Sunday, August 23, 2009

Men's Clothing

Men's Clothing
Get outside with adventure-ready men's hiking and travel clothing, raingear, jackets and more. Shop REI for top brands like The North Face, REI, Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Marmot and Mountain Hardwear.

Outdoors Women's Clothing

Clothing For A Life Outdoors

Get outside with adventure-ready women's hiking and travel clothing, raingear, jackets and more. Shop REI for top brands like The North Face, REI, Patagonia, Isis and Mountain Hardwear.



Watercraft Paddling

Watercraft Paddling
With regard to the watercraft, paddling is the process of moving on a small boat by steering it forward or backward with the help of paddle which is generally double sided or sometimes single sided as well. I must really tell you that rowing is different in the way that in order to row the boat it uses the oar whereas in case of paddling the paddle is used.
You should know that the paddle being used requires lots of muscle power in order to paddle your boat. The more will be the power in your arms the better you will perform. I must really say that paddling really requires lots of power in your shoulders. In one way you can really say that you will not be able to paddle your small boat if your shoulders are not as powerful.
I must also tell you that this is a sport which is a part of Olympics. Hence you really want to use your hand in this sport then I must tell you that that you should really go for it because it has lots of potential and you will definitely love this sport.
I would now like to present some of the differences between the rowing and the paddling.
1. Paddling is indigenous to boaters in Africa, the Americas, Australasia and Asia. Rowing has an ancient history in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and in Egypt (which is in northern Africa.).
2. Generally, rowers face towards the back or aft end of their craft, whereas paddlers always face towards the front or bow of their craft.
3. Another main distinction between paddling and rowing is that a person holding only a single blade paddle can propel or paddle a boat forward in a straight line without switching paddling side (and backward and sideward) whereas there generally must be a pair of oars or sculls (held by either one or a pair of persons) in order to move the boat forward in a straight line efficiently.
These are some of the differences between the paddling and rowing. However I must tell you that there is a vast difference between the paddling and the rowing when we move from continent to continent. You will find somewhere the double sided oar where as some where you will find the single sided oar. It is quiet sure that you will find a totally different kind of paddling technique then you will find it in the US. There are also double oar rigs used in Asia where the blades are controlled and powered by the legs alone, leaving the hands and arms of the rower free.
Double bladed paddles were developed to propel kayaks in Alaska, Canadian Arctic region and Greenland.
These all the information about the paddling and rowing clearly explains one point and that it is really a very interesting procedure you will enjoy moving your boat like this.

Fitness Outdoors

Fitness
Update your workout with new fitness clothing, running shoes, swimsuits and yoga mats. You'll find top fitness brands like prAna, Under Armour, Nike and The North Face.

Outdoors Lifestyle

Shop for outdoor games, dog toys, picnicking supplies and photography equipment. Choose from top brands such as Life is good, Ruff Wear, Bison and Built NY.


Rock Climbing Equipment

Buying the Safest Rock Climbing Equipment
Lots of people would like to get into rock climbing but are concerned about the safety. The reality is that rock climbing, particularly in a gym, is very safe. It's designed through the equipment and teaching to have as much focus on safety as possible. There are a few ways to make sure that you are buying the safest equipment possible. Before going into the details, it's important to realize that most rock climbing injuries are due to people not taking safety precautions or being lazy and not due to failures of the equipment itself.
There are three main pieces of rock climbing equipment that are critical to being safe. They are your harness, your rope, and your belay device. The first important thing is to buy all three of these things new. Especially as a new climber, it can be difficult to evaluate the safety of used equipment, and new equipment is all but guaranteed to be in perfect condition. Saving $20 on a harness is not a good enough reason to use an older harness which may be nearly worn out in ways that you cannot easily detect. The same goes with belay devices and ropes.
It's also a good idea to spend a bit more on a belay device. An ATC is very cheap and almost always safe, but has fewer backup options. A Gri-Gri costs a fair bit more but is built to be dramatically safer. If you completely let go of an ATC, the person who is climbing will fall. When you let go of a Gri-Gri, it holds the rope solidly until you purposefully decide to let down the climber.

