Gear Review Articles
What Type of Kayak Should You Buy? 4/02/09
Recreational kayaking is spreading rapidly through the Lowcountry of South Carolina and for good reason. The sound of water rushing along the hull of your boat, the smell of the pluff mud and salt air, and the feel of your straining muscles willing your boat to pick up speed merge together to create an almost surreal experience. Kayaking is a great core workout, when you paddle correctly. Animals seemingly pose for photos - dolphin surface for air, and snow egrets spear fish from the rivers edge. But before you can envelope yourself in this outdoor world, you must find a kayak that is built for the activities you'll be enjoying.
When searching for the correct boat, you must ask yourself some basic questions:
1. Will I be paddling on flat water, moving water, or water with changing tides and opposing currents? Will I be exposed to high winds? This will help you determine the length and width of the kayak you need.
2. How much dry storage do I need? Will I only bring a camera and a change of clothes, or will I be camping out on Morris Island for a night or two and need a sleeping bag and other things?
3. Would you like a stable boat or one built for speed?
4. What size boat would you like? Kayaks range from about 35lbs - 60lbs, so loading them on top of a car for transport is something to consider.
After you've thought through the type of paddling you will be doing, there are some key boat characteristics you should look out for as you shop. They include: length, storage capacity, and sit-in vs sit-on-top style.
Kayak length - As a general rule of thumb, the longer the kayak, the faster it is and the better it will track. Tracking is it's ability to maintain a steady direction as you paddle. Most of us have been in a shorter boat where you must paddle three consecutive times on one side to regain your direction. While inshore paddling in tidal creeks and marshes, you will undoubtedly experience significant currents, tides and wind that will make it hard to paddle in a straight line, if your boat is too short. Try to purchase a boat that is 12ft or longer for these conditions.
Kayak Storage Capacity - Many people don't need a ton of storage space because they only plan to use their kayak for a couple hours at a time. Maybe for fitness, stress relief or wildlife viewing. A kayak with one small dry storage compartment is sufficient for these folks. However, if you plan to have a tent, sleeping bag, or other camping gear or a large tripod camera, you will need two or three storage areas. Be sure to take the lid off the compartment to make sure the volume is sufficient.
Sit-in vs Sit-on-top Kayaks - this is ultimatley a matter of preference. Personally, I really like sit-on-tops for lakes and slow moving rivers where I will want to get out of the boat to swim and snorkel. They are very easy to climb back on and don't take on water. But, for inshore/marsh kayaking the sit-in is the way to go. With a sit-in kayak, you typically have more control and often can generate a more powerful stroke, which helps immensely when fighting tides and currents. Both of these advantages are a direct result of the close association between your legs and hips and the sides of the boat. In some sit-in kayaks your knees are actually wedged up under the lip of the cockpit, so when you take a stroke with your paddle, you have something to push against.
As you can see, there are many things to consider to ensure you get a kayak that functions like you need it to and fits comfortably. Come check out our selection of Perception, Dagger, and Jackson Kayaks in Charleston or Mount Pleasant. Our experienced staff will match you up with the kayak that was molded with you in mind.
Written by McLain Jones, 4/02/09
Recreational kayaking is spreading rapidly through the Lowcountry of South Carolina and for good reason. The sound of water rushing along the hull of your boat, the smell of the pluff mud and salt air, and the feel of your straining muscles willing your boat to pick up speed merge together to create an almost surreal experience. Kayaking is a great core workout, when you paddle correctly. Animals seemingly pose for photos - dolphin surface for air, and snow egrets spear fish from the rivers edge. But before you can envelope yourself in this outdoor world, you must find a kayak that is built for the activities you'll be enjoying.
When searching for the correct boat, you must ask yourself some basic questions:
1. Will I be paddling on flat water, moving water, or water with changing tides and opposing currents? Will I be exposed to high winds? This will help you determine the length and width of the kayak you need.
2. How much dry storage do I need? Will I only bring a camera and a change of clothes, or will I be camping out on Morris Island for a night or two and need a sleeping bag and other things?
