Not a normal Friday, but a decent change of pace and the open space makes me feel good.

This is what I did - Shifted the 'Mess' from the front to the back.

This:

This was near the doors. A sea of boxes.

Cleared a spot in the back

Doors are clear.

Filled the spot in the back.

 
The 'Mess' shifted from one part of the warehouse to the next in order for it to grow and morph into a challenge that seems like it might never get diminished. 

The good part is that I can open the doors and move freely and when I walk in I'm not greeted by a wall of boxes that extends into a sea.

Whoop - Jeff

I was looking at some of the reviews that were written on item that have shipped from Reggie's Place.

This one caught my eye and I chuckled.

"how did you get that in the box? great transaction! super seller!!!! thank you!"

This was for a 2 person inflatable Kayak.  I remember packing this guy. We like to re-use boxes, its just our way to reduce and reuse. That day I didn't have the right size box, either way too big or 'it might fit'.

It took me a good hour of squishing, rolling, unrolling and re-rolling the kayak to get it to fit perfectly in a box that might have been a bit small for it. However, I wanted to make sure it was safe for transport and I wanted to use a box that was previously used instead of using a new one.

And I did.

-Jeff

Save this date and get out to show some appreciation for this one thing that inspires us all.

June 2nd, 2012 - National Trails Day

To participate in a local hike, dog walk, cycling event, horseback ride, trail maintenance project, paddle trip, health fair, geocaching activity, photo safari, birdwatching expedition, and more.  Whatever you like to do outdoors, there is bound to be an event that will match your interests. - http://www.americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx

Remember it's not only for us now, but for out four legged friends and our future generations.

A great write up on Outside Magazine. 

The Most Influential Gear of All Time

We’ve scoured the gear archives and the history of sport across continents and eras to compile our first attempt at an authoritative list of the 100 most important outdoor inventions ever

By: Berne Broudy and Andrew Freeman

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/The-Most-Influential-Gear-of-All-Time.html

Each item goes to a link with the history of the item. The Primus stove looks way cool.

Where I work and where I live you will find people who are involved in a multitude of sports and activities. I myself am a person who on any given weekend will bike, hike, rock climb, go caving, white water rafting, kayaking, etc. All these activities require gear and sometimes a large amount of gear.

One of my biggest challenges is getting all this gear ready to go. I have my gear rack and gear boxes with backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads stacked and hanging from the walls.

A way that I combat the organization of gear is just to take it all with me in totes (not the smartest if you don't have a truck or large carrying capacity car), or put the gear for each activity in its own bag. This essentially creates a 'Go Bag' for whatever activity is next, a simple and easy way to be ready for the activity in a quick and timely manner. A favorite bag of mine is the The North Face's Base Camp duffel bags.

It opens up wide so i can stack or just throw the gear in. The handles allow me to carry it like a duffel, or to carry it like a backpack and the material is made from pretty bomber material that will take the equivalent of being dragged behind a bus in Australia for a few kilometers.

-Jeff

It's 'Bike to Work Week' and I hope everyone participates. #biketoworkweek

Not only does biking to work take vehicles off the road and lessens the pollution, even if it's not by much, but it can also change your frame of mind and perspective.

Getting up a little bit earlier doesn't sound fun but it does have it's rewards. The endorphins that will be generated with the morning and afternoon commute will provide you with an added boost in your day. The only way you can prove me wrong is to try it.

Get a bike and go. Then grab yourself a beer afterwards to celebrate your efforts.

-Jeff

Footwear is important, however it can be daunting to figure out what you should use and when.

Carrying loads of 30 lbs - 40 lbs on back country terrain you should consider a mid to high boot with a light to medium stiff torsion control.

Loads of 40 lbs or more then consider mid to high boots with a stiff torsion control.

For mountains or alpine - get mountaineering boots.

But for other excursions with light loads there are many options that work well in many terrains. Keep in mind that you don't have to limit your options to just footwear that will support ankles and covers the toes. Hiking in sandals can be just as comfortable, pleasant experience as any footwear. This isn't to say they don't have their drawback, just don't limit your options.

I've done back country ultra light camping and multi-country backpacking in a set of Teva's that lasted 9 years. Very comfortable, great traction on so many different terrains that they were usually my go to hiking footwear (for light loads and just kicking it, specially for disc golfing).

Recently I've been interested in Chaco Sandals - Solid PU sole that will last longer than any EVA. But the main reason I love them is that when your sandals have issues of wear they can be fixed - check it out on ReChaco - http://www.chacos.com/US/en/Rechaco-Landing

One can also create their own Chaco's and they've recently started making some of them in the U.S.A. Great company with solid beliefs of making great products and doing good business.

Rock the Chac's

-Jeff

I sent out an Exped mat the other day and wrote a note on the box regarding the use of the pad and I hope they enjoy their new gear. I also put a note not to for get the flask and that I prefer whiskey.

I received this today in my email - made my day.

Dear reggiesplace,

I received the mat today. I LOVE the note on the box exterior! I too prefer whiskey if hard liquor is choice.
Your mat will be heading to Teton and Yellowstone this summer. We'll toast to you and Reggie while we are there.

This was excellent. -Jeff

One of the big hurdles for newbs getting into camping is what clothing to wear. This isn't a large issue when car camping but with back country excursions cloths can add weight and less weight is a happy camper.

I have many people that are asking for specific items because they have seen some marketing stating that this or that item is the last piece you will ever need and it does everything you want. Keep this in mind - There is NO item that will cover all conditions and situations.

Layering is the best option for any conditions. Check the average conditions for the area you're planning, average rain, temps (night and day), wind, etc.

Layers (non alpine) -

Base - avoid cotton it will absorb sweat and stay wet. This can impede your body's temperature control. Instead use a synthetic, or my VERY FAVORITE wool. Wool is the best base layer IMO. Why?

 

• Is very sustainable
• Doesn't absorb wetness and can keep you warm even if wet
• Can be cleaned on the trail very easily
• Isn't generally treated with chemicals for anti stink - it already automatically is anti bacterial
• Merino is soft and feels wonderful next to my skin, no chafing. 

Mid layer - Cotton can be used here but I like to avoid it, the whole absorbs water thing is a big no-no. I like either a thicker wool, or a synthetic fleece. They range in weights, or thickness. If it might get cold at night - thicker fleece, warmer - lighter fleece.

Shell, or outside layer - Generally I like to take a rain shell if there is any chance of rain or wind, 100% waterproof. If there is little chance of rain and it might be cold a soft shell works well but they aren't 100% rain proof. Rain shells will not allow your body to expel the heat during heavy activity, big draw back - doesn't matter what they market to you if you're hiking fast enough to build up sweat it will make it icky inside. Soft shell are a better at this, they let more heat out faster but also let water in. Again, check the average weather patterns and choose wisely. 

-Jeff

 

Shredding the Cascades

Our Michelin Man is ripping it up in the High Cascades!

Rip and Grip little dude...