Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Petzl headlamp, petzl camping lights, petzl outdoor gear



Petzl is the place to find everything you need for outdoor sports and professional equipment. Their easy to use website provides quick access to those needed accessories. Whether you enjoy caving, fishing, canyoning, mountaineering, ice climbing, Petzl head lamps offers a wide variety of accessories.

Are you into climbing? Petzl has wht you need for aid climbing, multi-pitch climbing, etc. Going Aid climbing? Petzl has the right equipment for the job. They have harnesses (Calidris), multi-purpose helmets (Altios), self-braking belay devices (Grigri), self-jamming pulleys (Pro Traxion) and ergonomic handled ascenders (Ascension). All of these are perfect accessories for that steep climb. If mutli-pitch climbing is your forte, you can find men and womens' harnesses, lightweight helmets and gloves. Everything you need to make your climb a safe and successful one.

What if you like canyoning? Petzl has has what you need. From canyoning harnesses, lightweight helmets, descenders, canyoneering packs and headlights, you will find you are looking for.

If you like to explore caves, you know that climbing, crawling, digging and diving are part of the game. Petzl has everything you need including footcords to make your exploration, a safe one.

For those of who hunt, Petzl has a great selection of headlamps, that help you see your target, without being seen. The petzle Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp and the Petzl Zipka 2 Headlamp are two of the best headlamps made today.

For those who enjoy the water, whether fishing or sailing, Petzl has it. If your sport is fishing, look no further. Petzl has what you need to be a pro at your sport. They offer powerful yet discreet headlamps that provide just the right amount light. Also, their outdoor gear is available in black or camouflage. What about sailing? You can find just the right lighting to help you keep your eyes on that big catch!

For those who enjoy trail running, Petzl has exactly what you need. From headlights to safety lights, Petzl can get you where you need to be, safely.

Do you enjoy hiking or backpacking, aka trekking, Petzl has a what you need. You will find knives, backpacks
and headlamps; the right tools for the job.

Are you not sure which accessories are needed for your sport? Petzl's easy-to-use website gives testimonials and handy suggestions that can help you decide what you need.


Also, if you are looking for work equipement, you can find exactly need under the "Professionals" tab. If you job takes you very high up, Petzl has you covered. They offer a wide variety of descenders, ascenders, lanyards, headlamps and work backpacks guaranteed to keep you and your staff safe.

Not sure what Petzl has to offer? Go to their webiste, www.petzl.com and download their 2010 Catalog, featuring new items.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Optimus Outdoor Camping Stoves



Optimus is a manufacturer of outdoor cooking product lines that consist of outdoor Optimus stoves, cutlery, cooksets and accessories.

Optimus manufactures seven different models of outdoor stove. Their Weekend Starter Kit is designed to be an all-inclusive "outdoor kitchen" and consumers who buy this product will get the Optimus Crux burner as well as a host of smaller items including an aluminum cooking set with a mesh bag, a frying pan and a freeze-dried instant meal. The Optimus Crux also comes as a stand-alone product and is incredibly easy to store as it has a folding head that enables the burner to fit in the empty space under the gas canister. The Optimus Crux Lite, on the other hand, weighs only 72 grams but is powerful enough to boil a liter of water in only three minutes.

Two more of the Optimus stoves are the Optimus Nova and the Optimus Nova+ and, while the Nova features quick priming and the innovative Optimus built-in cleaning needle, the Nova+ features all of that plus the new Powerline Control Valve which facilitates flame control on the stove unit. Various versions of the Optimus Hiker outdoor stove have been on the market for over 70 years but their latest version has been updated by the addition of the award winning and revolutionary Optimus Nova burner. This is also the only Optimus stove that comes with its own steel case. The Optimus Svea is the last, but not the least, of the seven stoves that Optimus has available and it has been developed specifically for climbers. The Svea is made of brass and is a gasoline stove with a lid that doubles as a cooking pot. It's compact and lightweight and has been serving the climbing community for over 100 years.

