Celebrity Gear Outfitting – Katy Perry Edition
At Mountains Plus, we frequently
discuss ideas for interesting blog topics. We also frequently watch Pop music videos (Lady Gaga, Backstreet Boys, Beyonce, etc.) at the office. This morning, we found ourselves doing both simultaneously (amidst Katy Perry’s “California Gurls“) and wondered, “If Katy Perry walked into Mountains Plus needing a tent, backpack and sleeping bag, what would she buy?” Here’s what we came up with:
- Tent – Big Agnes Sunny Side 3 Person Tent. Being a California Girl, Katy would be drawn to the Sunny Side, naturally. With its exclusivity, vibrant color scheme, and spacious interior big enough to kiss a girl (and like it), it’s a perfect fit.
- Backpack – The Gregory Deva 60. “Deva” is an Indian word for “God”, and being an international megastar, there’s no doubt Katy’s considered a goddess by many.
- Sleeping Bag – The Sierra Designs Flare 30. Katy needs something that’s going to be comfortable when it’s hot n cold, and with its Primaloft Eco syntehtic insulation (which retains its lofting abilities even when wet), we’re convinced the Flare is the best choice out there for her.
Stay tuned for next week’s edition featuring Bob Dylan!
Keep Your Peanut Butter Hands Off My 50″!
For all the DADs out there! You know it!
Tents Lost at Sea!
Outdoor retailers, in the midst of a perfect storm, find themselves scrambling to soften the angry cries coming from disappointed customers.
Outdoor retailers are battling, fighting and outbidding one another, along with the high rolling box stores of Costco, Home Depot and Wal-Mart, for cargo shipping space. A battle between David and Goliath and it looks like Goliath has the upper hand in this one.
It all began when the economy turned sour and retailers, expecting the worse, beginning slashing their inventory and cutting back on placing orders. As a result, oversea factories had fewer products to manufacture, which decreased the need for ships to transport these items. Diminished demand lead to factory cutbacks, shipping companies reduced their fleet or removed their ships from service. Even the cargo container manufactures stopped producing.
Now, speed up to the current situation.
Retailers are screaming to have their tents manufactured, factories are screaming for more material and more workers, shippers are screaming for more containers and ships for transportation, and customers are yelling for their tents! Everybody is yelling at everybody and the guy digging, cutting, and drilling for the material can only cut and dig so fast.
Nowhere does this storm appear more severe than from those now wanting or those attempting to produce 6 and 8 man tents. Ironically, it was a natural disaster, the Haiti earthquake, that essentially collapsed the remaining limited inventory of those larger size tents. In an effort to help relieve some of the deplorable conditions occurring in Haiti, thousands and thousands of tents were shipped there.
So now we all find ourselves in a whirlpool vortex spinning around waiting and wanting our tents. But wait we now must, the manufacturer, the retailer, the customer too, for just a little bit longer for the chain of production to catch that next wave over.
Get Dirty with Robin Moore!
From the man who brought you the iconic road biking video “Performance” now brings you his newly released mountain bike version – GET DIRTY!
Pete O’Gear Hits the Skyline in the Olympics!
I started the 36-mile hike in the Olympic National Park with overcast skies above (a park that Congress designated 95% wilderness protected, hey, they do get it right occasionally). Crossing my fingers in hopes that the skies would hold, I started my adventure up the North Fork Quinault River with dry trails below my Inov8 390 GTX treads.
The hike started smoothly, with a stroll up the North Fork heading to the Low Divide. But before reaching the Low Divide a river ford was required, I was worried about it because the ford was going to be a potentially deep one and dangerous. See tips from Backpacker on how to ford a river safely.
After unbuckling my hipbelt on my Baltoro 70 pack from Gregory, a 2008 Backpacker Editor’s Choice winner, I found the safest place and proceeded to cross the river bracing myself with my trekking poles. The ford was successful, but powerful, with the water hitting about 30” high.
With 16 miles down and the Skyline Ridge ahead, I was ready to put the trees behind and see some open sky. The Skyline Ridge, is pretty incredible, above treeline and travelling from cairn to cairn. Unfortunately, I got a close up view of the sky. The clouds had descended and the rain began, what else can you expect being in the Northwest. Good thing I had a Gregory rain cover to keep things dry in my pack. I’ll have to visit this trail again in better weather.
The high point along the trail was Kimta Peak at 5400’ and bear canisters are required along the ridgeline, I did see a black bear, but it was pretty far away. If you can, plan to do this trip in August.
