Arcane Full tilt

Advantages: It scares the children
Disadvantages: It doesn't do anything you think it will

...That sinking feeling, do you know it, you soon will if you order this product. The sinking feeling when you open a box and see that you have wasted hundreds of pounds on the worst quality item you have ever seen. Quality: Black plastic covered in ill-fitting foam. The whole thing looks horrid. Technology: The "computer" is the size of a brick, looks like a brick and basically has the same functionality as a brick. You would find better and more useful functions in a £2.99 digital watch from a 1982 Argos catalogue. Reliability: Mine has gone wrong 3 times in 1 year. It is broken again - but I can't be bothered to send it back again. Each time it was the tilt switch. Tilt switch I hear you cry, read on. The Gimmick: Well, ignore all the negatives, because it sounds fun punching the lights out right? Wrong! The slam man... Read review

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Advantages: Well built, Good load transfer, Non sweat back system
Disadvantages: Heavy, looks slightly odd, Occipital cavity doesnt work, front pocket opening too small.

...and the rucksack is set on its side - hence the backsystem doesnt get wet.. Inside there is the usual drawstring devider and a slot for a hydration system with an outlet for the attached hose. Its large eneough but i've never seen the point in these - hydration systems get crushed when the pack is full! Finally at the top of the rucksack is a ordinary twin drawcord closure system, with a really useful rope compression strap. You dont need to be carrying rope for this to be useful. There is a sizeable top pocket and a reasonably sized zipped pocket under the lid as well. So what abou those changes i mentioned and what about that occipital cavity? The idea of the occipital cavity is that the top bar of the rucksacks frame is curved inwards so the user can tilt his or her head backwards without rubbing off the pack. The top bar isnt at the right level... Read review

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Advantages: Small, portable, high heat (but controllable), reliable
Disadvantages: Price of fuel

...I purchased a Coleman Peak 1 camping stove about 12 years ago, when I embarked on an expedition to walk the Penine Way. The stove is lightweight, portable, and best of all - reliable. It gives a good heat, boiling 2 pints of water in less than 5 minutes (try doing that with your standard Calor Gaz stove!). Although the power output is high, it is also very controllable. There is a small lever to adjust the flame, and it can be lowered to a simmer if that is all that you need. Safety has also been taken into consideration such that, even though the stove is fuelled with petrol, it can be tilted, turned, and even inverted without flaring up in your face. The fuel made by Coleman is rather expensive (around 9 pounds for a 1 litre tin), although the newer models can now use standard unleaded fuel of the type you put in your car... Read review

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