Featherlite Down Jacket by Montane

Look for this Featherlite Down Jacket from Montane Fall 2012. Featherlite promises to be a warm and compact piece of kit which weighs in at just 14.3 ounces and stuffs down to the size of a large orange.  Exceptionally light, this jacket is highly versatile for year round mountain activities and can be worn as a mid-layer when moving quickly in cold conditions or as outer insulation on cool evenings at camp.

Featherlite is designed as an ultra light, highly compressible mountain jacket. The Featherlite Down Jacket will hardly be noticed while stowed away with the rest of your gear.

Compact and constructed with PERTEX® Quantum fabric shell, the jacket is 100-percent windproof and has superior water resistance.  The Featherlite jacket liner is made of PEAQ® Down, which is comfortable next to the skin and is both highly breathable and fast drying.  For years Montane has gone from strength to strength with its Featherlite category of ultralightweight Pertex windproof gear.  The Featherlite Down Jacket continues this innovation story.

MSRP: $269

This jacket, and the entire Montane line, will be showcased at the Sport Hansa booth (BR527) during the upcoming Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City from January 19th through the 22nd.

By Dan Sanchez

More people are discovering the joys of camping in the wilderness. Be it an overnight backpack trek or a primitive campsite, it’s vital to incorporate the leave-no-trace guidelines to preserve the area and lessen our impact.

1. Follow established trails and walk single file. This is mandatory in many national parks to minimize impact on the area. It’s also a great idea to start your journey early so you can reach your wilderness campsite in daylight and make the right location choices.

2. Pitch your camp at least 200 feet away from established trails or streams. This is probably listed on your wilderness permit, (which you must have), where designated wilderness camping is recommended.

3. Shortcutting switchbacks causes erosion. Taking shortcuts only leads to more erosion and will ultimately cause park rangers to close the trail. It’s also a good idea to let muddy trails dry out before attempting to hike across them. Trudging a muddy trail cuts deep into the soil and also causes more erosion.

4. Avoid camping near cliffs or dead trees. This not only avoids having anything fall on you, but also keeps the areas undisturbed. You should also be protected from winds but face the morning sun for some early warmth.

5. Never make trenches or entire clear the ground. It’s okay to move big rocks or pine cones out of the way, but never totally clear an area for your tent. Instead look for areas with thick pine duff for extra cushion. If you’re anticipating rain, camp on higher ground. Digging a trench will only contribute to more erosion.

6. Keep your food away from animals. Hang your food or use bear canisters to keep animals away from your camp. This also teaches animals not to approach humans for an easy meal, and never feed animals no matter how cute they appear. This supports bad behavior and unhealthy diets for native wildlife and can lead to extreme danger.

7. For extended stays, dig a latrine on high ground, away from rivers or streams. The hole must be 8-14-inches deep so that bacteria will convert feces into soil. Too deep or too shallow of a latrine will lead to improper decomposition and the possibility of animals digging it up. Use plain white non-perfumed toilet paper and carry it out in a plastic bag.

8. Use only camp stoves, not wood fires in the wilderness. This prevents ash build-up in the area and allows fallen trees and stumps to naturally decompose and provide food and habitats for smaller creatures. Primitive campsites may have a fire ring but you’ll also need to bring in your own wood.  If the site doesn’t have a campfire ring, don’t build one. Instead dig a pit and keep your fire small. Then cover it up once  you leave.

9. Pack out all your trash. Don’t be tempted to burn paper or plastic as they can release toxic fumes and often don’t burn completely. Bring a plastic bag to hold all  your trash and dispose of it once you’re back at the trail head.

10. Be considerate of others. Keep noise low and be courteous to others by yielding to them on the trail. Rest on hard surfaces that won’t impact the surroundings.

These are just some of the ways to improve your experience in the wilderness, as well as the experiences of others. Incorporating these techniques will ultimately keep trails open and allows everyone to enjoy nature at its finest. You can also be proactive and volunteer to help clean up areas. For more information visit www.lnt.org.

By Dan Sanchez

The ten essentials has been the rule for must-have items since the 1930’s by Boy Scouts and mountaineers. The items are often altered or changed over time, depending on the conditions of your trip and its location. But the bare minimums do make a difference, especially in emergency situations. 

While the ten essentials should be used as a guideline, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to only ten items. You can add items that you may think you need given the situation you’ll be in.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

1. Pocket knife: A good knife will be one of the most useful tools you can carry. It’s good for cutting rope, using as a screwdriver and many other uses. Folding knives tend to work best as they can be kept in your pack or clipped to your pant pocket. A knife with a two or three inch blade should suffice. Keep it sharp, clean and always cut away from your body. We like the Benchmade Rift 950, but there are many other knives you can consider. Some also have added tools such as a can opener, toothpick, file, and other stuff. Keep in mind that the more features it has, the heavier and bulkier it gets.

Adventure Medical Kit's AFA 2.0 is perfect for a group of up to four people and features antiseptic, wipes, bandages and more.

2. First Aid Kit: You should actually have two. A larger one to keep in your vehicle and a smaller one in your pack. Many lightweight kits come with tools and instructions to treat injuries ranging from headaches and sunburns, to a broken leg or lacerations. Most “essential” style kits have everything you need. Larger versions often just have more of the same items. A smaller kit works well if you replenish the items  you’ve used.

3. Extra Clothing: Following the basic techniques to layering allows you to adjust to the temperature and situation. An extra insulating layer and lightweight jacket don’t take too much room in your pack, but will come in handy if you’re stuck somewhere and need to stay warm. Even in summer conditions, there are areas where temperatures may drop to near freezing as the sun goes down.

4. Rain Gear: Always bring a rain jacket if you know there is slim  chance of showers in the horizon. In dry areas or in the summer months, a garbage bag can also serve as a make-shift, lightweight rain poncho in case a freak storm rolls in. A garbage bag can also serve as temporary shelter.

5. Flashlight: If you ever get lost or stranded, a flashlight can help you find your way when the sun goes down. It can also be used to signal for help. Make sure the batteries are always fresh. Some flashlights with a push-button switch can be turned on accidentally. We had a situation where one turned on in our backpack and it actually burned a hole in it and could have started a fire. So it’s a good idea to remove the batteries when it’s stored.

