Posts filed under 'Snow Sports'
MSR Miox Purifier
Dwell times (how long you wait)
Viruses, bacteria — 15 min.
Giardia — 30 min.
Cryptosporidium — 4 hrs.
Weight
Pen — 3.5 oz./99 g
Kit — 8 oz./227 g
Price
Retails for $139.95
I’ve had this water filter in my possession for several months but haven’t had the opportunity to test it. I’ve finally gotten around to taking a good look at it and here’s my assessment.
The Miox wins the prize for being ultralight as far as purifiers and pumps go. It is light, just 3.5 ounces. It jams down into your pack nicely. You literally won’t know it’s there. It also provide some of the best protection you can get. It kills all viruses, bacteria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. The other great feature about the Miox is NO PUMPING! Now some of us love to pump water in a traditional filter pump. Oh yes, there’s nothing like spending 20 minutes hunkered by a stream until your knees seize up in that position and you can’t stand again. Then cleaning the filter when it gets clogged, and pumping some more. Okay, so we don’t love it… Well with the Miox you just put the salt in the cap along with some water, then press the button and zap it. After it’s been zapped you pour it back in your container and let it works its magic.
The downsides to the Miox are that it is dependent on batteries, and you have to wait for your water. From 15 minutes to 4 hours depending on what you’re trying to kill. And lastly, the price is quite high compared to your standard pumps.
My conclusion is that if you’re trying to kill some nasty stuff, hate pumping, trying to purify large amounts of water, or are buying for ultralight reasons, then this is your purifier.
January 24th, 2008
Never. According to a recent article in the New York Times.
At least that’s what Dr. John Castellani says. He’s an exercise physiologist and expert on environmental medicine. “The big question was, ‘Is it ever too cold?’” Dr. Castellani said. “The answer is no. People go to the poles, people are out there when it’s minus-50 degrees, people do incredible things, and safely. There really isn’t a point where you can tell people it is not safe anymore.”
Common Myths…
Bundle Up
Yes, wear enough clothing to keep you warm. Try not to leave too much exposed skin. But don’t overdress. Wearing too much can make you sweat and sweating can keep you wet and eventually cold.
Take Breaks
No way. Keep moving, this will keep you warm. Stopping will only slow your heart rate and make you colder.
It Can Damage Your Lungs
Wrong. By the time air reaches your lungs it is body temperature, says Kenneth W. Rundell, the director of respiratory research and the human physiology laboratory at Marywood University. However, cold air can sometimes be dryer. So if you experience any problems it is most likely due to the dryness of the air, not the coldness.
With all that said. Hypothermia and Frostbite are real. Don’t stay out too long or expose yourself to extreme conditions for long periods of time. But moderate exercise in cold weather is just fine. Well, there goes that excuse. I guess I should get outside and do something…
January 22nd, 2008
Holy Crap!
That’s what I said, out loud, when I saw the story about this on the Backcountry Blog. Apparently a group of climbers decided they’d take the equipment up to the summit of 15,771 foot Mont Blanc on the border of Italy and France. Part of me wants to say… “Dude I’m so jealous.” And another part of me thinks I’d be pissed off if I spent all night and morning working my arse off to get to the summit and these guys were partying when I got there. But you definitely have to give them points for creativity. And judging from the pics over at their site, this was no easy feat. Thinking about the logistics of it is actually a little fun. If you can ignore the fact that they were kinda missing the point of mountaineering. 
January 18th, 2008
With all the dumping going on in the high country, Campman has created a backcountry ski gear list of 10 things you need before heading out backcountry skiing.
Here are a few he listed…
1. Beacon - Don’t head out without one! If you don’t have it and you are caught in a slide you’re probably dead. Know how to use it too!
2. Fat Skis - Makes skiing powder easier and way more fun.
3. Skins - A good pair of good fitting skins makes travel easy.
4. Backpack - You need a place to keep you stuff. Make sure you can put your water bladder in it. Stay hydrated!
5. Chestpack - Keep everything vital right in front of you. Holds a radio, beacon, and cell phone. Snacks too.
….
Read the rest of the list on his blog…
January 17th, 2008
Well 2008’s first mountaineering “news story” has come and gone. Two climbers on Mt Hood got caught in some weather, dug a snow cave and then headed on the next day. They missed the Timberline Lodge on their descent due to heavy snow and ended up about 1,000 feet below the lodge. They called out on their cell phone and reported that they knew about where they were and were on their way to the lodge. They are back safe and sound.
