Gear Closet: MSR Windburner Stove System Combo Review

A few months back I reviewed the new MSR PocketRocket 2 camp stove, lauding it for its lightweight and efficiency. I was impressed with how such a tiny stove could pack in so many features, making it the perfect option for ounce-counting hikers and backpackers. But sometimes when you head into the backcountry you need a more robust option for creating meals, both for yourself and larger groups. That's when it is a good idea to bring MSR's new Windburner Stove System Combo along instead, providing more versatility and functionality in a surprisingly small package.

Now, before we get too far into my thoughts on the Windburner Combo, lets get one thing straight. When you consider everything that is included in the package, this is a lightweight cooking option, but it isn't in the same category as the PocketRocket, which weighs just a few ounces. The Windburner Combo actually tips the scales at 1 lbs., 13 ounces, making it a far more substantial item to carry along with you. That said however, if you're not someone who is looking to go ultralight on the trail, this new cooking system will really allow you do a lot more in terms of preparing meals at the campsite.

The Windburner Stove System Combo comes with just about everything you need for backcountry meal preparation. It includes the Windburner stove itself, a 2.5-liter ceramic-coated sauce pot, and an 8" skillet. Everything is designed to work modularly with one another, and the stove, pot, and pan nest nicely for ease of carry.

The core of this combo package is of course the Windburner stove itself. This little dynamo is already well-known to be very efficient, even in high winds and cold conditions. The stove's radiant burner heats up extremely quickly and the built-in pressure regulator ensures that a hot flame is maintained at all times, no matter the weather conditions. That same burner is built to balance nicely on a wide variety of surfaces and can easily accommodate both of the included pans. Stability is enhanced further with the use of an external gas line, which connects to a fuel canister.

MSR claims that the Windburner can boil a liter of water in about 6.2 minutes, which isn't the fastest time we've seen, but is still top-notch performance from a stove of this kind. My tests with the burner have found this to be a fairly accurate estimate, although I have yet to test it in heavier winds or colder temperatures. Still, I was impressed with how easy it was to set up the system and how quickly it was able to get water boiling. Even my home stove takes several minutes to make that happen.

The included sauce pot and skillet are both lightweight, easy to keep clean, and extremely useful. Rather than just boiling water to make a dehydrated meal, you can actually bring real ingredients and cook something tastier and more substantial. This is especially helpful for larger groups, when bringing more food is a better option than loading up on prepackaged options.

Other nice features include folding handles on the two pans that make them easy to store and a locking strainer lid that makes it easy to pour out excess water. The stove's controls make it easy to adjust the temperature from a simmer up to a rolling boil, while the entire package has been designed to nest an 8-ounce fuel canister too.

Priced at $259.95, the Windburner Stove System Combo is a great choice for those who need more robust options for cooking meals at their campsite. Not only does it provide pretty much everything you need in a single package, you're also getting a top-notch, and highly efficient stove in the process. If you've been on the look out for a new cook system that allows you to be more versatile, and feed more people, than this product needs to be on your short list. Fast, efficient, and easy to use, it will help you take your backcountry cooking game up a notch.

Find out more at MSRgear.com. And purchase this cooking system online at REI.

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How to Beat Cold Conditions While Winter Camping

For most of us, winter is just another season that brings new opportunities for outdoor adventure. But, it is still true that you have to take extra precautions during the season to stay warm and safe out in the cold conditions. To help us do that, Men's Journal has shared 4 ways to beat the cold while winter camping.

Most of the tips are ones that experienced winter campers already know, but are good reminders none the less. For instance, MJ says that you should consider the location of your camping trip before setting out. Some destinations require a bit more thought and planning to enjoy a comfortable outing. In their example, they mention hat the Adirondacks are actually better for camping at 0ºF/-17ºC than it is at 30ºF/-1ºC thanks to the snow being dryer. Wet conditions, as in any season, are the bane of any camper's existence.

Other tips include staying hydrated throughout the trip, as you'll dehydrate at a rapid rate in the winter too. Also, wear googles to keep blowing snow from your eyes and prevent damage from sun glare, and finally consider the location of your campsite carefully.

