Review – Gomacro Bars

As a former nurse and now avid hiker, I am more conscious about what goes into my hiker food bag and into my body. Especially as I see hikers consuming empty calories and nutrition on their hikes. When they arrive home, their health deteriorates and more issues arise. Thus I am always on the look-out for nutritious ways to eat healthy on the trail.

I was given the chance to review the Gomacro bars. The company began with the family enduring what many do these days, the devastation of cancer, and their decision to eat healthier as a way of conquering this disease. After having good results with dietary changes, the company was born. They strive to create bars that are made of 100% plant based ingredients sourced from organic and non GMO farms. The bars are soy, gluten, and dairy free. They come in two sizes the Gomacro Macrobar and the Thrive and come in a variety of unique flavors, like blueberry lavender to chocolate peanut butter cup for the Thrive bars and cherries and berries and sesame butter and dates for the Macrobars.

I tried both the Thrive bars and the regular Macrobar on my recent backpacking trip. I ate a Thrive blueberry and lavender for a snack and instantly realized there was a big punch in a small sized bar. You can see the superfood ingredients jam-packed into the bar. Right off I tasted blueberry which was nice. But after eating a whole bar, I realized a half bar was plenty for me to feel satisfied. The bar provides decent energy and satisfied hunger for several hours. The next time I tried the Thrive, I only ate half a bar and that was plenty. So this bar goes a long way, and they only weigh 1.4 oz.

The Macrobars I used for breakfast. I noticed the outside of the bar was fairly oily, presumably so it doesn’t stick to the packaging, but I found it rather detracted from eating the bar. I could eat a whole bar and didn’t feel the fullness I did with a Thrive. The flavor was ok. It satisfied me for about two hours which is at least an hour better than I get from breakfast bars like Belvita. And I liked the idea I was eating something good for me instead of empty sugar-based calories.

All in all I like the Gomacro concept. I feel the Thrive bar is definitely worth putting into your hiker food bag. A little in that bar goes a long way, and at a mere 1.4 oz. a bar. I also like the idea I was putting wholesome nutritious food in my body so it could perform better on a hike and after the hike is done.

For more information, go to Gomacro

Our other product reviews

A Colorado Trail Adventure

Review: Shades of Gray, Splashes of Color - A Thru Hike of the Colorado Trail by Bill Cooke

I was eager to read this account as I had not yet read a thru hiking book on this famed 486 mile trail that spans the length of wild and beautiful Colorado, from north in the San Juan National Forest to Durango. To me, an easterner, the Rockies seem like wild mountains in need of special skills. I had visions of plowing through big snowfields and other major obstacles. But Bill Cooke’s book put to rest a good many fears.

It was great having some intro to the trail, mileage, facts, etc. to start off. Once the hike began, it grabbed my attention and held it throughout.  I liked it too that Bill was honest about how he felt (sometimes he wasn’t well either) and what gear he brought. He didn’t gloss it over but you felt as if you were on the journey, struggling with him, even as his partner obviously had better strength on the trip. But it didn’t bother Bill or get to him. He hiked along anyway and they had a good time despite their different hiking speeds. The account also gave good ideas on trip planning, like the summer thunderstorm issue and resupply points.

 I always like to read accounts of trail magic and trail angels, and they both had their share with folks giving them rides to town or helping out with slackpacking. This gives me assurance that there are people eager and ready to help out in more remote areas. But beyond that, the descriptions of sheer Colorado beauty is enough to send a hiker like me packing up my backpack and heading for the far reaches of the Rockies.

I was also eager to hear about the mountain bikers as I had heard conflicting reports on them. I liked it how Bill worked with the bikers on the trail and not against them. He made friends, and they found themselves equals, sharing the trail rather than getting on each other’s nerves. It made for a better experience.

On the downside, I only wish the map of the trail was bigger so I could see where they were at different places in the book (I’m visual that way). Also the pictures of the flowers in black and white didn’t do them any justice. Color photos would have been great, to be honest.

If you are thinking of doing this trail or just want a good read on a hiking adventure in the Rockies, be sure to pick up this book. It will make you believe you can do it!

More information on the Colorado Trail:

Ordering the book

Colorado Trail Foundation

Colorado Trail End to End Guide

Other reads: Mountains, Madness, and Miracles – 4,-000 Miles on the Appalachian Trail

Gear Product Review - Dorcy Headlamps

I sent out one of my staff to try the Dorcy headlamps for use in backpacking and regular camping, and this is what he had to say about the products.

(From Dorcy) The new 41-2096 lightweight headlight is loaded with features and brightness. The small headlight produces 120 lumen of light output in a broad beam. With 12 hours of run time and 3 brightness modes makes this headlight the perfect light. Weighing in at only 2.9 ounces with batteries this light will not feel heavy after wearing it for hours. The LED panel has a 50 degree adjustment to allow for pin point focusing. 3 brightness modes. Full power, half power and strobe mode will allow this light will meet all of your needs.

