Are YOU an outdoors-snob? (Elitism in the backcountry)

A few weeks ago I posted a question in an online forum for rock climbing. As I am strictly a novice on the topic, I decided that it would make sense to ask those who know a lot about the sport before I began a business venture which would cater to it. I posted a simple question asking for opinions, and for the most part I received a positive response. There were the less-than-positive responses as well, including the gentleman who was kind enough to point out that if I "had any pull in (the) industry, (I) wouldn't be (there) asking (those) questions..." Very nice of him to remind me that I am but an ant compared to the giant outdoors industry.

This experience got me thinking about sports in the outdoors, and made me wonder if we are just as bad as any other sport out there when it comes to elitism. Do we too have a hierarchy within our sport, with the car-campers who spend hundreds of dollars at the bottom, and mountaineers who can afford thousands of dollars worth of equipment as well as expensive traveling expenses at the top? If this hierarchy does exist, what is it that sets our sport apart from the rest?

The more I thought about these questions, the more the very thought of it disappointed me. I have always loved the outdoors because anyone can afford to go there, and even the dirt poor can afford to take a walk on a trail. One of the reasons I first became interested in backpacking was due to the fact that once I purchased the essential gear needed for an over-nighter, the only costs associated with the sport is strictly for food, gas to get to the trailhead, and possibly an entrance fee if you go to a National Park.

Don't take me for an ignoramus, I've always known that there are more or less expensive products in every existing sport, just as there are those who can or can't afford them. Even if you were to enter a home repair store you will see products which "get the job done," and those that get the job done with style and finesse. The part that bothers me is that those at the top of the outdoors hierarchy take those at the bottom for pathetic little wanna-be's.

Good old family camping

While writing this, I can't help but think of my Jr. High School years when I thought that I was a skater. I owned a skateboard, had enough skating-brand t-shirts to last me a week at school, and was always looking for cool stickers to purchase for my closet door at home (I could only fit so many on my actual skateboard). I had all the skating flare someone could wish for, yet I lacked the ability to actually skateboard well. Where was I on the skating hierarchy? Although my ability to skateboard was a little better than a beginner, I put myself above anyone I deemed as a "poser," or someone I felt was in the sport just to "look cool"without the dedication to really "live" the sport.

So how does this translate to backpacking, rock climbing, or any other sport in the backcountry? Well, flip through any outdoors magazine and you will see advertising for products that are not so expensive, and those that are ridiculously costly. That isn't to say that the expensive products aren't so steep for a reason, but the point is that there is a very wide spectrum of affordable and not-so-affordable products in every sport, giving those who have money an advantage over those who don't. Thus the opportunity for elitism. Why won't you hear very many outdoorsmen bragging about their new North Face jacket? Because you can find The North Face products in literally ANY sporting goods shop - not just the stores that specialize in rock climbing, backpacking, and mountaineering. Does The North Face jacket still keep you warm and dry? "Well yeah, but...," and then come the countless reasons why The North Face is no longer taken seriously, and then talk about the many other brands which do a much better job, and which are nearly indestructible.

One final story:
I once needed to fix my kitchen sink and instead of driving all the way to Home Depot, I went to a major plumbing store used by general contractors and plumbers. When I asked one of the clerks for help finding a specific fitting, I received a cold "you're bothering me, and are worth nothing more than the dirt on my sole of my shoe" sort of look, which was followed by a quick response which included directions to walk just past a bunch of fittings I had never heard of before, straight across from some water lines I wouldn't recognize if they hit me square in the face. Thinking that I may have been a little paranoid, I asked my co-worker at UPS who also managed one of the stores where I had this experience. He confirmed that the employees of this plumbing supply chain are used to working with professional plumbers who spend hundreds or thousands of dollars with each visit, and that they tend to get annoyed when having to work with the average Joe who needs to fix his toilet. Elitism in the plumbing industry???

See! Escaping the elements WITH style:)

Conclusion:
The point of this never-ending post is this: WHO CARES!!!! If you want to get outside to experience natures endless wonders, do it. Whether you bring a black trash bag to repel water, or a $600 breathable jacket with all the bells and whistles; either way you will be outside, and this is all that matters. Sure, there will always be the outdoors-snots who love to check out everyones gear to then pass judgement while claiming that those who are "hardcore" wear certain products - WHO CARES!!!! Decide for yourself why you get outside, or why you buy certain outdoors apparel. If you are one of those outdoors-snobs just remember, it's not about doing the sport in style, it's about loving the sport - period.

