Review: Visual Veggies DTR Exam Prep Program.

My name is Tony Scornavacco.  I graduated in January of 2016 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.  In order for me to become a Registered Dietitian I need to undergo a 1200 hour supervised internship, and then sit for a registration exam.  An individual  in my position has about a 51% chance of being matched to a Dietetic internship, which occurs in early April with start dates usually in August or September.  In order to gain more experience in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics I want to work as a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR), which is an individual who performs many of the same tasks as a Registered Dietitian apart from prescribing Medical Nutrition Therapy as well as a few other tasks. 

 In order to become a DTR I must pass a registration exam similar to that which a Registered Dietitian must pass.  One of the biggest problems with becoming a DTR is the lack of resources available to use to study.  Very few organizations compile and sell study materials for this exam because it is a small niche field.  One company that has gone to great lengths to provide a comprehensive set of study materials for the DTR exam is VisualVeggies from Ryan T Hartz MS, RD, CSSD.  This program covers each of the five domains that DTR hopefuls will be tested on and does so in a way that mimics the DTR exam itself.  It it chalk full of features that help students adequately prepare for the DTR exam in as efficient a way as possible.  I was fortunate enough to speak with Mr. Hartz and receive a copy of the program in order to prepare for the DTR exam.  Below is what I found through completion of the 800+ question program.

What I Liked

Pre Test: Before delving into the meat of the program you have the option of taking a pretest composed of questions from each domain of the exam.  This is excellent for two reasons.  First, it allows the student to see which domains are his/her strengths and weaknesses.  Second, it gives the student a glance at what to expect from the DTR exam because it mimics what the exam will be like.  This is a great feature for individuals who like to see how far they have come since the beginning of studying.

Test Timer:  Each test has a timer with a set amount of time depending on how many questions are being taken.  This is great because it allows the student to feel the pressure of being timed, which primes him/her for the DTR exam.  Test taking skills are an important part of taking the exam.  Content is not the only aspect that is important.  Also, the timer can be stopped if you want to read the logic behind why the correct answer is the correct option, or need to take a break.  This is a handy feature for studying and preventing burnout.

Full Random Test:  If you want to experience something similar to the pretest and the actual DTR exam you can take the DTR “Full Random Test”, which is composed of 130 random questions from each of the five domains.  This test has a 2.5 hour time limit (the same as the actual DTR exam), which drives home the idea that this program mimics the actual exam.  Again, this is great for building test taking skills and increasing testing endurance.

Progress Tracker:  The program will keep track of how many questions you have gotten correct and incorrect from each of the five domains so you can see where you need to focus your attention most.  It will display your percentage correct each time you take a set of questions regardless of how many times you take it, which allows you to see how much progress you have made.  Furthermore, when you click on each domain or test you can see all the questions you answered incorrectly, what your answer was, what the correct answer should have been, and the explanation for why it was correct.

Different Domains:  The program is broken down into the five domains of the DTR exam and allows you to tackle them one at a time and by sub domain.  This is especially helpful when you know what domain on which you want to focus.  

What I Loved

These three features of the program make test prep significantly easier and allow the student to completely understand the reasoning behind why each answer is the correct one.  The program truly shines because of these three features. 

Incorrect Answer Redemption:  When you take any of the tests and incorrectly answer a question the program bookmarks that question into a separate section called “redemption”.  Here, all your incorrectly answered questions are stored for you to go back to in order to correctly answer and analyze.  This saves countless hours of writing down questions or searching though previously answered questions to find the ones you answered incorrectly.

Correct Answer Explanation:  This aspect of the program is beyond helpful.  First, after you answer a question, whether it is right or wrong, you will see the explanation for why the correct answer is the right one.  This allows the student to receive a full understanding of the content.  Furthermore, this description often gives additional information related to the question.  For instance, one question asks about how many cups of dairy a fully grown adult needs per day.  The answer is 3 cups per day.  The description goes on to reveal that children 2-3 years old need 2 cups/day and those 4-8 years old need 2.5 cups per day.  So really this question gives you 3 pieces of pertinent information that may come up on the DTR exam.  This occurs repeatedly throughout the program, which means that the 800+ question program truly gives 1000+ questions worth of information.

