Flashlights

Part 2 of my favorite gear items, flashlights. This isn't as solid as the knife talk for the reason that there are more variables. With knives it's weight, blade length, sheath, and for some blade steel. For flashlights it's slightly more complicated with weight, run-time, max lumens, low lumens, special settings, battery type and click switch vs twist. It doesn't sound like that much more, but believe me, there's more decisions to be made. Here's the top ones I've found from forums research, mainly backpackinglight.com and candlepowerforums.com.

Flashlight	Weight w/o bat	Lumens	Runtime	Price	Battery
Photons	.2 - .3 with	4.5 + var + s	12 - 18 hr	10 - 16	button cell
Inova	.35 with	1 / 6 + s	22 hr / 10 hr	8	2 buttons
Fenix E05	0.45	8 / 25/ 85	15 hr / 45 min	20	AAA (.4 oz)
Fenix LD02	0.56	8 / 25 / 100	15 hr / 30 min	40	AAA
4sevens Preon	0.6	2 / 10 / 84 +s	23 hr / 1 hr	40	AAA
4sevens ML	0.6	4 / 48 / 216 +s	150 hr / 1.2 hr	33	CR123 (.6 oz)
4sevens MLX	0.6	1.4 / 54 / 252 +s	100 hr / 1 hr	50	CR123
Zebra	1.16 w/o band	.01 -> 446	3 month/ 1.4 hr	69	CR123

Photon Light 2: This light by LRI seems to be the ultralight favorite. It's lightweight, reasonable run-time for the battery and relatively cheap. There's a couple different versions of this, with the classic being the most common, but there's also the Pro, which is waterproof and the Freedom which gives a little more function. Price is also very reasonable for a flashlight but is a little on the expensive side for a battery and a LED (which this light is more than). .2 ounces including battery is more than appealing, but the 4.5 lumens leaves a little to be desired. Could I get away with 4.5 lumens for the whole trip? Sure. Do I want to make that sacrifice? Not really. I'm more than willing to throw a couple dollars at a light that weighs an ounce (with battery) more for more lumens and a longer run-time. But this light definitely fits the bill for EDC and ultralight.

NiteIze Inova: I don't think I saw any forum posts on this light, but it was one of the top choices in an Amazon search. Similar to the Photon but with two batteries rather than one, it allows a longer run time and a 1 lumen / 6 lumen combo. Price is a little cheaper, and the main reason I looked at this light was because I though it had a pocket clip on it. The metal key ring attachment looks open to me, such that you might be able to just slide it onto a ball-cap and have a headlamp. But, I'm pretty sure that's not the case. I've read of people putting velcro on their Photon 2's, which I think is a great idea, but having a clip as part of the package, would have been awesome. Still, it's a valid option for ultralighters, and a contender with the photon.

Fenix E05: This was the most common light for those packing more than a photon. It has a flood lens, is quite lightweight and takes one AAA. Runtime is good, and the functionality is good. The Pre-2014 version was simply a twist on-off 27 lumens, but the 2014 version has three modes. I show the high and low run times in there along with the 25 medium lumen mode. 15 hours on 8 lumens is a pretty good run-time for a 1.5 volt battery. Of course if you're doing night hiking (which we are not planning on doing), you could find yourself requiring a battery in your mail drops. Even then, not having a spare or pre-emptive battery change could find you without a light for a couple nights. A lot of people like this a step up from the Photon and I can definitely see why.

Fenix LD02: Very similar to the E05 but with a throw lens rather than a flood. A little more lumens for a little less run-time. If you're about hot spots, this would be a happy medium between more weight/expense and low cost floods. It also includes a pocket clip that you could attach to your ball-cap which I think should be included with the E05 as well. It should be a good low weight choice for a solid light, but for some reason, I'm not all that attracted to it.

