Friday, November 8, 2013

Fall Camping: Mountainsmith Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent

Cozy Camping for two! Easy to carry, compact & quick to set up, the Morrison 2 from Mountiansmith
I just love this time of year! No bugs, the ground is dry and the trees are losing their leaves. I've been looking for a compact tent that I could carry along for a bicycle tour. Something portable that would ride on the bicycle itself. I was so happy to find that one of my favorite backpack makers also has a line of well made camping tents to fit in them!

The Morrison 2 packs down to fit in this women's day pack! Trail weight is only 4lbs 11 ozs or 2.3 kgs
The Morrison 2 - Setting it Up
Since my intended use for this tent is for a day camp or at the most, overnight stay-over along a bicycle tour, I wanted something quick and easy to set up. Bringing a tarp or footprint along would take up more space but there are very thin pads I would recommend putting down before you set up. Other than that, the Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent is VERY simple and easy to "pitch" as my friends from Mountainsmith will demonstrate below:




How It Worked for Us
I looked at this video at least a couple of times before setting it up but even for me, it was intuitively simple. The printed directions on the stuff-sack were equally genius. The only thing we didn't do is secure the guyouts to make the tent fly (cover) nice and taunt like the video. All the same it didn't cause any real problems. This tent has been updated for 2013 with increased space at two vestibules so each person has their own entryway. The bathtub floor design and fine mesh screens are extra comforts along with little storage areas within the tent. We added a Sea to Summit Mosquito Net because there were still quite a few mosquitoes out but the fine window screens did their job.


Weight Watchers
As a woman cyclist and hiker, weight was a major factor in choosing just the right tent for both applications. I was pleased to find the Morrison 2's trail weight is only 4lbs 11oz (2.3 kgs) and the compact pack down size makes it a perfect fit. By the time you add your mess kit, food, clothing and camping supplies you're pressing your maximum trail limit but the lightness of the Morrison 2 Backpacking Tent gives you a bit of leeway.
Here are more of the Morrison 2's features:

  • Two door / Two vestibule layout
  • Two person layout
  • Three season, free standing tent
  • Tent fly ventilation windows
  • Bathtub floor construction
  • Taped floor seams
  • No-see-um mesh wall panels
  • Detachable ceiling loft pocket
  • Interior mesh storage pockets
  • Clip-pole attachment for lighter weight and better breathability
  • Reflective guy lines with tension lock cord adjustment
Details:
  • YKK® Zippers
  • 3M™ Reflective Cord
  • Set-up instructions printed on stuffsack (once again-GENIUS!)

Stretching out in the Morrison 2

Sizing Matters
With inner dimensions for the floor area coming in at 35 ft² / 3.25 m², this tent may prove to be a snug fit, I think for two medium to large men. We two women fit fine but we're both about a size 5 and 6. However, that may be a minor trade off considering its ability to fit in your daysack with room to spare.
This tent is PACKED with features and you can't beat it for the price. So for the outdoorsy boyfriends and husbands on your Christmas list, I've included the Morrison 2 in my Lucky Gift Guide this year.  Camping is for Lovers and here's a gift you BOTH will love to get cozy with.

Hot tea on a cool fall day in the outback. Trangia 27/5 Non-Stick Cookset
 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Training Table Finds: Siggi's Icelandic Yogurt

Siggi's Icelandic-styled Skyr Yogurt comes in 14 low sugar, zero fat flavors.
I can remember the first time I had yogurt! My brother was happily eating away at a container of Danon Strawberry and I asked for a taste. I was hooked. Needless to say, yogurt has come a long way since those days. I started buying different types of yogurt with live cultures in the health food store (remember those?) and even made my own at home. Understanding the process as being something like cheese making only simpler, I can appreciate the story behind the recreation of this Skyr Icelandic styled yogurt.

Why Add Yogurt to Your Training Table?
Consumption of low-fat dairy products in general has been shown to increase the amount of fat excreted in the feces of study participants. This means that you can run leaner and meaner using dairy based proteins and their by products such as whey. Not only that but low-fat or non-fat dairy products give you calcium, protein and B vitamins for energy. Siggi's does this one better with their zero milk fat strained fruit yogurt which offers only 11 grams of sugar, but a whopping 14 grams of protein and only 110 calories per serving. The milk used in their Skyr comes from grass fed cows who are not injected with Bovine Growth Hormone. Live beneficial cultures help keep your digestive system in sync.

Each 5.3 oz cup of Siggi's has 14 grams of protein which is about 28% of your daily allowance.
How Does Icelandic Style Yogurt Taste?
Surprisingly rich! Siggi's Skyr has a texture nearer to sour cream but of course sweeter with the addition of fruit. It has a very pure, clean taste, with no added gelatin, artificial colors or preservatives. One 5.3 oz serving gives you 20% of your daily calcium allowance too which as the studies have indicated, can help you maintain both bone and muscle health. It is similar in texture to Chobani's Greek Yogurt so if you like that, you'll most likely enjoy Siggi's.

Stirred up, you'll find the strained fruit varieties of Siggi's pre-mixed with whey on top.
Yogurt Recipe to Go
You can add lots of tasty things to your yogurt and take it with you on your bike or lunch bag. I like to add dried cranberries, walnuts, dried apples, etc. and put my yogurt in a little chillable container to take with me on the road. You can also use a little jam jar with a screw top and make your yogurt treat the night before. The next morning it's ready to grab and go. Here's a yogurt parfait recipe to go:

http://siggisyogurt.com
Yogurt Parfait


Parfait to Go!

makes one serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup siggi’s Vanilla 0% skyr
  • 1 Tbs of your favorite jam or jelly
  • ¼ cup granola
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries

Preparation

Layer the jam or jelly in the bottom of your jar.
Add the full cup of skyr.
Layer the blueberries then the granola.
Enjoy!
- See more at: http://siggisdairy.com/v2/recipes/detail/skyr-parfait-to-go/470/#sthash.IxaA0P3A.dpuf
1 container of your favorite Yogurt flavor

1/4 cup of dried berries or cherries or crunchy granola

1 tablespoon raw nuts or seeds, (chia, flax, almonds)

1 teaspoon of fruit jam or jelly

Put the fruit preserves in first, next the yogurt and lastly your crunchy topping of nuts or granola. Serves 1. Click on the photo above for more cool yogurt recipes from Siggi's.



