Category: Advice

When adventure isn’t your job

Jan. 22 Advice, Checklists, Gear sites no comments

We know people who are paid to have an adventurous life, and we’ve interviewed a few like Eric Weihenmayer, Melissa Arnot, and Lee Farmer.  But what about the rest of us…those who have jobs and responsibilities that make it tougher to take the time and cover the expense of all of the things we’d love to do? We manage to have a great deal of adventure and are often asked, “when do you work?” and, “how do you afford it?” Here’s our advice for how to make it happen no matter what your circumstances:

Be ready to go

If it takes a great deal of effort to go, then you’ll make excuses not to. Every time we return from an adventure, we clean and dry our gear, fix anything that is broken, and have everything on shelves and in duffels in our garage so that we can find it quickly. We also have a master checklist broken down into sections that helps us quickly make sure we’re ready to go to the beach, climbing, or camping. The things we use most often, like our shoes, flash packs, headlamps and doggie water bowls are kept in the house where we can grab and go.

We find invariably that if don’t use our checklist, we forget critical things. Likewise, using a checklist makes us feel comfortable that we can make a decision about a hike very quickly and not feel stressed that we’re not thinking it through. Also, we always have extra canisters of fuel for our stoves, dehydrated food, MRE’s, and fully charged batteries. This way, we can leave any time of the day or night without stopping at a store or even worrying that a store is open.

Lastly, we have resources on the web, maps and books that allow us to quickly do research and pick something without taking large amounts of time to get all the information necessary. For Southern California, we use websites like Dan’s Hiking Pages, Modern Hiker, and SoCal Hiker. Having a few websites like these makes deciding and being prepared both stress free and quick.

Make adventure part of everything

When we have trips for work, we find ways to squeeze adventure into the mix, like when we hiked the first part of the Appalachian Trail while in Atlanta for business, or visited the Kennedy Space Center when at a conference in Orlando.

If you have an hour, find an adventure that takes an hour. For us this means hitting a trail near our home, like the Eaton Canyon First Waterfall. If we have a day, we find an adventure that can be done in a single day, like climbing Mt Baldy.  Too many people put off adventure because they have an idea that fun takes days or weeks. We have constant adventure because we take what time we have. Also, having small but consistent adventures increases your fitness and keeps your mind always open to finding new experiences.

Have a partner

We’re fortunate that we’re married and both enjoy the same things. Having someone you can rely on to share adventures makes it easy and more fun. For some of our friends whose wives don’t do the same things, we are their partners for adventures. You’ll be much more likely to carry out a plan if there’s someone else involved. If you don’t know anyone, there are great websites like Meet Up that will help you find partners.

Keeping the cost down

Your adventure doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. If you’re a beginner, buy good gear gradually, starting with great shoes. Hiking is inexpensive and an easy way to get started on the ‘right foot’. When you decide to invest more, buy only once by reading gear reviews and consulting with experts at the best stores like REI. Quality gear that is well treated will last for a long time, as opposed to inexpensive goods that in the end won’t save you at all. Don’t be afraid to use the internet to find the best prices but be aware that shipping costs and difficult returns could make the online experience not so competitive in price and service.

More than anything, get out there. The more you go, the more you’ll go. That sounds silly but is the heart of having great adventures.

Review of Yaktrax Pro

Nov. 06 Advice, Gear sites no comments

Originally submitted at REI

Regain your confidence when walking on packed snow and ice with the updated, simple-to-use Yaxtrax Pro traction devices.

Let’s be fair, folks…these things work

By Chris et Jeanne from Pasadena, CA on 11/13/2011
4out of 5

Pros: Versatile, Great Grip, Comfortable, Easy To Put On & Adjust

Cons: Bulky

Best Uses: Mixed Routes, Alpine Routes

We bought two pairs of Yak Trax Pro at the last minute in Yosemite for a winter hike up Yosemite Point. While they worked very, very well, one of mine broke but was replaced by the store where we bought it. Since that replacement, we’ve used them several times in California and in Nepal, where we unexpectedly were in snow and ice at 17,000 ft in the Himalayas. Of our whole team, including local Nepalis, we were the only ones who could walk well enough to find the way down a major pass. I’ve read the reviews about how easily they break, but I think for something under 5 oz. that you can through in your pack just-in-case, they do exactly what they should. We’ve seen people since using micro spikes and frankly, they’re no better off than we are with Yak Trax and they struggle more over rocks (much more). I would recommend these to anyone who never quite knows what conditions to expect.

