Outsak

PopUp Wipes, Cloths and Towels

2012-01-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-10-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Outsak Spectrum Series In Stores Now.

2011-05-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Outsak Spectrum Series bags are now available at Canyon Outfitters in Sedona, Babbitt's Backcountry in Flagstaff. We will be shipping to Summit Hut in Tucson this week and we expect to have our first delivery to Grand Canyon Marketplace by the first week of June, 2011.

The New Outsak UL and UL Micro will be coming to retailers by mid June, 2011.

Contests, Field Testers, Sales

2011-05-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

We have started a Facebook Page. We encourage you to come by and see us. The focus will be on our Outsak, Animal Resistant storage Bag. We will offer instructional videos, backpacking tips, contests and more. The contests will not be focused entirely on Outsak giveaways. We plan on giving away other gear as well. This is also where we will announce our sales. We are pretty generous when we do sales. Last time we offered almost 30% off all Outsak products. We got crushed.

Our Facebook Page will also be a great place to keep up with all the latest information on current and future projects from Simple Outdoor Solutions. Facebook will be an additional recruiting source for our ever expanding group of Qualified Field Testers.

We also plan on sharing photos, video and trip reports from our adventures. The next adventure on the radar is a trip to Escalante/Grand Staircase National Monument. May is a wonderful time of year for this trip.

We can also be found on YouTube.

We do ask for patience with the Facebook Page. Content will be on the way soon. We are still quite busy filling orders and making bags.

New Outsak UL and Outsak UL Micro Specs

2011-05-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have waited long enough to share some informnation about the upgraded Outsak UL and Outak UL Micro.

Here it is.

Outsak UL 3.75 OZ.....630 CI

Outsak UL Micro 2.85 OZ....425 CI

The upgraded Outsak UL and UL Micro will be available on our website starting tomorrow, 5/2/11.

The Outsak Spectrum series will also be available tomorrow. All Outsak bags will continue to come with a FREE Opsak, Odor Proof Storage Bag.

Grand Canyon Backpacking DVD

2011-04-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

So, you are interested in backpacking the Grand Canyon….and you’ve never been to the canyon? I bet you have a lot of questions.

You should have questions about preparation, planning, food, weather, gear, trails, geology, sunrise, sunset, water…these are just a few items that need to be addressed when you pack for any backpacking trip.

Like many other locations around the world, Grand Canyon has its own unique set of circumstances that you need to take into account before you go. How are you supposed to know what you need to prepare for? You start by watching Backpack The Grand Canyon.

Backpack The Grand Canyon was put together by a gentleman who did exactly what you want to do…Backpack The Grand Canyon. He did a lot of the preparation work for you, and put it together in one DVD. This award winning, professionally produced DVD will help you prepare for your first Grand Canyon Backpacking Adventure. He carried all the camera gear necessary to capture his trip and to share with you, what needs to be done to have a successful Grand Canyon Backpacking Trip.

He shares firsthand experiences of real people. These are NOT professional hikers, but neither are you. They all had a desire to see the canyon in all its glory, and they share their experiences….good and bad. What I appreciated most is their honesty. Watch the DVD and you will see.

Backpack The Grand Canyon is a comprehensive, preparation DVD. It covers it all, and it is really pretty to watch. The scenery of the canyon speaks for itself, and just enough of it is shown to really inspire you to want to Backpack The Grand Canyon. If you are a first time backpacker of Grand Canyon, and would like to alleviate some of your questions or concerns then pickup your copy of Backpack The Grand Canyon.

Who knows….it might just answer the question you forgot to ask.

Don't forget to protect your food and gear from canyon critters with an Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag.

Before you go, check out a preview.

Outsak Spectrum Series™....Brand New and Available By Request

2011-04-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of requests for more information on the Brand New Outsak Bags.

So here goes:

A sneak peak at the Brand New ”Outsak-Spectrum Series”. We are now offering the Outsak in 4 colors. We now have “Lichen Green”, “Berry Red”, “Raven Black” and “Arizona Sky Blue”. This isn’t the only difference. We have trimmed all the fat from the “2010 Outsak” and developed the “Outsak Spectrum Series” into the finest interlocking wire mesh bags available.

Some Stats:

Spectrum Series Small $35.99…8.5 oz Capacity 1275 Cubic Inches

Spectrum Series Medium $40.99…10 oz Capacity 1685 Cubic Inches

Spectrum Series Large $45.99….11.5 oz Capacity 2095 Cubic Inches

The bags are now lighter, they have an increased capacity, and you can choose the color you like…and the price stayed the same as older models. We are still using Premium Seatbelt Webbing, Super Strong Hook and Loop for the closure, and the same Stainless Steel Wire Mesh that has made the Outsak Brand Bags the Best-Selling Animal Resistant Stainless Steel Mesh Bags available.

The “Spectrum Series” has been field tested by Pro Guides. I was finally able to get into Grand Canyon last week and use a Lichen Green Outsak on my trip to Hermit Rapids, Granite Rapids and Monument Creek. I like to take new products into Grand Canyon for my own testing. The critters down there are very skilled in their methods of attack.

Stay tuned for more info on the Outsak UL and Outsak UL Micro. Ultralight backpackers are going to really like the improvements we’ve made to these bags. I guess the question is….how much weight did we drop? A simple answer is….enough to get your attention. Wait and see, more info coming soon.

The "Outsak Spectrum Series" is available. It will be on our website in the very near future. We are taking requests by email and phone until the site is updated. The Outsak Spectrum Series will be available at retailers beginning June 1st, 2011.

Brand New Outsak Coming Soon.

