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Inside Alex Honnold’s Tricked-Out New Adventure Van

Back in 2014, pro climber Alex Honnold gave us a tour of the 2002 Ford Econoline E150 he used as his mobile base camp. That van served him...

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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Providence Canyon; Lumpkin, Ga

Providence Canyon; Lumpkin, Ga submitted by /u/Pwith321
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Crown Mountain Peak at Lagoinha do Leste (East Pond) beach - Florianópolis Island, SC, BRAZIL [OC]

Crown Mountain Peak at Lagoinha do Leste (East Pond) beach - Florianópolis Island, SC, BRAZIL [OC] submitted by /u/ViniciusSchmitt
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Paraná Peak (Higest mountain in South Brazil) - PR, BRAZIL [OC]

Paraná Peak (Higest mountain in South Brazil) - PR, BRAZIL [OC] submitted by /u/ViniciusSchmitt
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from Outdoors https://www.reddit.com/r/Outdoors/comments/9bfovb/paraná_peak_higest_mountain_in_south_brazil_pr/

Pano of mountain glaciers near Lake Isabelle - RMNP Colorado

Pano of mountain glaciers near Lake Isabelle - RMNP Colorado submitted by /u/Draker18
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Took the new doggo for a run. It was incredibly beautiful.

Took the new doggo for a run. It was incredibly beautiful. submitted by /u/ColouredWheel
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So much for solitary peace. Surrounded by Lorax!

So much for solitary peace. Surrounded by Lorax! submitted by /u/NomadicalMan
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Anyone know of this outdoor sporting goods company?

Hi everyone. Looking for tents and REI of course seems the best and all but. I came across this website called Camp Bike Hike online. They have some legit reviews on their site. Was wondering if anyone purchased from here. Was looking into picking up this tent which they have on sale... http://www.campbikehike.com/product/winterial-3-person-tent/

I mean the site looks cool all in all. The gear reviews on there are pretty sweet. All help appreciated.

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Dialed Function, Elegant Form: POC Tectal Race SPIN MTB Helmet Review https://ift.tt/2PgigDe

POC Sports releases a fully-featured trail and enduro riding helmet that holds safety above all else. We tested the helmet over six weeks, riding tight and rocky singletrack in the Texas Hill Country.

Since its inception in 2004, POC Sports has had a reputation for upholding the highest standards of safety is all its products. This spring, POC released the Tectal Race SPIN helmet. It’s aimed at some of the most potentially hazardous sports — aggressive trail and enduro mountain biking.

In short: The POC Sports Tectal Race SPIN holds rider safety above all other features. It may not be the lightest, most ventilated, or best-looking helmet available. But one would be hard pressed to find a safer option.

POC Tectal Race SPIN helmet

Tectal Race SPIN: Safety Features

Based in Sweden, POC says its mission is to “do the best we can to possibly save lives and to reduce the consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes and cyclists.” With the Tectal SPIN, that credo shines through with a number of specific safety designs.

  • Fully wrapped unibody construction: Polycarbonate covers the outside of the reinforced liner, providing structural integrity. This allows the use of lower-density EPS, saving weight while adding protection against sharp objects.
  • SPIN pads: These patent-pending silicone pads reduce impact from oblique forces to the head. It’s POC’s in-house version of MIPS.
  • Aramid bridge technology: Aramid (polymer) struts are integrated into the liner to add structural integrity
  • RECCO reflector: This aids in search-and-rescue missions where the RECCO system is present.

POC Tectal Race SPIN Review

POC Tectal Race SPIN helmet

Unboxing

I immediately took note of the pride POC takes in product build quality. The Tectal Race SPIN oozes excellence in materials and construction, even more so upon close inspection.

Every edge, surface, pad, and strap are as they should be: no uneven gaps, no visible adhesive — everything symmetrical, lined up, and smooth. The unibody shell is the most rigid outer skin of any bicycle helmet in my collection and covers the bottom edge completely. Even the finish, decals, metal visor screws, and goggle strap retainer hardware are superior to all my other helmets.

Surprisingly, this build quality and safety feature set don’t pose the weight penalty I’d expect for a helmet of similar coverage and amenities. The Tectal Race SPIN has a verified weight of 14.6 ounces for size XL/XXL. And it’s comparable to trail/enduro riding models that have similar head coverage.

There are lighter “XC Race” models, but they often lack the occipital and temporal protection of trail- and enduro-based designs.

Fit

POC Tectal Race SPIN helmet

The Tectal Race SPIN fit my oval-shaped head well and proved stable during aggressive riding. Its straps employ a plastic yoke that made it easy to keep them out of the way directly under the ears. And the adjustment didn’t move for the duration of the test. The rear retention strap has three height positions, and the tension knob manipulated easily with full-finger MTB gloves.

