Tech Tips for your camera. If you’ve ever done a lot of hiking like me you know all too well it can take a toll on your camera.  After my Pacific Crest Trail hike you could barely read any of the symbols on my camera.  We won’t even go into the condition of the LCD screen.  I had all this damage even though I kept my camera in a hip belt pocke Here are a [...]

Winter camping offers it’s own set of challenges.  The following is a summary of things to consider when venturing out into the wilds during the winter season. One of the first things to consider is travel is slower so distances covered are less.  Plan to reduce your mileage goal by around  50% to 60%.  Because of limited daylight there are fewer hours in the winter.  Everything takes longer to do from setting up your shelter [...]

Almost everyone has a first aid kit in their backpack but most do not have a safety kit in their car in case it breaks down or they get stuck.  If you enjoy the outdoors whether on bike, foot, skis, boat or any other means of travel then you probably get off the main thorough fair or travel in adverse conditions.  This being the case you should be prepared with a car safety kit. Build [...]

So spring is here and soon summer.  Summer time in Washington means its Epic Season.  Epic Season is the time of year when we mountain bikers engage in what others call death rides/marches in the Cascades.  The Cascades offer some amazing rides if you’re willing to put the effort in.  Yes, by that I mean, pushing one’s bike.  We ride into the mountains only to come out hours later dirty, tired, and some times cranky [...]

Here’s a list of fun activities around the the greater Seattle/Washington area you might find interesting. Local Race Series websites WSBA NW Trail Runs Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series Indie Series -site is down Ultra Serie(s) Pro-Motion Events BuDu Series Evergreen Trail Runs B.E.A.S.T Series Tri Races Xterra Oyster Race Series NWUltras Cycling Feb. 13th, Seattle Bike Swap, NEW LOCATION – Seattle Center Exhibition Hall Fab. 19-20, Northwest Bike Show, Portland Feb. 20th, Frostbite TT, [...]

Nordic skiing is just like any other sport where you have to bring many items with you each time. Maybe corporate America has just convinced us we do. My issues is not forgetting to bring stuff with me to ski but losing it in the parking lot, just ask those who ski with me. Here’s a list of things to think about when headed to the mountain for a skate. Equipment: Skis (duh) Poles (ah, [...]

So I’m in the process of returning a pair of shoes, and as luck would have it the size is no longer visible.  As we all know sizing for cycling shoes vary between brands, so knowing your size in one brand doesn’t help with another.  My little problem gave me the idea to put down a list of things every cyclists should write down on notepad, in excel, or as a note in your phone. [...]

Cross season is in full swing but who hasn’t  forgetting to pack something and left an essential at home.  Here’s a list of cross essentials for race day: Civilian Clothes Waterproof footwear Warm socks (2 pair) Rain Pants Rain Jacket L/S insulating top Long underwear Down or synthetic Jacket Gloves Hat or ear protection Extra shoes for drive home Race Clothes Shoe covers Shoes Socks Knee & leg warmers Bibs/shorts/skinsuit Rain Pants Rain Jacket Tights [...]

Top Ten Things to Bring on a Hike: 1. Map 2. Compass (actually know how to use it) 3. Water (and a way to purify it) 4. First aid kit (be sure to include an extra day of any medication you are taking or might need in an emergency) 5. Fire starter and matches (store in a water tight container in addition to a butane lighter) 6. Rain Gear and extra clothes 7. Extra food [...]

In this video I will show you how to make your own 5 ounce repair kit as seen in Backpacker Magazines April 2010 Gear Guide on page 116.  I added a few items and throw in tips on how to use the items and how to use items you already have with you to fix things. Hopefully it will help you out in a jam! If you have any tips I love to hear them. [...]