2011-03-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Did you say New Outsak?

Yup, I did.

This is something that has been in the works for quite some time. We had some other things to take care of before we could get to the new bags...like have a new baby.

All the new materials arrive this week. The bags have been field tested. We have trimmed the fat on all Outsak bags. Our goal is to keep trimming the fat on these bags until we can not shave weight anymore. Keep in mind though, that I will not sacrifice quality for weight. Our gear has to be tough. Our gear has to weigh what we advertise. Our gear has to do the job it is intended to do.

I'm not going to give specifics today, but I will give you some hints though, think lighter, think choices. We will not be raising our prices. The dimensions of the bag will stay the same as the 2010 Outsak. The New Outsak bags will continue to include a FREE OPSAK Odor Proof Storage Bag*. We start full scale production on the NEW OUTSAK BAGS the first full week of April 2011. These bags will be available on our website May 1, 2011. We may be able to accomodate your needs sooner. We already have a small waiting list and we do have room for a few more. Contact us soon if you wish to be put on the waiting list. Availability will be limited. More details about weight and options will come next week, once all materials have been received and pass our quality control inspections.

~~PRE ORDER IS CLOSED. 4/7/11~~
Order NOW! More info here.

Custom Bags

We have been getting a lot of orders for custom bags this year. The other day I made a 18 x 28 inch bag that weighed about 10.7 ounces. This bag was GIGANTIC, yet light. All custom bags come with our normal warranty. This particular bag was going to be used by a return customer on his Appalachian Trail hike this spring. We made him a custom bag last year, but this year he was more dialed in to what his specific needs were, and we made him his bag to his specifications. FYI- I WILL NOT SELL A CUSTOM BAG THAT I FEEL WILL NOT WORK. The worst thing I could do is send a customer into the field with a lousy piece of gear.

We have all kinds of material available for custom bags, give us a call, or email, and we can discuss your custom needs.

*While supplies last.

Outsak Review

2011-03-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a busy season. The Outsak and Outsak UL have become more popular than ever. We are still the ONLY interlocking wire mesh bag available at Outdoor retailers, including Grand Canyon. I attribute that to our attention to detail when making our products, when choosing our materials and the simple fact that we field test our products to ensure that it will perform as intended.

In December 2010 the Outsak UL was listed as a STAFF PICK for GEAR OF THE YEAR at backpackinglight.com. Read the review here. This one made us really proud. We worked hard to make a bag that would appeal to Ultra-Light Backpackers, looks like we hit the mark.

We have also had our product tested and reviewed by other credible sources. Check out the Outsak Review at backpackgeartest.org, a very reputable outdoor gear testing website.

We are still very proud of our Better Business Bureau Rating.

When shopping for a stainless steel mesh bag you should read the opinions of other users. My suggestion is to try some backpacking forums and look for the reviews that have been written by long time users. If you read a review from someone who has posted 100 other gear reviews, chances are their opinion is valid, and should be considered. Also, respect the opinion of a long time forum user. These folks are gear junkies, they know gear.

Below are a small collection of reviews that are available online, and some that were sent directly from our customers to us.

Their customer service was excellent, the shipping quick and I've been happy with the product. Thanks for helping save my food from the campsite critters!

Emily W, She was in Vermont At the time.

The quality of the Outsak UL is outstanding and it really is ultralight! The video instructions on Youtube are clear and show a variety of ways of utililizing the bag. Also I received the product very quickly. Customer service is great!

GB, ALABAMA

Quick delivery and great communications. Can't ask for more than that.

CM New Mexico

I came across this page while searching for food storage. The Outsak is like a dream come true. Those photos of the raccoon, well that did it for me.

Mike M. from tipking.co.uk

The outsack [Outsak] worked great! We spent 4 days in Paria Canyon ∼ notorious for destructive rodents. We set up a base camp and took day trips, leaving the food (in odorless bags) for several hours at a time in our vestibule (to hide from the ravens patiently wating for us to leave). The food was also exposed all night long. There were rodent tracks everywhere, but no damage to anything. We have had problems with canyon mice and rats before ∼ getting into tents, chewing through packs and odorless bags ∼ but not this time. The outsacks rolled up easily and we strapped them to the back of our packs. Awesome gear

FD and KD

I love this bag. It was shown to me by a friend and I can't stop saying good things about it. I've seen first hand how it stops critters. We had an animal prowl our site, somehow got to our hung Outsak bag, but it couldn't get in...HA!!

∼∼ J.W.

I got my outsak and it looks great.

Thanks for the personal and fast service!

J.E. Minneapolis

From Trailspace.com
I had the privilege of being a field tester for the Outsak UL. It is similar to the Outsak, but lighter. Much lighter. I was skeptical before I received the bag for testing. Honestly, I just wanted the free food bag.

The weight of the steel mesh was a surprise. It was much lighter than anticipated. I put the Outsak UL to the test for about 2 months. Leaving it in my backyard for neighborhood raccoons, possums, squirrels, and a wide assortment of birds to take their shot at the food that was contained in the bag, unprotected. No ziplocks, opsaks, stuff sacks, nothing....just food.

No animals were ever able to remove food from the bag. No animal was ever able to open the bag. No animal ever broke any part of the wire mesh. I now have the final version of the Outsak UL in my hands. It is awesome. It is even bigger than the bag I tested, and lighter.

This is a great product. I've tried other rodent proofing ideas for backpacking trips. This one works.

Like the rating says, Do Not Leave Home Without Your Outsak UL!!!!!