The tips presented int he article come our way from John Gookin, who has trained thousands of U.S. Marines on survival and warfare in arctic conditions. If anyone knows a thing or two about staying comfortable in cold weather, it is probably him. That said however, I would have liked to have had a bit more depth in each of these tips. There is more to be said for sure, but this is a fairly superficial look at how to stay warm.

Still, it is worth a read for sure. To check out John's suggestions click here.

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Eric Larsen Tells Us How to Survive a Winter Camping Trip

Winter camping isn't for everyone. You have to be well prepared for the cold temperatures, bring plenty of food and water, and not mind being huddled in a tent when conditions take a turn for the worse. If anyone know how to survive in the cold for an extended period of time, it is probably Eric Larsen, who has skied to both the North and South Pole amongst his various expeditions into the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet. Recently, Larsen shared some tips for winter camping with Men's Journal, providing some insights on how to do it right.

In the article, Eric offers some good recommendations for how we can all get more accustomed to spending time outdoors in cold conditions. For instance, he shares his tips for dressing in layers, he tells us why it is important to keep our extremities warm, and why we need to eat and drink more regularly too. He also tells us how to stay warm at night, keep our important electronics functioning, what gear you need to bring, and much, much more.

Whether you're a complete beginner to the idea of winter camping or you're experienced veteran, chances are you'll learn a thing or two from this article. Very few people know more about traveling through remote areas in extreme cold than Larsen, and he offers up plenty of invaluable tips for staying healthy and happy on a winter expedition. Keep in mind, backcountry winter camping for Eric is still a far cry from the weather he faced when going to the poles, which is an entirely different level of challenge.

Check out all of the great tips, gear, and information that he shares here.

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Video: How to Fix a Sleeping Bag Zipper

Here's a "how to" video that we can all appreciate. This time, the good folks at REI explain how to fix a sleeping bag zipper, which is probably something we've all had to deal with at some point. There are few things more frustrating than wanting to climb into a warm bag at the end of a long day, only to discover the zipper isn't working properly. This video will help you sort out those issues and get your sleeping bag performing at a top level again.

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Video: How to Replace the Shock Cord in Your Tent Pole

REI"s ongoing video series with tips and tricks for maintaining our gear has provided a lot of useful information over the past few weeks, but today's clip may be one of the most useful of all. It helps walk us through the process of replacing a shock cord in a tent pole, which can become frayed or broken over time. Rather than just going out to replace the poles themselves – or worse yet the entire tent – perhaps his video can help get you up and running again.

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Video: How to Waterproof Your Tent

More maintenance and repair tips courtesy of REI today, this time with a focus back on taking care of our tents. The video below offers advice on how to best waterproof your camp shelter, ensuring that it continues to protect you from the elements as it ages. This is, once again, a great reminder that a little upkeep and care can go a long way towards keeping our expensive outdoor gear functioning at a high level.

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Video: How to Patch a Sleeping Pad

We'll continue our "How to" videos from REI today with some more great tips for maintaining and repairing our gear. This time out it is how to patch a sleeping pad, which is something we can all probably appreciate knowing a bit more about. There is nothing worse than being on a long trip and discovering your pad won't hold air. Fortunately it is fairly easy to fix as you'll see in the clip below.

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Video: How to Clean a Sleeping Bag

The Care and Repair series of videos from REI continues today, this time with tips on how to clean your sleeping bag. This is probably something we could all use some help with, as far too often we forget to take good care of our bags after coming home from a trip. But, a little cleaning and maintenance will keep them performing – not to mention smelling – better for a lot longer.

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Men's Journal Looks Back at the Best Gear of 2017

We may have already turned the page on 2017 and are now steaming ahead into the New Year, but that doesn't mean we still can't take some time to look back on the year that has just passed, particularly if we're reviewing some of the best gear to come out during that period. That's exactly what Men's Journal did with the release of its list of the editor's favorite gear from the past 12 months.