Should They Stay, or Should They Go???

Whenever I think of the story I read on Backcountry's blog a few weeks ago, I can't help but think of the Clash's song, "Should I Stay or Should I Go."

Apparently this lady thought that her kid would have an enjoyable time being strapped to her back while she climbed up the face of a cliff. Looking at the child's expression pretty much sums up why I have a hard time understanding why some parents insist that their children do everything with them, and go everywhere the parents go.

There are three people in this photo, and only two smiles. Can you guess which one is feeling left out from all the fun???

So why would parents want to take their child on an adventure when the kid is too young to appreciate the view, or the climb, or the work to get to the destination, or the feeling of "roughing" it? I honestly feel that parents don't do it to make their kids miserable, I think that the parents feel that the extra effort it takes to pack the kiddies along shows an unselfish desire to include the kids in everything they do - regardless as to whether or not the little ones want to be there or not. Although they have good intentions, it's important to ask yourself whether your child (note that I say child - not teenager) will be more comfortable at home or roughing it outdoors.

I am a firm believer of getting kids away from their videogames and other devices which tend to numb the brain, and get them outside for some good old fashioned fun. I do feel that there is an appropriate age for every adventure though. Going on a short hike with the youngsters is one thing, but taking them on a multiday backpacking trip is something completely different.

Ever want to know if your kids enjoy the trips that you take them on? Take a look at the photos...they have the tendency to speak the words some kids are too young to say. Look at the photo above! Who has the helmet? It may only be a 20-30 foot climb, but can you imagine how terrified that kid would be if she were to take a fall?

If you ever find yourself debating on whether to take the young kids or not, just ask yourself who it's all about - you feeling good about including them, or the kids who are too young to tell you what they want.

Wing Suit - Revisited

Back in October of 2010, I posted a video of a few guys base jumping while wearing wing suits (A.K.A. flying squirrel suits). It amazed me then, and it amazes me still. I had a dream shortly after that post where I was flying like they were in the video, and have pretty much been obsessed with the concept ever since. Although there are plenty of videos out there like the one I originally posted, this video blows me away!!! It is a 360 degree video where you can control where to look as the base jumper flys next to cliffs in Norway. Enjoy:)

Sorry I can't add the video, click on the image to be sent to the original website though

Gear Essentials: Identification (Road ID Review)

And I thought that being away from school for Christmas Break would mean plenty of new posts for the blog...looks like laziness and leisure got the best of me:)

A few weeks before Christmas my friend Geoff told me that he was going to buy me a Christmas present, but needed some info from me first. He asked for my address, telephone number, wife's telephone number, father's telephone number, if I had any medical conditions/allergies, if I was an organ donor, and he finally asked for a quote or personal motto (I had no idea what phrase I would want to claim as "mine," so I told him that I didn't know). Geoff also asked me whether I would like to wear this gift on my wrist, ankle, or my shoe. At this point I was pretty confident that he was either making or purchasing some sort of ID that I could wear while in the backcountry, but I was honestly feeling skeptical as to whether I would actually wear it or not. When the time came to finally open the padded envelope which had "Road ID" stamped all over it, I was pleasantly surprised.

I remembered having seen advertisements in Backpacker Magazine for Road ID, and thought that although I could understand why it would be smart to wear something like it when in the middle of no where, I highly doubted ever seeing myself purchasing or buying one. I was very impressed when I opened the padded envelope and saw the ankle ID. It was bright red with a strip of reflective material around the center, and instead of being some cheap nylon bracelet which would irritate my skin while wearing it, the whole bracelet actually had a comfortable neoprene backing.

My bracelet looks like this, except my quote is much more original...

The small identification plate is very low profile, yet contains all of the necessary information search and rescue would need when coming across my unconscious body. I was kind of confused when I looked at the bottom of the ID plate, as it said "Eat my butt first." It took me a few seconds to understand why Geoff would have put this down as my personal motto, but once I connected the dots I started roaring with laughter! During our last campout, Geoff and I were talking about the survivors from the plane that crashed in the Andes back in 1974, and we asked ourselves if we would have resorted to cannibalism in order to survive, and whether we would want someone eating our bodies if we would have died in the crash. I concluded that I would want the survivors to eat my body since I wouldn't be needing it anymore, but told Geoff that I would want them to eat my butt first - this way I would know that they were REALLY desperate, as eating someone's buttocks is much less appealing than eating a thigh or shoulder. I was impressed that Geoff would remember my ridiculous request, and am positive that if he ever has to eat my body then he will respect my wish...

