Life's Hike

Mountain Laurel Designs Gear Give Away

2011-03-31T09:12:00.000-05:00

Ron over at MLD is wanting to give away some gear. If he reaches 1000 members on his facebook group by this Friday. Get on over there and sign up and then stay tunned to get a chance at some free stuff.

https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131793047725&v=wall

Bud-Lite Alcohol Stove Giveaway!

2011-01-13T00:10:00.003-06:00

Check out Brian's Backpacking Blog for a chance for one of his stoves. Let him know that you found out about his giveaway right here at Life's Hike!!!

Water is Heavy, So Camel Up: Carry Less.

2010-12-28T23:32:00.010-06:00

Water management can be one of the big challenges that can truly affect your pack weight. Fear tends to drive what we carry. The three hardest fears to dealt with are getting cold, hungry and thirsty. If you carry a 100oz. Camelback filled with water then you are carrying 8 pounds for the container and water; plus you never really know how much water you have consumed nor how much you have left.

Why carry so much? How long and how many miles can you walk around your home without taking a drink? For me it is 8-10 miles or 3-4 hours. Try it! Learn your limits. Are you ready to be pushed out of your comfort zone?

Instead of a Camelback or other hydration system I like to carry my water in a PowerAde bottle. This way I can keep tabs on how much I drink and how much I have left. My hydration bags are used as part of my water filter system and as a backup if my PowerAde bottle is compromised.

Before bedding down for the night I make sure I have a number of liters of water that are treated and ready for me and others in the morning, especially when hiking with kids. If the next day’s hike has known sure water sources I drink a couple liters of water before leaving camp then only carry 500mls of water with me until I get to the water source. When I get to the water source again I drink 2+ liters until the next water source. This is also know as cameling up.

Instead of 8+ pounds of water in a heavy Camelback, I’m carrying only 1 pound in a used PowerAde bottle that is a huge difference. If you are hiking in dry areas then you can carry more when you need to.

The Real Madness of UL Backpacking

2010-12-27T20:07:00.003-06:00

If this video, by Steve, makes any sense to you then you get UL Backpacking, if you are totally confused you don't. If you are this person there really is no help for you, I just hope a trail is in your near future. If you know someone like this, again I hope a trail is in your near future.

Gear Talk: You're a Wimp! So lighten up your pack!

2010-12-26T23:40:00.002-06:00

Steve in the video below covers a lot of good stuff about gear and the madness or art of UL Backpacking. If after watching this you have the urge to start weighing everything and spending $$$ on gear then you might be a UL Backpacker! Watch the video and let me know if you need a support group.

Happy Festivus For The Rest Of Us!!!

2010-12-23T16:44:00.000-06:00

"Happy Festivus" is the traditional greeting of Festivus a holiday featured in "The Strike" episode of Seinfeld. The episode first aired on December 18, 1997. Since then many people have been inspired by the goodness of the Seinfeld holiday and they now celebrate Festivus as any other holiday.

According to the Seinfeld model, Festivus is celebrated each year on December 23rd. However many people celebrate it other times in December and even at other times throughout the year.

The original slogan of Festivus is "A Festivus for the rest of us!" Instead of a tree an unadorned aluminum pole is used, in contrast to normal holiday materialism. Those attending Festivus may also participate in the "Airing of Grievances" which is an opportunity to tell others how they have disappointed you in the past year, followed by a Festivus dinner, and then completed by the "Feats of Strength" where the head of the household must be pinned. All of these traditions are based upon the events in the Seinfeld episode.

http://www.festivusweb.com/festivus-songs-carols.htm

The Festivus Pole: The Costanzas' tradition begins with an aluminum pole, which Frank praises for its "very high strength-to-weight ratio." During Festivus, the unadorned Festivus Pole is displayed. The pole was chosen apparently in opposition to the commercialization of highly decorated Christmas trees, because it is "very low-maintenance," and also because the holiday's patron, Frank Costanza, "find[s] tinsel distracting."

The Airing of Grievances: At the beginning of the Festivus dinner, each participant tells friends and family of all the instances where they disappointed him or her that year. As quoted from Frank Costanza: "I've got a lot of problems with you people, and now you're going to hear about it!"

Festivus dinner: In "The Strike," a celebratory dinner is shown on the evening of Festivus prior to the Feats of Strength. The on-air meal appeared to be meat loaf or spaghetti in a red sauce. In Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us by Allen Salkin, drinking is encouraged with hearty beer, rum, bourbon, or wine. In the episode, no alcohol was served, but George Costanza's boss, Mr. Kruger, drank from a flask.

The Feats of Strength: After the dinner, the head of the family tests his or her strength against one participant of the head's choosing. Festivus is not considered over until the head of the family has been pinned to the ground. A participant is allowed to decline to attempt to pin the head of the family only if they have something better to do instead.