Just Math:  Outside of the five Domains of this program exists another section titled “Just Math.”  Here, the student can take 171 math dedicated questions from across the 5 domains to practice basic to complicated mathematical equations needed to complete the DTR exam.  I personally feel math is one of those areas that many students struggle with so this is an absolute gem in the world of studying for this exam.

What Could Be Improved

Randomized Answers:  If I would change one single thing about the program it would be that the answers to each question became randomized each time the exam is taken.  The answers correlating with A, B, C, D are always the same, which serves as a mental cue for which answer is the correct one.  I personally feel that this impedes absolute material comprehension and makes the program a bit easier.  However, this is simply my opinion, and not everyone will find this to be a negative aspect of the program.

Formula Bank:  An addition to the program that I would have personally found helpful would be a section that lays out all the formulas covered on the DTR exam.  I went into the program without much of a background in the business/management aspect of nutrition so I found Domain 5 (management) very difficult because it is formula heavy.  As I took the exam I became familiar with the formulas because they are given in the description of why the correct answer is the right one, so the formulas are in fact given.  However, unless you write down each formula (like I did) as you go through the questions you will need to retake the exams in order to see the formulas.

Final Thoughts

This program is an excellent tool for preparing for the registration exam to become a DTR. I will definitely be purchasing the program for the RD exam when it comes time for me to take it.  It was truly difficult to find anything I would change about this program because it was so well designed, and had so much thoughtfulness put into it.

I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to Mr. Hartz for the opportunity to review his program, and for offering my readers a $20.00 discount on his program.  Visit the Visual Veggies website for more information and use the discount code.

$20.00 Discount Code: SNUGHARBORBAY

4-3-16 update - Tony took the DTR test and passed on his first try!!!   Way to go Tony.

Gear Review - Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Backpack

Gear Review - Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Backpack

I recently discovered Lewis N. Clark Travel Accessories and Outdoor Gear and I couldn't wait to share this company with you.  The first product I was given to try out is their ElectroLight backpack.  They come in several color combinations and I'm partial to the blue/green colors.

(image courtesy of Lewis N Clark)

The backpack is constructed using an ultra light fabric that is water and stain resistant.  It comes with 2 adjustable shoulder straps, a top loop for hanging, a double sided zipper and a roomy interior with a large interior pocket. 

From their website:

ElectroLight is the packing solution that’s perfect for everything from camping to overseas trips.

Featuring bright bold colors and durable silnylon, these items are so lightweight that they will meet the needs of even the most minimalist travelers and backpackers.

With the ability to organize daily essentials and equipment alike, ElectroLight is the collection for anyone who doesn’t want to put up with heavy bags or disorganization.

• Ultra-lightweight packing organization
• Durable silnylon fabric is water- and stain-resistant
• Unfolds from compact pouch to full backpack
• Pouch can be used as a separate ditty bag
• Non-slip, adjustable straps
• Internal pocket
• Great for a light jacket, book, magazine, water bottle, and other small essentials
• 17in x 13in x 6in

Weight 3 oz.

I've been looking for a small, lightweight backpack.  Anyone who follows my blog knows how much time I spend outside hiking, geocaching and taking pictures.  A lightweight, yet durable backpack is a must for me and this one fits the bill perfectly.  There was ample room for my camera in the large compartment, and a water bottle and my wallet in the side pocket.  I tested the backpack at the RV Show last weekend.....

 After 2 hours of climbing in and out of RV's, I noticed how comfortable the backpack was and how my lower back was not aching at all.  The ultra light material is also cool.  I imagine this will be a huge bonus this summer when I'm hiking in the woods.

I also tested the backpack while we were out hiking and geocaching yesterday and it was fantastic!  I noticed a nice feature about this backpack - I could easily reverse it and wear it with the zipper side facing my back, making the inner contents inaccessible to anyone else.  I felt this was an added security feature, especially when I'm using the backpack out on the street or in a mall.

I guarantee that this backpack will be getting a lot of use.  It looks like it would be easy to toss into the washing machine if it gets dirty too.  How many backpacks can you say that about?

There's another reason why I'm crazy about this backpack - it comes with a ditty bag.   Check this out - the entire backpack easily folds up and fits into this 4" x 3" bag.

Can you imagine how convenient this is??  Simply fold up your ElectroLight backpack, stuff it into its sack and toss it into a suitcase, your purse, the glove compartment, a larger backpack, a gym bag, even your jacket pocket!  The Lewis N. Clark ElectroLight Backpack is perfect for camping, traveling and every day use.

