Overview

Going under the label of MSR Gourmet Cooking stoves, the MSR DragonFly for us, was an obvious choice. It allows “boil-to-simmer flame control”. What this actually means is that you can cook a meal rather than just reheat food: and believe me, whether your on the road for days, weeks or even years, that's a critical distiction when choosing your stove.

Multi-Fuel

The fact that the DragonFly is also a Multi-Fuel stove is also an advantage. Many other stoves rely upon their own particular gas bottles, which in many parts of the world, are not available for love nor money! The multi-fuel means just that: Burns white gas, kerosene, unleaded auto fuel, diesel, and jet fuel. We have to resort to using whatever we have got in our motorcycles at the time. We always use the MSR Fuel Bottles for whatever fuel we are using as they are designed specifically to accept the threads on MSR fuel pumps and can also cope with the pressurization needed in order to operate the stoves efficiently.

Today there are more stoves on the market than ever before, the choice is overwhelming. Occasionally we cast our eye over the latest offerings but we come back to the DragonFly. Between the tiny pack size, ease of maintenance and supreme fuel flexibility, it's about as good as a all-weather, all-terrain camp stove gets.

The DragonFly ia about as good as an all-weather, all-terrain camp stove gets. Lisa Thomas

Pack Size

The pack size is tiny – it can fit into a 2 litre pot.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance is quick and easy as the MSR DragonFly uses self-cleaning ‘shaker jet’ to reduce soot build-up. This works up to a point but if you are using really bad fuel then expect to have to clean your stove on a (fairly) regular basis. An ‘Expedition Service kit’ is available and we make sure we carry one of these at all times. The last thing you need is for your stove to stop working when you’re in desperate need of that morning cup of coffee!

If you think the Dragon Fly is the stove for you, then head over to 4theoutdoors.com they are an official MSR retailer with great prices and service.

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Review: Overland Machete
Manufacturer: L.T. Wright Knives – Hand Crafted Knives
Review by: Simon Thomas

The Right Tool For The Job

Having the right tools to hand makes outdoor living a lot easier and can make even the most nerdish library geek feel like Indiana Jones.

Last year, Lisa and I bumped into a few of the crew from L.T. Wright Knives. Within seconds of the conversation starting, Lisa’s eyes glanced upwards and sparkled having spotted their impressive Overland Machete that was casually swinging from a nail in a wooden post.

“Can I have a look?” she asked in her politest English accent. From the minute we handled the stunningly crafted tool, I knew we were going to end up owning one, and eventually writing up a review. And, so here we are.

An Essential Tool

Since entering Africa back in 2003 Lisa and I have always carried a machete and found them indispensable. From chopping firewood, to clearing a space in the brush for your tent, there are a thousand different reasons to carry a machete.

Until owning our current Overland Machete, we have always bought our previous versions from back street markets or roadside sellers, in whatever country we were riding through. In truth, each machete has served its purpose, but each was little more than a cheap and easily blunted blade skewered into a soft timber handle.

The Overland Machete by L.T. Wright Knives is a very different animal.

Quality, Quality, Quality.

Before you even unsheathe the machete, its quality cowhide scabbard grabs your attention. The quality and substance of this machete’s sheath sets it apart from the usual hardware-store pretenders. Thick, substantial and dyed a rich colonial explorer brown, the Overland’s sheath is supplied with a belt loop, should you wish to hang this bad boy from your hip.

Nine eyelets have been placed on the circumference of the sheath and provide plenty of options for attaching the supplied mounting kit, should you want to install the machete on the wall of your Land Rover, truck or motorcycle.

Aircraft Grade Materials

If leather is not your thing, then the custom moulded, quick release Kydex* (see detail below) sheath is a great option. The aircraft grade plastic can be hosed out after your adventures and protects the steel whilst in transit. The military style front brake away Kyndex sheath also minimizes water, mud and debris from being stuck down inside a traditional sheath.

*Kydex is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials with a wide variety of applications, including for aircraft bulkhead (partition)s, firearm holsters, sheaths, and for knives.