6. Extra Food: On a backpacking trip you always plan your meals. Make sure to bring at least one extra one just in case. Trail-mix and energy bars make for easy lightweight extra food that won’t spoil if you have to spend an extra night out. They’re also great for day hikes where you may only be planning on bringing a lunch.

An aluminum water bottle can come in handy to gather water and to also be used with a water purifying device.

7. Water Bottle: Most people will have water in their camp and may take along a 1-liter plastic water bottle on a day hike. Backpackers typically have a 2-liter water bladder, but it’s always a good idea to have a small bottle to gather water in case of an emergency.

8. Matches or Lighter: Carry a handful of wooden strike-anywhere matches. Keep them in a plastic container so that they don’t get wet. A lighter also works great, but make sure it has plenty of butane. Regularly switch out old matches for new ones as they are harder to light with age.

9. Sunscreen: While there are many types, a small bottle that protects against UVA and UVB rays will work best. Natural sun screens may require more applications if you perspire so read the labels carefully and don’t forget a hat and sunglasses.

10. Map and Compass: We hardly see people on the trail with a map and compass anymore. Most know the trails inside out, but it only takes one missed sign post or carin and you’re lost. Take the time to learn how to read a map and use a compass. It’s easy and could save you from getting lost.  We’ve also seen people with hand held GPS units that they don’t know how to use. Make sure you test it out at home and familiarize yourself on how to use it, and that the batteries are fresh.

OTHER ESSENTIAL GEAR TO CONSIDER:

Water Purifier: Being able to find water in an emergency situation is great, but you won’t be able to drink it without purifying it first. Some lightweight alternatives to carry, can be as simple as some iodine tablets or a small portable filter. We like the SteriPEN Journey as a lightweight solution to purify water with UV light, but there are others available that are also effective. See our guide to choosing a water treatment system.

Cell Phone:While you may not get good reception in a deep canyon or ravine, you can climb to the top of a hill or rock outcropping to make an emergency call. Keep in mind most cell phones have a built-in GPS system. If you have a Blackberry or iPhone, you can always Tweet for help or post it on your Facebook page.

Mosquito Repellant: This is a must during spring and summer months. There are many deet and deet free repellants available so choose what you like and what works best for you. We like the All Terrain repellants as it uses natural ingredients and has a unqiue time release application.

Salomon XT Long Sleeve Tee

By Mary Webb

Salomon gears us up for Spring with the XT Softshell long sleeve Tee.  While stepping out of winter activities in Salomon’s Idol 8 ski boots, we discovered the same style and quality in the XT Softshell.  We zipped up the Salomon Tee for a morning bike ride along the river; looking to stay warm along the cool water’s edge and shaded forest, without sacrificing mobility of movement.

Ever set out on a ride or run wanting something warmer than a t-shirt, but not quite cool enough for a jacket?  With jacket-like quality, the XT Softshell Tee protected the skin against light winds.  In addition to detailed stitching, there is a trio of detailed technology!  ClimaWIND fabric is a Teflon-coated microfiber that kept the wind at bay.  We instantly felt the support and stretch with a quick pinch of the sleeves and the fabric has our seal of approval with its wet-suit like characteristics.  In addition, the shirt didn’t ride up the torso on our ride which was an added bonus.

Time to breathe folks. Trekking up hills worked us up to a sweat, but we enjoyed the versatility of the Softshell’s half-way zipper.  Double stitched zipper holds a large-etched pull grip firmly in place, easy to tug on while advancing to topographical heights.  Mesh fabric is sewn in where you need it,  under the arms and back.  The mesh allows perspiration to escape when you need to escape to the outdoors.

Going for a ride after a recent rain?  No worries about getting wet while flying through the muddy trails, ClimaWIND works with actiLITE technology to keep you dry.  We discovered as we got wet, the drops bounced off the fabric.  SMART SKIN technology works to regulate body temperature and kept perspiration to a minimum, great feature for a suggested selling price of $70.00.

The XT Softshell makes it easy to run out and meet a friend on the trail; a small zippered pocket is sewn in at the right rear of shirt.  Perfect for your house key or perhaps some lip balm.

For the fair-weathered jock, UV protection is built in to the design.  This becomes important when summer comes sizzling in and scheduled hikes are soon to arise near

Mesh backing helps control ventilation.

Sedona. We took this shirt out on the golf course and it was extremely lightweight.  With all the upper body movements necessary to work on your PGA golf swing, Salomon makes it

easier with flat-lock stitching; assisting to produce a sturdy bridge between mesh and microfiber.

Smart design on the SMART SKIN; reflective logos dot the shirt is various locations.  Strategically located on the left side of the shirt to signal traffic along the road side, complimenting the Bay Blue and White color design.

You won’t have to think twice about purchasing Salomon’s triple technology Tee!  The XT Softshell travels well and will take you from sunrise to sunset.  Whether it’s a day on the golf course, race course or even the rat race, you will  be comfortable, inside and out.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• SMART SKIN™ technology
• ACTLITE™ technology – keeps you dry
• UV protection up to 50+ UPF
• ClimaWIND™ technology provides light wind protection
• 1/2 Zip feature
• Zip pocket
• Flatlock seams for comfort
• Reflective detail
• Weight 230g 8,11 Oz
• waterproofness up to 14000mm
• Breathability 20000 g/m2/24h

Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping pad.

By Mary Webb

Big Agnes provides extreme comfort in their summer and winter bags, and the Air Core sleeping pad sets the stage!  Coupling the Big Agnes Yampa down-filled sleeping bag we reviewed last year with the Air Core pad creates a complete sleeping system while you are out romping in the rugged Sierra Nevada, Colorado Rockies, or the great Smokey Mountains.

Regardless of how cozy your down sleeping bag is, it’s important to choose a sleeping pad that will cushion your body from the tent floor and the hard ground. As important, to us at least, the sleeping pad should be easy to deal with and ultra-compact.

Big Agnes gives guideline temperature ratings for all of their non-insulated and insulated sleeping pads.  So you have several options for the type of backpacking and seasonal conditions you plan on using it for. The Big Agnes Yampa sleeping bag that was used with the Air Core, has an integrated full-pad sleeve that fit this particular pad just fine. The cool thing about the full-length pad sleeve is that you are less likely to roll off the sleeping pad in the middle of the night. You might peel of it, but you won’t likely roll off of it. That’s a nice touch.