Hiking Gear

Hiking Safety
Hiking can be a wonderful way to spend a day (or a few) out in nature with some good friends or family. The best way to ensure that your time is as good as possible is to plan ahead. This will mean knowing where you are going, how long you are going for and having all the supplies necessary for your journey.
Knowing ahead of time where you will be hiking can make all the difference in how your trip goes. You should plan out your hike and contact the local park ranger to find out what supplies are necessary for the trip, You can also purchase books or find information online regarding your route and what you will encounter along the way. Depending on how long you will be hiking for, you can locate hotels close to your route (if you don't want to camp). If you will be traveling for more than 5 days, you may want to locate a post office about half way and ship some of your supplies ahead of time. That will lighten your load and give you something to look forward to (a special treat after a long hard hike).
Having the right supplies with you can make or break your trip. First and foremost, no matter how light you are looking to travel, you must have a first aid kit on you. There are thousands of unexpected injuries that can occur during a hiking trip, a first aid kit will help you be prepared for many of them. Also, if you take any medications, make sure you keep those with you as well. You should also carry plenty of water with you, call ahead to find out if water sources are available throughout the trail as this can significantly increase or decrease what you carry with you. Food is another staple and can be purchase in freeze dried varieties at sporting stores or you can bring canned goods with you which also travel well. Keep snacks with you as well to keep you energized and your blood sugar level during the trip. Trail mix and nuts are great ways to do this. Other supplies you will want to carry are a knife or Leatherman multi-tool, a sleeping bad, compass and a pot (don't forget the utensils).
Hiking can be very strenuous and exhausting. Exercising for a few weeks before your trip can get you into the shape necessary to conquer 6-8 hours of hiking a day. By having everything planned ahead of time, you will have a great time!



Sport Watches

There's never bad time for enjoying sport in the great outdoors. But when you're out there, whether in the wilderness, the water, the snow, the hills or on the road, you will need to know exactly what the time is - and a lot more besides. And those training and looking to achieve peak fitness in sports like running, road cycling and athletics need a watch that will tell them exactly how fast and effectively their body is performing.
So if you are going to enjoy the outdoors or train to your highest level, you will need a reliable watch that is not only robust and able to keep time accurately, but also packed with the kind of features that will allow you to obtain the maximum satisfaction from your chosen pursuit.
Thankfully, gone are the days when the intrepid adventurer had to rely on his antique timepiece and shaky old compass. Likewise, the serious sportsman or sportswoman no longer has to make do with a primitive stopwatch. The market is now teeming with watches which have been designed specifically for outdoor adventurers or athletes and boast more features than a Swiss Army knife.
Outdoor pursuits and more traditional athletic disciplines have different needs so first of all, what should you look out for in a watch for activities such as mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, hill walking, mountaineering and the myriad of other outdoor sports?
Well, as well as good, accurate timekeeping and a clear display, you can't go wrong with your A, B, C. We're not talking kindergarten here - it's the term that specialist manufacturers like Suunto use to describe the three main features of a top notch outdoor watch: Altimeter, Barometer and, of course, Compass.
An altimeter is obviously essential for activities such as mountaineering and hill walking and can also be helpful for skiers. A barometer is useful for any outdoor sportsperson as it is always vitally important to stay one step ahead of the weather. As for the compass, anyone who has ever embarked on an outdoor adventure without one can testify of their importance - providing, of course, they made it back home to tell the tale!
And while we're on the subject of navigation, an outdoor watch with a GPS system can be a lifesaver - quite literally!
Although a watch for athletics and training needn't have such life-saving properties, high precision and quality features are nevertheless essential if the sportsman or sportswoman is to achieve his or her goals.
As well as a multi-functional stopwatch, a heart rate monitor (HRM) that specifies training zones is a must for keeping track of health and fitness, allowing athletes to work within in the correct heart rate zones for optimal training.
Likewise, computer-compatibility can be a real boon for those wishing to measure their performance effectively. There are Suunto watches, for instance, which can download training information on a PC and also link to other devices to allow details of speed, distance and similar data to be displayed on the watch. The T4 model goes one step further with the Suunto Coach feature, providing the user with a training schedule tailored to previous performance.
But let's not forget one other vital aspect of any watch for the outdoors or training - it has to look good! Come on, be honest - the all-singing, all-dancing features are important but you also want your watch to be stylish. Luckily, there's no shortage of strap and case designs and colour combinations to choose from these days.
So what are you waiting for? Get shopping! You don't even have to brave the outdoors yet because the World Wide Web is a great place to start your search - providing your (internet) navigation skills are up to scratch, that is. Your time starts... now!




