Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware



Cast iron cookware is made from melted iron that is molded to create cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, griddles, and more. Lodge logic cast iron cookware was first manufactured over a century ago, and today the Lodge line of cookware has expanded. Joseph Lodge founded the line, and his legacy lives on four generations later; the Lodge line of cookware is the oldest line of family-owned cookware in America.

Benefits of using Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware

Health issues that may be associated with other metals and materials, such as Teflon coatings, stainless steel, and aluminum, used to manufacture cookware has influenced the rebirth and popularity of cooking with cast iron products in recent years. Eating foods cooked in cast iron pots is also a good source of dietary iron.

Cast iron is extremely versatile, it can go from the stove top right into the oven, you can use cast iron pots and skillets to bake, and a Lodge skillet can be even be placed on a BBQ grill to cook foods. Fry, bake, and sauté food over even heat because cast iron is an excellent heat conductor that retains heat, and offers precise cooking temperatures. Cast iron does not warp, and can last for generations.

Non-stick cooking with Lodge Cast Iron Products

A cast iron skillet, griddle, etc. should be preheated before using to get the best temperature and cooking results. Checking to see if the pot is hot enough is easy, just use a drop of water and watch how it reacts; if it sizzles away quickly the surface is too hot, it it sits, and bubbles your cookware is ready.

To avoid food from sticking cast iron must be seasoned or cured. This is done by rubbing a thin coat of cooking oil on the inside of a skillet or pot, or across the top of a griddle or grill. Seasoning cast iron keeps your cook ware in perfect cooking condition, and it prevents rust. Over time, if you use cast iron often and cure it on a regular basis the surface actually becomes smoother.

Cleaning Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Never put cast iron in a dishwasher, or add water to hot cast-iron. After the cooking surface has cooled simply wash in soapy water, rinse, and immediately dry completely. Do not let cast iron air dry because this may cause rusting. How to remove rust spots from cast iron? If you ever have rust spots they can be easily and quickly removed by lightly rubbing a scouring pad over the surface, then wash with soapy water, rinse well, dry completely, and season the surface.

The only downside of cooking with cast iron is the metal gets very hot, alway use pot holders, and it can be heavy.

Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware is now available specifically for outdoor cooking, with lodge camp Dutch ovens, Grills, and their combo cookers. Lodge cookware continues to produce high quality, long lasting, cast iron products made using their private metal formula, and precision molds.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Everyone Should Have a Leatherman multi-Tool



Nothing in my toolbox is used as much or does as much as Leatherman multi-tool. I could lose just about every tool I own and still manage to do all the repair jobs with it. I have the Freestyle- the original Leatherman multi-tool. Think of it as a sort of a Swiss Army Knife- many different tools with one handle.

The Freestyle has five different tools in one handle: a knife with a serrated and a straight blade, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters and hard wire cutters. Yes, the last two are completely different tools. In places like, say the attic, trying to crawl around in a tight space with a bunch of tools is impossible. I just drop it in my pocket and away I go. It weighs less than half a pound, so carrying it around is easy.

My bicycle tool case has a Leatherman of its own. The Juice S2 has twelve tools: knife, needle nose and regular pliers, wire cutters and hard wire cutters, extra small screwdriver, medium screwdriver and a large screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, can opener, bottle opener and scissors. I can make any repair on the road in a matter of minutes or help another cyclist. Being able to open a can or bottle of refreshment doesn’t hurt, either. I consider it indispensible.

There are other Leatherman tools available. There are multi tools with as many as eighteen tools in one. Some Leatherman tools carry a corkscrew as well as other tools. I know that someday I may just run across a use for that.

I love the versatility and the lightweight of my Leatherman tools. Giving them as gifts is always fun and no one has ever said no. Many people have personalized their tools with initials and even have had some engraved with poetic prose. There are many colors to choose from so any style or taste can be satisfied.

The Leatherman tools’ price is justified because the quality is outstanding. The reputation of the company and the tools has never been tarnished by using cheap materials or selling anything that does not meet the highest quality control inspections.

