Steampunk Fashion: Outdoor

Outdoor

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Snow goggles are a necessity but sometimes this piece of our winter kit can take a big bite out of our wallets–especially given how prone they are to scratching and getting lost each season. Both K2 and Giro answered our plea and created snow goggles that are both high-tech and affordable–sure you may not get the multiple lens change options but these goggles will leave you will plenty of leftover beer money for après time.

The PhotoAntic and PhotoAntic DLX from K2 takes advantage of the company’s high performance spherical lenses in a modern, oversize, semi-frameless design. The lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection with an anti-fog coating and a distortion-free view. The affordable goggles pair cleanly with any variety of helmet so you aren’t left with an embarrassing gaper gap.

The PhotoAntic frame is lined with single density foam and features a slotted nose bridge for a comfortable face fit. The DLX uses the same frame but adds a plush fleece lined foam and anti-slip silicon beads that line the inside of the strap for superior helmet grip.

The K2 PhotoAntic and PhotoAntic DLX retail for $59.95-$89.95 and are available now in a variety of color and lens combinations.

For next season, Giro jumps in with the Semi and Dylan (women’s specific) snow goggles–new additions to the EXV (Expansion View Technology) Collection. These medium-size frame goggles feature retro looks and undercover tech with a vast, wide-angle field of view for better vision in all conditions delivered via an injected-molded cylindrical lens. The lens is coated with an anti-fog solution for uncompromised vision. Cushy double-layer face foam plus seamless compatibility with all Giro helmets make the Semi and Dylan a great choice for younger riders or those in need of a more compact style.

The Giro Dylan and Semi snow goggles will retail for $89 and start shipping in August 2015 with a Flash Lens and extra bonus low light lens.

Today's guest post is from Michael Mote, instructor and guide with Apex Mountain School in Vail, CO. Apex Mountain School offers ice climbing and mixed climbing outings for climbers of all ability levels in this historic region. You can check out their website to learn more.

Ice climbing comes from humble beginnings. In the 16th century, shepherds crafted shoes with iron spikes to make travel on icy slopes feasible while tending flocks. Throughout the late 1800s, the “Golden Age” of climbing was characterized by the first ascents throughout the Alps, and was followed by the invention of the 10-point crampon by Oscar Eckenstean in 1908. Crampons were made available commercially by Henry Grivel, whose son, Lauret Grivel, later introduced the twelve-point crampon.

Between the 1920s and 1960s, many north faces of the great Alps were climbed and the limits of the sport were pushed by Scottish climbers like Tom Patey and Jimmy Marshall. The invention of the curved ice tool revolutionized ice climbing; Yvon Chouinard created a tool that greatly improved placement security and hooking ability. Thus, mixed climbing techniques that were explored in Scotland during the 20th century became more widespread among climbers. Until the 1970s, North American climbers had been second to Europeans in innovation and route-setting; however, a menagerie of first ascents by climbing greats such as Jeff Lowe and Mike Weiss catapulted North American ice climbing into the limelight.

As ice climbing became a sport in and of itself, rather than a necessary part of ascending difficult alpine routes, Vail emerged as the epicenter of ice enthusiasm. Waterfall ice climbing in the 1970s and 80s was marked by first ascents of Rigid Designator by Bob Culp and The Fang by Alex Lowe, which defined Vail as the proving grounds for the sport’s greatest climbers. Throughout the 90s, local sites such as Rigid Designator Amphitheatre and The Pumphouse became the focus for the rapidly growing sport of mixed climbing.

Jeff Lowe’s first ascent of Octopussy (M8) marked the unofficial beginning of modern mixed climbing, which combine sport climbing technique with traditional ice climbing. Climbers like Will Gadd put up routes like Fatman and Robin (M9) and Amphibian (M9)), which applied dry-tooling technique to free previously unreachable daggers and ice flows. Gadd and others like Stevie Haston breathed new life into “climbed out” areas of Vail in the late 90s – Gadd’s groundbreaking 1998 ascent of Reptile (M10) in Vail proved another notable stage in the progression of modern ice climbing.

Ice climbing and mixed climbing continue to evolve as athletes push the boundaries of difficulty in unprecedented ways. In 2001, Will Gadd and Tim Emmett’s first ascent of Spray On, a route on precarious spray ice that winds through the mouth of a 250-ft cave in British Columbia, was given a grade of WI10 -, two grades higher than the world’s previous hardest ice climb.

As ice climbers achieve new heights, and as the sport continues to evolve, Vail remains one of the world’s premier destinations for ice climbers and mixed climbers of varied ability levels. Routes range from legends such as The Fang, and Fatman and Robin, to gentler waterfalls perfect for the new ice enthusiast. Regardless of one’s level of climbing ability, few can argue with the bliss that follows from grasping an ice tool and sinking it into a frozen water formation for the first time, or hooking on stone and carefully moving upwards towards more ice.