Review of Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

Oct. 24 Advice, Gear sites no comments

Originally submitted at REI

The waterproof Black Diamond Storm headlamp is built to withstand the worst weather, because the last thing you need when caught in a storm is for your headlamp to die.

Tested in the Himalaya

By MaximumAdventure dot net from Pasadena, CA on 12/24/2011
5out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Waterproof, Adjustable Beam, Durable, Long battery life, Bright

Best Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Trekking, Cold Weather

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

Was this a gift?: No

We purchased two headlamps for use on a Mera Peak Expedition in October 2011. We knew we wanted light but at the same time, headlamps that would work very well in very cold temperatures.

While we didn’t test them in extreme cold, they worked day after day for three weeks in below-freezing temperatures. We’ve been back a couple of months now and even though we keep using them (even through a recent four-day power outage), we haven’t replaced the batteries yet.

We love the adjustable power setting so that we can see clearly up the trail and also avoid the glare when reading in the tent.

(legalese)

Our Ultimate Checklist

Sep. 25 Checklists 2 comments

We’ve found over time that the only way to make sure you have everything you need, or have at least considered everything you need, is to use a checklist. We accomplish all types of trips by have a single, inclusive checklist that we call our Ultimate Checklist.

Review of Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots – Men’s

Sep. 24 Advice, Gear sites no comments

Originally submitted at REI

The expertly designed soles on the Asolo TPS 520 GV hiking boots reduce shock impact while enhancing stability and support. Full-grain leather uppers with seam-sealed Gore-Tex� linings provide waterproof protection from the elements. Gusseted tongues and padded ankle collars keep trail debris out; …

Proven awesome in California and Nepal

By Chris et Jeanne from Pasadena, CA on 12/24/2011
5out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Arch Type: High Arch

Pros: Great Traction, No Break-in, Warm, Ankle Support, Water Resistant, Sturdy/Durable, Comfortable, Good Arch Support

Cons: Toes not well protected

Best Uses: Wet Conditions, Heavy Loads, Harsh Terrain, Long-Distance Hiking

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

Was this a gift?: No

We’ve used these boots in California for the past two years and also in Nepal hiking in the Himalayas. They are simply put, the best hiking boots we’ve both ever had (my wife owns the same model for women).

The only thing I would change about the boots is to give them a protective rubber toe cap. We use boot polish when we get home after hiking to make sure the leather doesn’t dry out and crack since there is no toe cap.

Our boots after the second trek in Nepal

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Tags: Picture of Product

(legalese)

How do you get ready for 6,476 m (21,247 ft)?

Sep. 17 Health, Nepal, Trekking adventures 1 comment

We leave for Nepal in a few short weeks to climb a peak in the Sagarmatha Region of Nepal. Mera Peak is 6,476 m (21,247 ft) and while it is called a trekking peak and not a climbing peak, it wasn’t summitted until 1953, the same year as Mt Everest. To go that high means being prepared in new ways when it comes to equipment, clothing and fitness. We’ve had nearly a year to get ready, and here’s what we’ve done.

Acclimatization

Nothing will keep us from the top more than acclimatization and our fitness level. The acclimatization has to occur once we’re in Nepal and en route, as we live only 300 m (1000 ft) above sea level. Our last six months included:

These adventures were still far below where we’ll be going, so the only way to truly be prepared is to work on the things that can be done…strength, endurance and mental toughness.

Physical fitness

People put a great deal of focus on physical fitness and they should. If you aren’t fit, you will suffer from the problems that unfit people encounter when they push beyond their readiness…knee and back issues, muscle tears, cramps, stiffness, and blisters. There’s no substitute for getting out on the trail and putting in the kilometers.

Mental fitness

If you aren’t ready mentally as well, you won’t be able to tough it out when you reach the hardest parts. You may quit or worse, convince others to quit. Being mentally tough is the hardest preparation of all because you can only get there by pushing yourself beyond what feels comfortable and easy. How do you get mentally tough? If the trail is easy, go fast. If the trail is hard, go as fast as you can until your body makes you stop. Mental toughness is the reason the best riders in the Tour de France aren’t the 20-year-olds. Some of the best marathoners are in their 30′s and 40′s because the mental challenge is greater than the physical, and this takes time to develop.

