January 4, 2013Border Security camo tent @DHSgov @SecureAZBorderThanks Mom.My mom found this in an old magazine and it went straight up on the shop wall for inspiration. If you can’t read the fine print it says, “Ms. Homeland Security: Illegal Entry Dress Tent (installed at the United States/Mexico border fence) by Robin Lasser and Anrienne Pao (Goretex camouflage fabric, PVC, and steel: 10 x 10 x 10 ft.)”
We couldn’t put it better. Obviously this is an older model because you don’t see a lot of Goretex in tents anymore.
December 27, 2012Mt. Everest and Khumbu Glacier hi-res image – technology in the outdoors @GlacierWorksIf you haven’t seen it yet head over to http://www.glacierworks.org/the-glaciers/pumori-spring-2012/ and check out the gigapixel image of the Khumbu Glacier. Insane use of technology in the outdoors. With so much in the frame it is kind of hard to judge scale. Zoom in and check out all the tents, gear and climbers at the bottom of the hill.
November 27, 2012Fund raising versus junk mail @sierra_clubThis is more of a rant than anything, but the shear amount of paper I receive from the Sierra Club has always struck me as odd. Count them, ten individual pieces of paper from a society that protect our wild spaces. Sierra Club Mailer – 10 pieces of paper Sure it is printed on recycled paper with vegetable based inks but one US map per year is plenty. Looking at their website I am glad to see that they offer “Virtual Reward” options so at least they are being slightly progressive. I guess people just really love to collect stuff. Let’s not even get started on the shipping behind all of this. From the wise words of Yvon Chouinard, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman
“Everything we personally own that’s made, sold, shipped, stored, cleaned, and ultimately thrown away does some environmental harm every step of the way, harm that we’re either directly responsible for or is done on our behalf.”
November 21, 2012Winter camping and drinking, what is a safe balance???Begs the question, how much is too much? On a recent meetup.com trip posting I received a commenter’s “friend” has a great question.
I’m personally of the mindset that bigger snows need bigger fires and better provisions.
What’s your thoughts? October 31, 2012Packable Rowboat – Packrafts Swiss Style
We absolutely love packrafts, so we were pleased to see someone else thinking outside the box when they designed this collapsible row boat. From the video, it seems light enough to carry in and the poles seem to be fairly narrow. You could probably lighten up the whole thing by replacing the wooden seat/support with carbon fiber or a few layer of reinforced corrugate plastic. Tracking doesn’t look ideal but still pretty wicked looking.
“Ar Vag” by ECAL/Thibault Penven from ECAL on Vimeo. http://www.ecal.ch/ – for those who can read languages outside of English http://www.springwise.com/lifestyle_leisure/rowboat-folded/ – for the rest of us July 8, 2012June Canned Beer – A package from Sixpoint Brewery of Brooklyn, NYFor this month’s packable canned beer installment we are going to differ to the professionals at our local supply depot.
Sixpoint Brewey is growing our canned beer options by five. We’ve tried the Bengali Tiger – a solidly orange colored IPA with a nice head when poured into the mug. Flavor-wise there are plenty of hops in the can and a hint of grapefruit but for us something is just a bit off in there. I never really understood why people like grapefruit. Why choose to taste bile if you don’t need to?
We’ll be trying the rest of them and hear the Resin is a hot commodity at a few bars in the area. June 6, 2012First Aid Kits – In defense of gauzeI’ve often seen people commenting about how useless gauze is in first aid kits. Four months ago I would have agreed, but after a cooking accident with a brand new knife (why did my junior high art teacher tell me sharp knives were safer?) I’m officially restocking my backpacking first aid kit with fresh gauze.
As I quickly learned there are some accidents, like chopping off the tip of one’s finger, where gauze really proves its value.
So now we are back to gauze. Look closely, all those little open squares have been clogging major wounds for longer than you’ve been walking. Gauze breathes, it layers to clot and it is clean. Better yet, grab yourself some military grade QuikClot by ZMedica.
March 23, 2012Backpacker’s Gear Guide thoughts and impressionsAs we said before lightweight packs with durable fabrics and a reductions of unnecessary features are all over the pack section and it make sense. The gear that goes in your pack keeps getting lighter and more compressible so you don’t need all that extra space and those bells and whistles (you can choose just one bear bells or sternum strap whistle).
Extremely breathable shells are everywhere It almost seems impossible to sweat out the current generation of WPB fabrics – be it Event, Paclite, Neoshell or some proprietary fabric. If you are still rocking a Goretex shell complete with waterbottle holder, mesh lining, zipper flaps over everything then you are missing the lightweight shells bandwagon. Even the heavies in this year crop are still around 16oz. Versatility is a rising trend, who doesn’t want to save cash by buying one jacket: Patagonia Super Cell, Columbia Compounder, Westcomb Switch LT Hoodie, Northface Alpine Project. Tents (or shelters whatever you want to call them)  Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket Inspirations (and Needs)
Really small women’s specific section this year but at least the industry seems to be grasping that ladies don’t want just pinks and pastels – just in time, my wife was about ready to lose it.
I’ve always had great respect for the innovation coming out of Nemo. Modular and flexible products and probably some of the freshest ideas of the industry. Tent poles made from aluminum, air and bamboo.
Not sure when but I need a pacraft – Alpacka’s Denali Llama at just over 5 lbs, I’ve carried hip waders that almost weigh that much. Sweet logo!
From the ads near the back is Rogue Wallet. I rock a front wallet and I’m in need of a replacement. Made Maine from my choice of materials, designed for the front pocket. Sign me up, actually just visit www.rougewallet.com. As an extra bonus it looks like many of their wallet come with or can have a RFID-blocking lining added to them. March 21, 2012March 7, 2012Backpacker Mag – Gear Guide
One thing I’ve learned so far… my Osprey Crescent 85 is out of trend. I can’t say that I would give up its massive hauling ability for a lighter ride but there may be more economical (weight and cost) choices out there. The pound of dirt, soot and grease embedded in it may not be helping but I’d say it still has many years to see and miles to trek. (more…) |
