Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2012
After living in North Carolina for 4 years, my winter weather wardrobe was somewhat depleted when I arrived in Indiana. All fall, I was looking for a pair of winter boots since I was told there' lots-o-snow up here near Lake Michigan. Pretty much the only specification was something that will keep my feet warm and dry without weighting 47 lbs. I ended up with the Sorel Suka II.
They were put to the test the other day when we got about a foot of snow, which I had to shovel (problem with living on a corner lot... twice as much sidewalk to clear). They were awesome. They absolutely kept my feet warm and dry. They have clasps on the side and there's no lining covering the gap, but once they were all closed up, no snow snuck in (like I was afraid might happen). I also wore then all over town for two days because it was snowy and slushy, and got a couple complements on them.
They are super comfy, easily fit my jeans when I tucked them in, and are a cinch to get in and out of. I knew from the start that I wanted Sorel's (high quality, great durability, really warm). From what I've heard, pretty much any boot of theirs will do the job, but I thought these were kind of unique and interesting, without sacrificing function! And boy to I love function...
Now all I need to do is buy a pair of snow shoes to strap onto them so I can walk to work when it snows!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Have I mentioned before I have a jacket problem? I think I have... but it never hurts to repeat important things.
I have a jacket problem.
As in, I have too many of them, but just can't stop. Seriously, I am one person, and my coat closet it totally crammed. But they are all so important. And none is more important than my Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman Jacket...
Okay, fine. I have two. You didn't have to be so mean about it.
Let me explain. I have had my eye on this jacket since I worked at EMS. It was love at first wear. But, being that I am relatively cheap (ie, like to get things at a bargain), and it retails for $150, I didn't own one. I only oogled. That is, until one fateful day in Portland, OR. I was on a bit of a Columbia outlet store shopping spree, when I came across this particular jacket on sale for 50% off! Woo! But I was Christmas shopping for OTHER people, not me. So I was going to let it pass on by. Until I saw a sign indicating that it was marked down even more, to a mere $40. I'm only human, people. And that deal is beyond my ability to pass up. So I snagged it (only it was blue, not purple like the one above), and promptly wore it around Portland, and on the airplane home (and I may or may not have let my apartment temp run a little cool so I had an excuse to wear it while sitting on the couch......).
The other day, while on a bit of a TJ Maxx shopping spree (I don't do that as often as it sounds), I found the purple version you see above, stuffed between some other inferior jackets and hiding from the masses, waiting for me. And, of course, it was at a great TJ Maxx price. What's a girl to do??
Yes, I already said I have a problem.
Anyway, I am not opposed to owning two of these jackets because, quite simply, they are wonderful, and double the wonderful never hurt anyone...
Why, you may ask, is the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman jacket so great? Well, first of all, the product description on MH's website says it's constructed of Monkey Phur. How can it not be great? Aside from that, I love this jacket because it's incredibly soft and warm while being light weight and nifty looking. The fleece tapers at the cuff so the Monkey Phur doesn't get all up in whatever you're doing with your hands. It has a convenient zip breast pocket (always a plus in my mind... the best place to put a few dollars and some chap stick while frolicking in any winter wonderland), a feminine cut, and did I mention it's warm? The fleece also holds up extremely well to abuse without pulling out or pilling.
It's like getting a giant warm hug from an extremely friendly brightly colored polar bear.
The downside to this jacket, like most fleece jackets, is that it doesn't do so hot in the wind protection department. It'll keep you warm if it's cold and breezy, but if you're in blustery conditions, you're better off to throw a shell on top to keep all the toasty inside.
I definitely would recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a cozy addition to their winter outerwear collection. And don't fret, gentlemen. The version for guys is called the Monkey Man. It's still made of Phur though...
Adventure on,
Kari
I have a jacket problem.
As in, I have too many of them, but just can't stop. Seriously, I am one person, and my coat closet it totally crammed. But they are all so important. And none is more important than my Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman Jacket...
Okay, fine. I have two. You didn't have to be so mean about it.
Let me explain. I have had my eye on this jacket since I worked at EMS. It was love at first wear. But, being that I am relatively cheap (ie, like to get things at a bargain), and it retails for $150, I didn't own one. I only oogled. That is, until one fateful day in Portland, OR. I was on a bit of a Columbia outlet store shopping spree, when I came across this particular jacket on sale for 50% off! Woo! But I was Christmas shopping for OTHER people, not me. So I was going to let it pass on by. Until I saw a sign indicating that it was marked down even more, to a mere $40. I'm only human, people. And that deal is beyond my ability to pass up. So I snagged it (only it was blue, not purple like the one above), and promptly wore it around Portland, and on the airplane home (and I may or may not have let my apartment temp run a little cool so I had an excuse to wear it while sitting on the couch......).
The other day, while on a bit of a TJ Maxx shopping spree (I don't do that as often as it sounds), I found the purple version you see above, stuffed between some other inferior jackets and hiding from the masses, waiting for me. And, of course, it was at a great TJ Maxx price. What's a girl to do??
Yes, I already said I have a problem.
Anyway, I am not opposed to owning two of these jackets because, quite simply, they are wonderful, and double the wonderful never hurt anyone...
Why, you may ask, is the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman jacket so great? Well, first of all, the product description on MH's website says it's constructed of Monkey Phur. How can it not be great? Aside from that, I love this jacket because it's incredibly soft and warm while being light weight and nifty looking. The fleece tapers at the cuff so the Monkey Phur doesn't get all up in whatever you're doing with your hands. It has a convenient zip breast pocket (always a plus in my mind... the best place to put a few dollars and some chap stick while frolicking in any winter wonderland), a feminine cut, and did I mention it's warm? The fleece also holds up extremely well to abuse without pulling out or pilling.
It's like getting a giant warm hug from an extremely friendly brightly colored polar bear.
The downside to this jacket, like most fleece jackets, is that it doesn't do so hot in the wind protection department. It'll keep you warm if it's cold and breezy, but if you're in blustery conditions, you're better off to throw a shell on top to keep all the toasty inside.
I definitely would recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a cozy addition to their winter outerwear collection. And don't fret, gentlemen. The version for guys is called the Monkey Man. It's still made of Phur though...
Adventure on,
Kari
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Let me tell you something about feet. (And you should listen to me, since I'm a doctor and all...) They love them a good sock. And boy do I have a good sock for you.
And by a good sock, I mean the best sock ever. Unless, of course, you live in a place where you have to wear boots all the time, like Antarctica, or a swamp. These are short socks for short shoes. But as far as short socks for short shoes go, these are DEFINITELY the best.
