Dang. Now this one is worthy of your undivided attention! Wanna save some serious bucks? Well Peter Glenn Ski & Sports is offering a coupon right now that offers $20 Off any order over $100, or $50 Off any order over $200! I repeat…actually, I don’t need to do that.
Don’t fart around. Gear up with this deal. To redeem, click the link below and use coupon code KGRLZ when you check out.
ABC News in Phoenix Arizona has an excellent report on hiking in extreme temperatures. While few of us will ever have to worry about the sort of temperatures Phoenix sees in the summer, it's important to prepare for what is considered hot for your area. If you're used to hiking in mild weather, any increase can tax your system.
A couple of the tips from the article were new to me, and are key to successfully planning a hike in hot weather: Start hydrating at least 24 hours before you start hiking, and if your body stops sweating while hiking, that's an important sign that dehydration has begun.
Click the link above to read the story on the site, or watch the video. Well worth it!
Related Entries:
Ruffing It: Trail gear for your dog - 20 May 2008
National Trails Day 2008 - 06 June 2008
Best place to hike in the US - 14 June 2008
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Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post, Best Place To Hike In The US. I have to admit, there were a few I'd never thought of, but they seem really exciting. Some of the places that came up:
I want to take a closer look at all of these, so over the next week or so, we'll see what kind of adventures these places and hikes offer, not only for hiking, but for other summer sports like rafting, camping, cycling and other outdoors pursuits.
Still welcome any further suggestions!!
See full article.
Related Entries:
Montana’s Glacier National Park - 12 October 2006
Hiking the National Parks - 30 April 2007
The Best of the National Parks - 27 May 2007
National Trails Day 2008 - 06 June 2008
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Looks like an amazing opportunity to save some cash on camping & outdoor gear. Here are the specifics of the CampSaver.com 4th Anniversary sale, valid not through July 4th. Better be quick on this one, stuff is flying out the door with this retailer…
The CampSaver.com 4th Anniversary Sale just started, and we’ve already seen orders spike 520%! Over 2000 products are on sale from brands like Mountain Hardwear, MSR, Thermarest, Big Agnes and more. Our homepage lists a few door busters including:
- Golite Den 2 Shelter $70 - MSRP is $200
- Black Diamond HiLight Tent $237.30 - MSRP $339
- Leki Super Makalu Trekking Poles $90 - MSRP $140
- Golite Phantasm GoreTex PacLite Jacket $125.97 - MSRP $180
No coupon code necessary. To get started just click the banner below, or the links above, and shop away.
Moosejaw emailed us and said they are offering a coupon that’s valid for 20% off one item. This is going to be an active promotion until June 29th. Pretty substantial savings. And the more you spend, the more you’ll save. Details:
We have a great offer….Until June 29th receive 20% off any one item. Some brands are excluded but most products will qualify. To redeem enter code 200 in the shopping cart.
Click the banner below and shop away, just add 200 as the coupon code and you’ll save 20% on one item.
Dogfunk.com has started their 4th of July sale already. Don’t miss out on the great savings available right now. Winter’s a ways off but nowz the time to gear up, that is if you’re into saving money. Here’s the email we got verbatim:
Ladies and Gents,
Another killer sale from Dogfunk.com….The 4th Of July Redneck Special Sale starts today and continues through July 4th. Dig on over 5,000 items at up to 40% off from brands like Volcom, Reef, Roxy, DC and Element…
Crap loads of coupons, specials, summer deals and major summer sales are rolling out for all the top outdoor gear retailers online. Here’s yet another from Peter Glenn Ski & Sports:
Get a Free $20 Gift Card with any Spy Or Smith Sunglasses Purchase Of $100 or More! Use Coupon Code: sggc0608 at check out.
Hurry! Offer valid through June 29th only…
YO. More from Rock/Creek. There are a lot of outdoor gear brand name products (from The North Face, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, more…) there offer killer savings right now. Check them out below. Links available so have at it:
Deals from…
There is a rare purchase-wide coupon that’s active right now for Teva…valid through June 30th.
