Current Hiking Conditions

The Detroit Ranger District is very good about posting current trail conditions on their website. You can find out the latest information here: Trail Conditions This included much of the Cascade Mountain trails in the central part of Oregon

Alps Comet 2.0 Tent

I see that REI has the Alps Comet 2.0 on closeout for less then $100 so I thought a review was in order. I have had this tent for three years now and have been very happy with it. I also looked at the MSR Zoid which was about 4 times more expensive. Trust me the quality of the MSR may be marginally better, but not 4 times better. The Alps Comet will stand up to weather and wind and I have no qualms taking it out for all my summer and fall trips. It is pretty light but not the lightest. For me, I'm not willing to pay an extra $200 to save 8 oz of weight. But that is just me. I'm sure you can find more detailed reviews but let me cut to the chase of what I think you should know.

Cons

• It is not free standing. So if you have to pitch on solid rock this is not the tent for you.
• You can't stand up in it. But how many backpacking tents can you do this in anyway. You can sit up in it.
• You need to spend a couple minutes picking your site since once you pitch it you can't just pick it up and move it.
  

Pros

• It is long. This leaves some room down at your feet for a sweatshirt, or something else that you just don't want outside or near you. I have always thought is would be just right our Jack Russell or anyother smaller dog.
• It has two doors which I rate a big plus.
• It is well ventilated. I've never has a problem with condensation
• It is water tight. I don't worry about leaks
  
• It has two vestibules which is something I don't want to ever be wtihout. Each vestibule is big enough for boots and backpack. No more getting thing things mixed up.
  
• You can stand up in it! If you unzip the door all the way and stand up you will be standing on the tent floor. I love this when it comes to taking off and putting on my boots. Standing up you can kick off one boot, step inside with that foot and then kick off the other and you are inside the tent without tracking a bunch of crud from your shoes in. It works just as slick for putting shoes on and for getting dressed.
• There is a wall pocket on each side you so each person gets their own place to keep their small items.

Sometimes simpler is better. The Alps Comet just works. All in all, this is one of the best deals I've found. I don't know how long REI-Outlet will have these so you better move fast if you want one.

Hiking options for early Spring

Punch Bowl Falls - Eagle Creek


Well, I have yet to write my camera review in part because Oregon weather is being, well, Oregon like. As a result I haven't got outside to take pictures yet.

While rain, with a few sun breaks here and there, has been the routine the last couple weeks the current forecast for the weekend is 80 degrees in the Willamette Valley and 70 degrees at the coast. Although there will be too much snow for hiking in the mountains proper, it would be a good weekend to hit the Opal Creek Trail east of Salem, the Drift Creek Trail in the coast range near Lincoln City or the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia Gorge. All of these trails are at lower elevations and are good options for Spring hiking.

Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z80

Yesterday I received a Casio Exilim EX-Z80 via UPS. I'm still planning a review of the cameras I use, and my thoughts on current options. I find myself wondering how this casio might fare. I didn't get it for hiking but after playing around with it I think it has some potential so I plan to include it in the mix too. It is very small but seems to take very good pictures and the video can be launched with one button and seems to be of very excellent quality.

What Camera for Backpacking?

There are so many options these days that I thought I would take a look at what are the pros and cons of various camera options going into spring. Should you go very small, SLR, cheap, expensive? And what are the trade offs?

I remember when I first stared backpacking again, around 2002, that digital wasn't really an option. At least not a very affordable option. I had a decent auto focus point and shoot camera and my friend just took some of the disposable film cameras that were popular at the time. It is interesting to look at those primitive low quality photos now. A couple of days ago I ordered a new camera. I'm not sure it will be the one I take or not. I'll have to check it out. I'd be curious to hear what other peoples thoughts are on this subject. Photos have always been important to me as it is one of the few lasting reminders of the various hikes I take.

Anyway, I expect to post a summary of some of the options and the pros and cons of various cameras and talk about what has worked for me. One of my favorites still is the Nikon 4500. Small and only 4 mb but the lenses are top of the line Nikon quality and the Macro function is amazing.