Osprey Ariel Backpack

Need a super comfortable, super light, women specific backpack?  You have to check out Osprey's newly updated Ariel series.  They come in three different sizes, a 55, 65, and 75 Liter.  I think the 65 liter is just the right size--not too big, not too small.  This pack is highly customizable, coming in several sizes and with a moldable hip belt that you can have heat molded to fit your body.  The pack compresses nicely, so if you need it for a smaller load, you can just cinch it down and still keep a good balance.

There is a good bit of ventilation on this pack, really great for keeping cool on hot days.  The integrated hydration system works great and I love how Osprey's water bladders have a handle which makes it easier to fill.  The side pockets fit Nalgene bottles for that extra water supply.

The lid comes off and turns into a lumbar pack for day trips.  I personally am not a fan of lumbar (fanny) packs, but you don't have to carry it that way, you can sling it as a cross body and wear it in the back.  It's nice to have this option if you are backpacking and want to stay put for a couple of days but still enjoy some hiking or exploring the area.  Trekking poles stow right on the outside of the pack as well as lots of loops and straps for extra gear.

Access is easy, you can get into the main body from the top or the front.  There's a sleeping bag compartment and overall good organization.  It's a great color and will help you remain visible through the woods, which I think is good for safety.  As a nitpick, I would have liked to have seen a pocket on the hip belt and a rain cover (though sometimes you get better coverage by lining your pack with a garbage compactor bag), but other than that I think this pack is well thought out, comfortable, and fits the bill. Osprey has an iron clad "All Mighty Guarantee" to back up their gear, adding even more value.  Find it HERE. 

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5 Tips for Hiking with Kids

Adjust your pace and hike to an appropriate pace and terrain for little bodies.  Little legs can't walk as fast, kids get distracted and like to stop and investigate things along the way.  You must be journey oriented and not focused on destination--which is wonderful, it forces you to stay present.

Plan a short hike with little or no elevation gain.  Keep it easy and accessible, it it's too challenging it won't be as fun or safe for kids.  If possible, choose a trail with a body of water, a lake, river or waterfall will make the hike more exciting.  A local Ranger's station can recommend trails appropriate for your family, I love to check in with the rangers when I go to a park and find them very helpful and full of information.

Gear up together.  Enlist your kids' help with gathering the 10 essentials.  First Aid Kit?  Check.  Sunscreen?  Check.  And so on.  My son loves to fool around with our gear and feels empowered when I allow him to be in charge of some things.  Modify your first aid kit to be appropriate for children (children's ibuprofen, Bat Man band aids, etc).  

Play.  I-Spy or 20 Questions can help pick up the pace when kids show signs of fatigue or boredom.  A small magnifying glass can bring out the fascination factor of the beautiful patterns found in nature on tree stumps, leaves and insects. 

Eat.  In addition to lots of snacks, it's always fun and appreciated to stop for a little picnic.  If you dole out healthy treats (raisins, trail mix, etc) at different milestones it can keep things moving along.  Have plenty of hydration for everyone--kids can carry their own little hydration packs or water bottles and drink frequently.


Image Credit: Take a Hike Arizona

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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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The 10 Essentials While in the Backcountry

 

The Ten Essentials, when heading for the woods, are the ten things you need to have with you at all times for safety.  If you're hiking or camping, they're the necessities that belong in your day pack.  If you're on a backpacking trip, you will have them, and if you venture off away from your campsite for exploring, you will take them along for the day.

Everybody tweaks the list a little according to thier needs, but the basics are all there, this is my version. Check out the list, and if there's anything you're missing, start adding supplies so you are ready for the Summer.   The gear you already have can be taken out and examined.  Put new batteries in headlamps and flashlights, inspect everything and make sure it's in good working order for this Summer's adventures. 

1.    Water and Food:  Carry a full Nalgene style bottle along with your hydration system.  A Steri-Pen or purification device is also great to have along for the back country.  Extra bars, granola, etc.

2.    Navigation:  Compass and map, even if you have a GPS.

3.    Clothing:  You should have extra layers for warmth and something for rain.  If you're wearing shorts, take long pants or wear convertible pants. 