3. Would you like a stable boat or one built for speed?
4. What size boat would you like? Kayaks range from about 35lbs - 60lbs, so loading them on top of a car for transport is something to consider.
After you've thought through the type of paddling you will be doing, there are some key boat characteristics you should look out for as you shop. They include: length, storage capacity, and sit-in vs sit-on-top style.
Kayak length - As a general rule of thumb, the longer the kayak, the faster it is and the better it will track. Tracking is it's ability to maintain a steady direction as you paddle. Most of us have been in a shorter boat where you must paddle three consecutive times on one side to regain your direction. While inshore paddling in tidal creeks and marshes, you will undoubtedly experience significant currents, tides and wind that will make it hard to paddle in a straight line, if your boat is too short. Try to purchase a boat that is 12ft or longer for these conditions.
Kayak Storage Capacity - Many people don't need a ton of storage space because they only plan to use their kayak for a couple hours at a time. Maybe for fitness, stress relief or wildlife viewing. A kayak with one small dry storage compartment is sufficient for these folks. However, if you plan to have a tent, sleeping bag, or other camping gear or a large tripod camera, you will need two or three storage areas. Be sure to take the lid off the compartment to make sure the volume is sufficient.
Sit-in vs Sit-on-top Kayaks - this is ultimatley a matter of preference. Personally, I really like sit-on-tops for lakes and slow moving rivers where I will want to get out of the boat to swim and snorkel. They are very easy to climb back on and don't take on water. But, for inshore/marsh kayaking the sit-in is the way to go. With a sit-in kayak, you typically have more control and often can generate a more powerful stroke, which helps immensely when fighting tides and currents. Both of these advantages are a direct result of the close association between your legs and hips and the sides of the boat. In some sit-in kayaks your knees are actually wedged up under the lip of the cockpit, so when you take a stroke with your paddle, you have something to push against.
As you can see, there are many things to consider to ensure you get a kayak that functions like you need it to and fits comfortably. Come check out our selection of Perception, Dagger, and Jackson Kayaks in Charleston or Mount Pleasant. Our experienced staff will match you up with the kayak that was molded with you in mind.
Written by McLain Jones, 4/02/09
Water filter vs Water purifier: what's the difference? 3/26/09
Water Filter: actually removes matter (dirt and other particulates) and microbes from water. Filters in general claim to remove only protozoa and bacteria, making it adequate for wilderness areas. Micro-filters (MSR Sweetwater and Miniworks) that contain carbon can also reduce tastes, odors, some chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. Some filters alone can qualify as a purifier, but since they are filtering to such a small pore size, they tend to clog quickly.
The MSR MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration. Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator capable of pumping one liter of water per minute. Miniworks EX effectively removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate, and the carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides. ~MSR
Water Purifier: main purpose is to disinfect the water (such as UV or MIOX or combination system like the MSR Sweetwater), but do not normally remove matter, so sometimes your water will taste gritty. All Purifiers must meet the EPA Guide Standard for Testing Microbiological Purifiers, which must prove inactivation of all three classes of microbes: protozoa, bacteria and viruses. Essentially the classification as a "purifier" means that the device must be capable of inactivating (killing) viruses, as well as protozoa and bacteria.
