Field and Stream - Camping RSS

2011 RAM Outdoorsman Pickup

Joe_Cermele — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:24:51 -0400

This May, I had the chance to hit the road in RAM's 2011 1500 Outdoorsman, a truck that's generating plenty of buzz in the hunting and fishing world. With so many after-market accessories available to rig your ride for sporting quests, it seemed only a matter of time before an automaker took the needs of the avid outdoors into consideration and made all the little extras stock. I covered more than 600 miles in this truck, trekking up to Buffalo, N.Y., in pursuit of smallmouth bass. Though the trip did not lend itself to off-road pursuits, spending that amount of time in a vehicle let's you really get a feel for it, and there are plenty of perks for the fisherman that cruises pavement as much as muddy trails.

Though the 1500 I drove had a powerful 5.7L HEMI V-8, take your foot off the gas on the highway and the engine cuts out 4 cyclinders. The amount of time I was running on 4 may have seemed trivial in the overall course of 600 miles, but it made a noticeable difference in fuel economy. By my calculations, I averaged 17 miles per gallon during this highway-heavy adventure. That's not too shabby for a truck this size.

If you need to haul a boat or trailer, the Outdoorsman has you hooked up, literally and figuratively. The large sideview mirrors adjust to stand horizontally or vertically, while a heavy-duty cooling package and standard four- and seven-pin adapters let the Outdoorsman pull up to 10,250 pounds.

But most unique about the truck is its RAM boxes. Two lockable, insulated boxes on either side of the 6-foot, 4-inch bed feature custom, adjustable brackets designed to securely hold rifles, shotguns, or fishing rods. While I could see how long guns would fit snugly in these brackets, I noticed that fishing rod design limited the ability to use the RAM boxes to store them.

What I found worked best were two piece rods with the reels removed. With spinning reels still attached, I was able to get 2 rods in each box, though without reels, the brackets can hold up to 12 rods. If I were to own an Outdoorsman, I would likely use one box to store a few fly rods for local outings, and the other to keep ice for drinks and the day's catch. Drain plugs in the RAM boxes make using them as coolers even easier. But if a fishing trip calls for taking one-piece rods, they'll have to go in the bed. - Joe Cermele

Gear Review: New Stanley Vacuum Bottles Carry On a Tradition

Dave_Maccar — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:04:34 -0400

by Jay Cassell

Best known for the classic green vacuum bottles that our fathers and grandfathers used to take on hunting and fishing trips (many still do!) Stanley recently introduced a new Adventure series of bottles, cups, food storage and cooking containers, and coffee mugs.

Reasonably priced between $10 and $25, the containers retain the venerable green color, yet feature modern improvements.

One unit that I found particularly useful is the carbonated 32-ounce drink bottle, with a dome construction that the company claims will keep beverages carbonated for up to 8 hours. I tested it by pouring a beer into the bottle; 8 hours later, at the end of the day, I opened it up, heard a gratifying fizz, and happily had a sip of cold beer.

The insulated outer wrap keeps beverages cold for a little more than three hours, plus it’s dishwater safe. This unit is $20 and will be available in late June.

2011 Dodge Ram Tradesman

Dave_Maccar — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:20:04 -0500

by Slaton White

It’s the classic tradeoff—a truck for work or a truck for play? Ram is bridging that gap with its new Tradesman, built on the Ram 1500 ST platform. Its been designed—and named—for hard-working guys who use their trucks at the job site, but it’s also capable of weekend duty hauling gear to deer camp or towing a bass boat to the lake.

The most compelling feature is the engine—the classic HEMI, which is rated at 390 horsepower and 407 foot-pounds of torque. But it’s not the proverbial gas guzzler of the Muscle Car Era. This modern version can deliver up to 20 mpg (in two-wheel-drive versions). Also included in the Tradesman package is a standard Class IV trailer hitch with lighted, above-bumper four- and seven-pin trailer wire connectors, which makes hooking up the trailer (and more importantly, the boat) early in the morning or late a night much easier because you can actually see the connectors. The Tradesman also features heavy-duty engine cooling and a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler. Maximum towing rating is 10,450 pounds.

