Highball Blog

Hammock Bliss Review

2012-05-23T02:42:00.002+03:00

Manufacturer	Hammock Bliss
Model	Hammock Bliss Sky Tent 2	Hammock Bliss Double
Retail Value	USD $129.95	USD $64.95
Weight	48 ounces	22 ounces
Manufacturing Country	Made in Indonesia

Hammock Bliss is one of the leading manufacturers in the hammock business. Their focus is solely on hammocks and hammocking and it shows when perusing there website. The site is loaded with information.

You can check out reviews, videos, and hundreds of pictures. This is a company that takes hammocking seriously, but enjoys the lifestyle.

So for you - Lay back, let go, relax in bliss and read on.

Overall Aesthetics

The Sky Tent came in a dark blue medium sized stuff sack. The netting/rain fly was tightly packed into the sack. Upon opening the stuff sack I pulled out the Sky Tent and noticed that is was connected to the stuff sack. This was similar to the last hammock I reviewed - Grand Trunk Hammock Review.

I always appreciate the small details. Packing can become a drag when a storage sack goes missing. Combining the two minimizes any searching time. The Sky Tent comes in only one color Blue/Black.

Dimensions: 138" x 73" x 43"

The Hammock Bliss Double also came in a small dark blue stuff sack. Inside I found the stuff sack was also attached to the hammock. The Hammock Bliss Double comes in two colors: Tan/Green and Blue/Purple combination.

Dimensions: 6'8" x 9'10"

Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Functionality

The setup for the Double Bliss Hammock was pretty simple. I looped one end around one tree and then adjust the rope accordingly for the other side and looped it around another tree. Grand Trunk Goods on the other hand implemented a carabiner which I thought was ingenious. Other than this difference, setting up the hammock was very similar to the Grand Trunk Goods Parachute Nylon Double Hammock.

The Hammock Bliss Double is also breathable, quick drying, and resists rot and mildew formation similar to the GTG hammock.

However, the major difference occurs between the rain fly/mosquito netting. The Sky Tent comes with a 75 denier polyurethane coated rain fly. This provides complete protection for anything hanging on the ropes, in the hammock, or underneath.

Also, underneath the hammock you can place your lightweight gear to also prevent them from getting wet or muddy. I thought this was a clever idea, since the Mossy Net from Grand Trunk Goods reaches the bottom. So with the Mosquito Net you are protected from the creepy crawlies getting into your pack or shoes, but no protection from wetness on the ground.

As I mentioned before, hammocking is truly coming into its own. It has found itself a permanent niche in the world of outdoors.

The Hammock Bliss Double was taken with me on my last two backpacking trips along with the Grand Trunk Goods Double Hammock for comparison. I knew from my previous experiences that hammocking was an extremely smart way of moving about.

Weight differential between the two were relatively minute with the Hammock Bliss Double weighing an extra two ounces (Most likely due to the hanging rope used by Hammock Bliss). So the Hammock Bliss Double is just as ideal for the ultralight backpacker.

Similar to the Grand Trunk Goods Double Hammock I added a sleeping pad/mat into the hammock and a sleeping bag and was quite comfortable for the 3 days.

Durability

The hammock is extremely durable using parachute nylon and a weight capacity of up to 350lbs. The Sky Tent is also made using parachute nylon, but as mentioned before they have upgraded the bottom to a rip stop nylon in the Sky Tent 2.

Comparison (Hammock Bliss Double vs. Grand Trunk Goods - Parachute Nylon Double)

Cons

Maximum weight capacity: Grand Trunk Goods boasts an extra 50lb load.

Carabiner attachment: GTG offers carabiners with their hammock for easier attachment, while Hammock Bliss sells them separately

Color Options: GTG offers 4 color options

Packability: The GTG hammock comes in a smaller stuff sack. Roughly half the size of the Hammock Bliss Double sack.

Pros

Recommended Washing: Hammock Bliss Double is machine washable & dryable. (Huge time saver. GTG recommends hand washing & hang dry)

Stitching: Now this may seem like a minor issue, but I believe that the hammocks are only as good as the stitching. So any time damage in the stitching is noticed it’s a good idea to repair it before it becomes a bigger problem.

GTG and Hammock Bliss have near identical stitching and placement, but the difference is in the thread color usage.

Now why would this be a big deal you ask? The Parachute Nylon Double hammock uses colored thread that matches the two color combination of the hammock while Hammock Bliss Double uses all white stitching throughout the hammock. Now, aesthetically speaking the GTG obviously took time to think about presentation, but for repairs it is difficult to contrast between the hammock and the thread. This is why I think the Hammock Bliss Double has its advantages in the repair portion.

Hanging ropes:

Hammock Bliss hammocks use (100% nylon) 6mm climbing rope. Tested up to 770lbs the hammock definitely won’t have any problems due to rope failure.
Hammock Bliss climbing rope is also longer which allows you to hang the hammock in areas with wider access or to hang some of the extra heavier gear.

Nylon straps: Hammock Bliss hammocks with nylon straps to prevent flaking or cutting of tree barks. GTG sells them separately.

Comparison (Hammock Bliss Sky Tent vs. Grand Trunk Goods – Mosquito Net + Forest Tarp)

Construction: The Sky Tent bottom can touch the ground or hang above; however the mosquito net drops down to the floor.
The bottom portion of the Sky Tent was originally made with parachute nylon similar to the Mosquito Net. However, the new Sky Tent 2 has upgraded this feature and added instead a rip stop nylon base layer.

Helps retain body heat
Provides storage space for lightweight items
Adds durability to the floor when placing it on the ground

Dual Features: The Sky Tent is a combination of a rain fly and mosquito net. GTG requires two pieces to be bought: Mosquito Net and Forest Tarp.

Cost: The Hammock Bliss Sky Tent runs ($129.95). GTG Mosquito Net (79.99) and Forest Tarp (79.99). (Prices may vary depending on the time when you read this)

Where to buy yours

Conclusion

Overall, I am still continuing to enjoy the hammocking experience. Especially with summer right around the corner I love the openness you feel in the hammock versus the tent. I also enjoyed the Sky Tent very much especially during the evening when the bugs come out. I also enjoyed the extra shade the Sky Tent rain fly adds.

The Hammock Bliss Double and the Sky Tent are great products and perfect for all seasons. I will not say which hammock I liked better, because in the end I believe it comes down to a matter of preference. So ultimately it comes down to you to decide for yourself.

I will also have a comparison following this review with Eagle Nest Outfitters which will complete my hammocking reviews for this year. I will also compile a short pros and cons list for all of the three manufacturers.

Check out Hammock Bliss on Facebook and Like their page.

About the author: JSO is a climber and hiker from Northern California. He's part of the group of athletes who regularly write gear reviews for Highball Blog.

Atta Rupal 30 Backpack Review

2012-05-22T01:08:00.001+03:00

You can never have enough backpacks. I haven’t always felt this way, but the more I climb, hike and go backpacking the more I realize that different backpacks are needed for different activities.

I picked up the Atta Rupal 30 to use as a fast and light alpine pack for single day summit attempts. 30 liters is the perfect size to carry the water, food and layers that are needed for a successful alpine climb.

The Rupal 30 is literally covered in extras. You have the usual standards that I think every pack should have, and most do, ice axe loops, floating top lid, mesh side pockets big enough for a full liter water bottle.

In addition to these features there are also straps across the pack that are covered in a rubber material that would work great to stow away extra gear that you either want to keep close at hand or don’t have room for in the main compartment.

On top of the lid are plastic strips to run webbing through to stow away even more gear. In addition to these extras there are an assortment of other straps and plastic rings to strap down whatever you might want to carry with you.

