The Head-To-Toe Winter Wish-list

Christmas day is fast approaching, and many of us are still scrambling for gift ideas to give our loved ones. If you don't know what to get someone who spends an excessive amount of time outdoors, or who would like to spend more time outside but lack the proper tools to do so, here is a head-to-toe breakdown of the best gear for the colder months.

Shell: Outdoor Research Axiom™ Jacket

• Top-of-the-line storm shell
• 2012 winner of Outside Magazine's "Gear of the Year" award
• GORE-TEX® Active Technology
• Highly breathable
• Perfect for high-aerobic winter activities
• Available in 4 color combinations
• Available only in men's sizes
• Ladies, check out the OR StormBound Jacket!

Review for the Arc'teryx Atom LT

As my new favorite article of clothing, the Arc'teryx Atom LT boasts features the will keep you comfortable in a wide range of environments and activities.

Men's Atom LT Jacket

Women's Atom LT Jacket With Hood

The Atom LT, available with or without a hood, uses Polartec® Power Stretch® with Hardface® Technology to provide a 4-way stretch fabric with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish to bead water and repel harsh winds.

Climbing Gear For Thin Wallets

Not only is climbing exciting and extremely challenging, it is also expensive. Especially for an unemployed college student.

Though the gear I have rented at my university's rock wall does its job well, I hate using stuff that is not mine. There is something about wearing shoes and harnesses that other sweaty people have warn that makes me uncomfortable.

After deciding I wanted to take the sport of climbing seriously, it was time to gear up.

Grand Trunk Goods Double Hammock Review

The summer is a time to get outside, pack light, and have new adventures.

I don't know about you, but for me, I like to hike to somewhere secluded from everyone and relax. 

Chairs and stools are bulky and overrated, unless they are tree chairs of course, and laying on the ground is not the greatest, but a hammock on the other hand is perfect for chillaxing, as long as there is something to hang it on. 

While I fell in love with my Eagles Nest Outfitters Doublenest a few years ago, I "cheated" on ENO with my newest love, the Grand Trunk Goods Double Hammock.

 At first I thought this hammock would be exactly the same as my ENO hammock, but I found there are minor details in the design of the Grand Trunk Goods hammock that made big differences to me.

Marmot Cruz Shorts

The Marmot Cruz Shorts are the perfect complement to any summer day or night, regardless of what you are getting into, or what Mother Nature throws at you! Made of quick drying, lightweight nylon that is beefed up with UPF protection, the Cruz is ready to take on any adventure, even if that is lying in a hammock for an afternoon. This short is ideal for adventure vacations and travel, but can also be worn for a night on the town. Marmot has long since been regarded as a top brand in the outdoor industry as they offer some of the highest quality products available. The Cruz shorts are no exception. High quality and great style is what you get here.

Additional features include:
Blue Sign Approved Fabric
Packable, Breathable, Lightweight Performance Woven Fabric
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50
Abrasion Resistant Nylon Fabric
Quick-Drying and Wicking
Durable Water-Resistant Finish (DWR)
Gusseted Crotch for Increased Mobility
Secure Zip Back Pocket and Side Pocket
DriClime® Interior Waistband for Added Comfort
10″ Inseam
Specs
Inseam: 10in / 25.4cm
Overall Weight: 6.6 oz / 187.1 g
Main Material: 100% Nylon Peached DWR 3.6 oz/yd

The Marmot Cruz shorts are currently available in 4 different color options and on sale at Massey’s Outfitters, check them out today!

Though I am more of a 7in inseam kind of guy, these fit well and meet every need I look for in a pair of rugged shorts.

ThermaCell Heated Insoles

Whether it is hiking in the winter or sitting in a deer stand in late fall, my feet always get cold.

I have tried multiple layers of socks, no socks and of course HotHands Foot-Warmers but nothing seems to keep my feet warm. Even though winter is no where close here in the Southeast, I am dreading those cold days where my little piggies turn numb.

According to many reviews and opinions, ThermaCell Heated Insoles may be a gift from the gods.

Photo Courtesy of ThermaCell

Unlike the disposable chemical foot-warmers, ThermaCell Heated Insoles stay at a constant temperature that is controlled from a wireless remote. After the insoles reach a temperature around the average human body temperature  (98.6°F), they remain constant. So no more sweaty or cold feet.

If your feet are like mine and nothing seems to keep them warm in the frozen backcountry, these insoles may be what you have been looking for.

For more information on how ThermaCell Heated Insoles work, click here.

