“Lines form on my face and hands. Lines form from the ups and downs…
I’m in the middle, the middle of life. I’m a boy and I’m a man…”

I’m Eighteen ~ Alice Cooper

When I was a young lad I recall watching my father shave, fascinated with the process and his seeming lighting quick swipes of the razor removing the foamy, soapy mask and looking refreshed, smooth faced. With at least a decade to wait until I was to undertake this ritual of manhood, he indulged me with a splash of his Old Spice cologne, the fragrant indication that the task was completed.

Looking up at him, I asked, “Dad, what does it feel like to get old?”

Smiling, he looked at me and then himself in the mirror and said, “Terry, I really don’t know. If I close my eyes, I still feel the same way I did when I was eighteen. When I look at myself in the mirror, I know I’m not but inside, inside I feel just like you do right now.”

Terry and his father on San Jacinto

His answer perplexed me, for I couldn’t imagine that time wouldn’t change me from within. But now, I understand all too well. Time seems not have altered my core, the being of who I am.  Thanks to my father, my love and joy of being in the outdoors, walking on dirt paths under open skies is just as fervent and fulfilling.  The feeling of discovery when seeing strange rock formations or catching a fleeting glance of a deer startled by my approach has not dampened after adding 55 years to the time when I asked him that question.

But as I enter my 60^th year on this planet, I also understand that his answer was incomplete. Time does have an effect and not all of it in the minus column. Now when I view those unusual stone monoliths, I know how they were formed and the millennia it required for them to be how they appear to my more knowledgeable eyes. Native plants and wondrous flowers now are given names and I know when they bloom and the place to view them.  Through experience, I’ve gained the confidence and skills necessary to find my way on once mysterious trails using the sun, stars, maps and compass. And I’ve learned how to make myself comfortable and sated on the trail and in camp in ways that wouldn’t have been known to me without many trials, errors, splinters and unpalatable meals.

But Dad failed to mention that things do change. Time is certainly an unremorseful thief in many ways. The spirit within may remain strong, but its shell does record the days and nights and weeks and years.  What may have been an easy hike when I was a young hiker is now, more aptly categorized as “moderate.”  Climbs that required only a quick deep intake of air to recover now require a few more moments to collect the will to tackle the next.

Aches and discomfort are likely to be felt for an extra day or two before moving on.  Hiking times are extended to reach a destination and I don’t look quite as dashing in new hiking shorts nowadays.

Despite the transitory physical effects that hiking may have on my body, my appreciation for the mere act of walking in nature is greater than ever. There is less focus on accomplishment and more on the experience. The peak patiently awaits my arrival and though it may take me an extra hour to reach it, the nuances of the changing sky, the altering terrain encountered along the way and the sounds caught in the wind do not go unnoticed and are in reality celebrated because I was witness to it all. I am grateful to be there.

As an elder hiker I understand more fully the finite days allowed each of us to experience these riches of life. Smiles come more easily with each switchback and misty eyes happen more often when viewing a stretching landscape or firework hued sunset that defies all words of beauty.

I will hike until I can do it no longer and hope that it is one day shy of my final day among my fellow travelers of the beckoning trail.

Tips for the Elder Hiker

In general, all of the hiking tips you already know will apply. You know, the 10 Essentials, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back and all that. But there are a few things to consider that maybe weren’t on the list when you were 35.

Take your time and if you aren’t going to reach your destination because the sun is falling too quickly in the sky, finish the hike with a headlamp or turn around and be thankful that you got to be outside, walking on two legs.  You’re not a failure because you didn’t reach the damned peak; brother, you got to hike today and that’s an accomplishment in itself.

Your hike will likely take you longer than it used to. Deal with it. It’s a hike, not a race.

Use trekking poles or a hiking staff. If you’ve not used them, learn to love them. Going downhill is a bitch on the knees.

Carry an extra stash of your meds. If you need to spend an unplanned night on the trail, you’ll be glad you won’t need to worry about missing your blood pressure pills in the morning. If you wear them, do yourself a favor by carrying an extra pair of glasses, even old ones. Breaking or losing your glasses in the backcountry can be hazardous to your health if you can’t see the trail.

Toss in an ACE Bandage in your first aid kit. When those knees or ankles really start acting up, you’ll pay a thousand dollars for a little extra support halfway through the hike. Save your money and deal with the extra weight. Worth every ounce, my friend.

With age comes the tendency to have put on some extra pounds around the middle. Do the right thing and either get in shape to lose a few or stay in shape to avoid the trauma that weight can have on your continued enjoyment of hiking. If you’re returning to hiking after a long absence, be smart and don’t tackle Mt. Whitney until you’re ready, physically and mentally.

