You can find a variety of conditions while spring camping. Snow and rain or sun and clear skies, depending on the place you live/camp. Some places are still dealing with winter like conditions. For those camping enthusiasts that are waiting for the snow to melt to pitch there tent into solid ground may rethink snow camping possibilities with a tent like this. The ‘Exterme’ places tent is not yet in production but a design concept by designer Alberto Caputo. The concept shows a tent, plenty large for two, fold out of the compartment that you can pull behind you in the snow. Not sure if the compartment also holds your gear or not, but it looks as though that is the case.

Check out Alberto’s Tent design here. (with many more photos)
And his design website here.

Check out info, on the Leadman Triathlon to see what you missed last Saturday in Kellogg, Idaho at Silver Mountain Resort. A Branchwhipped reader participated (and won podium bragging rights) gives us the run down. Thanks Logan!

Race Report: Leadman Triathlon, Kellogg, ID, April 30th 2011

An extreme sports triathlon, this Kellogg, ID based event combines one mile downhill skiing (or snowboarding), eight miles downhill mountain biking, and five miles running, with yearly variation based on conditions.

At Silver Mountain Ski Resort on a bonus last day of the ski season, the parking lots were packed, mostly with skiers and snowboarders anxious to go shred some freshies. Among them were a peculiar mix of about 250 oddly-dressed athletes in various combinations of skiing, biking, and running gear. One could spot, for example, guys in ski boots and running shorts, with bike helmet and ski goggles, bike gloves and a heavy ski jacket, riding a downhill bike to the registration booth.

Of course, all of these crazy outfits make perfect sense to a triathlete, as transitions are critical to the triathlete’s success. For example, just 30 seconds wasted removing extra clothing would increase your mile time on the run by six seconds. But, am I crazy enough to ride up the chairlift to the starting line in my nylon running shorts? No. In my dry-run the night before, it only took five seconds to remove my ski pants. More troublesome was the quick removal of my ski boots. I wanted them tightly buckled for optimum control on the icy slalom ski section, but easy enough to remove. I decided, though, that I could do without the Velcro racing strap.

Upon arrival at the top of Kellogg Peak, nearly 6000 feet elevation, my brother and I were greeted by a stiff, steady wind, heavy snow, and poor visibility. Clusters of scantily clad athletes huddled among the trees to stay warm. We made our way to the start of the slalom course, laid our skis down, then walked the 100 yards downhill to the “Le Mans” starting line. To my dismay, despite arriving 15 minutes early, I was 4 or 5 rows back from the starting line. My restless dreams of a podium finish seemed to be fading. I knew a good start would be crucial.

After some final words of advice and warnings of an unusually dangerous course, the official blew his whistle and we were off! We sprinted uphill in the soft snow, elbows and ski poles flying. I managed a decent start and tucked down the blue run, making no extra turns. The soft, freshly groomed snow soon degraded into hard ice and we chattered around the gates. Within just a few minutes of the start, we were already flying down the gravel road on mountain bikes, goggles still on. The snowstorm continued, now mixed with sleet. If they sold goggles with windshield wipers, I would have bought them just for this race. A few inches of wet snow covered our gravel road but as we descended, it became a thick, slippery mud that unavoidably entered my mouth as I gasped for air to fuel my churning legs.

Near the bottom of the bike course, cones directed us off the road onto a poorly maintained section of single track. Sections were rutted out by heavy rains, and berms of rock heaped up to divert the eroding streams sent us airborne. Good vision was crucial on this section, but the timing of when I let go of a handlebar to clear my goggles of mud was even more crucial. Memories of my rotation in trauma surgery as a medical student began to haunt me and I slowed, only to be passed by yet another triathlete.

This was my first year participating and I was quite impressed by the event staff’s thorough preparation and extensive race-day support. Such an event poses certain logistical challenges that require a massive amount of coordination and planning, because unlike most triathlons, the various transition zones are by necessity located on different areas of the mountain. And the variation in seasons and snowpack require course adjustments even up to the week before. Participants can expect new surprises each year to mix it up, while event staff must plan for new challenges year after year.

Efforts began many months in advance, keeping a gravel road plowed to allow a seamless transition from skiing to biking. On race day, our bikes and gear were trucked up the hill and sorted by number in the transition area. Running shoes were handed to participants as they came off the biking course. Gear frantically stripped and strewn about was carefully placed back into numbered bags and brought to the finish line. I absentmindedly left my mud-caked fleece jacket on as I started the run, then stripped it and tossed it to a bystander, yelling, “please put it in bag number 21!”

