A colleague recently asked me where she could find a zero-degree (or warmer) sleeping bag for her two youngsters (ages 2 & 5). I was stumped. There are lots of 15- through 40-degree versions of kids' bags, but none that I knew of that are warmer than that. So I spent some time researching the question online.
What did I find? Nothing! None of the major sleeping bag manufacturers—Sierra Designs, The North Face, Marmot, REI, LL Bean, Big Agnes, Mountain Hardwear, Eureka—make such a thing. I did find a reference to a zero-degree bag from Molehill Mountain (a small company that specializes in children's outdoor gear), but no such product is listed on their web site.
So what's a cold-weather-camping parent to do?
One option is to purchase a women's regular sleeping bag, which is still relatively short (most fit only up to 5'4" or 5'6") and will fit larger kids (4'6" or so and above) without significant loss of warmth. If they're shorter than that, it means that there will be a lot of extra room and air inside the bag—a recipe for a colder night's sleep. In that case, you can stuff the tail of the sleeping bag with clothes or a pillow or something else that essentially shortens the bag. The big drawback to this plan is that adult sleeping bags are usually more expensive than kids' versions—you can easily pay $200 or more for a zero-degree women's bag.
Another option is to purchase a children's 15-degree mummy bag and then put that inside a larger children's rectangular bag. The drawbacks to this include the fact that you are now looking at purchasing two sleeping bags, though you can bring the cost down by purchasing an inexpensive rectangular bag for $50 or less. Plus you then have the advantage of being able to use the bags individually for warmer weather trips.
For the 15- to 20-degree mummy portion of this system, I recommend The North Face Tigger, Big Agnes Wolverine or Little Red, or Sierra Designs Big Dog 20.
If anybody is aware of a kids' bag warmer than 15 degrees, please let me know!
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Kahtoola Microspikes and KTS Crampons
In my last two posts, I've focused on snowshoes, which are ideal for travel through loose, powdery snow. But in the Northeast, all that loose powder often rapidly transforms into hard-packed snow and ice. Whether it's ice-covered city sidewalks or icy above-treeline terrain, you still need some quality traction for these conditions, but don't require all the flotation that a snowshoe brings.
You could wear a set of steel crampons, but these are heavy, stiff, and often overkill for many conditions. Plus most aren't compatible with flexible, lighter weight footwear. When I'm looking for something in between, I use either the Kahtoola Microspikes or KTS Crampons.
MICROspikes™
These handy little traction devices ($59) consist of a series of 10 small stainless steel spikes connected by sturdy links. These are in turn attached to a stretchy red rubber "shoe harness" that encircles your boot. Simply insert your toe into the front, stretch them over your heel, and voila, you have tough mini-crampons on your feet.
I have owned a pair for nearly five years and used them extensively on ice-covered city sidewalks in Alaska and elsewhere. To a lesser extent, I've also used them in the winter backcountry. They have proven extremely durable, even when used for long stretches in sub-zero weather.
There a few minor drawbacks. They are not very comfortable when walking directly on pavement or rocks. They also are not the most secure traction if you're traversing on sloped ice; they tend to shift underfoot. Overall they are an ideal choice if there's lots of flat ice everywhere, but not the best option when there are only intermittent patches. They come in five sizes (20-28 ounces per pair, depending on size).
KTS Crampons
These are one step closer to a true crampon and can handle a greater diversity of terrain than the Microspikes. They are lighter weight than regular crampons and offer a flexible connector bar that makes them compatible with any type of footwear, from hiking boots to running shoes. They come in two varieties: aluminum ($149; 19 ounces per pair) and steel ($159; 23 ounces).
