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Terramar Baselayer TXO Body Sensor Series & Merino Wool Beanie

November 26, 2012 gear, review, video 0

The key to any successful cool-weather, outdoor adventure is to stay warm and dry, and Terramar’s TXO Body-Sensor series top and bottom-wear garments are a comfortable choice to this end. Soft, breathable, fast drying, they are made from carbon-based, anti-microbial yarn that retains and radiates body heat back to the skin. The resulting moisture-wicking and long-lasting odour control features make them an ideal choice as your base layer solution. The individual TXO 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 garments are designed and constructed to work together based on proven principles of layered clothing strategy for keeping the body warm and dry with good air circulation.

Why is layering important? Layering provides finer control for managing body temperature and comfort compared to limited “on/off” only control of non-layered approaches. Consider an extreme scenario hiking uphill through the snow in subzero temperatures with a thermal control strategy that consists of nothing more than a heavy winter parka over bare skin. The hiker quickly becomes overheated with exertion, his only option for cooling being to remove the jacket, exposing damp, sweaty skin to the extreme elements. While this may provide temporary relief, the body cools too quickly, starts to shiver, and the skin begins to burn from the biting chill. The only option is to once again don the heavy parka and press on with only a matter of time before the body is again overheating. This ineffective approach allows only “on” or “off” control with no comfort in between.

By contrast, the Terramar BASELAYER TXO Body-Sensor system works on the proven principles of multiple layers of clothing, allowing finer comfort control by simply adding or removing layers as exertion levels and environmental conditions change.

The base layer is undoubtedly the most important, designed to wick moisture away from the body as quickly as possible. However, it is not sufficient to select a fabric simply for its absorbent properties; it must be able to quickly release that moisture to an outer layer allowing itself to dry, otherwise it will continue to zap the body’s heat. This will be especially noticeable as exertion and climatic conditions decrease.Pro-mesh ZVP ventilation panels on the back side of the garment and under the arms and armpits facilitate good air circulation.

Terramar TXO 1.0 garment lies closest to the skin and is extremely light weight and comfortable at just 120 grams. I felt it was perhaps a little too snug towards the back of the arm pit – that said, it could be more a matter of body maintenance (ie. lose some weight!) than garment design. As with all TXO layers, it is constructed with all flat seam construction which means no uncomfortable chaffing.

The X-Odor technology on all TXO performance layers boasts moisture and odour control. While out snowshoeing, I was pleased to feel warm and dry instead of damp and clammy. X-odor fabric technology did not eliminate odour, but it was noticeably less offensive at the end of the day than another garment under similar conditions.

The next outer layer(s) are designed with increased focus on insulating properties in addition to moisture wicking features to support the transport begun by the base layer. As such, you should always wear a lower number garment under a higher number garment for optimal performance. I did not have a 2.0 garment to review, but I did have the outer 3.0 fleece. Extremely soft and comfortable with the same care to avoid chaff points such as seams and also behind the zipper.

Another product from Terramar is the merino wool Beanie. I confess, when it first arrived, I thought it was little more than a shower cap – in fact, less than a shower cap, seeing as it isn’t even waterproof! However, merino wool has excellent insulation properties and a popular choice for active wear solutions. Although not entirely flattering, it is very comfortable and provides good warmth. The thin weave design makes it suitable as part of a layered garment strategy for your head; you can wear it under a ski helmet or another hat or toque.

I have been satisfied to use the Terramar TXO Body Sensor 1.0 & 3.0 tops and bottoms on several early morning walks and mountain snowshoe outings. An additional layer was needed when biting winds sprang up and when standing around, but the Terramar TXO Body Sensor Series are effective as intended – as part of a sensible layered strategy for cool weather outdoor activities. So, if you are still struggling to get finer control over managing your body temperature in the great outdoors, why not consider the quality, light weight comfort solution from Terramar this season?

Tubbs Snowshoes Mountaineer Video Review

November 24, 2012 gear, review, video 0

Our review of the Tubbs Snowshoes‘ Mountaineer Snowshoes comes in the form of an excellently produced video made by our new reviewer Tim. Please take a look at the video below to see his take on this incredibly versatile piece of gear.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them below and we’ll get back to you with the answers as best we can. We will be updating this post with more information so stay tuned!

