Back to School with KLEAN KANTEEN

Need some water bottles for back-to-school?  Klean Kanteen insulated mugs come in some gorgeous new colors for fall and they are a must have for the lunchbox and for anyone who likes to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.  They work like a charm, and are also great for soups, hot cereals, coffee, and tea.   These are ideal for kids and adults--who doesn't need a healthy vessel for portable drinks and food?  This allows you to control the contents and be sure you are getting organic and gmo free beverages and foods which can be tricky on the go. 

They are so gorgeous and inspiring, it's just what we need to ease into Autumn.  They come in different sizes too, 12, 16, and 20oz.  I love the bright Wild Raspberry and the stately basic Black, but the Gray is nice and the White...so many lovely choices.  If you have multiple children, you can color code.  Two different lids are available to fit your needs, a cafe lid for sipping (perfect for the car) and a stainless wide loop cap to keep your bottle sealed tight in your bag.  Everything is BPA, lead, and phalate free.  Find them HERE.

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NEMO Cosmo Air Pillowtop Camp Pad

Can't decide between a super comfortable or light weight sleeping pad for camping?  That's usually what it comes down to--car camping luxury or an ultra light backpacking pad and you end up getting one for each type of camping.  Nemo's Cosmo Air with Pillowtop gives you both options in one mat.

What a great way to have two pads in one.  With the pillow top, you've got your luxury, and when you need a backpacking sleep mat, just slip off the pillow top and you have a light weight (1lb 13oz) and still comfortable pad.   As with all Nemo gear I've tried, this thing screams quality. 

Horizontal baffles keep your weight more evenly distributed, you won't sink into the middle as can sometimes happen with vertical baffles.  It's a wonderful mat for us side sleepers and feels stable.  An integrated foot pump makes for a quick set up, and a raised pillow area can either function as one, or it will help keep your pillow from sliding off the mat.  Really nice design with the Cosmo, very comfy for such a light weight pad.  I am spoiled rotten and love my comfort and I would be perfectly satisfied with this in a backpacking situation.  But if I'm car camping, I like decadence.  

Enter the pillowtop.  The washable fabric is very soft and substantial microsuede, and there's about an inch of foam that makes for extra comfort and warmth between you and the mat, for a total of three inches between you and the ground. This adds warmth and makes the pad useful for three season camping.   I can toss around on this and never feel the ground, it's very comfy and cozy. 

The whole system packs down quite small into an included stuff sack which is great if you are limited in your cargo space or storage space at home.  If you could have only one pad, the Cosmo Air with Pillowtop is a solid choice, find it HERE.

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Holiday Gifts for Happy Campers

Need holiday gift ideas for the camper in your life?  Everything here can be found locally at stores like REI, Target, and even your food co-op.  And if you need any ideas for how to spend any Christmas money... Snow Peak makes some of the most visually appealing camping gear out there, and it's functional too.  Their colored Titanium Mugs would make an excellent gift.  They're a little pricey, so it's something the camper might not get for themselves, but would love to have.  Titanium is super light weight, so it's ideal for backpackers, but it's also nice for car camping or traveling.

There are two different kinds, the heavier double walled titanium mug is perfect for keeping your drink warm for a long time.  It works, it will keep something hot for a while--but--you cannot cook in it.  The lighter weight single walled mug won't keep your stuff warm for as long, but you can cook stuff in it.  Either one is a fine piece of gear and they do come in plain silver, but why would you ever want that when you can have this gorgeous purple, blue, or green?

For those who need the basics, the Trek 700 is a versatile and ideal container for cooking in the outdoors.  It serves as a cup, a bowl, and a pot all in one and it's designed to integrate well with other gear.  you can put your spork through the little hole, then the top of the spork will hold your fuel in place, while your stove nests inside the cup.  That same hole is also a draining spout for when you're making pasta, rice noodles, etc. Very smart design and feather light.  I've cooked with this myself and it works like a dream.

Known as one of the best backpacks for women, Gregory's Deva Backpack is great for female hikers and backpackers.  A women specific suspension system is designed to make heavy loads feel much lighter.  It also has a hip belt that swivels, this is great for maintaining balance and extra padding for comfort.  Lots of pockets for storage and organization hold all your gear.  A hydration pouch houses your water supply as well as easy access pocket on the sides for an additional water bottle.  It has a detachable lid which can be used as a day pack.  Pockets on the hip belt are handy for snacks and small items.

Beefy zipper pulls make it fast and easy to get in and out of compartments.  Fabric is durable and water resistant, everything--every pocket, every loop is well thought out. This pack comes in extra small, small and medium for a custom fit.

Camp Booties are basically slippers for the campsite.  After a day of hiking and other outdoor activities, it's nice to have something soft and cozy to slip tired feet into.  These EarthKeepers, from Timberland, are made with recycled materials and zip together making them small and packable.

The rugged outer sole is made from Green Rubber and has some hefty tread for a camp bootie.  They're water and dirt repellant with great insulation to keep your feet warm.  They're a bit like down booties on steroids, and are available for men, women, and kids.