And This Pig Went Wee, Wee, Wee: How To Pee In The Woods

2010-12-15T21:13:00.000-06:00

So you think you know how to pee in the woods, but do you???

Peeing in the backcountry is a relatively simple affair, especially in comparison to human waste disposal. “What we advocate is, pee well away from water sources, trails, and campsites,” said Lawhon. “Based on World Health Organization and CDC [Center for Disease Control] research that has looked at urine, with most healthy people, urine is not a big deal. It's generally very harmless on the environment.

First of all, you want all of your fellow backpackers to have urine output that is "clear and copious". If you have a co-ed crew, make sure everyone "camels up" [that means to drink as much as you can while at at water source] and be ready to take more time on the trail. Let your crew know that becoming dehydrated can cause severe problems and will slow the crew down even more than stopping to take an occasional leak on the trail. This is even more true when backpacking with children.

Two important things to know before heading out: first, follow the area land manager's guidelines. Talking to whatever land manager is in a given area is the most important thing of all. Find out what they feel is most appropriate. Don't assume. For example if you backpack at Philmont Scout Ranch, they advocate to pee on the trail on a rock. They believe that the trail is already a damaged gateway into the wilderness and that peeing on the trail is the best way to minimize damage to the area.

Second, know and follow as many of the four objectives Leave No Trace outlines for backcountry:

1. Minimize the chance of water pollution.

2. Minimize the spread of disease.

3. Minimize aesthetic impact.

4. Maximize decomposition rate.

Believe it or, you should not urinate in a cat-hole. For one, urine contains salts that act as a preservative, increasing the decomposition time for the feces. Read more here to learn how to poop in the woods.

Urine is basically a sterile product and does not contain the pathogens found in feces. However, it does contain salts that do attract animals. If you are on the trail and need to urinate, in the old days, we used to tell a backpacker to just "find a tree". However, urinating on a tree puts salt on the bark that will attract animals that will ultimately eat the bark and destroy the tree. So it is best to pee on a rock that won’t pee back on you. Most backpackers still follow the guide line of selecting a site that is 200 feet away from water sources, trails, or campsites.

For women the lack of privacy also makes it difficult to urinate on the trail. For male backpackers, it is no big thing. He can take ten or fifteen steps off the trail and relieve himself while leaning nonchalantly against a tree, taking in the great views of the mountains and not even taking off his pack! For female backpackers, it can be a little more of an effort. As a result, some female backpackers may not drink enough water, just to keep from urinating on the trail. Insufficient water intake can result in dehydration and increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) which must be treated with antibiotics, and would undoubtedly result in that female backpacker being taken off the trail. There are several small plastic funnel-type devices available such as the "Lady J" or the "Freshette" which will allow a woman to urinate while standing with a minimum of exposure.

Hopefully this backwoods pee tutorial will help to make the outdoors just a little more approachable. How about you? Do you have any special tips on how to pee in the woods?

It's just not Christmas without Fruit Cake!

2010-12-15T08:50:00.000-06:00

Well my Dad made his annual Fruit Cake. I have to admit for Fruit Cake it is not bad, but then again it is Fruit Cake. Americans love to make fun of this age old tradition, while the English can not seem to be able to produce enough of their Christmas Pudding which is the English kin to the dreaded Fruit Cake. I saw on the news that one manufacture of Christmas Pudding is sold out and that they are being sold for up to 1,000 pounds on Ebay. Well I am sure that most of you would not spend $1,500.00 on a Fruit Cake, but I don't think it is Christmas until you have made fun of Fruit Cake. So here is my contribution to making your Christmas feel like Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, well here is to Festivus for the Rest of Us!

A Backpacker Poops In the Woods--How About You???

2010-12-11T11:27:00.000-06:00

Two important things to know before heading out: first, follow the area land manager's guidelines. If the Forest Service says thou shalt pack out waste, then arm thyself with a WAG Bag or other receptacle then follow the rules. Talking to whatever land manager is in a given area is the most important thing of all. Find out what they feel is most appropriate. Don't assume.

Second, know and follow as many of the four objectives Leave No Trace outlines for backcountry waste disposal:

Minimize the chance of water pollution.
Minimize the spread of disease.
Minimize aesthetic impact.
Maximize decomposition rate.

When traveling in a wooded area burial, using the cat-hole method, is a common and effective method of poop management. While there is some debate on the topic, it is fairly accepted that burying your poop promotes quick composting, prevents the spread of disease and preserves the illusion that others are not pooping all over the forest. The cat-hole method is considered acceptable by leave no trace campers and should be one of three options for backpackers. The other two options are to use an outhouse or other establish facility, if available, or packing out your waste.