My Freestyle has lasted nearly twenty years and shows no signs of slowing down or wearing out. All I really need to do is sharpen the knife. Since I don’t have to carry multiple tools in my bike bag, I save money there as well as space and weight for long distance riding.

This year I’m planning to buy a Leatherman adapter tool. There are four different models with ten different tools. The Squirt S4 is made for ladies: tools, tweezers and nail file included.

I heartily recommend buying a Leatherman tool for your own toolkit, and one for everyone you know. One can be used in almost every job, around the house, picnics, recreation and every place imaginable.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Katadyn Outdoor Products



Katadyn manufactures a large range of outdoor products ranging from desalinators and water purification tablets to water filters. Their company slogan is "Making Water Drinking Water" and their objective is to help outdoor enthusiasts manufacture water in remote areas.

The Katadyn desalinators are divided into the manual water-makers where no power source is needed and the powered water-makers that run on 12-volt systems. They are marketed as the Katadyn Manual Survivors and the Katadyn Power Survivors respectively and there are also several accessories that are available for either model. The available Manual Survivors are the Katadyn Survivor 06 and the Katadyn Survivor 35, and Katadyn describes the 06 model as the "smallest hand-operated emergency desalinator in the world." The 35 model, on the other hand, is larger and can produce up to 4.5 liters of desalinated water per hour.

The Katadyn Power Survivors consist of the 40E model, the 80E model and the 160E model but all three of them operate on the same 12-volt system. The 40E model is special as, not only does it run on power, it can, in an emergency, convert to a hand-operated desalinator. The 80E model also comes in two variations: the variation with vibration damping and the one without. Finally, the 160E is the ideal desalinator for large crews as it delivers up to 25.4 liters of water per hour. Desalinator accessories and repair kits on offer at Katadyn include the following:
(1) membrane preservation and replacement kits;
(2) both acid and alkaline membrane cleaning chemicals;
(3) plunger rod kits for the Power Survivors;
(4) silt reduction kits for the Power Survivors; and
(5) repair seal kits, extended cruise kits and maintenance packages for all Power Survivor models.

The Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets come in packs of 20 and packs of 30 and is the only product of its kind registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It guards against water-borne dangers including viruses, Giardia, bacteria and cryptosporidium.

Katadyn water filters are divided into the Endurance series, the Backcountry series and the Ultralight series which are aimed at expeditions, camping trips and day trips respectively. The Endurance series features the following filters: the Expedition, the Kombi, the Pocket, the Drip Ceradyn, the Drip Gravidyn and the Siphon. The Ultralight series, on the other hand, includes the Micro Microfilter bottle, the Exstream Purifier bottle, the Exstream XR Purifier bottle and the Katadyn Mini, which comes in as the most compact and lightest filter available today. The Backcountry series of water filters consists of the Vario, the Hiker, the Hiker Pro and the Base Camp with its innovative "hang, fill and drink" design.

The accessories, kits and parts available for the Katadyn water filters include:
(1) Exstream cyst filter replacement packs;
(2) bottle adapters with activated carbon;
(3) Ceradyn filter elements; and
(4) pocket filter small parts kits.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Icebreaker Long Johns that keep you warm



The first materials for Icebreaker were discovered in 1994, by Jeremy Moon, in New Zealand. He was introduced to a merino wool farmer that lived in Marlborough. The farmer had created a thermal underwear that was made from New Zealand 100% natural merino wool. Moon, felt that the material was luxurious and soft, not like the usual wool that is rough and bulky material. Another benefit was that it was also machine washable material, preventing a nuisance of dry cleaning. He took this idea and ran with it, creating a natural outdoor clothing line for the public, called Icebreaker.

Since the clothing is all natural without synthetic materials, it appeals to the consumers. The individual fibers of the clothing are breathable, as well as the fabric of the material. This creates insulating, silky and smooth clothing apparel that appeals to active outdoor individuals. This allows the body to release moisture vapors, preventing one from the feeling of dank and wet. The basic concept is that an individual will feel cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Many customers will layer their garments because the fibers will lock together and feel as if they are one cohesive unit.