This cool little Micro Table from GSI Outdoors comes in a black bag with a strap that makes it easy to carry.  People take these backpacking--not the ultra lighters but if you're not going too far, it would be reasonable.  It's awesome for car camping and makes a great nightstand for in the tent.

You can adjust the height and it's super easy to set up and take down. This thing has so many other uses--it makes a great laptop table, a tray for breakfast in bed, and a way to create layers on your dining table for festivities (I used it for my Day of the Dead ofrenda).  This kind of multi use versatility makes it a must have and it would probably fit in a Christmas stocking, wouldn't that be fun? 

Speaking of stockings, I love Sea To Summit's Kitchen Sink for this purpose.  A kitchen sink in a stocking still amuses me (I recommended one last Christmas), but this year, Sea To Summit has an ultra light sink made specifically for backpacking.  The Ultra-Sil Kitchen Sink works as well as the heftier model but it's much lighter and I think even cooler looking.   Keep it eco friendly and leave no trace with this sink.

Smartwool makes a ton of things that would be perfect for under the tree and certain to be well received, you really can't go wrong with them.

I'm in love with their Next To Skin Zip Tees.  They come in luscious colors, are super soft against your skin, and are ideal for cold weather.  While outside, you can keep it zipped up for warmth around your neck, and when you go inside, you can unzip for perfect comfort.  Wool naturally regulates your body temperature, but this is a great feature.  It also changes the look.  They're high tech and built for action.  For instance the seams are constructed in such a way to prevent chafing and panels are built specifically to not irritate when you're wearing a backpack.  They're great for any season but they are heaven in really cold weather. 

I bought several of these during the summer when they were on sale on Amazon (hint: if you ever see these on clearance, snatch them up fast).   This year's model are even better, they're more streamlined and the neck is improved, it's a little looser, doesn't come up quite so high, and I think it looks nicer zipped up.  They seem to run a little larger than last year's model, I'd say they are more true to size while before I needed to size up.  I wear an 8-10 and a medium is perfect. These tops are awesome for camping, travel, and any time you're not able to do laundry as they don't retain odor and hold up great.


For stockings--Socks.  Good quality wool socks, like these from Darn Tough are perfect for stockings.  They make wonderful socks for men, women, and children, in fun colors, super comfort and extremely high quality.  I recommend the kind with the extra cush on the bottoms which are luxurious and make your feet feel so cozy.

Wool is perfect for socks, keeping you warm when it's cold and wicking away moisture when your feet get hot. To top it all off, Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee--you just can't beat that.

Another great thing for stockings are these cool BOTTLE BRIGHT water bottle cleaning pellets from Clean Ethics.  You know how some water bottles are hard to clean and you never feel like you quite get them as clean as you'd like because the opening is small...you do your best with a bottle brush, but you're not sure?  Problem solved.  These non-toxic, chlorine free biodegradable tablets make bottle cleaning easy, just drop one in your bottle, let it sit a few minutes, shake, rinse, and that's it.  Great for campers, students, travelers, pretty much everyone carries a bottle these days.                             

Speaking of bottles, this Classic Stanley Thermos is so great looking it's almost functional art.   Fantastic for car camping and road trips, there is something so comforting about a Stanley thermos. 

Include some organic hot chocolate mix or chai and you have a fabulous gift.  Full of liquid, it takes on some heft and that handle is great for carrying.  It's BPA free and will keep hot drinks hot for a good 24 hours, and cold drinks cold even longer than that.   A Stanley anything is an excellent man gift by the way, for those lucky men on your list, but they're good for women too, especially this gorgeous stainless steel version.


The Crucial Multi-tool knife, by Gerber, is a beautiful knife that has necessities like pliers, screwdriver, bottle opener and blades, and has a handy clip to attach to your backpack.  I love that it's just what you need, not a ton of bells and whistles.

ENO Twilights are possibly the most festive, fun stocking stuffer for the camper or outdoors person.  They are tiny, light weight, battery powered string lights that you can use at your campsite, your hammock, on your bicycle handlebars--pretty much anywhere.  You could take them traveling with you to brighten up hotel rooms.

They come in plain white, but the multicolored lights are so much more fun.  The 23 lights come in a little pouch which make a nice presentation and keep them protected.  They take three AA batteries, so be sure to include those too.

GoToobs by Humangear are handy containers to have for camping and all you need to use your favorite (eco friendly) brand from home, just refill and use over and over.  They're silicone, feel great in your hand, are easy to use, and some have a little suction cup that sticks to the walls at the camp ground, hotels, etc.  The little dial around the top are actually labels (lotion, shampoo, conditioner) for extra help remembering what's in there.


Seasonal flavored Clif Bars make great stocking stuffers for outdoorsy types who like to have a stash in their backpack, bike bag, or carry on for quick energy.  Iced Gingerbread, Peppermint Stick, and Spiced Pumpkin Pie are all festive and GMO free.  These are easy to find right at your local grocery store for stuffing stockings or to slip in a box with a gift of gear, or in the pocket of a backpack like the one we talked about earlier. 

