If you have been keeping up with my previous blogs, many products that I have discussed come from the US Outdoor Store or Altrec, but I am happy to say that I have become familiar with another company, CampSaver.
I’m sure you’ve heard of CampSaver - as you should of! They have a great lineup of all categories related to the great outdoors, including camping and hiking, climbing, all men’s and women’s gear and apparel, kid’s, snow sports, general travel gear, and footwear. They have a great search option on their site, and also a direct link to their outlet store (a simple tab at the top of their homepage). Not to mention they have AWESOME subcategories within their main pages that easily direct you exactly where you need to go!
After researching and fishing through the CampSaver sight, I could easily find the most popular products for this season, recently viewed products, and site suggestions for me based on what I’ve previously looked at or bought.
While I was admiring all the great features this site has, I was also loving all the products they offered too! I just so happen to be in the midst of new product searching because my climbing gear is getting a little obsolete. I found great climbing kits, jackets, tents, sleeping bags, and more!
I’m really excited to keep sharing CampSaver and all the other great outdoor sites on this blog. After all, reviews and personal testimonies are the best decision makers when looking for new gear. Check out CampSaver.com and let me know what you think!
Whether you’re a hiker, a biker, a climber, or all of the above, having the right shoes for all strenuous activities is critical. Most people will base their outdoor shoe selection primarily on price, which isn’t always a bad thing (I know, I like my deals too!) But what about your comfort, ability, and endurance? Sure, your feet might feel great for the first 30 minutes or so, but what about after the first hour or two? Blisters and sores on your feet can bad enough to the point of mobility. Why not save yourself the misery and get yourself a nice, sturdy pair of shoes that you can rely on for all of your adventure months?
Now I haven’t been continuously climbing and hiking for very long, but I think I’ve been doing it long enough to know what is a good shoe and what isn’t.
I just recently invested in the Keen Alamosa Hiking Shoe, and it has literally been a God-send to my feet! What’s weird is that, for some reason, I have never had any odor problems with them. Their ventilation is excellent so when I take off my shoes in the car after a long hike, nobody is complaining. 
If you want to access these boots and more, you can here!
Call me crazy, but I have never been so anxious for the summer months as I am this year. Perhaps it’s because our delay of sunny weather has taken a toll on Oregonians. Or maybe it’s because I’m finishing up my degree in two weeks and moving on to bigger and better things. I have already developed a list of things that I am set out to do this summer.
First, (for my indoor time) I just purchased another domain for my photography & art blog. I’m very excited to get that going so I can finally showcase the work I have so far! The blog will contain a lot of landscape pictures including, of course, the Columbia River Gorge, the Sandy River, Mt. Hood, Downtown Portland, and Downtown Gresham. I’m also working on more portrait-like photography, especially since I am now the photographer for a band called Greenish Grey.
Secondly, I have committed to taking my bike whenever and wherever I possibly can. My old 1979 Schwinn is one of my treasured possessions, and it is truly apart of the equation for the perfect summer day.
The next thing I have decided to do is explore more hikes around the Washington/Oregon area. I have done every hike in the Multnomah Falls area, but I would like to venture out and actually complete a full-day hike that is about 12-15 miles. Especially since I just got my brand new, Dakine Apex Hydration Backpack, I’m ready to pack all my necessities and hike for a very long time. This backpack is equipped with everything a hiker could possibly need, no matter what length of hike they like to do. With a 100 ounce bladder, quick detachment for refilling, and comfortable bite valve, this hydration pack makes me even more excited to hike because of its features alone.
Other things on my list include: (but not limited to) wakeboarding, camping, running (and training for a July relay), work at the guitar more, write more songs, read more, take my dogs for more walks, visit the Hood River, Portland, and Gresham Farmers’ Market. I’m truly so excited for this summer! Hopefully the weather can behave and permit everyone to do what is on their lists too!
Within the last couple years, I’ve become more and more interested in outdoor climbing. The enjoyable hobby began when I started to rock climb at a local community college and loved the thrill of being in control of every step and the strategic moves that are required for rock climbing. I started to think of climbing as a puzzle: a strategy or plan that forced me to really think about my every move. Then I took indoor climbing to the next step and began climbing outside, without an instructor, and my fate in my own hands.
I soon grew to love outdoor climbing as well, but my feet would say otherwise. Because I hadn’t expected to nurture climbing as a complete hobby of mine, I settled for a cheaper pair of climbing shoes that weren’t exactly high-cliff material. Soon enough, my feet were aching with large and juicy pink blisters.
I wanted to just power through the wounds and continue my everyday life, including climbing once or twice a week, but the irritation got to a point where I didn’t even want to walk upstairs. As a result, I took time off from physical activities, including climbing, and had to wear 2-3 layers of socks just to get around.
When I got my feet back to a manageable state, I was ready to get back into action. While I had been couch-resting for those couple days, I searched the internet for some good climbing shoes that wouldn’t let me down. Since I had little knowledge of what distinguished a good shoe from a bad, I decided that the price would probably determine which was the safer buy. I came across the Katana climbing shoe by La Sportiva in a light grey-blue, and waited for my package to arrive.
I have to say, I was a little nervous to get back into climbing because I thought taking time off, even if it was only a week or so, that I would lose my passion and desire to be up there. The day I began to climb again, with my new shoes, I felt a few different things: lighter, sustained, and capable.
I absolutely love my Katanas. I highly recommend them to other fellow climbers, or anyone who is interested in the pastime. For those of you who are just beginning this exciting hobby, take my advice and splurge on the GOOD shoes ahead of time!
I have always had a curiosity towards rock climbing. When I first met my fiancé we decided to take a rock climbing class together and I will never forget it. We both had an interest in the sport and had never tried it before…
We took the class at Mount Hood Community College. Every Wednesday we had rock climbing class. When you first learn about the basics of rock climbing the first step is having all the correct gear. You have to be dressed in clothing that is tighter and good for a lot of movement in. I wore spandex shorts and a workout tank top and that worked great.
The next essential thing you have to have is a rock-climbing shoe. Rock climbing shoes are made to have a good grip and fit tight around your foot. After you have the proper clothing and foot wears it is time for you to get introduced to all of the proper rope equipment. I will not go into all of this information because it can be pretty confusing to describe!
I loved learning how to rock climb. We would climb a rock in the gym at the College and it was great practice before you attempt a real rock! We have still not tried to rock climb outside but maybe someday we will try it! If you have the same curiosity about rock climbing I recommend you look into taking a class J
