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Reviews by bigdrop (4)


Alpine Classic Cookset (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 4.33/5 Average Rating : 4.33/5

In: Gear: Hiking and Camping: Cookware

Review 4 out of 5 stars

Review by: bigdrop, 2004-04-15


Perfect size for a two person backcountry excursion. Cleans easy. The set is nesting and I can also easily fit my MSR SimmerLite Stove w/ pump, a bottle of camp suds, a sponge, and the pot set handle inside the small pot. The lid fits both pots well and doubles as a frying pan; however the tabs used to remove the lid are thin and bend easy when packed tight. I’m wondering how many seasons they will hold up. $42.00 CND @ MEC


SimmerLite (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 5.00/5 Average Rating : 5.00/5

In: Gear: Hiking and Camping: Stoves: Backpacking Stoves

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: bigdrop, 2004-04-15


Extremely light, very small, very accurate and responsive simmer control. This is an excellent product and I recommend it with no hesitation. $110.00 @ MEC


Eclipse (Manufacturer link) Average Rating = 1.00/5 Average Rating : 1.00/5

In: Gear: Archive

Review 1 out of 5 stars

Review by: bigdrop, 2004-04-15


A great concept with a poor execution.

The Brunton Eclipse compass seems overly susceptible to permanent bubble formation in the vile.

Brunton addresses this issue in their online FAQ:

“Why is there a bubble in my compass?
The bubble can be caused by using the compass at higher elevations and/or exposure to cold temperatures. The bubble forms as the liquid in the vial expands or contracts at a rate faster than the rigid plastic vial, which forms a vacuum or a 'bubble'.
The bubble will normally disappear when the compass is returned to a lower altitude or returned to room temperature. Should the bubble persist, place the compass in a warm spot, like a sunny windowsill, so the fluid in the vial will warm and return to its original volume.
Please be advised that the fluid in the compass is used to dampen or slow down the movement of the magnetic needle. Having a small bubble in the vial will not affect the accuracy of the compass.”

Source: http://www.brunton.com/about.php?action=faq&faq_id=44&show_all=&start_num=5&faq_cat_selected=Compass

However, in a span of two years I have owned 3 (through warranty exchange) Brunton Eclipses and all of them formed permanent bubbles that would not go away. The bubbles where so big that they actually pushed the magnetized disk against the vile and in order to get a reading I had to tap the compass to overcome the friction between the disk and vile. Needless to say the compass wasn’t trust worthy and MEC agreed to give me a full refund.

Buyers beware.


Prowire Quickdraw Set - 12cm Average Rating = 5.00/5 Average Rating : 5.00/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Carabiners: Quickdraws

Review 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: bigdrop, 2004-04-15


Hands down the BEST draw i have ever used. I have 5 of the 10cm and 5 the 20cm. I find myself wanting to place the 20cm ones more then the 10s.