The Men’s Kuhl Rydr Pant

The Kuhl Men's Rydr pant might just be the world's best designed pant for the mountain and outdoor enthusiast! The Rydr is made of Kuhl's own combed euro-twill fabric, which has been slightly brushed to offer a softer, more comfortable feel. However, do not be fooled, these pants are much more durable than any of the denim you currently own. Created with an anatomical design that follows the natural curves and shapes of the body, the Kuhl Rydr pant offers the ultimate fit, adding to the overall comfort.

Yet, the Men's Rydr does not stop there. The gusseted crotch and articulates knees offer complete range of motion, while extra reinforcements are added to the high wear areas including the pockets for maximum durability.

Garmin Forerunner 910 XT with HRM

If you swim, bike, and run, and are always trying to get better, stronger, and faster, then meet your new training partner – the Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS Running Watch with HRM. Garmin has long since been known for offering some of the most technologically advanced wrist units on the market, and the Forerunner 910XT is the epitome of this. Featuring the ability to provide you with detailed swim data while in the water, and distance, pace, elevation and heart rate when running and or cycling. This is really much more than a running watch as the name suggests. In addition to the data capturing capabilities, the 910XT provides wearers with a sleek profile, easy to read display screen, and a comfy wristband. Here’s a more in depth look at just a few of the major features.

Water:
The Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS has been created for open water and pool swimming. It is water resistant up to 50 meters, or 164ft, and as mentioned above can provide you with detailed swim data like distance, pool length, stroke count, and even stroke identification. Not only that, but it also can compute your SWOLF score to help you swim more efficiently. As a result of its design and ease of use, the Garmin Forerunner 910XT can be used for a variety of water sports, including Standup Paddle Boarding.

Land:
One of the key features to this watch is the auto multisport function which allows users to switch sport modes with a press of a single button. The quick release feature allows you to quickly and easily switch the Forerunner from your wrist to your bike! Once on your bike, it can track your time, distance, speed, pace and more. The Forerunner 910XT also offers a barometric altimeter that makes logging elevation data extremely accurate (ie. accent, descent, grade, etc).

Worth noting:
As a result of the GPS capabilities found within the Garmin Forerunner 910XT, this device tracks the path you traveled, on land and in the water, which can later be uploaded to Garmin’s free online community (Garmin Connect) and viewed on a map.

The bottom line:
The Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS with HRM is the ideal choice for any avid triathlete, or those athletes who recognize data as one of the best ways to improve and become faster. More details, and user reviews on the Forerunner 910XT are available at TriVillage.com.

For swimmers, bikers, and runners there seems to be no better companion than the Garmin Forerunner 910XT.

Also, when you use coupon code ORDER200-15 during checkout, you will save %15 on your Garmin Forerunner purchase – as well as all orders over $200 at TriVillage.com!

Use Water to Charge Your Gadgets

Most of you may know about the BioLite CampStove, which uses wood to charge USB compatible devices, and everyone is probably familiar with solar power chargers, but now water is the new power supply for those at myFC.

At about 8 ounces and able to fit in your palm, the myFC Powertrekk is a compact add-on for your next backpacking trip.

Photo Courtesy of myFC.

The Powertrekk converts hydrogen into energy via fresh water and a power cell, or what myFC calls the Puck, which is a Photon Exchange Membrane.

This is a pretty cool idea but I am hesitant as to how reliable and long this product can last. If any of you have or get one, let me know how it is please!

Here is a link to the myFC video showing how to charge your gadgets with the Powertrekk.

Review For The Ribz Front Pack

When backpacking, fishing, and hunting, along with many other activities alike, there is gear that you need easy access to. Whether it is a camera, fishing lures, or favorite turkey call, you want to be able to get to it quickly. If you need better access to your favorite gadgets, and aren't too fond of the fanny-pack, the Ribz Front Pack is what you need.

Instead of being on your back like most packs, the Ribz Front Pack's pockets are located on the front at your rib cage. I wonder how they came up with the name Ribz?

Ribz Front Pack in action

With two small pockets and two large, this pack can hold a lot of gear. On a day hike, I fit my Eno hammock, straps, a Nalgene bottle, rain jacket, camera, phone, and a sandwich (peanut butter if it makes any difference) in my Ribz Front Pack. 

Five Affordable Performance Shirts For This Summer

Summer is showing in many places throughout the US, especially here in the south. With warm temperatures on the way, that means more opportunities to get outside, enjoy nature and catch some rays.

When hiking, biking, kayaking, or whatever it is you like to do in the summer heat, it is important to wear clothing that will keep you cool, wick moisture, and provide protection from the Sun's harmful UV-rays.