I have to now include identification in my "Gear Essentials" list for several reasons, all of which are very obvious. If you are unconscious when search and rescue comes across your body, there is no way for them to know if you are allergic to anything, or if you have any medical conditions which need to be taken into consideration before treating you for injuries. If you were to be alone when you died, the only way to identify your body without having to go through a long and drawn out process is to have ID on you. Who really carries their wallet with them when going out in the backcountry? I know that I always leave mine in the car. Not only would it be a good idea to wear this when hiking, but I've decided to follow the story which lead to the creation of the Road ID company, and wear mine when running as well.

I'm feeling pretty good about this gift Geoff gave me, and still get a laugh when looking at the quote he chose for me. I have wondered whether my quote would confuse the search and rescue team though, and hope that they don't think that I want them to break out the knives and forks to devour my gluteus maximus before treating my wounds.

Take a look at the website for Road ID in order to see the many products that they offer. They not only have bracelets for your wrist and ankle, but they also have dog tags and plates you can attach to your shoelaces.

Survival Movie Review: The Edge

I don't see myself devoting much time to giving reviews on books or movies, but since I had so much fun writing about 127 Hours I thought that I would write a review on another movie I have enjoyed for a while now.

The Edge came out back in the 90's, stars Anothony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin, and takes place in the Alaskan bush. Anthony Hopkins plays Charles Morse, a billionaire who travels to Alaska with his wife in order for her to model in a photo shoot. When Charles and two others go on a plane ride, they crash and find themselves miles from where they told everyone they would be, and are left on their own to fend for themselves in hopes that they will be found.

Instead of continuing to give a plot synopsis, I'll explain why I enjoy this movie so much.

Although everyone knows that Charles is rich because of his ambition and ability to think critically, they all secretly think that he is a joke and that his money buys him everything he needs - except genuine friends. Charles comes across a wilderness survival book near the beginning of the movie, and is seen reading it while his wife does her photo shoot and at other various times. He is able to retain pretty much everything that he reads - which ultimately saves him.

Throughout the movie Charles is able to keep his head on straight, remember the material he read in the survival book, and take on the role of leader in his little group. Once a giant man-eating grizzly bear starts stalking them, the movie gets much more exciting. Both Charles and the antagonist of the movie are left alone to figure out how to take down this huge bear that wants nothing more than to eat them for dinner. At the pinnacle moment of the movie, Charles remembers reading about dead-falls, but realizes that they don't have the time or tools to dig a hole big and deep enough to make one work. So, without giving away what happens in the movie, Charles thinks of a brilliant way to take down the bear.

I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone, and would say that it makes my top 10 list for survival movies. I've watched it three or four times, and would feel fine watching it again tonight:) Check out the parental advisory to be aware of why the movie is Rated R.

Favorite quotes from the movie - all of which come from Anthony Hopkins' character Charles:
 "What one man can do, another man can do" 
"We're all put to the test...but it never comes in the form or at the point we prefer, does it?"
"Most people who die in the woods die of shame"
"Say it! 'I'm gonna kill the bear!!!'"
"Did you know that you can make fire from ice?"






***I've been very busy with school lately, but plan on finally compiling all of the info I have come across over the last three months to write my post about outdoors blogs. It's taking more time than I expected to really look over each blog and come up with a way to rate them. Promise it will be worth the wait though!

Does Customer Service Matter???

A few months ago I mentioned in my Yellowstone trip report that I made the dumb mistake of strapping my trekking poles to my pack without making sure that all of the locks on the poles were each tight and secure. Due to the fact that I strapped them right side up, two of the three sections of one pole unknowingly slid out. I'm pretty sure that I hiked for most of the day before my buddy first noticed that they were gone.

What can you do with one section of a trekking pole? Nothing. Think you can just go to REI and pay for a couple of replacements? Wrong. I reported to the NPS at Yellowstone that I lost them along the trail, and they gave me a form to fill out in case anyone finds them and brings them back to the backcountry office. I knew it was a long shot, but figured it would be worth it nonetheless.