The visor’s height wasn’t adjustable on the fly, as its small retention screw resides deep in a vent. But it does have a wide range of vertical positioning. Like other helmets, when adjusted correctly, the POC remained stable even with the chin strap unbuckled.

In addition, the Tectal Race SPIN provided more head coverage than any other helmet I have used, and its temporal and occipital zones reach low (particularly the latter). I used a variety of riding glasses during testing and never experienced issues with fit or interference.

Venting

The Texas Hill Country is mercilessly hot during the summers, so breathability is of prime importance. At trail riding speeds, the Tectal Race SPIN’s 17 vents allowed enough airflow to prevent me from overheating in temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit. That’s admirable, especially for a helmet with such comprehensive head coverage.

But by no means was it the most-free flowing helmet I’ve tried. This wasn’t altogether bad, as larger or more numerable vents can decrease structural integrity and allow low branches to penetrate through the openings, a common occurrence on my local cedar-choked trails.

The POC Tectal Race SPIN is slightly bulkier than my other MTB helmets, similar to my POC road helmet. Again, this may be a concession for improved safety. I didn’t notice the larger dimensions in use. But on a trail I know well, I once bumped the top/front of the helmet on a low branch that I usually duck under without issue.

POC ‘SPIN’ Technology

POC Tectal Race SPIN helmet

Unlike the usual MIPS inserts, the silicone SPIN pads give in every direction — not just parallel with the helmet’s inner liner — and are soft to the touch. Thus, the SPIN pads provided a cushioning effect in addition to their off-angle energy-absorbing function.

I have a full head of hair, but I imagine this would be even more noticeable to bald riders. Plus, the SPIN pads didn’t eat up space or block airflow to the interior of the helmet.

True to claims, the unibody shell thwarted any damage other than nearly unnoticeable scratches in the clear coat. I did feel the SPIN pads absorb a little of the direct impact and also a bit of the rearward force. I have been somewhat skeptical of MIPS features, on occasion claiming a sweaty head of hair works as a built-in MIPS. But I did perceive some oblique SPIN pad deformation in this test.

Conclusions

The POC Tectal Race SPIN is a stable and comfortable helmet with proper venting and outstanding build quality. And it offers excellent head coverage and impressive safety features to boot.

There are indeed lighter and more ventilated models. But if safety is the priority, this helmet is a terrific choice for aggressive XC, trail, and enduro riding. The only drawback is the relatively high MSRP of $220, but it’s hard to put a price on your noggin’s well-being.

The post Dialed Function, Elegant Form: POC Tectal Race SPIN MTB Helmet Review appeared first on GearJunkie.



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Screaming Deals: Gear Savings of the Week https://ift.tt/2LAXM5T

Our weekly column finds the best deals from across the web to save you money on outdoor gear. Many of these closeouts won’t be around for long, so get them now!

Eddie Bauer Maximus Duffel: $105 (24% Off)

Eddie Bauer Duffel

The Maximus Duffel fits 70 liters of gear, folds into itself for easy storage, and is made with rugged, weather-resistant fabric. Plus, you can carry it like a backpack or in one hand (from the top or each end).

Check It Out

Sunski Madronas & Singlefin Sunglasses: $41 (25% Off)

Sunski

Both of these Sunski sunglasses are polarized with clear lenses. And for just $41, it’s hard to find polarized shades this low-priced.

Chrome Bravo 2.0 Backpack: $96 (40% Off)

Chrome Backpack

Chrome dubs the Bravo 2.0 its most versatile backpack. It has a seam-welded waterproof main compartment and quick-access laptop pocket. And for blocky, weird-shaped gear, the pack has a cross strap system on the back to fit over odd items.

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Tentsile Flite+ Tree Tent: $280 (20% Off)

Tentsile Flite

Hang in the trees with the Tentsile Flite+ Tree Tent. This futuristic hanging tent sets up with three trees and suspends campers above the forest floor. The Flite+ specifically is built for three people and has a mesh top and a rainfly. Or, set it up for an afternoon of lounging sans rainfly.

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Tentsile Flite

Burley Solstice Stroller: $175 (50% Off)

Burley Stroller

Haul your little one in a rugged and collapsible stroller. From Burley, the Solstice has inflatable tires and a coil-spring suspension, making it a fun stroll no matter the terrain.

