Review: Manfrotto 055CXPRO4

by: Johnathan Aulabaugh

I bought the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 about a year ago and have been using it almost exclusively since. It was to replace an older heavier 3 section tripod that I had used previously. So why did I make the switch to Manfrotto? And why did I get a 4 section instead of a 3? Read on

Specifications:

• Load Capacity 17.5lbs
• Height w/o center column 53.3in
• Center column extended: 66.9in
• Minimum Height 4.5in
• folded Length 21.5in
• weight 3.7lbs
• 4 leg sections
• lever lock
• Carbon fiber and magnesium
• Cost at time of writing $364.90

My Thoughts:
When I was on the hunt for a new tripod I had some requirements for what I felt I needed. As an outdoor photographer I am constantly having to hike to the prime spots that I want to photograph, which translates to needing a light weight tripod. I wanted something a bit easier to haul around, be it in my pack or even a suit case from state to state. I am not a twist lock fan so the lever it was. Most importantly though, I wanted a tripod that would put the camera at eye level without the center column extended. I am not a fan of having the center column extended if it can be helped as it can introduce vibration and even camera shake into your camera during longer exposures.

Review: Light My Fire Swedish FireKnife

by Beau Johnston

Specifications:

• Blade: Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel 
• Grind: Modified Profile-Ground Scandinavian
• Length: 3.75" (10 cm)
• Grip: TPE rubber material 
• Sheath: Polypropylene
• Swedish FireSteel®: magnesium alloy
• Actual size: 225x45x38mm
• Weight: 94 g 
• Price: $39.99

Our Thoughts:
There is something about the design of Swedish field knives that epitomizes craftsmanship and design.  The quality of steel used for their blades combined with traditional designs make these the chosen survival and field knives for outdoor enthusiasts around the world.  It wasn't any surprise to us when we heard Light My Fire, known for their Swedish FireSteel, was teaming up with Mora of Sweden, who has been making knives for over 120 years, to create a single tool that is able to 'gut and clean a fish, split kindling and light a campfire.'  We were able to get our hands on the FireKnife at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, where we actually had to wait in line to test it out.

Review: MOLLE Seat-Back Panel

by Beau Johnston

Specifications: 

• Mil Sec Molle webbing
• Modular system
• Velcro
• 500D Cordura
• plastic core for rigidity
• ITW hardware
• 12"x22"

Our Thoughts:

I will be the first to admit the 4Runner is a small platform for two adults, and a 65lb dog, to travel in.  The limited interior space makes it is tough to keep all of our travel gear organized, and still accessible, on our trips.  While we pack most of our gear in plastic cases and duffel bags, there are certain items we like to keep accessible by the driver/passenger.  Traditionally we would toss binoculars under the seat, our GPS units on the dash, and fill the center console with charging cables and adapters.  While this had worked fine over the years, it was easy to misplace items as they shifted around over corrugated roads.  Access was also limited and many times we would be forced to pull over to the side of the road and get out of the vehicle to reach items under the seats.

Installing a Power Inverter

by: Beau Johnston

We find ourselves traveling with more and more electronics.  We had been using one of those inexpensive inverters, the kind that plug into the cigarette lighter, to charge our laptop and camera batteries.  The low amperage rating of these inexpensive interters would only allow for one device to be plugged in at a time and they required the 4Runner's key to be in the 'ACC' position to work.  We wanted something we could use while driving or in camp and could safely handle more than one device.  We found a Stanley 800 watt inverter at our local hardware store and I set out to get it installed in the 4Runner.

Materials Used:

• 800 watt Stanley Inverter
• 25' of 4AWG wire
• 2' of 6AWG wire
• 100amp breaker
• 6ea 4-6AWG ring terminals
• 2ea 1/2" rubber grommet
• Solder
• 4ea 1-1/2" wood screws

Tools Needed:

• Drill
• 1/2" drill bit
• Soldering torch
• Cable cutters