There’s a terrific outdoor gear cooperative from Canada called Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Though a co-op like REI, the only distinct similarity is that memberships are $5 (Canadian). MEC is much more than an outdoor retailer, in that their commitment to the environment is clear in everything they do. Unlike other outdoor retailers, MEC doesn’t carry every single product under the sun: they only carry a limited number of the very best goods that they believe you need for your outdoor adventures. MEC has its own line of packs called Serratus, of which their bike panniers are exceptional for their strength and function. Their clothing is very warm, durability, and functional, though a bit simple. If you’re looking for an apres-ski piece, go Patagonia. If you’re doing 15 miles of winter hiking, get MEC gear and you won’t be disappointed. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Gear, General
As a postscript to previous posts about the health risks from Nalgene bottles, check out this article on cnn.com.
The article is consistent with what we discovered; there is evidence of risk from exposure to bisphenol A (or BPA) in polycarbonate, but no hard evidence linking such risks to use of Nalgene bottles or similar products.
The recent actions of Mountain Equipment Co-op, the respected, environmentally-friendly outdoor supplier from Canada, simply adds to the confusion: they removed polycarbonate water bottles from their product line, but continue to carry water filters and other products containing the polycarbonate.
At present, the best advice appears to be replace Nalgene bottles about once a year, and more often if you routinely use them for hot liquids.
Posted in Gear
A previous post discussed the potential for health hazards associated with the use of polycarbonate plastic bottles, including some Nalgene products. While there appears to be no conclusive information on risk, there are a number of products which could be used as alternatives to Nalgene bottles.
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Posted in Gear
A recent comment on our May 21, 2007 post regarding Nalgene bottles got us to do some research on Nalgene bottles about potential health hazards. By chance, we’d recently seen a posting in the Lake of the Clouds Hut on Mt. Washington about the use of #7 plastic in bottles can mean exposure to bisphenol-A, which may impact the human endocrine system.
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Posted in Gear
The arrival of spring brings the end of the lift-serviced skiing: so what’s stopping you from going unlift-serviced skiing?!? Probably the absence of a backpack capable of hauling your gear and the day’s necessities up the hill under your own power. Try the Gregory Zulu Pack to address your needs and you’ll be able to extend your season.
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Posted in Gear, Spring Corn
In outdoor pursuits, hydration is essential at any time of the year. Winter conditions make this tough due to the that water-freezing-in-below-freezing-temperatures situation: a bottle of ice is going to make drinking difficult. Stay hydrated by keeping your water flowing in winter conditions:
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Posted in Gear, Weather
Nalgene bottles are awesome for hauling water on a trek, but, in the winter, need additional protection to avoid freezing. The best solution is a Nalgene bottle cover and here’s three types of products for that use:
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Posted in Cross Country Skiing, Gear, Snowshoeing
Black Diamond has a great reputation for climbing and trekking gear and have a wide range of trekking poles for your needs. They’ve added a new model to their stock for trekking, hiking, and backpacking; the Black Diamond CF Enduro Trekking Poles.
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Posted in Gear, Snowshoeing
Take the Snowskills.net headlamp test:
- Does your headlamp feel heavy?
- Does your headlamp have only one light setting?
- Does your headlamp shine less light than you could read a newspaper by?
- Does your headlamp leave you guessing as to how much power the batteries have left?
If the answer to any one of these questions is YES, then it’s time for a new headlamp, and we recommend the Princeton TEC Quad Headlamp.
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Posted in Cross Country Skiing, Fog, Gear, Snowshoeing
For hiking in snow, snowshoes are usually the tool of choice. Climbing in deep snow or ice? Crampons will do the job. But what do you wear for traction when there’s icy conditions without underlying snow? A company called 32 NORTH INC. just down the road from the Snowskills.net headquarters produces several awesome products for increasing grip in freezing conditions. One of their products that any winter hiker should own and carry is called Stabilicers.
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Posted in Gear, Ice, Snowshoeing
