AirZone GoldfinchRead: < 1 min

A Better Way to Pitch a Tent

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

This one falls into the “dammit, why didn’t I think of that” category. Unlike rigid pole tents, AirZone Recreation‘s durable and easy-to-inflate tents are easy to stuff into any available space. When it’s dark, raining, snowing or cold you will appreciate how much quicker and less frustrating pitching an AirZone tent can be.

AirZone GoldfinchOn cycling trips, use a hand pump to inflate the AirZone tent in less than a few minutes. I don’t recommend you go trekking with an air-compressor and generator, the AirZone can also be inflated a CO2 dispenser and will have you spreading-out the sleeping bag in just 10 seconds.

These rigid tents are as tough as any traditional tent available. Tested under load and in wind speeds in excess of 40 MPH, the AirZone has quickly gained a dedicated following over the past 6 years. In the rare event one of the poles is punctured, you can unzip and install a spare. If you don’t have a spare AirZone claims that one inflated pole will get you through the night.

You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to pitch one of AirZone’s 4 tent models…

  • Goldfinch 2 person $299
  • Ptarmigan 3 person $399
  • Osprey 4 person $499
  • Condor 6-7 person $599

Posted by: Frank

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StonedRead: 2 mins

After School Special Flashback “Stoned”

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

I have vague memories of an after school special called Stoned. Scott Baio played Jack Melon, a good doobie who dabbled in doobies and quickly saw his life take a dubious downturn. In one scene he’s rowing in a drug-induced haze while his brother swims nearby. After cracking him on the head with the oar his brother nearly drowns – lesson learned: rowing and drugs don’t mix.

Stoned This movie made getting stoned look really silly and fun, especially with all the giggling and the munchies. The downside of using drugs and booze was so overplayed that it came off almost cartoon-like. I imagine if you were stoned or drunk watching this movie you would get a kick out of it.

Jack had this cool little box on the bottom of his skateboard that he used to store his weed. I thought for a pothead it was pretty inventive. I expected a line of skateboard ‘trunks’ to result from Stoned, but they never caught on. I did a lot of skateboarding in those days and grinding or rail sliding hadn’t caught on yet. The style then was more old school, a laid-back carving style to which smoking weed is conducive and a skateboard trunk doesn’t get in the way.

I found this movie for sale in only one place, Google the words “STONED DVD 1980 TV movie Scott Baio.” A little off-topic yes, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to share a memory of an after school special, especially one as classic as Stoned.

Posted by: Dean

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BODiBEATRead: 2 mins

King of the Beat

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

I like to run with an iPod so I don’t have to hear the labored breathing of a man killing himself. I prepare song lists for different distances that are based on song type and length. The song lists appear as ‘Running Man 6’ for a six miler, ‘Running Man 8,’ etc and always start mellow with a good beat. I use comedy clips for mundane parts of the run and hardcore or metal for hills and to finish the run. Setting up these song lists requires a lot of thought and examination of previous runs I store on MotionBased.

Like any good technology should, I can perhaps stop thinking so hard. A new product from Yamaha called BODiBEAT will be available this Fall that synchronizes the music I enjoy to my workout. Both an MP3 Player and a heart rate monitor, BODiBEAT changes songs on the fly to match your workout.

BODiBEATThe BODiBEAT has four modes; Free, Fitness, Training and Music…

  • Free Mode – You control the music: Music playback stays in sync with your movement
  • Fitness Mode – The music controls you: Match your pace to the tempo of the music playing
  • Training Mode – Create custom programs: Similar to my current method (explained above)
  • Music playback – Simply use the BODiBEAT as a music player

For my taste, the look of the BODiBEAT leaves something to be desired. Perhaps I’m just spoiled by the incredible industrial design by Apple, but the BODiBEAT looks like a small brick. Also, instead of a chest strap, the BODiBEAT pulse sensor clips on your ear. On the Web site, the ‘music’ they play in the demo reels would cause me to keep running – right into a mental institution. I’m not sure they can determine the beat of your own music, so Free and Fitness modes might not actually be your music at all. I guess we’ll have to wait until the Fall to find out, unless Yamaha decides to drop something in the mail in advance…

Posted by: Lawrence

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Oakley LiveStrongRead: < 1 min

Cool Shades

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

Of all the gadgets I own, the most basic of equipment eludes me – a good pair of workout sunglasses. I own several pairs of sunglasses, in fact 3 pairs in the same style with different lenses. But none of the sunglasses I own are made for exercise. When I exercise in my regular sunglasses, the frames start to slide off my face and sweat becomes trapped in the frame. Annoying and not terribly safe.

