Why the Morakniv Basic 511 is my favorite

I've had the Morakniv Basic 511 for a little over a year now and after abusing it yesterday I thought it was time for a review. It's main use for me has been cutting/whittling wood around the fire. Out of the package, it was already incredibly sharp and has maintained its edge quite well after hacking sticks over the camping season.

One of the best things about this knife is the price. It's right around $10 on Amazon. With this price it makes you not worry so much about potentially ruining it. When it came time to remove the carpet from a spare bedroom, my actual carpet knife was at the office so I used the 511 for the job. Boy did it handle the task with ease and of course, if I did happen to destroy the knife it was no big deal.

After it was all over, the 511 no longer passes the paper test, but only by a little. A quick sharpen should get it back on track for camping season, which starts in a couple of weeks - watch out sticks!

Disclosure - The links to the knife go to Amazon where I purchased it. By clicking it and buying the knife, I may get compensated from Amazon with no additional cost to you.

North Face Ultra 109 long term review

I've had these shoes for several months now and this is a follow up from my comparison between the North Face 109 and 106.

As mentioned before, I took both pair to Ireland to walk the Kerry Way in August 2016. Honestly, I ended up using the 106's more because they are much more comfortable and fit my feet better because of the lacing. My best guess is maybe a 65-35 split with the 106's taking the biggest load of miles. That being said, I walked the 2nd longest hike in the 109 through a variety of conditions on the Irish countryside.

Using the Darn Tough sock and a combination of shoes, I had zero foot problems over the 100 odd miles of hiking between the Kerry Way, the towns and pubs. The Goretex did make my feet slightly damp from perspiration after 10 hours of hiking in 60 degree weather.

When we decided to hike the Grand Canyon in March 2017, down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel, I decided to only take the 109's. They handled like a champ on everything except the packed down slick snow near the top of each trail but in all fairness the 106's wouldn't have faired better.

I still like the 106's better.

At the end of the day, I still prefer the 106's as they are more comfortable, but as the 109's broke in I like them better than I did originally. They are still sloppier than the 106's in general.

Here is an Amazon link to the North Face 109 shoes. I do get a little compensation if you click and buy. It means I can buy more crap to review.

Check out my initial review

Tilley Lightweight Ball Cap Reivew

Likes:

• I like wearing ball caps
• It won't come off in a windstorm

Dislikes:

• Build quality
• Price
• It's not really breathable (I forgot to mention that in my video)

Result:

I can't recommend this hat for its current price. Further usage will determine if I could recommend it at any price.

Mac Book Air 13 review

I reviewed my new Mac Book Air 13 over HERE

The North Face Ultra 109 vs 106

My mini review covering the key differential between the Ultra 109 and 106 shoes.

Tech Armor Ballistic Glass Review

Read the review here

Patagonia Half Mass bag

Being on the move and toting a 17" beast of a laptop, I needed a bag. That bag is the Patagonia Half Mass and here is its review.