Trailspace Blog Gear
The 10 Essentials: Insulation
While a comprehensive packing list depends on many factors, certain outdoor gear is considered essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods. As part of a weekly series, here's a look at outdoor essential number three:
#3. Insulation (extra clothing)
You checked the weather forecast before you left the trailhead, right? Even if it calls for clear skies and warm temperatures down below make sure to pack at least an extra layer, usually including wind and/or rain gear. Weather can change quickly, especially above tree line.
What you bring will depend on the season and outing and could range from a raincoat and long underwear tops and bottoms in summer to an extra insulated jacket, pants, gloves, and hat or balaclava in winter. No matter the season, avoid cotton, which loses its insulating value when wet.
Still not sure what to bring? Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills
suggests you ask yourself this question: “What is needed to survive the
worst conditions that could be realistically encountered on this trip?”
Tips:
- Extra socks can be used on feet and hands.
- Don’t judge by how you feel hiking uphill; you’ll cool off once you stop moving.
- Anticipate whether you’re likely to warm up or cool down and adjust layers in advance; your clothes will stay drier and your temp better regulated.
Have tips or suggestions for this essential? Share them with us.
Read the full "10 Essentials for Backcountry Travel" article in the Gear Guide.
The 10 Essentials: Sun Protection
While a comprehensive packing list depends on many factors, certain outdoor gear is considered essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods. As part of a weekly series, here's a look at outdoor essential number two:
#2. Sun Protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen (for skin and lips), and appropriate clothing is necessary for sun protection year round, but is especially important when on water, ice, snow, and at higher altitudes. The higher you go the more ultraviolet rays you’re exposed to, increasing your risk of serious sunburn and skin damage, including cancer.
Sunglasses protect your corneas from ultraviolet light year round. Sunglasses, glacier glasses, and goggles also can help prevent snow blindness from sunlight reflecting off snow.
Sunscreen should be at least 15 SPF (though 30 is preferable), block UVA and UVB rays, and be applied anytime you go outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply frequently, including lips, particularly if you’re sweaty or wet.
Clothes
supply varying degrees of sun protection depending on their material,
weave, color, and moisture content (a wet, cotton T-shirt is
practically useless). Some clothes are treated to absorb more UV
radiation and come with specific UPF ratings, which can be useful for
desert hikes and other very sunny treks.
Tips:
- Carry a backup if you rely on contacts or prescription glasses.
- Carry an extra pair of sunglasses for group outings.
- Fashion emergency eye protection from cardboard or cloth cut with small slits.
- Wear a cap or brimmed hat to shield your face.
- Don’t forget to cover your neck.
Have tips or suggestions for this essential? Share them with us.
Read the full "10 Essentials for Backcountry Travel" article in the Gear Guide.
The 10 Essentials: Navigation
While a comprehensive packing list depends on many factors, certain outdoor gear is considered essential whether you’re heading off on an extended backcountry bushwhack or exploring the trails in your local woods. As part of a weekly series, here's a look at outdoor essential number one:
#1. Navigation
While the 10 essentials can vary depending on the trip you’re taking and whom you ask, a detailed topographic map and compass have been at the top of the list since its 1930s debut by The Mountaineers club. Now, navigation tools may also include a GPS receiver or altimeter, but those are in addition to a map and compass, which never need batteries and work even in dense tree coverage. Of course, these tools only work if you also have the know-how to use them. Consider signing up for a navigation course.
Tips:
- Store your topo map in a ziplock or other protective case or waterproof covering.
- A compass with a sighting mirror works as a signaling device in an emergency.
Have tips or suggestions for this essential? Share them with us.
Read the full "10 Essentials for Backcountry Travel" article in the Gear Guide.
Ways to Reuse Your Old Polycarbonate Bottles
If you’ve recently opted to replace your #7 polycarbonate water bottles with metal or non-BPA plastic ones, you’re probably wondering what you can do with all those old bottles (especially the more memorable ones), beyond recycling them.
Here are two ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
- For $19.95 you can buy a solar-powered LED LightCap200 from SolLight and turn any standard water bottle into a weatherproof lantern for the backyard, treehouse, boat, or wherever, no batteries required. If you wanted to string a bunch of Nalgenes around your yard that could get pricey pretty quickly though.
- I also came across this idea for using a bottle to store a first aid or emergency kit inside your car or to take along while traveling. Add a light cap and there's no need for a flashlight. Obviously this idea can be extrapolated for storing other non-liquid, non-food items.
Have an idea for turning polycarbonate water bottles into something safe, functional, and affordable? Musical shakers, perhaps? Share it with us.
REI Pulling Polycarbonate Bottles; U.S. Draft Report says BPA Might Present Risks
By now you probably know that “Canada is Likely to Declare BPA as Toxic” and “Nalgene will Stop Making Polycarbonate Bottles”. Now, REI is pulling the problematic BPA-containing water bottles from its shelves.
According to Sports One Source:
REI said it would begin pulling polycarbonate bottles containing the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, from its store shelves and stop selling them on line
…
“REI is in the process of removing all water bottles made with BPA from its store shelves," REI Public Affairs Director told The BOSS Report late Friday. "These bottles will also no longer be sold on REI.com or REI-OUTLET.com. When the process is complete, we will offer only water bottles that have been made without BPA.”