Believe it or, you should not urinate in a cat-hole. For one, urine contains salts that act as a preservative, increasing the decomposition time for the feces. For more on this see "How to Pee in the Woods."

CAT-HOLE METHOD:

Choose a Location: Grab a stick and select a site that is 200 feet away from water sources, trails, or campsites. No one wants to see you poop, step in your poop, or contract a waterborne disease from your poop.

Dig a Hole: Remove the top cap of soil with a trowel or other tool. The top cap contains the micro-organisms that will ultimately reduce the poop. Set the top cap of soil aside. Use a tent stake, knife or trowel to dig a cat-hole 6-8 inches deep. I use a ti-spork, this gives me a handy trowel that weighs in at only .6 oz. This depth is generally considered to promote proper decomposition while keeping your feces out of the reach of animals. Any deeper and you'll bypass the most active part of soil.

Assume the Position

Images and descriptions of positions complements of http://www.flickr.com/photos/somedude/226186212/

Methods for Pooping in the Woods

The Full Squat. Surprisingly easy. Discovered by girls (and Asians) long ago; shunned by the white man. No stamina required in the legs because you’re already all the way down. Actually leaves plenty of clearance between droppings and dropped pants. May require (minimal) practice to maintain balance.

The Half Squat. A futile farce to keep far from feces. Makes the quads burn. Takes ripped quads to maintain. Maybe degrades gracefully into the Full Squat. Maybe.

The Overbite. Mental comfort of being in a familiar physical position. Must invest time searching for that perfect log or rock (preferably with a view). Risk of tumbling backward if improperly sized object used.

The Middleman. Similar to the Overbite. Eliminates risk of falling over backward, but must find two objects adequately spaced. A well balanced option, though butt-cheek contact with foriegn surfaces appears necessary.

Lean Cuisine. A nice compromise between the Overbite and Middleman. Uses the cheek-lean technique on a single object, eliminating both tumble risk and two-object requirement. May be slightly more difficult to maintain over long periods than the parent methods.

The Whomping Willow. Similar to the Half Squat, but offloads the legs with some additional support. Must find a a tree with appropriately low and flexible branches. Risk of falling into the pile if the branch lacks adequate strength. If you’ve found the right tree, there should already be a hole for you.

WAYS TO CLEAN UP:

The Natural Method: Use leaves, grass, a rock, snow or moss to clean up. Just drop the used item into the cat-hole before you bury it. This is very acceptable from a leave no trace perspective and the lightest way to go. To me it sounds messy and uncomfortable and not my choice. By all means hike your own hike.

Packed Out TP: Use toilet paper or paper towels and pack it out with you. I use paper towels that I cut into squares and use as little as possible. Store your used TP in a Ziploc baggies and to disguise the unappealing site of used toilet paper you can put a brown paper bag inside the Ziploc. This is a great leave no trace method and what I think is the best method.

Bury TP: Burying your toilet paper is less acceptable from a leave no trace perspective but it still a common practice. To do this just use the minimal amount of organic, unscented, biodegradable toilet paper possible and toss it in the cat-hole.

After defecating and cleaning up, with something natural or TP, add dirt to the hole and mix it in with the feces using the stick. The trowle should never come in contact with feces! To the uninitiated, this might sound like a disgusting task, but adding the soil will immediately eliminate any odors. Mixing the soil, feces and paper together into a “poop soup” will facilitate the decomposition of the feces and the paper. Once you have used up all of the soil, replace the top cap and insert the stick so that someone else will not dig in the same area.

Finish Up: After you've finished it is important to make sure your backside is really clean; this helps keep you from getting what I call crap rash. I do this by using a baby wipe, or two if needed, that you pack out. I normally do this before replacing the soil just because it is easier to do then; however, if you find out a few steps down the trail that your backside does not feel clean stop and take care of it. You do not want to get a rash while hiking.

It is important that you clean your hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water. You may not wash your hands at home and that is gross, but please, for the love of God, do use hand sanitizer now for the health and welfare of yourself and your backpacking partners. Now is not the time to be sick because of poor hygiene practices.

PACK IT OUT METHOD (POOP BURRITO):

For people camping in arid, dry, rocky, sandy, dessert, etc conditions I'm sorry to tell you the burial is not a responsible method. Like your other waste materials, you're going to have to pack it out.

Materials Needed for a Poop Burrito:

A sturdy container to keep poop in (I'll expand on this later)
Toilet paper
Sheets of wax paper (about 20" square)
Sheets of brown butcher paper (about 20" square)
Paper bags

Method to Create a Poop Burrito:

Find a private spot. Lay the brown paper on the ground and lay the wax paper on top of the brown paper.
Cop a squat and do your business onto the wax paper.
Wipe with TP and drop TP onto poop.
Roll your poop up like a burrito first with the wax paper then with the brown paper.
Put your steaming burrito inside a paper bag and roll the paper bag closed. You can even use tape if you wish.
Deposit your neat little poop packet into your poop container and seal the container shut.

