gear
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As an outdoors adventure girl I am very earth conscious, always doing my bit to reduce, reuse, and recycle — from recycling the paper and plastic products that come in the mail, to using less energy.
In doing so, I try to not buy bottled water, and instead use a hard plastic bottle like some made by Nalgene.
But, there are questions about bisphenol-a, or BPA, an ingredient in the most popular type of Nalgene bottle.
BPA, found in polycarbonate plastics, mimics the human hormone estrogen. Polycarbonates are used to make a variety of products, including water bottles. BPA could be harmful to our bodies. Canada plans to ban it's use in children's products, such as baby bottles.
Should we be concerned? The answer is, maybe. To me, the findings are unclear. In fact, the findings are so unclear that I am going to keep living on the wild side and use my trusty Nalgene until the FDA tells me not to.
But, if living risky is not for you, a way to tell if your water bottle contains BPA is by looking on the bottom. If you see a recycling number 7, it most likely contains BPA. Most hard, clear plastics also contain BPA.
But don't throw your hands up yet. Several companies make a range of products made of softer, just-as-durable plastics that are BPA free. And if you want to steer away from plastics, the new trend in water bottles is aluminum. Aluminum bottles come in a variety of trendy colors, and are lightweight and packable.
You still can have your water in an earth-friendly fashion and feel safe doing so. With that said, I am going to go have a fresh drink of water from my wild, BPA-containing bottle.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris
Backpacking season is here, and it’s time to dust off your pack and get hiking. If you’re thinking, “I need a new pack, or the one I have is so uncomfortable,” here are a few guidelines to help find the perfect pack.
•Decide what type of backpacking you want to do. Day hikes, overnight adventures or extended stays on the trail require different equipment and should factor into deciding which pack is best for you.
•Window shop to see what is out there and what features strike your fancy. You will be amazed at all the bells and whistles you will find.
Be sure to see if the pack has a hydration bladder or if it can hold one. Is it waterproof or have a waterproof compartment? Does it have pockets for camera gear and sunglasses? Is there an internal frame? Are there padded shoulder straps and a waist belt? Is there a warranty, and if so what does it cover?
•Ask around to see what fellow backpackers are carrying. People love talking shop and sharing gear tips and tales. Ask what brands your friends have, as well as what features they like or dislike about their current pack.
•Gender also plays a role when selecting a pack. Most big-name companies offer female-specific packs.
If you’re a girl like me, you’re likely thinking, “I don’t want some frufru pink pack.” But keep in mind the female anatomy and that every adjustment made in the mind of comfort is worth it, even if it means it comes in pink.
•After deciding how long your trip is going to be, you need to decide just what you’re going to need to fit in the pack whether it’s food, clothing, a tent, your sleeping bag or the kitchen sink. Gather all the goods to see how large of a pack you need. Keep in mind that every ounce adds up. Maybe you can leave the crossword puzzle at home.
•I recommend either taking everything you’re taking to the store for a test run, or purchasing a few and testing them at home. Just be sure to check the stores’ return policy. Try on the ones you like and wear them around. Any bit of discomfort in the store or at home is only going to be a thousand times worse on the trail.
Remember, finding the perfect pack may take time. Be patient and you will find the perfect pack to have you out on the trail.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris
CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES
The sun is sneeking out. I have never been so excited to see the sun in my life. Now all I need to do is dry out and get geared to climb!!! Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris
Rise and shine brought an end to the rain, but last night at 2:45am to be exact we had another skunk come in and visit! We are all still in our sleeping bags just fighting the freezing wet cold. All my gear is wet including my shoes, but I still believe tomorrow will be a day of climbing. Girl vs. Wild, Jacquelyn Farris
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Get Geared
You only get good grades if you do your homework, correct? Yes correct, and the same goes with selecting and buying your adventure gear. It’s like picking a new car or even a spouse. It’s a big deal. This is the gear that you are trusting to save you in tight situations, right? You can’t go to the local five and dime and get a “super deal of a tent” and honestly believe it will stand up like a tent that is sold and trusted by the guys at your local gear store. Sure the gear at local shops might cost a bit more, but you are honestly paying for quality. Every bit of quality should be counted when headed out into the wild. You can’t control the way the wild will act, but you can control how you and your gear will hold up in any senario.
Buying gear can feel taxing at times when the total seems to be adding with each “necessity” added, but you can take relief in knowing that if you get the best you can afford in the beginning you are much less likely to have to replace it anytime soon.
Shopping around and doing your research is the only way to give yourself good peace of mind.
Right now is the perfect time to grab the great deals on apparel weather it’s online or in stores. This is the time when stores are flipping their retail floors over to spring and summer. If you thought all winter how you really would like to have a quality winter jacket you can now find it, but not feel like you will go to the poor house after paying for it. Just tuck it away in the closest for next year. It will be there waiting for you.
Honestly all retail stores have sales you just have to be a bit more patient for the best deals. Online is ideal if you aren’t set on a certain color. Most items found online are last season’s styles. For instance, for 2008 a pair of climbing pants might come in grey and green, and last years colors were blue and brown. Same pants just last season colors making them half off.
I myself have a gear acquiring method I use when outfitting myself with the latest and greatest. I work both ends of the shopping spectrum online and in store. When it comes to an item that needs to be tried on, for instance apparel, shoes, and so on. I suggest going to a local store. Ask the important questions of the products and their recommended wear. If your feeling indecisive as to which product is honestly the best choice ask the sales associate which they use, wear, or have tested. You will find it’s not always the most expensive. I have never gone wrong with this method. The gurus at Backwoods on North May have helped me in countless buying decisions. The guys and gals know their stuff inside and out.
Now when it comes to replacing an item that I have used and loved in the past, or buying from a brand I know fits spot on I go direct to an online store. If I search hard enough I can land a great deal, and most of the time get free shipping. But bottom line, if it’s something I am not for certain on I go straight to a local store and save the headache of return shipping nightmares.
In the end shop around, get good advice, and buy the gear your most comfortable with because your the one using it.
Girl vs. Wild,
Jacquelyn Farris