Be patient with the foolish youngsters on the trail. Unless they’re doing something life threatening, let them learn like you did. If you must intervene, put yourself in their shoes and imagine what it’s like to have an old codger lecture you so choose your words and delivery accordingly.

Invest in the best shoes and best backpack you can afford. Scrimping on either may lead to being much more uncomfortable because your body isn’t able to “shake it off” like it used to.

Wear a hat and cover your arms and legs as needed with sunblock or sleeves. Your skin is thinner than it used to be and sunburn could end your hike on a painful refrain.

Drink lots of water and keep yourself nourished. Organs don’t bounce back or handle trauma from dehydration as well as a younger person’s.

Know where you’re going and don’t argue with the map and compass. They are likely more reliable than your memories of being on that trail 20 years ago.

Have fun. Pace yourself.  Immerse yourself in the experience. Hiking is truly one of the most precious gifts you can give your life.

Trail Sherpa | Reflections of an Elder Hiker

 ”Safety doesn’t happen by accident.”  ~Author Unknown

Safety precautions taken when hiking can mean the difference between life and death. Hiking safely means you sign in at trailheads, correctly know and use navigational skills, carry essential gear, practice wildlife avoidance, stay on marked trails, and use common sense at the very least.

“Hiking begins before you reach the trailhead” – American Hiking Society 

You cannot plan for every emergency situation, but planning can help minimize the impact and reduce your chances of death. Planning and creating a hiking trip report BEFORE you hike is a safety precaution worth taking.

Potential causes (not a complete list) that can lead to an emergency situation:

• Rockslides
• Storms
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Unexpected wildlife encounters
• Avalanches

Research, document, and distribute your plan before you leave. You cannot predict and prevent all situations, but you can give yourself the best chance of survival with a little work ahead of time.

Purpose of a Plan

As a responsible person  it is important to lessen the risks involved when venturing out anywhere AND increase the probability of being found when you don’t make it home as expected.

A plan helps you evaluate and prepare for the challenges of a hike.

The more information you leave behind the better prepared your loved ones will be when and if they need to notify an emergency response team. Additionally, a thorough plan will assist search and rescue teams finding you.

Create a Hiking Trip Plan

1. Research and Gather Data

• Who and how many persons in your hiking party, provide their names and ages
• Equipment/gear you have with you
• Description of clothing you are wearing while hiking
• Hike start date and time
• Return Date and time (make sure to give yourself some cushion so emergency services are not called if you are a little bit late)
• Name of hiking location (example: Joshua Tree National Park)
• Trailhead names and Connectors (example: Cottonwood Trail and back to Mastodon Loop Trail) (Provide a highlighted map, sketch if you need to)
• Turn around point
• GPS coordinates
• Take a photo of the bottom of your hiking boot. An experienced hiker was found by search and rescue following his plan. The team was able to track him down using a photo of the bottom of his boot!!! Read the story here.
• Food and Water amounts brought with you
• What else can you add that is unique to your situation? Medications you are on? You or your partners are deaf? Chronic disease in case you need treatment?
• Hiking with animals? A dog? The name and description of dog.

take a photo of the bottom of your hiking shoe to help search and rescue

2. Document

Using a hiking plan template to detail your trip will save you time and keep you organized. You can create your own or search the web for one of the many listed online. Many organizations provide a form. Check with your local police department.

Some search and rescue teams have created the template for you. You just need to fill it out (all of it). This is not the time you will want to skimp on the details.

3. Distribute and Teach

Don’t expect the hike plan to be executed without specifying expectations of use.

A hike trip plan will not be effective unless there is someone who understands how, why, and when to contact authorities.  Choose someone reliable, responsible and trustworthy to notify authorities when appropriate. Make sure you discuss the plan with them and give detailed call instructions if you are not back from your trip at the predetermined time.

And please, if your plan changes, call someone and let them know. Don’t have a search and rescue team sent for you if you really don’t need one.

Example Hiking Plans (use these as a starting point. The emergency numbers to call will probably be different):

• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue – Hiking Plan
• Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue – Hiking Plan

When do you create a hiking plan? Do you always tell someone where you are going?

Trail Sherpa | Create a Hiking Trip Plan

Diaper bags are one of those things that every new mom decides she absolutely needs….and then often ends up in the back of a closet because it isn’t as functional as she wanted or her carefully planned baby organization goes out the window.

Not to mention that after the kids are out of diapers, the bag becomes immediately worthless.  Consignment stores are jam-packed with them.  Apparently, no one wants to keep on carrying that bag (that is obviously for diapers and nothing else.)