Product Specifications
Lumens: 120
Run Time: 12 Hours
Beam Distance: 48 Meters / 157 feet
Bulb Type: LED
Batteries: 3 AAA Included
Product Material: Plastic
Product Dimensions: 2.75" W X 1.50" depth
Bezel Diameter: 1"
Product Weight: 2.9 ounces
Available Color(s): Black / Silver bezel Ring
Switch: Push button top

Additional Features: Lightweight weather resistant, 3 light modes
full power, half power, strobe

Our Review - The broad beam headlamp was a simple on & off model that is good for around the house use but the brighter light and hence shorter battery life (12 hours on 3 AAA's ) do not lend it to backpacking especially on extended trips. At 120 lumens, this is great for looking around a dark engine or seeing  and being seen when  walking  the dogs around the neighborhood at night. I'd use it for backyard or car camping. It seems a good, sturdy-made, reasonably priced headlamp.

Dorcy 20 Lumen Headlamp

Product Specifications

Lumens: 2 Run Time: 18 Hours Beam Distance: 28 Meters
Bulb Type: LED Batteries: 3 AAA Included Product Material: Plastic Product Dimensions: 2.75" W X 1.50" depth Bezel Diameter: 1" Product Weight: 2.9 ounces Available Color(s): Black
Switch: Push button top
Additional Features: Lightweight weather resistant, light modes
full power, half power, strobe, Red On, Red Flash Green On Green Flash Red green on Red/green flash - 

Review - I used the Dorsey headlamp on a few backpacking trip and found it work well.  I love the green reading and the ease of battery installation.  It has a nice solid battery door and sturdy construction over all.  A Few things did not like was that there were to many multiple settings. There was way too many buttons to push to go from on and off especially with the colored lamps. You go from on green to blinking green, then on red then blinking red and then both colors. From on to off it took about 7 button hits. The diffuser lens was interesting in that it took the beam and would light up the tent area like a lantern light but I don't think it was that useful. The weight on this headlamp was around 3 oz., seems similar to other ones I use. It seemed reasonably made and a decent headlamp.

NOTE - This headlamp is only $10 via the Dorcy website!

Related Websites

That Beacon of Light - review of other headlamps

Product Reviews

Review - Woolx Merino Wool Garments

I'm a huge fan of merino wool for hiking activities. Merino is actually a type of sheep found in the Alps of New Zealand. Merino wool is a wool based fabric that boasts non itching softness and lightweight properties with the ability to insulate despite the weather. It also does not stink like other high activity garments.  I've used extensively Smartwool brands tops and socks (lightweight and midweight) and just recently was introduced to the WoolX brand of merino wool base layer midweight top and neck gaiter to test.

Midweight Top

The moment I saw Woolx's unique packaging I had a feeling this would be a different type of product. And I was right. The feel of the garment was different. The process by which they are able to produce the wool into the garment is unlike any of the Smartwool tops I own. The weave is tight, smooth and thick (see here how it is made). It has good stretch for freedom of movement. The weight at just over 8 oz is the same as the midweight Smartwool top I own. UPDATE: I wore it as my principle baselayer while backpacking through snow and single temps in the Smokies and beyond during the last part of March, first part of April. The fabric held up under the strain of a backpack. There was no stink even after many days of hiking. The unique stretchiness of the fabric gives when hiking and was probably the best feature of the shirt. And it washed up great at the town stop.

I also wore the top on a very windy (20 mph wind) and cold (20 degree air temp) 4 mile walk and run in upstate New York. Under a fleece layer, the insulating capability was excellent. My neck became cold also, so I put on the WoolX  neck gaiter. With the tight weave of the garment, it cut the wind and protected my neck. I really thought my neck would still feel cold but it did not. The garment is excellent in wind and may well be the feature that puts this garment above the other merino wool garment brands. More testing is needed.

The gaiter. Great when a cold wind hits your neck

I was also pleased to see the simple care instructions of washing and drying rather than needing hand washing and air drying, taking lots of extra time. A bonus feature.

I was pleased with Woolx and believe it an excellent performer for hiking activities in cool / cold weather. You can tell a well made product by people that care, and Woolx fits this to the tee with a good product that strives for performance and customer satisfaction. Run don't walk to get this excellent product that is well worth the money.


About WoolX from their website -

Woolx was created, very simply, to fill in the gaps where other 100% merino wool products fell short. We wanted to raise the bar and make a 100% Merino wool garment that would always be the first one out of your drawer.

We tested and wore many companies garments. Researched and read feedback from customers who wore 100% Merino wool garments. Took our 100 years plus of combined employees outdoor experience. We then added this all together, and backed by a company with a solid 64 years in business, Woolx was born.

When you pull on a Woolx garment you will notice the difference at once. Smooth, soft, absolutely no itch or scratchiness in our garments.

When you wear a Woolx garment and you'll feel the performance...not the garment. It's there and does what it is supposed to do with unsurpassed comfort that makes it almost invisible. With our special gusseting,  premium neck bands, and the utmost care in the cut you may forget you have it on.