The “Evolution” of Backpacking
I remember when I first started backpacking as a kid in the early-to-mid 70’s (I know, I know… that dates me, and I really don’t like thinking about it!). My family had been backpacking for years, so as soon as I got old enough to carry a pack I got a hand-me-down Kelty external frame from my older brother. Some family friends decided to get into it a few years later; they bought simple packs, sleeping bags, foam pads that rolled up, and a tarp or tent. Scrounged a few more items up around the house, and they were ready to go! Pretty easy to get up and running, right?
The gear back then was pretty simple. The packs were just one big bag (one compartment) with a few zippered pockets on the sides. That was it. Over the years, manufacturers have made use of advances in materials, using more durable plastics instead of metal, lighter and tougher fabrics, etc. At the same time, manufacturers have created lots of bells and whistles for the packs. Daisy chains, removable fanny packs, water bottle holders, more zippered pockets, and all manner of straps to tailor the fit to any hominid body type in the known universe.
All of these “advances” have resulted in a few things. Many packs today really aren’t much lighter (while some are even heavier!) than when I was a kid, despite all the technological advances. And they’ve become freakin’ expensive! And this has happened with other gear besides packs: tents, sleeping bags, you name it.
Additionally, now there are tons of companies out there creating all sorts of gadgets and gear for going out into the woods. Don’t get me wrong; many of these are pretty cool. The problem is, if you completely outfitted yourself for backpacking from scratch, you’d have to take a 2nd mortgage out on your house! It’s become a barrier to entry for some folks who think they need all this gear to get out and enjoy a weekend on the trail. The fact is, they don’t.
It’s time to Get Back to Basics! We need simple gear that will meet the needs we actually have when out on the trail. I mean, really! Some of this gear was built to go out into the wilderness for weeks or months at a time. With the economy of today, those who are lucky enough to have jobs must work their tails off to keep ‘em. So why would they need a pack like that if they can barely get away for an occasional weekend?
When buying gear (whether you are just getting started in the sport, replacing some worn-out gear, or just adding to your kit), here are a few “rules of thumb” to follow:
- Buy gear that matches what you will actually use it for (length of trip, type of terrain, etc.)
- Search for the simplest, lightest and most inexpensive gear that meet those particular needs
- Don’t go out and buy every piece of gear you think you’ll need; on your next hike try similar items that are lying around the house first… then you can decide whether they will suffice, or if you want to upgrade (or if you got that raise!)
- Look for great deals at Mountains Plus (we frequently put backpacks on clearance in our Outlet), or let us know if we don’t have what you are looking for
Backpacking is a great way to “decompress” from the harsh realities of our lives (jobs, mortgages, etc.). Don’t let hype complicate this simple yet addicting activity.
Sleeping Bags, Essential Backpacking Gear!
Big Agnes - A Notch Above!
Whether you are using it to survive a cold stormy night on the mountain or a warm balmy night in the woods, your sleeping bag can either make or break your camping trip.
Backpacker has spent countless nights sleeping in them and testing them so that you can sleep with ease. Here is their ‘A’ list pick of great down filled sleeping bags for your Summer backpacking adventures.
Big Agnes Pitchpine – Backpacker’s Top Ultrlaight pick - Weight – 708 grams, Rating – 40 F, Insulation – 800 fill goose down.
Sierra Designs Nitro – Backpacker’s Best All Around pick – Weight – 737 grams, Rating – 30 F, Insulation – 800 fill goose down.
Kelty Coromell – Backpacker’s Bargain pick – Weight – 1332 grams, Rating – 25 F, Insulation – 650 fill goose down.
You can probably stretch a couple of these into three season sleeping bags and if you add a sleeping bag liner you can gain another 5 to 10 degrees of warmth.
How to choose the perfect sleeping bag
Living in Seattle, there’s no shortage of outdoors enthusiasts; they’re everywhere. So it always amazes me when I run into someone claiming to be an avid backpacker who’s never moved beyond his $20 Walmart bag. While that type of “value bag” may work for someone who does the bulk of his camping in his backyard, these bags tend to be bulky, heavy, and provide insufficient insulation when the nights get cold. I just can’t imagine what it must be like to hike a mountain with a 6 lb bag hanging off the back of your pack. If you’re into backpacking, I can’t stress enough the importance of having a good, quality sleeping bag; there’s really no substitution.
So, if you’ve made the decision to upgrade your bag, it’s important to consider the following factors when choosing your bag:
Down vs. Synthetic
The insulation will make the biggest difference in your sleeping experience, so you’ll first want to decide if you want a down or synthetic bag. There are pros and cons to each, but it’s generally believed a down bag is better in most cases. The biggest drawback to down is the price; it will be more expensive. The other major con is that it can’t get wet. Sleeping bags keep you warm because the insulation lofts once it’s taken out of the stuff sack; the more loft a sleeping bag has, the warmer it will be. When down gets wet, the feathers clump together, which prevents them from lofting, and therefore, your insulation is gone. So, if you’ll be doing most of your camping in areas where water could potentially be a problem (i.e. very rainy areas), a down bag might not be your best choice. If, however, price and camping conditions aren’t an issue, there are several reasons to go with a down bag; mainly, it will be lighter in weight.
