04
Dec
2011
jloomis

Snowshoeing to Badger Butte, Oregon

Badger Lake from Badger Butte

December has been dry and sunny, but cool, so far. We haven't had any new snow in the mountains since our big storms in November, but thanks to colder temperatures, little has melted above 4,000 feet in elevation. Katie and I took advantage of the gorgeous weather on Sunday and headed to Bennett Pass SnoPark for a day of snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Bennett Pass SnoPark is approximately 9 miles East of Government Camp, Oregon across Hwy 35 from Mount Hood Meadows ski resort. The trails at Bennett Pass are mostly used by cross country skiers and snowshoers.

26
Nov
2011
jloomis

Snowmobiling and Christmas Tree Hunting Near Mt Hood, Oregon

Mt Hood, Oregon

After spending all day Friday driving to John Day, Oregon to buy a couple snowmobiles, Katie and I were anxious to take them for a ride on Saturday. We have a tradition of heading toward Mt. Hood the Saturday after Thanksgiving to hunt for Christmas trees, so we planned to test out the sleds before looking for a tree. We unloaded our snowmobiles at Frog Lake SnoPark, which is about 7 miles Southeast of Government Camp off hwy 26. We arrived early before the crowds showed up, so we had the trails to ourselves except for a few sled dog teams.

21
Nov
2011
jloomis

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters Review

Product Rating: 
5
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

Features:

Tough as a crocodile, Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters keep snow out of your boots when snowshoeing, climbing mountains, cross-country skiing, or just plain snow hiking. They feature waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex®/Taslan® nylon uppers and Cordura® lowers for durability. The Crocodile gaiters seal around your legs with a full length strip of 2 inch hook and loop closure. The tops cinch tight with 3/4 inch webbing and cam buckle. These gaiters also feature hook and loop shear tab at the bottom of front closure, double-riveted boot lace hook, and field-replaceable urethane-coated nylon instep strap.

20
Nov
2011
jloomis

Snow Camping at Shellrock Creek Campground

Shellrock Creek Campground (Oregon) in the Snow

My friend John had spotted a large downed douglas fir tree the last time we were at Shellrock Creek Campground, so we decided to go back with a firewood permit this weekend. A big snowstorm came through Friday night, bringing about a foot of snow. John and I headed up in his truck about 6:30 am on Saturday. Shellrock Creek Campground is located near the mouth of Shellrock Creek, which flows into the Oak Grove fork of the Clackamas River. It's about 33 miles SE of Estacada off FR 58 (near Timothy Lake). It is a primitive campground with only 8 sites and no running water.

11
Nov
2011
jloomis

Manzella Sprint Reflect Glove Liners Review

Product Rating: 
4
Manzella Sprint Reflect Glove Liners

Features:

The Manzella Sprint Reflect Glove Liners are made with moisture wicking stretch polyester for all day comfort. Great for any aerobic activity on it's own or as a liner in heavier gloves. Control Trax Grip® on the palms and fingers provides increased grip. The reflective Manzella logo on the back of the gloves increases visibility.

06
Nov
2011
kloomis

Mirror Lake and Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Hike

Tom Dick and Harry Mountain Reflected on Mirror Lake

The first lower elevation (around 4,000 feet) snow of the season around Mount Hood started to fall this week. I wasn't able to find anyone to go snow camping with me, so Katie and I decided on a day hike to Mirror Lake and then on to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain (above Mt Hood Skibowl ski resort). We were hoping for enough snow to snowshoe and for me to test out my 5th Element LK Pro Ski Boards.

02
Nov
2011
water

Marmot Plasma 30 Sleeping Bag Review

Product Rating: 
4
Marmot Plasma 30 Sleeping Bag

Features:

This bag is panned by Marmot as the culmination of their R&D prowess, and the Plasma line is currently their crème de la crème of their ultralight down bags. The main points they tout are super lightweight fabrics used, high fill power down, and a vertical baffling system called Flow Gate Construction.

“Insotect Flow™ Vertical Baffle System Reduces Weight and Transfers Heat from the Core of Your Body to Your Extremities.”

