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.

Moxie Vixen Cycling Jersey: Visibly Cool

Moxie Cycling Company'sT-Back Vixen combines style with visibility.  WindMax Helmet and Ability Eyewear by Rudy Project

Summer cycling is always a challenge. The sun, heat and humidity can all but ruin a ride. Personally, I love the cool breezes a sleeveless singlet can bring but always have to make sure my underthings don't show.
That's why I was so impressed with Moxie's designs in women's cycling jerseys. They totally get it. These little numbers have an included nylon support bra so simply throw this bad boy on and ride. As the company says: "Even busty ladies can feel 'locked and loaded' without needing additional support."

Moxie Vixen Cycling Jersey
The bold pattern of the Vixen offers maximum style and road visibility so get ready to turn heads. This is not a line for wallflowers although if you are, you can easily come out of your shell in the Vixen. This design was actually created by one of the company owners and as you can see it's just fabulous!

Moxie Vixen has ergonomic seams & a tag-less design

Material Goods
Moxie's Vixen and their many other styles are made of a substantial moisture transport fabric. The fabric is almost like that of a spandex Tankini and I suspect you could even use this top for a triathlon or swimming as getting wet wouldn't cause it to creep up or show through.

Heat Transfer
It's long been known that having your armpits exposed to the cooling breezes allows your blood to also chill out. The Vixen offers design specific ventilation points to release heat just where you need it, keeping you comfortable even on very hot days.

Got Your Back 
One thing I think is important in a cycling jersey is that it covers your backside even when your riding down in the drops or using your aero bars. This jersey has some structure so it's not going to fly up or inch up on you. The three rear pockets lay very flat and really you don't notice them unless you look closely. However the point is, you WILL be noticed in this cycling top and for me, the more visibility the better. Along with bold patterns like this, add as many lights on your helmet, bicycle and yourself as possible. Here on the back of the WindMax Cycle Helmet, we have a Super Nova Red Firefly LED Light. Set it on blink and add a bit of extra visibility and safety to your next ride.

T-Back design and rear pouches of the Vixen. Super Nova Helmet Light by Road ID.com

 

Rapha Womens 100: The Ride, Wildlife & Kit of the Day

On the highway for the FIRST ever Rapha Womens 100 Sportive

Somewhere in the wilds of NJ:Today is the day! I've been training for this first ever women's sportive and was awake at 4:30am. I was so excited! Training last month saw not one but two rear flat tires. However when I checked my computer this morning it seemed it wasn't reading anything but the time! I didn't have time to consult the "pit crew" so I took off as the sun was rising along with the heat.

Training for the Ride
I didn't go crazy with training but simply used my heavier Nishiki Sport Touring bicycle for most of my rides. With added bags, panniers and rear trunks, it's at least 20 lbs heavier than my Terry Symmetry. I've enjoyed smoothies with Rainbow Light Protein Energizers and that's really all I had before my ride today. I wasn't hungry nor did I "bonk" on the many hills I took along the way. It also gave me a bit of a head start on the hydration I was going to need because it's supposed to be over 90 degrees (again) today. I also trained in the heat to acclimatize myself to the hot weather.

Hydration Issues
The logistics of doing more than half a century ride includes taking along enough water. My Womens 100 route is a very rural one so refilling once you're out there was iffy. I took along a 24 oz and 12 oz Thermal Polar Bottle and stuck the smaller one in my rear jersey pouch. Filled with ice, they stay refreshingly cool for extended rides. The other problem is that us women need restroom facilities, (at least I do), as what goes in must come out. So riding in open country can be an issue there too.

Wildlife Challenge
I did see a group of other women cyclists while I was stopped to take some pictures during my ride. I asked if any of them were doing the Rapha Womens 100 today and they all said "No". So that was the first time I'd seen a group of all women riders out. What I saw more of was all this crazy wildlife!  First a snapping turtle was in the road and I stopped along with a police officer to shuffle him over.  Here's Mr. Snappy ready to blow a hole in my front tire.

Snapping turtle about the size of a dinner plate that I nearly hit during the Womens 100 today.