Down is assigned a fill rating typically somewhere between 600-800. 800 fill down, like in the Big Agnes Zirkel, is the best (and typically most expensive) because not only does it provide the most loft; it also packs down the smallest and weighs the least. That said, 600 fill down, the Sierra Designs Arrow Rock 15, is still lighter in weight than most synthetic bags of a comparable temperature rating.
Down bags aren’t for everyone, though. If you have budget constraints or have concerns about your bag getting wet, there are plenty of great synthetic bags out there to accommodate you without sacrificing too much space or weight. There are many different types of synthetic insulation, but you’ll want to watch out for cheap insulators like polyester. Climashield (Encampment), HeatSync (Big Dog & Dragonfly), Primaloft (Deja Vu), Polarguard, and Thermolite are all excellent synthetic insulators, so try to opt for a bag featuring one of these if you go the synthetic route.
Another reason many people choose synthetic over down is it’s easier to care for. While down bags require special cleaning solutions to wash, synthetic bags can almost always be washed in a standard washing machine with normal household detergent. While the maintenance may be easier, though, most synthetic fibers will break down more quickly than down, so if you’re looking for a good long-term option, you may want to reconsider a down bag.
Temperature Rating
Once you’ve determined the type of bag you want, you’ll want to think about the temperature rating you’ll need. While you may think the lower the temperature rating of the bag, the better it will be, that’s really not true. If you do all of your camping during Spring and Summer, you’re unlikely to see temperatures below 30 degrees, so a 30 degree bag should be more than sufficient. Having a bag with a temperature rating lower than the temperatures you’ll actually be camping in will not only be a waste of money; it’ll also be less comfortable. While you surely don’t want to freeze in the middle of the night, you certainly don’t want to feel like you’re cooking in an oven, either, so pick a bag with an appropriate temperature rating for your needs.
Length
Sleeping bags are typically sold in 3 different sizes: long, regular, and short. In most cases, long bags measure about 78″, regular bags 72″, and short bags 66″. While the best way to determine if the bag is a good size for you is to physically try it out, that’s not always possible or convenient, so pick a bag big enough to fit you without having too much extra room. For example, if you’re 5’11″, a regular bag should be sufficient; there’s no need to get a long. If you’re 6’2″, you’re too big for a regular and should opt for the long. As a rule of thumb, always go for the smallest bag you can comfortably fit in.
Zipper
A good zipper will zip up and down smoothly without getting snagged. While this may not seem like a huge deal, it’s much nicer when you’re crawling into bed after a long day on the trail if you don’t have to fight with your zipper for 5 minutes to close the bag.
Mummy vs. Rectangular
One of the last things to consider in your decision should be the style of bag you want to go with. Some people have restless legs and prefer the extra room rectangular shaped bags allow, like the Little Red 15 youth sleeping bag. Others view rectangular bags as a waste of space and weight and strongly prefer the mummy shape, like the Big Agnes Pitchpine. This all really boils down to preference, so go with whichever style you think will be most comfortable for you. If you want a roomier bag, go with the rectangular shape. If you want a snugger fit, go with the mummy.
Full vs. Partial Insulation
Finally, while traditional sleeping bags have an equal amount of insulation throughout the entire bag, some manufacturers, such as Big Agnes, make their bags with little or no insulation on the back portion. The reason is that since sleeping pads provide insulation already, there’s no need for the additional insulation; it’s simply excessive from their point of view. Instead, these bags feature a sleeve in the back of the bag to slide your sleeping pad into, which not only insulates that portion of the bag; it also securely fastens the pad to the bag, which ensures you won’t roll off in the middle of the night. Not everyone subscribes to this philosophy, though. If you’re a side sleeper who prefers to turn the bag with your body when rolling over, don’t opt for this type of bag, as the only option for side sleepers with this style is to roll inside of the bag. This, much like mummy vs. rectangular, mainly boils down to a matter of preference; the important thing is that you’re comfortable, so think about how you’ll most likely be sleeping in your bag and base your decision on that.
Follow this guide when making your decision and you can rest assured (no pun intended) your experience on the trail will be a happy, and most importantly, a comfortable one.
Happy trails!
Tough Gear
Hiking in the backcountry is certain to test the limits of your gear. Each person, carries the gear they need to survive for the length of time they are on the trail, whether it is a simple overnight hike or a multi-day excursion and with the possibility of experiencing a wide variety of weather, from a comfortable day hike to sleeping in extreme conditions, it is important to carry the right gear with you.
