Packing for REI's Outdoor School: eXpo Mini Action Cam and Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker

Pyle Audio eXpo Action Camera and Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker

I'm getting ready for REI's Outdoor School this coming weekend by packing some technical gear that is made for use in all sorts of climates and terrains. I am taking the Mountain Biking Class which is being held in the high elevations of Morris County, New Jersey. I'm originally from that part of north Jersey as we call it and I can remember going up to Eagle Rock, South Mountain and other wild life reserves in the area. It is a very challenging zone for hiking and mountain biking but the view is beautiful!

eXpo Action Camera by Pyle Audio
This is a new piece of technical equipment that I am bringing along in place of my DSLR camera which I used at the InterBike/Outdoor Retailers Charged Up Media Event and The Woman's Story. This new action camera is being called the "GoPro Clone" but actually has a higher mega pixel resolution than the GoPro. You can choose between 20, 14 and 5 mega pixel images on the eXpo while the GoPro Hero3 Black Edition only goes up to 11 MP. Likewise you can choose from multiple video frames per second with the eXpo - 60, 50, 30 or 25 while the GoPro Hero3 gives you only 30 video frames per second max. Just on these two features alone, the eXpo clearly distinguishes itself from the GoPro. 

eXpo Full HD Mini Action Cam in its waterproof case

Underwater eXpo
Right now I have the eXpo outfitted with the handlebar brace for the Novara mountain bikes we will be riding for the course. Before that, I used this camera underwater in our pool utilizing its waterproof case shown in the photo above. Look closely at the upper left hand portion of the screen and you'll see the green Wi-Fi bars all lit up. This is synced with the wireless remote allowing me to start or stop filming and take photos even while the video taping option is in play. Brilliant! This camera comes with all the mounting accessories you will need to turn it into a serious helmet or bike cam for both road and off road use. Check out the eXpo Full HD Action Cam PSCHD90 at PyleAudio.com

Underwater photo with the eXpo Full HD Action Cam PSCHD90 at PyleAudio.com 

Coming up out of the water shot with the eXpo

eXpo Action Cam and Wi-Fi Remote. Bag: Mountainsmith Focus Camera Bag

Kestrel Weather Meters - Heat Stress Tracker
One of the issues I've seen from participating in several outdoor adventure events is heat stroke. It can sneak up on you as it did for me when I was competing in the Woods Hollow Mountain Bike Classic race. I was in the Sport or Advanced Division which was twice as long as the intermediate section. Yes, I was rather naive back then.

Yes, I won in my division!

It was very hot as it was held in July. I didn't have a hydration pack, only a few water bottles. There were hydration stations but you really needed to haul your own! About half way through I began feeling sick to my stomach. I know part of that is growth hormone being secreted but it can also be a sign of heat exhaustion. I was on a closed race course in the park but what if I were out on the road in traffic? The results could have been very different.

Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker

Someone should really have been keeping an eye on the heat index for that race as the afternoon temperatures soared into the 90's. A lot of riders simply quit and went home, it was just too hot and difficult. Just on account of the adverse heat index, the race should have been rescheduled.
So for REI's Mountain Biking Course, I'm bringing a Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker. It fits in my pocket and gives real time weather information with conditions based on where you are at the moment. This is important because you can have a wide range of weather conditions and variables going on at distinct altitudes and elevations within the same zone. The Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker calculates those parameters for you such as: temp., humidity, air velocity, altitude, barometric pressure, pressure trend, wind chill and speed, relative humidity and waterless WBGT (wet bulb global temperature) plus several more values to access the Thermal Work Limit and Heat Stress Index exactly where you are. Crucial information to assess how safe it is for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to be participating in strenuous exercise.

User Screen showing: temp. humidity and dew point

September can be a tricky month because the days often start rather cool. You dress accordingly for the temperature and conditions you encountered upon arising. However by mid-afternoon, you may feel like it's the middle of summer. This is why this month can be so dangerous for outdoor fitness training and events. So my Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker will be keeping tabs on conditions all day long for the REI Mountain Biking Course on September 14th,whatever they may be. Check out more pocket weather trackers and meters at Nielsen Kellerman online at NKHome.com

Keeping on top of the weather on the road. Kestrel 3500

Heat & Sun Awareness: Upgrade Your Sunscreen

Springtime & sunnier days are just around the corner!

While we need sun protection all year round, now is the time to upgrade your solar guard.  Why? Well, the days are getting longer and brighter. That plus the warmer temps means we will be spending more time outdoors and exposing more skin to the harmful rays of the sun. While I'm not a fan of looking like a ghost, I know from walking, running and cycling that burned skin looks even worse! Still, I'm a fan of tinted moisturizers and airbrushed tans for a Victoria's Secret model glow and NO they don't tan either..

Sunscreen Issues
One of the problems I've had with sunscreens is that even the ones for the face are often greasy and cause your makeup to slide off or pill up. I hate that! I've purchased Bobbi Brown's Brightening SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base and found it to be good but at less than 2 oz in a tube, (1.7 to be exact), you'd go through it very quickly. What I like even better is G.M. Collin's High Protection Cream SPF 30.