No radio locators were taken, but they vowed to take them next time. That is always a good idea folks! You never think you’ll need it, but the one time you do you’ll be glad you brought it.
I have never gotten turned around on a mountain and ended up 1,000 feet below where I thought I was….. okay maybe I did just that a few years ago. Yet it didn’t make the news. I guess the Obama-Clinton scuffle wasn’t exciting enough today.
January 15th, 2008
Serious, that’s what I have. Look it up. There is no way I could have been able to work the past 2 mornings.
I can officially say that after 10+ years of skiing/riding Vail, yesterday was the best conditions I have EVER seen,,, ever. Totally worth getting fired over. Snow report only said 8 fell (on top of the feet that had been accumulating all week) but the wind howled Wednesday night and filled-in everything. Amazingly, as soon as the lifts opened, the clouds parted and we were blessed with bluebird conditions all morning. The real icing on the cake was the lack of other people. This weekend could be a royal cluster, people come out of the woodwork for conditions like this… another 6 inches fell last night, and the hits just keep on coming, more snow accumulating through Sunday!
Quit your day job you freakin robots! Buy these, or this, come wash dishes and live on my couch for a winter. You’ll be glad you did.
So if you can’t get to Colorado this weekend, rent “Hot Dog… The Movie”, pour some out for Sir Edmund Hillary, and please think of me and my awful ailments. I’m sure by Monday morning I’ll come down with Raynoud’s Syndrome, or something of the like.
January 11th, 2008
We’re wrapping up the list of trailhead grub spots today with 5 places you can’t go wrong with. I’m getting HUNGRY!
5. Miguel’s - Red River Gorge, KY
Why? Endercore says “Best pizzia in the world, amazing topping selection, and run by a great family who are nothing but supportive to the climbing community, and the community in general. Miguel employees a staff of climbers who are always really nice. Miguels IS the outdoorzy spot in the red, so proximity is no issue, price is good, and he rarely runs out. Don’t forget to admire his woodcarvings while you’re there. Plus you can camp in the back for 2 bucks a night.”
4. The Pizza Factory - Lone Pine, CA
Why? Summiting Mt Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48, is no easy chore. But getting down a big greasy peperoni laden pie with a tall pitcher of whatever beer you like IS an easy chore. After the Whitney adventure, stop here for some great food and lots of pictures of all the old western movie stars that used to film in the area. It’s right at the end of Whitney Portal Road, can’t miss it.
3. Ocoee Dam Deli - Ocoee, TN
Why? According to Endercore “It is about 5 miles from the takeout for the middle ocoee river in TN. Its this little shack of a place with a gravel parking lot, a lovely porch, and a bunch of TV’s on the inside that are constantly playing boating videos. Its awesome because they have 2 or 3 diffrent videos playing at once, and one is almost always a rafting carnage video from the ocoee, so you can sit and reminisce on getting your ass kicked in the very same hole earlier that day, or freak your self out about getting caught in this keeper hole, getting run over by a raft, and being recirculated while some stoned raft guide misses you with his throw bag 10 times before finally rescuing you.”
2. K’s Dairy Delight - Buena Vista, CO
Why? Well it sits in the shadow of the Collegiate 14ers in Colorado, has a whitewater river at its back door and plenty of rock climbing all around. Then there’s the food. Burgers, fries, onion rings, and ice cream cap off your adventure. They also give you the name of a movie star when you show up and when they call out your name, say… “Robert Redford”, you go get your food. Feeling like crap, but treated like a star.
AND #1 (at least on this list…)
Calamity Jane’s - Mt Hood, OR
Why? After skiing all day at Timbeline Lodge, hiking the 45 mile Timbeline Trail, or summiting Mt Hood… a 1 lb burger as big as your head is the only thing you need. That and some neosporin… Serving giant burgers just a few miles down the road from Mt Hood and doing it all with a smile. This rustic building has the charm and the calories to get you back on your sore feet again.
And for all the detail Endercore went into, he wins the MSR Alpine Kitchen Set compliments of MSR! Just message me Endercore to claim your prize.
Thanks for the help of all the Outdoorzies that put their two cents in on the forum!
January 10th, 2008
OK, OK, you want me back. Can you stop with the “where have you been?” emails already. Please continue sending gifts and candy. However, to the hairy gentleman from the Northwest Territories, please stop sending me racy photos of yourself.
