I was going to write about water filters but there are so many great articles the cover the topic in great detail. 

Here is one of my favorites - http://www.backpacking-guide.com/water-filter-purifier-reviews.html

I just recently purchased the Sawyer 4 Liter Complete Water Purification System and I love it. 

I also have the MSR MiniWorks. I felt that a ceramic filter couple with the ease of field maintainability was a great design and very safe. However, with new technology camping gear just keeps getting better. The Sawyer is just about bomb proof, not as field maintainable but you really shouldn't need to do anything except back flush this simple inline filter. 

Prior to this I have either boiled my water or had used chemical treatment. All fine options and if you find yourself somewhere else other than Northern Europe, or North America always carry some chemical treatment. 


But, and this is a big one for me, I sometimes lack patience and hate waiting. Chemical, boil, UV and pumping all require me to use my time waiting for the water to be ready. With the Sawyer gravity system I can fill it up, hang it and get back to getting my back country kitchen set up. In a few minutes I have a few liters of water ready to go. Fill it up again and let it hang and there is my dish and water for the night. Maybe 1 minute to fill it in a river or stream. It really cuts down my time regarding water management. 

Oh and this filter has a 1 million gallon guarantee. 

-Jeff

Sometimes I get to bring my dog to work. Working on Saturday for a few hours, thought it was a good time. Not too hot or cold out. Gary picks a spot in the sun but the shade moves quickly. Caught him in a nap in this one.

-Jeff

Turned our little Michelin man into a snowboard dude.

Skull and Cross Bones.

It's so fun to take pictures of the children items. 

Little kids are awesome. 

We do a lot of shipping and if I can avoid using a new box I'll do so. Found this insignia on one of the re-purposed boxes shipping a 2 person sleeping bag.

Really cool that there are programs out there like this. It's not  perfect but it is a start. Here is also a cool website - http://www.aboxlife.com/

Recycle, Reduce and Reuse.

-Jeff

So we have this seeing eye in the shop. We decided to give the security guard some entertainment.

We hope he enjoys.

Technology is awesome.

In the outdoor community some do not see technology as all that rich. Some find that technology can led a person into unsuspecting risk. 

Arguments have been made that a GPS shouldn't be used. Instead everyone should use a map and compass. It is believed that people who use a GPS rely on a GPS too much and generally do not carry a map and compass, or don't have the skills to use one.

My thought is that technology is awesome. A GPS is no different than a map and compass. A camper should have map and compass with the appropriate skills and carry them If you want to GPS-it - AWESOME! 

The next time you hear someone bashing a GPS over a map and compass, ask them if they know how to navigate by the stars. Tell them even star navigation is the child of human technology innovation.

GPS user/map and compass carrier - Jeff

Car camping is a great way to get into the camping scene. Car camping will allow extra space, a sense of security and the ability handle a multitude of situations in a flash.

Use the time car camping to test new ideas and techniques. Refine skills that will be useful when transitioning into other types of camping. Do you want to see how long dry ice will keep a steak cold?; test it car camping first before you try and pack it on a back country weekend.

-Jeff

If you're starting out with any adventure it's best to plan ahead for any possible mishaps. Get yourself a good medical kit, one for the car, one for the backpack. Get a book of knowledge regarding how to best treat back country injuries read it cover to cover then put it in the med kit. Medical knowledge and preparation in the back country could be very beneficial. Don't ever rely on a cell phone or any other communication device. Rely on your own intuition.

I only bring this up because that same mentality can be handy for multiple situations. Wrapping duck tape around a bottle, having a needle and thread available or bringing a few plastic bags for whatever reason is all preparation for the unexpected.

A perfect example is my bike ride today. I planned a 15 miler, nothing to intensive and on familiar terrain. This was the second ride of the season, still tweaking everything. I had a bike tool, patch kit but no hand pump. No worries though, I've only had a flat maybe twice. The first was before I even got going, the second was within walking distance to the car.

However, the unexpected loves doing its job. On my ride the first 2.5 miles is uphill then it levels out and drops, levels out again and I start heading back. On my way back the last 2.5 miles is excellent downhill, good straights, good switchbacks and the right slope that I'm not white knuckled.

Right before the downhill I lower the air pressure in my tires, do it all the time, and start the decent. Not even 300 ft into the decent and I get squirrelly on some rocks and pop goes the back tire. With no pump and only patches this meant just short of a 2.5 mile hike back to the car carrying the bike. No epic downhill and a 2.5 mile walk I cannot get back.

Lesson Learned - Jeff

Differences in camping.

If you're new to the camping adventure scene then you should know that there are a few different terms for camping or camping related activities.

Just to name a few -

Car Camping - This term is used to describe what the majority of Americans see as camping. This involves getting to and from and using your car as a vessel for you and your gear and not really ever being too far away. It can also be the place where you cook and sleep.

