Adam Sherman » Outside

Notebook Cover

adam — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:14:37 +0000

A number of people have asked what I use to carry my notebook and writing tools for SAR purposes. I have a 4″ x 6″ Notebook Cover from Maxpedition Hard-User Gear that I quite like.

Maxpedition 4" x 6" Notebook Cover

Notebook with Writing Tools and Rite-in-the-Rain Pad

I actually sourced it from OPSGEAR.

Winter Not Coming Quickly Enough for You?

adam — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:39:04 +0000

Just drive a couple hours north!

Logging Road in the Winter

Maha Powerex Batteries and Chargers

adam — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:16:42 +0000

Update: Maha has new higher capacity 2400 mAh IMEDION AA batteries available from Paul’s Finest.

I have been quite satisfied ordering batteries and chargers from PSS Enterprises in Montreal.

I use the Maha 2100mAh 4-Pack AA IMEDION Ultra Low Discharge Batteries to power my flashlights, headlamps and GPS units. (PaulsFinest.com Link)

It is quite important to avoid the classic NiMH batteries as they show poor performance in cold temperatures and discharge extremely quickly while sitting in your pack waiting. “Low Discharge” or “LSD” NiMH batteries are a much better investment in my experience.

Re: Light Sources?

adam — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:48:50 +0000

I recently received this question by email:

What headlamp and flashlights do you use? I noticed when we were in (…) that your lights were far superior to anything anyone else had.

So here are my current lights and some thoughts on where to go next.

Headlamps

I have two headlamps…

Petzl MYO RXP (Primary)

This is a programmable regulated version of the MYO XP. (I believe it is slightly brighter than the XP.) Although the “programmable” seems pretty useless at first, it allows you to program the lowest setting to be the first click–usually it is the last. Key feature: AA batteries.

Petzl Tikka (Secondary)

This is “secondary” as in I don’t even carry spare batteries (AAA) for it. It really only gets used if I’m needing a reading light while in command. It has a built-in red filter.

Flashlights

I also have two flashlights… both are very bright, the difference is mostly in the colour of the light.

Fenix TK20

This is a very cool looking light that has a very warm yellow light, which apparently is better for finding evidence. It is also very narrow beam, which allows it to throw light extremely far. 2 AA batteries.

EagleTac P10A2

This one has a wider beam and is the classic LED bright white colour.

What Next

Also, if you were going to replace them…is there better out there that you know of?

Petzl has one called ULTRA which is insanely bright but is probably way too expensive and uses a proprietary battery pack.

EagleTac has a new light, the P20A2. It is a touch brighter than the P10A2. According to the website, both the P10A2 and the P20A2 are available with a “Neutral White” LED. You might like that better.

You can usually find these on eBay or elsewhere on the ‘net.

For the next time I have extra money burning a hole in my pocket, I want to get a bigger searchlight, something like the Fenix TK40.

Update: see my other post for how to power these toys.

Swim, Boy!

adam — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:19:09 +0000

Just for fun, here is my little dog going for a swim to lighten things up:

Hiking Off the Eardley Escarpment

adam — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:58:45 +0000

Hiking off the Eardley Escarpment after a short after-work climb with friends.

Comparing Modern Sleeping Pads

adam — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:20:11 +0000

I’m working on this table to compare sleeping pads. I am starting by putting together a table listing available options:

Sleeping Pad Comparison

Comparison of modern sleeping pads.

Product	Size (cm)	Thick (cm)	R-value	Weight (g)	Price
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad Small	51 x 119	6.30	2.50	260	$150.00
Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad	51 x 130	2.00	2.20	280	$28.00
Therm-a-Rest Prolite Sleeping Pad	51 x 119	2.50	2.20	310	$79.00
T-Rest ProLite 3	119 x 51	2.50	2.30	370	$70.00
T-Rest ProLite 4	119 x 51	3.80	3.20	480	$79.00
Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus Sleeping Pad	51 x 119	3.80	3.80	480	$79.00
MEC Kelvin Summer	181 x 52	8.00	0.00	555	$40.00
MEC Kelvin 2.5	153 x 51	2.50	2.50	590	$39.00
MEC Kelvin 3.8	153 x 51	3.80	2.80	645	$45.00
Big Agnes Air Core	182 x 51	6.40	4.10	680	$75.00
T-Rest Women ProLite 4	168 x 51	3.80	4.10	680	$89.00
Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus Sleeping Pad (W)	51 x 168	3.80	4.50	680	$89.00
Exped Downmat 7	178 x 52	7.00	5.90	855	$155.00
Exped Downmat 7 Pump Sleeping Pad	65 x 193	7.00	5.90	905	$142.00
Exped Downmat 9	193 x 65	9.00	8.00	1200	$190.00
Exped Downmat 9 Pump Deluxe Sleeping Pad	193 x 65	9.00	8.00	1250	$174.00

Note: prices are approximate values in Canadian Dollars.

Tip: Use Rice to Dry Out Your Electronic Device

adam — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:28:56 +0000

A client of mine in New York City recently dropped his iPhone in the snow where it stayed for some time before he noticed. Unfortunately, the unit no longer operated properly so he called AppleCare. After the usual attempt and a full wipe and restore of the iPhone, they then asked him to put his phone into a Ziploc full of rice for 3 hours. What a great idea! Since rice is a desiccant, this technique should completely remove any humidity from the device.

Sadly, this did not fix the problem. Luckily, Apple replaced it under warranty.

Ducks!

adam — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 22:06:42 +0000

Saturday, Thomas and I spent the day canoeing through a few lakes. While doing the dishes, after breakfast, we had some company:

Macro is Fun

adam — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 18:54:19 +0000

Using the macro mode of our Canon A510, snapped a spider:

Fun stuff!