Backpacking Tips To Enjoy Summer!

Well, we've made it to summer! Prime time for Hiking and Backpacking!

What can I do to enjoy my next trip?

Invest in Good Gear! While most everyone knows you'll need Hiking Boots, a Backpack, and a Tent, there are a few other things to make your trip more enjoyable.

What else should I include on my next trip? I've got 3 pieces of Backpacking Gear that are sure to make your next trip more enjoyable!

1.) Consider Trekking Poles. Why? Trekking Poles (Hiking Poles) will really make your hike more enjoyable. For years I thought they were pointless. I kept telling myself, "I enjoy hiking with my hands free, swinging along as I go." Boy, was I wrong! After being convinced to give them a try on a hike through Glacier National Park, I decided I would never hike again without a pair of trekking poles. They take the pressure off your knees, they allow you to climb up and down mountains with greater stability, and they make stream crossing much more enjoyable (and safer).

2.) Pack a Hydration Bladder (Water Bladder, Hydration Pack, etc.) in your backpack. The first time I used one of these guys, I couldn't believe how great they are. They are very inexpensive and hold as much water as you want. But the real advantage is that you never have to stop to get a drink and your hands are free to use those trekking poles!

3.) Use a Dependable Headlamp. Here again, a headlamp allows you to walk freely without holding a flash light or light. After dark, you need both hands! A headlamp enables you to work hands free. You can set up camp if you're running late, you can cook your meal, you can play a game of cards, and Trust me, when "nature calls" in the middle of the night, you don't want to have to mess with a flashlight.

Of course, there are lots of other things to take along and we'll talk about them another time. In the mean time, if you've got questions, feel free to post a comment or drop us a line at info@gearwild.com

As always, don't forget to check us out online at http://www.gearwild.com/

The Top Rated, Best Selling Backpacking Gear is on the Way!

Great News! GearWild.com is Now an Authorized Retailer for Cascade Designs - Maker of MSR, Thermarest, and Platypus.

If you've spent any time in the woods, you know MSR and their famous 2 Person ultralight Hubba Hubba tent, the Pocket Rocket backpacking stove, and much more. Thermarest manufactured the first self inflating sleeping pad and is the top name in the industry, and Platypus makes it easy to drink on the go!

Our first order is due to arrive around Friday, May 1 and we'll be quickly getting the Newest Gear onto the Site!

Looking for something new? Drop us a line and we'll do our best to get it for you (if we don't already stock it.)

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

Leatherman, Brunton, Nalgene, Optimus, and More!

Last year was a Great Year for GearWild.com And its all thanks to our loyal "gearheads!"

We'd like to take a moment and say "Thanks for your support!" In addition to the many orders and product shipments, we received many compliments and praise from fellow backpackers and the like. Thanks again! We wouldn't be here without you!

We've been busy since the major December shopping season. In fact, in the past two weeks we've launched many new products and plan to offer many, many more.

GearWild.com is an Authorized Dealer for Leatherman, Brunton, Nalgene, Optimus, as well as many more brands. We're working hard to make GearWild.com your one stop for all your Outdoor needs!

We are currently carrying new knives, saws, stoves, water bottles, fire starting supplies, and much more. Check out all the great products and deals at www.GearWild.com

Looking for something specific? Drop us a line at info@gearwild.com and we'll do our best to get it for you, and of course, at a great price! Of course, we're always happy to talk to fellow outdoorsman! Give us a call at 800-691-7227 and we'll be happy to help!

Thanks again for the support!

Question #5 - How Do I Cook My Meals on the Mountain?

This is an excellent question and its got a super simple answer!

The backpacking stoves available today are amazing! The super light weight stoves can boil water in only a couple minutes! They are very efficient and weigh practically nothing!

Remember that expression "Every Ounce Counts" really applies when backpacking. Snow peak has designed the Lightest stove in the world, the Lite Max stove! Its available now at GearWild.com and has been very popular!

Looking for something super easy to use? All our stoves lite in seconds. The Jetboil and the Giga Power Auto stoves have an auto igniter. The Jetboil packs up super small and includes the cup you need to cook! It is one of the most fuel efficient stoves on the market today! It was rated #1 by Backpacker Magazine!

If you're looking for something a little lighter, check out the Trek 700 Starter Kit. It inludes the manual Giga Power Stove (no auto igniter) and the Trek 700 Stove with a Spork all in one great value pack! Its a super light, super combo!

Not sure what you need? Drop us a line at info@gearwild.com or call 800-691-7227 and we'll be happy to help!

Question #4 - What Do I Eat?

What Do I Eat? That's a great question! Think about this . . . You're all the way out in the woods and you're enjoying the views and suddenly, the stomach starts to rumble!

No worries! Why? Because Mountain House and Backpacker's Pantry have come up with some amazing meals. Meals that taste great, have zero mess, and weigh practically nothing. Its a hiker's dream come true. Trust me! They taste great! And they are ready to eat in 10 minutes or less. It doesn't get any better than that.

Now you might be thinking, "How can that be?" Well, the meals are actually Pre-Cooked and then Freeze Dried. They are packed in a foil pouch and you simply add boiling water and you're ready to go. And the weight? Actually they are extremely light because all the water has been removed! Plus they will last a super long time! Some of the meals have expiration dates of 3-5 years. You can stock up now, and use them on many trips down the road. Or, as many of my customers do, you can put them in your emergency kit at home! Its a win, win situation!

Do they lose their flavor over time? No! The Freeze-Dry process actually locks in the flavor and freshness. I know, it just doesn't sound that good! Can they really taste like a delicious meal? I can assure, they do! I've eaten every variety that I sell. I would never hesitate to recommend them to my friends and family. There are many varieties on the market, but I only sell the ones that really taste good!

My personal favorites are the Mountain House Chicken Breast & Mashed Potatoes, the Beef Stew, the Lasagna with Meat Sauce. The list goes on and on! Don't forget to try the Breakfasts and the Desserts. They are delicious too!

Give them a try! You'll be glad you did!

Questions on Meals? Questions on a Trip? Drop me a line at gearwild@gmail.com