This list is impressive and comprehensive. All told, there are 71 different items hat made the cut, with a wide range of uses. Amongst the usual outdoor products – including jackets, bikes, and shoes – you'll also find laptops, a BBQ grill, television sets, and other gadgets too. There are motorcycles, backpacks, cameras, water bottles, and a whole lot more. In other words, no matter what your favorite outdoor adventure, you'll find something here that can support the effort. And when you're ready to relax afterwards back home, there are some great items to help you do that too.

While scrolling through this list I was surprised at times to discover some of the items that earned a nod. It was a bit like moving backwards in time as I was reminded of all of the really great products that were released in 2017, including things like the new Apple Watch Series 3 and the DJI Spark Drone, two items that I'd love to add to my Gear Closet at some point.

The best part is, now that 2018 is upon us, many of these wonderful pieces of gear can now be had at discounted prices as we anticipate the arrival of updated versions sometime in the months ahead. There is of course nothing wrong with "last year's" version, but there is always something new on the horizon.

Check out the entire list here.

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Video: How to Clean Your Tent

REI continues its "how to" series of videos today, this time providing some tips on how to clean your tent. This is something that a lot of rarely do, and yet the inside of our tent can definitely attract a variety of funky smells and strange dirty marks. This short clip will tell you how to get your favorite tent smelling fresh and clean, and looking brand new, in no time at all.

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Outside Gives Us 100 Things to Do This Winter

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we're about a week away from the official start of winter. Where I live, we've been experiencing some icy temperatures and frosty winds for awhile now, but technically we haven't even reached winter yet. But all good outdoor adventurers know that winter is just another season to head outside and enjoy the activities, just be sure to bundle up with some good layers first. 

To help us make the most of the season ahead, Outside magazine – working in conjunction with Columbia Sportswear – has published a guide for things to do and places to go during the colder months ahead. The story is called 100 Days of Winter, which is ironic since winter isn't even 100 days long, and is filled with suggestions on how you can embrace the cold and the snow to have the best winter ever. 

Some of the suggestions that make the list include going camping in the snow, riding your bike in poor conditions on purpose, and take a polar plunge in a cold lake or river. Outside breaks down each of the activities by providing suggested dates to undertake them, and offers options based on locations across the U.S. too. Each entry on the list can also be conveniently shared to social media or email, and has an option to add the event to your calendar too. Reader's can even build their own personal lists of the things they want to do most, with festivals, outdoor events, winter races, and more to choose from. 

Too often I hear people say that it is too cold to be outside or they don't enjoy their favorite activities during the winter. As I've said many times on this blog, having the right gear can make a world of difference. If you invest in a proper layering system, grab a good pair of winter boots, and embrace everything the season has to offer, I think you'll find it is just as rewarding – if not more so – to be outdoors in the winter. The solitude alone is usually worth the effort. 

Check out Outside's entire list of winter activities here. 

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OutdoorX4 Mag Presents First Ever Gear Issue

If you haven't had your fill of holiday gear guides just yet, I have another very good one one to share. OutdoorX4 magazine – an outlet that I contribute to on a regular basis – has released its first ever Gear Issue, and it is filled with great reviews of some of the best products around. While the magazine does have an off-road/overlanding slant, it is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts of all types, and the gear that is found within this issue is perfect for hikers, backpackers, adventure travelers, and more.

There are literally dozens of pieces of gear to sift through in this issue, so it is almost impossible for me to list them all here. But, you'll find reviews of sleeping bags, portable charging stations, camp cookstoves, tents, hiking boots, and much more. I personally contributed 5 or 6 reviews, but have also found numerous other items that I want to add to my gear closet for use on my own adventures, both on and off-road.

Unlike most of the other gear guides we've seen in the past few weeks, the OutdoorX4 gear issue actually offers insights into why these items are a good choice, either for yourself or someone on your shopping list. This isn't a superficial list of products that make great gifts, but is instead a comprehensive look at each and every product that was included. The reviews (other than mine!) are well written and informative, helping you to decide if the gear is indeed what you're looking for.