We chose the leather sheath, which Lisa has attached to her F800GS. See pic attached.

An American Made Workhorse

We’re currently camped in Falls Creek Fall State Park in Tennessee and over the last 4-days I’ve cut wood on a daily basis for the fire pit. After a recent storm felled dozen of trees in the camp area, wood is abundant but manageable, logs ready to light were not. After days of swinging and cutting, let me tell you that the blade of the Overland Machete is still razor sharp and ready to go, which is testament to the quality of steel used.

The Ovelrnad Machete comes with a lifetime warranty. This is exceptional!

The Blade

Made from American sourced 1075 high carbon steel, the blade carry’s on the theme of quality. This is a no nonsense tool that is ready to go, whenever it’s needed and with 12” inches of sharpened blade, cutting branches and even small trees is child’s play.

There’s no unnecessary gimmicks to this machete. The blade undergoes a two-stage patina process, which leaves a dark hue on the blade. I’ve now been swinging this machete for 4-months and have tackled simple bush scrub to tree trucks and nothing intimidates this blade. After a few thousand swings, the overland machete still feels solid and sure without a hint of the buzzy vibe I’d feel from the cheaper blades after a similar amount of abuse.

The Handle

In the hand the machete feels well balanced and ready to tackle almost any challenge. The handle of the machete is also unique, as you’d expect from a company that ‘hand crafts’ their products. The handle is fabricated from 2-ton marine grade epoxy, with a subtle scaling pattern applied to ensure a firm and positive grip. Last night I was cutting up a tree trunk in the pouring rain (don’t ask why?). The handle never came close to suggesting a ‘slip’ was even possible.

The bond between blade and handle is perfect and there is no chance of mud or water penetrating the handle and loosing the bond.

A simple and useful elasticated lanyard, attaches the machete to the sheath as well as providing useful tension when cutting or whittling small wood, using the ‘blade in hand’ technique.

Overview

The L.T. Wright Knives, Overland Machete, is the machete done right! (pun intended) this light weight tool is as happy in your local state park as it would be in the centre of the Amazon Jungle and does its job perfectly.

This is quality no-nonsense tool that performs without the needs for gimmick or flashy design, often seen in the cheaper store bought variety. From top to toe and from handle to blade this is the right tool for a thousand jobs and should be considered as an essential for any serious over-lander. Be careful though you might just feel like Indiana Jones.

Recommended? Yes very highly!

Spec:

• Overall Length: 19"
• Sharpened Edge: 12"
• Steel: 3/32" 1075
• Grind: Convex
• Handle: Micarta
• 2 step patina (Apple Cider Vinegar and Yellow Mustard)
• Bungee Lanyard that acts as a lock for the sheath and a hand loop.
• Lifetime warranty

Resources, more info and purchase link:

L.T.Wright Knives – Overland Machete Page

Review: Slacker Double (2-Person) Hammock
Manufacturer: THERM-A-REST

Essential or Luxury? That was the question we asked ourselves about the Slacker Hammock from Therm-A-rest.

As a bed, a place to rest or as a motorcycle cover, this one hammock ticks a lot of boxes both as an essential carry item and as a luxury product. Based on it’s solid construction, flexibility, not to mention the “cool points” it generates, as you gently swing between a couple of coconut trees, maybe you should consider packing one for your next trip.

Lisa and I have been using the Slacker Hammock for about 6-months, but bear in mind that we live on the road, so in that time it’s had a lot of use. Generally speaking Lisa and I only review items that we’ve extensively used (and abused) and we think merit the words, and the Slacker Hammock definitely merits a few words.

You’ve probably seen a thousands ads or post about hammocks, they’re all over the internet. Well, until recently Lisa and I had presumed that we would only carry a hammock as a luxury item, if we genuinely had spare space, which, quite frankly, we never do. However, when the Slacker Hammock arrived, both Lisa and I were surprised by just how small the hammock-pack actually was. It was time to re-think!

The Slacker double hammock, as the name suggest is built for two, or wonderfully generous for a person like me at 6ft 3”. It ships stuffed into an integrated stuff sack that also acts as a pocket when the hammock is hung and in use. We jam our hammock into an additional compression sack and we can squeeze it down to around one-liter volume. The hammock comes in at 650grams, which considering it size, we’re more than happy with.