Feel like keeping up to date with the on social media? Why not follow and like on twitter and facebook:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TubbsSnowshoes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TubbsSnowshoes

Feature: Sierra Trading Post

November 19, 2012 gear, review 0

I’ve been shopping at the Sierra Trading Post online for about 3 years now. The deals are incredible and frequent and their store is incredibly easy to navigate. Around the end of the year my wife and I start eyeing things that we’d like and wait for the right sale. Actually, we usually pick up most of the clothes we need for the year in a week just because it is such a good price.

It was their great variety of backpacking and outdoor gear and clothing that made me say yes when the Sierra Trading Post offered two $50 gift cards for our Outdoor Winter Giveaway. The only downside is that I wouldn’t get one.

To say thank you to them for the generosity and to share with you the amazingness that is the Sierra Trading Post I worked with Andy Hawbaker to put together a profile that I thought would be interesting.

Read more by clicking “Read More” below and see how to enter to win a $50 gift card.

What is the Sierra Trading Post and how can they offer such great prices?

Sierra Trading Post started in 1986 as a catalog company and has grown into a top 100 internet retailer plus has four brick and mortar outlet stores located in Cheyenne, Cody WY., Reno, and Boise. We offer Great Deals on Great Brands because we purchase overstock and closeouts from all the major outdoor brands. We solve a problem for these outdoor companies by buying up all of their extra product. Sometimes the companies even do an extra run of a product just for us if they have extra fabrics. We’ve built great relationships with these brands and that allows us to sell these great products at 30 to 70% off the retail price.

And what is this hub of which you speak?

The Hub is the Sierra Trading Post company blog but instead of being one sales pitch after another we focus on sharing adventures, encouraging people to get outside and sharing our love of the outdoors and outdoor activities. People can make and share their own blogs and comment on others too.

The Hub Brand Spotlight

Each Thursday we do a Brand Spotlight where we pick one of the brands we sell and give a little history or story about the brand. Then we giveaway a product each week to one lucky winner.

Can you explain a bit about the STP Live events?

We started STP Live in October as a fun way to interact with our customers and fans. Basically, it is a live video feed where we feature one brand and talk about that brand and the products they make. We take live questions from Twitter and answer them on the air. We try to provide valuable information to help viewers make informed decisions on their outdoor gear purchases.

Our next STP Live is scheduled for 2 pm Nov. 29th. We will be featuring Redfeather Snowshoes and will provide information about the brand as well as choosing the right pair of snowshoes.

Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter to receive their daily dealflyer coupons!

Enter below to win a $50 gift card to Sierra Trading Post

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Backpacker’s Pantry freeze dried meals – My Favourite!

November 12, 2012 cooking, review 1

Probably the quickest and easiest way of cooking on the trail is with Freeze Dried meals. Your meal, as many of us know, comes pre mixed in a reflective, resealable bag and only requires boiling water. You just mix it well and thne seal it and in 5-15 minutes you’re ready to eat. The waiting time is a great opportunity to set up camp or chat with friends… or just plain relax after a long day of hiking. Fortunately, because of all the money invested in this market, you can get pretty much whatever you want!

Unfortunately, not all brands are created equally. Some are far inferior and don’t hydrate properly, others just become a mix of goopy slop (kind of like that lunch you left in the bottom of your backpack in elementary school). I’ve received free samples from several different companies with mixed results… including one that I could barely finish and then barely keep down (avoid freeze dried asparagus).

However, some brands just seem to have gotten it right. They know what they’re doing, they take care with recipes and quality of ingredients… and the results are just incredible. That has always been the case with me for Backpacker’s Pantry. I’ve never been disappointed with any of their entrees. They have a great taste and texture every time… Even when I’ve prepared them at high altitudes (over 9000 feet) they’ve rehydrated correctly without any crunch… that wasn’t supposed to be crunch. I’ve been so impressed with them, that I went out and bought their Vegan 2 person, 3 day meal kit for next year’s John Muir Trail hike (#JMT2013 on twitter).

As I mentioned, a while ago I was sent a variety of their freeze dried meals by Backpacker’s Pantry to try and another set to giveaway (see entry form below). They had even had a vegan meal in there (Pad Thai). Not only were they the envy of my hiking buddies, but it was some of the best hiking food I’ve ever tried.

The reason I bought the Vegan 2 peron, 3 day meal set was because it comes with 2 Pad Thai meals. Although it take a bit longer to prepare (20 minutes) it was well worth the wait. It comes with a big pack of peanut butter and another pack of peanuts to add to the rice noodles and other ingredients. In the end you have something that rivals a decent Thai restaurant.

