Posts filed under 'Backpacking'
The one thing all of us that visit this blog, and Outdoorzy have in common is an appreciation for the outdoors. A love of being outside and taking part in an active lifestyle. We can all agree on that. But I believe one other thing that is a very close 2nd at binding us all is our love of the gear that gets us out there.
So this week I will be attending the Outdoor Retailer conference in Salt Lake City, UT. For the uninitiated this is the big trade show that the outdoor industry holds each year. All the new gear is debuted, new companies launch, the gear that was new this year is upgraded, and people shmooze.
My goal this week is to gain entry to this show, visit every booth (probably thousands), blog multiple times a
day, and keep all of you up-to-date on what is coming out for 2009. Just imagine, this year, you can be that one friend that is always like “..oh, did you say the Moutain Hardwear Goat Jacket? Yeah I know that one, has the fleece liner and the built in martini bar in the inside pocket.” Yes you! You’ll be the coolest Outdoorzy friend on your block. You can show your friends you’re the real deal, not Matthew McConaughey outdoorsy. No need to drive an old Land Rover Discovery, or leave your canoe on your roof rack all week. You’ll have the 4-1-1 and can talk the talk. 
Anywho, in celebration of this event we want to give you some Gear. The first 3 people to enter 8 gear reviews before Friday night will win one of three prize packs. The prize packs are like outdoorsy grab bags. They are each going to be a high quality daypack full of little gear items. Who knows what you’ll 
get… clothing, guidebooks, headlamps, solar chargers, mp3 players, t-shirts, shoes, water filter??? Gear freebies I pick up to review at this trade show will go into the 3 daypacks. You’ll be the first one to get your hands on some of these items.
So get hoppin! And your gear review doesn’t count if you half-ass it. Don’t review your new climbing harness and say “It was great, it kept me alive” We want more detail than that people….. work for it!
You may have also seen this contest on Contest Hound
August 4th, 2008
Yes folks, I’ve found it! I’d tell you, but I’m sworn to secrecy.
If you’d like to find it for yourself though just head up a trail on the nearest mountain. At lease that’s what a recent study suggests. Reuters did an article on this and here is what they had to say…
“Far from being a sport that just provides thrills for testosterone-fuelled risk-takers, mountaineering actually helps gives people perspective in their lives, according to Lee Davidson, senior lecturer at the University of Victoria’s museum and heritage studies program.
“It’s a way to look for meaning in life, it gives people a sense of focus, makes them see what’s really of value,” Davidson, a climber herself, told Reuters.”
I’d have to agree with the article. There is a serenity and peace that can be found in remote wilderness areas, in the mountains, that is difficult to achieve in a world of concrete and steel. Sitting and watching a sunset crawl below the snowy peaks with only one sound in your ear, wind, can be deep. When mountaineering or backpacking comes up in conversation, people think I’m some crazy Xtreme person for taking part. They simply don’t understand that it’s more about slowing down, clearing your mind, and pushing your body to reach a place that most people will never see. The view from a mountain is sort of like putting a chair in the corner of your bedroom and standing on it. Looking around you see everything from a different angle. You gain new knowledge and appreciation for everything.
Get out.
via Sierra Blogging Post
July 22nd, 2008
In the June issue of Backpacker Magazine you may have noticed a great story about pooping. Poo isn’t usually my favorite topic when reading but this story was educational. In 2007 the last toilets were removed from the 12,000 foot Trail Camp on Mt Whitney. Now lucky hikers get to poop in a bag and carry it out themselves.
In the backpacker article, the author Dougland McDonald, keeps a bag of poop at his desk for some time to test and see if it stinks. Well Douglands shit don’t stink… at least in a baggie it doesn’t.
McDonald talks about his experiences pooping up high here at the Mountain World blog. He talks about the two brands of bag you can use and how they perform. Enjoy your Monday…
July 21st, 2008
We just wanted to update you on the latest rock bottom, clearrance, everything-must-go, gear deals we’ve found. Get your wallets out, buy some cheap gear, and then turn this computer off and get outside!
La Sportiva Tora Climbing Shoe (Mens and Womens) - $37.56
Get High man… get higggh!!!
Eagle Creek Pack-It Toiletery Kit - $14.41
Because you really should brush your teeth, even on the trail
Teva Pretty Rugged Nylon Sandals (For Women) - $30.36
You’re feet don’t want to be completely naked, but they like to show some skin…
Sierra Designs 45 degree Mummy Sleeping Bag - $63.71 (originally $114)
Looking like a grub worm never felt so good.
High Gear Via Fitness FM Jogging Radio and Calorie Counter - $13.56
Running is boring, but not when you can watch the calories melt away and listen to Cyndi Lauper.
June 25th, 2008
As you may know, one of the biggest and baddest adventure races on the planet is underway. Primal Quest 2008 got underway yesterday and is running through this week and next week. Teams are racing through Montana and encountering a number of obstacles as they make their way through the different adventure sports involved.