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CAMELBAK ALL CLEAR: Fabulous Holiday Gift

CamelBak's All Clear water purification bottle would make a killer holiday gift for the traveler or camper in your life.  It's a great thing for all of us to have for emergency reasons, but travelers will really appreciate the simplicity of this water filter system.  You just fill with water from the tap, shake it for a minute, and voila!  Clean water to drink.

Think of how many plastic bottles this will save, not to mention the sheer convenience of being able to use hotel tap water.  It's BPA free and you also don't have to worry about leaching from water just sitting in commercial bottles.  I can't wait for the day that bottled water is obsolete and here is something that will really help the cause. 

For backpackers and campers, there's a pre-filter (sold separately) that you can use to filter out debris.  Beyond that, you can filter your stream water and be safe from microbes.

Everyone should ideally have some sort of water filtraion device,  Hurricane Sandy is a great reminder of this.  The handier and easier to use, the better.

The magic is right under the cap where the UV bulb is housed, you just push the button and it zaps your water and an LED screen let's you know it worked.  You recharge the cap with a USB charger--plug it right into your laptop or use a wall charger--and you get 80 treatment cycles per charge.  There's a regular cap to replace the UV cap when not in use, and you can also use other CamelBak caps if you prefer the kind with the spout.  Find it HERE.

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Nemo's Ingenious New Spoon Sleeping Bags

Nemo has done it again--put me in a swoon over one of their brilliant designs.  Check out the new spoon sleeping bags, they're beautiful and they are as innovative as I've come to expect from Nemo.  The spoon shape sets them apart from other bags and introduces a new level of comfort.

It took me a while to get used to the mummy style sleeping bag and for years I resisted them altogether which left my choices very limited.  That small mummy foot box made me feel claustrophobic and that bothered me.  But I did eventually get used to them and realized I could still change sleeping positions, the bag just had to change with me.

With this spoon shaped Nemo bag, you don't feel at all constrained.  Your knees and legs are free to shuffle about as much as they want and it really feels big in there, plenty of room.  I slept in 50 degree weather in the Harmony 25 and stayed warm, cozy and comfortable all night.  It's a very light weight bag, filled with Primaloft Synergy, a more advance PrimaLoft which uses continuous filament technology.  This will keep it lofty and warm even if it should get wet (which it won't because you wouldn't let that happen), and it packs down easily for your backpack.  

My hat is off to Nemo for making sure all their stuff is cool looking and this sleeping bag is no exception.  I really appreciate the colors--the shades of gray with the bright orange, it's a great looking sleeping bag.

Nemo is offering a limited edition run of these bags, so if you want one now, head over to their site and grab one before they're all gone.  They will be back in a few months, in time for spring and summer adventures, but boy would one make a killer holiday gift for the camper in your life.  Find one of these awesome sleeping bags HERE.

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Nemo Losi 2 Tent: Best of Both Worlds

Need a two person tent that feels like a three or four person tent?  Seriously, Nemo's Losi 2 person tent is BIG.  But it's not that big...I don't know how they did this.  When it comes to tents, I'm always of the bigger is better philosophy for car camping.  I like a lot of space and when I camp, it's sometimes in a six person tent totally tricked out with luxury.  Why not, if I have the space, I enjoy the extra comfort.  However, I have a huge appreciation for minimalism and if I'm being spontaneous or in a hurry, I don't want to fool around with extra stuff and I go into the less is more mode. 

The Losi 2 is a little bit of both.  Light weight and super easy to use, you get a lot of luxury for very little effort.  I can set this tent up in less than five minutes and tear down is just as easy.  There is no struggle at all to get this tent back into its storage bag.  The storage bag is very smart by the way--Nemo makes the nicest I've ever seen for tents, everything has a compartment and things stay nice and organized. For backpacking purposes, I would leave this behind and split the tent up. 

There are two doors, so you don't have to disturb your tent mate going in and out, and there are two large vestibules for gear.  There is a removable organization pouch for your stuff inside the tent including Nemo's headlamp diffuser pocket.  You just put your headlamp in the pocket and it creates a little light for the tent, pretty clever.  And look at the pole design.  Those brow poles create a lot of extra room in there.

Bright green makes you more visible and it just looks super cool, especially paired with the charcoal gray and black.  When you have a glowing lantern inside, it's even more beautiful.  Nemo tents look like functional modern art to me, I love them. 

If you need a tent that is good for both car camping and backpacking, this is it.  If you need a backpacking tent, same thing.   It's quality that will last and comfort you will be grateful for.  For those couple of ounces you might save with an inferior tent, you lose a lot of substance, with the Losi 2, you get a ton of bang for your buck.

A footprint is always a good idea when you buy a tent, it preserves the life of your gear, gives you another layer of barrier and warmth, and it's always easier when you take it down to have the bottom of your tent clean.  Things can get pretty muddy if it rains and this helps to keep it as clean as possible and this is the kind of gear you want to take excellent care of.