Construction

Made of 100% rip-stop polyester, the Slacker is engineered as a signal piece construction. What that really means is no connecting seams, that might otherwise creates pressure points against your skin and potentially ruin that comfortable snooze you had planned. Now, aren’t you glad you know that?

Strength

As a single piece construction, the hammock is also stronger than a traditional stitched travel hammock. We’ve all heard the expression “only as strong as the weakest link”, well a hammock is only as strong as the seams that hold it together. So, no seams, equals more strength and a hammock that is more resilient to wear and tear.

The double-Slacker is rated for 400 pounds (181 KG) so, it will easily handle to adults.

As with any good product, it should be easy to use. Let’s face it, if you're having to do battle with a product, eventually frustration builds up and you stop using it.

The Slacker hammock is child’s play and a breeze to put up. Out of the bag, I had it up, hung and ready to use the first time in less than sixty seconds. Our hammock came supplied with two straps, which easily adjust for size, allowing you to hang the hammock from a variety of anchor points, ranging from a hook in a wall to the trunk of a thick tree. Two sturdy carabineers come with the hammock, which makes attaching the straps fast, safe and secure. If you’re looking to hang your hammock where space is an issue, we’ve used the supplied carabineers with cord, and ditched the straps, which require more space.

Setting Up.

Hanging the hammock, as I mentioned above, is child’s play. Place the straps around your anchors points, and attached the carabineers to the straps. Adjust the strap length using the adjustable buckles, and set the hammock so it sits about knee high from the floor. Climb in, lie back and enjoy.

Where this hammock really shines is as a reclining chair. With the straps set up properly, both Lisa and I can sit in the Slacker at 90 degree and lean back against the material and read or even work away on the laptops.

Other Uses.

We’ve also used the hammock as a bike cover to hide our motorcycles from prying eyes. The straps and carabineers easily allowed us to tie the hammock in place so it stayed put.

We’re now carrying the hammocks as a regular item. It’s packs small, has a variety of uses and is great for kicking back at the end of along day. Sure, earning a few cool points as you sip on an iced beer also has to be considered.

Pros:

• Portable
• Fast drying
• Small pack size
• Stuff sack built in
• Comfortable
• Seamless construction
• Strong
• Rated for 400 pounds (181 KG)
• Easy to use and adjust
• Multi-use

Con’s:

• Pack size could be smaller.
• More adjustability on the straps would be nice.

Prodcut Spec’s- Double Hammock

• Color Cayenne, Gray, Moss, Celestial, Alpine Meadow, Plum, Bluebird
• Weight (Standard) , 1 lbs 7 oz
• Weight (Metric) 0.65 kg
• Packed dimension (Standard) 9 in x 12 in
• Packed dimension (Metric) 23 cm x 30 cm
• Weight Capacity (Standard) 400 lbs
• Weight Capacity (Metric) 181.44 kg
• Material(s) 6061 Aluminum carabiners
• Hammock Length (Metric) 295 cm
• Hammock Length (Standard) 116 in
• Hammock Width (Metric) 188 cm
• Hammock Width (Standard) 74 in
• Country of Origin USA*Built of the Finest U.S. and Global Materials

 Where to buy: 4theoutdoors.com

Is the GNS Convex by L.T Wright Knives the ultimate bush craft knife? We spent two years of living with it to find out.

In the words of Auzzie film character Crocodile Dundee, “Now that’s a knife!” He could easily being talking about the GNS Convex from L.T. Wright Knives.

I actually don’t know how many knives Lisa and I now own between us. We use our knives daily for every manner of job, from prepping food to trimming back plastic on the bikes, to cutting cord and prepping fire wood. For us to keep a particular knife around, it has to be pretty tough.

There are more knives on the market today than ever before and it’s fair to say that many knife manufacturers are creating more and more seemingly high end, gadget based tactical styled knifes, which are then sold under a storm of cool acronyms and material abbreviations. Blinded by science it’s all too easy to crumple under the descriptive weight and make a snap purchase. But be warned, “all those shiny acronyms, does not gold make!”