While the skiing and biking demanded ignorance of danger and mastery of treacherous speeds, the running leg simply required endurance. Here is where I made up for my timid and cautious side. The downhill portions were over; weight was no longer an advantage. Now it was finally time to sort contestants by aerobic fitness. I picked off runner after runner until finally we were greeted by the finish line crowds and one of those ubiquitous Red Bull arches. My efforts were awarded by a free shower at the Silver Rapids indoor water park, a relaxing barbecue with live band at the gondola village, and a nice bag of swag for my 2nd place finish in the men’s age 15-29 group, 5th place overall. What a wild ride!

Working and playing in and around Portland and Vancouver, WA has it’s perks. Water, mountains, hiking, camping, trail runs and any other outdoor activity you could think of, are right at your finger tips. One thing that is for certain in this area is water. Lots of it. The winters are long and the sun is rarely seen between the thick layers of clouds. This makes the Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell and excellent choice in this climate. A jacket that is not too heavy and not too light.

With temps around 40-50 for many of the winter months and daily rain almost a certainty this shell is ideally suited for nearly all my outdoor needs. This year the shell is pulling extra duty as this is one of the rainiest winters in the north west, so essentially I’ve worn this shell everyday for the past few months, with very little exception.

The Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell is three-layered laminated, wind proof and repels water. Rain water seemed to not bead up like it does on other materials, but it never absorbed through, keeping me warm and dry. There are also two zipper hand pockets up front, a zippered chest pocket (great for cell phones) and a draw string waist cuff.

The pockets are more than adequate for storing small items and keeping your hands toasty if you forgot your gloves. I had my keys, phone, wallet, maps, gloves and all kinds of stuff stuffed in with no real dilemma. The jacket fits me well. If there were any changes I could make to it, I’d bring the sides in a tad for a more fitted appearance and create a more snug fit around the neck when the zipper is fully zipped up. The collar does, however, do a good job at keeping the wind off your neck. Most shells like this do not come with a hood. I think a hood distracts a bit from the style aspect, but would be nice on those very rainy days, but there are jackets out there for that exact purpose.

Photo above was shot on the Oregon coast right before the storm hit. The Hi-Tec Roaring River Softshell did an excellent job in keeping me dry and warm that day. More than I can say for another jacket I was using the same day.

Above is the Hi-Tec logo on the chest of the shell. I’ve received many questions from puzzled people asking: “A Hi-Tec jacket? I thought they just made shoes?” Well they do make great shoes, now they make great outerwear too.

Video Below shows how the water doesn’t bead off, but it never absorbs through:

Pro Roaring River Softshell:
Lightweight
Looks great
Fit
Performance

Con Roaring River Softshell:
No hood
Fit

Bottom line:
A well built, AND well priced softshell.

If you are into water sports and skiing, and love Hawaii, then this is the contest for you. Sno-Kona Pond Skim Competition, a, well, skimming contest at Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort in Oregon, just outside Portland. The winner of the contest will win a trip to Hawaii for two. Not only will this contest be a whole lot of fun to participate in, but we are confident it will bring just as much fun being a spectator from the sidelines as well. From their website:

“The 5th annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim at Mt. Hood Meadows, presented by Kona Brewing and All About Hawaii Travel is set for Saturday, April 30th. Snowboarders and skiers will launch themselves across 90 feet of frigid water, to try to win a free trip for two to Hawaii. The skimming should start at 11 AM!”

Not only will skimming distance get you a prize, but costume and style. Check out a video form the 2010 competition:

Hydropack offers a unique alternative to a camelbak or similar bladder for personal hydration while hiking or camping. The bladder has a closure that allows even the fattests of hands, at least most, to fit in and clean the bladder. Also the ease of filling the baldder with ice is a 3 second task.

Check out the full review of the Hydropack Morro HERE, brought to you by the Hiking Lady.

Hydropak Morro site.

What is your favorite method for packing water on the trail?

For those of you with a few thousand $$$$ burning a hole in the wallet and some unfulfilled winter ski wishes lingering, check out Wasatch Powderbird Guides. Take a chopper to the top of the peaks and stop waiting in those pesky lift lines. Cut fresh tracks while the general public is banished to smooth, groomed, in-bounds slopes right? Well if you don’t have the cash, we can all dream…

A little more info on Wasatch Powderbird^TM Guides: Was born in 1973 when a few ski professionals began taking adventurous travelers on heli-ski trips to the backcountry of Utah’s majestic mountains. Focusing on fun, adventure and skill-instruction, our excursions soon gained renown among powderhounds hungry for the addictive thrill of skiing unblemished expanses of “the greatest snow on Earth.”