The whole family getting out for a ski (kids comfy in Chariot) with the Geigerrig Mom Pack

But, the whole role of being a mom and what that means is changing.  Moms are getting outside more with their kids for the benefit of the whole family.  Moms are wearing babies, packing babies and staying busy…even with babies.  No longer is a “stay at home mom” literally spending most of her day at home.   The good news is that the kids are benefitting from more fresh air, more exercise and the fact that their caretakers are healthier and happier too.  It’s a perfect balance.

With the steady rise of the “adventure” parent comes a rise in gear for getting those families out easier.  As a mom myself, I love watching all the great contraptions pop up all over the place, especially in the past five years or so.  The older generation (Grandmas and Grandpas) often comments on how they wish they had that ______  (Chariot CTS, Deuter Kid Carrier, Piggyback Rider etc. etc.) when their own children were small.   Finally the “cool” mom has the functional gear, not the fashionable gear.   Life is easier for everyone.

And yet, while diaper bags continue to be improved and changed (even if it is just the fabric) the new Geigerrig diaper bag backpack, called the RIG MOM, is the first one I have seen that is truly multifunctional for around the home, traveling AND out on the trail.   It doesn’t look like a diaper bag (though I know many would love to see a more “neutral” pattern) and it’s built well enough to wear all day long. The use is perfect for both parents hauling baby gear and someone who just wants to be more organized.

When I wear the Mom’s Pack with kids in tow, the pockets are stuffed with snacks for them, toys and smaller water bottles.  When I wear it for my own use (it’s great for cross country skiing because of the “garages” to keep the hoses from freezing), I take the changing pad out and stuff it instead with my extra gear and snacks for me.  The whole family (or group) benefits from the Geigerrig hydration system.  It’s a well-built backpack with the benefit of some “diaper bag perks” that you can’t find in other adventure packs (insulated pockets, changing pad, hydration system protected from dirt and colder temperatures.)

Kids love to be outside adventuring – and diaper bags need to be able to keep up!

And so the opportunity is here.  Life with young children can be a challenge enough as it is – this pack makes it just a little easier (and allows for kids to grow up too and the gear to stick around.)  As every parent hears, “you only get these years for a limited amount of time” – get out there and make them an adventure!

You can learn more about the Geigerrig Mom Pack here including in-depth gear reviews, an informative video, and full image gallery. Trail Sherpa is also offering a special 45% discount on the RIG MOM. Get the code now!

Trail Sherpa | Diaper bags are changing the adventure of parenthood

The science behind sleeping bag design is at once simple, and yet very complicated.  For many years sleeping bag designs have changed and evolved to incorporate the latest technological breakthroughs and use the latest innovative fabrics and materials available.  Recent advancements in sleeping bag technology include waterproof down insulation, ultralight materials and breathable vapor barriers.  As complicated as the technology might become, the objective in sleeping bag design is very simple.

Sleeping bag design boils down to one, ultimate goal: Trapping dead air around the body to keep the user warm and reduce body heat loss.  The two main factors in play in sleeping bag design are reducing Heat Transfer (the transfer of thermal energy between objects of differing temperature) by creating Thermal Insulation (achieved through specially engineered methods or processes, as well as object shapes and materials).  Everything else is just marketing.

Body Heat and Thermoregulation…

To understand how heat transfer can be managed through design, we have to understand how the human body produces heat in the first place and the factors that affect thermal comfort (heat balance).  Mammals produce body heat through basal metabolic processes and physical activity.  Excess heat created through increased activity must be transferred to the environment or our bodies would overheat and shut down as soon as we exerted ourselves.  The ideal condition for heat balance is when the amount of excess energy created by the body is the same as the amount lost to the environment.  The human body has natural mechanisms to control body heat (thermoregulation) like perspiration, vasodilatation and shivering.  These mechanisms normally don’t kick in until our body is in an extreme state of stress, something we normally want to avoid.

While we sleep, our natural metabolism is the primary contributing factor maintaining our body heat.  In ideal environmental conditions, we would maintain heat balance naturally while we sleep and wouldn’t need any assistance.  This doesn’t happen in the natural world, so we look to insulating layering systems (Thermal Insulation) to keep us warm while we sleep.  This is where sleeping bag design enters the equation.  Sleeping bags should be designed to reduce thermal conduction enough that our natural body heat can maintain an optimal core temperature while we sleep.