I have really enjoyed my trekking poles since getting them. You can pick these up at REI for under $90.
I have no complaints at all so far.

After a couple of weeks I knew that they were a lost cause, and I decided to contact Black Diamond to see if I could purchase a couple of replacement sections instead of having to purchase a new set of trekking poles. I decided on my Yellowstone trip that I was no longer interested in using trekking poles unless it was for snowshoeing, so I knew that if I couldn't spend five or ten bucks on replacement parts, I was going to go a long time without having a complete set in my arsenal.

I wrote an e-mail to the customer service rep for Black Diamond, explaining how dumb I was, and asked what they could do for me. Here is the response I received the very next day:

Zachary,

My apologies for your troubles with your Trail back poles.  You are correct in that this is not a warranty situation but I appreciate you taking responsibility for the situation and it sounds like you know how to prevent it from happening again so I’d like to send you a pair of lowers at no charge. 

Just get me a good shipping address and I’ll get a set out to you.

Regards,

Elmo-BD Warranty

Can you believe that? No charge for shipping. No charge for replacements. Not only did they help me out once, but another two times after that. There was some miscommunication when I told the rep what I needed, so when I got my package I only received two "lowers" instead of one middle section along with one lower section. Again, the rep apologized and sent a second package with the middle section. When I told him if he wanted me to ship back the extra lower he sent me, he told me to just hold onto it for a spare just in case I need it one day.

So here is the point of this e-mail: Does a company's customer service make a difference to you when deciding which company to purchase gear from? Does a return policy make a difference? Is it something you even look at before purchasing, or even look into after already having a product? I'll admit that I never look at a return policy until the poop hits the fan. Knowing how amazing Black Diamond treats their customers will forever make a difference for me. If I am ever debating between another product and a Black Diamond product, there is no doubt I will go for Black Diamond. I'll also admit that knowing that Black Diamond is based in Utah helps me want to buy from them as well...

Do you have any amazing, or less-than-impressive customer service stories? Share them with the rest of us!

Trip Report: Yellowstone - Old Faithful to Lewis Lake, Day 3 of 3

Alright, last and final day of my backpacking trip in Yellowstone a of months ago...
Check out the other two days:
Day One - Old Faithful to Shoshone Lake
Day Two - Shoshone Lake, sites 8R5 to 8M1

Check out Geoff's take on things, and a few more photos here: Day One, Day Two, and Day Three

Final decent view of Shoshone Lake

Day 3: Campsite 8M1 to Lewis Lake

The morning of day three was the coldest by far. The night before I hung my underwear outside to dry out over night. I was happy to see them still hanging on the branches I hung them on, and was not surprised to find them frozen stiff (note to self - if you're going to rinse out clothes, and you plan on wearing them the next day, do this as early in the afternoon as possible so they can actually dry out).

It was only about forty minutes after all of us got up and starting getting our breakfast together that Jordan said "guys!" and had a look on his face like he saw something exciting. I thought he was just joking with us, and waited for him to chuckle or something. Then I looked at where he was staring, and saw this...

Geoff and I grabbed out cameras, excited to FINALLY see some wildlife! The moose was impressively quiet, and although it was aware of our presence, it didn't seem to mind us creeping up closer to get a photo. So exciting! Just as quickly as he walked through our camp, he disappeared through some brush about thirty yards away from us.

I was so happy to have finally seen some wildlife. To be completely honest, I personally don't see the purpose of visiting Yellowstone more than once or twice. There is an incredible amount of backcountry worth seeing, but I feel that the real pull to go there in the first place is to see moose, bears, elk, buffalo, ect. To see a buffalo on the side of the road is pretty cool, but to be in the backcountry when seeing wildlife is that much more impressive. Being miles and miles away from any help when seeing a wild animal brings with it a natural rush. Who knows if the animal is going to be o.k. with your presence, or may see you as a threat?

Although I love my backpacking trips, I always seem to hike with more anticipation on my last day. It's not that I look forward to the trip being over, I just look forward to being with my family again. For most of the day I played a psychological game with myself, trying to focus on just enjoying the hike instead of feeling anxious or rushed to get out and back home ASAP. Even though I felt like I was hiking a hair faster than the other two days, Geoff and Jordan proved otherwise. During the other two days the three of us hiked within talking distance of each other, and we (honestly I should say, rather, Geoff and Jordan) would wait for whoever was straggling behind (me...), but the third day I only really saw them when we started out on the trailhead, when they stopped by the river for a photo opp, and then whenever they stopped to wait for me.