You can read the entire Gear Issue online by clicking here. And if you like what you see, you can also subscribe to OutdoorX4 here. Digital subscriptions start at $20 with the print mag edition priced at $25. We promise we'll make it worth your time.

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Andrew Skurka Tells Us How to Pick the Best Campsite

Picking the right campsite isn't always as simple as finding a clear patch of ground and pitching your tent for the night. There can be a lot more that goes into it than just that, including proximity to water, shelter provided from the wind, how flat the surface is, and much more. But don't take my word for it,  as long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka has some thoughts to share on what makes a good campsite as well, and if anyone would know, it would be Andrew.

In a story written for National Geographic, Skurka shares his thoughts on what to look for when selecting a campsite. He says that you should start thinking about where you want to camp each night about halfway through the day. By that point, you'll know how fast you're moving and how good you feel, which will impact where you might end up. He also suggests looking on a map for possible locations that will work best, searching not only for flat ground, but avoiding valleys and canyons where temperatures can drop dramatically and humidity can impact comfort. He also recommends avoiding game trails and soggy areas that could be breeding grounds for insects.

After you've picked out a general area where you want to stop for the night, Skurka says it is time to start looking for a specific campsite. He says that on his backpacking excursions he likes to look for campsites that are covered in natural materials like pine needles or leaves, as they are more comfortable and warmer. He also keeps an eye out for trees or rocks that can serve as wind block and naturally contoured for sleeping positions. Skurka also reminds us to look for dry ground and and spots that are safely away from potential flooding.

Experienced campers and backpackers may find a lot of this to be common sense, but it is always nice to get a reminder of what to look for as well. Beginners will certainly appreciate the advice that Skurka has to offer, particularly when you consider that he has spent hundreds of nights sleeping in tents throughout his hiking career.

Read the entire story by clicking here.

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Gear Closet: Ecoxgear EcoLantern Waterproof Speaker and Lantern Review

One of my favorite trends in outdoor gear at the moment is the increased focused on better lighting options for use around the campsite. We've seen some really interesting solutions for this age-old problem in recent years, including the introduction of a variety of "smart" lanterns that include a bevy of features beyond just illuminating the darkness. One of the more fun and useful of these products is the new EcoLantern from Ecoxgear, a company best known for making rugged Bluetooth speakers for use in the outdoors.

At it's core, the EcoLantern is a bright light capable of producing up to 400 lumens on its highest setting. The lamp has five different brightness levels, allowing users to find the sweet spot in terms of illumination and battery life. The light it can even projected in a full 360º pattern or more focused at 180º instead, providing some nice flexibility in how it is used around the campsite, or even at home in the backyard. Ecoxgear has even included a "party light" mode in which the lantern changes colors and thumps in time with the tunes it is belting out.

But the EcoLantern more than just a light. Since it was created by Ecoxgear, it should come as no surprise to learn that it is also Bluetooth wireless speaker too. The company is well known for its line of rugged outdoor speakers, and EcoLantern builds on that legacy. Sound quality is good, and the speaker can pump out music or podcasts in a 360º fashion as well. It even has surprisingly good bass, which is not all that common in a speaker of this size.

Armed with a 4400 mAh hour battery, the EcoLantern also features a built in USB port that can provide quick charging capabilities for smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets. This is also handy around the campsite when you want to keep you devices charged while living off the grid. Charging is indeed fast and efficient, although it can also eat into the run-time of the lantern and speaker. On a full charge, the EcoLantern can get up 20 hours of playback, but after recharging an iPhone and running the light on medium brightness, that battery life was reduced to about half.


Built for use in the outdoors the EcoLantern is dust and waterproof with an IP67 rating. It also feels very durable in your hands, as if it could withstand a beating in the backcountry and continue to operate as needed. The device can even float, although it will survive being completely submerged in water. Ecoxgear has always done a good job of making its products to last, and that continues here.

Weighing in at 26 ounces, the EcoLantern isn't especially heavy, particularly when you consider all of the functional that it brings to the table. But it is heavy and large enough (measuring 10.4 inches/26.4 cm) that it will be a luxury item on many backpacking trips. If you're a weight-weenie, chances are you wouldn't consider bringing something like this with you in the first place, but others will probably see the weight as negligible for the enjoyment it will provide.

