The Mountain Safety Research (MSR) DromLite Hydration Bag Review

The MSR Dromlite 2 liter and 4 liter Hydration Bags

I have recently made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a hammock withh a mosquito net and tarp, and enjoy hot meals at night. The Mountain Safety Research DromLite Hydration Bags (hereafter called the DromLite or bag) are collapsible, roll-able fabric water reservoirs. They are made of "MSR red" 200-denier Cordura which is welded together to seal the edges creating the envelope-type storage containers seen here. The fabric has a thick plastic-feeling coating on the inside. The MSR logo is applied to the face of the DromLites.

At the top of the bag is metal grommet that can be used to hang the bag on a nail or hook. A small carabiner, piece of cord or webbing can be placed through the grommet too. I have a hang strap from MSR on my 4 L bag.

DIY Alcohol Stove

For hiking, camping, biking, boating, Scouting, RV-ing - used by homeless, survivalists, search & rescue, disaster and third world relief.

This plan is human ingenuity at its very finest. For the cost of a few sodas, you can build yourself a camping stove like no other... lots of scientific data to back up the claim that it's the best travel stove for any money.

I built the alcohol stove last summer and used it on extensively on camping trips all over the country. It worked every time, 100% of the time, rain or shine. It is the perfect stove, especially for international use. If it gets confiscated at security, it takes about 30 minutes to make a new one. Fuel can always be found. Simmers perfectly.

Last year I posted the original instructions for a stove that I had been developing for years - one that is dependable, safe, lightweight, fast, efficient, but is still simple to make and use. This site documents the response to the first alcohol stove that is good enough to compete with gas stoves and keep canisters out of landfills. It will bake scones, or simmer a pot of real rice for 20 minutes with 2/3 oz., and make tea for two with 1/2 oz..

The MSR Dragonfly Stove Review

The MSR Dragonfly Stove

I have had my eye on a petrol stove for a while, as I have used gas stoves before and have some issues with these. Their performance in the cold can be poor, and of course you are always trying to gauge how full the gas bottles are and how many to take. I though a petrol stove would solve all these problems, although I was not so sure. I have heard they are noisy difficult to simmer with and on occasion temperamental.

After some research, I got my hands on an MSR Dragonfly because of the good things I heard about it (a good simmer control, and a good reliable stove).

The Victorinox Forester SAK Review

The Victorinox Forester SAK

Victorinox has a highly-functional lock-blade design in its larger folding knives. Cutting out the clutter of redundant blades, nail files, magnifying glasses and other such non-essentials, the Forester knife is left with a fairly long, very sharp single usable blade, a small saw, a corkscrew, awl, can opener, bottle opener, and slotted screwdriver (and, of course, the ubiquitous toothpick and tweezers, which I might add are handier than you would think).

The MSR Miniworks Water Filter Review

The MSR Miniworks Water Filter

This is without a doubt the best filter for anyone planning on attacking a major hiking trip. The bottom screws onto my MSR Drommlite bag and my Nalgene bottle. It is long lasting and easy to clean if you ever get to that point.You only have to clean the outside of the filter, and only use clean water to do so. Soap is a cloggy substance and will be unforgiving to the carbon granules inside the element.

Balagbag Falls Through Hike (Sierra Madre Mountain Range - Montalban to Bulacan)

A gradual and relaxing hike of a part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is the Montalban - Bulacan thru hike. This trail is a bike trail that spans 72.89 kilometers (45.29 miles) of dirt and paved road. When hiking on this trail, I suggest you wear running shoes instead of your hiking shoes as it is more comfortable due to the distance of the hike. No need to worry about traction because, like I said, this is a bike road so there are no steep hills to cross. Start early (about 4:00am) to get to the midpoint before setting camp. Pack light! This is a long hike.

GSI Outdoors Lexan Drive Bottle- Apricot Orange

GSI Outdoors Lexan Drive Bottle- Apricot Orange

This was given to me as a freebie when I purchased my tent and my stove some time ago. Immediately I was curious as it seemed a bit fragile. I personally have used a couple of Nalgene Bottles before, and this is something new that I just have to try it.