Foursevens Preon 1: I have their Preon 2 model which is simply two AAA rather than one. My fiancé got it for me as a gift, and while I don't EDC it, it rides in my work truck with me and comes out when I need to read an electric meter in a basement. I originally wanted it as really awesome pen light (which it is), but don't find myself using it near as much as I would like to. Run-time for the Preon 1 is really good and I like the special functions. But similar to the LD02, I just find myself either wanting less or more.

Foursevens ML: This is my top two choice. I haven't decided on what I want, but this is a solid contender. 150 hours on 4 lumens!? Yes please. Yes, it's a CR123A battery, and yes the battery cost is a little more and yes it's .2 ounces more. But not having to worry about my battery dying or replacing it for the entire trip, definitely appealing. Did I mention it throws 216 lumens!? If I have a bear in camp, boy will I be glad to shine that in it's eyes. My Fenix LD20, which was my first good flashlight is in the low 200 range and I absolutely love that 2 x AA light. But, the weight on this ML is outstanding. I can more than justify $33 Amazon price for this light to come along with me.

Foursevens MLX: A brother/sister of the ML, it's really just a slightly different model. Nearly everything is the same but it totes a 252 lumens instead of 216. Big difference? Naw. And the huge drawback for me is the loss of 50 hours run-time on low which is also only at 1.4 instead of 4. Would 1.4 be useful? Absolutely. But if I'm going to drop to 1.4 I would require the run-time to be more than less. Obviously this is a trade-off with the variation in the Cree emitter, but that's too significant a handicap for only a 36 lumen gain.

Zebralight H302w: There is so much I love about this light, practically everything, except for the price. Look, I understand high quality usually comes with higher prices, but with a wedding to pay for, and student loans still raining over my head, can I justify it? Well... yes, I can, but should I? Weight is great (for what it is) and the functions are just outstanding (a total of 15 including special modes) and it is designed to be used as a flashlight/headlight combo. 3 month low run-time!? Yes, it's .01 and I'm not sure that will be very usable but even at 2.5 lumens its still 192 hours. Did I mention it has 15 modes? I love versatility and the way this bad boy works is you have 6 standard modes. 3 for L/M/H and 3 for L/M/H "second tier". In each of the L/M/H of the second tier you can program it to choose one of two options (except the Low setting has three options). Does that customizability really matter? Well, no... Is it super awesome? YES! But in all seriousness if you want to set it up for 8.5 Lm, 2.5 Lm and .37 Lm as your Low/Medium2/Low2 settings, you totally can. Or say you want a midway between the Low1 (8.5) and M1 (50) so you choose your M2 to be 22 Lm. Go for it! It's up to you and you can decide how your run-time is affected by what you need. There are 4 options for the lower end of this Zebra model, a flood cool/neutral white and a throw cool/neutral white. I've read that neutral is the preferred for wilderness as it provides a more realistic color balance of nature than a cool white which tends to wash out the colors. But the neutral white is perceived as less bright as the cool white for the same reason. I always thought I liked throw, but I saw a video on Youtube showing the comparison of the two models (the 1090 lumen versions) and I was really impressed with the flood. For a backpacking scenario I think that would be the preferable way to go. This light was the third most chosen for backpacking, #1 Photon, #2 Fenix E05 and #3 Zebralight, but still had a significant following. In the world of flashlights it's surprisingly unheard of, but from what I can tell, it's a serious contender for backpacking.


So my choice isn't final, but for me, it's a competition for the Foursevens ML and Zebralight H302w. I think I'm going to get the ML and give a test run, as it is the cheaper option, and if I don't love it... well, you can probably guess (and maybe it's an excuse to add a sweet flashlight to my collection too).

Knife Talk

So, as you will soon learn. I am a knife nut and also a flashaholic. It may not seem like it, since my inventory is rather low, but that's just because I don't have the money to spare for it ; ) To make up for that, I'm all about research. Getting the best bang for my buck, choosing budget/economy options, allowing myself to buy one or two things that are of high quality that I will use over and over. Obviously, this post is about knives. I looked at forum posts, notably, whiteblaze.net, edcforums.com, bladeforums.com and survivalistboards.com to see what people EDC (every day carry) on the trail. I also checked out numerous posts regarding normal fixed blade EDCs. The following spreadsheet is my top options.