You have plenty of options for a poop container. Just choose something appropriate for the size of your group/length of your trip. For a non-backpacking trip a 5 gallon bucket with a solid screw on lid and double lined the bucket with garbage bags. The bucket should be bright orange so that it is not accidentally mix it up with other buckets. For a backpacking trip a popular option is a length of PVC piping with screw on end caps. You can find something like this at a hardware store. You could also buy yourself an opaque plastic container with a screw on lid and clearly mark it so that it doesn't accidentally end up in the kitchen later. If you can not find an appropriate container that's opaque you could always line it with a garbage bag or cover the outside with duct tape.

Hopefully this backwoods pooping tutorial will help to make the outdoors just a little more approachable. How about you? Do you have any special tips on how to poop in the woods?

Muncharro

2010-12-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

http://muncharoo.com/r/3RRJC5

http://muncharoo.com/r/3RRJC5

Found a spot that might save you some money on things your already buy in the Kansas City Area. Check it out. Signing up is free and easy. Follow the link above and sign up. My Coffee Shop is offering $10.00 of product for $5.00.

And you thought Santa did not exist!!!!

Trekking Poles

2010-12-04T10:27:00.000-06:00

Why Use Trekking Poles?

Trekking poles offer a number of practical advantages:

They provide better balance and footing.
On downhill hikes especially, they decrease the amount of stress on your legs and joints.
On uphill climbs, poles transfer some of your weight to your shoulders, arms and back, which can reduce leg fatigue and add thrust to your ascents.
They make crossing streams, loose rocks and slippery surfaces such as ice and snow patches easier and safer.
They help you establish a walking rhythm.
They can push back overhanging vegetation from the trail and probe soggy terrain for holes and boggy spots.
They are dual purpose providing support for shelters, removing the need to carry additional weight by replacing tent/tarp poles.

According to a 1999 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine, trekking poles can reduce compressive force on the knees by up to 25%. This translates into literally tons of weight that your body will not have to support during the course of a regular hike.

How to Choose Trekking Poles

When shopping for trekking poles, your key considerations should be weight, price, shaft construction, shock absorption and the type of grip. Here's how to choose.

Key Considerations
Weight and Price
These two factors go hand in hand. Typically the less poles weigh, the more they cost. Lightweight poles offer the advantage of less swing weight, which makes them easier and quicker to move. Over the course of a long hike this means less fatigue. Lighter poles are also easier to pack and may be easier to break. Always remember that what works well for one hiker may not be the best choice for another.
Shaft Materials
The makeup of the pole shaft is a key determinant of its weight and price.
High-grade aluminum: The stronger and the more economical choice, aluminum poles usually weigh between 18 and 22 ounces per pair. The actual weight (and price) can vary a bit based on the gauge of the pole, which ranges from 12 to 16mm. Under high stress, aluminum can bend but it is unlikely to break.

Carbon fiber: The lighter and more expensive option, these poles average between 13 and 18 ounces per pair. They are good at reducing vibration and are also quite strong. Under high stress, however, carbon-fiber poles are more vulnerable to breakage or splintering than aluminum poles. If you hike in rugged, remote areas, this is something to keep in mind.

Locking Mechanisms
Trekking poles are identified by their 2 or 3 interlocking sections. This adjustability (which typically ranges between 24 to 55 inches) lets you adapt the poles to your height and the terrain. If you're exceptionally tall or short, check the size range of each model to make sure it suits your body.
Most poles use a twist-and-lock system in which you find the desired length and then twist the pole hard to the right to hold.
Grips
The shape and feel of a pole's grip varies from brand to brand, so it's preferable to try several models. Some grips are angled or positioned into the upper pole section so that they are ergonomically at a neutral angle. This can improve comfort and pole compactibility. Others feature grips that extend down the shaft, allowing you to grasp the poles more easily on short uphill sections. Keep in mind that many brands designate left- and right-hand poles on either the grip or the strap. Several materials (or a blending of materials) are used:
Cork: This resists moisture from sweaty hands, decreases vibration and best conforms to the shape of your hands.

Foam: This absorbs moisture from sweaty hands and is the softest to the touch.

Rubber: This material insulates hands from cold, shock and vibration, so it's a popular choice for cold-weather activities. The downside is that it's more likely to chafe or blister sweaty hands, so it's less suitable for warm-weather hiking.

