rucksacking

Bright headlights

Petzl announced in February that its 2006 line of headlamps would feature new, brighter LEDs -- in some cases, improving performance by 80%. Yowza. The change only affects the Tikka and Zipka compact headlamps, not the fabulously-reviewed Tikka XP (see a video of the XP in action here). Personally, I've just been trying to find the Tactikka XP Adapt, a version model of the XP with a housing that lets you clip it to a belt or jacket, and of course comes with the fancy red filter for preserving night vision.

The new Jet Boil

Hoping to stay on top of the new market niche they've created, Jet Boil is following up their successful first model with a new twist: Group cooking! The new, larger Jet Boil system weighs in at a hefty 19 0z., but offers a much wider array of cooking options. Not only is the included 1.5 liter pot much friendlier to group outings, once you've boiled some pasta, you can take off the pot and use a skillet to sautee the onions.

The editors over at Backpacker magazine definitely like the new model, giving it an Editor's Choice (TM) designation.