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Hill People Gear Decker Pack Frame

By on February 13, 2019 in Preparedness, Survival, Tactical Gear

Hill People Gear (HPG) has released the details of their new Decker Pack Frame. The Decker is built on the same proven frame used in the Ute and qui-Ya backpacks but with the adaptability of a pack frame.

The Decker features an array of 8 compression straps (3 on each side and 2 on top) and a central compression yoke that serves as a hub for attaching the side compression straps. This yoke is easily replaced with an HPG pocket or pack like the Tarahumara, Tarapocket, Palspocket, and similar. The Decker Pack Frame also features a hypalon capture flap/shelf that can be tied into the frame in multiple locations.

The applications for a relatively lightweight but still very robust pack frame like this are many and varied. HPG states that it can handle everything from awkward loads like jerry cans to multi-day loadouts. It can also be coupled with something like a large ultra-light dry bag to create a very lightweight pack system (less than 4 pounds).

You can expect to see HPG continue to develop the Decker Pack Frame into an entire load carriage system by introducing other accessories designed to work with the frame. One accessory already in the works is a Decker Pocket that will be a large capacity pocket with a sewn in hypalon yoke that docks in place of the Decker Pack Frame’s included yoke.

The Decker Pack Frame will be available soon (it is already listed on the website but not available to purchase). You can sign up for email notifications at Hill People Gear.

HillPeopleGear.com

Review: Olicamp Hard Anodized Aluminum Space Saver Mug

By on February 9, 2019 in EDC, Preparedness, Survival

What if I told you there was an aluminum mug/cook pot that rivaled titanium cups for weight, performed better than Ti for cooking, and costs less than half of a similarly sized Ti cup? That cup is the Olicamp Hard Anodized Aluminum Space Saver Cup and it is one of my favorite pieces of gear.

Olicamp’s Space Saver mug has been around for a long time in various forms. It is so called because of its ability to nest on the bottom of wide mouth Nalgene bottles (and other bottles of similar size). I have used (and still use) a stainless steel version for years. Olicamp also offers a bare aluminum version but the pick of the litter is the Hard Anodized Aluminum version.

Most 24oz/750ml single wall Ti mugs weigh in at around 3.2 – 3.3 ounces and cost $35 or more. The Olicamp Hard Anodized Aluminum Space Saver Mugs weighs in at 3.6 ounces and costs less than $15. Best of all, you actually get some functionality for that extra 3/10ths of an ounce so the slight weight increase can be justified.

Aluminum cookware transfers heat more readily and heats more evenly than Ti cookware. The hard anodized finish is durable and relatively non-stick (not quite like a true non-stick finish but better than bare metal). Finally, the Olicamp Space Saver has longer and larger butterfly handles than most Ti cups. These handles are handy when you are heating with a fuel source like wood or solid fuel tablets that often allow the flame to lick up around the sides of the cup.

This cup can obviously serve as well… a cup, but it is actually an excellent cook pot complete with volume markings which are handy for cook dehydrated foods. It can be paired with lightweight stoves or solid fuel burners to make a truly compact and lightweight hiking mess kit. I can fit my ultralight Esbit burner, foil for a windscreen and ground sheet, and few solid fuel tabs inside the cup for a sub 7 ounce 3 season cookset.

You’ll want a lid to maximize the usefulness of this cup for cooking. Olicamp offers a lid for this cup at a reasonably price but you can also pick up aftermarket lids. One very reasonable option is the lid from the Stanley Adventure Camp Cookset (on Amazon) which is another great bargain in its own right. Finally, you can easily make your own lid with heavy duty aluminum foil, a pie tin, or any other suitable material.

This is an excellent piece of gear. Check out the Olicamp Hard Anodized Aluminum Space Saver Cup on Amazon.

The above article contains affiliate links.

Helikon Tex Swagman Roll Poncho

By on February 7, 2019 in EDC, Preparedness, Survival, Tactical Gear

The Helikon Tex Swagman Roll Poncho is an insulation layer with a number of uses. This insulated poncho is constructed from Helikon’s Windpack nylon with Climashield Apex insulation and YKK zippers. It features a large zippered closed front pouch, insulated hood, and cinch straps that allow the Swagman Roll to be gathered around the wearer.

The Swagman Roll is 57″ x 78″ and weighs in at 26 ounces. It can be packed into a stuff sack or into its own pocket (which is printed with suggestions for use). At that weight, you won’t mind taking it along in your kit for use as a quick access insulation layer when you stop moving, as a light sleeping bag, or to add insulation to your normal sleeping bag. It is compatible with USGI pattern ponchos for use as a bivy.

Check out the Swagman Roll Poncho at Helikon-Tex.com.

New from Bushcraft Outfitters – Koretemp Hooded Poncho Liner

By on February 4, 2019 in Preparedness, Survival, Tactical Gear

Bushcraft Outfitters’ Koretemp line of lightweight, modular, multi-use shelter components is about to receive a very interesting addition – the Koretemp Hooded Poncho Liner. This insulated poncho liner has features that make it extremely versatile as both a stand-alone insulation layer or for enhancing your existing outdoor kit.

The Koretemp Hooded Poncho Liner is made in the USA from from mil-spec quilted batting faced by coyote fabric, webbing, and thread. It weighs 40 ounces and is 62″ by 93″. It has an integrated hood with drawstring closure, a sewn in chest pocket, and 2″ channels at the top and bottom that can be used to close the ends into a foot box.

All of those features mean that the Koretemp Hooded Poncho Liner can be used in a number of ways. You can cinch up the hood and a foot box to use it like a warm weather top quilt (like a sleeping bag). It can be used inside the Koretemp Poncho as an insulated bivy or hung over head to protect from the heat of the sun. It can be used as an insulation layer that can be quickly be donned over your thinner shell layer and pack when you take breaks on the trail or stop to glass for game. Even if you already have a well sorted out sleep system, the Koretemp Hooded Poncho Liner can serve to increase the temperature rating of your sleeping bag.

Regular poncho liners are already very useful as I am sure you are already aware. With the addition of a few thoughtful features, Bushcraft Outfitters has taken that concept to the next level.

The Koretemp Hooded Poncho Liner will be available soon (and will likely sell out fast) at BushcraftOutfitters.com.

Hill People Gear Introduces New Color Options for Several Packs

By on January 22, 2019 in Preparedness, Survival, Tactical Gear

Hill People Gear is rolling out a new color option for many of their packs. The new Elk color is reminiscent of the iconic brown color used for duck canvas work wear. It is available now in the Tarahumara and will eventually be available in the Umlindi, qui-Ya, and Original Kit Bag V2.

You can also expect to see a number of other new color options coming soon, including:

  • Recon Kit Bag in Multicam Black
  • Tarahumara, Ute, and Umlindi in Manatee (grey) with black webbing
  • Tarahumara in Multicam Tropic
  • Aston House Back Country in Black and Multicam

HillPeopleGear.com

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