Outdoor Adventure USA

Product Spot Light

When the fire restriction go into place as they did over the 4th of July weekend here in California, I switch to a propane camp fire pit. My preference is the mid sized Compact Camp Chef fire pit. there are larger ones and smaller ones. And ones that integrate a BBQ options. The compact has a nice flame and lots of heat but still is easy to pack and transport.
Comes with base and high pressure burner, 12 pounds of lava rock, and a carry bag. Gather around the campfire without worrying about smoke or having wood. Great for all types of activities. Tank sold separately.
Camp Chef Gas Fire Pits are allowed for use in most fire ban restrictions, check with the local Ranger Station before use.

Features
• Built-in high output burner
• Lava rocks help disperse flame and heat
• Convenient and portable
• Includes carry bag
• Includes 2 extendable roasting sticks
• 12 lb. bag of lava rock included
• Regulator and 5 ft hose included
• 15" diameter, 7" tall
• Fully adjustable heat-control knob
• Smokeless, propane fueled flame

Specifications
• Total Output: 55,000 BTU/hr
• Product Dimensions: 15" diameter, 7" tall
• For outdoor use only

http://www.campchef.com/fire-pits/propa ... -ring.html

After hearing that the year of manufacture is stamped on the bottom on Coleman lanterns I had to go out to the garage to check the old lantern that came with my teardrop trailer. It turned out to be a 1966 Model 200A. It kind of makes me want to go through it to make sure everything is working and start using it now that I found out its 50 years old.

A question came up last week concerning the Coleman NorthStar propane lantern, and I needed to research what I thought was the answer.

It seems that the Coleman propane version of the NorthStar lantern does indeed come with their instant start button, a feature that ignites the mantles without the need for matches. In doing my research for this lantern, I discovered something else that was very interesting, in addition to the confirmation of the instant start. As we mentioned on the net last week, the light output of the white gas version of the NorthStar lantern comes in at 1,140 lumens. The propane version (according to Coleman: http://www.coleman.com/northstarreg-per ... ne&start=1) comes in at a very respectable 1,540 lumens, about a 25% increase. It does come at a price however, as the run time on a 16 oz. bottle of propane will only last 4.5 hours, as opposed to 7.5 hours with the white gas version. One other nice feature is that the propane lantern comes with a hard plastic carrying case.

Here is what it looks like (from the Coleman website, http://www.coleman.com/northstarreg-per ... ne&start=1):
As impressive as that is, Coleman still has another model that tops this performance, and it goes by the name of the "Perfectflow Instastart Lantern. It is a propane model, and it comes in at 1,700 lumens and lasts about 4.3 hours on a 16 oz bottle (see: http://www.coleman.com/perfectflow-inst ... ne&start=2.)

I use this one and I'm very happy with it. I like that it packs compact and runs with propane, which is not messy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016 ... UTF8&psc=1

KK6CTT for round two internet check-in. Good net with a lot to learn.

COLEMAN UPDATE

During our Field Day / Summer Fest event this year, I had a chance to see one of Jack's Coleman 200A lanterns at work. It was a single mantle model that has been discontinued for quite some time. What was most impressive was the incredible amount of light that was coming out of this very small package (compared to their other models.) So impressed was I that I now have a bid pending on one, hopefully which will accompany me on our next outing. Thanks Jack!!!! Here is it:

Aside from the needs around camp there are definitely some others that deserve to be mentioned. While we usually reserve night time for good food and drink, around a relaxing campfire, there are times when it is necessary to be in the vehicle, traveling. If you are unfortunate enough to break down on the trail, at night, having a good light to perform repairs is invaluable. Flashlights and headlights are good, but there is no substitute for a good 360 degree light bulb. This solution is available only for those who have an inverter in their vehicle. With the great popularity of LED bulbs, it is possible to run a light for a considerable time, with little effect on the battery.

This setup was constructed with 20 feet of 14 ga copper wire with some HD connectors at each end. It includes a 60 watt LED bulb, with a spare, in a rugged case.

Please check me in for tonight. Thanks.

Dave,
Please check me in.
Kevin
KK6DGL