Extreme Tolerance » Outdoors

Under Armour Compression Shirts Updates?

Admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:02:09 +0000

A few weeks ago I decided to refresh my collection of workout shirts. I like to wear the Under Armour compression shirts. I picked up two large shirts one tan and one black. When I examined the shirts closer, the tan shirt was labeled “tactical”. Aside from color differences I did not notice any differences until I hit the gym.

The “tactical” version is the cut that I am used to, while it appears the “standard” version has minor updates to the seam placement. Most notably Under Armour moved the neck-to-arm seam off the traps, rolling it forward toward the collarbone.

This might not seem like a huge update, unless you put very heavy things on your shoulders. It seems that every time I use the standing calf machine (the weight is applied to the shoulders) , I come away with lines down my traps, along the path of the shirt seam.

So what is the practical upshot here:
1) I tend to think the new cut is a minor difference but looks a little cooler.
2) More importantly, my wife will not ask me what happened every time I come home with those bruises.
3) although I have not tried it yet, I wonder if it would make a backpack more comfortable.

While I like the colors on the “tactical” version, I think the cut of the “standard” is better.

Bonus Anecdote: The day after I bought the “tactical” version, I went white water rafting with a high school friend of mine. This guy is an army lifer has done a few tours in Iraq. I loaned him this shirt because he needed a rash guard. It instantly recognized it, and it color scheme. He said that he had a bunch of these on his first tour and they really helped deal with the heat, especially while all kitted up. Basically these things rock.

I should also note that they call it “heat gear” for a reason. On more than one occasion I have had to quickly layer up, when conditions changed and my heat gear started doing to good of a job.

Brunton Discontinuing The Best Compass Ever (Brunton 54LU)

Admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:06:05 +0000

While I was at the Washington Search and Rescue conference I took the map and compass class. The instructors showed us the Brunton 54LU. What makes this compass special is the ability to hold the bezel at eye level and read your bearing in a gun-sight like fashion. You look though the bezel, at a line, which you align with your landmark, below that line you can plainly read the degrees. This thing is sooo slick. Of every compass that was brought to the class, this was by far the most accurate.

Image shamelessly stolen from http://www.thecompassstore.com/54lu.html, who is selling the 54LU from $90, $20 more than REI.

Today for kicks I decided to see if it was on Brunton’s site. And to my surprise it was not! Some poking around and I found it in REI’s outlet AND buried an discontinued notice on Brunton’s site.

I am totally puzzled as to why Brunton would do this. Maybe they are coming out with something better? Or maybe the love they were getting from search and rescue was just not enough. Either way, I did not take any chances on missing this so I ordered mine from REI.

The original list price on these things was around $180, so $70 at REI is not that bad. Why such an expensive compass? Well take a range of compasses out and do some sighting, you will find that not all are created equally.

Just as a closing note for you survival/outdoorsy types. Maps and compass never run out of batteries and should be one of your core skills

Surefire Outdoorsmen E1L

Admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:47:08 +0000

By this point its no secret that I am a fan of Surefire. So it should not surprise anyone that I have bought another. I found that my Surefire 6P was not really pocket sized and I needed something smaller. After doing a bunch of research I settled on the Surefire E1L.

The E1L is significantly shorter than the 6P. It is also narrower. You can carry it around in your pocket without giving up to much space. It has variable outputs. Low: 5 lumens and High at 45 lumens. On the low setting it has 45 hours of battery life! Surefire does make a similarly size flashlight that can match the 6P LED’s 80 lumen output, the Surefire E1B. And the E1B is actually the same suggested retail price.

I chose the E1L over the Over the E1B (B for Backup) strictly because I could buy the E1L at REI, thus taking of 20% (during REI’s fall sale).

The one complaint I have about the E1L is the clip. If the clip could be reversed it would be perfect for attaching to the inside of you pocket (think the clips on pocket knives). That would avoid the problem of feeling around in your pockets to find it, especially when you need it fast.

Overall I have been very happy with the E1L.

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket

Admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:06:28 +0000

I have kinda been on a firearm and flashlight tangent for a while. Now its time to review a item that has been on my list for a long time. Mountain Hardwear’s Alchemy Jacket is probably the best jacket I have ever owned. Its perfect for all manor of active cold weather activities, let me tell you why:

What I Love about the Alchemy Jacket

The Alchemy Jacket is light: before settling on this jacket I tried on other soft shells. This jacket is among the lightest, to the point where I questioned its heat retention capabilities.
The Alchemy Jacket is form fitting: I have a light yet muscular and athletic frame (6′ 168lbs). This jacket feels like it was made for me. Its wide at my shoulders, hugs my lats and tapers to my waist. Why is this good? It makes me feel like I am not swimming in jacket. When I put on a backpack I don’t have to get fabric folds all sorted out. Oh and my wife thinks is sexy.
The Alchemy Jacket is Stretchy: In the old days, you needed a certain amount of extra material otherwise you would not be able to move. Now it seems that textile geniuses have been able to create fabric that says sealed while getting stretched. The Alchemy’s form fittingness would not be possible without this stretch.
The Alchemy Jacket is warm: much to my surprise it insulates but even better it completely cuts the wind, all why being completely breathable.
The Alchemy Jacket has the right pockets: What can I say? The pockets are user friendly.
The Alchemy Jacket is tight around wrists: This might be a feature/bug type scenario. At cuff, there is a 1″ section of fleece that can either sit flush against the arms or get folded out toward the arm opening. The effect of the outward fold effectively fills the gap between your wrist and the sleeve stopping all manor of cold progressing up your arms.

