Archive for August, 2008
I recently discovered one of the most revolutionary innovations of the modern age. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Jimi Wallet.
This plastic bi-fold wallet is minimalist. You can fit a few credit cards, an id, a few bills and a business card or two. What else do you need? I was skeptical until I tried it out myself. Now that I’ve dumped the junk from my wallet and slimmed to the Jim everything is simpler.
The Jimi Wallet is better looking than your average wallet and somewhat water resistant. Which is good for many of your outdoorzy activities. It also has a loop to slip a small accessory cord through if you want. I met a guy who works for Patagonia the other day. After we talked he said, “Let me give you my business card.” Then he pulled out his Jimi. He was using his as a biz card holder. I said… “Hey you have the Jimi… me too… Nice!” We bonded. Awww.
Top 5 reasons to get the Jimi
- It comes in a plethora of kick-ass colors
- Your leather wallet is made of skin… you have someone elses skin in your pocket dude
- It forces you to get rid of all those stupid (buy 10 sandwiches get 1 free) cards
- If you ever fall into a Koi pond your wallet will be water and Koi resistant
- They have a slick product demo that makes me eww and ahhh
Vote for them on Forbes where they could win $100,000 to Jimify the world. Join the revolution.
August 14th, 2008
Last week I had chance to go on fly out fly-fishing trip in Juneau, Alaska with Bear Creek Outfitters. I was on my honeymoon and I had the trip lined up through the cruise. Prior to the cruise, the owner of one of our local fly shops gave me some flies to try, plus I had done a little research prior to the fishing trip so would be prepared. I tied a few pink clouser minnows, which I heard was “The” fly at the time.
The fishing trip started out with a 20 minute drive to the local airport. The guide service, Bear Creek Outfitters operates out of the hanger for “Ward Air”, which is the float plane service that flew us to the fishing spot. Bear Creek Outfitters provided the waders, boots, jackets, fly rods (Sage), reels (Ross), and most importantly, the flies. The flight from the airport to the fishing spot was about 30 minutes. I was lucky enough to sit in the co-pilot seat, so I had a great view of the wilderness.
After getting off the float plane, the guides strung up the rods and broke us up between beginners, refreshers, and experienced fly fishers. There was eleven of us fishing with three guides, two of which were carrying shotguns and keeping an eye out for bears and other wildlife. Another gentleman and I were the only guys with previous experience, so we were able to start before the others. I tied on one of the pink clouser minnows I had tied the night before we left for Seattle / Alaska. After about the fifth cast, I had a fish on. I have never felt the pull and power of such a fish, which was pink salmon. My first fish was a large hump back male pink salmon. After a few photos and releasing the fish, I was back at casting to pinks. It was not but a few cast later and I was back at it with another fish on the line. I was only there to fish for about 3 to 3 ½ hours, but at this rate, I would have to be carried out of here from exhaustion.
For the next couple of hours I casted to and caught many pink salmon. I would guess that I caught about three dozen pink salmon and one Dolly Varden. While moving up the stream, I notice several areas of bear scat. The guides mentioned that we were fishing an area were bears have been recently seen. About forty-five minutes before trip was over, a mama bear and two cubs came out of the woods. The mama bear was chasing and killing salmon for her cubs and quite successfully too. Bears were not the only wildlife we saw on the trip. We saw several bald eagles, a deer, a few seals, and a few bears.
After the fishing was done, we walked back to the beach area to meet the float plane and have some lunch. We talked about the fishing, the bears, and the eagles. The guides were great and from my understanding, everyone caught fish, which was the purpose of this trip. All of the fishing was catch and release; I wish I could have kept a few fish. There is nothing better that fresh salmon; however, if anyone is planning a trip to Juneau, Alaska and you want to do a little fly fishing, check out the guys at Bear Creek Outfitters.