The reviews above are a small collection of reviews on our products. I encourage you to use backpacking forums and search the internet for other Outsak Reviews and Outsak UL Reviews. After you shop around you will see that Outsak brand products are the leader in the industry. We are trusted by retailers and used by National Park Service Rangers and Search and Rescue Crews across the 4 Corners Region.

It is GREAT being the leader in the industry. We get to design new products and watch the market react. Our products will always be a step ahead. Keep your eye out for new Outsak products coming soon. I will have more info on that in the very near future.

Gotta go, I have to make some bags. Thanks for stopping by.

How To Dig A Cathole and Poop In The Wilderness

2011-02-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

Most of us are on a schedule that we follow daily. That being said, when nature calls you need to be able to deal with it, even in the backcountry.

In some overused areas, it has become a requirement to pack out your solid human waste. That means your poop. This video is a demonstration of how to dig a “Cat Hole”, make a deposit, and remove your waste. As you will see, some pre-planning is necessary. Dig your catholes before you need them.

A key to storing your human waste for the remainder of your trip is to store all human waste in an Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag. The Outsak UL or Outsak UL Micro are the perfect size for this purpose. Animals can be attracted to the smell of human waste just as they are attracted to the smell of your food.

Enjoy the video!

Grand Canyon Backpacking Tip

2011-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Setting Up A Tent On A Rock Surface

Preparation and planning are essential to a successful backpacking trip. Each trip presents different weather, terrain and logistics. These differences, among others, require us to modify our preparation for each trip. The following video demonstrates one modification that backpackers should make to their tents before they travel Grand Canyon.

Choosing to put your campsite on a hard rock surface is a great way to minimize impact while backpacking. Setting up your tent on a hard rock surface can be very difficult. Especially when you try to drive a tent stake into the ground. I have decapitated many stakes. The lightweight and ultra-lightweight tent stakes are virtually worthless when backpacking below the rim. The ground is simply too hard. I have heard the cries of disgruntled campers, cursing out their tent stakes as they bend or break as they attempt to stake their tent in an area that is nothing but a hard rock slab.

The following video demonstrates a simple, yet effective way to secure your tent in Grand Canyon or anywhere else that you may minimizing your impact by camping on rock.

Part of your Grand Canyon trip planning should include an Outsak, Animal Resistant Storag Bag to protect your food from unwanted campsite raiders.

An Outsak® is A Great Choice For A Bear Bag/ Bear Hang.

2011-01-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

The Outsak® is a great choice for protecting your Backpacking Food. Outsak® works by stopping the sharp teeth of common campsite pests like Raccoons, Rodents, Marmots, Skunks, Squirrels, Chipmunks, and even Porcupines. It can even be used as a bear bag*.

The Outsak® works because it is made of a flexible, stainless steel mesh. The animals cannot gnaw through the bag as they would any nylon, polyester, or other fabric bag. Given enough time any rodent can chew through any fabric bag. These small critters have extremely sharp teeth. These same animals have all night to attempt to chew on your stored food. These small critters cause more problems to campsite food than bears. Protecting your food with an Outsak® is an easy choice.

Using an Outsak® as a Bear Bag in a hanging system adds protection to your stored food.
The idea of a bear bag, or bear hanging your food is to keep the food out of reach of the browsing bear. By hanging your food in an Outsak® you get bear protection, and small animal protection. If a bear happens to be able to swipe at your stored food, there is a good chance the bear’s claws could slice the fabric bag open, spilling the contents on the ground below….buffet time. The stainless steel mesh of an Outsak®, Animal Resistant Storage Bag will stand up to the swipe of a bear paw.

Backpackers have used Outsak® in bear country all along the Appalachian Trail. Using the Outsak® in conjunction with the cable hanging systems at some of worst campsites for bears has proven highly effective. These cables get your food high in the air and away from bears, but not other animals. Rodents, Chipmunks and Squirrels are known to jump from branches and overhangs onto your hung food making the bear hang inadequate. They also will climb down the line that is hanging your food. Once they are on your fabric bag, the battle is over, the animal has won. It will quickly chew through the fabric bag and will enter the buffet of its dreams.

The Outsak® is sold at Grand Canyon National Park. It is also sold at reputable Outdoor Retailers in Arizona and Utah. Coming to your local hiking store in the near future.

Outsak® storage bags come in 5 sizes, so you never have to carry more than you need. Our sizes range from an overnight bag, all the way up to an expedition size storage bag. All Outsak® bags come with one free Opsak®, Odor Proof Storage Bag.

*Except where local regulations dictate food storage protocols.

Solitude Lost

2010-06-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

This really has nothing to do with Outsak®. An event that is currently taking place has changed my perspective on life. Keep reading if you are interested.

The Schultz Fire is a tragedy of epic proportions, and the sad part is, it’s not over. It has been burning for a little over 3 days and it has left a scar on the San Francisco Peaks that will take many lifetimes to heal. Life in the Peaks just got a lot harder.

The effort by all the emergency personnel has been unfathomable. A continuous battle against a fierce enemy; will there be a winner….probably not. How do you judge victory, when so much has been lost?

I took some pictures on Day 1 of the fire, from my backyard. I live off the Eastern Edge of the San Francisco Peaks and I got to see how fast, and viciously this fire spread. Today, a thin layer of smoke is lingering and you can get a look at the Peaks. Helicopters are still buzzing away; emergency vehicles are still heavily present on HWY 89.

I don’t want to sound selfish, but I had a lot of plans for those mountains. There were many places yet to see. Schultz Peak was a garden of beauty. I could always find solitude on Schultz Peak…always. Isn’t that what you seek when you head into the mountains? I do. Now I fear all that can be found in the Peaks, for the short term is sadness, and bitterness towards those responsible.