The non-insulated Big Agnes Air Core sleeping pads range in suggested retail price from $44.95 to $54.95, depending on the size you need and whether you are pairing it up with a Big Agnes Bag or other brand.  Weight ranges from 16 ounces all the way to 22 ounces for the non-insulated Air Core pads, which are all dark red in color up top and gunship gray on the bottom.

Last summer the initial camping trip to the Central Coast of California allowed the first opportunity to try this Air Core with size

Big Agnes Air Core pad seen in relation to a Marmot Home Alone Bivy tent. It fit fine.

dimensions of 20×72x2.5 inches.  With a low-end temperature rating of 35°, this non-insulated sleeping pad works great for most types of back country overnight hikes this writer is likely to get herself into. Also, the Air Core sleeping pad was a great match for my 40° Yampa bag.

The Air Core is convenient, compact and easy to use.  That’s perhaps the best attribute we can share with you. The small packed size is welcomed when loading up the backpack. It comes in a water-resistant nylon stuff sack, with a rope-pulled cinched closure that bundles up nice, and alleviates the cumbersome bulk and clumsiness that so many other air-cushioned sleeping pads turn out to be, after you go to break camp and pack up for the trail.

When you weigh the compact size with the price, as compared to some brands, you start to get the feeling how hideously overpriced others brands are, and how they pale in value. This assessment right here is what separates Big Agnes from others we have had the opportunity to take into the field.

Again, we really liked how the Air Core rolls up in its own storage bag, making  it convenient to travel with.  An added bonus in the storage sack is a hidden pocket stitched into the bag.  This “secret” compartment houses a repair kit that includes nylon patches, adhesive and repair instructions.

Big Agnes Air Core EZ valve worked fine every time.

It is important to follow the steps on the repair kit and use the materials that are provided for you.  If the pad deflates unexpectedly, it’s important to find the leak first.  Submerge the pad in a bathtub of water and look for a stream of bubbles.  We didn’t experience any misfortunes with this Air Core, but it is always a possibility to be prepared for. It may or may not be necessary to use the patches provided; depending on the severity of the tear, the pad could possibly be repaired with the adhesive glue alone.  While some hikers use duct tape to make repairs, it is not recommended with the Air Core.  The residue from duct tape is difficult to remove and might become an eyesore to the mountain lion inspecting its food source in the moonlit night!

While an air pump might make any sleeping pad easier to inflate, the durable EZ valve makes it quite easy to fill the Air Core up at the end of the day. Keep in mind that the higher you go in elevation, the more challenging it could be to fill any air-cushioned sleeping pad. Being in great physical condition is always a good idea, but even if you are in perfect health it is possible to get light headed if you have not acclimated to the altitude you are operating at.

This is just a thought for you to keep in mind if you plan on high-country backpacking while not necessarily having had much experience setting up camp at the end of the day after trudging like a packhorse crawling to the clouds. Take your time filling up your air mattress at the end of the day, even if you have to close the valve and take a break. By turning the valve counter clockwise, you simply blow air into the pad to inflate it, or Turn the valve clockwise to hold the air in.

Big Agnes (BA) Air Core in stuff sack and BA Yampa sleeping bag show compact relationship. Both fit into the Osprey Xenon lower sleeping bag compartment with room to spare.

In lower elevations, like a swift through-hike on the Appalachian Trail, filling the Air Core is a non-event. It was easy for our younger campers to help set up camp and get the Air Core ready to go. On one trip the stop watch clocked one youngster at less than three minutes to get the Air Core cozy plump. In general it’ll take about two and a half minutes for the Air Core to reach its comfort zone.  The Air Core is designed to give you about 2.5 inches of separation off the ground and provided a nice cushion for our sleeping bag.

Big Agnes does its part as a manufacturer that supports Green technology in their products, and that’s always a good thing. Big Agnes Air Core sleeping pads are made from recycled polyester, keeping the product lightweight and water resistant. The pad also protects the sleeping bag from ground moisture and that occasional boulder you missed when you lay down the tent floor before setup.

The Air Core uses “Beamed construction” in the pad to reduce cold spots and allows the it to easily inflate and deflate. After removing all the air in the pad and rolling it up into thirds, it was no drama to tuck it right into the sack! And that’s what we value most about the Air Core; that and the price as a value that makes it a sleeping pad we can recommend to our friends and readers researching online for their first, or fifth, sleeping pad.

When colder weather gets us to the slopes or some cool mountain lodge where some folks have to sleep on the knotty pine floor, like the middle of January when this little ditty was written, the Air Core still gets plenty of use.  If you need to increase the insulation value of the Air Core, or any air-filled sleeping pad, you can use a closed-cell foam pad or other additional insulation options. As it stands for the winter of 2011, this Big Agnes Air Core has done a good job in whatever situations it has been taken to task.

Here’s something we were not prepared for. Our young campers who were introduced to the Big Agnes Air Core, now want to use the sleeping pad whenever they spend the night a a friend’s house. They obviously love it, and have been vocal about the pad’s comfort.

When doing your research on selecting a new sleeping bag, you’ve got to ask yourself a few questions before you make your decision. In this case selecting the right sleeping bag has a lot to do about your own likes, dislikes, comfort level and how you are going to use it.  In this article, we’ll try to give you the theoretical and practical information to form your questions and guide you to make the right selection.

As with any personal gear, this is a subjective topic where there are a few things you can consider to aid you in achieving a good result. Right off the bat, our contention is to own more than one sleeping bag to cover warm-weather and cold weather activities. But owning several bags for different purposes isn’t always quite in the budget. Since many of us will be heading out camping and backpacking this summer, we’re going to focus on warm weather options that are available with goose down fillings, and rated for 40-degree temperature levels; as these are a popular choice. Nevertheless, as your understanding of the methods used for sleeping bag insulation and warmth increases, you’ll see how you can apply your understanding of these principles to Fall and Winter activities as well.

