Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
Finally we have had some rain up in these mountains, much awaited and we are most grateful! Things are green, blooming and beautiful all around. Plenty to do and this week's weather is back to the standard summer fare. Cooler temperatures in the mountains, high 60s to 70s, and the usual possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
Though the raising of fire restrictions from Stage 2 (current fire ban) to Stage 3 (limit on any and all backcountry activities) is unlikely as of right now; fire risk remains a possibility. Hikers, campers and all forest users are asked to be careful and wary as we are still in a state of drought. Fishermen and anglers are also concerned with the rising water temperatures. These can stress the fish, causing diseases; and fishing the streams exacerbates this stress. Fishermen are asked to fish early in the morning, fish higher up in the drainage and keep a constant eye on the water temperature to avoid long term negative effects. A voluntary or even mandatory fishing ban is not off the table.
This last weekend launched the ticket sales for the next summer event series: the Vail International Dance Festival. Featuring world famous dancers and specially choreographed pieces, a performance in this series is not to be missed. With seated and lawn options for tickets, why not pack a picnic and bring a group of friends together for a cultural evening?
View a highlights video from 2011's festival in the above video. Buy tickets and view performance details here. Performance passes, including 9 lawn tickets and 9 drinks from the bar are also available!
We hope to see you at our Vail and Avon locations soon - new summer wear and sale winter wear and gear still available. Why not stock up on some half price Patagonia Capilene for this winter?
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
Our final list of favorites for this summer's activities.
Multi-purpose tent
Many of our readers are tried and true backpackers, while some have dabbled in a car camping adventure or two. Still others may do both, depending on location and conditions. If there is one thing you need, especially if you only want to own one tent at first; is one that is lightweight yet sturdy, non-bulky yet roomy; and it would help if it didn't break the bank! Especially for outdoor enthusiasts just starting out.
The Mountain Hardwear Drifter 3 is all of that. Fitting two people with all packs and gear inside, maybe even a dog, this tent is the perfect size for an overnight or a few. While weighing in at 6 pounds packed weight, if you leave the rain fly (for warm, dry campsites), it becomes a breeze to carry. Packing neatly and easily into its travel sac, it makes it easy to throw in the car or strap to a pack. Durable, waterproof fabrics make it a worthwhile investment. And at half the price of the only slightly lighter superlight range of tents, it is quite a bargain too!
Re-wearable hiking shirt
Key to making camping enjoyable is to ensure you have JUST the right amount of stuff. Packing light avoids excess effort and sweat getting your gear to your site, whether it is carrying it up the mountain on your back, or loading from the car into your tent. However, forgetting a vital item of clothing is no fun either. Repeat wearing is the answer and we are totally sold on the benefits of merino wool.
Good for socks, shirts and other layers; Icebreaker won't retain odour and stays cool and lightweight no matter the weather as it wicks moisture away from you and dries super fast. We love the Icebreaker Tech T Lite - you can wear it on the hike in, allow it to air-dry overnight and have a brand new shirt for the next day's schedule!
Around camp shoes
Once you are set up at camp, there is nothing as pleasant as peeling off sweaty hiking boots and feeling the warm grass under your toes. Most of the time, walking around barefoot is not the best option - especially for those of us who love exploring, doing a spot of fishing or even a meandering walk out in the wilderness. Cue for comfortable, laze around camp shoes.
Any flip flops would really do the trick, they pack small and can even be strapped on the back of your pack if you are out of room. For their great arch support, casual feel and durable nature; we love the Chaco Z1 Unaweep Sandals. On very warm trips, you can even hike in these and they are great for stepping in and out of a lake or stream. Available for men and ladies, this basic version has no toe strap and is easy to customize for a perfect fit for your feet.
For more suggestions for your summer gear pile, or to tell us your favorites, stop by the Avon or Vail store this season!
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
Continuing with our theme from last week's post, here are a few more bits and pieces that are vital to having a great summer. We think so anyway.
Lightweight camp cooking system
Most of use enjoy a mixture of car camping and backpacking adventures. Carrying your home on your back, versus piling it into your Subaru are vastly different and require different considerations in packing lists.
A simple camp stove system is a worthwhile piece of inventory for both. Whether it's simply boiling water for tea after your (car-supplied) grill out yields a delicious feast; or as a vital tool to cook backpacking meals on your 3 day 'pack ultralight' hike into the Rockies; having this item makes camping meals easy and fun.
The Jetboil Flash System is our go-to. Great for one or two people on its own, and giving you the option to add to your collection with its variety of accessories such as pans and jumbo cups; it comes in funky colours too. The fuel canisters are clean burning and come with a handy 'crunch tool' you can use to drain the gas remnants to make for easier recycling.
Down sweater
We return to our love affair with down. Packable, light and super warm, it's a great piece for sitting around the campfire as the temperatures cool off. Or even for heading out for the newspaper on chilly mountain mornings. Fitting easily into your pack and released in a variety of dreamy colours every season, the Patagonia Down Sweater has even been called the "uniform" of the mountains. You are almost obligated to have one.