Editor's Note: I have yet to climb in the Vail area, but it looks like I need to add The Fang to my list for next winter. Who here has climbed in and around Vail?

Sneak Peak: Mountain Hardwear Gear Designed At Helmcken Falls

Ten Winter Camping Tips

Rakkup Digital Climbing Guides

Did you love The Asgard Project movie and want more? Now you have the chance to join Leo Holding, Sean Leary, Carlos Suarez and their team to experience the climb for yourself. Make your own free ascent of the north face of Mount Asgard with the new virtual climbing game from Berghaus.

The climbing game is designed to capture the essential elements and experiences from the team's original ascent of Mount Asgard. As you climb through three sequentially more difficult stages, you are met with snow blizzards, rock avalanches, wind gusts and loss of balance and stamina.

You are allowed to train before you start climbing and I highly recommend it. The stages have numerous possible belay points and it is up to you to find the best and most efficient route. You climb from belay point to belay point by using the arrow keys and the "A" and "S" keys to keep your balance centered.

As you climb, your stamina level drops and you need to get to the next belay point before you start breathing heavy and your energy runs out. At each belay point, you can hang out for awhile until you feel rejuvenated again. Insiders tip- use the cracks to save energy!

You are scored on how fast you climb each stage, the number of falls you take, the number of belays used, number of rocks dogged and how well you kept your balance throughout the climb. Upon successful completion of each stage, you unlock videos from The Asgard Project as well as further information on Berghaus such as the gear the team wore on the trip.

The Mount Asgard climbing game is a great way to pass your lunch hour or for something to do if you are bored at work. I warn you that it is surprisingly frustrating and addicting. Needless to say, with my current overall score in the climbing game, Berghaus won't be sponsoring me anytime soon.

(via OutdoorsMagic )

This year, instead of somewhat randomly picking gear we think your loved ones might like this holiday season, we put together various lists of essential gear over the past couple of months. Grouped by sport, the Essentials include hundreds of items that we have tested and continue to use ourselves. We are still in the process of creating more lists and reviews, so keep checking back in the coming weeks (for example, more outdoor, ice climbing, cold weather running, and hiking still to come). You can also find all of our Essentials posts under the Series>Essentials tab on the top menu.

Snowsports

Ski Apparel Essentials

Backcountry Snow Safety Essentials

Reviews:

Wagner Custom Skis

Pet

Adventure Dog Essentials

Bike

Cycling Apparel Essentials

Road Cycling Essentials

Bike Commute Essentials

Mountain Bike Essentials

Reviews:

Thule RoundTrip Transition Bike Case

Pearl Izumi X-Project 2.0

Garmin Edge 1000

Diamondback Podium Optum

Bullitt Cargo Bike

On The Road

Road Trip Essentials

Car Camping Essentials

Backpacking

Backpacking Essentials

Wet Weather Hikers

Reviews:

Kelty TraiLogic

Day Hiking

Day Hiking Essentials

Reviews:

Ultimate Direction Fastpack

Running

Pain Free Trail Running

Winter Running Essentials

Travel

Travel Essentials

Outdoor

Reviews:

Columbia TurboDown

Feed Zone Portables

SUUNTO Ambit2

Ice Climbing

Essential Ice Climbing Layers

Ice Climbing Hardware Essentials

Thousands of runners, cyclists, walkers, commuters, and tourists pass by or over the Golden Gate Bridge every single day. To help cut down on plastic waste, reusable glass bottle provider Lifefactory teamed up with both the National Park Service and Globaltap to install a reusable bottle filling station at the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion in San Francisco. Combined with the proposed ban on the sale of plastic water bottles in the city, San Francisco would be the first major metropolis to take the brave plunge in reducing their environmental impact.

The Golden Gate Bridge is part of the larger U.S. National Park Service, where plastic bottles represent 1/3 to 1/2 the trash left by visitors, creating both an ecological and financial burden. Since 2011, the National Park Service has moved to implement disposable plastic water bottle recycling and reduction programs, with the option for total elimination of sales where refilling stations are feasible, such as the one above.

The new San Francisco water fountain/bottle filling station unit is located on the southeast side of the bridge at the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion adjacent to the Visitor Center and Gift Shop. Next time you head out on that ride, walk, or run near the Golden Gate Bridge, bring your reusable bottle and fill up with some great tasting Hetch Hetchy water.

I would love to see the Park Service do this at Muir Woods, Mt. Tam, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, and other highly trafficked outdoor tourist spots all over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. According to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, it appears this may be in the works.