The Santa Fe style chicken and rice was something I tried on a hike down the Choro Trail. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was incredible. I know hunger is always a factor in taste, but the portion was so big I had to stop half way through. I woke up later that night and ended up polishing it off. I just couldn’t stop myself.

There were other meals as well that were equally as pleasing and I won say too much more because a lot of it depends on one’s individual tastes. Personally, I don’t think you’ll go wrong with any of the entrees!

I just want to say I’m not a huge desert fan. On a hike with a bunch of guys I decided to share around a pack of Dark Chocolate Cheesecake. I admit that it doesn’t have the consistency of cheesecake, but all in all, everyone who tried it was pleased with the taste. If you’re someone that doesn’t like to go without dessert, check out their line of freeze dried desserts.

Have you tried Backpacker’s Pantry? What are your experiences? Do you have a favourite meal?

Klymit Inertia X-Lite 3/4 Length Sleeping Pad Review

November 5, 2012 gear, review, video 6

When it comes to sleeping on the trail, I’ve realized that it’s not worth compromising sleep quality. I’ve had a closed cell foam pad for some time, but when I turned 30 on a hike this past June I knew that it was worth investing a bit of money on something nicer. I had searched for a long time for a lightweight sleeping pad that didn’t take up a lot of space, and I decided to throw money at one of Klymit’s many pads, the X-Lite.

Just the Facts

Length: 42″
Width: 18″
Height: 1.5″
Weight: 6.1 oz
Comes with:
- Stuff sack
- repair kit
- Dry-inflate pump
Packed size: 1.5″ x 6″

The Details

The X-Lite is a 3/4 length version of the X-Frame, a sleeping pad designed using Bodymapping to minimize the amount of weight and pad needed, while making sure your body stays comfortable. It provides lots of support for the head, shoulders and waist, but minimizes fabric and padding around the parts of your body that don’t need it. This allows the X-Frame to drop down to a lightweight 9.1 ounces and the X-Lite to weigh only 6.1 oz. It’s an ingenious concept that I see as one of the few revolutions in sleeping pads that we’ve seen in the last 10 years.

The bodymapping has another benefit. The whole sleeping pad packs down to about the size of an energy drink can. My biggest complaint about the closed cell foam pad is the amount of space it uses. This can’t be beat for size, weight or comfort.

When you first look at the sleeping pad you’ll probably think something along the lines of, “This is good for back sleepers, but useless for side sleepers”, at least that’s what I thought. As a guy who divides his time about 50/50 between side and back sleeping and having using this pad for over 60 nights now I can happily say that it works for both. The padding in the key zones makes it comfortable to sleep in both positions.

Another benefit of these body mapped pads are their loft pockets. If you do using a normal sleeping pad, you’ve probably heard that compressed insulation (read the underside of your sleeping bag) doesn’t do much insulating. With the empty spaces in the pad, your bag can loft and your sleeping bag can do its job.

If you worry about falling off the pad or are a wriggly sleeper try putting the x-lite inside your sleeping pad. You get all the benefits without slipping off it in the night.

The other concern I had was not having a full length pad. I recommend taking your current sleeping pad and using it only for your head and torso. Try using your empty pack to elevate your feet. You’ll find that your legs probably don’t even touch the ground at all. This is essentially how to use a 3/4 length pad and you’ll probably find it serves you just fine. If not, try the x-frame for an extra 3 oz.

The one thing that I had to get used to was the width. At 18″ wide I find that my arms hang down off the edges a bit.I had to get used to sleeping with my arms crossed or hands folded. I’m used to it now, but if I was to improve it I’d add another 2 inches to the width to make it a bit more luxurious.

Inflation

The pad can be inflated with either the mouth valve or the pump connect. If moisture isn’t an issue, it is recommended that you blow it up with your lungs (about 3 breathes for me) and then top up to the pressure you like with the inflation pump. If you are in a really cold environment and you don’t want moisture in the pad, you can work away with only the pump. It will take a while, but it works.

The mouth inflation valve has three settings: Open, closed and locked. Open is for inflation and letting the air out. In the closed setting, the valve is shut, but it acts as a pressure relief valve. It is recommended for when you top up the pressure with your hand pump. If you over inflate, the valve will open and the pad won’t burst. The Locked setting is for when you’re using it. It makes sure the air doesn’t escape when you’re sleeping on it.

The Pump itself works with a universal connect and even has a pressure relief button to lower the inflation if you need to so you don’t have to open the mouth valve and start all over again.

