Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Hiking Boot Review

This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com

Produced in collaboration with SoleLabz.com, where James and colleagues review trail and tactical footwear.
A few words about LOWA (the company)
Being founded in the 1920s, Lowa Company is one of the oldest in the field. It all started in a village of Jetzendorf in Germany when Lorenz Wagner started producing its Brogue Oxford Shoes.
The manufacturing process stemming from Bavarian mountains paired with the quality offered in well-stitched Norwegian shoes turned out to be a winner. The expansion of its facilities was merited as soon as the late 20s and the company just built steam from that moment on.
Lowa is known for its high-quality man-made materials and its many innovations.
Just to name a few:
· They first introduced polyurethane into the business
· The first sole made of vulcanized rubber
· The first sole injected with air…
The company is still located in the village it was founded in, and they’ve celebrated both their 90th anniversary and being the largest rural employer in 2013.
I could go on for pages about Lowa alone, but let’s cut to the chase and see what makes these hiking boots tick.
Here are a few Renegade hiking boot specifications directly from the manufacturer – its fact sheet
The materials used are leather/synthetic combo. The uppers are made out of nubuck leather, which means you’ll pretty much get all the benefits of the full-grain leather with a shortened break-in period.
The shaft from the arch measures 5 inches, heel 1.75 inches and platform approximately 1 inch.
Lowa goes out of its way to stress the footbed that features a “climate control” function, and I’m really eager to see its performance during the testing. The midsole is PU (polyurethane foam) Monowrap Framed, making Lowa one of the rare manufacturers featuring products without EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate).
The shank is full nylon which adds (so they say) to the overall stability of the boot.
Vibram Evo outsole – which is just fancy expression for a patented pattern of the lugs aimed at optimal stability and grip.
Let’s put these on, start testing and see if climate control really works.
Lowa Renegade GTX – my review of the hiking boot

Read the rest here

How to Waterproof your Bug-Out Shoes and Gear

If you had to evacuate in an emergency, you'd definitely want to waterproof your shoes, clothes and gear, especially if you are having rainy weather, as we are right now.


Here is a great article that shows you how.

How to Waterproof Fabric

Did you know Tents can Pose a Danger?

I had not even thought about tents trapping carbon monoxide, until I read this article

The Same Tents That Seal Storms Out Can Seal Carbon Monoxide In

With lots of people doing fall backpacking and camping, and packing them in their bug out bags, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

The Emberlit-Stove Looks Easy to Use

I am always on the lookout for light-weight and easy-to-use survival stoves so this article: 

Sherpa Gear Review: The Idiot Proof Emberlit-UL Stove

caught my eye.  Idiot-proof is a good quality for a survival stove:  during a high stress situation, you need your equipment to be reliable and with very easy instructions.   Understanding the equipment directions should be low on your list of worries!

The Emberlit Stove looks to have performed well according to the article.  At $37.99 it is priced reasonably too, and that is why I am adding it to my survival equipment wish list.

EcoZoom Versa Stove

 

One of the issues about backup stoves including barbecue grills is fuel.  In an extended emergency, you can potentially run out of fuel such as charcoal briquets, propane or gas.  The Zoom Versa Stove is a nicely built stove that can use twigs, branches, pinecones, acorns, all very easy to find.

I enjoyed this field test of the EcoZoom Versa Stove by the Prepping Guys  http://www.preppingguys.com/

The stove worked very efficiently.  It's not a portable stove, and would be ideal for a shelter in place type situation.

TravelJohn - for When You Really Need to Go

Here is a product that can be used for emergencies when there is no toilet.  It is for liquid waste only, but can be a lifesaver even on long car rides when kids really need to go " #1"  I ordered it from Amazon where TravelJohn has following product description:

Product Features

• Convenient, unisex, sanitary personal urinals containing patented Liqsorb material
• Ideal for motion sickness, potty training, car travel, outdoor activities, and bathroom emergencies of all types
• Biodegradable pouch filled with unique polymer substance which absorbs liquid waste and turns it into odorless, spill-proof gel
• Nontoxic and waste disposal safe; unisex adapter and spill guard make it easy for anyone to use
• Each bag measures two by two by 2.5 inches (W x H x D) folded, and five by 11 inches (W x H) unfolded, and weighs 1.5 ounces before use

Does it work?