Go over and visit the Lewis N. Clark website.  They have an amazing line of travel accessories and outdoor gear including electronics, health and personal gear, luggage and packing solutions, outdoor gear and travel security.  You can also visit their Facebook Page.

(I was provided a backpack for review purposes and asked to give an honest review.  All opinions are my own.)

Product Review - Allied Shirts

I was recently asked to review a product by the newly launched Allied Shirts Company.  Currently they offer custom T shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies for men, women and children.

Allied Shirts has a good variety of products such as long and short sleeve T shirts in a lot of different colors.  Prices start as low as $ 2.95.  The sweatshirts are Jerzees Crewneck Sweatshirts.  They are high quality, heavyweight sweatshirts in 50/50 poly/cotton no-pill fleece.  The Classic sweatshirts are Gildan Ultra Cotton Crewneck Sweatshirts of classic fit 80% cotton/20% polyester.  The hoodies they offer are either Gildan Ultra Cotton Adult Hooded Sweatshirt with classic-fit heavyweight material in long-lasting 80/20 cotton/poly fleece or American Apparel California Fleece Pullover Hoodie with a soft and smooth lightweight 100% cotton fleece with a slimmer, stylish fit.  Sweatshirts start at $ 15.55.

I chose to design a T shirt for my daughters company BeeAnn Designs.  She favors the color pink, so color choice was a no brainer.  I used the Allied Shirt Designing Tool, which was extremely easy to follow and use.  I added text and then uploaded my own graphics.  The whole process took only minutes.  I sent off my order and within 2 weeks I had my custom designed shirt for my daughter. 

Here, you can take a look...

 Cute, right?

Allied Shirts gets high points for quality of product, color choices, design tool ease and quick shipment.  Since they are a relatively new company, I think they are probably still working on ideas and upgrades.  My suggestions would be to add a wider variety of fonts for the text feature and to add a copy and paste option for the graphics.

I suggest you visit their website and play around with it a little - I bet you'll come up with a design that you like.  They often offer discounts so keep your eyes open.  I know that I will definitely use Allied Shirts for future products.

I was provided a T shirt for review purposes and asked to give an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Product Review - Build A Sign

I was recently contacted by the good folks over at Build A Sign company and asked to do a review on one of their products of my choosing. 

They have quite a well rounded variety of products too:

• Signs
• Magnetics
• Business cards
• Bumper stickers
• License plates
• Decals
• Flags
• Window clings
• And many more products as well

I was actually just in the market to have some Snug Harbor Bay business cards made up, so this offer couldn't have come at a better time for me. 

They have a good variety of card templates to choose from that include Business, Animal care, Personal, Real Estate and Construction.  If you like, you can also design your own layout.  That's what I decided to do.

I easily uploaded my own photo and added my text.  They have an excellent variety of fonts, sizes and colors to choose from.  You can get a matte or glossy finish too.  The whole design process took only minutes and I submitted my order.  9 days later I had my shipping confirmation, complete with a tracking number and 2 days later I had my cards in hand.

Let me tell you - I could not have been more pleased with my business cards when they arrived.  They are truly beautiful and very well made.  The colors are rich and the card stock used is very good quality 12 pt. cardstock.  They look even better in person than they did on the on-line template.

Build A Sign uses high quality materials and advanced printing equipment.  They can supply signs made of corrugated plastic, aluminum, art board, magnetic, banner and bumper sticker.  Currently they offer 14 different colors.  Whether you are a small business or a major corporation, they would be happy to serve you.  They are committed to quality customer service and want to make sure you have a positive experience with their company.  I wouldn't hesitate to order from Build A Sign again.

Another thing I really liked about the Build A Sign company is that they give back.  Since 2008, they have donated more than $ 600,000 in cash, goods and services to more than 500 non-profit organizations nationwide.  I don't know about you, but that's the kind of company that I want to give my business to.

Be sure to visit their Face Book page as well.  Right now, until February 2,  they are offering a 10% Valentines Sale with free standard shipping.  Go over and check them out if you need anything made.

I was provided custom designed business cards of my choice for review purposes and asked to give an honest review.  All opinions are my own.


(photos used are the property of Build A Sign and cannot be reproduced without permission.)



