Category: General Outdoors (Page 2 of 3)

OR Winter

January 23, 2010 / frankclimbs

Well the last few days I have been roaming around the Salt Palace here in Utah at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show. It is like a giant candy store for adults who love the outdoors. Over the next week, I will be posting the latest gear that I came across during the show. Some new gear as well as some that just really caught my eye. I hope you check back and see some of the new and excited gear that will be coming out.

There were a bunch of different bands playing at the show. I caught some of Joey and Rory sing their song “Cheater, Cheater”.

Outdoor Industry Association Calls on Industry to Support Haiti Relief Effort

January 17, 2010 / frankclimbs

Boulder, Colorado, January 14th, 2010 — Following the earthquakes and tsunamis in Southeast Asia and the attacks on 9/11, the members of Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) responded with an amazing demonstration of support and provided critical supplies for emergency disaster relief.

Outdoor Industry Association, working with AmeriCares (http://www.americares.org/), is once again calling on members to dig deep to support those areas devastated by earthquake in Haiti.

AmeriCares has disaster workers on scene and is planning immediate relief flights and sea shipments from their headquarters in Connecticut. Their immediate product needs are:

Medical Supplies
First Aid Kits
Bandages and Soaps
Face Masks – Medical
Water Purification
Headlamps
Tarps
Work Gloves
Hydration Containers

To donate this urgently needed product/equipment contact: Randy Weiss at AmeriCares at (203) 658-9527 or rweiss@americares.org. All donations will be delivered by air and sea directly to the region by AmeriCares.

Due to the amazing response from the nation, AmeriCares is having trouble replying to everyone in a timely manner, but they will respond.

OIA will continue to publish updated equipment needs throughout the relief effort and is working with the Department of Commerce to explore opportunities to supply outdoor companies incentives to help rebuild Haiti through preferred sourcing and manufacturing programs.

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About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous®, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer trade shows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

Leave No Trace is looking for interns.

January 8, 2010 / frankclimbs

If anyone is looking for a great opportunity to work with a non-profit company, Leave No Trace has post that they are looking for spring interns. Check it out. http://leavenotracecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/01/were-looking-for-spring-interns.html

Stansbury Mountains – South Willow Canyon

September 19, 2009 / frankclimbs

The Stansbury Mountains are often overlooked by most of the Salt Lake City crowds. With the Wasatch Mountains so close many just head up to the Wasatch. Also many think that the west is just full of deserts. I was surprised myself of the beauty of the Stansbury Mountains. We went up South Willow Canyon camping last night. We came across a campground by the name of Intake Campground. It was $10 a night and $6 for an extra vehicle. If you are looking for a new place to go that is close to Salt Lake City, this is the place for you. Most people that come to South Willow Canyon, hike to Deseret Peak. We were not able to do it this time, but I talked with a ranger who gave me some insight on how and when to hike the peak.

Children Need the Outdoors!

June 20, 2009 / frankclimbs

This morning I woke up thinking, “what should I do today.” The first thing that I thought of was to go up climbing, so we gathered the gear and headed out. As we headed across town I saw the dark clouds forming directly over the mountains we were heading towards, but we continued towards the blackening sky. As we came to the bottom of the canyon it was drizzling rain. As we continued up the canyon it just got worse. We decided to try a new route that we had never been to and, knowing that we might not get to climb, we thought at least we could go and check out the route. We threw on our rain jackets and headed up the trail. This is where my son comes into the picture.

He is just over two years old and loves (love being an understatement) the outdoors. The rain and water did not slow him down a bit. The only thing that was bothering him on the trail was the hood on his jacket. Once I removed that he was just fine, his hat was soaked, but at least he was happy.

After looking for the route we came back to the car with feet and pants soaked. I have always understood the importance of performance gear for myself but it can be hard to find good gear for children. The market is growing and I am happy to see this growth as I have two kids and plan on taking them outside as often as I can. This morning though as I was dressing my boy for today’s adventure I put on some socks we got a couple of years ago from a starter company. The companies name is Roonwear. They make clothing for active children and their tag line is “…because kids sweat too.” He has worn these socks before and I really didn’t think much about the socks when I put them on him this morning, they just matched. But I was very impressed when we got home and his feet were dry. Pants sopping wet but socks and feet dry. I know now each time we go out hiking the first pair of socks that I will put on him, are the socks from Roonwear.

I know there are other companies that make clothing and gear for kids who love the outdoors and I encourage anyone who has children to find and support some of these companies. As I said in the title “children need the outdoors” and to make them happier and in turn us parents happier, we need people making performance gear for children. Please comment if you know of any other companies who make great gear and clothing for children.

The Jakpak

May 12, 2009 / frankclimbs

The other day I came across an article talking about the Jakpak, an all-in-0ne waterproof jacket, sleeping bag and tent. It sounded intriguing, a jacket that turns into a sleeping bag and a tent. I did a little more research and was able to get a few pictures from the company as well as some specs on the Jakpak. Created by Active Engineering the Jakpak seems like a great alternative to an all-in-one personal shelter for any outdoor enthusiast, as well as using it for emergency preparedness.

Terry Jensen, inventor and co-owner of Active Engineering said this about the Jakpak, “it was born out of a desire to provide shelter for those who need it most. Our goal with JakPak is to perfect the alternative personal shelter for anyone who needs a reliable solution to exposure from the elements.” Jensen continued, “As our company grows, our hope is to be able to provide JakPaks to those who need them most, particularly the homeless.”

It is nice to hear a company talk about helping others and not just helping themselves. I think this is a great idea for anyone that hikes or goes into the backcountry. This can provide shelter and comfort when one might not have been planning on staying the night. The Jakpak will not be available to consumers until late summer. I can hardly wait to be able to try one of these on and experience it for myself. I will give an update when I am able to, so check back to hear more about the Jakpak.

For more information on the Jakpak you can check out their website at http://jakpak.com/

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