Get more info here for your next high flying ski trip.

Check out the video from VitalMTB.com here.

All of us that are itching to get back on the single track this spring, take a look at this MTB video from VitalMTB.com. A group of Vital folks taking a few Specialized S Works Carbons out for a test ride. If only we all could roll on a $7200 stock bike like the S Works. No doubt a competent bike, but one that is assuredly purchased by many who paid less for their car. Am I right? Although we can all dream for a bike like this.

Peak 7 Adventures is a non profit organization aimed at helping underprivileged children in Oregon and Washington experience the outdoors without the financial burden that at times accompanies the outdoor activities we enjoy. Check out more about Peak 7 Adventures below from their website:

Peak 7 Adventures is a non profit organization in Washington and Oregon serving youth (underprivileged & at-risk). Our goal is to get these people out of their comfort zone and experience the adventurous outdoors. Experiencing the outdoors can help you learn more about yourself as well as building teamwork with your peers or cohorts. We believe that by spending time in the wilderness, taking risks and seeking solitude, you will gain more than just adventure skills that will help you succeed and handle problems. You will learn valuable skills and may choose to make exploring the outdoors a regular part of your life.

Our desire is to allow every interested youth to have the opportunity to participate in our adventures regardless of financial limitations. Our goal is to conduct fun loving, safe outdoor adventures that foster an appreciation for the outdoors and promote a sense of fulfillment and involvement in the experience.

Find out more about Peak 7 Adventures and their philosophy, make a donation to help kids that may not have the opportunities we have outdoors that we all love.’

A Tahoe based, 501.c.3 non-profit, the High Fives Foundation is dedicated to raising money and awareness for athletes that have suffered a life altering injury.

Formed in January of 2009, the High Fives Non-Profit Foundation has helped over 8 athletes to date with alternative healing, adaptive and rehabilitative equipment and the means to achieve their dream no matter the set-backs. With your support the Foundation will continue to be able to provide support, knowledge and ultimately a plan of action for the recovery of athletes following their dream. Follow the stories of Grant Korgan, Steve Wallace, Kyler Smith, John Davis and the other High Five recipients on the foundation’s website.

Check out the website HERE
And get more info HERE

Chums has reinvented The Band with the introduction of the new iPod Nano. The Band, from Chums, now turns your nano into a rugged outdoor watch, capable of showing you the time and storing your tunes. We’ve partnered with Chums before, and are lucky to sponsor a new Chums giveaway with 25 winners. Check out their latest press release below and easily enter to win The Band for your iPod or watch.

For years, Chums has given outdoor sports enthusiasts the best accessories to help you “hang on” to your valuable gear. Chums’ The Band® has been the go-to replacement watch band for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, securing your valuable (or not so valuable) timepiece, GPS or monitor to your wrist with the double wrap-around hook/loop design. Now with the help of the new touch screen iPod® nano, The Band® is moving into the digital age. Combine The Band® with your iPod® nano to create an uber-stylish, high tech watch!

The Band® has always been known as the ultimate action sports watchband because of its comfort, durability and eye-catching patterns. The entire accented line of The Band® watch bands has recently been updated with exciting and contemporary patterns. Chums teamed up with pioneering women’s outdoor apparel designer and Isis co-founder Poppy Gall of Poppy Gall Design Studio to develop a variety of fresh patterns to complement The Band®’s durability and function. Poppy is known for her keen sense of detail and melding contemporary patterns with traditional aesthetics.

The iPod® nano’s display panel is a perfect match with the The Band®’s Wide model – featuring 3/4” (20mm) sizing and a wide 1.5” base webbing that works great with larger style watches. The Standard size offers a sleeker look with the same 3/4” (20mm) hook and loop and a soft 1” wide base webbing for comfort & durability.
Check out the how-to video demonstrating The Band® and iPod® nano application:

Full details in press release HERE.

Win The Band from Chums for your iPod or watch.
Ends 2/10/11

How to enter:
1. FACEBOOK A: “Like” the Branchwhipped ***Official Chums Facebook Post***
2. FACEBOOK B: “LIKE” the CHUMS giveaway Facebook Post.