I present to you, the Smartwool PhD Running Micro.
I'll give you the breakdown (since it's got such a long name for a sock)...
Note: I just thought about turning the name into an acronym, but it became SPRM, which I decided was not a good name for a sock.
Smartwool: The brand of the sock, and/or a special material specifically for making socks that comes from very intelligent sheep.
PhD: Ummmmm, maybe they're really intelligent sheep? Or really intelligent sock makers?
Running: Great for running... or cycling, hiking, general wearing during the day if you have long enough pants to hide them with your dress shoes, skipping, walking, or snowshoeing. But that's definitely too long for the name of a sock.
Micro: This is the best part. The are nice and short. But have a little lip on the back so they don't fall off your heel and into your shoe (seriously, how annoying is that!?).
The Smartwool people have really outdone themselves on this sock. The snuggle your foot perfectly. The tops are breathable and thin so as not to take up too much room in the shoe. The heel and toes have a smidge extra squish to make the repetitive pounding less fatiguing and more comfy. They have a little extra support across the arch, keeping the squishy areas and the thin areas in place. The lip on the back keeps the sock up, and prevents blisters on your Achilles better than a box of mole skin ever could.
They hold their shape, take FOREVER to wear out, are resilient, and come in many a fun color.
Seriously, if you're the outdoorsy type, exercising type, or just want a good sock, pick a pair of these up. They are a bit pricey ($10-14 a pair), but honestly totally worth it. They'll make your feet so happy.
And who doesn't love happy feet.
Disclaimer: Smartwool did not pay me to write this review. Nor do they know that I wrote it. Nor would they care, if they did know. They're too busy tending to the sheep to read blogs.
And by a good sock, I mean the best sock ever. Unless, of course, you live in a place where you have to wear boots all the time, like Antarctica, or a swamp. These are short socks for short shoes. But as far as short socks for short shoes go, these are DEFINITELY the best.
I present to you, the Smartwool PhD Running Micro.
Note: I just thought about turning the name into an acronym, but it became SPRM, which I decided was not a good name for a sock.
Smartwool: The brand of the sock, and/or a special material specifically for making socks that comes from very intelligent sheep.
PhD: Ummmmm, maybe they're really intelligent sheep? Or really intelligent sock makers?
Running: Great for running... or cycling, hiking, general wearing during the day if you have long enough pants to hide them with your dress shoes, skipping, walking, or snowshoeing. But that's definitely too long for the name of a sock.
Micro: This is the best part. The are nice and short. But have a little lip on the back so they don't fall off your heel and into your shoe (seriously, how annoying is that!?).
The Smartwool people have really outdone themselves on this sock. The snuggle your foot perfectly. The tops are breathable and thin so as not to take up too much room in the shoe. The heel and toes have a smidge extra squish to make the repetitive pounding less fatiguing and more comfy. They have a little extra support across the arch, keeping the squishy areas and the thin areas in place. The lip on the back keeps the sock up, and prevents blisters on your Achilles better than a box of mole skin ever could.
They hold their shape, take FOREVER to wear out, are resilient, and come in many a fun color.
Seriously, if you're the outdoorsy type, exercising type, or just want a good sock, pick a pair of these up. They are a bit pricey ($10-14 a pair), but honestly totally worth it. They'll make your feet so happy.
And who doesn't love happy feet.
Disclaimer: Smartwool did not pay me to write this review. Nor do they know that I wrote it. Nor would they care, if they did know. They're too busy tending to the sheep to read blogs.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Today marks one week since Erik was killed in a cycling accident. Today is also the day that friends, colleagues, and family with gather in Winston-Salem to celebrate his life, share stories, and drink Heineken. Since I am 1) on call, and 2) in Indiana, I won't be there, and I won't be drinking Heineken. So I thought I'd pay homage to Erik by doing a gear post about something he and I both love: the Trek Madone.
Mine looks like this:
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His looked kinda like that, except more manly and about twice as tall.
When I got my Madone about 3 years ago, it was a significant upgrade from my previous road bike, a used and too-small trek 1500. There was nothing wrong with m old bike, but I made some extra money working over the summer, and had an opportunity to get a new bike at a really great deal, so I jumped on the chance.
The Trek Madone 5.2 (2009) is a full carbon fame with Ultegra SL components and Bontrager race Lite wheels. I've kept pretty much everything stock except the handlebar tape, which I switched to teal.
Not having much experience with other full carbon bikes, I can't really compare it to anything else. But I can say that I love it! Other than the fact that its light and snazzy looking and riding smooth, the thing I like most it the geometry. I have a long torso and short legs, so standard geometry means that standover height limits how big a frame I can get, and the top tube length is pretty much universally too short for me. The WSD geometry has a sloping top tube, giving a larger frame size a shorter standover height. My Madone is a full two sizes larger than my previous bike and is WAY more comfortable!
The other thing it does very well is climb. I'm a horrible climber. But with the Madone, I can at least make it up pretty much any mountain without rolling backwards!! In NC, this was important. I needed to know that even if I was totally spent, I could get home through the rolling hills without falling over on the side of the road. Now, living in IN, I don't think this will be as big of a problem...
So there you have it. I love my Madone 5.2 I don't think at my level, anything more expensive would make a bit of difference in my riding. But there is definitely a difference between an old aluminum frame and a solid carbon fiber bike.
And since this is a tribute gear post to Erik (which, PS, I DID start on Friday night during his wake), I'll leave you with this. When he got his used, new-to-him Madone we talked about going for a ride together. I said he'd have to take it easy on me because he'd be way faster with his ridiculously long Scandinavian legs. His response: "You know, you'd think that'd be the case. But it's become clear that they provide absolutely NO kinetic advantage."
Mine looks like this:
His looked kinda like that, except more manly and about twice as tall.
When I got my Madone about 3 years ago, it was a significant upgrade from my previous road bike, a used and too-small trek 1500. There was nothing wrong with m old bike, but I made some extra money working over the summer, and had an opportunity to get a new bike at a really great deal, so I jumped on the chance.
The Trek Madone 5.2 (2009) is a full carbon fame with Ultegra SL components and Bontrager race Lite wheels. I've kept pretty much everything stock except the handlebar tape, which I switched to teal.
Not having much experience with other full carbon bikes, I can't really compare it to anything else. But I can say that I love it! Other than the fact that its light and snazzy looking and riding smooth, the thing I like most it the geometry. I have a long torso and short legs, so standard geometry means that standover height limits how big a frame I can get, and the top tube length is pretty much universally too short for me. The WSD geometry has a sloping top tube, giving a larger frame size a shorter standover height. My Madone is a full two sizes larger than my previous bike and is WAY more comfortable!