Most down-filled sleeping bags in this comfort range will compress to about 10-inches in diameter and 15-inches in length when stuffed into a little travel-sack, and weigh a tad more than a pound. That’s perfect for mountaineering and backpacking, but it’s also great for saving space when car camping, horse-pack-trips, cross-country bicycling, dual-sport motorcycling, and trekking via air travel. This particular type of sleeping bag will most likely be priced between $150 and $300 dollars depending on the manufacturer and quality you choose.

Down makes for a popular insulation that has been used for decades

What’s the value proposition for a down-filled product? Consider this: sleeping bags, parkas, and pants filled with high-grade goose down are insulation products that can become heirlooms, as they are capable of lasting long enough to include in your living will. So whatever you decide to pay for a good sleeping bag, the value is hard to beat.

In addition to light-weight, down-filled gear also has a broader comfort range than other types of insulation. Down sleeping bags, as with other down-filled clothing, the loft (or puffiness) and the air that is trapped between the down feathers and the baffles (compartments) are what provides insulation and warmth in concert with your body heat. You can consider fleece and synthetic-insulated sleeping bags.   Both of which have some great qualities, like softness, warmth, and easy to clean.  Synthetic-filled sleeping bags still provide warmth, even when wet. But down has no weight or size penalties. 

On the other hand, down tends to lose insulation value when wet. It dries quick, but that’s a drag when the sun has no plans for shining bright for three days. Moisture can come from wet snow, rain, condensation inside a tent, sweat, or sleeping outside in dense overnight fog.   So there are several factors to consider in selecting how you are going to stay comfortable sleeping under the stars, and staying warm on your adventures.

Climates you frequent

Do you intend to spend your trip in, an alpine or desert climate? Consider the climate conditions of the areas you want to explore.  You can get a good sense of your target playground by asking questions, drawing from personal knowledge, or online research. The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management websites may prove valuable in getting good information. Even if this will be your first year planning an outdoor lifestyle use the internet, to find resources to understand the climate zone you intend to frequent.

As an example, on the Appalachian Trail in the Southeast U.S., elevation induced temperatures may not be a huge factor, but nights can get chilly and damp. Out on the West Coast the Sierra Nevada Mountains, high and low deserts, the coastal ranges, and the Cascade Mountains, along with several other mountain ranges can vary in temperatues during the season. Each mountain region, where ever it may be, has its own weather system that needs to be investigated.  Shoot to build yourself a summary of your chosen geographic region where you plan on spending a few nights outside.

How you use it

There’s a bit of truth in the “quick-witted” remark of: “It’s not what you have. It’s how you use it.” Will you be packing that sleeping bag on your back, or strapping it to a donkey? Do you plan on lashing it to a Mt. Bike or a BMW dual-sport? Car camping? It’s possible you may be planning for all of the above scenarios but if weight is a factor then add that to your selection criteria.  Sleeping bags also come in various weights and sizes. You don’t want a large-heavy bag stuffed in your backpack. But for car camping, it may be a non issue.

Shelter or not

Will you be using a two or three-person tent? Having a good, light-weight yet weather-stout tent will, in most cases, keep you out of inclement weather and increase the warmth producing ability of your sleeping bag. If you plan of using just a drop-cloth, a sleeping pad, and a mosquito net, choose accordingly. Likewise if you plan on constructing a light-weight lean-to, a wind-break made of flat rocks, or holing up in a compelling snow cave you dug for the night, you may want to select a bag intended for cooler temperatures.

Comfort ratings

Temperature ratings are really a generalization that depends on many variables only you can asses. Some manufacturers use in-house methods to rate the insulation value and comfort level of their products using criteria such as product construction, amount and quality of down fill, and field testing. Other manufacturers use the consistant third-party standard known as the European Norm (EN) rating system to indicate the temperature rating of a sleeping bag. An EN rating, for example EN13537 indicates the particular type of sleeping bag — most down bags are constructed as mummy-shape or semi-mummy — is scientifically tested in a climate chamber using a “dummy in a mummy” sleeping bag.

Always check the comfort ratings of sleeping bags. If you're not sure ask the sales person for help.

Assumptions such as use of a tent and a base-layer of clothing, using socks and head covering, are made. Additional asumptions are the size, weight, and position of the dummy’s as laying on their back, are made. Additional criteria such as a person’s experience in taking full-advantage of the insulation qualities of a given sleeping bag, such as curling up into a cinnamon bun, or wearing even more than base-insulation clothing. Also factors such as an individuals mental-state are taken into consideration. All the variables are measured, mathematically analysed, and result in a more quantitative estimate of how a specific product (a sleeping bag) will perform in a general setting.

And there are a few really knowledgeable and high-quality manufacturers of down sleeping bags and gear that won’t even assign a temperature rating to a sleeping bag. Their take, and it seem to be a rational one, is that you, the individual, should have a good sense of how you are going to use the equipment. You will be the one to know under what controlled conditions ( tent, cabin, cave floor carpeted with woolly mammoth hair) you will choose, or that you will choose the ground…always. It will be you who knows what geographical areas or climates you plan on being prepared for, your physical condition and metabolism, and how you sleep. Manufacturers who take this approach avoid the folly of estimating an application that, in reality, is not in their control. It’s in your control. A down-filled bag that weighs just a pound and several ounces, can only have so much down in it. And the materials and baffle construction will only add so much insulation value, and that value will cost you X amount of dollars for that range of features. It’s still a extremely light-weight and relatively similarly priced device.  If you’re still not certain, ask a sales person for help. Most of them are very knowledgeable about helping you select the right sleeping bag for your particular use.

Grades of goose down

At the top, the highest quality down is considered to be European goose down. Canada is also a source for down. Fill-power is measured as cubic inches per ounce of down.  A power of 700, for example, means the lofting capacity is outstanding. Lofting capacity is the ability of literally a couple million down filaments to trap still air and provide superior insulation with the least amount of physical weight. Grades of down are measured by slipping an ounce of the wispy, prepared, filaments into a glass tube in a temperature controlled environment, compressing it, and measuring that compression. High-quality down will compress more and weigh less than a sample of lower-grade down required to attain the same warmth.

Size matters. Larger, traditional style bags are great if weight isn't an issue.

All down is simply three-dimensional clusters of fluffy feather material that grows from a feather shaft to provide winter warmth for the bird as a layer close to the skin. Down is found only in waterfowl such as geese and ducks; both the primary source of textile-use down. Premium down is gathered by hand from mature European geese after they have molted (shed their winter base-layer) in the Spring.

