Steampunk Fashion

All post

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.

Ultralight hikers across the world are constantly looking for innovative ways to cut down on the heaviest part of any pack-your cooking system. From soda can alcohol stoves to forgoing a stove altogether, the name of the game is to carry as little as possible. The three backcountry stoves highlighted here enable you to use whatever is at hand for fuel, be it wood, sticks, pine cones, or brush.

The Hexagon backpacking wood stove from Vargo is constructed out of individual hinged titanium panels that snap to the base to form a conical shape stove, focusing heat upwards for quick and efficient cooking. A hinged access door can be opened or closed for air control, as well as re-fueling.

The Hexagon stove weighs 4.1 oz. and is designed for boiling water or cooking meals in pots up to 1.5 liters. The backpacking stove can run on any sort of flammable items you find in the backcountry. The Vargo Hexagon backpacking wood stove retails for $59.95-$63.95.

Similar to the Vargo Hexagon, the Vital Stove from SolHuma can use any dry, flammable, biological material as fuel. To make the backcountry wood stove even more efficient however, the Vital Stove uses a battery powered blower fan to increase the amount of air flowing into the fire, enabling the flame to produce up to 20,000 BTU of heat.

You pay for this added efficiency in weight, as the Vital Stove weighs 1.6 lbs. The SolHuma backcountry stove retails for $79.95.

Designed by Devin Montgomery, the Backcountry Boiler is modeled as an ultralight chimney kettle. Weighing around 8 oz. (which includes the cooking vessel), this backcountry wood stove is about the same size and weight as your wide mouth water bottle. Similar to the rest of the backcountry stoves seen here, the Backcountry Boiler can operate on just about anything flammable, meaning you don't have to lug along fuel with you.

The backcountry wood stove can boil 2 cups of water in under 5 minutes. The chimney kettle design enables the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and leave little ash to clean up. With the amazing success of his Kickstarter campaign, Devin will soon be ready to take orders.

We have previously written about the BioLite backcountry wood stove , but it unfortunately won't be out until March 2012. I would love to hear from all you ultralight hikers out there, what is your backcountry stove of choice?

On our Yosemite backpacking trip last summer, Columbia gave us the new Compounder Shell to throw in our packs in case of adverse weather conditions. I have been wearing this shell jacket for almost 8 months now, finding it a great companion for hiking, backpacking, or even rock climbing, as the wind picks up or a cold rain starts to fall.

The Compounder Shell is a lightweight, low profile jacket, perfect for stuffing in the bottom of your pack for when the weather turns sour. Using Omni-Dry waterproof technology and fully seam sealed, the shell jacket gives you complete wind and rain protection.

Inside, the Compounder Shell is lined with Columbia's new Omni-Wick EVAP technology that works to quickly pull moisture away from your skin. The moisture is then spread across the framework of the lining, much like a wicking base layer, in order to facilitate faster dissipation through the membrane.

I found under certain conditions, such as warm and humid weather where you are working up a good sweat, the membrane doesn't quite keep up with the Omni-Wick EVAP technology. After a couple of rainy but warm hikes here in San Francisco, I returned with the entire inside of my shell jacket coated in sweat.

To be fair, other shell jackets would also have a tough time under warm, humid conditions, as the traditional waterproof membranes rely on diffusion to push moisture vapor out of your jacket. With the inside of your shell the same temperature and humidity level as the outside, quick diffusion through the membrane is more difficult.

This problem is something the new air permeable membranes have tried to solve. Using the Compounder Shell's full side zips, however, can really help with ventilation and temperature regulation when you are really working hard.

That is not to say this shell jacket doesn't work great under all other conditions, however. I wore the Compounder Shell during my entire backpacking trip to Yosemite where it was great at blocking the early season cool wind. The jacket was also a staple in my backpack for hiking and rock climbing all over the Alps last summer, providing me with valuable wind and rain protection.

The hood is helmet compatible, making it useful as a climbing shell. The drop tail fits well under a harness or backpack and keeps it from riding up when you are reaching high.

Two chest pockets, hand pockets, and internal stash pockets offer plenty of easy access storage options for a day out on the trail. The draw cord adjustable hood and hem help you to really seal out the weather when it takes a turn for the worse. A fleece lining on the inside front flap keeps the zipper from rubbing against your face.

Bottom Line: The Columbia Compounder makes a great shell jacket for backpacking, hiking, or climbing, where you need lightweight but foolproof wind and rain protection. In more humid climates, you will probably need to play around with the ventilation system in order to prevent sweat buildup.

The Compunder Shell comes in both a men's and women's version and retails for $300, available now.

Satellite phones are normally reserved for those going on major mountaineering expeditions. Even then, they are not exactly cheap and easy to come by and usually mean signing up for some major service plan. Now SPOT, maker of the popular messenger device, has launched their own Global Phone or satellite phone that they plan to make available in major retails outlets such as REI and Cabela's and at a price more people can actually afford.

On past mountaineering expeditions such as Aconcagua and Denali, I have rented a satellite phone package from Tom and Tina over at HumanEdgeTech. Monthly rental was cheaper than having to buy all my own equipment (though still very expensive!) and sign up for a yearly satellite service plan. At the time, Iridium and Thuraya phones using a PDA for email connectivity were the main options. Oh how gadgetry has evolved in as little as 5-6 years.

Using Qualcomm-based CDMA technology, the SPOT Global Phone provides crystal-clear voice quality from anywhere within the service footprint (key to check this before you head out somewhere). Communication supposedly sounds as if you were talking across a landline, with no noticeable time delays.

