Bushnell BackTrack

I had high hopes for this GPS device. At first glance, Bushnell puts out a very reasonably priced GPS device for the regular guy.  After looking deeper, you realize that the Back Track offers few features and loses out to technology that your cellphones now offer. Essentially, the Back Track is a device that will bring you to a specific location that you have marked. It will show you the direction with an arrow and the distance left to travel.  It will allow you to mark 3 positions.

When using a device like this, it makes you realize how helpful it is to see a display screen showing a map and your tracks on the map. If Bushnell upgraded the Back Track to offer these features, I would definitely jump on the band wagon.

On several occasions, my Back Track pointed me in the wrong direction. I never was able to figure out if it was a matter of not being able to pick up satelites or because it wasn't working right. 

As for durability, I put mine to the test.  Everything was great UNTIL I left my BackTrack on the tailgate of my truck and drove off.  After 2-3 miles, the GPS device fell to the ground.  From there, it proceeded to be run over by several vehicles.  I do not recommend running over your BackTrack as it did not survive the experience.  I can't knock the BackTrack because no electronic device should be able to handle being run over by vehicles!

Because of the lack of features, I would recommend you find a GPS device offering map displays, which shows your tracks as you travel.  For a few more bucks, it is worth the price.  If you are on a budget and want a device that marks where you parked your car, this is your ticket.

Stay tuned for other GPS device reviews, including reviews of Iphone apps used by outdoorsmen.

YOOPERGEAR RATING: 

You can purchase the Bushnell BackTrack at the following locations:

Cabelas
Dick's Sporting Goods
The Sportsman's Guide

IBird Plus

IBird Plus is my favorite bird lover's application for the IPhone.  It has information on over 920 birds, a search engine, browsing capabilities, photos, behavior, habitat information, maps, bookmarks, audio clips, and much more.

Upon first glance, the price can be a bit deceiving.  At $19.99, the app is much more expensive than your typical .99 app.  The difference is that this is an entire encyclopedia of bird lover's information.

I can't begin to tell you how handy this has been for me when trying to identify specific birds.  I first realized the great flexibility of this app when I saw a bird and was able to browse certain criteria to narrow down the search results.  Eventually, I was able to determine the bird I saw was an Upland Sand Piper.

If you choose to download this app, make sure you have enough room on your IPhone.  The application takes up approximately 400mb.

YOOPERGEAR RATING:

Century Double Mantle Propane Lantern

The double mantle propane lantern from Century was my first propane lantern in years.  I spent quite a bit of time reviewing a propane lantern vs. battery powered lanterns.  When comparing these two different types, you quickly find that high quality, battery powered lanterns are much more expensive than the propane style.

This propane lantern comes with the typical bail for easy hanging and carrying.  It also pushes out an impressive 137 watts with the brightness being fully adjustable.

Due to the price and output, I settled on this propane lantern.  I was not disappointed.  The lantern can light up an entire campsite.  The drawbacks to this (and any light at your campsite) are the flies and bugs.  Lights such as these draw the bugs by the millions.  It is best to place the lantern away just far enough away from you not to be effected by the bugs.

YOOPER GEAR RATING:

The Century Double Mantle Propane Lantern can be purchased at Cabelas.