Gear Review: Tubbs Frontier Snowshoe

      I Have been snowshoeing for about as long as I have been backpacking and doing other silent sports.  In this time I have seen and tested many snowshoes including Atlas, Tubbs, Crecent Moon, and MSR.  All usually have very good products and awesome warranties.  This year at the shop though has been a year of warranties and repairs with a few, no can do's from the companies.  Most of these repairs have came from the Tubbs Frontier snowshoe.

      The Frontier is an average snowshoe from a company that specializes in that entry level consumer market.  On a pretty average platform, the snowshoe is good for just about anything, although advertised as a trail walking snowshoe.  But whats the fun of walking on packed trail? Wasn't the snowshoe meant to blaze trails in the backcountry?  The non-aggressive crampon and entry level binding make the shoe virtually useless if you have any inkling to go walk around in some serious backcountry.  The snowshoe also does not have a heel lift like most other snowshoes, so you may find walking up hills a little more difficult than normal.

      Now dont get me wrong this isn't a bad design for a snowshoe its just stupid.  If all your going to do is go out a few times a year and walk only packed trail, great, buy this price point shoe.  If your going to do more this is what will most likely happen.

      In the past two months I have seen broken frames, broken rivets, ripped decking, and last completely broken bindings.  The quality that Tubbs is known for is simply just not prevalent in this snowshoe.  A large number of people that have bought this shoe this year have came back after one or two time average use, not abuse, and guess what, they're holding a broken shoe in their hands.  The main issue seems to be with the cheap plastic rivets in the decking around the binding.  The force that the average person makes walking through snow, just seems to be too much for the rivets, and they give, either ripping the decking or pulling the metal pins out of the binding.  The Frontier is a cheap snowshoes from a good company.  At $160 you get what you pay for.  The flex series or the Journey series are much higher quality for only $20-40 more, and both come with so many more features that will make you so much happier that you upgraded, such as the heel lift, and a real crampon.  

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: SeaToSummit Dry Bags

      Compartmentalization is a key aspect to packing my pack.  Heavy at the bottom and light at the top. Nice weight distribution will mean more happy time for your back and shoulders on the trail.  To help with this I use a system of dry bags to compartmentalize all my essential gear.

      SeaToSummit makes everything from arguably the lightest tent on the market, to a folding bucket, and right down to the kitchen sink.  They are primarily an accessory company, but it seems like they are trying to work themselves into a full blown outdoor company with there ventures into both shelters and sleeping bags. The thing that I feel SeaToSummit is most well known for is there dry bags.  They have several different kinds all made from sil-nylon.  All sil-nylon essentially is, is silicon impregnated nylon to increase water resistance, while keeping weight to a minimum.  The standard dry bags are what most people are looking for. They are durable enough to use to hang food, and throw around in the campsite, and light enough to be efficient in the pack.

      A similar product to the ultra-sil dry bag is the ulta-sil nano dry bags.  They are on average 30% lighter than the standard dry bags.  I personally use these bags in almost all of my adventures whether it be paddling or backpacking.  While they save you a few ounces, they are like most ultralight gear, and need to be treated with care.  I would not advise using it as a bear bag or setting down on abrasive surfaces.

      In addition to the dry bags, SeaToSummit makes a pack liner which is essentially the same idea. keep your things dry let the pack get wet.  This has almost always been the way that I have done things.  Most packs today dry out rather quickly unlike a down sleeping bag.  Pack covers, ill be it a great idea, dont always work the greatest and a lot of the time you end up with some pretty wet gear.  That's why I advise going with a pack liner or dry bags for internal compartmentalization.  The only advantage to compartmentalization is the ease of taking only what you need out of the pack without having to dig around in a mess.

      If ultra light isn't what you are looking for, then take a look at there eVent compression sacks.  Exactly the same as the ultra-sil dry bag, the eVent technology and compression enhances the function.  The eVent bottom allows for air to escape the bag while using the compression straps to make the bag smaller.  Highly recommended for use in car camping or traveling, or even if you have older more bulky gear. 

      Lastly are the big river dry bags, slightly more durable than the others and made with an oval base construction.  These are great for paddling because they stack and fit in bulkheads much easier than the traditional dry bags.  I am not too familiar with these bags and have not personally used them, I just wanted to get them out there, as I think they are a great idea and have heard great reviews on them.  As with almost anything else I write about, there is even more information and weight charts on SeaToSummit's website.  Please go check them out, they are one of my favorite outdoor companies, and almost everyone can find something they want from them, be it a spork or pocket trowel (formerly the iPood until apple got in the way.)

Thanks for Reading

-Tattooed Adventure

Staying Healthy On The Trail

      This is really a big issue to me.  I laugh whenever I pull into a campground or shelter and see someone eating only prepackaged freeze dried food.  Or even worse that guy over there in site two taking the canned food out of his pack.  Come on people, do a little research if your new to it.  No one wants to carry 10 extra pounds of can with them, or spend $100 on a four day trip.  As everyone who works in the outdoor industry has seen, there are really people out there that will do things like this, and there are also really people out there that will laugh at you, also known as me.  In this post I will help you not look like a moron while making dinner and add input on some healthier foods to eat when your out on the trail.

