Kryptek Cadog Jacket Review

Below is my review of a recent hunting gear purchase, and I expect to be buying more gear from this company in the future.  Quality gear, extremely comfortable, and high performance hunting apparel.  Sorry for the subpar video quality.  Apparently my older camcorder has begun on the downward trend of its lifetime...

Camp Pillow Comparison

While trying to develop my camping gear kit, I have learned that some items tend to lose their comfort level after some use.  This is not a good thing for somebody like me who likes to buy lots of gear whether it be camping, fishing, or photography.  One such item I have learned is a camp pillow.  I know some people consider this to be a silly issue because traditionally people did not even consider taking a pillow with them on a camping trip, and especially not on a backpacking trip.  However, recent advancements in materials have allowed for a surge in very compact and compressible pillows.  Four such pillows that I have tested are the Cocoon AirCore Travel Pillow, Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow, Exped Air Pillow, and Exped ComfortFoam Pillow.  This review will focus on the first of these three as I actually exchanged my Exped ComfortFoam Pillow for the Exped Air Pillow.  So, let's get started:

Cocoon AirCore Travel Pillow

This was the first pillow I purchased while trying to develop my gear kit.  I was lured in by the low price, compact size, and weight.  I used this pillow many nights, and even took it with me on work trips just in case I got stuck in the airport with weather delays. 

Cocoon AirCore Travel Pillow

 

This pillow has two distinct sides to it; 1) a slick nylon and 2) a soft microfiber on the other. 

Soft Microfiber Finish

While this was originally a selling feature of the pillow for me, it ultimately became one of my greatest frustrations with it.  You see, the microfiber feels really nice against your skin, however that means the slick nylon is down against the surface you are laying on.  Did I mention that it was slick?  It would slide all around, and like physics suggests it would end up in the completely opposite place of my head.  Occasionally I would sweet talk the pillow and promise to be nice to it, and it would stay in place well enough for me to get a good nights sleep. 

Cocoon AirCore Travel Pillow Packed

Additionally, the material used for the internal air bladder had zero stretch and actually came across as hard, especially when used on a cool night.  This is not a pillow that one would want to sleep on inflated 100%, for that matter probably not even 75%...  I found that it worked best when inflated to somewhere between 50% and 75%.  This allowed the pillow to form to my head while laying on my back.  Unfortunately, this was not very comfortable when laying on my side.  Finally, the valve has been very moody at best.  On a trip the valve actually failed after a nights sleep, and I could not get the pillow deflated.  It took a good ten minutes of piddling around with the valve before it finally became unstuck and allowed me to deflate it.

Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow

I actually purchased this pillow on my way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with my son for his first father/son camping trip.  While walking around a camping store picking up some last minute supplies he saw this pillow and asked that I get it for him.  He used it that first night and asked to use it in his bed instead of his regular pillow.

Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow

Eventually, I got it away from him long enough to try it myself.  I have to say this is a very comfortable pillow, and that is probably because it is the only one of the bunch that begins with an actual pillow pedigree.  This pillow has a very nice feel to it, and stays where you put it (unlike the Cocoon AirCore). 

Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow Compressed

There are no valves with the Therm-A-Rest to mess with or foul, but the downside is the extremely large packed size in comparison to the other two pillows.  Depending on an individuals limitations, this could be a huge negative with the Therm-A-Rest. 

Exped Air Pillow

This leads us to the last pillow in this review, the Exped Air Pillow.  Prior to purchasing the Exped Air Pillow, I bought the Exped ComfortFoam Pillow.  The ComfortFoam Pillow was immensely comfortable, but had a significantly large packed size.  Not quite as large as the Therm-A-Rest, but about 2.5 times larger than the Cocoon.  So, I chose to exchange the ComfortFoam Pillow for the Exped Air Pillow.  I have had previous experience with Exped products, and was very pleased with their quality and the flat valves. 

Exped Air Pillow

The Exped has a very unique design in that it has an asymmetrical  shape that forms to the back of your neck for comfort.  This actually makes the pillow extremely comfortable for both back and side sleepers.  I can inflate this pillow to around 80 - 90%  full and it is almost perfect.  The materials and the texture are very comfortable as well, and this helps prevent the pillow from sliding all around during the night.

Exped Air Pillow Shape and Texture

The Exped is by far the most compressible and smallest packed size pillow of the group.  Couple that with the wonderful Exped flat valves and this is a wonderful combination. 

Exped Flat Valve

Although this is an air pillow, it is very comfortable.  I attribute this not only to the shape of the pillow and materials, but also that the pillow feels to have a little stretch to it that allows it to conform to my head. 

Side-by-Side Comparisons:

From L to R: Therm-A-Rest, Cocoon, Exped

From L to R: Therm-A-Rest, Cocoon, (Pepsi Can), Exped

Summary

In conclusion, my choice for a pillow will be the Exped.  It gives me the combination of packability, comfort, and weight that I am looking for in a camp pillow.  I hope you have found this review helpful, and please feel free to leave a comment or question.