As noted above, some poles come with an extended grip that allows a lower grip position. This feature is particularly useful on steep traverses so you don't have to shorten the length of your up-slope pole.
Other Pole Considerations
Wrist straps: Most poles allow you to adjust the length of each strap in order to get a comfortable fit around your wrist. Since your palms and wrists will be in nearly constant contact with the straps, you may want to consider models with padded or lined straps to prevent chafing.
Baskets: Trekking poles are usually outfitted with a small, removable trekking basket. Larger baskets can be substituted for use in the snow or on soft, muddy ground.
Pole tips: Carbide or steel tips are commonly used to provide traction on most surfaces, even ice. Most poles also come with rubber tip protectors that extend the life of the tips and protect your gear when poles are stowed in your pack. These tips are also good for use in sensitive areas where you don't want to negatively impact the ground. Angled rubber walking tips (usually sold separately) are for use on asphalt or other hard surfaces.

Types of Trekking Poles

To start shopping, consider the strength and health of your ankles, knees and hips. You'll also want to keep in mind whether you'll be using your poles on rugged or relatively flat terrain and the amount of weight you typically carry in your pack.

Poles can be categorized as follows:

Antishock poles: These offer internal springs that absorb shock when you walk downhill. With most poles, this feature can be turned off when it's not needed such as when you're walking uphill. The antishock feature is recommended if you have weak or damaged ankles, knees or hips. It adds a bit to the cost of the poles.

Switching Off the Antishock System:

The antishock system helps absorb stress when going downhill, but it's best to turn it off when walking uphill or on level terrain. To do so on most models, simply push down to compress the spring and then turn the pole to lock it in place. Be sure to see the owner's manual for specific details.

Standard poles: These do not have the antishock feature and are lighter and less expensive as a result. While they don't absorb as much impact as antishock poles when going downhill, they do provide a similar level of balance and support.

Compact or women's poles: These are shorter and have smaller grips for hikers with smaller hands. They are easier to swing because they weigh less and are also simpler to pack. Youth poles for kids are also available.

Shop REI's selection of trekking poles and hiking staffs.

How to Use Trekking Poles

Sizing and Adjusting Poles

Each model differs slightly, but trekking poles usually adjust in size from about 24" to 55". Those in the compact pole category extend to a maximum of 49". All trekking poles feature numbers on the shaft to help set length. The sections should be easy to adjust and shouldn't come loose once you've selected a length.

To set the length, loosen the locking mechanism and slide each section to the desired length. Your elbow should be at a 90º angle. For maximum strength be sure to keep each section about the same length and avoid extending any section all the way to the end as this can stress the pole.

If the pole sections are not locking together, pull the pole completely apart, wind the expander nut to the widest setting you can while still allowing the nut to fit back into the pole cavity, and then reinsert the pole and twist to lock.

Proper pole length varies by the terrain:

When hiking uphill: Shorten the poles by a few inches to increase load-bearing pressure.
When going downhill: Lengthen the poles a few inches for better balance and control.
On level ground: Your forearms should be parallel to the ground when you're holding the grips and the tips are on the ground.
On traverses: The down-slope pole should be longer than the up-slope pole (or you can simply grab the pole lower if it comes with an extended grip).

Using Pole Straps Effectively

Since wrist straps bear much of the load, it's important to use them correctly. Be sure to put your hand up through the bottom of the strap, not down from the top, before grasping the grip. Adjust the strap so it fits snugly around your wrist.

Pole Maintenance

The most common complaint about trekking poles is that the locking mechanism will sometimes slip during use. This can usually be prevented with regular cleaning and drying of the locking mechanism. This maintenance also helps to add significantly to the lifespan of the poles by preventing internal corrosion.

Here is the general procedure for most poles (check the manufacturer's instructions to confirm the procedure for your model):

Completely separate the sections by unlocking or loosening each section until they can be pulled apart easily.
Once the poles are dismantled, remove any dirt or moisture from the expander system and the seams between sections.
Use a soft cloth to dry the connection points and the inside of the poles as much as possible. If necessary, use a soft nylon brush to remove any dirt or debris that may have gotten inside the poles. Note: Never use any kind of lubricant or alcohol-based product on the internal mechanisms as that could cause corrosion.
Inspect the expander pieces for damage and replace parts if necessary.
Once you have dismantled and cleaned the poles, allow them to air dry for at least several hours before reassembling.

My Choice

I have used several different makes of trekking poles without any major issues; from very cheap models to more expensive ones. I even have a pair of old bamboo ski poles that I really like to use, they would be perfect if there were adjustable. If you are not sure if you will like using trekking poles, I suggest that you borrow a pair or go buy some cheap ones and try them out. You can always use some old ski poles that you can find at local used sporting good stores, goodwills, or yard sales.