      When planning meals for a trip you need to know how many people you are cooking for and how long you will be gone; there's nothing worse than running out of food the day before you leave.  There is also a very fine line between too little and too much food.  Think about how much food you would eat for a normal meal, then pack about half as much more than you would normally eat (depending on what you are eating.)  If you are cooking for a normal group buy the family sized things, and leave the cans at home dry food is much easier to pack.

      Another thing that I see all the time is people that take a ton of packaging with them.  Ziplock bags are your best friend in this category.  Lets say your gonn have mashed potatoes and stuffing one night, loose the boxes and you probably save at least half if not more the space you would have used packing those boxes into your pack.  Most places that I go are pack it in pack it out kind of places, and I am not very fond of trash.  The less packaging you take in the less you get to carry with you for the rest of the trip.  Try mixing up your foods to be about half dehydrated, and half dry food.  Just add water and instant dinner, but remember that a lot of these foods can be pretty bland!

      Spice it up.  Spices are lightweight and easily emptied into bags instead of their little plastic containers, and can make or break a back country meal.  That same couscous you've been eating every day for a week can be garlic one night, Italian the next, and finish it off with Cajun the last.  It helps save your sanity in the woods if you can enjoy some flavor every once and a while.

      So you have been out there for 4 days now and don't have anything sweet to eat.  The amount of salt people generally take in while backpacking or paddling is insane.  Don't forget to take some chocolate or a few pieces of your favorite candy.  My personal favorite is pudding in a bag, pick your flavor and just add water, but remember take it out of the box and put it into the bag before you leave.  Treat yourself, your not on a diet out here, as long as you don't keep eating 4000-5000 calories a day after you get home you'll be fine.  Also don't forget to use the environment around you, pick berries and eat fish if you can its like an added bonus to the trip, kind of like your boss just bought you lunch.

Who says you can't have a good meal on the trail.

      Last when choosing what foods to take, pick calorie dense lightweight things.  Couscous, peanut butter, potatoes, nuts, the list goes on.  One of the biggest things I see people forget on the trail is protein.  Without protein your body slowly grinds to a stop.  Your metabolism slows and you wake up with little to no energy to do your 30 mile day.  Beef jerky is great but moderately priced and tuna in a bag is perfect if you like fish. I like mixing TVP into my meals on the trail, it goes great with stuffing, but not so great with soup so plan accordingly, no matter how you get your protein (whether it be from horrible for you cliff bars or a fish you caught in the lake) just make sure you get enough of it so your body doesn't start shutting down.  One of the worst things on the trail is being sick.  Get those calories in you too Peanut butter and olive oil are my personal favorites to this.  You may look like a goof taking a shot of pure olive oil, but chances are your going to be miles ahead of the guy eating a single package of ramen for dinner.

-Tattooed Adventure

       

     

Gear Review: Chaco's Mighty Sandal

     Chacos are a staple of the outdoor industry, I wear them everyday at the shop in the summer, and every year more and more people are coming in looking for them.  Everyone from your hipsters to your new found hippies.  Although Chacos are heavy they are great for day to day activities or going for a  day hike in.  New for this last year, was the near ground series.  With every other company going in this direction, at least temporally, I think It was a good move for Chaco to do so, although there is plenty of room for improvement.

      The near ground sandals new this year are the Mighty, and the Rex, same design except the Rex comes with the toe loop.  That being said the toe loop doesn't always fit with every ones feet, like mine for example, so I had almost no choice on what to go with.  That being said I was happy to go with the Mighty anyway because it looked a lot more natural than all the other Chaco sandals.

Chaco's Mighty Sandal

Z1 Unaweep Sandal

      The natural look of the sandal comes from the fact that it truly is a "near ground", while all the other Chacos look like your wearing a platform sandal from the 80's to me.  Remember that they are near ground not barefoot, you would be surprised how many people confuse the two.  Chacos near ground technology is somewhat interesting.  The giant arch in  the sole that Chaco is known for is almost gone, reduced to about a half inch, and the sole itself reduced to only about an inch instead of two like the fully soled Chacos.  If you have had problems with Chacos arch in the past these are a good way to.  I have a particularly flat arch that the Z1's feel they are going to snap in half.  The lacing is nearly the same as the Z1 but the bottom part of the Z down by the toe doesn't cross over on itself; instead it folds directly at a 45 degree angle.
      My opinion on the new near ground series, I like it because its different it doesn't look like the average Chaco.  While still using the same webbing and sole material they are just a durable as all the others, but exponentially lighter.  They're very comfy and you can wear them all day long regardless of your arch.
      Last the downsides, and why I think that they need to be revamped this year.  They still have that Chaco signature "funk" multiple days wear when its hot out or not they smell, something about that foot bed material, it just traps the smell.  While the sandal is solid, Chaco really needs to watch their quality control in general, while I encountered minimal wear after a solid amount of abuse, there is clearly a seam in the foot bed that is starting to tear out where it meets the webbing.  You can always get them resoled, but if I didn't beat the shit out of them, after only a half year of use, I would be disappointed.  Can't wait to see what they do this year, there has been a lot of customer feedback on quality the past few years, and I would really like to see the company make a rebound.