Where else have you seen water bottle filling stations in state or national parks and other outdoor environments? I know the Grand Canyon has implemented a few along both the North and South Rims and Yosemite has water stations scattered throughout the valley floor. Reusable water bottle company Vapur has also teamed up with Elkay to implement Refill Stations across state and national parks, colleges and universities, as well as travel and hospitality destinations throughout the United States.

A great step in the right direction.

Backpacking The Hetch Hetchy Area Of Yosemite

Timbuk2 X Mission Cycling Raider Pack

Vapur MicroFilter In-Bottle Water Filtration System

Got this from a friend in an email last week:

Iâ€™m leading a devotion today in our all church staff meeting titled â€œcommitment and discipline is what we do when we are no longer in love.â€ I think you would like it.

I think I would to. The title’s awesome and so profound. When love begins to wane, I think our first choice might be to rekindle the love, not knuckle down on the commitment or discipline. While that may be a short cut to better behavior for a season, it will not of itself lead to lasting change or fruitfulness in his kingdom.

Finding ways to integrate a climbing harness into outdoor apparel seems to be on trend these days. Similar to the climbing shorts and skort from Mammut , Vaude now follows up their original Mera Peak Pants with integrated harness from 2010, with a Light version in 2012, perfect for summer alpine climbing, ski and glacier touring.

The Mera Peak Light Pants are made from lightweight, stretchy, and fast drying Schoeller 3XDRY fabric. The alpine pants are specifically designed to accommodate an Edelrid Loopo Light climbing harness, a favorite among European mountain guides, to be worn underneath. With front exit slots for the belay loop and a rear flap panel opening for gear loops, you have access to everything you need for safe travels.

By wearing your harness underneath your outermost layer, you will not only be more comfortable, but have better access to the four zippered side pockets without leg loops in the way. The Edelrid climbing harness Slide Rail-System lets you position the gear loops wherever you desire along the hipbelt, making it easy to rack your carabiners, ice screws, quickdraws, and other essential gear.

The Mera Peak Light pants themselves have articulated knees and a straight leg cut so that no extra fabric gets in the way of an errant crampon. Schoeller 3XDRY fabric is water and dirt resistant, while helping to wick away sweat in order to keep you dry and comfortable in alpine environments. The bottom gaiters with gripper hems are detachable and feature attachment hooks to secure the alpine pants down to the top of your climbing or alpine touring boots.

The Vaude Mera Peak Light alpine pants will most like retail for the around the same price as the current Mera Peak Pants (€330) and be available Spring 2012.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone dig a toilet in the hot sun for his friend.”

No, that’s not how the Scripture reads, but it is true enough! This is way above washing dirty feet, that’s for sure. And way above helping a friend move. The outpouring of love from the Kenyans in Katale for the Keyans in West Pokot has astounded me. Yes, many of you have provided the means for them to do it, but they have gone and done the hard work of digging foundations, pouring cement, building the walls, and now finishing the school and the dispensary. If you’ve missed the earlier part of this story, you can catch up here .
The work is almost done. Three wells are up and running and the school and dispensary are almost complete. The work continues as does the need. I received this report from Michael yesterday:

Dear brother Wayne, greetings in the most powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, thank you very much for your support. This project has changed the image of this region, and people now can understand about God.
The greatest support is about water, hospital and the school. These were the three major needs for this wonderful people.   I have spent a long time there with the engineer and some volunteers who remain to see that every dollar goes to the right materials.   Every project is in the process of being completed soon.
I cannot even explain the great love beyond the boundary and the great investment which you have invested towards our people, may God receive all Glory, the honor and praise. It is true we are overwhelmed by the need here. We cannot take you as a source of solving our problems, but keenly through the conviction of the Holy Spirit may give us the help we need.   In this region many people have more affected with hunger, which I cannot even tell and sometimes we meet people they look like skeleton. Your greatest help among all, is to help them to get water and we have heard, the songs from their tradition language praising for God for heaven who has make all of these for them to get water, their family and animals. It was a great gift to save the life of thousands across this region.
This is amazing grace; the people in this community were happy and rejoicing. Every evening you can hear young men making a circle jumping and dancing praising God who has answered their prayers for all this generation. Old women and men in the community were sitting under the big tree talking about the miracle that God has done.
Recently I was visited by four representatives of the community who walked very long distance during our first visit outreach. You remember that you contributed additional food for this community. They came with a request to have a well drilled for them, which their community can share. They live a very long distance from the other wells. I feel strongly in my heart that God one day will hear their cry and provide for them.
I know the need of wells is so great and we cannot satisfied every community, but we can give what the Lord has given us, for some whom God may lead.   The extra money you sent for the well company to repair their damaged truck has melted their hearts and they promised us that if we needed to add another well they would do it for only $29,000 no matter if it needs to be deeper than the expected. They will do it for God’s glory.
About outpatient services, we need now to start the process of getting licenses, so that we may be given assurance of start up the dispensary soon. I think we send it to you the amount; we have book some appointment with the health department at the end of this week. After that, then we will evaluate the doctor and two nurses.
Yours,
Brother Michael