Priced at $129.99 the EcoLantern is a product that can bring a lot of fun to the campsite. It is bright, has solid battery life, and can stream music from your smartphone. It is also tough, durable, and versatile, with features like "party lights" and the ability to survive in the rain, adding more value to already impressive product.

As we head into the holiday season, the EcoLantern would also make a great gift for the tech-loving, outdoor enthusiast on your list. Find out more at ecoxgear.com.

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Outside Presents the 2018 Winter Gear Buyer's Guide

Looking for some new gear to see you through the coming winter? If so, then you're in luck, as Outside magazine has just released its 2018 Winter Buyer's Guide online, giving us plenty of insight into the best new equipment to keep us warm and safe in the cold months ahead.

The guide itself is broken up into individual sections that cover layers, ski and snowboards, fitness, and essentials, which covers things like packs, helmets, and other snow-sport specific gear. Each of those sections is further broken down into subcategories, with things like the best jackets and the best base and midlayers found under the layers heading, while the best running shoes and cold weather workout gear is found under fitness.

All told, there are literally dozens of gear items to sift through on the list, including suggestions for the perfect skis, snowboards, and snowshoes, as well as goggles, helmets, and camera equipment too. You'll find the best choices for gloves, the top picks for winter camping gear, and even the best winter fat bikes. In other words, everything you need to survive and thrive in winter weather.

If you're in need of some gear for your cold weather adventures, check out the Outside 2018 Winter Buyer's Guide now.

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Gear Closet: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Camper SV Sleeping Pad Review

Everyone knows that a good sleeping bag is key to getting a good night's rest in the backcountry, but not everyone acknowledges the role that a sleeping pad plays as well. Without a proper sleeping pad in your arsenal of gear, you end up camped on the rough ground, which can be extremely uncomfortable in the best of conditions but downright awful when it is wet and cold. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options to choose from when it comes to selecting a sleeping pad to take with you on your adventures and recently I've had the chance to test out the NeoAir Camper SV from Therm-a-Rest, which is a comfortable option for use on the trail.

Now, before we delve too deeply into the Camper SV, lets get one thing out of the way immediately. This sleeping pad is not for the light and fast crowd. If you're someone who counts every ounce, you'll be better suited using one of Therm-a-Rest's ultralight options instead. This model tips the scales at a beefy 2 pounds, 5 ounces, making it a hefty inclusion in your pack.

On the other hand, the Camper SV delivers plenty of comfort and durability, which makes it a great choice for anyone who favors a bit of luxury over going as light as possible. The pad doesn't pack down as small as others that I've used, but it makes up for it in providing plenty of support and warmth. Therm-a-Rest says that it has an R-value of 2.2, which puts it squarely in the three-season camping area in terms of performance.

The NeoAir Camper has been in the Therm-a-Rest line-up for awhile, but the SV adds the company's Speed Valve technology to the mix. This allows campers to inflate the pad much more efficiently and quickly using the Bernoulli effect. To do this, you simply blow air into a large opening located at the top end of the pad and it begins to inflate quickly and efficiently. At least in theory anyway. It took me some practice to get the process ironed out, and I'd recommend inflating the Camper SV a few times using the standard air valves first. This seems to help iron out some of the stiffness in the pad when its new, making it easy to inflate using the Speed Valve.


That same valve also helps to deflate the pad very quickly too. This comes in handy in the morning when you're ready to break camp and get on the trail as quickly as possible. Some pads you need to squeeze over and over to get all of the air out just so you can pack them away in their stuff sack, but that wasn't the case with the Camper SV. Each time that I've used it, it was a quick, easy, painless process.

But, the most important thing is how does it perform as a sleeping pad when you're ready to crawl into the tent after a long day of backpacking. In that area, the Camper SV really shines, providing a nice stable platform with which to catch some Z's. It is wide enough that side sleepers can move around a bit, and stable enough that you won't wake up the next day resting on the ground because it lost all of its air over night. It is also just plain comfortable, making it one of the best pads I've used in a really long time. So much so, that for my money, it is worth the extra weight and size when heading out into the field.