Personally I can hike longer, further, and with less fatigue when using trekking poles. REI carries many different models of trekking poles and there are several UL companies that make their own like Ti-Goat and Gossamer Gear.

Following the key considerations of weight and price I have chosen the Gossamer Gear Lightrek™ 4 trekking poles. Weighing in at a measly 7.2 ounces per pair, they are adjustable up to 125 cm, easy to use and feature a new spiral wrap at the tip section for added durability. Assembly and adjustment of the Lightrek™ 4's is as easy as can be, just insert the tip section into the grip section and give it a few twists to expand the rubber component until it's snug. They feature the same fully ergonomic EVA "Kork-o-lon" grips and a hardened carbide tip and accept Leki™ brand baskets. Two trekking baskets are included with each set. Elegant, simple, strong poles. I prefer the ones with the straps so I have the option of using straps or not. If you order the ones without straps they do have a connection spot to add them later if you want.

Backpacking Camera System

2010-12-01T23:21:00.000-06:00

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 with its higher resolution LCD is beautiful and lets you confirm focus more easily, and its 12x optical zoom gets you in as close as you want, or lets you step back as far as you need, without stepping at all. And when you're done, all of the Panasonic ZS7's zoom power sits comfortably in a pocket at 7.7 oz.. Add in a bunch of special features and GPS and you got yourself a camera that can even help locate yourself if your are lost.

The hugely popular and powerful iA (Intelligent Auto) is also now available in motion image recording mode. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.

Users can fully utilize the powerful 12x optical zoom in movie recording. The GPS and corresponding location information can also be embedded in the video clips. With the newly added Video Divide function, users can divide the video into two sections to shorten or delete the unwanted part on the spot in the camera. You can cutout a still image from a movie in the camera and Intelligent Resolution Technology makes it possible to produce 1920x1080 still images from a 1280x720 HD movie even recorded in AVCHD Lite.　A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.

For a full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 see http://www.dpreview.com/news/1001/10012605panazs7.asp.

Combined with a StickPic and the Gorillapod you have what you need to capture those images and videos to bring home with you. In terms of size and weight, the StickPic is 0.3 oz, compared to the Gorillapod’s 1.5 oz. I’ve been carrying both. They each address different needs and only weigh a combine total of 1.8 oz. Not much weight for the extra versatility added to your photography arsenal weighing in at a total of 9.2 oz camera included.

Friends and Coffee

2010-12-01T19:24:00.000-06:00

You can tell a lot about someone on how they treat your children. My favorite coffee shop, Homer's, in downtown Overland Park, has great employees. The best of the best is David. David is friends with everyone including my two girls. Every time we go there or even drive by, the girls ask about David (OK, Grace will ask about chocolate cake first but then about David). Today, David sent me a copy of the above picture. My Daughter, Kate, drew this sitting with David over a year ago. Now I am not sure how many people you know would hang onto a picture that your kid drew over a year ago. I bet, unless your kids are drawing pictures with David at Homer's, your coffee shop doesn't have employee and friends like that! So, Just in case you don't hear it enough or even at all, David--Thanks for your friendship! Don't think I could find a better friend in any other coffee shop in the world! BTW David... Grace would like to know when she can get a punch card for cake purchase and get her free piece of cake after ten purchases.

My Sleeping System

2010-11-30T14:18:00.000-06:00

My view on backpacking is to go as light as you can, while still being comfortable in the process. Backpacking is my idea of the perfect vacation, so a good night sleep is always a good thing for me. So here is my sleep system. I could go lighter; however, I don't think I could be any more comfortable. The PFS also is used as part of my backpack's frame and a sit pad. The Caribou is rated to 35 degrees F and with silk long underwear, sleeping socks, a wool Buff, and a WM Flight Vest I could easily take this sleep system down to 0 degrees F (yes I am a warm sleeper). The Caribou is a great sleeping bag for me at 6'4" and 230 lbs. and is great to use as a quilt too. The trash bag gives me an emergency bivy bag for protection if the weather gets really ugly.

WM Caribou MF Long     21.0 oz.
Padded Ground Sheet     2.2 oz
Padded Frame Sheet 2.8 oz
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir 18.0 oz
Ace Black Trash bag 1.0 oz
   ===========
   45.0 oz or 2.8 lb

That means that I will be under 6 lbs. for the Big Three: Pack, Shelter and Sleep System. That is about a pound to much for solo hiking, but remember that is a shelter for three and part of a sleep system for three too. I could easily put the girls head to head on the NeoAir and I would use the other two pads.

I don't think the girls should carry more than 6 lbs total. That should be enough to include their pack, sleeping bag, half a liter of water, frame pad, cloths, and their essentials and snacks. You also have to remember that I would only be hiking a max of five miles a day with the girls.

