Blog on a Log
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Stuff With Buff: The Suunto Core Extreme Edition Everest Watch
In commemoration of Apa Sherpa's record-setting 20th summit of Everest, Suunto has created this limited-edition watch.
Only 8,848 will be produced--one for every meter of Everest's elevation--and only 350 of these will be sold in Canada. This rugged watch includes all the features you could want on the mountain, with plenty of style for when you're off it.
Specifications:
- Thermometer with temperature resolution to 1 degrees C
- Altimeter to check your altitude with resolution to 1 m (records in 1, 5, 30, 60 second intervals)
- Barometer with Weather Trend Indicator and Storm Alarm (featuring 7 day memory)
- Compass with adjustable bearing lock
- Depth meter to 32 4/5'
- Mineral crystal glass
- Operating temperature from -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C
- Water resistant to 30 m (100 ft)
- Dot matrix display with back light option for night use
Weight: 64 grams
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Multifunctional Mambo - How Less Can Be More
There's one golden rule that every traveler, camper, hiker, and general all-around outdoors person knows: pack less. If you think you might not need it, you don't. Heck, if you think you do need it, you probably still don't. Less is absolutely more, and it's a few and far-between individual who ever regretted not packing that fifth pant option "just in case."
Sometimes, however, even the most packing-savvy among us are at a loss when it comes to lightening the load. Sure, we can avoid packing multiples of each item, but trips with variable weather and activities call for equally variable supplies - and this is the point where the phrase "multifunctional" becomes your new best friend.
I'm all on fire for multifunction since I bought a pair of The North Face "horizon" pants. They replaced an old pair of quick-drys, which after 8 years and a dozen countries owed me nothing in the longevity department. This new pair, however, rolls up into capris, doubling their usefulness.
It got me thinking what a boon they would have been on my last backpacking trip. Paired with a set of long johns for cooler weather, these pants could have replaced an entire stuff-sack's worth of "bottoms." That's a huge packing bonus in terms of both weight and space (the diabolical duo of backpacking dilemmas).
Clothing is a great place to look for multifunction. A simple, packable dress can take you from the beach to the hostel shower to that one-time-splurge fancy restaurant without breaking a sweat. A light button-down shirt adds layers without bulk, is a godsend when sunburnt, and instantly meets dress code requirements when visiting churches on a hot day.
Or consider Buff Headwear. This tiny little accessory packs big in the function department, with at least ten different ways to wear an item small enough to slide in a pocket. From warm weather perspiration control to cold weather layering, it's one of the more versatile products available today - and hey, you can even get one in a Wilderness Supply pattern in our stores.
The search for less-that-does-more doesn't have to stop at what you wear. There are lots of ways you can downsize without losing options while traveling or on trail. A Leatherman multi-tool will take you further than the infamous Swiss Army knife, and an inventive user can find even more uses than intended (try the pliers to pick up heavy pots off the campfire without burning your fingers).
Multifunction's in, and suppliers are listening. There are loads of products meant to double, triple, quintuple functionality while minimizing space. But don't let yourself be stopped by what the tags tell you a product's supposed to do. Much of multifunction is about your own ingenuity when faced with necessity. That's when sweaters become pillows, socks become mittens and your pack suddenly seems a lot fuller than it looks. My travel towel's served every purpose from sarong to blanket to make-shift bag. Oh yeah - and sometimes I even dried myself with it too.
B
Thursday, December 30, 2010
20 Gifts Under $20
Hanukkah has just past, but Christmas is still on the way. If you're fretting over the perfect gift for the adventurer on your list, never fear! We've got 20 great gifts all under $20 so you can put a smile on their face without breaking the bank.
1. Coghlan's All Weather Wallet - $2.99
Wet-activity protection at a price that can't be beat! Perfect for hunting and fishing licenses, money and other valuables.
2. Outside-Inside Outdoor Playing Cards - $5.50
These poker-sized cards are plastic coated for durability in a variety of conditions and come in an array of outdoor patterns, including canoe and kayak designs. Great for on-trail, providing hours of entertainment even in damp conditions.
3. Can-coctions Can-panion - $5.99
If you're looking for a price performer, the can-panion's your gift. Under $6 and it just keeps on giving, providing hands-free beverage holding in the boat, canoe, kayak, or campfire chair. They'll never have to search for a water bottle in the bottom of a canoe again, and forget knocking over their beer around the campfire.