Here are a few pictures from the completion of the dispensary:

Digging the latrine for the dispensary

The dispensary nears completion

The flooring is poured inside and out and the electrical has been installed. Inspectors arrive this week to work out licensing and supply.

So, what’s next? We are praying with them about God’s provision for another well at $29,000.00. This group of people are too far away to utilize the three previous wells.
From the beginning God has convicted me that while we can help as he leads he did not want the people in Kenya to become dependent on the West, but to look to God as their provider. That’s why we’ve not only tried to help, but we’re also trying to find ways to create enterprises whose profit can meet the ongoing costs of the orphanage, dispensary and schools. This has not been easy, but it is important that they have the opportunity
The petrol station we built last year was part of that. Unfortunately its profits only cover about two thirds of the orphanage and education of the children.
So I have asked them to look for another enterprise to make up the difference. They may have landed on something now that would not only provide the balance for the orphanage but also the dispensary and schools in North Pokot. They want to set up a distributorship for grain, buying it during the harvest, and dispensing it in the months that follow. Their projection is that for a $14,000 investment they will be able to set up this business, employ locals to run it and make enough money each month to handle the ongoing needs both in their region and in North Pokot. At the same time they will be able to help make food available in the communities where they live. We are still sorting through the numbers on this venture to see if they add up, but this might be the answer to a lot of prayer.
If God has put it on your heart to help with these needs, you can direct it through Lifestream. Contributions are tax-deductible in the US. As always, every dollar you send goes to the need in Kenya. We do not (nor do they) take out any administrative or money transfer fees. If you would like to be part of this to support these brothers and sisters and see the gospel grow in this part of Africa, please see our Sharing With the World page . You can either donate with a credit card there, or you can mail a check to Lifestream Ministries • 1560 Newbury Rd Ste 1 • Newbury Park, CA 91320. Or if you prefer, we can take your donation over the phone at (805) 498-7774.

This week at Interbike, Wahoo Fitness introduced the ELEMNT–a standalone, GPS-enabled cycling computer that the company hopes will chip away at Garmin’s dominance in the market. By loading up the device with wireless connectivity and pairing with your phone instead of your computer for setup, personalization and control, Wahoo hopes to simplify the entire user experience and leave you to simply focus on the ride.

In addition to GLONASS and GPS, the ELEMNT packs in ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart for sensor, trainer, and phone connectivity, in addition to WiFi for network communication. When paired with your phone, you can receive text, email, and phone call alerts on the device as you ride and enable your friends and family to follow you online real-time with live tracking.

In addition to capturing and displaying all your key ride metrics, the ELEMNT will help you navigate routes via a bold line on a map and when appropriate, turn by turn directions. The bike computer comes with fully programmable LED lights on the side and top of the unit to provide visual cues for critical data such as speed, cadence, heart rate zones, power, and navigation. Zoom buttons enable you to click in or out of the number of data fields shown on the display without the need for programming and there is a dedicated page for every part of your ride.

The large-format (2.7″ diagonal), high-contrast DayBright display is black and white and sadly not touchscreen. The battery lasts for around 17 hours of riding before needing to be recharged.

The ELEMNT companion app (iOS and Android) automates the pairing with the GPS bike computer and manages the configuration process. You also get integration with third-party platforms like Strava and RideWithGPS, which allows the ELEMNT to automatically pull your saved routes directly from your account and upload your ride data when you get back home.

Fully integrated with the rest of the Wahoo product line, the ELEMNT also lets you control the KICKR indoor training experience directly from your handlebars, without a computer, tablet or smartphone. The ELEMNT can even allow you to recreate any saved course indoors by matching resistance to the ride’s GPS profile.

The Wahoo ELEMNT retails for $329.99 with pre-orders taken now on the company website.

Back in 2012, Arc’teryx filed a patent for a motor powered avalanche airbag system. Four years later, the Voltair avalanche airbag backpack has finally made it to market. With multiple deployment functionality and quick, powerful inflation, the Voltair is set to become a favorite amongst the serious backcountry set.