Also, the April 18th Wall Street Journal article "Wal-Mart, Nalgene Move Away From Bisphenol A" states:
“...a few key dominoes fell this week: Canada moved toward declaring the chemical a dangerous substance, and a draft version of a U.S. government report said BPA might present risks.”
If you're among the many now looking for an alternative water bottle, read “Building a Better Water Bottle: Aluminum, Steel, and No BPA” in the Gear Guide first to see some of your options before rushing out for that new bottle.
Right about now, I'm pretty happy to have my SIGGs .
Nalgene to Stop Making Polycarbonate Bottles
Following yesterday's post on Canada potentially labeling Bisphenol-a (BPA) as toxic, come reports that Nalgene will no longer offer the popular polycarbonate water bottle.
From the April 18th New York Times:
Bottle Maker to Stop Using Plastic Linked to Health Concerns
Nalgene, the brand that popularized water bottles made from hard, clear and nearly unbreakable polycarbonate, will stop using the plastic because of growing concern over one of its ingredients.
The decision by Nalgene Outdoor Products, a unit of Thermo Fisher Scientific, based in Rochester, came after reports that the Canadian government would declare the chemical bisphenol-a, or BPA, toxic. Some animal studies have linked the chemical to changes in the hormonal system.
You can read the full article on The New Yorks Times site.
Or Nalgene's press release "Nalgene to Phase Out Bottles Containing BPA" in the News section.
Canada Likely to Declare BPA as Toxic
Bisphenol-a (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical found in polycarbonate plastic water bottles, has raised health concerns recently. Now, BPA soon may be considered toxic, at least in Canada, according to this April 16th article in The New York Times:
Canada Likely to Label Plastic Ingredient ‘Toxic’The Canadian government is said to be ready to declare as toxic a chemical widely used in plastics for baby bottles, beverage and food containers as well as linings in food cans.
A person with knowledge of the government’s chemical review program spoke on the condition he not be named because of a confidentiality agreement. He said the staff work to list the compound, called bisphenol-a, or B.P.A., as a toxic chemical was complete and was recently endorsed by a panel of outside scientists.
You can read the full article on The New Yorks Times site.
Looking for an alternative water bottle? Read “Building a Better Water Bottle: Aluminum, Steel, and No BPA” in the Gear Guide.
Committed to your Nalgene? The company recently launched NalgeneChoice.com to profile its full product line, which also includes polyethylene, stainless steel, and Eastman Tritan copolyester bottles, in addition to polycarbonate.
Do Campgrounds Need Wi-Fi?
From the April 10th USA Today:
State Parks Blaze Trails for Wireless Internet Service
Outdoor enthusiasts may dislike the idea of a laptop in every tent, but the number of state parks with wireless Internet service is growing rapidly.
State officials say park users want Wi-Fi, so parks are installing it in campgrounds, lodges and visitors centers. Some states, including Tennessee and Kansas, plan to equip every park with it.
The paper found that 28 states have installed Wi-Fi in at least one of their parks. Read the full article to see if yours is one of them.
Then, tell us what you think of this trend. Is it a sign of the outdoor apocalypse, or are state parks simply meeting the needs of more potential outdoor enthusiasts?
Good-bye, Mion and GoLite Footwear
According to outdoor industry news source SNEWS, “Timberland has begun notifying distributors and retailers around the globe of its intention to discontinue the production of GoLite footwear and Mion footwear beginning with the fall 2008 season.”
GoLite's non-footwear products—clothing, packs, shelters, and sleeping bags—will not be affected, and spring 2008 products will still be available for both footwear brands.
I don’t have personal experience with GoLite Footwear, but I’m sorry to hear Mion will end production. They’re an innovative, environmentally-committed outdoor footwear brand. I have a pair of their Pen Shell Clogs that are super comfortable and always generate interest from other outdoor enthusiasts when I wear them.
Why can't we stop the Crocs phenomenon instead?
Mountaineering and Climbing on Mars
Your mountaineering and climbing skills might be valuable for exploring beyond the usual terrestrial locations. “Mountaineering and Climbing on Mars,” an interesting and fairly comprehensive article by Keith Cowing on SpaceRef.com, attempts to determine what climbing gear and techniques would be needed to explore the dry Martian landscape.
Some good news: “Since all surface activities on Mars are going to require pressurized suits, the issue of altitude sickness during routine use is not of special concern.”
The bad news: “In a Martian surface suit, while urine could be handled for longer periods using tubes and cups, feces will likely force wearers to taken their suits off at least every day or so.”
More good news: climbing on a planet with a gravitational field of 0.38 g should be easier.
However: “While Mars will offer a two-thirds decrease in weight as perceived by an unencumbered human, this advantage will be almost instantly eclipsed when space suit and life support gear mass - plus adaptations to Martian conditions - are factored in.”
Read the full article for the author's take on logistics, shelter and food, first aid, climbing gear, ropes and belaying, Martian rating systems for climbs, and more.