Autumn is a great time of year for camping, and for some added incentive, you can find fantastic deals at stores like REI as summer ends.  Learn more about the Losi 2P HERE. 

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Three New Sleep Pads for Your Camping Zzzz's

If you are backpacking or doing ultralight camping of any kind, you want to maximize your sleeping comfort while minimizing weight and bulk in your pack.  I was never a big fan of the self inflating flat pads, they just don't get cushy enough for me.  I want it all--comfort and light weight packability and I also want the pad to do most of the inflation work.  Well here it is, in the Exped Synmat 7 Air Pad with Pump. 

The pad is light weight (though Exped has an even lighter one without the pump) at 31 ounces and has a good R value of 4.9, so it's warm.  The sides are slightly raised, helping to keep you on the mat and more comfortable. There is a smaller and larger size, so if you're not a tall person, you can shave off some extra weight.

It packs down close to the size of a Nalgene bottle and is simple to inflate and deflate and get back into its stuff sack.  I think the packing down is as important as set up, even more important for me because that's the part I don't like.  Set up is fun, tearing down, not so much, so I want it to go smoothly.  The quality is excellent, there's no annoying crinkling sound that you can find in light weight pads, and it just feels substantial. 

I fell in love with Exped's Mega Mat last year and swear it is the most comfortable camping pad on earth.  It's ridiculously off the charts comfortable and if you are car camping, I'd go for that one over all others.  Having said that, the Synmat 7 would still work great for car camping if, say, you were limited on space.  But for backpacking, it's the best of both worlds.

If you don't care about the integrated pump, Big Agnes has a new mat out that packs down smaller than the size of a Nalgene bottle.  The Q-Core, is a light insulated pad weighing in at just 25 ounces for a petite.

This pad features an antimicrobial insulation called X-Static which helps to mitigate odors and beef up the comfort level and warmth. It's got an R-Value of 5 to keep you warm on cold nights and raised outer air pockets which cradle your body and keep you comfortable and cozy.  A generous 3.5 inch thickness is quite comfy and it feels sturdy to me. 

The Q-Core comes in four different sizes, so you can get the right fit. It packs up and right back down easily and I was surprised what came out of its small stuff sack.  You get a lot of bang for your buck here. 

Inflation is not a big deal, the valve has a plastic coated mouthpiece and it doesn't take too long to inflate.  I do prefer self inflation, but it's a trade off.  This mat is pretty great regardless.  I love that you can lay on your side very comfortably and it's quiet and stable. 

Kelty's new Recluse series offer integrated pumps, just like the Exped mat.  They have mummy shaped pads to conform to the shape of your sleeping bag, and they have a rectangular model, the Recluse 3.0.

This one is a full size pad and it works great.  It's a fairly warm pad, with an R-Value of 2.9 (fine for summer), and it's super comfortable.  Weighing in at 2lbs 12oz, it's a little heavier for backpacking and might work best for car campers.

I love the bright orange and the cool little hand graphics at the pump.  The sides, like the other two, are raised and help cradle your body for added comfort. It's easy to deflate and roll back up and fit into its bag with no hassle.

All three pads are PVC free and come in a stuff sack and include a repair kit. 

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SteriPEN Freedom, the Latest Edition

Did you know that city municipalities use UV light to treat our drinking water?  How cool is it that SteriPen has figured out a way to make a hand held version for travel and outdoor use?  They make several models of the SteriPen, and the Freedom is the latest, a rechargeable version, featuring a new option to charge via USB port or AC adapter.  Since most people travel with devices now, and those charge with USB connectors, this new recharging method is a great option. It's also smaller than the other SteriPens, making it more convenient and better for travel.

In just a few seconds, the SteriPen gets rid of bacteria and viruses that can make us sick and ruin a trip.  You may need to filter the water first, depending on where you are.  SteriPen makes a pre-filter that fits right on a standard Nalgene bottle, or you can use a different method of pre-filtering.   If you are just in a hotel room in Mexico for instance, you can get water right out of the tap and treat it.

All you do is take off the lid, immerse in water, stir, and when the green light comes on, you're done.
You get up to 40 treatments per charge.  There's an LED light option on the end of the SteriPen, which you can activate by rotating it three times--will I remember this on travels, I don't know.  It will stay on for three minutes, or you can turn it off the same way.

While I think this is ideal for traveling, it might also work for backpacking trips, it only weighs 2.6 oz, with the included case, cord, and adapter, it's 6.4 oz.  Some solar chargers have USB ports, I'm thinking of the ones that you can just clip to your backpack.  One of those and this SteriPen would make a nice pair for the back country.  I hesitate a little here because I have personally never been able to find an effective solar charger, but I have hope in that direction.  I also question the practicality of carrying a solar charger when two AAA batteries are lighter and more universal.   But in the end, I think the SteriPen Freedom takes the best of the previous models and condenses that technology into a very practical and necessary device.  It's appropriate for a wide audience from the business traveler, world trekker and the back country folks.  Find it HERE.