Not only was Mr. Turtle obstructing the road but I also saw wild turkeys and their chicks running along side the highway. There were also goats and horses, (they were NOT in the road thank God), a low flying hawk and a turkey buzzard. This was SO beautiful but you have to get up early to see wildlife like this. I think if I had left too early, I might have missed seeing them as most cycling eye wear can be a little too dark to wear before sunrise. I knew this was going to be an issue so I left at about 6:15 am.    

Refueling
Having had a liquid breakfast, I was doing really well energy and hydration-wise. However as the sun was rising ever higher, so was the temperature. It was already in the 80's and rather humid when I left. So when I finally did stop to refuel, I had my Chocolate #9 Agave Gel and lots of cool water.  This is a low glycemic energy gel for a slow burn but it revived me very quickly so that I was able to sprint for the last leg of my ride home.

I keep  Chocolate #9 in my Medical Kit for bonking emergencies.

Space Issues
The thing is that on my touring bicycle, I have a rear rack which can accommodate all sorts of trunks, panniers and baskets. My Terry Symmetry is a sport bicycle so I only have the bare minimum of carry on luggage. I have a little wedge seat bag hung onto my aero bars and that's it! Still I am able to fit this Ultralight-Watertight Medical Kit .5, extra medicines, feminine supplies, my cell and a few gel packs. I also keep a few packets of Topricin homeopathic pain cream and some Bayer aspirin. Trust me, these small items offer a major comfort when you're out on the highway away from civilization. Travel light but right.

A horse farm as seen from the roadway on my Womens 100 ride today.

My Kit of the Day: Giordana's Womens Trade FRC (FormaRed Carbon)

The NYC Metro area is in the middle of a heatwave with temps in the mid 90's and humidity almost as high. At 6:15 am it was already above 80 degrees as the night time temps did not cool things off very much. So I picked a high performance kit which offered lightness, wicking action and a UPF of 50+.

My Giordana Kit washed and drying on the clothes line.

The Jersey
The Giordana FRC Trade Jersey has everything I love in a cycling top and more. Made in Italy these garments offer a WCF or Women's Contour Fit.  They totally get that we are not flat like the guys and this kit fits like a second skin. Not only that, even riding in the heat and humidity was a joy. So light and airy. Built in sun protection also kept things from heating up. Three rear open pouches made it easy to carry an extra water bottle which I needed today and a little zippered pocket can hold some cash or your cell. I especially like the wide arm bands which were comfortable while staying put. They are covered with reflective material so night riding in this kit will be no problem.


The Bibs
The Giordana FRC Trade Bib Shorts had just the right amount of padding without being bulky and uncomfortable. Long rides in the saddle can tire anyone but I was very much in charge with their flexible chamois called the W Cirro O.F. Pad. This was designed for their top of the line women's bibs and is incorporated with Aloe Vera to cool, protect and fight bacteria. The memory foam has a waffled texture and helps in venting and perspiration management. In fact after my ride when I took them off, the chamois was surprisingly dry! The shorts are made of the same high tech FormaRed Carbon material that makes the matching jersey so light and wicking. Same thing for the wide leg bands that stay in place while giving you a smooth leg line.

My kit of the day included Rudy Project's Wind Max lid, also being worn by Peter Sagan in the TDF.

  
The Wrap
All in all I am very pleased and thankful for the day as I logged a personal best and was treated to an amazing show of woodland and water animals. While I have done many charity rides and a mountain bike competition, I have only done about 14.5 miles at a time. Today I did 20.9 miles and could have done more. My original route for this sportive was detoured due to a local bridge being out, so I had to be a bit creative in re-mapping a ride that was both safe and scenic. I believe I succeeded on both and I'm happy that I didn't hit any animals or have any accidents or flats. Those women riders whom I saw on my ride don't know what they just missed. An opportunity to participate in a worldwide event that pushes us women to reach a goal...together.  Well, maybe next year?

Rudy Project Racing Jerseys

Team Rudy!  Full Zippered Short Sleeved Jersey is SO ready for your spring ride.