These are perfect for walking in most conditions, but their 10 points still are not as sharp as full crampons. In really steep, icy terrain they can skitter over the ice rather than bite into it. The steel version offers sharper and longer points (one inch versus three-quarters of an inch). A good option if you expect to encounter some hard-packed snow and/or ice conditions, but don't want to carry a pair of full crampons, which can easily exceed two pounds in weight.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
You could wear a set of steel crampons, but these are heavy, stiff, and often overkill for many conditions. Plus most aren't compatible with flexible, lighter weight footwear. When I'm looking for something in between, I use either the Kahtoola Microspikes or KTS Crampons.
MICROspikes™
These handy little traction devices ($59) consist of a series of 10 small stainless steel spikes connected by sturdy links. These are in turn attached to a stretchy red rubber "shoe harness" that encircles your boot. Simply insert your toe into the front, stretch them over your heel, and voila, you have tough mini-crampons on your feet.
I have owned a pair for nearly five years and used them extensively on ice-covered city sidewalks in Alaska and elsewhere. To a lesser extent, I've also used them in the winter backcountry. They have proven extremely durable, even when used for long stretches in sub-zero weather.
There a few minor drawbacks. They are not very comfortable when walking directly on pavement or rocks. They also are not the most secure traction if you're traversing on sloped ice; they tend to shift underfoot. Overall they are an ideal choice if there's lots of flat ice everywhere, but not the best option when there are only intermittent patches. They come in five sizes (20-28 ounces per pair, depending on size).
KTS Crampons
These are one step closer to a true crampon and can handle a greater diversity of terrain than the Microspikes. They are lighter weight than regular crampons and offer a flexible connector bar that makes them compatible with any type of footwear, from hiking boots to running shoes. They come in two varieties: aluminum ($149; 19 ounces per pair) and steel ($159; 23 ounces).
These are perfect for walking in most conditions, but their 10 points still are not as sharp as full crampons. In really steep, icy terrain they can skitter over the ice rather than bite into it. The steel version offers sharper and longer points (one inch versus three-quarters of an inch). A good option if you expect to encounter some hard-packed snow and/or ice conditions, but don't want to carry a pair of full crampons, which can easily exceed two pounds in weight.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Snowshoes: Atlas 10 & 12 Series
In my last post, I discussed my personal favorite snowshoes for my preferred winter activity: peak-bagging and strenuous mountain trails and travel. For me, packability is king. But that doesn't mean there aren't other excellent snowshoes available. Two other styles I often recommend are the Atlas 10 and 12 series.
Atlas 12 Series
The 12 series is their top of the line model ($280; 4.1 - 4.6 pounds, depending on length). It features an extremely secure and comfortable binding, excellent crampons for traction, and comes in three lengths: 25, 30, and 35-inch (styles 1225, 1230, and 1235), which are each rated for specific weight ranges.
The binding envelopes your boot more than just about any other snowshoe, providing a super secure grip around your boots; there is no slipping or sliding on side-hill traverses or other challenging terrain. Plus it's padded for extra comfort.
It's easy to tighten, even with mittens. Simply get your hand through the primary loop and pull, cinching it down over your instep. Then grab the heel strap and pull. You're done. They are also easy to release, though this maneuver requires slightly more dexterity (though I've done it with mittens).
The bindings are also their drawback. They're bulky and protrude, making it more or less impossible to nest them together. This means that you need to strap them individually to either side of your pack or attach them in some other unwieldy manner. If, however, you expect to be wearing your snowshoes the majority of the time, this isn't an issue.
The 12 series is an excellent all-mountain snowshoe. Includes a pop-up heelbar as well.
Atlas 10 Series
The 10 series, on the other hand, offers a better value ($200) and a little less weight (3.9 - 4.5 pounds, depending on length). The binding is almost identical but features more classic nylon straps instead of the "FlowTape™ silicone straps" found on the 12 series.
The aluminum used in the frame is actually thicker diameter—and heavier—than the 12 series. The weight savings comes from the lack of a heel bar, and slightly fewer teeth underneath—but still more than enough for the vast majority of activities.
