December 2015 Archive

31
Dec
2015
jloomis

Setting up snow camp for the New Year

Picture of snow camping gear hauled in by snowmobile

I had the last day of 2015 off today, so I took advantage and went up to the mountain to set up snow camp for tomorrow. I found a nice snow camping spot along Clear Creek not far from Skyline SnoPark a couple weeks ago, so Katie, Julian, and I plan to snow camp for one night on New Years Day 2016.

24
Dec
2015
jloomis

Snowmobiling near Frog Lake with our Mini Adventurer

Picture of Katie and Julian snowmobiling near Frog Lake, Oregon

Katie and I both had Christmas eve off work, so we went up to Frog Lake SnoPark with our Mini Adventurer to introduce him to snowmobiling. We pulled him in a sled behind the snowmobiles last year, but this was his first time actually riding on one. We have a harness that attaches a child either to the front (which is what we did) or the back of an adult rider.

21
Dec
2015
jloomis

Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat Winter Boots Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of Columbia Men's Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat

Features:

From Columbia Sportswear, "Now part of the Titanium line, we loaded this classic with the best of our technologies and materials. 600g insulation and thermal reflectors make this super warm and waterproof boot perfect for days as cold as -65F/-54C."

20
Dec
2015
jloomis

Frog Lake to Rock Creek Reservoir Snowmobile Adventure

Picture of Snowmobiling near Frog Lake, Oregon

After a fun day snowmobiling yesterday, my friend Ryan and I headed to Frog Lake SnoPark today to ride. We were the first ones in the parking lot around 7:15 AM besides two cars that had been there overnight. It was about 28°F and dumping snow.

19
Dec
2015
jloomis

Skyline SnoPark and Upper Clackamas Snowmobile Adventure

Picture of Clackamas Lake in the winter

My mother-in-law was kind enough to watch my son today, so I was able to go snowmobiling while Katie stayed home wrapping gifts and getting ready for the holidays. Due to the late notice, I wasn't able to find anyone to go with me, so it was a solo trip. There is snow at Skyline SnoPark this year, so I headed there to ride for the day. I didn't make it to Skyline snopark at all last season because of the lack of snow. I hope this season continues to be great.

17
Dec
2015
jloomis

VOOZ Snow Goggles Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of VOOZ Snow Goggles with case and 2nd lens

Features:

From Powder Keg LLC, "Equipped with a German-made large spherical lens, the VOOZ snowmobile goggle is a high performance goggle. Anti-Fog technology, double-molded cylindrical lens, easy interchangeability, and perfect helmet integration."

13
Dec
2015
jloomis

First big snow dump of the year - snowmobiling near Mt Hood

Picture of snowmobiling near Bonney Meadows, Oregon

We had our first big dump of snow this season with over a foot at Mt Hood pass levels and over three feet up higher. John and I were stoked to go snowmobiling Sunday. We drove up to Frog Lake arriving around 7:15 AM. There was one other trailer already, but they had stayed overnight. The snopark had not been plowed, so it was challenging getting my truck and trailer through a foot of slush underneath/snow on top mix.

09
Dec
2015
jloomis

Up North Technologies PRO SERIES Snowmobile Cargo Rack Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of UP North Technologies PRO SERIES Modular Cargo Rack for Polaris Snowmobiles

"Best snowmobile cargo rack ever!" -Loomis Adventures

Features:

From Up North Technologies, "Fabricated from a single sheet of 1/8” aluminum plate, the PRO SERIES racks utilize a unique design and state-of-the-art CNC metal processing to achieve light weight, high strength, and a superb new look. The modular design provides for the addition of accessory components, allowing the rack to be customized for a particular application."

01
Dec
2015
jloomis

Powder Keg 700 Low Profile Snowmobile Dry Box Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of 700 Low Profile Powder Keg on Polaris snowmobile

Features:

From Powder Keg, "The 700-B Storage Box may look small, but by use of straighter sides and a wider lid it has 1800 cubic inches (29.7 liters) of interior room. Four stainless steel draw latches hold it solidly to your sled. Simple lid latch makes for easy access in the coldest conditions. Keep your supplies dry and secure. Mount to the back of your sled by itself or together with a Fuel Keg (P-700-F)."