-Tattooed Adventure

Superior National Hiking Trail

Cascade Falls

      The Superior Hiking Trail runs along the northwest shoreline of Lake Superior in Minnesota.  Starting south of Duluth, MN the trail technically terminates at Otter Lake Road near the U.S. Canada border, but many people consider it a good idea to cut off the last 10-13 hike back down into Grand Portage, MN making the trail roughly 275-290 miles long.  Every section is well marked with signs and directions, and roughly every 10 miles there is a trail head with a parking lot, making the Superior Hiking Trail an awesome day hiking trail.  The trail also runs through 6 state parks making it very family oriented.
      Throughout the tail you see many gorgeous features of the north shore from magnificent waterfalls, to towering conifers.  Coming from an area with very few waterfalls, this is truly an amazing sight.  Many of the State Parks along the shoreline contain these waterfalls.  The waterfalls at Gooseberry and Cascade river were my favorite but nearly all of them are a "stop and take a few seconds to let it all in" kinda falls.  The geology of the Lake Superior basin is interesting.  There is not a whole lot of topsoil along the coast due to the glaciers that went through thousands of years ago and the rising and falling water levels of the lake the last few hundred years.  The exposed bedrock and glacial deposits are extremely prevalent.  When your not walking through old growth pine forests your on bare bedrock.  Due to walking on the rock often on angles a good pair of high or mid cut hiking boots with good insoles are recommended.  Also included on the trail is a short beach walk section between the Kadunce river and Judge Magney state park.  Skip it; unless you haven't seen a beach on the great lakes.  Walking in unpacked sand completely sucks and any experienced backpacker would want to avoid it at any cost.  Aside from that section of the trail almost every peak has a lookout over lake superior.  When your not near nature the trail still offers a few things.
      Whether your walking down the side of the road to avoid the beach walk or hanging out in Grand

Portage to catch a ride over to the island, the people and community keeps giving to the trail.  The trail itself is maintained like many of the trails in the U.S. by the people who live around it.  Near the terminus of the trail is the Grand Portage National Monument, that lies on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation.  A visitor attraction in itself, Its worth taking an hour or two and checking it out.  The interpreters are great, and you learn a lot of history surrounding the great lakes.  If history isn't your thing the Reservation boasts a casino, hotel, and restaurant, all of which I took advantage of during my thru-hike on the trail.  There are also a  few shuttle services that are offered along the trail.  The shuttles are great to use if you do want to go to the real terminus at Otter Lake or decide that you want to go into Grand Marais for a resupply.  Consider it a bonus if you pass through Lutsen during their annual folk music festival, as you can hear it a few miles up the hill at the campsites.

      The Superior Hiking Trail Association has a lot more information on the trail than I can give, but I would be more than happy to help you in planning a trip to the area, there is a lot more info I can give.  The pictures featured are of my last trip in 2011.  It was a good trip besides the fact that the one night we planned in Judge Magney State Park we had to skip due to a Minnesota government shutdown.  Avoid the mosquitoes and stay away from the bears, but most importantly get out there and stay active.
-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Osprey's Hornet Backpack

Osprey's Hornet 32

      The second most important thing when your out on a backpacking trip is your pack.  A properly fit and sized pack is a key part to enjoying your backpacking experience.  There are many types of backpacks out there from massive expedition packs to day packs.  About six months ago I started planning a trip to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, when the question arose, what pack was I going to take?  Normally when you think of Osprey Packs you think of super well thought out multi-feature packs; the Hornet almost fits that stigma, except for the fact that it cuts out a majority of "useless" features to a long distance hiker, but retains a well thought out construction.  In particular this review is on the 32 liter version.

