UltraRob's Adventures

Don’t get me wrong. I love being comfortable in the outdoors. I’ve been lusting over a Big Agnes sleeping pad for our late-fall camping trips, and I balk at backpacking without carrying a camp chair.

And I'm not even against a stay in a luxury mountain cabin now and then (I wrote about the concept of "roughing it" last year in a column for the Rocky Mountain News).

But when I'm going camping - with a tent - I think part of the fun is packing, unpacking, and setting up the gear.

Apparently, others don't feel the same way. A recent news story described a special perk at a regional park in Montgomery County, Md. Campers at Little Bennett can pay an extra $25 for the park staff to set up their campsite with chairs, tent, a lantern and propane stove.

The story also details other luxurious outdoor “adventures” – feather beds at a KOA site near Santa Cruz, Calif., butler-prepared meals at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, and hand-woven willow beds on wooden platforms in California’s El Capitan Canyon.

The luxury details are part of a trend to get comfort-seekers out of their comfort zones and away from their technology.

The new trend is called “glamping,” named for the glamorizing of camping. Comfort, technology and service all transform a traditional camping trip.  If it catches on, we might have to retire the phrase "roughing it".

- Deb Acord

SIERRA DESIGNS WU HU 4 TENT Price: $328.95

Sierra Designs ASP 2 Tent Price: $259.95

Sierra Designs ASP 3 Tent Price: $299.95

Labels: camping, gear

In the 1952 “Your Own Book of Campcraft,” author Catherine T. Hammett enthused about the “new trick” in outdoor cookery – aluminum foil. Today, foil is still a great way to cook if you have a campfire. At home, create meals in foil packets and freeze them. At camp, build a small campfire and bury the packets in the hot coals until they are hot and steamy. Try these combinations: Sausage, peppers and potatoes; stew meat, potatoes and carrots; chicken breasts, Japanese vegetable mix and rice. (Works best to cook the meat at home and freeze it before you pack it up.) When you leave your campsite, don’t forget to take the foil with you.

For camping trips where you don’t have to carry your gear on your back, Jack Daniels from REI’s Denver flagship store says the classic double-burner Coleman stoves are still popular and perfect for those elaborate pancake breakfasts. For backpacking, the newest compact stoves, some practically pocket-sized, are perfect for one-pot meals.

“The iso-butane self-contained stoves and cartridges are a big trend,” Daniels says. “You just screw the fuel cartridge onto the stove, turn it on, light it, and you’re ready to go.”

Not sure what kind of stove you need? REI offers these guidelines:

1. Think about the kinds of trips you’re planning, and choose the lightest, most compact stove for your particular needs. How many people will you be feeding? What will the air temperature be where you are going? How elaborate will your meals be? Will you need more than one burner at a time?
2. Look for these features: stoves you can disconnect from the fuel source (easier to store, harder to break); stoves that fold up or collapse; and stoves that can fit inside your cookware to save space.
3. Choose your fuel.
   
   
   • Butane, propane or isobutane blend canisters are convenient, easy to light and burn cleanly. Downside – they are more expensive than other fuel types; you have canisters to throw away and they are not readily recyclable; they aren’t as effective at low temperatures.
   • Kerosene is inexpensive and easy to find, but it can burn dirty and it’s smelly. Downside: Priming is required.
   • White gas, also inexpensive, is easy to find and burns cleanly. Downside: It can be volatile if it’s spilled and it requires priming.
   • Denatured alcohol is a renewable resource that burns very quietly. Downside: It doesn’t put out as much heat as other fuels so it increases cooking times.
   • Unleaded gas is relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Downside: A dirty fuel, it can clog your stove and it’s extremely volatile.
   • Multi-fuel stoves do just what their name implies – they are engineered to burn more than one kind of fuel. Downside: they cost more than single-fuel models and can be hard to maintain.
   
   
4. Decide what’s important for your backpacking or camping needs – average boiling time, efficiency of the stove, and burn time at maximum flame.

---

How to improve the performance of your stove, from REI:

• Invest in a heat exchanger (a corrugated metal wind screen that wraps around your pot).
• Use alcohol to prime your stove.
• Clean your stove and maintain it at home before you head out.
• Pour your liquid fuel through a coffee filter.