Mountain Hardwear Ad Deadline Challenge
Mountain Hardwear is running an Ad Deadline Challenge (aka contest) now through April 6. Go to addeadline.mountainhardwear.com. Layout in the template a photo or two of your Mountain Hardwear gear in action. Add some copy.
You could win a $1,000 Mountain Hardwear shopping spree and see your ad in Rock and Ice magazine. Four first prize winners will get a $500 Mountain Hardwear shopping spree.
Entries will be posted for public review and comment, so you can also help judge the competition, though Mountain Hardwear will ultimately choose the winners.
On the right is my own, unsubmitted, mockup. Think you can do better (like actually showing some Mountain Hardwear gear in your pictures)? Try your hand at addeadline.mountainhardwear.com. Then you can print copies, pretend you're a Mountain Hardwear athlete, and impress your friends.
Name that Loki Logo
Loki, makers of technical shells with built-in mitts and face masks, is sponsoring a Name the Loki Logo contest. The winner will receive $1,000 worth of Loki clothing of his or her choice.
Got a name for the stylized Loki logo? Fill out an entry form at www.lokilogo.com. One entry per person, with no more than two name suggestions. The winner will be announced August 1.
It may help your creativity to know that Loki was a tricky, shape shifting god or giant in Norse mythology, who could change both his form and sex.
Outdoor Retailer: Kids' Gear
Here’s a belated follow-up on one of the trends I noticed at Outdoor Retailer: more and more manufacturers of highly technical gear and apparel have begun making fully-featured kids’ versions of their signature products. This gear doesn’t just look like Mom’s and Dad’s, it functions just as well too. Here are just a few of the new products that caught my eye:
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Vasque Kids’ Sundowner hiking boots Vasque has scaled down its signature hiker, the Sundowner, to fit the younger set. The Kids’ Sundowner features the same one-piece leather upper, lugged sole, padded ankle collar, and classic appearance as the adult version. Available in kids' sizes 10-13 and youth size 1-6, the Kids' Sundowner will retail for $60 and should be available in late summer 2008. |
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Osprey Sprint Series backpacks Osprey’s new internal frame backpacks for kids, the Ace (2,900 cubic inches, $149), Jib (2,100 cubic inches $129) and Imp (1,400 cubic inches, $99), feature the same construction and technical features as Osprey’s adult line, but are sized down and redesigned specifically for Junior’s proportions. The smallest pack, the Imp, can even be clipped onto many of Osprey’s adult packs (for those times Mom or Dad has to carry the load that last mile into camp). The Sprint Series packs will be available this spring. |
 | 66° North kids’ outerwear Iceland’s 66° North makes a surprisingly complete line of children’s outerwear. Many pieces in the adult line have direct descendants in the kids’ line, including waterproof-breathable outerwear and 66° North’s signature down insulation in kids’ proportions. Shown at left, the kids’ Askur ($130, available in mid-August) and adults’ Stormur ($336, available now) jackets are feature-for-feature nearly identical, from the Polartec WindPro Highloft fleece to details such as draw cords, pockets, and zippers. Many of the kids' models also have a feature the adult versions lack: reflective taping for increased visibility in low-light conditions. |
Choosing to Reuse: Safer Water Bottle Options
The push for reusable bottles over bottled water must be making headway. Over the past couple months I’ve had numerous people ask me about the SIGG bottles our family routinely carts around. And last month I saw the company touted on Oprah. That must mean the movement has officially arrived.
I’ve been trying to avoid bottled water as much as possible for the past year or so, due to its environmental waste. I’m not perfect, but I’ve found that nine times out of ten all that’s required is the forethought to fill a reusable water bottle at the faucet before heading out the door. Our bottles now sit at the ready by our kitchen door.
As an outdoors person, you probably have plenty of water bottles already hanging around your own place. But what if they’re plastic? With health concerns about bisphenol-A (BPA) in polycarbonate bottles getting more scientific and media attention, you might be wondering what you’re supposed to use.
Thankfully, outdoor companies offer a number of alternatives in aluminum, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastics. To help navigate the choices, we’ve pulled together the article “Building a Better Water Bottle: Aluminum, Steel, and No BPA” for Trailspace’s Gear Guide. After compiling the info, I relegated our own numerous polycarbonate/Lexan (#7) bottles to the back of our gear storage area. With all the other options available (or coming out soon), it just doesn’t seem worth using them anymore.
So, take a look at “Building a Better Water Bottle.” You’re bound to see some of these water bottle options at your outdoor store this year. I’m eyeing a few for my own family.
Outdoor Retailer: Packable Dishes
Fold it. Squish it. Flatten it. Packable backcountry dishes have come a long way from the traditional scout mess kit. Designers continue to experiment with different dish materials and innovate with ways of compactly storing them. The latest entries are the Sea to Summit X-Bowl and X-Plate, and the Flatterware Collapsible Cup.
The Flatterware Collapsible Cup is a 12-ounce capacity cup that collapses to the size of a hockey puck and stores within its own lid and base. The cup expands with a simple twist and collapses with a twist and push. The Collapsible cup weighs 3 ounces and will retail for $5.
For more info on the X-Bowl and X-Plate, available this spring, see our summer OR coverage.
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