The pack is made out of durable Cordura nylon. Inside is just one main compartment to keep things simple. In addition, there is a pouch for a hydration pack. The padding on the shoulders and hips is adequate, but not great.

The back panel has padding down either side with a hollow middle to keep air flowing through. I do miss having a curved lumbar pad. The buckles are all thick and sturdy. I like my packs to be bright so that I’m easy to spot by my climbing partners or in case of some backcountry emergency.

Conclusion

All in all the very thing that makes this a great pack could also be its downside. This pack is built to handle a lot of abuse, perhaps over-built. For me, I wanted a light pack for light loads. For someone else this may be the perfect pack to which you may strap everything you need for your adventure.

About the author: Ryan Hamilton is a climber and hiker from Utah.

How To Stop a Train - Video

2012-05-01T12:47:00.000+03:00

I never left home with the intention of stopping a train but...s..t happens.

So if you've been following this blog for a while, you know I enjoy doing videos. And I thought shooting some footage on the railways would probably be fun. And it was.

I used to travel with the freight train when I was 14 and this made me remember the good old days.

So after we shot a few trains passing by, it was about time we got out of there. But wait! Here's another one coming and this one's a highball.

I'm munching an apple, I take out my GoPro fast, turn it on, place it just near the track and wait. And it seems that the train is not approaching as fast as it should... What's going on?

Oops. The train stops a few meters from the camera. From 120 km/h (75.5 m/h) to zero.

Kinda hard to translate what the mechanic said but he told me to go to hell (me and my films) and called me stupid coz he had to stop the train because of me. He thought I was gonna put my head on the rail.

Why would I kill myself on such a beautiful day? And I have to edit all this footage. He didn't seem to understand my perspective. :-)

For my Romanian followers, here's how the conversation went (starts at 0:37):

Mechanic: CE CAUTI BA ACOLO?!
Me: E o camera. Facem un film.
Mechanic: Bai, fir-ar filmili tale ale dreacu sa fie. Opresc trenu asta, prostule! Pai tu acolo pui...?! Am crezut ca te pui cu capu pe linie!

Bam! (a inchis usa)

The GoPro was in its underwater case so you can only hear the mechanic with your headphones on and maximum volume.

Highball

Noun - Railroads - a. a signal to start a train, given with a hand or with a lamp; b. a signal for a train to move at full speed
Verb - Slang - to move at full speed

Who's to blame?

GoPro of course. Coz the HD Hero doesn't have LEDs on all faces to tell you when it's recording. So you have to stick your head in front of the lens to see if the cam is filming. When I did that, it appeared as if I was placing my head on the rail. :-)

GoPro HD Hero 2 solves this problem (and also shoots in 120 fps).

A fact about locomotive mechanics

A friend knows someone working as a mechanic and he said that each mechanic that has been in this job for 10 to 20 years has killed at least one man and lots of animals.

When this guys stopped his train, he had his reasons.

Peace out, man! I apologize.

Video shots taken with Sony HX9V on a DIY camera stabilizer, DIY slider and Fancier tripod.

Still photography by Sorin Ciribasa.

Be safe!

Thermos Flask Review

2012-04-27T11:04:00.001+03:00

Manufacturer	Thermos
Model	Stainless King Food Jar	Vacuum Insulated Hydration Bottle	Stainless King Beverage Bottle
Retail Value	USD $ 25.99	USD $ 20.99	USD $ 24.99
Color	Metallic Blue/Stainless
Manufacturing Country	Made in China

Thermos has been a household name for years and is known by everyone.

It is actually one of the few items in the world that has become a genericized trademark. I can still remember the old soup Thermos we took on family outings: a simple canister with a click-on mug that would keep our food warm for about an hour or so.

The Thermos we know today may still carry the same name, but they made momentous strides in innovation since then.

Overall Aesthetics

The canisters and hydration bottle came in a dark blue/stainless color. The metallic color gave the Thermos containers a very modern look appropriate for the times.

Plastic is definitely long gone and the stainless steel double wall vacuum insulation is here to stay. They actually look so nice they could also become regular kitchenware products rather then a storage container in someone’s pack.

Specifications

Thermos® double-wall vacuum insulation for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold
Unbreakable stainless-steel interior and exterior
Extra wide mouth is easy to fill, serve from and clean
Cool to the touch with hot liquids, sweat-proof with cold
Compact and insulated stainless-steel serving bowl
Full-size telescoping stainless-steel spoon
Capacity: 16 oz.
Dimensions: 3.7" diameter x 5.6" H
7 hours HOT
9 hours COLD
Thermos® vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention
Unbreakable stainless steel interior and exterior
Hygienic push button sipper lid with locking ring
Sweat-proof design won't leave water rings
Comfortable rubber grip
Fits most automotive cup holders
Capacity: 18 oz
Dimensions: 2.5" W x 2.5" D x 10" H
12 hours COLD
Thermos® double-wall vacuum insulation for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold
Unbreakable stainless-steel interior and exterior
Twist-and-pour stopper lets you pour without removing the stopper
Cool to the touch with hot liquids, sweat-proof with cold
Insulated stainless-steel serving cup
Capacity: 16 oz.
Dimensions: 3" diameter x 9.6" H

Functionality

The canister and hydration bottles are lightweight and small. They pack well and make them suitable for any type of trip.

During my last backpacking trip I tested the 7 Hour heat retention of the Food Jar in the snow. The soup remained hot for about 6 hours, some of the heat escaped due to the constant opening and eating along the way, but overall the heat retained wonderfully.

Packing is extremely simple. Just drop in some hot or cold food items in the containers. Screw the cap on and it’s ready to go. To me, the Thermos containers are still a modern day marvel. These containers are great for families who like car camping as well. Just having hot food/drinks readily available for the kids is always a plus.

Not only is this great for long trips, but for the leisurely day or weekend hikes as well. The versatility of the canisters is what makes Thermos really shine. They have no specific niche, but are great in all areas.

Durability

Both the canister and hydration bottle were made of unbreakable stainless-steel interior and exterior.

I proceeded to put this specification to the test with a few drop tests.

Nothing extremely scientific, but while hiking I simply tossed the canisters off a hill (~20 feet) to a rocky outcrop. I then went down to inspect the damages. Besides a few scratches the entire canister was unscathed. Not a single dent or problem with any of the functions of the canister.

If there were any weak points to the bottle or canisters it would be the plastic tops. There is always a possibility of threading issues or cracking due to extreme temperatures changes (This is all speculation)

Pros

Availability of sizes. The Food Jar used in the review has a capacity of 16 ounces. 24 ounce and 48 ounces Food Jar’s are also available.
Lightweight and easy to pack
Affordable prices

Cons

Only the 16 and 17 ounce Food Jar’s are available in different colors. 24 ounces and up are only available in stainless steel.
Considered a luxury item by some backpackers.

Where to buy your Thermos flasks

Amazon (usually you can find the best prices here)
REI

Conclusion

The Food Jar is definitely great for the camping, weekend hikes or for the first meal out on an extended backpacking trip. The hydration bottle is also great everyday carry in any of those environments as well. Thermos continues to live up to their name as one of the best Food Jar makers in the industry.

Thermos will always have a place in history and in my pack. :-) It may be additional weight and may be considered a luxury by some backpackers, but to me it is an essential.

Nothing is more uplifting than warm food/drink in extremely cold weather. Especially if I can have it, without making a fire or setting up the stove to heat it up.

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter as well.

About the author: JSO is a climber and hiker from Northern California. He's part of the group of athletes who regularly write gear reviews for Highball Blog.