Exped Sleep System Review

About a year ago I picked up an Exped Shrink Bag since I liked the concept and design.  Later I discovered that it was made to work as a pump with Exped sleeping pads, and they have a pretty solid reputation as well.  So, recently I found an Exped Airmat Basic UL7.5 on sale and pulled the trigger along with an Exped Schnozzel.  I have been very pleased with the performance of the pad as a lightweight summer pad.  To date, I have probably used in a dozen times with the coldest night down around 45 degrees.  The pad is rated down to 55 by Exped due to the lack of any insulation, however I found it comfortable down to around 50 before I began to feel coolness from the ground.  Below is a video review of the setup and I hope somebody may find it useful.

Another Gear Review - Cross Mountain Bag

This past year has been very busy, and my fishing time has been extremely limited. With the baby girl, crazy busy work load, a new house (with yard), and a rental property to manage my time to fish has been basically non-existant. So, my way of making the most of getting outdoors has been to do some backyard camping in lieu of going to the Smokies. Throughout this time period I have acquired some new gear, and in an effort to assist others who may be looking to make a purchase I have started making video reviews. Below is my latest review of a sleeping bag that I have had for almost a year now and have probably slept in it 30 nights. Overall a decent bag for warm weather camping and it is easy enough to extent its range another 10 degrees by either adding midweight base layers, bag liner, or just adding a lightweight fleece blanket. Something I do when the temps drop is I actually use my sleeping pad with a Therm-A-Rest fitted sheet inside the sleeping bag instead of the pad sleeve. This gives a comfortable and warmer surface to lay on instead of the nylon top and bottom of the Cross Mountain. I hope this review helps anybody who may be looking at this bag.

Big Agnes King Creek 4 Tent Review

My Review of Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover Jacket - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

The Patagonia Nano Puff pullover is wind- and water-resistant and highly compressible. Very warm for it's weight, the pullover can be worn as insulation or outerwear in cold climates.

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover Jacket - Men's

Don't Hesitate, Get One Now

By Travis the Chemengr from knoxville, TN on 2/12/2012

5out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size
Sleeve Length: Feels true to length
Chest Size: Feels true to size
Pros: Stylish, Windproof, Warm, Comfortable, Lightweight
Cons: Doesn't Breathe
Best Uses: Hiking and Camping, Cold Weather
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Was this a gift?: No

Been eyeing these for a while, but couldn't justify it with the mild winter we have been having. Then I found the mango version on clearance, and jumped on it. This pullover is the softest puffy I have ever tried on. Medium is large enough to fit over a Cap 1, R1 pullover, and R2 vest layering combo comfortably. I am 5'-8" and 165 lbs. Also small enough to fit under my MH Epic Jacket if needed during rain/snow. Can't wait to try this out on an upcoming late winter fly fishing trip. Recently wore the R1, R2, Nano combo while 20 deg and 25 mph winds and very low activity, and stayed toasty. Windproof and highly compressible. Excellent warmth to weight ratio.

Durability is only concern as the material is ultra light weight and thin. But Patagonia quality leads me to believe this will not be an issue.

Fantastic pullover, and I highly recommend it!

(legalese)

My Review of Big Agnes Little Red +15 Sleeping Bag - Kids'

Originally submitted at REI

Give them a good night's sleep in the Big Agnes Little Red 15°F kids' sleeping bag that provides softness, warmth and breathability all season long.

Big Agnes Little Red +15 Sleeping Bag - Kids'

Perfect for my little camper

By Travis the Chemengr from knoxville, TN on 9/18/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Roomy, Durable, Adjustable Hood, Warm, Comfortable

Cons: Heavy / Bulky

Best Uses: Cold Conditions, Backpacking, Car Camping, 4 Season camping

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

Was this a gift?: Yes

I was looking for a bag that would satisfy the following for my 3-yr old:
- Cold weather comfort while not being uncomfortable in the summer
- Kid friendly color scheme
- Also suitable for future backpacking excursions
- Provided some type of design to prevent him from rolling off his pad

This bag satisfied all those requirements. So far he has used in on probably half a dozen occasions with night temps ranging from 49 to 70 degrees. He uses this pad in conjunction with a BA Insulated Air Core, and sleeps very well in it. Even in the summer with night time temps approaching 70 degrees, I just unzipped the lower zipper to allow air circulation into the footbox.

The No-draft collar and zipper tube are fantastic, and I expect to give them a test this October in the Smoky Mountains.

The interior material is a very comfortable and stain resistant cotton/poly blend that is soft to the touch.

My Primary complaint is the overall size of the bag when compressed. It is a bit bulky for backpacking. However, I realize that this is a synthetic bag and I sacrifice pack-ability.

This is still a fantastic bag, and I would highly recommend it to anybody looking for a bag for their little camper.

(legalese)

My Review of Big Agnes Cross Mountain +45 Sleeping Bag

Originally submitted at REI

The Big Agnes Cross Mountain +45°F synthetic bag is the ultimate rectangular bag for space-conscious, warm-weather hikers and travelers.

