Aluminum Bottle Backpacking Stoves

Gave it my first serious try at making some alcohol burning stoves.  This is from a dollar store water bottle.  Still trying to figure out the most efficient way to boil water.  Testing in progress see video below.

Backpacking Trip

Been planning my backpacking trip for later in July.  Wasn't able to do the whole Art Loeb Trail due to a logistics issue, but I have a good alternative.  As I get closer I'll post my gear and routes.  Stay tuned! 

Every Day Carry and Bug out Bags

During a recent effort to go green and organize myself I managed to unexpectedly "spend some green" in the process.  Lot$ of green actually. I stumbled onto a new hobby for myself I didn't see coming. The whole EDC, BOB, FAK etc... thing!  If you don't know what I'm talking about you may want to stop reading.  Be warned - once you've got the bug this can get ADDICTING!

If your a gadget guru, gear geek or tech on trail violator (like me) get ready to think of new ways to acquire more "stuff" while packing it in less space.  All while ensuring you have access to it all times.  The system of Every Day Carry (EDC) is a lifestyle of preparedness.  Its a process in ensuring you've got what you need for most of life's situations. To include daily tasks, confort items, basic tools and emergencies.  I also found that a huge and community exist around this type of activity.  If you don't believe me at last check when searching YouTube over 31,000 videos were available on the topic.  All showing custom EDC's.  

So I purchased a Maxpedition Mini Pocket Organizer and have mine all set up.  Still awaiting some items, but its all planned out and incorporated into larger kits I'm planning (such as my "BOB" AKA Bug out Bag and my Commuter Kit).  Here is the list of stuff I now carry with me "all the time".  It fits into my pants cargo pocket or I can move it from pack to briefcase in two seconds.  Bottom line it's always with me and I'm prepared 24/7.  

• Knife
• Flashlight
• Chap Stick
• Nail Clippers
• Keychain Light
• Spare House Key
• Duct Tape
• Pad Paper
• Sharpie
• Small Screwdriver
• Small ZipTies
• Extra Ziploc Bags
• Ball point Pen
• 10 Ft ParaCoord**
• Small Scissor **  (Micra coming soon)
• Razor Blade** (Not sure it's needed)
• Lighter
• Wetwipes**
• Carabiner
• Pencil**
• Matches**
• P-38/51
• Pry Tool** (Micra coming soon)
• Bandaids**
• AAA or AA Batteries **

As with any EDC...it's never finished.  Always evolving and upgrading.  I put this post up on a forum about "estimated cost".  You can see EDC's could easily go into the "thousands of dollars" depending on what you carry.  I have a few more items coming that will complete my EDC and support my "Commuter Kit".  I'll post up my EDC, FAK (First Aid Kit) and BOB when they're at least v1.0's.  Right now I'm in Beta :-)

One thing I do know is that if you need six feet of duct tape while in a public restroom...I've got it! Enjoy!

Maxpedition Mini Pocket Organizer

When I opened the mailbox today I saw my Maxpedition E.D.C. Pocket Organizer (Khaki) had arrived! I've been looking at packs and EDC setups to help me support my BRW campaign and this was one of the first things I needed right off the bat.  I'm going to get it all setup and I'll review it this weekend. 

Garmin 405CX Review

Usually I'm at the forefront when it comes to gadgetry, but for some reason my GPSR's upgrade cycle is a little behind schedule. I've just upgraded from the Garmin Forerunner 205 to the Garmin Forerunner 405CX with Heart Rate Monitor. The 405cx has been out for some time, but it's been out of my price range until recently.  I was able to sell my 205 for a great price on eBay making the upgrade very much worth while.

I logged over 1000 miles with my 205 and cannot seem to run without a GPS these days.  I love the data it provides. The 405cx provides me with all sorts of data both while its being used and after the run.

First impression: The learning curve to use the device was a lot compared to my 205.  The 405cx is a little more involved because needs to be paired with the heart rate monitor and you have more options to configure in the training mode.   Several other reviews stressed the importance of reading the instruction manual and what can I say.  They were right.  I did the typical thing and just started playing.  Spend five extra minutes with the manuals and you'll be able to navigate the device like it's second nature.  It becomes really intuitive once you understand the main functions of the bezel. I now take advantage of the training options I didn't' with my 205.

The construction: I've only had it a few outings, but the construction seems to be what you would expect for this device.  It's IPX7 compliant so you can run in the rain without worry.  The heart rate monitor is constructed well and is not to noticeable when I'm running.  Once you get a good sweat going the electrodes are pretty accurate in measuring your heart beat.  The ANT+ wireless module is absolutely amazing in itself (on OS X).  My device transfers data when I get within about 10 feet of my computer and pushes all that data to my online log.  It also works well with Daily Mile if you desire the social aspect of sharing GPS data.  I'm a little concerned with the battery life.  It's rated at eight hours of receiving and two weeks on standby.  Running I should be ok, but hiking may be another area where I may need to find an alternate GPSr to capture my data.  Bottom line is it's going to last if it's take care of.