With the availability of Express Data on most service plans, you can use the USB data cable to get data speeds of 9.6Kbps in order to send emails, transfer photos, and other basic data services. Needless to say, you aren't going to be sending major documents over the satellite phone. I can imagine most Everest climbers who want to update their personal websites daily will still bring their BGAN with them.

As the first satellite phone available in major retail outlets, the SPOT Global Phone will also be priced more affordably at $499.95 (compare that to $1000+ for other satellite phones) with monthly service plans starting at $24.99 or as low as 25 cents per minute.

As someone who regularly heads out into the wilderness alone, I wouldn't mind carrying a SPOT Global Phone with me to ease the minds of those left at home and in case of emergencies.

Hitcase Pro Waterproof iPhone Case Review

Ten Winter Camping Tips

German company o-synce offers a wide range of portable micro electronic products and sensors for outdoor, cycling and fitness. The Company's philosophy is based on simplicity, less is more and one device fits all. The new NAVI2Move smart navigation device made the finals of the ISPO Brand New Awards and o-synce has a couple of innovative projects in the works including the DATA4vision head-up-display.

The NAVI2Move is a light (only 45 grams!), compact and stylish smart navigation device. The large display shows various GPS data such as speed, altitude and distance. An electromagnetic compass and simple (free!) Google Maps aid you with orientation. The NAVI2Move is small enough to fit in your pocket and the battery will last for up to 12 hours.

The NAVI2Move uses waypoints for navigation. Simply create your route using Google Maps and upload your planned trip to your device. The NAVI2Move will then guide you along your route using the smart arrow system pointing you in the direction and distance to where you want to go.

The NAVI2Move can be used as a standalone model, a road racing mount with controls on the handlebars, a mountain bike mount with controls close to the shifters or with the SMART2control glove seen above. The SMART2control glove has a unique 3-button remote control situated on the pointer finger which enables you to control the device by simply using your thumb.

One of o-synce's cool new projects is the DATA4vision head-up-display. Built into a visor, a small screen just above your field of vision displays your training data in real time. Simply glance up and see information such as time of day, distance, speed and trip length. The DATA4vision is still a prototype but hopefully will be out before this time next year.

In a few hours I’ll take wing for a three-week trip to Australia. There are so many exciting connections in store there, both from people I’ve seen before and for people I’ve only corresponded with. It should be fun

But I’m also getting things arranged for an early June visit to North Carolina. There’s been some people there trying to get me to come for a long time, and we’ve finally found the dates that work for everyone. So I’ve booked out 11 days, even though we haven’t filled up all of that time yet. So, if you know some folks in North Carolina that would like to have a conversation about living loved, or finding life in the relational church, please let me know soon. I’m praying about a number of opportunities at the moment, and want to see if any of you are, too!

Also as part of this trip I’d like to spend some time in a conversation about Seeding Community in the world if there are enough people who want to join me. How does God bring people together in community without the systematized approaches that humanity has been attempting for centuries? I begin with the premise that community is a gift God gives, and not something humans can manufacture with the best of intentions. But we can facilitate environments in which community can find expression, and that’s what I’d like to talk about with others who have a similar passion. (If you don’t know what this is, you can listen to The Greater Gathering at The God Journey.

This won’t be an open event because the venue is small and because there’s a specific type of person I’m looking to have in this more-focused conversation. I’m looking for elder-types, not people who have arrived, but men and women who are a bit seasoned in the journey of living loved and feel a specific nudge from God to help others be equipped in that life as well. If there’s enough interest, we’re going to hold this over the May 31-June 2 weekend near Lake James, North Carolina. We have some bed space available, but some may need to say at nearby hotels. There will be no cost for this retreat other than your own food and lodging.

If you’d like to be part of this day and I don’t already know you, please send me an email with a paragraph or two about your spiritual journey and why you would want to participate in this dialog. I’m not sure what I’m looking for here but it will give me some information as I pray about who God wants to be part of this conversation.

So this is just to see what hunger and desires are out there for the first two weeks of June. Please email me if anything is on your heart.

I’m just finishing up a week of teaching for an HIV/AIDs Intervention School in Newton, KS for a group of students that have a passion to care for those infected with this virus. At the end of four weeks of training they will be off to South Africa to work with AIDs outreaches there. We have had a ball this week, for this is an interesting group of students, and pretty free spirits. I get to be with them for seventeen hours of teaching, and all week long living among them to help walk them out of religious approaches to God and sort out what it means to live related to him as our Father.

Weeks like this are always refreshing to me spiritually as well. How easy it is living in this age to find ourselves trapped in a religious veneer of Christianity and miss the heart of it. Religious thinking keeps us trapped in guilt and shame, harassed by obligations we can never fulfill, bored with empty rituals and in constant pursuit of some new truth that will finally make it alive.

All are fruitless endeavors that will leave us empty.

Jesus didn’t load up his followers with any of these things. In fact, he dismantled them at every turn. He simply demonstrated to them what a life lived in Father’s love looks like. It affected everything about the way he thought and acted and it was so engaging that the disciples were constantly amazed at how God worked through him.

Given the age we live in, we all need constant reminders that Christianity is not a creed to confess, ethics to obey or rituals to fulfill. Reducing our life in him to mere religion will ultimately bore us and we will simply reduce it to attending services or observing disciplines and miss the greatest joy of being his—walking with him every day through the circumstances we encounter and seeing him work in the people that cross our paths.

Christianity at its heart is a daily relationship with the Living God where we grow to know him as he really is and center our lives on his purpose and character working its way into our lives.

We will never learn to live in that reality by sitting through teaching, reading books or talking with others. While those can be helpful, if we are in fact learning to live in him, as substitutes for the lack of it they will always be woefully inadequate.

