The Great Outsmores

A couple of folks asked, so I wanted to share. I must have been good this year, cause Santa was as good to me as I ever remember.

First up, a Coleman Duel Fuel lantern. I’ve had an old propane powered single mantle lantern for years, and it’s been great. But this was a huge step up not only for the extra mantle, but that it can run on arguably the most available fuel around: unleaded gasoline.

This will be (i hope) more convenient for resupplying on longer trips, since gas stations are more prevalent than Walmarts in the boonies. Also, it’s always a pain when having to track down a REI or Walmart when travelling via plane.

Nalgene makes a great product, as best covered here. North Face also makes a great product. Both companies have been criticized lately for getting away from their core businesses, but this has got to be a home run!

On the outside, a super tough lexan skin sporting the NF logo. Inside, is a slide out plastic liner that won’t hold the smell and taste of booze (scotch flavored vodka must be awful). The outer part of the cap (blue part) actually slides off, making a neat little jigger sized measuring cup!

Lastly, I just can’t figure out how he got down the chimney with this one. Nothing less than a 17 foot red Mad River canoe, with a square back. Actually, my wife got me this, making me the luckiest man on the planet. I mean, who gets their husband something that will inevitably lead to more weekend days away from her on the river? This can only mean that she wants to come along…..

I spend so much time working, playing, working, working, playing, charity working….. I forget sometimes to stop and be thankful for all those around me that care so much. I guess that’s the most important part of Christmas, the thoughts and best wishes that these material things represent, not the things themselves.

That said, I look forward to testing the last two out this weekend!

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