4.    Communication device:   Cell phone and/or emergency location device and whistle.

5.    Light:  Headlamp or flashlight (I prefer a headlamp for hands free light).

6.    First Aid Kit:  I have personalized my kit with migraine meds and kid's meds.  Take a small kit, but make sure it has what you need.

7.    Fire:  Matches, fire starter, lighter.

8.    Knife or Multi-tool

9.    Shelter:  An emergency bivy sack, tarp, or blanket.

10.  Sun Protection:  Sun glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hat.


Image Credit:  GuideGunner

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3 Reasons to Go Hiking with Your Kids

Why get out in the woods with your kids?  Because it plants the seed of loving nature in them that hopefully will last their entire lives.  Reverence for nature enriches your life tremendously, I can't imagine not having that innate need to get outdoors.  It's something I totally take for granted until I hear someone say they're not into it.  What? How could that be?  To each his own, and not everyone has access to the outdoors so easily.  But even if you are a city dweller, it's worth it to make the effort to get out there, especially if you have kids.  Why?

1.  It's bonding.  Sharing time in the natural world creates loving bonds.  Some of the best memories are made outside.  You don't have all the distractions of home, like television, video games and the pressures and chores.  You're in the moment, present with your children.  It's an ideal family activity and a way to create traditions. 

2.  It teaches them at an early age to be comfortable outdoors.  They learn a sense of direction, of competence, it's great for their sense of well being and confidence.  They feel more connected to the world around them, and more protective of the environment.

3.  It's healthy!  Hiking is great exercise, but so fun you don't realize you're getting a great workout at the same time.  Breathing all that fresh air is far superior than what you might find in a gym and it's adventurous to boot. 

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Ahnu Montara Hiking Boots

Need a hiking boot for Spring and Summer?  Check out this Montara Boot from Ahnu.  I love how lightweight this boot is without compromising ankle support.  I have weak ankles and really need solid support in that area but at the same time, it's important to me that my feet don't feel like they are in a straight jacket.

Comfort is instant, no break in time here for me at all.  I sized up in these from an 8.5 and it's a perfect fit, they're super comfortable and light weight with good arch support.  They have excellent traction as well.

The lime green accents are fun and I love that these boots come in so many different colors, and not the boring "women colors" like pastels or those mauves and teals and whatnot.  These are good rich colors that are refreshing on the trail and pleasing to the eye. 

From what I understand, the Montara is also a warm boot, so it would be good for winter too, but since it's so light I think it's great for Summer.  It's also a good value, and the charcoal color (my favorite) is on sale right now at Zappos. 

Ahnu gets its name from the Celtic goddess of balance and well being, which I think is cool.   It's loosely translated to Mother Earth.  The company is environmentally and socially minded, and their footwear is designed to get you out the door and into nature.  The Montera boot will inspire you, find it 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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Marmot Limestone 6 Tent: Best Tent Ever

Marmot's Limestone 6 is an ideal three season tent that's perfect for families and pure luxury for couples and singles.  First off, this tent is gorgeous.  The designers made something that not only functions like a dream, but looks like one too.  Though it comes in a dark green if you prefer to blend in with your surroundings, I think orange is the ideal color for a tent.  It glows from within at night and looks amazing at twilight against a natural backdrop.  The orange also serves to give you a cozy energized feeling, perfect for more overcast or rainy weather.

The Limestone is a piece of cake to set up and takes well under ten minutes.  Color coded webbing and poles help you assemble the tent quickly and efficiently.   The whole thing is made in such a way that is incredibly manageable despite its size, which is huge.  I'm 5'5 and though I can stand up in this tent, I can almost set it up by myself, I need some help with the fly and erecting the poles.   If you're car camping in warm weather, why not have a large tent you can stand up and maneuver well in in? 

For rainy and stormy weather, the full coverage fly and taped seams make the tent virtually bombproof.  A storm during the night isn't going to send everyone fleeing for the car.  Color coded tabs to help you see where the fly clips to the ground sheet help to make set up even easier. The guy attachments are beefy and substantial, but unless you are going to be in some strong winds, I wouldn't bother to guy it out.  Nevertheless, it's nice to know they're there when you need them.

