Stocking Stuffer: Moosejaw BPA Free Camelback Water Bottles–$14.00 + Free Shipping

Moosejaw is currently running a sale on all .75 liter BPA Free Camelback Water Bottles.  With all the recent discussions going on about the effects of BPA in our water bottles, it is nice to see a cheap bottle that comes BPA free.  These are available in 10 different colors and as an added bonus, you get free shipping.  These would make excellent stocking stuffers for those that love playing in the outdoors, or have an understanding that the environment should be protected from all of those throw-away cups, cans, and plastic bottles that pollute our environment.  These things make an excellent investment into the future of our outdoor playgrounds and can be used for years on end.  If you don’t like plastic, try the Moosejaw  Alistair Hennessey metal water bottle.  This one is listed as one of the best in the world, but will also set you back a whole extra $1.  Free shipping is included here, as well.  Moosejaw claims that if you buy 10 of the Alistair Hennessey water bottles that you can set them up and play a fun game of water bottle bowling.  Now who wouldn’t want to try that?

Outside Magazine’s 2009 Winter Gear Guide

Outside Magazine has put out their annual Winter Gear Guide.  This will be of interest to any of you hardcore snow enthusiasts.  The 2009 Winter Gear Guide offers up some amazing products that have been thoroughly tested by Outside Magazine’s gear-crazed staff.  They pretty much cover all the bases with this guide.  You will find the latest information on Alpine Skis, Snowboards, Backpacks, Trailrunners, Snowshoes, and even Backcountry and Resort Jackets.  (Yes, they are different!)

With the temperatures dropping in my home state this week, I may just need to look into investing in some snowshoes of my own.  My problem is that it usually only snows about three times a year to where we have enough cover to do anything fun.  Who cares!  They would look just as great on my wall, as they would my feet!

While you are over at Outside Magazine, don’t forget to check out our good friend Stephen Regenold’s Gear Reviews.  I have mentioned Stephen on occasion for his great blog, Gear Junky, but it looks like he is now blogging for Outside Magazine, too!  He is a man of many places!

Stephen’s latest review involves longboards.  Don’t know what they are?  Think Snowboarding in the summer time and you are on the right track.  It is a great read and one of the reasons why I have become such a fan of The Gear Junky’s work.  He makes me want to get outdoors and try a new sport.

Burton’s Playboy Themed Snowboards: The Business of Controversy

Burton Snowboards have come under some heat for the recent launching of it’s ‘Coalition Love Playboy Models’ series of snowboards.  These boards, while highly engineered to Burton standards, offer a graphical side to what is acceptable in the mainstream and in what consumers are willing to buy.

These snowboards offer graphics of a ‘playboy sexual’ nature with barely clad (do socks count?) female graphics and a litle eye teaser on the backside.

These snowboards, which I do refuse to show here, offer up a highly argumentative conversation on what the ‘decency’ standard for such equipment should be.  Should we accept these boards as a person’s ‘freedom of self-expression’, or should they be disallowed (dare I say banned) due to their graphic nature and the possibility that children will see them?  Some would argue that the younger crowd is the exact aim of the highly graphical snowboards.

The corporate headquarters of Burton has been inundated with more than 100 protesters arguing their case against the latest Burton line.  The protesters included women’s groups and a group of men who fight against domestic violence.  The Burlington, Vermont company says that it’s latest two lines (another snowboard line being protested includes graphics of self mutilation) is a freedom of expression for the company. They have refused to pull the two lines of snowboards.

Since these two lines of snowboards have been released to the consumer market, Burton has found itself losing some public prominence and influence with some of the better things it is involved with.  Burton sponsors a program to help disadvantaged kids to get outside and learn about the sport of snowboarding.  Some of the fellow sponsors of Burton’s program have now backed out of the deal and refuse to support a company that does not have their consumers best interest at heart.

On the downside of this debate, and one of the reasons that Burton is probably refusing to pull these lines of boards, is that any controversy, especially a freedom of expression (or freedom of speech) issue, is that these controversies draw attention and sales from the consumers to the company.  Sometimes the marketing of such items are used specifically to draw an interest in the product.  As they say, bad publicity is still publicity and ANY publicity usually garners a few more sales than none at all.

High Altitude Oxygen Systems: The Old Becomes New Again

90% of climbers use an oxygen system when climbing in high altitudes.  These systems have become almost mandatory for those not experienced in climbing and the harsh environment of altitude.  Even some of the world’s strongest climbers must rely on the added advantage of oxygen when going above 8,000 meters.

The biggest factor in using oxygen in high altitude stems from the body’s uncontrollable urge to shut down when being forced up and in to the highest reaches of the earth.  We have all heard about HACE or HAPE, both illnesses are associated with the body’s lack of proper oxygen while in altitude.  HACE (high altitude cerebral edema) is a very deadly situation that comes on when the brain begins to swell from lack of oxygen.  If a person isn’t brought to a lower altitude immediately, the consequences can become tragic very fast.  A good example of this can be found in my good friend Lance Trumbull’s film “Everest: A Climb for Peace“.  Luckily, that situation didn’t result in death, but it very well could have.