August 13th, 2008
The 2008 Outdoor Retailer show wrapped up today here in Salt Lake City Utah. The show gets pretty quiet on the last day and booths shut down at 3PM. I did see this cool product while walking the floor. Yakima will be releasing a roof box that will have an interior LED light that is powered by a small solar panel on top. Even your roof rack can be green now.
Now that the show is over I have headed up into the mountains just East of Salt Lake City. Only 40 minutes from the SLC airport lies a beautiful mountain valley sprinkled with world class ski resorts. Alta is the name of the community, and let me tell you, Summer is a beautiful time to be here.
Visiting Snowbird Resort was first on the agenda here. Snowbird is a year round resort that has a comprehensive 
activity center for summer outdoor sports. A climbing wall, bungee swings, zip lines, mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching are just a sampling of the fun they offer. I took their tram to the 11,000 foot summit of Snowbird mountain. Your descent of this steep peak can take many forms. You can switchback down the snowcat roads on your mountain bike. You can meander the trails on foot. There are even ATVs you can rent and play with on the opposite side of the peak in Mineral Basin.
I dined at the Steak Pit tonight with a group. This is the resorts oldest restaurant. It is an award winning establishment and this is apparent with the first bite of one of the premium steaks they serve. I’m usually avoid red meat, but in this case I’d like to shake the chef and the meat suppliers hands.
Alta Lodge is a where I am staying tonight. This fixture was the first lodge in the valley, and was built in 1939. The lodge is still owned by the same family and a sense of pride swells when the staff relays the heritage of this unique place. This is the kind of joint where you won’t find a TV in your room, which is a nice way to relax and detach a bit. Don’t get the impression that the lodge is locked into a bygone era, it still boasts WiFi for those who want to stay in touch. They also have a great program of ski clinics and even yoga camps to keep you busy when you’re not taking in the amazing view.
Ski towns are often overlooked during the summer as families run to the beaches.That is truly a shame. There are so many amazing mountain activities that can be enjoyed in a village like Alta and if you get an opportunity it should be on your short list.
August 11th, 2008
Update: Lynn Hill’s son was found. He was taken to the Lost & Found area. One of the people there said, “Hey, you’re Lynn Hill’s son, she’s a famous climber right?” Her son exclaimed, “I’m the famous climber!” Ahh to be five years old again. 
Today I peeped this sweet canoe that could match your kilt nicely I think. And speaking of kilts, it seems that Utilikilt has done well at this show. I’ve seen several dudes wearing these kilts around here. No report on what was under them. And I hope there won’t be.
And interesting fact about the OR show. About 4PM the vendors start breaking out the booze. They lure people to their booths by offering free beer, wine, cheeses, and other assorted gastronomic enticements. Once you are pulled in they do aweful things like make you sign petitions to keep mining and logging from taking all the roadless spaces away… they also do despicable things like give prizes out. I was quite offended and didn’t have anything to do with the whole mess… Okay I got a few beers and a giant plate of cheese. I have to offset that dinner of meatballs two nights ago ya know.
I digress. I also had a nice chat with a guy who plays an Alp Horn pretty well. Not a skill I think many of you
can tout.
Gear highlights from today…
- Everybody and their mamma are getting into trail running shoes. So trail runners shouldn’t have any problem over the next few years. There will be so much competition your head will spin when trying to decide what to wear.
- Merrell has alot of great gear coming out in ‘09. Footwear and apparel alike. Judging from this years crop of clothing, you will be able to hit the trail and hit the club in the same shirt… FINALLY. (don’t even think about it, I already bought clubrunning.com)
- High Sierra as well as Lowe Alpine have some sweet adventure travel luggage coming out in Spring ‘09. We’ll be reviewing some of these products before they are released so you can start making some decisions before you shove off for that European vacation you’ve been wanting to take.
- Crumpler is expanding their line with more funky colors and patterns.
- Horny Toad and Patagonia will still be leading the front on sustainable apparel in ‘09 it appears. They both have some very wearable, very mother-earth lovin clothing launching in Spring.
