www.geigerrig.com

Retail Price: $98

Specs per manufacturer: THE RIG is a lean, mean water machine made of heavy duty 840 Ballistic Nylon. It holsters our 2 Liter Hydration Engine that sprays for easy cooling, cleaning, drinking and sharing. Has a diagonal zipper that runs the length of the pack, as well as a top zipper that runs horizontally. This enables the pack face to lay wide open for easy loading and unloading of the engine. Inside there is a small 5 inch by 7 inch mesh pocket for holding a granola bar, your car keys, and a couple small odds and ends. The pack straps and back plate have soft waffle padding covered with easy breathing, durable, stretch mesh for comfort. The shoulder straps are adjustable, as is the chest strap. The chest strap adjusts both vertically and horizontally and hosts an emergency whistle. The drink tube is secured by a magnet when not in use. The RIG has a non-removable waist strap and small pack handle. Grab your RIG and go. NOTE: Image shows pack strap with the insulated tube garage attached. This accessory is not included with the purchase of a RIG Citrus. The insulated tube garage is available for purchase in our on-line catalog.

Findings:

A hydration system that sprays? What novelty. Geigerrig suggests using the spray for everything from a quick drink, to watering the dog to cleaning off your camp dishes. Again, what novelty. As a mom of four, I am less concerned with novelty as I am with functionality and durability. So how did the Geigerrig measure up?

1. Ease of use: Once I figured out how to use it, I found it simple. But I have to admit I struggled a bit with the initial install. Let’s just say this isn’t your mother’s hydration system. I advise you watch the You Tube video.

2. Ease of cleaning: WOW, this thing couldn’t get any easier to clean. One of my biggest complaints of the old fashioned hydration systems has been the inability to get them clean. You can actually turn the Geigerrig inside out and put it in the dishwasher. As a mom, it is really important to me to have my kid’s drink clean.

3. Durability: Did I mention I have four kids? While we work really hard to take really good care of our gear, we do use our gear a lot. I never write a review until we have taken the gear out for a real run. I have a real thing for zippers and the Geigerrig zipper scores a perfect ten. I open and close the zippers just to experience the perfect glide. Ahhh. The bladder must be made of some wonder material, because it won’t pop no matter what. And trust me, my kids tried. The tube connecting to the bulb pops off easily, but Geigerrig says this is intentional. I haven’t had any problems losing parts.

4. Design: On paper the design is novel. We discovered the practical side though. Little kids can have a hard time sucking from traditional systems. Even a little toddler can easily get a drink from Geigerrig. Have extra kids along you don’t want sucking on your spout? No worries, just spray them a drink and give your dog a shot while you are at it.

As it is winter as I write this review, I haven’t had a chance to test out the filter system yet, but I do love the concept. I can also see appreciating the spray on a hot day. Needless to say, I haven’t tested that either this winter. Novelty? Perhaps, but brilliant novelty. Geigerrig gets this mom’s full approval.

Folks keep telling me I’m crazy to ride in the winter. Not really. Yeah, it is cold. And some mornings my toes turn to wooden stumps in my boots and my fingers ache with the omninous threat of frostbite. But really, truly, I’ve enjoyed it. With my busy schedule, this is ME time. I never ride with anyone else. (Unless I’m biking with kids–but that’s recreational biking and a totally different experience.) My commute is my time to collect my thoughts, focus my mind and get a bit of exercise at the same time. I’m unwired. I can’t email, text or play Words with Friends while I’m biking. A needed break for sure. The trail is bumpier, slushier, icier, colder, narrower, darker, moosier, more challenging for sure and therefore quite possibly more rewarding. My daughter asks me how that is more rewarding. Hmmm. Hard to articulate. Okay, think of it this way. Do you ever feel great after driving to work? Right, I didn’t think so.

PS: “Moosier” is my new term for LOTS more moose encounters in the winter. I average 3-4 sightings per week, sometimes that many in a day.

www.gibbonsslacklines.com

Retail price: 49 ft. = $74.99

Specs per manufacturer: The Original Gibbon line, the CLASSIC is perfect for the diverse slackliner. Thicker webbing and two lengths make this the best line for any location or skill level.  It can even be used as a portable rail for skis, snowboards and skateboards!

