Happy Earth Day!!!

Happy Earth Day everyone!!! This is one post that I wanted to do because I love to get dirty and recycle. I have been "going green" for sometime now and I love it. We do recycle at our home and we encourage everyone to do the same. Thankfully the City of Kingsport has a recycling program and you get two large containers to place items in. I didn't realize how much stuff that could be recycled until I started doing it. Then it really hit me when it was trash day and the blue containers lined the streets of my neighborhood and then I saw how much I had in my own. It does make you feel good when you see what all you can recycle like taking the newspapers, phonebooks, magazines, etc to be recycled instead of in a landfill. If your city or town doesn't offer a recycling at home pick up you can make your own containers to collect items and then take them to a recycling center. A compost pile is also a thing that I enjoy doing and using rain barrels instead of watering the yard or flowers with city water. There are so many ways to give back and also we teach our boy's age 2 & 4 to recycle as well. I think that "Earth Day" should be everyday!!! So get out there and see what you can do to make things a little greener :)

Check out http://www.thedailygreen.com/ for awesome tips on "Going Green"





Platypus SoftBottle



This is an awesome new water bottle that I picked up from Platypus. I was looking for something very light weight and that would be easy to store. I came across this at Mahoney's Outfitters in Johnson City, TN by accident and I am so glad that I did. It's made from zero percent BPA and and stores .5 of water and weighs less than any other water bottle. You can also put it in any cup holder, back pocket, backpack, or anywhere. It also have a bit valve that is built in which I think is awesome because if you're used to using a camelbak or hydro-system then this is perfect. They range in different sizes and they also offer an awesome Gravity Works Filtration system that hopefully I will be able to test later on.

http://cascadedesigns.com/platypus

Hike the entire Appalachian trail....in five mins!!!

This is an awesome video of the Appalachian Trail experience from http://www.backpacker.com/. It shows you the journey that normally takes 5-6 months in about five minutes. I have always wanted to hike the entire AT and I have to say it's still on my to-do list. I was excited when I found this video and it was the entire trip shortened down to roughly five mins. I have to say that this will have to do for now along with section hikes.

Video: Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail—in Five Minutes

Video: Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail in Five Mins

Click above link to watch video

Kleen Kanteen 40.oz

I decided to go BPA free a couple of years ago and there is a lot to choose from with water bottles these days. I went with the Kleen Kanteen 40.oz because I drink a lot of water on and off the trail. I did my research and read reviews on the company and products. I was very impressed on what I learned and I wanted to get a stainless steel bottle and this one even comes with  different cap and sleeve options. I have seen other bottles but I don't think they would hold up to the abuse as this one has. I paid $25.95 plus shipping or you can pick up one at your local outdoor center like Mahoney's Outfitters in Johnson City, TN. You can change the cap from a loop to a sport cap for a few bucks and has lots of accessories you can choose from. It is also available in different colors and there is even one for carrying wine on the trail.



Vibram Five Fingers KSO

I had these out on the trail and I have never had so many people ask me what was on my feet and where I got them. I love the way these feel because it's like hiking barefoot with protection. Although it does take while to get used to sticking your toes in the individual pockets. Its like a big pair of flipflops except every toe has a wedge haha. Once you get the hang of putting them on and break them in they're great for hiking or just wear around the house. I picked these up at Mahoney's Outfitters in Johnson City, TN for $79.99 plus tax and they are worth every penny!! There are different designs you can choose from and of course the range in different prices. They also come in different colors for men and woman if you're not into black. The KSO features a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide and breathable mesh upper that wraps your entire forefoot. They worked great on the trail considering that I was on trail and then around wet rocks off the rivers edge.



http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/barefoot-sports/



Meet Izzy

I got Izzy when she was six weeks old and she is growing like crazy!!! I love yellow labs and I have always had black ones so it was time for a change. She is very energetic and loves to run like crazy as most big dogs do. She is already house broken within about 2 weeks of bringing her home which is awesome. Izzy loves being out on the trail and of course the water haha. She is a very good dog and likes to go pretty much everywhere I go she is with me. I have two boy's and she loves to play with them and then as always she sleeps haha but again very well behaved and smart. I will post more pics to show you how big she is getting later on.



Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sleeping Pad

I was trying to decide between and "air pad" or this and I decided to go with the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite. It's an ultralight three-season camping mattress for backpacking where every ounce counts. It has an accordion shape that packs for more comfort and store great on your pack. If you're and Ultralight you'll love it because it weighs less than a pound and you'll sleep like a baby. It retails for $30.00 bucks so its a good deal from a great company. I actually used this the other night and I sleep great...which is hard to say about backpacking or camping if your doing it right. Most outdoor stores carry these so they're easy to get your hands on one or you can visit the site http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest



Garmin Forerunner 110

Just picked the Garmin Forerunner 110 at the local shop and I love it!!! This is great for tracking those trails to check your mileage, elevation, and you can also connect it to your computer via USB (included). Garmin Connect™ online community where you can see your trip on a map and tells you everything you want to know and its free. I found this very helpful so I can see what trail I have been on and allows me to share maps with people as well. The cost is $199.99 and there are several models to choose from depending on the use. It's water resistant, and can last 3 weeks in power-save mode before needing a recharge. Check it out on www.garmin.com



Suisse Sport Adult Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag

Do you want a sleeping bag that will hold up under the elements and doesn't cost you a small fortune? I had been looking to replace my old sleeping bag and couldn't find anything that I liked or that I wanted to pay and arm and a leg for. Then, I found this, the Suisse Sport Adventurer Mummy and its awesome!!! It is a perfect fit in my Teton Sports Scout3400 backpack and doesn't weigh a thing. I got a chance to use it the other day and it was about 30* that night give or take and it held up great. I was surprised that I wasn't cold at all that night even thought the temp dropped. Most bags have a rating but its not always the temps suggested that you can get with it. I purchased this for $37.63, that's right another awesome find, and it helps to do research. I'm 6-2 and weigh 250lbs and it fits me just fine and I have room to move unlike some bags. I also use a Therm-a-rest EZ lite sleeping pad and its a perfect combo for someone that wants to pack light.

Extra-small sleeping bag designed for size- and weight-conscious hikers
Compresses down roughly to 12 x 7 x 7 inches in stuff sack thats included
700-gram Micro Tekk.7 microfiber insulation; full chest baffle, utility pocket; weighs about 2.9 pounds in the stuff sack 

High Sierra Wave 70 Hydro Pack

Absolutely love my High Sierra hydro Pack!! I take this baby with me every time I go out and that's a lot. I actually own two of these (the other is blue) in case a buddy needs one....and they always do haha. It holds 2.0 Liters of water, hands-free reservoir pressure valve, insulated water tube cover that keeps water from freezing in the tube,padded back wicks moisture, adjustable shoulder straps, reflective loop holds a bike LED light. I highly recommend this for anyone that is out and about and needs more than a water bottle. Visit http://hssc.com/product?number=68101&lang=en



Parr Foods - Boone Bar's

The other day I was in Earth Fare and was looking in the "bar" section for something good to take on the trail with me. I stumbled upon this little display that was filled with what looked like homemade bars. I of course had to check it out because I saw that they were made in Boone, NC!!! There are several different flavors to choose from (Dark Chocolate Banana, Walnut Dark Chocolate Cranberry,Coconut Almond)  just to name a few, and I got one of each just to be on the safe side. I tried one of course on the way home because I hadn't ate and these were meal replacement bars. They have about 400 calories which really helps while you are on the trail or just on the go. Now I am totally hooked and I always support buying local it just makes ya feel good. I believe that I paid $2.99 same as online so check your local health food store or visit them online at http://www.parrfoods.com/shop.aspx





Teton Sports Scout3400

I was looking for a good pack to start off with and didn't want to spend a lot of money. I came across the Scout3400 from Teton Sports $47.99!!! I was blown away when I saw the price and I did my research for several weeks before making the purchase. I know what your thinking that "you get what you pay for" and I am a firm believer in that because of doing sales most of my life. I couldnt believe when it arrived and I actually got my hands on it that is was an awesome pack. This is an internal frame backpack that offers an adjustable adjustable height shoulder straps, a rainfly compartment and rainfly (bright yellow, included), and padded water bladder pocket. Two side zippered pockets, side and front mesh pockets, and a top zippered pocket provide plenty of room for smaller accessories. A top-loading main compartment and a sleeping bag compartment. You can also use your existing water bladder system (not included) I would give this back 5 stars because of durability, features and price. I can store my tent, trail stove/fuel, thermarest zlite, clothes, food, water bottles/bladder, sleeping bag, etc weighing in about 25-30lbs. Check it out at Teton Sports.com you'll be glad you did!!!