Being prepared and having durable gear is an essential component for enjoying that hike in the back country, it also may be a life saver. Backpacker, the masters of gear, has compiled a list of tough and durable products that have stood the test of time and the folks at MPGear understand that you depend on the gear you carry.
The CamelBak Omega Hydration Reservoir
The MSR XGK-EX Stove
At a recent Mountains Plus company picnic, we were reminiscing about the fun we used to have at mountain bike races when the sport was in its infant stages in the late 80′s and early 90′s. It was a brand new sport, so everyone involved was jazzed and excited about just being a part of it. There was such a sense of community, and the participants proudly considered themselves a breed apart. More often than not, the races would end with a barbecue and people would swap war stories from the trail.
Adventure racing recaptures a lot of those great feelings, which is why Mountains Plus is so heavily involved. It’s fun! And the people involved in AR are wildly enthusiastic, which can become infectious. While the televised adventure races like Primal Quest have garnered a lot of attention, it is the local adventure races that have really exploded in terms of participation and interest.
Recently we were supporting an adventure race here in WA (pumping up 40 inflatable kayaks with hand pumps, now that’s fun!) There were about 80 adventure racers of all levels racing together in teams of 2 to 4. They started with some orienteering, following their compasses on the run. The second leg was a kayak trip down the shores of Lake Wenatchee. After a tour of mountain biking, the race ended with some time on a climbing wall. The best thing about the whole adventure race was that everyone was having fun, from the novices who capsized their kayak multiple times to the hard-core racers who were training for the 24-hr race later in the season. Having fun – that’s really what it’s all about.
Keep your eyes open in your town, and if you see an adventure race, try your hand in it! There are plenty to choose from: shorter urban adventure races (if you live in the Seattle area, the BEAST series is an excellent choice for first-timers) and sprint-length adventure races in local wild spaces, as well as longer 24-hour (the TRIOBA) and expedition length adventure races. So no matter your fitness level, try your hand and meet some great people! It’s a great way to test your outdoor skills, meet like-minded people, and have fun at the same time.
Hoka Mafate Crashes the Party!
The Hoka Mafate is crashing the minimalist running party. With the book “Born to Run”, evangelizing about running barefoot by emulating the Tarahumara Indians. The author, McDougall, indicates that the Tarahumara Indians have fun running and do it their entire lives with minimal injury.
Crashing the party are two avid, intrepid French outdoorsman, strolling in on their snappy looking 40mm tall Hoka trail running shoes to cushion those hard heeled proponents. The concept behind the super cushioned trail running shoes, Diard and Mermoud state, provide comfort and fun for anyone wishing to pursue trail running.
Despite these differences, maybe we can all rally around the idea of have fun on the trail. The Tarahumara say they have fun running barefoot, Diard and Mermoud are driven to provide a shoe that people can have fun running in. Maybe the Hoka Mafate make having fun on the trail just a little more accessible to the not so super human trail runner.
Backpacker Selects Weeklong and Weekend Packs!
The 2010 Backpacker Gear guide recently selected the Osprey Aether 70 and the Osprey Ariel 65 as the heavy duty workhorses for weeklong backpacking endeavors. The long main compartment zipper provides convenient accessibility to your gear and the harness system provide a soothingly comfortable fit. Select your backpack at a comfortable MPGear price.
Also making the Backpacker grade for best all around weekend backpacks were the Gregory Z55 and Gregory Jade. The load transfer and harness design provide excellent stability and a big-load comfort. Select your backpack at a comfortable MPGear price.
Free National Park Entrance Days!
This weekend, June 5-6, the National Parks will waive entrance fees to over 100 National Parks. Now is the time to load up those new backpacks and hit the trails.
The New Commuter Vehicle!
Only accepted on Germany’s autobahn.
This Man May Already Be Sleeping In Your Bag!
Europe has created a sleeping bag test criterion that is slowing making its way across the Atlantic.
Taking effect in several European countries, this criterion provides four temperature results:
- Upper Limit: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep without excessive perspiration.
- Comfort: the temperature at which a standard woman can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
- Lower Limit: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
- Extreme: the minimum temperature at which a standard woman can remain for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia (although frostbite is still possible).
The criterion applies a more standardized sleeping bag rating system across manufactures. This will provide more comparable temperatures and allow the consumer to more accurately compare and contrast sleeping bags. This criterion will benefit the information seeking consumer who seeks robust data when shopping. However, US manufacturers may resist this criterion, deeming it restrictive & costly. Currently in Europe there is no legal obligation for brands to conform to this criterion.
How long will it take US sleeping bag manufacturers to adopt Thermal Manikin man as their tester?
