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Hiking products

For more product reviews, please see our main product review page.

ACCESSORIES & HELPFUL ITEMS

There's no need to spend money on buying single use water bottles at the supermarket -- when you can simply fill your own bottle with water from your sink and take it with you everywhere. And, you'll be saving the environment, too, when you use a SIGG water bottle over and over again for years to come.

If you recall, the headlines in 2007 headlines read: Disposable plastic water bottles are bad news. Diseases grow in them, landfills are full of them, and people just don’t recycle them.  Single use, disposable water bottles (PET plastic) create millions of tons of unnecessary waste each year. According to the Container Recycling Institute, less than 15% of plastic water bottles used in the U.S. are actually recycled. Over 100 million plastic bottles wind up in landfills – every day- and they take up to 1,000 years each to biodegrade!

SIGG bottles are designed to be reusable and are 100 percent recyclable at the end of their very long lives. Besides reducing the demand for petroleum-based PET bottles, SIGG is a proud member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of all sales to helping to preserve our environment.

Each SIGG bottle is designed and manufactured in Switzerland from a single piece of pure aluminum, perfectly extruded for uniform, seamless construction. The proprietary SIGG bottle lining is a water-based, non-toxic coating that is baked into the interior walls and remains flexible and crack resistant for the life of the bottle. This special lining is taste neutral and resistant to fruit acids and energy drinks, ensuring that your drinks taste like they are supposed to taste every time! SIGG bottles exceed FDA requirements for safety and have been independently tested to prove 0% leaching. SIGGs are an alternative to hard plastic containers which studies show may leach harmful BPA. 

These lightweight, leak proof bottles are perfect for everyday use while the high-precision Swiss craftsmanship makes them durable enough for the most extreme adventures. SIGG bottles are beautifully designed, portable works of art that are a perfect blend of function and fashion. In fact, SIGGs can be found on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. New, fashionable styles are introduced each year with over a hundred unique styles. SIGG bottles come in several different sizes, in a rainbow of colors and designs with 3 unique interchangeable tops.

So whether you’re climbing the slopes of the Matterhorn or simplystrolling the streets of Manhattan, make sure you’ve got your SIGG with you to stay hydrated in style. SIGG bottles come in a variety of sizes and designs and retail for $16.99 - $24.99.

For further information or to purchase a SIGG go to www.mysigg.com. SIGG is also available at camping, sporting goods stores, REI, amazon.com, and more.

The Whiz Plus Female Urinal -- A Lifesaver for Women

The Whiz is a great new product that allows women to urinate in the woods - or elsewhere - without having to drop their pants and have the privacy to go where and when nature calls. The small urinal - 6" long - is made of soft anti-bacterial bendable plastic with a connector tube that allows the user to urinate in a standing or seated position. The contoured plastic shape fits around the female genitals and the straight plastic extension tube allows the urine to be transferred into a bottle or an outside area. The urinal is re-usable, machine washable, and will fit in any pocket -- even in a drysuit when kayaking or while boating. Instead of walking far away to gain priacy, all that's necessary is to turn your back. Great for outdoor activities, including biking, skiing, camping, etc., it's so sanitary that you won't need to wash your hands, or bring along a seat protector - or even squat down!

Available in camping, boating and hiking supply stoes.

Coghlan's Sight-Grid Signal Mirror Can Help Save Your Life

Picture yourself out in the woods, alone, and lost. No one knows exactly where you are, but with Coghlan's Sight-Grid Signal Mirror, the newest piece of adventure gear, you can send an SOS to anyone who may be in the area. Carry the Signal Mirror in your pocket -- it's highly reflective shatter resistant glass is encased in a shatter resistant acrylic case; it can signal up to 25 miles on a clear day; the grid mesh in center of the mirror allows the user to target the beam by framing object; it's small 2"x3" size and 1/4" width fits anywhere and, it floats in water.

Available for $12.99. To locate a retailer go to Coghlan's web site at www.coghlans.com

iPod & iPhone Protection from OtterBox

You’ve given in, forked over hard earned cash to become the proud owner of an iPhone™, nano, classic or touch, but in a world of uncertainty one wrong move can mean the end, protect your device with rugged and now semi-rugged cases from OtterBox!

Looking for something sleek, sexy and slim fit with semi-rugged protection for your busy, on-the-go lifestyle, then check out the Defender™ Series. Living an untamed active lifestyle and need the most rugged case available? The Armor™ Series is a perfect fit. Order one at http://www.otterbox.com.

Pick your Poison . . .