HAPE (high altitude pulminary edema) is another very dangerous situation brought on by lack of oxygen.  This one is caused by the lungs filling up with liquid, making it nearly impossible to gasp in the little O2 that is available.

In 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first reached the top of Mt. Everest, they were climbing with a newly developed oxygen system.  The success of their climb resulted in this system becoming almost mandatory amongst high altitude climbers.  This same system, with a few improvements, is still being used today.  The following information is something you might not have known:

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The Adventurist Wins Free SPOT Satellite Messenger in GearCrave’s Big Giveaway!

Leave it to me to be the last one to know when I’ve won something–

I received an email a few minutes ago from The Adventure Blog, saying one of his reader’s mentioned winning one of the SPOT Satellite Messengers that the GearCrave Blog was giving away in a big contest. His reader also mentioned that I had won…

Sure enough, I went and checked out the GearCrave Blog. They carried the following announcement:

With the flooding here in the Midwest, we’ve been a little behind on giveaways and we owe you an update. That said, we’re ready to announce the winners of the SPOT Satellite Messenger giveaway, the Futurama giveaway and the Anthony Logistics giveaway. GearCrave readers Bryan Estes, Jeremy, Justin Hollender and TheAdventurist have all won a free SPOT Satellite Messenger.

I first learned of the contest, as did Bryan Estes, through The Adventure Blog’s post last week. I eventually ran a post of my own about the SPOT Satellite Messenger, as I know these things are expensive and can save lives in the wild. Expensive to the tune of $169.99. Cheap for saving a life, but a little rough on my meager pocketbook.

After reading all the great benefits of the SPOT Satellite Messenger, it became an apparent no-brainer to sign up for their email newsletter and post a comment. That was ALL that they required! I do have to say that two weeks after signing up for the newsletter, I continue to read it every day. They offer up some great reviews on some pretty cool products.

Now I am going to have to study up on this new gadget and figure out how it works. The great guys over at SPOT, should be able to help me out a bit. If that doesn’t work, I am going to make a personal phone call to Les Stroud, host of Discovery Channel’s Survivorman, and ask for his input. He is the SPOT Satellite Messenger Spokesperson. If my phone call is refused, well then I will just head out to Big Sky Montana for this year’s Primal Quest. I have heard some SPOT personnel will be in attendence. On second thought, I better lay low-they can probably track me now..

By the way, SPOT has another pretty cool contest going on. If you go to their site, you can sign up to win a chance to visit Les Stroud, on location, for a Survivorman Shoot. I could probably show him a thing or two about survival with my new handy-dandy SPOT Satellite Messenger. What do you think?

The guys over at the GearCrave Blog are also giving away something new. They actually run contests quite often for some of the latest in technology, media, entertainment, and the like. Their latest falls under the catagory of entertainment–well, ok, perhaps they’re not giving that away, but hey, maybe they would be up for suggestions!

GearCrave Blog, I appreciate the SPOT Satellite Messenger. A Very, very cool giveaway! The Adventure Blog, thanks for tipping me off to the contest, and Bryan Estes, thanks for alerting the one person on earth who had no clue he had won. I appreciate it all, guys!

Spot Satellite Messenger–Free Gear Giveaway

I was alerted to a couple of contests taking place for free SPOT Satellite Messenger Systems. These little devices are pretty cool and if you spend much time in the outdoors, one of these should become an essential part of your outdoors gear.

First off, let me give a shout-out to The Adventure Blog and the Great Wild Outdoors blog for bringing this to my attention.

The SPOT Satellite Messenger System works much like a PLB (Personal Locater Beakon), GPS, and handheld radio (albeit, one-way radio) wrapped all in one device. These little devices can and do save lives. The National Geographic: Adventure Blog recently stated that this device is “the most important outdoor product of the last couple years.” I have to agree.

SPOT works by using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. Unlike your mobile phone, SPOT works anywhere in the world, without fail.

The quote above is coming from the GearCrave Blog, one of the sites holding contests to give these $169.99 devices away for FREE.  They have also done a really nice job of showing us how these devices work, detailing all of it’s funtions and what you can expect in an easy to read format.

The GearCrave blog is giving FOUR of these away.  You have to be quickto sign up though, as this contest only runs through Sunday, June 15th at 11:59 pm.  I have already put in for my entry, and I can tell you from experience that it is a pretty painless process.  Basically, all you have to do is sign up to the GearCrave email newsletter, then make a comment on the post FOUND HERE.  That’s it.  On June 15th at 11:59 pm, four random winners will be drawn from those who successfully went through the process.  The GearCrave blog is even throwing in 6 months worth of satellite service to the four winning entries-a pretty sweet deal!