When you wash a Woolx Garment. Then dry your Woolx Garment. All worry free from shrinking. This gives you more time to to get outdoors and enjoy the activities you bought your Woolx garment for...not inside hand washing, hanging to dry, and shaping back.

We've only begun here at Woolx. Many new and exciting products are on the table from jackets to garments for your dog. It's going to be a great adventure! We are honored to have you along with us for the hike.

Gear Review - Hoo-Rags!!

Hoo-Rags!!

Huh?

Okay, I give up....

WHAT'S a Hoo-rag?

REVIEW:  A Hoo-Rag is a must for your hiker wardrobe!   

 

The Hoo-Rag is an ultralight linear piece of microfiber fabric with multiple uses in varying trail conditions. It shields you from wind and sun, protects from annoying insects, wicks away perspiration, and adds color and style to a hiker's wardrobe. You can use it to warm your neck, as a balaclava in fierce wind, as an extra cap, or even a ponytail holder or a head band to keep hair from flying in the face. In a pinch you could use it to take that hot pot off your backpacking stove. Although I like to keep it on my head! I have used mine as a needed cap in windy weather to keep the wind out of my ears (it's not so heavy that your head sweats in it when you hike. In fact, it's just right!) and as a head band to keep hair out of the way. It's a must for me as a hiker.

Check out the Hoo-Rag website for styles and colors. Or you can have one custom made! How cool is that?       

Product Review - Swedish FireStarter Knife

Product Review - Swedish FireStarter Knife by Light My Fire


Light My Fire is known in hiking circles for its spork - a fork/ spoon combo for eating in the field. When I was asked to review and test its new FireStarter Knife, I was eager to oblige.

As stated on the website the knife "offers" these features:

• flexible and sturdy profile-grounded blade. 
• Sheath with clip.
• High-friction rubber handle 
• Includes an original Swedish FireSteel® firestarter; 
• Lights campfires, gas-stoves, gas-barbecues. 
• Works equally well when wet. 
• Predictable performance at all altitudes. 
• Produces a 2,980°C (5,400°F) spark.

I decided for the test, what better way than to allow my BSA Scoutmaster and husband to take it along on his recent backpacking adventure with 15 scouts and their dads to the Big Schloss Wilderness of West Virginia.

The user liked the lightweight plastic sheath protected the blade from accidentally cutting packs and users as this knife does not collapse like a jackknife. The knife proved sharp when whittling roasting sticks for marshmellows or for opening dinner packages. 

In removing the flint located at the tip of the handle, the user found it difficult to twist off unless the knife is completely out of its protective sheath. This gave a good enough grip on the knife to twist and remove the flint but leaves the user open to possible injury with the sharp blade exposed. The flint delivered a good set of sparks when stroked with the knife. However the user was unable to light his canister "pocket rocket" stove with the sparks generated, despite numerous tries in the field. A good amount of gas was emitted also. The user then attempted to light his backyard grill and was able to ignite the burner after four tries. Unfortunately it required upping the propane and could pose a fire hazard. The user suggested perhaps better instructions with how to actually safely use the flint would be appropriate rather than just a few lines on the back of the packaging.

This is a comparatively lightweight, all purpose, non-folding knife encased its own colored plastic sheath. The blade of the knife performed adequately but the fire starting capability with the flint fell short on our test.


   
     

Review of "High Sierra - A Journey on the John Muir Trail"

Trailer for the documentary by Pete Bell




Review

If you've ever wanted to see what the John Muir Trail entails in all its scenic wonder as well as some of its hiking challenges, this documentary is for you.  Filmed by skilled videographer Pete Bell, it follows in the footsteps of six teen guys who backpack the famous trail, some on their very first backpacking adventure. 

The filmmaker uses stunning time-lapse photography to capture the beauty of a sunset, the spectacular scenery of Yosemite National Park, as well as a starlit night. There is a good mix of both hikers and their challenges alongside the filming of wildlife amid breathtaking scenery.  The small elevation profile map and appropriate titling helps identify where the hikers are (though later on in the film the elevation profile sadly disappears). There is also an interview with a Yosemite park ranger that offers a good perspective of the man John Muir (though the ranger candidly points out he's never hiked the trail itself). 

This film is by no means a “How To” on hiking the John Muir Trail but rather is a personal tale of the teens who hiked and mastered it. Unfortunately in that aspect, the film lacks any personal profiles of the hikers undertaking this epic adventure (for instance, I had no idea they were high schoolers until I read it on the Internet. Had I known, it would have made the journey more impressive to me).  Also it seems this hike was undertaken at the prime time to hike the trail, usually from mid August on. Any of the challenges of snow, insects, or high river crossings (of which I saw only two very easy water crossings in the film and no snow on the trail anywhere) are nonexistent. So these challenges of the trail are not represented.

All in all it is a finely-crafted film that makes one appreciate the great beauty found in what is appropriately deemed the most spectacular trail in the US. And I for one can’t wait to hike it.