This year you can track the teams here through SPOT technology. SPOT Satellite Messengers are small handheld devices you can take in the backcountry to signal out for help in case of an emergency. They use satellite technology so you can get a signal out even if your cell phone is out of range
“This year we are really elevating the Primal Quest experience by teaming up with SPOT and offering the best, custom leaderboard and mapping software we’ve seen to date,” states Don Mann, Primal Quest Director.
Race fans can register for a chance to win a SPOT Satellite Messenger signed by the winning team and learn more about Primal Quest Montana 2008 Presented by SPOT at www.findmespot.com/primalquest
June 24th, 2008
By now you may have seen the caps that fit on your water bottle (Nalgene style) that have LED lights inside to turn the bottle into a lantern at night. If not, let me introduce you.
These “light caps” have only been on the market the last year or two. They are a great way to make your water bottle pull double-duty. I have tested one of these before that used batteries to power it. Although it added some weight to your bottle that was unacceptable for some ultralighters.
Meet the Sollight. It fills a new niche for those of us who like this concept, but may have wanted a lighter lid, or didn’t like replacing the batteries. This lid operates on 100% solar power. It emits up to 8 hours of light when fully charged. It can be used with any wide-mouth bottle such as Nalgene and Camelback brands, and boasts 4 LED lights beaming light out. I used this on my recent AT section hike, and it was a nice novelty. I had several people ask me about it and they all thought it was cool.
There are an estimated 146,000 tons of disposable batteries thrown into US landfilles annually. If you hate batteries, like me, consider this little fella. There is no need to replace batteries every few months. Also consider the environmental advantage to using solar power. No batteries to discard, and the energy is completely renewable. This light is brighter than ones I’ve tested in the past, and lighter as well.
The only real drawback to this lid is that it doesn’t come with a leash to attach to your bottle. I made one out of some accesory cord, so no big whoop. If you decide to buy one make sure and use a clear bottle. If you use a bottle with color it will diminish the amount of light you have. Also, if you use a sipper lid you will need to remove that to get the best bang for your LED. Don’t worry about losing your charge in the daytime accidentally, it turns itself off with a daylight detecting feature.
Good product that you can purchase at your favorite outdoor retailer, or buy online here.
June 4th, 2008
I received my very own Summit Stone in the mail the other day and so did Emile and Lynn. If you’re not familiar with these artistic little pebbles here’s what they are about. (from the Summit Stones & Adventure Musings blog)
“I call these “Summit Stones”….. After gathering these small rocks for many years, while out on adventures, I now splash a bit of paint on them and give them back… The musings here and in the “Adventure Muse”, reflect on the nature of adventure experiences… They too, are a means of passing forward…”
These little rocks are beautiful. The idea is to keep them as a memory of a trip, inspire you to dream up your next adventure, or to leave on a summit for someone else to find and enjoy. The concept is simple and a great reminder that adventure is more than a journey, but an inspiration of journeys to come.
Thanks DSD!
May 9th, 2008
Are you an Audiophile? Are you a bike commuter, mountain biker, or festival goer? If so, this could be the next big thing for you.
The Skullcandy Link Hydro Pack is a backpack that is completely wired, with speakers on the shoulder
straps, a built-in mic, internal laptop case, and a half-gallon hydration bladder. You can put your cell phone in a side pocket, plug it into the wire , do the same with your mp3 player, and take off. As you ride or roam you can answer the phone by pushing a button on the shoulder strap and just talk, no headset required. You can also jam to your favorite music with headphones or through the shoulder straps. Volume can be adjusted, and you can switch back and forth between phone and mp3 using the controls as well.
I used this on my commute last week and flatted out on my bike. I hopped off to change the tire and sat the pack on the ground. I turned the headphones off and turned the shoulder speakers on and listened to music while I changed my tire… or didn’t change it. I forgot my tire changing tool, so… I listened to music while I waited for my wife to come pick me up. It was sweet.
My only worry with this backpack is that I wouldn’t take it on a plane since as it goes through the xray
machine at the airport it might look slightly suspicious with all the wires inside. But, for any other use, this thing is amazing. Pretty soon all our electronics will be wired into our clothing and run through solar panels made into the material on the shoulders. I’m calling it, you heard it hear first folks…
- Retails for $139.95
- Comes in Orange/Grey or Camouflage (you won’t be sneaking up on anybody while rocking Metallica though…
- AA battery powered amplifier
- 1/2 gallon hydration bladder
May 7th, 2008
I saw this video via The Adventure Blog.
It’s just an easy stroll in the mountains of Spain. The El Camino del Ray or “The King’s Pathway”…
May 1st, 2008
Next Posts
Previous Posts
SD 45 degree Womens’ Topaz - Long - $87
Gregory Wingate Backpack - $114
Simond Bumper Climbing Helmet - $39.95
Henri Lloyd Storm Barrel Duffel Bag - $29.95
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