March is said to come in like a lamb and go out like a lion. Well, I just know the first ride for the Spring 2013 season, I'm going out like a lion!  Nothing pumps you up like a new cycling jersey, especially if you feel like you've been in moth-balls all winter. Now I've had some good rides over the winter but I'm talking about getting geared up in your kick-butt kit or at least pulling on your bib shorts.

Rudy's Long Sleeved Jersey in White & Sterling Helmet

Jersey Fresh!

It does something for your spirits to don a team jersey for your first seasonal ride. Rudy Project's Racing Jerseys are made in Italy since 1985 and the newest additions are EcoGreen. This means the jersey is made from a recycled polyester and helps lessen the impact on the environment.
The styling is unmistakably European. Rudy's Racing Jerseys come in XS-XXXL and your color choice of Black or White, long or short sleeves. I especially like these Jerseys for:

Full, non bulking invisible zippers
Silent, plastic zipper pulls
3 generously deep, open pouches in the back
2 reflector strips on back sides of the jersey 
Super soft, non-interfering neck band
Breathable, airy fabric

One of my favorite features for a cycling jersey is an invisible rear zip pocket and angled pouches for easier access which these do not have. However, this is minor. What I really value is having a full zipper to ventilate / conserve heat during the course of my ride.

Adding a pair of Smartwool Hy Fi arm warmers & RoadID cycle socks seals the deal.

Get More Wear with Arm Warmers
You can get even more wear from your short-sleeved cycling jerseys by implementing arm warmers. I like to use the warmest, slimmest that I can find so I use Smartwool Hy-Fi Arm and Leg Warmers.  They are made of a cozy yet non-bulky, soft Merino wool. They have silicon strips to help keep them up under your jersey cuffs.  Once you warm up, peel them off and stuff them in your rear pouch.

RoadID Giordana Bib Shorts & Smartwool Hy-Fi Warmers

Don't Forget the Cycle Socks
Freshen up your kit for spring by adding a pair of new matching cycling socks. I purchased a pair of Speede Cycle Socks by DeFeet from Road ID to match my RoadID Giordana Women's Bib Shorts. Like the Rudy Project jersey, the socks are made of recycled materials, namely Cool Max EcoMade. These USA made socks are thin and stay cool. 

If the weather is still cool, you're covered. Smartwool's Merino Wool Hy-Fi collection includes arm, leg and knee warmers. 

New Hi-Vis Cycling

Brighten your kit with some inspiration from the hi-vis colors of Olympic cyclists. PHOTO: Lazer Helmet's Helium putting in a WIN at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Getting ready for a cycling tour or what's also known as a rolling vacation?  Planning such a trip is great fun and of course we all want to look our best on the road.  In this case being seen isn't just for our egos, it can help keep us safer on the road.  Somehow we've gotten in a rut by constantly choosing black bib shorts and the like but now is the time to up your game with a little color.

Hi-Vis Lid - Lazer Helium

Lazer Helium in Flash Yellow

Starting at the top, take a cue from this year's Tour de France & 2012 London Olympics.  There are a lot of fabulous neon bright helmets in the peloton offering a bright spot in the usual line up of elite cyclists.  One study even suggested that cyclists who wore black helmets were more likely to be involved in a road accident!  While I'm not sure how scientific that is, it might make sense, especially if you are riding at night.  Based on what I've experienced, the brighter the better when riding with cars.

One of the most airy and vented helmets I own is the Lazer Helium.  It has 19 large vents and the new Roll-Sys retention fit system.  The Roll-Sys is a wheel tucked into the very top of the helmet that takes up slack in the cradle system via a thin cable. The back the helmet's cradle has a recess area for a blinkie light which fits in the the Roll-Sys knob and would be available as an aftermarket accessory.  The bright florescent yellow of the helmet combined with a flashing safety light means you will be seen.  I've simply threaded a RoadID Supernova Firefly Blinkie with wrist attachment through the vents of my Lazer Helium & Rudy Project Sterling and it works great.

Bright Cyclewear Gore Bike Wear Style

Gore Bike Wear's Phantom Lady Summer Singlet

During the cooler months, many cyclists wear bright, yellow Gore-Tex rain jackets.  I love my Gore-Tex cycle wear because they're water-proof and breathable even with the patented WindStopper fabric.  In warmer weather, you might want to try some sleeveless options in brighter day-glo colors.