These ultra high-end geese flocks are relatively small, and the primary purpose of these birds are for breeding. Therefore the down is a relatively rare insulation material, not easy to come by, and not cheap. Lesser quality down material may come from young geese only a few months old. Down from young geese is also a secondary product, but is collected in the harvesting cycle (early demise), as the youngsters are converted into pate’ to be spread on crackers with a dollop of caviar at the bequest of the Queen!

Good

A down-fill value of 500 to 500 is good for very cold conditions, but the down sleeping bag (or parka) will require more down fill to generate appropriate insulation qualities and warmth. Weight will increase by the same ratio as the item will require more down to generate more warmth capability. So if you’re not obsessed with counting calories, you might not be spun out by additional ounces of weight, and this level of down insulation may fit your application just fine.

Now, any grade of down-filled product in the 400 to 450 range of down-fill is still a viable option if it suits your application and budget. Howbeit, this grade of down is most often relegated to street fashion. A jacket (or sleeping bag) will still provide good warmth with an increase in weight. Hyper puffed parkas of this ilk can be observed on the upper torsos of the good folks of New York City. Yep, most any icy winter night they’ll be commuting on foot between the cubicle, the pub crawl, and back to the loft; warm and trendy. 

Better

But keep in mind, and this may be a factor in price, high-fill power down ranked between 600 and 700+/- is also excellent in light weight and high insulation quality. It too will be used in expedition-grade products. It’s also a scarce material resource to gather, process, and select. For most of us, this is the sweet spot for  selecting a great sleeping bag…or parka.

Best

Gear that uses 800 and above power-fill down is the best you can obain. It’s the benchmark for light yet warm insulation. As you shop, this is a number to look for and means more than an estimated comfort range. Expedition gear and extremely high-altitude down clothing and sleeping gear will source 800 power-fill down in many cases. It’s also a more scarce material to gather, process, and select long before it is available to the market.

By Rick Shandley

Product review by: Rick Shandley

When Timex chose to engineer a multi-function sensor watch for extreme high-country and rugged outdoor activity, they went a little further than thinking out of the box…they went out of bounds!  With the availability of the Timex Expedition WS4 timepiece outdoorsmen and women, mountaineers and backcountry travelers have access to a functional and valuable wrist-mounted instrument they can count on.

The Expedition WS4 is designed for extreme mountaineering at hyper-high elevations, but it’s a natural for wearing daily as the design is current with many of the fashion trends in wrist-wear these days, yet it delivers solid information regardless of your activity.

Working with legendary mountaineer Conrad Anker, Timex designed the Expedition Wide Screen 4 (WS4) with four significant functions mountaineers need to make sound decisions when operating at high elevations.  In 2008, Anker used a prototype of the WS4 on an ascent attempt of Meru, a peak in the Garwhal region of the Himalaya. The 6330-meter peak (approximately 20,767 feet elevation) proved an extremely harsh challenge, one in which the Expedition WS4 handled with aplomb. The Meru climb also provided Anker with expert feedback that has been incorporated into the WS4.

In addition to accurate, digital, time keeping, the WS4’s functions include an onboard Compass, Altimeter, Barometer, and Thermometer. Within this group of functions are several useful sub-functions that give the user a well rounded set of tools to operate in a harsh environment. The sub-functions of Alarms, stop-watch, time-splits and other functions an athlete would use to train for mountaineering or endurance events all worked flawlessly. Yet, for this review, we focused on the four primary information functions designed into the WS4.

In evaluating the WS4, the watch was tested against known measurements. Here are some of our observations of its functions:

COMPASS

The initial process of setting up the WS4 and calibrating the compass and weather functions took very little time, and for those of you accustomed to setting up digital instruments, the calibration and function set-up is almost intuitive.

After the compass was calibrated – it took two slow rotations of the watch – the compass calculates the declination angle or difference between magnetic north and true north giving you the directional heading and degrees of direction in relation to North.

The WS4 was then compared to two different liquid-filled traditional compasses and proved to be just as accurate, with all three pointing to zero degrees North. Each one was placed far enough from large metal or electronic objects, and apart from each other, to eliminate any magnetic field that might have influenced  the result.

While there is no direction of travel arrow on the watch dashboard, the direction of travel is simply the top of the watch as you would read the watch positioned right-side up on your wrist. That’s obvious enough for us. Direction of travel will appear on the upper right display, and the degrees will appear in the lower left side of the bezel.

ALTIMETER

Our known elevation at the start of the test is 2,306 feet above sea level. During more than 10 days literally living with the WS4, the highest elevation point known was 7,885 feet as we traveled in the San Bernardino Mountains above Big Bear, California. Our intent was not to seek the very highest peak we could access, but to compare the altimeter reading of the WS4, within reason, of known elevations. The Timex Expedition WS4 proved quite accurate, offering a sense of assurance in the instrument.

Timex Expedition WS4 altimeter display.

In addition to a choice of metric or standard elevation readings, the altimeter function offers several sub-functions a climber or person training for a climb may find useful. In the altimeter mode, the dashboard display will scroll through your Peak reading (your highest elevation), Accumulated reading as the total altitude change in your journey, and the current elevation you’re standing at. An on-screen graph will visually show you the topographical up and down changes of your current hiking or climbing activity.

Furthermore, you can set an elevation alarm that will sound when you reach a pre-determined elevation. This alarm is useful to alert you when you’ve ascended to an altitude you don’t want to exceed for medical reasons such as altitudes beyond 7,600 meters or 25,000 feet) to prevent hypoxia, or acclimatization climbs in preparation for the scramble to higher camps. You can also use the altitude alarm to alert when you are at the ridge or landmark, if you know the final elevation at that point. The instrument will also give you feedback on your climbing pace and progress.

Elevation rating for the WS4 ranges from -399 feet (cave exploration) to 8,997 meters elevation or 29, 517 feet elevation. With Mt. Everest hovering above earth at 8848 meters elevation (29, 028 feet and almost nine inches), the Timex Expedition WS4 has the technology to for virtually any peak on this planet.