The clothing is available for men, women and children. There are five basic ideas: active base layers, mid layers, technical sports, outer layer and lightweight travel categories. The active base layers are divided to fit each individual need for coverage. They are broke down to suit each weather conditions: ultralite (all season), lightweight (cool) and midweight (cold). Midlayers are great candidates for traveling because they are insulating, but also quite breathable. Technical sports is created to give the maximum performance for mountain sports. There are extra features that include a small percentage of Lycra that helps with shape retentiveness and a better fit. Outer layers are considered to be styled as urban causal clothing. The style is cut to be a snug fit to enhance the body's form. Lightweight travel is worn as single garments in the heat, but layered when the weather is at a cooler temperature. The material is designed for when one is traveling, meant to deal with different seasons throughout different continents.

The clothing is available in a wide selection of items that include tops, bottoms, underwear, coats, socks and accessories. They are made to be worn as separate units or used to layer for more warmth or a personal individual style. The collections include a large variety that will meet any need for outdoor activity. The collections include outdoor, Alpine, Travel, Underwear, Sport, Bodyfit and Icebreak_GT. Icebreaker clothing apparel is attractive, durable and great for protection from the weather's elements.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Gransfors splitting mauls and Axes


Quality Protective Gear for the Woodcutter
Gransfors is a manufacturer of quality equipment designed especially for the woodcutter. Their hand forged axes are award winning and each hand crafted axe is stamped with the initials of the craftsman who created it. Gransfors also develops and manufactures incredibly innovative protective clothing for woodcutters. These patent protected garments, known as SwedePro, are designed to cause a chainsaw to jam before the operator can be harmed. Even though Gransfors axes and SwedePro protective clothing products are among the utmost in quality, they are surprisingly affordable. For the discriminating woodcutter, Gransfors products offer quality, value, and most importantly unsurpassed protection.

The top quality hand crafted axes offered by Gransfors are truly pieces of functional art. Each axe is marked with pride with the logo of the company as well as the initials of the artisan who created it. These quality woodcutting tools are created with quality always being a top consideration. The process is not rushed, and the craftsman takes his time to create the best axe possible. Craftsmen employed by Gransfors are not payed by the piece, so that the craftsman can concentrate on making each piece as good as it can be. On the company website a list of each craftsman's name is given, along with the initials they use to mark their work.

Gransfors also offers an innovative line of patent protected clothing designed to protect what every woodcutter values most, his life. This line of professional protective gear is constructed of special materials designed to cause a chainsaw to jam before the wearer could be injured by the chain. These innovative products developed by Gransfors allow are sold under the copyrighted name SwedePro. The product line includes: wrap chaps, apron chaps, pants (Summer & Winter), chainsaw protective pants, shirts, vests, and gloves. Also available from Gansfors under the SwedePro name are: First Aid Kits designed to fit into pockets, tool pouches, and accessories for hard hats. The SwedePro protective products are ISO-9000 certified and passed Underwriters Laboratory testing with zero cut-through incidents and with at least two layers of protective material remaining. Gransfors SwedePro line of clothing is also conveniently machine washable and machine dry able.

For woodcutters who work in the industry professionally protecting themselves with SwedePro clothing is not just a good idea, it's required for compliance with OSHA regulation 1910.266. This regulation states that an employed chainsaw operator must use the following protective gear: head protection, hearing and eye protection, protective footwear, protective gloves, and protective leg devices. SwedePro products allow for the best quality available on the market to allow the professional chainsaw operator to confirm with OSHA standards.

Whether purchasing for the professional woodcutter or the amateur Gransfors offers the ultimate in quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness. When making the decision to choose an item that could someday save the life of a friend, loved one, or employee who uses it Gransfors SwedePro clothing is the obvious choice.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Great Reasons To Buy A Gerber Knife



Gerber Knives have been around for over 70 years, and are still going strong. In a time when many companies, even reputable ones are failing, it makes you wonder, what makes Gerber Knives different?

First of all, they are tough. Many hunters would be lost without theirs. No other knife can cut through a fish or deer the way a Gerber Knife blade can. They are made out of high carbon stainless steel, with full and partial tangs built in. (Try finding another knife made out of the same material.)

