Camping Gear Archives - https://www.ozroamer.com.au/category/news-reviews/products-and-accessories/camping-gear/ Travel | Leisure | Lifestyle Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:28:59 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.ozroamer.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cropped-1x1-32x32.jpg Camping Gear Archives - https://www.ozroamer.com.au/category/news-reviews/products-and-accessories/camping-gear/ 32 32 Camping Essentials in 2023: What You Need to Bring https://www.ozroamer.com.au/camping-essentials-in-2023-what-you-need-to-bring/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 07:38:31 +0000 https://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=13891 Whether you want to explore local wonders or destress from the hustle of daily life, camping is an excellent way to attune yourself to nature. [...]

The post Camping Essentials in 2023: What You Need to Bring appeared first on .

]]>
Whether you want to explore local wonders or destress from the hustle of daily life, camping is an excellent way to attune yourself to nature.

tent

Not only does camping provide a great opportunity to get out of the house and explore nature, but it also allows you to bond with your friends, family, or even just yourself.

That said, to truly make the most of your camping journey, you should always have in your possession some camping gear and supplies.

The right supplies will enhance your camping experience by providing better comfort and convenience, allowing you to make the most out of your trip.

Without further ado, here’s a list of camping essentials that you should always have on hand this 2023!

1) Tent

Tents are a mainstay in any camping excursion. This erectable shelter shields you against the elements and keeps bugs and unwanted pests at bay.

There are multiple types of tents you can pitch and call home. The most common type of tent is the A-frame tent, which peaks in the middle and is shaped like a triangle. This tent is perfectly acceptable for one or two people on most camping trips.

If you want a more spacious tent to accommodate your friends and family, an extended dome or tunnel tent can also be a viable alternative. Be sure to bring all the parts that come with the tent for assembly, namely the poles, stakes, and a rain fly.

2) Sleeping Bags and Rollaway Beds

While a tent helps protect you from the elements, a sleeping bag keeps you cozy and provides much-needed insulation when temperatures drop during the night.

Sleeping bags are also lightweight and can be compressed for portability. While more hardened campers can withstand the solid ground behind their backs, sleeping bags are too much of a comfort item to pass up, especially for beginners and families. For family campers who don’t like sleeping bags and want to snuggle with the little ones, rollaway beds are your best choices. These types of beds can provide comfort, space, mobility, and are easy to carry. For more information visit Sleepify guide to learn more.

3) Hiking Shoes

If you don’t want to ruin your sparkling new sneakers and render them unusable after a hiking trip, get yourself a pair of actual hiking shoes or boots.

Hiking shoes are specially designed to provide more ankle support and stability on inclined terrain. The outer sole is also made with a rugged rubber material that can bite into moist ground, helping improve balance and control.

4) Cooking Gear

A night spent around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and grilling up a meal is an essential part of any camping adventure.

But to make that happen, you’ll need to have the right cooking gear. A camp stove, a butane canister, basic cooking utensils, a multi-purpose knife, and a pan for cooking are all essentials when going out for a camping trip.

If you’re the type of person who needs coffee in the morning, a pot and pot filter are also essential items you should bring along with you. Lastly, and most importantly, bring a can or a sealed bag of food that you plan to eat on the trip.

5) Light Sources

When the sun goes down, you won’t have street lights or ceiling lights to guide you in the dark; only the moon and the stars.

Even if you’re just staying around the campsite, you should always bring some light sources with you. Lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps are all great light sources for camping.

You should also bring extra batteries to make sure you never run out of illumination during the night. If setting up a fire is allowed in the campsite, you can also bring firestarters and a lighter to provide continuous light and warmth in your base.

6) Insulated Water Bottle and a Life Straw

Camping entail many hours of trekking and hiking on trails. And to make sure you stay energized throughout the excursion, you need to have a good amount of water with you that can last the duration of the trip.

It’s recommended that each person brings at least 2 gallons of water for a 2-day camping excursion. With the hot temperatures and physical activity level taken into account, this figure offers just the right amount of hydration for people.