The MIOX Purifier represents a revolution in water treatment. It's ultralight, compact, and easy to use with no pumping, maintenance, or iodine required. Developed in conjunction with the U.S. military, the MIOX Purifier offers unrivaled ease of use and reliability for purifying large volumes of water, making it ideal for outdoor recreation, travel, and disaster-preparedness. It works by creating a powerful dose of mixed oxidants (MIOX), which is then added to untreated water, inactivating all viruses, bacteria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium (which even iodine doesn't kill). And since the MIOX Purifier needs only common camera batteries and salt to operate, it's maintenance-free, delivering more water, more easily than any purifier ever before. ~MSR
The primary distinction between these two options: filters remove sediment, protozoa, and bacteria. Purifiers remove protozoa, bacteria and viruses (the filter's pores, which have to maintain a size big enough to pass water through, are rarely small enough to catch microscopic viruses). In bullet form this means:
Water Filters
Remove bacteria and protozoa from water
Convenient, quick and easy to use
Removes suspended solids
Water Purifiers
Kill bacteria, protozoan cysts and viruses
More expensive, mechanical system
Recommended that cold water run through the purifier at least twice
If used properly, produces completely pure water
So which is right for you, a filter like the MSR Miniworks EX or a purifier like the MSR MIOX? Well, that depends on where you are going and the duration of your trip. In most North American rivers the risk of malaria and other serious viruses are significantly less than in some other countries. No matter where you get your water, from a mountain stream or out of a field well ,there is a risk of contamination. Feces from animals and dead matter can infect the waters just from soaking into the ground. You need to get rid of these, so they don't get into your system. One of the most common infections that people get is Gardia, and that is not a fun time! Viruses don't last long in the water, since they reproduce better in warm conditions. Viruses are rare compared to bacteria and protozoa, but unfortunately, they can slip through filters. However, you can get rid of them by boiling your water or treating it with some chemical (i.e. Iodine tabs).
So do your research before you leave. Call the park services, and ask about their water quality. If you intend to visit places known for virus infested water, or you intend to be out for longer than three months (three months is a general time limit a person should ingest chlorine or iodine), you should definitely bring a purifier. If you're planning to stick a little closer to home and stay out for fewer than three months, a filter is probably your best choice. Either option you choose, it is always a good idea to have a back up in the form of idodine or chlorine tablets; to borrow the boy scout's motto: be prepared!
Water Filter: actually removes matter (dirt and other particulates) and microbes from water. Filters in general claim to remove only protozoa and bacteria, making it adequate for wilderness areas. Micro-filters (MSR Sweetwater and Miniworks) that contain carbon can also reduce tastes, odors, some chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. Some filters alone can qualify as a purifier, but since they are filtering to such a small pore size, they tend to clog quickly.
The MSR MiniWorks EX is the best-selling filter on the market, delivering long-lasting, fully field-maintainable water filtration. Its durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery, with no tools required for complete disassembly. The MiniWorks is also lightweight, compact, and, thanks to its innovative AirSpring Accumulator capable of pumping one liter of water per minute. Miniworks EX effectively removes bacteria, protozoa (including crypto and giardia), and particulate, and the carbon core removes unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chemicals, such as iodine, chlorine, and pesticides. ~MSR
Water Purifier: main purpose is to disinfect the water (such as UV or MIOX or combination system like the MSR Sweetwater), but do not normally remove matter, so sometimes your water will taste gritty. All Purifiers must meet the EPA Guide Standard for Testing Microbiological Purifiers, which must prove inactivation of all three classes of microbes: protozoa, bacteria and viruses. Essentially the classification as a "purifier" means that the device must be capable of inactivating (killing) viruses, as well as protozoa and bacteria.
The MIOX Purifier represents a revolution in water treatment. It's ultralight, compact, and easy to use with no pumping, maintenance, or iodine required. Developed in conjunction with the U.S. military, the MIOX Purifier offers unrivaled ease of use and reliability for purifying large volumes of water, making it ideal for outdoor recreation, travel, and disaster-preparedness. It works by creating a powerful dose of mixed oxidants (MIOX), which is then added to untreated water, inactivating all viruses, bacteria, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium (which even iodine doesn't kill). And since the MIOX Purifier needs only common camera batteries and salt to operate, it's maintenance-free, delivering more water, more easily than any purifier ever before. ~MSR
The primary distinction between these two options: filters remove sediment, protozoa, and bacteria. Purifiers remove protozoa, bacteria and viruses (the filter's pores, which have to maintain a size big enough to pass water through, are rarely small enough to catch microscopic viruses). In bullet form this means:
Water Filters
Remove bacteria and protozoa from water
Convenient, quick and easy to use
Removes suspended solids
Water Purifiers
Kill bacteria, protozoan cysts and viruses
More expensive, mechanical system
Recommended that cold water run through the purifier at least twice
If used properly, produces completely pure water
So which is right for you, a filter like the MSR Miniworks EX or a purifier like the MSR MIOX? Well, that depends on where you are going and the duration of your trip. In most North American rivers the risk of malaria and other serious viruses are significantly less than in some other countries. No matter where you get your water, from a mountain stream or out of a field well ,there is a risk of contamination. Feces from animals and dead matter can infect the waters just from soaking into the ground. You need to get rid of these, so they don't get into your system. One of the most common infections that people get is Gardia, and that is not a fun time! Viruses don't last long in the water, since they reproduce better in warm conditions. Viruses are rare compared to bacteria and protozoa, but unfortunately, they can slip through filters. However, you can get rid of them by boiling your water or treating it with some chemical (i.e. Iodine tabs).