Not only does Optimus manufacture outdoor stoves, it also makes the pots, pans and cutlery to go with them. The Optimus Terra cookset includes a hard-anodized aluminum gourmet pot, lightweight pot, Teflon coated frying pan and pot gripper as well as a nylon/neoprene insulation bag. The Optimus Terra Weekend, on the other hand, comes with only a large pot and a frying pan but has been engineered to store the Optimus Crux or Crux Lite stove, a 220g gas canister and a folding spork. The Optimus Terra Solo is exactly the same as the Weekend but the pot and frying pan are both smaller, although it can still carry the Crux or Crux Lite, the spork and a 110g gas canister. The Terra gourmet pot, frying pan and lightweight pot are also all sold separately and there is also the kettle and the pot lifter. In the titanium cutlery department, there is a choice between the 3-piece and the 2-piece set, the spork and the folding spork.

Accessories include all sizes of gas canisters and optimus fuel bottles, fuel pumps, funnels and windfoils.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Wool book bags



Wool is a timeless fabric. The only time a person should avoid wool, is if they're allergic to the material. If you are not allergic to wool, and you have not had experience with this fabric, you don't know what you're missing.

Wool has so much to offer when it comes to personal benefits. It's both highly comfortable, and highly functional. In addition, it's a truly beautiful fabric as well. There are so many different grades of wool. There is fine and soft wool, as well as rough dry wool. Because of this, it is such a versatile material, and many of the items made out of wool are handmade by artisans, and not by machines.

Wool is used to make many popular clothing and accessory items. Two of the best items to purchase out of wool are wool book bags, and wool vests. Though these might not be the first two wool items to pop to mind when you think of purchasing an item in wool, they are most assuredly two of the most fashionable and one-of-a-kind items you will find made out of wool.

The Many Benefits of Wool for the Wearer

There are some wools that can easily be worn in all seasons, but more often than not, you will find that wool is more commonly worn in the winter time. Wool is one of the warmest materials on the planet. It is comfortable and cozy. It is also neither masculine, nor feminine. Both sexes, and all ages can wear wool comfortably, and look nice at the same time. You will commonly see wool in department stores and boutiques, online and offline, and it is most often sold in the form of socks, hats, sweaters, coats, pants and suits.

But just because these are the most common forms of woolen item you will find, does not mean that these are the best forms of woolen items available.

Considering Wool Book Bags Over a Traditional Book Bag


There are so many book bag options on the market, but there are many reasons that you should consider buying a wool book bag. Style alone is a primary reason. Wool book bags will look good, and be like no other book bag that your friends are carrying. A wool book bag will truly be a trendsetter.

In addition to the unique beauty wool book bags can offer you, you will also come to appreciate the fine and sturdy craftsmanship that hand crafting can offer you. A wool book bag will out perform traditional bags when it comes to quality, if you buy from an artisan that takes pride in their work. The stitching will be heavily reinforced, and the design will be a time tested design that has been used over many years - that is known to be successful and sturdy.

All of the Wonderful Ways to Wear a Wool Vest

Even though a wool vest might not be something that is photographed in all of the major fashion magazines, you will find that a wool vest will never go out of style. Whether you are male or female, you will find that a wool vest will look good with multiple outfits. First find a wool vest in a design you like. If you are a woman try using your vest as a tank top in the spring, or the late summer. Wear it over a tank top for modesty, but leave the arms out. Wear it over a turtleneck, with a long or medium length skirt in cold weather months. Wear it with a turtleneck and slacks, or wear it over a silky blouse for business.

If you are a man, wear your wool vest under your blazer as a 3rd piece to your suit. Wear it over a collared shirt or turtleneck with slacks. Wear it over a thin corduroy or raw silk shirt with jeans. There are so many options.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

I Wear my Nite Ize at Night

During the early 19th century, miners did not have access to hard hats or mechanical lights to protect their heads and get their work done. In fact, the cloth hat they wore was fastened with a metal plate that hooked onto a candlestick or an oil lamp, thereby allowing the minor to work hands free of lighting equipment for more efficiency. The Colorado Historical Society has a vault of old photos displaying the old felt hats and other styles of head gear worn by miners centuries ago. In all actuality, the entire system seemed a bit flawed and a little dangerous, which is why innovators in the 21st century have come up with Nite Ize.