Findings: We’ve had our slackline for a year now. I really wasn’t sure if the kids would be that into it when we first got it. I was wrong! It has turned our front yard into the neighborhood hot spot. They sit and bounce on it, try to walk across it, jump over it, hang from it, drape stuff on it and more. We use it in every season, including winter. It is the ultimate open ended activity for kids of any age old enough to walk. Kids play on our slackline even when we aren’t home. The real beauty is that is so engaging, the kids stay outside and play allll afternoon.

As for durability, it has held up beautifully. We leave it set up all summer-rain or shine. Nothing has rusted, and other than it being dirty, it acts like new. I highly recommend all families buy one of these for your yard, your boat, your campground, your whatever. You won’t be disapointed.

In the backcountry, I prefer no signs of human interference. Pristine is how I like it.

On the bike trail, it is different. The presense of tracks from the plows brings joy to my heart. I smile watching the fountain of snow being thrown from the spout of the beast as it rumbles down the path. I don’t even mind the disel exhaust–at least not too much. I like the way my light bounces off the ripples of the tracks. I like the the tunnel created after the plow pushes through. And I love being able to ride fast without my back end fishtailing about.

I always nod to the plow guys when I see them. Hard to know if they see me. But to all the drivers who head out in the wee hours of the morn’ to clear the trails for us bikers, runners, and bus users, THANKS! We really appreciate the work you do. May funding for your department be plentiful and may your cab always be warm.

www.lowaboots.com

Retail price: $250

Specs per manufacturer:

Think of LOWA snowboots as snow tires for your feet: The large lug pattern sole units follow the natural line of foot motion with a minimum of one lug in contact with the ground at all times during the roll-off motion – thus improving stability on snow and ice.

Findings: We needed winter boots for my daughter. And we had a particular list of requirements that was developed over the course of many other boots failing. 1: must be waterproof. 2: must breathe, yet be warm. 3: must be strong enough to withstand various snowshoe attachment points. 4: must be comfortable enough for a 40+ miles hike carrying or pulling a load. Support is a nice thing too. After boots leaking in spring snow, toes splitting from the torque of snow shoes and blisters on day one of hikes, the Nabucco has been a nice change. It is a narrow cut at the toes, so beware if you have wide feet. This is a stiff boot designed to handle all the abuse winter can throw at it. Overall performance is awesome. I wish the liner was removable for  drying out, but really, that is my only complaint. Well constructed, warm, waterproof without being sweaty and strong enough for winter gear. The Nabucco accomplishes what it set out to do.

His point was that the potential risks of biking on streets far out ways any potential benefits. He went on to describe some pretty horrific crashes involving bikes and cars. I get it. On a bike, you have no protection at all from a half-ton of steel traveling at 45 mph. The laws of physics are stacked against you in a big way.

I argued that I’m a safe biker and always wear my helmet but he is right. A 30 pound bike is no match for a 1/2 ton car.  “Your family needs you”, he went on to say. “Think of the impact on your family if you were gone”. Ouch. Visions of my four children and husband looking despondent at my funeral mixed with pictures of my kids drawing family pictures with me up in the clouds swirled in my head.

So maybe it isn’t a good idea to bike to work. After all, I could always work out at in the hospital’s gym. And there are other things I could do to reduce my carbon footprint. I began completely second-guessing my two wheel commute commitment.

When we got back home to Alaska it was 20 below zero. Chilly, to say the least. It would be really easy to hop in my warm car and leisurely drive to work in my half ton of steel. The scientist in me said to look at all the facts first before stashing my bike though.  So I interviewed a few police officers. I figured they deal with all bike/car crashes—not just the horror stories. They of course mirrored my brother in law’s concerns, but gave me some more specifics. The vast majority of cars hitting bikes happen when cars are backing out of driveways. Seriously? Yes-at least in Anchorage. What’s really amazing is that when the bikers are interviewed, almost 100% of them tell the police that they saw the car backing up, they just thought the car saw them and would stop. Other crashes happen with riders in the middle of the road—often in the winter when riders are going for the groomed road over the snowy trail.  And of course, bikes get hit when they can’t be seen.