BAROMETER

When calibrating the barometer function of the WS4, it’s best to set it to local weather conditions. In our case we calibrated the altimeter from a known elevation; both work off the same pressure so you only have to calibrate one or the other. The sensor technology picks up the calculations from there. In the barometer mode, the dashboard displays high, low, current and corrected sea level barometric pressure in metric or U.S. measurements.  With the information the Timex Expedition WS4 delivers, you can learn to analyze weather conditions and make a reasonable forecast for coming climatic changes or assess the potential for incoming storms.

Timex WS4 barometer display.

The following is how world-renowned mountaineer, Conrad Anker uses the WS4:

“Before I curl into my sleeping bag, I note the current altitude and barometric pressure,” he says . “In the few hours I sleep, if I see a change in the altitude or barometric pressure I can get an idea of the coming weather patterns. As it is an inverse relationship between altitude and barometric pressure, if I wake at the same or lower elevation I can be confident the atmospheric pressure has remained constant. If I rise to a higher altitude, I need to be aware as there is a chance of a low pressure moving in.”

THERMOMETER

Temperature readings very accurately matched outside temperature vs. mercury-filled analog, fixed, thermometers. This accuracy result occurred when the WS4 was off-wrist and stationed in the same location as the traditional thermometers. As the WS4 owner’s manual states, the watch will reflect body temperature when it is worn on the wrist, and heat from direct sunlight. A heat-shield between the watch casing and the temperature sensor may be a solution going forward.

However, we have no issues with deducting an average of 10º F from the temp reading on watch. It’s just an automatic mental calculation and you’re just taking a glance at the watch anyway. A lanyard is supplied with the watch to locate the WS4 on your person if you are truly in on a mountaineering mission. The watch body and sturdy wrist-strap connections are perfect for using the lanyard.

We view the WS4, as a technically accurate information device bundled in a robust package with the primary purpose of serving well in true high-elevation alpine applications. The WS4 also accurately reflected outside temperatures greater than 107º F and at temps lower than 32º (freezing) to about 15º F. A light coat of condensation did develop on the watch crystal at the 15º F reading (easily brushed off), but all functions worked fine.

Here’s some input we received from the Timex product development team regarding the temperature rating of the WS4 on the low temperature:

The temp rating is for the WS4 watch, not the sensor. Therefore the watch will function accurately down to a watch temp of 15-degrees-F. Since watch temp and ambient (outside environment) are two different situations, and the WS4 is a wrist-mounted watch that is insulated by the body, the watch does not go beyond 15-degrees F…unless you are deceased. If, however, outside temperature is -30F and you take the WS4 off your wrist, the outside temperature will be accurately recorded in about a half-hour; or the time it takes for the cold to reach the internal components of the watch.

Overall Impressions:

As with any equipment you will rely on in your adventures, it is incumbent upon each person to train and become very familiar with the equipment. Like training with your crampons, ice-ladders, and oxygen systems, the Timex Expedition is no different a device. The more you use it, the better information you will extract from it. That said, the WS4 is relatively easy to get to know and operate. Beyond basic familiarity, individual time and experience will bring out the best in this instrument.

The Timex Expedition WS4 watch is without question an instrument that does what it’s designed to do. It’s light weight is also a positive attribute and the wide elastic band on the WS4 is comfortable and expandable to fit over heavy parka sleeves and insulation garments. A solid wrist-band clasp works well, yet would benefit from an opposing-direction locking mechanism to keep the instrument from inadvertently un-clasping.

By pressing the INDIGLO illumination button, you can view the time and dashboard information in low-light and total darkness. This function worked well. It would be great to see an illumination technology applied to the digital information so the wrist-born watch can be glanced at without using a second human hand to read the watch. I wear a wrist watch 24/7 and will look at the time in the middle of the night, half-asleep. My daily-wear watch is a heavy diver’s chronograph carved out of stainless-steel. The illuminated mechanical watch hands are visible in any kind of light.

At a price point of about $200.00 U.S., the Timex Expedition WS4 is a worthy choice for consideration when you still have to self-finance the rest of your gear. For more information, go to: www.timexexpedition.com

Timex Expedition WS4 watch’s specifications:

• Display: Widescreen, 38 mm x 25 mm
• Case dimensions: 50 mm x 40 mm — Case height: 15mm
• Temp range: Watch temp worn on wrist: 15-degrees F.
• Power source: Battery – CR2430
• Prime Functions: Chronograph, time/date, compass, altimeter, and barometer
• Sub-functions: Weather forecast, Chronometer (lap times and splits), Activity data review, Alarms for waking and preset elevation. Note: Alarm sound get’s your attention; not obnoxious.
• Case material: Composite with a stainless steel bezel
• Total weight: about .25 pound or 90 grams
• Water resistance: to 164-feet or 50 meters
• Watch Color Options: Black, orange, blue, white, and yellow – Strap colors coordinate with case.
• Watch Mount Options: Expandable fabric with Velcro and stainless steel hardware; Rubber wrist strap; Lanyard secured watch for securing WS4 on or near your person (away from direct sunlight or body heat) for most accurate data gathering. Some folks like to use a pocket-watch set-up to free their wrists from any encumbrances.
• Crystal: When matched against mineral crystal, the WS4 appears to also be mineral crystal – very scratch resistant.

Below are several other Timex action sport watches you might keep your eyes open to:

• Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap (with Tap-Screen Technology) – launch in Feb 2010
• Timex Ironman Race Trainer HRM (with downloadable workouts) – currently available
• Timex Expedition WS4 (with XL Elastic Strap) –  available in October 2009
• Timex Expedition WS4 Carabiner – available in February 2010

Editor’s note: As technology advances in any discipline, cost eventually declines. And with technology comes greater efficiencies. The Timex Expedition WS4 is constructed with composite materials, a stainless steel casing, and proven advanced technology in the sensors and digital functions. We don’t consider an affordable price to assess whether or not a product is useful or not. We test against stated features and functions of the product both objectively and subjectively. Subjective feedback is merely how the individual writer viewed a product in regards to how well the product functioned for the writer. This third-party evaluation does not eliminate (but intended to add to) the reader’s information for forming their own assessment of a product through research and evaluation in order to make a purchase decision.