That's why I was so excited to see Gore Bike Wear's 2012 Summer Line include their Phantom Lady Summer Singlet in a bright Chartreuse as shown here.  Not only is it engineered with venting and cooling technology but it also has an invisible zippered rear pocket, reflective piping in the back and logo in the front.  Touring in florescent colors has never been THIS cool. 

Terry's Tourista Tank in Hot Coral

Terry Precision Cycling Gets Glowing Reviews
This is another sweet go-to top for warm weather bicycle touring.  Terry Bicycle's Tourista Tank shown here in Hot Coral, is very comfortable to wear with V-neck styling; 3 rear open pockets; moisture-control fabrication. Relaxed fit means less cling when it's hot.
This tank covers a bit more than most so no worries about your bra straps showing out from under it.  I have this Tourista Tank in Lime Green and it has kept its bright color through nearly three seasons of washings and wear.  I recommend using Sport Wash on all technical fabrics including Gore-Tex, Lycra and Spandex pieces.

Pearl Izumi's Select Jersey in Safety Orange

Pearl Izumi Short Sleeved Jersey
Offering a bit more coverage is this short sleeved Select Jersey in Safety Orange by Pearl Izumi. I'm not really a fan of orange but the white racing panels makes this jersey both visible and appealing.
This jersey just two rear pockets and reflective accents but the slit sleeves, 12 inch invisible zipper and collar make up for it having less details than my other cycling tops.
Just as my personal preference, I'd rather wear sleeveless singlets and tanks in the summer as I do not like tan lines.  All the same I have found Pearl Izumi cycle wear to be consistently comfortable and well constructed.


Hi-Vis Touring Panniers & Saddlebags

TechWind Panniers by Angletech

These same bright florescent colors should carry over to your panniers and saddlebags. This is your bicycle luggage!  These will brighten any tour and can be taken off the bicycle when you stop for lunch or when wrapping it up at the end of the day.  
Here is a set of TechWind Aerodynamic Panniers by AngleTech  These do very well for windy rides and are angled to prevent kicking.  We matched it with this cycle chic Neon Mini Messenger Bag by Old Navy. The TechWinds have a large reflective strip, come with separate stuff sacks but matching rain covers must be purchased separately. Full length double zippers allow for easy access to gear even with a wide trunk bag up top.


Poppy Bags by Detours
Another bright idea in touring gear include these Fremonster Flap Poppy Bags from Detours. SEE THE POPPY BAGS VIDEO
These are really unique and zip fully closed to keep goods inside and off the road.  They also hold quite a bit more than the TechWinds so pack away! 

Fremonster Flap Poppy Panniers by Detours

The Fremonsters have light loops on both ends and easily latch on & off your rear rack via hanging clips. The height of these bags might make carrying a large rear trunk difficult but with a generous 650 cubic inches of space you might not miss it. Lots of inner and outer pockets and hide away rain covers that pop out just when you need them.  Eye catching print design by Herman Yu.

Using panniers and saddlebags on your bicycle tour gives you more control over your entire day.  I believe in carry in-carry out so all our food and drink containers, (CoolGear Inc., Klean Kanteens, Polar Bottles) are reusable and have built in chill packs. You choose when and where to stop and eat or drink.  You can also pack that extra Gore-Tex rain vest, arm/leg warmers or cycling jacket for when the weather changes.  If you are new to cycle touring, you might want to celebrate July - National Picnic Month, by having a Bicycle Picnic!  This will give you an idea of the gear you'll need to bring on full weekend/week cycling tour. The only difference is that your destination is close to home at a local park.

Bicycle touring at its best! The Sixer by Mountainsmith holds ALL this plus ice.

So Hi-Vis is the new black. Add some intense color to your kit this season and take those cycling tours by storm!  There are quite a few going on so be sure to check out the Wild Goose Chase Ride October 13th-14th 2012.  This ride is set in scenic Cambridge Maryland and put on by Gore Bike Wear and Terry Bicycles to help raise money for the local Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. A great ride for an even better cause.  Sign up today!