What Cameras and Editing Software Les Stroud Uses for His Survivor Man Show - Video Interview

2012-04-26T16:43:00.000+03:00

If you've been wondering about the camera gear and video editing software that Les Stroud uses for his Survivor Man show then it's all Sony.

He doesn't specifically tells which camera model but he does say he loves Sony Vegas (which is a bit too expensive for my amateurish video editing).

Source: Tech Crunch

What Les wants from a camera

Being outdoors and exposed to the elements, it's important to have a camera that can handle:

Humidity
Sand and dust
Hot and cold weather variations (battery life as well)
Shocks and jolts
A little bit of rain (until you cover your camera)

He also mentions about the importance of having a wide angle lens to capture more of the surrounding landscape. That's why I love my GoPro HD (fish eye - 170 degrees angle) and my Sony HX9V compact cam (24 mm lens).

Flash memory allows a streamlined workflow unlike the 1:1 download ratio of tape (if you had 1 hour of footage on tape you had to wait 1 hour for the tape to wind in order to digitally capture your video).

Being a Jack of All Trades, basically doing all the work from shooting to editing, was a good school. So now if he only shoots, he knows how to capture the footage in order to be easy for the editor. Or if he edits, he knows what to look for in the raw video files.

For me, Les is a genuine man and that's what I love about his TV show: down to Earth program based on knowledge and transparency. No over dramatization like the other guy does.

Over to you

I can't say I would't like to get my hands on a DSLR like Canon 60D or the ultra applauded Canon 5D. Meanwhile though, I'll enjoy shooting short videos with my small cameras on a DIY steadicam and a DIY slider.

How about you? What cameras do you use to shoot your YouTube videos?

Free Topographic Maps and How To Read a Topographic Map

2012-04-24T11:59:00.001+03:00

Whether you're a map enthusiast or simply want to plan your next outdoor trip, here's a list of free online topographic maps:

USA - My Topo (good web usability and navigation)
USA - Map Server
USA - OnlineTopoMaps
Canada Atlas
UK - Where's The Path (nice dual view: Google map and topo map)
UK
UK - Bing Maps
Germany
And The World - Topomapper.com (lots of options and great navigation with a scroll mouse)

Source: Dzjow's Adventure Log (check it out and say hi)

Why to consult a topographic map

It's all about contour lines which allow you to asses the terrain you're gonna roam on. You wanna know whether your route is steep or not and plan ahead accordingly.

Enjoy hiking off trails and pretend you're lost. That's where the fun is.

Be safe!

How To Improvise a Tent Lamp

2012-04-22T18:11:00.003+03:00

How do you improvise a tent lamp?

Simple: Strap your headlamp onto a plastic bottle filled with water and you get a nice glowing light.

You can leave your Coleman lantern at home now.

Be safe!

source: Climbs.me

Why People Don't Like Bear Grylls

2012-04-19T16:07:00.000+03:00

I received an email from a PR team that handles the Degree (antiperspirant) brand.

They asked me to post this video on the blog. I replied that this is not beneficial in any way to the visitors of Highball Blog. It's well produced but it's a commercial. They din't reply.

After a while, they wrote another email saying the video is not clear for posting yet. And then I replied:

Perhaps you regret posting that video after all... Watch the dislikes and the comments on YouTube.

The thing is, Bear Grylls has been more of a TV clown than a real survival expert. And when people see bullshit they can tell is bullshit.

If I were him, I'd step back now and do other stuff. He has been overselling and he treated his audience like kids - he basically told us Santa exists... (Fake shots, over dramatization when was not the case, etc.)

If he came on and acknowledged all the BS he has been pushing and asked forgiveness from his audience, he may have a chance to start it all over again - doing it better this time.

We want genuine people. Bear Grylls is a PR manufactured persona....

Just my thoughts on the matter.

PS:

If you're in a survival situation, do you run and agitate yourself the way Bear Grylls does?
Who runs on the approach way before climbing a sandstone tower?!
Are those climbing shoes? (Gimme a break!) Is that how you step to get friction on a sloping ledge?
Where's the belayer, dude?
Is that rope long enough? How many pitches?

Get a Free Mammut T-shirt Design

2012-04-18T12:19:00.000+03:00

Original artwork by Gabriel Raileanu - Copywriting and concept by Constantin Gabor

If you're Mammut fan and want to print this vector drawing on your shirt or maybe print it as a wallpaper for your room, download this image in:

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
High resolution PNG image with transparent background

Mammut gear reviews:

Be safe!

Leather vs Plastic - What Kind of Mountaineering Boot Do You Prefer?

2012-04-14T22:36:00.000+03:00

Here's a short interview with Ed Viesturs on the differences between a plastic boot and a leather mountaineering boot.

Ed is a high altitude mountaineer, a mountain guide and author of three books:

Pros Leather:

Lightweight
Breathable
Flexible
Better feel for technical climbing

Pros Plastic:

Better fit
More padding thus more comfortable
Friction between inner boot and shell so no blisters
Covers a larger range of feet sizes (good for rental)

If you ask me, I'm a leather boot guy. I do have a pair of Asolo plastic boots but I only wore them a couple of times. They're comfortable and warm. However, I enjoy the leather boots more for their flexibility and light weight.

I got the Asolos as a gift from a German climber back in 2005 when I was doing rope access work - tree surgery to be more specific - in the yard of his private kindergarten business.

My personal pros for the plastic boot would be the possibility to wear the inner boot in your sleeping bag (you may need to do this when you sleep in a snow pit) and walking with those inside the chalet (instead of treading with the plastic shell as well).

My first leather mountaineering boots were a pair of La Sportiva Makalu (which still hold to this day even though they look tired) and now I'm enjoying the Mammut Meridian GTX.

Anyway, I'm curious to try the La Sportiva EVO GTX to compare it to Mammut Meridian. If you have or had both, leave a comment below and let me know which one you think is better. Thanks!

Over to you

Which one do you prefer - leather or plastic?

Be safe!

How To Shoot Stunning Aerial Video with Your Camera - GoPro Helicopter

2012-04-12T12:43:00.002+03:00

There is a way for you to get those ultra smooth aerial shots with your GoPro HD camera: The XPro Helli Quadcopter.

Now, by the way these shots look, I guess the GoPro quadcopter can actually replace your GoPro steadicam, camera slider, jib crane and dolly. Especially outdoors and in open spaces, where you wanna take long moving shots. And what better way to move your rig than actually flying your cam?!

You can mount other small cameras as well but I guess the GoPro or the Contour HD are the best cams since they're rugged, shock resistant and have no moving parts inside (no zoom, no focus, no hard disk, no tape).

Perhaps you're gonna crash it a few times until you'll get to flying mastery. That's why I think keeping your GoPro in its underwater case is even better (you don't wanna ruin your camera if you land in the water...)

One feature that seems cool is the GPS hover control. The kit comes with a GPS device above the gyroscope (which keeps the rig stable while flying) and when you hit a certain spot in space, you simply set that as a hover point. So your camera helicopter will hover at a very specific set of GPS coordinates, letting you capture a static aerial shot. How cool is that! :-)

Okay. How much?

It ain't cheap.

The basic kit sells at $1299 and the RTF version (Ready to Fly) costs $2399. (This prices may vary depending on the time when you read this article)

Is it worth it?

Well, a Kessler slider costs at least $1200 and a Glidecam HD 1000 costs $400 so this means the helicopter is as cheap as the rest of the tools used in film making.

So you tell me. Will your videos be more interesting with aerial shots or not? Can you charge your clients more for such footage? If so, then it's worth it.

