Safety Gear

Recent Safety Gear Reviews

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Sold by Berko Productions of Miami, FL (and some cites also say NY, NY) at Providence Place Mall in Providence, RI. Scam artists selling a ridiculously overpriced, poor quality product (ClickHeat) with lies, lies, lies! As I wrote above, bought this lumbar pack (with sleeve) at Providence Place mall in Rhode Island a few days ago. Activated and wore while remaining in mall. Was told by salesperson that heat would last two hours. It lasted 30 minutes. While still in the mall, I looked up the company… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

I like these packs as they work well, quickly, and lasted me quite a while. Unlike others I have had no difficulty as I have read the directions and followed them to a tee. Also, I was careful when boiling it to stir the neck pack around do it doesn't stick to the hot metal pot. IT WILL NOT BURN YOU if it gets punctured as someone else said. In fact, it is sodium acetate, a salt, and is made by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Read the safety data sheet or chemical information on it. I saw a lot… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Seemed fascinating when “pitched” at the gun show. Was told that the heat would last for over an hour and to rejuvenate it just place it in some "warm" water for a few minutes. Neither are true. My old solid fuel hand warmers were far superior. Interesting yet disappointing. Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Bad feeling about product. I guess it is true...there is a sucker born every day! Unfortunately, it had to be me. I went to the LA County Fair Sept 21, 2018. I spoke with a helpful girl about Clickheat. I was  told that she uses it at the hospital on patients and it was even safe on cancer patients. I wanted to buy it for my 89-year-old mom who is having compressed back issues and is in a lot of pain. I was told $199 for one piece or $299 for the kit which had the feet, back, shoulder, and neck… Full review

TheTentLab Deuce of Spades

The #1 item for when I need to go #2. The Deuce of Spades is a great little trowel that works like a charm. I wrap a bandana around the handle to make it a little easier to use. I received this as a prize from Trailspace for being a Reviewer of the Month. A quick note: I was initially hesitant to write this review, since this product is already well covered here on Trailspace (at the time of writing, there are six reviews, all 5-stars), but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that… Full review

Garcia Backpackers' Cache

It's relatively inexpensive. It's easy to open. It's rugged. It works as intended. I have had my Garcia for almost 20 years. It has never failed me. It carries a lot of food with careful, deliberate packing. Full review

BearVault BV500

Better to have it and not need it. I needed it. Love to walk our Redwood National and State Parks here in the 'hood. Love those black bears and their scat's on the trail. Of course, the blackberries are ripe. Keep 'em wild. That's right, you can read about Yellow Yellow on the AT opening these by twisting her head and shearing the lock tabs. It's the hundredth monkey effect, but it's black bears around her slowly picking up the technique. My treks are all West of the Great Divide, so no worries… Full review

Incrediwear Knee Sleeve

The best knee brace I have found for my particular aches and injuries. It feels good worn all day, doesn’t get too hot, and provides ample support for hiking and backpacking, as well as therapeutic fabric to aid blood flow and healing. My only real negative is it takes a while to dry, likely due to some minor cotton content. Waiver – since this is a medical device, albeit over the counter, I would like to clearly state that you should consult with a doctor regarding any injuries, the use of… Full review

Smidge Spray

Non-DEET insect repellent, good for midges, mosquitoes, and ticks. It works! Smidge was developed in Scotland for protection against Scotland's famous midges, but it also claims to offer protection against mosquitoes, horse flies, sandflies, fleas, and ticks.  According to the Smidge website, the product does not rely on DEET but on an ingredient called Picaridin or Saltidin (the latter, if I understand right, being the trade name). It is just as effective as DEET and it works by blocking the antennal… Full review