4. Fox 40 Classic Whistle - $5.99
For safety on trail or out on the water, the Fox 40 whistle is the industry standard. With a blast up to 115 decibels, no moving parts to freeze or jam, and strong tone even when wet, this whistle provides reliable service in any conditions.
5. Outside-Inside Magnets - $6.95-$7.50
Spread some cheer year-round with a fun magnet for the refrigerator. Outside-Inside magnets come in a canoe, kayak, snowshoe and even an outhouse design.
6. Outside-Inside Tree Ornaments - $8.50-$16.99
Ornaments make a great festive gift. Get in to the spirit by sharing one of these unique designs from Outside-Inside with the adventurer on your list. There's something for everyone, from camp breakfast to a mountain biking santa to a TP and trowel.
7. Coghlans Micro LED Lantern - $9.99
This tiny lamp weighs less than an ounce, but brightly illuminates everything within a 2 m diameter. Perfect for hanging inside the tent, with a 25 hour battery life.
8. Rite in the Rain Notebook - $9.99
For the trail-side scribe there's no better notebook than a Rite in the Rain. The all-weather paper is made to shed water in any weather condition, making them perfect for taking notes out in the wild. Ensure your data won't be lost no matter what with these weather-proof notebooks.
9. Princeton Tec Amp 1.0 - $12.50
A bright and light flashlight. Weighing only 57 g, this high-powered torch will take them over the mountain to under the sea with rugged styling, built-in carabiner attachment and waterproofing up to 100 meters.
10. Petzl Road Trip Mug - $12.99
A team favourite in daily use around our store! Holds 18 oz of high-octane java to fuel early mornings or late nights. Great for 6-am fishing trips, hot cocoa around the campfire, or 10-hour road trips to the next big climb.
11. Pelican case $14.25-$19.99
Pelican cases are the unmatched #1 choice when protecting important gear from the elements - watertight, crushproof and dustproof. Keep your GPS, phone, money, camera, or anything else dry and secure in even the harshest conditions. The 1010, 1020 and 1030 sizes will fit a variety of handheld gear, and each come in under $20.
12. Wilderness Survival In Your Pocket - $14.95
Never be caught without the information you need to survive with this pocket-sized book of essentials. Measuring only 2.5" by 3.5", this book packs a great punch for its size, and is a useful addition to any emergency kit. A great stocking-stuffer!
13. Fusion Paddling Sock $14.99
Extend your paddler's on-water time with a warm, close-fitting neoprene sock for cool-weather paddling. Keep their toes warm even when the water turns chilly. Low profile to allow wear under sandals or shoes.
14. Coghlans Survival Kit in a Can - $14.99
They'll never be without wilderness essentials with this compact, lightweight and watertight survival kit in a can. Contains 38 survival and first aid items great for taking on hikes or when camping, or having around the car, boat, or house in emergency situations.
15. SealLine Map Case $15.00-$16.99
Keep their maps visible and dry in a secure watertight map bag. Sure to fend off rain and waves, these cases are perfect for paddling, mountain biking or hiking. The small and medium sizes are each under $20, though you'll have to throw in an extra toonie if you want the large.
16. MSR Alpine Folding Utensils - $15.95
This great set of cooking utensils folds up for easy storage. When folded all three fit inside most pot sets, storing them conveniently out of the way, and they can be used on non-stick cookware without fear of scratches or dings. A complete set including serving spoon, strainer and flipper costs only $15.95, and the pieces can be bought individually for a fraction of that cost. Give your favourite trail chef a new set of versatile, lightweight cooking utensils.
17. Granite Gear Absorber Dog Leash - $15.99
This 6 foot shock-absorbent stretch dog leash dampens the tugs of an excited pup so your gift-ee and their pet can walk in comfort. Great for dog-lovers, especially those with young puppies!
18. GSI Stemless Wine Glass - $15.99
Keep their vino in your glass (so it can make it to their stomach) with the GSI stemless wine glass. Its unique shape and low center of gravity provide surprising stability in a hard-to-tip container to keep their drink from ending up on the ground on rough terrain or rickety camp tables.
19. Petzl Signal - $16.99
A reliable multi-mount safety light emitting a red light in either continuous or flashing modes. Show them you care by giving the gift of low-light safety for late night joggers or bikers.