If you want to keep your water cold and refreshing, an insulated bottle can maintain the temperature of its contents for up to 24 hours, perfect for hot, overnight hikes.

Furthermore, when you find yourself in a precarious situation, having access to clean drinking water is of utmost importance. A life straw can help ensure your safety by allowing you to filter and drink water safely from any nearby streams and swimming holes.

7) Hiking Bag

A common beginner’s mistake is to rely on a conventional backpack to hold all their items for them. That’s a recipe for disasters and will leave you prone to suffering aches later on.

If you want to prevent your back from straining the day after the hike, then you should invest in a hiking bag.

These bags are engineered to distribute weight evenly throughout your lumbar, spine, and shoulders, reducing a high load of compensatory pressure.

Hiking bags that are stocked at only a few retailers such as Maplestore also come with many features that most traditional backpacks don’t.

For one, these bags have external straps you can tie around your waist. They also have pads for back support and a rainproof cover to protect your belongings when you find yourself in a downpour.

These features make them much more trek-ready than your standard school or work backpack.

The post Camping Essentials in 2023: What You Need to Bring appeared first on .

]]>
Freezing Fears – A Survivalist’s Guide to Camping in the Cold https://www.ozroamer.com.au/freezing-fears-a-survivalists-guide-to-camping-in-the-cold/ Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:44:03 +0000 https://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=11015 Camping can be a great way to experience the great outdoors, but the weather can always dampen the mood. If you prepare yourself properly, you can still have a great time camping, even if the weather is on the cold side. [...]

The post Freezing Fears – A Survivalist’s Guide to Camping in the Cold appeared first on .

]]>
Fear of freezing campingCamping can be a great way to experience the great outdoors, but the weather can always dampen the mood. If you prepare yourself properly, you can still have a great time camping, even if the weather is on the cold side.

Sleeping warm

While you can keep yourself warm by an open fire, you are advised not to sleep near one that isn’t monitored. It is often once you’re trying to sleep that you start to feel the cold tear through you. Some tips for ensuring you stay warm when you’re sleeping include:

  • Sleep on something that insulates you from the ground. Camping beds and inflatable mattresses both keep you off the cold ground and away from the lumpy ground.
  • Ensure you are using a winter sleeping bag. You can get sleeping bags for different conditions, ranging from being lightweight and good for summer to ones that can survive arctic conditions. Ensure the sleeping bag you use is suited for the type of weather you are facing.
  • As most heat escapes from your head you should consider getting a sleeping bag that insulates your head. You can also bring a beanie or balaclava to keep your head warm.
  • Some people find their nose gets cold to the point of interrupting their sleep. You can use a scarf, handkerchief or a specialty nose warmer.
  • Bringing a pillow from home is a good way to stay comfortable when you sleep, but you can also get camping pillows which can be tightly compressed or inflated to save on space. If you forget to bring one, some of your softer clothing can be lumped together inside a T-shirt.
  • Buy a tent suited to the weather conditions. Some tents are better insulated and waterproof than others. Don’t forget to keep your tent closed.
  • Change your clothes before you get into your sleeping bag. This will help keep your sleeping bag clean and will ensure you don’t smell like smoke. It is also hard to stay warm if your clothes are dirty or damp.

Cold weather clothing

One of the most important things to keep in mind when camping in the cold is that you will want to remain dry. If your clothes get wet, you will be even colder. Here are some other tips for cold weather camping clothes.

  • Layering your clothes is one of the best ways to retain body heat.
  • You can get Long Johns and undershirts or skivvies that are designed specifically for cold weather. Wearing these under your clothes is a must.
  • Gloves are a great way to keep your hands warm, particularly waterproof ones that won’t get wet if they touch the snow or in the rain.
  • Waterproof jackets and wind-blocking jackets are also essential.
  • Some socks are more sensible than others. Thermal socks are probably your best bet, but you can also get water-resistant socks and ones suited to particular activities. It depends on where you are going and what activities you’ll be doing.
  • The shoes you wear camping are very important. Ensure you wear water-resistant boots when camping.
  • Beanies can be essential for stopping heat from escaping from out of your head.