Knife	Weight w/o sheath	Blade length	Sheath	Price	Tang
Russell Woods	1.2	2 3/8ths	leather/kydex	23 / 28	full
Russell Hunter	0.5	2.5	plastic neck	20	3/4?
ESEE Izula	2	2.6	kydex	50	full
Mora 2/0	1.8	2.9	plastic neck	18	3/4?
Classic SAK	0.8 / .6	1.5 + scissor	none	15 / 21	no
Manager SAK	0.8	1.5 + bottle	none	27	no
CRKT Min	1.1	2	kydex	22	full
Small Leatherman?

Let me explain each one and why I put it on there (knife nuts enjoy, all others, skip to the end).

A.G. Russell Woodswalker: I love the look of this knife. It's simple, its elegant, it's built for utility. Full sized handle, average small blade size, and has a unique angle to it, that was designed to keep your hand above the object being worked on. The two sheath options are leather and a kydex neck-knife style sheath (priced respectively). The weight is good, allowing for the full tang/handle. This is a knife that will one day be in my collection, but perhaps not quite yet.

A.G. Russell Hunter Scalpel: Simple, and with a single-built purpose, for hunting. Obviously, it can be used for other things, but this little (and I mean little) gem is pretty much a caping knife for skinning game. I like the safety button sheath, I love the weight, and the blade length is more than capable. But, I'm wary of the tang and plastic handle as well as the blade geometry. It seems to be a Full Flat Grind, but again, designed for skinning. That means "scalpel" sharp with a delicate edge. While this would be great for opening up food packages and digging out splinters or what not, what if I want to build a fire? Would I use this for processing wood? I can't imagine myself doing so. I think a great EDC and ultralight option, but not enough capability for me. I want to mention, that I considered carrying two fixed blades, a micro and a small, but I've come to dispel that option due to redundancy and a waste of weight (regardless of how light it might be). I also might mention, if I do get this knife, I think I'll get the Blaze Orange version, as dropping this in some foliage may be the last thing I do with it.

Esee Izula: This is the top hit knife in all of the forums, for both lightweight survival and fixed blade EDC. I could not hear enough cries of "Esee Izula!". There were recommendations for the Kabar Becker series especially the Becker Necker and Eskebar but from what I've read, the Izula has the edge (pun intended). It's just a little more ergonomic, little lighter, little big better sheath and comes with a lifetime warranty, (also a little more expensive...). I considered looking at the Kabar options but if I'm going to spend $40 on a Kabar, I might as well go for the $50 favorite Izula. Nothing against Kabar, I have their short utility bowie and that was my first fixed blade, I still keep it around. But I'm going for best of the best for ultralight purposes. So why so heavy you may ask? I would like to process firewood. Ideally, I don't want to baton, but if I need to for survival or what not, I have that capability with it's full tang. This bad boy was built for survival and bushcraft and it's following supports that. I can't say much more about it other than it's just ready to go.

Morakniv Mora 2/0: I want to say this is a much less known model. The No. 1 and 2. seem to have more reviews on Amazon and surely doesn't have a following like the Mora Clipper/Companion but it's also the lightest of their knives. Surprising right? You might think the electrician's or wood carver's knife would be lighter, but their grippy plastic handles also grip onto weight. This is a 2.9 inch blade with a wood handle and I think a 3/4 size tang. I was impressed with the weight but not impressed with the sheath. It's a plastic, although detailed (it has some scandinavian designs on it), sheath that is really just for belt carry. No retention as far as I can tell. This is also a knife that begs to be in my collection for lightweight duty and straight up value. $18 is a steal as are all of their knives for their worth. I would love to buy one of each of their popular models if I had the money/room for them. Maybe not the best ultralight option vs. functionality, but if you're on a budget and want a small-mid sized blade, this could be perfect for you.

Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife plastic/alox: The two models I looked at were the regular plastic and aluminum, which they call "alox". The small SAK (Swiss Army Knife) is the go-to for the majority of the ultralight community. With it's weight and it being a "multitool" (it is!), it has been indispensable for many a thru hiker. The scissors I believe are it's greatest advantage for many people. Having the option of a small blade that can be cleaned, and the precision of a small pair of scissors for making repairs appeals to many people that want to cut out the weight of a handle. I don't blame them, as I was considering throwing my black classic in my pocket, and still might for the scissors, but I'm not sure I can justify carrying two knives as such. If I'm going to have a knife around my neck, am I really going to dig in my pocket to pull out a nail indent opening knife? It will be a straight up no. I'm just going to grab the handle and pull down on my neck knife and either cut some wood or open up a package. No fuss and no decision, it's just so much more convenient, regardless of size. Nail file? Meh. Screwdriver? Maybe, but what do I have that uses a flathead... oh right... nothing...

Victorinox Manager Swiss Army Knife: I got this idea from Terry M. Trier's article "Lighten Up!". This seemed to be his recommendation and that bottle opener sure looked appetizing to me. The pen is also really convenient, but the price? Just to add those options from the base Classic we're talking 12 bucks. While that may not seem like much, it is if you don't use it. I'm not planning on writing a journal, either phone or video will do. And as to beer, well I do love a chilled brew, but if I buy one in a restaurant/bar they will open it, and otherwise, well... what otherwise? I'm not going to buy a six pack and pack it out with me, and I'm not really going to pay for a single, and even if I did, I could open up a dang bottle with a stick or the handle of a knife if I wanted to. It's just not worth it in my opinion.

CRKT Minimalist Wharncliffe: This is actually the only knife on the list that I own, and it wasn't in my research. Maybe one or two people mentioned it but nothing like the others. I've EDCed this knife for two summers when I was a guide for the BSA canoe camp and it stayed with me. I still have it hanging up in my kitchen as a box opener. It's a great little blade and I've even batoned with it (chopping enough into a large fallen branch for me to kick it in). It's a full tang, ergonomic design and great sheath (although the grommets did oxidize). But 2 inches? 2 versus 2.5 may not seem like much, but when you're talking small fixed blade usage, 2 inches is definitely on the small side. If I wasn't planning on collecting any wood or potentially getting stranded somewhere, I'd say it would be a safe bet. But I think if I took it into the woods as my primary, I would be wanting, but that's just me. It's a great knife and I highly recommend picking one up, but it's not coming on this trip.

Small Leatherman?: I have a Leatherman Wave that I carried as a canoe guide and bring with me when I travel but never got to EDCing it. I've never needed it enough to have on my person (though I've never used it's blade as a primary knife), but I have it nearby. I looked at the small leathermans, ones with scissors or pliers and even ones without a sharp edge; while I'm still considering a plier/scissor combo without a blade, I'm not sure I can justify the weight. This is something I will be looking at in the future.

So what's the verdict? You may have guessed, but it's the Esee Izula. The amount of people that are in love with this knife, the fact I could EDC in the "real world", and it's relative expense vs. functionality make it a winner for me. I looked at the Izula 2, but for the extra cost and ditching the scales for the weight, I couldn't justify it. So I have the Esee Izula Black in the mail and am looking forward to unboxing it. I'll let you all know what I think when I take it on a test backpacking trip.

