Outdoors Newsletter - February 2006
1 – REASON #7 TO GO PLAY OUTSIDE
Pop quiz: Think of one word that is an antonym for depression. Now sing the theme song from Jeopardy. Winner! Whatever you got is right, as long as it’s something like “happiness.”
And that’s also reason #7. You should go outside because it makes you happy. If it doesn’t then you should always read the entire newsletter until you are converted, ‘cause that’s all we talk about.
A wise mother once said, “Go play outside.”
2 – LOVE, COMMITMENT & GEAR
Commitment comes in three levels: people, pets and gear.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we hope you already have plans for the love of your life (whether it be your significant other or your cat “snuggly wumpkins”), and we encourage you to add your gear to your list of “things to show affection” for this month.
Why is your gear worth a little TLC? What gear lacks in the “snuggle” category it more than makes up for in the “commitment” category. Once you buy a piece of gear, it has bonded to you for life. It won’t hate you if you drop it, throw it in a lake, forget to feed it or accidentally break it.
Here are three life-extending gear tips for nylon or synthetic equipment. Spending a little “alone time” is a great way show your gear how committed you are.
1. Proper Storage – While most synthetics can be used year-round (hint-hint), you may occasionally need to store some of your equipment.
Make sure your gear is dry or it could “catch a mold.” Mold prefers damp, dark places and will tattoo your gear with black spots so make sure it’s dry before you toss it in the closet. Also, leave plastic containers like water bottles open when you store them.
Sleeping bags, down jackets and other compressibles should be stored out of their stuff sacks to prevent permanent compression. Keep them fluffy by hanging them in a closet or storing them in a larger storage bag.
Read A Place for Everything for more gear storage motivation…
2. Keep it clean – Speaking of compression, dirt and body oils can decrease the insulative properties of your gear. Usually, a good bath will restore synthetics to their best state (always follow manufacturing instructions for washing). Make sure you thoroughly dry your gear or you will have to refer back to number 1.
For Gore-Tex and other waterproof-breathable materials, dirt can clog the microscopic pores making it less breathable and only waterproof. Without breathability, you might as well wear a plastic bag.
For gear, coarse sand or dirt is death by a thousand cuts. Most synthetics are made of tiny micro fibers that can be easily cut and frayed when rubbed by sand or gritty dirt. Avoid grinding synthetics like nylon against sand or rock and wash or brush sand off.
Finally, spills should be cleaned up right away. Food, pinesap and other sticky stuff can attract dirt and may even affect the materials’ performance.
3. Keep it out of the sun and heat – UV rays are bad for you and your gear. For safety equipment (like climbing gear) it is especially important to keep it out of the sun and in a storage bag.
Don’t store gear and equipment permanently in your car. Your trunk or backseat can intensify the outside temperature, especially during the summer. Your trunk may be shady, but it might also be 140 degrees, which can prematurely age the synthetics in your climbing, backpacking, camping and hiking gear.
Excessive heat can also melt synthetic fibers into a solid blob. Be careful when drying your gear using heat (like a campfire). If the material gets too hot to touch then you’re flirting with a shopping trip to buy new gear.
3 - FEATURE ARTICLE
Climbing indoors is just what it sounds like— you simply are climbing indoors instead of climbing outdoors. Simple sounding, but the term indoor climbing covers from closet and basement “woodies” to enormous and elaborate climbing walls in gyms.
Indoor Rock Climbing - by Mike
4 - NEW ARTICLES ON OUTDOORSWITHDAVE.COM
Backpacking – Backpacking Boot Reviews – Save time and money—use these reviews to find the perfect backpacking boot for you.
Climbing – Aid Climbing – Newly revised! Understand how climbs are rated and learn more about the Yosemite Decimal Rating System.
Landscaping - Lawn Care Tips - In 90 seconds you will be a lawn care pro. Just read these densely packed tips and details.
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