Favorites for the road: SPF Tinted Moisturizer, Lip Moisturizer and Sunblock

High Protection Cream from G.M. Collin - Paris
This sunscreen comes in a convenient 4 oz twist dispenser topped bottle. Using natural sunscreens like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, it uniformly blocks both UVA & UVB rays by creating a gentle, transparent physical barrier. It is SO light that it doesn't mess with my makeup application. It leaves behind no white film and does not block pores. This super SPF 30 sunscreen also contains botanicals like Cassia Alata Leaf Extract to protect DNA from UV damage and antioxidants like vitamins E and C.

I wore it under my makeup while marching in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade this year and was very comfortable. My skin didn't get burned even though it was quite sunny along the parade route. High Protection Cream can be used on both the face and body. So rather than just settling for a high SPF, get sun protection that is more complete and actually good for your skin.

Get a jump on this season's best bets for solar protection and avoiding heat exhaustion at the Heat & Sun Awareness Project on Pinterest.

Keeping It Clean: Pocket Shower & Fresh Bath

Pocket Shower by Sea to Summit holds 10 liters of water for a 7 minute shower!

As the heat and humidity rises, so does well, perspiration and body odor.  This summer, if you are into bike commuting to work or to do errands, you can take along a wet wipe type product like Fresh Bath from Adventure Medical Kits and a travel sized deodorant.  Both will easily fit in a bike bag or panniers and allow you to freshen up quickly before meeting the public. You get 8 thick Fresh Bath wipes per package. Each sheet is infused with an antibacterial and vitamin enriched solution that cleans away perspiration, odor and conditions the skin.

Fresh Bath Wipes & Pocket Shower are very compact

What if there was a way to take a real shower on your hike, camping trip or cycling tour?  Believe it or not you can!

Pocket Shower by Sea to Summit from Opulent Items holds up to 10 liters of water (10 liters = 2.64172 US gallons) for a full 7 minute shower. It consists of a simple roll top bag with a small shower head on the bottom.  You fill it, fold it over at least three times, hang it and twist the spray head to start the water flowing.  Very simple design but quite effective.

Pocket Shower is perfect for use on hot, humid days as the black bag absorbs the suns rays and naturally heats the water for you.  If it's very hot and you prefer a cooler shower, simply store the bag in the shade.  Either way, the Pocket Shower is easy to use and can mean the difference between feeling disgusting vs. being refreshed outdoors. 

Hiking, Camping Out & Bicycle Touring

One of the things backpackers and touring cyclists have to take into consideration is the size and weight of their gear. Most panniers and bicycle bags do have a weight and volume limit so taking equipment that is both light and compact will be a great bonus.

In fact the Pocket Shower rolls down into a tiny 5 x 3" case and weighs only 5 1/4 ounces (about 149 grams).  I filled it to the marked 10 liter line and hung it on the fence in the sun for a few hours.  When I got back from my bike ride I hoisted it onto our garden arch.  It comes with a long cord which you could toss over a low hanging tree branch but 10 liters of water weighs 22 lbs! The cord is like a shoe string and did support the weight but we simply clipped the bag itself over the iron works of the garden arch.

Pocket Shower clipped around a tree limb

As you can see in the photo, you get a nice, steady flow which can be regulated by simply twisting the little shower head.  This was the first time I ever took a shower in my garden but have to say the Pocket Shower held more than enough water for a complete, cleansing head to toe spritz. There was even enough spray to rinse my hair. You could also hang the bag lower to set it up as a hand washing station.  I can see this fitting in perfectly on any camping trip or bicycle tour where you will have the time to set up for an overnight stay.  You would need access to clean water of course but besides that, this system is ready to go. 


The Wrap

With summer heat well on the way, now is a good time to think of ways of dealing with it.  As part of our Heat & Sun Awareness project, we are recommending versatile products like these.  Taking a cool shower is one of the best ways to not only revive yourself but to also lower your core body temperature.  Heat stress can lead to heat stroke so it's a good idea to have a few options to cope with it beforehand.

Just to be able to take a shower in the outdoors after a long hike or a day of bicycle touring can lift your spirits immeasurably, (your outdoor buddies will also be happier)!  The Fresh Bath Towelettes are thick and soft almost like a real washcloth.  They stow along quite easily in your day-pack or bicycle bag and can be used anywhere. Fresh Bath wipes also warm up well inside your backpack/bag to a comfortable temperature.
The Pocket Shower is more suited for longer stays in the woods or bicycle touring on the road.  If you are camping, you can fill the Pocket Shower in the morning and let it warm in the sun while you go hiking or do other activities.  When you get back, you'll have a warm shower waiting.  Same thing if you're on bike tour where you are stopping to camp out each night.  You can actually use a camp stove to quickly warm up the water a little if you hadn't had time to let the bag soak up some rays.  Both products have their place in helping to keep you fresh & cool and are a welcome luxury on the go.