• Defender™ Series: Slim, yet rugged, stylish, yet protective, these semi-rugged cases satisfy the need for protection without compromising style. Coined as a “skin on steroids,” these cases offer complete user interaction in an attractive design. Bring on your active lifestyle! A hi-impact polycarbonate shell snaps together to safeguard the device and a completely interactive, scratch-resistant, polycarbonate membrane protects screens and ClickWheels. Finally, a silicone skin wraps over the case to provide additional protection from drops, bumps and shock. Available for the iPhone, nano, classic and touch.*

• Armor™ Series: Ready for any adventure no matter what Mother Nature brings! This fully rugged line of interactive cases safeguards from rain, dust, dirt, drops and other mishaps. With a fully rugged polycarbonate shell and impact-absorbing rubber inside the case to cradle the device, iPods and iPhones can now handle drops, splashes or bumps with ease. Clickwheels and screens remain completely interactive and protected by a thin, scratch-resistant, hi-impact polycarbonate membrane. Available for the iPhone, nano, classic and touch, the Armor™ series protects devices so you can take your technology virtually anywhere, rain or shine!**
As experts in Apple® iPod protection, Otter Products, LLC. offers a variety of cases for any iPod, iPhone or technology enthusiast. For more information call 888-695-8820 or visitwww.otterbox.com.

*Note: The OtterBox for iPod and iPhone Defender™ Series cases are NOT waterproof and are not intended to protect against water intrusion.

**Note: While OtterBox for iPod or iPhone Armor™ Series are great for surface swimming, snorkeling and active sports, the cases are NOT adapted to withstand pressures experienced by scuba diving. Using the incorrect case may cause leaking. Otter Products is not responsible for personal property when used in the incorrect case. For more details, see our warranty.

LifeFitness Dual Watch & Heart Rate Monitor

If you're looking for a watch that can do almost everything, and one that is very useful when hiking, check out the LifeFitness Dual Watch & Heart Rate Monitor. Not only does it function like a standard sports watch, but includes an alarm function, and ActiveEKG -- an advanced heart rate sensing technology that measures the electrical signals on your skin in the same manner that an EKG or electrocardiogram does.

The watch attaches to your wrist with an attractive band (available either in small for small wrists, or full-size to fit medium to large size wrists, and uses its ActiveEKG to measure your heart rate. The watch, for men or women, has a large, easy-to-read LCD screen, and is easy to use while monitoring your heart rate while exercising. Simply place two fingers onto the watch; press the sensors gently for about 3-8 seconds. When you hear the beep tone, the heart rate will be displayed.

While getting a pedicure and checking my heart rate for the fun of it, the person next to me asked what I was doing. When I explained, she borrowed the watch to check her heart rate and, before long, everyone in the salon was trying it-- and wanted to know where it's sold. This watch is available at CVS pharmacies or at web site www.cvs.com for $59.99.

PORTABLE PLASTIC BAG DISPENSER HELPS PACK IT IN

Now there's a neater way for boaters, hikers and campers to separate wet bathing suits, toiletries, food and other necessities. With the space-saving Knot-a-Bag from Davis Instruments, outdoors enthusiasts have a large supply of any size bag they need. It's perfect for trash, travel, storing fish and even gardening.

Inside the unique 4" Knot-a-Bag Dispenser is a highly compact 32-1/2' roll of plastic bag material.  A blend of high and low density polyethylene provides unmatched strength. By pulling out the desired length of plastic, cutting it with the built-in safety cutter, then knotting the end, users create the perfect bag for any purpose. A tiny bag is ideal for keeping jewelry together; a larger one will tote beach blankets.

Waterproof and recyclable, Davis' Knot-a-Bags have a circumference of 24". Weighting just 3 oz., the convenient Dispenser can be clipped to a belt or backpack. It includes two rolls of polyethylene film.  The Knot-a-Bag Refill Pack provides three additional rolls.

The Knot-a-Bag Dispenser and Refill Packs from Davis Instruments are each priced at $7.50.

Contact Davis Instruments, 3465 Diablo Ave., Hayward, CA 94545. 510-732-9229; Fax: 510-732-9188. info@davisnet.com; www.davisnet.com.

HIKING STAFFS & TRIPODS

PoleCat Hike 'n Hunt Combo by Stoney Point Products

Stoney Point Products, known for its innovative products designed for shooters and outdoors enthusiasts, has developed its most versatile outdoor travel accessory - the PoleCat™ Hike ‘n Hunt™ Combo. Easily converting from two multi-purpose staffs to a bipod for rock-steady shooting, the new Hike ‘n Hunt Combo provides support for virtually any outdoor activity, such as hiking, shooting, hunting, wildlife watching, photography, wading, and much more.