20. SealLine Baja Bags - $17.50-$19.99
Must-haves for any paddler. Proven on rivers, lakes, and oceans around the world, Baja Bags can withstand just about any abuse Mother Nature--or your gift-ee--can dish out. The 5L and 10L sizes are both under $20, the perfect size for storing their lunch, small items needed during the paddle, or gear for a short overnight trip.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Shoo (Little) Fly - The Buzz on Summer Pest Protection
The weather's getting warmer, and while that brings a host of fun outdoor activities, it also brings a host of outdoor pests. In my neck of the woods, none is more persistent and hated than the buzzing, swarming, itching mosquito.
Wikipedia tells me "mosquito" comes from the Spanish for "little fly," but if so the Spaniards hadn't experienced the truly horrifying mid-Canada version of this pest. Sure, fly bites can hurt like hell, but they've got nothing on the unrelenting, insanity-inducing itch of a leg covered in bumpy red welts that just won't go away. If you're particularly sensitive to bites, like me, a few days outdoors can mean a week or more of trying desperately not to tear into your own skin with your fingernails. With the recent bad news that mosquitoes are attracted to beer and beer drinkers, those summer bonfires are looking less comfortable by the minute.
Everyone knows itch reduction is nigh on useless; creams work sporadically or not at all, and the old "I'll just scratch around the bite" method is fooling no one. As you get outdoors this summer, you're going to be surrounded by critters itching (if you'll excuse the pun) to give you a bite. If you want to sleep soundly through the summer months, an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure; it's all about avoiding getting bitten in the first place.
There are some completely natural means you can take to lessen your buggy-appeal. Mosquitoes are attracted to scents, so lay off the perfume and body wash. In fact, lay off the shower full stop - you won't smell pretty, but then again, that's kind of the point.
For most people, however, a few days' grime is neither a desirable, nor completely effective means of pest control. When it comes time to keep mosquitoes at bay, most reach for bug sprays. The most effective contain DEET, a chemical repellent. Consumer Reports has shown a direct correlation between concentration of DEET and hours of bite protection, and anyone who's used a DEET product can attest its effectiveness. We carry DEET spray in 30% concentration in our stores. Problem solved, right? Slather yourself in DEET.
Well.... not exactly. DEET's not a great chemical to have around your gear, so if you're out on trail it's not your best option. DEET is a solvent, and can dissolve some plastics, leathers and synthetics. Imagine the damage a leaky bottle could do to your dry-bags or rain jacket, and suddenly you're asked to play a balancing game between keeping dry and keeping bite-free - and that's a choice no one wants to make. Besides the possible damage to your gear, there have also been some studies suggesting prolonged exposure to DEET can have adverse effects on your health.
If you're willing to put up with less effective protection, non-DEET sprays are an option. We do carry Naturapel, a citronella-based repellent that will help deter pests without the use of harsh chemicals. However, the natural options don't work as well as DEET products, and may not provide the protection you really need.
So bug sprays can either provide good protection with the risk of adverse health effects and potential gear destruction, or poor protection without the risk, but neither of those options presents an ideal fix. For the outdoors person with gear to protect and legs to keep un-molested, sprays are not the way to go. That's why smart folks everywhere are turning to bug-repellent clothing to protect them outdoors during the summer months.
At the most basic, regular clothing functions as bug protection. Light, loose fitting garments (mosquitoes can bite through clothes right next to skin) that cover as much exposed skin as possible will go a long way to keeping bites to a minimum. Pay attention to trouble areas-like choosing socks high enough to leave no access to the ankles, even when moving around-and you may find you've done enough to protect yourself from nibbling pests.
For those who need more complete protection, specially designed bug jackets and hats are the way to go. Bug-protective clothing is usually made out of mesh, and designed large enough to quickly pull over your regular clothes. The mesh allows airflow while stopping troublesome bugs-perfect for hot, muggy days where covering yourself top-to-toe seems unbearable. We carry products from the Bug Shirt® line as well as Coghlan's head nets. Outfit your next adventure with some bug-proof apparel, and you'll get all the relief with none of the spray - the perfect mix for your summer activities.
B
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Feeding Frenzy - How to eat on $5 a day while traveling
It's one of the first things new backpackers discover when they stumble off the plane in a foreign country with jetlag, a warped internal clock and less possessions to their name than ever before: eating is hard.
Oh, not the act of eating. As any picky eater-turned-garbage disposal will tell you, nearly anything tastes good when you're walking 10 hours a day. I'm talking the actual business of finding, buying, and preparing meals. For first-time travelers--many of whom come straight from living in a home stocked with full cupboards--feeding yourself on a budget can be a pretty daunting task. There I was, fresh of the plane, a mediocre cook with an empty wallet trying to feed an incredibly mobile lifestyle...and I had no idea how to do it. How do you buy your daily bread on a limited daily budget?
