by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
Just a few years ago, choosing a backpacking sleeping pad was easy — you only had a few choices. Now you’ve got dozens, ranging from ultralight inflatables to cushy air beds and everything in between. In this guide, I break down the three core types of backpacking pads and illuminate which pads are best for certain conditions — and your budget. Check it out at ManMakesFire.com. . ....
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
Because my iPhone camera is so good these days, there are only two other cameras a guy really needs — one, a DSLR or similar quality mirrorless camera system, and two, a rugged waterproof camera. Of course, you could argue that if you’re a high-speed action sports enthusiast that you need a GoPro, but let’s not split hairs. The point is, if I had to choose just one, I’d pick a rugged waterproof camera. Why? Because today’s waterproof cameras are versatile and tougher than ever. This means you can take them places you would never take your smartphone or DSLR and still capture some of the best photos and video of your life — the beach, the river, the ski slopes, backpacking, or even the waterpark. With a rugged camera, you can capture memories like never before — check out the 10 Toughest Waterproof Cameras in 2015 at Wicked Cool...
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
I’m come to the conclusion that a guy needs three cameras: a smartphone camera that you usually have with you a DSLR “large” camera with a smart brain and interchangeable lenses a compact, rugged, waterproof camera With more photos taken with the iPhone than with any other “camera” these days, the ease and handy nature of the smartphone camera should be self evident. And the DSLR? Have you ever tried to zoom in with an iPhone? It’s pointless. Plus, you don’t have to be an expert photographer to appreciate looking through the lens of a DSLR, zooming in or out, framing your subject, and focusing a big lens. It’s just cool, eye-opening, and the results are far more likely to be great. Plus, you can capture people waving their hands without getting an in-focus face shot with melted flipper hands like you so often do with smartphone cameras. So, smartphone for everyday stuff. DSLRs for sports, movement, zoom, and more serious endeavors. And the rugged, waterproof camera? For outdoor play in hot sand, cool water, dirt, dust, and snow. The rugged camera lets you stride into a poop at the water park and capture video of your kids jumping into the pool. No fear. It lets you raft down a river and hold your arm under the water to see what’s on the bottom. No fear. It lets you snorkel with fish. It’s easy to pack and versatile, too. Which is why ever outdoor, action-oriented guy could use a waterproof camera. Just saying. Here’s three of the best waterproof cameras for 2014, as I covered for Man Makes Fire....
![Topo Maps for iPhone and iPad Review: Best Topo App for Backwoods Adventure [Man Makes Fire]](https://chrismaxcer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/topo-maps-phil-endecott-ios.jpg)
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
There is two things I do before I head out into the woods, especially before I head out into areas I’m unfamiliar with: First, I check out the area using Apple’s Maps apps, both on my iPhone and the version on my Mac. The satellite images are pretty good, and the 3D effect you can get helps me get a read on the terrain. Second, I make sure I’ve loaded up the topographical maps for the area into my Topo Maps app by Phil Endecott. This iOS app for iPhones and iPads has a fantastic mix of basic location tracking features — without getting too complicated or cumbersome. It uses scanned versions of USGS maps, plus can seamlessly let you move from two maps when your location is on the edge of a map. The downside to USGS maps is that they’re often 20 or more years old, but still, when you’re lost in mountains, knowing where you’re at on a topo map can be the difference between getting back to camp, to the truck, or spending a night out lost and cold. Check out the full review of Phil Endecott’s Topo Maps at Man Makes Fire. Alternately, just go get it at iTunes now. It’s totally worth...
![Intex Mariner Inflatable Boat Review: Best Inexpensive Raft [Man Makes Fire]](https://chrismaxcer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/intex-mariner-raft-1080x675.jpg)
by Chris Maxcer | Adventure
There is a tough gap between cheap little rafts and hardcore whitewater river rafts and seaworthy Zodiak-style boats. Where is the middle ground? The affordable, solid quality raft that doesn’t cost a fortune but will hold up to at least some light abuse? That raft is the Intex Mariner 4 — it’s a four-person raft with an innovative roll-up hard floor. The floor system gives you superior stability on the water. Pair this boat with a motor mount and an electric trolling motor, and suddenly you’ve got a handy and portable fishing boat that can rival a more expensive and cumbersome rowboat. So how durable and solid is this raft? It has been certified by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association (NMMA) and is a U.S. Coast Guard approved vessel. Not bad for a boat you can pack around in a duffel bag and find for less than $300. The oars are stouter than what comes with your average low-end raft, but as long as you’re not trying to fight whitewater or do anything stupid, they work pretty well on flat or gentle rivers. The Mariner was one of my smartest buys when it comes to outdoor gear. Supremely useful with a fantastic price-to-value ratio. Check out the full Intex Mariner 4 review at Man Makes...
