Snowshoe Buying Guide 2007
September 18, 2007
MSR Denali Ascent
FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Ascent is for demanding winter ascents that require equipment as tough as you are. These lightweight, technical snowshoes offer incredible performance on ice and snow-covered landscapes. The Denali Ascent’s are great on steep terrain with the Televator heel lifter that reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. Traction on
steep ascents is key and the Denali Ascent can handle most things with steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip. More Info
Buy $179.95
MSR Denali Classic Snowshoe
FREE SHIPPING - With the MSR Denali Classic, MSR has built their reputation on these time-tested snowshoes, which offer high-end features at an entry-level price. They come equipped with steel traction bars for outstanding grip and accommodate tails for added flotation. (Shown with flotation tails).Great Traction: Steel traction blades, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck offer outstanding grip. Versatile: 4″ and 8″ flotation tails (sold separately) make Denali Ascent snowshoes a 3-in-1 package, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of snowshoes. More Info
Buy $139.95
MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoe
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes are high-tech tools for winter backcountry adventures. They represent the evolution of MSR’s proven Denali design and construction method. The Evo’s are unmatched on steep terrain and uses their televator heel lifter that reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. These snowshoes also hold there own with steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.”
More Info
Buy $199.95
MSR Denali Classic and Ascent Tails
The MSR Denali Classic and Ascent snowshoe tails are ideal for extra flotation in soft snow or when carrying a heavy pack. The quick adjustment-easy to do in the field-allows one pair of shoes to adapt to a wide range of loads and snow conditions. Other Features: Material: Plastic Weight: 4 [11.0oz] 8 [1lb] Dimensions: 4 [8 x 9.5 in} 6 [8 x 13.5 in] Warranty: Lifetime Use: Extra flotation
More Info
Buy $29.95
MSR Denali Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Women’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Lighting Ascent snowshoe is designed for the woman in mind. MSR partnered with an orthopedic gait specialist to design the women’s ascent. You know ladies, you keep clicking into your other snowshoe when you take a stride, that’s because we walk different but women have to deal with snowshoes that are to wide for our stride. The Ascent’s unrivaled traction total-traction frame delivers unprecedented 360ø grip and on steep terrain the Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.
More Info
Buy $259.95
MSR Denali Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Lightning Acent for men are a new breed of snowshoe that are changing snowshoe design. The Ascent as Total-Traction frame that delivers unprecedented 360ø grip while being lightest snowshoe in its class. While on steep terrain the Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. The binding uses a step-on binding that fits a variety of boots and is fast, secure, and easy to use.
More Info
Buy $259.95
Tubbs Discovery Snowshoe Starter Kit
“FREE SHIPPING - The Tubbs Discovery Snowshoe starter kit series is perfect for first-time snowshoers ready to discover the backyard and local parks on gently-rolling terrain and primarily packed snow conditions. The Aluminum toe crampon help secure traction on rolling terrain. Tubbs use their quick draw binding on the Discovery series that is easily adjustable as well as fitting a wide range of boots and snowboards. The starter kit comes with snowshoes, 2-part indestructible aluminum poles with mitten-friendly grip and powder basket, and Water-resistant and breathable, full-length nylon gaiters provide protection by keeping snow out of boots.