Technical gear

People spend a fortune on technical gear and undoubtedly more than is necessary. We have things we bring for climbing, like harnesses, ropes and ascenders, but also things we bring for convenience, like lightweight binoculars and a good camera. We’ve developed a Mera Peak Checklist just for these items as forgetting something could be at a minimum, disappointing, and at a maximum, unsafe.

Clothing

Having the right clothing that allows a trekker to be in many climates within the span of a few weeks isn’t a simple matter. We are big believers in layering clothing so that every item has multiple uses and the ultimate effect is to have less weight to carry and much more flexibility. Anything that can be rolled, stuffed or folded into a small space needs very careful consideration.

  • First layer – Merino wool long underwear. Thin and useful in a broad range of temperatures. Doesn’t hold smells very well since it is a natural material. Wicks moisture away from your skin so you don’t feel wet when you sweat.
  • Optional long underwear – We have varying layers for wearing over the first layer as the temperature drops. Patagonia has a great system for labeling their long underwear by 1, 2, 3, and 4, with 4 being the thickest/warmest.
  • Warmth layer – When cold weather calls for more clothing, the layer above long underwear can be down. Warm, but not waterproof in our case, so we have another layer after that.
  • Waterproof layer – We both have the Patagonia M10 shells that are extremely breathable but also waterproof. This layer can be worn directly on the skin when you have warm rains down low, or over the down and long underwear when you are in frigid temperatures up high.

These four layers provide incredible flexibility for changing conditions, even within a day. It is a sort of ‘clothing system’ that makes hiking and trekking much comfortable. Heavy jackets and thick clothing in general aren’t useful as they don’t have a broad range of use, aren’t part of a ‘system’ like we describe, and take forever to dry if they get wet.

Footwear

This topic is well-covered in a recent post Why footwear matters so darn much.

Travel and its challenges

All the gear and fitness won’t make a difference if you aren’t ready to travel to your destination. We have gear bags that we check for air travel, and we have our essentials like passports, wallets and medication in our carry-on bags and never in checked luggage. We travel often and so it isn’t a difficult exercise for us. A part of the challenge is to have a great attitude and to be flexible when plans change unexpectedly. Every change is an opportunity to find an unexpected adventure, so when it happens, roll with it.

Why footwear matters so darn much

Sep. 16 Advice, Gear sites 3 comments

Few things are more important than choosing the right footwear for the adventure, whether it be the Himalaya or London. While it would be great to save money and find multipurpose shoes, choosing appropriately will make things much more fun. Make a poor choice in footwear and see how quickly an adventure becomes painful, limited and a bad memory. Keep in mind that the products we show below are a good fit for our feet, but may not be the best brands for you. Seek the advice of a footwear specialist at a store that has serious hikers helping the customers, as the advice of a generalist will get you into trouble.

Hiking

When we hike distances less than 10 km (6 miles), we usually use trail running or approach shoes that are lightweight and have some amount of support. They are infinitely better than running shoes that are made for running in a straight line or tennis/skate shoes that are made for smooth, hard surfaces. We like the Vasque trail running shoes for durability.

Pros: light weight with some support

Cons: Not enough support to prevent ankle roles on downhills. Not good for daily pounding.

Trekking

The shoe challenges involved in trekking aren’t just the daily distances, but the accumulation of many kilometers day after day. The rigors of trekking don’t allow for healing time, so having supportive and protective footwear goes up several notches in importance. We love our Asolo TPS 520′s that are leather and at first glance may seem old-fashioned, but are comfortable in a wide of temperatures, extremely durable, and measure up very well against the most modern of man-made materials. We find it to be the best of both worlds.

Pros: Fantastic support for long distances and the rigors of downhill hiking

Cons: Heavier than approach shoes and warmer. Need to be worn with moisture-wicking socks in warmer weather.

Mountaineering

Going up high means having not just great protection from cold, but a way to keep the liner warm during the night. A two-layer boot, also known as a “double plastic boot” allows the inner boot to stay on your foot, even in a sleeping bag, and keeps the feet warm even first thing in the morning. Frozen boots are a sure way to frostbite. We recently used the La Sportiva Spantik on a climb of Mt Shuksan in Washington State, and it was very comfortable and easy to take on and off. We’re looking forward to using the boots in Nepal for Mera Peak in October 2012.