Conclusion

Klymit has created some really excellent pads for backpacking. The X-Lite is perfect for me. I’m incredibly impressed with its comfort, packability and weight. The only improvement for me would be to make it a bit wider.

If you’re looking for a new pad, check them out. They don’t just do minimalist pads. I’m probably going to pick up the Static V for my wife, who wants something a bit more luxurious for our backpacking adventures.

Treksta Assault GTX Hiking Boot Review

October 22, 2012 gear, review 0

Back in Spring, I was sent a pair of Treksta Assault GTX hiking boots (at my request). I knew I was going to be doing some hiking in rough terrain and in cold weather, so I turned to something a bit sturdier than my typical hiking shoe for the job. The Treksta Assault GTX, turned out to be a great hiking boot for many reasons and I will definitely be recommending it to friends who prefer a bit more support in their outdoors adventures.

Nestfit

The first thing you notice when you look at a pair of Treksta shoes is the unconventional design (off centered lacing and a contoured toe box that doesn’t follow the normal curve of a pair of shoes). I recommend checking out their explanation of their Nestfit technology. It’s an obvious idea when you think about it. The scanned over 250 different foot types and made a foot mold based on the combined results. What they have is a foot mold that looks more like a regular foot, with toes and more contours.

So Treksta took that and designed their shoe around it. Instead of putting the lacing in the middle of the shoe, they placed it over the ridge of it to prevent rubbing and chaffing when it is worn. They took into account toe placement as well so that your toes don’t get jammed together and rub against each other. Each toe has its own place and sits comfortably inside it. The actual toe cap is divided into curves that look strange at first, but when you understand the technology it makes sense. It’s all to make sure your toes stay comfortable when hiking, while keeping them protected.

Does Nestfit work?

Hiking boots are generally notorious for the amount of time they need to be broken in. I took them out hiking in Bolivia on a 12 mile round trip uneven trail up to a 5000 meter base camp in about 5 hours (including breaks) and the only thing sore were my legs from the climb and my head from the altitude.

Another things that these have over my typical hiking shoe is arch support. I found it uncomfortable for a day as it re-trained my foot (I had been wearing watershoes most of the time) but it didn’t make my foot sore. I just read on the website after writing the above that the “Triple-density EVA insole supports the arch, cushions key strike zones, and strengthens your stride.” I guess we came to the same conclusion.

HyperGrip Sole

You gotta love a shoe with a solid amount of soul. The Treksta Assault GTX boast what they call HyperGrip. Hypergrip is an outsole rubber used on all their shoes that is supposed to blend durability with grip so you don’t have to suffer in different terrain or loose out by a sole that wears out.

Does HyperGrip work?

I’ve used these shoes in gravel, dirt, rock and snow in both wet and dry conditions. In all conditions I felt confident and had good traction. The rubber is a good blend of durability and pliability. The only time I felt a bit awkward was after taking a wrong turn on a steep and icy approach to a basecamp and I didn’t have my crampons on. Even then I escaped without problems.

Without scientific testing, I can’t give overly specific results of how they perform, but I can vouch for the fact that it’s a great sole and that even after 6 months of regular use the whole shoe, sole included is holding up great and has many a mile to go!

Tongue and Lacing

As we mentioned above the nestfit places the lacing over the ridge of your foot. Combine that with a continuous tongue and you have a great design. As I said previously I could take these out only long hikes from the start without feeling any discomfort or developing any sore spots on my foot. A huge plus.

The only trouble was when I broke a lace after a few months use. It wore through at one of the metal eyelets. I was able to use my basic knowledge of knots to fix it and I haven’t had any problems since.

Gore-Tex

Hiking at 5400 meters in Bolivia

What can one say? It’s made with gore-tex. I have used these boots in hot and cold weather, both wet and dry and don’t have any complaints about them.

Support

Obviously a hiking boot offers more support than your typical low or mid boot. I wanted that stability for hikes with my kids where distance isn’t a factor and where a heavy pack (loaded with gear for 3 or 4 little hikers) is expected. I also wanted it for work on snow and ice where ankle support is essential. These shoes provided all of that, but at the same time are comfortable enough for a day hiking around town. At 19 oz each they’re not too much of a drag on your feet, even if they are more than a typical pair of shoes.

Despite their differently shaped sole,
the Treksta Assault work well with Trail Crampons too!

