Getting you started on outdoor adventures

Posts Tagged ‘clothing’

Geocaching Gear: New Designs

It’s been a while since I highlighted some of my geocaching designs that are available through CafePress.com. Many of my designs are for the Outdoor Princess in your life, but these designs don’t have a princess in sight!

Cache Happy Blue Baseball Jersey
This 100% cotton Baseball Jersey is a sporty hit with both men and women whether you’re in the game or just looking the part in great run-around casual-wear. Choose red, blue or black sleeves.

• 6.1 oz. 100% heavyweight cotton
• Standard fit
• 3/4 length contrasting raglan sleeves

Cache Happy Mug
This mug is the perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. It features a large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special!

• Measures 3.75″ tall, 3″ diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Eat. Cache. Crash. (What Else Is There?) PJs
Get your beauty rest in style with this comfy women’s pajama set. These cozy pj’s come with your choice of a soft pink/black or white/black plaid flannel bottom, plus your choice of black or white tee top. The custom, personalized pajamas also make great sweat pants.

• Unisex flannel bottom is 100% cotton (4 oz) & has no fly and no pockets
• Choose a pink/black or white/black plaid bottom
• T-shirt is 100% cotton (4.5 oz) with a contoured, longer length to fit your curves
• Choose a white or black tee top

Peace – Love – Geocaching Messenger Bag
From school, to carrying your laptop, to a hip alternative diaper bag, our versatile, spacious messenger bag is practically all you need to get you through every stage of your life — and look hip doing it.

• One front adjustable clasp closure.
• Main compartment has inside slip pocket.
• Front panel has zipper compartment.
• Adjustable 2″ shoulder strap.
• 600 Denier Polyester
• Size: 14 1/2″ x 12″ x 5″

Peace – Love – Geocaching Dark Tee
Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.

• 5.6 oz. 100% cotton
• Standard fit
• Available in a variety of dark colors

And, as always, if there’s a design you’d like in a certain color, just leave me a comment and I’ll be happy to create it for you!

I’m the first to admit that I hate cold weather. I hate being cold and I hate being wet. Still, I head to the great outdoors as often during the winter as I do during the summer. Most of the time, my winter “camping” is limited to day-trips, even though my area of northern Arizona isn’t all that cold (say compared to Flagstaff, AZ or Idaho!)

Here are some of my tips to make sure that you enjoy your winter day-trips.

Common Sense
If you’re not comfortable with your cold-weather gear, don’t go out! If you’re expecting rain, snow, wind, etc in your area and if you’re not 100% sure you know what to do, that’s the PERFECT day to go to EatStayPlay.com and plan a spring activity.

Clothing
Layer your clothing. Wear several layers of lighter clothing instead of one heavy layer. This way you can better regulate the amount of insulation. If you get warm you can take layers off and add some more clothing layers if you get cold.

Wet = cold! And you can get wet from rain OR from sweating. Remember when buying clothes for cold weather that wool retains most of its insulation properties when wet, while cotton does not.

I have and use long underwear! I picked mine up at in the women’s section, so it’s very cute. In the men’s clothing section, I bought a pair of very baggy cargo pants that I wear over my long underwear so I can still move around. I recommend getting something you’ll actually wear — if that’s color or style. Here’s some options.

I can’t wear wool, since I’m allergic. A great alternative is fleece, like the stuff made from recycled plastic bottles. Fleece wicks away moisture from the body, so it feels dry, even when soaking wet. It offers tremendous warmth in comparison to its weight. I tend to get men’s sizes so they’re big & bulky. Perfect for layering. Here’s a suggestion: Russell Athletic Men’s Dri-Power Hooded Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt

Wear a hat or hood (or both!) since we lose most of our heat through our heads.

My very ugly green camping jacket is a lined canvas with a deep hood. I put on a hat, pull up the hood, and I’m usually protected from the wind. I also wear a scarf, since the zipper is where most cold air gets into my jacket.

I also have a coat that has a material in it that protects from the wind; you know the type of wind that just cuts through all layers like they weren’t even there. The only thing is I don’t like to wear it out to much around in the woods! It’s too nice. But here a pick of us all out geocaching LAST winter and I am wearing my good coat. A winter storm was coming in but I was toasty warm.

Shoes
Athletic shoes and nylon hiking boots do not provide enough insulation. Wear a pair of cotton and a pair of wool socks to increase insulation and take the perspiration way from your feet. (If you choose to wear rubberized boots, remember they do not allow for ventilation, therefore you will need to change your socks several times a day.)

Waterproof your footgear with the appropriate commercial treatment.

If you’ll be out camping or hiking for multiple days, think about bringing two pairs of shoes and then alternating. That way, it gives one pair the chance to dry out a little bit.

I hate it when my feet get cold. In addition, it’s not really a safe prospect to have cold feet — hypothermia, not feeling your feet, balance, etc. I always take more than one pair of shoes and when I change my socks, I change my shoes as well.

Other Considerations
Wet = cold. It may seem like breathing on your hands, sticking your head in your sleeping bag, etc. is a good idea, but the moisture from your breath will make you colder in the long run.

If you’re going out, even if it’s just for the day, be sure to tell somebody where you’re going and when you’ll be back. (And, when you GET back, call that person!)

Now, considering I’m from Arizona, this might not be the best advice for places where it is truly bitter cold.

For those of you who DO live where it snows in early winter and then stays snowy all season, what do you recommend? What have I missed? What do you do to enjoy your winter adventures?