      As I stated before a properly fit and wisely chosen pack is key to a happy backpacking experience.  The Hornet is defiantly more of a specialized niche pack.  I would not recommend this pack for anyone new to backpacking, or attempting to carry more than 25 lbs, My first day with the pack I was at 30 lbs and after 20 miles it felt like the shoulder straps were made of raw leather.  I would recommend this pack to a moderate to advanced backpacker looking for a ultralight minimalist setup for long fast hiking.  Some of the feature I really liked about the Hornet are:

• Weighing in at only 1 lbs 4 oz, the hornet is almost in a league of its own, when compared to other
  "ultralight" backpacks from large manufacturers.
• 25x12x11 make nearly perfect dimensions, not to tall, and close enough to your body that it keeps your center of gravity nearly the same as plain old walking.
• InsideOut compression straps run along both sides of the pack.  Personally I think this is the greatest feature, aside from the weight and dimensions.  You can throw whatever you need quickly in these mesh pockets, or if you have something that doesn't quite fit in the mesh you can put the straps on the outside and tighten them down.
• Like almost all of Osprey's packs, the hornet comes with an external hydration sleeve.
• On the back of the pack lies a single vertical over skirt compression strap, it's linked to a mesh packet on the back perfect for a rain jacket or sweater. 
• Like most packs now a days it comes with a hip belt and shoulder strap pockets, too small for a digital camera.  The way I look at it along with the Ice axe loop is something to cut off to save a few extra ounces.
• Last is the removable top pocket.  These come off of most packs and is a relatively common feature but super useful on this setup because it can double as a separate internal storage, or be lost completely for around 4 ounces making this a sub 1 lbs pack.

      If your looking for a long distance light weight pack this is for you.  All Osprey packs come with a lifetime warranty no matter what happens to them, run it over with your truck or burn it in a fire as long as they can tell it was theirs they will replace it with the same or newer version of the pack.  Not to mention that the price has came down drastically since I bought mine.  At only $130 dollars or less, possibly sub 1 lbs, and a lifetime warranty, this deal is nearly unbeatable when compared to ULA or Western Mountaineering packs in the same category.  By far the best pack that I have owned.  One full year in and no noticeable wear or faults.  Feel free to leave some input on ultra light packs, or contact me with any questions.  And as always I encourage you guys to go check Osprey Packs out! 

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear's Ghost Whisper Down Jacket

      Introducing the worlds lightest full featured down jacket, Mountain Hardwear's Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket!  Its amazing how far the technology of jackets has come, from its feather light ripstop nylon fabric to the water resistant down the Ghost Whisperer, it is probably the best active down jacket on the market.

      This jacket has a lot of awesome features such as:

• 850 Fill Q.Shield Down.  Specially treated to retain loft and repel moisture even in damp conditions.
• Weighs only 7.2 ounces. 
• 7D ripstop nylon shell construction.  Allows for maximum durability, with minimum weight.
• Simple design with only one drawcord at the bottom, and two front hand warmer pockets, reduces the overall weight, and minimizes fail points on the jacket. 
• Packs down into front pocket, and reduces to about the size of a pop can.

      When I received this jacket I almost instantly fell in love with the thing.  Mountain Hardwear did it perfect this time around.  The fit is almost perfectly true to size. I am 5'7" and 150lbs, the small fits on me with just enough room for a t shirt and another wool or synthetic midlayer piece underneath.  Where I was really impressed with the jacket was when I got it soaked snowshoeing.  The Q.Shield down works amazing, I was warm even after an hour of having a wet jacket.  Expect to see more and more companies start releasing high end water resistant down bags, jackets, and puffy pants in the future.  When it came down to warmth this thing blows any other down jacket near this weight out of the water.  I've been wearing it as a stand alone piece since fall and through winter now, seeing temps from -15 degrees to around 50.  I would personally rate it down to about 5-10 degrees with only a t shirt underneath.  With a nice wool baselayer and a wind blocking shell on I was warm on those negative degree days.  The best part is the breathability of down.  You can even wear this jacket inside a 60 degree house without overheating.  In addition to the awesome down and good fit, the Ghost Whisperer Is super light.  While still full featured it is very minimalistic.  Designed like most in its category to zip up into its pocket, it reduces to the size of a pop can, perfect for stuffing into a pack to have later at night when it gets cold.

Mens Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket

      As with any piece of minimalist gear or down, you need to take care of it, if you want it to last.  I recommend cleaning it with Nikwax Down Wash when it gets dirty to help not only clean it but restore loft.  Also be careful with it as it is only 7D nylon.  Like most ultralight gear its very susceptible to ripping if not treated with care.  Overall Heardwear did good.  5 out of 5 stars.  Click the link to go directly to the site, read some more reviews, and buy one you wont regret it Ghost Whisperer.

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Kühl Pants & Shorts

      Kühl is a great outdoor clothing company.  Formed like most outdoor industry companies, the men that entrepreneured  Kühl as a company were three ski bums and a rock climber.  Kühl has grown like most from the garage up, making hats, to a full blown clothing company.  Kühl makes everything from your toes to your head.  In this post we will be reviewing their pants in particular, sense they are  the most well recognized out of their line due to the nearly bombproof seams.

   

      Mountain grown is the motto.  Kühl has many models of both shorts and pants, along with my favorite the shant! Or capri's as most women would call them.  Out of the pairs of pants and shorts I've worn through the Krux has been my all time favorite. The Krux was made for climbers, just enough material to cover the knee for protection, but not so much that it hampers movement.  Five colors and a wide range of sizes to fit most, it is a very customer friendly short, with the exception of some odd looks for people that cant get over the fact your wearing a shant.  Nearly all of their pants have a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and double stitched seams for durability.  While all of these features have performed better than expected after summers of abuse, the one downside to the product is the fabric itself.