I could save weight by dumping the NeoAir and trade out the TrailStar Tarp for a solo tarp like the MLD Monk Tarp and save 28 oz total. Again this might be great idea for long solo hikes, and if the Trailstar is too small in storm mode for the three of us I could always add the Monk Tarp for added protection..

Johnny Cash Talked A Good Tune... But Could He Sing?

2010-11-30T04:46:00.000-06:00

And Now for Something Completely Different and off the main trail...

Dave, my friend over at Homers, my favorite coffee shop, apparently is a Johnny Cash fan and I am not. Johnny Cash could not sing his way out of a paper sack in my opinion. He talked a good tune, but sing... well that is up for debate. Here is my proof for my side of the argument. I really could have picked anyone of his songs, to tell you the truth this was the first one I pulled up and I thought; wow, this or Ring of Fire or anything else would prove my point, so I stopped looking.

I personally will listen to just about any type of music. The two things that drive me nuts besides Elevator Music is Rap and whinny-complaining-nasally Country (I would rather listen to the sound of squealing brakes). My reaction to Rap is that all of it is Crap. Now I can go from Beethoven to Nine Inch Nails and anywhere between and never complain (well maybe a little).

Now I know there are a lot of Cash fans out in the world and in the spirit of Hike Your Own Hike I will let you enjoy the talkings of Johnny, but in the spirit of Hike Your Own Hike, please don't try to make the argument that he was a great singer.

By The Way Dave.... I think I came up with a possible name for our potential web-show. Reverberation

What is your favorite backpacking snack??? Jellybeans!

2010-11-27T11:59:00.000-06:00

Everyone has their goto snack on the trail. I normally have a snack pack made up for everyday I am on the trail. That way I don't over eat one day and it also keeps me from contaminating my food supply. I like to have beef jerky, a couple of fireball jawbreakers, two pieces of peppermint gum and Starburst Jellybeans in my snack pouch. The Jellybeans are my goto snack on the trail and give you that extra burst of energy when you really need to get over that next ridge. They hold up well to the heat of the day and make your mouth water. All good things when you are on the trail. I save my Munch Bars for after lunch or dinner for desert. This combination of trail snacks keeps you focused on the trail and not on your stomach. So that is my goto snack; what is yours?

The Munch Bar-- A Great Trail Treat!

2010-11-16T17:37:00.000-06:00

The Munch Bar made by Mars actually markets it using its wholesomeness as a selling point. I like it because it’s sturdy. You can expose it to higher temperatures without it losing its shape and taste.

The candy part of the bar is sweet and crunchy, not quite toffee and more solid than the usually slightly foamy peanut brittle candy. It’s buttery and has a light salty hit. The peanut flavor is, of course, the attraction. I love peanuts. There are 6 grams of protein in this bar, and at less than 1.5 ounces, that’s a lot of protein which makes it quite filling and satisfying. Although it is not a Chunky Bar, it is one of the best candy bars for backpacking. Save some weight and repackage your supply into a zip lock bag.

The Chunky Bar-- Best Candy Bar Ever!!!!

2010-11-16T17:22:00.000-06:00

The Chunky bar is the most underrated candy bar of all time, and my all time favorite!

Let’s start with the basics: a Chunky Bar, (which got its cringe-worthy name in the 1930s, after inventor Philip Silvershein decided to name the bar after his granddaughter, who apparently was also called “Chunky” – for obvious reasons), is a slab of creamy Nestle milk chocolate, raisins, and peanuts. It’s a bit like a giant Raisinet/Goober hybrid, as if someone left a box of Goobers and Raisinets to melt atop each other and then re-harden into a trapezoid candy bar that is just awesome.

Now you can argue all you want, but before you say a word about the glorious Chunky Bar go buy your favorite candy bar and a Chunky Bar. Take a bite of yours and then take a bite of that glorious Chunky Bar and then tell me I am wrong. Bet you can't do it!!!

Gear Hunting Made Easy

2010-11-15T09:11:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, you've probably spent countless hours online looking for good gear deals. Now, Gearburger does the work for you. It just doesn't get any easier than this. Select the type of gear you're interested in, and Gearburger will scour dozens of sites like REI, Altrec, Moosejaw, etc. and alert you by email when it's found a deal on what you're interested in. You can specify which brands you're interested in too so if you're not a fan of a particular brand, you can deselect it. You can even tell it the minimum discount you want. So if you're only interested in mega deals, just set your minimum to 75% off, sit back, and wait! No more hearing about an awesome deal from someone on the forums after it's too late!

The site is still relatively new but definitely growing. I think it is going to turn into something big and if you're an early adopter like me, you will see the potential here.