Just the facts

Upper Material: synthetic and leather

Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane

Sole: HyperGrip (rubber, fiberglass)

Midsole: Zero Gravity EVA

Footbed: triple-density EVA

Technologies: NestFit, HYPERGRIP, GORE-TEX

Weight: 19 oz each

Cost: $210 MRSP

Do you have any shoes made by Treksta? What is your experience? Backpacker’s Magazine gave their Evolution Mids Editor’s Choice in 2011.

Polarmax PMX Hoodie and Comp 4 Tech Tights

October 15, 2012 gear, review, video 1

Earlier this year I was given a set of Polarmax.com‘s Warmest Baselayers (the Comp 4 Tech Fleece line). The sent me the PMX Hoodie and the Comp 4 Tech Tights. I’ve had several months to put them through their paces and I’m ready to give them a solid review on a solid product line.

Check out the long term review and accompanying video below:

A Quick Look at Polarmax

Polarmax is a US company that puts out 100% Made in the USA products that boasts a lower environmental impact by sourcing, producing and making their products within about a 10 mile radius.

Product Features

Polarmax products feature 2 main additions to the fabric: acclimate dry and scent prevent.

Acclimate dry is their wicking fabric that is a blend of polyester and spandex. It pulls moisture away from the skin and dries off very quickly.

The Scent Prevent technology is an anti-microbial anti-odor proprietary tech that keeps you smelling fresher for longer.

Does it work?

A resounding yes. No matter how hard I hike in this gear, you never get that uncomfortable, wet feel. There’s no peeling off soaking wet base layers. The moisture dissipates. The only negative experience was wearing an inferior base layer underneath which held the moisture. After taking that off I found the PMX hoodie comfortable to wear even though it had been next to a wet cotton shirt. The compression tights are the same. It is going to be damp, but 5 minutes in the wind is all I’ve ever needed to get rid of any remaining moisture.

The Scent prevents does work, about as well as you can get with synthetics. It’s not going to outperform merino wool, but it does a good job at fighting smell. After multi day trips I’ve walked away with minimal stink and smell, so it does do what it says it does. I’ve yet to find any product (merino wool included) that lets me walk away from a trip smelling as roses.

PMX Hoodie

It’s a solid hooded top that keeps your head and neck warm. It has become a go to item for every one of my cold weather hiking trips.

The only improvement would be to the PMX Hoodie. The thumb holes that keep your sleeves high and prevent cold wrists do their job, but they’re placed in a way that requires the sleeve to twist a bit to fit properly over the thumbs. They could be better placed, but they do a good job at what they are meant to do.

Facts:

8.5 oz. / sq. yd

Athletic Fit

90% Acclimate Dry, 10% Spandex

Heavy Weight 4-Way Stretch Fabric

Tech Face / Brushed Fleece Interior

Acclimate Dry Moisture Wicking

Stretches for Mobility

Anti-Microbial / Anti-Odor Protection

Flat Seam Construction for Ultimate Comfort

Machine Wash/Dry; Easy Care; No Shrinking

100% Made in the USA

Price: $70 online

Comp 4 Tech Tights

They looked too small when I opened up the package, but the stretch fabric has a great fit, keeping your muscles warm. I’ve used them from everything to summit attempts to downhill mountain biking to just keeping me warm in my sleeping bag at night. A really great product that is another go to item for backpacking and hiking.

Facts:

8.5 oz. / sq. yd

Athletic Fit

90% Acclimate Dry, 10% Spandex

Heavy Weight 4-Way Stretch Fabric

Tech Face / Brushed Fleece Interior

Acclimate Dry Moisture Wicking

Stretches for Mobility

Anti-Microbial / Anti-Odor Protection

Flat Seam Construction for Ultimate Comfort

Machine Wash/Dry; Easy Care; No Shrinking

100% Made in the USA

Price: $50 online

The Get Outdoors and Learn Project

October 11, 2012 #GetOutLearn, gear, review 0

Between school and homework, kids aren’t getting as much time outdoors as they should. Add things like computers, television and gaming systems to the mix and things don’t look bright. The Outdoor Adventure team is very conscious of this, as many of us have school-age children. We’ve put together a project plan that we believe will encourage and motivate kids and teens to get outdoors, while at the same time helping them fulfil educational requirements.

As parents, some in the Outdoor Adventure Team are involved with a community of homeschooling families all around North America. As a community, these parents are often looking for new, creative ways to not only foster a great passion of ours: a love for the outdoors, but also provide fun, fulfilling projects for our learners.