At this point you’re probably figuring, “Great! But all this performance is probably going to cost me more than 30 grand."

Not so. Prices start around $22,000. That’s a lot of truck for the money.

For more information, visit ramtruck.com

Introducing the Tough-Towing 2011 Ram Heavy Duty Pickup

Dave_Maccar — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:41:48 -0500

by Slaton White

When considering the 2011 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup, which made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show last week, it helps to think of nose tackle B.J. Raji of the champion Green Bay Packers. At 337 pounds, he’s a massive package, like this truck. But he’s also incredibly nimble. The heavyweight Ram can also come off the line in a flash, too, thanks to the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel found under the hood. This engine is capable of a staggering 800 foot-pounds of torque.

Important for outdoorsmen who tow big trailers or carry heavy loads, the 3500’s Gross Combined Weight Rating has also been increased to 30,000 pounds, and the maximum trailer tow weight is now 22,700 pounds.

Those are big numbers. But one other improvement ought to appeal to fans of diesel power. This new truck starts instantly; no more waiting on the glow plug. And both dual batteries are wrapped in special shields that help keep them cool in hot weather and warm in frigid weather.

Mike Cairns, Ram Truck Vehicle Line Executive said, “performance and durability are key factors in this market, and this Ram truck delivers both.” Just like a great tackle should.

What’s all this performance going to cost you? Stay tuned. Pricing hasn’t been finalized, and won’t be until the truck goes on sale in the spring. For more information, go to ramtrucks.com.

Gear Review: DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator

JayCassell — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:18:22 -0400

Imagine having a GPS unit that can not only plot your route and help you navigate the wilderness, but can also send messages to family and friends around the globe – no matter how far back in the woods you might be. DeLorme’s new PN-60w with SPOT does just that. These two devices are sold together, and are designed to work exclusively with one another via wireless communication. Type text messages on the keyboard and the SPOT sends them to cell phones, email, and your Twitter and Facebook pages; your friends and family can also track your progress online. In case of emergency, send SOS messages with your GPS location embedded. Price is $550 plus SPOT subscription.

Gear Review: Wenger Traveler Pocket Alarm

JayCassell — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:51:15 -0400

I’ve been using this pocket watch for the past month or so, and after overcoming my initial reservations about throwing off my wristwatch, I’ve really gotten to like it. Called the Traveler Pocket Alarm watch, this time piece comes in a rubber casing, so I can take it along on hunting and fishing trips and not have to baby it. It’s got an analog display (which I prefer to digital), plus second time zone hands, a great feature if you travel a lot. It’s got a timer, and the alarm clock feature is easy to use. I’ve found it’s most convenient if I clip the watch’s S-Biner to one of the loops on my fishing vest/backpack. Then I don’t have to worry about it getting wet, which is always a problem when fishing with a wristwatch. (The company says it’s water-resistant down to 99 feet, but I still don’t like to take chances.)

Complaints? The numbers and hands are luminescent, though I wish it had a backlight feature anyway. Price is $250 – a bit steep, but this is a really well-made watch that’ll probably last longer than me! – Jay Cassell

Hunting Gear of the Year: 2010 Best of the Best

Joe_Cermele — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:19:13 -0400

We spent the better part of the year finding the goods that will make your time in the field more successful and more fun. First up is a buyer’s guide to nine categories that sportsmen obsess over: shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, binoculars, riflescopes, ATVs, bows, ammo, and knives. We’ve picked winners in each, plus highlighted some contenders that didn’t come out on top but still excelled in our tests - The Editors

JUMP TO:

Shotguns
Rifles/Pistols
Muzzleloaders
Bows
Knives
Optics
Ammunition
ATVs/Trucks
Treestands
Clothing/Footwear
Accessories