Other RC camera helicopter systems

There are other remote controlled helicopters designed for video shooting out there (some for DSLRs):

DraganFly
RaidenTech
AirFoilSkyCam
HeliCamSolutions
HeliVideo
Copter Kids
RCHelicopter - a resource site that covers this topic

Which one do you like best?

How To Edit MTS Videos

2012-04-11T13:32:00.000+03:00

If you bought a new camera that shoots in AVCD format and can't view or edit the .MTS, files here are two pieces of software that you can use:

1. Use VLC Player to view MTS videos

VLC is a versatile player that will play most video formats.

Bike Stunts - Harman Extreme Fest (MTS and MP4 files)

Depending on how powerful your computer is, the playback of full HD footage may be choppy even with VLC. When I play my 1080p @50 fps clips, I get short previews and then the screen becomes blank. That's coz I don't have enough RAM and not enough memory on my graphics card.

So instead of actually previewing the clips with VLC you can...

2. Edit MTS files with Magix Edit Pro Plus

I use Magix to edit all my nature or extreme sports videos that I shoot either with a GoPro HD or with the small Sony HX9V (which outputs in AVCHD .MTS) - see embedded clips.

The nice thing about previewing your footage in Magix is that it has a function which lets you playback the video at a lower resolution. So you don't need too many hardware resources, even if your video has a high bitrate and resolution.

You get a smooth preview and decide what to cut out and what to leave in your final edit.

For more about video editing, check out the other tutorials on the blog.

Cliff Jumping in Bulgaria (MTS footage taken with Sony HX9V)

Be safe!

Mammut Meridian GTX Mountaineering Boots Review

2012-04-05T18:27:00.000+03:00

If Santa were a mountaineer he'd wear the Mammut Meridian GTX boots. :-)

So even though I have't actually seen Santa, I got a parcel from Switzerland with these boots inside. They made quite a travel loop and I guess they were destined for me since they were manufactured in my country (it says that on a label inside: Made in Romania).

Download this vector design here

After a few years of rock climbing and mountaineering, I figured out I only need three types of shoes:

climbing shoes
light trekking shoes (for approach routes and hiking) - I don't wear any boots in the summer
and a good pair of winter mountaineering shoes

I don't care much for trekking (I wear any kind of sneakers or sandals) but I do want good climbing shoes and a solid mountaineering boot that can keep me warm and dry. Mammut delivered!

Design and first impression

As with everything Mammut, you get a premium product with a premium emotion attached.

Of course I'm biased - I'm still amazed by the social media policy Mammut deploys.

Speaking of amazement, I also learned that a prolific climber and alpinist from my home city (Titus Gontea) was involved in their Peak Project. He got to keep all the Mammut wear they had on while climbing a classic alpine wall route in our Bucegi Mountains.

So yeah, they're generous and I'm privileged to be sponsored!

Some may argue that the red color is too conspicuous and I agree.

I felt a little self conscious when I wore them in the city (we had record snowfall and frost this past winter - January and February 2012) coz everybody was looking down at my boots. Then I got cocky - of course you're looking, aren't they cool?. :-)

But as a general rule, bright colors are good for mountain sports where you wanna be spotted fast in case you get injured. So a red boot sticking out of the snow means the rescue team is gonna see you and pull you out of that avalanche faster. Damn! That's a morbid example but you get the point.

Comfort and fit

My old pair of mountain boots caused me blisters for a while until they eventually became less rigid and modeled around my foot. But that was a pain in the...well, a pain just below Achilles tendon.

So I was cautious with these boots, taking them out in the city and in short treks at first. But the fit was just right. No blisters. Just a small fatigue in the feet due to treading to and fro on high street with stiff soles (I was being cocky, remember?).

In deep powder or in hard snow you walk through like a hero and kick and smash everything under your feet and fell like you have two military tanks in your feet. You're indestructible.

Depending on how free you want your ankle to be, you can lace all the way to the top or just the first metal hooks on the cuff. I usually lace all the way but keep it rather loose towards the upper part of the cuff.

My size is 42 European (8 UK - 9 USA) and the boots came in 42 which was perfect. I can wear them with a single sock or with two pairs (one thin and one thick).

A nice combination is a thin merino wool sock close to the skin and a thicker Primaloft over it - I'm not that technical and brand aware with this stuff but I got some cool socks from Röjk and I enjoyed pairing them with the Meridian GTX Boots.

Functionality

This is a mountaineering boot, designed for climbing on rock and ice in relatively high altitudes. The highest mountain in my country is 2544 m (8346 feet) but the Alps are not far away and a long lasting boot like the Meridian will be with me a few years from now.

They're not very light but I think their weight is reasonable (2.3 kg/pair - 5.07 lbs) - the inertia helps you kick with less effort in hard snow or ice.

Features

Vibram sole
Front and back margin for fast clip in crampons (love that)
Gore Tex membrane underneath the leather
Fine grain leather with waterproofing treatment
Neoprene cuff for snug fit on the calf - and for keeping the snow out
Adjustable tongue
Rubber rand around the boot
Loop for hanging the boots
Technical foot bed (insole)

I like the layered insole for the comfort it provides and for the fact that it absorbs perspiration. Its leathery-sponge like material is ideal for this purpose. That's why I'd advise you to take the insole out after each day of mountaineering or climbing - this way the moisture can evaporate and the next day you'll have your foot bed dry.

You can mount any type of crampons on these boots. However, I prefer the technical M10 by Petzl (review here) for fast mounting and fine precision in mixed climbing (rock, ice and snow). Didn't get any chance to actually climb with crampons this winter though.

Thermal insulation - I guess this depends on the person who's wearing the boots.

My feet have been slightly frostbitten a few years ago - coz I left my boots outside during the night and got them on freezing the next day in this winter tour (when Highball Blog was a stream of personal outdoor adventures) - and I've remained somewhat sensitive to cold. Just as a friend of mine who climbed in the Himalayas predicted.

In regular winter temperatures - let's say -10° C (14° F) - wearing dry socks, you'll be warm coz the boot is insulated.

However, after hiking trough the snow for a few hours and then being stationary in -17° C (1.4° F), my feet being damp from the perspiration, I could feel the frost nipping my toes. Anyway - that was the only bad experience regarding warmth (or its lack thereof) but, again, I'm subjected to being cold at my feet just as I'm subjected to windburn now...

More about my winter bivouac here: Sleeping in the snow.

The rubber rand protects the boots from unavoidable bumps against rocks which would normally leave scratches on the leather. It also contributes to the waterproofing of the boot - useful when you need to cross shallow streams.

You can adjust the tongue (velcro) for creating more or less space in the toe box. When you wear just one pair of socks this feature can help you get a closer fit as well.

Pros

Rugged yet fashionable
Waterproof leather and Gore Tex membrane (for the time when the leather waterproofing treatment wears off, unless you maintain it with a waterproofing spray)
Offers a firm stand and good kicks
Narrow heels favors descending in hard snow where you have to kick with your heel to make steps

Cons

Pricey (but so are iPhones and Apple computers and lots of people buy them)
I wish the tongue was removable just like in my old LaSportiva Makalu (for better overnight ventilation and quick drying)
Lack of lace lock between lower lacing guides and upper metal hooks (this allows you to distribute the pressure better along your foot and if for some reason the laces loosen, the first part of your foot will still be firmly held coz the lace is locked - La Sportiva has that)

Where to buy your Mammut Meridian Gore Tex boots

Most likely you can order these at your local mountain shop. But I guess you'd wanna try them on first so you can take a better decision.