Included in the combo package are a pair of four-section aluminum Navigator Hiking Staffs with carbide tips, plus a full range of accessories that adapt the Hike ‘n Hunt Combo to virtually any activity and terrain. Both poles telescope from a compact 21 inches to 61 inches to allow just the right height for sitting, kneeling or standing use by any size person. The pole sections lock at any length needed with Stoney Point’s exclusive Posi-Lock adjustment system, which locks the poles securely with a  simple twist. Cushion-foam hand grips ensure comfortable use. The two staffs convert to one bipod for shooting with the simple addition of the rubber-covered bipod cradle that screws onto the standard 1/4--20 threads. Shooters can also use one staff as a monopod with the furnished rubber-covered V-Yoke attached. The rubber overmolding on both shooting rest attachments protects the gun’s finish and helps ‘grip’ the firearm in place.

To allow use of the staffs separately for walking, a hardwood Hiking Knob is included. Since the V-Yoke and Hiking Knob are attached to standard camera studs, either staff can be used as an ideal rest for a spotting scope or camera. Additional accessories include snow and tundra boots, rubber PoleCat tips for use on terrain where traction is needed, two detachable wrist straps, a detachable shoulder strap, and a clip-on belt sheath. The bottom two sections of each staff are made of 7000 alloy tempered aluminum for extra strength, durability, and trouble-free use. The matte black anodized finish, both inside and outside the tubes, provides corrosion resistance even in adverse outdoor conditions. Each staff weighs just 7 ounces, while the bipod configuration with bipod cradle weighs 18 ounces.

For more information, contact Stoney Point Products, Inc., 1822 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm,  MN 56073; 507-354-3360 or web site www.stoneypoint.com.

Tracks Hiking Staffs and Trekking Poles by Cascade Designs

Cascade Designs, Inc. offers an excellent line of hiking staffs and trekking poles known as Tracks,. You’ll find either the single walking staff or the paired trekking poles extremely useful when you’re hiking along icy trails, crossing slippery logs, or walking through streams while fishing. Using a walking staff also reduces stress on your lower back, knees, and feet, particularly when carrying a heavy pack on steep terrain.

Each staff is made with high-strength lightweight anodized aluminum tubing, features soft foam grips and adjustable woven wrist straps, and most Tracks staffs can be converted into a handy and stable monopod by unscrewing the removable walnut knob to reveal a universal threaded mount for cameras and binoculars. I’ve been using the company’s Compact Travel Staff for years and love it. The upper section has a push-button length adjustment that’s quick and easy to use, while its two shock-corded lower sections fold small enough so that it fits into my backpack or suitcase. I’ve used the camera mount beneath the walnut knob frequently for steadying my camera while bird-watching, as well as on almost every one of my hikes. Many different models are available, including the Trek’R 3™, lightweight three-section trekking poles with a compact storage length that’s perfect for attaching to a backpack; the Superlite 3™, the company’s lightest full-length walking staff made with adjustable-length sections of lightweight aluminum; and the Fish Stick™, a compact shock-corded staff for stream fishing and travel.

For details on the full Tracks line, contact Cascade Designs, Inc., 4000 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134; 1-800-531-9531, or visit your nearest sporting goods store, such as EMS or L.L. Bean.  

INSECT REPELLENTS

Just in time for summer, the Don’t Bug Me! insect repellent patch offers a first of its kind solution -- a transdermal skin patch that delivers a combination of protective Vitamin B1 and aloe combination throughout the body. One patch protects against bites from pesky, disease-carrying mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, chiggers, sand fleas and no seeums for up to 36 hours.

Concerns about increased prevalence of West Nile, Encephalitis and Lyme disease in the United States and also exposure to Malaria and other diseases have helped fuel sales of insect repellent, up over 30 percent since 2001. The potential of disease, coupled with concerns about the possible side effects of DEET, have led a growing number of consumers, particularly parents, searching for insect repellents that work but have low or no toxicity.  This summer, the Don’t Bug Me! Patch may provide the answer.

Vitamin B1 is the key effective ingredient in Don’t Bug Me! Patch, and when applied to the skin, provides protection from biting insects.  The thiamine-based formula is absorbed into the bloodstream through the transdermal delivery of the Don’t Bug Me! Patch.  Excess B1 is then secreted through the body’s pores, creating an odor that is almost undetectable to humans, but offensive to mosquitoes.  This odor forms a protective barrier around the body that shields the user from mosquitoes and other biting insects.  Aloe, the other active ingredient, accelerates the absorption of the B1 and serves as an anti-inflammatory, and in the event of a rare bite — it helps reduce the reaction, particularly for those who are sensitive to mosquito bites.

