Jim's Articles

TUMI Backpacks

Range backpacks? This Baby Tula FreeToGrow Carrier is basically tied for 5th place with the Onya Pure (below). It’s a really fantastic baby carrier that has recently taken the baby carrier market by storm. And for some great reasons! First, let’s talk about specifications. It supports babies as small as 7 pounds without the need for an infant insert, and up to 45 pounds, which will bring you well into toddler-hood; so this carrier is great at accommodating different sizes as your baby grows. And it has a lot of adjustments to help make sure that different shapes and abilities (e.g., different head and neck support) are well supported. In addition to your baby’s shape, this is also a great baby carrier for plus-sized parents, with a waist band that adjusts up to 57″. The final specification worth mentioning is that it allows for carrying your baby on front (rear-facing) or on your back (facing your back); so there is no forward-facing capability here (check out the Explore for that). Second, let’s talk about convenience features and comfort. The front pocket is perfect for keys or a couple pacifiers, and were able to fit an iPhone in there without any issues.

Follow these tips when you decide where to go backpacking for the first time: Consult with experienced backpackers: Hiking club members and REI store staff love to make trip recommendations. Hiking guidebooks are a valuable tool—you’ll find the best selection for a given area in local REI stores and other local outdoor retailers. Online sites like the co-op’s Hiking Project are another great resource. Pick a place close to home. You want to spend more time hiking than driving. You also want to have ample daylight hours to reach camp before dark. Read even more details at Best Herschel Supply Co. Backpacks.

Don’t hike in winter conditions unless you have experience doing so. Every year I see dozens of preventable hiker deaths in the winter. Hikers attempt a trail that’s straightforward in the summer, but in the winter becomes a mountaineering exercise. Don’t push yourself past your limits. Build your strength and distance in a gradual way. Stay hydrated and fed, even if you aren’t hungry or thirsty. Heed signs and warnings. Sometimes they seem very basic and aimed at beginners, but they’re there for a reason. Stay on the trail, avoid shortcuts, and always know where you are and where you’re going. Check out my “hiking for beginners” post to make sure you haven’t missed anything important. Leave your hiking plans with a friend or family member, along with a time that you will be back by. If you’re not back by that time, let them know that they should call 911 and alert the authorities of your situation. Usually this is as simple as forwarding a link to a hike web page in an email. Worth the 2 minutes it takes. Practice camping overnight with your emergency gear in your backyard (or a nearby park). Learn some primitive skills to help you survive in the outdoors. You can watch videos on Youtube, or even attend classes all over the country. I’ve gone to the Tom Brown Tracker school and it was pretty awesome. And even though I know primitive survival skills, I still bring all of the emergency gear that I mentioned earlier. It’s better to have as many options as possible.

Lowering backpack weight trick : Dental floss to stitch and tie. Stronger than thread for stitching clothes and mending gear. Floss can also be used as a dry line or for tying items to your pack. Duct tape saves. Wrap it around your water bottle or roll it into itself to prevent bulk and the extra cardboard weight. Duct tape can be a great barrier to prevent blisters as well as helping mend the obvious gear repairs. Ultralight stove.Consider an ultralight alcohol fueled stove. You can make one out of a soda can. Shave off your toothbrush. Cut off the handle. Or get a travel toothbrush that comes in two pieces and discard the extension half. See even more details on this website.