- Deb Acord

MSR WHISPERLITE INTERNATIONAL MULTIFUEL STOVE Price: $89.95

Primus Gravity Multifuel Stove Regular Price: $109.95 $49.48 on sale

Primus Multi Tool For Varifuel MultiFuel Stove Regular Price: $15.95 $12.76 on sale

Labels: camping, gear

There are a couple good coupons available for cycling and outdoor gear. The first one is from REI. You get 20% off a single item that isn't on sale with coupon code FALLDEAL and it expires 10/18/09.

You do have to be a REI member to use the coupon. Memberships are $20 and last a lifetime so you don't have to pay the fee in future years. I've been a member for many years. Being a member makes you eligible for a dividend that is normally 10% on non-sale items.

Backcountry also has a 20% off coupon. Unlike the REI coupon, there is no limit on the number of items and it can also be used for sale items. Sale items will be 20% off regular price or the sale price if it is better. Use coupon 4L0-2-2LQLP at checkout. I don't have an expiration date on it. Update: Backcountry coupon ends 10/27/09.

Backcountry coupon exclusions: Discount does not apply to gift certificates, lift tickets, Arc'teryx, Black Diamond, Burton, The North Face, Western Mountaineering, Skis, Ski Boots, Ski Bindings, Snowboards, Snowboard Boots, Snowboard Bindings, Avalanche Gear, or Aire Inflatables. If an item is already on sale you'll receive the better of the two discounts.

Of course you also never know what kinds of deals you can scare up over at Sierra Trading Post. Now you can get 15% off $100 and 20% off $150 with code ALOCTOBER9. Valid through November 4th, 2009.

Rock Creek also currently has a sale on The North Face items including new Fall styles. Many of the items are at least 20% off. Sale ends October 22nd.

- UltraRob

ATLAS 930 Snowshoes Price: $159.95

Atlas Race Snowshoes Regular Price: $289.95 $231.96 on sale

Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes Regular Price: $259.95 $207.96 on sale

Labels: gear

$1,295.  That's the price you'll pay for the newest ski-boot technology. Billed as the world's most expensive ski boot (Dynafit and SCARPA have pricier AT/randonee boots), the Apex Sports Group's Apex boot caught my eye not because of its price, but because it promises comfort as well as control (and will help eliminate the clompy Frankenstein walk to the lifts).

The Boulder-based company's Apex looks like the offspring of a snowboard boot and ski boot, with heat-moldable walkaway inner boots paired with a 100-percent carbon-fiber outer shell.  "Soft shell" ski boots have been on the scene for a while (Rossignol offered a Soft 3 which combined some snowboard boot characteristics with traditional ski boot technology, but it's not in its roster of new boots this year); none had the form and function of the Apex.

The Apex also made the October issue of Outside magazine, in an article celebrating the newest technology.  Other cool new winter-ready innovations in that article: Isaora's Matrix Plaid Insulated Shirt ($229), which looks like your grandpa's old flannel but performs like a mountaineering jacket, and Alite Designs'Monarch Butterfly Chair, a two-legged (that's right - two-legged) camp chair ($59) that weighs only 18 ounces and keeps your butt off the cold ground on those winter camping trips.

- Deb Acord

Salomon X3 Lab Soft Ski Boot Mens Price: $899.99

Tecnica Moon Boot WE Soft Womens Regular Price: $279.95 $223.96 on sale

Rossignol BC X11 Boot Price: $239.99

Labels: gear, skiing

Update: Posts from Interbike

• Interbike 2009 Outdoor Demo Day 1 Highlights
• Interbike 2009 Outdoor Demo Day 2 Highlights
• Interbike 2009 Indoor Show Day 1 Highlights
• 2009 Cross Vegas

Interbike is the largest bike show in North America and is held annually. Hundreds of companies with bike related products are there to show them to retailers, wholesale distributors and manufacturers. Many new products are announced at Interbike.

One of the cool things about Interbike is the first 2 days are outside at Bootleg Canyon near Las Vegas. This allows attendees to test out new bikes on the trails. The other 3 days are inside at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas.

This year I'll be at Interbike to drool over the cool new products. I'll be posting as much as I can here on the blog while I'm there. Most likely I'll be posting even more on Twitter.