Sitka Gear Bivy 30

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:51:18 -0400

2010 Best of the Best Awards (Winner): Here is a no-b.s. backpack for hunters who like to go light: no pointless pockets that you’d stuff with gear you can do without; no dreadlock-like straps dangling off the back that snag on brush; and at 5 pounds 2 ounces, no extra weight that will slow you down. The features that the 3,200-cubic-inch Sitka Gear Bivy 30 does have, however, all make sense: a built-in sleeping-glassing pad; a removable lid that allows the bag to double as a daypack; a rain fly that will defend your gear in a downpour; a hydration system and water-bottle holders; and padded mesh shoulder pads. The suspended tension frame maximizes airflow, and the quiet Soft Shell fabric and Optifade Open Country pattern keep you silent and concealed. - Colin Kearns

Zippo Campfire Starter

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:41:53 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner): Tinder, of course, is free for the taking. But this fire starter, a hockey-puck-shaped combination of cedar sawdust and wax, is worth the tiny price tag. It’s basically tinder and kindling wrapped into one. Zippo suggests breaking the puck apart for four fires. It’s especially useful in wet conditions - Tom Tiberio

ThermaCell Outdoor Lantern

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:38:34 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner): While turkey hunting in hot, humid weather that usually has mosquitoes swarming all over me, I set this by my calling position, turned it on (a flame from a butane canister heats a repellent-impregnated pad), and watched as bugs stopped short of an invisible wall 12 feet away. That night, I set the lantern on the camp table, where its eight LED bulbs helped light up the night. - Jay Cassell

Eureka! Suite V4 Tent

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:34:44 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner): If I were tall, this is the tent I’d want. A unique pole structure creates headroom where you need it most—by the door. The design also produces a huge vestibule, making it easy to store a lot of gear. It’s not light, but it’s ideal for car camping - Anthony Licata

Yeti Tundra 50- Quart Cooler

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:22:40 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner): Is the Yeti cooler grizzly-proof, as the maker claims? Lacking a homeside horribilis, I shipped the cooler to my house, bounced it around the bed of my pickup truck, and had my son throw it 20 feet. It survived this abuse with, well, cool. It’s expensive, but you’ll buy a lot less ice over the years. - Mike Toth

Leatherman MUT

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:24:37 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): The MUT (Military Utility Tool) is dedicated to the care of the M16, M4, AR-15, and their cousins. It has 17 tools that can do anything to a black rifle but change the barrel - David E. Petzal

Browning Backcountry Camp Knife

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:11:20 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): This is either a big hunting knife or a small camp knife. It’s beautifully made with a 12C27 blade that has all sorts of admirable qualities. It has a Micarta handle and comes in an excellent leather sheath. - David E. Petzal

Ontario Ranger Bush Afghan

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:07:56 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): With an easy-to-find orange handle, this survival knife features a 6-inch powder-coated blade made of 5160 steel, which is one of the old cutlery steels. It won’t hold an edge long, but it’s tough and sharpens with ease. The nylon sheath is of high quality but holds the knife too loosely. - David E. Petzal

SOG Pendulum

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:05:16 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): The Pendulum employs a pivoting bolster as a blade lock, and while it’s an intriguing piece of machinery, I found that the bolster pivots into your hand and keeps the knife from opening. On the other hand, the VG10 blade holds on to its edge like grim death. I’ve seen few knives that will stay as sharp as long. Your choice. - David E. Petzal

Diamondblade Alpha I Folder

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:03:21 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): The Alpha I is light, strong, and sharper than anything else. Its handle is G10, and the 3-inch drop-point blade is DiamondBlade’s specially forged D2 steel, which is like nothing else in the world of knifery. The Alpha I can be used for field dressing, but it’s a little scant for outdoor use. - David E. Petzal

TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Liner-Lock Folder

Joe_Cermele — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:59:38 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner; Utility/Survival): Everyone has heard of Buck Knives, but probably not of TOPS, a small company that specializes in tactical and survival cutlery. This is a joint design, and it’s as high-speed, low-drag as you can get. The handle is made of G10, a fiberglass-epoxy compound that might be damaged by an atom bomb but not much else. The blade is a modified tanto shape, 31⁄2 inches long, made of ATS34 steel. Put in nontechnical terms, it is a large, strong, heavy sumbitch that comes razor sharp and stays that way. It has a pocket clip and a very good tactical nylon sheath, which is the only way to carry it. - David E. Petzal