Additionally, the Camper SV is extremely durable, which is something you don't always find in ultralight sleeping pads. It is made of tough fabrics that can take a beating, and still come away unscathed. I've plopped down hard on it on more than one occasion, and dropped a heavy pack on it as well, it weathered the abuse like a champ. Therm-a-Rest includes a repair kit with the pad, but it's probably only necessary if there is a direct puncture.

The one drawback these durable fabrics have however is that they are a bit on the noisy side. That could potentially be bothersome to light sleepers and tent mates. It wasn't especially annoying for me, but it is worth noting just in case.

The NeoAir Camper SV is available two sizes – large and extra-large – and sells for $139.95 and $169.95 respectively. That puts them on the higher end of the three-season sleeping pad market, although not much pricier than competitors. Considering everything they bring to the table however, I feel they are worth the price of admission. The Speed Valve is fantastic once you get use to it, and the comfort and durability of the pad is fantastic too. If you're in the market for a new sleeping pad for your backcountry camping outings, this one needs to be on your short list for consideration.

Find out more at thermamest.com and buy from REI online.

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Adventure Tech: Cota Wireless Power System Looks to Revolutionize Base Camp Forever

I've talked about wireless charging before on The Adventure Blog, mostly in reference to how it can be used to charge a smartphone. That technology remains in its infancy however, and as I've mentioned in past articles, it won't become true wireless charging until our devices can collect energy just by being within range of an outlet. But, a start-up called Ossia is looking to change that, and it not only hopes to revolutionize the way we charge our devices at home, but at our campsites as well.

Ossia has already developed a product called Cota, which is a system that has the ability to charge devices remotely using radio waves in the 2.45 gigahertz spectrum. Cota actually works similarly to a WiFi router, with a receiver first sending out a signal to ping the power transmitter. When that connection is made, the transmitter than calculates where the device is located and sends radio waves back to it. Those waves are converted into power (up to 1 watt) that the receiver can use to charge a gadget. The energy that is transmitted is at a low wattage and radiation level, and doesn't pass through people or animals.

The Cota receivers can be embedded into a variety of items, including a smartphone case, an external battery pack, or even a device itself. When activated, it in a sense eliminates the need to ever plug your device in, delivering a charge at all times while within range.

This system is already past the R&D stage and has moved on to commercial development, with finalized equipment scheduled to ship sometime in late 2018. Once it is out there, it could truly change the way we keep our devices powered while at home or the office.


But, what does this all have to do with the outdoor space? Ossia is also thinking of ways to use this charging system in other places than just the home. In fact, it has dreamed up some concepts for the outdoors that include not just recharging mobile devices on the go, but also powering lighting systems, stoves, refrigerated coolers, and more. The company is examining ways that Cota could power smart boots, fitness trackers, heated clothing, and other items as well.

Obviously the transmitter and its various receivers are too big to carry on a simple backpacking trip, but it would work well in a Base Camp environment or ski/trekking huts. If the transmitter could be hooked up to solar panels, it would provide an easy and convenient way to charge a wide variety of devices.

They system is still about a year off from being released of course, so it'll take some time for this to catch on. But, it certainly would be nice to be able wander back within range of the transmitter, either at home or at camp, and have your smartphone automatically start gathering a charge.

You can find out more about this technology in the video below and at ossia.com.

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Gear Closet: MSR PocketRocket 2 Backpacking Stove

MSR's PocketRocket stove is one of those iconic outdoor products that everyone has probably seen, heard about, or used at some point. The tiny backpacking stove set new standards for size, weight, and efficiency, making it extremely popular amongst the light and fast crowd, or anyone who just didn't want to deal with a big, heavy stove taking up a lot of room in their pack. So, when the company announced that it was releasing a new version of this popular product it was met with some trepidation. After all, why mess with a good thing, right? But the PocketRocket 2 is everything that we've come to know and love about the original, but with some nice improvements that make it even better.

