Lightweight Adventure Kit
Welcome back to another Monthly Gear Series! For starters, I apologize that there was a month gap between my posts for this series. Our weather was less than awesome last month and didn’t allow me to get out and do much. So a lot of my past gear had to go longer in testing, and the new gear has gotten pushed back to this month.
So with that little ‘catch-up’ out of the way, let’s chat about what’s in my lightweight adventure kit for this month!
Lowepro Photosport 300AW II
I have been packing the Lowepro Photosport 300 since the last week or so of June. I have been really impressed by it so far, and have been excited to use it each time i’ve went out! It’s a fantastic mix between a photography bag with its dedicated camera/gadget compartment, and a hiking bag with it’s top-loading storage area.
I honestly feel like i’m using my trusty Kelty Ruckus when I strap into this pack…And if you’ve read my Kelty Ruckus review, you know that’s a high praise!
I pack light….But I don’t quite know that I could cram an overnight “backpacking” loadout with food and water into this pack. However, for any type of day hike, it’s perfect. Perhaps LowePro will consider making a 400, or 500 for us backcountry campers 😉
Knife #1: Spyderco Polestar
The Polestar knife is a brand new offering from my friends over at Spyderco. This knife is around $60, and i’ve honestly been shocked at the level of quality they have pumped into this blade (for the price). I find it to be the perfect mid-level knife for people who want something nice, but can’t spend $100+.
I have personally thumped on this knife way harder than I probably should and used it for things it’s not intended for. I’ve pulled it out to do quick batons of fatwood for the fire (I know, I know…I held the blade, not the handle). I’ve produced hundreds of feather stick curls. I’ve used it as my steak knife at camp. You name it, i’ve done it to this knife. And i’m proud to say I’ve yet to find this knifes limitation.
The Polestar is slightly less smooth to open than, let’s say the Sage 5. But for the price difference, I can totally forgive that. Other than that, I would put this knife right up there with their more expensive blades.
Knife #2: Condor Primitive Bushknife
The Condor Primitive Bushknife is hands down my favorite large knife (as of right now). There’s something so special about this knife….It just makes me want to get outdoors when I pick it up.
I have owned the Condor Primitive Bushknife for a little under a year now. I’ve used it for a lot of heavy work, like limbing trees. But what I love about it, is it’s very capable of doing fine work as well. You just don’t see that in a lot of large blades.
Pathfinder Bottle Cookset
I have been loving the Bottle Cookset by Pathfinder. As you see above, it appears brand new…Well – It definitely doesn’t look like that now haha. It’s been well used this month to boil water for mountain house meals, make tea, and used as my container to prepare rice/potatoes, etc.
This is such a neat kit that Pathfinder has put together. It all nests directly into itself, is lightweight for the materials used, and does a fantastic job over a fire. I have no doubts that this cook set will last me many years to come.
Quick Hack for the Pathfinder Bottle Cookset
I personally always love having a bandana handy. So, I wrap one around my entire Pathfinder Bottle Cookset and then rubber-band it. This allows my lid, stove, cup & bottle to stay together – All while giving me a very useful bandana around camp. (And it adds no weight)
Camera Gear
I’ve been keeping my camera gear extremely simple & lightweight this month. I have been packing my Fuji X-T20, 1 lens attached to it, some spare batteries, cleaning cloth(es) and my Gobe Filters.
Grand Trunk Hammock
Last but not least is my Grand Trunk Double Hammock. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed this particular hammock. It’s really roomy and super comfy. I have become a big fan of hammocking and I’m stoked on this one from Grand Trunk at the moment.
That does it for me, everyone…
That’s a wrap folks. It’s been a really simple load out for me this month. I’ve been packing the necessities and not much else. I hope you all enjoyed this gear list. As always, if you have any questions or comments drop them below. And if you’re interested in purchasing any of this gear for yourself, click the links above to go to my Amazon Affiliate account. Any of your purchases help to go towards future gear purchases, and travel expenses to test the gear!
Thanks as always for being awesome & for following along on these adventures! I’ll have more for you all really soon.
