January 2011 Archive

30
Jan
2011
jloomis

Snowshoeing Boy Scout Ridge on the Slopes of Mount Hood, Oregon

Snowshoeing Boy Scout Ridge on the Slopes of Mount Hood, Oregon

We left for White River SnoPark (off Hwy 35) before sunrise, hoping to beat the crowds of sledders and other snowshoers. Our plan was to hike up the Boy Scout Ridge trail above White River Canyon on the slopes of Mount Hood. The trail gains about 1,800 feet elevation over 2.5 miles. When we arrived, there were only 9 other vehicles in the parking lot and several had been there overnight. The temperature was about 30°F with a light breeze and low clouds. We were hoping the clouds would clear, so we could catch a glimpse of Mount Hood.

28
Jan
2011
jloomis

Hi-Tec V-Lite 2 Tent Review

Product Rating: 
1
Hi-Tec V-Lite 2 Tent

Features:

The Hi-Tec V-Lite 2 is a lightweight 2-person backpacking tent featuring simple one pole setup for 3 season use. A trekking pole can be substituted to cut down on weight. This single wall tent features two zippered mesh vents in the roof, a mesh vent at the feet, and a mesh door. There are also inner mesh storage pockets and a vestibule to store gear. It is seam sealed and coated for weather resistance.

27
Jan
2011
jloomis

Mount Hood, Oregon - Winter Hike at Sunset

Mount Hood, Oregon - Winter Hike at Sunset

Today was a gorgeous winter day in Portland, Oregon. It felt like spring with the sun shining and temperature above 50°F. Katie managed to get off work early, so we decided to go on an impromptu adventure up to White River SnoPark on Mount Hood. We left a quarter after three hoping to make it before sunset at 5:09 PM. With light traffic, we arrived at the SnoPark at 4:30 PM.

25
Jan
2011
jloomis

High Peak Alpinismo Lite n Fast Inflatable Pad Review

Product Rating: 
5
High Peak Alpinismo Lite n Fast Inflatable Pad

Features:

The Lite n Fast self-inflatable sleeping pad by High Peak is another item in their new Alpinismo line of lightweight gear. This sleeping pad packs down small into a 6 inch by 11 inch sack. The Lite n Fast sports a mummy bag-inspired shape to cut about 4 ounces off the total weight.

24
Jan
2011
jloomis

High Peak Alpinismo Arete Mummy Bag Review

Product Rating: 
5
High Peak Alpinismo Arete Mummy Bag

Features:

The Arête 0°F mummy bag by High Peak is another item in the their new Alpinismo line of lightweight gear. This 650 goose down-filled bag packs into a small 15.4 inch by 7 inch compression sack for easy carry in any backpack. The Arete is lightweight with a shell made of water repellent and windproof Cire nylon. In addition to the draw string closure on the hood, there is a chest tube with pull cord to seal out the cold.

24
Jan
2011
jloomis

Winter Camping at Shellrock Creek, Oregon

Winter Camping at Shellrock Creek, Oregon

With our recent warm weather and torrential rains, the snowpack has receded from the lower elevations in Northern Oregon. Instead of snow camping, my friends Tyler, John, and I decided to go car camping to Shellrock Creek Campground where there had been over a foot of snow just two weeks prior. Shellrock Creek Campground is on the lower portion of Shellrock Creek, which flows into the Oak Grove fork of the Clackamas River. We arrived early Saturday morning and found we would have the campground to ourselves. There were still patches of snow, but alot had melted.

19
Jan
2011
jloomis

Sorel Conquest Men's Winter Boots Review

Product Rating: 
5
Sorel Conquest Men's Winter Boots

Features:

Sorel Conquest® winter boots are feature rich and ready for the demanding outdoorsman. Features include a seam sealed upper for complete waterproofness and Thinsulate™ insulation to keep toes warm down to -40°F. The built in gator and Achilles heel strap complete the boot allowing a customized fit while sealing out snow.

17
Jan
2011
jloomis

High Peak Alpinismo Trango 65 Backpack Review

Product Rating: 
4
High Peak Alpinismo Trango 65 Backpack

Features:

High Peak's new Alpinismo™ line of outdoor gear is designed around creating your own Big 4 Integrated System™ at 12 pounds or less. The Trango 65 backpack is the largest pack in the Alpinismo line. It's big on space, yet only weighs 3 pounds 6 ounces.

16
Jan
2011
jloomis

Snowshoeing on Mount Hood, Oregon near Timberline Lodge

Snowshoeing on Mount Hood, Oregon near Timberline Lodge

Katie and I had been eager to try out our new Yukon Charlie's snowshoes, so we headed to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood despite the rainy forecast. At 6,000 feet in elevation, Timberline was the highest place we could drive to. The snow level was predicted to be around 8,000 feet and wind gusts up to 55 mph. Not ideal conditions, but we really wanted to get out in the snow.

14
Jan
2011
jloomis

Columbia Sportswear Men's Lhotse Mountain II Parka Review

Product Rating: 
4
Columbia Sportswear Men's Lhotse Mountain II Parka

Features:

Columbia Sportswear's Lhotse Mountain™ II Parka for men is a durable feature packed addition to Columbia's Titanium lineup. This fully seam sealed parka is breathable and waterproof. The shell features a removable hood, underarm venting, adjustable powder skirt, and pockets inside and out. The Omni-Heat® zip-in liner completes the system by helping retain more body heat when at rest or shed excess body heat during activity.

Pages

more >