Getting kids ready for camping in the cold

If you are taking your kid’s camping for the first time, you might want to practice camping in your backyard first so they can learn how to be safe and can learn to stay warm. It is best to sleep in the same tent as your kids so you can ensure they don’t get scared and don’t freeze.

Good food for staying warm

Eating is a good way to stay warm, especially if it something with a lot of carbs or starch. This can include pasta, rice, meat, potatoes and much more. You can find ideas here. These types of meals will be good for your body to process and keep warm during the night.

Avoid too many liquids

Most camping trips will involve alcohol and caffeine, but both of these can make you feel colder. This is because they both increase the blood flow to your skin. It is better to sleep with an empty bladder so you don’t have to get up and go out into the cold to relieve yourself.

With all this in mind, you will be sure to stay warm and enjoy your next camping trip, even if the weather is a bit cold!

The post Freezing Fears – A Survivalist’s Guide to Camping in the Cold appeared first on .

]]>
Tips for New Campers in 2019 https://www.ozroamer.com.au/tips-for-new-campers-in-2019/ Wed, 30 Jan 2019 05:17:21 +0000 https://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=10241 For some, the thought of camping is a scarier prospect than a visit to the dentist. However, with good advice and preparation, camping is extremely rewarding. [...]

The post Tips for New Campers in 2019 appeared first on .

]]>
Top tips for first-time new campers Sleeping under the stars is an unforgettable experience.

 

For some, the thought of camping is a scarier prospect than a visit to the dentist. However, with good advice and preparation, camping is extremely rewarding.

There’s something special about embracing the great outdoors; being in touch with nature and enjoying the simple life. And we can help to make your first camping adventure a memorable one.

These handy tips should inspire you to embrace the tent. Happy camping!

Pen, paper and camping equipment

Making a checklist ensures packing is a much easier process.

Part one: Before you reach your campsite

Pack wisely: While it’s important to have the essentials, there’s no need to pack as if you’re going on a six-month voyage to Antarctica.

Overpacking is a common phenomenon among first-time travelers or campers, so if you find yourself guilty of it, don’t fret.

Avoid stress and be sensible and efficient when packing. And make a checklist.

The same rule applies if purchasing camping gear. First-time campers can spend a small fortune on every single gadget available. Keep it simple: buy your camping gear from Globo Surf and build on your camping gear as you go.

As much as possible, get items that serve multiple purposes. Multi-tools can save you a lot of money and storage space, and you can still be confident that you’re well-equipped.

For example, choose a watch that will not only tell the time for you but also be functional and useful for your camping activities.

An ingenious suggestion was for first-time campers to choose a campsite within close range of a hardware store. This way, you can easily grab a spare item or three in case you are ill-prepared.

Most importantly, make sure that the camping items you’ll be bringing are all eco-friendly. At the very least, they should be reusable and not harsh to the environment. You can start with the basics, such as choosing recycled toilet paper, washable travel towels, non-plastic cooking and eating utensils, and non-chemical-based personal hygiene products.

You can also find outdoor shops that sell camping gear made from 100% recycled or organic materials. It pays to invest in eco-friendly backpacks, sleeping bags, blankets, and even hammocks, especially if you plan on pursuing camping as a long-term hobby.

Be prepared for rain: Conspiracy theorists will tell you Mother Nature likes to play havoc with campers – some even suggest their mere presence at a campsite could provide relief to drought-stricken areas. To ensure the scoreline is You 1, Mother Nature 0, be prepared for wet-weather camping.

Firstly, check that your tent is rainproof before departure. Pack a raincoat and boots and place a spare set of clothes in a waterproof bag for extra insurance.

Be sure to pack a tarpaulin or two; these are also useful to protect against the sun and wind. And bring along plastic bags and ziplock bags – they always seem to come in handy for storing items when it rains.

Remember that weather can be interchangeable: While the weather forecast might predict a run of warm days, it’s important to be prepared for interchangeable weather when camping. Warm clothes may be even required when camping in summer: in some places, overnight temperatures are capable of plummeting faster than a waterfall.