August 10th, 2008
So, besides organic cotton, merino wool, and coconuts, envirofriendly gear will be made from bamboo in the future. I spoke with Naturally Bamboo today and they, along with some other companies are making fast drying clothing from bamboo. These products are on the market already and many more are to come in ‘09.
I also got to meet Lynn Hill briefly yesterday. In case you’ve been under a rock, she is pretty much one of the best climbers in the world. I was talking with a Patagonia rep and she was hanging out as well when she realized her son wasn’t there. He wandered off, so the three of us went in search of him. I never found him, but I assume he was just fine being that the climbing area was just around the corner. Probably polishing up his Dyno…
I also interviewed Barack Obama and John McCain and asked them what they planned on doing for outdoor sports enthusiasts if they were each elected. But all they could talk about was off-shore drilling and Paris Hilton, so I let them take a photo with me and moved on to more exciting things.
Other cool stuff from today…
- High Gear - Out of Asheville, NC, they have traditionally been an affordable option for high end watches. They are coming out with some sweet looking watches for ‘09 that will have every bell and whistle you can think of.
- Slumberjack - An old stand by for many, they are doing more sustainable manufacturing and making some of their bag fill from pop bottles.
- ENO Hammocks - More Asheville folks. These two brothers started this company working their tails off getting noticed. An annual Bonnaroo booth helped Eagles Nest Outfitters as well.
- Aerobed - Best known for their big air-filled mattresses that you roll out for the mother-in-law or your couch surfing buddies sleep on when they “drop in”. Aerobed has launched a 6 inch think single air mattress for camping… and backpacking? We’ll be testing this product as well. I don’t think this will be an ultralighters product, but car camping watch out.
August 10th, 2008
Well from what I gather, in ‘09 we can expect most of our apparel to be either made of wool from New Zealand or made of coconuts. Our sleeping bags will be able to dance, our shoes will be made of hemp, our sporks will be huge, and our survival kits will come in sardine cans. Just a few visions I saw from the outdoor industry crystal ball today…
The show was good and I got lots of good tips on gear that we will be covering over the next few months. Several ground-breaking products are scheduled to be released by brands you know and trust over the next 6 months. Brands like Camelback, Patagonia, SkirtSports, and Timex. We’ll be reviewing those products here so you can get a better idea of what they’re all about.
After the show I went over to the industry party and had this magnificent dinner of meatballs, egg rolls, broccoli, guacamole, and micro brews (5). Actually it was pretty damned tasty. Not sure how my poo will look tomorrow though. Stay tuned for the awesome details…
After the drum circle and the awarding of money to the non-profits we got to hear Rusted Root play. I haven’t heard such rhythmic, nonsensical, wonderful music since the mid-90s. It was truly a cool experience to get to hear SenMeOmmaWayy again. The stuff I heard in smoke filled rooms and said “yeah man” to when I was but a mere lad. And weird… but they haven’t aged in the last 15 years.. DickClarkism I guess.
All in all it was fun and, again, i met alot of good people. Tomorrow should be another fun day of making connections, checking new gear, and walking my ass off. Anyone have any glide?
August 8th, 2008
Demo Day is the day at the Outdoor Retailer show where the attendees get to play… and sweat. I think I sweat a gallon today. I heard the showing of vendors was probably half of what it has been in the past. Probably due to high fuel costs. Nobody wants to ship 200 canoes across the country, then ship them back 4 days later with these gas prices.
Anywho, I did see some interesting products today and met some cool people. One thing about this trade show that differs from others I’ve been too is the relaxed atmosphere. People were paddling kayaks down by the lake and drinking beer and eating turkey burgers up by the booths. All the while Reggae was playing in the background, and business was still getting done. It felt sort of like the Bonnaroo of trade shows.
Above is the paddle sports demo area. As you can see, loads of boats… and paddlers. There were some other booths at demo day, but most of the action was in the paddle sports area.