      The material for most of their pants is a cotton blend of, 74% cotton 26% nylon, labeled quick dry.  The other ones that are supposedly more durable are close to 98% combed cotton and 2% spandex.  While they have a little stretch, the more durable pants just don't have enough for a rough climb or even a mountain hike. Four out of my five pairs of Kühl pants made from the heavier material, have blown apart mid fabric in numerous places after little wear, just from stretching or stepping up on a steep rock face.  In addition to the wear being horrific, the material feels like your wearing wet cardboard. the material is super stiff and doesn't regulate heat at all.  If its cold out the material will almost freeze in a way.

      With that said I would avoid any of their cotton blends over 74%.  The quick dry material has a much nicer feel, while still keeping the key features of the seams.  I would say that their line of shorts is nearly perfect, but avoid the heavy duty pants.  Check out the website as well if you aren't familiar with the company, they make much more than just pants and shorts, and have a really good customer service department as all of my "defective" pants have been replaced.

-Tattooed Adventure 

Gear Review: Hydro Flask Water Bottles

      It may just be a water bottle, but I recommend checking these guys out!  While a water bottle isn't the most important piece of gear, they can come in handy on and off trail.  I have used mine on long car rides, hikes, class, and in the gym.  Created in 2008, Hydro Flask has been producing high quality vacuum sealed double walled insulated bottles.   Just like their competitors Camel Back, and Klean Kanteen, their bottles come in many shapes and sizes along with almost any accessory that you can think of.

      Everything from a 64oz beer growler to a 12oz food flask they have it.  Every bottle they make is guaranteed cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.  When my shop first started to carry these guys we did a little experiment and put some ice water in there, let it sit all through the day and then opened it the next morning (24 hours).  We were surprised to see that not only was the water still cold, there was still almost half the original ice still left.  I personally haven't had anything hot in mine for over probably three or four hours, after that time period, my coffee was still as piping hot as it was when I put it in; great for people who want to go for a morning hike or ski, but want a nice hot cup of coffee at the end.  The 18/8 food grade stainless steel interior is great because it's non-porous, that means that it doesn't hold any flavor in it.  You can have your coffee in the morning, water at work, and a flavor packet or two at night without any residual flavors sticking around.  Almost all the bottles have 8 or more color options and at the very least 2 different kinds of caps.

In addition to the regular bottles they manufacture food flasks, these are great for taking to work, keep soup, stuffing, or vegetables warm all morning until lunch.  The best product hands down is Hydro Flask's 64oz beer growler, which is actually a true growler, take it to your local brewery and fill it up!  Cold beer for 24 hours (if it lasts that long), and the cap standard cap or flat cap actually seal tight enough to keep the carbonation.

      If you still dont think that this is a great company go to the website and check them out hydroflask.com. In addition to probably being the best bottle company out there, with every direct purchase they will give 5% back to any charity of your choice.  Hydro Flask was also voted to be one of the best companies to work for in 2013.

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Jetboil Sol Ti

Jetboil Sol Ti

      Whats the first thing you want when you get into your campsite?  Okay in most cases is taking your boots off, but the second most important thing going through your mind is probably food, hot food.  Want to be the first guy to eat? check this out.
      Almost everyone out there has cooked on an old dragonfly or whisperlight, and there is still nothing
wrong with that because, both of these stoves can burn multiple kinds of fuel and are relatively easy to take apart and clean when switching between different kids of fuels. Most of the time when your out on a trip, chances are someones going to pull out a MSR reactor or a Jetboil or some other small isopro canister burning stove.  Jetboil has had this niche in the outdoor market cornered for several years now in my opinion.

Originally the company only had one stove named solely the Jetboil, which I have owned and burned through over the past 10 years.  The great thing about it was, everything fits inside the canister that normally holds the water your going to boil, thus creating no more need to take a pot, and can help reduce your stove and cooking wares packed size and weight by half.  Today Jetboil has several stoves, the Sol, Flash, Sumo, and Zip, along with a relatively new stove called the Helios.  All still maintaining the original functionality of the Jetboil.