We have to remind ourselves and each other that Christianity is a life lived in Father’s reality. It is not at its root a theological system, though it does have a coherent theology. It is not primarily an ethical system, though it will teach us to live in God’s righteousness. It is not observing rituals or ethical mandates. We live the life of Christ as we learn to abide in him, like a branch in a vine. He yearns to teach you how to do that. All you have to do is ask him, lean into him every day and watch his glory sort out in the real experiences of your life.

That’s what I’m being reminded freshly this week. I thought you might like a reminder too.

We were able to send another $2500.00 this week from those who sent in money, and some extra we had around here… I got this back from our contact there this morning:

The family and the entire team, greetings once more in Jesus Name. Thank you very much for the great support you send. Tomorrow I will have the working team to plan how we will distribute. My brother, may the Lord bless you and the entire team for the seed you have showed in Africa and in our beloved country for brothers and sisters for the situation where they are living. I think it will be great support for more families. We shall be in touch soon as we complete the audio downloads you put on the Internet for us. I will share with you soon.

We will continue to send more as Father provides.

Not only do the Outdoor Gear Builders , a collection of like-minded manufacturers based in Western North Carolina, know how to make rad outdoors gear, but they also know how to play with it…well. Calling the beautiful mountains of WNC home, a region brimming with mountains, National Forests, water, rocks and hikes, there’s a million ways to enjoy it, but here’s a few of their favorites.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1) Eagles Nest Outfitters – Creators of packable travel hammocks and fun outdoors accessories. Based in Asheville.

The Honeypot SwimmingHole

The Honeypot is a beautiful, natural swimming hole that’s always a fun trip. A trip to the Honeypot combines a satisfying hike with some epic scenery (and usually a whole heap of butterflies!) which always guarantees a great time.

Directions:

Off 276 by the Big East Fork Pisgah.

Head to 276/ Cruso Rd, either from Canton or off the Parkway.

Park at the Big East Fork Pisgah Trail Head (over the river from Shining Rock Trail Head .)

Follow the trail by the river for about 2 miles, until it comes to a natural pool.

2) Swaygo – Refreshingly simple gear for extraordinary needs. The most durable, waterproof, low-profile caving backpacks ever. Based in Asheville.

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and wiangya

The Big Room in Bat Cave, NC.

The Bat Cave is the largest known granite fissure cave in North America and is home to the endangered Indiana bat. Access is limited as the cave and surrounding area is protected by The Nature Conservancy, but there is limited access in the summer the The Nature Conservancy. The trek to the cave takes hikers a mile through mature hardwood forests that cloak the slopes of Hickory Nut Gorge – a great adventure for nature-lovers!

Directions:

The Bat Cave is located off Hwy. 9 between Bat Cave and Lake Lure.

3) Threshold Provisions – Specializes in creating gear of the nutrition kind that defines the adventurous lives of those who push the boundaries of gear, themselves, and the world around them. ‘Fuel the Moment’ with delicious energy bars or salmon jerky. Based in Asheville.

Pisgah Forest

You can’t go wrong in Pisgah Forest. Bike, hike, camp, swim, paddle, play. One of the first national forests in the eastern United States, Pisgah is a 512,758 acre forest with beautiful mountainous terrain that includes some of the highest mountains in the east.

Directions:

There are a whole bunch of access points, but a good starting point is at Banner Elk, NC.

4) Recover Brands -Manufactures apparel made from 100% recycled materials using post consumer plastics and post industrial cotton. Based in Asheville.

Mountain Biking in Brevard/ Pisgah

Home to some of the best mountain biking trails on the east coast, the Brevard, NC area is where you need to head!

Directions:

From Asheville take I-26 to the airport exit and then take 280 to Brevard. Once you get to Brevard take Pigah Hwy 276 and you’ll find trail after trail.

5) Astral – A focused group of paddlers, designers, engineers, and regular good people, Astral makes high perfomance kayaking footwear and arguably the best PFDs in the industry. Based in Asheville.

Outdoor Gear Builders Favorite Local Summer Hotspots

Photo courtesy: Chris Gragtmans.

Linville River Gorge

Not only does the Linville River Gorge offer some glorious paddling and heart-pumping rapids for expert kayakers, it’s also an outdoor paradise for backpacking and hiking. It’s also rich in animal life – so watch out for those bears!!!

Directions:

Head NE on State HWY 126 towards Linville Shores Dr. Turn left onto Gwaltney Rd. Turn left onto NC-181 N. Turn left onto NC-183 N. Turn left onto Old NC 105. Take the first left onto Biggerstaff Ave.

6) Sport Hansa – Imports and distributes some of the most intriguing European outdoor brands . Each of our lines has a strong innovation story combined with a compelling brand history. Based in Asheville.

Upper French Broad River (Rosman – Asheville Airport)

Kayaking on the Upper French Broad is a great WNC experience. Calmer than the lower end of the river, you can enjoy a leisurely paddle, tube or canoe and take in all the sights. If you keep going, you eventually get to the Bywater … a local riverside bar.

Directions:

Head to Rosman, NC to begin your day!

7) American Backcountry – The perfect merger of test-of-time Outdoor Graphics with top quality Moisture Wicking Apparel and trend forward printing technologies.

Big Bald Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

Big Bald is a truly beautiful spot, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Smokies, Mount Mitchell and Unaka Mountain – probably some of the best views of the Appalachian Mountains! Best for an over night or full day trip.

Directions:

You can only get to Big Bald by hiking in on the Appalachian Trail . Take Interstate 26 and take Exit 3. From the ramp, take a right on Bear Brand and take a left onto HWY 23A. In about 3 miles, you’ll reach parking for the trail on the left side of the road. The trail head on the other side will take you toward Big Bald Mountain.

