Archive for September, 2009
Tips for Snorkeling Safely
There’s a general perception that snorkeling isn’t as “serious” an endeavor as full-blown scuba diving, which is true to an extent. After all, the hobby doesn’t require nearly as much equipment, and the necessary breathing apparatus is much more rudimentary. But the amount of equipment you take on your snorkeling trip should be determined by the location of the dive.
If you’re simply doing a little impromptu snorkeling close to shore, you won’t need much beyond a dive mask and fins. However, venturing further into the unknown requires some excess gear – for added safety if for no other reason. Coral and rock outcroppings pose a significant hazard to snorkelers who don’t wear the necessary equipment. This includes a protective vest and some reliable diving gloves.
MicroNet Ultra-Compact Microfiber Towel
MicroNet Microfiber Towels
The McNett Microfiber Towels are fantastic. They take up little space yet absorb five times their weight in water. Just wring them out and hang them up and they dry quickly. They all come with a mesh storage bag with an accessories pocket. The small packed size fits easily into a backpack, travel pack or luggage.
These MicroNet Microfiber Towels are great for camping, diving, swiming, the beach, water skiing, the water park and virtually anywhere you are going to get wet. These microfiber towels feel soft to the touch and you can get the size to fit your need.
Camelbak Alpine Explorer Hydration Backpack
Camelbak Alpine Explorer
The Alpine Explorer Hydration Pack by Camelbak features a 100 oz. reservoir to give you ample hydration during challenging day hikes. The Omega HydraTanium Reservoir has a lifetime warranty Dynamic Suspension harness and articulated and vented semi-load bearing waist belt for stability. The Air Director back panel and Air Mesh harness gives you enhanced ventilation to keep you cool. A big Bite Valve on the hydration tube makes taking in fluids a simple task, so you can keep going without having to stop to drink.
The external, fleece-lined pocket is great for sunglasses or a MP3 player as it keeps items safe and accessible. The Camelbak Alpine Explorer hydration backpack is available in Black, Khaki and Olive. The weather resistant zip pocket with key clip and organizer is great for hiking essentials. and the full-zip back panel access to the reservoir makes loading easy. This pack also has quick access overflow storage with dual compression straps for carrying ample gear.
Keeping it Cool!
Camelbak Podium Chilljacket Bottle
The Podium ChillJacket bottle by Camelbak is a new water bottle (holds any liquid of course) that fits into the bottle cage on your bike. It is fully insulated and keeps your water cool no matter what the temps are outside. I’ve used it for two months and love it. Of course it won’t keep it cool indefinitely, but it sure beats the plastic bottles. It is BPA free and gives you a natural taste.
The Camelbak Podium ChillJacket bottle is dishwasher safe if you use it on the top rack. It won’t leak or spill with the innovative, self-sealing JetValve cap top. Just give it a gentle squeeze and you get a great tasting squirt of refreshing water.
I highly recommend this water bottle for biking, however you can use it for camping, hiking, running or even at the office as I do.
Don’t Let the Big One Get Away
As many fishermen would attest, just being able to get out of the house and spend a tranquil morning on the lake is generally rewarding in itself. But nothing tops off a lazy day of angling like catching a massive fish. What could compare to the thrill of reeling in that trophy fish that will live on in local lore when you retell the tale hundreds of times to anyone who will listen?
But before you get too carried away with thoughts of landing the big one, you’ll need to go about finding him. Some anglers wander aimlessly through the water, just hoping to strike upon a school of fish through sheer luck. For the proactive fishing enthusiast, a Garmin Fishfinder can add some logic and precision to the task. The Fishfinder works well in shallow water and updates the screen with live updates of any underwater activity in the region.