If you wanna buy them online, you can find them on Amazon.co.uk or on other European online stores:

Conclusion

A solid mountaineering boot which you can use for all your winter escapes in the mountains. Works with snowshoes (Atlas 1225), crampons and will serve you well on and, especially, off trails and on icy alpine walls.

I'd buy them. Doesn't that say it all? :-)

Leave a comment and I'll reply. Cheers!

Grand Trunk Hammock Review - Parachute Nylon Double Hammock

2012-04-03T16:24:00.000+03:00

Grand Trunk Goods Review
Manufacturer:	Grand Trunk Goods
Model:	Parachute Nylon Double Hammock
URL:	www.grandtrunkgoods.com
Retail Value:	USD $64.99
Weight:	20 ounces / 0.56 kg
Manufacturing Country:	Made in Indonesia

Grand Trunk Goods is a company that is very in synch with their customers. They produce top quality items at affordable prices and their items are only topped by their superior customer service.

They are truly one of the few remaining great companies that really take into consideration the feedbacks of their audience. This was reflected in their new 2012 product line. Stay tuned for the new sleeping bag/hammock combo.

These guys want the individual to enjoy the experience of the travel and stay. As their website states Grand Trunk makes goods for travel, not trips. Travels are experiences, something that stays with you for the rest of your life. It's a lifestyle that's not for everyone, which is why Grand Trunk makes goods for the roads less traveled.

Overall Aesthetics

The hammock came in a small blue/yellow stuff sack. The hammock was tightly packed into the sack and was extremely lightweight.

When I opened the stuff sack and tried pulling out the hammock the entire thing gave. To my surprise the stuff sack was part of the hammock. What a plus! I love it when there is one thing less to look for when it comes time to start packing. Ropes were cinched away on the side and the carabiners were found pre-attached to both ends of the hammock.

Dimension: 10'6" x 6'6"
Weight capacity: 400lbs (181.4 kg)

Functionality

The setup for this hammock is extremely simple. There are no nails or screws necessary. They use a simple loop for the rope to catch onto whatever you will be hanging onto. Also the hammock itself attaches on very easily. You just clasp the carabiners onto the pre-tied loops on the rope once you’ve set it up.

The entire hammock is also designed to be completely breathable and also mildew resistant. So you won’t have to worry about a little rain or what not. This can become quite useful if you were to replace a tent with the Double Hammock as your shelter.

Hammocking is burgeoning as a unique lifestyle of its own. Its versatility allows one to either take it camping, backpacking, or to just lounge out in your backyard enjoying a cold one. :-)

In my case I have hammocked countless times in my backyard, but taking the hammock out backpacking was a first. I was extremely hesitant about leaving my tent back at home, but I wanted to try it out at least once.

A few miles in I knew that the hammock was a wonderful replacement for a tent. Replacing my 6 lb tent (stuff sack, poles, and stakes included) with a 20 oz. hammock made a significant difference in the hike. I knew right away that this was an ideal item for ultralight backpackers who are always looking for ways to minimize pack weight.

My first night out with the hammock I reached my destination a little later then I wanted to, so setting up swiftly was a huge priority since it was getting dark quick.

However, my worries were for naught as setting up was quick and easy and relatively errorless. I did not get bogged down with any of the steps in set up. I was able to move onto another important task of starting a fire quickly. This hammock saved me much time and minimized my time of looking around for firewood in the dark.

Now, naturally with the design of the hammock it is a little tight with two people in the hammock because you’re constantly being pushed towards the center (outside-in). But this was easily remedied by adding a sleeping pad/mat into the hammock. This alleviated some of the push towards the center and also allowed me to straighten out my back.

Next, I added my bivy over the sleeping pad and was ready to end the day. The sleeping bag settled snugly in the hammock and hardly moved, so I did not even have to bother tying down the bivy to the sleeping pad.
An additional item that I used was Mosquito Net shelter ($79.99).

This shelter integrates with many different types of hammocks and gave complete protection from all sorts of nasty buggers. It creates an almost tent-like environment and kept all my gear well protected and clean & dry.

Dimensions Top: 144" x 32"
Dimension Bottom: 90" x 32"
Weight: 22.5 ounces (0.63 kg)

Lastly, the most important part was comfort. This hammock was extremely comfortable and spacious. The extra width of the hammock allows you to drape it over your sleeping bag during the night.

This protected be from some light wind during the night and the morning dew. I woke up extremely refreshed and was surprised I didn't have any back aches due to the natural curvature of the hammock.

Durability

The hammock is extremely durable using parachute nylon and a weight capacity of up to 400lbs.

Accessories

Bamboo Sleep Sack: Environmentally conscious and extremely warm!
Travel Pillow: One of the best travel pillows on the market. Affordable and compact.
Mosquito Net

Pros

Cost
Setting up and breaking down is a breeze
Extremely lightweight and compact
Bright colors can double as a rescue marker should the need ever arise
Comes with a Limited Warranty (Customer service is excellent)
Excellent alternative to tent shelters for light or ultralight backpackers

Cons

The ropes were a little short for some of the areas I wanted set up in. Maybe a longer set of cords would be ideal.
Some type of nylon strap attached to the ropes to prevent flaking of tree barks is needed. (Noticed that the cord would dig into the tree very deep).
A rain tarp or cover would be ideal with this product. I do believe they have one called the “Funky Forest Tarp” out or coming out soon.

Where to buy your hammock

Apart from their website, you can also get yours at these online retailers:

Conclusion

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise and change to my usual tent backpacking. Comfort wise for two people the hammock was lacking and I think the tent is still the best way to go. However, for a lone hiker and backpacker the hammock can be a new and most likely a welcoming change.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will continue to hammock on my trips. My next trip will be in the snow, so we’ll see how it holds up there. I will also have a comparison following this review with some other top hammock outdoor brands. Stay tuned!

Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

About the author: JSO is a climber and hiker fron Northern California. He's part of the group of athletes who regularly write gear reviews for Highball Blog.

Why I Sold Highball Blog

2012-04-01T01:16:00.001+03:00

Update: This was an April Fools Joke. :-) Some parts of the article below are true though. I hope you'll have an awesome spring and a sunny summer full of outdoor adventures.

You may ask why I sold Highball Blog to Demand Media. The short answer is: they made me an offer I could't refuse.

The long answer is: my consulting work and my offline solar panels gigs take too much time so I became rather inactive on this blog. But at the same time I'm happy to share the benefits of outdoor gear sponsorships with a small group of select people who have been writing the reviews lately.

So what's next? Who's gonna run this blog?

Well, I will be here for a while (at least one year). I'll be showing them how this thing works (not that they don't know) but mostly I'll serve as a consultant until the transition is completely made.

Basically, I'll explain my publishing philosophy (that sounds so pretentious, doesn't it?). We'll also talk about the main niches this blog covers:

GoPro editing tips and general amateur video production
MTB shirts and climbing T-shirts
Outdoor gear reviews
Gear giveaways

And since they run big sites like eHow.com, Trails.com, LiveStrong.com we'll also talk about how we can grow this site to serve a larger audience. Of course, how this blog makes money is of interest to them as well and they'll bring their massive expertise in online content monetization.

They usually show ads on their pages but if you ask me, I believe developing or promoting products that solve a specific problem is the most natural and unobtrusive way of making money with a website or blog.

How much does Demand Media own?

Since I'll remain with them and contribute content and ideas to the blog, I kept 10% of the web business but I still hold full rights for developing physical products under the Highball name (like growing the T-shirt line and launching a brand of outdoor clothing).

What I'm gonna do after I leave Highball Blog completely

To be honest, I don't have a clue. And that was always a challenge for me.