The biggest difficulty is in sizing; most groceries just aren't sold in single-serving portions (or if they are you paying triple for the packaging). All solo shoppers know the frustration of trying to buy one piece of chicken or a half-cup of rice. Now add to this the difficulty of changing locations every day, or few days. Sure, you can buy 2L of milk or a whole container of butter when you only plan to use a little, but perishables don't travel well, and most of your purchase will go to waste.
Personal example: one day, craving comfort food, I found a battered old box of macaroni and cheese on the top shelf of a German corner store. I gleefully scurried my find back to the hostel...only to realize I had no butter or milk. Frustrated by the thought of buying a carton of milk or tub of margarine when I only needed a few spoonfuls of each, I tried making boxed macaroni with nothing but noodles, cheese powder and water. It's not recommended (though, in line with the ‘garbage-disposal' conversion above, I still ate it).
I'm a better cook now than I was then, and a lot more willing to experiment - but all the culinary wizardry in the world doesn't solve the issue of buying appropriate portions. When forced to buy each ingredient for every meal, the total cost of a day's food can skyrocket to a point where cheap fast food starts to seem pretty appealing. A meal as basic as spaghetti can mean the purchase of 4x too much pasta and a huge tin of sauce, coming in at a few dollars at least. Add some ground beef for protein and maybe a little milk, and you're easily approaching $7 or $8 for a very basic dinner - and the McDonald's down the street will cook supper for you at a fraction of that cost. Why spend time and effort slaving in a hostel kitchen if someone else will make you dinner in 5 minutes for half the price?
Backpackers need to take a leaf out of the books of campers, who manage meals in far less cushy conditions with even less gear. Travelers already have a significant culinary leg-up in that most hostels provide accessible kitchen space. There's bound to be a supermarket nearby as well, so there's no need to plan and pre-package your food or worry about the means of cooking like when you're on trail. All that the average traveler needs is to start carrying a few basics ingredients in their pack so you don't need to buy each ingredient for every meal you make along the way.
I recommend two absolute basic ingredients for any traveler: oatmeal and rice/couscous. Both are inexpensive, non-perishable, lightweight and not crushable. They can be stored in any waterproof container (hard-sided or flexible) without being particularly worse for the wear. Since both expand with water a little goes a long way, so they'll take up more space in your stomach than they did in your pack.
Some hostels provide free breakfasts, but even those that do tend to load up on breads and cheap cereals - a sure-fire path to a full stomach that won't last. Pick up a GSI spice shaker in store to tote some basic flavouring (cinnamon and brown sugar, say), and with a little boiling water you've turned your oatmeal into some serious sustenance. If there's an apple or some berries around, more's the better.
Rice is a good base that will help stretch any meal. Add a can of beans for a filling combination that makes a complete protein (all the nourishment of meat done easy). You could include a package of dry beans as a basic you keep in your pack - a cost analysis shows they're cheaper than canned, and they're certainly lighter - but few people want to spend several hours soaking and cooking them from their dry state. (If you're going for dry protein lentils are a better bet, since they don't have to pre-soak and can be cooked in about 20 minutes). The great thing about a basic meal like rice and beans or lentils is that you can add almost anything to it that you might happen to find available: onions, peppers, a little meat... anything will go. If you like your spices, try another GSI shaker with some different staples. Garlic powder and oregano, perhaps.
Personally, I prefer couscous to rice. It can be traded out in place of pretty much any rice or pasta, and is healthier than most forms of rice. Where it wins big is in the ease of preparation - couscous takes about 5 minutes to cook, and is much less finicky than rice (always a plus when your cooking in varied kitchens with untested utensils.
These basic products can be bought in bulk, and you can easily carry a good portion in your pack without taking up too much room or adding significant weight. There's major benefit in terms of ease when you have the ability to throw together a simple meal without a trip to the supermarket, but where you really win out is in the cost. A serving of oatmeal, rice or beans costs only pennies, and even a can of beans can be purchased for around a dollar. An industrious cook could easily find themselves with three full meals--and real meals, mind you, with enough sustenance to keep you going all day--for less than you'd spend on one trip to the golden arches. That's cooking advice you can take to the bank.
Bon Appétit!
B