The mountains will recover, but the scar still has to grow. In the meantime, I will cherish my memories of the beauty of Schultz Peak and I will seek solitude elsewhere. Northern Arizona offers an endless array of outdoor options. Sometimes things happen in life that forces you to examine other opportunities, this fire is one of those moments in my life.

Outsak UL and UL Micro @ Summit Hut

2010-06-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

A big THANKS to the folks @ Summit Hut for carrying the Outsak® UL and UL Micro. Summit Hut has been a consistent partner with Simple Outdoor Solutions. We trust them to judge the efficiency and quality of our product, and to properly represent the Outsak®.

Be sure to check out what Dave Baker (Summit Hut Founder) has to say in this month’s issue of Backpacker Magazine. Dave has some special Tucson hikes to share. I’m not a spoiler, read it to find out more.

Summit Hut is a fantastic place to take care of all your backcountry needs. You don’t have to be from Tucson to take advantage of their expertise, just vist their website.

Outsak® UL @ Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Centers

2010-05-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Backcountry Information Center (BIC) at Grand Canyon National Park is where you can obtain a Grand Canyon Backpacking Permit, consult with Park Rangers about trips appropriate for your skill level, or ask any question related to travel in Grand Canyon’s wonderful and challenging backcountry. The National Park Rangers are there to answer your questions, and help point you in the right direction. It is up to you to choose the trip appropriate for your skill level.

Monday May 10th, 2010- the day we delivered the Outsak® UL and UL Micro to Grand Canyon Association (GCA), one of our Authorized Outsak® Retailers. These bags will be made available through the GCA website in the near future. They also make the Outsak® UL and UL Micro available for purchase at the Grand Canyon BIC on the South Rim and North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

We are proud to have our product available at the BIC and through GCA. The UL bags are a wonderful choice for use in fragile eco-systems, such as Grand Canyon and the surrounding canyon country. The foliage in Grand Canyon is best left for shade, for the wildlife, and for the backpackers. Hanging your Outsak® in Grand Canyon is a choice of the backpacker. However, the branch you break while trying to hang your bag may be the same branch you were going to use to get out of the sun. Please make thoughtful choices while in the Backcountry. Videos featuring a variety of Grand Canyon Food Storage techniques are available here.

We do encourage the users of the Outsak® to make the choice to conceal their Outsak® while in Grand Canyon or anywhere else in the Southwest. The Outsak® UL is a better choice for use in Grand Canyon if you decide you must hang your bag. The GCA has made the choice to only make the Outsak® UL and Outsak® UL Micro available at the BIC. This makes us very proud, that our product continues to be available for purchase through the GCA and the Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Information Centers.

Future News

The Outsak® is coming soon to a new, innovative online retailer in the near future. Stay tuned for more info.

Outsak @ Arizona Hiking Shack

2010-04-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

Arizona Hiking Shack is THE Premium Outdoor Store in Phoenix. We are ecstatic to have our Outsak bags available in their store. The folks at AHS seriously understand our Outsak Bags. They understand them because they use the Outsak. These folks are avid hiker/backapckers and they spend time in the Arizona Canyon Country.

Arizona Hiking Shack is carrying a selection of Outsak Bags, including the All New Outsak UL and Outsak UL Micro. I shipped them today, so they will have them by Friday or Saturday of this week(22nd or 23rd of April).

If you are in Phoenix, be sure to drop by and check out the store. I'm sure you will find something you need, even if it isn't an Outsak.

We are proud to continue our relationship with Arizona Hiking Shack.

Stay tuned, as we are in contact with several more stores that are considering carrying our Outsak Bag.

Better Business Bureau Accreditation

2010-04-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

We are now recognized as an Accredited Business by the Arizona Better Business Bureau.

What does it mean to be accredited through the BBB? It means we have upheld the BBB Standards for Trust, which are as follows:

Build Trust
Advertise Honestly
Tell the Truth
Be Transparent
Honor Promises
Be Responsive
Safeguard Privacy
Embody Integrity

I expect a high level of service when I order an item online. When I order online I expect my item soon. I would like to have my item within 1 week. I would also like to receive the exact item that I ordered. This is why we ship 98% of our orders within 24 hours. The ones that take longer are usually custom bags, or the order was placed on a Saturday. Our customers receive their orders, on average, 3.3 days after they order. Our friends in Arizona usually get them the next day.

Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. I believe that up to this point we have achieved that goal. We couldn't be prouder to be a part of the BBB family of accredited businesses. We look forward to serving the Outdoor Community for years to come.

I encourage anyone buying online to do your research before you purchase. I'm sure you will find that we are a reputable business that has been caring for its customers from Day 1.

Welcome...The Desert Rat

2010-04-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

The 12th of April is now a milestone for Simple Outdoor Solutions and the Outsak®. We are proud to announce that The Desert Rat in St. George, Utah is now an Authorized Outsak Dealer. They have selected the Outsak models that they wish to make available to their customers. This is our first retailer in Utah, and also our first retailer outside of Arizona.

The Desert Rat is a great store, full of high quality gear. This store is about a year old, but don’t let that fool you, these folks know the outdoors. They know backpacking, they know climbing, they know the area, and they understand what gear is necessary to complete your trips.

Win a FREE Outsak UL

2010-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are having a contest to giveaway a FREE Outsak UL. All you have to do is visit our website and answer a few short questions. The Outsak UL has been a very popular addition to our product line.

The contest runs until April 20th, 2010. The winner will be notified by April 23rd, 2010. There is plenty of time to enter. If you miss this Outsak Contest, we will be having other contests in the future.