Our project plan is to connect outdoors brands with capable, enthusiastic young people. The exchange is simple. The kids write reviews on products provided to them by interested companies. We carefully work with these young authors to edit and perfect the article. We then publish it on our web site. In some cases, the young person would also make a video review of the product, which would then be polished and then published on our youtube.com channel.

We believe that providing capable tweens and teens with opportunities to test and write reviews on outdoors products benefits all participants. These students will be motivated by being able to get gear to test and keep. Brands benefit by having their products tested and reviewed by their end-user demographic and helping kids Get Outdoors and Learn.

If you’d be interested in participating in this project or would simply like to have one of your gear reviewed by one of our adult reviewers, we’d love to work with you!

We’ve created a page to keep things up to date, including participating companies. Check it out here: Get Outdoors and Learn.

Canoe Trip: North to Athabasca – a book review

September 27, 2012 review 0

After procrastinating about writing about a blog post last night and then waking up to a cloudy and cold day I figured it was time for another book review. Suiting the weather, this is going to be a cloudy review with only a few rays of sunshine. I’m talking about “Canoe Trip: North to Athabasca” by David Curran.

David Curran is a Psychologist who has written a few other books on Psychology and Canoeing in Maine, none of which I have read, and honestly none of which I am now interested in reading. It sounds heavy, but when I have a small book budget every year, I don’t take chances on bad track records.

His book on Athabasca is about his experience planning for and paddling down the Macfarlane river in northern Saskatchewan. The route takes him to a final destination of the famous Lake Athabasca. His was the second such recorded trip down the river, the prior trip having been done some ten years earlier by a larger team. He chose to head down the river with only one other person and manage the river journey in 6 days. It was an impressive feat, but the book left me less than impressed. Here’s why.

Don’t get me wrong, the account of the actual trip is interesting, especially if you can ignore his incessant references to Maine… which one would think was the most amazing place to canoe in the world. My biggest struggle with reading this was that the first few (seven) chapters are filled with seemingly irrelevant digressions and side stories that all seem forced… as if he was padding and fluffing the word count to have enough material to publish… about Maine… Even then we are left with a heavy 130 page tome.

To add a bit of my own background, I almost always read books out loud to my wife. It makes it a joint experience and more vivid. We honestly groaned and cringed while reading through the first chapters. My wife walked away several time for something to eat/drink and to relieve her frustration. Oh and references to Maine were so frequent that they became a running joke.

The origin of the problems in this book is (in my opinion) the fact that he did this trip as much to write a book about his experience as it was to have the experience. Less passion, more pension. The result was that the first chapters are sloppy and fluffy and hard to chew through and the conclusion is sudden, unexpected and leaving you wanting more closure, more purpose. At the end of the book I wasn’t sure what the Maine point was.

Another thing that bothered me was his cultural insensitivities. My wife says, “He’s an American writing about Canada… and that says it all.” He wasn’t insulting, he was condescending. He writes like a clinical psychiatrist when he should be sensitive to other nationalities and cultures. The way he talks about indigenous beliefs is too “factual” and not accommodating enough. While that may be important in a Psychology text, in a relax by-the-fire story it is distracting at best.

Once we got to the meat of the adventure – actually canoeing down the river, things picked up and I felt he was writing from the heart. It’s like a presenter wading through formalities at the beginning of his talk. Once he’s fulfilled his contractual obligations he gets into the emotion, spirit and enthusiasm of the adventure… about 10 minutes in… or in this case, eight chapters. When he talks about his anticipation and tense moments of navigating rapids you see someone telling a story, not someone trying to write a book.

And then it ends. I was just getting into the story and then it stopped. I thought it was a joke. There was no closure, no big impact, just a proverbial unfinished sentence.

So, in honour of the story, I’ll end this review here.

In conclusion, I found the actual story of the adventure entertaining and interesting (chapter 8 onwards). The first 7 chapters were mostly irrelevant and forced fluff. The Epilogue was extremely lacking. it was just a dry observation of how nature changes and we have to adapt… believe me, it sounds better in that one sentence than it did in those closing 5 paragraphs. He did little in the book to lead us to that conclusion.

It’s not a bad read, but it wasn’t a great read. I was looking for a canoe adventure and I didn’t really find it. I’m having a much better time reading True North: A Journey into Unexplored Wilderness byElliot Merrick.