So, watch out for cars backing up, wear a ton of lights and stay on the trail. But I’m getting ahead of myself. The risks are real, the potential consequences great. Mitigating factors are available, but will not eliminate the risks. This leads to the other side of the story–potential benefits.

I find it difficult to articulate the feeling of moving outside. Is riding a bike outside really that different than riding a bike in the gym? Yes! Of course it is. It’s a better workout outside, you get fresh air, you use your brain differently, you can’t smell the sweaty guy next to you and you get to wear your sunglasses. But everyone who bikes, hikes, climbs or otherwise plays outside will tell you, there is something more–something almost spiritual that happens outside. Something mystical, encompassing, and yes, wonderful. And it is this feeling, this experience that makes the risks of bike commuting worth it. Yeah, it is that good. And so, at twenty below you can find me lit up like a Christmas tree, pausing at every driveway, on the bike trail on my way to work.

My brother in law is right. We always need to stop and assess our risks and look for ways to mitigate them. But we need to approach these decisions rationally, with all the facts—not just with fear.

www.mountainhardwear.com

Retail price: $95

Specs per manufacturer: Highly technical CoolWave suspension maintains excellent fit and ventilation regardless of load ensuring outstanding comfort in all conditions. Tough 210D HexRip nylon body panels combine with 840D high-tenacity nylon bottom and fully bound seams to ensure durability and long life. Front mesh pocket with reflective accents secures helmet, shoes, jacket, etc. Front pocket organizer keeps frequently-used items handy and includes two soft spacer mesh pockets ideal for delicate electronics. Roomy main compartment with burly #10 YKK zip and multifunction hydration/laptop sleeve. Internal zip pocket with key clip secures important items. Internal soft fleece pocket for sunglasses. Daisy chain with padded grab handle and ice axe loop offers convenient lash/clip points. Side compression straps provide load control. Side mesh pockets with reflective tabs keep water bottles handy. Sternum strap and removable webbing waistbelt add stability when needed.

Findings: We needed a big beefy day pack for hikes. My oldest kid is an awesome little sherpa and as her younger siblings get bigger and consequently their gear gets bigger, she ends up hauling a fair amount of their stuff. We also wanted to have a pack that worked well traveling on planes. So after perusing the web for awhile, we decided to take the Agama for a ride. It has the features outlined above in specs and they all work great. Particular favorite features of my kid include side compression, daisy chain on the front and large drink holders on the side. The downside? There are two. The shoulder straps don’t fit small figures well. The straps constantly slide off unless you use the sternum strap every time. I have the same problem with my Canmore pack. Our other issue–and I know some people like this feature–is that the front pocket fills into the main compartment limiting the amount of gear you can put in either section. But really, if those are our only complaints, the pack is great!

www.acorn.com

Retail price: $36 (we received these for gear testing from Outdoorbabynetwork.com)

Specs per manufacturer: Color me cozy! These colorful moccasins feature original and proprietary printed Acorn Comfort Fleece uppers. They’re fully lined in a cozy microfleece that quickly wicks moisture away from your skin. Featuring a lofty Acorn memory-foam midsole over a comfort cushion layer of featherweight EVA. In addition, the enhanced, raised heel and arch add extra stability and support. Non-slip, weatherproof soles make them perfect for indoor/outdoor use.

Findings: After a hard day on the trail, or even an easy one, it is so nice to kick off your boots and slip into something comfortable. It’s like homemade mac and cheese for your feet. There is a practical aspect as well. It is important to let your shoes/boots dry out over night and equally important to let your feet dry out. Slippers offer a great way to accomplish this foot maintenance. The weight is negligible in your back. Although they aren’t super compressible, they do squeeze in well. The fleece is warm and cozy. The padding feels like a cloud under your feet–or so says my daughter. She was the tester here. As for the mom report, the construction is solid. After 120 miles of backpacking, 150 miles of kayaking and a bunch of nights car camping, they are still going strong. I really appreciate any gear that holds up for than one season. The only real wear in on the insole which doesn’t affect function. In fact, I’m considering getting a pair for myself!

