PopUp Wipes, Cloths and Towels

PopUp Wipes, Towels and Cloths are 100% All Natural towels that are compressed to reduce bulk. The towels are designed to expand when you add water.

Check out our PopUp Wipe Video Demo.

PopUp Wipes are convenient, lightweight, portable and easy to use. They are compostable, biodegradable and safe for all skin types.

I started carrying PopUp Wipes on backpacking trips a couple years ago. I like to cleanup before dinner each night. I open a clean, never before used PopUp Wipe to clean the salt and grime from my body after a long, dusty day on the trail. Not only does it feel good to clean up, it reduces the amount of dirt you introduce to the inside of your sleeping bag. They are also reusable. Today’s wipe could be tomorrow’s handkerchief. I carry 1 PopUp Wipe for each day of a backpacking trip.

Chaffing is a common backpacking problem. It can be debilitating if not treated. PopUp Wipes have been very helpful (for me) with preventing and treating chaffing. They are clean and are able to remove the salt/grit that is usually the cause of chaffing. The fibers of the towels do a great job of grabbing and removing the grit, stopping the chaffing, and starting the healing. Chaffing is not a reason to stop a trip. Treat it and move on

PopUp Towel Video:

Recently, I added 1 PopUp Towel(12”x22” 46.3g/1.6oz.), 1PopUp Jumbo Wipe(12”x18” 9.5g/.33oz.) and 2 PopUp Wipes(9”x10” 2.7g/.1oz.) to my First Aid Kit. The uses for these items are countless and they remain clean and dry until ready to use. I know some people may think this is excessive weight.  My first aid kit is usually never used, except for the occasional blister. A first aid kit should be packed while thinking about the accident you may come across in the wilderness.  I also carry an extra liter of water for the same reason. You never know what you may come upon while traveling wild areas. You may be the help someone is desperately needing.

PopUp Jumbo Wipe Video:

PopUp products come with me on all of my trips. I have a tube of PopUp Wipes in the glove box of my car. They come in handy with my 3 kids and 2 dogs. I have a couple PopUp Wipes in my daypack and a PopUp Utility Towel in my bike bag to help clean up after repairs. PopUp products are a Simple Outdoor Solution to many situations. Get them at SimpleOutdoorStore.com.

PopUp Utility Cloth Video:

Outsak UL History

Originally Posted January 20, 2010
Updated Outsak UL Specs @ bottom of page.

The first Outsak UL was sold February 7, 2010. The rest is history.

Outsak UL History

1st Prototype-September 2009
We started out with the idea of making a lighter weight version of our Outsak® Bag. We put a few together and sent them out to some Ultra-light Hikers. We got a positive response regarding the size, but it needed to be lighter. This bag was 4.5 oz, and offered approximately 425 cubic inches of storage. We searched for different materials and came up with a combination of mesh and webbing that we liked.

2nd Prototype-October 2009
We approached Backpackinglight.com (the forum) and asked for field test volunteers. We received several volunteers who were willing to test the 2nd prototype of the Outsak® UL. The 2nd version was now a 4 oz bag, with the same capacity as the previous version (425 ci). We have received several positive responses from our group indicating successful testing, even some creative home testing intended to find the breaking point of the Outsak® UL.

The 2nd Prototype of the Outsak® UL has repelled raccoons, a variety of squirrels, all sorts of rodents, peacocks, blue jays, ringtails, skunks, deer, among others animals. At this point it was clear that we needed to keep the stainless steel mesh, it has proven to be strong enough to repel most common campsite pests. All subsequent prototypes have been equally successful at repelling pests.

3rd and 4th Prototype-November/December 2009
We took the suggestions from some of our field test group indicating that they would like to see the bag lighter, or have a greater capacity. We made it lighter and bigger. We put together 2 more versions and sent them out to a much smaller group. The original prototype was now down to 3.6 oz (from 4.5 oz) with a 425 ci capacity. The 4th prototype is a larger bag. It was about 4.5 oz, with a 640 ci capacity. Results from field testers were very positive for this bag (4th proto). Most were able to use this larger version for a 3-4 day trip quite easily. The smaller version has been successfully used for 2 day trips for 2 people. It is also the perfect size for a stash/food resupply/water cache bag.

How Many Days Food Can I Fit?
How much you can fit depends on the hiker. Some people simply eat more than others. Others tend to pack too heavy. Some like a lot of snacks, others like big dinners. Some people are really good at repackaging…others are not. We figure 100-150 ci per person/per day for food. Again, this depends entirely on the person, the nature of the trip, the season. These are some of the many considerations that are addressed when packing for a trip. The Outsak UL requires a bit of backpacking discipline and/or discretion when it comes to planning meals. Ultra-light hikers are usually quite disciplined.