What would you like to hear about from Interbike? I'll do my best to get the scoop.

- UltraRob

Princeton Tec Eos R Bike Light Price: $44.99

PRINCETON TEC EOS BIKE Light Price: $44.95

Princeton Tec EOS BIKE Front Bike Light Price: $45.00

Labels: cycling, gear, Interbike, mountain biking

Sale is now live but Jenson's site is taking a long time to load. Be patient and wait. Refreshing will make it take longer.

Starting at 9 AM PDT TODAY, JensonUSA is putting their once a year parking lot sale online for the first time. Product releases will be staggered so constant checking will be needed if you want to get some of these incredible once a year deals. Items could sell out quickly so move fast if there's something you want.

Here's what JensonUSA has to say about the sale

For nearly a decade JensonUSA has held a once a year sale to help sell Items that were returned and not sellable as NEW, and also to sell inventory that had been mishandled by various shipping methods. These Items are NOT damaged beyond use. They typically have superficial scratches, a small dent that does not effect performance, are missing original packaging, or were simply returned under our 30 day return policy and are perfectly fine.

These Sales were typically held on the premises in our back lot. Giving us the ability to also select regular stocked Items and apply a single day discount below anything natural. Unfortunately we have become TOO popular, and our sales were drawing enormous crowds. So to handle that we are moving the sale online.
Here's a sample of some of the sale items

Returned: Bianchi B4P 928Carb Dura Ace
Small chip in clear coat over carbon (EASY fix)
Was: $5999.99 - - - - - >NOW: $2665

Garmin Forerunner 205 GPS Computer
NOTHING WRONG (Fraud order caught Before Shipped)
Was: $250 - - - - - > NOW: $160 [11 in stock]

RETURNED: LOOK 555 ORIGIN FRAME 08
Parts were mounted, but NEVER RIDEN
Was: $1999.99 - - - - - >NOW: $698!!!!

There are over 800 Items totaling OVER $75,000 in inventory going on Sale and this sale is known for selling out in THREE HOURS. I'm SURE you want to participate!

- UltraRob

2008 Bell Lil Bell Shell Helmet Toddler Price: $29.99

Bell Sweep Helmet 09 Price: $78.00

Bell Array Helmet Price: $100.00

Labels: cycling, gear, mountain biking

The outdoor industry had a problem. Consumers were clamoring for BPA-free water bottles. The plastics industry insists BPA doesn’t pose any threats to people but concerns over the possible health risks of bisphenol A, an industrial chemical, aren’t going away, and consumer groups continue to issue warnings.

So companies have come up with solutions. REI had had 28,000 pounds of water bottles that it had pulled off the shelves because of concerns over BPA. Instead of piling them in landfills, REI teamed with Aladdin and created recycled, repurposed eCycle travel mugs.

The mugs, which come in glacier, dusk, pine and mulberry shades, feature a double wall with the repurposed polycarbonate on the outer wall where it has no contact with your beverage. The mug weighs 12 ounces and holds 16 fluid ounces; it costs $14.95.

Water bottle giant Nalgene no longer makes bottles with the industrial chemical and has a complete line of BPA-free products.

Another popular bottle-maker, Sigg, found itself making headlines recently when its CEO revealed that the epoxy liner in the company’s aluminum bottles contained trace amounts of BPA until the company switched to a “BPA-Free EcoCare liner” in August, 2008.

So what kind of water bottles are BPA-free? According to TreeHugger.com, Camelbak and Kor One join Nalgene’s new BPA-free bottles.

- Deb Acord

CamelBak Sutra Daypack w 5L Better Bottle Womens Free Bottle Regular Price: $74.95 $63.70 on sale

CAMELBAK STAINLESS STEEL BETTER BOTTLE 75L PATTERN WATER BOTTLE Price: $23.95

Camelbak CamelBak Bottle Classic Bottle 5L Regular Price: $8.95 $7.95 on sale

Labels: gear, hiking, outdoors

Yesterday Garmin announced a new cycling GPS. The new unit is called the Edge 500. It was designed based on feedback from Team Garmin. It will give competitive cyclists the information they need while training and racing without weighing them down.

It weighs much less and is more aerodynamic than the Edge 705. It also looks much smaller than the older Edge 305. It uses a new mount that is low profile and appears easy to swap from one bike to another.