8) Rightline Gear – Getting your extra gear on your vehicle! Rightline wants your road trip to be a great experience, and we pride ourselves on our unique and innovative product designs . Based in Asheville

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and khunaspix

Mountain Biking and Trail Running at Bent Creek

Bent creek, part of Pisgah National Forest, is just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. Boasting an unbelievable amount of rails, you can’t go wrong for an active day of mountain biking or trail running!

Directions:

From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east and get off on exit 33, NC 191. Turn left, pass the Biltmore Square Mall, and head south on NC 191 for 2 miles. Turn right at the stoplight onto Bent Creek Ranch Road (following the brown signs for the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area). Bear left at a fork after 0.2 mi. Continue for about 2 miles to reach the National Forest and the first (Rice Pinnacle) parking area.

9) TerraForma Outdoor Solutions – One of the great challenges to enjoying the Western Carolina Mountains is the inability to cook, sit, or sleep on a level surface. Our products will solve that problem. Based in Asheville.

Bent Creek – again!

It doesn’t have the most spectacular views as some other spots but over the last ten years, but it’s perfect for dog walking and it’s always fun and accessible. There are lots of trails, plenty of creeks/streams to play in in spite of how busy it can be, and it’s still possible to be out on the trail and not see too many people. Its a “go to” place to hike and it’s only about 15 minutes from Downtown.

Directions

See above!

10) Bellyak – Offers innovative lay on top kayaks for river, surf or lake. Designed to be ridden lying down, kneeling or seated without restricting straps or a confining spray skirt. Maximum fun with a minimum learning curve! Based in Asheville.

The Big Laurel River

If you’re looking for a quiet walk, beautiful scenery, some great fishing and perfect paddling conditions, the Big Laurel River is where you want to visit! Boasting some swift runs with deep, dark holes containing massive fish, you’ll always see something new. Hiking or Bellyaking, the Big Laurel River is an enjoyable day out.

Directions:

Located in Madison County, NC. Hwy 25/70 to Madison County, park at intersection of Hwy 25/70 and 209, hike or paddle downstream.

11) Outrider USA – Builders of high-performance electric bikes. We take pride in building electric trikes that allow riders to sustainably explore the back-roads while getting exercise. Based in Fletcher.

Balsam Ridge

One of the most spectacular balds in the Southern Appalachians, these treeless mountaintops are perfect for a picnic, day trip, or weekend hike. Featuring dark forests, streamside meadows and pretty waterfalls, it’s got it all!

Directions:

Head south on the Parkway from Asheville, it’s beyond Mt. Pisgah to milepost 420.2.

***

Additional Outdoor Gear Builder companies to check out are Simpleshot Shooting Sports , Watershed Drybags , liquidlogic , Native Watercraft , LightHeart Gear , Blue Ridge Chair Works , Harmony House Foods , SylvanSport and Tsuga , and partners Mills Manufacturing , Prestige Subaru and SportHansa .

Remember the little wooden spoons you used to get with single serving ice cream cups? Nemo has fashioned their new line of sleeping bags around this classic shape. Designed to let your knees bend and move around during the night, even the heaviest thrashers will sleep warm and comfortably in these unique sleeping bags.

The new Nemo line of sleeping bags includes both men's and women's down and synthetic backpacking bags, a variety of down comforters, and even an ultralight fastpacking quilt (510g, 30ºF). The series is ideally designed to work with Nemo sleeping pads and pillows for a fully integrated sleep system.

As opposed to the traditional mummy shape, the Nemo line of sleeping bags are contoured like a spoon, with wide shoulders tapering down to the hips, then flaring back out again around the knees. A pillow pocket with sleeve opening ensures your stuff clothes or inflatable pillow don't move around during the night. An insulated blanket fold tucks you in for extra warmth, while an internal zippered pocket lets you store your watch, earphones, or earplugs for safe keeping.

The 15ºF/30ºF men's Nocturne and women's Rhapsody spoon shaped sleeping bags are stuffed with 700 fill down treated with DownTek nanotechnology that renders the down water resistant. Nemo also takes advantage of the Insotect Flow baffling system that prevents cold spots resulting from the movement of insulation.

The 25ºF/40ºF men's Rhythm and women's Harmony spoon shaped sleeping bags are stuffed with PrimaLoft Synergy synthetic insulation. As you flatten the insulation loft underneath you when you sleep, rendering it almost useless, Nemo took out 10% of the insulation on the underside of the sleeping bag in order to cut down on weight.

The spoon shaped sleeping bags use a lightweight DWR treated ripstop nylon shell fabric for extra durability. The inside of the footbox is treated with a waterproof breathable coating to keep the insulation from absorbing any tent wall condensation that might occur during the night.

The full line of Nemo sleeping bags will officially be released in 2013, but in the meantime, Nemo is selling Limited Edition models (MSRP $130-$450) to those who are interested in getting their hands on one come September. Ian and Andy from The Dusty Camel tested out the Nocturne prototype on the Pacific Crest Trail last summer, with great things to say.

Purple has plenty of versatility across wedding styles and themes and is one of the most popular wedding colors. This week we’re focusing on a sweet, mid tone purple with a punch, Pantone African Violet.

L to R: Wedding Paper Divas Chalkboard Floral invitation, Groom’s Shoes , Bridesmaids , Bouquets , Macarons , Boutonniere

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

Pantone Acai Inspiration Board
Pantone Beaujolais Inspiration Board
Pantone Violet Tulip Inspiration Board

Sport Shop is one of the four different series into which Eddie Bauer recently arranged all their offerings, including Travex, Outdoor, and First Ascent. Normally home to all the company's upland hunting and shooting apparel, Sport Shop will now feature a full line of fishing apparel and gear.