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Book Review - 101 Devil Caches

Whether you're a seasoned geocacher with thousands of finds under your belt or a newbie to geocaching, I think there's something for everyone in the recently published "101 Devil Caches."
Co-written by EJ Martin and Kurt Milligan, these guys know what they are talking about.  Lifelong friends and avid geocachers, they currently run the Madcacher Geocaching Blog and Navicache.com in an effort to share their geocaching experiences with others. 

Since they are fans of geocaches that are a little more difficult than a basic park and grab, they came up with the idea of this book to showcase caches that require thinking outside the box and using your wits to figure them out. 

The book is so much more than a cache primer - it begins with an excellent and detailed description of the game, how it began, the different types of geocaching hides, rules of geocaching, how it impacts our lands and society and finally, the future of geocaching.

Chapter 3 goes into a thorough lesson on GPS technology and how it works.  They then explain GPS units in general and tell you about some of the different capabilities they have and how to use them in conjunction with geocaching or other applications in your daily life.

Chapters 5 & 6 will tell you everything you want to know about joining in the fun.  They list step by step instructions on how to find or hide a cache as well as the different types of basic containers that are usually used.

The real nuts and bolts of the book though are the 101 devil caches that follow in chapter 7.  Each page gives a detailed description of a cache, how to make it, and an excellent drawing of what the cache should look like. If you're looking for some fun and creative caches to make, then you will find this section really useful.  But what I really liked about this section is that it would truly help the newbies to see examples of some of the devilish hides that are out there. 

Many of the caches in the book were ones I've seen over the course of my 3 1/2 years of caching.  But I have to admit there were a few I've not seen before and the book does a great job of getting you excited to try your hand at making some of these different caches. 

Pros:  If you're new to geocaching or thinking about giving it a try, I highly recommend this book to you.  It's a wonderful primer on the how's and why's of geocaching.  And if you're an experienced geocacher, I think you'd enjoy the book as well.  I found out some things about the early days of geocaching and about GPS units in general that I didn't know before.  And as I already mentioned, I'm itching to try my hand at some of the fun and creative caches they describe.  The authors plan to use the proceeds of their book to re-invest in their madcacher.com and navicache.com sites.

Cons:  They have one small, 2 page spread called Geocachers in Profile that I felt could have been expanded.  They only talked about 3 geocachers, and while this was interesting, and exciting since I was pleasantly surprised to see one mentioned that I know personally, I think they could have done an entire chapter on this.  For me, I would have liked to also see some interviews with cachers who have contributed something to the game, or maybe a few cachers who have over 50,000 finds, or even a few who have cached since the inception of the sport.  But that's totally my opinion and the focus of the book is on the devil caches themselves and not the geocachers.

Overall, this book was a good read, very thorough, written with humor and great attention to detail.  Very affordable at $ 14.95 per copy, you can go to the madcacher.com site and order a copy for yourself or to give as a gift.  While you're on their site, take some time to look around - read their blog, look for geocaching clubs in your area and do a little shopping.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.   Get your copy here

I'd like to thank the guys over at madcacher.com for the review opportunity.  I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Fabulous eSalon Discount Deal

The other day I did a product review for eSalon and they were so pleased with the response from my readers that they are extending a fantastic discount to all of you who are eSalon first time buyers.
 

First of all, if you missed the product review, go back and read about it here.  It's complete with photos of how bad my hair color was before and how wonderful it looks now after using the eSalon, specially formulated product.  I say specially formulated because each eSalon order is mixed specifically for each client.  Go on, go read the post because the great discount offer will still be here when you get back.....

Great hair color, don't you agree?  I really couldn't be more pleased with the results.  If you'd like to give them a try, then click on this link because "Right now, eSalon has a special 50% off deal for first time customers, where you can get a complete hair profile and custom color kit delivered to your door for just $9.95 (plus $4.95 s&h) with a full money back guarantee."

I hope you give eSalon a try.  If you do, be sure to come back and tell me what you think.

I'd like to thank eSalon for the review opportunity.  I was given free product in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Product Review - eSalon

I was recently asked to test and review a new hair color system by eSalon.  Have you heard of them?  Well, if you haven't yet, believe me, you will.

I've been dyeing my hair for close to 37 years- gulp!  Shush, don't repeat that!  My natural color is a sort of dirty, mousy brown, so I usually dye it blonder in the summer months and go a little darker during the winter months.  I've been hankering to go a little darker, and when I heard about eSalon and their review offer, I was ready.