More Info
Buy $149.95
Tubbs Storm Snowshoes - Kid’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The Tubbs Storm snowshoes for kid’s makes a snowshoe to suit every member of the family with the Storm snowshoe, geared toward pre-teen and young teenage snowshoer’s. The Sorm is a smaller verison of the adults that fit a wide range of kids boots styles from size 1 and up. The fixed toe cord will keep the snowshoe and your children’s boot close for a good fit and natural stride without the snowshoe consistently unhitching itself on the trail. Other Features: Crampon Material: Aluminum Deck Material: Arctex Heel Lift: No Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz Person Weight: 7lbs - 130lbs Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, recreational”
More Info
Buy $69.95
Tubbs Discovery Snowshoes
“FREE SHIPPING - The Tubbs Discovery Snowshoe starter kit series is perfect for first-time snowshoers ready to discover the backyard and local parks on gently-rolling terrain and primarily packed snow conditions. The Aluminum toe crampon help secure traction on rolling terrain. Tubbs use their quick draw binding on the Discovery series that is easily adjustable as well as fitting a wide range of boots and snowboards. Other Features: Crampon Material: Aluminum Deck Material: Arctex Heel Lift: No Weight: 3 lbs 5 oz Person Weight: 21[80-150 lbs] 25 [120-200 lbs] 30 [170-250 lbs] Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, recreational”
More Info
Buy $88.95
MSR Denali Tyker Snowshoe - Kid’s
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Tyker snowshoes are durable, easy-to-use children’s snowshoes intended for kids who weigh up to 90 pounds (41 kg). They feature steel crampons and molded traction bars for great all-around traction, as well as secure, mitten-friendly bindings. Other Features: Crampon Material: Steel Deck Material: Plastic Heel Lift: No Weight: 1lb 15 oz Dimensions: 6.5 x 17 in Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, having fun in the snow”
More Info
Buy $59.95
Tubbs Flurry Snowshoe - Kid’s
“The Tubbs Flurry snowshoe is ideal for kids who weigh up to 80 pounds. It features the durable Tubbs Jr Binding which is easily adjustable, supportive and mitten-friendly. The binding system easily fits a wide range of boots and styles and can up to a youth size 2. To help keep your kid’s in the snowshoe instead of coming off half way up the trail the Flurry as a fixed toe cord. The aluminum crampon provides traction and security while our trapping through the woods. Other Features: Crampon Material: Aluminum Deck Material: Arctex Heel Lift: No Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz Person Weight: Up to 80lbs Warranty: Lifetime Use: Hiking, recreational”
More Info
Buy $49.95
Tubbs Venture Snowshoes
“FREE SHIPPING - The Venture snowshoes are perfect for exploring your local park or trail system. With the new ReAct binding system that is built for ease of use and easily keeps the foot in place with the control wings that keeps the heel centered, while sinlge pivot on upper customizes fit and control. Because yo come across different types of terrain the SureTrac aluminum toe crampon has six points of contact for responsive traction. The front tooth as a split claw design for better traction on ascents and descents. The binding as full rotation that allows the boot, binding and crampon system to engage independently of the snowshoe frame for maximum crampon penetration. The Venture snowshoes are a perfect way to start snowshoeing.
More Info
Buy $159.95
MSR Denali Evo Snowshoe
“FREE SHIPPING - The MSR Denali Evo’s are built on the strengths of MSR’s groundbreaking Denali Classics. Like the Classics, they’re modular, accepting tails for increased flotation, and feature steel traction blades for outstanding grip. But they also include a stand-up binding for easier entry/exit as well as tapered tips and tails to help you walk with a more natural gait. The Denali Evo’s Accommodates Large Boots with the enlarged boot hole that allows for use of snowboard and/or ski boots.
More Info
Buy $169.95
MSR Denali Evo Snowshoe Flotation Tails
The Evo Flotation modular tails work with both the Denali Evo and Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes to provide extra flotation in deep snow or when carrying a heavy pack. Add 6 inches of length to your snowshoe.Weight: 12.2 oz. (346 g)Size: 11.4 x 7/29cm x 18cm
More Info
Buy $29.95
What is Backcountry Skiing - Gear Recommendations
September 18, 2007
What is backcountry skiing?
Imagine pointing your skis down the face of mountain covered with pure, untouched virgin snow. It is that very feeling that draws experienced skiiers into the sparsely populated backcountry. In backcountry skiing, snow packs aren’t groomed by anyone other than Mother Nature, and the land is untouched by human hands. There are no runs, no trails, no ski patrol, no lift. Simply the backcountry skiier and the mountain. Backcountry skiing is an extreme winter sport, and it can be dangerous. There is the risk of avalanche, communication may be limited in extremely remote areas, and skiiers may experience some level of exhaustion from the climb. The reward, however, is skiing where no one has gone before, and the sheer beauty of the outdoors.
Backcountry Skiing Gear List
Here is a list of gear commonly used by backcountry skiiers.
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Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
At 0 degrees Marmot’s Never Summer sleeping bag is a good all round bag with 600 full down. The hood area uses Nautilus 6-baffle hood that has 6 chambers of down around head for better down control and fit. The hood cord is positioned for easy access with a velcro free face muff. The footbox uses a classic trapezoidal foot box with a heater pocket for heat pockets if, if you ever need it.