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Ex Officio BugsAway Clothing

They say this year mosquitoes and ticks are going to be extra bad.  So what if, like me, you are sensitive to chemicals and avoid bug spray like the plague?  You can invest in some of Ex Officio's BugsAway clothing, that's what.

Check out this Halo shirt which incorporates Insect Shield, a non toxic pesticide that is bonded to the fabric fibers.  It's made with Premethrin, which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers.  There is absolutely no smell and you can't see it, but the bugs hate it.  It works on mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ants and no-see-ums, how cool is this?!  The bug repellent lasts through 70 washes, and this shirt also has the added bonus of being UPF 30+ for extra sun protection.

The sleeves roll up  and button to keep them up, and there is ventilation in the back--perfect for hiking and backpacking.  There are two security pockets on the front (I wish these were located somewhere else for women), and it's quick drying and lightweight making it great for travel too.  How have I lived without this stuff?  I can think of so many times this would have made outdoor situations so much better.

Ex Officio's BugsAway line comes in all sorts of pieces for both men and women so you can outfit appropriately for the occasion.  The fit on the Halo shirt is relaxed (I wear an 8-10 top and the M fit generously).  They come in different colors and patterns perfect for your Summer adventures.  Find yours HERE.

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Sierra Designs New Game Changing Sleeping Bags

Campers who live in rainy environments have an ongoing dilemma when it comes to sleeping bags.  Even more so with backpackers trying to minimize weight and maximize warmth in wet conditions.  Down is warm and light, however if you get it wet, you're in trouble.  It doesn't dry fast, it won't keep you warm, and you might end up not having anything to sleep in.  With a synthetic bag, you gain weight and lose warmth but if the bag gets wet, there's a chance you could still sleep in it and it's possible it could still provide warmth.  Also they dry faster.  So you have to kind of hedge your bets.

Until now.  Enter the new Sierra Designs line of DriDown Sleeping Bags. These offer a new technology called DriDown that keeps your sleeping bag from looking like a drowned cat should it get wet seven times longer than regular down.  This is a game changer.

Each individual plume is coated with a hydrophobic finish which help keeps it dry, makes it loft better, and allows it to dry faster.  It has the benefits of down, being light weight and warm, but has a much better chance of staying dry.

The women-specific Eleanor is shaped to better accommodate the female body, and is a toasty 600 fill.  There's extra loft in the foot and hood area because most women are sleep colder than men.  I was able to try this out over the weekend and suffice to say, I'm in love.  First off, it's butter soft, like a dreamy combination of clouds and marshmallows.  The the colors are beautiful.  I love the blue with the lime green lining and zipper, it's a very good looking bag.  But I just can't get past how cozy soft it is, very cuddly and just what you want when you crawl in for a sound sleep after an active day.   I'm also a cold sleeper and thought the bag was plenty warm for a temperature in the 40's.  At 5'5 and a medium size, this bag fit me great and I felt like I had plenty of room.

The zipper does not stick and there's another one at the bottom so you can let a little air in if you get warm.   It comes with a mesh storage bag (I prefer to store it by hanging it on a hanger with the loops on the bottom and store it in the closet) and a stuff sack.  If you are looking for a sleeping bag for Summer adventures or just need an upgrade, be sure to check this awesome bag out.  Find it HERE. 

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Black Diamond Head Lamps SHINE Big Time

Need a headlamp for your Summer adventures?  Black Diamond has some excellent choices, but I've narrowed it down to two favorites, the Storm and the Spot.  A great (I think necessary) feature in a headlamp is the red light feature.  With the red option, you are able to enjoy light around camp without blinding your camp mates. It also helps to preserve your batteries and works great for reading without messing up your night vision.  I'm also very fond of the various colors and patterns, this way each person can easily see which is theirs, and it also makes them stand out in your pack amongst other gear.  Highly adjustable light output makes both options ideal for your lighting needs.

The Storm Headlamp (pictured above) is made specifically to handle bad weather conditions.  It's water resistant to the point of being able to submerge it under water for 30 minutes, nice if you accidentally drop it in the lake, and great for the rain.  This headlamp (like Black Diamond's awesome lanterns) has a dimmer, so you can get your light just right and conserve battery power.  You just hold the button down after turning it on and it will dim to your desired brightness. The lamp also tilts so you can position it where you need it.  It takes four AAA batteries and is rated for 50-200 hours of use, depending on mode such as red, high, low, and strobe which is great for signaling or for visibility while biking in traffic. 

There's a battery life indicator to let you know when you are running low and it also has a lock mode to keep it from coming on in your pack accidentally and draining your power.  When you turn it off, the headlamp remembers the last setting, this is especially nice when you're using the red beam.

The Spot Headlamp is the Storm's little brother, not quite as bright or tough but it has most of the features.  The Spot has a dimmer switch and the red light option to preserve night vision and batteries.  This headlamp also has a strobe.  It has a maximum light output of 90 lumens as opposed to the Storm's 100, and the brightness levels are adjustable for a flood beam and a spot beam for focused task lighting. 