If it is time for some new performance shirts, here are ten that will keep you comfortable and protected outdoors (and won't completely break the bank) this summer.

#1: The North Face Velocitee ($19.95)

The Velocitee by The North Face is my top pick because it is lightweight, wicks moisture, provides UV protection of UPF-15, extremely comfortable, and will not break the bank.

VaporWick™ technology wicks moisture away from the skin and transports it to the fabric's outer surface, for quick evaporation.

At only $19.95 online, this shirt is a steal and is a must have for outdoor adventures who want quality along with affordability.

5 Reasons You Should Buy a Sleeping Pad

A sleeping pad can make all the difference on how you sleep at night, whether in a tent, privy, hammock, or on the open ground.

Here are 5 reasons why you should invest in one:

1) It will keep you warm.

Even with an expensive, down sleeping-bag on a cold night, you will still get the chills without a sleeping pad under you.

The cold ground will absorb your body heat right through your bag, and anyone who has slept in an ENO on a cold or windy night knows how the cold and wind rips right though the hammock's fabric.

Sleeping pads will stop the wind and keep body heat inside your sleeping bag.

2) It is more comfortable than the ground.

Merrell Moab Ventilator

With the weather turning warm it is time to unpack your summer hiking gear and hit the trails.

You may notice your old boots are looking a little tattered, or that they don't seem to fit anymore, which means it may be time to treat yourself to a new pair.

If it has been a few years, or decades, since your last hiking-shoe purchase. Let me fill you in on the best of the best footwear made today.

Strange Gear: The JakPak

Companies are going above and beyond these days with multi-purpose gear, and this is definitely one of the most interesting combinations I have seen.

Introducing: the JackPak, all-in-one rain-jacket, tent, bug netting and sleeping bag.

It is a great idea, but I am not so sure I want to be "wearing" my tent and sleeping bag while I hike, especially on hot/rainy days. I prefer my sweaty gear to be outside the tent, not all around me.

Also, if you catch the jacket on a sharp rock or tree limb, not only is your coat messed up but there goes your tent too.

This is a great idea but a little much if you ask me.

The Marmot Limelight 2P Tent

An important piece of equipment to most campers/backpackers is shelter.

I have a hammock and don't mind sleeping in it under a tarp, but I prefer the luxury of a tent.

Being able to spread out all my gear across the floor of a tent is much easier that keeping the gear in a pack overnight. Especially for those times when you get into your sleeping bag and realize you forgot to get or do something, like changing your clothes.

It is not easy to change clothes, or do anything beside lay still, in a hammock, believe me. I have fallen out of the hammock twice while trying to reach for something. Once was onto another hammocker below me, but that is a story for another day.

When I was searching for a tent, I had three requirements: light, easy to set up, and made by a reliable brand.

The EmberLit

This is a pretty cool concept to a camp stove. It takes up barely any room and only weighs 11.3 ounces.

Courtesy of EmberLit

Just four pieces of stainless steel and some wood and you have a stove!

The Osprey Aether 60

When I first got into camping and backpacking a few years ago I used a cheap Sierra Designs 45 liter.  It was not only too small for extended trips but, more importantly, it killed my back and shoulders.

Wherever I went to or read reviews, Osprey continued to come up as having the right pack for what I was looking for. So, before a 32 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail last spring, I purchased the Osprey Aether 60.

Here is the Aether pre-AT 2012 (way too heavy)

When in the store, trying on packs, I had it narrowed down to either the Aether and the Osprey Atmos 50.

For Backpackers and "Preppers" Alike

What are some things that you actually need when you are out on the trail for a few days?

Shelter, (clean) water, and food are the first things that come to mind.

While I have yet to find a way to use amy stove for shelter, it can take care of the other two necessities: clean water and food.

Some people prefer the alcohol stove or the classic MSR WhisperLite. I, on the other hand, reach for my Jet Boil every time I head to the wilderness for over-night stays.

Customize Your Own Chacos

For a while I have been indecisive on choosing the right pair of Chacos, until now.

This is what I made.

Click HERE to customize your own!

Customizing is "Wild"

An online app from Wild Things lets you decide how your outerwear looks and feels. From fabric and insulation material to zipper color, you control what they make.

Photo courtesy of Wild Things

Begin by choosing to customize an Insulight Jacket or Wind Pro® Hoody. After that you can customize the side panels, cuffs, liner, hood, pockets, zippers, logo, and add a personalized id to the sleeve or chest. Don't forget about all of the different colors too!