So do your research before you leave. Call the park services, and ask about their water quality. If you intend to visit places known for virus infested water, or you intend to be out for longer than three months (three months is a general time limit a person should ingest chlorine or iodine), you should definitely bring a purifier. If you're planning to stick a little closer to home and stay out for fewer than three months, a filter is probably your best choice. Either option you choose, it is always a good idea to have a back up in the form of idodine or chlorine tablets; to borrow the boy scout's motto: be prepared!
Fitting Yourself for a Backpack 3/03/09
Finding a comfortable backpack that has both the technical features and volume to accomodate your specific camping trip or expedition is not an easy task. Fortunatley for you, our superb staff at The Outdoor Shoppe know just how it's done and are always happy to help.
The first step in fitting yourself for a backpack is to measure your torso length. For this you need either a taylor's tape or a piece of string or rope that you can then measure with a ruler. Torso length is the distance from your C7 vertebrae to your iliac crest. The C7 vertebrae can easily be found by tilting your head forward and feeling the largest bump on the back of your neck. From this point, measure down your back to the iliac crest. The iliac crest is the top of the iliac (pelvis) in the small of your back. Put your hands on your hips and draw an imaginary line between your thumbs. The middle of that line is the spot you're looking for. You want to be fitted for backpacks with the appropriate torso range.
Always try on packs with about 20 lbs of weight inside. A sand bag or several books will generally work. However, keep in mind that, in reality, the weight will be much more evenly distributed throughout the pack.
First buckle the hip belt. Make sure it is riding on top of, or just above, your hip pointers. Your hip pointers are the bony points on either side of you stomach. The majority of the weight of your backpack should be carried on your hips to give you a low center of gravity and ensure that the force created by the pack weight is directed straight down the spinal cord.
Next, tighten the shoulder straps. With weight in your pack they should follow the contour of your shoulders nicely. Without weight, make sure there is not more than two fingers of space between the straps and your shoulders. If there is, that backpack does not fit your body type.
Finally, adjust the load adjustment straps at the very top of the shoulder straps to pull the pack as close to your body as possible. This will help it move with your body and keep the weight positioned directly over your legs and spine. If the load hangs too far back, your shoulders will hurt in a hurry.
It all comes down to comfort in the end. After finding a pack that fits correctly, take a few minutes to walk around with it. Can you imagine scrambling up a steep, rocky grade with this on your back? Would your ability to wade across a knee-deep, fast moving stream be compromised because the pack is loose or the hip belt doesn't move with your hips?
This fitting process will help you determine which backpacks will work best for you. Obviously, the way to truly know your preferences is through experience. Plan a trip and give it a shot!
Written by McLain Jones, 3/03/09
Finding a comfortable backpack that has both the technical features and volume to accomodate your specific camping trip or expedition is not an easy task. Fortunatley for you, our superb staff at The Outdoor Shoppe know just how it's done and are always happy to help.
The first step in fitting yourself for a backpack is to measure your torso length. For this you need either a taylor's tape or a piece of string or rope that you can then measure with a ruler. Torso length is the distance from your C7 vertebrae to your iliac crest. The C7 vertebrae can easily be found by tilting your head forward and feeling the largest bump on the back of your neck. From this point, measure down your back to the iliac crest. The iliac crest is the top of the iliac (pelvis) in the small of your back. Put your hands on your hips and draw an imaginary line between your thumbs. The middle of that line is the spot you're looking for. You want to be fitted for backpacks with the appropriate torso range.
