I love the way liquor companies market their products. I’m not talking about the commercials with scantily clad women or impossibly witty men (not that those commercials are bad.) I’m talking about the free shwag that comes around from time to time.

Over the years I’ve received countless t-shirts, bottle openers, coozies and pint glasses. All of which are nice and no doubt get used. But, once in a great while, I’ll somehow end up with some pretty sweet and useful beer paraphernalia.

Like the Foster’s Cloud 9 Longboard from Sector 9 that my cousin had in his garage. He got it as a promotion but never used it. It just sat in the garage in case the neighbor kids needed something to play with. That board used to carry me to the grocery store, liquor store and back all the time. It has also been directly responsible for many scars.

My latest gift from the beer industry was a sweet bud light duffel bag. Not any duffel bag, this is a duffel bag / beer cooler / radio. See Photo above. The ultimate tailgating accessory that Yeti and I tested on a day trip to Monarch earlier in the year. I picked this one up at Queen Liquor on New Year’s Eve last year while making a few pre-party purchases. According to the owner, I ‘won’ it. Apparently the contest for which this was the prize had no entry terms and no rules of participation other than standing at the checkout counter looking like a confused jackass. I’ll take it.

So thank you to all the marketing geniuses at the distributing companies. Your shwag is greatly appreciated.

This list is what I tend to pack when going out for a weekend excursion. There are variations to the theme depending on location and weather expectations.

Feel free to copy it if you would like, but keep in mind this is what I have found works for me, be sure and adjust your list for your own needs.

I do try and keep the items in their own stuff sacks that are different colors for ease of finding them. For instance, I keep all of my survival gear in a light blue stuff sack and all of my clothing in a waterproof red stuff sack etc… (more…)

Mtnmama entered the photo contest so we have set our plans and are heading to this year’s Teva Mountain Games held in beautiful Vail, Colorado June 5th-8th.

This year the games promise to be as exciting as ever showcasing “Professional and amateur outdoor adventure athletes from the Vail Valley and around the world will converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail to compete in seven sports and ten disciplines including: freestyle and extreme kayaking, kayak and raft paddlecross, bouldering, speed and dyno climbing, mountain bike freeride, big air, cross country, and road racing, as well as trail running, and the GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge..” Not to mention the concerts, gear reps, and other great times to be had!!

The TMG are also promoting the Green Light District which is aimed at raising awareness on environmental concerns and “will showcase environmentally friendly products and services, while helping to educate both athletes and spectators on how they can do their part in minimizing their environmental impact.”

If anyone else out there is making the trip let me know and we can share a grill and brews. I am also looking forward to getting in a few rides so bring a bike. Come out and enjoy this beautiful venue and exciting games!!

A day late and a dollar short. The story of my life. For years I have been ranting and raving about making chocolate covered bacon and mixing it with trail mix. There is something intriguing about the salty bacon flavor mixed with smooth chocolate that seems to appeal to me.

Well this weekend I am heading up towards Goose Creek in the Lost Creek Wilderness and was thinking of finally making some chocolate covered bacon. All the while seeing dollar signs at my new invention.

Then it hit me, I said to myself, hey dummy google “chocolate covered bacon” and surely you wont come up with anything. I could not have been more wrong. Damn it. Well here is a link with recipe. I will still attempt to make my own and perhaps I will find the ultimate recipe and make those big bucks yet.

Oh and once I make some I will post pics and reviews on if this is a worth while venture.

Sounds cool huh? Well, not exactly, this compilation of gear was developed utilizing technology as a means to thwart the elements. These devices were presented in the latest posting on WIRED magazines page. And trust me they do not seem to be all that practical, however some are quite interesting.

My favorites are the Bedu Emergency Rapid Response Kit (seen to the right) which is packed full of survival gear and is designed to be dropped to individuals and is “built to support eight adults for up to five years” hmm seems like a long time waiting for a rescue! I also like the fact that it comes with a multi fuel stove but no fuel, so if you can find fuel you can probably figure out where to get the rest of the gear it supplies.

I also think the Microfix 406 is pretty neat but it is a reality as there are several models that have been out for a few years and I do agree that these could potentially be abused. The Hydran Turbine is a pretty intriuging idea but I need to learn a little more about it before I’m all in.

Check out the other inventions and let me know what you think. Although a few of these are leaning towards the ridiculous at least the techno-geek generation is breaking away from video game programing and looking outside!

Yesterday I went on a hike with Uncle Travelin Matt just west of Denver and as we were walking down the trail we both were sharing information about the types of plants along the trail as well as the edibility of some. We found an abundance of Geyer’s Onion (Allium geyeri) that I was familiar with and I had UTM give it a taste.

Fortunately UTM and I know each other well enough to know that accurate knowledge of subject matter is paramount and never to pull any fast ones especially when health or safety is involved. Anyhow after UTM gave the onion a taste I thought of the Universal Edibility Test and figured it would aid you guys if you are out and about looking for edible plants. I implore you to carry a guide with pictures as a reference but also utilize EVERY step in the test remember your life depends on it! (more…)