Tilley Tec-wool Winter Hat (with video)

September 24, 2012 gear, review, video 3

I’ve had a Tilley hat for over 3 years now. It goes with me everywhere. It’s the perfect hat for summer weather to keep sun and rain off my head. It breathes well too keeping my head cool in hot weather. That’s excellent for late spring to early fall, but it’s no good for winter. As a result I found myself looking for something to handle winter, but that offered the same comfort and versatility as my Tilley Nylamtium® Hat. Needless to say, I was happy to have the opportunity to get my hands on the Tilley Tec-wool Winter hat.

The Tilley Tec-wool is a medium brimmed wool hat that comes with earwarmers that tuck out of the way when you don’t need them. It’s a versatile hat that can serve for outdoor and urban adventures.

Me in my Tilley Nylamtium summer hat.

First off, I need to explain why you’d put down $105 on a hat. It’s a lot, I know, but look at what you’re getting. A LIFETIME warranty. If it wears out in your lifetime they’ll replace it for free! That means you’ll literally never have to buy another hat. If you lose it within two years of purchase it’s insured against loss too! Add to that the fact that it’s great fitting, great looking and extremely functional and you’ll start to see why it’s worth dishing out a bit more for a Tilley.

The Tec-wool hat is extremely comfortable. I chose the same size as my other Tilley and this one fits perfectly. I quickly retired my old Tilley for the cold weather and pretty much always wear the Tec-wool, except in hot weather. The Tec-wool is treated for rain and snow so it is at least resistant to inclement weather. I’ve been out in a snow and rain storm in the hat and in light rain it’s great. Extreme rain storms are a bit too much for the hat, but you’ll be wanting something waterproof in those conditions.

Hiking on Huayna Potosi in Bolivia at 17 000+ feet

As I said, the Tec-wool comes with built in ear warmers that fold away when you don’t need them. With the earwarmers folded up or worn down, the hat stays very comfortable. Better yet, you’d never know that it had earwarmers when they’re folded inside! You can still look fashionable when you don’t need your ears warmed!

When I have needed the earwarmers, I’ve found them to work really well. They’re big enough so that they easily cover your ears completely and don’t allow wind or cold in. They’re not just a gimmic. I hiked up to a glacier in Bolivia at 4 AM one morning and my ears never got cold, despite the wind and below freezing temperatures. I’ve taken them up to over 17 000 feet and stayed comfortable all the time. No brain freeze!

Another cool feature of the Tilley (besides the cool secret pocket inside the hat) is that it’s crushable and packable. No need for hat boxes here. If someone sits on it or if you need to shove it in your pack or pocket, you don’t have to worry about damage. For the Tec-wool it means I don’t need to worry about taking it outside and using it on my adventures, which is good as it’s my wife’s favourite hat for me.

My Tilley on the start of the Choro trail (a 4670 meters or 1531 feet).

The only downside about this hat is that it’s dry clean only. It is wool after all, but it’s still a bit of a downside when I can wear my other nylon Tilley in the shower or throw it in the laundry machine to clean it. That said, it’s a small price to pay for a hat that’s both functional and fashionable.

Conclusion

…continued below video

If I would have to choose one hat, I’d definitely choose the Tec-wool. It’s great for almost all weather (it insulates in cold weather and breathes well in warm). The brim does a good job of keeping the sun off your face (although the Tilley wide brim hats are unbeatable for that). It is a incredibly good looking hat that is just at home with dress clothes as it is in your hiking wear. Finally and more importantly, when it comes to hats it’s incredibly comfortable to wear. Add this all up and I can tell you that I’ve never had a better hat!

Head out to your local outdoors store and check out this and the other Tilley hats. You’ll be impressed with everything about these hats.

Do you have your own Tilley or know someone who does? Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear what model it is and what your/their model is and what your opinion is of it!

Stanley Adventure Cook Set

September 20, 2012 gear, review 1

The Stanley Adventure Cook Set is another one of Stanley’s reliable, sturdy, heavy duty, life time warranty boasting products. What is it? It’s a cook pot with vented lid that hides two nesting, insulated mugs for those cold mornings and nights outdoors. It’s a great product that is versatile enough to be used hiking, camping or on a canoe or kayaking trip.

I asked Stanley if I could try out this set and I’m glad I did, It’s a great versatile piece of kit that although not ultra light weight is sturdy and durable without being too heavy.