The other thing it does very well is climb. I'm a horrible climber. But with the Madone, I can at least make it up pretty much any mountain without rolling backwards!! In NC, this was important. I needed to know that even if I was totally spent, I could get home through the rolling hills without falling over on the side of the road. Now, living in IN, I don't think this will be as big of a problem...
So there you have it. I love my Madone 5.2 I don't think at my level, anything more expensive would make a bit of difference in my riding. But there is definitely a difference between an old aluminum frame and a solid carbon fiber bike.
And since this is a tribute gear post to Erik (which, PS, I DID start on Friday night during his wake), I'll leave you with this. When he got his used, new-to-him Madone we talked about going for a ride together. I said he'd have to take it easy on me because he'd be way faster with his ridiculously long Scandinavian legs. His response: "You know, you'd think that'd be the case. But it's become clear that they provide absolutely NO kinetic advantage."
Thursday, June 30, 2011
It's been a long time since I did gear post, and I thought it was high time I remedy that. Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite jackets. First, let's be clear about something. I have a lot of jackets. I mean, a LOT. More than I could possibly need. I've collected them over the years, mostly through deep discounts and good deals. So when I talk about this particular jacket and say it's one of my favorites, rest assured that it's being compared to a vast array of other cool and cold weather apparel.
So, on to the EMS Windshear. This jacket is designed to be a lightweight, windproof, water resistant jacket for activity during cool days. I've had three of these jackets and have loved each and every one of them. The first, I lost (I think it was actually stollen, because of it's pure awesomeness, but I have no proof...). The second one, I temporarily lost, and later rediscovered after replacing it with the THIRD Windshear, which you can see here:
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So, on to the EMS Windshear. This jacket is designed to be a lightweight, windproof, water resistant jacket for activity during cool days. I've had three of these jackets and have loved each and every one of them. The first, I lost (I think it was actually stollen, because of it's pure awesomeness, but I have no proof...). The second one, I temporarily lost, and later rediscovered after replacing it with the THIRD Windshear, which you can see here:
The best uses for the Winshear, in my opinion, are outdoor activities, particularly those in windy locations or on exposed or high trails. It's definitely not designed for rain, but would do okay in a temporary light sprinkle. I love this jacket because it provides protection from the elements while keeping you from overheating and without restricting movement at ALL. Seriously, this thing completely eliminates wind from having any impact on your activity. I swear it also makes you more aerodynamic. That's how I feel anyway...
It's lined with a soft thin microfleece lining, has a front chest and two side pockets, all of which have zippers, and has two underarm vents. My version has velcro adjustable wrist cuffs, but that seems to vary from year to year. The neck is lined and not scratchy at all, the cut is feminine (read: narrow shoulders, wide hips), but not so fitted that it's uncomfortable or difficult to move in at all. I love it. Other jackets I've had for wind just don't compare. The Windshear is never stuffy or hot (provided you aren't wearing it in the summer...).
Unfortunately for you and everyone else in the world, they seem to have stopped making the EMS Windshear (EMS, for those of you who don't know, stands for Eastern Mountain Sports, and is an east coast based outdoor sporting goods store). They have, however, replaced it with what appears to be the exact same jacket, called the EMS Microburst. Each year, the style changes a little bit, so the Microburst may be slightly different than my Windshear, but they should be completely comparable. The Microburst looks like this:
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Needless to say, I think it's pretty much the same jacket, with a couple different color options and elastic wrist cuffs. If you live somewhere where it's ever windy, I recommend you go get this jacket immediately.
And the wind will disappear.
And you will be happy.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Do you get knots in your muscles? Or are you sore and tight after a particularly hard workout and you wish there was a way to speed up the muscle recovery? Or do you just feel lazy simply sitting in front of the TV watching glee, and you want to do something to make you feel better about yourself and your fitness....
Well, have no fear! TriggerPoint products are here!
This product has me at it's name. Personally, I think that if I ever had a single trigger point injection, it would be like crack and I'd never be able to stop. Not that I'm opposed to someone sticking a small needed into a very angry little muscle spasm... it's just hard to do alone, in front of the TV. And that's why TriggerPoint therapy exists! The premise (as I understand it) is this. Exercise can and does create trigger points of focal muscle spasm that 1) hurt, and 2) decrease flexibility and muscle performance. If you can release these spasms, blood flow to the muscle increases, pain decreases, and performance improves. Traditional stretching, while still good as a general practice, is not the best way to release these focal spasms. It's like trying to get rid of a knot in a rope by pulling on it... not gonna do the trick. Instead, you've got to work it around until it breaks free.
Enter: Trigger Point. The products (in the starter kit, that includes the footballer, baller block, and massage ball) are designed to provide focal pressure for a short amount of time to trigger points, releasing them and allowing the muscle to stretch and relax. To do this, you place you leg (in the case of the footballer), back (in the case of the massage ball), or other muscle that hurts if you have more equipment, onto the appropriate device, roll it around until you find that spot that hurts, and let it rest there with gentle pressure until you feel the pain release.
It's wonderful, I love it, and I want more. Like, one for each leg, two massage balls, and the bigger one for quads, hammies, back, and such. I love that it's a great way to target trigger points at home.
So far, I've used it a couple times and am a big fan of the results. Sometimes my back and shoulders get so tight my fingers tingle, and I just can't get comfortable. It's hard to use my other hand to try and hit some trigger points, and the massage ball works great!
If you do any sort of exercise that leaves you feeling sore, I recommend you invest in these products. I do say invest, because they are a bit pricey. But from what I can tell so far, the quality is excellent, and they work. In my opinion, that makes them worth the money!
For more info on these products, and others they offer, head on over to their website here.
Adventure on!
Kari
Well, have no fear! TriggerPoint products are here!
This product has me at it's name. Personally, I think that if I ever had a single trigger point injection, it would be like crack and I'd never be able to stop. Not that I'm opposed to someone sticking a small needed into a very angry little muscle spasm... it's just hard to do alone, in front of the TV. And that's why TriggerPoint therapy exists! The premise (as I understand it) is this. Exercise can and does create trigger points of focal muscle spasm that 1) hurt, and 2) decrease flexibility and muscle performance. If you can release these spasms, blood flow to the muscle increases, pain decreases, and performance improves. Traditional stretching, while still good as a general practice, is not the best way to release these focal spasms. It's like trying to get rid of a knot in a rope by pulling on it... not gonna do the trick. Instead, you've got to work it around until it breaks free.