Atlas 9 & 11 Series
Atlas also makes a 9 & 11 series. The 11 series is brand new this year ($230; 4.2 - 4.6 pounds) and is basically just the 12 series with the same, slightly heavier aluminum found on the 10 series.
Avoid their entry-level 9 series. The binding is very difficult to adjust.
The women's versions of these series—the Elektra series—are equivalent in most ways but have a smaller, narrower shape.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Atlas 12 Series
The 12 series is their top of the line model ($280; 4.1 - 4.6 pounds, depending on length). It features an extremely secure and comfortable binding, excellent crampons for traction, and comes in three lengths: 25, 30, and 35-inch (styles 1225, 1230, and 1235), which are each rated for specific weight ranges.
The binding envelopes your boot more than just about any other snowshoe, providing a super secure grip around your boots; there is no slipping or sliding on side-hill traverses or other challenging terrain. Plus it's padded for extra comfort.
It's easy to tighten, even with mittens. Simply get your hand through the primary loop and pull, cinching it down over your instep. Then grab the heel strap and pull. You're done. They are also easy to release, though this maneuver requires slightly more dexterity (though I've done it with mittens).
The bindings are also their drawback. They're bulky and protrude, making it more or less impossible to nest them together. This means that you need to strap them individually to either side of your pack or attach them in some other unwieldy manner. If, however, you expect to be wearing your snowshoes the majority of the time, this isn't an issue.
The 12 series is an excellent all-mountain snowshoe. Includes a pop-up heelbar as well.
Atlas 10 Series
The 10 series, on the other hand, offers a better value ($200) and a little less weight (3.9 - 4.5 pounds, depending on length). The binding is almost identical but features more classic nylon straps instead of the "FlowTape™ silicone straps" found on the 12 series.
The aluminum used in the frame is actually thicker diameter—and heavier—than the 12 series. The weight savings comes from the lack of a heel bar, and slightly fewer teeth underneath—but still more than enough for the vast majority of activities.
Atlas 9 & 11 Series
Atlas also makes a 9 & 11 series. The 11 series is brand new this year ($230; 4.2 - 4.6 pounds) and is basically just the 12 series with the same, slightly heavier aluminum found on the 10 series.
Avoid their entry-level 9 series. The binding is very difficult to adjust.
The women's versions of these series—the Elektra series—are equivalent in most ways but have a smaller, narrower shape.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Snowshoes: MSR Denali and Atlas BC24
When I head out winter hiking in the Northeast, I almost always carry a pair of snowshoes. They are essential travel and safety equipment. Oftentimes, however, I don't end up using them. Trails are often packed down sufficiently for regular walking, which is always preferable to tromping around with several extra pounds on your feet.
Because I end up carrying them at least as much as I use them, one of the first things I consider when evaluating snowshoes is how packable they are. Many styles feature bulky bindings that make them difficult to pack or strap to the outside of your pack. Styles that tightly nest together on top of each other are easier to deal with in packing.
MSR Denali
As the name implies, the MSR Denali Classic ($140; 3 pounds, 10 ounces per pair) has been around for a really long time—more than a decade. The durable, flat decking is made from indestructible plastic. They have good metal crampons under the toes and underneath the rails. The binding is simple and easy to use, even with mittens (a key cold-weather criteria). The bindings lay flat and the pair nests as tightly together as any snowshoes available.
MSR also makes the EVO series ($170; 3 pounds, 13 ounces), cousin to the Denali. They're essentially the same though the EVO features a more tapered cut to accommodate a narrower stride. Both lines feature an "Ascent" version, which includes a pop-up heel bar, for $30 more. This is a recommended feature if you plan on making any long sustained ascents—better than screaming, burning calves.
My quibbles are pretty minor. Both styles have minimal flotation in really powdery conditions, though you can add on 4- or 8-inch tails to the Denali, or 6-inch tails to the EVO (sold separately; $30) for extra surface area. My biggest complaint, though, is their downhill gripping ability. Instead of metal crampons, downhill traction is provided by several plastic fins, which I've definitely found to slide in some loose conditions.