Thermal Conduction in Sleeping Bag Design…

Thermal Conduction is the transfer of energy at the atomic level between objects of differing internal energy.  This results in heat transfer from the higher energy object to the lower energy object as they seek equilibrium (heat balance).  In our case, it is loss of heat energy from the human body to the colder environment (air).  Sleeping and resting individuals lose about 25% of their heat through respiration (a combination of convection and evaporation) and insensible perspiration from the skin (evaporation). The remaining 75% is dry heat loss from the body surface.  Sleeping bags slow Thermal Conduction by trapping dead air as a thermal barrier between your body and the environment.  This enclosed system also virtually eliminates external convection factors from the equation.

We quickly heat the trapped air through conduction and radiation.  As the air gets closer to our core temperature, our bodies have to produce less heat to seek equilibrium with this air layer.  Air is a poor energy conductor, so the more air that can be trapped around the body the less conductive heat loss we will experience.  The insulating and shell fabrics also serve to slow conductive heat loss but are much less effective than air.  The primary function of the thermal layer material is to hold air.  The more air volume it can hold, the more effective the material is as an insulator.

For this reason insulating layers need to be thick and resilient.  It is important that the fill material retain it’s thickness over time and recover quickly from compression.  The fill should also maintain even distribution to avoid “cold spots”.  The thicker the fill, the more effective it will be at reducing heat transfer by trapping greater air volume.  Density also plays a role.  Low density filling will not allow the air to stabilize allowing greater convection loss and will also be less resistant to radiant heat losses.  Other design considerations that will reduce convective heat loss are any elements that assist in trapping a layer of air around the body.  Insulated neck baffles, overlapping insulation layers at the stitching and zippers (draft tubes) as well as added fill in compression areas like the bottom of the bag can all be used to insure a more stable thermal air barrier around the body.

A note about sleeping pads

The cold ground is a much more efficient conductive mass than any air that surrounds you.  This means that it will draw heat energy out of your body in an attempt to reach heat balance faster than anything else.  It is also a mass that you will never reach equilibrium with, so it will pull heat energy from your body until you are the same temperature as it is.  To reduce conductive heat loss through the ground, an insulated sleeping pad should be used to separate you from the ground and create a layer of air between you.  Since the sleeping bag insulation will be compressed underneath you reducing it’s effectiveness, the sleeping pad is an essential piece of gear in your sleep system and shouldn’t be ignored.

Materials used in Thermal Insulation…

Natural

Traditionally, either Goose Down or Duck Down has been used as a lightweight natural fill insulation material in jackets, quilts and sleeping bags for many years.  Other natural insulation materials are Wool and Animal furs.  Out of these natural insulators, wool is the only one that performs well when wet.

Synthetics

Many synthetics have been produced over the years.  Some of the more popular materials are Polarguard, Hollofil and Thermolite.  Traditionally heavier and bulkier than natural insulation, these manufactured products are engineered to trap air and reduce thermal conduction just like natural insulators.  They are also engineered to function under adverse conditions.  As technology advances, these synthetics are getting lighter and more versatile.

What is Down “Fill Power”?

“Down is graded for quality according to the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will displace when under a controlled pressure. This displacement is referred to as “fill power”; 400-450 fill down is fair, 500-575 fill is good, 600 and above is excellent. Many factors affect fill power. As a result a laboratory will condition a down sample for several days in order to stabilize it, and still they can expect a 10% variation in their results. Since few consumers are equipped to scientifically test down fill, your best protection is to buy established brand names from reputable retailers.”

From John Francis Maggio – Western Mountain Sports

Thermal Radiation in Sleeping Bag Design…

The human body is constantly giving off heat in the form of electromagnetic waves referred to as Radiant Energy.  This energy can be reflected, absorbed, and converted into other forms of heat energy.  In a cold environment, there is a constant interchange of radiant energy from the (warmer) body to the (colder) environment.  The higher the temperature gradient, the faster radiant energy will be dissipated into the environment.  Sleeping bag design can fight radiant heat loss through both reflection and absorption.

Reflection

The best example of the use of reflection to reduce heat loss is the emergency “space blanket” in most backcountry first aid kits.  It uses a highly reflective material as the sole source of insulation to keep a person warm.  It’s main function is to use your body’s natural radiant energy to provide heat.  It is also an impermeable layer that reduces convective heat loss by blocking any wind that might try to rob you of warmth.  There have been several products on the market making use of thermal reflective materials used close to the skin at the inner shell to reduce radiant heat loss.

 Absorption

Using materials to absorb radiant heat is a trick more commonly seen employed in insulating garments instead of sleeping bags, but it is still a factor in the design and material specifications of sleeping bags.  Using a material that will absorb and hold the radiant energy transferred from the body will gradually reduce the amount of heat transfer that occurs and, potentially, radiate heat back to your body in the process.  Insulation materials with absorptive qualities also increase the rate at which the stable air layer will reach heat balance with your body.

