Clothing

Gear

Accessories

Get Your Profile Dialed

joseph blowski

Camper/Hiker // Backpacker // Mountain Biker

joseph blowski: #2,322 of 167,331 More Information

2 Reviews:

Helpful?
18 Yes

13 Questions:

Helpful?
4 Yes

4 Answers:

Helpful?
2 Yes

5 Photos:

Helpful?
13 Yes

0 Videos:

Helpful?
0 Yes

1 Comments:

Helpful?
0 Yes

0 Wishlists:

Helpful?
0 Yes

0 Field Tests:

Helpful?
0 Yes

  • Stomping Grounds:

    Planet Earth
  • Bio:

    Just a regular joe that likes hiking, backcountry camping, and mountain biking. Im also a part time super hero.

Flag

Un-Flag

Close

Something wrong with this profile?

Thanks for pointing it out. We'll take it down immediately and send it to our clean-up crew.

This profile was: (Optional)

Use your real name to add some legitimacy to your content. Real names mean real community, and real community means real knowledge. Gear Gurus who use their real names get bumped up 1.5x for each contribution - you deserve the credit. For more info check out the Help Center.

This is how you compare to all the other Gear Gurus on Backcountry.com. You earn one point for each list / review / question / answer / gear photo / comments / votes you contribute. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up, but you lose a point for every thumbs down. Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x—you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

Change me.

This is how you compare to the other Gear Gurus within a group of products. You earn one point for each of your list / reviews / questions / answers / photos / comments / votes. You gain an extra point every time someone gives one of your contributions a thumbs up (killer), but you lose a point for every thumbs down (filler). Bonus: if you use your real name, your point total increases by 1.5x-you deserve credit for putting your neck on the line to make this community better. For more info, check out the Help Center.

lid on bowl

lid on bowl

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Cookset

December 8, 2009

You can see the little "sippy" opening on the lid which makes it great for enjoying a warm drink while still keeping the heat in. Neoprene helps insulate the bowl/cup even more.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

nice little package

nice little package

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Cookset

December 8, 2009

This is my first cookset specifically designed to be used in the field and I can't believe how small it packs down to, not to mention how light it is. For forty bucks its a great deal.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

everything you get

everything you get

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Soloist Cookset

December 8, 2009

Just a couple of pics of my new soloist set. Can't wait to use it in the field.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes

0 Comments

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

Bombshelter

Bombshelter

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

December 23, 2008

growing a winter beard

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
See all photos for this product >

The North Face Tundra Sleeping Bag: -20 Degree

September 10, 2010

is it possible to get this smaller than 10 x 19 or should i think about going with a down bag for Yukon winter trip.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

MSR Groundhog Tent Stake Kit

December 4, 2009

are these good for rocky or frozen ground??
anyone have experience trying to pound these into tough ground??
would these be better for rocky or frozen ground than the north face (v shape, 10pk) listed on this site??
thanks

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

MSR Fuel Pump

November 29, 2009

I bought a whisperlite about a year ago and I think it has an old pump, it doesn't look like the one in the picture, it has a small aluminum dial for flow control not the big red plastic knob, and it has two plastic white tubes and doesn't have the right angle like the one in the pic. Am I right, do I have an old pump?? and if so is there any way I can get msr to replace it with a new one??
Even if it is an old one is there any reason for me to upgrade the one I've got (works fine by the way)?? I only cook simple meals that require boiling water, oatmeal, tea, pasta side dishes etc.
thanks

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Sigg Lifestyle Water Bottle - Screw Top - 1.0L

November 28, 2009

can this (or any other sigg for that matter) be used as a fuel bottle for my whisperlite?? or just storage for fuel??
thanks

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Sold Out

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

March 26, 2009

all the vents are independent and can be zipped closed, you can seal up the tent completely from the elements.
two vents on the roof, one on the door, one at the back overlooking the real vestibule, and two on either side = tons of venting options.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Primus EasyLight Lantern

March 1, 2009

does this put out too much heat to be used inside a tent?? with the proper ventilation being used of course. what lantern do you suggest to use in a tent, if any??thanks

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

March 1, 2009

yeah I don't get that either, it must be a mistake. I bought mine in dec/08 and it was about 7.6lbs with everything that came with it, I added some extra stakes and my total weight is still only about 8lbs.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

MSR Alpine 1-Liter Teapot

February 20, 2009

will my msr whisperlite stove fit inside this?? without fuel of course.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

I love this thing!!