Tents and Shelters

Shopping For Shelters and Tents

Camping in the woods or mountains can get buggy and lying on the beach can give you sunburn. Yet there is one type of products that will solve both problems. Shelters and tents make outdoor fun much more comfortable and safer. Shopping for these items is easy if you know what you want.
The first thing you will want to think about is where you will use your shelters and tents. Shade shelters and tents are great for the beach. Some of them have walls, but many of them have open sides so that breezes can come through to the inside. If you are going to use your shelters and tents for camping, you will probably want the ones that have mesh sides to offer protection from bugs. Insects can not only be a nuisance; deer ticks or certain mosquitoes for example cause serious diseases. That is why you will want to get the right shelters and tents for camping.
The weight is also important when you are preparing for an outing. Dragging along heavy tents and shelters can be cumbersome and back-breaking. This is not necessary when you just want a small area of comfort in the wild or on the beach. When there are tents and shelters that weigh as little as 2 pounds, there is no need to carry around a 30 pound tent unless you really need that large of a shelter.
Other considerations when shopping for shelters and tents include the amount of space inside them and whether or not they have a floor. If you are just lounging on the beach, a simple low hanging shade shelter will do the job. However, if you want to have tables or chairs to put under the shelters and tents, a higher ceiling is needed. Floors are a matter of preference depending on the situation.
Shelters and tents can be chosen simply by browsing selections found online. There are different options to select for various applications. You will save yourself pain and discomfort, as well as add to your fun, if you get shelters and tents for your recreational needs.


Man's & Woman's outdoors sunglasses

Sports celebrities are seen sporting fantastic sunglasses in outdoor sports. The best sports sunglasses make effective contribution to the fashion trend of the present time and that is followed by people around the world. Sports sunglasses have become a must for every athlete, biker and the players of tennis, golf, cricket and water sports and so on.
There are stores who specially deal with this sort of trendy sunglasses. You will wonder to find a large variety of stocks they have. You can easily choose the favorite one for your kind of sports sunglasses. You can collect any one out of several famous brands and also buy the best designer sports sunglasses at premium stores in your locality. If you take the famous brands, you need to know some of the names, which are described here.
Oakley sport sunglasses are all weather, light weight, durable and can be used as fashion statements. This quality has experience of several years in manufacturing sports sunglasses and especially the M frame is a wonderful addition to the brand.
Smith Slider provides trendy fashion value and comes with many colored glasses with adjustable nose pads. Ray Ban sunglasses offer stylish form and you can wear them at any time. Bole has the optic control process with several lenses which are interchangeable. You have the famous Nike offering an assortment of sunglasses for every avenue of sports. They are durable, corrosion proof and are suitable for different situations.
Women's sunglasses

You can get the best sports sunglasses for a variety of activities like surfing, athletics, golf, fishing, motorcycling, aviation sports, cycling and many more. You must know that sunglasses are for protection of your eyes from any kind of injury and to keep them healthy.
The important thing to know is that there is the UV rays in the sunlight which affect eyes with enhanced exposure. It is mandatory for a sports personality to wear sunglasses for the safety of eyes. While buying sports sunglasses you must check its degree of protection against the harmful UV rays.
Preference should be given to the best sports sunglasses which are tight fitting and properly wrap eyes to safeguard them adequately. Price is secondary whereas the protection is primary. You can go for any style but your eyes should get the best preference. As the outer coating is important for protection from UV rays, the color of glasses is immaterial. Selecting a darker color will not always be sufficient without protection from UV rays.