Data:  What can I say.  I'm a data nut when it comes to running, hiking or whatever I'm doing.  I love reviewing the pace, elevation, speed and geographical information that a GPS provides.  This one gives me the added benefit of a heart rate monitor and programs my splits.  Tells me I need to run harder to get into the higher levels of my aerobic zone.  In the graphic you'll see a snapshot of what Garmin Connect will look like when you transfer data from the device.  It's enough for me right now.  You'll see you can download KML and GPX formats to integrate into Google Earth or any GIS projects you may be supporting.  Elevation data is available too.  This was a pretty flat run, but you can see the bridge I ran over at the beginning and end.

Overall:  I may be impartial because I just bought the 405cx, but with a 1000 miles logged with my 205 I can say it's a welcomed upgrade.  The forerunner series GPS's are my favorite for running and this is primarily what I bought this for.   As of now I'm happy with my investment.  It's money well spent for your beginner to intermediate cardio junkie like myself.  

Garmin 405CX Upgrade

We'll after several years of using my very reliable Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS it seems it's time to trade up for this seasons activities.  I logged nearly 900 miles on the unit in just a few short years.  It never "once" reported a bad track.  Also contrary to some of the reporting it worked quite well with OS X.

Next on the wrist is the Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS with heart rate monitor. Hoping to have the same reliability and dual use my 205 had with the added benefit of a heart rate monitor for my runs. I also prefer the smaller form factor.  I bought it on eBay at a really good deal.  Whats even better is my 205 is going for a great price on eBay too.  I'll post a review soon!

2009 Activity Stats

A big increase over last years stats, but I had my GPSR the whole time this year. Plus I started distance running on top of hiking and geocaching.

Count: 54 Activities
Distance: 291.64 mi
Time: 46:07:11 h:m:s
Elevation Gain: 4,584 ft
Avg Speed: 6.3 mph
Calories: 42,954 C
Avg Distance: 5.40 mi
Median Distance: 5.31 mi
Max Distance: 20.40 mi
Avg Time: 00:51:14 h:m:s
Median Time: 00:50:57 h:m:s
Max Time: 02:17:51 h:m:s
Avg Elevation Gain: 255 ft
Median Elevation Gain: 214 ft
Max Elevation Gain: 766 ft
Elevation Loss: 4,791 ft
Avg Elevation Loss: 266 ft
Median Elevation Loss: 208 ft
Max Elevation Loss: 757 ft
Max Avg Speed: 11.5 mph
Max Speed: 22.4 mph

GPS for Running - Forerunner 205 does the Job.

If your going to start doing any type of distance running I would recommend a good sport GPS  (Global Position Satellite) receiver.

I'm usually a "cutting edge" kind of guy when it comes to tech, but in this case my budget wasn't supporting a newly forming jogging habit. 

I started with the Nike iPod accelerometer.  It was good for a novice, but I soon found that it was off by 2/10 of a mile for every mile I ran.  Not sure if it was me or the sensor, but in my mind it was time to measure distance over ground.  I ran a few times with my Garmin eTrex in my hand and the decision was easy. I made the leap to a GPS and opened a whole new world to my training regiment.  At the time I decided I would go with the Forerunner 205. 

The 205 has done the deed just as well as any of the high dollar sport GPSR's.  It's a little bulky than say the Forerunner 405, but I prefer the large display when I'm sucken wind.  It performs as expected and I've found most software to be compatible with OSX.  It's a motivational for me to see those miles and calories burned stack up on the display.  I also enjoy reviewing my track in Google Earth or on Garmin Connect. 

So if your starting to push more miles out and thinking of introducing technology into you runs I'd recommend going straight to a Sport GPSR.  It doesn't have to be a super expensive receiver and may of the basic ones will do the job.  Good luck and post those tracks!

Here is what $80 will get you

Physical & Performance: (via Garmin.com)
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:	2.1" x 2.7" x 0.7" (5.33 x 6.86 x 1.78 cm)
Display size, WxH:	1.3" x 0.8" (3.3 x 2.0 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:	160 x 100 pixels
Weight:	2.72 oz (77 g)
Battery:	rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life:	10 hours, typical
Water resistant:	yes (IPX7)
GPS-enabled:	yes
High-sensitivity receiver:	yes
RoHS version available:	yes

Maps & Memory:
Basemap:	no
Ability to add maps:	no
Accepts data cards:	no
Lap history:	1000 laps
Waypoints/favorites/locations:	100
Routes:	50

Features:
Heart rate monitor:	no
Bike speed/cadence sensor:	no
Foot pod:	no
Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer):	no
Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data):	yes
Garmin Training Center® software compatible:	yes
Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person):	yes
Courses (compete against previous activities):	yes
Auto Pause® (pauses and resumes timer based on speed):	yes
Auto Lap® (automatically starts a new lap):	yes
Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout):	yes
Multi-sport (changes sport mode with a press of a button):	yes
Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts):	yes
Simple workouts (input time, distance and calorie goals):	yes
Pace alert (triggers alarm if you vary from preset pace):	yes
Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal):	yes
Vibration alert: (choose between alert tones and/or vibration alert):	no
Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals):	yes
Heart rate-based calorie computation:	no
Customizable screen(s):	yes
Barometric altimeter:	no
Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units):	no
Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible 3rd party ANT+™-enabled power meters):	no
Sport watch:	no