The last couple of summers I have been alternating between wearing a large straw hat or baseball caps. The straw hat was my preference due to the large amount of sun protection it provided but in general it is too big and stiff for taking in the field full time - the brim in the back would always bump against my backpack, medium winds would try and blow it off my head and when I wasn't wearing it strapping it to my pack was problematic. Baseball caps on the other hand were light and easily portable but failed to provide enough protection on the sides and back, particularly in the morning and late afternoon light. I finally took the plunge and went down to one of the good outdoors stores in Ketchum, ID - Backwoods Mountain Sports - and picked myself up a Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat.
Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat
July 13th, 2009
Wired.com Vibram FiveFingers Video Review
July 11th, 2009Wired.com reviews the very interesting Vibram FiveFingers as a consideration for runners. I have been interested in this curious footwear since it came on the market. I don't run but they could be worth trying as hiking footwear (on the appropriate trail). Somewhat like modern day moccasins, good for treading lightly in the woods. Also, they may serve function as lightweight footwear to toss in your pack and use at stream crossings or around camp? Well, guess I should pick up a pair. Till then, check out Wireds video review as well as a written review here:
Wired.com Vibram FiveFingers Review
Petzl Tikka Plus LED Headlamp
December 26th, 2008
There is something very appealing about a camping headlamp. Maybe it is just knowing there is this compact source of illumination in your backpack to help keep away the scary unknown of the dark, but for me there is some gadget lust there as well.
This summer, heading out into the field I was unable to track down my old faithful headlamp, so I stopped at The Elephant's Perch here in Ketchum, ID and picked up a new one. The Perch is one of Ketchum's oldest and best outdoor stores, if you are ever in town I recommend you check them out. I picked out the Petzl Tikka Plus which is just an updated version of my old Petzl. This version has: Read the rest of this entry »
Yaktrax Pro Anti-Slip Footwear
December 23rd, 2008
Yaktraxs pull over your existing footwear to provide traction in snowy and icy conditions. With a system of reinforced coils connected to a rubber framework they attach fairly easily and securely to your boots or shoes and offer a real nice sense of stability in slippery conditions. Read the rest of this entry »
Mountainsmith Modular Hauler
December 16th, 2008
Mountainsmith's Modular Hauler System is a simple & effective way to help organize and manage your gear. Great for car camping, garage or closet storage plus plenty of other applications where you need some simple storage. They offer a variety of different sizes that include rubber bottoms, padded sides and packing cubes within the main hauler. These cubes are brightly colored for separation of specific packed goods.
Planetary Design Coffee Mugs
December 8th, 2008
A couple Christmases back I received a Planetary Design Desk Press coffee mug as a present and a good one it was. Certainly not the sort of present that is going to be regifted or accepted with polite thanks. No, this baby has become part of the daily kit and has seen a tremendous amount of use. More coffee than I would like to admit has seen the inside of its stainless steel double walls, gallons of the stuff that have seen my insides as well...