Overall, can't go wrong with these. I have a pair that's more than 12 years old—and they're still my go-to snowshoes for winter mountain adventure.
Atlas BC24
These are the snowshoes I currently covet. Unlike every other Atlas snowshoe, the binding on the BC24 (Backcountry 24) lies flat, making them much easier to pack. Though short (24 inches), they are wider than most snowshoes for extra flotation—perfect for a tall guy like me.
And man do these things have teeth! They're more like crampons with a snowshoe decking. Perfect for any kind of icy or snowy terrain. Like MSR's Ascent series, these feature a heel bar as well for support.
A little bit more money and weight, but worth it ($230; 4 pounds, 2 ounces.)
Keep in mind that these are my favorite snowshoes for the activities I like to pursue in the winter mountains: peak-bagging and strenous mountain trails. If you're just planning on casual day-hiking or cruising the snow-covered woods, there are better options. More to come!
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Because I end up carrying them at least as much as I use them, one of the first things I consider when evaluating snowshoes is how packable they are. Many styles feature bulky bindings that make them difficult to pack or strap to the outside of your pack. Styles that tightly nest together on top of each other are easier to deal with in packing.
MSR Denali
As the name implies, the MSR Denali Classic ($140; 3 pounds, 10 ounces per pair) has been around for a really long time—more than a decade. The durable, flat decking is made from indestructible plastic. They have good metal crampons under the toes and underneath the rails. The binding is simple and easy to use, even with mittens (a key cold-weather criteria). The bindings lay flat and the pair nests as tightly together as any snowshoes available.
MSR also makes the EVO series ($170; 3 pounds, 13 ounces), cousin to the Denali. They're essentially the same though the EVO features a more tapered cut to accommodate a narrower stride. Both lines feature an "Ascent" version, which includes a pop-up heel bar, for $30 more. This is a recommended feature if you plan on making any long sustained ascents—better than screaming, burning calves.My quibbles are pretty minor. Both styles have minimal flotation in really powdery conditions, though you can add on 4- or 8-inch tails to the Denali, or 6-inch tails to the EVO (sold separately; $30) for extra surface area. My biggest complaint, though, is their downhill gripping ability. Instead of metal crampons, downhill traction is provided by several plastic fins, which I've definitely found to slide in some loose conditions.
Overall, can't go wrong with these. I have a pair that's more than 12 years old—and they're still my go-to snowshoes for winter mountain adventure.
Atlas BC24
These are the snowshoes I currently covet. Unlike every other Atlas snowshoe, the binding on the BC24 (Backcountry 24) lies flat, making them much easier to pack. Though short (24 inches), they are wider than most snowshoes for extra flotation—perfect for a tall guy like me.
And man do these things have teeth! They're more like crampons with a snowshoe decking. Perfect for any kind of icy or snowy terrain. Like MSR's Ascent series, these feature a heel bar as well for support.
A little bit more money and weight, but worth it ($230; 4 pounds, 2 ounces.)
Keep in mind that these are my favorite snowshoes for the activities I like to pursue in the winter mountains: peak-bagging and strenous mountain trails. If you're just planning on casual day-hiking or cruising the snow-covered woods, there are better options. More to come!
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Definition of the Day: Denier
I've been writing quite a bit lately about ultralight down jackets, tents, and shell jackets. In these ultralight categories, one of the elements that makes a significant difference in weight is the weight of the threads being used to create the fabric.
The weight of a thread is measured according to denier, a spec that is often listed with today's high-tech gear. The smaller the number, the lighter weight the thread. But what exactly is a denier anyways?