Designed in collaboration with fishing guides, Andrew Bennett, Lucas St. Clair, John Burrell, Rebecca Etchen Peters, and Michael Pepi, the initial Eddie Bauer fishing collection includes 11 apparel pieces for both men and women, along with three technical packs and bags.

The men's and women's Immersion Wading Jacket ($349) is constructed out of 750 denier Cordura nylon with Eddie Bauer's WeatherEdge Plus 3-layer waterproof breathable membrane technology. Features include self-draining exterior pockets, a two way center front zipper, a rear D-ring for a net, hidden tool attachments, and modified raglan sleeves for full range of motion.

The short and long sleeve Guide Shirt ($60-$80) is built with Eddie Bauer's new AirSpace technology to keep you comfortable in hot and humid conditions. Offering UPF 50+ sun protection, the shirt features mesh-lined shoulder vents, a hidden interior mesh pocket, and asymmetric sun cuffs. The collar is lined with a FreeCool Pro wicking knit fabric infused with Xylitol that activates when you sweat.

The Riverbank Pants ($80) for men offer durable protection whether hiking ot wet wading. A secure back zip pocket, knife/tool front J pockets, and articulated, double-layer knees make these good looking pants highly functional.

The gear collection consists of the Adventurer Chest Pack ($80), Adventurer Lumbar Pack ($99), and the 20L Adventurer Boat Bag ($149), all made from .1MM TPU-coated 500D Cordura ripstop nylon.

The Eddie Bauer Sport Shop Fishing collection is available now.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQlEAhYTnTc?start=24&feature=oembed]

C9 By Champion Active Apparel Review

Cozy Layers Passage System

Pick Pocket Proof Pants Get Lighter

7 Adventure Dog Essentials For 2014

I got this email yesterday and it is one I get a lot from people who are trying to rethink the nature of sanctification outside the religious process of setting expectations and trying to coform people to them. I don’t that that’s exactly what this brother was asking, but it does invite that deeper dialog.

Does God change us by setting a standard and holding us to account, or has he prepared a better way for us? Here is the question that got this rolling in my mind:

I’m confused as to how to distinguish between what you call “performance-based establishments” and churches with biblical expectations. The scripture clearly lays out some expectations for overseers and deacons (as just one example), but of course these expectations shouldn’t be interpreted as a reflection upon earning one’s salvation. Isn’t there a way to maintain the biblical expectations for the church without undermining the truth of grace in salvation?

â€˜Expectationsâ€™ isnâ€™t one of my favorite words. It kind of reverses the process by which transformation takes place, though I realize you might be using it in a wholly different context than I hear it.

In my mind â€˜performance-based establishmentsâ€™ use guilt and pressure to conform peopleâ€™s behavior. I think Galatians is makes it clear that this process isnâ€™t necessarily evil, it just doesnâ€™t work. The law may get people to ACT different in the short term, but it cannot transform them from the inside. Elsewhere Pauls says law only adds to our sin by increasing our temptation and multiplying our shame.

On the other hand nonperformance-based environments will extend people the authentic grace of Jesus as it invites them into a relationship with him that will transform them from the inside. So while the goal is still the sameâ€”being transformed into his imageâ€”the process is vastly different. And they wouldnâ€™t see the attributes of an elder in Timothy and Titus to be an expectation to perform to, but the fruit of Godâ€™s transformation evidenced in their daily lives. Remember, the â€˜eldersâ€™ in Ephesus and Crete didnâ€™t have those lists BEFORE they were â€˜appointedâ€™ by Timothy and Titus. This was not something they tried to live up to, but rather what had become true of them out of their relationship with him.

Thus a performance-based environment will be one where people feel they have to pretend, are looked down upon when they donâ€™t measure up, and usually picks on the obvious sins of sexual brokenness or the obvious failures that impact the institution, such as giving and attendance. But they ignore the weightier issues of spiritual arrogance, greed and gossip. Nonperformance-based environments encourage people to be authentic even in their doubts and struggles realizing that it is only Jesus who change us and thus none of us end up with anything to boast about, nor to look down on others…

If we introduce people to the living Jesus, we donâ€™t need to â€œmaintain biblical expectations without undermining the truth of grace. They will WANT to be like him and as they learn to live loved and love, they will keep the entire law. I donâ€™t think the new covenant changed the outcome God wants in us, but id did change significantly our perception of the process.

If you are a mountain biker (or even cyclist) and haven’t yet made it to Crested Butte, CO—get it on your list. This former coal mining town at the foot of Mt. Emmons is now an alpine haven for mountaineers, climbers, snowboarders, skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, cyclists, and anyone who enjoys small town mountain life. Hundreds of miles of epic singletrack, an extremely active local mountain bike organization, and the annual Fat Tire Bike Week, together have cemented Crested Butte as one the premier mountain biking destinations in the US.

Start: Camp 4 Coffee

All the coffee served at the three Camp 4 locations is roasted by hand in small batches. Supposedly only two people are privy to the secret roasting recipe—it’s that good. Camp 4 founder Al Smith came to Crested Butte from Alaska in 1993 and started his caffeine laden career with the Just Coffee cart at Mt. Crested Butte. Later, Al bought out the assets of Just Coffee and turned it into Camp 4, a name arrived at around the campfire during a climbing trip to Yosemite, CA. Along with your Americano or Triple Shot Latte, I highly recommend one of the breakfast biscuits, breakfast burritos, or even variety of donuts to help power you through your ride.