Thin beanie
Hazy summer afternoons, tan lines and gorgeous sunsets; summers are what visions are made of. Who would think you need to keep your head WARM, right? Yet, chilly early morning hikes and crazy bed hair are a part of camping too. And, for that we recommend the Icebreaker Chase Beanie. Thin merino wool gives it a lightweight breathable property so it will keep you warm when it is just a little too breezy. Merino wool also doesn't retain odour, boding well for multi-day, multi-week or even multi-month trips.
We know we are definitely getting pumped for some summer trips right now - got to use all this new gear sometime! Next week's post will feature our final installment of summer gear essentials to dream about.
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
We continue to get you ready for the upcoming summer season - though with this year's warm weather, many adventures have already been adventured we are sure! If you are considering spending time in the magical outdoors this summer, take a look at this personal inventory well worth investing in.
Paclite Rain Shell
Paclite Gore-Tex is the lightest and most pack-able form of this waterproof and breathable membrane,. Hence the name! Stuffing down into a little ball in the bottom of your pack, you won't even notice it, until you are caught in that sudden mountain rainstorm mid-trip that is. With a lifetime guarantee as well, it's well worth it.
We love the Arcteryx Beta SL with its redesigned slim fit and Storm collar, it is the perfect emergency waterproofing you need. Whether it is to keep hiking to the next camp spot, or just getting the dog walked; don't forget to have a reliable rain shell ready. Available in a variety of fun as well neutral colours for men and ladies, the Beta SL is a wonderful multi-use piece.
High-top waterproof hiking boots
Whether you choose Gore-Tex or some other form of waterproofing such as BDry, if you want to hike all season, you need to be prepared for muddy puddles, wet grass and the odd river crossing. Some may get aggravated by the high-top boot, but with the many options available today, from a 'lower' high-top to the full on mountain boot; it really is worth looking at for the added support. Any trip with more than a day's hiking is going to be hard on your ankles, and carrying a loaded pack can be tough on the joints. By no means a foolproof solution to a rolled ankle, high-top boots can definitely help.
One of our favorites for an any-hike boot is the Oboz Sawtooth Mid, in Mens and Ladies. Oboz is renowned for being a 'no break-in' shoe and the BDry keeps your feet, well, dry; while the ventilation on top of the shoe ensures your feet don't self-combust on those desert hikes.
Ultralight down sleeping bag
Down sleeping bags are great for their lightweight, packable warmth on the go. Down breathes really well too so if you invest in a bag for slightly cooler camp spots, you can usually use it for most all of your trips. As long as you are planning on sleeping under some sort of shelter (or somewhere cold, yet dry), down is the best option. Carrying it is easy and it doesn't take up a lot of room in your pack.
Go for the highest quality down in your budget, as it will cut down further on weight and packable size, ensuring you use it more. We love the Mont Bell Ultralight Down Hugger with 800 fill down. Cozy, comfy and light, this bag will be your best friend on many a camp trip in the mountains. Choose a bag based on the temperature you think you will need - ladies, we usually run cooler so add 10 degrees to be safe!
So that's the start of our dream gear wishlist. Next week, see what else we love, and want you to love too!
Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado
As we get ready for the summer adventures in the months ahead, make sure to remember to cover all bases. Most of us are pretty clued up on the gear we love in the backcountry for all our fun pursuits, be it a comfortable pack, sturdy pair of hike boots, reliable carabiners or a versatile long sleeve layer. One thing often overlooked is a good assortment of emergency medical supplies. From a simple band aid to the highly undesirable splint, a few things can allow you to rest easy if anything does go wrong. No excuse for being careless and taking risks, these medical kits do offer a variety of emergency solutions to get you back home in one piece.
Coming in three sizes - Explorer, Camp Daddy and Base Camp, these kits can be thrown into your pack or car and forgotten about. Until you or your friends/family need them, of course!
If you (or your wallet) would prefer to come up with your own emergency kit; by all means, just make sure to include these basic items we think are vital.
Band aids - who hasn't gotten a scraped knee or sliced open finger while camping?
Ibuprofen - for inflammation and severe headaches
Antiseptic ointment - keeping minor cuts clean ensures they heal quickly and painlessly
Bandage - With larger scrapes, the possibilities are vast
Temporary splint eg. Sam Splint - from rolled ankles to an emergency cervical collar for neck injuries, this small moldable item can be used in a variety of situations
Burn cream - anyone who has ever picked up a still-hot grill or stove pan can attest to this one!
There are many other items you can include in your kit, depending on how much you are willing to carry/pack. With car camping, there really is no excuse to not have many First Aid essentials with you, especially if you are going to be away from nearby towns/stores.
Whether it is a ready-packed kit you want, or ideas for what to include in your own, or even more things you think we forgot - let us know!