Final Versions-February 2010
We will be offering 2 UL options, the Outsak® UL, and the Outsak® UL MICRO. We will also be offering a custom bag option that will apply to all of our Outsak® products. If you want the UL to be bigger, we’ll make it bigger. If the Outsak® UL MICRO isn’t small enough, we’ll make it smaller. This also applies to the 2010 Outsak® and the Original Outsak®.

2011 Outsak UL- April 2011
Outsak UL is improved upon when the 2011 Outsak UL is released. This is the current version of the UL. It weighs about 3.7 oz and offers 630 cubic inches of storage,. The Outsak UL Micro has also been upgraded. It now weighs about 2.8 ounces and has 425 cubic inches of storage. We trimmed the fat on this bag.

Update. December 7, 2011
Outsak UL and UL Micro continue to blaze the trail for Ultralight Food Storage. Outsak UL currently weighs 3.7 oz and 630 cubic inches of storage. The Outsak UL Micro weighs 2.8 oz @ 425 cubic inches.

Current Field Testing
A NEW version of Outsak UL is being field tested. It weighs 3.1 oz @ 630 cubic inches. The Outsak UL Micro is testing at 2.2 oz @ 425 cubic inches. Both versions have successfully protected its contents in ALL field testing scenarios we have put them through. It is time to do a public field test.

Backcountry Food Storage

Backcountry Food Storage has several solutions. Not all of them are simple. In Bear Country, you have to carry a Bear Keg,  Bear Cannister or other hard plastic or metal container. They are heavy, but necessary where bears have become a nuisance. Some campgrounds have metal ammunition cans for food storage which work great, but are not practical for backpacking. Our Simple Outdoor Solution is an Interlocking Wire Mesh Bag, also known as Outsak.

Outsak is an Interlocking Wire Mesh Bag. It is designed to protect your food and gear from the sharp, gnawing teeth of small animals. It is made of a very flexible, lightweight, stainless steel wire mesh that can withstand the tugging, biting and gnawing of common backpacking food thieves. It can be easily rolled and strapped to the outside of your pack. Outsak protects your food and gear while you are sleeping or away from camp. Outsak brand products have been highly successful against raccooons, squirrels, marmots, rodents, skunks, porcupine, swamp rats, chupacabra and sasquatch (prove us wrong). The best thing about an Outsak is how simple it is to use. There are no special knots, or extra tools you have to carry to be able to use an Outsak. Watch the video below.

We offer the Outsak Sprectrum Series and Outsak UL series. The Outsak Spectrum Series comes in 3 sizes and 4 colors. The Outsak Ultralight Series comes in 2 sizes. Please visit our website for more information about sizes and color options. Outsak Bags have been around since 2009, with no known breaches. Prices range from $32.99 to $45.99. Outsak bags are available at retailers and online.

The following video gives you a quick overlook at the features of an Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag. Outsak is Backpacking and Backcountry Food Storage made easy. Outsak is our Simple Outdoor Solution to a common outdoor problem.

Rock Squirrels. Vol. 2 "Squirrel Cam"

Grand Canyon Rock Squirrels will be happy to relieve you of your backpacking food. These squirrels have extremely sharp teeth that can easily penetrate the fabric of any backpack. They prowl most campsites in Grand Canyon looking for irresponsible backpackers that have left their backpacks unattended.

When you arrive at your campsite, one of the first things you should do is secure your food. Do not leave it in your pack. Do not leave it in your tent. Secure your food by hanging it or concealing it in an Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag. The Outsak is made of a stainless steel, interlocking wire mesh. It is lightweight and WILL STOP the sharp teeth of rock squirrels.

It is tempting to drop your stuff and head for the nearest creek to soak those tired feet. However, a few extra minutes securing your food is a crucial step towards a successful trip. Rock Squirrels carry disease that can be harmful, and in some cases fatal to humans. These diseases include rabies and bubonic plague.

A Grand Canyon backpacking trip can be a very rewarding experience. Losing your food to rock squirrels can ruin your trip in a heartbeat, and possibly put you in a life threatening situation.  We are trying to raise awareness and reduce ignorance for backpackers traveling Grand Canyon. Proper food storage is critical to a successful trip. Take the proper precautions and achieve your goal of a successful, glorious Grand Canyon backpacking adventure.

Watch the following video to get an idea of how to defend your camp from Rock Squirrels.

