The Newspaper of the San Francisco Bay Chapter
November - December 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Strictly outdoors Updates on winter camping
Top socks
In 1914 Bridgedale, a British corporation, was knitting socks for the Tommies headed across the channel for the trenches of northern France. Today, with a century of expertise, Bridgedale has concentrated on foot comfort, and its current anti-compression cushioning, anti-microbial yarns, and superior fit for heel and toe provide just such comfort. The company's unique yarns (Woolfusion), a fusion of Merino wool and high-tech microfibers, can be produced only in small batches, but the result is a great cushiony, breathable sock. The winter socks come in a variety of styles and in three weight classes, appropriate to different outings. Be sure to check the information label before you buy. I've worn scads of socks in my decades of trekking, but my feet tell me that these Bridgedales are the tops. For more information
If you're going to the snow
Since the rest of this article will be devoted to snowless winter activities, remember these cautionary notes if you intend to hit the snow country.
- Road conditions. Always start your trip with a check of the California Highway Information Network, (800) 427-7623.
- Winter driving advice. Google "Caltrans Winter Driving Tips".
- Sno-Parks. For a full description of the 21 Sno-Parks (day and some overnight parking adjacent to snow trails) managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and a printable map of the locations, Google "Sno-Park California".
- Avalanche. It's best just to stay out of avalanche country, but if you must head for the back-country, check Avalanche Conditions and www.sierraavalanchecenter.org
Pure water - simple and light
About five years ago I discovered the future of water purification for back-country hikers. No more chemicals with iodine-flavored water, no more daily rounds of pumping, no more clogged filters, no more time delays - the SteriPEN, I exulted, was the future for all back-country water needs.
The original SteriPEN is still available and is a bargain at $99, and has been joined by a junior version, the Adventurer, just four ounces light and just as effective, at $130.
As in the original, the Adventurer flashes ultraviolet light (one flash per half liter) into your bottle (or pot), and all the residual evil microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium) call it quits - no more drinking water ailments.
Light-weight, easy (just touch a flashlight-type button), and effective, the SteriPEN has been carried by through-hikers for months on the nation's scenic trails - and by expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Aconcagua, and nary a problem. Featured by Time as one of the "best inventions of the year" in 2001, the new version at $130 is a must-buy.
The Adventurer is accompanied by a solar-charging carry case (six ounces and sold separately for $50) to keep the two lithium batteries up to snuff. If you're going to Mexico or any third-world country, take a SteriPEN with you. For more information
Runny nose?
My winter hiking fellows know me as "that guy with the bandanna pinned to his shirtfront" because my nose runs constantly in the cold, and I'd rather use the bandanna than my shirt sleeve. Now a company aptly named When I Grow Up Inc. (Vail, CO) has gone me one better. They have created a soft, fuzzy, microfleece mini-sleeve to fit over the forefinger or thumb and wrist of a hand, glove, or mitten for just such continued nose-wipe duty (to be washed and reused next time out). They call it - hold your nose - the Snot Spot. Despite its offensive name, it is fun to use, and, hey - it works. For more information
A lighter thermos
One of the joys of winter hiking is a hot drink or soup on the trail or on return to the car - but I've always been reluctant to carry a thermos because the old-fashioned bottles were too fragile and the all-steel jugs too heavy. Stanley has come to the rescue. The company has fabricated "the Outdoor Series". Same double-wall stainless-steel vacuum, same quality, same lifetime warranty, but considerably lighter. The liter-size jug with a dual cap lid weighs in at just under 28 ounces. I'm now adding a hot drink to each of my coming winter treks. The bottle comes with a clever splash-proof (great for the car) cup and mug set that snaps together as a unit.
See you on the trail.
© 2006 San Francisco Sierra Club Yodeler