A good pair of exercise sunglasses is very different from regular sunglasses. They should be lightweight, use materials for the nose and ear pieces that keep them on your face, enhance visibility, offer good UV protection and protection from projectiles as well as shed sweat, rain and dust.

Oakley LiveStrongA HYDROPHOBIC coating on PLUTONITE lenses is a fancy scientific or markety way of saying the Oakley LiveStrong Flak Jacket glasses are a good example of glasses that accomplish all the above. Available for $150, know that $20 of that price goes to the LiveStrong foundation which inspires and empowers those living with cancer.

Posted by: Jay

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Read: 2 mins

SOG Seal Pup

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

When shopping for a survival knife there are several qualities to consider. Remember you’re not looking for a knife to open letters, peel an apple or, as some of the cretins I work with do, trim and clean your fingernails during meetings. You want a knife that can double as an axe on small timber by pounding it with a rock. A knife that retains its edge after considerable abuse, one that is durable enough to resist corrosion in less than ideal circumstance and a knife that ideally, has a partially serrated edge to make it more versatile.

SEAL Pup and ScabbardThe SOG Seal Pup is just this type of knife. The AUS stainless steel full-tang blade measures 4.75″, a half-inch longer than the 4.25″ handle (9″ overall for the English majors). This knife is the little brother to the SOG Seal 2000 knife used by Navy Seals and it will swim with you as a reliable dive companion (careful, no buddy breathing).

The Seal Pup has a nice hefty/quality feel to it that belies it’s 5 ounces. When sheathed it can easily be attached to belt, vest or (for diving) your leg. If there is a downside to this knife it is the scabbard itself, which can scratch the knife finish and does not allow debris (sand, dirt, etc) to easily escape. Some have taken to making their own nylon or leather sheathes to better suit their needs.

I’m all about peace and love people, but unless you can get an animal to commit suicide for you in the wild, a tree to lay down and play dead or you have really sharp teeth, a good knife should be the first item in your survival kit (right up there with plastic sheets and duct tape ;). Consider the SOG Seal Pup and please, please keep it safely out of the reach of children.

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Bear GryllsRead: 2 mins

Survival Chic

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

For most of my 39 years I’ve had an interest in survival techniques. Some of these were as basic as avoiding a beating from one of my two sadistic older brothers, let’s call this family survival. Wilderness survival such as tracking, animal behavior, shelter and fire-making, setting snares, edible plants, etc has also been an interest, probably so I could run away into the woods and escape the relentless beatings.

I’ve never had a reason to put to use any of the information I’ve gleaned from Tom Brown, Larry Dean Olsen and other revered experts to use. Mostly this is by choice, because no one wants to find themselves in a real-life survival situation. Other than terrorizing rabbits in my youth with my best bud Jason and a stint at a summer wilderness camp called Keewaydin, I’ve warmed, sheltered and fed myself with the almighty dollar.

Bear GryllsThe success of shows like Man vs Wild, and Survivorman are based around the escapism that survivalism affords. It’s great to fantasize about starting a fire with toe lint and nose grease, but if you were actually faced with a setting sun and freezing temperatures with nothing to protect you from the elements wouldn’t you have to ask yourself ‘self, why the hell did I ever think this would be fun?’

The old adage ‘always be prepared’ should keep most people out of a life and death survival situation, but if you happen to find yourself in one remember to stay calm, attend to any injuries as soon as possible, find a reliable source of water, make a shelter, a fire and make yourself visible from the air. Also, always be sure to let your friends and loved ones know where you’re headed BEFORE you head out.

In future Bitness postings I’ll talk more about survival, so consider the above a disclaimer of sorts. There is a ton of cool equipment (knives, clothing, navigation, etc) and techniques which open up a whole new category to Bitness (so I did). If anyone would like to see a particular product reviewed let me know in the comments.

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