Sleep Science and Sleeping Bag Design…

Sleep Science is an article in and of itself that I won’t get into.  The science is still fairly young and much of it inconclusive.  What is known is that physical comfort and the ability to achieve the deepest levels of sleep required for mental and physical rejuvenation are hugely subjective and highly personalized.  Some people don’t move much in their sleep and can achieve great sleep in a typical, form-fitting mummy bag.  Others require a little wiggle room or the ability to spread out to achieve deep, satisfying sleep.  Sleeping bag shape design then must address comfort and maneuverability for the individual.

Material specifications must also be considered when addressing individual comfort.  Softer, more pliable materials net-to-skin will improve sleep comfort.  There are a variety of sleeping bag liners available for this as well.  Personally, I find insulation and outer layer materials that are too stiff or make noise when I move keep me from achieving deep sleep.  I’ve also read complaints from some users about bags that don’t “breathe” well creating a high-moisture micro-environment inside the bag that keeps them awake.

What about temperature ratings?

Sleeping bag temperature ratings can be misleading. When manufacturers tell you a bag is rated for -10°, we mean that it will keep you alive at a temperature down to -10°. We don’t mean you’ll be comfortable. You won’t. You will be COLD! But you’ll be alive.

Temperature ratings are really survival ratings. For comfort, most people need a sleeping bag rated about 20° to 25° colder than the expected nighttime temperature on their camping trip. If you are expecting zero degree nights, then buy a -20° to -25° sleeping bag.

-from TETON Sports Sleeping Bag FAQ

In the end, Sleeping Bag Design is primarily about maintaining warmth and reducing heat loss.  But there is a human side to design, the side that ventures beyond the pure science into intuition.  This is the side that addresses creature comfort, security, and aesthetics.  The side that transcends the specifications and playfully elicits an emotional response.  It takes something we need and elevates it to something we want.  That’s when design becomes art.  And that’s when you know they’ve done it right…

Tips for staying warm at night in your  Sleeping Bag from Teton Sports

You shouldn’t have to freeze your tail off every night just to go camping. First, understand that staying warm in a sleeping bag is all about heating the air in the bag, and then trapping that heated air inside the bag as long as possible. When your sleeping bag is directly on the ground, you mash the air out of the bag’s fill and you let a lot of cold come in from underneath you. The first suggestion is to sleep with a pad under your sleeping bag, not simply a plastic ground cloth.

Do what you can to warm your body before you get in the bag. Twenty jumping jacks before you hop in the bag may keep you warm hours longer, because your body will better warm the air in the bag. Once you’re in the bag, strip off all non-essential clothes so your body heat can be used to warm air, not clothing. And of course, don’t sleep with wet clothes.

Use the shoulder baffle included on all TETON Sports sleeping bags to cinch around your neck and trap the warm air in all night. Buy a wide enough bag of the right temperature rating so you can leave the side fully zipped all night long. Also, if you eat right before bedtime, your body temperature may drop slightly while you metabolize, and you could suffer all night as a result..

Trail Sherpa | The Science of Sleeping Bag Design

The new Teton Sports Mammoth Sleeping Bag

My first sleeping bag was a substantial puffy cocoon lined in soft cotton, nothing like the gossamer light, synthetic-lined bags I carry backpacking today. In a less tangible way, my first bag made me feel closer to home. When I’m car camping, I still want that luxury sleeping bag, but they have become harder to find, especially for couples or a family.

TETON Sports recently launched the Fahrenheit Mammoth +20°F Sleeping Bag, a double sleeping bag with a 100-percent cotton flannel lining with a nostalgic soft bed-sheet feel. Every Labor Day, I car-camp with a huge group of friends, and THIS is the bag I want to sleep in come September.

I spoke to Shawn Parry, VP of Marketing and Product Designer at TETON Sports, about the decision to bring the Fahrenheit into production and the process of getting it to the shelves. I was intrigued that TETON was producing doublewide bags with two different linings. TETON had produced a cotton-lined bag in the past but switched fabrics as synthetics became more popular and cotton prices climbed. Now they are manufacturing the specialty bag in two fabrics, something not many (if any) manufactures are willing to do.

It became clear during our conversation that TETON places a high priority on listening, a trait that played a role in the launch of the Fahrenheit. They recognize that by listening to customers and retailers, they not only delivered good customer service, but also gain an edge on the market and product design.

I have paraphrased my informative conversation with Shawn for clarity and length.

What were the cotton-lined bags called in the past (before the switch to synthetic)?

