This is a well-proven and popular tent. That's because it provides some amazing room for its 4 lb total pack weight. The Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 is one of my favorite high speed backpacking tents for 1, maybe two people. I think one dude or dudette and maybe one "dogness" will be about its limit to be comfortable. But if you adhere to that formula expect to be comfortable within its roomy 7'4"x4'4" floor. That's 32 +7 square feet of living space in this lightweight tent, made even better by and a tall interior height for clothes changing. For such a light and windproof shelter that's a lot of room. This size to lightness ratio comes at the expense of a free-standing pitch (which would take more poles and couplings). You will need to tightly stake out the Clip Flashlight 2's floor for a good pitch. Once that's done, the setup is a snap. The fly is outstanding, extending low for maximum weather proofness and stretching tautly to repel wind and rain. It attaches via fast and secure "Jake's Foot" connectors on the perimeter and has some tightening cords too. Stake loops on the fly will help it pull away from the tent body and maximum air interchange. If properly staked out, even with the fly, the Flashlight 2 breathes exceptionally well with its mostly mesh body. Under the fly ventilation is superior due to clip-only connectors. These features prevent a muggy and condensating moisture buildup that soaks your clothes and sleeping gear. I was amazed that even in heavy ...
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
La Sportiva - Trango S EVO GTX 7159148
www.zappos.com Product Description # This was Backpackers Editor's Choice for 2004. # This lightweight alpine boot just got better with the addition of Gortex® lining for waterproof breathable performance. # The innovative 3D Flex ankle-hinge system provides plenty of support when straight on front pointing yet remains flexible from side to side when flat footed in French style. # This all synthetic boot is the finest boot for alpine hiking, via ferrate, big walls or classic alpine climbing. # New matic style crampon compatibility. # Water repellent Cordura® upper with idro treatment + Flex Tec 2. # Water repellent Lorica® with antiacqua external coating. # Dri-Lex lining. # Board lasted construction. # 7mm Trailflex insole. # Dual Density Micropore midsole with reinforcement for crampons in the back. # Vibram® Dru outsole. # Boot weighs 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Hit the Mountain With the Right Spikes on Your Feet
Climbing gaffs are attachments you put on your shoes or boots to support you and enable you to climb trees, electricity or telephone poles, mountains and other tall structures. They can be made of steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. Steel is the most common material used but if you want light weight and sturdy spikes you can opt for the more expensive carbon fiber climbing spikes.
Several parts of this climbing gear are the gaffs, spikes, tightening straps, leather pads, protective sheaths, to name a few. The gaffs, also called spurs, are the hooks you use to climb trees, these are the main supporting steel frames where you attach the spikes, and the spike itself is part of it. The spikes can be of different sizes and shapes which is interchangeable depending on your needs.
There are two tightening straps: one for your calf and one for your ankle to secure the gear close to your body. Leather pads allow more even distribution of pressure and forces on your legs and ankles to prevent bruises or other injuries and at the same time providing comfort to the user. Protective sheaths are used around the spikes to provide some safety measure to prevent injuries or accidental slips. Some climbing spikes have allen keys which allow the metal frame to become adjustable.
Some common brands of gaffs are Buckingham, Spider and Bashlin, Klein, Weaver, Climb Right, and Wolf claw. Safety is always a top priority and finding the right climbing spike for you depends not on the brand name but on what works best for you and what will enable you to perform the task at hand to your best ability. Take into consideration the comfort, durability and safety features of the climbing spike including the ergonomic design and the workmanship or meticulous construction of the gear.
Tree climbing is very famous and it's even considered as a sport in European countries. It's a very dangerous sport so having durable and reliable climbing spikes is a must. Climbing trees can also be a way of making a living by becoming a telephone pole repairman or an 'arborist' who is a specialist in the cultivation and care of trees. Arborists usually climb trees to prune them or to prevent the spread of pests. If you're into mountain climbing, climbing spikes can help you get better footing and leverage when you hoist yourself up using the cables. Climbing spikes used in mountain climbing are also known as crampons which are suited for punching holes through ice-laden mountains. Ninja climbing spikes otherwise known as Ashiko, is another type which have also been used for climbing trees and at the same time harnessed as weapons for combat in the old days i Japan.