The North Face Elkhorn Bx Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Heatshield

The North Face Elkhorn Bx Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Heatshield

Rating for this product: 4 February 17, 2009

I have the 2008 model (blue one). I've used it down to -14c and although I was warm enough to sleep (I'm a cold sleeper) it could have been warmer. On that night I used a homemade fleece liner and was wearing fleece pants, wool socks, and wool sweater. My downfall was that I wasn't using a very good sleeping pad, if I was I'm sure I would have been able to sleep at way colder temps.
With all winter camping you need to have a really good pad or your bag will not keep you as warm as you like.
The drawstring around the chest and hood are really good at keeping the warmth in. It is very spacious around the chest and allowed good movement (I toss and turn a lot), a little tight in the knees but still ok. The material is soft and comfy to the touch and really invites you to doze off. The zipper needs to be guided most of the way as its not the smoothest action I would like.
You will need a compression bag, it doesn't come with one (at least 2008 didn't). Without a compression bag the only option is to lash it on outside somewhere cause its BIG. Its also a little heavy but at this price you have to give up something.

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes

1 Comment

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product

GoLite Xanadu 2+ Shelter 2-3 Person 4-Season

February 10, 2009

in snowy conditions is spindrift a problem?? is the bug mesh on the inside of the door or the outside??

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

The North Face Goliath 3D Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Climashield HL

January 28, 2009

what would you choose for general winter camping in canada?? im looking at this bag or TNF Elkhorn, both are 0deg synthetic. the Elkhorn has H.O.T SL and this one has Climashield HL and the Elkhorn is $60 bucks cheaper but I think its 07 or 08 model. I plan on doing some overnights in the rockies.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Microfilter

January 6, 2009

how does cold weather effect this as apposed to a ceramic filter?? im looking for the best filter that I can use (north america) in the winter.thanks

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

Permanently Out of Stock -- View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Mountain Hardwear Snow and Sand Tent Anchor

January 4, 2009

how long are these?? (top to botton, as seen in picture)is the material durable enough to be used with rocks more than once??

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

MSR SweetWater Microfilter

December 25, 2008

I've heard that this is freeze thaw compatable is this really true?? Im looking for something that works well in warm or cold weather for one or two people during weekend trips. From what I have been told ceramic will crack and ruin the filter when it warms up from really cold, and I don't want to sleep with this thing in my bag just to keep it usable....I know nothing about water filters by the way..im looking to make my first purchase.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

View Product Details >
Read all Q&A about this product >

Awesome quality for price!!

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

Eureka Alpenlite 2XT Tent: 2-Person 4-Season

Rating for this product: 4 December 23, 2008

I set this up in the backyard for a couple of days so I could practice using it before taking it out in the bush/trail. I used this in the atlantic winter storm (cape breton, ns) on Dec 20-22 2008. We got roughly 15-20cm of snow/ice with sustained winds of 50-80kmh and gusts up to 120kmh, it performed quite well. This is a comfortable one man or cozy two man tent. If you don't use the vents properly you will get condensation. The last tent I used was like 20 years ago and they have changed quite a bit since so this only gets 4 stars due to my lack of experience with other newer tents. Overall I slept really well despite temps. ranging from -1c to -12c and extreame wind with blowing snow/ice. The fly didn't "flap" in the wind and keep me awake, I made sure it was quite taut and everything was fine. When even a little bit of light hits the fly, the interior starts to really "glow" and brighten things up.
The seams are all factory sealed and the stitching is tight, nothing leaked. Get the floor saver, it's cheaper than buying a new tent. I haven't used this in the field yet but overall the quality is pretty good and I don't anticipate any problems.

It came with 15 7" lightweight alum. "J" pegs, 10 7' ish guy lines with tightners, pole bag, and stake bag. You will need to get some more pegs to fully guyout the fly. The one's that came with it are not durable enough for me and bend easy when staking in rocky ground. Oh yeah it's not really yellow (rain fly) it is a bright almost flourescent orange, you won't lose it in the field that's for sure.

Things I like:
Super easy set-up.
Withstood 120kmh wind gusts without moving.
Sheds snow and ice pretty well.
Great ventilation.
Tons of extra guyout loops.
Decent weight, not heavy but not ultralight either.
Looks cool.

Things I don't like:
Zipper on vestibule is too close to velcro fly attachment and gets a little stuck sometimes.
The middle pole (not the backbone) hovers above the backbone and creates a half inch gap between the two poles, almost like the middle pole is too big (or maybe its just my setup), I wrapped a piece of velcro around both pieces, pulling them together, works good and makes it more solid.
Rear vestibule, kinda usless.

Helpful Votes: 13 Yes

0 Comments

View Product Details >
Read all Reviews about this product