2010 Outsak® and Outsak® UL @ Babbitt’s Backcountry

2010-03-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday March 16th I dropped off our first order for the 2010 Outsak®, and the Outsak® UL to Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters here in Flagstaff, AZ. We are quite happy to add them to the growing list of retailers that carry both of our new bags.

Babbitt’s is also a great store to get geared up for all of your adventures in Northern Arizona.

I have a hard time going into Babbitt’s and not spending money. There is always something new in there that is tempting to take home. If you happen to be in Flagstaff, drop in and check them out.

2010 Outsak In Sedona.

2010-02-24T18:29:00.000-08:00

We are very happy to announce that Canyon Outfitters in Sedona will now be carrying all sizes of the New 2010 Outsak®. They carried our bag last year and seems like they are also starting to think “Spring Backpacking”.

Canyon Outfitters has a great store in an easy to access location in Sedona. You can’t miss them, they are right of West HWY 89A. The staff at Canyon Outfitters is very attentive and the store is stocked full of all kinds of outdoor goodies.

So if your Arizona Adventure or Grand Canyon Backpacking trip starts in Sedona, be sure to stop by Canyon Outfitters, they will have what you need for your excursion in the Southwest.

Outsak® UL @ Aspen Sports in Flagstaff and Custom Bags.

2010-02-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

Although Flagstaff is covered in snow, thoughts are starting to turn towards those spring backpacking trips. Aspen Sports in Flagstaff is among those who are starting to think “spring backpacking”.

Aspen Sports is our first retailer to carry the Outsak® UL. We are very excited that it is a hometown retailer that is the first to carry our brand new Outsak® UL. Aspen Sports is also carrying our 2010 Outsak. They have recognized that prime time for Grand Canyon hiking and backpacking is NOW!!

Keep your eyes out, as we expect our other retailers in Arizona to be stocking the Outsak® UL and the 2010 Outsak in coming weeks.

It is fitting that the Outsak® UL will make its debut at Aspen Sports. We used several different types of webbing that are available at Aspen Sports in the early development of the Outsak® UL.

Custom Outsak® Bags

We just wanted to remind everyone that we do make custom bags. In most cases it doesn’t even cost more. We just finished a series of hybrid bags for two Appalachian Trail thru-hikers due to depart in April. We combined some of the components of the 2010 Outsak® with those of the Outsak® UL and came up with an experimental/hybrid bag. Results from that trip will filter through as the spring/summer progress.

Outsak UL Field Test Photos

2010-02-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

We have had several emails asking if the integrity of the Outsak UL has been compromised in our attempt to make an Ultra Lightweight option. Please look at the following photos and judge for yourself.

These are images captured by a field tester. An outdoor, battery operated, motion detecting camera was used to capture the following images. We are using these photos with the permission of the tester.

Shown here are two separate instances of a raccoon attempting to penetrate the Outsak UL prototype. The raccoon managed to pull on the wire mesh, but was unable to penetrate the Outsak UL. The closure held strong. The loop supported the weight of the Outsak UL, the contents, and the raccoon. Just imagine if that was a stuff sack or any other fabric bag. Those raccoons would have been through it in minutes.

A friendly forest creature attempted to gain access to the contents of the Outsak UL. ACCESS DENIED!!!

Squirrels are one of the biggest concerns for users of the Outsak. This photo is of a Red Squirrel that is making a morning raid on the Outsak UL. No access was granted to this squirrel. He had to get breakfast somewhere else.

The next series of photos are of the Outsak UL that was used in the test. This is the actual bag that was photographed being attacked by at least 2 raccoons, a red squirrel and a deer.

The Outsak UL was attacked by more animals than you see in these photos. The field tester in this case also indicated that the Outsak UL repelled peacocks, blue jays, and a variety of squirrels.

This is the extent of the damage done by animals during this field test. This is exactly what this bag is designed to do. There is no breach in this bag. Just some pulled wires. With a little bit of work, the bag is easily reshaped.

Outsak UL & Outsak UL Micro

2010-01-26T03:34:00.000-08:00

Outsak® UL & Outsak® UL Micro
Most comments below are referring to testing of the Outsak® UL Micro.
Small=Outsak UL Micro
Large=Outsak UL

What Did The Field Test Group Have To Say?
“After using the Outsak UL I would definitely like to have one for my own, as well as feel very comfortable recommending these to another hiker or outdoor lover, and even to a UL backpacker. I believe that you have a great product on your hands, and am grateful for owning the larger Outsak, and look forward to the UL.”

“The bag held up pretty darned well to the chewing…”

“Security was never breached, but the guys did peck and bite and twist the bag while trying to get into it. This has been a fun experiment, Dave, and I appreciate having the chance to be a tester, and to learn how effective your bags are.”

“The capacity is great. I used the small one for an overnighter. The larger one had room for a 4-day trip including non-food items.

The weight is not too much for the “right” trip. I would carry it (the larger UL I tested) in the Grand Canyon when camping at sites with no critter boxes. A ringtailed cat visited me while I was eating dinner at Monument Creek. I’ve experienced them to be very aggressive going after food. There isn’t a tree high enough to hang food out of their reach at Monument so I’d have been sleeping with my food next to me if not for the Outsak. I never heard the ringtail go after the Outsak during the night, but I may have slept through an attack.

A mouse woke me up eating part of my foil pot cover, but it would not have been a threat to a hanging food bag--Outsak or just a grocery bag.