(FYI, This is not me)

Downsides

Its Form Fitting: Yes this is a pro and con. Its also the only downside I can think of. because it fits me so well it does not allow for a lot of room for base layers. If you are planning on sitting still in a cold environment, the Alchemy Jacket might not provide the layering capabilities you need. Or you could just buy a bigger size.

Where to by the Alchemy Jacket

If you can find a local climbing/outdoors shop do that. Having said that, I live in Portland, where those shops are abundant but I still go to REI. I bought mine near the end of last season so I got it on sale. Even if I had to buy it full price, I would still say it’s worth it. My best advice would be get a REI membership or sign-up for their email and use the 20% off coupons.

Update: During REI’s fall sale this jacket is going for $139. Which is a good price. Normally $200.

Ruger 10 22 Transformation: Part 1

Admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:33:46 +0000

Over the last sever months I have felt the need to buy a cheap gun and turn it into a target/plinking shooting machine. This exercise is not about building the best most expensive gun but spending a fair amount and getting a gun that is rewarding to shoot (not to mention accurate). Most importantly its a learning journey as I get to experience first hand how different modifications will change the firearms characteristics.

Yesterday, I went to Bi-Mart (a NW grown Kmart/Wal-Mart) and purchased the following:

Ruger 10 22: $230 (although I probably should have bought the $197 version)
Tasco Scope: about $50
Simmons Scope Rings: $7
25 Round Mag: $20

Before purchasing the 10 22 I was planning on:

Green Mountain Bull Barrel: $120ish
Thumb Hole Stock: $100-$150
Bipod: $60ish

Although I have yet to shoot the 10 22 I can already tell that it need some trigger work. I will probably get a basic trigger kit for somewhere around $30-$50. Additionally it feels as if the action could be smoother, but that could change after its broken in. Right now I am having a hard time settling on a stock. There are a lot of options out there and its hard to decide.

I am interested to know what you guys out there have done? Got a 10 22? Moded it? Would love to see what you have done. Also if any one has suggestions, I am all ears.

SureFire V25 Holster

Admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:36:40 +0000

This was totally a weekend impulse buy with shaky justification.

I have been looking at the pyrex lens on my SureFire 6P and really hoping that I don’t one day scratch it. Not that a scratch our reduce its performance in any meaningful way. Additionally, Its not the sort of thing that really comfortable in your pocket.

Now when I am out adventuring I can clip it to my belt or backpack. Also, I can toss it without really worrying where it will land.

There are two versions of this, one with clip and one with a Nylon loop. I opted for the clip because I wanted to relocate it with ease. As for functionality, it seems to work as advertised. Not real complicated.

I got mine at ~~Sportsman’s Warehouse~~ Wholesales Sports for $12. I looked on REI’s site but it does not look like the carry them. If you have to order, Amazon would probably be the best bet.

Hot Weather + Outdoors + Water = Amphibious Adventure

Admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:51:43 +0000

A few years back a co-worker introduced me to a very short but very entertaining hike in the Columbia River Gorge. Oneonta Gorge is one trail head past the famous Multnomah falls. Even going slow this hike is no longer than 1 hour. So why bother? It starts with a quick scramble over a 10 foot log dam. To get to the end of the gorge and the waterfall you have to wade though chest deep water (which happens to be snow melt, do the math). Needless to say it’s thrilling. The water is brisk and when you get to the fall, it feels as if you can’t take a full breath due to the rushing water in the confined space. Somewhat like sticking your head out a car window moving at sixty.

You will need some special footwear to make this hike, and others like it, easy. Specifically water shoes. Chances are that if you love in Portland and your are outdoorsy you already own a pair of Keens, however I actually prefer the Soloman water shoes.

What to look for in Water Shoes:

Something other than laces that you can tighten.
Material that does not absorb water, at least not much.
Rubber soles that will stick to wet rock, even after being wet and dusty.
Lots and Lots of drainage. Water should not collect anywhere in the shoes.
Comfortable while not wearing socks.
Great fit so your feet will not move around.

I feel that both Keens and Solomans meet the criteria. However I like the Solomans better. In fact, until recently I was using my water shoes for the gym and for light hiking due to the versatility and breathability. Furthermore I think there is nothing worse than hiking the rest of the day with wet boots.

Buying Advice:

Unless you can find water shoes on sales somewhere (which is likely around the end of the summer), I would recommend REI. The Solomans are $85 and right now the Women’s are on sale for $65. Also if you look at my deals page you will find a link to a 20% off coupon for REI.