Until the Black Diamond Jetforce , traditional avalanche airbag systems used only compressed air cylinders, complete with the associated drawbacks such as single deployment. By comparison, the Arc’teryx Voltair airbag system is powered by a heavy-duty 22.2V Lithium-Ion Polymer rechargeable battery that allows you to deploy the airbag multiple times. Along with routine testing of the system, the multiple deployment advantage allows you to practice deploying the airbag to better train yourself on how to react during an avalanche. “In a high consequence situation, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall back on your training,” said Gordon Rose, Senior Industrial Designer at Arc’teryx.

Utilizing an advanced engineered centrifugal blower to fill the 150 liter balloon, the Voltair system delivers more initial pressure than any other battery powered avalanche airbag system on the market. This superior system ensures the balloon deploys rapidly, consistently, and continuously–even if small tears or punctures result from colliding with hard objects like trees and rocks. Another advantage of the Voltair’s rechargeable battery is its high-grade automotive quick connector for convenient assembly of the system, ability to be charged in the field with a special adapter, and ability to disconnect the battery completely from the backpack in order to meet air transportation safety regulations.

Made in Canada at Arc’teryx’s own manufacturing facility, the Voltair airbag features include a unique mechanical ‘always available’ trigger handle that is permanently accessible and can be quickly unlocked to deploy the airbag during descent. Borrowing from the company’s climbing harness technology, the Voltair employs an easy-to-use, one-handed wire gate leg loop/harness system that solidly secures the airbag to your body.

Available in 20L and 30L volumes, the fully seam-sealed Voltair is constructed from a waterproof nylon ripstop body fabric with WaterTight zippers for top and side access to the two main compartments. Both sizes offer dedicated compartments for additional snow safety equipment like shovels and probes. Front lash ladders and straps diagonally carry skis or snowboard while ice/mountaineering tool loops keep everything else in place for a stable and safe ride.

The Arc’teryx Voltair avalanche airbag backpack details are as follows:

Voltair 20L – US $1,650 – price inclusive of bag, battery and Power. Weight – 3235g / 7.1 lbs
Voltair 30L – US $1,700 – price inclusive of bag, battery and Power. Weight – 3465g / 7.6 lbs

Next week, April 21-29, all 397 National Parks will be offering free admission to celebrate National Park Week. Over 84 million acres of spectacular scenery and historical landmarks will be open to the public for you to explore. To help you plan and get the most out of your park visit, check out a few of these National Park related iOS and Android apps that are currently available for free in honor of the occasion.

Chimani

For a limited time, Chimani has made free all of their National Park apps for iOS and Android devices. The apps offer up information on points of interest, sightseeing guides, car audio tours, GPS enabled maps, park events, hiking trails, camping guides, and even when and where to catch the best sunrise and sunset. You can choose from 9 different National Parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, and the Grand Canyon.

Fotopedia

Fotopedia has just released an updated version of their National Parks app, made freely available for a limited time. On your iPhone or iPad, you can take a virtual journey through the 58 major National Parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton, and the Grand Canyon. Over 3000 large format images by Quang-Tuan Luong let you explore areas you want to visit, helping you plan your trip through interactive maps and building an itinerary.

MapQuest

Most useful to help plan your trip before you go, Mapquest just launched a web-based guide to all the National Parks. Here you can find tips on where to enjoy certain activities such as hiking or biking, what sort of wildlife you can expect to encounter, and learn details about the park history.

Where’s A Bear and YNP Wildlife

If you are headed to Yellowstone, you might want to download one of these apps to keep up to date on the latest bear sightings. With two tourists killed in bear attacks last summer, it would be helpful to know that grizzlies were seen feeding on a bison carcass close to the Yellowstone River Trail before you head out on that hike.

For more information on National Park Week, head on over to NationalParks.org . What are some of your favorite National Park related apps?

With this funny winter weather in the West, you never know if you are going to be hiking in 70 degree sunshine one weekend or skiing the next. Over the course of the early season, I was fortunate enough to find hidden snow stashes across Utah, Colorado, and Canada, while still hitting the trail both on bike and on foot here in the Bay Area. Whether skiing groomers or hiking amongst the redwoods, the Silver Ridge pack from Columbia has always been on my back.

This lightweight pack uses Omni-Shield Water Repellency to keep your extra layers, gloves, and snacks dry for the day. This came in handy on a recent trip to Whistler, where I skied through three days of heavy wet snow and fog that only British Columbia can serve up.

The shaped and padded straps are generously cut, slide easily over top of a shell, and make the pack quick to get on and off as you hit the chairlift or gondola. A waist and sternum strap (along with a safety whistle) mean the pack sticks to you like glue on the bumps, while a foam padded backpanel ensures comfort regardless the cargo.

