Need help choosing some gear (Firesteel and sleeping bag)

T

TheCanadian

Joined
Sep 11, 2012
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152
Okay so spring is coming and I am going to be heading into the woods (in the kawartha lakes area) and I need a lightweight sleeping bag that I'm not going to sweat to death in. I made the mistake of buying a Coleman -17c mummy bag and I learned I dislike the restrained feeling of a mummy bag and I sweat to death as well. I camp from spring to early fall and due to my small stature (5'8" 100lbs) I try to be as light as possible without breaking the bank. I'm not really sure what to look for but I know that I don't want a mummy bag.

I also need a good fire steel. I tried Firesteel dot com but they won't ship to me. I intend to carry it at all times even in the winter in my parka pocket so I'm looking for something of decent size so I can use it with gloves and such.

I've been reading a lot on this website and I know you guys know your stuff so I figured I'd ask you all for your advice.

PS anyone have any experience with EGKH Kukri's? Are they fairly durable?
 
For fire steels I like both the esee fire steel and the exotac I've got several of both and they are easy to hold with gloves and make big sparks. I like the ability to have a bit of tinder in the handle as well. The exotac steel is threaded and easy to replace as well.

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The Kawartha Lakes is a beautiful area . I used to live in Cobourg and kept a little cabin cruiser boat on Rice Lake .

Anyway , about the sleeping bag . I have a lightweight "Wood's" brand sleeping bag that is rated to I think -5C . It packs down very small and is fine for spring , summer or fall camping . It's a rectangular bag too , NOT a mummy bag . As for a firesteel , I always by the "Light my Fire" brand of Ebay . If you look around they are sellers with good prices on the large 12'000 strike models .
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Never know , maybe I'll see you on the trail sometime lol .


...............................................
HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !
 
Cricketdave do they ship to canada?

Mike-The-Knife thanks for the suggestion on the sleeping bag I was looking at woods ones but wasn't sure if they're good quality. I'll check them out next time I'm in Canadian Tire.

On a side note if you did stumble across our camp you'd probably laugh at us, kinda amateurs but we're starting to step up our game a bit.
 
You should consider a trip to Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC). I got a heavyweight simulated down bag for under $70...I realize that isn't what you are looking for exactly, they just have good prices and a huge selection. You will definitely find what you are looking for.
 
I'm not sure if they have a location near me but I'll look into it for sure! I've seen their website but never thought to look if there is a location near me.
 
If you want a really good user grade khukri try to get a KLVUK or a "Deal of the Day" from the Himalayan Imports sub-forum here. Great products,service and people. I use misch metal ferro rods from Goingear.com. They work really well and come in a number of sizes.--KV
 
I know the HI Kukri are considered the best and I've been lurking for months but I either get there in time but don't want what's offered or I don't get there in time... Plus the EGKH one I bought was screaming my name in nepalese and I understood it. It begged to be mine...
 
I know you can get both shipped to canada, just depends on where you buy it. Pretty sure em gear does and numerous on ebay do too.
 
MEC will be your best choice for a sleeping bag and a fire steel. They have free shipping over 50$ and it fast. Plus their return warranty is bar none! Your not happy with it, they will take it back. Cruise their website and you'll find what ever you need!
 
For me the best firesteel is still the light my fire sweedish ones.
I have tries MANY (firesteel.com/primus/coghlan/ESEE/Ebay china) and for me it's the best compromise.
 
I have a Coghlan's one and I'm not to impressed with it, the rod came out of the handle and even before that happened it didn't throw too much sparks.
 
As far as kukris go, you may want to invest in a decent axe instead. In Canada we have some really knot heavy wood (as well as hardwoods) that can make chopping a nightmare. I have an Estwing camp axe and it is awesome.

Not saying anything bad about kukris (still get one if you like 'em), just not be the best tool for the job out here bud.
 
I already have an estwing Camp axe (the one with a longer handle than a hatchet but shorter than a normal axe) but I find it kinda awkward. It's too heavy for me too swing with one hand and kind of awkward for two hands for me.

I also may or may not have hit a rock with the axe at one point... flat out blunted the top 3/4" of the blade... gonna get that fixed if I can, if not I'm going to buy a smaller estwing hatchet.
 
Estwings are good because they are durable as hell. But the all steel construction makes them heavier and throws off the balance in use. Try an old school hatchet or boys axe with wood. Lighter and better balance. Nothing against estwing, I have two and keep em in my vehicles. As far as khuks, I am +1 for HI's. the ugly villagers are work horses and very reasonable. You also have the option of a large chopper, like a Becker bk9 or something. But for your needs I like the axe and smaller knife option the best. As for fire, light my fire steels, has always seemed to be the best choice for me... Price vs functionality wise. Just my .02. Good luck.
 
If I told you guys what knife I bring with meI I'd get laughed at lol... 2 years after I bought it I'm laughing at myself. It's a hell of a lot tougher than the internet says it is but still not ideal, it will suffice for this season though.

I like the all steel construction of the Estwing, if I get a new axe it will be an Estwing hatchet. The Kukri is going to be a light use tool for clearing brush. I know HI makes the best kukri's in general and I have been watching their forum since I joined the Site. I want one but I miss out on the forum deals and can't afford to order from their online shop. I want a Chiruwa Ang Khola...
 
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Love the Estwing camp axe. Not heavy and great balance. If you cant swing that..you need not be carrying an axe anyway.
 
Looks like a cool product and its a good design. But for 60$, you can buy a lot of light my fire fire steels for that price. My thoughts anyway.
 
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