A denier is a unit of measure defined as one gram of mass per 9,000 meters of length (there are 28.3 grams per ounce). So if you laid out 9 kilometers of thread, gathered it all up, and weighed it, the denier would be equal to its weight in grams. Denier is commonly abbreviated with a lower-case d: A 50-denier fabric would be listed as 50d.
Gear manufacturers that are trying to cut ounces will often do so by using low-denier fabrics. For outerwear, down jackets, etc., the ultralight standard roughly runs somewhere between 10d - 20d, with a handful of examples in the sub-10d realm. Standard weight outerwear runs more in the 40d - 80d range. Super heavy duty nylon—or "ballistic" nylon, as it's often called—can tip the scales at anywhere from 100d to 600d or more. This is what you find in high-wear places on backpacks, duffel bags, etc.
The trade-off with a low-denier fabric is its durability. It's too thin to take much in the way of abrasion, which is why you often see it in layering pieces that can be protected under a thicker shell, or in ultralight tents, where abrasion is unlikely.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
The weight of a thread is measured according to denier, a spec that is often listed with today's high-tech gear. The smaller the number, the lighter weight the thread. But what exactly is a denier anyways?
A denier is a unit of measure defined as one gram of mass per 9,000 meters of length (there are 28.3 grams per ounce). So if you laid out 9 kilometers of thread, gathered it all up, and weighed it, the denier would be equal to its weight in grams. Denier is commonly abbreviated with a lower-case d: A 50-denier fabric would be listed as 50d.
Gear manufacturers that are trying to cut ounces will often do so by using low-denier fabrics. For outerwear, down jackets, etc., the ultralight standard roughly runs somewhere between 10d - 20d, with a handful of examples in the sub-10d realm. Standard weight outerwear runs more in the 40d - 80d range. Super heavy duty nylon—or "ballistic" nylon, as it's often called—can tip the scales at anywhere from 100d to 600d or more. This is what you find in high-wear places on backpacks, duffel bags, etc.
The trade-off with a low-denier fabric is its durability. It's too thin to take much in the way of abrasion, which is why you often see it in layering pieces that can be protected under a thicker shell, or in ultralight tents, where abrasion is unlikely.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
New Gear: Seirus Combodana Face Mask, Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp, and ACR SARLink 406 Personal Locator Beacon
A lot of new gear is arriving in time for the holiday season. Three items caught my attention this week:Seirus Combodana Face Mask
I've had a basic Seirus face mask (or "Masque" as their brand name goes) for many years. It works great for wind and winter, and has handled a lot of time above treeline in the winter Presidentials. I'm also a huge proponent of neck gaiters, or at least some form of neck protection for the precious heat coursing through your jugular.
In winter, one of the problems with most neck gaiters is that they bunch up way too much in the collar area, where you can easily have two or more overlapping layers. The Combodana is essentially Seirus's basic face mask with a lightweight wind-proof fleece for the neck, which happens to be patterned like a traditional bandana. Quite the look, but quite the function as well. The lower part protects your neck nicely from wind, without any extra materials on the back. $25. Available in multiple colors.
Seirus makes a lot of other nice winter stuff, and they specialize in winter head, face, and neck wear. Funny website though—just a pdf of their catalog.
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
This week's new entry into the headlamp market is this nifty 3.5-ounce package. Unlike most headlamps, the Sprinter features a slim rechargeable battery pack on the back of the head, with a very lightweight—and bright (up to 68 lumens)—LED on the front.
The light adjusts across a range of brightness levels. Simply hold down the on/off button and the light will slowly dim to the desired level. It also features a small blinking red LED on the battery pack on the back of your head—nice if you're running or walking at night for increased visibility. Downside is the limited battery life on max bright (5 hours), with up to 64 on low. $80.
ACR SARLink 406 Personal Locator Beacon
ACR Electronics has been forced to step up and lower their prices for their latest generation of Personal Locator Beacons. Earlier this year, McMurdo introduced its $300 Fast Find PLB series to the market, significantly undercutting ACR's long-standing PLB price point ($500-$600).