If you're interested in climbing over great heights and conquering your fears, climbing spikes along with other safety gears can help you achieve that. Remember that with the right tools, technique, and training, you can achieve your goals.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Trekking Shoes - 5 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Trekking Shoe
Trekking Shoes are the most important piece of equipment for trekking. You'll be treading thousands and thousands of paces in rough country in them and you definitely do not want to spend days or weeks with sore feet, or even worse injure yourself in the wilderness.
So you have to make sure the shoes you have strike the right balance for your trek between comfort, performance, protection and durability.
All Trekking shoes are not equal. Unfortunately there is not really such a thing as a 'one size fits all' trekking shoe. Sandals, trail runners, light boots, heavy boots and mountaineering boots are some of the basic types and trekking shoes can have features of more than one basic type.
You can get away with one pair of hiking shoes on several different treks if the treks are fairly similar and not too demanding. But it is a really good idea to get the right kind of shoe for your trek. It makes all the difference in the world being able to walk comfortably and can often mean the difference between a trekking holiday and a trekking adventure.
A lot depends on the terrain you'll be traversing and how long you'll be traversing it for. Generally speaking the rougher the country the more you will need a tougher, heavier shoe that will need more wearing in and be less comfortable.
Questions to ask when choosing a trekking shoe:
1. How much ankle support will you need?
If you are ascending and descending steep inclines, you'll likely need more ankle support than if you are only on flat ground. For ankle support, choose a shoe that rises above your ankle.
2. How much punishment will your trekking shoes need to take?
If you are trekking through dense undergrowth full of sharp sticks and rocks, you'll need more foot protection that if the trek takes place only on well-trodden paths. For protection, a dense heavy material like leather usually offers more resistance to sharp sticks and rocks than a lightweight synthetic material.
A heavy trekking shoe will require more wearing in than a lighter one. Wearing in your trekking shoe is a very, very good idea. Who wants to deal with sore feet on the first night of their 30 day trek?
3. Waterproofing, how important is this?
Are you going to an extremely wet place like a swamp or a very dry place where getting your feet a little wet will come as a relief. Some trekking shoes are waterproof out of the box, others need to be treated or will be just water resistant.
4. Will there be extremes of temperature?
If the trek is very hot, will ventilating your feet be important? Will the weight of the shoe be a factor? What about warmth if it is cold? Will you need to wear very thick socks and so need a slightly bigger shoe?
5. What kind of grip will you need?
Here you are thinking about the sole of the shoe. Will it need softer rubber for wet rocks? Will the sole need a little extra cushioning because you'll be walking on tarmac all day? Will a heavier sole tire you out more quickly?
One last thing - be sure to clean and look after your trekking shoes well, especially out there on the trek. Look after your trekking shoes, and they'll look after you.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
Mountaineering Gear For Climbing Pico De Orizaba
If you're a beginner mountain climber and you decide you want to climb Orizaba, it's not critical that you have mountain climbing skills. What's important is that you have some glacier trekking and survival training skills which you'll definitely need when you're on the mountain. The mountain is not necessarily tricky but the sudden changes in climate and terrain may prove to be a challenge.
In any mountain climbing expedition, you'll certainly need tools of the trade to be able to maneuver your way around the terrain and any obstacles you may encounter. When climbing Pico de Orizaba, climbers follow the "alpine style", which basically means that climbers carry their own gear. There are no porters to follow you around to help you carry your stuff. So, prior to your trip, you need to make sure that you bring only the stuff that you need. Here is a list of the essential gear and equipment for your climb.
Headgear - One of the most basic pieces of gear that you need to bring is your lightweight, sturdy helmet. Technically, it doesn't really help with the climb but it will protect you from falling rocks and ice which you may encounter depending on the route you're taking and on the weather you'll be experiencing. Your safety is always a concern and the helmet is your trustworthy assistant in protecting your fragile head.
Climbing Harness - Another essential piece of climbing gear is your climbing harness. You wear this tool around your waist and legs to give support and protection in combination with your climbing rope. Since there are many types of climbing harnesses for a variety of climbs, you need to choose a harness fit for alpine climbs. They are generally made of non-absorbent materials to withstand the rough climate associated with glacier and high altitude climbs. They are also adjustable and comfortable which is just perfect for long arduous climbs.