In terms of size and weight, it's tough to beat the PocketRocket 2. Weighing in at just 2.6 ounces (73 grams), this tiny stove is so small that it can be slipped into a pocket if that's how you really wanted to carry it around. In reality, you're likely to nest it inside a cooking pot or canister, and stuff it in your backpack, but it is nice to know it won't add much in the way of bulk.

In terms of efficiency, the PocketRocket 2 punches above its weight class. It can boil a liter of water in about 3.5 minutes, which isn't going to break any speed records, but is pretty impressive considering its size. On top of that, MSR says that it boil approximately 2 liters of water per 1 ounce of fuel, which is pretty solid performance in general. I found that the real world performance varied a bit from those numbers, with colder and windier conditions impacting overall efficiency, but for the most part I was generally impressed and pleased with the little stove's performance.


As is common with this type of stove, it simply connects to the top of a fuel canister, which also serves as its base, keeping it steady on whatever surface you place it on. An integrated switch is turned to get the gas flowing, making it easy to ignite the flame using a lighter. That same switch is turned to adjust the flame, allowing the camp chef to set it to full blast to really get things heated up (at the expense of fuel of course) or dialing it back to simmer, which the PocketRocket does surprisingly well.

With this latest edition of its iconic stove, MSR has added three pot guides that allow it to accept larger pots and pans. These guides cleverly rotate into position when in use, providing a higher level of stability when placing larger cookware on the stove. They then rotate out of the way when it comes time to store the PocketRocket 2, streamlining the design for easy storage. This is a welcome addition to the stove's design, providing more versatility for cooking meals around the campsite and even providing the ability to feed more people as well.

Overall, it's tough to find anything to criticize the PocketRocket 2 over. Yes, there are faster, more efficient, and powerful backpacking stoves on the market, but none are this small and light. When you take that into consideration, this product truly stands on its own. I did find it to be a bit unstable due to its height, which made placing it on the right surface key. But otherwise, it definitely performed above and beyond my expectations, which is saying something considering the legacy of the original PocketRocket.

The stove is also priced right at $44.95 as well, adding "affordable" to the list of superlatives that describe the PocketRocket 2. Find out more at msrgear.com and order one today from REI.

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Video: What You Need to Get Started Car Camping

Last week we shared a video from Outside magazine that offered the 7 things you need to get started in backpacking. This week, the Outside team is back to show us how to get started with car camping instead. While hiking into remote backcountry is always amazing, sometimes camping with a few extra luxuries is nice too. That's what car camping is all about, and to see how its done, check out the video below.

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Zion's Camp

Tucker's cubscouts had their summer pack meeting at Zion's camp so we decided to stay the night.  It worked out perfectly because I wanted to go camping there with the kids one more time before we moved.

We got there in the afternoon and headed right over to the lake.

 All the kids also went out on the canoes.  I really wanted them to practice using a paddle.

 All the kids loved doing the rope swing, but Leon was pretty scared to give it a try.  Once he did it once though he couldn't get enough.  Tucker was the only one brave enough to actually jump off it into the water.

I did the paddle board, even though it kind of stresses me out.  I don't think it was very hard but the whole time I really didn't want to fall.  Maybe because I've never fallen on it before or maybe because I really wasn't wanting to get into the water.  But I did get a bit testy with the kids when they bumped me.

It took a while for Scarlett and Penelope to get the nerve to go down the slide.  I guess you could say that in the end they both went down.


Tucker's challenge was to jump off the life guard seat.  When we came to the water the next day there was a new sign saying not to jump off it.


The pack meeting was great!  We are going to miss cub scouts.

That night the kids all slept in the tent and Bob Calista and I slept in the car with the seats folded down.  It was a rough night!  I think I fed Calista hourly to keep her quiet.  And in the end I'm not sure sleeping in the car with the seats folded flat was more comfortable than the tent.  We were very squished and the seats were super hard.  One last hurrah before we sell the car I guess.

We forgot several things on this camping trip including, flashlights and matches.  Luckily people were nice enough to share.

The next morning we played around on their ropes course and all their fun toys.

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