Bright Colors Riding the Wild Goose Chase

Road ID Firefly Supernova Lights

This Firefly Supernova Wristband easily laces through the vents of this Rudy Project helmet.

As the season's weather heats up, you may find yourself wanting to train in the cooler temperatures of early morning or after sunset.  While there are great advantages to this, ( less traffic, pollution and heat), visibility is going to be more of a challenge.  Bright LED lights have become the standard and are cheaper yet burn longer than traditional halogen bulbs.

 

Here's a Bright Idea (or two)

LED's are so bright that they are even visible during the daytime. I have three bicycles that I ride in rotation with various panniers, trunks and baskets. Each has some sort of LED blinkie clipped on but now my vented helmets also have lights! As far as I'm concerned, the more the better. I'd rather be lit up like a Christmas Tree in July than not be seen at all.

What makes LED's so cool is that they are cool.  They don't give off a lot of heat so they can be worn pretty close to the skin such as you see here on the zipper of my hoodie. That makes them very versatile, allowing drivers to see you coming and going. Light it up!

The same light on my wrist for night running

ROAD ID's FIREFLY SUPERNOVAS

Road ID is known for making wristbands with personal contact and medical information engraved. However they also offer a line of LED lights for runners and cyclists.

These operate on a watch battery (included). Lightweight, cool and super-bright, these are the ultimate blinkies for all sorts of outdoor activities when being seen is key.




Supernovas come with a variety of attachments: bicycle, wrist band, belt/clothing clip-on so you can use them everywhere.  They weigh under an ounce and have a run time of about 250 hours. Choose, red, blue, green or clear. Best of all these are blindingly BRIGHT. Set on flashing, they are visible even in broad sunlight so you know they will get the driver's attention on night-time excursions.  Don't take chances!  These are inexpensive, (about $15 each) and easy to use.  Just a little extra insurance out there.  More Road ID safety and ID products can be found at their website: Road ID.com

In addition to riding with lights, make sure your cycle wear has reflective qualities too.

Winter Hiking & Biking: Hot Food & Drinks to Go

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Insulated containers.  Fill your Day Pack with HOT food and drinks to stay warm on the trail.

Every successful outdoor adventure begins with proper preparation and planning.  You can reference our Winter Layers article on how to keep warm on the outside but how about the inside?  

We all like to bring along snacks and maybe a sandwich but what about something HOT for a winter hike or bicycle ride?  Totally within reach.  All you need are the right containers to help keep things nice and toasty warm.  Yes,  that would include you.

MOUNTAINSMITH Alder 30 Women's Pack

Ladies first!  The Alder 30 offers a woman-specific details and is made from 17 recycled 16 oz plastic bottles.  This is an extended day pack with bottom panel compression straps and easy access to the entire pack contents plus the following features:

• Compression molded back panel with contoured lumbar support
• Delrin® hoop suspension system
• Elastic sternum strap and bite valve catch
• Expandable front panel stash pocket
• Ice axe & tool loop
• Internal hydration bladder sleeve with exit port
• Pivoting dual density waistbelt for optimal load transfer
• Removable safety whistle
• Shoulder harness and waist belt are ergonomically fit specifically for women
• Side compression straps with quick-release hardware
• Side panel accessory pocket fits sigg™ and nalgene® style water bottles
• Trekking pole mount(s)

This gender-specific design day pack takes into consideration anatomical differences us women share.
Fully loaded, large capacity holds much more than the average day pack, up to an extended 2563 cu inches (42 L) and weighs only 3 lbs 4 ozs. 

RUDY PROJECT Day Pack II  Hydration

Single Entry with Front Pocket

Compression Side Straps

Headphones Exit Port

Ergonomic Reinforced back Frame

Integrated Mesh Shoulders

Elastic Drawstring with Cord Lock

Waist Belt

Since Day Packs are for, uh the day, they tend to be small but the Rudy Project Day Pack II Hydration has a full on removable internal hydration system with a 2L bladder.  Since the hydration pack stays next to your body, the water doesn't freeze.  Plus it means more room in the backpack itself for other things. 