So instead of checking Steep and Cheap 50 times a day, you might want to give Gearburger a try. I have no idea what their name means or what the heck that logo is supposed to be, but I think Gearburger is a great idea and is going to soon become a gear addict's best friend. Oh yeah, did I mention it's free?

Shelter--Trailstar Tarp from MLD

2010-11-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

The Trailstar tarp from MLD is going to be my new shelter at 24 oz including guide lines, stakes, and seam sealed. Now, that may be a ton for solo hiking but a steal for a shelter for three. This will be one area that I may decide to have a lighter option for solo hikes. I like the pitching options that you get with the Trailstar. This tarp gives you a nice airy shelter for nice weather and can be pitched a number of different ways to make it a very nice storm proof shelter. Might be a little tight for me and the girls in storm mode, but I think it will work out. As soon as I get one I will write up a review of it. My big issue is what color to go with. I like the stealth colors best, but like the idea of having the bright yellow if I ever need to be located in an emergency situation. I will have to think about that.

Backpack--Gossamer Gear Gorilla

2010-11-14T22:59:00.000-06:00

I already own an old GVP G4 and love it. Mine weighs in at just 14 oz. with padding and I will keep it around but I think the Gorilla pack is going to be my new pack. I like the features although it does weigh some 10 oz. more.

The Gorilla™ is a durable smaller volume pack that is loaded with new fabrics and features. This pack carries a slimmer profile makes for a very controlled load that doesn't move around on your back but still allows 5 days worth of food and gear to be carried comfortably. The main pack fabric is a 210 denier double wall ripstop and we're using an all new power-stretch mesh for the pockets making the Gorilla™ one tough little beast. The pad holder pocket on this pack is made from the same lighter weight wicking 3D mesh that is used on the straps to help out on those hot summer climbs. The Gorilla™ also includes our curved stay set for optimal load transfer and comfort, and one webbing compression strap on each side. There are still plenty of grosgrain loops and shock cord and cord locks included for further compression options. The ample outer pockets make this a deceptively big "small" pack and the rear pocket is large enough for a tarp, leaving that much more room inside for your more weather sensitive items.

New Gear Kit

2010-11-14T22:48:00.000-06:00

Well my youngest daughter asked me when we can go camping, so it is time to start putting together a new kit. The goal of this kit is two fold. I would like to have a kit that comes in under 10 lbs. for a base pack weight and can be utilized for both solo backpacking trips and trips with the girls. The other goal is to have a kit that doesn't require me to change a lot of gear regardless of a solo hike or hiking with the girls. So stay tunned as I put together this new kit. I have been thinking a lot about this so I have most of it picked out. The hope is that I will only change out the cooking pot depending on the trip and the girls will only be carrying their sleeping gear and extra cloths and I will be the pack mule for everything else.

A great week

2010-08-20T06:08:00.000-05:00

I have had a great week. My oldest daughter started school this week. A big First Grader. Monday she was so excited to be going to school and for the most part every day this week she has been ready to go. Wed was a little rough getting out the door, but once we were out the door she was good. After school we have been lucky enough to get off to the pool and swim every day except for Wed. My youngest has been hanging out with me during the day and it has been fun to hang out with her. She is almost five and missed the cut off for Kindergarten by 15 days. We have had a lot of fun and have been picking up her sister from school together. She thinks that is very cool.

Last night, while at the pool we ran into some pool friends and got to see a very large bird. It was either a Hawk or a Falcon. I am pretty sure it was a Hawk, but it was huge.

The Journey Off The Trail

2010-08-12T12:17:00.000-05:00

Well as much as backpackers love to backpack, we spend far more time off the trail than on the trail. During which, if your are an ultra light backpacker (ULB), we look at new gear: pots, stoves, packs, sleep and shelter systems and all the other things that make being on the trail good. Then there is the rest of life that mandates we do other things than hike or dream of hiking. However the trail never leave a real backpacker, for a real UL backpacker starts to think about life as a minimalist. OK, maybe not all, but I do. So my off the trail journey is one of removing the unnecessary things out of life and leave what only is needed and good. So as the days go on, until the next time life affords me time and money to hit the trails, this blog will also be about life off the trail. Some of it will pertain to backpacking, much of it will not. Some of this will not mean a dam thing to many, but to me it hopefully will mean a lot. More or less my personal journal of life.

How to categoize your gear list..

2010-07-06T13:07:00.000-05:00

I am sure a lot of people have their own ideas of how to keep their gear list organized. I just wanted to share how I categorize my gear list. My categories are: Bathroom, Closet, Consumables, Essentials, Kitchen, Luxury Items, Packing, Shelter/Sleep, and Worn.

That may seem like a lot of categories, but it works for me and makes it easy for me to know that I have everything. Most of the categories are self explanatory. I will be posting my gear list with weights soon. Check out my Gear Closet page for a detail list.