L-R Sol, Flash, Sumo

      The Sol Ti is what I just upgraded to from the original Jetboil.  The Sol features a much lighter chamber, due to the fact that the top is chopped down about three inches when compared to the flash.  The Titanium build is preferred for me.  Although it does not conduct heat as well as other types of metal, it is much lighter and more durable.  In optimal conditions you can have two cups of boiling water in under 2 minutes.  The handle that used to be thick and bulky has been thinned down and the accessory spork holder that the flash has has been nixed.  Also included on the new model is internal measuring marks, instead of just the two cup max fill line.  That was a much needed improvement its just more convenient to do mixing in the cup than in the one cup bottom piece that comes with the system.  The only con I could find with the stove is that if your planning on going on a winter trip, this isn't the stove for you.  While it does function at cold temps the heat regulation flat out sucks under 20 degrees and I have had problems lighting it any colder than that.  There is also this issue that I have not experianced or even personally seen, but its happened.  Check it out, its worth a read.  Flux Ring Failure
      I would expect to see more and more companies start to come out with products similar to the Jetboil, such as MSR recently did.  The system in the long run is just as efficient as white gas, diesel, or jet fuel.  You save the weight of carrying extra items such as pots and pans, as far as cost, yes the Jetboil does have a higher operating cost, but whats more important to you a few extra bucks at a shop, or nearly instant hot food as soon as you get off the trail.
      All together, I think its time for the flash to go, the Sol seems to be superior now weather you get the Ti model or not, and the Sumo is a for sure if you are cooking for two or more people.  There are also plenty of accessory's out there for the systems to, from hanging kits for climbers to alpine fry pans for the morning cookers.   

-Tattooed Adventure

Isle Royale National Park

Tobin Harbor, Isle Royale

Rock Harbor, Isle Royale

      Isle Royale is a 45 by 9 mile long island and national park located in the North West part of Lake Superior. It is the least visited national park with around 15000 people a year.  It is a haven to people who love to backpack, canoe, or kayak.  The main attractions on Isle Royale are the moose and wolves. The island is home to the longest running predator prey study with studies going on for over 50 years now.  I personally have seen two wolves and countless numbers of moose on the island.  To most of the visitors that actually go into the back country, Isle Royale is the national parks little hidden gem.  It was weird going in freight season, (that being any time after September 13th when all but law enforcement rangers leave, meaning no store, no lodge, no showers, just outdoors.)
      During the peak season There are 4 ways to get to the island 3 boats and a seaplane.  Guests are welcome at the lodge in Rock Harbor on the East end of the island.  The resort is much like all the others in the parks, very minimal and rustic, although a good option if your only going to see for a night or don't like the full wilderness experience. The picture above shows the geology of the island.  It was formed just like the area around it from volcanic activity thousands of years ago, and that's what it still is, just a rock, parts of the island are bare bedrock others have less than 4 inches of dirt, except for the west end which burned many years ago and has regrown with better soil.  I have hiked every trail on the island, most more than once, and I would have to say that walking the island is the best way to see it, and if you can, go multiple times in the year, it was much different this fall than it was last spring.  I am also open to questions if you are looking to plan a trip feel free to comment or email once again.  Here's a little more insight on how my last trip was.
   

Six hour boat rides after a week without a shower are not fun, but I did end up learning a lot about ultralight backpacking on this last major trip.  First of all to all you people that say don't bring more than one of anything unless its socks, you are all liars.  If I were to redo this trip over I would have at least brought one more pair of underwear, I practically had a whole ecosystem growing down there by time I was off the island.  The second thing I learned while out this week was that I have to pack my food better.  Sadly I left the peanut butter and chocolate at home, my body was just craving sweets like no other.  It also kind of sucked that 11lbs of my gear was food alone.  This was also no fun as an overloaded ultralight pack is tough on the shoulders, with its less than normal padding.  On the upside it was light as a feather by the end.  Also don't forget soap, its late in the season and the showers were closed (Isle Royale is the only national park that completely closes down for a whole season.)  I was fortunate enough that some fellow nice backpackers left me a bar at two of the campgrounds I stayed at, although if you are not used to the climate you probably wont last 20 seconds in the sub 40 degree waters of Lake Superior.  Lastly I learned that when going ultralight the pile of clothes you use as a pillow shrinks down into just a single Patagonia sweater, I realized this after I woke up the next morning and had a really sore neck.  All and all I have to say that I really liked my first true ultralight trip.  I honestly felt bad for my mother who was carrying a near 45lbs pack.
      Sadly this will probably be our last trip together.  Shes really the one that got me into backpacking, and everything outdoors in general, and I truly have tons to thank her for.  I didn't take any pictures on this trip because, well, I have already seen the whole island and recorded many a photo, so all of the ones included in this post are from years past. hope you enjoy!  Once again if you would like advice on a trip to the island, I am a great resource as i do it in both my job and on the side.  Lastly I would like to make the first reference to tattoos, here is a picture of the island that I had tattooed on my forearm when I turned 18.

-Tattooed Adventure

My first tattoo

Gear Review: Rossignol's Delta Course Skate Ski

      When we got the first snowfall, i was stoked, and I bet a majority of the people that live up here were to. Anyway here's an amazing picture of one of a few ski hills around here covered with Upper Michigan's first snowfall of the year on October 22nd 2013.  Although the skiing and snowboarding up here is great, its just one of many things to do, my favorite being nordic skiing.  After snowboarding and skiing for almost 11 years I decided that it was time to start experiencing more, such as trying to get out and skate ski or snowshoe a few times a week in addition to the alpine life.  I've skate skied off and on for a few years now but finally I have decided to buck up and buy my own pair to use in a effort to gain another winter sport, while I am still employed at a shop.