We especially appreciate the double zippers and multiple pockets on the Day Pack which even has a hidden/retractable helmet retainer.  Mountain biking, climbing, skiing or snowboarding, you'll be able to stow your helmet during the trip.  This bag is lightweight and very comfortable as we have used it on our Ski Expeditions last season.  Since your water concerns have thus been taken care of, you can now move on to something equally important.  Hot food and coffee!

Klean Kanteen Insulated Containers

Double Walled Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel

Wide Mouth for filling yours. Eat right out of the container

12, 16 & 20 oz sizes

Interchangeable Cafe Lids and Loop Caps

Keeps food and drinks hot for up to 6 hours, cold for 24

The Klean Kanteen is a whole new twist on the Thermos bottles of old. BPA free, 18/8 grade stainless steel does not react with acidic or hot food & drinks.  So go ahead, pack it with your favorite garlicky hot spaghetti and meatballs then switch to the Cafe Cap and add your barista's best, hot coffee.  There is no flavor transfer.  Bring along some spoons and eat right out of the container.  No disposable packaging to worry about as you bring out just what you've brought in keeping the forest pristine and klean. 

Hot Broccoli Cheese Soup STAYED HOT on our hike. Visit Augie Foods!

I packed my favorite Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Soup in my insulated Klean Kanteen before going on my hike. Three hours later when we stopped, it was still so hot I could barely eat it!  Really I needed to let it cool down before eating it even though it was cold and windy that day. Klean Kanteens are so versatile for bringing along drinks AND food, keeping them hot or cold as you prefer.


Trangia 27-5 Ultralight Cookstove

5 lightweight aluminum Pots and Pans with removable handles
Non-stick, scratch proof surfaces  
Adjustable windshield included
Can be used with alcohol burner, (included) or Primus gas burner
 

Trangia 27 5 using the Primus burner & gas canister

I like to bring along a cookstove and mess kit because it is such a comfort to stop and have something HOT to eat while hiking.  This set is made in Sweden of ultra light aluminum weighing only 1.9 lbs and nests into a small disk, about 5 1/4 inches in diameter.  Very compact, the Trangia 27 5 fit neatly into the Day Pack along with two Klean Kanteens with plenty of room to spare.  It also fits easily in our Sunlite Bike Bag with Panniers.  You can bring along anything from instant oatmeal packets to savory freeze dried camp meals found at your local outfitters.  I like to bring my own fresh ingredients:

Trail Eggs 'n Sausage 

Gas Burner Attachment

Pre-crack fresh eggs into a ziplock bag

Turkey or pork sausage patties in another

Spinach or whole grain Wraps or Pita Pockets
Sliced Cheddar Cheese (optional) 

Salt & Pepper Packets (optional)

Salsa or Ketchup Packets (optional)

Start the sausage patties first, flip and then add your eggs.  These are non-stick pans so no worrying about bringing extra oil.  Cooks in under five minutes or less if you like your eggs sunny side up.  Place the HOT eggs and sausage patties in a wrap or Pita Pocket and you won't need plates or napkins.  Perfect for an early AM hike when you didn't have time to eat a serious breakfast at home.  Trangia Cookstoves and gas burner attachments are available from CampSaver.

Never underestimate the value of getting something hot into your stomach after being exposed to freezing temperatures.  If you're on a bicycle, you have to factor in windchill which can make the temps feel even colder.  Hypothermia is a serious medical condition and one of the ways to help bring up your core body temperature is to eat and or drink something hot.  If you plan to be out for less than six hours, a Klean Kanteen will keep your food and drink hot for at least that long.  Beyond that six hour limit?  Bring a cookstove so that you can stop and make something hot on the trail.  Sorry but gel packs and Clif Bars just don't cut it in the wintertime.  Hiking isn't a punishing ordeal, (or at least it shouldn't be).  Pack right, pack light and bring along something hot to eat and drink so your trip will be much more pleasurable.  

Trangia 27 5 light weight aluminum set includes a spirit lamp to cook a hot meal on the trail.  It was my only cookstove on a week long camping trip but I recommend the gas burner attachment as it heats quicker and cooks longer.

2010 Highlights!

A fond look at 2010's adventures and gear featured at X-Treme X-Training!