Oasis 2100 Hydration pack by Teton Sports

   I recently upgraded from my Camelback hydration pack to the Teton Sports Oasis 2100. I can have to say this is the best day pack that I have ever used. Plenty of storage space, a 3 liter hydration bladder, a safety whistle built into the chest buckle, a large internal compartment with a couple of quick compartments and 2 waist zippered pockets. It even has a built in rain cover, and clip for your keys.

This pack is not only stylish, but incredibly comfortable and has a well thought out design. The padding on the back is not only designed for comfort, but airflow.  A mesh pocket on the back is perfect for those wet socks or in my case the dog bowl allowing the contents to dry while you are on the move.

I would recommend this pack to anyone who hikes, walks, trail runs, or is just looking for an excellent pack for family outings. 

  

Specs

• Dimensions: 19.5" x 12" x 9.5"
• Shell: 600D Dobby / 210D Polyester
• Hydration Capacity: 101-Ounce (3 Liter) Large Mouth Bladder Included
• Capacity: 1200 Cubic Inches / 20 Liters
• Color: Blue | Black
• Pack Weight: 2.45 lbs (unfilled)
• Waist Belt: Expandable up to 60"

I'm Back!!

Its been a while since I posted on this blog, and a lot has changed. My family and I moved out to Arizona, to an area that has lots to explore. With a new addition to our family, Jack an Australian Cattle Dog, we are off on new adventures. I will also be posting gear reviews (Teton Explorer 4000 backpack, Sawyer Mini Water Filter and several others that I have recently received from manufacturers), book reviews and anything else that I find interesting.

Your input is always welcome. While I do not claim to be an expert, I will give you my input on gear, books, hikes etc that I have personally used, read, and completed.
I look forward to starting this new adventure, lets see what lies beyond the pavement.

MS Hiking for a Cure

Reposted from Ms-MegaVenture 
I recently came across Megans webpage quite by accident. Megan is hiking from Mexico to Canada on the PCT to raise money to find a cure for MS. Check out her story and support her quest.

Hello! I am hiking 2,650 miles on the pacific crest trail in honor of my father who has lived with multiple sclerosis since the year 2000. The hike starts on April 24, 2014 in Campo, CA and ends in Manning Park, B.C. It will take about 4-5 months to complete. With my home and few necessities strapped to my back, this is bound to be a wild ride!

My father has always taught me to work hard, be adventurous, and love others. It is the simple love one shows to smile, laugh or have a small conversation with a perfectly good stranger.
Multiple Sclerosis affects people in the prime of their lives, between the ages of 20 and 50. Every hour someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. More than 2.5 million people worldwide live with this unpredictable disease. The symptoms of MS are different for everyone - the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.




Visit my other pages for more information: 
https://twitter.com/MS_Trek
https://www.facebook.com/PacificCrestTrekForMs
http://ms-megaventure.blogspot.com/p/mission.html

Taking care of your hiking feet

Taking care of your hiking feet- Guest Post

Reposted from HikingintheSmokys.com

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes hiking season. As we prepare for our first hikes of the year, now's a good time to take some proactive steps to help prevent unwanted blisters. The following are a few tips, suggestions and strategies for taking care of your feet before and during a hike to help ensure that it isn’t ruined as a result of blisters

Toenails: Make sure you take the time to trim your toenails before a big hike, especially one that involves long descents. It’s best to clip your toenails as short as possible so that there’s no extra nail length. If need be, file the nails down until they’re flush with the skin. Sometimes I forget to do this and end up with a long nail digging into the flesh of a neighboring toe!

Socks: One way of preventing blisters is to wear proper socks. This means staying far away from 100% cotton socks which absorb sweat and can lead to blisters. It’s best to wear socks made from synthetics, or a blend of synthetics and cotton, which wicks moisture away and keeps your feet drier and cooler. Also, make sure you wear socks that fit properly. Socks that are too big can bunch together in boots and create friction areas that result in blisters.

Finally, I always keep an extra pair of socks in my backpack just in case the ones I’m wearing get wet.

Boots: Much has already been written on boots and walking shoes, including what type to wear, proper fit, etc. That discussion is beyond the scope of this article, but if you’re looking for an informative article on the subject I highly recommend this one. Also, my wife has had problems with blisters, and even lost a toenail while hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon several years ago. She’s since discovered that as a result of her narrow feet, she wasn't wearing boots that fit her properly. This article on Backpacker Mag offers solutions for people who have similar issues.

