Convinced the world’s slowest mountain biker that since I shuttle us to all our rides that she should use our REI F&F coupon to pick up bike racks for the roof of the blackhawk. Hate Thule with a passion after they refused to honor their warranty on a faulty product years ago (in fact they […]
Reviews
REVIEW: Wusthof Grand Prix knives
(This review is only snow/outdoors related in that it will keep me from riding the next few days) Sharper than Charlie Sheen’s wit. They cut garlic lightning quick. Lightsaber sharp. I don’t mean that in a ‘cut your dead tauntaun guts/smells bad inside’ way I’m talking more like Darth Vader to your Obi-Wan Kinda like […]
Down sweater battle: Mountain Hardwear Nitrous v. Patagonia Down Sweater
I’ve been refining and updating my gear lately (which is a bit odd given the lack of income), and recently acquired both the ever popular Patagonia Down Sweater and the Mountain Hardwear Nitrous down sweater. Let’s get these two into the ring and see who is left standing! Quick overview: Current champ: Patagonia Down Sweater: […]
First look: Stoic Bombshell jacket
Been doing some serious gear whoring the past week or so as biz locally was going good for a bit. Was. Ahh well, at least I’ve got some new gear to show for it. First up, the Stoic Bombshell jacket. Stoic is the new name for the house brand gear from backcountry.com, and from what […]
Review: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32 sleeping bag
It’s been awhile since I’ve done any gear reviews. Between a move back to the Pacific Northwest, working on getting a startup off the ground and enjoying the local beer scene I haven’t been outdoors as much as I’d like outside of daytrips v. last summer when I spent every weekend somewhere in the Sierra. […]
First Look: Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 pack
In an odd stroke of timing I was talking about wanting to try the Mountain Hardwear Koa 55 early last week. It really seems like a good mix of light (though not ultralight by any stretch) and feature filled. Fast forward to Friday and I discovered MH was doing their semi-annual warehouse sale, which also […]
Review: Westcomb Mirage jacket
It’s been awhile since I’ve fired up a review, and I’ve been sleeping on this one for awhile. Took the pics a few weeks back and just haven’t set aside the time to fire up some thoughts on the jacket. Marketing speak The Westcomb Mirage jacket is part of the Hardshell AX line of outerwear […]
Photo sneak preview: Osprey Kode 38 pack
Dying tonight in our heatwave (RIP snow) and melting on the couch figured I’d snap a few pics of the Osprey Kode 38 that recently came into my possession. I’ve only got two days on the pack so want to hold off giving any real review yet as I’m still getting used to the Kode […]
Backcountry (or Mex surf trip) coffee paradigm shift
OK, paradigm shift may be a bit overstating it, but depending on your current BC coffee configuration maybe not. Like most that grew up in the Northwest I’ve got love for a few things – the outdoors, good beer and good coffee. Hell, I’ll settle for marginal coffee as long as I’m getting some. For […]
Review: Westcomb Rampage HX pants
I’ve been sleeping on giving my reviews since posting a few teasers, mostly due to lack of time and mental capacity to write a long-winded and thought out review, and I apologize. This post nails the long-winded part, but it’s a bit lacking in the thought out side of things. Also, I’ll update this post […]