Men's sunglasses

Sleeping Bags

Everything You Need to Know When Choosing a Sleeping Bag

The story goes that Freydis Eiriksdottir, the daughter of Viking Erik the Red, invented the first sleeping bag on her journey to North America in 1000, made from one of the sails of her ship. Of course, sleeping bags have come a long way since she sailed around the world, and the manufacturers have paid close attention to the needs of consumers, producing sleeping bags for every camping, hiking, mountain climbing, canoeing, fishing and hunting adventure.
If you are going camping and need a sleeping bag, don't just pick the first one you see.
Selecting the best one depends on the intended use and how often you plan to use it. Since sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes and some were made for lower temperatures and retain heat better than others it is important to know which one works best for you. Choosing the proper sleeping bag for your camping style will prevent a lot of aggravation.
The two most common types of sleeping bags are rectangular and mummy or cocoon style. While rectangular shaped ones are probably the most popular style, experienced campers and adventure seekers favor the cocoon designs. The cocoon is a form fitting style that is smaller and lightweight, but still offers the same temperature rating as comparable rectangular sleeping bags. Mummy sleeping bags are roomy, solid, include many technical elements, and are available in a variety of insulation and fabrics. Rectangular sleeping bags give more room to move around and can usually be zipped together with other rectangular bags if needed. The mummy bag conforms more closely to the body than a rectangular bag where heat escapes from the top more quickly. Some semi-rectangular bags come with a contoured hood making up for the heat loss. Common dimensions for rectangle sleeping bags are: 28" x 60" (children), 33" x 75" (adult), 33" x 80" (tall adult), and 39" x 80" (big and tall adult).
Sleeping bags are either synthetic-filled or down-filled. Goose down bags are light weight and perfect for backpacking and on your biking trip. Renowned for its superior insulation, goose down is one of the premier sleeping bag materials made to keep the warmth in and keep the cold out. Synthetic sleeping bags are cheaper than down and usually non-allergenic. They are easier to take care of especially if spill is sponged off immediately. Sleeping bag fill will come in both short and long fibers. Many new synthetics use a "hollow fiber" method that keeps sleeping bags light and allows for good compression when packing, while still offering excellent warmth. Long fibers found in sleeping bags with synthetic fill are more stable and will be less likely to shift during use. Short fibers on the other hand, both down fill and synthetic, can shift during use, affecting your sleeping bag's loft and inviting cold air in.
Temperature ratings are a good prediction of the ability of your sleeping bag to protect you from cold. Summer weight bags keep you warm in temperatures 35 degrees or higher. 3-season bags keep you warm in temperatures of 10 degrees to 35 degrees. Cold weather sleeping bags keep you warm in minus 10 degrees to plus 10 degrees. Winter/Extreme bags keep you warm in minus 10 degrees and below. In the middle of cold nights your sleeping bag will be your lifesaver. It is also a good idea to have a pad or a mattress underneath your bag to keep it off the ground.
How you care for your sleeping bag is very important and will make it last longer. Wash a synthetic bag in a front-loading washing machine with detergent. Dry it in a dryer on low heat, not to melt the fibers. Down sleeping bags on the other hand require special care. Wash it by hand with mild detergent. The best way to dry a down sleeping bag is to lay it out flat. Make sure your down sleeping bag is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mildew, and clumping. If you use a dryer to dry it use very low heat. It takes a long time to dry a down sleeping bag, but must never turn up the heat or you will ruin your bag.
Wherever you travel the most important camping accessory in your outdoor gear is your sleeping bag. Hope this helps you choose a warm, snug one for a good nights sleep the next time you go camping.


Girls & Boys Coats and Jackets

Boys coats this year have come full swing. Not only in the variety of styles but the unique blend of color and fabrics. I used to go shopping for my little boy and it seemed so hard to find little boys coats and clothing that had any style to them. Mostly the were made of nylon with a hood, which was sufficient for the cold weather we get here in the midwest, but there was not that much to choose from when it came to the distinctiveness in fashion that the little girls received.
I used to say that I couldn't wait to have a little girl to be able to dress her in the little cute clothing, especially in winter where they have such beautiful coats and accessories.

Now we see some of the top designers like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior and Armani to name a few that are getting into designing clothing for the little guys who have seemed to be left out of the loop.
Designers like Renzo Rosso founder of Diesel who has become part of the youth culture throughout the world by designing clothing for children to express their individuality by the way they dress. The Brema brand who's start was in designing motorcycle apparel that had flair instead of the usual black leather, has gained a following in his children's outerwear line and others also have stepped it up a notch by making boys coats and jackets a fashion statement that parents love, not just for the designs, but also for their functionality.

Gant boys coats and accessories takes designing to a different level by using a variety of fabrics and sometimes fur to make not only sporty fun outerwear, but also dress coats and jackets.
Outdoor fun and activities call for a coat to be waterproof, windproof, breathable as well as warm and cozy.