Here I am testing a new Bell Solo Canoe in what I like to call the Paddler Soup. The light literally shown through the walls of its kevlar mesh hull. It could turn on a dime which was great, and was light enough for one person to pack with ease. In the background you can see some “Stand-Up Paddle Boards.” I’m not sure how well these are catching on, but testers were having alot of fun with them.
This Airis inflatable kayak has a built in dry bag. No need to pack one. And it fits in a bag the size of a
backpack. Perfect for the apartment dweller or someone who wants to fit their kayak in their trunk without sawing it in quarters.
And I’m dubbing these two guys the Kayakillacs. They are from Epic Kayaks and really do seem to be the
Cadillac of kayaks. Their shell is much harder, they have nice cushy grab loops, roomy dry wells, and plush interior.
I saw plenty of other cool stuff today too, like some new innovations in backpacks Ergon is making, some cool quick dry technology, and some other stuff we’ll gear test for you guys down the road.
August 7th, 2008
As you may know I am at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.
This is the big outdoor industry trade show where all the outdoor companies will be shmoozing and showing off their latest and greatest products. AKA, the stuff you will want in your stocking this December.
I walked around a bit today and watched some of the madness that is a trade show set-up. I used to work for a company and worked the trade show circuit a bit. Let me tell you it is organized chaos. Sweaty people running to and fro with boxes of kayak paddles and trekking poles. Tow motors driving frantically with loads of who knows what outdoor-gear-joy packed away inside. Giant inflatables hovering above your head in anticipation of the next days activities, climbing walls sprouting up
out of cargo crates, CEOs of small outdoor companies sweating with the crew to get the booth looking just right.
Tomorrow I’ll be at Demo Day. This is where all the big gear gets demo’d. I’ll be watching people paddle kayaks, set up tents, roll out sleeping bags, and test harnesses. I’ll report back on the action there as well… stay tuned.
August 6th, 2008
A hiker on Sauk Mountain in Washington was shot and killed by a bear hunter this past weekend. This is a rare occurance but is still a real threat for backpackers who head in to the wilderness during hunting season. Another layer of tragedy to this story was that the hunter who shot the hiker was only 14-years-old. No charges have been filed yet, but I think the victims neighbor said it best; “You look into a scope you know what you are firing at — and really and truly that’s all I got to say.” We all share our public lands, hunters and hikers alike. Hunter safety courses are immensely important. Educating our young hunters is paramount to ensuring we don’t have any itchy trigger fingers out there. Young hunters must know what is in their sites every time they pull the trigger. They must be 110% sure.
The CDC did a study for 6 years in the early 90s. Out of 125 people shot by hunters that were mistaken for game, only 6 were wearing hunter orange. If you are hiking in hunting season, at least get yourself a brightly colored shirt or pack. Or wear a bright orange bandanna or hat.
Sierra Blogging Post provided some great tips we can all keep in mind when playing in the backcountry during hunting season…
1. WEAR ORANGE. Wear a blaze orange vest, cap, shirt, shorts, whatever. Wearing bright orange, the color hunters wear to avoid being shot, is the best way to make your presence known. This universal hunter safety color will dramatically reduce your chances of being mistaken for game. (Don’t forget to dress your dog in orange, too.)
2. Avoid wearing white during hunting season. A flash of white in the woods can be (and has been) mistaken for the white of a deer’s tail.
3. Avoid wearing dark colors, like black and brown. Humans dressed in brown or black can be mistaken for large game.
4. Stick to established trails. Hunters should be aware of trails popular with hikers and be extra cautious in those areas. (Obviously, as with this case, that doesn’t always mean they will be.)
5. Consider hiking in places unpopular with hunters. Check with your local wildlife official, Fish and Game department, or local sporting goods store to see where the hunters are/are not.
6. Make noise while you hike and don’t hike alone. Alert hunters to your presence by talking, whistling, singing, or carrying bear bells.
7. As always, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
August 5th, 2008
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