The unique thing about eSalon is that they offer the salon experience at home.  Now I admit, I am a box blonde, meaning I'm a do-it-myself girl.  I haven't stepped foot in a salon for a professional dye job in probably 30 years.  The prices around Chicago are just too high for me, and besides, I prefer to do it at home, at my own convenience.

Convenience is the accurate word when it comes to eSalon.  They offer professional grade dyes like those used in the high end salons and you can choose from demi-permanent or permanent haircolor.  The dye is $ 19.95 per application plus shipping and handling, but get this - each application is specifically formulated for you, based on information that you input onto your order form.  Here's how it works.....

First, go to their very user friendly website at eSalon  Once there you're going to input some basic information, such as your natural haircolor, what percentage of your hair is grey, if you currently color your hair, how often you color your hair, current length and style, and then you choose your new desired color results from an extensive color chart.  Once you do all that you have the option of up loading a current photo of yourself.  Then you submit your order.  It's all pretty quick and very easy to do, let me tell you.

After their colorists reviewed my profile, color choice and photo, I received an email back from them suggesting that I go with a slightly lighter color.  They felt my desired color was too much of a jump and asked me what I'd like to do.  I went with their recommendation and chose a new color, darker than what I was currently using, but not as dark as I wanted to go.  4 days later I received my order through the mail, complete with tracking number.

Check out my personally created hair color and instruction booklet with my name on it.....

The entire kit comes complete with hair dye, application brush, gloves, conditioner, stain guard, stain remover and cotton pads.  First I'll show you a really unattractive photo of the top of my head - yes, I was due for a dye job....

I enlisted Chablis to help with the application process.  I usually use an applicator tip for the dye bottle, and since they supplied a brush, I needed help.  She quickly applied the color and in 15 minutes we were finished.  One thing I noticed right away was the relatively light scent.  My usual store purchased dye has that strong ammonia smell that I hate and this dye was more subtle - a definite improvement.  I let it set on my hair for the recommended 20 minutes and hopped in the shower to wash and rinse. 

Look at the finished product....

I love the color - it doesn't have any of the brassy undertones I often get.  My hair felt lighter, didn't have that "after you dye it" smell and Chablis summed it up perfectly when she said the color was vibrant! 

Pros -  I have to say that the whole eSalon experience was top notch from the moment I signed into their website until I dried my hair after I colored it.  I was very happy with their customer service and their product.  Adding my name to the bottle and instruction sheet really gives it a personal touch.  I would recommend this product and I will certainly use it again.

Cons - I have 2 suggestions and these are merely a matter of personal preference and have nothing to do with the coloring product itself. 

1) I prefer to use an applicator tip on my coloring bottle, similar to this one below.  It would be nice if they could include that as an option.

2)  I think they could supply a little more of the conditioning product.  It's only a small sample and for me, it didn't have any detangle properties.  Again, this is a personal preference on my part.  I added a little of my own detangle product and my hair combed out just fine.  But if you have more hair than I do, then I don't think it would be enough conditioner. 

I think eSalon earned high marks for a really nice product.  Visit their website for more information, how to video's and their easy to use ordering guide. 

*** NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN:       "Right now, eSalon has a special 50% off deal for first time customers, where you can get a complete hair profile and custom color kit delivered to your door for just $9.95 (plus $4.95 s&h) with a satisfaction guarantee or your money back  . Go here to give it a try."

I'd like to thank eSalon for the review opportunity.  I was given free product in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear Review - Coleman Backpack

Back in October when The Outdoor Blogger Network had their 1 year anniversary extravaganza, they hosted a week of give-aways.  It was awesome!!  They gave away some great gear and I was thrilled beyond words to win a new backpack.  Not just any backpack either - this was a Coleman RTX 3500i.

I was in desperate need of a new backpack and this one had a laptop compartment in it, which put this piece of gear right at the top of the list of items I was hoping to win.  I cannot believe I won this!