Nite Ize was created in 1989 by Rick Case who, by accident on a fishing trip, decided that he needed a light that he could use hands free after his Mag-Lite fell in the water. From then on, he established his company in his mountain cabin where he received his first 42,000 order for headbands. With perseverance and dedication to quality, Rick has become a driving force in versatile products.

The Nite Ize company now provides much more than innovative flashlights including:

• Clip on markers
• Dog discuits
• Crocs o-dial
• Tone phone case
• Tooth ferry headset carrier
• S-biners
• Rope tightners
• Tent Line kits


If you're looking to sell the products at wholesale, there are several options for merchandising displays for flashlights, mobile accessories, L.E.D. equipment, and hardware accessories. All of these displays are perfect for hardware and gadget stores, outdoor equipment sales, and even home stores.

If you need help setting up, don't worry because the displays come in all types of formats including floor stands, counter-top, rack mountable and strip displays that attach to shelving, wing racks, pallet racks and upright side rails - all mounting hardware is included*.

So What is My Favorite Nite Ize Product?

After much consideration and many hours picking out gear for my upcoming overseas trip, I would have to say the L.E.D. Headlight.

I am an archaeology student working towards my PhD, and trust me, I find my self in very small spaces underground all the time. Holding a flashlight in my mouth is impossible, so I'm glad that I found this product. The headlight gives off soft lighting, it’s comfortable and lightweight, it uses long life replaceable batteries, and a push button switch with a flash or glow mode.

I'm a dedicated consumer, so when I find something that fits perfectly I continue to buy it. More importantly, the process has to be smooth and the service unrivaled. I do about 75% of my shopping online, so it's extremely important to me to have all of the resources I need all in one place. So as long as Nitre Ize keeps producing revolutionary products that I can't live without, I'll stay a customer for life.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Mountain Safety Research Cookware for the Serious Outdoors Person


If you are a big outdoors person, you know the value of quality equipment for your camping needs. To travel as light as possible is the goal by many experienced hikers and campers. Along with light weight cooking gear, it would be nice if it was designed to be compact as well. The good news is that there are companies out there that have done their homework and know the needs of the serious outdoors type. Even if you will be cooking for 2, they have come up with sleek, light weight, and compact designs that is sure to please the person that has to pack this gear.

The Importance of Light Weight Cookware

When you preparing to go hiking or camping, the supplies needed are so great that one usually has to get a long list going so as not to miss any important items. Cookware is always one of the challenges. Most people own a mix and match of pots and pans that they will dig through trying to assess what will be needed. MSR (Mountain Safety Research) has a collection that even the most experienced will absolutely fall in love with. Their cookware is made from advanced, ultralight titanium. This allows for campers and hikers to experience the outdoors without being weighed down by heavy pots and pans.

The Importance of Compact Cookware

MSR (Mountain Safety Research) has also designed into their durable cookware, a compact solution that utilizes all space efficiently. Besides nesting of the pots and pans, if the pot or pan has a handle, it conveniently folds up and out of the way. They even go as far as to design the pot lid to double as a plate. You can even acquire a cookware system that feeds two and is completely nested with mugs and plates.

How Many Will You Be Serving

MSR (Mountain Safety Research) cookware comes in sets that will serve one or two people. If you will be cooking for two, the MSR (Mountain Safety Research) cookware sets made for two would be most efficient for saving space as all the pieces nest within each other and waste no packing room at all.