Enter: Trigger Point. The products (in the starter kit, that includes the footballer, baller block, and massage ball) are designed to provide focal pressure for a short amount of time to trigger points, releasing them and allowing the muscle to stretch and relax. To do this, you place you leg (in the case of the footballer), back (in the case of the massage ball), or other muscle that hurts if you have more equipment, onto the appropriate device, roll it around until you find that spot that hurts, and let it rest there with gentle pressure until you feel the pain release.
It's wonderful, I love it, and I want more. Like, one for each leg, two massage balls, and the bigger one for quads, hammies, back, and such. I love that it's a great way to target trigger points at home.
So far, I've used it a couple times and am a big fan of the results. Sometimes my back and shoulders get so tight my fingers tingle, and I just can't get comfortable. It's hard to use my other hand to try and hit some trigger points, and the massage ball works great!
If you do any sort of exercise that leaves you feeling sore, I recommend you invest in these products. I do say invest, because they are a bit pricey. But from what I can tell so far, the quality is excellent, and they work. In my opinion, that makes them worth the money!
For more info on these products, and others they offer, head on over to their website here.
Adventure on!
Kari
Monday, February 7, 2011
Have you ever had a travel mug that was supposed to seal tightly, put it in a bag, and then found out that it didn't really seal as tightly as you had hoped (as evidenced by a small puddle of coffee at the bottom of your bag)? Well, I have. Despite numerous attempts, I've not had much luck in finding a mug that keeps coffee hot and inside the mug for a long enough period of time to take it anywhere further than class. I have one mug that I can throw in my bag and take to class, but it's not big enough or insulated enough to take on a "trip". Really, I need something I can throw in a bag, take hiking or leave in the car for a while, and come back later to a HOT beverage.
I did some Amazon shopping (since I still have $113 dollars of Amazon money to spend!), but didn't find anything that peaked my interest. Then I took a field trip to REI, and after reading some reviews (ALWAYS read reviews!), I snagged the 0.5L Bullet Vacuum Bottle. I don't know what the difference is between a bullet vacuum bottle and a thermos, but to me it just looks like a thermos.
Reasons I liked it were:
I did some Amazon shopping (since I still have $113 dollars of Amazon money to spend!), but didn't find anything that peaked my interest. Then I took a field trip to REI, and after reading some reviews (ALWAYS read reviews!), I snagged the 0.5L Bullet Vacuum Bottle. I don't know what the difference is between a bullet vacuum bottle and a thermos, but to me it just looks like a thermos.
Reasons I liked it were:
- Reports that it kept things HOT for a long time (like overnight, or in the freezer).
- Good capacity without being too bulky.
- Color (I got it in Marine Blue).
- A cup on the top.
- General trusted REI quality.
I should have taken a picture of the steam coming off the top of the coffee... Yes, it stayed piping hot! Not much better than hot coffee at the top of a fire tower with a 360 degree view. A+ for that performance test. Also, I didn't notice the weight of it in my bag, which was nice.
Although it passed that test well, I wasn't convinced it could do everything I wanted it to. I threw it back in my bag, and we hiked back down the knob (Moore's knob, to be precise). Then, we got in the car, drove home, I dropped Chris off, and went home. Then, I took a shower, ate some lunch, talked to the dude who fixed my heat (woo hoo!), watched some TV, and decided to see if the coffee was still hot (about 4 hours after drinking it on the fire tower. I opened the thermos, poured it into my (freezing cold) mug from this morning, and it was still hot enough that I needed to blow on it.
Mission: accomplished!
So, while I can't yet speak to the durability of the REI Bullet Vacuum Bottle, it sure does keep things hot! I'll let you know what happens when I'm drinking coffee on the top of a fire tower and accidentally knock it off...
Although I hope that never happens.
Overall, I give it a solid A. Only because it's not tested enough to get an A+. It serves all the purposes I wanted it to, and has a lovely tree design at the bottom that makes it pretty to look at.
And I like pretty.
But not as much as I like hot coffee at the top of a mountain.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The story of how I ended up with this camera is kind of entertaining...
It was a cold and dreary day, long long ago when I was a third year. Betsy and I decided to drive to the mountains to frolick in the snow. Why did we want to frolick in the snow? Fair question. Because snow is cool? Or because we were bored? Or because we like the mountains? Or because being in the cold is no fun when you can't do anything in it? Who knows, really. We once drove an hour just to get donuts from an amish bakery. There's no telling why we do the things we do.
So, we're on the way to Boone, and I asked Betsy if she brought her camera. Negative. She rarely does, because I always bring my camera, which is just a small step below a dSLR and takes excellent pictures. BUT, I didn't bring my camera because the battery was dead and I couldn't find the charger. Bummer. So we decided to stop at Walmart on the way to Boone so I could get a disposable camera just for the day. Gotta have a camera... you never know what might require picture taking!
Well, it turns out they were having a big pre-Christmas sale on cameras. After reading up on all the ones that were a decent price, I decided to get a small point and shoot camera instead of a disposable one. There are some times where lugging a big camera around just isn't practical or necessary. Extreme weather conditions, nights out, technical hikes... it's just not conveneient to have a big camera. So a small point and shoot seemed like a reasonable alternative!
I decided to go with the Nikon S220, a 10Mp, 3x optical zoom compact PhD (abbreviation from back in the day meaning "push here, dummy") camera.
Now, after months and months of use, I can tell you that I think this camera was a good purchase. Had I had more time to research the cameras in this price range, I maybe would have made a different choice, but this one definitely serves the purpose. It's small, light, easy to use, and easy to stick in my pocket. The picture quality is okay, definitely far below my other camera (which is expected). It's used for proving that I was, in fact, on the top of that mountain... not to show you how beautiful the view was or how cool the leaves on a tree are. You've got to know your lot in life, right?
It also conveniently sits on top of my GorillaPod, making it exceptional at taking self portraits from pretty much anywhere. Like the fireplace....
It was a cold and dreary day, long long ago when I was a third year. Betsy and I decided to drive to the mountains to frolick in the snow. Why did we want to frolick in the snow? Fair question. Because snow is cool? Or because we were bored? Or because we like the mountains? Or because being in the cold is no fun when you can't do anything in it? Who knows, really. We once drove an hour just to get donuts from an amish bakery. There's no telling why we do the things we do.