Ice Axe - As the name suggests, this axe is designed specifically mountaineers to use in snow and ice conditions. They usually aid climbers with the ascent (like a walking stick for uphill treks) and for descent (acts like an anchor to prevent you from sliding down a steep grade. You also need an ice axe that suits your height and strength. If you slip and fall, the ice axe is used to self-arrest.
Crampons - Crampons are the spikes that you attach to your boots to help you walk on snow and ice. With them you will have no fear of slipping across the terrain and you will even be able to climb frozen surfaces. You will need 12-point adjustable crampons designed for technical mountaineering. You may use either steel or aluminum (metal works best for icy conditions). It's important that you bring the right crampons to suit the kind of boots that you're wearing.
Trekking Poles - Trekking poles are basically hiking sticks. They usually resemble ski poles except that they're collapsible and lightweight. You use trekking poles to support you while you're walking and give you balance when navigating through uneven terrain.
Carabiners - One important gear for climbing Pico de Orizaba is the carabiner. You'll need at least 1 locking and 1 non-locking carabiner to connect to your climbing system (with ropes and other gear). Carabiners are especially handy when securing your foothold on the mountain as well as helping with rescue systems.
Mountain climbing can be an extremely dangerous sport. It's highly recommended that you hire a professional guide whenever climbing any mountain with extreme weather conditions, such as Pico de Orizaba.
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Sleeping Bag Shapes - Mummy, Barrel Or Rectangular
Sleeping bags basically come in 3 different shapes, but why should you care? You just want something that's warm and comfortable to sleep in, right? Perhaps weight is also an issue, but the shape of the sleeping bag? Yes, the sleeping bag shape is important. Besides the material used, the shape or design of a sleeping bag is the most important factor in determining how warm it is, how heavy it is and perhaps also how comfortable it is!
Mummy Shaped
Mummy sleeping bags are more narrow in the foot-end than in the head-end. They sort of resemble the way a mummy is wrapped up, if you've ever seen one. Since your feet don't require as much space as your shoulders, it's a pretty logical way to construct a sleeping bag. The tighter fit of the mummy bags means that there will be less air inside the sleeping bag and less surface area between the warm interior and the cold exterior surrounding you. The simple effect of this is that the mummy sleeping bags are generally warmer. Or rather, they have better insulation and don't give away as much of your nice body heat to the cold environment.
Mummy bags are also generally more lightweight, since the design uses slightly less material to wrap around you than a barrel one does. For these reasons, the mummy sleeping bags are generally preferred for lightweight backpacking, hiking and trekking.
Barrel Shaped
Now on to the barrel shaped sleeping bags. With all the excellent qualities of the mummy bag, why would you want to consider a barrel or rectangular shaped bag?
Some people feel too crammed up in the tight fit of a mummy bag. Claustrophobic. If you are the type who like to wiggle your feet and toss and turn in your sleep, the barrel sleeping bag will allow you more freedom of movement during the night.
If you are camping out in the open in cold conditions, there is also the advantage of being able to stuff some of your gear into the sleeping bag with you. Definitely socks. And gloves. Some trekkers and hikers even like to keep their shoes or boots warm for the morning, by sleeping with them in the bag! The more roomy barrel shaped bags allow you to do just this. Just remember to keep your muddy boots in a plastic bag so they don't make your sleeping bag dirty. You can even use the little stuff sack that usually comes with the sleeping bag.
Rectangular Shaped
The rectangular sleeping bag is the least warm of the 3 designs described here. Most of these sleeping bags have a quite large opening. It's nice for allowing you - and your hands - to move in and out of the bag as much as you like. But at the same time it also allows some of your body heat to escape. For summer use, that might not be a big problem though. Rectangular sleeping bags also tend to be some of the cheapest sleeping bags around. A bit more bulky as well. But for a lot of casual use, rectangular sleeping bags are the 'best deal'. After all, you don't need a high-altitude mountaineering bag for a weekend summer camp at the local lake.
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