Minnesota Waterfall Surfing???

I live just blocks from this Waterfall, the thought of surfing off of it never crossed my mind.....  Until now that is...

Risk of injury: High ....
Risk of arrest: Very High ....
Potential for fun: Astronomical....

Maybe the wakeboard and a winch would work better?  Thinking I may have a hard time getting the gear past the Park Patrol Officer though.

I better hurry thought, because a few weeks from now the falls will look more like this...  Ice climbing anyone?  It's crazy to see these two pictures next to each other.  Makes you realize just how diverse the climate is here in Minne-Snow-Ta. 

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Bomber Gear Bombination Shorts - Gear Review

For those of us "Up North", shorts season is pretty much history, but I have a pair you need to put on your Birthday/Christmas/Hanukkah/Easter wish lists.  If you can still get out on the water now, or if you want to be the first one in when the ice is out in Spring, the Bombination Shorts from Bomber Gear are ideal.

At first glance these look like your traditional board shorts.  Style is there, so you can rock them at the lakeside pub before and after you get wet.  What makes these things simply amazing is the neoprene lining hiding underneath.  Whether you are itching to get one last paddle in, or it's busting out the wakeboard this weekend when you head to the cabin to take the docks out, these will take the pain away.  The 2MM super stretchy neoprene liner helps keep the cold at bay.  It doesn't inhibit your range of motion, and has a smooth seam construction to chaffing isn't an issue either.  

For the kayakers out there, these were made with you in mind.  The neoprene come up a little higher in back so you don't get yak rash on your low back from your shorts sagging and your back rubbing on the seat-back.  The tie waistband is actually functional, allowing you to adjust the fit by an inch or two.  I can't tell you how many pairs of board shorts I have tried that they are simply decoration.  You do want to make sure you get the size right on these though, they are sized on actual measurement, so don't go off of your casual clothes size, bust out a tape measure to be sure.

At $89.99 they are a bit spendier than a normal pair of board shorts, but that's not what you are buying.  These take the place of your shorty wet-suit and you can wear them all day and still be comfortable.  I am all for the "kill two birds with one stone" set-up.

Here is a quick video from Bomber Gear on the Bombination Shorts

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Columbia River's S.P.E.W. Knife - Gear Review

There are few things higher on the list of "must haves" in the woods than a quality knife.  Honestly, I usually have 2 or 3 on me if I am ever more than a couple of miles from the car.  When venturing off the beaten path and you are going to be in a situation where you can go from serenity to survival in a matter of minutes, nothing beats a sturdy fixed blade.

This year I had the chance to take the Columbia River Knife & Tool S.P.E.W with on our BWCA trip.  The Small Pocket Everyday Wharncliffe (S.P.E.W.) is not your traditional back-country bush craft knife, rather it's a slim, sharp, comfortable tool with a point that could pierce the toughest materials around.  At just over 6.25 inches with a 3 inch cutting surface, this knife will handle nearly any cutting task you ask of it.  I cut rope, fishing line, sharpened sticks for cooking and sliced steaks up like a pro.  As a camp kitchen knife I couldn't believe how well this performed, only a time or two was I wishing it was a bit larger.

What blew me away the most was how light this thing is. At just 3 ounces you forget it is hanging around your neck.  After 3 months of steady use, I have only had to sharpen this blade once, and that was a quick touch-up.  This thing is just way tougher than it looks.  With my folder clipped in my pocket and this dangling on my chest, you could have dropped me in the middle of any wilderness and I dare say, I would have been amply equipped.

MSRP: $44.99

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Slump Test- Roaring Lion Energy Drink

Once again, I have fallen into that mid-afternoon slump. I have to study about 400 years worth of Architecture for a history class, so I need a boost. Luckily, I have a Roaring Lion Energy Drink waiting for me in the fridge. Let’s see how the afternoon plays out.

3:38 PM- Crack open can, take first sip. Pretty sugary taste, what I expected. The taste is comparable to most energy drinks (Red Bull especially). The can says that it increases mental focus. So we will put that to the test this afternoon. 

3:45 PM- I am a few more mouthfuls in-  there is definitely an initial boost in focus and energy. 

3:48 PM- The taste is growing on me. I am now about halfway through the can. 

3:53 PM- Polished off the rest of the 12 OZ can. I am still very energized without the “jitters”. Cruising on these study slides. 

4:10 PM- The buzz is still going after roughly 30 minutes. 

4:45 PM- Still maintaining a very good energy boost. I have not “crashed” yet so this energy drink gets my stamp of approval. 

The majority of energy drinks that I have consumed in the past end up giving me a boost without the focus.  Roaring Lion is one of the few that gave me the boost along with some horse blinders and tunnel vision. I was able to continue on my work because I didn’t have “nervous energy”. The feeling is almost that of a slow release tablet- the energy boost is sustained and not rushed into you. Next time I am in need of an energy drink I would take Roaring Lion over any of the other competitors.

For those of us that enjoy an occasional energy drink cocktail...  I can't give a big enough thumbs up to Roaring Lion in that department.  Crazy Good!

  

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Keen's Turia Water Shoes - Gear Review

review by Greg "Mr. Montana" Reid

On our annual trip to the Boundary Waters I tested out the Keen Turia water shoes and could not have been happier.  I am the eldest of our group and I have gone for the past four years.  I have recently had a bout with Planter Fasciitis so my participation in the testing trip was in question.

While still trying to decide if I would venture on the trip and attempt portaging with sore feet, I decided to try these shoes out doing yard work and chores around the house.  I first found that they were easy to get on and off, they were comfortable and nice looking.

Maybe it was because I wished it so, or maybe because of the great support from the shoes, but my feet felt much better just from wearing them.  This made me decide to take that trip and I had a great time with little discomfort.  Not only did I have a great time, but I was able to carry my load during the excursion (I was told that since I was writing this, I could tell it how I wanted to tell it).  I credit KEEN’s S3 heel support structure for this.  KEEN says “S3 – is engineered to support the foot on impact, dissipate shock and reduce your odds of twisting an ankle.”  Sounds about right.

These shoes are built to get wet.  Grip in the water and on the rocks was good.  They shed water and dried out quickly.   

Being a flip flop kind of guy these are right in my wheel-house with the comfort of a shoe and no socks necessary.  I found my camp flip flops to be a little tougher to walk in, but of course that was after some liquid refreshments by the campfire.  I love these shoes and highly recommend them; they did what I asked them to do and still look great even after the trip. 

I urge anyone wanting to stay active, but has foot problems, to try out these shoes.  

MSRP: $100
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