So, we're on the way to Boone, and I asked Betsy if she brought her camera. Negative. She rarely does, because I always bring my camera, which is just a small step below a dSLR and takes excellent pictures. BUT, I didn't bring my camera because the battery was dead and I couldn't find the charger. Bummer. So we decided to stop at Walmart on the way to Boone so I could get a disposable camera just for the day. Gotta have a camera... you never know what might require picture taking!
Well, it turns out they were having a big pre-Christmas sale on cameras. After reading up on all the ones that were a decent price, I decided to get a small point and shoot camera instead of a disposable one. There are some times where lugging a big camera around just isn't practical or necessary. Extreme weather conditions, nights out, technical hikes... it's just not conveneient to have a big camera. So a small point and shoot seemed like a reasonable alternative!
I decided to go with the Nikon S220, a 10Mp, 3x optical zoom compact PhD (abbreviation from back in the day meaning "push here, dummy") camera.
I went with the Nikon because of the price (I think it was about $120 when I grabbed it), the size, and Nikon's history of making good quality products. At that price point, there isn't a huge amount of variety in the features you get...
After spending a lot more time in Walmart than we intended, and snagging the camera and a matching memory card, we hopped back in the car, used my sweet car power converter to charge the battery, and snapped some pictures driving through Christmas tree farm land! Here's an example:
Have I discussed my intentions to marry a Christmas tree farmer? No? I should do that some day... it's a well thought out plan...
Now, after months and months of use, I can tell you that I think this camera was a good purchase. Had I had more time to research the cameras in this price range, I maybe would have made a different choice, but this one definitely serves the purpose. It's small, light, easy to use, and easy to stick in my pocket. The picture quality is okay, definitely far below my other camera (which is expected). It's used for proving that I was, in fact, on the top of that mountain... not to show you how beautiful the view was or how cool the leaves on a tree are. You've got to know your lot in life, right?
It also conveniently sits on top of my GorillaPod, making it exceptional at taking self portraits from pretty much anywhere. Like the fireplace....
Overall, if you're looking for a performance camera, this isn't it. If you're looking for something to stick on your pocket or backpack and snap pictures of cool situations you find youself in, this will do the trick very nicely! And, bonus, it comes in 6 different color options! Everyone loves color options...
Adventure on,
Kari
Thursday, December 30, 2010
I do not like exercising inside. I don't HATE it, but I would never choose it over doing something outside. I can pretty much run outside in any weather. As long as it's no pitch black (I've been known to find potholes... not good for the ole' ankle), and there isn't a lot of ice or snow on the road, I'm game. I'm pretty much okay in any temperature. I'm not as adventurous on my bike, mostly because if I hurt my bike, I can't afford to replace it! I have insurance on myself... not my bike.
I'm getting off track. So when I have to be inside, I pretty much refuse to run on a treadmill. It makes me want to stab my eyes out. But I don't mind sticking my bike on my trainer and spinning for an hour.
I'm getting off track. So when I have to be inside, I pretty much refuse to run on a treadmill. It makes me want to stab my eyes out. But I don't mind sticking my bike on my trainer and spinning for an hour.
I snagged the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer a couple years ago, and have put on some good miles over the winter. When I got it, I was looking for something that was stable, smooth, quiet, durable, and portable. I did a decent amount of research, talked to some teammates, and decided to go with the CycleOps Fluid 2. It was a bit pricey, but worth it in the end I think. I ended up getting the package (seen below), which included a couple front wheel props, a mat for the floor, "bike thong" to catch dripping sweat and store the TV remote, and a rear wheel mounted bike computer with cadence sensor.
The one thing I dislike about trainers in general (not any in particular) is that they are pretty rough on tires. I have a set of tiresspecifically for the trainer, but haven't yet set up a wheel with one specifically to stick on my trainer. I've pretty much burned through the tires I've got on now, and will need to replace them before I ride much on the road.
Other than that, I have really liked the CycleOps Fluid 2. I don't have anything to compare it to, but its easy to get my bike in and out of, is stable, not too loud (I tested it out when I first got it to make sure it wasn't disturbing to anyone outside my room), and so far has not had any problems, expect the one time I pinched my finger in it. Although I'm pretty sure that's user error...
One word of advice the first time you pop your bike onto a trainer. First off, I know this because of a friend, not from first hand experience! But if you put the trainer on carpet (as seen above), instead of a hard surface, be sure that there is enough clearance so that when you sit, your tire is off the carpet. Otherwise, 1), you will get a really high resistance workout, 2) you will burn up your tire, and 3) you will wear a hole in your carpet.
Other that than one warning, you just pop it out of the box, put it on the floor, and spin away!
Keep spinning!
Kari
Thursday, December 16, 2010
This post marks a new stage in my gear posts... It's the first piece of gear I'm writing about that I don't actually own. Yet. So far, my top choices for residency would be in places I can snowshoe... so they may be getting added to the "gear I own" list eventually. But as of right now, they were just a rental. That doesn't mean I can't review them! So here it goes!
While I was in the northwest last week, I wanted to do something winter-esque... to celebrate the fact that I was near big mountains and snow. I thought about skiing. I've only been once, and it's something I'd love to learn and become good at, but the likelihood of me injuring myself is high, and I didn't want to get quite such a close look at how the ER at OHSU worked, so I decided that snowshoeing might be a better idea! It's a better way to see the sights, and I figured the chance of breaking a leg was lower.
We headed up to Government Camp near the base of Mount Hood, and rented (for $10 a pop), these Tubbs Venture 21 snowshoes.
In the grand scheme of snowshoe quality, these fall in the middle to upper end of the Tubbs series. They are made for day hiking, rolling hills with some terrain, but don't have the aggressive traction of the mountaineering version. Which was okay, because were weren't (supposed to be) going mountaineering.
The sizing is based on weight, not shoe size or anything like that, so if you're looking to buy or rent a pair, make sure you (and all the stuff you are carrying!), fall within the weight range, or you will sink and have less fun.
So, we strapped these bad boys on and jumped onto 4 feet of mountain snow. They were super easy to get into, and not as cumbersome to walk in as I expected they might be. I imagine the engineering has come a long way since bent sticks and rabbit fur...
They were excellent in the flats and rolling hills. Traction comes from toe and heal spikes, and a couple on the sides. For most of our hike, they provided PLENTY of traction. And there was lots of time to take in the beautiful snowy scenery!
The only place we had problems was heading up this steep little gem... in the new falling snow. Oh, and when we tried to follow some power lines back down to the water, until we discovered a cliff.