I normally hang my food in a plastic grocery bag—you can’t get much lighter than that—when backpacking and packrafting in Arizona and the west and occasionally in NY/PA. I will continue to use a grocery bag on most trips since it has been successful, but use the Outsak in the Canyon.”

“The size of the larger UL I tested is just right for me. Any trip I take in the Canyon is likely to be at least 4 days so a smaller one wouldn’t work. And the weight is not too much of a penalty. I’d still take it for a longer trip and take care of any food that didn’t fit in some other way (figuring if my backup option failed I’d still have enough food to get me out).”

“No real failure yet...they've tried. “

“ ….I placed 10 peanuts in a bowl on the patio table at bedtime. The next morning, sometime after 10 AM, they were all gone. I repeated this for 3 days, and the peanuts were taken each time. I was able to catch the thief in action--it was a blue jay. Then I switched over to the Outsak before I went to bed on the 4th day. The next day at 9 AM, I noted where a intruder had apparently tried to rip into the sack. There was a small cone-shaped dome of mesh on a turned-over sack. The mesh didn't really distort much, as far as the chain links stretching. The snow was gone around the table, so I couldn't tell if it might have been a raccoon. It seems like it would be hard for a blue jay to actually flip the sack over though.”

“Still testing and taking pictures with no failures. I recently moved the Outsak to the ground (but secured) to give the raccoons better leverage at trying to open the hook and loop top. This, in my opinion, is where it might fail with raccoons.
So far, it has been tested by squirrels, raccoons, deer, peacocks, and blue jays.”

This next one is about the Outsak UL Micro:

“As far as the capacity, I think that it is enough for a single person for up to as many as 4-5 days food, if carefully planned. I say this because I took the Outsak UL with me on a 3 day hike and carried my 7 year old son with me. Of course we didn’t store all 3 days’ food inside it as we ate the first days’ food before needing to hang it, but it held 2 days’ worth of food for 2 people well. And just for kicks before I left the house (for the 3 day trip) I did stuff it full with as much as I could fit inside it. Surprisingly enough I fit a lot inside it. Here is a list of what I put in it:
2 packs instant oatmeal
4 packs instant grits
3 single serving pouches of coffee
7 packets hot cocoa mix
3 foil pouches of tuna
8 flour tortilla shells
6 Fruit Roll-Ups
3 Granola bars
1 cup sugar in a Ziploc bag
5 single serving Kool-Aid packets
2 tea bags
2 5 oz cans of chicken
1 Ziploc bag with 5.7 oz Lipton Knorr cheesy rice
1 Ziploc bag with powdered turkey gravy and dried cranberries
1 Ziploc bag with 6 oz Stove Top Stuffing
1 Ziploc bag with ¾ cup instant potatoes
8 single serving packets of creamer
2 single serving packets of mustard

In my opinion, this was a lot of food. I believe I could manage 5 days of food inside this sack, if planned right.”

This one is the story of a successful failure.*
“At home I put a peanut butter sandwich in it(Outsak) unwrapped, and put it in the backyard for the dogs to get at it. Outlaw (DOGS NAME CHANGED TO PROTECT IDENTITY) went after it immediately, but didn’t get into it and lost interest pretty quickly. I then added a piece of bacon and she was determined to get it, which she did. That’s how the damage you see occurred.

My opinion, I don’t think smaller animals would penetrate it. Thanks for letting me be a part of the testing group.”

I appreciate the help of Outlaw in this test. Part of this test was asking the field test group to try and find the breaking point of the Outsak UL.

*We do not make any claim as to the ability of the Outsak® to stop canines. Initially, it stopped the dog, then when bacon was added the dog couldn’t resist. Can you blame her? I haven’t met a dog yet that doesn’t like bacon.

These are just some of the responses that we have gotten from our field test group.

The Outsak UL has been fully tested and will be available February 5th, 2010.
More information about Outsak UL can be found on our website.

Outsak UL-Coming Soon

2010-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Outsak UL History

1st Prototype
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
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
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
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®.

Specs for the Outsak UL and Outsak UL MICRO are available on our website.

Outsak®-The New Leader in the Industry.

2010-01-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

A very successful 2009 has established Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC, and the Outsak® as the leader in stainless steel mesh bag sales (aka interlocking wire mesh bags). We have introduced our 2010 Outsak®, Animal Resistant Storage Bag and it is selling at a very rapid rate.

We want to Thank all of our Authorized Retailers who have helped us become the leader. The combination of the following; a high quality product, excellent customer service, and very reputable retailers, have all been factors in Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC’s success.

We will NOT sell the Outsak® in just any store. We choose who we approach as possible retail sites. Our choices for retail sites are based on quality of gear available, quality of customer service, and an established track record of very satisfied customers. We do not take this lightly. This is why it is important that when shopping online for an Outsak®, you purchase from:

• Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC
• Summit Hut
• Grand Canyon Association (discounts available with membership)

These three sites above are the only authorized online retailers.

The Outsak® is also carried by:

In Flagstaff, AZ:
• Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters
• Four Season’s Gear Outlet
• Four Season’s Outfitters
• Aspen Sports

In Sedona, AZ:
• Canyon Outfitters

In Phoenix, AZ:
• Arizona Hiking Shack

In Tucson, AZ:
• Summit Hut (2 locations)

At Grand Canyon:
• General Store
• Canyon View Information Center
• Backcountry Information Center (South and North Rim)

Thanks to all of our customers who chose to purchase their Outsak® from Simple Outdoor Solutions. Thanks to our retailers for carrying our product. 2010 is off to a great start, and we will continue to do what we can to stay at the top of the heap. Thanks to Loksak,INC for helping us add value to our 2010 Outsak® with the addition of an OPSAK™, Odor Proof Storage Bag to each Outsak® purchase.