I think I'll enjoy doing client work in the online marketing business and maybe start a new project of my own (either online or offline - or both). :-)

Video production might be another path to follow. I'm particularly interested to shoot and edit social campaigns - like short spots that can convince people to NOT throw trash on the streets. Or short videos on liberal parenting (of which I happily benefited), education (nothing to do with school), entrepreneurship and motivation.

I'm a reactionary guy - I keep an eye open for clues and hints that life throws at me and follow through with action (partly scientifically, partly based on pure instinct).

How much money I got

The NDA I signed doesn't allow me to publicly state the amount I got. If you ask me again in 2016 then I'll be able to tell you. :-)

How you can grow a blog and sell it

The magic is in the details but to quote Chris Brogan I'll tell you the core thing you need to know:

Be helpful. Do it often.

Over to you

I started blogging coz I love sharing stuff and I enjoy having conversations with people who are more or less like me. If you're reading this, this means we may have some common ground.

Leave a comment below and let's keep the conversation going.

Cheers!

GoPro Slow Motion Video Tutorial

2012-03-21T19:29:00.000+02:00

Doing a slow motion video is very easy with Magix Edit Pro Plus.

All you have to do is import your high speed footage - GoPro HD 2 shoots in 120 fps - and simply adjust the playback speed factor.

In Movie Edit Pro Plus you go to Effects - Video Effects - Speed.

For slow motion, you simply decrease the playback speed and for time lapse you increase it. However, before doing this, you must ungroup the audio from the video. You can reverse your scene using the same function - check the Reverse box and you're done.

You can also stretch the audio as to get those funny sounds (low sounds or high pitch voices) but that's limited to a certain speed factor.

My Cliff Jumping Video - Showcasing GoPro Slow Motion

Any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment.

Stay cool!

5.11 Tactical Pants and Shirt Review

2012-03-18T23:12:00.000+02:00

I recently received the opportunity to review a pair of Stryke Pant w/ Flex-Tac and Long Sleeve Tactical Shirt Cotton from a company named 5.11 Tactical.

Now, you may think that this type of clothing is only for military/law enforcement personal but I can tell you that its functionality extends into the realm of any outdoor activity. I have utilized this style of pants in the past in combat zones and have found them to be excellent in function and look. Here is a YouTube video from 5.11 showing the pants in action:

Stryke Pant Specs

Self-adjusting tunnel waistband for comfort
Badge holder front belt loops
Quick access, low-profile angled pockets
Genuine YKK® zippers and Prym® snaps
Discrete double knee with interior knee pad pocket
Fade and stain resistant fabric
Retails around $75

Tactical Shirt Specs

Triple-stitch construction
26 bartacks in high stress areas
Tough melamine buttons
Patented hidden document pockets
Reinforced pen pockets
Cape-back with moisture-wicking mesh
Hidden button down collar
6 pockets; 9 colors
Tough 5.4-oz. cotton canvas
Retails around $55

After utilizing this clothing for the past few weeks, I have come to the conclusion that if you are looking for cargo or military tactical pants, 5.11 makes high quality products. By choosing 5.11, you also avoid the less expensive versions.

I bought a cheap brand prior from a different company - they were not nearly as clean looking, comfortable or functional as the 5.11 pants. So I recommend spending the extra 20$ for the quality.

These pants are extremely comfortable and flexible. I was impressed by the fabric that would remain cool despite strenuous activities such as hiking. The cargo pockets do not rub the sides of the legs, yet remain professional looking by not sticking way out.

The tactical shirt has hidden document pockets that are also great for traveling and keeping important documents like a passport or tickets. The shirt has a very nice air vent that's great when you're wearing it in warm areas - it'll keep you cool.

Both the pants and the shirt are great pieces of clothing for camping and traveling along with military operations.

Here’s my overall breakdown:

Pros

The pants look great, are extremely flexible and functional (the flexible waistband is awesome and so are the “deep clip friendly hand pockets”)
The stain resistant fabric also repelled rain quite well and kept me dry
The cargo pockets are not bulky and keeps the pant looking professional
The shirt's hidden document pockets are a great addition for travelers and for military people as well
Shirt is well constructed and durable

Cons

After washing the pants, I can tell that the majority of the stain resistant coating will most likely wash away in the next few cleanings
The shirt seemed a little wide for the size but the correct arm length
Note: The shirt easily gets wrinkled after the wash and requires an iron to get the wrinkles out of the thicker fabric, and not even that did it for me. Something to note if you’re purchasing one of these shirts for uniform purposes…

Conclusion

Overall I found both of these clothing items to be well made and durable. The pants were far more comfortable to wear than the shirt which I found to be well constructed but extremely thick and the back vent seemed a little big for the everyday environment. The vent was useful only if I was on the range all day in the heat.

However, both items look extremely good and I can tell that they'll last a while. They're also well worth the extra few dollars if you’re looking to buy outdoor/military clothing.

Where to buy your tactical pants and shirt

Pants

Shirt

About the author: John Kirby is a Recon Marine veteran, a college student majoring in Environmental Science, and a fitness enthusiast from Seattle, WA.

GeigerRig Hydration Pack Review - Rig 1600

2012-03-17T01:40:00.004+02:00

GeigerRig Hydration Packs
Manufacturer:	GeigerRig
Model:	Rig 1600
URL:	http://www.geigerrig.com
Retail Value:	USD $140.00
Weight:	1.48 kgs / ~3.25 lbs
Manufacturing Country:	Made in USA

Geiger Rig is the manufacturer of one of the most innovative products on the market. They have garnered top honors at many Trade and Retail Shows all around the world.

Their most recent achievement being the “Best In Show 2012 Winter Outdoor Retailer”.

Now, many of us are accustomed to using our trusty CamelBak style hydration bladder and bite tubes which we clamp down and suck on to access water. This has been the norm for years and many of us have never bothered to even give this much thought.

As time progressed, hydration pack companies have made these types of hydration systems the standard. However, a small company with a group of dedicated people has challenged this school of thought and have brought upon a revolution in the industry.

So what's so unique about the Geiger Rig? - you may ask.

The unique feature of the Geiger Rig is its pressurized dual chamber reservoir. The bladder system is separated into two chambers: one side being filled with water and the other filled with air. Using a bulb and valve system similar to a blood pressure monitor, the system is pressurized by filling air into one side of the pouch.

Overall Aesthetics

The bag has an extremely clean look and feel to it. Employing 100% Heavy Duty Ballistic Nylon this pack is hands down one of the most durable hydration units on the market. The front of the pack has two access pockets with an iPod Ready Compartment.

The design is simple and practical. Nowadays pack designs are extremely noisy with pockets and zippers all over the place that we lose track of where we’ve stored something.

Functionality

The Geiger Rig 1600 uses a unique dual chamber reservoir called the Ogwa Hydration Reservoir (recently patented)

Hydration Bladder

The Slide Top and Wide Mouth of the bladder make it easy to fill and empty. Also, cleaning becomes a cinch because you just turn the bag inside out and throw it in the dishwasher. No extra cleaning chemicals, or mixing in with certain 9:1 water to bleach nonsense.

The hydration bladder also comes with a surge protector valve which contains an on/off switch on the bite valve.

Also, the hydration bladder is made of #15 Denier Polyurethane which is extremely tough and a lot more durable than anything on the market - some parts manufactured by Hydrapak which we reviewed on Highball Blog as well.

Another cool function of the hydration bladder is the way it contours the back. My first impression was that once inflated, the hydration bladder would take a balloon shape and rest awkwardly on my back. Instead the hydration pack contours perfectly around your load and your back.