The boys ski coat and snowboarding jackets are becoming a style trend for the little guys who's family likes to hit the slopes and they want to be able to look good while doing it. From bright yellow to the understated black, with or without fur hoodies will fit any style that your child may like. The variety of boys ski coats are endless.
Our little boys are now on the style scene as being someone who is to be reckoned with when it comes to boys coats and jackets as well as winter and summer wear.


Men's Jackets

How to Buy the Best Men's Winter Jackets

A new men's winter jacket, just the thing for when the temperature gets cold, especially if you were unhappy with the performance of your current men's winter jacket. Men's winter outerwear has come a long way in style and function in recent years but the tried and true styles and materials, whether down filled, wool or leather are still on top.

Instructions
Step 1
The first thing you need to understand is the difference between a men's winter jacket and a coat. A jacket rests at the hips and is much easier to move around in than a coat. Men's winter jackets can either rest at the hip, or go down a few inches more. Anything longer is a coat which can go down to about the knees. Also, it is difficult or impossible to wear a thick sweater under a men's winter jacket unless you plan for it and choose the right size.
Step 2
You need to consider the style. A huge puffy men's winter jacket may keep you toasty, but might be a bit inappropriate for the office or a night out on the town. Use the parka for shoveling snow or daily activities, dressier men's winter jackets are better for business or pleasure situations.
Step 3
The material is important of course. Wool and cashmere are the best at keeping you warm. Cashmere is expensive and not very durable though. Wool men's winter jackets, preferably with a layer of thinsulate are the best. Leather men's winter jackets look great but don't breathe very well, and are sometimes difficult to 'seal' if they have buttons, so keep that in mind. Choose a wind proof shell with good insulation inside.
Step 4
The fit, when you go shopping for men's winter outerwear thick sweater since on the coldest days since that's what you'll be wearing. When trying on men's winter jackets, move around and check for binding, remember you have to perform in it, whether shoveling the snow or even just tying your shoe, you need to be able to move around in it.
Step 5
Remember, when all is said and done, you have to look good, feel good and stay warm! There are many styles and materials of men's winter jackets out there by great, well known merchants like The North Face, so stay open minded and consider your options.




Women's Jackets

Types
Formal and semi-formal styles include peacoats, pant coats, cocoon coats, trench coats and walk coats, usually characterized by a button front and lapel collar. Casual styles include parkas, anoraks, bomber jackets and ski jackets, most with zip-front plackets and banded cuffs.
Function
Winter coats provide protection from the elements. Naturally insulating fibers like wool and cashmere are best for keeping you warm, while man-made fabrics like nylon or polyester shed water easily and can keep you dry in rain or snow.
Features
Common winter coat features include pockets, hoods and zip-out linings. Feature-rich outdoor technical jackets have even more useful additions like sealed waterproof seams and zippers, underarm zippers, chest pockets for MP3 players, breathable lining and durable ripstop fabrications.
Warning
Coats for children should not contain small parts that could become choking hazards. In April of 2009, Gap recalled three styles of children's coats made with toggle closures that posed a possible choking hazard if detached from the coat.
Benefits
An amazingly dexterous fiber, wool coats last season after season because the fibers can bend up to 20,000 times without breaking. Cashmere, eight times warmer than wool and four times as thin as the human hair, is one of the warmest and most luxurious fibers available.




Backpacks

Hiking Backpacks

Hiking backpacks for your Adventurous side. Comfortable, durable hiking backpacks that will bare with you through Mother Nature's worst. Take these backpacks on a nice day hike or use them to their potential on a full week mountainous retreat. All of our hiking backpacks are made from the highest quality materials and components to make your hike both convenient and comfortable while meeting the quality demands of a rough hike.
Some Benefits of Backpacks:
* Ergonomic Straps and padded load-bearing straps for comfort
* Contoured Aluminum Bars for a sturdy, light-weight internal frame
* Large Compartments to hold all of your hiking, climbing, & camping gear
* Rainflies to keep all of your food, sleeping bags, and gear dry
* Hydration Bladder Pouches to keep your water close and convenient




Protective Bags for Skis, Boards & Boots

Ski bags and Snowboard bags for all of your snow sports gear. Don't carve the mountain until you have the right carrying case for your board, skis or boots. Featuring extra pockets and spaces for your goggles, beanies, gloves, and whatever accessories you may need on the mountain. Get your Ski or Snowboard bag today and guard your gear before you hit the slopes this season.