The Adventure Cook Set pot weighs in at just under 7 oz with the lid on and boils 24 ounces (0.7 liters) of water. Just enough for two full cups of coffee or other favourite hot beverage (or 3 if you want to save a bit more for yourself!). It’s made out of stainless steel as well making it great for long term durability… and those that are rough with their outdoor equipment.

The lid is a great fit and the steam vent holes are small enough to strain most pasta as well. Once, when I had left only a bit of water in the pot and the flames on the stove went too high the handle got soft and started to melt. I saved it, but make sure you have enough water on to boil and you keep the flames to a reasonable level.

There’s a handle on the top that folds out and locks into place for easy pouring. Just be careful as it can heat up. I haven’t had a problem when holding the end of it, but too close to the pot and it gets toasty. When you’re done, the handle folds back on top and holds the whole package together when you’re on the trail.

The mugs themselves weigh in at 3 oz each. That puts the whole set to just under 12 oz, but the cups do a great job of keeping food or drink warm. I’ve used them on several occasions and even in a cold breeze they allow you to enjoy the drink and the morning, instead of having to bolt it down before it turns tepid.

I really like the dimensions of the pot. It’s not overly wide like many pots and therefore is really easy to stuff in a pack. It’s 6″ tall and 4″ in diameter. With both cups in side I can even fit my 9 gram alcohol inside, with heat shield and ground insulator. With only 1 cup I can even fit fuel enough for a couple hot meals.

Overall I’m very happy with the Cook Set. The design is excellent, the dimensions are perfect and the stainless steel means it will last. The insulated mugs are great for keeping food and drinks hot and make it a great reason to take it on my outdoor adventures.

Lightweight Wicking Towel by Discovery Trekking

September 10, 2012 gear, review 2

Back in April of this year Discovery Trekking sent me one of their lightweight “ultralite” towels to try out. After a few months of use and sharing around with friends I figured it was time to sit down and give my thoughts on this packable, quick drying, lightweight towel that shows you don’t need to sacrifice size or weight to have a towel on the trail.

Who is Discovery Trekking?

Discovery Trekking is a Canadian company that produces North American sourced and made products. Their focus is wicking – Wicking wear, wicking bedding and acessories like wicking towels. The biggest draw for me as a backpacker is their towels.

Discovery Trekking Towels

Discovery Trekking has a line of “ultralite” towels meant to be portable and quick drying. They come in a variety of sizes from 19” x 19” (and 1.3 oz) to a comfortable full sized towel that is a whopping 34” x 58”.

The Polyester used in these synthetic towels drys out very quickly. After soaking the towel and wringing out the water I let it hand on a dry summer morning with very little breeze. In dried out in just an hour. Being made of Polyester It also means they don’t don’t absorb water quite as quickly as a standard cotton towel when using it do dry yourself off. It does a fine job as a towel, and it’s comfortable too. Just remember, you’re backpacking or camping, not staying at the Ritz. You want something light and packable that dries out quickly.

Discovery sent me the Large 34×50 towel and I was surprised at how small it compresses down to (a 7” x 3.25” roll). The same towel weighs in at only 9.85 oz.

a 34″ x 58″ towel packed down to 7″ x 3.25″

I’ve been using it on and off for several months and lending it to other people to try out to get their opinions. By far, the biggest thing that takes getting used to is the fact that it’s synthetic. Advice from girls is to “pat” yourself dry, it just does a better job when used like that.

My sister-in-law loved the fact that it was so large. They took a trip out to the salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia where there were hot springs… but nowhere to change. The 34” x 58” towel was great to provide some discression and even protection from the colds winds.

For the guys, and the less bashful you could get by with a lot smaller towel, like their 24”x24” square or even their 19”x19” super ultralight version and save even more space and weight.

Models:

Ultralite 34″ x 28″: $19.95 USD

Ultralite Mini 19″ x 19″: $14.95 USD

Ultralite 24″ x 24″ : $11.00 USD

Ultralite Large 34″ x 58″: $29.95 USD

Conclusions

The biggest draws for these towels for me is that they’re lightweight and packable. For those times when you’re not staying at the hilton and don’t want to stuff a typical cotton towel into your bag or backpack these things are great. They dry you off and are comfortable as well. You will need to get used to the fact that it isn’t cotton, but youĺl love the weight and packability.

While I would go for something much smaller for myself, my wife says this size is perfect for her.

Do you pack a towel on the trail? Are you a hiker that fancies a quick dip on the trail? Leave your response down below and tell us about your adventures, how you get dry or how you deal with stink on the trail.

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