Pros: Warm, separate liner

Cons: Heavy and very specialized (not useful down at low elevations). Mountaineering boots need to be carried to the point where they are used, so weight is a big factor.

Relaxing – warm weather

Being able to take off your shoes and let your feet breath is key to enjoying the end of a great adventure. For this, there’s fewer more durable or comfortable sandals than the Olukai. The leather soles and straps make them tough and allow them to break in to your foot’s shape. If you don’t have a sandal at the end of the day, you’ll have serious envy of those who do.

Pros: Bullet-proof, comfortable, light weight

Cons: Not the best way to walk on rocks or deal with cold temperatures

Relaxing – cold weather

In the “getting more specialized” category, we love down booties for the end of a day when the temperature drops. Your feet can relax, stay warm, and you can feel like an astronaut all at the same time. Light weight and stuffable. We connect ours with heavy rubber bands and they stay together in our packs. Feathered Friends makes one of the more expensive but also more durable versions.

Pros: Warm and very comfortable. So light that they don’t need to be a weight issue.

Cons: Not generally rugged enough for walking on rough ground. Most are not waterproof in their soles.

Water…the fuel for adventure

Aug. 23 Advice, Gear sites 2 comments

More than anything else, we drink water. I’m sure you’ve heard about humans surviving 28 days without food but only 3 days without water. Fortunately, I haven’t had a chance to test either one. We live in Southern California (dry) and hike in places like the Eastern Sierras (very dry) and staying hydrated needs to be a top priority. For information on dehydration and it symptoms, check here. In summary, they focus on the four facts below:

  • The body needs water to function
  • Dehydration occurs when water intake is less than water loss
  • Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening
  • The young and the elderly are especially susceptible to dehydration

Reservoir versus bottle

There are facts about using a reservoir that make it the preferable choice over carrying water bottles:

Accessibility:  Experience shows that if water is readily accessible, you’re much more likely to drink than if you need to stop, take a bottle out of a bag, drink, and then put it back. We’ve tried bottles for quick convenience but we keep coming back to using our Camelbaks because we know that we simply drink more and have a much faster recovery time.

Volume: A single reservoir typically carries up to three liters of water, as opposed to a water bottle that generally carries one liter at most. You would be surprised how much water you lose when exercising. As we showed earlier, dehydration is as simple as having more water loss than intake. If you don’t drink consistently and sufficiently, you are suffering dehydration almost immediately.

Convenience: Carrying multiple water bottles is unwieldy, so not having a reservoir may tempt you to carry less than you should. Don’t yield to the convenience temptation!

Time of day

Sweat is your body’s way of cooling off, so at the hottest part of the day, your body will automatically do more to adjust its temperature. Exercising in the cooler temperatures of the morning or evening will cause your body to push less fluids out as sweat, therefore lessening the risk of dehydration. Any exercise that creates exertion, however, will begin the water loss process, so plan to drink at any time of the day (or night), but even more during the heat of the day.

Bringing enough

We assume that for a difficult hike, we will drink as much as one liter every thirty minutes. That makes an afternoon hike potentially an exercise in keeping enough water on hand.

In addition to what we think we need, we always bring one extra liter per person, often in a water bottle. We do this for two reasons…one is the comfort of knowing that if our reservoir springs a leak or unexpectedly runs dry, we have a ‘reserve’ option much like a motorcycle’s gas tank. Secondly, we never know when we’ll meet other people on the trail who haven’t prepared sufficiently for their own water needs and we’ll need to give them water. You’d be surprised how often we find people who are lost, miles from the nearest water source, carrying little or no water.

In addition, assume you may end up taking longer on your hike or losing more water than expected so whatever your needs, plan to bring a buffer amount of water for those unexpected situations.

Water sources enroute

Knowing where to get water along the way is key information that can be ‘discovered’ before the hike. There are many hiking resources online that often list where water can be found on popular routes, so do your homework. Keep in mind that in many places like Southern California, water is very seasonal and also depends on the particular season being more wet or dry. Never assume the water source is available unless you have very sound information and a very reasonable expectation that it is a year-round, every-year source. Lastly, be sure to treat or filter any water that you aren’t sure is safe to drink otherwise. There are viruses and bacteria that are common in California in untreated water but there are also tools for managing these challenges like chlorine tables/drops, iodine, boiling and filtering. To know more about this, check here.

Being prepared is the best way to hike safely, and being hydrated is the key to enjoying the great outdoors.