A sleeping pad is one of those choices that for the inexperienced they have delusions of wonderfully padded cozy bedding much like they enjoy at home. Unfortunately the reality is far from the delusion. Don’t get me wrong there are some really cushy pads out there that can make sleeping on the cold hard ground a bit more appealing, but I have yet to experience a pad that will bring you “home”. All of these pads come in different lengths and thickness and some even fold to make packing easier!

There are really only two types of pads that are utilized today; closed-cell and self-inflating. With recent introduction of the down filled pads such as the Exped Downmat 9 Sleeping Pad. There used to be open-cell pads but they ended up being more trouble than they were worth and most manufacturers have since discontinued production. (more…)

Unless you are a fan of explosive projectile diarrhea, you have no doubt tried to come to terms with the safety of our backcountry water sources. It seems like the days of reckless abandon are gone when it comes to drinking from creeks, lakes, and rivers. With the ever present Giardia, cryptosopridia and a laundry list of viruses and bacteria which can lead to months on the porcelain throne and debilitating cramps, nausea, vomiting, as well as the afor mentioned EPD, we must filter, boil, irradiate or chemically purify our water to stay healthy in the backcountry.

I have in the past have tried every method and each have their drawbacks, some take hours, or fuel, or taste nasty. Others are cost prohibitive or rely on batteries which does not really work for extended outings. Even to this day I switch up what I am using on almost every trip because there is no all in one kick ass water treatment device. I am sold on none…yet.

I must admit that I do still drink untreated water often even though I have done the research and read the reports. I know better! And I still am playing with fate.

Think about the enjoyment of a trip and taking a few minutes out of the hike to filter/treat whatever your water. No big deal right? Then why do so many of us play russian roulette with our health? I don’t know, but I am making the commitment now to be safer. And as such I was looking for a new whiz bang water treatment to be my all in one when I came across the Reliance PUR Purifier of Water

The PUR system utilizes powdered iron sulfate and calcium hypochlorite which happens to be the same system used all over the world to clean up water for humanitarian missions, as well as in most water treatment plants in U.S. cities.

Basically you add the chemicals to nasty water and it congeals the funk and you then filter it out via a cotton sheet (check out the video). This new system is supposed to be the most effective and with a creek to mouth time of around 30 minutes it might not be to bad. Each PUR packet treats 2.5 gal. of water. So if I only need two water bottles full how am I sure to get just enough chemical?

PUR is also marketing a Reliance PUR Clean Drinking Water Kit which has two collapsible containers a stir stick and a few other items.

I think I might give this one a go and see how I like it, especially since it promises no chemical taste, after all isn’t that why we drink out of streams in the backcountry?

I will give a report once I can test it for myself, or if any of you have given it a shot let us know how you liked it. Whether you buy this kit or not always carry a backup method, such as my current favorite Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Tablets - 20 Pack. They take a bit longer but are light and dummy proof!

Sleeping bags have always been a point of contention for me. Primarily due to the fact that I am pretty rough on equipment. This is one of the few areas that the military served me well, in the Army you get a layered sleep system consisting of a very, very light summer bag, that snaps into a heavy, heavy winter bag that can snap into a Gore-Tex bivy. Pack all of that into stuff sack that at most will compress down to the size of a volkswagen and weighs almost as much!!! However as with anything the military uses it is built for abuse and to the powers that be that equals heeeaaaavvvy!

One outstanding feature is that you have all you need regardless of weather conditions, and since it is issued to you there is no money out of pocket! I actually held on to a few and use them occasionally.

Now for the general population choosing the right bag is essential to enjoyment of your camping experience. Remember no two people are alike, meaning everything about you is unique to you.

Factors to consider are:

• The area you do most of your camping, is it desert, mountain, jungle, humid, dry, cold, warm etc…?
• Do you generally sleep warm, or cold, do you move around a lot, do you sleep on your side, which side (it matters for zipper placement!)?
• Do you always sleep in a tent, or under a tarp or improvised shelter?
• Are you allergic to certain feathers that might be used in down?
• Size bag you want to carry (will it fit in your pack)?
• Do you prefer ultra light for greater distances, or cushy luxury?

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These days as the almighty dollar thins and we find it difficult to make ends meet often we allow the great causes that we support to go by the way side. I just wanted to make sure that we outdoors lovers not allow some great protectors of the things we love to go un-aided.

Keep in mind there are a ton of great causes out there eager for your support, give wisely and keep these organizations going. If you have any recommendations feel free to let us know!

I.M.B.A. International Mountain Bicycling Association

Access Fund Non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the climbing environment

A.H.S. American Hiking Society

Microbreweries List of local breweries near you!

Got back yesterday, check out the route. I will post up details and some pics later today. Route ended up at about 24 miles (best guess) and today I am working on getting the legs to loosen up. I can now officially say that UTM is a hiking machine!

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UTM and I are going to flash up America’s Mountain starting from my house this afternoon and camping tonight just above treeline then hit the summit for morning coffee then running back down the hill hopefully home by early afternoon.

The weather has been nice for a few days, which is a welcome break from the highly charged electrical storms we have had. Unfortunately the weather is calling for a bit of rain and thunderstorms, so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for those nasty anvil heads to start rolling in. If it gets too sketchy we may change our plans and head to some of the lakes around the back side.

Wish us luck and fast feet. More upon my return.