The Fahrenheit is an adaptation of the Celsius line we have had since we started, the re-introduction of cotton warranted a new name so we can keep the brushed poly flannel. So, in the product’s past life it was the Celsius, but now that Celsius has a poly liner, we developed the Fahrenheit with an all cotton liner.

Why did TETON decide to bring a cotton-lined bag back to market?

We listened to our customers. In one instance in particular, a customer at Sportsman’s Warehouse was ready to buy a Mammoth bag but told the store rep that he wanted cotton lining, which we no longer produced. This was passed on to the store manager, who told their buyer, who then passed it on to us.

We know that when one customer speaks up, there are usually more who have not. After doing some research, sure enough, we found more cases of customers requesting cotton lined bags. That was when we made the decision to build the Fahrenheit Mammoth.

I’m picking up that you maintain communication between your retailers and your office, is that accurate?

Yes, we don’t sell products directly to the public because we want to focus on design and customer service, not sales. Therefore, it’s important that the lines of communication are open between customers, our retailers, and us. We go to great lengths to make sure every customer is happy but we can only do that if we listen.

Describe the typical customer who requests cotton lining?

It’s clearly buyers in their 40s. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, or simply the texture that they associate with comfort.

I’ll admit, I am in that age bracket, and I understand. I like the feel of cotton over synthetic fabric.

I see many thoughtful features in this bag and your other products. My first thought was that all of you are out playing in the woods a lot, but after talking, I gather you gain a lot of input from your customers as well. Is that correct?

Yes and we are active on Facebook, Twitter and other social media where we often ask for opinions and ideas as well. Sometimes we just ask questions and other times we use polls. Some days my boss walks in and I’ll tell him about an idea shared with me via social media. He will comment that it’s as if we have thousands of designers contributing to our work.

Additionally we do use our own outdoor experience (while playing in the woods) with other products to establish what we like or dislike.

Do you have any funny stories about how this bag came to market? There has to be one…

Yes! The Mammoth series of bags initially came to market because the owner of TETON Sports, Scott Holmes, commented to his wife that he wanted to have a bed in camp that was as big, fluffy, and luxurious as their queen-size bed at home so that all of their kids could pile in with them too. He went on to design the doublewide sleeping bag for their growing family. It’s designed so that additional bags can be added to accommodate any number of campers.

Did you have any stumbles during the process of bringing the Fahrenheit to market?

No, this was our smoothest production roll-out because we had experience with the fabric before and know what to expect.

Now that the Fahrenheit Mammoth has launched, how has the reception been?

The reception has been good, there has been quite a bit of publicity, and sales have been good. Currently it is only available at Sportsman’s Warehouse.

 
Check out the specs, video, and Sherpa reviews to learn more about the Teton Sports Double Sleeping Bag.

Trail Sherpa | Interview with TETON Sports designer Shawn Parry

This year’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market was all about fun winter activities in Utah and Idaho for me.

Everyone thinks that the OR Show is just a grind of work meetings, gear demos, and long conversations about technical specs for the newest gear and products coming to market in the outdoor world.

OK, no one thinks that.

The OR Winter Market is really just a great excuse for outdoor industry folks, brand people and bloggers alike, to meet over drinks and partake in winter activities.  Sure, it can be the setting for many to geek out on the gear that’s ready for market.  But it’s really about winter fun with the friends you make in the industry and there’s always frosty drinks and delicious food in there somewhere.

This year’s Winter Market was no exception

I made my way to Salt Lake City with Dave Creech, the blogger known as Wilderness Dave.  We plotted our campaign to take over the outdoor world on the drive to the show that Thursday.

An hour into the 6 hour drive, Matt from Geigerrig called to say that the morning ice storm in SLC produced more than 150 auto accidents.  We carefully made our way to the hotel and checked in just before midnight without incident.

Friday was filled with meetings, mostly with PR reps that brought us up to speed on their client’s latest and greatest.  There are tons of posts covering all the new gear and latest innovations.  Here’s one from Melissa, our Sherpa at AdventureTykes.com that focuses on the best of kids gear from the show.

The gear and the brand stories that inspire the innovations will be shared in the coming weeks here on Trail Sherpa.  This trip, and this post, are really more defined by the people and the things we were doing.

The highlights of the trip included a 2 hour laugh fest with #MrCody, great food and conversation everyday, and an amazing outdoor backdrop, a near miss, and most importantly a group of people that just really know how to enjoy the moment.

But like the title suggests, this OR Show was about winter activities for me.

Saturday was all about snowshoeing

Our “ambassadors of awesome” on Saturday were Teton Sports, Tubbs Snowshoes, and Hydroflask.  Shawn runs the blogger outreach for Teton Sports, though I am sure his duties go well beyond that.  He pulled a group of outdoor bloggers together for a snowshoeing adventure just outside Salt Lake City.

