Lucas Will - Gear Reviews

Granite Gear High Visibility Coat

2008-10-23T15:51:00.001-07:00

Enhance your dog's safety by putting this reflective, bright yellow Granite Gear coat on him.

Still holding snug-for now

By lwill from Gov. Camp, OR on 10/23/2008

Gift: Yes
Sizing: Feels true to size
Pros: Reflective stripes, Easy to Put On, WARM, Good Quality
Cons: Velcro
Best Uses: Medium Dogs, Outdoors, Harsh Weather
Describe Yourself: Single Dog Owner

I've put this on my dog in all kinds of weather. As a fleece jacket to keep warm on cold nights in a tent. So she can be seen in urban areas at night (reflective stripes glare brightly from all angles). And while playing in the snow (it repels wetness good).

Two things I would suggest:
Change the color to a bright red or blaze orange like hunters use. That's partly why I wanted the jacket in the first place, so that my dog stood out immediately in the woods during fall hunting season, hence "high visibility."

Also I would do something regarding the velcro. While mine still works overall, parts of the stripping don't and it appears the non-functioning is creeping into the good stuff. Granted my jacket has last longer than a year through some harsh stuff and heavy activity, the rest of it is still in good shape-shouldn't the velcro be too?

Tischer staying warm before bedtime

Tags: Using Product

(legalese)

Granite Gear AirVent Reduction DryBlocs Stuff Sack

2008-10-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at REI

With its breathable membrane end panel, the Granite Gear AirVent Reduction DryBlocs stuff sack makes packing and protecting your belongings a breeze.

Fits right in

By lwill from Gov. Camp, OR on 10/23/2008

Gift: No
Pros: Waterproof, Durable, Good venting, Lightweight, Compact, Molds to pack
Cons: Tiny clip
Best Uses: Backcountry Camping
Describe Yourself: Outdoor Professional
What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

I picked one up just before departing on a nearly 3 week backpacking trip in Northern MN to stuff my sleeping bag in. The beauty of this stuff sack is that once you seal it, you can mold it into a perfect brick shape: the ends are stitched in a rectangle shape. This makes total sense for packing it into the bottom of my rectangle shaped pack. NO dead space! It established the shape of my pack while I loaded the rest in. Using these sacks, everything would stack perfectly in a pack.

The clip is solid for how small it is. I actually hung it in a tree a few times as a waterproof bear bag.

The only trouble I had was on the few cold (frost) mornings when I found it difficult to work with the flaps to roll it. They are are extremely thin, put that with cold fingers and it was a small challenge. The rest of the time however I was praising this feature as it was extremely lightweight yet super tough. I felt like I was going to rip it stuffing my bag in-but it's not gonna happen!

Freshly stuffed sleeping bag ready to load

Tags: Using Product

(legalese)

Granite Gear Ruff Rider Dog Pack

2008-10-23T12:20:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at REI

New updated fabric and design features keep your hiking companion even more comfortable on the trail.

This pack holds its own

By lwill from Gov. Camp, OR on 10/23/2008

Gift: No
Pros: Efficient, Tough
Best Uses: Younger Pets, Travel
Describe Yourself: New Pet Owner

After a different brand wore out in less than a year, I decided to go with GG this time. Our first trip was nearly 3 weeks backpacking with my pooch carrying all her own weight. She is less than 2 YO and "explores" the forest/ponds often, other than mud this pack hasn't shown any wear at all (even when the bottom half was submerged while she drank, it kept water out). I never put more than 10 lbs on her 50 lb body, and the pack held it without concern. Sometimes it needed a little balancing but even if a little off it still holds position on her back well.

It doubled as my bear bag at night and made it through freezing temps and cold thunderstorms hanging in a tree.

At first I wished the sternum strap had a clip to it so I wouldn't have to slip it on her neck, but then again it's just one more thing to wear down (and my pooch is fine with wearing it so it isn't ever a problem getting it on her). The belly strap does obviously have a clip and is solid. A handle on top might be helpful, but I loved the plastic D-ring on the back for clipping her leash to!

I intend for my dog to give it heavy use in all seasons, and when it's time for a new one, I'll be going back for another.

(legalese)