Always try on packs with about 20 lbs of weight inside. A sand bag or several books will generally work. However, keep in mind that, in reality, the weight will be much more evenly distributed throughout the pack.
First buckle the hip belt. Make sure it is riding on top of, or just above, your hip pointers. Your hip pointers are the bony points on either side of you stomach. The majority of the weight of your backpack should be carried on your hips to give you a low center of gravity and ensure that the force created by the pack weight is directed straight down the spinal cord.
Next, tighten the shoulder straps. With weight in your pack they should follow the contour of your shoulders nicely. Without weight, make sure there is not more than two fingers of space between the straps and your shoulders. If there is, that backpack does not fit your body type.
Finally, adjust the load adjustment straps at the very top of the shoulder straps to pull the pack as close to your body as possible. This will help it move with your body and keep the weight positioned directly over your legs and spine. If the load hangs too far back, your shoulders will hurt in a hurry.
It all comes down to comfort in the end. After finding a pack that fits correctly, take a few minutes to walk around with it. Can you imagine scrambling up a steep, rocky grade with this on your back? Would your ability to wade across a knee-deep, fast moving stream be compromised because the pack is loose or the hip belt doesn't move with your hips?
This fitting process will help you determine which backpacks will work best for you. Obviously, the way to truly know your preferences is through experience. Plan a trip and give it a shot!
Written by McLain Jones, 3/03/09
Big Agnes's Innovative Sleeping System 3/07/09
When it comes to innovative design, Big Agnes is second to none in the outdoor industry. Their tent poles and stakes are produced through a Green Anodizing Process; their sleeping bags are constructed of 96% recycled material by weight, and they've increased comfort and thermal efficiency in the Big Agnes Sleep Systems by integrating the sleeping bag and pad. Let's talk a little bit about this pad integration.
Down or synthetic insulation in your sleeping bag keeps you warm on a cold night because your body heats the air trapped between the fibers of the insulative material. When you lie down in your sleeping bag, you squeeze out the warm air underneath, which greatly reduces its insulative ability. Since more of your body heat is lost to the ground than to the air, this can make cold nights very uncomfortable and even dangerous. Big Agnes has a sleep system that solves the problem.
Big Agnes has removed the insulation from the bottom of their sleeping bags and replaced it with a sleeve for their insulated air core sleeping pads. These pads are 2.5 inches thick and super comfortable. They have insulation that is not crushed when you lie down, so you wake up warm and rested. This design also provides a stable foundation and keeps you centered on your pad all night.
Come into the shop and try one out. The comfort and efficiency is unbeatable!
Written by McLain Jones, 3/07/09
When it comes to innovative design, Big Agnes is second to none in the outdoor industry. Their tent poles and stakes are produced through a Green Anodizing Process; their sleeping bags are constructed of 96% recycled material by weight, and they've increased comfort and thermal efficiency in the Big Agnes Sleep Systems by integrating the sleeping bag and pad. Let's talk a little bit about this pad integration.
Down or synthetic insulation in your sleeping bag keeps you warm on a cold night because your body heats the air trapped between the fibers of the insulative material. When you lie down in your sleeping bag, you squeeze out the warm air underneath, which greatly reduces its insulative ability. Since more of your body heat is lost to the ground than to the air, this can make cold nights very uncomfortable and even dangerous. Big Agnes has a sleep system that solves the problem.
Big Agnes has removed the insulation from the bottom of their sleeping bags and replaced it with a sleeve for their insulated air core sleeping pads. These pads are 2.5 inches thick and super comfortable. They have insulation that is not crushed when you lie down, so you wake up warm and rested. This design also provides a stable foundation and keeps you centered on your pad all night.
Come into the shop and try one out. The comfort and efficiency is unbeatable!
Written by McLain Jones, 3/07/09