Boot laces: One way to help prevent blisters from forming on your heels, and toes from hitting the front of your boot, is to make sure your boots are properly laced, especially on descents.

Asics Gel Venture 4 Trail Runners

Trying out the Asics Venture 4 Trail Runners today, and putting my heavy boots away for day trips and thru-hikes. Usually I carry under 35lbs so I don't really need the added ankle support of a heavy boot. Follow up coming soon.

Do you use trail runners for your day and thru-hikes? What brand would you recommend?

How to adjust your pack

I wasn't sure what all these straps were for so I did a little digging and found this helpful video from our friends at Kelty and Backpacker Magazine and thought I would share it.

REI Crestrail 51

This is a 51 liter internal frame pack weighing 3 lb. 15oz and in my opinion would be best used for 0-3 day hikes.

The Crestrail is super comfortable and offers a lot of storage(8 pockets) with tons of accessibility.

I love that it has quick stays for trekking poles and has pockets on the hip belt for your compass, flashlight, snacks or whatever you need to keep handy! The chest strap even has a built in safety whistle.

If you are in the market for a new pack definitely check this one out! Normally $160 on sale for $79

I am sure this pack will be with me for years of adventure.

• Sculpted FreeFlow back panel has multiple peaks and valleys to reduce contact areas and increase ventilation; soft foam conforms to your back for a stable fit
• ActivMotion® hipbelt pivots to follow the natural motion of your hips, helping keep the pack balanced and stable on your back when hiking on uneven terrain
• Hipbelt webbing tightens with a forward pull for easy adjustment; 2 zippered pockets provide handy access to snacks
• Tubular aluminum perimeter frame is lighter weight than HDPE/stay framesheets; it transfers weight to hips and stabilizes the pack, helping prevent unwanted side-to-side sway
• Top-loading main compartment also features a large zippered opening to the bottom for easy access
• Large front pocket with double-zipper access, stretch stash pocket and lightweight lash points provide storage and organization for often-used gear and clothing
• Side bottle-locking pockets secure bottles or other items, helping prevent them from falling out when bushwhacking or taking your pack off
• Quick Clip ice axe attachments are strategically positioned to avoid interference with pockets and access zippers
• Over-the-top and dual side compression straps pull the load close to your back, minimize bulk and provide external attachment points for gear
• Floating top lid extends, allowing the pack to handle large loads
• Ripstop nylon fabric resists abrasion and tears; durable water resistant finish repels moisture
• Water-repellent zippers help keep your contents dry and eliminate the need for fabric zipper flaps
• The REI Crestrail 48 pack features a hydration-ready design that allows your reservoir's drink tube to be routed over either shoulder (reservoir not included)

How to pack your pack

Found this today, and although for some of the more experienced hikers this might be second nature, I know there are a lot of you just getting into hiking. This ones for you! Get out there and enjoy the wild.

For our experienced backpackers, leave your tips below!

 

IF YOU CAN NOT VIEW CLICK HERE

Can I wear trail runners for hiking?

The answer is yes. This is a very common practice among experienced hikers who know their limitations and what would be considered safe for them. For day hikes or even some long distance thru-hikes, trail runners are great. Trail runners are design differently that regular running shoes, from a more aggressive tread, to a specially designed shank to protect your foot from pounding on the rocks.

There are several things that should be taken into consideration before deciding to buy and wear trail runners for hiking.

Things to consider:

• Your weight
• Your pack weight (under 30lbs is best)
• The trail (rough terrain or going off trail is not recommended)
• Trail runners will not last as long as hiking boots.

A trail running shoe (bottom) has a more aggressive tread than a regular running shoe (top)

With so many manufacturers, materials, tread design, and even colors it can seam overwhelming. Which ones do I choose?!  Well unless you have unlimited fun funds, cost can certainly be one of the top considerations. 

But the one that trumps them all is how do they fit you? Some trail-running shoes cater to certain foot types, due to their design and their type of sole construction. The key is try a bunch of different brands and see what fits you the best. Break them in, and have fun out there!

Hiking boots or shoes?

An avid outdoors person all my life, I have always worn boots when it came to camping and exploring in the outdoors.

As a relatively new hiker the game changes a bit. With more miles, differing terrain, it seams that making the correct choice can really help keep the dogs from barking too much. I know ultimately its whats best for me given a number of factors, but I wanted to hear from some of the more experienced trail hounds.

What do you prefer and why? 

Hammock Camping?