The uphill was okay, but the downhill was a little tricky! I'd say the mountaineering version would have made this descent a little more stable, but these worked out fine in the end. If you were going to be climbing LOTS of mountains, the upgrade would be worth it. But for most stuff, I think that the Venture series provides enough traction, plenty of sink-prevention (yes, that's the technical term), and they are light enough that you don't really notice any added weight. If the tracks they made were any shallower, we would have had nothing to follow back out of the woods, and might still be there... The snow was coming down!
When we got back to the car, with frozen hands, they snowshoes were super-easy to pop off. We chucked them in the trunk and returned them wet and dirty, so I can't tell you how they'd be to clear or maintain, but they were great for the day!
If (and when?) I were going to invest in my own pair of snowshoes, these would certainly make the short list of options! As with many other things that you rely on to get you out of the woods safe, I would recommend against getting an inexpensive off brand pair. The last thing you want is to break a shoe in 5 feet of powder in the woods in the cold while the sun it setting.... That being said, I think the mountaineering version is a step above what I might need... although I do like to be prepared in case I become more brave and upgrade my adventures to the stupid level. I think I'm too afraid of avalanches to do that though.
All said, these rocked for our day trip. Because the folks who rent these invest about $189 (list price) in each pair, and rent them for $10, I imagine they have some pretty decent longevity. I can't personally speak to that as I only used them once.
The good thing is, they are cheap to rent, so if you want to try it out, JUST DO IT! It's super fun. You'll want a pair too.
Adventure on,
Kari
Monday, November 29, 2010
I have a presentation I need to finish tonight. But when I look at PowerPoint for too long, my eyes start to bleed. So I am taking a break to tell you about how I roll...
On my cyclocross bike, that is.
I spent a lot of time looking for an affordable set of wheels to replace the stock ones my cyclocross bike came with. It was necessary to replace at least the front wheel because, well, it had a little run in with my rear bumper and the underside of my car... Let's just say it was slightly beyond truing by the time I pulled it out. So I spent time scouting out a few brands that would be affordable (and by that, I mean affordable on a medical student's budget... it's a different kind of affordable). When all was said and done, I had narrowed it down to two companies: Neuvation Cycling and Revolution Wheel Works. In the end, I really only chose Neuvation because of the price point. Revolution Wheel Works is an INCREDIBLY good deal for the quality of the product you get, I just didn't have quite enough cash. Neuvation turned out to be an excellent second choice, and for the money it's hard to beat!
On my cyclocross bike, that is.
I spent a lot of time looking for an affordable set of wheels to replace the stock ones my cyclocross bike came with. It was necessary to replace at least the front wheel because, well, it had a little run in with my rear bumper and the underside of my car... Let's just say it was slightly beyond truing by the time I pulled it out. So I spent time scouting out a few brands that would be affordable (and by that, I mean affordable on a medical student's budget... it's a different kind of affordable). When all was said and done, I had narrowed it down to two companies: Neuvation Cycling and Revolution Wheel Works. In the end, I really only chose Neuvation because of the price point. Revolution Wheel Works is an INCREDIBLY good deal for the quality of the product you get, I just didn't have quite enough cash. Neuvation turned out to be an excellent second choice, and for the money it's hard to beat!
I wanted a set of wheels that were durable (this is for a cyclocross bike, after all), relatively light weight, warrantied, not atrociously ugly, and affordable. I went with the M28X Aero set:
I must say, I can't say a whole lot about these yet because I haven't put many miles on them! They're true, which is an improvement over the old ones :) And they've stayed that way despite being thrown over some pretty significant bumps in a field. They're definitely lighter than the old ones, although I didn't need super-lightweight given my bike and I can both lose some weight in other places for less money.
The reservation I had in buying these wheels was that there were a few reports of cracked rims sooner than would be expected. I did invest in the insurance for them (for $10 a wheel, it'll be worth it I imagine), which guarantees replacement or repair for any damage, including caused by crashing.
Overall, I'm very pleased with them so far, and plan to put some more miles on soon to give them a good test! I'll let you know if I have any problems with them, but I certainly don't anticipate any!
Ride on!
Kari
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Well hello there everyone! Before I dive into today's gear post, I want to recap my so-far fantastic weekend!
It started Thursday night when I hit the road right after work (and a crazy day it was... literally. I'll write about that another day!), and headed for Charlotte. After a couple navigation snafu's, I found my way to the hotel I was staying at for the night, and met up with my fellow applicants for a night before interview dinner at a mexican place called Cantina. Any place that makes fresh guacamole at the table is a winner in my book! Then Friday, I went to CMC to interview, and then hit the road to Atlanta. You can read yesterday's post for the description of how THAT went. I'm glad I got here alive. For the rest of the weekend details, head over to Sarah's blog! She does a much better job of describing (and photographing!) the details than I do.
Okay, now onto the gear part of the show. Today I'm going to tell you about shoes. Not just any shoes, but Keen shoes! When these little gems first came out, the most popular model by far was the sandal (Newport). Lots of people thought they were ugly, but when they tried them on, found them to be just too comfortable and functional to pass up! I tend to agree, and have since added two pairs to my repertoire of gear. Here they are:
They made it to the top of a pyramid in Mexico, and to the top of a mountain in Lesotho. Talk about durable.
It started Thursday night when I hit the road right after work (and a crazy day it was... literally. I'll write about that another day!), and headed for Charlotte. After a couple navigation snafu's, I found my way to the hotel I was staying at for the night, and met up with my fellow applicants for a night before interview dinner at a mexican place called Cantina. Any place that makes fresh guacamole at the table is a winner in my book! Then Friday, I went to CMC to interview, and then hit the road to Atlanta. You can read yesterday's post for the description of how THAT went. I'm glad I got here alive. For the rest of the weekend details, head over to Sarah's blog! She does a much better job of describing (and photographing!) the details than I do.
Okay, now onto the gear part of the show. Today I'm going to tell you about shoes. Not just any shoes, but Keen shoes! When these little gems first came out, the most popular model by far was the sandal (Newport). Lots of people thought they were ugly, but when they tried them on, found them to be just too comfortable and functional to pass up! I tend to agree, and have since added two pairs to my repertoire of gear. Here they are:
This is the classic Newport (nylon strap version). I love these shoes because they are extremely sturdy (vibram sole), have a nice little toe cap for protection, have a great lace/closure system to keep them secure, and have cool nylon straps with plenty of space for breathing. I have worn these bad boys all over the world and they have never failed me. I will admit that they just don't fit some peoples feet, so definitely give them a good try on before you buy them! Here are some examples of where they have taken me...
They made it to the top of a pyramid in Mexico, and to the top of a mountain in Lesotho. Talk about durable.