Ripley, MI 10/22/13

      I picked up a pair of Rossignol Delta Course Skating Skis and put a pair of Rossignol's Xcelerator bindings on it.  I couldn't wait to see how much better there going to be than the old Zymax skis I used to take out.  The deltas are much smoother, with only a few added base grinds.  This creates enhanced glide with every push off, not to mention that they are almost 100g lighter than there little brother the Zymax.  The skis always have one channel in contact with the ground due to Rossignol's dual channels on their skis.  This allows the skis the ability to be skied by a beginner, even though the skis itself are much more technical. The course series used to be a world cup level ski, but the new 2014 system has been revamped, and they are now the best non world cup ski Rossignol offers to its customers.  These skis perform to a demanding workout and handle just fine on a day to day ski in the woods.  Aesthetically they look great, and they certainly feel good on your feet.  If you were looking to further enhance your ski experience, perhaps start racing? I would recommend the Delta Course skate skis, with Xcelerator, or SSR bindings.  As far as a good boot goes, I have had X-10 skate boots for a year now and I love them.  Great stability, good warmth, and a tight fit on your foot, yet light enough to be considered a race boot.  Feel free to contact me or comment if you have any other questions.

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Arcteryx's Tecto FL Jacket

      Arc'teryx has something nailed down so well that almost no one else can even come close to.  They offer the lightest, breathable, packable, and functional rain jackets on the market.  This is a review on their new Tecto FL jacket.
      The Tecto FL jacket is made out of packlite goretex just like most jackets in its category.  The material that it is bound too though, feels so much better than any other gore jacket i have tried on.  While still being able to maintain the breathability and water resistance it not only feels good on your skin but functions much better than my Marmot shell.
      The jacket is very minimalist as it was intended to be.  It features only a single arm pocket, and has no pit zips.  It also comes with a stuff sack, which I promptly tucked away with all my other useless ones.  It honestly blew my expectations out of the water, no pun intended.  I was actually getting cold in it because it was breathing so well at about 50 degrees.  As far as the rain goes, it hasn't leaked anywhere for me, and the waterproof zipper works fantastic!  Even on the 90 degree and raining kind of days you don't nearly sweat yourself out like some other jacket make happen.  I have also used it as my winter shell this winter, and so far so good, with a nice layer of insulation underneath, it is enough of a wind block to back country ski with, and yet durable enough to use as an alpine jacket, multi function for the win! The jacket packs down to about the size of a pop can and weighs in at only 9.9oz.  The hood is large enough to fit over a ski helmet or in my case a construction helmet, and has a cinch in it to keep it close to your face and neck and not flopping around in the wind.  Another thing I believe the jacket is superior in is the fit.  It runs just large enough to have a nice insulation layer but not so small that it inhibits the ability for you to move in.

Arc'teryx Tecto Shell

      Yes there are other lighter jackets out there made out of cuben fiber, but this is probably the lightest out there you can find that's under $400, functional, and doesn't feel like your wearing a trash bag.  Not to mention the feel of cuben against skin isn't the greatest.  I wish I had more words to put in about this jacket, you can find out more about the awesome shells Arc'teryx makes on their website (they have one for everything).  Arc'teryx also offers a lifetime warranty on all of their products. This is by far the best rain shell that I have ever purchased. Perhaps the best minimalist rain shell that there is on the market right now!

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Arcteryx's Rho AR Zip & Smartwool's NTS Mid 250 Zip Tee

      Whether you are a wool man or a synthetic guy, a good baselayer is crucial to any layering system.  They also make good stand alone pieces if you head inside to warm up or need something to wear around the house for a little while.  In this post I will go over two of my Zip tops that I feel are some of the best out there.

Arc'teryx Rho Zip Top

      I always hold Arc'teryx to a very high standard due to the fact that their products have always exceeded my expectations and generally go above and beyond.  The Rho series top seems to be a clear winner in my opinion for a baselayer with a quarter zip.  The quarter zip has always been a favorite of mine.  While it does add a possible fail point on the top, it also improves the potential as a stand alone piece, and increases quick variable breathability.  I mostly use it for winter running and other cold weather activities like backcounty skiing and snowshoeing, where you often can be overwhelmed with heat and need a quick ventilation system, like unzipping provides.  The Rho top comes in two different weights.  Light weight or all around, LT or AR. Both weights are advertised for stop and go "scramble" style cold weather activities.  This top when compared to other synthetic baselayers just seems to have a edge over any other I've have had in the past.  The Torrent fabric that they use in many of their jackets and baselayers just seems to perform better than other synthetics, as its super breathable, drastically more than a comparable weight of capiline.  Antimicrobial? Yes it is!  I have gone on multi-day snowshoe backpacking trips using it as a baselayer and no funk!