I came across this diagram for hammock camping and thought it was pretty informative. I have never used a hammock in place of a tent, but the freedom that comes with it is enticing. Light weight, sleeping under the stars, sounds almost romantic to an wilderness lover.

I had my eye on a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC an awesome hammock with all the bells and whistles. But the ENO Double Nest is much more affordable, especially since I have never truly tried sleeping in a hammock!

I would love to hear from you hammock people. What are the things that you have learned through trial and error? Please comment below.

Image from Survival Magazine

The Dark Energy Reservoir Charger

Join me on the dark side…Dark Energy Reservoir. This is a sleek dark mystical USB charger that has a ton of power. About the size of a cellphone and weighing in at a 5.9 oz, this portable charger has a power capacity of 8000 mAh. On a single charge of the Reservoir, you can charge your phone (3-6 times), camera (4-10 times), GoPro (6-7 times). That's a lot of juice! The Dark Energy Reservoir can charge 2 devices at the same time.

See more at Dark Energy Reservoir

How to use Bear Spray!!!

Check out this how to use bear spray from Backpacker Magazine and don't forget to visit their site!

Easton CTR-70 Trekking Poles

I recently ordered some new trekking poles and got to take them on trail this weekend. I have to say I really enjoyed these pole from Easton. The CTR-70 are a lightweight and durable all-carbon construction. The three-tier design features Rock-Lock™ clamping system, extended EVA foam grip, and adjustable webbing.

The webbing was easily adjusted even with a glove on. The grip design was very comfortable. Even changing the length on the fly was a breeze with the locking mechanisms.

I am extremely excited to continue to use these poles. 

Normally selling for $120.00 I got mine on sale for $40.00 delivered. Great to find things on sale and that you can use a coupon for too!

Find the full specs on Easton's site

Why Trekking Poles you might ask? Check out REI's informative link.

How to stay safe in the wilderness

How to stay safe in the wilderness

1. Know the area you are going or at least do some homework. Talk to people who have been in there, or go with someone who knows the area.
2. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Use programs like Yodel that can send check in messages or emergency notification to your contact(s) allowing them to see where you are on a map and relay GPS coordinates to emergency crews. If you rely on cell phones etc make sure they are charged, and possibly have a pocket sized solar charger.
3. Bring the 10 Essentials minimum
4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Time of day (allow plenty of time.  Round trip, or in and back), weather changes, other people, animals and equipment.
5. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. How you are feeling: Tired, thirsty, sick, nervous. Maybe its time to rest or turn back.
6. Don’t take unnecessary risks and know the dangers: What animals might you encounter, and what should you do? What if there is an uncontrolled fire? Am I in a potential flash flood area and what should I do if it starts to rain?
7. Stick to the trails. Don't go off trail unless you are an experienced hiker and know the area.

Some of these may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised at how many times I read about lost hikers/runners and see how many of these were broken. It’s not usually the one mistake that gets you; it’s a series of small mistakes that leads to disaster.

How to make fresh drinkable water

Building a solar still is an important craft to know. Stranded on a beach, in a desert, or lost in the wilderness on a day hike gone bad? This can save your life.

Rule of 3's: The average human body can go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.

Knowing how to create drinkable water from a stagnant source or from vegetation can save your life!

How many of these 40 knots do you know?

Knots are important to know for many different reasons. From tying your shoes to securing something on the roof of your car, to saving your life or the life of a friend.

How many of 40 knots do you know?

Gear Review: REI Airrail 1.5 Sleeping Pad

I recently purchased the Airrail 1.5 and I have to say I love it. As a big guy this provides excellent support and comfort and at a 1lb. 15oz is fairly light. The side rails, coupled with the non-slip material, are designed to cradle you your bag. Preventing the middle of the night shuffle trying to get your bag back on the pad.

With a combination of foam and self-inflating air pockets this is one of the most comfy pads I have slept on.

I would definitely check this one out if you re in the market for a great sleeping pad.

I will do a YouTube video on this later.

Specs:

* Weight 1lb 15oz
* Self-inflating
* 25" x 78" with 2.5" side tubes
* R-Value 4.2
* Thickness 1.5"
* Non slip texture
* Foam and Air
* Stuff sack
* Orange and Grey
* Cost About $100.00

To New Adventures in 2014

2014 is the year for adventure. A life lived of no fear.

This May I have a white water rafting trip planned with some friends on the Kern River.

In August a 5 day back packing trip on part of the JMT doing the Rae Lakes Loop. 7000ft elevation gain peaking at 12000ft, and stretching 46 miles.

The year for adventure....