These are the Keen Genoa Peak waterproof hiking shoe. I got these when I was going to the US/Mexico border, and the info packet I got stressed about 17 times that you MUST bring hiking boots. I figured they'd get miffed if I just brought my other Keen's, and I knew that if I got these, they'd get tons of use in their lifetime. I was right. I love them for a lot of the same reasons I love the others. They have a sturdy sole, toe cap, and are also waterproof (tested... it's true), easy to clean, and are just high enough to give a touch of ankle support without being bulky. They've been in snow, sleet, rain, dessert, mud, and anything else you can think of, and have come out with a couple scratches and not much else.
Here they are at the top of grandfather mountain during a lunch break, and they also are excellent at making snow angels (at Mt. Mitchell). Seriously, what would I go without them??
Keen makes a full line of outdoor appropriate shoes, as well as some casual shoes. Based on my experience, they are excellent quality, and do what the company says they can do. I would recommend a pair of Keen's to anyone looking for a great outdoor shoe useful for a variety of activities!
And remember, if the feet ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
Kari
Sunday, October 31, 2010
When I went camping last weekend, I had to pull out some way to (reliably) cook food! Fire is an option, but we were getting in late, wouldn't have time to collect much kindling, and I didn't want to be hungry. So out came the camping/backpacking stove!
When I get a new piece of gear, I like to make it generally useful for many purposes, rather than having lots of different things that serve one purpose. So when I bought this stove, I wanted one that I could use car camping, but also one that I could take backpacking without having to lug something huge around. I got this at a local outdoors store (Great Outdoor Provisions), and asked the sales kid a barrage of questions about the stoves they had before settling on one I thought would serve the purpose. I wanted something lightweight, compact, versatile, relatively inexpensive but high quality, and durable. After looking at a number of stoves and fuel sources, I went with the Primus Express Stove with Piezo Ignition (ie, no matches needed).
There are a number of great things about this stove. First, it's lightweight and compact. It screws directly onto a fuel canister (see picture) and the three support arms collapse towards each other to make it flat and able to fit in a small nylon carrying bag. The piezoelectric ignition does something involving crystal lattice, matrix something, and engineering I don't get to make a nice little ignition spark with the push of a button. It works perfectly every time. It's generally stable, although I haven't used it on very uneven ground or in high winds. And it boiled water very quickly, in just a couple minutes. Although that might be helped some by this:
The little ripply things on the bottom supposedly make it heat up faster. I have no proof that it actually works, but it seemed to heat faster than I expected, it wasn't really more expensive than any other pot, the size was right, AND it came with the pot holder. I was sold. And it worked. I got the 1.7L version, which was plenty of space for a meal for 2... probably would be fine to feed 4 people. And it matches the stove, and the fuel. And we all know how much I love matching!
Overall, it needs a few more test runs in harsher conditions before I can make my final declaration, but so far, so good! Works as well as any camping stove I've ever used, is self contained, and is easy to pack! I can fit the stove, the pot holder, and a couple packets of food all inside the pot. Now that's efficiency.
Happy cooking (on the trail, of course),
Kari
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Last summer, I was getting ready for a trip to the US/Mexico border that would involve "camping" like living arrangements, and I realized that I basically had NOTHING of my own at my apartment that resembled camping equipment. I'd always had access to stuff at home, but most of it didn't make it south with me. So I set out to collect the things I would need for the trip (a tent, a sleeping bag, other odds and ends), and realized that I needed some light. A head lamp to be precise. I have a few flashlights, but when I'm camping I always prefer a head lamp because it's hands free!
When I worked at Eastern Mountain Sports through high school and college, I would demo the head lamps for people interested in buying one. We'd check out the brightness, different settings, comfort, weight, etc, etc, etc. The things I was looking for in my new headlamp were comfort, brightness but multiple settings(didn't want to go blind just reading a book in my tent...), light weight, single head strap (vs one around and one over the top), and easy battery replacement.
One of my favorites when I worked at EMS, and the one I decided to get this time around, was the Tikka Plus. It's a 4 bulb LED headlamp with an adjustable angle to you can point it towards the ground and not have to look down to light up the path in front of you. It's got three brightness settings and one flashing setting (in case you get lost in the woods or stuck on the side of a cliff, and need to attract the attention of a rescue helicopter...). And unlike when it first came out (while I was still working at EMS), it not comes in MANY color options! This is the one I got...
Adventure on,
Kari
When I worked at Eastern Mountain Sports through high school and college, I would demo the head lamps for people interested in buying one. We'd check out the brightness, different settings, comfort, weight, etc, etc, etc. The things I was looking for in my new headlamp were comfort, brightness but multiple settings(didn't want to go blind just reading a book in my tent...), light weight, single head strap (vs one around and one over the top), and easy battery replacement.
One of my favorites when I worked at EMS, and the one I decided to get this time around, was the Tikka Plus. It's a 4 bulb LED headlamp with an adjustable angle to you can point it towards the ground and not have to look down to light up the path in front of you. It's got three brightness settings and one flashing setting (in case you get lost in the woods or stuck on the side of a cliff, and need to attract the attention of a rescue helicopter...). And unlike when it first came out (while I was still working at EMS), it not comes in MANY color options! This is the one I got...
It worked great in the middle of the Arizona desert! The low setting was enough light to read with, but not blinding. The high setting was plenty to light up the path in the middle of the night, but I didn't feel like I was walking around with a headlight on my face. If you WANT something that lights up the whole world, I would recommend something a little heavier (like something in the Petzl Myo line). But this works great for around the campsite, on a trail sort of lighting!
Seriously, if you've never had a headlamp and always fumbled with a flashlight, invest! You'll love it. I promise.
Adventure on,
Kari
Sunday, October 17, 2010
With fall a'commin (I know I've been talking about fall for, like, a month, but these 80 degree days keep popping up and resetting my clock...), I was in need of some new outdoorsy pants with a touch of insulation. I have a great pair of Patagonia lightweight pants that work well for the summer, and for fall hiking, but when I'm going to be doing some camping/sitting around in the fall, lightweight just doesn't cut it! I found these Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear, Nike's outdoor line) pants at Dick's Sporting Goods while shoe shopping with my dad, and used some of his hard earned reward points (thanks, dad!) to get a few bucks off and bring them into a medical student budget.
What I was looking for was something comfortable, warm, and durable that fit well, seemed well made, was easy to move in (read: jump over rocks/run from grizzly bears/climb mountains and cliffs). I got them in khaki because I have shirts in all sorts of bright random colors, and I definitely didn't want the pants to limit which awesome shirt I could wear!