Battery access is easy, no tool required as with the Storm, and it takes three AAA batteries and battery life is 50-250 hours includes the indicator and the lock mode. 

Both of these headlamps are very intuitive to use, very comfortable to wear and easy to adjust for fit.  Both come in many colors and designs, both have the features that make them ideal.  I've had several headlamps, both of these win for the best hands down, though I am partial to the Storm.  You just can't go wrong, they're great for power outages, and outdoor activities like camping, and one belongs in your day pack on hikes as part of your 10 essentials.  A headlamp is a must have, so why not have a really good one? 

You can find them on the Black Diamond website, or you can find them on REI where this weekend they're having a sale with one of their 20% off coupons.  This would be a great way to use it.

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Deuter Futura SL: Great Summer Pack

Planning on doing some day hiking with the kids this Summer?  I have the perfect pack for you, and just in time for the Season.  Check out this Futura 30L Pack from Deuter.  This pack is available in the women specific SL model, made to fit a women's body with a shorter carry system for shorter torsos, thinner straps and a contoured hip belt for a comfortable fit.  And for fun, it comes with a (removable) flower attached.  

This pack is loaded with details that make it function like a dream.  It has a fantastic Aircomfort ventilation system in the back to keep you cool, a lid compartment for those quick grab items like a first aid kit or sunscreen, and there's a toggle clip for your keys so those won't get lost floating around a big pack.  There's another zip pocket on the underside of that top compartment, perfect for your wallet and essentials like a headlamp.  There are side pockets with compression straps to reduce bulk, and an easy access front pocket for maps and energy bars.  I love the little pocket on the hip belt, perfect for my my phone.  The Futura has integrated trekking pole loops and an included rain cover located in a bottom compartment, I love this, seriously they thought of every last thing.

This pack is hydration compatible.  This never really mattered to me before, I thought I was fine with water bottles.  I've had Camelbaks before, I've used hydration packs.  But I have never used one that's integrated into a bigger pack.  I'm totally hooked now and can't believe there was ever a time I didn't do it this way.  It's just so much easier and more convenient.  Most packs have this capability these days, but there is something a little different about the Deuter hydration reservoir.  The hose detaches at the bladder, which means you don't have to take the whole thing out for refills, having to feed the tube through.  Much easier and faster this way.  It also simplifies filling it up at the sink, you don't have that hose in the way.  There's a velcro attachment on the inside of the pack to hold the reservoir in place. A  sliding clip as opposed to a screw top opening makes it very fast and easy to fill and to clean.  There's a little cover for the mouth piece that keeps it clean, and I've had no leaks at all.

There's plenty of room for the ten essentials, extra clothes for the kids, a picnic, and more.  I've taken this on two day hikes and it was super comfortable and exceeded my needs.  I really appreciated all the extra features and could easily be spoiled by Deuter.  Meticulous organization, a high tech cooling system, and plenty of water available, make the Futura an ideal Summer day pack and a great value.  Find it HERE. 

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Go Lite this Summer

Are you planning any trips for this Summer?  Or outdoor adventures?  If you like to travel light, and most of us would rather have less to carry, especially with airlines charging so much for luggage.  And if you're headed for the woods, you know that every ounce counts.  Check out GO LITE for some fantastic options in clothing. I've just discovered them, and let me just preface this by telling you I don't think I have never been so excited about travel-outdoorsy clothing.  It's affordable, it's cofortable, and they even list the weight in the clothing descriptions for those that are really conscious of weight for packing. 

Now, what women want to know, are they--flattering?  I've only tried on three pieces so far, but I can answer that with a resounding Yes!  And I'm excited because I find this rare in adventure-wear.  I am not an athletic clothing type, I'm more of an Anthropologie type, and I also like very clean lines and simple cuts.  Yes, I love to get my hands dirty and get out there in the woods, but I want to look cute doing it.  Right?  Don't you?  So much of that type of stuff is cut in an unflattering way, or just looks frumpy and even if no one is going to see me, I still want to feel comfortable and cute out there on the trail.

Also, I have a curvy body type.  I wear an 8 on the bottom and a 10 on top,  Mediums usually do great, sometimes smalls in things like yoga pants, and in athletic clothes, sometimes a large on top.  I don't like my clothes to be tight fitting, I want that comfort but I don't want to look like I raided my man's closet either.  There are little things clothing designers can do to add femininity, subtle things.

Take the Manitou Longsleeve Hiking Top.  The neckline hints at a Mandarin which is not only feminine, but comfortable, it has diagonal lines sewn in on the sides that create a slimming look, and the sleeves come down at a slight point on your hands.  These details are flattering and make you feel like you're not just wearing a boring wicking top.  It also has a reflecting logo on the back and one on the front left side.  Functional, but still cute.  And the cut is generous too.  This is perfect for hiking and backpacking and biking, and comes in a bright orange (the Paprika is brighter in person), which I love for visibility.