Ride: 401 Trail

If you’re a purist, you will start this ride in town or at least from the Camp 4 Coffee location up at Mountaineer Square at the base of Mt. Crested Butte. Yes, it is an 11 mile slog up a dirt road to Schofield Pass (10,722 ft), but the views are amazing along the way and you will feel great at the end of the day knowing you earned that endless flowy downhill. The 401 Trail singletrack starts right at the pass and immediately rises steeply and quickly—the climb is not easy. At almost 11,ooo ft, your legs and lungs will be screaming. As you reach the clearing, however, you will soon be whooping with glee as you head down, down, down through endless fields of chest height wildflowers and views across the Crystal River Valley and surrounding mountains. The trail is buffed, packed, and fast, with a few dodgy sections thrown in to make things interesting. At the base of the descent, there are numerous bail out points to Gothic Road if you have had enough or the weather is closing in—otherwise the 401 Trail singletrack continues over and along the creek, rolling through the woods all the way back to the town of Gothic

Beer: The Eldo Brewery and Taproom (215 Elk Ave., Crested Butte, CO 81224)

Nicknamed “a sunny place for shady people”, this is a no-frills serve yourself at the bar kind of place but the home beers are great and the burgers good. With only a small 7 barrel system and limited distribution, the Eldo can experiment and tweak each recipe to create a variety of delicious beers. Grab a Hooligan IPA or a Session Ale and head out to the sunny patio. On most weekend and some weekday nights during peak seasons, the Eldo features live music, with tickets sold at the door.

Thanks to Columbia Sportswear, I spent three days hiking the Grand Canyon to Havasupai, a desert oasis of lush waterfalls, crystal clear aquamarine water, and long time home of the Havasupai tribe (people of the blue-green waters). Columbia took a handful of editors, together with the enthusiastic OmniTen ambassador crew, to test out the new line of Omni-Freeze Zero cooling apparel .

The 10 mile trail to Havasupai begins on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the end of the Hualapai Hilltop Parkway. The first mile and a half consists of steep switchbacks, winding their way to down over 1000 feet to the canyon floor. The remainder of the trail slowly loses another 1300 feet, following the contours of the canyon, winding around boulders and cottonwood trees, with towering red rock walls above your head.

Packs of mules and horses litter the trail, rumbling up behind you and surprising you around blind corners. Much like hiking in the Himalaya with heavy yak traffic, the key is to step off the trail, remaining up canyon from the animals so you aren’t accidentally knocked over the edge.

After 8 miles, you arrive at the village of Supai, where around 450 Native Americans live year-round. The town hearkens of another era, with a small little café and general store waiting to relieve you with ice cold drinks such as Orange Crush and RC Cola. Numerous dogs lie in any spot of shade they can find, while postings on the community wall outside the general store advertise cows and horses for sale with nothing more than the name of a tribal member for contact information.

From Supai, it is only two miles further down the trail to the Havasupai campground. After almost 4 hours of hiking through the dusty, hot, baking sun of the desert, there is nothing like hearing the roaring rush of water and rounding the corner to site of Havasu Falls. Everyone immediately threw off their packs and jumped into the rushing pools.

The trip was guided by AOA Adventures who have a permanent camp setup at the front edge of the campground, just a few minutes hike from Havasu Falls. Home away from home for the next couple of days, our lush base camp of tents along Havasu creek, composting toilets with toilet paper, and a big camp kitchen churning out one amazing meal after another was hardly roughing it.

The campground is littered with numerous old mining caves set along the canyon walls. Nancy, ever the consummate explorer, discovered one not far from camp which teed us up for a mini adventure that evening. A short scramble leads you to the mouth of the cave, with endless pitch black tunnels that snake their way deep into the depths of the canyon walls. We found a second smaller cave further down the canyon with a great platform on which to spend a magical evening just sitting and staring up at the stars.

Although Columbia and AOA provided enormous tents with comfy sleeping pads, I chose to spend each night in the camp hammock, swinging in the warm breeze under the vast sea of stars framed on each side by the walls of the canyon, lulled to sleep by the white noise of the creek. As the nights stayed relatively warm with little in the way of bugs, my Columbia Reactor 35 degree sleeping bag offered plenty of cover to keep me comfortable.

The second day was spent thoroughly exploring our remote little Garden of Eden, with three other major waterfalls in the local area. Named after a prospector who fell to his death here, Mooney Falls is an adventurous 1/2 mile hike further down the canyon from camp. Tumbling 190 feet into a large blue pool, Mooney is perfect for swimming and experiencing the hurricane force wind and water behind the falls. Getting to the base of Mooney requires following a well worn, steep trail hugging the side of the cliff, passing through two tunnels and fortified with chains and ladders to aid in your safe descent.

Classic slot canyons lurk around every corner, just beckoning you to come explore. Climbing up a portion of one slot canyon, featured in Edward Abbey’s classic book Desert Solitaire, involved pulling yourself up through a crack in a boulder field, all the time hoping nothing would shift to create a potential 127 hours situation. The views from the tiny ledge at the top were more than worth the scrambling effort.

After a quick lunch back at camp, the remainder of the day involved exploring the new waterfall areas above camp. In August 2008, a massive flash flood swept through Havasu Canyon, bypassing the old Navajo Falls and creating two new falls: New Navajo Falls and Rock Falls. We were all transformed into giggling school kids playing in nature’s water park. We cliff jumped off high rock ledges into the deep pools beneath, climbed up walls and behind waterfalls, hiked through the creek, and generally swam the day away.

The last day we were all anxious to get up and out of the canyon early as the weather was predicted to be over 100 degrees. Adam and I left camp around 6 am and with only one short stop, we powered through the trail and were back up at Hualapai Hilltop in less than 3 ½ hours.

