAh batter capacity
    - will charge my iPhone 5s 1.9x
    - will charge my camera battery 2.9x
  - 5 year battery life

Beartooth BDry
- I’ve been having foot pain on 10+ mile hikes recently, especially when crampons, snowshoes or a heavy pack are involved.
  - I am hoping the full shank or the Beartooth will help
Bridger Mid BDry
- Hoping to use this on shorter hikes when I will be carrying a lighter pack
Traverse Low
- For desert/dry hikes where waterproofing is not a concern.

PROplate
- New quick-release plate that can be configured to fit in both ARCA and Manfrotto RC2 tripod heads.
- Slides into Capture in 4 directions.
- Contains 4 loops for Peak Design Anchors Links
P.O.V. Kit
- When combined with a camera clip, it turns any backpack strap, belt or strap-like object into a mount for a GoPro or any point and shoot camera.
Capture Tool
- Capable of tightening & loosening clamping bolts, P.O.V. Kit bolts, quick-release plates and GoPro stock bolts
Anchor Links
- Quick-connectors that can be used with any standard camera neck strap to give it quick-connection capability.
Leash
- Can be used as a camera sling, neck strap, safety tether and/or monopod
Cuff
- Will be used primarily as a security tether when my camera is attached to my pack

Ultra
- Planning on using these as water and camp shoes on backpacking trips
- Weight: ~9 oz without inserts, ~13 oz with
- Like the idea of an enclosed shoe that protects my toes for water crossings