Big Agnes Cross Mountain +45 Sleeping Bag

Good East TN May thru Sept bag

By Travis the Chemengr from knoxville, TN on 9/10/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Packs Small, Versatile, Lightweight, Roomy, Comfortable

Cons: Inaccurate Temp Rating

Best Uses: Backpacking, 3 Season Camping

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

Was this a gift?: No

Used this bag the first weekend I had it paired with a BA Insulated AC. Temps were predicted to get down to 59 with reasonably high humidity, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to give it a try. However, I woke up around 6AM to a tent saturated in dew and 51 degrees.

Although I was not uncomfortable during the night (I had on a light base layer and Smartwool socks), I could tell that I was nearing the limit for this bag. The area of primary concern was in the foot box area, however I just threw a light fleece over my feet and all was well again. I consider myself a mildly cold sleeper, but would probably rate this bag as a 50 degree bag.

Before making this purchase I was looking at the Therm-A-Rest Tech Blanket (~55 deg) paired with a light fleece liner to achieve the 45 degree mark. I think this bag was a much better purchase. It packs down unbelievably small (7" dia x 6") and is incredibly roomy with a draw string at the top to reduce heat loss.

One additional selling feature was the fact that I can use it as an overbag for my 30 degree bag to extend it's comfort rating by another 20 degrees while still featuring that comfortable BA integrated pad sleeve design.

(legalese)

Sleeping Pad Comparo....

Doing something a little differently today. Recently been working on building my hiking/camping/backpacking inventory since my little guy enjoys the outdoors so much. All of my previous camping experience was base camping, and after the old Coleman air mattress bit the dust back in the spring I chose to look into sleeping pads.

I found a great deal at Riversports Outfitters on a 2010 model Therm-A-Rest TrailLite mattress.

In addition to that we bought my son a Big Agnes Little Red sleeping bag for his birthday. Big Agnes bags have this amazing concept of incorporating a sleeping pad sleeve into the bottom of the bag. See more about it here. For his sleeping bag, we purchased an Insulated Air Core pad.

These are the two bags I will be comparing today in this entry.

Therm-A-Rest TrailLite:
20" wide x 72" long x 1.5" thick
R-value is 3.8 (manufacturer claimed)
weight is 2lb 0oz
Packed size is 21" long x 4.3" diameter
Materials: 150 Denier Polyester & brass valve
Self Inflating
Retail Value: $69.95 Amount Paid: $55.95


Big Agnes Insulated Air Core
20" wide x 72" long x 2.5" thick
R-value is 4.1 (manufacturer claimed)
weight is 24oz
Packed size is 9" long x 4.5" diameter
Materials: 50 Denier Ripstop Nylon
Manual Inflation (lungs or accessory)
Retail Value: $74.95 Amount Paid: $55.95


So far I have used the TrailLite on three camping trips and in the living room with my son three times. I also purchased a fitted sheet for the TrailLite that makes the surface much more comfortable to sleep directly on. This is also very useful when mated to one of the Therm-A-Rest comforters or Tech Blanket. More on that later, for now the comparison.

First of all these two pads differ in that one is self inflating and the other is a manual inflation pad. Both are insulated, the Big Agnes contains a synthetic insulation laminated to one side of the pad. This is the reason that some people refer to this as a "dual pad" or a "flip pad". Depending on the temperature you can either lay directly on the side with insulation, or flip it over and lay on the side without insulation. Either way, it shields the sleeper from the cold ground, but allows for customization per each user's comfort level.

The Therm-A-Rest feels extremely durable, although a bit bulky at times. This is due to the thick foam padding that attributes to its self inflating categorization. It comes complete a brass valve with a plastic coating. The entire setup feels well built and bullet proof. The 1.5" thickness also feels sufficient for sleeping on all but the most rough terrain.



The Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, while it does not feel as durable as the TrailLite still feels quite substantial. The brass valve does feel more robust than the TrailLite's version. It does not have that raft like feeling one would expect from an inflatable pad that is 2.5" thick. So far, my son has used it three times in the living room floor, and I have taken one nap on it. Not once has it lost air during use, and was very comfortable. This pad has the thickness to allow the user to sleep on their side and not worry about having their hipbone or shoulder touch the ground. Overall I am very pleased with this product, although I do have some question as to the validity of the claimed R-value of 4.1.



These are two completely different pads, and I expect to use them in different manners. The Big Agnes will be primarily used with my son's Little Red, but when he isn't using it I intend to use it when backpacking in temps as low as probably 30 degrees. I will use my TrailLite when the Big Agnes isn't available or when base camping in tandem with my cot. That is how I have used it camping so far, and it was an extremely comfortable setup.



Both are well built and comfortable pads. I highly recommend both of them, and don't believe either is a bad choice for somebody in the market for a new one. Just to further muddy the waters, I have been trying to locate an Exped Synmat for a comparison as well. I have also heard positive comments regarding the Exped pads, unfortunately they are not common in the US, are quite pricey, and don't have the lifetime warranty like the Big Agnes or Therm-A-Rest.