I really want to go back to Africa, also a few back pack ramblings

I lived in South Africa for two years.  I miss it.  I usually miss Africa at night, right now it is 2 A.M. and I miss Africa. 

Earlier today I looked up the price of plane tickets to South Africa, they were not cheap, but I do know that I can save up money and I can make this happen.  I am also looking at ways to lighten the load while I travel.  I really want to get into ultra-light traveling but then I would not be able to carry a knife when I travel.  I have carried a pocket knife since I had a paper route when I was 13 years.  The prospect of not carrying a knife isn't a very happy one.  I feel naked without a pocket knife. 

This blog really got me thinking about traveling the world light.

How to Travel with Less Stuff

It really is cool what the author can fit into a 19 liter bag for six months of traveling.  If he can do it for six months then I could do it for two weeks in South Africa.  At least I think I could. 

In addition to my longing for Africa I am really into backpacks right now.  I recently bought the Osprey Quantam.  I really like it so far, although I haven't taken it on any hikes yet.  I did take it on a cross country road trip and it did just fine.  So far I like it but I really need more time to try it and use it. 

I also seriously like this bag, Tom Bihn Synapse 25.  Although I have a few back packs, for example I kept my Kelty Redtail, which was my EDC bag for the last five years.  I really want the Synapse 25. 

Esse Laser Strike Review

Purpose of the Esee Laser Strike- I have been using the Esse Laser Strike (ELS) since the middle of May.  Just about every week I have gone out and made a fire.  I used the ELS to split pieces of wood to get to the dry inside.  I used it to split wood to make it smaller, for use at the begging of the fire.  I shaved the insides of the split wood to make varying sizes of kindling.

I bought the ELS to bring hiking, and camping. It has a five inch blade that I feel is just right for carrying in a back pack.  If you are car camping or don't mind the weight, then bring a small hatchet or a big knife like the Ontario RTAK II or the Buck Hoodlum.   

Like I said above, I used my for fire prep, I also cut down a small dead tree.  Because it does not have a lot of mass it took a bit of time, but you can do it.

Ergonomics-  I have relatively small hands.  The micarta scales fit my hand very nicely.  The finger choil is placed perfectly and it is very natural to use, in fact I always use it.  The sheath is made out of kydex and very sturdy.  I like sharp jimping on knives, sadly the ELS has jimping but it is not sharp at all and useless.  But the shape of the handles and the finger choil mitigate the poor jimping.

Durability- The ELS blade is made out of 1095 steel.  I like the 1095 steel that Esee uses on their knives.  I have found that it holds an edge very well and it sharpens relatively easy as well.  That said I did put two chips into my blade.  One at the very back of the blade where I hit a staple in the wood that I was splitting.  The other tiny chips are near where the belly of the knife starts.  I think those came from when I was splitting wood and the knife went all the way through the wood and into the ground. 

The micarta grips are darker than when I bought the knife, but I am using it so it makes sense they would get dirty and darken up.  You can wash them if that bothers you. 

The ELS has a black powder coat over the steel because 1095 steel does rust more easily.  When you use the knife hard like I have been the friction from the wood will rub the powder coat off the knife.  That is okay by me.  I think it gives the knife character.  But watch out for rust. 

Value- I bought mine from Blade HQ for $120.  On every order of more than $99 you get free shipping, and I bought some other stuff on the same order.  I know you can find it for cheaper, but then you usually have to pay shipping.  In any case I really like Blade HQ.  If you ever get the chance go to Lehi, Utah and pay them a visit.  They are really nice people, they give great service and have a large selection on knives and other outdoor gear. 

Rating- I give the Esee Laser Strike an 9/10. 

Here is the link to Blade HQ  ESEE Laser Stike from Blade HQ

Umbrella?

Okay so, my girlfriend loves umbrella's.  She hates walking in the rain and she hates being stuck in the sun.  So she uses an umbrella.  Now in the past I had a tendency to poke fun at her for this. 

That was until I saw this video on YouTube.  These look like the most awesome umbrella's ever and I want one.  If I buy one I will post a review.  I will for sure buy one for my girlfriend.