The new SARLink is lighter weight than its predecessor, the ACR MicroFix, (8.9 versus 10 ounces) and adds a few minor improvements: a flashing strobe to help rescuers more quickly home in, the ability to test GPS acquisition up to 12 times (versus once for the Microfix), and a new clear housing that let's you see all the electonic guts inside. The current version sells for $400, $200 less than the MicroFix.
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Ultralight Down Jackets
Cooler weather is already here—and winter is just around the corner. In preparation for the upcoming chill, I have been keeping my eye out for the perfect ultralight down jacket. Warm enough to work well as a stand-alone piece in cool weather. Form-fitting enough to function as a layering piece in colder conditions. Small enough to squash to grapefruit size for in-your-pack-warmth when you need it.
Here are the contenders:
Patagonia Down Sweater
Hard to top this one. 12 ounces. Recycled polyester shell fabric. 800-fill down. Stuffs into its own internal pocket. Great fit. $200. They also make a women's version, which gets rave reviews from several of the serious outdoorswomen I know—especially for its quilting pattern, which seems to really keep the down in place. For an extra 3 ounces and $50, both men's and women's also come in a hooded version.
Marmot Zeus
This is a contender in part due to its lower price point ($160), but primarily because it is cut 4+ inches longer—ideal for tall (6'5") guys like myself. What's more, Marmot also tends to cut their arms longer than other brands, another huge plus for lanky guys. (Though it does increase the weight to 14 ounces). Similar to Patagonia otherwise: 800-fill, internal stuff pocket. The women's version of this jacket is called the Venus (pictured right). Hooded versions for both are available.
Mont-bell Ultralight Inner Down Jacket
The lightest of the light—vapor-weight if you will. This jacket weighs in at only 8 ounces, due in part to its ultra-thin 15-denier shell threads and single-quilt construction. Good price point ($150) as well. Lacks the internal stuff pocket. Hooded version also available ($165), which still weighs less (9-10 ounces) than the Patagonia and Marmot hoodless jackets mentioned above. More than any other company, Mont-bell makes an incredible array of other ultralight down jackets—check them all out here
Here are the contenders:
Patagonia Down Sweater
Hard to top this one. 12 ounces. Recycled polyester shell fabric. 800-fill down. Stuffs into its own internal pocket. Great fit. $200. They also make a women's version, which gets rave reviews from several of the serious outdoorswomen I know—especially for its quilting pattern, which seems to really keep the down in place. For an extra 3 ounces and $50, both men's and women's also come in a hooded version.
Marmot Zeus
This is a contender in part due to its lower price point ($160), but primarily because it is cut 4+ inches longer—ideal for tall (6'5") guys like myself. What's more, Marmot also tends to cut their arms longer than other brands, another huge plus for lanky guys. (Though it does increase the weight to 14 ounces). Similar to Patagonia otherwise: 800-fill, internal stuff pocket. The women's version of this jacket is called the Venus (pictured right). Hooded versions for both are available.
Mont-bell Ultralight Inner Down JacketThe lightest of the light—vapor-weight if you will. This jacket weighs in at only 8 ounces, due in part to its ultra-thin 15-denier shell threads and single-quilt construction. Good price point ($150) as well. Lacks the internal stuff pocket. Hooded version also available ($165), which still weighs less (9-10 ounces) than the Patagonia and Marmot hoodless jackets mentioned above. More than any other company, Mont-bell makes an incredible array of other ultralight down jackets—check them all out here
Isis Slipstream Jacket 
My female colleagues insisted I at least mention the Isis line of down jackets, which evidently are very well cut and quilted. The Slipstream is their most technical piece ($229).
“Equipped” is an AMC Outdoors blog, written by Matt Heid.
My female colleagues insisted I at least mention the Isis line of down jackets, which evidently are very well cut and quilted. The Slipstream is their most technical piece ($229).
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