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.

 

Cool Morning Workouts

Rainy, cold mornings?  Pfftt!  GORE Phantom SO Lady Gloves, Smartwool's Microweight Baselayer and Exofficio's Rain Logic Jacket have got it all covered!

No matter what the calendar says in many areas the weather is already turning quite chilly, especially early in the morning.  It is also still very dark!  Training in the morning is recommended because doing so, you have less traffic and pollution to deal with.  Most of us know that if we can get up early and get our road work done, we have a better chance of staying on course.  The later you wait, the less chance there is that you'll make time to exercise later in the day.  So what do you do?  Use some common sense to keep comfy and safe out there:

GORE Phantom SO Lady Gloves

Keep Your Hands Warm

This is a major problem for early morning excursions.  While you don't need fur-lined mittens at this point, you do want them to stay warm and comfortable.  GORE BIKE WEAR's Phantom SO Lady Gloves are perfect for morning rides or walks when you need just enough coverage to keep you going.  They are soft lined and made with their Windstopper TM fabric that knows how to ward off harsh winds but has an amazing wicking action to keep your hands dry.

Hop on your bike and you'll appreciate the inner forehand's foam padding and terry insert on the thumb for wiping away perspiration.  The reflective logo on the ring fingers give you extra visibility in low light conditions.  You can do a lot more than just bike with these gloves and for cross training, you're ready to ride after your walk.

GORE Facewarmer, wool hat by TurtleFur

Keep Your Face Warm
This is incredibly important for both your facial skin and lungs especially when cycling.  If you add the windspeed to the speed you are going on a bike, you'll find yourself sustaining a much colder "feel".  This can lead to red, chapped skin that has been over exposed and dry.  The best way to combat that is to use a light scarf or this  GORE BIKE WEAR Facewarmer.  I prefer the Facewarmer to a scarf because there's no bulk and it stays in place during vigorous activity.  So lightweight but does an excellent job of keeping the chill and rain off.

Smartwool's Microweight Baselayer in Lavender

The GORE BIKE WEAR Facewarmer has an opening for the nose with additional holes for your mouth.  It is completely windproof but does not induce sweating or vapor buildup.  The reflective logo is but another layer of visibility on the road.  I'm also wearing a 100% wool cap by Turtlefur and an all Merino wool Microweight Baselayer Zip-T by Smartwool.   Both the cap and the shirt keep you warm while allowing perspiration to wick away from your skin.  Smartwool's Baselayer has a handy zippered neck, giving you the option of increasing ventilation to your skin as you warm up.  Wool also naturally repels water so it is perfect to pair up with my ExOfficio Rain Logic Jacket.
 

See the Light

CatEye's NEW Tora Outdoor Light

CatEye's performance outdoor light designed for athletes and cross trainers. The four LED's offer a wide array of lighting options. With up to 700 candle power the super bright head lamp works great for fast cross-country runs under tree cover. It also provides extra illumination on your bike.  The small .5 watt LED's offer what is needed in a low power light for map reading and close-up applications.

• Locking Magnetic Switch
• 1-watt LED OptiCube™ lens for brightness
• 3X 5mm LED’s for broader or close up viewing
• Shock and water-resistant
• Battery check function
• 4 modes

Transitional Cyclewear

Smartwool Blueprint patterned Cycling Socks, Arm & Knee Warmers, Cycle Cap by Gore Bike-Wear

According to Punxsutawny Phil, we can expect an early spring this year. Personally,  I think the groundhog knows his stuff!   It may still be winter on the calendar but there are days that are just about warm enough to jump on your bike or take a bold stroll.  There's no need to waste these precious days indoors!  You can easily and comfortably move into late winter, early spring X-Training with the right accessories.

When cycling your arms and hands are often the first to get cold.  Basically they're just along for the ride and unlike your legs, aren't generating much heat.  If you don't wear cycling gloves, you might want to rethink that for cooler weather.  Depending on the temps, you can choose full fingered or half fingered cycling gloves such as myLeather Pittards by Pearl Izumi.  They will protect your hands from road vibrations while keeping them comfortably warm.

Likewise arm and knee warmers are a must on cooler mornings.  These shown here are by Smartwool and are made of super soft, non itchy Merino 
Wool.  They can turn any short sleeved cycling jersey into a warmer long sleeved 

version!  These really extend your cycling wardrobe. During the ride, if it gets warmer, you can take them off and stuff them in your trunk or panniers.  That's something you can't do with a long sleeved cycling jersey.  The Blueprint pattern on the Smartwool set is really beautiful so you'll find uses for them for jogging and hiking too.

Pearl Izumi's full length cycle tights

If you are like me, there are certain tops & cycling chamois you just love to ride in such as Pearl Izumi's Women's Elite Thermal Cycle Tights shown here.  These have zippered ankles allowing you to easily get your cycling shoes on and off.   Full length tights such as these are excellent for temps down to 50 degrees, have a built in chamois, 8 panel construction and flat lock seams. If you still prefer wearing your cycle shorts, pair them up with Smartwool's knee warmers.  That way you can get more wear time out of your cycling kit.  Add some full length cycling gloves and enjoy the ride!

Kahtoola MICROspikes Video Review

How do Kahtoola MICROspikes perform on real ice and snow?  Dr M is wearing a Smartwool Baselayer Turtleneck & socks, Scott Motives goggles and Merrell Sheepskin Boots. Goose Down Jacket by Moonstone, Nordic Merino Wool hat by Turtlefur & softshell snowpants by Athleta.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

I was watching a film called North Face (Nordwand) last night which is set in 1936 and follows the exploits of four German-Austrian mountain climbers attempting to summit Der Eiger, (The Ogre).  One thing I noticed among the pitons, ice axes and boots was how stiff and inflexible the footwear was.  That was state of the art for the 1930's but crampons have pretty much stayed the same.  Lots of buckles and straps, certainly not very "foot-friendly" then and still are today until I checked out Kahtoola MICROspikes.

Now while I wouldn't necessarily use these for doing an ascent up the Eiger's North Face, they are very practical for getting a grip on mountain slopes, icy terrains and snow covered trails.  More than that, due to being attached to a very tough elastomer harness, these can be folded up, put in a pouch and stored in your backpack or car's glove box.  MICROspikes also boast 3/8 inch hardened stainless steel spikes. The elastomer stays flexible down to -76 degrees to move with your footwear for a snug, secure fit and grip.

A video is worth 1000 words so here you can see jumping and kicking on a sheet of ice in MICROspikes.  Snowshoes can only get you so far as they are best suited for flat, wide fields and paths. Flexible crampons open up a whole new world of backpacking in less than ideal conditions as you can slip on your MICROspikes and portage your snowshoes on uneven, tight trails.  You also don't have to wait for the spring thaw to get out there and jog or hike. Kahtoola MICROspikes can take you there and get you back without unnecessary slips and falls.  I can see these working well on water resistant athletic shoes too!