Camping when its cold - or any outdoor activity

Some like to camp when it is cold and there is a lot of hunting when the weather is colder.  Whatever outdoor activity one is involved with, staying warm with the appropriate gear is vital. 

This past spring I saw fleece-lined jeans at Cabela's and wondered how warm they would be in cold weather.  I kept an eye out for a sale and purchased a pair of the fleece-lined jeans during a sale event.  I tucked the jeans away until colder weather hit North Texas.

The weather turned cold in December so I pulled the fleece-lined jeans out of the closet.  The jeans are relaxed cut traditional 5-pocket jeans.  They fit appropriately and felt great.  The fleece is 100% cotton and feel great.  Construction and fabric are high quality.

The first time I wore them was on a lower 30 degree morning.  While walking the dog I could immediately feel the warmth was far superior to normal denim jeans. After walking the dog it was time to go out on a motorcycle ride.  During the ride the legs felt very comfortable and warm, even when riding at 60+mph.

I am really glad I purchased the jeans.  I liked them so much I have already bought a second pair.

Below is a video showing the jeans and my thoughts about them.  Check it out.  If you like the video please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to see future video reviews.

Life sure can get hetic!

It has been almost six years since my last post.  I could try to enumerate all the reasons I have not posted, but at this point it does not really matter.  I am just glad that I can once again post about "Taking it outside."

Lake in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Cuchara, Colorado

During the years I was still able to do some camping and hiking.  I had some great trips and purchased some new gear, I just did not find or take the time to post.

Hammock camping is awesome!

Trinchera Peak (13,517 feet) - Colorado

I am now in position to be much more consistent with posts on campgrounds, hikes, gear, restaurants...  I hope all the info will be useful and interesting.

 Hummingbirds at North Park KOA near Gould, Colorado

Quality footwear is important

When my feet hurt it send pain through the whole body.  Uncomfortable shoes can turn a potentially great day into a miserable experience.  I learned those things early in my adult life when I tried to save money and ended up regretting the purchases, although I had to live with my decision since I could not afford to replace my poor choices.

A few years ago I decided to save up and buy higher quality shoes, especially for hiking, walking, and/or camping.  I also had learned that if you want good outdoor equipment or gear I should go to a good outdoor store.  I was directed to REI.

After a lot of looking and testing (and a lot of anguish over the price - I had never spent that much on a pair of shoes) I purchased a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilator.  (At the time I was not blogging so this first picture is of the current Moab Ventilator model but, it has changed very little if any.)

Merrell Moab Ventilator - photo from shoebuy.com

The Moab Ventilator fit is superb.  The insole provides great support and comfort.  I found the shoe, without a doubt, the most comfortable shoe I had ever owned and I still feel that way.  At first I was wearing the Moab for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.  Soon I was wearing it on a daily basis.  I decided I would just wear them out and then get some more.  Well I am still trying to wear them out!  They are extremely durable.

 Photo taken 1/26/2011 at the office.

 Not too bad for 6+ year old shoes that get worn a lot, almost daily.

The Vibram rubber sole is possible the best on the market.  The Vibram sole is used by numerous shoe manufacturers including Red Wing Shoes, Rockport,  North Face, and of course Merrell.  The sole is very durable.  It took a long time to notice much wear in the sole and even today there is a good amount of tread left except on the heels were they get extra wear when I am driving and due to the way I walk.

I am trying to wear them out so I can justify getting a new pair.

The Merrell Moabs took me to Osprey Falls in Yellowstone 

 The Moabs took me to the Biscuit Basin Overlook and Mystic Falls

The shoes kept me comfortable all through Yellowstone.

I am very pleased with the performance, look, and durability of the Merrell Moab Ventilators.  The finishing touches and workmanship are top notch.  I will most likely purchase the waterproof Moab Ventilator soon.  I would also consider any shoe with the Vibram rubber sole.  One thing for sure is that quality shoes are worth the price.

Happy hiking!

Great Gloves!

In North Texas we don't get a whole lot of really cold weather and for the most part not many days consecutively of low temperatures.  On those few days I want a good pair of gloves to keep my fingers warm and dry. Cold wet fingers can make a hike or a camp out very unpleasant.  

There are numerous choices of good quality gloves on the market.  I have chosen to wear the Black Diamond Gore-Tex Renegade gloves.  When I first tried them one I noticed that they are very snug.  I actually got a size bigger than usual.   The wool lining is soft and warm and yet the gloves are light and my fingers stay movable.  The Gore-Tex fabric keeps my hands dry even in the heaviest of rains.   The shell is made of a durable 120d twill and the palms and fingers are reinforced with leather.  Black Diamond claims a temperature range of up to 0 degrees Fahrenheit!  I personally know they work great to at least 15 degrees.

I have found the gloves very warm, dry, comfortable, and functional (and they look great!).  The only negative is the short and tight gauntlet.  I really have to be careful to make sure my coat sleeve gets tucked in to the glove so that it does not slide up on my arm.

It it difficult to beat the quality of Gore-Tex and the quality of this glove.  If you are looking for a good warm, waterproof glove for any outdoor activity this is the glove you want.