The 20L capacity Silver Ridge offers up more than enough storage room for an extra layer, food, and sunglasses, with isolated pockets for a phone and wallet. The pack sports front gear loops for stashing your trekking poles and a generous 3L hydration capacity for long dry days at altitude.

I am a water hog when I ski, so appreciate the hydration sleeve for my CamelBak reservoir. While the right shoulder hydration hose exit is a nice feature, the lack of any type of hose clip on the shoulder strap left me struggling to find the mouthpiece at times, particularly when my peripheral vision was limited by goggles and a ski helmet.

A lightweight, low profile yet roomy pack suited for resort skiing or hiking, the Columbia Silver Ridge Backpack retails for $85 (20L) – $149 (35L), but you can currently find over half price sales on them now.

–Terry Doyle

A Base Backpacking Gear Kit For Summer

Fifty Classic Climbs of North America: Mount Sir Donald

Hydrapak SoftFlask Collapsible Bottles

High Sierra Piranha 10L Hydration Pack Review

New Ice Climbing Packs For Fall 2014

Minimalist footwear brand Inov-8 looks to expand into all things run related with a new trail running apparel collection for Fall 2013. With a complete range of layers for both men and women, the line makes use of the latest in technical performance fabrics to create a minimalist yet highly functional design. The star piece in the collection is the Race Elite Thermoshell jacket for both men and women.

The Race Elite Thermoshell trail running jacket is filled with PrimaLoft Sport insulation to offer warmth with added water resistance while being highly compressible at the same time. The fine fibers of the PrimaLoft insualtion form tiny air pockets that trap body heat and keep the cold out while also creating a tight surface tension that resists moisture penetration.

A Pertex Quantum shell offers superior wind resistance with a good balance of strength and durability to weight. The surface is treated with a DWR finish to enhance water resistance and help the running jacket to dry faster if it does happen to get wet.

The Thermoshell jacket is completely reversible thanks to Inov-8's Revershell technology. On one side, a stitch-through construction is used to provide some air permeability for added breathability. On the other side, the stitch-through is removed for better wind resistance, providing 10% more warmth. This reversability gives you genuine resting and running options while out of the trail.

The men's Race Elite 200 Thermoshell ($200) weighs 200g (7oz.), while the women's Race Elite 180 Thermoshell ($200) running jacket weighs, you guessed it, 180g (6.5oz.). Both jackets come with a deep front center zip, chest pocket, thumb loops, and lycra bound hems and cuffs.

Black Diamond Apparel Collection

Last year, Power Practical launched an overwhelmingly successful Kickstarter campaign for their original Luminoodle string light. The company seems to have done it again with a follow-up campaign for two new string lights. Taking feedback from the original backers (over 20,000 of them), the new Luminoodle Color and Basecamp pack in tons of extra features and functionality.

The 5-foot long Luminoodle Color delivers up to 450 lumens of light and the 20-foot long Basecamp up to a whopping 3000 lumens of light for your campsite or backyard. Each string light shines in 14 different color options including 3 different shades of white and a red night-vision mode.

Both the new Luminoodle Color and Basecamp come with built-in controls as well as a wireless remote to toggle between all the different settings. A dimmer allows you to pick just the right level of light for every situation and if you want to create a more festive atmosphere, the new Luminoodles offer 3 dynamic modes–one color strobe, multi-color strobe, and multi-color fade.

Attachments are similar to the original–magnet sliders for securing to metal surfaces, along with Velcro quick straps connected to steel plates to create magnetic surfaces where they don’t exist (3 with the Color and 12 with the Basecamp model).

The Color model comes with a lantern bag to create a soft, diffused light when placed inside. It is USB powered so can run from portable batteries or any USB port/charger, including the optional Lithium 3300 portable battery pack from Power Practical.

The Basecamp model accommodates 2 power options–a wall adapter for patio, garage, and home use and a car adapter for your car, RV, or boat. Power Practical also offers a Pronto 12 fast-charge battery pack option to go with the Luminoodle Basecamp.

For a pledge of $24-$159 over on Kickstarter, you can pre-order your Luminoodle Color or Basecamp package of choice. Delivery is expected in August.

In a first for OutDry, the company's waterproof membrane will be applied to a line of backpacks from Mountain Hardwear for Spring 2014. All your gear is kept safe and dry, without the need for a rain cover or lining your pack with a garbage bag every time you head out on an expedition.

OutDry uses a patented lamination process to bond the waterproof membrane directly to the inside of the outer fabric. This process not only seals the backpack material, but the seams at the same time. The result is a fully waterproof pack without affecting the weight or functionality.