After three days of hiking and swimming in the Grand Canyon, my body was covered in a thin layer of red dust and travertine. Being dirty, tired, and mildly dehydrated never felt so good.

When to go: Late spring and early fall seem to be the most popular times. If you go in the heat of the summer like we did, make sure to get an early start as you will not find much shade on the trail.

How: Permits from the Havasupai tribe must be acquired prior to this hike so plan well in advance. You register and pay an entry fee at the tourist office upon arrival in Supai. For those not inclined to hike, horses are available for both gear and people, as well as a helicopter service that runs four days a week.

More information can be found at: http://www.havasupaitribe.com/

What to bring:

If you are hiking self supported, you will need the basics such as tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag or blanket, stove, fuel, food.
Swim suit or something to wear in the water
Backpack
Water shoes: Make sure they can take you from trail to water with the ability to drain quickly and offer good traction on slippery rock. Havasupai was the absolute perfect environment for us to play around in the Columbia Powerdrains all day.
Water filter: Potable spring water is freely available in camp but if you plan to hike from the campground down to Beaver Falls (3 miles) or even all the way to the Colorado River (8 miles), it might be nice to be able to filter water as needed along the way.
Double wall vacuum insulated water bottle: Keeps your water from boiling in the heat of the sun.
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Sunglasses: You might want to bring a back up pair as many in our group quickly lost them jumping in the water.
Hiking poles: They save your knees on the descents and provide extra balance on creek crossings.
Hiking shoes: I wore trail shoes as most of the trail is dirt and scree, so not a ton of need for ankle support. Bring shoes you are going to be comfortable pounding out 10 miles in with some weight on your back.
Hiking shirt and shorts/pants, ideally with UPF protection
Socks: your socks are going to get full of dirt and dust as you hike. I found putting on a fresh pair every morning saved me from getting friction hot spots and blisters.
Fleece: Nice to throw on in the morning or at night, depending on what time of year you go.
Neck gaiter: The horses and other hikers will kick up a lot of dust so having a gaiter to throw over your face is nice. Neck gaiters are also great for shielding the back of your neck and face from the sun.
Camera
Headlamp: For use around camp, exploring caves, and general safety. In my opinion, you should always have one in your pack.
Lighter: Another staple you should always have in your pack in case of emergency.
Cell phone: None of the AT&T subscribers had cell service but the Verizon people did once in awhile.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrCbq8PrEF0?fs=1&feature=oembed]

P.S. If any of the wonderful people below happen to read this: THANK YOU!!!!!

Certain colors elicit certain moods and changing the shade can change how we feel and even affect our behavior or performance. Marketers most definitely understand this. In their new line of snow goggles, Uvex takes advantage of the effect different colors have on us by providing a variety of colored lenses to match every weather situation and mood.

Called stimu lens, the colored snow goggle lenses not only filter out harmful UV rays and protect your eyes, but have a psychological effect that can be used for specific purposes. Colors, contrasts, brightness or definition influence feelings and stimulate a more efficient and energetic performance. The stimu lens models come in three different colors that address completely different demands–from the relaxed groomer ride to the adrenalin fueled run pushing your boundaries.

Relax–the pink tone has a calming effect and generates a feeling of harmony. In flat light, the color absorbs harsh glare and increases high contrast definition. Every bump is outlined, even in hard light, and every detail becomes visible, leaving you feeling safe and calm. We have all heard the saying, “through rose-colored glasses,” meaning to see things better than they really are.

Alert–when fog and low cloud hit the mountains, good visibility is crucial. The green light increases your awareness and ensures full concentration. The green color intensifies light–the lenses appear almost fluorescent along the edges, brightening your field of vision. These snow goggles ensure you reach the valley floor safely even when weather conditions and visibility are poor.

Psycho–the purple lenses makes good light even better, whether in full sunshine or scattered clouds. The purple tone stimulates your senses, amps up your thirst for adventure to tackle those trickier runs, and heightens your awareness. Purple fires up your motivation and gives you clear vision for riding at top speed.

The Uvex stimu lens line will be available in time for the 2015-2016 winter season.

http://www.steamykitchen.com

by Anna Fletcher

No one is more familiar with the limelight than the curly-leafed plant that is kale. (Except maybe Michael Jackson and William and Kate’s baby.) But though it’s a bit weird looking and closely resembles a chia pet, this superfood is one of the most popular vegetables in kitchens, restaurants, and grocery stores all over America. Because kale is super rich in beta carotene , vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium, it has health nuts raving.

And for you outdoor nuts, kale can be added to your list of camping food! It’s super simple to grill over the campfire and, in oven-baked chip form, a great snack to munch on while you wander the trails. So pack your kale along with your hammock next time you take a backpacking trip!

If you haven’t already caught on to the kale craze, it’s just a matter of time.

You may know that it’s one of the healthiest veggies. But did you know…

Kale is a winter vegetable. Although kale can be harvested before the first winter frost, its true, sweet flavor develops only after being exposed to the first frost so that some of its starch can be changed into sugar. It also continues to produce its leaves late into the winter.

Kale was literally a life saver. During World War II, people in the UK were saved from starvation because kale is easy to grow and one of the heartiest vegetables.

Vermont may claim kale as its own. Rumors are flying that kale might become the new state vegetable of Vermont!

Kale didn’t always have its fabulous reputation. It used to be known as “poor people’s food”, as it was a popular vegetable eaten by peasants in the Middle Ages.

Thomas Jefferson and the Scots were crazy about kale long before we were. Traditionally, kale was such a base in the Scottish diet that the word kale (or “kail” in dialect Scots) is synonymous with food. When you hear that you’re “off your kail”, it means that you’re feeling too sick to eat. Thomas Jefferson solidified his place as the true hipster by experimenting with several different varieties of kale in his garden in the early 1800s.