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Backcountry Backpack
If you plan on doing alpine summits or some backcountry exploring, the Stratos 32 backpack by Osprey is the ideal backpack. It has everything you need for a day on the crags or fastpacking to your next peak. The AirCore mesh backpanel and suspension will take the pressure off your back. For all your essentials the Stratos has plenty of pockets, from the front and side stretch woven pockets to pockets on the hipbelt. |
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Insulated Sleeping Pad
Backpacker’s magazine gave the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core pad their Editors Choice award in 2004. If you are looking for a good night’s sleep the Air Core are insulated with Primaloft that as been treated with an anti microbial. Big Agnes use an I-beam construction technique that is functionally superior to the typical welded-through construction of other air mats. |
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Camp Stove
For over 15 years, the WhisperLite hiking stove has been the leader in backpacking stoves for its reliability and simple design.Shaker Jet technology makes cleaning as simple as shaking the stove. Made to last with durable stainless steel and brass. |
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Headlamp
The Petzl Tikka XP headlamp provides a powerful, even and adjustable white light, with long light duration. A single light source in a compact headlamp for multiple uses. With 3 lighting levels (maximum, optimum, economy) and a blinking mode, to adapt the light to the activity at hand why would you need anything else. |
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Cooking Equipment
The BlackLite Classic Cookset is perfect when weight reduction is priority number one, take this minimalist cookset that includes 1.5- and 2-liter pots, a lid that fits either pot, PanHandler, stuff sack and Packtowl to separate the pots. |
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Water Purifier
The Hydro Photon Adventurer Purifier is the ultimate tool to take on outdoor adventures for safe drinking anywhere in the world. The SteriPen uses ultraviolet light to destroy DNA microorganisms making them unable to reproduce and cause illness. There is no pumping, no test strips, no timekeeping, no aftertaste and no clogging and it weighs only 4oz. |
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Backcountry Trekking Poles
If you are looking for a dependable, adjustable, packable pole at a great price then the Life-Link Teton Backcountry Trekking pole is worth taking a look at. Weighing just over 1lb they are easy to carry when not in use and will not weigh you down on long hikes. |
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First Aid Kit
The Adventure Medical Trail kit is one of AMK’s most popluar selling kits because of its compact and compartmentalized design, versatile component package, and attractive price.CPR items: 8×10 and/or 5×9 Trauma Pads Wound Care: Wound Closure Strips, Sterile Dressing, Strip & Knuckle Bandages Fracture/Sprain Items: Elastic Bandage w/ Velcro Medication: 2 Extra Strength Tylenol, 1 antihistamine, 2 Motrin, 1 sting relief pad. |
Patagonia brand backpacking and hiking gear
September 13, 2007
Patagonia Brand Review
Company History
(Adapted from “Patagonia: A Company History and Evolution of Clothing and Designâ€)
The first iteration of the Patagonia brand got started in 1957, when founder Yvon Chouinard went to a junkyard to purchase blacksmithing tools. Chouinard’s vision was to forge re-usable pitons for rock climbing. He sold them for $1.50 each. For the next few years, Chouinard forged pitons during the winter months, and spent the rest of the year climbing in Yosemite, Wyoming, Canada or the Alps. He supported himself by selling gear out of the back of his car, scraping by on fifty cents to a dollar a day. According to Patagonia’s official company history, “Before leaving for the Rockies one summer, (Chouinard) bought two cases of dented, canned cat tuna from a damaged-can outlet in San Fracisco. This food supply was supplemented by oatmeal, potatoes, and poached ground squirrel and porcupines.â€
However, the impoverishment was not to last long. In 1965, demand for Chouinard’s gear was strong enough that he could no longer hand-forge his products. Chouinard entered a partnership with Tom Frost, and together they redesigned, improved and manufactured Chouinard’s original line. By 1970, Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the United States. It was also around this time that Chouinard entered the outdoor apparel market.
At the time, outdoor fashion trended mostly toward khaki and gray. Climbers often sported tan cut-off chinos and thrift store white shirts. Chouinard bucked the trend a bit with a regulation rugby shirt, also acquired second-hand. The fabric was rugged and the collar practical. Chouinard had unintentionally added a new product line to Patagonia.
As the brand grew, so did its technology. Patagonia is often credited with introducing the concept of “layering.†This approach relies on an underlayer of clothing to wick away perspiration, a middle layer for insulation, and an outer shell to repel moisture and block wind. By the 1980s, Patagonia was a well-recognized brand, both fashionably and functionally. It continues to develop environmentally-friendly fabrics, consumer-friendly styles and sport-friendly gear and apparel.