Grand Canyon Rock Squirrels-South Rim

Grand Canyon Rock Squirrels are notoriously cute. People come from all over the world and take dozens of pictures of these cute, furry animals. The tourists love the Rock Squirrels because they seem to be so approachable, and they seem so safe to feed. WRONG!!! These little critters inflict more harm on tourists than the canyon does. The Rock Squirrels at Grand Canyon ruin vacations daily. How? They bite, and they bite hard. Rock Squirrels have the sharpest teeth of any animal in Grand Canyon and they are more than happy to spill your blood as they take food from your hands. Rock Squirrels are extremely bold. They will crawl into your lap, take your food, and bite you in the process. The Rock Squirrel carries disease, such as rabies and even bubonic plague. That's right, "The Black Death". Although cases are rare, the disease can be carried by fleas that are on the Rock Squirrels.

Why not enjoy the squirrels from a distance? They are very entertaining, but you do not need to feed them. Besides, if a National Park Service Ranger witnesses you feeding the animals, they do have the authority to lighten your wallet a bit with a fine. Although this seems to be reserved for repeat offenders. You will however, have to suffer the embarrassment of a verbal tongue lashing as you are scolded by the Ranger in front of the crowd that no doubt will gather. I have witnessed a few of these "scoldings" from NPS Rangers. The Rangers do not mind the crowd, the one receiving the "scolding" has different feelings afterwards...no doubt they will remember the encounter.

Keep your trip to the South Rim of Grand Canyon safe. Keep your fingers away from the Rock Squirrels as this is the only way you will be bitten by these critters. Take pictures instead of Rabies Shots.

Here is a short video on the dangers of Rock Squirrels at Grand Canyon.

Rodent Proof Bag

Outsak is exactly that....a Rodent Proof Bag. The Outsak works exceptionally well at stopping the gnawing, sharp teeth of rodents, ringtails, squirrels, raccoons, marmots and other small animals.

The Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag works so well that it is now being used in New York City to stop rodents at a few, very specific businesses. We will share more information on the business type and the use, in the very near future. We are currently designing a new product that will work even better. We are just trying to prepare ourselves before we start taking orders.

Our Rodent Proof Bag (The Outsak) is currently being field tested by Backpacker Magazine. We sent them an Outsak Spectrum and the New, Lighter, Outsak UL, an upgrade from the Original UL bag. We pioneered the Ultralight Rodent Proof Bag. It has been a big hit among the Ultralight backpacking community. We will share the results of the Backpacker Magazine field testing as soon as possible.

Fall backpacking is rapidly approaching. Be prepared when you enter the backcountry and protect your food and gear. Choose Outsak, and your food will be safe from rodents and other small critters.

Here is a short video on the Outsak and how to use it. (Outsak in video is older model, see our website for current models)

Counter Assault Bear Keg

Simple Outdoor Store now sells Bear Canisters. That’s correct. I said it. We sell an item directly intended to stop bears. 

Check out The Counter Assault Bear Keg here .

We carry the Counter Assault Bear Keg. The Bear Keg weighs 3 lbs 10 oz empty, and has 716 CI of storage.
Question:

Why do you sell bear canisters when you sell the Outsak,Animal Resistant Storage Bag?

Answer:

Outsak will not stop the direct attack of a determined black bear. (Grizzly bears are generally not a problem, when food is hung properly.)

When you have to stop bears from gaining access to your food, then a canister is the only way to go. A bear canister or bear keg stops a bear from getting at your food. It also frustrates them into looking for another meal. I think the best feature of the canisters is that your food is still edible after a bear encounter. Other items will stop the bear, but the food inside is mashed up and not all that appealing, possibly not edible at all if teeth and saliva have penetrated the fabric. I don’t know about you, but my food bag usually has several items that I am really looking forward to eating. After all, that is why I am carrying it.

The bear canister does weigh more(3 lbs  10 oz) but the peace of mind you gain in knowing that your food will be there when you return to it, well that’s priceless in the wilderness. A bear canister is highly recommended in heavy black bear territory. Check with the local governing authority(USFS,BLM, NPS) before your trip to make sure you are in compliance with local regulations.

If the weight is really an issue for you, then my suggestion is lose the weight. You can lose the weight from your pack by leaving a couple items in the car. You can also lose the weight by losing the gut. The extra weight you have on your body is a better target.  Don’t complain about weight if YOU are overweight. My other suggestion would be to NOT pack through bear country if you do not want to carry the weight. Stay where it’s safe for you, and leave room for the rest of us in bear country.

In Bear Country you need to protect your food. We suggest the Counter Assault Bear Keg. It works, and it is the gear we use when backpacking where bears are a concern.