I bought this a long time ago, and I have used it on many backpacking trips. It has always provided clean water that hasn’t made me sick. There was one time where I didn’t use it in Chile, and I ended up projecting liquids out of either end of my body. What a mistake… Since that hasn’t happened whenever I did use it, I have to say that it’s done a fine job. Continue reading
I used a backpack from my dad while I was in South America, and I figured I would like a backpack for myself. I found this at some second-hand store, and it was only used once, so it was still practically in perfect condition. It was regardless really cheap, so I bought it. Continue reading
Way back in high school, I had an older backpack from this series, which I really liked. I ended up using it during a paintball campaign, and it ended up trashed with paint, so I decided to relegate it to holding my paintball equipment.
So I bought a new one, and I have been using this for the better part of 10 years. In general, it has proven to be a great backpack that I have used for all sorts of various tasks and trips. The compression straps help it hold a slimmer profile if you don’t have much you’re carrying, but it can also expand to hold quite a bit of stuff.
After many years of using a travel towel that was much too small, I finally decided to get a more practical one. At 15 Bucks, which was totally worth it.
This towel is the M size at 90 x 50 cm (35 x 20 in.). I could have gone L at 120 x 60 cm (47 x 24 in) or even XL at 150 x 80 cm (59 x 31 in.), but then they would pack bigger. Cocoon actually also has an ultralight series of towels with the same dimensions, but they pack slightly smaller, weigh a little less, but also don’t absorb as much water. I figured the medium-sized, slightly bulkier but more absorbent one was a good compromise and I haven’t regretted it. Continue reading
I needed a towel while I was traveling, and another of the items that I prepared myself with before I went to South America was this. I can’t remember why I settled on this little towel, which is only 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in.), but I did. Okay, maybe it’s really just a hand towel, but I had purchased it for drying myself off after showers… Continue reading
I bought this after I went to South America. I was using sleeping bags from my parents for the longest time, and I figured it was about time that I get my own.
I did some research on synthetic vs. down, and I decided to get this one. Synthetic can handle getting wet better, but it’s not as efficient at keeping you warm, whereas down is much lighter and compact for the equivalent warmth rating, but you need to be careful about keeping it dry. I figured the pros of down outweighed the cons. If I recall, it was about $130, and it is rated to 20°F / -7°C. Continue reading
After my last inflatable sleeping pad sprung multiple leaks, I decided to go all old fashioned and get this basic sleeping pad. There’s really not too much to say about it. At 15 bucks, it’s cheap and does the job fine. You unroll it, it keeps a little distance between the ground and you, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking down on you Continue reading
I have had this sleeping pad for the better part of 4 years. I used to not use a pad at all, but I needed to after sleeping in some uncomfortable places. It wasn’t the uneven ground that bothered me. It was the cold. When you lie on your sleeping bag, it gets squished and doesn’t retain much heat below you. If there is then nothing between you and the cold ground, your heat can get vacuumed right out of you, leaving you chilled and irate in the morning.
I really liked this pad until it broke. Continue reading
After many years of traveling, I have honed down what I need to take with me. I try to travel as Spartan as possible, so there may be things missing that you would want, but this could serve as a good start.
Before going on any trip, I always glance over my list to make sure there is nothing I am missing. The one time I didn’t consult my list, I ended up forgetting my passport and had to pay 164 euros for a hasty taxi ride. I don’t always need everything, as most weekend trips to visit a friend don’t necessitate a sleeping bag and tent, but I find it’s better to scour through this and eliminate things I don’t need than trying to go from memory and forget something crucial. Continue reading
Brewery: MONYO Brewing Co.
Brewery Location: Budapest, Hungary
Alcohol: 9.5%
This was one of the beers I had my first night in Budapest. It was a strong one, and it didn’t take too many more beers after this one before we were all feeling it.