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BioLite PizzaDome Bundle: $229 (15% off with code ‘CHILLOUT’)

Biolite Pizza Dome

Obviously, you can cook pizza in the BioLite PizzaDome. But it’s so much more than that. The PizzaDome functions as an oven, meaning you can cook veggies, meats, baked pasta, and more. To heat up, just start a fire in the bottom compartment and feed in wood.

Shop with code CHILLOUT

MSR WhisperLite Universal: $105 (25% Off)

MSR WhisperLite

The MSR WhisperLite Universal can burn just about any fuel and is incredibly reliable, boasting years of use without a problem. We included the WhisperLite in our “Best Backpacking Stoves of 2018” story thanks to its ability to cook everything from pancakes to scrambled eggs as well as its dependability.

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Huckberry Essential EDC Kit: $36 (40% Off)

Huckberry Essential EDC

Strap this set onto your keychain for access to paracord, a firesteel, a wire saw, a nameplate, two screw keys, and a peanut lighter. Talk about a lot of utility in something that takes up barely any room.

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Primus Campfire Table: $108 (10% Off)

Primus Table

The Primus Campfire Table sets up easily and breaks down for a minimal-hassle addition to your car camping setup.

Check it out

Looking for more gear savings? Check out our story on REI’s Labor Day sale:

REI labor day sale
REI Labor Day Sale: 10 Deals on Outdoor Gear

Once a year, REI's Labor Day sale happens with huge discounts on high-quality gear. Snag these deals from August 24 to September 3. Read more…

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Your Daily Wisconsin Outdoor News Update – Aug. 29, 2018 https://ift.tt/2MY88l3

Evolving as an entertainer – from fishing lures and rods to guitars and rhymes https://ift.tt/2LDsP11

I began writing for newspapers, magazines and newsletters in the mid-1970s when I was an avid scuba diver and saw there was little in the current publications regarding Upper Midwestern freshwater diving destinations. It was a niche that needed filling, so I gave it a shot.

After I moved from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Minnetonka, Minn., in 1981, I noticed another niche that deserved scrutiny. The fishing world in Minnesota solidly favored walleyes and panfish. Being from Iowa I could see that bass and northern pike needed some attention. With that in mind, I dusted off the old IBM Selectric typewriter, started shooting loads of photos, and pitched my ideas to the editors of fishing publications.

For more than 30 years I have been creating images, writing stories, highlighting my experiences on television and radio programs, and – in this day of social media – sharing on Facebook and blogging on websites.

My travels have taken me to many different countries in search of the finest fishing and hunting locations, and I have been to all 50 states for my work. Calling it “my work” is a bit of a misnomer given every day I thank God for blessing me with this amazing career. Calling it work when you love what you do sometimes generates laughs from those who think I hunt and fish from dusk to dawn.

In reality I am a storyteller. I’ve spent many long hours in front of the keyboard describing my discoveries in a way that will resonate with readers and heighten their appreciation for the outdoors. On radio segments, my goal is to inform and entertain. Entertain in both senses of the word – to provide amusement or enjoyment and to give attention or consideration to an idea or approach. At my core I am an entertainer.

Which is what led me to my latest project.

In the early 1970s I took up the guitar. Within a year I started a bluegrass band, The Riverbottom Ramblers, with two friends. They are still performing in Iowa today.

When I moved to Minnesota I said farewell to the band but kept up with the music, just me and my guitar playing covers of obscure songs with the occasional hit tossed in. I’ve always loved performing and took every advantage to play for an audience when I could.

Five years ago, on my 40th wedding anniversary, I decided to write a song for my wife as an anniversary gift and play it for her on Napili Beach on the Hawaiian island of Maui. She loved it, thankfully, and I realized I really loved writing music. Recognizing the emotion that only a song can evoke, along with experiencing the joy and satisfaction in creating a song, I began to craft more original music and today perform these compositions around the world.

This led me to Nashville in June to record a dozen of my original tunes with some of the finest musicians in the world. Internationally renowned finger-picking champion Tim Thompson, a Minnesota native who moved to Nashville more than 25 years ago, produced the album at his Hidden Giant Studio, and his son Myles, also an internationally recognized violin and mandolin virtuoso, provided accompaniment to the songs on those instruments.

We recently released this new album of originals, and I would invite all who have enjoyed my outdoor communications over the years to check it out. The title of the album is, “Another Crack in the Windshield,” and it’s available for streaming or download on iTunes, Spotify, and CD Baby. You can also keep up on my touring schedule by visiting my website: www.lesmonster.com. If you search a name for the new recordings, use “Lesmonster.”

I hope you enjoy the tunes and feel free to share your thoughts on my Facebook page – Lesmonster Music.

Categories: Tim Lesmeister

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