There are multiple fly vents for ventilation on hot nights and moisture dissipation.  I love that they used reflective material for the guy points and logo to help you spot the tent easily at night.  The zipper pulls are not metal and won't jingle around in the wind which can be annoying while you're trying to sleep and the non-snag zippers are easy to operate and good for kids.

Extra large vestibules on either end are great for stowing gear.  The vestibules have little windows so you can peek out and see what's going on outside, and there's a door mat to help keep it clean inside.   You could fit a smaller camp chair in the vestibules.

This is a major luxury tent for two, but the fact that it has two separate doors makes it really nice for more people.  That way you aren't climbing over each other to get in and out.

The floor is heavy duty and can withstand camp furniture like cots and chairs.   A Marmot rep told me he wouldn't bother with a footprint with this particular tent because the floor is so ultra durable, however I got one anyway because a) the Limestone is magnificent and I want to take the best possible care of it, b) the footprint allows for easier setup when picking out a spot, you don't have to drag the tent around, you just maneuver the footprint until you find the ideal place, and c) if you are camping in rainy weather, when you go to take down the tent, the bottom will be clean and it will be easy to fold up the footprint and hose that off when you get home. 

Even if you are new to camping, a good tent can really make the experience, it's worth the investment to get something of quality, and once you have it you are good to go on many adventures.  The Limestone will last through years and years of camping trips.  It's good looks and attention to every last detail really make it stand out amongst other tents.   This is also a tent that, even if it rains the whole time (hello Pacific Northwesterners), you'll still have fun.  Can't recommend it highly enough, find it HERE. 

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Camp Kitchen Gear

Need supplies for your camp kitchen?  I just discovered Sea To Summit a few months ago and I'm so impressed with their innovative gear.  These X-SETS  are a great way to save space and stay organized in the camp kitchen and can be used over and over.  The bright colors are fun and enable you to color code, and the collapsible silicone rims on the X-Bowl, Mug, and Plate maximize your space.  The bottom of the plate and bowl also function as a cutting board which is a big bonus for backpackers. These would also be great for traveling, slip a bowl into your bag for morning oatmeal or cutting up and serving fruit in your hotel room.

At home I don't use teflon, so why would I use it camping?  GSI OUTDOORS makes a great stainless steel option for those of us who prefer to avoid the non-stick.  The GLACIER STAINLESS COOKSET is a set you'd buy once and pass down to your kids and grandchildren.  It's light weight but made of sturdy 18/8 grade stainless steel.  The gripper that comes with it works great and I like the substantial feel of these, I don't feel like they're going to topple over with hot food.  They come nested in a handy mesh bag and include two cutting boards.

GSI offers all sorts of supplies for the camp kitchen, whether you are car camping or "gourmet backpacking," as they say.  I love that they have an entire line devoted to the concept of gourmet backpacking.

Good food is a great way to treat yourself when backpacking, the food (ie--weight) gets consumed and you don't have to carry it back.  And after hard play, a nice culinary reward is always appreciated.  To the left is their Crossover Kitchen Kit that contains utensils for more complicated cooking.  Find more HERE.

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Grand Trunk Beach Shelter: Easy Portable Shade

Love the beach but need some shade?  Grand Trunk has a super easy solution for this, the Celio Beach Shelter.  This works well at a sandy beach, or a rocky beach, a park, outdoor concert, or anywhere you need portable shade.  The Celio comes with stakes to stake it down, and it has sand pouches sewn in to keep it anchored at the beach.

It literally takes just a couple of minutes to set this up, but even more importantly to me, it takes the same amount of time to take it down.  It also fits easily back into its storage bag which is great, so often these things are near impossible to get back in the bag.  It's well made and will last.

This is ideal for taking little ones to the beach where the sun can be too intense for tender skin.  The tent walls offer a sun protection that's rated UPF 50.  The bottom is removable so that they can still play in the sand under the shade.  I've seen cheaper versions of this, but that's what they are, cheap.  They look like they won't make it through a Summer while this is very well made and will easily last you many many seasons. 

The poles remain attached with their fold up design so they won't get lost.  Everything stays together in the carry bag and weighs 6 pounds.  It's great for keeping right in the car ready for action.  When you've found your spot, sling it around your shoulder and off you go.  Find it Here.

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