Smartwool Mid NTS 250 Zip Tee

      The merino piece I like to use as a baselayer is Smartwools NTS Mid 250 Zip Tee.  Equal weight to the Arc'teryx top above, the benefits of 100% merino wool come out.  Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial and prevents the funk of a 6 day trip all by itself without chemical treatment.  The breathability is better than any synthetic that I have heard of.  The top lays super flat against the skin and the Smartwool athletic cut seems to be one of the better cuts I've seen.  And if your out on a sunny winter day your protected, the 250 weight is 50+ UPF.  This one although new to my collection has blown me away, I highly suggest that you start considering Smartwool as a good outdoor company again.  Its products like this that are going to help them make a comeback.  On the flip side, I am personally not quite 100% there yet.  Icebreaker is a New Zealand company that specializes in merino wool clothing.  There tops are very comparable to Smartwool, and personally I feel like they are slightly better quality, and are a good option if you are one of the anti-Smartwool people out there.
      These are just two options out there, in the world today new items are popping up every day.  I encourage everyone to research before you buy, and spend the money to get the higher quality material.  I'm not saying to go out and buy the most expensive Arc'teryx piece you can find, but Don't go to your local Walmart and buy the 15 wool top either, unless you want to itch like you have the chickenpox, and smell like a septic tank... Okay maybe not that harsh.

      Check them all out here:
      Smartwool- smartwool.com
      Icebreaker- icebreaker.com
      Arc'teryx- arcteryx.com

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Thermarest's NeoAir XTherm

Thermarest's NeoAir XTherm

  I only have on complaint about this pad so lets get it out of the way, the stuff sack is too big once you have it deflated, and the whole inflation system via bag sucks.  But as any normal person would say, WHO CARES about the stuff sack!  Alright now that that's out of the way, imagine a comfy pad, 2.5" thick, four season, and here's the kicker it weighs in at only 14oz (12.5 if you loose the stupid stuff sack). That's Thermarest's NeoAir XTherm.
      A 14oz four season pad is a great thing to have, sure you can go lighter with a three season pad, but is it really worth it at this point?  Especially when this can boost warmth via the heat reflective layer on top.  I have slept on many a 3 or 4 inch pad that was not even close to as comfortable as this 2.5 inch pad.  Not to mention that this thing packs down to about the size of a pop can.  Thermarest has been making the NeoAir mattresses for a few years now, and they have vastly improved from the original, but this is their first four season mattress .  Also in this model the over sized stuff sack doubles as an air pump to force air and inflate the mattress, but with only five liters of air at a time ( and only about one actually getting to the mattress), it's just as efficient as blowing it up with your mouth.  The stuff sacks big brother which is sold separately and can hold up to 40 liters of air also did not preform to the standard that we thought it would.
      All and all I would give the mattress itself a five star rating its super light, comfy, and warm, totally worth bucking up for over the three season NeoAir.  If you do end up rolling with this mattress, like everything else in the sleeping accessory category,  you best be looking for something else to put it in or just no stuff sack at all.

-Tattooed Adventure

Gear Review: Fits Socks!

      Fits socks are simply the best socks I've ever worn.  I use them for nearly everything now, from daily life, to skiing, to hiking.  Fits originated from the same exact factory that Smartwood did, actually the brand is owned by the mill itself.  They are essentially the same merino wool sock that Smartwool manufactures with a couple different features.

Fits Sock Co. Rugged Crew & Medium Hiker Crew 

      Fits calls it the full contact fit.  The toe cup is actually shaped like the end of your foot, and has a different form of stitching to get rid of that little stubby bunchy thing you get with some socks.  The sock also has a slightly different heel shape as the threads are stitched in a "Y" pattern, creating a nice tight lock onto your heal so the bottom of the sock doesn't bunch up.  Last, the cuff at the top of the sock is slightly larger than most other socks and a tad tighter than the rest of the sock allowing for a tight fir against the ankle and no downwards slip, like most socks do.  All these features put together and you have the perfect sock; formed to your foot, with no slide or bunching, and the bonus! Antimicrobial!  Wear them for multiple days in a row with minimal funk and stretch.  Its the only sock on the market that I have worn for more than two days in a row that didn't loose its structure or smell like an outhouse baking in the sun.
      Whether your looking for something to wear to work or on a multi-day hike, fits has a sock to offer!  My personal favorite are the Performance Trail Quarters, they have lived up to everything I've asked from them, and if anyone was looking for a good all around sock to try out they would be the ones I recommend.  Go to their website and check em' out. www.fitssock.com
      I'm not afraid to say that these socks will perform to your highest expectations.  I have never had anyone come back and say they didn't like them.  It truly is amazing how you can go through and completely re engineer something so simple as a sock and improve it with drastic results.

-Tattooed Adventure