So, make sure to prepare cold-combating essentials in case you find yourself trapped in freezing temperatures. Apart from thick clothes, bring heated sleeping gear and load up on carb-rich food.

Year-round items worth packing when camping include earplugs and a comfortable chair.

Smiling children inside tent.

Camping can be an extremely enjoyable experience for children.

Expect all conditions: In light of extremes in the weather, be armed with back-up activities in case the elements are not working in your favour. A bored camper is not a happy camper.

Make a cooking checklist: Remember that you might not have access to all your regular cooking utensils and equipment – so make a checklist of essential items. Be practical: plastic or disposable cutlery, crockery, mugs, and cups are ideal when camping.

“A bored camper is not a happy camper.”

Invite experienced campers to join you: If you have trepidation about going alone, coax experienced campers to come along for the ride – they may be able to share valuable advice.

If you’re going on a solo camping trip, try to build rapport with other campers you’ll run into. More often than not, they’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.

Consider a trial run: Particularly if camping with children. Even a simple exercise like pitching a tent in your backyard can go a long way to making it easier when it comes time for the ‘real thing’.

Children pitching tent in backyard

A trial run in the backyard is a great way to prepare yourself for camping.

Part two: When at your campsite.

Check the ground: Before you set up, check the ground under which the tent will stand and clear away any loose objects. This will ensure greater comfort.

Prepare for rain (again): If it’s raining, keep bedding and other items away from the walls of your tent to avoid rain leaking through to the inside. We won’t explain the exact science behind it, but trust us – this simple advice will save you a world of pain.

Be aware of restrictions during fire season: Conversely, be aware of fire bans and restrictions in the area you are travelling, otherwise you could be up for a hefty fine. Of greater concern, you don’t want to be responsible for starting an out-of-control fire.

Socialise with fellow campers: Don’t be shy when camping – socialise with your fellow campers. It’s enjoyable and you may even pick up some handy hints along the way.

“If it’s raining, keep bedding and other items away from the walls of your tent to avoid rain leaking through to the inside.”

Consider an upgrade

Still not convinced? Well, there’s a suitable compromise thanks to the emergence of ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping). With this trend you can experience the joys of ‘roughing it’ without having to forsake any of your creature comforts. It’s a win-win situation!

Several BIG4 Holiday Parks offer safari-style tents that fall straight into the glamping category. This accommodation option comes complete with ready-made tents – no setting up is required – and some even include amenities such as a shower, fridge, and microwave.

Inside of safari glamping tent

Safari tents provide an extra level of comfort.

The post Tips for New Campers in 2019 appeared first on .

]]>
Micks DIY Portable FireBox https://www.ozroamer.com.au/micks-diy-portable-firebox/ Thu, 17 Jan 2019 02:34:04 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=7715 Whether you’ve gone out for a long day of driving or you’re about to start and everyone is getting warmed up, there is always that feeling that it’s about time for a cuppa. There are a number of options for heating the water, from the small gas burners to breaking out the BBQ, or, in my case start a little fire to boil the billy. [...]

The post Micks DIY Portable FireBox appeared first on .

]]>
Micks Fire Pit Micks Firebox –  Whether you’ve gone out for a long day of driving or you’re about to start and everyone is getting warmed up, there is always that feeling that it’s about time for a cuppa. 

There are a number of options for heating the water, from the small gas burners to breaking out the BBQ, or, in my case start a little fire to boil the billy.  The “fire” option is really in all of us isn’t it?  Hands up if you don’t enjoy starting a fire from scratch.  Just as I thought – no one.  Sometimes it can be hard to get the rock rim level for balancing a pan or pot so the alternative is a firebox.  There are a number of videos on the web with these and they are ideal for a small cookout using a frypan or something similar.    Even a small one runs near $100.00 then add a cover. For the 10 best camping gear and gadgets to buy in 2019 check out this article here 

This little article shows how I built a small firebox for free from an old 2kg gas bottle that I can carry in the Ute and is small and fairly light. I certainly will not be backpacking around with this but it only weighs about 1 Kg. I can even fill it with some wood before leaving so I know I am right to go when I get there.   Remember: Safety first so make sure to follow the instructions about purging the bottle.

