Wednesday, October 30, 2013

OHT - Day 4 - Mile 63.ish

Headed out early today (around 7:45 am). Still overcast but no rain.
I made the first 9 mile in about 3.75 hours which surprised me as I was still feeling pretty crappy. I waited at a stream crossing for "ozark" (Doug 2 now has a trail name - I gave him Billy Goat, but he would have none of it :) ). I ate lunch until he arrived and then we headed on together.
We had a hellacious climb (1000') to a ridgeline where we hoped to get cell coverage to make sure Hill Hiker made it home safely. This is the first place that I've got reception.
I now lay in my tent with it raining outside making phone calls to family to let them know all is ok.
Until tomorrow....

OHT - Day 2 - mile 31.6

We woke up early this am to overcast skies once again, but that subsided as the day went on.
The trail turned into more of what I am use to and by this I mean elevation gains and declines. Nothing too crazy, but we had a couple 1000' climbs.
Today unfortunately brought some tragedy to our party though. Hillhiker had to get off trail today due to injury :( This has really put a damper on my trip as this was the reason I came out to do the OHT. I will travel along and keep him with us in spirit.
I now lay in my tent. We have a pretty good climb to start off the morning so I better get some rest.
HAPPY TRAILS!

OHT - Day 1 - 16.2 miles

We left out of Fort Smith Lake Park around 9 am with an overcast sky, but pleasant temps for hiking. The day gradually cleared and the fall colors just coming in made for some pretty scenary.
The first 7 miles around the lake were relatively flat, but after that the hiking became a little more familiar to the hiking I am used to. We were forced to press on a little further todays as there were very few places to camp. We are now set up on a closed road that leads to what appears to be any old quarry.
Tomorrow seems to be a little more challenging, but Im sure we will be fine :o)
Happy Trails!!

OHT - Day 3 - Mile 47.5

We woke up this am to rain. It subsided enough for us to tear down camp, but shortly after hitting the trail the skies opened up on us. It rained most of the morning, but tapered off by noonish.
The first climb was a big one, but we did make it to the top of Hare Mtn. Unfortunately the views were limited by heavy cloud cover, but the fall colors are really starting to heat up compensating for the lack of vistas.
We are at camp now and the flu bug which started yesterday has really kicked in. Hopefully over the next day or so I will be rid of it. It is really sucking the wind from my sails :(
On to tomorrow....

Friday, October 25, 2013

Ozarks Highland Trail

165 mile trek across Arkansas.

Ozarks Highland Trail - Arkansas

This weekend I head out to hike the OHT in Arkansas. I will be reuniting with a good friend who I hiked a good portion of the AT last year with. I will be posting updates here as the trip progesses.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

LightHeart Gear - Rain Jacket Review



Today I received a prototype model of a new rain jacket that will be coming out soon by LightHeart Gear. I'm not quite sure when they will be put in full production and ready for sale, but check out their website and see what other goodies they have until then (www.LightHeartGear.com).

I posted an "Initial Impressions" review (video above) that will give a first look at what I found upon receiving.

The material is extremely lightweight and the construction of outstanding quality.  The actual weight of the jacket is only 7.4 oz (for the XL that I received) or 210 grams.  Since the material is made of silicon nylon it is a little warm, but the design has included pit zips which allow for increased ventilation.

There are 2 large inside pockets that aren't your typical mesh pockets in most jacket designs. They are actually 2 full sized pockets that are constructed in such a fashion that object will stay in place and not wind up on the trail.  The external pockets are well thought out too.  They have easy access for your hands, but also dip down slightly so if you are carrying small objects they will not easily fall out.

The hood design is unique to other jackets that I have had in the past.  The draw string is situated in a manner that allows the hood to be drawn in around the face and not the bill area. With the cinch clips on the draw string the hood is held securely in place when tightened.

I have a 2 week adventure coming up soon which will put this jacket to the test. Once I return I will provide another product review that is "Field Tested".

Until next time.....

Happy Trails!!!

Rovious