OutDry has gained popularity in the market for its 3D one-piece waterproof construction of footwear and gloves. By comparison, the traditional bootie and bladder construction methods for waterproofing allow water and dirt to get in between the waterproof liner and shell fabric, adding weight and eventually compromising performance.

OutDry will be used in two Mountain Hardwear expedition pack models:

BMG 105 – Designed to meet the needs of professional guides, Mountain Hardwear’s
largest pack handles the loads carried on peaks like Denali and Aconcagua. This remarkably
lightweight pack handles huge, heavy loads comfortably and features OutDry for Spring 2014.

South Col 70 – This is Mountain Hardwear’s one-pack solution for mountaineering
expeditions on big peaks around the world. Light, flexible, and roomy, this pack is perfect for
expedition climbing. Originally designed and built for Everest, it features OutDry for Spring 2014.

We got to play with some prototype packs last week but will have to wait over a year for the Mountain Hardwear OutDry backpacks to officially hit the market. Stay tuned. I am curious to see if other pack manufacturers follow.

Columbia Powerfly Down Jacket Review

Mountain Hardwear Minus One Glove Review

The Ski Suit Makes A Comeback With The Haglöfs Rando AS Suit

Last year, Slovenia company SipaBoards introduced the first SUP with integrated jet-propulsion system. This year, the company follows up that award winning design with a self-inflating SUP. Using a built-in compressor and automatic gauge, the inflatable SUP does all the work for you. Just sit back, relax, and get ready to hit the water.

I am all for inflatable SUPs simply for the ease of storage and transport, but pumping them up once you get to the water is a ton of work. Not to mention never knowing if you hit the right pressure without the use of a separate gauge and thus having to compromise your experience because of an under inflated board.

With the SipaBoards Air, watch as your SUP pumps itself up to the perfect pressure in under 5 minutes. At the heart of every SipaBoards Air is the SipaAir compressor that doubles as a standard fin box and is built in right where the inflation valve on a normal SUP would sit. It is powered by a removable and rechargeable battery that slides right into its slot in the pump. Simply activate the switch to start self-inflation–the switch is magnetic so that the SipaAir compressor stays waterproof, with no external contacts. You can inflate your board several times from one charge and when you’re done paddling, simply let the air out of your board and fold it up.

The SipaBoards Air comes in three styles–All Rounder, Cruiser, and Balance–based on your goals, style, and skill level as a paddleboarder. All models are made of the same ultra-durable drop-stitch technology, dual layers, and reinforced rail sides. The only difference between them is size, shape, and volume.

SipaBoards is taking pre-orders for the SipaBoards Air self-inflating SUPs over on Kickstarter. Some of the packages come with a collapsible carbon fiber paddle, board bag for easy transport, even on a bike, and a safety leash for use on the water and as a carrying strap. Right now, $940 is the best early bird price for the board of your choice. I definitely want to try one of these out.

Almost every outdoor brand has made or is making the move towards water-repellent down in one form or another. L.L.Bean has teamed up with down supplier Down Decor to use their water-resistant DownTek treated down in a line of ultralight down jackets and coats. I have been wearing the Ultralight 850 Down Jacket non-stop this winter for everything from cold rainy walks with Lola to ice climbing in Montana and Colorado.

The Ultralight 850 Down Jacket is the lightest and warmest down jacket in the L.L.Bean collection. The outer shell of the jacket is made from a water and tear resistant ripstop nylon, while the inside is stuffed with 850-fill water-resistant DownTek treated down.

DownTek down repels water while maintaining its loft and insulation value, even in the wettest of conditions. A micro-thin nano polymer is applied to the down, creating a water repellent, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial insulation that actually floats on water. I have had some DownTek sitting in a jar of water on my desk since last summer and it is just now starting to clump.

During the heavy rains we had in San Francisco throughout December, I wore the down jacket for walks with Lola and it not only stayed drier than a normal down jacket, but dried faster when it wet out a bit in an absolute downpour. DownTek claims that the treated down absorbs 1/3 the moisture of regular down and will take 2/3 less the amount of time to dry.

I really like to use my Ultralight 850 Down Jacket as a multi-pitch ice climbing belay jacket since it weighs only about a pound and can stuff into its own pocket (you can use this zippered pouch as a security pocket at other times), enabling me to just clip it to my harness. It is very comforting to know that if the climb is wet or if it is snowy, I am still going to get warmth out of the down jacket. An internal stretch mesh pocket is great for storing an extra pair of gloves, while the hand warmer pockets and collar are fleeced lined for extra coziness.

The women's jacket features a nice fitted profile yet still offers plenty of room for layering. Your normal sizing will allow you to easily fit a baselayer and midlayer underneath. I am even able to fit my Ultralight 850 Down Jacket over my outer softshell when climbing.