The second place you can pick one of these Free SPOT Satellite Messengers up is over at the Primal Quest Adventure Race website.  This year’s Primal Quest, being held in Montana, is being sponsored by SPOT.  The two have come together for a great promo to give one of these messenger systems away.  This SPOT Satellite Messenger will be a bit different , though.  This one will be signed by all members of the winning Primal Quest Adventure Race team.  A pretty cool promo.  All teams will be using one of these devices throughout the race.  All you have to do to sign up is go to THIS page and enter.  While your there, be sure to check out the great video of Les Stroud, host of Discovery Channel’s “Surviverman”, as he shows you what’s so great about the Spot Satellite Messenger.  We know if Les Stroud backs this product, it has to be tough!

If all else fails and you don’t end up winning one of these free SPOT Satellite Messengers, you can always purchase one direct from SPOT.  You’ll just be out $169.99-but it could still be worth it by saving your life.  Whether you are fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing, or camping, I think all of us need to look to our own personal safety and our families protection.  There can never be a price on that.

Healthy Hiker Gear–The Press Release

Towanda, PA (PRWEB) June 4, 2008 — Kathy Potuck is no stranger to running a business, operating both a ceramics storefront and a gourmet coffee business, and now she has set her sights on the Internet. “I have recently designed 2 web sites, starting in January of this year,” explains Kathy. “I decided I wanted to get my feet wet with the Internet and get out there and promote products that I feel there may be a demand for.”

Kathy’s two online ventures are www.HealthyHikerGear.com and www.BinocularsNSite.com, both geared toward outdoor preparedness and activity. “I’m a very outdoor person. I have a six acre yard here, and I spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking and camping around northeastern Pennsylvania,” she says. “I’ve traveled all over the world. I wanted a hiking web site to promote products I believe in and will help make hiking and camping safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. That’s the byline for my site — Making Your World Comfortable and Safe.”

I have recently designed 2 web sites, starting in January of this year

In order to support her site with solid information, Kathy has opened a blog at www.HealthyHikerGearBlog.com, allowing customers to communicate with her directly. “I’ll be using my blog to further educate the public on my products, and also about myself — for them to get to know me and feel comfortable purchasing an item from a credible person,” she explains. “I don’t want to just be my business name; I want them to know that there’s a person behind it. I also want to promote not just my product and myself, but current stories about the hiking industry and newsworthy articles.”

Also of great importance to Kathy are the many charities to which she donates. “I do a lot of volunteer work, and I make donations through my business,” she explains. “There are a lot of local charities for people with medical problems and sick children. I am constantly donating products and money to help individuals.” This will also be a topic of conversation on her blog, as well as a recurring topic on her site.

K2 Summits, New Route on Gasherbrum II, and more..

Over the past week most of my time has been used covering the recent Michael Reardon tragedy.  This is not to say that nothing was happening though, but I felt that I had the opportunity to do something for Michael and his family and friends that other sites just couldn’t do.

To get back up to pace, I will be offering a synopsis of what has been going around in the headlines.  So let’s jump right in…

Avalanche on Gasherbrum II

On July 19, a massive avalanche was reported from Gasherbrum II.  The Amical Team, hoping for a summit push, was suddenly buried in snow.  One member died in this tragic incident, another member was unable to be located, and the rest of the team suffered various degrees on injury.

Hirotaki Takeuchi, a member of the devestated Amical team, reported in to ExplorersWeb about the incident saying that the group got swept up in the avalanche and carried down 300 meters to the seracs. 

Other teams on GII soon went up and helped in a massive search and rescue which resulted in Hirotaki and others being able to survive this ordeal.  Much credit is given to these teams in their efforts for this rescue between Camps 2 & 3 on Gasherbrum II.

Italians Summit Gasherbrum II, Establish New Route

Karl Unterkircher, Daniele Bernasconi, and Michele Compagnoni made alpine history today as they successfully summited Gasherbrum II via a new route–The North Face.

The team had been climbing for the past three days, and began a successful push for the summit a bit earlier today.  This is great news following the tragedy on GII earlier this week with the Amical Team.

For more on this story, please stop by The Adventure Blog for more information.

Massive Summits on K2 Today

Around 3:30 Pm today reports started circulating that the first team to reach K2’s summit this season had arrived.  That was just the beginning though…17 more climbers would soon top out on what many people claim as the world’s deadliest mountain.

Over the years, K2 has had a total of 269 summits.  That is right, 269.  In Comparison, Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak as well as most publicised, had well over 500 summits….this year alone.  K2 has also claimed the lives of 69 people in the process, giving it a death-to-success ratio of 24%.  One in four have died trying to bag this coveted peak.