With MSR (Mountain Safety Research) cookware helping outdoors man and women, there is little attention needed for carrying cookware that might take up to much room or weigh to much. Convenience, easy to clean, extremely light weight and durable, I can see how this equipment would be the number one choice for the serious outdoors person.
MSR compact cookware, MSR outdoor cookware, MSR camping cookware

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Wool vests and bags for the fashion conscious



Wool has long been one of the chief materials used alongside cotton. Today wool is touted as one of the so called "organic" or "green" materials. The all natural nature of wool causes people to feel it is better for the environment as well being warm and comfortable. Some individuals are allergic to the synthetic materials or cotton and as such wool is the perfect solution.

Wool book bags and wool vests are very durable in construction and can be dyed, woven, or otherwise crafted in a myriad of ways that allow for incredible utility and aesthetics. Patterned designs and custom words on a given vest or bag are excellent ways to show a person's individuality.

There are different types and grades of wool fiber that can be used in the construction of wool vests or bags such as Merino wool which is superfine and soft. This type is often used for construction of baby clothing and body suits. A wool vest made for a baby but complete with a portion that covers their rear-end and similar areas would be a type of body-suit.

A Wool vests is warm, comfortable, and fashionable. They can be washed in any normal washing machine unlike some man made fabrics and they maintain their size and shape better in the wash and when being dried than some of those other fabrics as well. Many individuals complain that wool shrinks when washed and dried but this is because they do not understand the nature of wool. On the outside of wool fibers are natural scales that work in a manner that repeals water, dirt, and similar debris. When this material is heated and cooled too swiftly these scales will lock together and force the wool to become smaller and thicker.

To remedy this simply stretching the material a little after it is washed and still wet will go a long way toward maintaining size and thickness. Another method is to use normal human hair conditioner to soften the wool a bit. Either way the extra care and concern taken for wool vests or bags is not a problem and unlike synthetic materials that also shrink, wool will return to its normal size with care and maintenance.

When most individuals think of a vest they think of a sleeveless design similar to a tank top with bottoms or a zipper in the front. The truth is that there are many styles and one of the most common is the wool sweater-vest. A long sleeved fashion design that keeps a person warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool is a breathable material unlike the designer plastic materials used in other garments. A long sleeved vest such as a wool sweater-vest is the perfect extra clothing layer in the winter as it is breathable, opens at the front, and can be worn instead of a simple t-shirt.

Wool bags are also excellent in the winter as they maintain heat better than leather and are more pliable. Wool bags will stretch and shift more to accommodate items and as mentioned previously they do not harm the environment or any living animal in their creation. Wool is sheared in a manner similar to giving a sheep a haircut. Leather on the other hand is the actual skin of a cow and as such that cow had to die to create that vest or handbag.

The usefulness and aesthetic appeal of wool vests and bags cannot be discounted based on the supposed hassle of shrinkage. They are good for the environment, often cheaper in price than man made materials, and they give sheep a proper form of employment.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Marmot sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, and equipment



The Marmot brand of sleeping bags, outdoor clothing and equipment includes general outdoor products like backpacks and sleeping bags as well as specialized clothing lines for men, women and children.

Their outdoor equipment line includes luggage, sleeping bags, tents and backpacks. Luggage items consist of their stylish range of black Endless Road suitcases and Long Hauler duffel bags. The Endless Road cases are both wheeled and come in large and carry-on sizes while the Long Hauler duffel bags come in medium, large and extra-large. Marmot sleeping bags are featured in a great many colors and buyers can get to choose between the Ultralight sleeping bags, the Backpacking sleeping bags, the Mountaineering sleeping bags and the Outdoor sleeping bags. All are down filled and most weigh less than two pounds.

Tents are Marmot's specialty and the 21 different tents that they have on the market can be divided into the Expedition, Ultralight, Backcountry, Outdoor and Family tents. The Earlylight 2P is a typical Outdoor tent and features a light but sturdy pole structure while the Den 4P is a Family tent that can sleep a family of four. The Backcountry tents include the Alpinist Bivy bivouac sack that weighs under a pound, and the Aeros 3P Ultralight features Marmot's famous 'bent-knee' pole system. The Expedition tents include the Thor 3P with its indestructible design.