“Families and outdoor enthusiasts want to enjoy being outside without constantly worrying about risks from a mosquito or bug bites,” says Trish Tompkins, co-founder of Don’t Bug Me!  “At the same time, as research continues to build around the potential risks of DEET, particularly for children, parents would rather rely on natural and safe bug repellents to protect them from annoying biting pests.”

“Family and friends rave about the effectiveness and convenience of the patch,” adds Chari Kauffman, co-founder, whose friends recently volunteered to try Don’t Bug Me! Patch during a weekend camping trip with their family.  When the mother of the family arrived at her campsite, she discovered she only had two patches with her instead of the four she needed to protect her family.  She quickly applied the patches to her two daughters.  All weekend, the girls were bite free, while she and her husband were swatting mosquitoes and covered with bites.

Don’t Bug Me! Patch offers the following positive attributes as compared to messy sprays, lotions or towelettes:

• No DEET, safe for children and adults alike
• Easy, no mess application– just apply a patch to your skin
• Protects skin often missed with a spray, such as ears and scalp
• Waterproof, no need to re-apply after swimming or exercise
• Protects up to 36 hours
• Patent pending, all-natural formula
• Incredibly effective

Early testing with select Boy Scout groups, members of the U.S. Army and professionals who spend their days working outside in bug-infested areas has brought in rave reviews about the effectiveness of Don’t Bug Me! Patch More specifically:

·       EODT, a security company for the U.S. government while helping to rebuild Iraq used the patches and re-ordered when they realized the patch works against sand fleas, a larger problem than mosquitoes in Iraq.

·       More than 30 soldiers in the U.S. Army tried the product while in the deep woods near the Arkansas river and found they were effective during their three-week stay in the chigger infested woods.  They reported NO bites from mosquito, chiggers, or ticks.

The Don’t Bug Me! Patch received the Most Innovative Product Award at the Natural Products Expo East Show in October 2006.  At the same show, Supermarket Guru, Phil Lempert of The Today Show and Jeff Nibbler from SPINS highlighted the product’s “wonderful innovation.”  

The Don’t Bug Me! Patch is available at natural food stores and major retailers nationwide.  The product comes in a five-pack for a suggested retail price of $4.99 and a 10 pack for a suggested retail price of $7.99.

For more information on where to buy, visit www.dontbugmepatch.com

La Fresh Creates New, Easy-to-Use Insect Repellent Towelettes

The All Natural Biodegradable Insect Repellent Towelettes made by La Fresh are the perfect answer for always having insect repellent on hand - whether it's when traveling by car, train, boat, or bus. Carry the easy-to-use towelettes in yur purse or backpack where it takes up the tiniest space so they're always ready to use outdoors while enjoying your favorite activities. Carry them in your bike bag, too, or even your pocket! DEET-free, they are also biodegradable and TSA friendly.

The La Fresh Insect Repellent Towelettes are $4.99 for six or $19.99 for 30. For more information go to web sitewww.LaFreshGroup.com.

ThermaCell Mosquito Repellent System

I'm off to Florida where I'll be camping and kayaking. One thing I won't forget to take with me is Thermacell's new Mosquito Repellent System because, no matter who I'm with, I'm always the one who gets bitten - even through my clothing! With this unique butane-operated mosquito repellent system, I no longer have to use smelly sprays, greasy lotions, or cumbersome netting -- because not only is it highly-effective, but it's small, portable, and fits neatly into a pack or vest pocket.

The unit, which operates on a single butane cartridge, heats a mat releasing Allethrin, an insect repellent that is a synthetic copy of pyrethrin, a natural insecticide found in the pyrethrum flower. Each mat contains enough repellent for four hours of protection and each butane cartridge will operate the unit for 12 hours. The odorless 4.5 x 4.5 meter comfort zone offers up to 98% effective protection against mosquitoes, blackflies, and other biting insects. With the click of a button, ThermaCell is on and repelling these nasty insects, and the complete comfort zone is created in under 10 minutes.

This must-have, especially if you're tired of scratching those horrible, itchy bites, unit has been used by professionals around the world, including the U.S. Army in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, and has been approved by the PRMA for safety and effectiveness. The unit is available in Olive, Grey, or Woodland Camouflage, and the suggested retail price is $21.99 for Olive or Grey, and $24.99 for Woodland. The unit measures 19 cm x 7.6 cm x 3.8 cm at the top, and 19 cm x 3.8 cm x 3.8 cm at the bottom, and weighs only 6.4 ounces with a full butane cartridge.

For more information on this and ThermaCELL's complete line of products, call 781-541-6900, or for retail locations, check web site www.thermacell.com.