The final, but most important function is the spray tube. For years we were used to clamping down on the bite tubes to get the fluid moving and sucking on the tube for water. With the Geiger Rig the pressurized system allows the water to spray with a simple squeeze. One can easily adjust the flow of the spray by applying/releasing pressure to the bite tube.

Durability

The pack is built using 1680 ballistic nylon versus the customary 420 denier nylon packs on the market.

What does this mean? Ballistic nylon refers to the type of weaving method used and the number refers to the denier of the nylon yarn. Just for background: a denier is a “unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. It is defined as the mass in grams per 9,000 meters”.

The Geiger Rig employs a ballistic weave which in itself is superior to the traditional bags on the market. Also, this is an assumption, but the weave most likely consists of 4 (420d) nylons or 2 (840d) nylons to produce the 1680 ballistic nylon.

This comparison clearly shows that Geiger Rig has created a pack that is readily adaptable to any type of outdoor activity.

Accessories

In-line filter attachment: Rated up to 50 gallons. Removes > 99.9% Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
Insulated Tube Garage
Insulated Drink Tube/Filter Ready Tube

There's a perk too: Skullcandy Mountain Passport (FREE) with purchase of any complete hydration backpack. The Mountain Passport contains free mountain passes to many ski resorts across the United States and parts of Canada.

Pros

Hygiene issues are minimized.
Cleaning is a breeze
Sharing water without sharing each other’s slobber is a plus
Great for washing off scrapes, wounds, and dirt
Random Pros: Finding a leak in the tube (for cyclists who get a flat tire)

Cons

Tube detaches somewhat easily from bulb. Causing rapid depressurization (This is most likely for safety reasons, but can become quite cumbersome)
Opening and closing of the bite tube causes too much leakage when pressurized. Maybe a longer bite tube will allow a person to have a better hold on the tube to open and close without having to leak water everywhere or depressurize first.
1680 nylon vs. 420 nylon makes the pack more durable, but makes the sacrifice in weight. Although it is about a 1-1&1/2 lb. weight differential, this makes all the difference for some ultra light backpackers.

Where to buy your 1600 Rig hydration pack

Amazon (best prices)
REI
Shopatron

Conclusion

After years of being a long and faithful CamelBak customer, I have finally upgraded to the second coming. I never thought the day would come where I would put up my old and faithful Camelbak.

Geiger Rig is here to stay. They have created another niche in the hydration pack industry. They have completely revolutionized a field that had become quite frankly stagnant in the areas of innovation and creativity and created something amazing.

The possibilities for this system are endless and I feel as though we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. As the Geiger Rig’s motto states: you will learn to “never suck again” with this pack.

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

About the author: JSO is a climber and hiker fron Northern California. He's part of the group of athletes who regularly write gear reviews for Highball Blog.

GoPro RotoR Mount or How to Get a 360° View of Yourself while Doing Action Sports - Video

2012-03-11T00:39:00.000+02:00

You can get some amazing footage with your GoPro HD camera using the RotoR rotating helmet pole.

It's an interesting rotor mount that enables you to capture video of yourself from different angles. All this while you're dong your thing - mountain biking, skiing or whatever.

To make it work you'll need (sounds like a recipe doesn't it?):

Two GoPro cameras to balance the pole - team up with a friend I'd say
A curved sticky mount on your helmet
A quick release sliding buckle
Two handlebar mounts

When the pole swivels, the cams rotate around you. So the cameras will record a 360 degree view of yourself as you're engaged into your favorite action. Neat stuff!

I think it's a bit expensive (300 Euros) but I guess the effect is worth it.

However, I can envision myself doing a DIY. The pole seems to be connected to the the helmet trough a universal joint gimbal and that's something I'm very fond of. :-)

If you wanna purchase it (from Italy), you have to send them an email and they'll get back to you with a shipping estimate and a Paypal address. Go to Rotormount.com

Keep shooting your outdoor adventures!

How To Design and Manufacture Your Own Gore Tex Jacket and How Much It Costs

2012-03-03T13:37:00.000+02:00

Have you ever wondered how hard it is to design and manufacture your very own Gore Tex jacket?

I don't have a clear answer for this yet but I'm gonna exchange emails with a few manufacturers from Asia and I'll document the whole process here. Basically, I'm gonna update this article and let you know how complex (or easy) it is to develop from scratch a new waterproof and breathable mountain jacket - a shell prototype.

There are a few contacts in my list, including the most solicited outdoor clothing manufacturer in China - Outdoorsky - they manufacture top products for Mammut, Mountain Hardwear, Lafuma, Timberland, etc.

Update 2: For some reason, the guys at Outdoorsky don't reply to my emails anymore. They asked for details and artwork, which I sent, and now it's all silence...

But they gave me the following prices for this sample shell jacket (I requested blue color coz that suits me well):

$ 250 for the sample + shipping costs (didn't discuss amount) + custom taxes payable at destination
$ 82.50 per piece for 1000 pcs order (MOQ = minimum order quantity)

I imagine North Face and other big brands manufacture more than 1000 pieces per model so this means they get a lower price - they also have a long time relationship with the apparel manufacturer. Let's speculate and say they get a price of $50 per item.

Now you can have an idea of their profit margins considering their jackets retail to anything between $190 to $400.

However, some of the profit is lost along the way (literally, from China to the shelves in Europe and USA). Coz there are shipping costs, freight insurance, storage, custom taxes, discounts for national distributors, discounts for individual merchants, etc.

Anyway, I'm gonna look for other manufacturers (even though I still hope for Outdoorsky to fully engage) and try to get this jacket into existence.

Update: I've spoken to a few manufactures from China and decided to continue this after the Chinese New Year (on 23rd January this year). We need to exchange lots of emails and lots of artwork (design details) so we'll start fresh after the holidays. A sales assistant literally told me that the workers are in "holiday mood" so it's not very wise to start a new project now. :-)

If you want to design your own jacket, just download these patterns in SVG format (Scalable Vector Graphics) and create your model by changing colors, adding your own logo, etc.

There's a business idea right here - to offer custom made Gore Tex outdoor wear.

Create a web interface where users could change elements of a few basic designs, upload their own logo, enter their shipping details, pay the product and Bam! - next thing you know, you have a brand new mountaineering jacket with your name on it.

Of course your friends might see you as a snob for wearing designer name apparel but don't we all like to feel important from time to time? (Not that actual snobs are actually important!) :-)

You can use Inkscape to edit vectors - it's a free piece of software. I personally edit them with Microsoft Visio but that's just because I got used to it. From what I've seen, Inkscape seems to be smarter and more powerful so learning to use it would definitively be a gain.

Download the blank contour in SVG format

Also download the Highball model - Omu - named after a peak in Bucegi Mountains:

Go outdoors, be safe and stay dry!

PS - If you like to draw or simply enjoy playing with computer graphics and also like mountain biking or cycling, you may like to learn how to design cycling jerseys.

How To Make a GoPro Timelapse Video with Stills - Magix Edit Pro Plus Tutorial

2012-03-01T16:35:00.002+02:00

Got a GoPro HD or a DSLR and want to make time lapse photography clips?

Here's how you can do it:

Shoot tons pictures first

Use the time lase photo shooting mode (blinking camera) and take as many pictures as possible. I used about 500 pics for the 20 seconds of video that you can see below (second video).

For time lapse with stills, I use the 2 second delay between pictures (default mode in GoPro HD). This gives the most fluent video when you export it as a clip.

The longer the delay between pics - the more obvious will be the differences between an instance of a developing action and the next instance - and that could look choppy in video.