According to the Coleman website, they call this color red, but I thinks it's more of a burnt orange.  I really like the color.  This backpack has so many great features, so I am going to list them right off their website:




•  35 liter capacity - front panel loading

• •  Dimensions (LxW): 17.5"x12"
• •  Main pocket, plus four other pockets, great for stowing options
• •  Large stretch mesh front pocket
• •  Small front stash pocket for smaller items, quick access
• •  Small internal hidden pocket for items you want to be hard to find
• •  External side entry laptop pocket
• •  Water bottle pockets

• •  Internal organization / key clip
• •  Bottom lash straps, great for securing items to your backpack
• •  Dual side compression straps to compress the size of the pack around loaded equipment
• •  1" removable waist belt, so heavy loads can be carried more comfortably
• •  Cell phone pocket on shoulder strap
• •  600D ripstop polyester, tough durable material
• •  Reflective tape on shoulder straps for additional safety
• •  Made in Vietnam

Here you can see the cell phone pocket, the front chest straps and the waist strap.  The cell phone pocket is a really nice feature and makes it so easy to hear that phone ring and keeps it within quick reach.  I was almost afraid that this pack would be too large for my small build.  I'm about 5' 2" and I loved the way this pack snuggled against my back.  The last pack I had was way too large for me and was uncomfortable to wear.  This back was excellent!  It's nicely proportioned and balanced.  I liked the width of the shoulder straps and the padding on them as well.

The interior has a variety of different sized pockets that are secured by velcro or zippers.  Plus a clip that I use for my car keys, and a place to stow pens, pencils, knives, or small tools and flashlights.

There are huge mesh water bottle pockets on each side of the pack as well, which I really like.  My old backpack didn't even have a water bottle pocket, so this is a great new feature for me.

The outside front of the pack also has 2 large pockets for stuff that you need to grab in a hurry, and they are huge.  

The laptop pocket is nice and roomy, plus it has interior padding to keep my laptop safely nestled away from harm.

The pack also has sturdy stitching all the way around...

And the bottom of the pack has extra straps for attaching extra equipment.

This backpack utilizes 2 different types of zipper pulls.  Two like this one on the laptop pocket....

And then the rest of the pockets have strap pulls on the zippers like this one....

For me, personally, I just liked the string type pull on the laptop zippers better.  


The Coleman RTX 3500i backpack is nice and roomy.  More than big enough for me and the type of use it gets from me.  So far I haven't even had to open up the compression straps, so if you need a pack that holds a lot of gear, you will probably like this.  


I took this backpack along on our autumn deer hunting trips and it was ideal for all of our hunting equipment, a lunch, multiple drink bottles, my ipad and extra clothes.   I've used it on multiple hikes in the woods when we were geocaching and all my geocaching gear easily fit inside with room to spare.  I'm looking forward to my next hike in the woods when I can take my new collapsible hiking poles with me.  I can simply attach them to either the outside of this pack, or fit them inside.  On our last road trip I used the pack instead of taking a purse and my laptop bag.  I loved the multiple pockets for all my cords and wires.  In fact, the next time I fly to Florida I think I'll do the same thing and use the backpack to take on the plane with me instead of my purse and laptop bag.  This pack will actually be easier to organize, will hold way more stuff and with it on my back, by hands are free!


My son was actually eyeing this backpack and mentioned how nice it would be for him to use at college.  You know, it could hold all his books, his laptop, school supplies, water bottle.  Nice try and keep dreaming my dear, this backpack is mine!!  LOL!!


What didn't I like about this backpack?  There really isn't anything I don't like about it.  But I will say this....If I'm going on a day long hike, or longer, this will be a great pack because of all the room and pockets.  I also think I'll like it when I travel by plane or if I need to tote my laptop along.  However, for a quick hike where you don't need a lot of gear, I would opt for a smaller pack.  There's no need for such a roomy pack if you only need to tote some basic essentials.  Since we spend a great deal of time geocaching and a lot of our hikes are 3 miles round trip or less, I would use my smaller day pack for those.  But for anything longer than that, where I want to take extra clothes, more gear, a lunch, and multiple water bottles, then the Coleman RTX 3500i will be perfect and will definitely be my go-to pack.


I'd like to thank The Outdoor Blogger Network again for hosting the give away and letting me have this gear review opportunity.  And thank you to Coleman for making such a great product.  I'm really lucky to have this as part of my essential gear.  

DISCLAIMER:

The product featured in this gear review was provided to me at no cost.  I currently hold no association with Coleman Products.  As with all independent gear and product reviews at Snug Harbor Bay, I try my best to keep my reviews honest and unbiased. If something is good, it deserves 4 stars; if it stinks, I’ll let you know that too.