The Yunnan Hiking Pant is probably the very first pant in this genre that just fit perfect at first try.  You know it can be frustrating trying on pants like this.  For me, I'm either swimming in them, or to get a length that works, it's too tight everywhere else.  These are the perfect length (I'm 5'5) and they are just right.  They are flattering!  I've had some luck with Patagonia in this area, but overall, I find it very very difficult to find pants appropriate for the outdoors that still look good.  And by appropriate, I mean not cotton, no jeans or any material that will stay wet.  You want wicking material that will dry quickly if you're caught in the rain.  They're also very light.  The photo does not do them justice at all, they are a lower-rise than what it looks in the picture and have a great shape.  You could wear them on the trail and then out to dinner, perfect for traveling and everything else.  I would say they are a Must Have, and I hope that Go Lite keeps this style and offers them in black soon, I want more pairs of these.

And finally, check out this Cayambe Reversible Dress.  You get two dresses in one, it's very flattering, butter soft, and perfect for the suitcase.  I love the ruching at the top and there's a little flounce at the bottom making you feel very feminine.  It's very light, you won't even know it's in your bag.

On top of carrying awesome functional clothing, GoLite is a socially and environmentally conscious company.  They're having a 50% off sale right now, so head over there and see if there's anything that you could use for your Summer adventures.  Find them HERE.

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Sierra Designs Down Booties: Perfect for Camp

You know how at the end of the day when you're cozying up to a campfire and puttering around camp you totally don't want to be wearing hiking boots?  And unless you are in a really warm climate, flip flops (as packable as they are) are too cold.  I've got the perfect camp bootie for you:  the Sierra Designs Pull On Down Bootie. 

Why are they so great?  Because they will keep your feet warm and toasty and not take up much space/weight in your pack at 11 ounces.  Even if you're car camping, the less you have to carry, the better.  For a long time I was using my Acorn Summit Slippers and they were great, though too heavy to consider taking on a backpacking trip, they were fine for car camping.  As they wore out I bemoaned the fact that they're no longer available and wondered if I'd ever find camp slippers I liked again.

The Sierra Booties are actually an improvement because they are more versatile being much more suitable for travel and backpacking.   They're 700 down fill, making them light and warm.  The bottoms have a non skid sole, and the cuffs are fleece lined and adjustable.  They feel so good on tired feet, and they are cushiony, which is revitalizing.  I would not wear them in muddy or wet conditions, you'd wreck the bottoms and down isn't meant for that but if weather is wet, they're still great for inside the tent. You can really drive up your comfort level with minimal effort here.  They're even machine washable (front loader only) for easy care.  I Love these booties!  Find them HERE.

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NEMO Asashi Tent: Big on Design, Big on Function

"Design like you give a damn," it says in the Nemo Catalog.  Music to my ears.  All your stuff should be as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.  There should be no ugly stuff, period, even your rugged gear should look good to you.  I always say,  just spend the money and get the quality thing that you love, that way you'll take great care of it and have it forever and it's way better than having to go through several mediocre things when you could have had the one good thing all along.   In the end it saves you time and money and it's better for the earth. I think Nemo is one such brand that combines high quality and good looks to create things you hang on to forever.

Nemo is an exciting new company to me, though they've been around since 2002.  I love their philosophy to protect the people and places that make adventure possible.  Nemo allows their employees an off-day each month for community service as part of their Green Re-thinking program.  They have heart and they have brains for great design--it's not an accident that their tents are bad ass and beautiful.  Look at this gorgeous Nemo Four Person Asashi Tent.  It looks like a work of art, but one touch and you can feel the quality materials, and it's loaded with little details that make it function like a dream.

The fly doubles as a beach shelter when paired with the optional footprint.  I always recommend a footprint when they are available because they help to keep your tent in good shape.  It's also very convenient to have a footprint--when you're done with your camping trip, you can just fold up your tent, nice and clean and worry about the footprint when you get home to hose it off.  For the inside of the tent, Nemo offers the optional Pawprint which lines the inside of your tent for added comfort.

This tent has light diffusers--this is something I've never seen before.  You put your head lamps in the four corners and it makes for some nice lighting.  Small flashlights work too.  There are four stash pockets (one for each person) and they all have integrated drink holders.  There's a vestibule with a built in window to store gear.  If you need extra storage room, there is an optional Garage.

I set this tent up myself in under ten minutes without looking at any directions.  It's very straight forward and simple with features that make it all come together seamlessly, like the Jake's Feet corner anchor system which locks the poles into place, and the fly fastens with adjustable clips to get it nice and tight.  It couldn't have been easier.