30
Oct
2011
jloomis

Autumn at Shellrock Creek Campground, Oregon

Katie and Bella at Shellrock Creek Campground, Oregon

It seems like forever since Katie and I have been camping together, but it was just last month. We decided to hitch up our travel trailer and head to Shellrock Creek Campground on Friday after work. Our friend John had the day off and was already there when we arrived. Shellrock Creek Campground is located near the mouth of Shellrock Creek, which flows into the Oak Grove fork of the Clackamas River. It's about 33 miles SE of Estacada off FR 58 (near Timothy Lake). It's a primitive campground with only 8 sites and no running water.

18
Oct
2011
jloomis

eZeefit Full Foot Booties Review

Product Rating: 
4
eZeefit Full Foot Booties

Features:

Full Foot Booties by eZeefit Sports are ultra-thin memory fabric booties that retain their shape even when wet. They are designed for wet sports, winter sports, and cooler weather. Full foot booties prevent friction and rubbing and insulate better than socks. Can be worn alone or under socks as a liner in really cold weather.

16
Oct
2011
jloomis

Solo Climb of Mount Hood, Oregon in October

Mt Hood in October

It's been awhile since my last climb, but mother nature cooperated on Sunday, providing ideal conditions for climbing Mount Hood via the South route. My climbing partner wasn't able to join me, so I went up solo on this trip. October is often a poor month to climb Hood due to rockfall, but this year's combination of leftover snow and a couple early season snow storms yielded great conditions on Sunday. There have been several freeze-thaw cycles the past week to consolidate the new snow.

13
Oct
2011
jloomis

HighGear ATF8 Altimeter Review

Product Rating: 
5
HighGear ATF8 Altimeter

Features:

The ATF8 Altimeter by HighGear is a small and lightweight clip-on altimeter, barometer, digital compass, thermometer, and watch for the outdoor adventurer. This versatile unit easily fits in your hand, clips to your pack, or sits upright on a flat surface. The ATF8 model also features a ski chronograph, weather forecaster, regular chronograph, dual time zones, and dual alarms. The ATF8 includes a Swiss altimeter sensor, EL backlight, mineral glass lens, and is water resistant to 30 meters.

08
Oct
2011
jloomis

eZeefit Ankle Booties (2mm) Review

Product Rating: 
5
eZeefit 2mm Ankle Booties

Features:

Ankle Booties by eZeefit Sports are form fitting, pull-on, anti-blister booties available in three thicknesses (ultra-thin, 2mm, & 3mm). They are designed to help your foot grip footwear better while at the same time protecting against abrasion and blisters. Features flatlock stitching for lasting durability and stretch. Ankle booties can be worn with or without socks. Originally designed for speed skaters, but great for other sports like skiing/snowboarding, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

08
Oct
2011
jloomis

Ramona Falls Loop Hike - Oregon

Ramona Falls, Oregon

It had been awhile since Katie and I have had a chance to go on a hike together. We were fortunate enough to get a break in the weather on Saturday and took the opportunity to hike to Ramona Falls near Zigzag, Oregon. The trailhead is about 6 miles Northeast of the town of Zigzag off Lolo Pass Rd. (North of Hwy 26). The approximately 6.9 mile loop trail gains about 1,110 feet in elevation, so it is a moderate hike. The first 1.25 miles of the trail follows the Sand River Trail # 770 to a junction.

06
Oct
2011
jloomis

Quest Eagles Peak 2 Tent Review

Product Rating: 
4
Quest Eagles Peak 2 Tent

Features:

The Quest Eagles Peak 2 dome tent sleeps two people and features easy setup with two main poles and one fly pole. The HydraTek™ water repellent coating helps ensure users remain dry and comfortable in combination with the bathtub-style floor. In nice weather the fly can be removed for star gazing through the mesh roof panels. Mesh windows, a gear loft and one storage pocket round out this tent's amenities. Includes tent, fly, stakes, and storage bag.

04
Oct
2011
jloomis

NcSTAR Cartridge Laser Boresighter Review

Product Rating: 
3
NcSTAR 7 mm Rem. Mag. Cartridge Laser Boresighter

Features:

The NcSTAR Cartridge Laser Boresighter for 7 mm Remington Magnum is designed to quickly and easily bore-sight your rifle. It features a red laser operated by three button cell batteries. It is shaped like a standard 7mm Rem. Mag. cartridge to fit directly into the chamber. Simply insert batteries, turn it on, insert in chamber, and aim at a light-colored object about 25 yards away. The Cartridge Laser Boresighter can be used for initial bore-sighting and also to ensure your rifle is zeroed in before the big hunt.

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