Other “one less car” commuters ask me about my ride. And my brakes and what kind of gears and derailers I use. The conversation is always cut short when I tell them about my $50 Craig’s list special I have. “It gets me safely from A to b”, I tell them. They aren’t impressed.

I had no intention to continue biking in the winter. It gets dark. It gets cold. The trail is all ice. My car is a cozy 85 degrees after it’s been warming up for 30 minutes in my driveway. (this is an Alaskan thing–we all do it) But after talking to a friend at an end of summer party, I started to entertain the idea. “Just do it once a week”, he said. Hmmm. I hadn’t considered the option of periodic winter biking. So I went on to question everyone I knew or didn’t know about the skinny on winter biking. What equipment is must have? What is just nice to have? I wanted to go into this well informed. I don’t think I asked this many people this many questions when we bought our house!

Bottom line, must have gear: studded tires, good lighting. Everything else you can wing. Living in Alaska, I have plenty of warm layers so I really had no concerns about staying warm. The studded tires I picked up on Craig’s List for $100. Nokiam, carbides–I highly recommend them. Now for a light. Being 24/7 sunlight all summer, I hadn’t needed a bike light before. But come October, it was starting to be dark enough to need one both ways to work.

I started off with the Planet Bike Blaze 1W. It is 76 lumens of nothing. My backpacking headlamp was brighter. So that’s what I used. I strapped in on my handlebars and quickly realized why people spend the big bucks on bike lights. I drooled at riders passing me with their fancy light set ups, some as bright as my car headlamp.

Santa–aka my in laws–pulled through. I am now the proud owner of the NiteRider Minewt.600 Cordless LED Lithium Ion light that can mount on my handle bar or my helment. 600 lumens of Ahhh. Illumination is a beautiful thing. I can now see beyond 10 feet in front of my bike! And more importantly, cars can see me. The Newt mounts tightly to my handle bar and doesn’t wiggle at all. I can charge  it with a USB cord from my computer or the wall. So far, the battery is lasting about 1.5 hours at full bright. Not bad for cold weather.

It has been well below zero all week. We’re talking -21 degrees–not that there is a big difference between -10 and -20. Yes, it takes a bit to motivate at 7 in the morning to go out into the cold, but it’s all worth it. And in case you are wondering, I’m averaging 2-3 days a week biking.

www.milesoutsideorganic.com

Retail price: $2 per pouch

Specs per manufacturer: We are an active couple who love nature and being outside, and we wanted to continue our thirst for adventure after the birth of our son, Miles.

While preparing for our first camping and backpacking trip with Miles, we realized that we would need a baby food that meets the same high standards that we apply at home. Before we embarked on our Appalachian Trail excursion, we created a dehydrated food for babies that is easy to prepare, light to carry, and above all… nutritious and organic! Miles loved it, so we decided to share it with families just like ours.

We hope we make your days easier in this hectic world, and let you enjoy Mother Nature with many more Miles Outside!

Findings: I was so excited to learn about Miles Outside Dehydrated Baby Food Company.  What a brilliant idea! Organic, healthy baby food prepared and packaged for the backcountry. Two active parents created Miles Outside while prepping for a backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail with their infant son Miles. The result is a high quality, tasty dehydrated baby food that has the stamp of approval from a registered dietician and physician.  As a lactation consultant who is concerned about what foods babies eat, I appreciate all the care and attention they put into their product. But how does it taste? I handed out samples of the product (Apple Harvest & Monkey Pudding) at a couple lectures I was giving for my book Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping and Boating with Babies and Young Children. And I asked parents to test it out and let me know what they thought.

Ease of preparation: A resounding 2 thumbs up. It couldn’t be any easier to add some breastmilk or water to the mix. I appreciate the re-sealable pouch to keep the product fresh and from spilling all over your pack.

Taste: The babies all finished it and none of them threw the bowl across the room so I’d say that is a pretty good vote of confidence. Just to be sure though, I had my teen age kids try it too. “Taste baby food??” they asked, “only if you pay me”. Turns out they actually liked it too and I didn’t even need to pay them for the taste test. Again, a nice vote of confidence.

I can’t wait to see what other baby and tot foods these folks come up with next. You should definitely check Miles Outside out even if the only wild place you plan to cook in is your kitchen!