LIGHTS/FLASHLIGHTS

Great in an emergency while hiking or just about anywhere, this light -- usable as a flashlight or lantern -- retails for $49.95 and available at web site www.pisatsolar.com and select retail stores, this light functions as a lantern or flashlight, has a removable cap, 1:1 charging (one hour of light for one hour of charge. It is highly water resistant, has 120 Lumens and two power settings - low and high. Packaged in a safe, durable case with handles that rotate 360 degrees, locking every 30 degrees for 12 different positions. It comes with 16 bright white LEDs (100,000 hours of light), is rechargeable, has 7.2 volt, 1.6 Ahr, a•NiMH battery said to last more than 3000 charges, with a lifespan of ten years (full daily use), and lifetime (recreational and/or emergency use) Furthermore, the 1.5 watt solar panel is unbreakable, lightweight at approximately 22 ounces, and is compliant with regulations for restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS compliant).

About the company: PiSAT Solar, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was founded by four individuals who share a common passion for improving the quality of life for the world's most challenging environments. They believe in renewable energy and the K light, small and rugged, is the company's first commercially available product - and is one of the only solar-powered light emitting diode (LED) lanterns available in the world today. The light is perfect not only for use in and out of cars, but for outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, boating and as an emergency light and is designed to be used either as a flashlight or lantern.

MAPS

MYTOPO.COM's New Product -- A navigation-Ready TopophotoTM Map

Landowners and outdoor enthusiasts who have for years relied on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map series now have a new option. MyTopo.com, an innovator in the mapping industry, has created a TopoPhotoTM map, which combines information from the reliable USGS topographic map with a recent color aerial photograph, creating a navigation-ready hybrid map.

"The TopophotoTM maps take the best available topographic data and aerial photographs and combines them to create a more updated map, which we think will replace or at least be a useful supplement to the aging USGS topo maps we have relied upon for years," said Toohill. The maps are available now to order via the company’s online ordering system, and, like the company’s other maps, can be centered any place in the US, printed on large sheets of waterproof or glossy paper, personalized with a name and title, and shipped to the customer’s doorstep within 24-48 hours.

The maps provide the ability to see the elevation contours, roads, buildings, and geographic features labeled on a color aerial photograph taken in 2003-2006. "The TopoPhotoTM maps reveal recent changes on the landscape, including vegetation and development, but they maintain the traditional reliability of the USGS topographic maps," added Toohill.

MyTopo.com specializes in providing an easy and convenient process for outdoor enthusiasts to order large-format printed maps, including topo maps, aerial photos, and the new TopophotoTM maps. Customers use a five step process to customize their maps online; the maps are printed and shipped within 24-48 hours. The ordering process allows the customer to center their map any place in the US, chose the map’s scale, provide a title, and personalize further with the map owner’s name. The maps can be printed in several size choices and on waterproof, glossy or laminated paper. They range in price from $9.95 to $59.95, depending on map type and paper size.

The new TopophotoTM maps are available in more than 25 states, with the remaining states becoming available over the next several months. Current customers can reorder previously ordered topo or aerial photo maps in the TopophotoTM format by logging into their accounts and selecting the option to "start a new map here." The TopophotoTM maps are available in all three sizes and paper types and start at $29.95.

MyTopo.com is a private company based in Billings, MT. The company sells maps directly via web site www.mytopo.com, and also resells its maps via many popular websites including Topozone.com, MapTech.com, Cabelas.com, Remington.com, Realtree.com, the Digital Map Store and many more mapping and outdoor-related sites.

To learn more about the company, visit www.mytopo.com or call 866-587-9015.

PORTABLE SEATS

Sport-A-Seat Portable seat

Relaxing on a beach is one of the best parts of a boating trip or vacation, but it’s sometimes is difficult to find a comfortable place to sit. Now there’s a unique, portable seat that provides a comfortable way to lounge on any beach or lawn. The Sport-A-Seat stores easily, lies flat, measures 17 1/2”x39” and can be toted around by a convenient carry handle. When in use, the seat’s hinged, ratcheting frame can be adjusted to provide back support in any of 6 positions. If you want to lie down with good neck support, just place the long side on the bottom. It can also be placed over hard wooden bench chairs for added comfort. The 3-1/4” thick upholstery-grade foam is available in 8 durable fabrics and has a one-year guarantee.

 Available from sporting goods dealers or call Sport-A-Seat, 2704 Calkins Road, Herndon, VA 20171; 800-870-7328 for one near you.

Please note: All information is copyrighted and may not be used without permission

For more product reviews, please see our main product review page.

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All information and photography © 2007-2009 Arline Zatz. All rights reserved. Contact us if reprint permission is needed.

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