May 2011 Archive

31
May
2011
jloomis

La Sportiva Pamir Leather Backpacking Boot Review

Product Rating: 
5
La Sportiva Pamir Leather Backpacking Boot

Features:

The Pamir by La Sportiva is a heavy-weight leather hiking and backpacking boot with traditional styling. It is built to take long-term abuse and provide comfort, stability, and traction on long treks. The Idro-Perwanger® full grain leather uppers are water-resistant and supportive. Traction and braking are provided by the Vibram® soles. The Pamir boots feature an anti-torsion shank on the back of the boot and anti-shock insert to dampen impact with the ground.

31
May
2011
jloomis

Backpacking Badger Creek Trail #479, Oregon

Badger Creek, Oregon

Despite a forecasted that included rain showers, we decided to go backpacking with our friends in the Badger Creek Wilderness over Memorial Day weekend. We had originally planned on a three day/two-night trip, but the weather Saturday was not favorable. We instead opted to leave Sunday morning for an overnight backpacking trip. Badger Creek trail #479 begins near Bonney Crossing Campground off FS road 2710 (about 2.5 miles North of Rock Creek Reservoir as the crow flies). The trail closely follows Badger Creek for approximately 11 miles to Badger Lake and then continues another 1.5 miles around the lake and up to FS road 4860.

26
May
2011
jloomis

Osprey Talon 44 Backpack Review

Product Rating: 
5
Osprey Talon 44 Backpack

Features:

The Talon 44 is Osprey's lightest multi-day backpack. It is designed for cragging and climbing as well as light overnight and thru-hiking trips. It features a top-loading design with zippered sleeping bag access, a floating removable top lid pocket, front and side stretch pockets, and an aluminum rail with composite side struts for excellent load control. The AirScape back panel is designed to provide airflow between your back and the pack. The mesh-covered perforated shoulder straps and hipbelt are lightweight and feature pockets. An external hydration pocket makes accessing your reservoir quick and easy.

23
May
2011
jloomis

Climbing Mount Mitchell, Washington via NW Couloirs

Mount Mitchell, Washington

My climbing partner Matt and I set off to climb Mount Mitchell (about 11 miles South of Mount Saint Helens) early Saturday morning. The normal route is a 2.5 mile (one-way) walk-up hike around the back of the mountain (South side) on a marked trail. But Matt and I wanted to be more adventurous and climb the snowy couloirs on the Northwest side of Mount Mitchell. We came prepared with full mountaineering gear (ice axes, helmets, crampons, rope, snow pickets, etc.) as we didn't know what we might encounter.

22
May
2011
jloomis

Shad and Salmon Fishing on the Willamette River, Oregon

Shad and Jack Salmon

After a fun day climbing on Saturday, I dedicated much of Sunday to fishing for shad (great crab bait) on the Willamette River with a couple of friends. We took my boat, launching from Meldrum Bar around 6:30 AM. The weather was calm with mostly cloudy skies and a temperature in the low 50's F. The river was extremely high, making launching the boat more challenging than usual. The upper part of the ramp was covered in water, making the dock inaccessible.

19
May
2011
jloomis

Otto All Season Gaiters Review

Product Rating: 
3
Otto All Season Gaiters

Features:

Otto All Season gaiters are designed to keep snow and other debris out of your boots. They are constructed of durable water-repellent materials like Cordura® nylon. The gaiters are secured with rip-and-stick velcro closure on the front. The breathable uppers feature nylon webbing with a cam-lock buckle for a secure fit. The lace hook on the lower portion of the gaiter allows a secure fit in combination with the adjustable Hypalon® instep strap that is field repairable. The lowers also feature elastic on the back half for a better seal around boots.

15
May
2011
jloomis

Skunked Again Fishing for Salmon on the Willamette River, Oregon

Jason Salmon Fishing on the Willamette River

My buddy John went out salmon fishing a couple times last week and caught fish, so we decided to brave the crowds and fish on Saturday morning. We launched at the Swan Island ramp on the Willamette River near downtown Portland. We were at the ramp just after 5 AM (running on only an hour or two of sleep) and there were already a couple dozen trailers in the parking lot. The three of us (John, Andy, and I) set off in John's North River boat hoping for a successful day of Spring Chinook fishing. The weather was overcast and calm with a temperature in the upper 40's F.

13
May
2011
jloomis

Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet Review

Product Rating: 
5
Petzl Elios Climbing Helmet

Features:

The Petzl Elios is a low profile, well ventilated, easily adjustable climbing helmet. It has a foam liner which is covered by a hard ABS shell, perfect for rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoning and caving. Features adjustable side-release chinstrap, nape height, and headband for a custom fit. Headlamp and VIZION face shield compatible.

07
May
2011
jloomis

Fiskars 28 in. Splitting Axe Review

Product Rating: 
5
Fiskars Splitting Axe

Features:

The 28 inch Pro Splitting Axe (new model is the X25) by Fiskars® is guaranteed never to loosen or separate with its handle molded over the head (PermaHead™). It's sharp and durable for faster splitting due to the superior blade design. The included plastic sheath provides safe storage and convenient transportation. The Fiskars Splitting Axe withstands overstrikes with its high-strength handle. The contoured balanced handle offers greater efficiency and control leading to powerful cuts with less effort. Designed for medium to large-sized logs.

03
May
2011
jloomis

Trout Fishing at Coffenbury Lake - Astoria, Oregon

Fishing at Coffenbury Lake, Oregon

While camping at Fort Stevens Sate Park, we fished nearby Coffenbury Lake a couple times for trout. This 50 acre lake is stocked with legal size trout and a few excess steelhead. There is a boat ramp and two picnic facilities with fishing docks. Even though this is a small lake, motorized boats are permitted with a 10 mph speed limit at all times. Even though I had my boat, we decided to fish from shore. We were camped in the O loop, so our sites were very close to the lake.

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