Pack a Yogurt Parfait in an EZ Freeze container and GO!

arfait to Go!

makes one serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup siggi’s Vanilla 0% skyr
  • 1 Tbs of your favorite jam or jelly
  • ¼ cup granola
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries

Preparation

Layer the jam or jelly in the bottom of your jar.
Add the full cup of skyr.
Layer the blueberries then the granola.
Enjoy!
- See more at: http://siggisdairy.com/v2/recipes/detail/skyr-parfait-to-go/470/#sthash.IxaA0P3A.dpuf

Parfait to Go!

makes one serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup siggi’s Vanilla 0% skyr
  • 1 Tbs of your favorite jam or jelly
  • ¼ cup granola
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries

Preparation

Layer the jam or jelly in the bottom of your jar.
Add the full cup of skyr.
Layer the blueberries then the granola.
Enjoy!
- See more at: http://siggisdairy.com/v2/recipes/detail/skyr-parfait-to-go/470/#sthash.IxaA0P3A.dpuf

Parfait to Go!

makes one serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup siggi’s Vanilla 0% skyr
  • 1 Tbs of your favorite jam or jelly
  • ¼ cup granola
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries

Preparation

Layer the jam or jelly in the bottom of your jar.
Add the full cup of skyr.
Layer the blueberries then the granola.
Enjoy!
- See more at: http://siggisdairy.com/v2/recipes/detail/skyr-parfait-to-go/470/#sthash.IxaA0P3A.dpuf


Parfait to Go!

makes one serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup siggi’s Vanilla 0% skyr
  • 1 Tbs of your favorite jam or jelly
  • ¼ cup granola
  • ¼ cup fresh blueberries

Preparation

Layer the jam or jelly in the bottom of your jar.
Add the full cup of skyr.
Layer the blueberries then the granola.
Enjoy!
- See more at: http://siggisdairy.com/v2/recipes/detail/skyr-parfait-to-go/470/#sthash.IxaA0P3A.dpuf

Sunday, November 3, 2013

WildSkins Arm Warmers with a Wild Side

WildSkins Arm Warmers in Hey Hawaii add a splash of color to your darker kits.


The New York City Marathon kicks off TODAY!
Fall is here and while I do have a few long sleeved cycling jerseys, I'm not quite ready to put up the short sleeved ones yet. To extend the wear and visibility of your short sleeved cycling jerseys and running tops, consider WildSkins. Take a look at some of the stylish arm warmers worn by runners in the NYC Marathon today and you can be just as cool or actually warm!

Why WildSkins?
I consider WildSkins to be the Dior of Arm Warmers due to their beautiful design, fit and function. Each WildSkins pair has a little pocket on the wrist to store a little cash or a note for your run or ride. They effectively knock off the wind and offer solar protection as well.

Look to the left by the WildSkins logo and you'll see the hidden sleeve pocket! Spandex fabric stretches every which way.
Rev Up Your Kit
As the days are getting darker and more dreary, having arm warmers like these can give your spirits a super lift. Not only that, bright, bold colors like these help make you more visible to drivers too. If you have a dark or black top, why not add a burst of color with these crazy things? 

Be Visible
I took these Hey Hawaii Design Arm Warmers out for a test drive the over the weekend. Not only did they LOOK fantastic, people actually saw me and did not cut me off. This was despite the fact that I had no flashing headlight as it was left home on the charger.

Fashion Points
As some of you may know, I'm also a contributing editor for Lucky Magazine's Community section. I love fashion and design so I see no reason to stop when it comes to my fitness gear. It may sound a bit shallow to say but it's true that if you are dressed beautifully on your bicycle, people tend to give you more space and respect on the road. Here are some styles I've put together with some of my favorite cycling and running kits from Rudy Project, Gore Bike Wear and Bluey Australia who makes the softest Merino wool outdoor wear around.

WildSkins Orange Burst has beautiful yellow - metallic details in a swirling pattern with Rudy Project's Team Jersey. Perfect for an autumn ride!

 
WildSkins in Indie Gold. These are so beautiful and completely set off the red flatlock stitching this Outdoor 160 Merino Wool top by Bluey Australia.


 
WildSkins Hey Hawaii is paired with this Gore Bike Wear Women's Oxygen Kit featuring their amazing WindStopper fabric.

Lots of Uses
I think you get the idea! Mix or match, break up a black kit with a roaring cascade of color and metallic hues. These are also just practical to have in your backpack for hiking when the temperatures drop. Use them for mountain biking to keep your arms from getting thrashed by foliage. Runners will love how these can be peeled off once you warm up. Early morning walkers too. So many uses! Ultra lightweight and packable, there's no reason not to carry a pair or two. Visit WildSkins online to see more styles & colors.

NEW for 2014! Sketchers Nite-Owl Go-Run-Ride2 Athletic Shoes that Glow in the Dark
In addition to our all things bright and beautiful theme for fall, check out these new multi - sport athletic shoes from Sketchers. They absorb light during the day to release glow in the dark visibility for your night run, walk or bicycle ride. Full review coming up!
 

Arm Warmers c/o WildSkins Co.