Go anywhere, do anything

In this series of Go to Gear I would like to discuss a piece that is totally essential to anyone, regardless of the amount of time you choose to spend outside: the softshell.

I have chosen The North Face's Apex Bionic Jacket.

There are a few simple reasons why this is the best jacket out there.

1. Price: this jacket can be found online for around $130, however you can often find it at outdoor shops on sale. The price cannot be beat!

2. Features: we are talking waterproof, totally windproof and proper fitting for layering. The side pockets are very roomy and the chest pocket offers ample space for a phone or an Mp3 player. The fabric of the jacket is a unique stretch material that leaves the wearer ample space for the movements required for multiple activities.

One surprising features of this thing is the breath-ability. It keeps you warm and dry without making your body feel stale with stagnant air trapped in!

3. Style:

This jacket is perfect for someone who is just getting into the outdoors, a student commuting to class, bike messengers, mall goers, hikers, campers, hip business people, or anyone who wants to arrive in style while being protected from the elements.

I have had my Apex Bionic for four years now and it has seen all sorts of weather; vicious Michigan winters, torrent downpours, gale-force winds and everything in between.

I urge you to pick one up ASAP!

-J

(an early morning, scatterbrain post ) Random Stream of Consciousness Has a Birthday!

Dear followers,

today is birthday, day. A day to celebrate everything! A day of presents, love, pats on the back and recognition for one who has outplayed death one more time. However if you are RSOC, it is a day to go buy GEAR!!!! woo hooo!

Birthdays also mean money from people who would like you to get something that you really want. What do I really want you ask; stuff sacks, possibly a machete, sleeping bag stuff sack and a few other campy/outdoors-sy things.

So it is my birthday, I have the day off, and I will be taking myself shopping this morning.

This is ms. pepper, she is a new addition to the family.

Oh right right right, there was one other thing that I might buy; a book on wild edibles. I would like to start harvesting wild mushrooms when I can and a book would really help me out there.

I am impressed by a few things with the new Stylus Tough, but none really as much as the LED supermacro feature.

It appears to give you close-ups like with a light that makes it look like you really had to work hard to get it. I am going to try it out on bugs in poorly lit areas.

We went home this weekend. Did not catch any fish, but had a good time.

Mom taught the lovely C. Bromley how to make applesauce. Cool pics of a farm coming soon to her website, check em out!

Still really liking this thing, and its under-layer. It will definitely be making the trip to Maine with me.

23 years.... hmm, does a quarter life crisis exist? 

I recently got a really cool first ascent decal and stuck it on a powder blue Klean Kanteet, it looks really good. pics coming soon.

Pepper is breathing really heavy. It is almost like a purr-snore, how cute.

I think I may mini-adventure today, or maybe urban adventure!

I hope you all have a splendid day. (higher quality posts coming soon, like when I am really awake, or when I actually get out and do something!)

-J

Get yourself a good All-Weather shell and keep Mother nature out.

Unlike most other animals out there the human has no natural shield from the elements, save for the beards that some of us can grow. However, man has try for centuries to outsmart mother nature by using technology to afford them more time in extreme climes.

Jackets have evolved from mere tanned animal skin to thick cotton and wool layerings to the nano-fiber, rip-stop, weatherproof, Everest-proof micro thin outer shells.

Most modern jackets are geared towards the outdoor extreme athlete who seeks to do the most with the least amount of clothing. Enter the all weather shell. These jackets are light, packable, durable and and most of all; made to be used year-round.

Picking the proper shell can be difficult as there are many different technical features and materials, all with special attributes.

First pick the proper weight jacket for your needs and climate. I suggest a mid weight jacket; they are the most versatile and you can always add or subtract a layer depending on condition.

While shells are made of materials that are very similar the best shells are made from ripstop nylon and coated with Gore-tex waterproofing. Be sure that the seams are all water sealed, not just sewn shut.

Once you select a weight and materials you need to list all of the possible features that you might need for your style of exploring. Above all other features the prime ones that you want to focus on in a shell are:

• Waterproofing: great for everyday use and essential for outdoor antics.
• Windproofing: most jackets come with a windproofing rating. I suggest at least 75 mph.
• Adjustable cuffs: keeps wind from climbing up your arms and cooling your core, and locks water out.
• Hood: Make sure it does not obstruct the view as this causes neck strain. Also hoods with bills attached are very convenient.
• Waist Cinches: these help to keep snow and wind from sneaking up your jacket.
• Pockets: a chest pocket for phones/ gps. Interior pockets for keys or Mp3 players. Large side pockets to hold essential tools and gear.
• Shoulder quality: regardless of whether you plan on backpacking or not it is essential to get reinforced shoulder material, it adds to waterproofing and durability of the jacket and you never know, you may pick up backpacking in the future.

Some features you may want to consider based on your intended use for the jacket include:

• Underarm vent zippers: can increase breath-ability but also can add to heat loss.
• Fleece lined neck: if you live in a warmer climate obviously this will cut down on the all weather usability of the jacket.
• Zip-in: a jacket that is part of a layering system is the way to go because it is streamlined and you know that your base layer will always fit. If you plan on using the jacket year-round layering is the way to go.

The size of the shell is also very important. Since the shell is just that a shell, it is best to get one that is a little larger than you are used to so that you can put layers underneath it. Layering with shells adds to their versatility.

Finally select the color; as with the color of most clothing the color is totally preferential, however I prefer bright colors; if I am stranded or injured outdoors I would like to be visible for rescue personnel.
Some of the best places to find a credible all weather shell include: REI, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, Patagonia and any kayaking or hiking specialty store.
It may help to print this list out and take it to your local outdoor store, or safe it and use it when shopping online, when considering a shell.

I hope that it proves useful.

Keep Trekking,

-J

This is a nice, low cost shell to get started with:

Massive storm

Tonight we took a break from the yardsale to check out this massive storm that blew in over the lake. Pictures and stories to come late sunday/ monday.

Oh Lake Michigan; you give us so much joy and so many good times... Thank you.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Get out there and do your thing.

-J