Camping - A general term used to mostly describe the use of a tent and and other camping gear. It is also used to describe car camping, again a very general term.

Back Country Camping -  This is generally used to describe a trip into the back country where a vehicle either cannot go or isn't allowed to go. All the tools need for camping is carried in by backpack, snowmobile, horse, bike, etc. Your tent, sleep gear, cooking gear and survival gear is all contained in a system that allows portability.

Backpacking - This intertwines with the term 'Back Country Camping' a little bit. Americans view backpacking as a way of getting into the back country on foot either on an out and back trip or as some sort of a looped trip. For the most part the time spam for back packing is 3 days or longer and a certain mileage is covered. The rest of the world views backpacking as a way to travel from country to country in search of different views and experiences. Most Americans might view this as multi-country backpacking. Using a tent and staying with people or hostels are very common while moving frequently from spot to spot with no where or nothing in particular to do.

Ultralight Backpacking - Using the lightest and smallest gear you can be comfortable with as well as using techniques to save on weight. For example, many serious ultralight backpackers don't cook meals, use sleeping pad or take a full tent set up. They can survive on such a small amounts of gear. Not recommended for beginners, it can take years to perfect ultralight backpacking skills and knowledge with a fair amount of sacrificing comfort.

Trek, or Trekking - Same as hike or hiking. Can but doesn't have to involve camping.

Mountaineering - Back country camping and climbing mixed. Also can be generalized as climbing, not to be confused with Rock Climbing. Carrying all your gear and camping on a mountain on your assent and descent.

There are plenty of other terms used to describe camping, but if you're getting started and you need information choosing the right term for camping will help out when seeking help from others.

-Jeff

Get a good bag.

Both kinds of bags.

I took a survey the other day in regards to 'How to best get people into camping.' The survey was focused on how to make it easy for people to get into camping. Their suggestions were by providing a campground with everything you need already set up; or by providing cheap enough gear to where the beginning investment isn't a hurdle.

I have mixed emotions about the thought process that it has to be easy to get into something.

Granted, gear is expensive, however used gear is a great alternative.  Cheap gear can lead to later issues and products that have a very low or short usable life. Someone starting out in camping that has their cheap tent fall apart the next year isn't likely going to think that another tent is a great alternative.

If you start with good gear and take care of it the gear will last and have a great resell value. By starting out buying good gear a person will likely commit to learning about camping. LEARNING - that's the key.

It's not always easy to camp. When you camp you carry your kitchen and your bed. It takes planning, a certain amount of knowledge and patience. This planning involves learning about what to take, how to use it and what scenarios to plan for. It is the whole picture that makes camping worth it. Planning, implementing and enjoying.

Work hard, play harder. I've always enjoyed the knowledge I've gained from learning how to back country camp. I've enjoyed the views much more.

-Jeff

Mountain Hardwear Casa 4

Homemade Crampons!?

Awesome Crampons! (Not only affordable but could second as a tool in the kitchen!) 


So to go along with our last post of the killer ice axe one would need in the case of a zombie apocalypse...we have found a pair of homemade crampons that may have similar value... Though I do think the rubber band could be changed out for some good ol' scotch tape. The fact of the matter is, crampons could easily be made rather than purchased for that trek up, through, down, and around the glacier.

Or you could just screw the three ply...

Nice...homemade crampons!

-Employee of Reggie's Place.

Ice Axe Gone Wild

When ice climbing or traversing that steep glacier...and then...all of a sudden -zombie climbers come out of NO WHere! The only tool for the job.(scream in the background inserted here)!

The multipurpose ice and snow tool for the mountaineer just got better...

-Reggie's Place Volunteer Mountain Zombie Hunter/R&D Product Review Specialist of Extreme Gear

2wo TIMES 2wo

Yes, the impossible is possible now with the Ledge Canyon -5 Degree Sleeping Bag!  Sleeping never had it so good as it does now with the combined total square footage of sleeping delight equaling 48+ sqft!!

To be completely honest, I want to selfishly take this bag all to myself. It has huge fluffy fun written all over it. Not literally of course, but in the sense that what I think of when seeing it is, "huge fluffy fun!"

Put it in the back of a pick-up for camping outside Joshua Tree or Smith Rocks...
  

or take it home- Rip off that worthless flower comforter your wife has put on your bed (when it should be on a kids double) and replace it with the Ledge Canyon- Why not camp everyday in your own home? I think- totally doable with this bag!

-Employee of Reggie's Place

Just a quick little note to everyone.

National Parks Week - http://www.nps.gov/npweek/

Isn't life great. 

Training for a marathon.

Tips to train:

Pick a marathon two weeks from current date.

Drink a gallon of milk a day.

Walk your dog.

Tell your friends you are going to run a marathon.

Run a couple of times.

Run the Marathon.