I had never strapped on a pair of snowshoes before but it was on a list of things that I wanted to experience this year.  Sarah was there representing Tubbs Snowshoes and she was very helpful for the few of us that were embarking on our first snow shoe adventure.

Sarah’s advice  to me was this “You’re as good as you’ll ever be on snowshoes in the first ten steps…so don’t sweat it.”

She was right.  There was the occasional scrape as one shoe crossed the other.  Or the time I tried to pivot forgetting that I had snowshoes attached.

But at the end of the day I can say that I loved every minute of the snowshoeing trip and will certainly rank it as one of my favorite winter activities.

Thanks to Shawn, Sarah and Kristen (from Hydroflask) for the gear, the demos, and the good times on the trail!

Sunday was moving day – Here we come Idaho!

It was my first time to Idaho and it certainly didn’t disappoint.  Our friends at Geigerrig had organized a post-show trip to a cabin for some snowshoeing and snow machining that proved to be nothing short of epic.

Matt circled the city early Sunday morning, stopping at each hotel to pick up the Trail Sherpa crew which included Dave, Erika, Heather, and Kristie.

We hit the road with light flurries but that was just the beginning.  The 4 hour drive took more than 8 hours and at times the snow was coming down so hard that visibility was piss poor at best.

We arrived at the cabin the fresh powder was already knee high and accumulating.  Monday would be awesome!

Another new winter activity to check off the list

I hadn’t been on a snowmobile since I was a young teenager in PA.  But Matt and the Geigerrig crew had 4 snow machines delivered to the cabin and Monday morning we set out.

The mountains that surround the cabin in Island Park, ID are not small.  Not even close.  And with a few feet of fresh powder, Monday was poised to deliver an epic experience.

Zach joined those of us that decided to take the machines out that morning.  He is owner of the snow machines and the company that rents them.  He had promised us the night before that he would lead a tour to the top of one of the nearby mountains.

We shot off through the cabin community and down onto the flats that parallel the main road.  He took us across the road and down a straight away that allowed us to really open up the machines.  Lightening!

Maybe not lightening but fast enough that you can appreciate the power of the machine.  We were easily going 70-80 mph.

The trail curved from one side to the other and we made our way into the treeline at the base of the mountain.  It was rough at first.  Dave got stuck.  We dug him out.  I made it through the ditch he left and immediately clipped a log on the left side of the trail that surgically removed the windshield.  Awesome stuff.

The trail emerged from the trees as we made our way up the mountainside and the powder got progressively deeper it seemed.  The views were awesome.

I thought the riding would be easier with more room to maneuver but fresh powder is difficult to adjust to for a beginner.  We had a section on the hill that took an hour and half to cover not more than a few hundred yards.

Drive 20 yards.  Get stuck.  Dig out.  Repeat.

It was painful but I couldn’t imagine doing it any different for my first ride in more than 20 years.

We made our way to the top and the views were simply amazing.  The light was perfect and the skies cleared a bit.

Thanks to Geigerrig & Teton Sports

Both of these brands know how to enjoy the outdoors.  Thanks for introducing me to a few new winter activities and for supporting what we’re doing here at Trail Sherpa.  We’re already looking forward to some summer fun!

Tip: If you are interested in a cabin rental in Island Park or West Yellowstone, you need to consider the cabin we stayed in.  Spacious and big enough for a few families.

Trail Sherpa | Winter activities in Utah and Idaho

Trail Sherpa | The Badass Day Hiker’s Gear List

No doubt, we want to make 2013 awesome.  And 2012 was a great year for our fledgling company.

Trail Sherpa is starting to hit a stride and we are thankful for all the readers that visit TrailSherpa.com every day as well as the outdoor bloggers we host here on Sherpa Sites.  Our bloggers sure did kick out a ton of great content in 2012.

So in the spirit of year end reflections and new year resolutions, I thought it would be a great time to share our plans to make 2013 awesome.

Empower our outdoor bloggers

Trail Sherpa is a network of outdoor blogs.  We now power a half dozen bloggers and will be adding a few more of our favorite blogs to the network in 2013.

The purpose of our network, which we call Sherpa Sites, is to provide the tools and distribution for unique content about the great outdoors.  In 2013, along with the introduction of a few new established blogs, we will also launch a few in-house project blogs.

To make sure that all these blogs have the best chance to succeed we will continue to develop tools and functions on Sherpa Sites.  We will also work closely with outdoor brands to put new, innovative gear in the hands of our bloggers.