Step 1:  Obtain the gas bottle.  That was easy.  I am member of a local community Facebook page so I put a call out for anyone who wanted to dispose of a 2kg gas bottle and it didn’t matter if it was out of date as it for a small project.  Within 15 minutes I had two replies and the next day picked it up.  It was it very good condition but they are not worth getting checked and people have trouble getting rid of them.

Step 2:  Purging the bottle (remember the safety warning- this is that really important bit).  This involves filling the bottle totally with water and inverting it to let the water drain and fill with air.  Easy in theory at least.

The bottle was well out of date and had a bit of gas in it.  Even a bottle that you think is empty should be purged to make 100% sure.  I opened the valve and within about 30 seconds it was empty.  That night I inverted the bottle and left it with the valve open.  The LPG is heavier than air so in theory it will sink to the bottom and drain out.

Micks Fire Pit

I thought it would be easy to remove the top valve from the bottle….WRONG.  It must have put in by Godzilla on steroids.  Next step then was to close all the valves and carefully grind off the top protective shield so I had better access to the valve.  I still couldn’t crack the seal and budge it. I even tried a sledge hammer.

I opened the valves again and slowly filled the bottle with water.  Due to the valve going into the bottle there is always going to be a little bit of gas left and I had to get that out.  You could smell the gas still coming from the bottle and I did not want an explosion of any sort.

My son’s idea, which I followed, was to lay the bottle on its side and drill a 6mm hole into the water so that it couldn’t spark.  Then rotate the bottle until that hole was at the top and fill it via the valve.  When the water came out the hole I drilled it had to be full.  Finally, it worked and there was no more gas smell.

Step 3:  I marked a line around the bottle so that it would be 18cm (7 inches) high measured from the ground and used an angle grinder to remove the top.  I smoothed the edges and made sure they had no sharp bits. This was the time to check that the cut was level and it was.

 

Micks Fire Pit

Step 4: Back to the 6mm drill and I put 4 holes in the base under the stand and 7 further holes into the body of the bottle.    That was 4 about 8cm up and other 4 about 15cm up.  I wanted a good air flow but not too much as the fire needed to make coals for cooking.  In actual fact that was plenty and if I do it again, I will only start with the base holes and about 4 in the lower half of the bottle.

 

Micks Fire Pit

Micks Fire Pit

Step 5:  Testing.  It worked really well, though I think that a few less air holes would be better.  It burnt a fierce fire and left about 2inches of hot coals on the base for cooking.

 

Micks Fire Pit

I did realise that I should have used a bit of paint remover prior to lighting, but that old paint burnt off as well and, being all steel, the heat that it gave off was actually amazing.

When I made the initial fire, I firstly put some small sticks in as a base to keep it away from the holes at the bottom.  Then the tinder bundle was lit and placed in it and sticks for fuel added.

Hope this generates some interest and if you do give it a try, let us know how it goes.

 

The post Micks DIY Portable FireBox appeared first on .

]]>
AC-PRO VORTEX Air Compressor https://www.ozroamer.com.au/ac-pro-vortex-air-compressor/ Sat, 07 Jun 2014 04:16:47 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=7090 AC-PRO Vortex air compressors are available from automotive, transport and four wheel drive outlets throughout Australia, retailing for $199.00. [...]

The post AC-PRO VORTEX Air Compressor appeared first on .

]]>
AC-PRO VTX200 Air Compressor
Recreational off roaders using large tyres will be impressed by AC-PRO’s all new portable Vortex air compressor (P/No. VTX200).

The Vortex is the largest in the range and provides ultra-rapid inflation, allowing it to re-inflate a 33 inch tyre from 15-30PSI in a lightening fast 1.15 minutes, ultimately reducing downtime and allowing more time on the tracks.

Operating at 160 litres per minute, the 12V 150PSI air compressor ensures tyres – no matter how large – are re-inflated quickly and easily.