Kale prevents cancer. In a world where everything front burnt toast to a stick of gum causes cancer, kale actually protects against it. It has anti-cancer nutrients in the form of the compound glucosinolates , which protects the body from toxic elements. The risk-lowering benefits from these nutrients have been extended to at least 5 types of cancer: bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate.

There are 50 shades of kale. As well as over 50 varieties of it. Ana Steele’s got nothin’ on kale.

Kale has more vitamin C than an orange. One cup of chopped kale is equivalent to 134% of your recommended daily intake of the vitamin C, whereas a medium orange only has 113%. Move over orange juice, kale juice may very well become the drink of choice when you have the flu!

Crater Lake: Ride the Rim Vehicle-Free — Ride the Rim 2015

The opportunity to ride around a national park without the noise and worry associated with vehicle traffic is incredibly rare. So when I heard that Crater Lake National Park goes car-free for two Saturdays in September, I knew I had to go.

Straight off the plane from Interbike, I loaded up the Subaru with all our camping and bike gear, then pointed the car north for the 7 hour drive to the park.

The Mazama Village Campground (214 spots) just inside the south entrance is normally packed with families and school groups during summer holidays. But last weekend, everyone pitching a tent had a couple of bikes attached to the back of their cars. Though the weather dropped below freezing at night, we were all excited for the ride ahead and the opportunity to spend a couple rainfly-free nights staring up at the Milky Way.

While a handful of other national parks offer car-free bike access to their roads, this usually happens in the spring when the road is almost done being plowed and not yet open to vehicle traffic. While this is fantastic, you don’t always get to ride the entire road depending on how much snow remains. I would love to see more national parks follow Crater Lake and go vehicle-free for a couple days after the prime summer season.

The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake is fed only by snow and rain and for that reason is considered to be the cleanest large body of water in the world. The intense blue color is hard replicate in photos–you really need to see it in person.

As part of the Vehicle-Free Days, Crater Lake blocks off East Rim Drive, giving cyclists and pedestrians (and the occasional dog) access to 24 miles of roadway without vehicle noise and the constant buzz of traffic. Apart from backpacking through the wilderness, I can’t imagine a better way to experience a national park.

We decided to ride straight from the campground, so had roughly 13 miles of road up to the Rim Village and on to the North Junction to share with cars–we left early enough in the morning that it didn’t much matter. Once we hit East Rim Drive, we were giddy with being able to ride pretty much wherever we wanted.

The route was filled in both directions with bikers of all sorts–cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, cross bikes, road bikes, young and old. Every single person had a huge smile on their face. If it’s not enough to have the road to yourself, the park, together with a group of volunteers, were nice enough to set up a five well stocked water and food stations along the 24 mile stretch where you can refill your bottles, grab a snack, and take a bathroom break.

Though you are technically riding the rim of the caldera, it is by no means flat. During our 43 mile ride, we climbed over 4400 feet–the climbs are generally long and the descents equally so. But not to worry, as it’s hard not to pull over and take in the view every mile or so. Yes, you could crank out the ride in a few hours, but why?

Don't miss the side trip to Cloudcap Overlook.

For those that live nearby, Crater Lake National Park will be offering the same Vehicle-Free Day again this Saturday. By all means, grab your bike and go.

You can find more info about riding around Crater Lake on the official Ride the Rim website.

For those who may be new to backpacking or don't overnight hike that often, Kelty designed the TrailLogic collection to make heading out into the backcountry less of a daunting prospect. Taking the Gregory Trail Smart system one step further, Kelty's complete line of packs, tents, sleeping bags, and camping pads all work together, creating a grab and go base system for your next backpacking adventure.

The PK 50 backpack ($199.95) sits at the core of the collection, offering compartmentalized organization to easily accommodate the rest of your gear and speed campsite set up. A removable clothing compartment sits at the front of the pack to either be thrown inside your tent at camp or removed to create a 35-liter pack for your day hikes or shorter trips. Completely zipper-free, the roll-top closures on the PK 50 completely eliminate the chance of any broken zipper catastrophes in the backcountry.

To save space inside your pack, the Kelty TN 2 ($249.95) and TN 3 ($299.95) tents feature shorter, more compact poles and a cube shaped stuff sack that fits perfectly inside the dedicated PK 50 compartment. Each tent comes with a Stargazing Fly, giving you a view of the night sky while allowing you to deploy the fly if it starts to rain without ever leaving your sleeping bag.

The 800-fill DriDown insulated SB 20 ($299.95) and SB 35 ($249.95) sleeping bags feature waterproof panels on the head and toe box to protect your bag from condensation on the inside of the tent. A full-length, 2-way zipper lets you create your own ventilation holes or fully open into a blanket during warmer weather. Both bags fit into the PK 50’s separate sleeping bag compartment, with or without a stuff sack.

Finally, three different camping pads, including the PDsi full-length ($79.95), PDsi ¾ length ($69.95), and PDa air chamber pad ($69.95), each fold up into their own cube shape stuff sack to easily fit in the dedicated backpack compartment. The PDsi and PDsi ¾ use body mapping to shape the pad and remove excess material from key locations to help cut down on weight.

Each piece in the Kelty TrailLogic collection is sold separately and also compatible with other gear in case you don't want to purchase an entire system. The TrailLogic collection will be available starting Spring 2014 (probably around January 2014).

Therm-a-Rest Antares Sleeping Bag And NeoAir XLite Review

Patagonia Ascensionist Alpine Backpack Series

Arc'teryx Fast And Light Climbing Collection

订阅：博文 (Atom)