Get $15 off orders of $10 using coupon code TevaSummer08 at checkout. There is also a free shipping coupon (code TSummerShip) that’s also valid through June 30th. Click the links below and use the respective coupon codes when you check out.
In a continued commitment to offer low impact access to the outdoors, Rock/Creek, in conjunction with Patagonia, announces a $3,100 donation to the Lula Lake Land Trust. The grant money supports a growing network of trails aimed at linking the Land Trust’s protected land with Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Adelaide Bratcher, Development Head for the Lula Lake Land Trust: “The Lula Lake Land Trust is fortunate to work with Patagonia and Rock/Creek because of the dedication shown by these two businesses to this organization. Without the help of Patagonia and Rock/Creek, new trails, accessibility to the public, and events like this upcoming trail run would be impossible. We at Lula Lake, cannot thank Patagonia and Rock/Creek enough.”
To date, Rock/Creek and Patagonia have donated $9,225 to the Lula Lake Land Trust’s efforts.
Grant awards are not the only method by which Rock/Creek supports the Land Trust. Rock/Creek further assists the non-profit organization by working directly on the trail system. Members from The Boonies and Rock/Creek employees take weekly trail building trips to the area. Once completed, the High Point and Cloudland Canyon Connector trails will open up 1000 acres of pristine public land to low impact recreational uses.
Please see Rock/Creek Outfitters’ environmental statement for more details on the company’s commitment to responsible outdoor recreation. http://www.rockcreek.com/customer_service/environmental.asp
For photos from Lula Lake Land Trust, see Rock/Creek’s flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockcreek/sets/72157594240850537/
About Rock/Creek:
Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing.
I have a bit of a quandary, and hopefully some out there in the blogosphere can help me out. I'm looking to take a hiking vacation in the fall, likely in mid to late September. I was particularly sold on Utah, specifically Moab, but as I look around a little more, I see some truly amazing hiking and camping spots in Colorado. Then my inner traveler points out that since I live close to the Rocky Mountains, perhaps I should spread my wings a little and try hiking elsewhere…. Virginia perhaps? New England?
If you could hike anywhere in the US or Canada, where would you go, and why. Plus, let's assume money is a bit of an issue, so maybe no spendy hiking trips to Hawaii (though I have hiked there and it was amazing).
Suggestions?
See full article.
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Hiking at China Camp State Park - 08 January 2006
Hiking the National Parks - 30 April 2007
Seventh Grader Finds 2.93 Carat Diamond - 25 June 2007
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After a week of some pretty rough weather around the continent (both too hot and too rainy), thought I'd throw some link love out. Here's some of the best outdoors posts found in the blogosphere the past month or so:
Sierra Trading Post's blog has a great read of important safety tips to consider when hiking outdoors. Even (or maybe especially) in summer, sudden weather changes can leave us in trouble, and no matter what part of the world you're hiking in, it's best to know what types of weather you might encounter. Check out Mt. Rainer Tragedy Reminds Us To Be Prepared (especially helpful is the section on being caught in a lightning storm).
Speaking of lightning, ever tried to start a campfire in the pouring rain? Mungo Says Bah! talks us through the secrets of starting a fire when the world around you is soaking wet in How To Start a Campfire in Wet Weather - and Pictures of Lightning.
From last month, but still a great read, the Camera-Trap Codger writes about what happens when your camera trap is discovered by a large, thoroughly annoyed bear. The photo of just the bear's eye is especially impressive. Camera Trap Codger: Back on the mountain
Finally, SectionHiker lists their current lineup of gear in Gear List: Long Trail Section Two. Focusing on lightweight gear, this list comes in at an astonishingly light 12.2 pounds, not counting food and water. When you see how much gear that actually entails, your jaw will drop.
See full article.
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Problogger.net Top 5 Group Writing Project - The Rest of List - 16 May 2007
Link Spamming : What its about and why to avoid - 17 February 2008
Bootstrapping link love GUARANTEED! - 20 April 2008
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The guys from Primal Quest 2008 dropped me a line a couple of weeks ago and I felt compelled to see what they were up to.
Turns out they're up to 10 days of mountain biking, climbing, trail running, paddling, orienteering, and so much more that I'm too intimidated to list them all. This takes place over 500 miles, all in the beautiful state of Montana.