Built for the harshest off-road conditions, the compressor features a tough all metal heavy duty construction and utilises stainless steel valves and sealed bearings making it ultra- reliable. A quick access and easy-clean air filter is also standard, offering peace of mind in dusty off-road environments.

Protecting its powerful 600W motor from overheating is an auto-reset thermal overload switch, which ensures the compressor doesn’t falter while off the beaten track, no matter how hard it’s asked to work.

The Vortex air compressor comes complete with heavy duty battery clips, a 2.4 metre cable and a heavy duty eight metre hose with a secure-fit valve attachment.

A very handy in-line tyre pressure gauge is also included with the compressor, featuring a convenient deflator button for quick and easy deflation and tyre pressure correction.

Often four wheel drivers encounter sandy or muddy conditions, so to prevent the Vortex air compressor from burying itself in sand or mud when in use, a convenient sand tray has been fitted to the base.

For added convenience, the compressor and all its fittings pack neatly into the supplied durable carry bag allowing quick and easy stowage.

AC-PRO Vortex air compressors are available from automotive, transport and four wheel drive outlets throughout Australia, retailing for $199.00.

The post AC-PRO VORTEX Air Compressor appeared first on .

]]>
Caribee Tundra Adventurer Sleeping Bags Chloe Fraser Reviews https://www.ozroamer.com.au/caribee-tundra-adventurer-sleeping-bags-chloe-fraser-reviews/ Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:15:57 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=4674 We took the Caribee Tundra Adventurer sleeping bags on the recent trip through the Flinders Ranges, Birdsville, Strzlecki Desert and throughout they kept us warm and toasty even in the freezing desert winter nights. [...]

The post Caribee Tundra Adventurer Sleeping Bags Chloe Fraser Reviews appeared first on .

]]>
Caribee Tundra Adventure Sub Zero Sleeping Bags
We took the Caribee Tundra Adventurer sleeping bags on the recent trip through the Flinders Ranges, Birdsville, Strzlecki Desert and throughout they kept us warm and toasty even in the freezing desert winter nights.

The post Caribee Tundra Adventurer Sleeping Bags Chloe Fraser Reviews appeared first on .

]]>
Kizlyar Supreme Vendetta Outdoor Series https://www.ozroamer.com.au/kizlyar-supreme-vendetta-outdoor-series/ Wed, 31 Jul 2013 08:54:39 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=4659 We introduce an awesome camping knife the Kizlyar Supreme Vendetta knife from the Kizlyar Supreme Outdoor Series. Its made fro AUS8 steel and awesome quality. [...]

The post Kizlyar Supreme Vendetta Outdoor Series appeared first on .

]]>
Kizlyar Supreme Vendetta Knife Outdoor Series
We introduce an awesome camping knife the Kizlyar Supreme Vendetta knife from the Kizlyar Supreme Outdoor Series. Its made fro AUS8 steel and awesome quality.

The post Kizlyar Supreme Vendetta Outdoor Series appeared first on .

]]>
SOG FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk Review https://www.ozroamer.com.au/sog-fasthawk-tactical-tomahawk-review/ Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:09:14 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=4532 We recently had a SOG Fast Hawk Tactical Tomahawk to review on a camping trip. The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F06P-N FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk is an all-purpose tool which is very attractive, light and virtually indestructible. [...]

The post SOG FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk Review appeared first on .

]]>
SOG Fast Hawk Tomahawk Cover
We recently had a SOG Fast Hawk Tactical Tomahawk to review on a camping trip. The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F06P-N FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk is an all-purpose tool which is very attractive, light and virtually indestructible. We used the SOG Fast Hawk Tactical Tomahawk for a number of tasks which we chat about later.

SOG Fast Hawk Tomahawk 1

Part of a range of Tactical Tomahawks from the reputable SOG knife maker the Fast Hawk is designed with military precision and made of 420 stainless steel. This gives it a pristine appearance especially as the head and 2-Inch edge has a polished finish, which fortifies against corrosion and impact damage. We also tested he matt black version.

