Are you Ready for a Spring Backpacking Trip?

As spring rolls around, its time to pull out your gear and take an inventory! And if you need something replaced or upgraded, you know where to look! haha

Actually though, its important to look over your gear now, before the big trip. Make sure you don't have any mildew or damage to your tent (hopefully you didn't store it wet or a damp place), and be sure everything is in good shape.

Why?

Because a little preparation will make you Spring Backpacking trip a real joy. There is nothing more disappointing then packin up the night before your big trip ony to find that something is damaged or ruined from being in storage over the winter! And you certainly don't want to find that out when you get to camp!

Gear Inspection Checklist:
1.) Check the tent for damage at the zippers and seams. If the zipper isn't working, get it fixed or replaced. If you've used the tent a few years, its probably a good idea to seam seal it and make sure that the seems are wearing apart.
2.) Inspect your Backpack. Again, checkout the zippers. Make sure their working good. Inspect the straps to be sure they're not wearing away (When they begin to fray, its a very short period of time before the strap will break!). You don't want the straps breaking on your trip.
3.) Inspect your stove. Make sure its firing up with the igniter (if its got one) and clean it up if deposits have built up on it.
4.) Look at your boots. How are they holding up?
5.) Does your first aid kit need some stuff replaced?

The list goes on and on! The key is don't wait till the last minute. I guarantee at least one piece of gear will need some attention, probably more! Once you get started you'll know what to do.

Questions or comments? Feel free to post below or drop us an email at info@gearwild.com

Jetboil Recall?

Of all the products I've used while on Backpacking trips, one always stands out! My Jetboil! I love to use the Jetboil because it so simple to use, and super efficient! I can have hot tea, hot coffee, or a hot meal in minutes! Its great! And to be honest, the Jetboil company is great as well. They produce top notch products and they stand behind them 100%

So, what's this about a recall?

On July 10th Jetboil revised the fuel valve on their PCS units, as manufacturers commonly do over time. Unfortunately, due to an oversight, that minor adjustment has caused a very very small number of Jetboil units to leak gas from the fuel canister.

So, what did Jetboil do? After receiving only 5 complaints of fuel leakage (and absolutely no one was injured) Jetboil decided to stop using the revised fuel valve. The units affected by the revised fuel valve were produced for about 2 months from July 10th to September 9 and affected about 15,000 Jetboil PCS units. That's 15,000 out of the Hundreds of Thousands of units that have been produced! A Very Small Fraction of a Percent! No units produced before July 10th or after September 9th have used these valves.

But, is that it? Did Jetboil just stop using those valves and forget about the situation! What did they do?

Despite the fact that no one has ever been injured, Jetboil immediately contacted all their dealers and the US Product Safety Commission to recall those defective units.

Most of the units were shipped back to Jetboil from the dealers (at Jetboil's cost) and the very few remaining units that were sold to consumers are also being replaced by Jetboil for Free.

How Do I know if I have a Defective Unit?

First Off, all units purchased from GearWild.com since that time are Not Affected By the Recall. And All units currently in stock are 100% safe and ready to use. If you've been looking for the Jetboil, don't let this stop you! Its an awesome product!

But, what if I purchased a Jetboil from another dealer, or between July and September, prior to the recall? How do I know if my unit is being recalled?

Jetboil Has Provided This Easy To Understand Graphic to Explain Which Valve Has Been Recalled:

Just flip over your Jetboil and look at the bottom of the burner. If you have a round valve ("A" Style) Jetboil then your unit is 100% Safe! If you have a squared valve with letters stamped on the bottom ("C" Style) then you are 100% Safe! However, if you unit has a squared valve with no letters stamped on the bottom ("B" Style) then your unit is one of the very few units that are being recalled.

What should you do, if your unit is being recalled? Call (888) 611-9905 and Jetboil will take care of you! Its that simple!

Why do I feel so positive about this situation? Very simply, I believe in Jetboil products. They are top notch! I use one on every trip and will continue to!

Questions or comments? Post a message or drop us a line at info@gearwild.com