Primal Quest is an annual adventure/endurance race now in its 5th year. Teams of 4 will compete to see who can complete the course first, testing their endurance, strategy and basic survival. This year the race is from June 21 to July 2.
The competition can be tracked through Spot, the GPS safety tracking device I reviewed here a couple of weeks ago.
For more info, visit the official Primal Quest site.
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The Great Divide Race Has Begun - 20 June 2007
Outdoor News Update: Mountain Biking and Climbing - 11 July 2007
Climbing Kilimanjaro - 22 January 2008
Adventure Racing auf Grönland - 27 April 2008
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Between bears attacking and cougars stalking, it never really occurs to most outdoor enthusiasts there could be danger from the herbivores that co-habit the trail. The reality is, between the spring rutting season and the spring calving season, most elk are extremely sensitive to humans and protective of their young.
I'm pretty prepared for what to do if we surprise a bear on the trail, and I know the signs a cougar might be in the area, but until I read this piece in the Rocky Mountain Outlook of Canmore/Banff, Alberta, Residents urged to be on alert for elk with calves, I'd never thought about aggressive elk and what I would do.
The article includes ways to spot aggressive elk gestures (including grinding teeth, raised hair and staring), and what to look for in an elk herd (female elk with newborn calves tend to isolate themselves from the herd, so if you spot a solo female elk on the trail, odds are good there's a newborn nearby), and what to do if they charge you (climb a tree, appear big, maintain eye contact). Please take a look if you're going to be near elk herds this spring.
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The Best of Oahu’s Hiking Trails - 26 June 2007
Alaska Sherrifs Issue Warnings to ATV Riders - 30 January 2008
Ruffing It: Trail gear for your dog - 20 May 2008
National Trails Day 2008 - 06 June 2008
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Circle June 7th on your calendar and get the hiking boots and backpacks ready to rock, National Trails Day is this weekend!
Outdoor enthusiasts hardly need a reason to take off to nearby woods, mountains or canyons, but increased awareness in the American Hiking Society and the millions of miles of trails around the United States is always a good thing.
This year the AHS is bringing exhibits, workshops and dedications to a number of trails throughout the nation. Everyone from equestrian groups, to cyclists, to hiking parties are involved, and some locations will have gear demos sponsored by your favorite suppliers.
For more info, and a list of the sponsored events by state, go to the American Hiking Society's website.
And if anyone gets out to any AHS events, drop by and let us know how it went!
See full article.
Related Entries:
Hiking the National Parks - 30 April 2007
The Best of Oahu’s Hiking Trails - 26 June 2007
Vermont’s Hiking Trails - 21 August 2007
Ruffing It: Trail gear for your dog - 20 May 2008
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This pretty sweet camera bag/day pack/torso pack from Kata has been mentioned on a few blogs this week, and there's an excellent review over at Trailspotting (a pretty cool blog I just discovered today - I'll be back for more).
I've wanted to pick up a decent SLR camera for the hiking trail for some time now, and besides the money, the only thing really stopping me is wondering how I'd pack it on the trail. Between the weight and the fact I'm not big on trashing expensive cameras, it just didn't seem practical. Seeing this concept for a bag, with easy access, nice weight distribution, and super protection… well, I might start looking at that nice Canon Rebel after all….
More info at Kata's site:Kata-Bags
See full article.
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Review of the Kata T-212 Torso Pack and the W-92 Waist Pack - 18 July 2005
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Get A Great Deal On A Slightly Old New Camera - 30 April 2008
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Depending on your camping ability and enthusiasm, cooking can be a chore or a delight. If you're tired of the same old camping fare, check out CampRecipes.com.
Ham and Sweet Potato Foil Packets, Campfire Cabbage, even Mandarin Chicken, all featured here. Some seem like a lot of trouble for a simple campsite meal, but for others the variety might be worth the extra work, and if you're driving rather than packing in, there's certainly room for these types of delicacies.
I'm really thinking about trying the Chicken Salsa Parcels…. Hmmm, I might have to test some of these recipes at home before I hit the trail…
What sorts of foods do you bring with you for camping?