SOG Fast Hawk Tomahawk Grip

One feature I particularly liked was the grip that felt great in your hand. It is slip free and made of ballistic polymer. This is attached to the head with heavy-duty bolts and a steel ferrule which adds to the overall quality feel. There is a lanyard hole at the base of the handle.The head has a soft nylon sheath that clips securely and can easily be mounted to your backpack, belt or gear.

SOG Fast Hawk Tomahawk chopping

There is a balance between power and portability that is weighed toward portable in mobile operations. At about 30cm long and weighing only half a kilogram the SOG FastHawk is almost a perfect compromise between size and functionality.
On the camping trip we used the Fast Hawk to cut firewood, shave wood, splinter kindling, dig a fire pit in hard ground by loosening the dirt, as a pry bar and lastly as a hammer.

SOG Fast Hawk Tomahawk side view

It performed all these tasks with ease and as expected for a tomahawk of this size. It is a compromise after all and while it was more than adequate it wasn’t as good as individual tools. But then you would be carrying heaps of heavy gear. The blade keeps it edge despite heavy use.

The hammer bit, while useful in a pinch, is not something I would recommend as there is a very sharp blade swinging near your fingers. Not my idea of a smart thing to do.

On the trip, boys being boys we also used the FastHawk as a throwing axe. To be blunt it was brilliant. THE edges stick beautifully, the spike stuck every time and it was light and agile. Personally I prefer a longer handle for throwing though.

SOG products have been around since 1986 with Spencer Frazer’s interpretation of the legendary Studies and Observation Group (SOG) military knife of the Vietnam era. That conflict also gave birth to Peter LaGana’s 1966 interpretation of the fighting ‘hawk, known simply as the Vietnam Tomahawk, to which the FastHawk and Tactical Tomahawk owe their heritage.

On another note the lightweight and shorter handle are ideal s a self defence weapon in close quarters. It is agile and easy to manipulate. While it doesn’t have the trench hawks hook blade it is still a handy piece of equipment to have.

At a price between $45-$60 depending on where you buy it, the SOG F06P-N FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk is definitely worth looking at for a quality, practical lightweight camping axe .

Specifications
• Blade Length: 2″ x .26″
• Overall Length: 31cm
• Weight: 0.5Kg
• Edge: Straight
• Steel: 420
• HRC: 51-53
• Handle: Fiberglass/Nylon
• Finish: Hard cased Black
• Sheath: Nylon
• Country of Origin: China

The post SOG FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk Review appeared first on .

]]>
Burke and Wills Waratah double swag Review https://www.ozroamer.com.au/burke-and-wills-waratah-double-swag-review/ Wed, 29 May 2013 23:09:34 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=4368 One of the most practical sleeping arrangements in the bush is the humble swag. We have for review the Burke and Wills Waratah standard dome swag. [...]

The post Burke and Wills Waratah double swag Review appeared first on .

]]>
Burke and Wills Waratah Swag OzRoamer head end
One of the most practical sleeping arrangements in the bush is the humble swag. We have for review the Burke and Wills Waratah standard dome swag.

Being slightly larger than the average bear we opted for the double with a length of 2150mm, width of 1420mm and height of 750mm. This allows plenty of room to sleep comfortably without feeling restricted. The down side of having the double is that it takes up more room on top of the 4wd.

The Waratah is made from heavy duty 15oz rip stop canvas that is waterproofed and proofed against rotting. Note that while all it is proofed careful care of your swag is needed to maintain and keep in good condition. Putting up the swag is easy and it comes with either a canvas or PVC base to help keep out the cold.

Entry is through the top with a Velcro flap and zip up sand fly mesh that runs for over half the length, vitally important if you don’t want to be scratching for days. There is a large front window and aircraft quality alloy poles to keep everything upright. The top flap has 4 eyelets to allow for multiple tie up points.

You sleep on a 75mm convoluted high density foam mattress with a removable cover. I found it comfortable with the eggshell design however those of larger build may find it a little thin, but I’m not sure how thick the mattress can be and still keep the rolling quality. Inside there are pockets for keys, torch, phone etc which is handy.