The GNS Convex is not one of these knives and more importantly, L.T. Wright Knives are not one of those manufacturers.

A great knife at it’s core, should be dependable, utilize strong but simple design and simply work. No muss, no fuss, just work. All the cool acronyms in the world aren’t going to help cut, if the blade of your latest knife dulls or deforms easily.

The GNS Convex comes with a lifetime warranty. This is exceptional!

Spec:

• Overall Length: 9"
 (22.86cm)
• Sharpened Edge: 4.24" (10.79cm)
• Steel: AEB-L high carbon stainless
• Grind: Convex

• Handle: Micarta with G10 Liners

We picked up our GNS Convex knifes a few years ago and after a ton of daily work, I’m getting around to writing this long overdue review.

The Right Tool For The Job

Having the right tools to hand makes outdoor living a lot easier and when you’re tired, stressed and uncomfortable, the knife in your hand can make all the difference.

The GNS Convex is a no-nonsense fixed blade knife. Designed as an all-purpose bush craft/outdoor knife.

Quality

Much like the L.T. Wright Knives Overland Machete, which we reviewed here, the first thing you feel when you handle the GNS Convex is a sense of quality. Handling the knife for the first time the handle, grip and blade feel utterly dependable.

The 4.5” (22.86cm) blade length is produced from AEB-L Stainless and comes in at 0.093” (2.3mm) and is finished with a spear point tip. We’ve been able to use the blade for weeks before any hint of the need for sharpening.

The Handle

In the hand, the knife feels secure. The handle is crafted from Canvas Micarta, which leaves a textured finish to aid grip. After several hours of wood splitting, the handle remained firmly planted in my hand and never left my hand feeling overly taxed or sore. The handles slabs are secured to the tang using fisheye bolts and two-ton epoxy, ready for all the abuse you can throw at it. The spine of the blade has also been sharpened square, to ensure a good spark when using a fire-steel.

The bond between blade and handle is perfect and there is no chance of mud or water penetrating the handle and loosing the bond.

The Sheath

The quality of the cowhide scabbard matches that of the knife, and the attention to detail is only matched by the simplicity of design. The perfectly molded and dyed colonial explorer brown form of the dark tan cowhide holds the GNS Convex securely. Whether being thrown around between uses, dangling from a belt or secured on one of our motorcycles and turned upside down after a fall, the knife has not become loose in over two years of use. Impressive.

Strength

We’re currently camped in North Carolina and over the last 6-days I’ve cut wood on a daily basis for the fire pit and we’ve spent months using the GNS Convex to prep food and meat stuffs. I initially had some concerns that the relatively thin blade would buckle under the diverse load, but it has performed flawlessly and needed very little in the way of maintenance or sharpening. The blade is still razor sharp and ready to go.

The Blade

Made from AEB-L Stainless, this steel has been hailed by many as the “Perfect Stainless for an outdoors knife with it’s unique combination of strength, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. After 2-years our GNS Convex shows no signs of oxidation or rusting.

Fire-Steel

Our GNS Convex was supplied with a quality fire-steel that slides into and is held in place by the knife sheath. My initial scepticism was replaced by assuredness after having to use the steel to light several fires in the rain. Used correctly the steel produces a long drop spark time after time, after time. We have even used it to ignite our MSR Dragonfly Stove.

Overview:

The L.T. Wright Knives, GNS Convex, is jack of all trades precision tool,
camouflaged in a deceptively simplistic design.

You wont find any elongated acronyms or spring assisted wizardly here, but if you are looking for a down to earth, no nonsense, utterly dependable blade, the GNS Convex by L.T. Wright Knives is deserving of your attention. It’s an old school knife with a very modern future.

We’ll be carrying our GNS Convex for a very long time to come. This is the knife “done right!”

Recommended? Yes very highly!

Review: GNS Convex Knife

Manufacturer: L.T. Wright Knives – Hand Crafted Knives
Review by: Simon Thomas