Contributions by Richard Smith (Seronac) (8)

While this device is pretty handy, and it does what it says, it has some serious flaws: First, the instruction sheet is printed in 8-point micro-font, most easily readable in full sunlight, with a magnifying glass (Be careful not to set it on fire!). Second, the scale is settable only in the format of 1:xxx... This is fine for topo maps that have that scale printed on them, but useless for those civilian maps that just have a graphical scale on them (Unless you have a math degree.). If you need something like this, go ahead and spend the big bucks on a better one (Suck it up, Buttercup!)

The best portable water filter ever: small, quick, easy to use, easy to care for, cost effective and it works very well. What more can you ask?

When the water already *looks* clean, but you know there are *things* living it, reach for the SteriPEN. It's small, easy to use, effective and doesn't change the taste of fresh mountain stream water. (Just make sure you have spare batteries, just in case!)

It's good quality stuff, but it's your typical campus backpack, rather than a real outdoors, hiking-type daypack. Perhaps they should change the description here.

I'm not sure how you could make a compass better that this one. It's accurate, easy to use, and does the job very well. My only concern is that it's so big, but I can live with that.

The Garmin eTrex case works well. It holds and protects my Garmin. What more can you ask?

The MSR MIOX Water Purifier is a small, easy to use solution for those who need pure water while out on the trail or in emergency situations at home. I bought the MIOX Purifier for emergency preparedness purposes, but I can tell that it would be great for use away from home, too. I have practiced with it and found it easy to use and the directions quite clear. My only concerns about it are the slight addition of sodium and oxidants to the water, and the fact that it does no filtering. However, I am thinking that running the water through a coffee filter and then an inexpensive, basic sort of charcoal filter would help with that.

The MSR MIOX Water Purifier is a small, easy to use solution for those who need pure water while out on the trail or in emergency situations at home. I bought the MIOX Purifier for emergency preparedness purposes, but I can tell that it would be great for use away from home, too. I have practiced with it and found it easy to use and the directions quite clear. My only concerns about it are the slight addition of sodium and oxidants to the water, and the fact that it does no filtering. However, I am thinking that running the water through a coffee filter and then an inexpensive, basic sort of charcoal filter would help with that.

The Garmin eTrex Vista Cx is a feature-loaded GPS receiver that is great for use on the trail or for geo-caching. With a built-in altimeter, compass and microSD card slot, it has the capabilities to keep you on track in the mountain wilderness, or in the city. (Although with such a small screen, I wouldn't recommend it for use by the driver while driving.)