We took this camping last summer for those dark nights when you really don't want to set foot outside the tent at 2 am.  You just take out of the packaging, unravel i and go.  You will need to position it so it is right underneath.  The gel quickly absorbs all the liquid so there is no threat of spilling (unless you completely missed it- with this you have to be careful)  They work very well.

It would be a good idea to have these in case of short term emergencies and there is no water to flush the toilet.  Of course you would also need heavy garbage bags or they will pile up.  They are great for camping and for long car rides when there is no place to stop.  I am going to resupply and get some more TravelJohns.

A Stove that Cooks and Charges Small Electronics

I ran across the BioLite Stove website and found it interesting.  It's a portable stove that is unique in that it can also charge small electronics like cell phones at the same time.  That is cool technology!  I was wondering if there were any reviews out there and found this one at Apartment Prepper:

BioLite CampStove Review

The review indicates the stove worked well when tested.

It does say you have to charge it off a wall plug before you use it.  You would need to make sure you charge it and try it out well before an actual power outage.  But that is part of any preparedness plant- testing your gear.

I think I will save up and get one of these.  

KA-BAR 5704 ZK (Zombie Killer) Chop Stick Machete

I will need a machete for the emergency kit/camping equipment soon and found this review over at Willow Haven Outdoor:

Product Review: KA-BAR 5704 ZK (Zombie Killer) Chop Stick Machete

/http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/uncategorized/product-review-ka-bar-5704-zk-zombie-killer-chop-stick-machete/

It's higher priced than I can afford and it sounds like there may be more choices out there.  Will need to keep looking!

Still Looking at Emergency Lighting

Last post, I checked out a flashlight review.  This time, I am looking at a head lamp.  They look a little odd, but they are convenient, as your hands remain free to do chores in the dark.  I saw this review over at Modern Survival Online:

Equipment Review: Zebralight H502 AA Flood Headlamp

It's $69 at Amazon.  It's lightweight and convenient, both good qualities for lighting.

Looking for a Good Flashlight

I discovered one of our Eveready flashlights was ruined when the batteries leaked.   When I opened it to change the batteries, I discovered the chamber was covered with battery acid so I promptly tossed everything in a plastic bag and into the trash.  I thought I'd start looking for a replacement and found this article in SHTF Blog:

Coast HP 14 LED High Performance Flashlight Review – Suh-weet!

I hadn't heard about this company before but their products sound well made.  $52 for a flashlight may sound expensive, but if it has high quality and will last long then it might be worth it.  I will keep looking at a few more before I decide but this one is in the running.  I found it on Amazon.

 

Smith’s Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit

I once cut right threw my thumb while slicing some watermelon.  I ended up getting 6 stitches at the emergency room.  It is said that dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones, because they are more likely to slip.  In a disaster, you will want sharp knives to be able to do tasks properly.

I need to add a knife sharpener to my emergency tool chest, and maybe even the bug out bag.  Suburban Survival Blog tested Smith's Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit and posted it here:

Review of Smith’s Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit

It's a well-written and positive review.  I am adding it to my Amazon wish list

Not a Bad Pair of Hiking Shoes for the Price

We originally purchased the Hi Tec Bandera Men's Waterproof Mid Hiking boots for one of our kids.  We did not want to spend a bundle because kids tend to outgrow their shoes very quickly.  Sure enough, he did. 

I tried it and it fit me so I kept it for myself.  I have been taking hikes with them and they are very comfortable.  They are waterproof saw walking through puddles has not been a problem at all.  The shoes are lightweight enough that I don't feel I am being dragged down by shoes.  I have not had a blister yet, after walking with them for several months.

At $44.99, there are many more shoes available with lots of features.  We bought it at that price a year ago, but it looks like the price has gone up to $49.99.  They have lasted well and have a good construction.  I don't know if they will last several years or not, but I have already gotten at least a year's worth of comfortable wear.  All in all, the Hi Tec Bandera Men's Waterproof Mid Hiking boots is a good buy.

Great Tips on Finding the Right Tent

Shelter is one of our basic needs and is an important part of a well rounded preparedness plan.  A tent is one option for shelter, but choosing a good tent can be difficult.  Why not take some advice from someone who knows:  Check out this SurvivalCommonSense article:

Gear review: How to choose a four-season backpacking tent for winter camping

Even if you are not planning a camping trip right now, the article gives some great pointers on finding the right tent. 

Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife

Bear Grylls Knife

Everyone should own a good knife but choosing one can be tricky.

I originally was not going to look at this knife.  I was skeptical about it, especially since it had a celebrity endorsement by Bear Grylls. 

Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife

But after reading a lot of forums and reviews, I changed my mind and decided to try it.

I was not disappointed.  It is very light weight and fits perfectly in my palm.  I also like the hand grip, as it is molded and non-slip.  It also comes with a nylon sheath, sharpener, as well as a firestarter, so you get extra value for your money.

If you are interested, here are some more specs:

• 10 inches in length from end to tip
• Blade Length is 4.75 inches
• Weighs 11.2 ounces alone, 14.72 ounces with sheath

As far as field testing it, we took it camping and I used it to cut twigs and whittle wood and it performed well.  The easy non-slip grip made it easy to use.
 
I have bought other knives before, that didn't work out so I gave them to other family members who needed a knife. Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife is a keeper.

Make Fresh Coffee when the Power is Out: Magellan 9-Cup Percolator

I wanted to find out a way to make coffee when electricity is out and the coffee maker won't turn on.  Remembering how my Mom used to make coffee when I was a kid, I picked up the Magellan 9 cup percolator from the camping section of Academy.

Percolators were the popular way to make coffee up until the 1970s when automatic drip coffee makers came out.  I had never used a percolator before but it's actually pretty simple.  You measure ground coffee into the brewing chamber.  Fill the pot with the desired amount of water.  In this case, it says nine cups, but with our large coffee mugs we have at home, it makes about five-six servings.  As the the water boils, the hot water works its way up the tube until it reaches the coffee grounds.   The coffee drips back down, as the rest of the plain water goes up the tube until the entire pot is now coffee.

I had read that if you leave it percolating too long, the coffee will taste burnt, so I made sure I took it off the heat after about 10 minutes of brewing.

The coffee was pretty flavorful and strong, just the way I like it.  It won't replace my drip coffee maker, but I like knowing I can brew coffee during a power outage.

Purify Muddy Water in a Pouch: HydroPack

This looks really interesting:  Purifying dirty water and drinking it from a pouch, like a Capri Sun.

Check out this Daily Prep Episode, Turn Muddy Water into a Sports Drink

They are not cheap, but they are small and portable.  They can be purchased by the bucket.  The Amazon product description shows:

•   Forward osmosis filter requires no pumping, works in any virtually and water, even muddy water. Produces a sports drink for improved hydration.

It's worth a look!

Magellan Outdoor Flask

This summer we took a few camping trips and were able to test out a lot of gear.  I was happy with most of the items we got, but as we've all found out, some items just don't work out at all.

 This item is one of them:

This flask leaked all over the place.  The contents were of a syrupy consistency and it leaked just enough so that the items around it were all sticky.  I was not a happy camper (pun intended)! 

When we returned I searched around and luckily, I still had the receipt.  The folks at Academy were good about giving me my money back.  Granted, it was only $4.99, but still, when you take something all the way to the mountains with you, you expect it to work.   For next trip, I'll go for the pricier flask.

Poncho that Converts to Coat to Blanket to Sleeping Bag!

  Hill People Gear Mountain Serape

Talk about multiple uses, this poncho converts to a bunch of things:  Coat, blanket or sleeping bag.  Here is a review from TEOTWAWKI Blog:

Hill People Gear Mountain Serape

It's made in the U.S.  Nice review of a neat product.

Blue Hill UL Stove

I am looking for an emergency stove that can be used with different types of fuels.  I found this review over at Blog.EMMT911.com:

Gear review: Blue Hill UL stove

The stove can be used with a Sterno can or other similar canned fuel but it can also be used with alcohol, solid fuel tabs or placed over a fire.

Pathfinder 32 oz Bottle and Cup Set with Water Bottle Bag

If you've seen the show Dual Survival, you'll be familiar with Dave Canterbury.  He runs the Pathfinder website and Jarhead Survivor over at SHTF Blog bought the 32 oz Bottle and Cup Set with Water Bottle Bag.  See

Gear Review: Pathfinder 32 oz Bottle and Cup Set with Water Bottle Bag 

for an indepth review.

He also reviewed the Stove Top and Pot Stand

Looks like some good gear.