Marmot's backpacks are divided into the Urban, the Day, the Fast & Light and the Mountain backpacks and include the Pilot reinforced shoulder bag, the Tirol Lumbar bag featuring the Dri-lex mesh, and the Grand Trunk, which has 1,800 cubic inches of space, a laptop compartment and two quart-sized water bottle pockets.

Marmot also manufactures clothing and lines they have on offer for both men and women include Outerware, Sportswear, Baselayer, Gloves and Hats. Outerwear for both sexes consists of vests, shells, pants, softshells and so on while Baselayer includes midweight and lightweight (and, for women, featherweight) tops and pants. Half-zip long sleeves and short sleeve polos are included in the men's Sportswear category, along with convertible pants. The women's Sportswear, on the other hand, covers items like long sleeve hoodies and long sleeve half-zips. Marmot Gloves for men and women consist of Snowsports, Work, Multipurpose and Liner gloves and mittens while Hats include such styles as safari hats, insulated baseball hats, knitted brimless caps, helmet liners and Primaloft hats with ear flaps.

Boys' and girls' children's clothes are also manufactured by Marmot and tops available for girls include parkas, down sweaters, insulated jackets and long sleeved half-zips. Boys' tops include the PreCip hoodie jacket, long sleeve midweight crew shirts, northshore jackets and reactor jackets. There are also pants for both girls and boys and these range from the midweight and lightweight bottoms to the insulated pants. Other items available for boys and girls include hats, mittens and gloves as well as fleece gloves. Here is a link to some marmot sleeping bags

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware



Cast iron cookware is made from melted iron that is molded to create cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, griddles, and more. Lodge logic cast iron cookware was first manufactured over a century ago, and today the Lodge line of cookware has expanded. Joseph Lodge founded the line, and his legacy lives on four generations later; the Lodge line of cookware is the oldest line of family-owned cookware in America.

Benefits of using Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware

Health issues that may be associated with other metals and materials, such as Teflon coatings, stainless steel, and aluminum, used to manufacture cookware has influenced the rebirth and popularity of cooking with cast iron products in recent years. Eating foods cooked in cast iron pots is also a good source of dietary iron.

Cast iron is extremely versatile, it can go from the stove top right into the oven, you can use cast iron pots and skillets to bake, and a Lodge skillet can be even be placed on a BBQ grill to cook foods. Fry, bake, and sauté food over even heat because cast iron is an excellent heat conductor that retains heat, and offers precise cooking temperatures. Cast iron does not warp, and can last for generations.

Non-stick cooking with Lodge Cast Iron Products

A cast iron skillet, griddle, etc. should be preheated before using to get the best temperature and cooking results. Checking to see if the pot is hot enough is easy, just use a drop of water and watch how it reacts; if it sizzles away quickly the surface is too hot, it it sits, and bubbles your cookware is ready.

To avoid food from sticking cast iron must be seasoned or cured. This is done by rubbing a thin coat of cooking oil on the inside of a skillet or pot, or across the top of a griddle or grill. Seasoning cast iron keeps your cook ware in perfect cooking condition, and it prevents rust. Over time, if you use cast iron often and cure it on a regular basis the surface actually becomes smoother.

Cleaning Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Never put cast iron in a dishwasher, or add water to hot cast-iron. After the cooking surface has cooled simply wash in soapy water, rinse, and immediately dry completely. Do not let cast iron air dry because this may cause rusting. How to remove rust spots from cast iron? If you ever have rust spots they can be easily and quickly removed by lightly rubbing a scouring pad over the surface, then wash with soapy water, rinse well, dry completely, and season the surface.

The only downside of cooking with cast iron is the metal gets very hot, alway use pot holders, and it can be heavy.

Lodge Logic Cast Iron Cookware is now available specifically for outdoor cooking, with lodge camp Dutch ovens, Grills, and their combo cookers. Lodge cookware continues to produce high quality, long lasting, cast iron products made using their private metal formula, and precision molds.