Northwest Recreation

Slime skabs are unique in their application because they provide bicyclists options apart from the typical and standard patches requiring scuffing, glue, and then a patch.  Most people don’t have to time or energy to really try to install a patch when on a trail biking, or for that matter, just riding around town.  Obviously, one of the biggest frustrations is the ever-looming “non-sticking” patch problems.  Skabs solve that problem by reducing the amount of work required and by simplifying the technique to installing.  Here are some quick pros and cons:

Quick Pros:

• Easy to install
• No glue required
• Everything needed is included
• 6 patches will keep you going for a while
• Will easily fit in a pocket
• Fast “setting”

Quick Cons:

• Too small for large holes
• Not effective on dirty tubes
• Wait time varies by temperature and moisture

Despite the fact that larger holes won’t be patched with these, I still trust Skabs each and every time I go.  I woudl definitely suggest Skabs for bikers and recreationists who don’t want to deal with the glue, scuffing, and patching that normal patch kits require.

Winter has set in, and with it the woes of boring days spent inside. For many, the indoors just mark another inactive day. But there are solutions to staying indoors. As winter continues, it is important to keep up on your exercise and maintain fitness and stamina for spring hiking. There are many different ways to so this, but here are some especially good one.

For starters, treadmills are a perfect way to stay indoors and maintain stamina, but they are often boring. One great way to stay fit without having to run on a treadmill is to run at a track. You can also try to jog on fair days on good trails. Finally, try to keep your exercise routines unique. This will keep exercising fun and easy. Also try to get outside to exercise at least once a week to get some fresh air. Even recreating in the winter can be fun. Happy hiking!

Back country hiking is a phenomenal way to see nature.  Going “off the beaten path” lets you search out the few wonders that many people don’t get to see.  It also lets you hike in quieter, more serene places.   With a tendency to have more wildlife, back country areas are known for their undisturbed beauty and difficulty to get to in many cases.  It can be an amazing experience, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• Get stuck, and you’re stuck: It is much harder to get around with no trail, so remember to tell people where you are going and when you will be back.  No cell phones and few people mean that it can be more dangerous.
• For the love of animals:  They’re great critters, but they also abound out there.  Hang your food high between two trees at least 15 feet off the ground.  More certainly can’t hurt, because I wouldn’t want to be hungry out there.
• Nature calls: There aren’t facilities out there, so plan on using proper means to dispose of human waste.
• Manhunt:  Search and rescue doesn’t need more calls to find lost people.  Know where you are going and hike with someone to avoid getting lost or stuck alone.
• Respect your mom:  Mother nature has its own balance of ecosystems, etc.  Be respectful.  Pack it in, pack it out.  Don’t feed critters, and make sure you stay off of known delicate environments.

Back country hiking is incredible, and definitely my favorite type of hiking.  Just remember to be safe out there and be respectful.    Happy hiking!