What I was looking for was something comfortable, warm, and durable that fit well, seemed well made, was easy to move in (read: jump over rocks/run from grizzly bears/climb mountains and cliffs). I got them in khaki because I have shirts in all sorts of bright random colors, and I definitely didn't want the pants to limit which awesome shirt I could wear!
They were tested the other weekend for the first time when Chris and I rode the VA Creeper Trail, and then went hiking in some cloudy/sleety conditions. I'm pleased to say they performed quite well. They survived the cold temps of evening (sitting by the campfire... err, stove), they sleet of hiking, and the vicious pony attacks.
See how stretchy they are? My only complaint is that they were a bit long and soaked up the rain water about halfway up my calf. Although (as you can see from the picture), I was wearing my Keen sandals, which don't have a whole lot of elevation. So with regular hiking shoes, they may be alright.
I liked them enough to go buy another pair (in charcoal).
I'm holing to test that pair next weekend... perhaps at a waterfall from my yet to be used book of waterfalls in NC? Perhaps...
Adventure on,
Kari
Thursday, October 7, 2010
As people who race bicycles go, I am NOT the most coordinated of the lot. You'll never see me cross a finish line with both hands in the air, my left had rarely leaves the handlebars, and while I can ride around all day with my right hand in the air, if I hit a bump, it'd better be ready to save the day from a wobble and crash.
Taking all of this into account, I have had one (maybe two...) not so awesome experiences with refueling during rides. These include chugging down a big glob of undissolved electrolyte "beverage", and disasterously finmbing a stramberry Gu, resulting in strawberry Gu all over my hands, shifters, cables, stem, and tire, which, PS, is not easy to get off. Gross. So, with these various catastrophes NOT making my rides more enjoyable, I went on a quest for something that would provide adequate fuel, taste good, and not make a mess if fumbled. Enter: electrolyte "gels". There are many many brands, and I tried lots of them. Two of my favorites, in texture, flavor, effectiveness, and ease of eating/access are Gu Chomps and CarbBOOM energy chews. I've had more experience with the CarbBOOM chews, so I thought I'd throw them up in the Gear section, and give them the props they deserve.
Taking all of this into account, I have had one (maybe two...) not so awesome experiences with refueling during rides. These include chugging down a big glob of undissolved electrolyte "beverage", and disasterously finmbing a stramberry Gu, resulting in strawberry Gu all over my hands, shifters, cables, stem, and tire, which, PS, is not easy to get off. Gross. So, with these various catastrophes NOT making my rides more enjoyable, I went on a quest for something that would provide adequate fuel, taste good, and not make a mess if fumbled. Enter: electrolyte "gels". There are many many brands, and I tried lots of them. Two of my favorites, in texture, flavor, effectiveness, and ease of eating/access are Gu Chomps and CarbBOOM energy chews. I've had more experience with the CarbBOOM chews, so I thought I'd throw them up in the Gear section, and give them the props they deserve.
They come in citrus and wild berry, and I'm definitely a bigger fan of the citrus. I think it's a bit more refreshing, especially when I'm hot and thirsty. So what I like about these chews: the flavor is excellent, the package is easy to open, the proportion seems excellent, they don't melt/stick together if they get warm, each piece is small enough that you don't feel like it's a whole mouthful. The one con is that they are incredibly sticky, so it's pretty hard to "chew" them. It is, however, easy to get them stuck on your teeth and suck on them until they dissolve, which, for me, works wonderfully.
I will say that sometimes, I need faster fuel (ie: rapidly impending bonk), and gels are definitely better in those situations (and I do use them, they just sometimes make me gag a bit...). But, for general timely refueling during long rides, these CarbBOOM chews hit the spot.
What is your refueling item of choice?
Avoid the bonk,
Kari
Monday, October 4, 2010
This weekend, I put my new CamelBak M.U.L.E to work. I also just spent about 27 minutes googling "M.U.L.E" because I figured it had to stand for SOMETHING (seeing as there are periods after each letter...), but I came up with nothing. Disappointing.
But that was really the only disappointing thing about this pack. I've used it once before, but not for any long trip, so this was it's first true test, and it passed with flying colors. When I bought it, I was looking for a day pack with a couple specific features. I wanted it to have a hydration bladder, a low profile, enough storage for all the small stuff I take for a full day hike, and some external straps for stuff that wouldnt' fit inside (like a jacket). I also wanted something that looked nifty. Hey, if I'm gonna spend the money, I at least want a cool color! After much hunting (like, a year or so), I finally broke down and went with the CamelBak MULE, which has a 100oz hydration bladder (with easy fill opening, antimicrobial tubing, and a lifetime warranty!), and 600 cubic inches of storage space. It's perfection in a hydration day pack.
Test numero uno of the weekend was the 50 mile bike ride down the VA Creeper trail and back. It needed to hold: water, a couple Gu's and clif bars, a map, my camera, my phone, my sunglasses, my bike headlight. It also needed to not flop around while going through bumpy stretches, needed to not make my shoulders hurt, and needed to be cool enough that my back didn't get sweaty. Success on all fronts. Because it wasn't hot outside, I didn't fill the bladder completely, but even if I had, it's equipped with a hook to hang the bladder from so it doesn't slough to the bottom of the pack, and keeps the weight distributed evenly. I stuck my phone and camera in the iPod pocket at the top, which has a water resistant zipper seal. I put everything else in the lower organization pocket, which kept it where it was supposed to be. All in all, it was a success. Comfortable, cool, organized. I took the waist belt off (easily unclips), and just used the sternum strap which was comfortable and kept it in place plenty well. Here you can see the pack in action... as a platform for my camera. It didn't do that job so well. But I bet it would do an excellent job of holding a Gorillapod. This one even matches.
On Sunday, I used it for a hike and had equally awesome success. I jumped around a lot more (ran down a mountain for a bit), and it didn't shift or bounce like some packs I've had. It held everything I needed, and could have easily accommodated my jacket in the compression straps had it not dropped to 45 degrees and started sleeting! Here you can see the pack really in action. It must have some scent barrier protection, because it was the only thing the ponies didn't try to chew on. It also made me relatively visible in the dense fog.
So, there you have it. My CamelBak M.U.L.E is a win. Now if I could only figure out what M.U.L.E. stands for!!! Any suggestions?
Soon to come in the gear review department: Nike ACG pants, Petzl headlamp, CarbBOOM energy gels, and Columbia softshell jacket (a couple of which are in the picture above!). Stay tuned!
Adventure on,
Kari
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