Information on Outsak® UL and a new way to order and buy the Outsak® will be available in a few days. Stay Tuned.

2010 Outsak- A New Bag For A New Year

2010-01-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

2010 Outsak® Coming to Summit Hut!!

We are proud to announce that Summit Hut will be the first retailer to carry the 2010 Outsak®, Animal Resistant Storage Bag. Summit Hut has been a wonderful partner in helping us spread the word about the Outsak®. We appreciate all the support they have sent our way. Summit Hut is an excellent resource for all of your outdoor needs. They have a knowledgeable, courteous and highly trained staff that can answer just about any question when it comes to gear.

Remember, all 2010 Outsak® bags come with a FREE OPSAK®, Odor Proof Storage and Transport Bag. We are very excited to be able to offer our customers a Free Opsak® with each purchase.

Outsak®- A Registered Trademark

2009-12-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Outsak® has been issued a trademark by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

We are proud to announce that Outsak® is a trademarked product name. It has been granted all the protections offered by the USPTO and the Federal Government.

Along with a trademark there are some obligations. For instance, it is our responsibility to defend our mark when we feel it may be infringed upon. This is the duty of all companies that have been issued a trademark. We will not, and cannot allow any entity to use our mark without our express written permission.

When you buy your Outsak® make sure it comes from Simple Outdoor Solutions or from one of our authorized retailers, which you will find on our website.

2010 Outsak- A Roaring Success!!!!

2009-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

WOW-who knew that we had so many people waiting for the 2010 Outsak(Second Generation) to be available. We have been shipping product almost daily. Sorry, but the Post Office is closed on Sundays. The ALL NEW 2010 Outsak is now the standard for the industry. It is, by far, the strongest mesh bag available. Our bag has more stainless steel mesh than any comparable product(a tighter knit than others). Our Outsak has more wire in it. More wire means greater protection. More wire also means that the holes between the wires are smaller, which means it will prevent even the most persistant animals from gaining access to your stash. All of our customers are very excited that our 2010 Outsak now comes with 1 free Opsak, Odor Proof Storage Bag. We recognize the importance of odor-proofing. That is why we include an Opsak(the best odor proof bag) with every order.

We want to thank all of our customers who trusted the "Original Outsak" to do the job. We now have well over 1000 Outsak Bags in circulation. Word of mouth has been wonderful for our business.

New Website Will Launch Tonight!!!

2009-12-06T08:22:00.001-08:00

We are happy to announce that our redesigned website will be published late tonight(12/6/9). Information about the 2010 Outsak will be available on the new site. We will still be offering the "Original Outsak"(for a limited time) as well as 3 different sizes of OPSAK bags.

Odor Proofing

2009-12-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

Odor Proofing with OPSAK®

An OPSAK® will be included with the purchase of any 2010 Outsak®. The OPSAK® is an Odor Proof Storage Bag that has been proven to be highly effective at reducing/removing the scent of stored food and/or toiletries. Removing the attraction/scent of food is of the key steps in protecting your food while in the backcountry. The combination of the Outsak® and the OPSAK® will make for a highly effective food storage system for use in areas where problem/nuisance animals are a concern. Always follow local protocols when storing food. Inquire at any local Ranger Station.

Why Outsak® and OPSAK®?

Protecting your food is quite important. The OPSAK® removes the scent of your food, while the Outsak® is the protective shell that will stop the animals that find your stored food while you are sleeping, or are away from camp.

Habitual Camp Pests

Animals in heavily used campsites search for food by sight as much as they search by smell. We can remove the scent of our food by storing it in an OPSAK®, Odor Proof Storage Bag. Some of these animals, in the heavy use areas, will chew on anything they come across. They have learned from previous experience that by chewing on these random items, they are sometimes rewarded with food of some sort. To stop that unwanted animal behavior, we offer the Outsak®/OPSAK® combination.

Protect The Animals

It is up to us, as visitors in the backcountry, to protect the animals from our stored food. Sometimes it isn’t food. Sometimes they eat our toothpaste, or lip balm, or other scented items and later get very sick, or worse. It is equally important for us to protect our scented items from the animals. A raided food cache can ruin a trip very quickly. This is why we use this combination of Outsak®/OPSAK® on all of our trips.

2010 Outsak® and OPSAK®

2009-11-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

A Great Combination

The New 2010 Outsak®, Animal Resistant Storage Bag is due out in December. This is an upgrade to the “Original Outsak”. We’ve made a few changes to materials. The New 2010 Outsak® has a more flexible stainless steel mesh. The hook and loop closure is as strong as ever, and is now backed by a polyester seat belt webbing that has a U.V. inhibitor (to protect it from the sun), and is guaranteed not to mold, mildew or rot.

With the purchase of any size Outsak®, you will also get an OPSAK®, Odor Proof Storage Bag. More information will be available soon on our website.

When can I get one?

This combination will be available on our re-designed website, which will be up in early December, 2009. An OPSAK® comes with the purchase of each Outsak. It will be available from our other retailers as early as January 2^nd, 2010.

1000!!

2009-10-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

We are going to take an opportunity to toot our own horn and say some thanks.

We delivered Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag #1000 to Babbitt's Backcountry Outfitters on Oct. 22nd, 2009. This was an exciting moment in the short history of Outsak. It was a pleasure to deliver it to a hometown retailer.