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The Worlds Healthiest Food - 11 March 2007
Recipe Exchange - 16 July 2007
Tired of eating the same food? - 11 September 2007
Guide to Food Allergies and Allergy-Free Recipes - 31 October 2007
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Let me be the first to say I've never been a fan of trekking stixs, or hiking poles, or whatever the popular name is now. They got in the way, and really seemed to screw up my momentum on the steep uphills.
But sadly, we are all getting older, and my knees and arches of my feet started to feel the hurt, especially on a steep downhill. My hiking buddy swears by her stix and loaned me one when my legs weren't giving me the, ahem, stability, I required while navigating some downhill paths covered in scree.
That was last fall. Now with summer arriving and a gift certificate to my favorite outdoors shop burning a hole in my pocket (thanks Dad!), I finally picked up a pair of Komperdell collapsible trekking stixs. I knew I'd need collapsible because there was no way I could carry those suckers around for an entire hike.
So far, so great. The poles are strapped out of the way to my day pack and only come out when the downhill slope makes my knee hurt. Often I'll only use one pole as extra leverage.
My biggest concern about using collapsibles was that they would start to slip over time and lose tension. It's only been a handful of hikes, but I see no chance of that happening. The Komperdell has a twisting/tightening mechanism that locks the pole into place at the proper height. I picked this over the type that have a latch because it just looked like a more stable option over time.
I went with one of the lower-end models because I still wasn't 100 per cent sold. I figured if I really loved them I would simply upgrade next time. Well, assuming these last at least one season, I'll happily buy another set, but I'm still not convinced I need to drop $120 on poles. I actually really like the cork-handled grips, though surprisingly blistered starting to form on my thumbs right away. From talking to other hikers, this is fairly common with the trekking poles and not unique to this model.
Everyone seems to use these poles differently, but for $60, they're a great addition to have strapped to my backpack, and I don't worry about my knee becoming a problem on the way back down the trail. That's worth $60 right there.
For more info check out the Komperdell web site, or Mountain Equipment Co-op.
See full article.
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A Visit to One of the Ends of the Earth - 12 December 2007
Hawaii’s Secret Island - 03 January 2008
Ruffing It: Trail gear for your dog - 20 May 2008
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With the camping, hiking and general outdoors season in full swing, another traditional summertime season has begun - forest fire season.
Anyone heading into the wilds needs to check on local fire conditions before venturing out to their favorite back country recreational area. At the very minimum you can save yourself the inconvenience of being in a smoke-filled area. More importantly, you can prevent yourself from being in an area where emergency services are operating to put out a fire, prevent yourself from getting into the path of a fast moving fire, and save yourself the hassle of finding your favorite spot closed due to emergency efforts.
The National Interagency Fire Center operating out of Boise, Idaho updates their web site daily and covers all areas across the US. The handiest way to use the site is to surf to http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm. Or from the main page, select “Fire Information” from the side menu, and from the menu that pops up, select” National Fire News”.
The report that appears first lists daily notes about weather conditions that might impact certain states, a summary of the current fire situation and some daily stats. Scroll down and there is a list of the current fires by state, with detailed descriptions about location, intensity, size of fire and amount contained.
Exceedingly useful for anyone planning any outdoor trip, in fact the whole site is full of useful information for forest users.
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ATV Failure Cause Death, Injury During San Diego Fire? - 09 November 2007
Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you’d like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.
Canadian Andrew Brash summited Everest for the first time on Thursday, May 21.
This is notable because Brash is one of the climbers who sacrificed his attempt in 2006 to save Australian climber Lincoln Hall. Hall had been left for dead before Brash and his team encountered him on the mountain.
Brash's success is even more impressive considering the summit was inaccessible for part of the month due to the Beijing Olympic torch run.
Meanwhile Hall has just released an account of his nearly fatal Everest ascent, “Dead Lucky: Life After Death on Mt. Everest”.
This is a great story all around. Karma must have been hard at work to ensure Branch made his summit, despite all the factors working against him.
Some other great Everest related sites:
Andrew Brash's personal site
Andrew Brash blogs during his climb
Everest News Site
More Everest News
See full article.
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