By Mary Webb

You won’t want to miss Pelican’s 2690 series HeadsUp Lite.  With various outdoor excursions in mind, we wanted a light that could take us from a family camping adventure to an evening bike ride along the road.  It’s all about hands free in California, especially when you’re setting up tents in the evening with a busy family, and those times when you need to hang on tight to your handle bars along a dark street.

Light up the Campground!

We took the Pelican HeadsUp Lite camping on a family trip to Santa Barbara. While other families fumbled along the path to the campfire with unstable hand-held flash lights, our family was able see clearly, hand in hand towards the camp site.  With 10 hours of AAA battery burn time, we knew our path would be well lit for unpacking at dusk.

With Santa Barbara comes the evening moisture from the ocean, fortunately the HeadsUp is made from ABS water-resistant plastic.

HeadsUp is light, compact, and powerful.

Not only is the ABS water resistant, it is also lightweight at a mere 4.1 ounces!

The whole family wanted to take turns wearing the HeadsUp! Clock-wise rotating knob allowed us to control the on and off capabilities.  We felt the rotating knob had less of a chance to accidentally turn on and off, as there was a proper 1/2-turn that takes place even before the LED light comes on. Plastic grooves on the built in rotary switch, which houses the lens, lends itself to easy handling; particularly those times you are wearing thick gloves.

Versatility comes in the design. There is a small stand at the back of light which transforms the Headups into a lamp, so to speak. This little lamp-stand allowed us to set the light on the tent floor for setting up sleeping bags in the evening.  There are 3 different ranges on the stand to reflect light at different angles. Each position clicks in place and we were able to read in our comfortable Big Agnes Yampa sleeping bag after an extended day hiking the trails along the Pacific Coast.

Ample padding next to your forehead makes the HeadsUp Lite easy to wear.

Light up the Road!

We were quite pleased at how bright the Pelican HeadsUp Lite is, the radial spread of light is impressive.  Enough to keep us safe on an evening road bike ride along the coast.

The HeadsUp Lite comes with two adjustable straps, elastic band and rubber. Elastic band is stitched tight and durable with a soft fabric that feels good against the forehead, the material repelled sweat as we took our bike up steep-hilled slopes.  Rubber strap fit nicely on our biking helmet also, snug and tight without slipping around.

Light up your world!

Pelican brings light to any adventure with this one. So whether you are planning a family camping excursion to the back country or intense climbing in Bryce and Zion, you will feel secure in long lasting light, durability and affordability at only $32.95!

HeadsUp Lite 2690 LED Flashlight Specifications

Light Source:

LED

Tested Lumen Value:  60.0

Tested Lux Value @ 1 Meter:  1,000

Batteries

3 AAA Alkaline, included

Battery burn time:  10 hours

Voltage

4.5

Length

2.81 inches (7.1 cm)

Weight with batteries

4.1 oz.

Weight without batteries

2.8 oz.

By Rick Shandley

For its weight and function, the Marmot Home Alone Bivy is definitely worth considering as a solo backpacking shelter. The Home Alone Bivy weighs less than two pounds and packs small enough to fit inside the pack rather than lashed to the outside, or bulging under the pack lid.

It sets up and takes down in minutes.  We really enjoyed this characteristic of the Home Alone Bivy, especially when you need to get moving before dawn and get back on the trail before it gets hot or congested with other backpackers. Setting up in late afternoon or after dark is easy since you are only dealing with one hoop of pre-bent DAC aluminum pole to give the door-end of the shelter some structure. Another benefit we value is how easily this shelter lends itself to being used simply as a barrier between your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and the ground. Yes, we had no reservations about using this completely waterproof MemBrain Strata (100-percent ripstop nylon) as a ground cloth, when the weather permitted, and the mosquitoes stayed a couple thousand feet down the mountain.

No, we really wouldn’t consider this a free-standing shelter. You stake down the foot end, stretch it out, clip up the DAC pole and

Marmot Home Alone Bivy at First Lake in High Sierra.

stake out the front end. We would love to see those nice DAC tent stakes onboard this package, but the current stakes work. And that foot area could benefit from support, such as a DAC hoop and guy-line, to give the bottom of the sack some structure and keep the waterproof fabric off the foot of the sleeping bag, along with some foot-area cross ventilation.

Marmot DAC hoop pole and clip on Home Alone Bivy.

Likewise, the front of the bivy would benefit from being able to guy it out a little to give it support, structure, and rigidity for wind, driving rain, and possibly a light snow load. But that means making more tent-like, and that’s not the purpose of a bivy sack. So we’ll take this Marmot Home Alone Bivy just like it is and appreciate the functionalities it offers. It’s a super-light weight and compact three-season shelter that is easy to pack up or slip into on short notice.

Because it is waterproof, and the only ventilation is the No-Seeum netting at the front, you do have to contend with moisture condensation at the foot of the sleeping bag in the morning. Durng our test, moisture soaked the bottom of the down sleeping bag. Though it dried quickly, it is a trade off for each day you spend on the trail. Waterproof often means non-breathable, so we suggest that you plan on keeping the front door of the bivy open as much as possible while you are in the shelter.

A gust of wind inflates the Home Alone Bivy to an ideal profile, making it a perfect solo shelter.

Once inside the Home Alone Bivy, it offered enough room for a 6’2” person weighing more than 200 pounds to feel comfortable. The weather was clear and cool at the elevations we tested the bivy in, and sleep came almost instantly. So who could complain about that? However, it was a little awkward getting into the Home Alone because of the compact size and its proximity to the ground.  Again it is a worthy trade off for the fast-and-light strategy of quick set-up and takedown in order max out your trail time. Getting out of your boots and scooting your legs into the bag without dragging dirt inside was a challenge. But certainly not a deal breaker for this bivy.

Entry to Marmot Home Alone Bivy.

We found the construction, the noiseless zipper, and most of the hardware to be of the high quality Marmot gear is known for. It might be nice if the Marmot logo on the sides of the bivy would illuminate in the beam of a flashlight at night. Finding your shelter in the dark is a safety issue and some reflectivity would be a cool feature. We can offer no real complaints about this product because it is so functional for quick get-to-sleep, hit-the-trail adventures.

Forget about head room and ample space to whip out your laptop to outline your next novel while you wait out a thunderstorm.  You get in this thing and go to sleep. You wake up, pack up, and go. That’s why we’ll use this Marmot Home Alone Bivy again and again.

