Gear Aid Ellipse Cord Locks: A Reliable Upgrade for Your Gear
Gear Aid Ellipse Cord Locks are a simple yet effective way to upgrade your gear. These high-visibility orange cord locks are designed to replace worn-out or lost cord locks on backpacks, jackets, and other outdoor gear.
Pros:
Easy to Install: Simple to replace old or broken cord locks.
Durable Construction: Built to last, ensuring long-lasting performance.
High-Visibility: The bright orange color makes them easy to spot, even in low-light conditions.
Versatile: Suitable for a variety of gear, including backpacks, jackets, and tents.
Cons:
Limited Color Options: May not match all gear aesthetics.
Overall, Gear Aid Ellipse Cord Locks are a reliable and affordable way to improve the functionality and durability of your gear. They’re a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to keep their gear in top condition.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Original Medium Cube – Black: A Versatile Packing Solution
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Original Medium Cube is a versatile packing solution designed to help you organize your luggage efficiently. This lightweight and durable cube is perfect for keeping your belongings neat and tidy during your travels.
Pros:
Organization: Helps you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.
Durability: Made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel.
Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to your luggage.
Versatile: Can be used to pack a variety of items, from clothing to electronics.
Compression Straps: Helps to reduce the size of your packed items.
Cons:
Limited Capacity: The medium size may not be sufficient for larger items or longer trips.
Overall, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Original Medium Cube is a great addition to any traveler’s packing arsenal. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can help you stay organized and make the most of your luggage space.
The Neon Reflective Shock Cord is vibrant and eye-catching, perfect for outdoor gear that needs high visibility. The reflective properties work well in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for securing tents, tarps, or backpacks during nighttime adventures. The 1/8″ diameter provides a good balance of flexibility and strength, making it easy to handle yet durable enough to hold tension under load. Overall, this shock cord is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, reflective option in a bright neon color.
2. Tensionlock Lite – $3.25
The Tensionlock Lite is a lightweight yet sturdy hardware piece, ideal for adjusting cord tension quickly and easily. Its compact design makes it a perfect addition to any gear where you need to minimize weight without sacrificing functionality. It works seamlessly with 1/8″ shock cords, making it an excellent companion to the Reflective Shock Cord you purchased. The locking mechanism holds well under tension, ensuring that your setup stays secure. This is a must-have for any DIY gear project where weight and reliability are key factors.
3. TensionLock Hook (2 units) – $3.25 each, $6.50 total
The TensionLock Hooks are versatile and durable, offering a convenient solution for attaching and adjusting cords. They are particularly useful for creating quick-release systems on gear such as backpacks, tarps, or shelters. The hooks are easy to use, allowing for fast adjustments while maintaining a strong grip on the cord. Their robust construction ensures they can withstand significant tension without slipping, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of your setup. The hooks are a great addition to any outdoor gear or DIY project where ease of use and security are important.
4. Reflective Shock Cord (Black / 1/8″) – $7.50
The Black Reflective Shock Cord is a more subdued option compared to the neon version, but it still offers excellent visibility in low-light situations. The black color provides a sleek, professional look while the reflective material ensures safety and functionality during nighttime use. Like the neon version, the 1/8″ diameter strikes a good balance between flexibility and strength. This cord is perfect for those who prefer a more classic look without sacrificing the reflective safety feature.
Overall Impression:
Ripstop by the Roll offers high-quality, functional gear components that are perfect for DIY enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The reflective shock cords provide both visibility and durability, while the Tensionlock hardware pieces are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use. Whether you’re upgrading existing gear or building something new, these items offer great value and performance.
The Tarptent Pole Pouch is a practical accessory designed to enhance the usability and convenience of your tent setup. Here’s a comprehensive review of this product:
Performance: The Tarptent Pole Pouch excels at its primary function: organizing and protecting tent poles. It’s designed to keep your tent poles secure and easily accessible during your camping trips. The pouch is made from durable, lightweight materials that offer good protection for your poles, helping to prevent damage from scratches or impacts. This can be particularly beneficial in rough terrain or when packing your gear.
Design: The design of the Pole Pouch is straightforward yet highly functional. It features a simple, cylindrical shape that accommodates most tent poles with ease. The pouch is equipped with a secure drawstring closure that ensures your poles stay in place and don’t shift around during transit. This design also makes it easy to quickly open and close the pouch, providing convenient access when setting up or packing down your tent.
Additionally, the pouch is constructed from ripstop nylon or a similar durable fabric that is both lightweight and resistant to tearing. This ensures that the pouch can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without adding significant bulk or weight to your pack.
Ease of Use: Using the Pole Pouch is very straightforward. The drawstring closure system is intuitive, allowing you to quickly secure or release the poles as needed. The pouch’s design helps keep the poles organized and prevents them from getting tangled with other gear, which can save time and reduce frustration when setting up or packing up camp.
Durability: The durability of the Tarptent Pole Pouch is commendable. The high-quality fabric and construction ensure that the pouch can handle the demands of regular outdoor use. The ripstop nylon is designed to resist tears and abrasions, which helps extend the lifespan of the pouch. It’s also water-resistant to some degree, providing added protection against moisture and damp conditions.
Pros:
Durable, lightweight construction
Effective protection and organization for tent poles
Easy-to-use drawstring closure system
Ripstop fabric resists tearing and abrasion
Compact and doesn’t add significant weight to your pack
Cons:
May not fit very long or unusually shaped poles
No padding or extra protection inside the pouch (though this is usually not necessary for most tent poles)
Conclusion: The Tarptent Pole Pouch is a highly practical accessory for campers and backpackers who want to keep their tent poles organized and protected. Its durable construction, ease of use, and effective design make it a valuable addition to your gear collection. While it might not accommodate very long or uniquely shaped poles, it performs its intended function well and contributes to a more organized and hassle-free camping experience. If you’re looking for a way to keep your tent poles secure and easily accessible, the Tarptent Pole Pouch is a worthwhile investment.