The L.L.Bean Ultralight 850 Down Jacket retails for $179 and is available now.

Knowing that many of us adventure in the outdoors with our furry friend in tow, Adventure Medical Kits created the new Adventure Dog Series. Including a range of medical kits and cleansing wipes designed specifically for your dog, you can now feel a bit more confident in helping your pet if he or she should get into trouble on the trail.

The Me & My Dog Kit ($50) provides first aid solutions for both you and your dog. The kit includes AMK’s 4th Edition Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, as well as a field manual for pet first aid. These two guides outline how to use the various components inside the kit to treat you, another person, or your dog when you are deep in the backcountry.

This particular kit also includes a SOL Emergency Blanket, emergency leash, self-adhering elastic bandage that won’t stick to your dog’s hair, hydrogen peroxide, and other basic first aid essentials.

The more dog specific Trail Dog Kit ($25) caters to the common injuries your dog might encounter on the trail, such as cut paws and run-ins with wildlife. An assortment of dressings, bandages, and splinter picker/tick remover should make quick work of any problem.

The lightweight and waterproof Adventure Dog Heeler Kit ($10) is quick and easy to throw in your pack, with essentials for removing ticks and thorns or patching up torn pads. A triangular bandage can be used as an emergency muzzle when administering first aid to your poor pooch who may not be so happy with the process.

As many of us dog owners know, our canine best friends really enjoy rolling in some nasty stuff for some reason. Dead skunk, anyone? Before you let them in your sleeping bag to snuggle up close at night, wipe them down with the Adventure Dog Bath Wipes ($3.50 per pack).

Ever since having to carry Lola out of the trail after she tore cruciate ligaments in both back knees, I have been trying to learn as much as I can about pet first aid. These medical kits will be a great addition to my backpack or even to keep in my car.

BodyLife has now become “Living Loved.” Our latest Living Loved Newsletter has just been posted at the Lifestream website. We will still deal with church life issues and concerns from time to time, but the newsletter has always been about so much more. The latest issue has just been posted at:

https://www.wordpress.com/current-issue.php

(If this URLs does not show up in your email as a link to our site, just copy and paste it into the window of your browser and hit ‘return’.)

The title of this issue is, Quiet Lives of Profound Consequences, and talks about the crying need in our world for men and women who have learning to live loved by the Father in their own lives and are now ready and willing to help others learn to live in that reality as well. These are true elders in Christ’s body and there is a crying need throughout the world for people who can help others embrace this journey with grace and wonder.

New Edition of “Living Loved” Just Posted

Also you’ll find information on three new resources by Wayne that Lifestream will be releasing this Fall. The Jesus Lens is an 8 hour DVD series designed to help people read Scripture with greater joy and wisdom. A Man Like No Other: The Illustrated Life of Jesus, a book co-written with Brad and framed by paintings from the Gospels by Murry Whiteman. And finally, In Season, Embracing the Father’s Process of Fruitfulness, which is a re-packaging of Wayne’s look at the parable of the vine through his formative years growing up on a vineyard. You’ll also find letters that will encourage fellow-travelers, a book recommendation for parents of prodigals, and other Lifestream News.

You can read it online, or print your own downloadable version. We hope it inspires your own journey in drawing closer to Jesus and reveling in his life.

Collapsible water bottles seem to be the next big thing in hydration. Hydrapak and Vapur (not exactly collapsible but foldable and rollable) have numerous products on offer, with new company Hydaway entering the scene. Easy to throw in your backpack, work or travel bag, collapsible bottles have become a convenient no brainer.

The Hydaway collapsible bottle (pictured top) comes in a Large (24 oz.) and Small (12 oz.) size. In similar fashion to the Sea to Summit products, both bottles collapse down to a 1 ¼” disc that can fit in your pocket. A unique carry handle on the lid fits a carabiner for clipping to your pack. Made from food grade silicone, the BPA-free, taste- and odor-free bottle can be thrown in the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleaning.

The Hydaway collapsible bottles will set you back a not exactly cheap $25.

Hydrapak takes a different approach with their collapsible bottle, building off of the company’s popular soft flasks. The 750 ml Stash, made from a soft and collapsible TPU, integrates a molded top (with 43 mm screw cap) and bottom that snap together for easy transport when not full.

When collapsed, the Stash bottle sits only 2 inches high and stacks one on top of each other for easy storage of multiple bottles. Weighing just 64 grams (2.26 ounces), the Stash is BPA- and PVC-free, dishwasher safe, naturally anti-fungal, and comes with a no-leak lifetime warranty. Hard to beat that.

The Hydrapak Stash collapsible bottle retails for $17.99 and will start shipping in November.

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