The carry bag is the nicest I've ever seen with a tent, with pockets and zippers for each thing.  It even has a little diagram of constellations on the inside--how cool is that?  Seriously, it's romantic.  The care that went into this and that artful touch, you just don't find it every day.  Tom Freidman (Hot, Flat and Crowded) was saying recently that in the old days, people put their stamp on things they made, their seal.  They put so much thought into what they did they were proud to put their name on it, they took pride.   Nemo seems to be doing this, in a modern sense, that's what I thought when I saw the constellation patch. He also said that only the companies who do take great care will move forward in our evolving world.  I hope he's right because I'd really like to see more of this.

The Asashi is spacious and very comfortable.  My six year old can stand up in this tent with plenty of room, and though, at 5'5, I can't stand completely, I find it roomy and easy to maneuver in.  I like to size up with tents, so this is great for one to four people.  Why not?  If you're car camping, you can afford that extra luxury.  This tent is too heavy for backpacking, though I'd love to see what Nemo has in store for that type of camping.  This tent would make a super awesome gift for the holidays.  Find it HERE.

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Advanced Elements Solar Shower

Ever wish you could take a shower on a camping trip?  Well you can, and it's super easy.  Check out these Solar Showers from Advanced Elements.  They come in many sizes and also in a PVC free version.  It's a five gallon bag, so you'd probably need a tree.  If you are going to hang this in a privacy shelter, I wouldn't go past the three gallon, they're heavy!  Even with the 2.5 gallon bag, it's heavy too and holds more water than it appears to hold, you get a couple of good showers out of that.

These are well made solar showers.  The beefy handle at the top makes them easy to maneuver and you just pull down on the shower head to get it to work, simple as can be.  It has a large reservoir valve making it easy to fill--this is important, you might be at an awkward spigot and you don't want to be fumbling around spilling water all over yourself.  Some of them come with little mesh pockets and mirrors depending on the size you get.

All you do is place the shower in the sun, preferably on a warm rock to help absorb the heat, there are small solar panels on the bags to speed up the process.  You can pour hot water from your camp stove into the shower on days the sun didn't warm it up, or you didn't have time to leave it out long enough.  I ended up with a cold shower because I put the shower out too late in the day for it to work.   I could have put some hot water in there, but somehow the spectacular view mitigated any cold I felt.  The kids thought it was very cool and got excited over the tiny shower head, they couldn't believe they were showering outside.  We used the Grand Trunk Dunny Shelter with this and it was perfect.

I think these showers are awesome for camping, and also for emergency preparedness.  If your plumbing doesn't work, which can happen sometimes during a good hurricane or broken water lines, it's nice to know you can still bathe.  I won't go (car) camping again without one.  Find them HERE.

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Black Diamond Mini Lanterns

Need a lantern for inside the tent?  Black Diamond has two brilliant small lantern options, the Apollo Lantern and the Orbit Lantern.  Both utilize energy efficient long lasting LEDs.  Both lanterns are perfect for backpacking, using inside your tent, hammock camping, picnic tables, camp stove, and anywhere you want light.  It's not that blinding LED light you might be familiar with, but a diffused, more pleasing light due to the frosted globe.  At the same time they are both bright enough to be used for task lighting.  They don't take the place of a larger lantern for lighting up the whole camp, but they do what they were designed to do wonderfully. 

The foldaway legs allow you to adjust the height and the loops are great for hanging in the tent or a tree branch.  The loops are split so you don't need a carabiner to hang them, but you could also turn it upside down and hang it by the legs with a carabiner.  I love that you can dim the lantern, adjusting the light output and saving battery power for when you need it most.   It's about the size of a soda can, and a little lighter. The legs are super handy, allowing you to place the lantern on uneven surfaces and to help disperse light the way you need it.

Black Diamond offers a rechargeable battery system for both lanterns which comes with international adapters.  They can even be rigged for use with solar power, I've read about people taking these on research trips to remote locations and using them daily for months on end this way. 

Not long ago, BD sponsored a project to use solar power to recharge lanterns in a small village in Nepal.  To reduce the cost and risk of kerosene lighting, Apollo lanterns were given out to locals who then able to power them with solar panels.  This was life changing for the people in this village who used their savings to improve their water source.

You can utilize solar power with your own lantern by charging reusable batteries with a portable solar charger.  Burn life is up to 60 hours, depending on whether you have the lantern set on low or high.

For backpacking, if you are super mindful of weight, the Apollo's little brother, the Orbit is ideal.  It's about half the size of the Apollo and has a 1 watt output as opposed to the Apollos 3 watts.  It doesn't have legs like the Apollo, so it's not as stable, but it does have the split loops for hanging.  It would work great for a one or two person tent, or for hammock camping.  The globe, like the Apollo's globe, slides over the on/off button so it won't switch on accidentally in your pack and eat up all your battery life.  They come in different colors, so you could give one to each child if you are camping with kids, it's great for reading in the tent.  My son went bananas for these small lanterns, confiscating the Orbit immediately. 

Both lanterns would be great for travel or to keep in your emergency kit for power outages and emergencies.  Black Diamond has excellent environmental and fair labor programs, they also reach out in support of many environmental organizations--it's a company you can feel good about purchasing your gear from.  Find both lanterns HERE on their website.

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