Product Line Highlights
Patagonia Lightweight
The Patagonia Lightweight works well as a fall/spring layer. Lightweight material keeps you warmer than the silkweight does, providing great insulating properties. It’s a little bit heavier then the Patagonia Silkweight line. The knit on the Patagonia Lightweight is open enough to allow maximum breathability and yet has enough insulation to keep you warm for active use on cooler days.
Patagonia Midweight
The MidWeight is the heaviest of the Patagonia baselayers. The materials used in the midweight fabric are the same as those used on the lightweight, just heavier and denser. This, in the long run, will keep you warmer. It’s not uncommon for people to use the Patagonia MidWeight as long underwear in the winter. This layer can be worn for anyone who works outside, along with people that enjoy being active outdoors in the winter. The MidWeight is great for winter running, skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, etc.
Patagonia Silkweight
Patagonia’s Silkweight is the lightest of the three technical base layers. It’s made of a silky fabric that is ultra-light, breathable and quick-to-dry. It works great for spring and summer as an outerlayer if doing any activity, such as hiking, running, etc. The silkweight is a great defense against moisture keeping skin cool and dry in the summer. The Patagonia Silkweight also works great as an underlayer too for winter activities like snowboarding, skiing, or even winter running.
Patagonia Jackets
No matter which line of Patagonia jackets you are in the market for, be it the Storm or Regulator line, Patagonia takes great care into the assembling of all their products and pay close attention to detail. All the Patagonia jackets are extremely well made. Their jackets are made for the elements, when a product is going to be tested in every type of weather imaginable and be used for anything under the sun, it had better be exceptional quality. That is what the consumer of a Patagonia Jacket is paying for, the big “q†word, QUALITY. Patagonia gives great attention to each piece, finishing all their seams, making bomb-proof (in so many words) long lasting articles that by the time the life of the product is up it has already paid for itself again and again.
Patagonia Capilene
The Patagonia’s Capilene® products can be worn alone or as base layers to give the wearer next-to-skin moisture control with a quick drying material. The Patagonia Capilene products are universally versatile in that they are perfect for activities that carry the consumer through the heat of the summer to a winter blizzard. There is a range of Patagonia Capilene base layers (Silkweight, Lightweight, and MidWeight) to give the user the appropriate weight and fabrics most fitting for the intended use.
Backpacking and Hiking Gear Deals & Coupons
September 13, 2007
Walking West with Freedom: Movie Review
August 13, 2007
I was SO anxious to get this movie. I am planning on hiking the PCT in 2008 so was scouring the internet for all video’s & books on the topic so I can learn and get motivated for my trip. I ran into a nice collection of YouTube videos on backpacking and hiking, including “Lion King’s” YouTube Channel. (learn about Mike Daniel aka Lion King)
This film was very motivating, although some of the scenes scared my family and friends (the ones concerned about me hiking the PCT Solo). The movie starts out in Campor, CA at the border to Mexico. Right out of the gate it shows the desperate face of dehydrated PCT thru-hikers, snakes and scorpions. Along with hundreds of miles of desert scenery. My favorite part is when he is going through the Sierra’s. The scenery is gorgeous.
The whole movie does a fantastic job at introducing many different hikers & trail angels. I loved hearing everyone’s story and the different personalities of thru-hikers.
BUY This movie, its a great inspiration!
- Directed by - Mike ‘Lion King’ Daniel
- Produced by - Mike ‘Lion King’ Daniel & David M Burrows
- Written and Filmed by - Mike ‘Lion King’ Daniel
- Run Time - 1 Hour 28 Minutes.
About “Lion King”
Michael Daniel is an addictive long distance hiker with over 10,000 miles hiked since 1998. He has section thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine with over 8,000 combined miles in over 8 years, he has thru-hiked the John Muir Trail in 2002 as well as The Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in 2006.
As well as walking he is a film maker with two documentaries, the Film festival Winning “WALKING WITH FREEDOM” and his brand new film on The Pacific Crest Trail “Walking WEST With Freedom”, coming out in May of 2007.
Michael is also a published writer, and short filmmaker, actor, director and editor.
This hike on The American Discovery Trail will be his longest continuous walk in his history of trails. Totaling over 6,000 miles from coast to coast, including the center US loop, and will also be the first time ever a person has walked non-stop the entire length of the American Discovery trail in one trip using only his feet.
This trip will also be one of community service, as Michael hopes to raise money for the American Heart Association over the course of nearly a year of walking. You can donate directly through the site, or by contacting your local AMA.
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