Out of 1000 Outsak bags, we had 1 bag returned to a retailer at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. It had a grommet that popped out. The retailer gladly exchanged this bag with a new bag. This number continues to blow us away. We take great care, hand making each bag. We are committed to quality and to improving our bag, any way possible. We did have an unsubstantiated report of a bag failure/critter breach early in the existence of Outsak. That report was shared on a forum. We call it unsubstantiated because there was never any attempt to utilize our 1 year warranty or our return program, and it was never brought to the attention of any of our retail outlets.

Our 2010 Outsak enters the market Dec. 1st, 2009. It has an upgraded webbing closure which has a UV inhibitor, it is guaranteed not to mold, mildew, or rot. It also has a more flexible stainless steel mesh. Outsak will continue to be the best stainless steel mesh bag on the market.

A new addition that we are really excited about is the Outsak UL, which is geared towards the Ultra Lightweight Community of Backpackers. We have reduced the weight significantly. We are very excited to have help from the www.Backpackinglight.com community. We have a wonderful group of experienced volunteer field testers that are going to take the Outsak UL to destinations across the United States and put our Outsak UL to the test. More information on Outsak UL will be released in the next few weeks. We want to keep our friends in the industry in the dark just a little bit longer.

Much thanks to all of our customers. Many more thanks to our retail outlets who have sold a great number of bags. We have many exciting plans for Outsak as you will see in the coming months.

Gear Talk with Jason Klass

2009-10-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Gear Talk With Jason Klass

Here's a blog by a fanatical backpacker, and I mean that in the most respectful way possible. The link www.geartalkwithjasonklass.com/ will take you to more information. His site is also very well-organized and easily navigated.

I had a brief conversation with Jason, but in those few minutes I couldn't deny the passion and drive that he has for the outdoors. One look at his blog and you will see that he has several ideas on how to improve existing gear. He has had quite a bit of success with his Custom, Ultralight Lids he is making for the Snow Peak 600, Trek 700, and Trek 900 Titanium Pots. Check it out at http://pinnaclelids.com/ .

Jason has agreed to team up with Simple Outdoor Solutions on a little project we are working on to address the needs of the Ultra Lightweight backpacking community. We are very excited to have his opinion and expertise available as a resource for Simple Outdoor Solutions, and for the evolution of the Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag. More information will be available on that project in the very near future.

We are going to add his blog to our site as another resource available to avid backpackers who may be searching for the Simple Outdoor Solution that Jason Klass offers with his high quality, lightweight gear.

For more information on Outsak go to www.simpleoutdoorstore.com .

Hiking Trails by TracksAndTrails.ca

2009-10-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hiking Trails by TracksAndTrails.ca

Recently I was contacted by Clayton Kessler of http://tracksandtrails.ca . He was curious about our business and wanted to gather a first-hand account of how I got into the outdoors. I was happy to do the interview, you can check it out at http://tracksandtrails.ca/2009/10/aravaipa-canyon-wilderness-in-arizona/ .

I am impressed with the sheer volume of information on this site. It is also organized in a way that makes it easily accessible. Clayton has a gift for writing as well.

The interviews he does are short and sweet, yet informative. There are topics ranging from hiking tips to forest bathing.

I was on the site looking at a story about a cave in Vietnam, http://tracksandtrails.ca/category/hiking-trails/vietnam-hiking-trails-and-camping/ .

This isn’t your average informational site, the scope is broad, and the material is well worth surfing. If you are looking for your next adventure, I would recommend visiting http://tracksandtrails.ca , you just might find the inspiration needed to begin your next adventure.

This site is a pleasure and is going to be added as a resource on our site.

Outsak....A Brief History

2009-09-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Simple Outdoor Solutions, LLC is a family owned business, operating in Flagstaff, Arizona. We started making the Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag out of necessity in January 2009. Our mission is to provide consistent customer service, to make high quality, affordable gear, and to get it to the customer in a timely manner.

At first our scope was small. We wanted to provide the Outsak to Grand Canyon and retailers in Northern Arizona. I recognized the value of an interlocking wire mesh bag from previous experience as a Professional Guide in Arizona, (including Grand Canyon) and as an avid hiker/backpacker. Our Outsak bag received a strong welcome when it made its initial appearance at the South Rim stores in mid-March 2009. Since then our Outsak bag has been placed in highly reputable outdoor stores across Arizona. Outsak is still growing, we receive orders on our website from all over the country. The Outsak has been a success for backpackers on various sections of the Appalachian Trail, North Country Trail, Isle Royale, the Cascades in Washington and Oregon, the Colorado Rockies, countless canyons in Arizona, Nevada and Utah and Southern California. It has traveled the Ozarks and Big Bend.

We feel we are in a unique position due to our proximity to Grand Canyon. It is the perfect location to test our Outsak, Animal Resistant Storage Bag. We also have received feedback from current and former National Park Rangers, as well as Professional Wilderness Guides, that have helped us make a better product. To them, we are grateful.

We hope you decide to purchase an Outsak. It is a quality piece of gear that will last you for many years. Outsak has the longest warranty available for comparable products, and is made of the highest quality materials available.

Simple Outdoor Solutions would also like to encourage our customers to look at our links page, http://www.simpleoutdoorstore.com/Links.html and consider supporting what we think are two very worthwhile organizations. Simple Outdoor Solutions plans to give to these charities at the end of each year. We pledge to split 2% of our proceeds to these groups each year. It is our way of giving back to Grand Canyon.

Thanks to our customers and their overwhelming support from across the country. Outsak will be here for many years to come….keep an eye out for new products from Simple Outdoor Solutions, and info related to Outsak on twitter.com/sos_gear, at www.youtube.com/outsak and on our website, www.simpleoutdoorstore.com .