December 2012 Archive

16
Dec
2012
jloomis

Snowmobiling and Snow Camping Near Bennett Pass Sno-Park

Picture of Snow Camping Near Bennett Pass Sno-Park, Oregon

Winter finally decided to arrive and snow continues to fall in the Northern Oregon Cascades. With a forecast calling for over a foot of new snow, my friend John and I decided to go snowmobiling and snow camping near Bennett Pass Sno-Park. This SnoPark is about 9 miles East of Government Camp, Oregon across from Mount Hood Meadows ski resort off Hwy 35. The trails at Bennett Pass are popular with cross country skiers and snowshoers.

11
Dec
2012
jloomis

Columbia Ultrachange Parka Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of Columbia Ultrachange Parka

Features:

From Columbia Sportswear, "Layer the warm liner jacket under the element-defying, super-wicking outer shell and you have an unstoppable combination designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable when you’re working hard in cold and wet conditions; worn separately, the two pieces become versatile outerlayers of their own."

09
Dec
2012
jloomis

Skiing and Snowshoeing Boy Scout Ridge - Mt Hood, Oregon

Picture of Boy Scout Ridge - Mt Hood, Oregon

Katie and I went out on our first snow adventure of the season together today. Even though the weather forecast was not great, we were both happy to be out doing what we love. We decided to head to White River Sno-Park (off hwy 35) to ski and snowshoe up to Boy Scout Ridge. This hike is about 2-2.5 miles (~1,800' elevation gain) depending on how far up you go and can have great views when the sun is out. The last time we were here was about two years ago on another poor weather day.

08
Dec
2012
jloomis

Kahtoola K-10 Hiking Crampons Review

Product Rating: 
3
Picture of Kahtoola K-10 Hiking Crampons

Features:

From Kahtoola, "You don't need specific boots or tricky bail systems. The K-10 Crampons fit over your existing footwear and work with everything from hiking and running shoes to ski and snowboard boots. This is possible due to the patented LeafSpring® Flex Bar and flex enhancing binding design. The K-10 Hiking Crampon has a quick-fit binding system that make putting them on as easy as 1-2-3. Nobody needs extra weight on their feet when they're managing icy conditions. That's why all Kahtoola Crampons are made to be flexible and lightweight. The K-10 Hiking Crampon is the lightest steel crampon available."

07
Dec
2012
jloomis

Head Digital Sport Running Gloves w/Sensatec Review

Product Rating: 
4
Head Digital Sport Running/Liner Gloves

Features:

The Digital Sport running/liner gloves by Head® (sold at Costco) features Sensatec® on the thumb and forefinger making them touch screen compatible. They have a wind-resistant soft shell outer with fleece lining. Also features secure grip with silicone palm and fingers and extended cuff. Perfect for cold weather athletes and adventurers.

07
Dec
2012
jloomis

Marmot Big Mountain Glove Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of Marmot Big Mountain Gloves

Features:

From Marmot, "Go big or go home – with this warm riding/mountaineering glove, you won’t be heading indoors anytime soon. Made using water- and windproof Gore-Tex® with active shell technology, the Primaloft-insulated glove has DriClime® bi-component lining for quick wicking comfort. Gauntlet drawcord and overcuff design keep snow out; Falcon Grip for improved dexterity."

06
Dec
2012
jloomis

McNeil Point Hike in Winter

Picture of McNeil Point Stone Shelter

After working in Redmond the past couple weeks, I got to come home Wednesday and had Thursday off. The weather forecast was not great, but I was eager to get out and do some hiking on my day off. The snow level was forecasted to finally come down to around 2,500 feet. I decided to go hiking in the snow to McNeil Point on the West side of Mt Hood. Normally this hike would have amazing views (so I hear), but not this trip due to the weather.

02
Dec
2012
jloomis

Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Snow Goggles Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Snow Goggles

Features:

From Smith Optics, "Combining our fog-fighting, Turbo Fan technology and our new, 5X Anti-Fog inner lens into the ever-stylish Phenom, the best of both worlds is now at your fingertips. The Phenom Turbo Fan is technology and style at their finest."

01
Dec
2012
jloomis

Snowmobiling at Bennett Pass Sno-Park

Picture of Snowmobiling on Bennett Pass Road

I did some scouting for a place to snowmobile on my way home from Redmond on Friday. There is hardly any snow around pass level, but I found decent conditions at Bennett Pass Sno-Park. Bennett Pass SnoPark is about 9 miles East of Government Camp, Oregon across from Mount Hood Meadows ski resort off Hwy 35. The trails at Bennett Pass are mainly used by cross country skiers and snowshoers due to a point known as the "terrible traverse" approximately 2.4 miles in (see location on map below).