For more on the list of successful K2 summiters today, I will refer you to ExplorersWeb for the complete story.

On a sad note, a yet unnamed Sherpa took a tragic fall and perished during today’s activities.  The Sherpa, who was working with the Korean Men’s Team, slipped and began to fall.  Two climber’s close to him tried to grab him as he came by, but they were unsuccessful in their attempt.  More details on this tragic incident will be expected in the coming days.

BREAKING NEWS: FAMED AMERICAN SOLO CLIMBER< MICHAEL REARDON DEAD AT 36

BREAKING NEWS–BREAKING NEWS–BREAKING NEWS

Famed American Climber Michael Reardon, 36, has died in Ireland.  He was taking part in a special shoot for an American Climbing magazine, had just finished his climb and was standing on a rock shelf–when a wave knocked him off and into the sea.  Michael was unable to get out of the water.  The Coast Guard immediately put out an alarm, but as of this time, Michael Reardon has not been found and is feared dead.

Michael’s wife Marci and 13 year old daughter are scheduled to arrive in Ireland some time tomorrow.  Michael was scheduled to leave back for the states today.

This story is still developing.  As far as I know this news has not hit the US newswire at this point.

If you don’t know Michael Reardon, Please follow the following links to learn more about this incredible climber–

Climber Reaching for New Heights

Interview with Michael Reardon

From Wikipedia

I will be updating you when more is known.  At this time, it is rumored that Michael Reardon was doing a shoot for Climbing Magazine.  No word has been mentioned from their site at this time.  Efforts continue to try to locate his body, but it is being called a recovery mission at this time.  He was staying with a close friend in Ireland when this tragedy struck.  His friend has been on the Irish News Services discussing these tragic events

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marci and his daughter, as well as their family, friends, and associates.  Micheal Reardon will be greatly missed in the climbing world, but his legacy and never-give-up attitude will be with us forever.

Lincoln Hall “Dead Lucky” on Everest

 

Lincoln Hall Was Dead

May 25, 2006 will go down as one of those days in mountaineering history where nothing seemed to be going right–but then the miracle happened..

Stranded in the death zone, 250 meters from Mt. Everest’s famed summit…Lincoln Hall was lost.  A group of Sherpas climbing with Hall made the decision to descend without him.  If they stayed, they would die as well..but if they left they would have a chance, but Lincoln Hall would perish.  They left.

Lincoln Hall was a famed climber from Australia. He already had one Everest summit attempt to his credit in 1984–that attempt ended with him turning back near the summit due to illness. In 2006 he was heading back–not for himself, but as a favor–he was going to be a cameraman on a new documentary about Everest.

After reaching the famed Everest summit, Lincoln Hall began his descent.

High on Everest’s slope, Lincoln Hall came down with Pulminary Edema–a climber’s worst nightmare.  The lungs slowly fill with fluid, cutting off your ability to breathe, leaving you with a slow gurgling death in freezing temperatures.  Not a fun way to die–

The decision to leave Lincoln Hall high on Everest is nothing new.  When a Climber goes down in the death zone, it is pretty well known that your chances of getting back down are slim to virtually none.  Are you to die as well, or walk away?  It is just a part of mountaineering. 

Lincoln Hall’s death was broadcast the world over.  This report comes from ExplorersWeb and goes through a momment by momment synopsis of what occured on this tragic day as it was happening.

A day later, ExplorersWeb released another report.

Lincoln Hall was Miraculously Still Alive

Lincoln Hall had survived a night with Pulmonary Edema.  A climber heading towards the summit had noticed Lincoln Hall and made a dispatch to camp.  A massive rescue attempt was enacted and underway.

Lincoln Hall was eventually rescued and brought back to safety.  He was partially blinded, suffering from pulmonary Edema, and had frostbite on both of his hands and feet and part of his face.

But he had survived.

Lincoln Hall ended up losing his fingers to frostbite and eventually had to have them amputated.

His story is the miracle.  He was one of very few people to ever come out of the death zone after 24 hours alive.  He was reported as dead.  Friends, family and associates all thought he was dead. Lincoln Hall was the only one that knew he was still alive.

Dead Lucky

Lincoln Hall has just published a book about this whole ordeal called “Dead Lucky”–which promminently features a photo of him on the cover lifting his hand, with amputated fingers, and a smile on his face.  He, as well as the world, knows why this momment could bring a smile–He was Alive and lived the tale that he has now had published.

This is not Lincoln Hall’s first book, as a matter of fact it is his eighth book. He was already an acclaimed Mountaineering journalist–but on the evening of May 15, 2006–it all became so very real.  This is his first attempt to put this whole story together and try to come to grips with what could have very well been a tragedy.

I encourage all of you to pick up this book and find out what true survival and the will of man can accomplish.

 

This book was released in May 2007 through Random House Australia.  It has a cover price of $34.95

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