Yesterday while suffering from an early morning Bird Flu attack (I am running out of powder-day-ditch-work excuses) I pondered returning to the blogosphere. Once you’ve been out of the game for a while it’s hard to plan a return. What ever could I write about?
At that very moment I watched a guy ride through the direct blast of a snowgun. Keep in mind this is on a legit Powder Day. I guess he was going for a little extra in the steep and deep department, and being uneducated, thought this was the way to get it. Anyone who has ever been NEAR a snowgun knows they are bad news. Your face stings, your goggles ice over, and the snow below them is an undulating unstable icy mess
I truly almost felt bad, bud I had to laugh aloud watching what followed. His “Whoooooops” of powder joy turned into “AAOOOOOUUUUUs” of pain. The flying ice crystals stinging his face and covering his goggles. He careened out of control through the blast of two more snowguns, skis unable to grip the man-made mess, before flying off trail into a complete Yard Sale in the woods.
I promised, then and there, to not let this happen to any of my faithful O-Deezy readers. (both of them) So I will be committed to bringing you updated Do’s and Don’ts for ’08.
Until then, just don’t ski in jeans.
January 9th, 2008
After a difficult summit, run, hike, mtb ride, or day on the slopes there’s nothing like a big fat-filled, cheese-covered meal to satisfy your calorie deficit. Many of you probably have your favorite spot to eat after a tough day. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best trailhead grub spots (with the help of some of our members). Atmosphere, food quality, food quantity, and proximity to the trailhead all went into the hat to help us decide on these. These are all in the US and Canada. We may do an international list down the road.
Below are #s 10-6…. #s 5-1 to come tomorrow.
10. Pig Diner - Pig, Ky
Why? Any place with named “Pig” in a town named “Pig” has to at least get a nod. Not to mention the amazing greasy breakfast selection and the killer Beef Manhattan. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet tea that your spoon could stand up in it’s so thick and you’re ready to re-enter society. This place is about 5 minutes outside of the south entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park.
9. Adair’s Wilderness Lodge - Waterford, NB (Canada)
Why? Fundyguy25 says - “Great spot to eat with homemade desserts, soups, and all the standards. Friendly knowledgable staff that know the area and some even do some guiding. There is on-site tenting as well as a couple of cottages. They offer a shuttle service to and from many trail heads and often serve as headquarters when S&R teams are needed. The building sits next to a pond and is on a dirt road (may be chipsealed soon though), and is a log building.”
8. Nate’s Grille - Skagway, AK
Why? JoshuatheNomad says “The guy who own’s the place is uber-groovy. The place has a coffee shop/mom & pop greasy spoon atmosphere with constant great tunes, amazing deep fried deserts: oreos, snickers, reeses cups, twinkies…
And Nate makes by far the best fries in Skagway, maybe in the world! accompany that with his black and bleu HUGE burger and a PBR from around the corner at Moe’s Frontier Bar and you’ve got an Alaskan delight. I’ve never met a nicer, more genuine restaurant owner anywhere. And there was movies, by theme, every Friday and Saturday night this summer.”
7. The Blue Spruce - Frisco, CO
Why? Grensap says “I like the blue spruce its got a old time feel. Close to all the ski slopes, trails, the blue river, and lake dillon. It great for a nice sit down dinner, but the bar has great prices and there Colorado wings are awesome. I know the price look high but its some of the best food around. Also I guess I really like it because it is right infront of my house.”
6. Pies & Pints - Fayettville, WV
Why? JoshuatheNomad says “The name answers the why. Pizza and Beer. Parking isn’t great but the food and beer selection counters that issue. Also, on a nice spring or fall day, they have a porch and other outside seating [i think], not the greatest view but I personally love to sit outSiDe and down some beer and pizza after a long day of calorie burning fun. And you can basically make your own work of art with the plethora of toppings they have to offer.”
January 9th, 2008
The Gear Junkie has posted 10 tips for riding safe in the Winter months. One key point he makes is to “ride straight”. The few times I’ve ventured out in the snow and ice to ride I found this out. Sharp turns can be a disaster. All his tips are great things to keep in mind. Now if I could just get the gumption to start riding in the Winter!
“Bike tires hum on snow, and they buzz on ice. But they rarely slip when you’re going straight. Gears click and shift the same in almost any weather. Just remember the lube. And the cold wind? With the right clothing it’s not an issue, according to regular wintertime riders. This article offers 10 tips to get you riding fast and safe on the winter road…”
See the full article here.
January 7th, 2008
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