Keep the camera still (tripod), place it on motorized DIY slider or on a kitchen timer - for a great panning effect.

You may wanna crop those photos

If you don't like the squarish look of the GoPro HD pics, which naturally come in 4:3 aspect ratio, you can batch crop them to 16:9 proportions.

How to batch crop images in Microsoft Office Picture Manager

Use Microsoft Office Picture Manager - it comes with any Windows PC that has Office installed.

Follow these steps:

Open your pics with Microsoft Office Picture Manager
Click the left icon for Thumbnail View mode
CTR + A to select all images
Then click Edit Pictures symbol in the top bar
Go to Crop in the right sidebar
Crop your photo just as you want
Click OK and all pics will be cropped to your desired dimensions
Then click the Save icon and all the files will be saved under the same name but with a new aspect ratio/resolution

So, if the original resolution of a GoPro photo is 2592/1944 pixels (width/height), for 16:9 you have to make the height 1458 pixels; 16/9 = 2592/1458 = 1.77

How do you actually find out the right resolution to match the 16:9 aspect ratio?

You use the cross multiplication (rule of three) mathematical formula to find it out. So you basically say:

If 16 is represented by the width, namely 2592 pixels
then 9 represents the height which we must find out; so we know that the 1944 pixels cannot be represented by 9, thus we'll replace it with X
X = 2592*9/16 = 1458 pixels - this is the new height for our pictures

Color correction

Following the same procedure as with the cropping, you can batch edit your pictures in terms of color, contrast and brightness. Basically, you do the color correction of all frames in batch and skip this process during editing.

If you're into serious photo editing, then you can use Light Room for amazing artistic effects and adjustments.

Import all photos into your video editing software

I use Magix Edit Pro Plus for all my GoPro video editing (I edit all kinds of videos with Magix actually). But no matter what software you use, make sure you have a setting that allows you to make each picture as a single frame.

This means that if you export say in 25 fps, one second of video will contain 25 still pictures.

See the picture below to learn how to adjust this setting in Magix for your timelapse project.

Timelapse photography video tutorial with GoPro & Magix

Taking stills or shooting video?

You can also make a time lapse scene by shooting video. Then you just speed up the footage in your editing program. In Magix go to Effects/Video Effects/Speed.

But it's actually better to shoot images and then render those as a video. Why?

Higher resolution - with video, you're limited to full HD (1920 by 1080 pixels) but with photos you can go higher than that. This means more clarity and more detail captured in each image.
Better exposure. With a DSLR you can adjust the shooting mode: exposure time, ISO, aperture, multiple focus points. That's why those night time lapse videos look so sharp and bright - coz each frame is actually a picture which had a long exposure time. Not to mention the big size and light sensitivity of the sensor in modern DSLRs which contributes to the high quality of the pictures.

More time lapse tricks for GoPro

Check out GetAwayMoments.com for a suite of tutorials related to GoPro video making.

Here are some sample vids:

DIY GoPro panning unit from kitchen timer

Plane flight time lapse

Keep shooting your outdoor adventures!

Ice Spikes for Shoes and Why Your Grandma Needs These More Than You

2012-02-28T17:28:00.000+02:00

It seems that you can add chains and spikes to your trail running shoes so you can have a better grip on snow and ice. That's cool, right?

But honestly, I believe these products don't receive the proper attention.

Of course athletes know about this but what about the millions of senior people out of which thousands make the news every winter? The poor people fall on ice when going shopping and break their bones - are they aware of such anti slip protection?

So what I'm saying is instead of buying these for your sweetheart who's into trail running, why not buy an extra pair for your grandma or grandpa? Basically transform the ice grips from an ordinary piece if gear into an essential life saving (okay I'm exaggerating) accessory for your elder folks.

What kind of ice spikes?

Two main prominent brands are Katoola (sporty) and Ice Trekkers (specifically for street walking) and both can be found on Amazon.

A DIY can also do the job but it may not be worth the effort as these are not expensive.

If I were to manufacture something like this, I'd advertise it primarily as an ice-anti-fall protection for old or disabled people - their problem is much bigger and therefore screaming to be solved.

Athletes? They're just a handful of healthy and fully abled peeps. The million dollar market is elsewhere.

So who's selling ice chains and spikes for shoes in Walmart?

Be safe and take care of your folks!

PS: Thanks to trail runners Sorin Ciribasa and Peng Shi for the info.

Kevlar Mountain Bike Tires by Specialized or How To Avoid Punctures

2012-02-26T15:20:00.000+02:00

Specialized introduces the anti puncture bike tires Armandillo Anti Flat Technology.

Basically the tires have a nylon and Kevlar layer underneath the outer rubber. So you can ride long distances on rough terrain without the worries of getting a flat tire.

Danny Chew (The Million Mile Cyclist) rode 15,610 miles over an 11-month period and through a tough Pittsburgh winter without a puncture with the All Condition Armadillo Elite (700 x 23C) tire.

If you're a mountain biker then Ground Control Armadillo Elite is for you.

Be safe and wear your helmet!

GoPro Focus and Zoom Lens - Take DOF Shots with Your GoPro HD Camera

2012-02-18T17:00:00.000+02:00

It seems that you can also capture zoom and DOF shots with your GoPro HD - which normally comes with a fixed lens (no zoom and no focus).

All you need to do is replace the original lens with the 2.8 - 12 mm Varifocal lens. You can do this yourself by dismounting your cam (see video tutorial below) or you can send it to RageCams and they'll do it for you.

GoPro DOF Footage Test with Varifocal 2.8 - 12 mm Lens (taken with GoPro HD 2)

You can use the small levers just as a follow focus - pull one and you zoom in and out; pull the other and you adjust the focus and depth of field. Combine your DOF footage with GoPro stabilizer shots + DIY slider shots and you've got yourself a more artistic video.

This lens has a f1.4 aperture value and allows you close the view angle from 135 degrees (widest) to 55 degrees (narrowest). Once you have your subject in focus, just tighten the small screws and you're set.

You can also get it at StuntCams but they don't give too much info about mounting, and it's a bit more expensive.

How To Remove & Replace the Original GoPro HD Lens

How To Change GoPro HD 2 Lens

GoPro Lens vs 6 mm Lens

Stay focused and shoot your outdoor adventures!

iPhone 4 Outdoor Case by CellHelmet

2012-02-17T17:23:00.000+02:00

How do you protect your iPhone when you're engaged into your favorite outdoor activity? What if it falls from your pocket? Will it break?

Finally, someone made an iPhone case that's built for the outdoors, without making it a brick. CellHelmet is the worlds first and only iPhone case to come with a safety net of insurance, in case if it should ever fail.

Made of thermoplastic polyurethane, CellHelmet is tough against drops and falls, but most important - CellHelmet guarantees to protect your iPhone.

If your iPhone 4/4S should accidentally break inside of a CellHelmet case, simply file a claim through the provided 1800 number, pay your $50 handling fee and get your device repaired or replaced (if deemed unrepairable). Water damage is excluded from the coverage, so don't plan on taking your iPhone down the river.

And if things couldn't get any better, cellhelmet is manufactured 100% in the United States (Pittsburgh area).

Support the United States economy, while protecting your favorite Chinese-manufactured device - all for a really great price.

Cellhelmet is currently available for presale at Kickstarter.com, where you can pick one up for $40 (MSRP $44.99 at cellpig.com). Manufacturing is scheduled for March 10th and cellhelmet will ship shortly thereafter.

The guys at CellHelmet sent a case to John Kirby, one of the Highball Blog community members (athletes) and he'll come with an update on this article after some testing.

Be safe!