Bay's Mountain Fire Tower

The Fire Tower located on Bay's Mountain in Kingsport, TN is a "must see." This is a great trail for beginners and doesn't take very long at all to do on a sunny day. From the parking lot at Bays Mountain Park, I walked down to the Lakeside trail and went to the east around the Kingsport Reservoir/lake. After about 0.8 miles you come to Hemlock Trail, which is a short 0.1 mile hike to the Fire Tower Trail. Then you hike for 0.7 miles until you reach the tower.(4.7 miles total) You can see amazing views of Kingsport and Holston Ammunition plant after you climb the open steps that wrap the inside frame of the tower. It was very windy the day that I went and thought I was going to get blown from the windowless top of the tower haha. It is an awesome hike and I can't wait to do it again.

Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

I had been looking for a good tool/multi for starting a fire. I have used different ones from magnesium block and striker and fire steal. I came across this new item from Gerber, and I have always trusted their knifes. I liked it because it was ( $14.99) a watertight construction fire starter with a couple of other features such as fire steal and striker, emergency whistle on the lanyard, end cap storage (cotton balls) rescue/survival guide, pictures for S.O.S/Alpine Rescue signals. I had read several reviews on the product before purchasing as most people do now a days, and decided to pick one up. I have to say that the amount of spark you get and the end cap storage are a plus. I have several friends that have also purchased this as well and they love it.

http://youtu.be/fBumZlfxSZ8



Coleman Max Micro Trail Stove

I went to Wal-Mart to get bug spray, not to buy a trail stove. I found the Coleman Max Micro Stove for $25.88 so I had my doubts about how it would hold up. To my surprise this little stove is great, especially for the price and what you can do with it. I took this on my backpacking trip and I was surprised how the small butane/propane mix canister that I packed was enough to cook 2 meals a day for three people with some fuel left over. It also has adjustable heat settings, from simmer to high and serrated pot supports that fold away for east storage. This unit itself weighs about (0.35) without fuel can. I would highly recommend this product for anyone that is hiking/backpacking as a beginner or even  the advanced.



Eagles Nest Outfitters - Single Nest Hammock

http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

This is the hands down best piece of outdoor equipment that I own!!! The Eagles Nest Outfitters Singlenest Hammock a.k.a. ENO. I take this everywhere I go and people are always asking me about it. You can set it up basically anywhere in just a few secs, and it everything is self contained. It comes in a compression sack and weighs only 18oz for those ultralight peeps. Its made from high strengh breathable woven nylon with two carabiners and the max weight is 400lbs. You can set it up using the ENO "SlapStrapPro" hammock hanging system. This system comes with two straps adding two extra feet (22 inches to be exact) and bag to store them in. SlapStraps allow you to set up your hammock while hiking, camping, hanging out by the lake or in your backyard. I take this on all of my camping trips and I am always trying to find a place to hang it haha. The cost is about $80 bucks total for everything and you can also get accessories for it as well such as rain flys.

Laurel Falls Hike 2011

This was an awesome hike to start the year!!! I had never been on this trial before and can't believe that is was only an hour away. It had some of the most amazing views for this area and the trail was definitely a local favorite. I had never seen so many cars and suvs at a trail head before or ran into that many people on the trial. It was raining the day before when I went to check out the trail head location and I was prepared to go.......but I didn't. I am so glad that I waited for following sunny day to take this on. The trail is about 5 miles total and has its challenges, like the trial that goes along the river wall after you come down the rock steps.....Awesome!!! You can access the AT along the trail as well if you want. Then the trial goes on and you see more amazing views of the river as it twist and turns into the mountain. Finally, you reach the falls (video below) and on this day it was amazing to hear and see this beautiful site. If you haven't been, you definitely need to add this to your list of trail to hike.

Video of Laural Falls

Eureka Solitaire Tent

I just purchased the Eureaka Solitaire tent and it's awesome!!! I have already used it this year and it holds up great. It sets up and breaks down in mins...which is another awesome feature. I also like that you can gain access via the bug net in the top or the front. I am 6'-2" and 250 lbs, and I had plenty of room for me and my pack. I would recommend this tent to anyone that is backpacking and wants to save room and weight.

Description

$84.90

The Solitaire is a three-season tent made by Eureka! 

Sleeps 1 / Floor Size 2'8"x8' / 2lbs. 9oz.

EUREKA SOLITAIRE TENT FEATURES

• 2 hoop bivy-style tent
• Durable 6.3 mm fiberglass frame is shockcorded for fast set up
• Pole pockets on one end; ring and pin on the other speed set up
• Nylon pole sleeves aid in set up and stability
• 3 storm guyouts on fly
• Includes 2 storage pockets and 1 flashlight loop
• Zipper in roof cloth for easy entry/exit

http://store.eurekatent.com/products/364749/Solitaire_Tent