The blades are fixed and do not fold. How many times has your foldable knife stuck in it's case right when you needed it? With this knife, you never have to worry about that again. However if you prefer a knife that does fold, they have a variety that does just that, without the sticking.

The handles come in a variety of different materials-wood, stag or made out of their patented soft grip technology.

They are always ahead of the game. Gerber knives are constantly pushing the envelope, striving to stay ahead of the competition using the latest and greatest technology to bring you the best knives possible.

The price is affordable. You can buy much cheaper knives than these, but they won't measure up to the quality and and performance of these knives. You can also buy much more expensive knives and they won't measure up either. Why spend extra money when you can buy the best knife around for a decent price? Starting at only 15.00, you can have the durabliity and dependence of a Gerber Knife.

They come in many different shapes and sizes. From a small multitool that can fit in your pocket, and has many other amenities added in, to a full size knife, you decide what size is perfect for you.

The uses are endless. During a battle in Iraq, a Gerber LMF ll Asek was used to cut through a 220 volt electric line. It has also been used by many military personel for other reasons as well as the every day hunter. Even women are finding them useful, as they can use the multi-tool version for various jobs around the house.

It's designed by some of the biggest names in the knife industry. If you are a knife fanatic, I'm sure the names Bob Loveless, Fred Carter, Blackie Collins and of course Pete Gerber will all ring a bell.

It's won awards. In 1985 Gerber Knives were honered with Blade Magazine's Most Innovative Knife Of The Year Award. How many knife makers can say that?

When you buy a Gerber Knife, you can be sure it was made with you in mind!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

filson bags, filson jackets, filson hats


Filson
Don’t you feel good when you are buying quality products from a company that has been in business for years? Filson has been manufacturing outdoor goods since 1897 and you can be assured you’re purchasing superior goods. Clinton Filson opened his first outfit to supply the stampeders of the Klondike Gold Rush. Now there was a true test of quality, durability and dependability.

His first customers were the early gold miners and pioneers of the frigid North. Clinton Filson sold knit goods, blankets, moccasins, boots, shoes and sleeping bags all specially made to protect against the icy cold and winds, constantly testing every day survival. Filson products were a hit and still are today, thanks to his ingenuity and persistence in listening to his customers. His products have consistently been improved over time thanks to his willingness to take input right from the people that matter the most, his customers!

Today you can buy any number of well made goods including men and women’s clothing, luggage and travel items, backpacks, women's camp cooking gear, Filson bags, Filson Hats. Filson Mackinaw and Filson jackets. They offer some intriguing specialty items on their site for dogs, fly fishing, hunting, gifts and games, pants and chaps, eye ware & accessories and shooting apparel. Any items that you may be looking for in particular to be used outdoors are all attractively made, well designed and of the sturdiest quality.

For the fisherman and hunting buffs you just can’t beat the great selection of jackets, pants, vests, short and long sleeved shirts. The North Fork Wading Jacket and Mesh Fly Fishing Vest are winners all the way around for wading into the coldest of streams and staying warm and dry for some serious fishing! Hunters have some impressive gun sleeves to choose from that are light weight, compact, durable and protective. You can choose from a good selection of colors and of course you will specify the size. In addition they also offer a scope gun case and un-scoped gun case, which ever one meets your needs.

If you have a lot of outdoor activities, chores or a hunting trip lined up there is nothing like the jackets made by Filson. When he first designed jackets and coats way back in the 1800’s, he definitely made some great articles of clothing that can hardly be surpassed by another manufacturer today. Filson offers a fine variety of jackets and styles, which include the Cascade Vest or jacket, down vests or down jackets, Polartec Outfitter, Yukon Wool Cape Coat and a medium and heavy weight outfitter jacket. These are all made for some seriously cold temperatures, so that you can concentrate on your chores or sighting in that big buck!

In addition to outdoor apparel, the Filson company has been manufacturing livestock equipment for the past 60 years. You can take your choice of cattle chutes, goat and calf tables, sweeps and alleys, wheel kits, panels & gates and grooming chutes. As you can see if you need any outdoor apparel or equipment you can depend on Filson for supplying you with the greatest products that you can depend on.