Sherpa Sites is growing and we hope that it will drive distribution for all the great content coming from the passionate people that make it all work.

Publish big content

The Trail Sherpa blog started out as my personal hiking blog.  If you dig deep enough, you will find some of my trail reports and accounts for backpacking overnights with friends.

But 2013 will usher in a different type of content, big content that is.  We will leave the trail reports, gear reviews, and outdoor stories to our bloggers.  We will focus on creating big content derived from research, collaborative efforts, and market insights that will be shaped over a much longer span of time.

You can expect to see more exhaustive how-to guides, insights into research relating to outdoor topics, and content campaigns focusing on specific product categories and brands.

We plan to use the Trail Sherpa blog to host ongoing conversations driven by big content which we hope to publish weekly.

Go bigger on the trail

The team we have assembled here is small and nimble. That means that we stay pretty busy with client work and supporting our bloggers.  There’s always something to do.

But we find time to hit the trail often.  Our goal for 2013 is to get out even more.

I’m a day hiker at heart and will be pushing my limits even more this year.  2012 was defined by my move into more technical routes and lots of class 3 climbing.  I will do a lot more of that this year and extend my days even more as I log more miles and technical challenges in my trail reports on my personal blog.

Build more outdoor blogs

What would our plan be without more cowbell web design projects.  We’ve been designing sites for years and we like pushing our limits.  This year was about responsive web design.  But 2013 will be focused more on progressive designs.

We want to give more outdoor bloggers a site that will allow them to tell their stories as effectively as possible.  There will be more focus on ecommerce sites as well as sites that power specific brand campaigns.

In the end, we want to push our limits, help passionate outdoor folks share their stories, and make it easier for brands to get their innovations in the hands of willing consumers.  Sounds easy enough, right?

What’s your plan for 2013?

That’s all I’ve got for now.  What’s on your mind for 2013?  Any big plans you can share?  We’d love to hear them.  Of course, if you think we could help you with your plans, get in touch.

Trail Sherpa | Our plan to make 2013 awesome

Winter Gear Giveaway is almost over!

It’s been a great two weeks of giveaways and we’re going to finish this out with style.  Starting Thanksgiving Day, you can win some fantastic outdoor gear from Trail Sherpa and our friends including these fine bloggers:

• Hiking the Trail
• Wilderness Dave
• A Little Campy
• The Outdoor Adventure
• My Life Outdoors

Don’t miss out on this massive offering of winter gear.  If you entered the previous two weeks but didn’t win, don’t worry because I have a good feeling about this week.  SOMEONE is going to walk away with all this gear!

Here’s what we have to giveaway this time:

Week 3

• Tubbs Mountaineering Snowshoes
• Terramar TXO 3.0 Half zip top
• Terramar TXO 3.0 pants
• Terramar TXO 3.0 beanie
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles from The Gear House
• JetFlow Hydration Pack
• Eco Vessel Water Bottle/Filter
• Chaos Sports Gloves
• GU Energy Packs
• Chaco Tedinho Waterproof Boots (unisex)
• Injinji Socks
• Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets by Clean Ethics

Enter now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Subscribe to Trail Sherpa

We’re wrapping up a great month of winter gear so don’t miss your chance to win.  Subscribe to our email list using the form below to be sure that you get every possible chance to win.  We will be sure to update you on future giveaways as well.

Trail Sherpa | Winter Gear Giveaway: Week 3

Week 2 of the Winter Outdoor Giveaway is here so you get a second chance at some awesome winter gear.

We’ve added a new entry option called Refer-A-Friend.  Use this entry option to score up to 10 bonus entries!  Here’s how it works:

After you enter using any of the options, a box will appear at the bottom of the widget that will give you a unique URL that you can share with your friends. For each friend that enters the giveaway, you will receive +1 entry into the giveaway. You refer up to 10 people.

Entering is easy, just click on the entry options below to secure your chances.  The more you enter the better chance you’ll have to win this fantastic gear:

• Hillsound Crampons – review here and here
• Hillsound Gaiters
• Chaos Sports Balaclava
• GU Energy Packs
• Hydrapack Day Pack
• Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets by Clean Ethics
• Injinji Socks
• $50 Gift Card to Sierra Trading Post

And don’t forget to show your support for our fellow outdoor bloggers who have put in considerable time and effort to pull this outdoor giveaway together.

• Hiking the Trail
• Wilderness Dave
• A Little Campy
• The Outdoor Adventure
• My Life Outdoors

What are you waiting for?  Enter the Winter Outdoor Giveaway now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Trail Sherpa | Winter Outdoor Giveaway: Week 2