 Interesting, Geoff and I have never really talked about "the last day phenomenon" when he tends to walk twice as fast, leaving me out of sight and out of mind. He did mention it in his post of the trip, assuming that I might have been annoyed by it, but I don't think it really bothered me at all really. It gives me an opportunity to just take the scenery in and get a final alone-time. It does make me more self-conscious though, assuming that Geoff may be bothered with me falling behind, but we will have to talk this out the next time we go on an outing together. Here is what Geoff said in his post:

I don't know why but the last day of a hike I always just push harder.  It isn't that I want to get out of the woods or even get the pack off my back.  I just feel like I can improve my time, like a runner that catches a 2nd wind.  Something that is hard to explain.  I'm sure it annoys Zach a little bit, he is the one always putting up with it.

We were forced to cross the river when finishing up Shoshone Lake. It was at this moment that I wished I would have had my camp shoes I posted about a few weeks ago. The water was cold, but the real problem was wearing a 40 pound pack while walking on sharp rocks. Having anything on my feet for protection would have made all the difference. I felt like I was the wimp when it came to crossing though. Jordan and Geoff didn't seem bothered by it at all.

It was also at this moment when we had to decide between taking the shorter route which would have taken us up and away from the river which connected Shoshone and Lewis lakes, or take the longer route which would follow the river the rest of the way until we connected to Lewis Lake. Although I wanted to save time in order to get out faster (remember, I still had an 8 hour drive home AFTER actually hiking out, and promised my wife I would be home before she went to bed), I grew tired of the indecision when weighing out our options, and voted to just stay close to the river. Although it added another 1.5 miles, I'm glad that we did. The scenery was gorgeous throughout most of the hike, and it was fun walking within view of the water.

The Tetons in the distance while at Lewis Lake

Once we made it to Lewis Lake, we soon stopped on the bank and I took the above photo of the Tetons. There is something about the Tetons that I can't really describe. Maybe it's due to the fact that it was at the Tetons that Geoff and I had our first backpacking trip together (and it was my first backpacking trip ever), or maybe it's because the feel at the Tetons remind me of, what I consider to be, my second home (the Grand Sierras), or it's just because the Tetons are so gorgeous - whatever the reason is, whenever I see the Tetons I get a serious longing to be there.

Lewis Lake, towards the trailhead

When we finally made it to the trailhead, I was honestly planning on hitchhiking to Old Faithful to get my car, and then come back to pick up Geoff and Jordan. I thought that the chances of Geoff's wife getting to the trailhead within fifteen minutes to a half hour of us arriving was slim-to-none, and that hitchhiking would get us out of there quicker. We had only been sitting there for maybe two minutes when Geoff's wife pulled up in their truck! When we got to the trailhead Geoff walked out to the road to flag down his wife, and it was only a minute or so after that when she drove by the turnoff. This was, by far, my favorite moment of the day:)

I've kind of started a tradition for myself, something I found myself thinking about constantly on our hike out that final day. The last two or three trips I've done have ended with a nice greasy hamburger, fries, and a coke. Something about not having to prepare such a high caloric meal just feels like heaven after going without any real comforts while on the trail. I should have done my research and found a good hamburger within Yellowstone, but ended up waiting until I got to Idaho Falls since I was crunched for time, and just bought a cheap fast food burger instead.

This was a really fun trip, full of adventures and hard-learned lessons. When I got home I took out the instructions for my MSR filter, and found out what a true idiot I was when packing. Thinking that every ounce counts, I left the instructions for the filter, and the scrubbing pad to clean the filter at home. All I had to do was scrub the ceramic element for about thirty seconds and the thing worked as good as it did when I used it before. I mistakenly assumed that when I boiled it before storing it, this would have taken off any sediment or contaminants. It took care of the contaminants, but not the grime that slows down the filter. Never again!!!!!

I put off writing this last post for several weeks after seeing that I wasn't getting too many views. I had a lot of fun with the previous posts about equipment and such, and will soon be posting about the best outdoors blogs I have found, as well as some survival blogs as well. Stay tuned!