John Deere Gator XUV 825i

Joe_Cermele — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:57:52 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): With a fuel-injected, 815cc, in-line triple-cylinder engine pumping out 50 hp, the newest Gator gets a dash of pit bull this year. It has a top speed of 44 mph, but it means business: It can tow 1,500 pounds and carry a payload of 1,400 pounds. - Lance Schwartz

Can-Am Outlander 800R EFI XT

Joe_Cermele — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:55:03 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): Can-Am gets an “attaboy” for debuting the first dual-mode dynamic power steering system, which lets you adjust the amount of steering assist for the terrain. A front differential automatically locks when needed, no matter the speed. This bad boy is ready to hunt - Lance Schwartz

Arctic Cat 700 LTD

Joe_Cermele — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:38:54 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Runner Up): The 700 LTD with electric power steering deserves a strong look; delivering 36 foot-pounds of torque, it gives three times the amount of assistance offered by competitors. With 11 inches of ground clearance and a differential-lock selector, this Cat is a great rock and mud machine. - Lance Schwartz

Yamaha Grizzly 450 EPS

Joe_Cermele — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:34:43 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner; All-Terrain): Bigger is sometimes deemed better, but Yamaha challenges that notion here. Only 43 inches wide, the Grizzly 450 EPS packs a punch into a small package. The downsized chassis allows it to traverse obstacles and negotiate tight trails that many larger machines can’t. In a major improvement, this year’s model has inherited electric power steering from its big brothers. Built on a one-piece chassis that’s both strong and light, the Lil’ Grizz features a sealed-oil-bath, multidisc wet rear brake, which keeps the crud out and the heat down. With a towing capacity of 1,322 pounds and a cargo rack capacity of 260 pounds, the 450 EPS has a hauling capability usually reserved to the big-bore crowd. After a 70-mile journey in the San Bernardino National Forest, where we rock crawled through mountain passes up to 8,000 feet, the trip aboard this ATV left us highly impressed. For outdoorsmen looking for big utility in a small quad that’s woods friendly, the Grizzly 450 hits the mark. - Lance Schwartz

Polaris Ranger EV

Joe_Cermele — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:26:17 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner; Utility): The Ranger EV is hands down the most capable electric UTV on the market. With a 30-hp, 48-volt motor rigged to eight batteries, this green machine will traverse just about any obstacle in its way. The unit has a range of 50 miles on flat ground and a top speed of 25 mph. We tested it on mountainous, root-strewn terrain with mud, ruts, and rocks, and it didn’t flinch. It’s also so quiet that you can actually hear the melodious squishing of oil through the shock valves from the bench seat. With all-wheel-drive, a smooth-riding front and rear independent suspension, a dump box capable of hauling 500 pounds, and a tow capacity of 1,200 pounds, the Ranger EV isn’t a gimmick to keep tree huggers happy. This thing is absolutely the real deal. If you’re looking for a midsize UTV to sneak you silently into your hunting spot, this is the answer. Plus, it may be just what you need to land that Birkenstock-wearin’ chick you’ve been drooling over - Lance Schwartz

Brunton Restore Power Unit and Charger

Joe_Cermele — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:35:18 -0400

2010 Best of the Best (Winner): Because our lives off the grid do overlap with our lives on, the solar-powered Restore brings the two together. Regardless of how you feel about taking a cellphone into the field, being able to power up using the sun can be a matter of convenience, if not survival. The portable power storage unit can charge small electronics, from GPS units to digital cameras, and comes with a mini USB adapter that accommodates many types of cellphones. Using sunlight does take a considerable amount of time—our unit needed seven hours to charge completely on a partly cloudy day. Ideally you’ll be able to leave it in a sunny spot where you can forget about it for a while. And it’s best to charge the device via the USB cord before leaving home. The construction is solid and withstood a number of drops. It weighs 81⁄2 ounces. - Tom Tiberio

Gear Reviews on Tents, Sleeping Bags, Lanterns, Stoves, Coolers

JayCassell — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:33:50 -0400