Outdoor Adventure Blog

Water Monkey Fall Paddle Fest '12 by Jessica 11/01/2012 09:09:32 A.M.

The wind condition outlook was not so good for race day due to Hurricane Sandy; wind gusts were up to 25+ mph and there was lots of ocean chop. But Water Monkey Fall Paddle Festival race organizer, Chase Kosterlitz, was prepared with alternate courses set in the Treasure Island, FL intracoastal waterway. And the athletes were ready to tackle the cards they’d been dealt!

Fortunately, on the morning of October 28, 2012, Sandy’s winds had slowed to 13-15 mph, the weather temp was feeling like a true, cool fall day and the racers were feeling energized! Since the courses had been altered, the electronic timing system had to be prepared manually due to the water, instead of beach, finish. At the host hotel, Island Inn Beach Resort, over 100 paddlers lined up, got their numbers, and Chase announced the course details and safety information at the Captain’s Meeting. Racers were relieved to hear both the 8 mile Elite and 3 mile Fun courses had been shortened due to gnarly conditions.   

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Gone Rogue (Pant) by Richard 10/22/2012 01:31:11 A.M.

I bought the Arc’teryx Rogue Pant at a very important time in my life: I really needed a pair of pants.

Although I’d been on a getting-rid-of-clothing kick for the last couple of years, I needed a pair for a business trip to Jamaica - and all I had was jeans...and a couple cotton dress pants.

When you’re 800 miles closer to the equator than Orlando, FL (already hot) - you want clothing that is going to breathe well. This is particularly the case when you choose - smartly - to honor the culture by wearing pants, instead of shorts (in which case, the Palisade Short & Torus Short are great options).

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The Amazing Warmth of the Venus Down Jacket by Andi 10/17/2012 02:38:58 P.M.

I had never owned a down jacket until last spring, and now I will never be without one ever again.

After trying on, and comparing, function and fashion of merely every down jacket at Travel Country - I finally found one to accompany me on a climbing trip to Alabama. I decided on the Marmot Venus and was extremely satisfied with my decision, especially when I found myself in 30 and below temperatures!

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Buy an ENO Hammock or Suffer the Consequences by Richard 10/05/2012 10:11:37 A.M.

Seven years ago, when I purchased my first Eagle’s Nest Outfitters Hammock (ENO or Eagle’s Nest), I had no idea the jewel that I’d obtained.

Over the course of the next few years, I didn’t really appreciate the hammock to the degree that I should have - as there was a certain ambiguity surrounding it because I didn’t know how to best hang it up or when to use it. I had little context for it..

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How to Pick the Right Water Filter by Dirk 10/03/2012 02:17:27 P.M.

The first time I ever went hiking (the kind of hiking that doesn’t just involve packing tons of snack foods and pb&j sandwiches) was a few years ago on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. I don’t exactly remember the fine details of how I found myself looking at the trail head of the Appalachian Trail in Amicalola Falls, but I do know that it didn’t take much convincing from my friend’s dad to get me there. I was excited about the views, the chilly weather, and - probably most of all - getting to drink “fresh mountain water.” To this day, it still remains one of my favorite things about hiking in the wilderness - but first things first, you have to know how to be able to safely enjoy it.

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DryComp Ridge Sack by Outdoor Research by Richard 09/12/2012 05:24:55 P.M.

Most of my Florida adventures are impromptu, and take place on the water. Because of this combination, I usually have need to take food, water, sunscreen (sometimes), my Bible, journal, occasionally my phone, and that’s about it. But if I’m on a paddleboard, in a kayak, or on an island in the middle of a lake somewhere - I might have to worry about any of those things getting wet.

But since I started using the Outdoor Research DryComp Ridge Sack, I haven’t had to worry about that. 

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RootsRated Collaboration by Richard 09/04/2012 05:02:41 P.M.

Travelcountry.com is excited to announce a new friend we've made!

RootsRated is a phenomenal site that we're excited to point people to, because - primarily - it helps people get outside more often, and more efficiently.

Check out what inspired, Fynn Glover, to create this new concept:

"Frustrated, while on a nationwide roadtrip, by an inability to find good information for the best local things to do, Fynn was inspired to create a tool that would simplifiy the way people discover and access the most memorable outdoor recreation. Every time he got to a new city, he wished he could ask a local to recommend the best places to go trail running, or kayaking, or rock climbing."

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Running in the Patagonia Strider Short by Richard 07/27/2012 06:54:15 P.M.

In general, I think it's a good thing if guys don't 'show leg'. However, there's one occurrence where I consider it acceptable: when sporting the Patagonia Strider running shorts.

As an avid runner (barefoot and minimally shod), I've worn all types of clothing when I go out and put some miles between me and my cares. Most of the shorts that I've worn, I'd consider too long and obtrusive while running, or too short and obtrusive to the general public that sees me run past.

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The Arc'teryx Torus Short: Sleek, yet basically bomb-proof by Richard 07/24/2012 06:44:02 P.M.

I’ve never had a ‘favorite’ article of clothing. I think it’s kinda ridiculous to be infatuated with an article of material - no matter how sweet or relevant it is to your day. However...

The Arc’teryx Torus Shorts comes closer than any other item has to becoming my most-beloved piece.

Here’s why:

I’ve done, essentially, every type of activity in these bad boys. Seriously. Here’s a list: climbed at Aiguille rock gym, ran, swam, paddleboarded, climbed trees, had great conversations with friends, and worn to semi-nice dinners.

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Fivefingers Spyridon Field Test by Shell 07/07/2012 11:18:41 A.M.

As a long time Vibram Five Fingers fan I must admit that I was initially unsure of the need for the new Spyridon. This shoe was introduced as a new trail runner, with a lace-up and non-lace version available as of summer 2012. With so many varieties already available, the Spyridon just seemed to be shoe overkill. The lace-up Spyridon did not fit correctly with my high arch, so I chose the non-lace version which seemed to pull far less on top of my foot. That initial insecurity changed when I wiggled my toes into this updated style and took a trial walk on some rough, uneven surfaces. I was also very impressed with the level of overall comfort I felt in the non-lace Spyridon. As I have traditionally worn the KSO Treks on trails, I was prepared for the rigid protection of my normal trail shoes.

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