Features:

• Marmot MemBrain® Strata Waterproof/Breathable Fabric
• Mesh door for ventilation
• Highly Compressible
• Single DAC pole structure – For Increased Stability and Increased Internal Space
• No-See-Um-netting
• Inside pockets – for easy reach
• Jingle-free nylon zipper pulls

Specifications:

• Number of people: Single person
• Maximum Weight: one pound, 12 ounces
• Minimum Weight: one pound, 10 ounces
• Dimensions: 26×38x96 inches
• Packed size: 5×19 inches
• Tent pole: one DAC NSL 8.5mm
• Floor Area: 19 square feet
• Floor material: 40d 100-percent nylon 3000mm thick
• Canopy material: 2.2oz/yd of Marmot MemBrain Strata 100% Nylon Ripstop
• MSRP: $250

Granite Gear Nimbus Access FZ pack offers one of the most comfortable and capable backpacks available today. Comfort, we can report after several uphill battles with elevation and rocky trails, is a standout feature you won’t see in the literature. This is a light-duty one-to-three day backpack that molds itself to your torso.

This comfort level can largely be attributed to the three dimensionally molded pack frame made from composite materials engineered to flex in the zones along the spine. The flexibility of the composite frame allows the Nimbus Access FZ pack to move with your upper torso in a more perfect relationship. Yet the three-dimensional composite pack frame always returns, no adjustment needed, to its original shape. Granite Gear describes this composite core frame design as Framesheet Technology. What it means to us is a level of comfort that gives you confidence on the trail and under the weight of your equipment.

The other prime component of comfort is the harness system Granite Gear has designed into their products in general. This harness

Click this image to check out the Nimbus harness system. It fits and flex's with your torso. You're going to like the way you look!

system offers the wearer excellent padding in all the right areas from the shoulder harness to the hip belt.  It is not only the cushioning element of the harness system, but the design vision that determined how and where the harness system contacts the torso.  Pack load is evenly distributed across the back, so no one area feels the pack weight.

At an empty 4lbs, 9oz, the Nimbus Access FZ offers 3800 cubic inches or 62-liters of gear storage. Access to your gear is excellent. With a zip away front panel, and an inner compression-strap system, you can get to any part of your kit without unloading the pack. Three composite clip-fastener straps on the interior of the front zip away panel create a compression system that keeps gear from moving around on the trail and manages bulky items in concert with the compression straps on the exterior of the pack.

All fasteners and straps seem to be of ideal gauge and composite (nylon and plastic) materials to handle the Nimbus Access FZ pack rating of about 50 pounds. Even though it is a never ending quest to get your pack as light as possible, just the fact that you will need to carry a sufficient amount of water, even for an overnight trip, your pack is gonna’ weigh enough to rely on the straps and fasteners to keep the pack load secure. We found the compression strap and strap fasteners to be well positioned on the pack and very reliable.

Nimbus Access FZ is hydration compatible. That means the pack interior has a pocket and drinking hose exits built into the pack. Drinking hose exits are located on the upper left and right sides of the top of the pack. This feature accommodated a two-liter Camelbak hydration bladder on all trips, with no issues whatsoever.

Removable and roomy, the top storage compartment of the Nimbus Access FZ is convenient to un-snap from the pack and bring your valuables inside the tent. With an empty pack at the camp site, it’s more useful to take the top compartment off so when you go to re-pack, the primary body of the the Nimbus is easier to load up without the top compartment bobbing to one side or the other.

Nimbus Access with interior compression/access enclosure.

After several day trip hikes, we already had a sense Nimbus Access would be comfortable on the back. The tell-all experience is always actually getting on the trail – with your wilderness permit — and slugging your way into the high-country with an overnight destination and full-reliance on the gear in your pack. So with the pack loaded with approximately 45 pounds of gear and water, we ventured into the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada for two nights. Getting back to the “comfort” comment at the start of this review, this trip became the defining occasion. With a rise-over-run in elevation that would cripple a sea-level donkey laden with only a child, the hike rose from the 7,500-foot elevation to right below timberline at about 10,000 feet elevation in a few miles. Terrain was typical Sierra Nevada with tons of rocky, dusty, sun –soaked exposure; enough to create a withering sensation even with no backpack on at all.

But here’s the thing; regardless of the trail conditions and the elevation, the Granite Gear Nimbus Access FZ backpack was never a

Full access to your gear is easy.

distraction in either comfort or load-carrying capability. Even at those times along the trail where a needed rest break — just leaning on my one trekking pole in the shade – did it occur to me to take the pack off! The fit and comfort of the Nimbus Access FZ was, in my experience, amongst the best. Unless there was a situation calling for dismounting the Nimbus to get something out of the pack, there was no compelling reason to take it off along the trail. Lack of comfort is usually the reason a backpack comes off while under way on a trail, and the Nimbus did not give us a reason. That’s perhaps the one thing most appreciated and valued about reviewing this backpack. Obviously when you take it off your back at the end of the day you are going to feel like a boneless chicken for about 45 minutes, but that’s a great feeling.

Removable and roomy, the top storage compartment of the Nimbus Access FZ is convenient to un-snap from the pack and bring your valuables inside the tent. With an empty pack at the camp site, it’s more useful to take the top compartment off so when you go to re-pack, the primary body of the the Nimbus is easier to load up without the top compartment bobbing to one side or the other.

This 3D suspension system, harness, and accessibility to you gear can be found in other Granite Gear backpacks of larger and less cubic inch capacity. Quality workmanship and functional design stood out with this Nimbus Access FZ, but it was the comfort that jumped out at us, on the first hike it went on. It’d be great to have a rain cover on-board the pack.  But nonetheless, we enjoyed full confidence in this cool blue backpack.

By Rick Shandley

Specifications

• Torso Sizes: Short | Regular
• Weight: 4 lbs 9 oz | 2.07kg
• Volume: 3800 Cubes | 64 Liters
• Suspension: Topoflex Internal Frame
• Load Capacity: 50lbs | 23kg
• MSRP: $279.95

Materials

• 70D Ripstop
• 210D Nylon Cordura Body
• Stretch Woven Pockets and front panel