26 Feb 2013

First Look: Eastpak Kruizer Velow Messenger Bag

Not all reviews or in this case, a first look, have to revolve around hiking gear in my opinion. And since this is my blog I can do whatever the heck I like :p .
I do a lot of biking to get to places or just for the sport of it and hence I thought I'd share my first look on my newly acquired Eastpak Kruizer Velow, a whole mouthful.


Eastpak Kruizer on my back

10 Jan 2013

Extremities Inferno Mitt, a short term review

I always have cold hands, whether it's summer and 20°C, when I shake hands with someone, they are always surprised of the cold touch. Now it's winter and when temps sometimes drop to a mild -3°C (although we've been having 6° to 10°C lately!) I like something a bit warmer than fine windproof liners.

In comes the Inferno Mitt from Extremities, and I have been them for some time in when it was cold in November/beginning December. So let's see how they performed so far and I'll keep you updated.


Extremities Inferno Mitts

27 Nov 2012

Gear Review: Light windproof gloves from 'den Aldi'

It's time to write about a pair of gloves that's been my trusty companions for over 3 years.
The Windproof Upper
I believe that so many years of use deserve a review, even when they're not from a brand but were bought from Aldi. Sometimes, they sell something usable there, really!

Alright, time to hit the specs and what I think of them, go and read on...

1 Oct 2012

Eifelsteig: The Gear Overview

As promised you still have to get an overview of the gear we used on our trip, you can see a gear list further down. Do not count this as a gear review and enjoy :) .

The Backpack
First of all I want to start with the pack, this was my first trip with the Laufbursche Huckepack (Large) and thus my very first trip with an ultralight backpack. It sat comfy and packing it was easy thanks to the brochure that came with it and of course the movie Hendrik made, or this example.

I used my Thermarest Prolite Plus as the burrito and filled it. Trying it on was a revelation: It actually sat very good, I was not in pain and didn't grin over the weight. The HuckePack is a huge improvement over my old pack.
I can now move around, my back is more flexible, and my hip straps don't hurt, in fact I only used them when we just refilled water or to move the weight from my shoulders. Most part of the trip my pack was light enough for shoulders only-carrying.

The HuckePack on my back
(don't mind the garbage)

All in all I like the pack a lot! Its quality build, its details and its simplicity. I did need getting used to the lid because the sides are sewn on the the pack, still trying to figure out how to keep it open and upright.

28 Sept 2012

Hiking The Eifelsteig Lighter: Roetgen - Nettersheim

The vacation started drawing to an end, soon Sarah would be in school and time would become a scarse good. The perfect time frame thus for planning a last longer hike.

The first camping spot

Out of many hikes, such as the Wildnis Trail or the Müllerthaler trail, we decided we had time enough to do the first sections of the well known Eifelsteig. We started planning, booked our tickets and packed our bags. 

The lovely autumn spirit mixed with the last of summer made for a splendid setting and we hiked from Roetgen to Nettersheim where a train would take us back home.

Go ahead and read more about how our 5 day trip was...

23 Aug 2012

UL Hydration Packs: Daklapack

Hello dear reader,

Today I would like to share a new hydration system with you. Well, not really a system, more like a Platy Bottle but I think it might be better because it is a) cheaper and b) lighter.

The 2,5L and 1L Daklapack Spoutbag

Put everything aside and read on to learn more

19 Aug 2012

A Visit to the Laufbursche Workshop

It's Saturday morning, the 11th august,  and the train is leaving at 7:50, an early rise thus for a much awaited visit to the Laufbursche workshop in Cologne.

Get to know the man who makes great stuff, learn some tips and get some inside info, all after the break.