Burke and Wills Waratah Swag OzRoamer toe end

Overall the Burke and Wills Waratah double swag allows for fuss free camping, easy to put up and down, comfortable and is priced around $500 which is pretty good value. For another $50 odd you can get the PVC swag bag to keep your swag clean and dry when travelling which is also a great idea.

The post Burke and Wills Waratah double swag Review appeared first on .

]]>
Schrade Extreme Survival Fixed Blade Knife SCHF3N Review https://www.ozroamer.com.au/schrade-extreme-survival-fixed-blade-knife-schf3n-review/ Tue, 28 May 2013 05:26:57 +0000 http://www.ozroamer.com.au/?p=4334 One of the necessities when camping is a durable strong knife. Today we are reviewing the Schrade Extreme Survival Fixed Blade Knife SCHF3N. This is a fierce sounding name but the Schrade SCHF3N is an ideal camping accessory. [...]

The post Schrade Extreme Survival Fixed Blade Knife SCHF3N Review appeared first on .

]]>
Schrade SCHF3N 2
One of the necessities when camping is a durable strong knife. Today we are reviewing the Schrade Extreme Survival Fixed Blade Knife SCHF3N. This is a fierce sounding name but the Schrade SCHF3N is an ideal camping accessory.

The Schrade SCHF3N is part of a range of survival knives from Schrade. This particular version is the non serrated blade version which I prefer.

The SCHF3N is about 30 cm on length overall with the Micarta handle being about 14 cm and the blade 16cm. The blade is a full tang which is extremely important for strength and durability as with normal use camping the knife cops a lot of use, cutting, chopping and general belting.

Overall weight is about 415gm so it has some weight behind it and is just about the perfect size for its intended purpose.. The blade is a hollow ground drop point blade which is more combat or tactical in appearance but practical for camping use.

Schrade SCHF3N finger grip

The blade has a long sweeping point that is practical for piercing carving and more delicate tasks. The thick blade and overall weight aids in chopping etc. The full tang extends beyond the handle to form a handy steel point for crushing things or breaking glass etc.

Schrade SCHF3N 5MM thickness

The SCHF3N is made from 440C high carbon stainless steel and comes extremely sharp from the box. This steel is strong but holds an edge well. The other thing to note is that the blade is 6mm thick, adding to the strength and weight.

One feature I particularly like on this knife is the Micarta handle. Micarta is great for knife handles as its tough, works in all temperatures and easily replaceable. The handle is two blocks of Micarta that are attached at three points by screws.

Schrade SCHF3N jimping

The handle is shaped for finger grips, has an uplift near the hilt for a thumb with jimping on the spine to prevent slipping and fits beautifully in the hand. Use the supplied lanyard and you would find it difficult to drop this knife at all.

Schrade SCHF3N finger grip 3

The other feature that is appealing is the finger hollow on the blade that allows you to grip the knife for fine detail work. This is unusual in such a heavy duty survival knife and allows greater flexibility in use.

Schrade SCHF3N finger grip 2

The sheath is a heavy duty nylon sheath with front pocket for a sharpener, lighting steel, other survival necessities etc. It comes with a plastic insert for the blade to prevent slicing the nylon and the insert is secured by a screw at the bottom and steel grommets.

As the plastic insert can be removed and converted to left handed the knife can be worn either side. A screw at the bottom of the sheath can be undone and the plastic insert can then be removed. You simply turn the insert around, insert it back into the sheath, and replace the screw.

The retention clasp is good because it doesn’t get in the way when you are trying to draw the blade, and there are multiple ways to attach this knife to yourself or your gear.

Overall the Schrade SCHF3N is an excellent camping accessory that is tough, robust, practical and not very expensive. It’s a little hard to find though but well worth the effort.

Schrade Knives Extreme Survival Fixed Blade Knife SCHF3N

Price : around $80
Blade: 6.4 inches (16.2 cm)
Handle: 5.6 inches (14.2 cm)
Weight: 415gm.
Handle Type: Micarta
Steel: 440C High Carbon Stainless Steel
Includes Sheath

The post Schrade Extreme Survival Fixed Blade Knife SCHF3N Review appeared first on .

]]>