The Edge 500 also works with the Garmin ANT+ heart rate monitor strap and cadence/speed sensor. It also works with 3rd party power meters that support ANT+. They claim that there's improved calorie counting when using heart rate. That would be nice but I'm skeptical since I've never seen any calorie counting that seemed anywhere close at least for me.

The Edge 500 doesn't include the maps and routing of the Edge 705. It also doesn't include the ability to setup workouts like the 705.

The MSRP for the Edge 500 is $249.99 by itself and $349.99 when bundled with a heart rate monitor strap and speed/cadence sensor. That's not a bad price considering just downloadable Polar cycling heart monitors cost nearly that much not many years ago.

Related Links

• Initial Garmin Edge 705 Review
• Garmin Edge 705 Tip - Save Last Ride and Reset

- UltraRob

Garmin Edge 305 Edge 305 Deluxe GPS Altitude Heart Rate Cadence Price: $397.95

Garmin Edge 305 Edge 305 HR GPS Altitude Heart Rate Price: $347.95

Garmin Edge 305 Edge 305 CAD GPS Altitude Cadence Price: $329.95

Labels: cycling, gear, GPS, mountain biking

If you're looking for a rain jacket for your outdoor adventures, there are 3 main kinds of materials. Membranes, coated fabrics and vinyl.

Vinyl is cheap and keeps water out but also does a really job of keeping your sweat in. Membrane fabrics are the most breathable. Coated fabrics breath somewhat but not as well as the membrane fabrics.

The 2 main membrane fabrics are Gore-Tex and eVent. Gore-Tex now comes in a couple different types. I've seen lab tests that say that eVent is more breathable than Gore-Tex but probably not by enough to make a big difference in the real world. Gore-Tex and eVent are also very durable because they're made of 2 or more layers.

If you're working out at a high heart rate, you'll still have moisture build up even with Gore-Tex and eVent. Still you shouldn't get totally soaked and keeping cold water out will help keep you warm.

The advantage of jackets made with coated fabrics is they don't cost as much. The big name outdoor jacket makers such as North Face, Columbia and Arcteryx use different names for their fabrics. Jackets with coated fabric will become less waterproof as the coating wears off.

Although there are only a few different types of fabrics, the design of the jackets can make a big difference in how well the jacket performs. Many jackets provide vents on the upper back and also zippered armpit vents. Some jackets have elastic around the wrists and others also provide velco so you can better control the fit.

A jacket with a hood will keep water from getting in around the back of the neck. Some hoods are removable. Personally I don't like the feel of an attached hood when I turn my head. I get a jacket with a removable hood and don't use it. I have been using the Mountain Hardware Windstopper hat. It's not ideal for hard rain but rain in Colorado doesn't generally last too long. I used similar gear on an Alaska expedition and backpacking in rain in Washington and it worked fairly well.

I've long used Columbia jackets. They used to fit me well and they warranted them when zippers would break after 4-5 years of hard use. Honestly I wouldn't have complained if they just told me I had worn the jacket out. The last time I needed a new jacket, the Columbia jackets no longer fit me well.

I ended up getting a North Face Triclimate jacket and really like it. I've also used jackets that consist of a separate shell and a fleece liner. I rarely zip them together but I feel they fit better than trying to combine separate fleece and shells.

The great video above describing waterproof jackets is from Webtogs. They carry quality outdoor gear including North Face Jackets in the UK and ship throughout Europe.

The North Face Hero Triclimate Jacket Price: $199.00

The North Face Obsidian Triclimate Jacket Price: $249.00

North Face Womens Down Triclimate Jacket F09 Regular Price: $329.00 $328.95 on sale

Labels: gear, hiking, skiing

This past week, I've enjoyed reading what readers would buy with a $50 gift card and what adventure they'd use it on. Mike Panic is the lucky winner of the $50 cycling and outdoor gear giveaway. Congratulations!

This is what he said.

Thank you! I've been looking / wanting a new travel bag, my Thor MX bag is too big to take for most week-long trips and I'm going to St. Thomas in June and need a manageable bag to carry a week's worth of clothing. While I should be buying new running shoes or a new rear derailleur for my road bike, I feel this Gravis bag in Rebel Yellow would be the best use of the $50 for me right now to help me schlep my gear to a sunny island this summer. I'll even send you a postcard!