Background

So my name is Nick aka Nickfish03 (those of you who have watched my videos will recognize my intro) and I'm 23. Born and raised in California, just north of San Francisco. Went to college in Northfield, MN - St. Olaf and currently in Richmond, KY. The outdoors has always been apart of me, even if not an active role. I participated in the Boy Scouts and achieved Eagle Scout (mostly and gratefully thanks to my mom's support), founded the Camping and Outdoors club in college and became a canoe guide at Northern Tier BSA Canoe Camp for two summers. I've guided numerous canoe trips, backpacked in Yosemite National Park, and went on a trip with the Boy Scouts at Philmont in New Mexico. I've been with friends in the Superior Hiking Trail two times, once as a leader of the college outdoors organization. I don't pretend to know everything or very much for that matter about the outdoors, but really who does? I know enough to more than get by, and I love to research and learn. When I grew into backpacking, the way of thinking then was "be prepared" which also meant carrying a ton of stuff. While I still like to be prepared, I also realize you can only prepare for so much, and while it may be comfortable to bring along a 6 ounce splint, it's more practical to have the knowledge and know-how to build one from a sleeping pad or even some sticks and cordage. I'm also not a survivalist or primitive outdoorsman, but I am an improviser. If something needs doing, I will do it with what I have. That's the way I look at things.
As to canoeing, I love it. I think I prefer canoeing over backpacking, but each has their own merits as do all things. Being on the water, slipping the paddle into the glassy water, hearing the loons, seeing fish underneath the canoe, it all just resonates with me. I didn't have any experience with canoeing before I became a guide. It was a summer job that was with the Boy Scouts, that I've heard of, and was going to pay me to be in nature. It was one of the first things in my adulthood that really grew me as a person and paved the way for many other growths. But I went into it as a novice and came out as a confident leader. Not necessarily from the knowledge I gained, though that was a significant part of it, but from the knowledge that I could do things I hadn't thought I could handle. I still remember getting near the end of a portage and a scout coming up behind me saying someone had twisted their ankle. I put down my canoe and bag and ran back to meet them. I charged the other boys with helping him along as I took up his gear and canoe and did the long portage twice so others wouldn't have to. Or later that year, my girlfriend (later fiancé) would over exert her knee and I would put her pack on-top of mine and carry it until her pain subsided. Perhaps I've digressed from canoeing, but it's one of those places that just bring memories of solitude, peace and awe of nature to me that I can't help but share and even want to share, as I organized my own trips with my college and my fiancé (I proposed to her while on our canoe trip).
What I don't have, I'll improvise. But what I don't know, I will also learn. That is where we come to the present. I've mentioned I grew up with the old way of backpacking. Carrying many things, training, dealing and suffering through the weight. When I came to canoeing I entered into the thought of lightweight, but weight did not take it's toll as much as it did when backpacking. For this trip and my soon-to-be wife's, I've made it a goal of ours to become ultralight backpackers. On my part, this requires me to throw out a good deal of what I know and reconsider, recalculate and reevaluate every piece of gear I have. This isn't my first time counting ounces (or grams), but it will be a complete overhaul of my inventory. This is where my research comes into play and the hope to provide you, the reader, with the knowledge I've gained in a more central location. Obviously everything I do and suggest is my opinion, but I want you to know that opinion stems from a great deal of thought and research of other people's opinions and practice. All I want from this blog is to help someone else achieve the most wonderful time they can in nature, with as much knowledge that is practical for them to obtain.

Welcome!

What's up everybody!? My name is Nick and my fiancé is Julie. We are planning a thru hike of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) starting sometime in June 2015. We are getting married in the beginning of June and are taking the time we have available from our wedding, honeymoon, and moving to a new state, to thru hike the SHT. While it may not be a Appalachian Trail thru hike or Pacific Crest Trail hike, we're looking forward to it. I (we've ; ) decided that we should blog our adventure for our family and friends, and more importantly (for me at least) for those to follow. I am a huge research nerd, it's sort of my super power. When I find something that I want or want to do, I will research the crap out of it. Surprisingly, (or not so?), there isn't that much information regarding the SHT as a thru hike. I want to take everything I've learned and leave it in an easy location for those who want to participate in a similar adventure. This blog will be about gear, planning, learning, ultralight, adventure, backpacking with dogs, and the SHT in general. I hope you enjoy reading along with us and that the information provided is useful. As always, cheers! - Nickfish03

P.S. We also welcome any input, advice and/or recommendations as we prepare for our journey.