November 2011 Archive

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.”