Oh, I still need to purchase Thule LB50 load bars to complete the roof rack system I pieced together this winter.

Mike, I'm looking forward to the postcard! To claim your gift card, send me an email with your choice of cycling and outdoor gift card.

Victorinox Swiss Army Werks Traveler Messenger Bag Regular Price: $200.00 $59.95 on sale

Victorinox Swiss Army 18 Wheeled Upright Werks Traveler 30 Luggage Regular Price: $480.00 $191.96 on sale

Werks Traveler 24 Expandable Travel Bag Price: $349.95

Labels: cycling, gear, giveaway, hiking, mountain biking, running, skiing

I found my first Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool during the middle of the night when I was racing the 24 Hours of Moab solo. I don't normally stop for dropped gear on the trail during a race. I didn't even see the multi tool. It was inside a sock and I had a need for the sock.

I had a couple other multi-tools so finding the Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool was no big deal. Then I realized it had a chain tool. I had been carrying both a multi tool and a chain tool. I didn't always remember the chain tool and had broken a chain when I didn't have a tool.

It was easier to keep track of one tool and the Crank Brothers tool became the tool I carried on rides. Somehow I ended up losing the one I had found. I liked it so much that rather than switching back to one of my other multi-tools, I bought a new Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool.

Crank Brothers also makes a Multi 19 tool that has the same tools except it has 2 sizes of flat and Phillips screwdrivers instead of one of each. There have been a few times I could have used a different sized screwdriver but not often.

Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool Likes

• It has a tool to fix almost every mechanical on the trail or road
• It folds fairly flat and compact so is comfortable in a jersey pocket or easy to slip in a seat bag
• Well made and durable

Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool Dislikes

• The chain tool is tricky to get lined up right and doesn't have good leverage. Still you can get the chain fixed and not have to walk.

Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool Specs

• Weight: 168 grams
• Dimensions: 4.3 x 8.9 inches
• Tool material: 6051 High Tensile Steel
• Frame material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• 8/9/10 Speed Chain Tool
• 1/2/3/4 Spoke Wrenches
• 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 Hex Wrenches
• 1 Phillips and 1 Flat-head Screwdriver
• 8mm and 10mm Wrenches
• t-25 Torx Wrench

Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool Regular Price: $24.99 $19.99 on sale

Crank Brothers Multi 19 Tool Price: $25.95

Crank Brothers Multi 5 Tool Regular Price: $11.99 $7.99 on sale

Labels: cycling, gear, gear review, mountain biking

Update 3/16/09: The gear winner has been announced.

Everyone loves to get some cool new gear. It's even better if it's free. You have a chance to win some free gear this week.

I am giving away a $50 gift certificate to the winner's choice of these cycling and outdoor stores. Deadline to enter is Sunday, March 15th. To enter use the search box to find your gear. Then tell me in the comments below what gear you'll get if you win and what adventure you'll use it on.

You don't have to limit the price of your gear but if it's more than $50 you'll need to use some of your own money. Put some thought into your comment because the winner will be mostly random but if you write something I like you could increase your odds.

The winner will be announced on Monday, March 16th. The winner will have until Wednesday, March 18th to contact me with the choice of gift certificate. It'll be easiest if you pick one that has electronic certificates.

Subscribe to the blog feed so you don't miss out on future giveaways.

Good Luck!

Update: I really intend for this to be easy to enter. As long as you aren't lame and don't try, you'll have a good chance at winning since I'll pick a random number. You just need to write something simple like I'd buy a headlamp so I can go on a moonlight hike. If you do write something really cool, I'll enter you twice.

Camelbak MULE 100 oz Price: $89.95

Camelbak MULE NV 100 oz Price: $114.99

CamelBak MULE NV Price: $87.99

Labels: cycling, gear, giveaway, hiking, mountain biking, running, skiing

Jason Martin is the winner of the Mountain Bikes Essential Pack for reviewing the Whirlpool Trail in Mississippi on Mountain Biking by 198. I am sending him the following cool gear.

• CamelBak Rouge 70 oz Hydration Pack
• Crank Bros Multi 19 Tool
• Hammer Gel 26 Serving Jug (Choice of Flavor)
• Hammer Gel Flask
• Hammer Nutrition HEED Drink 32 Servings (Choice of Flavor)
• Large Hammer Nutrition Water Bottle

Congratulations also to Tomasz Korwel for winning the Mountain Fury frame for his review of Sugar Bottom in Iowa. Lemuel Beauchamp won the Clix Wheel Release System with his review of Cerro Gordo. Also a big thanks to Robb at Mountain Biking by 198 for putting together a great contest.

Camelbak MULE 100 oz Price: $89.95

Camelbak MULE NV 100 oz Price: $114.99

CamelBak MULE NV Price: $87.99

Labels: gear, mountain biking

Today is the last day to enter to win a $1,000 Mountain Cycle Fury full suspension frame from Mountain Biking by 198. I'm sponsoring the 2nd place price. Third place is a Clix Wheel Release System.

The gear I'm giving away includes my favorite multi tool and the Rogue Camelbak that I use for rides that last a few hours.

Regular readers will know I'm a big fan of the Hammer Nutrition products so there's a Hammer Gel Jug, Hammer Gel Flask, HEED Drink and a large Hammer water bottle. If Hammer is new to you, here's how I use the Hammer Nutrition products.

So how do you win all this cool stuff? Go over to Mountain Biking by 198 and submit the best trail review. It doesn't matter where you live or where the trail is. Check out the original post for rules so your trail submission qualifies for the contest.

Intense Axle For M6 Frame Price: $69.99

Intense Cycles 951 Fro DH Frame Price: $2760.00

Intense Cycles M6 Fro Frame 09 Price: $3150.00

Labels: gear, giveaway, mountain biking

A couple weeks ago I gave some cycling and outdoor gift ideas. The cycling gifts included things mountain bikers would like. The post has been popular so here are some more gift ideas of road cyclists. Mountain bikers would also love most of these gifts.

Gift Guides

• Altrec Outdoors
• Backcountry.com
• Price Point
• REI
• Sun & Ski Sports

Giordana Silverline Jersey Price: $64.95

Giordana Tenax Laser Jersey Mens Regular Price: $170.00 $68.00 on sale

Giordana Strada Solid Jersey Kids Regular Price: $40.00 $16.00 on sale

Labels: cycling, gear

Today Mountain Biking by 198 started a contest with a top prize of a $1,000 Mountain Cycle Fury Frame. The contest is for writing the best mountain bike trail review.


I'm providing the 2nd place prize of a mountain bikers essentials package. It includes my favorite multi tool and the Rogue Camelbak that I use for rides that last a few hours.

Regular readers will know I'm a big fan of the Hammer Nutrition products so there's a Hammer Gel Jug, Hammer Gel Flask, HEED Drink and a large Hammer water bottle. If Hammer is new to you, here's how I use the Hammer Nutrition products.

The 3rd place prize is the Clix Wheel Release System. These are not available in stores. The Clix Wheel Release System makes mounting your front tire easier than ever.

Head over to Mountain Biking by 198 for full details on the contest.

Crank Brothers 5050 X Regular Price: $79.99 $69.99 on sale

CRANK BROTHERS Flex Fit Hat Regular Price: $9.98 $4.18 on sale

Crank Brothers Iodine SL Headset Regular Price: $99.99 $89.99 on sale

Labels: gear, giveaway, mountain biking

Backcountry.com is well known for outdoor gear and this year they added cycling gear. For the next couple weeks they have a 20% off coupon. Enter redemption code 3DF-1-Y9BK6 during checkout. Coupon Expires 10/29/2008.

Restrictions Apply: If an item is already on sale you'll receive the better of the two discounts. Discount does not apply to skis, ski boots, ski bindings, snowboards, snowboard boots, snowboard bindings, gift certificates, lift tickets, Arc'teryx, Burton, Nixon, The North Face, Western Mountaineering and Zipp Speed Weaponry.

Pearl Izumi AmFIB Shoe Cover Price: $39.99

Pearl Izumi Amfib Tight Regular Price: $99.99 $89.99 on sale

Pearl Izumi AmFIB Gloves 03 Price: $64.99

Labels: cycling, gear