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The Best Ski Goggles Available for This Winter

Top Ski Goggles Gliding through knee-deep powder on a majestic mountain is an amazing experience. You are one with nature tackling the mountain. The beauty of winter surrounds you. You don’t want anything to spoil this moment, especially faulty equipment. Your vision must always be top-notch so you can see moguls or divots before you unexpectedly collide with them. Ski goggles are a vital part of your necessary equipment. Superior goggles will allow you to see well through snow, ice and wind in both dark and light conditions. There are many factors to consider when you are searching for the best goggles to suit your needs. There are obvious factors such as size, fit and color as well as less obvious considerations such as anti-fogging treatments. The following categories are all important things to consider when you buy your first or next pair of ski goggles.

Size and Fit

The size and manner in which your goggles fit are extremely important considerations when purchasing ski goggles. You never want your goggles to be too tight or uncomfortable. If equipment is uncomfortable while you ski it lessens your enjoyment and makes for a miserable day on the slopes. Typically, adult ski goggles are available in small, medium and large sizes and are meant for people with “average” shaped heads. Teenagers usually wear adult size goggles. There are some models that are specifically intended for women. They tend to have different color options and a frame that is a little smaller and narrower. There are also children’s goggles which are for smaller, child-size heads. The lenses on children’s goggles tend to be inexpensive to help keep the price of the goggles lower. Children are constantly growing so their goggles don’t need to last as long as an adult’s. There are different boy and girl graphics and colors available for children’s goggles which make it a little more fun for the kids. OTG (over the glasses) goggles can be purchased for people who need to wear their prescription glasses underneath their goggles. The frame of the goggles on the OTG’s is bigger so the prescription glasses can comfortably fit underneath them. Finally, there is an alternative fit ski goggle that is intended for Asian facial structures that has a nose bridge which is deeper. It is a more naturally fitting goggle.

Kids ski goggles Another consideration when purchasing ski goggles is whether you will be wearing a ski helmet as well. Most goggles today are compatible with helmets. If you wear oversized goggles there are helmets available that can be adjusted for that purpose. When trying to fit your goggles to your face remember that the straps on the goggles will allow you to tighten or loosen them. You want the top of your goggle to be flush with your forehead. If there is space between your forehead and the goggle, then things such as snow and sun will enter through the gap. It would definitely lessen your ski experience. You want your goggles to fit firmly against your face, but also not be too tight to cause any discomfort or pinching.

Not only are goggles adjustable but they are also padded. Padding on ski goggles truly helps the goggles to be more comfortable for you. Higher-end ski goggles have padding that will feel like a soft pillow against your face. When it comes to the padding, price does make a difference. Basic, less expensive goggles typically have foam that is a single layer. It is less comfortable, less durable and will not fit as snugly against your face. Yet it is fine if you do not ski very often. If you do plan on doing a lot of skiing during a winter, then the multi-layer foam on the more expensive goggles is worth every penny. They are much more comfortable and durable.

The shape of goggles also varies. Goggles can be cylindrical (flat) or spherical. Flat goggles are flat vertically but curve horizontally around your face. Spherical goggles are curved both horizontally and vertically to provide you with better quality vision. Cheaper goggles tend to be flat while more expensive goggles tend to be spherical. Keep in mind that the shape of the goggles will definitely impact how comfortable they are for you. As stated earlier, if you don’t have a lot of money to spend and you aren’t going to use them very much, then the cheaper, cylindrical-shaped goggle will be fine.

Types of Lens

There are many different types of lens for ski goggles. Lens can be mirrored, polarized or photochromic. Each kind has its own special value or use. Mirrored lenses are perfect for very bright and sunny conditions. There is a coating on the outside of the mirrored lenses that is reflective. Its purpose is to block sunlight when it is very bright outside. If it is a cloudy day, mirrored goggles would not be your best bet. Yet on a sunny day they would be great. Polarized lenses are good when there is a glare emanating from the snow right into your eyes. They block horizontal light while allowing beneficial light to still come through. These lens types are not good on a cloudy day either. For the best of both worlds, you can purchase goggles with photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to the light conditions. They will lighten or darken according to the brightness of the day. You don’t have to physically switch the lens. It does all the work for you.

Another lens option that will give you the perfect visibility whether it is light or dark outside is interchangeable lenses. Numerous mid to higher priced goggles can be purchased with interchangeable lenses. Some goggles come with both a lens for sun and a lens for cloudy conditions. You simply need to snap one lens out and snap the other lens in. Some goggles have a system in place for changing lenses that is magnetic while still other lenses are frameless. There are many possibilities to choose from when trying to find what works best for you.

The color of your lens is one more important part of the goggle puzzle. Different colors have different purposes. The darker colors such as blacks and blues will block the largest amount of light. Green, purples and reds color your surroundings and are beneficial on cloudier days. Very light blue and yellow are clearer lenses that are perfect for overcast days. If you have goggles with an interchangeable lens, then you can have a darker lens for sunny days and a light lens for cloudy days. Some goggles even come with a carrying bag for your extra lens.

Six Top Goggles in 2016

The following is a list of six superior ski goggles in 2016. They can all be purchased on Amazon, but the prices may vary with time.

Oakley Canopy Ski Goggles

Oakley Canopy Ski Goggles are made for comfort. They have a triple layer of face foam with a fleece lining that wicks moisture away. The lens is made of Platonized material that completely filters all UVC, UVB and UVA light. The lens has an F3 anti-fog coating on it combined with dual vents to help prevent fogging. A greater lens volume allows you to see everything around you including places with your downward and peripheral vision. The goggles are made with O-Flow Arch technology that makes breathing a little easier for you. The Canopy is helmet compatible as well as compatible with the majority of frames for prescription eyewear. There are over 25 different color options to choose from for these awesome goggles.

Smith Optics I/OX Goggle

The Smith Optics I/OX Goggle is indeed an amazing goggle for downhill skiing. The lenses are interchangeable and the goggles come with two lenses. You can use the Blue Sensor-VLT lens for overcast or cloudy days, and the Gold Sol-X-VLT for a sunny day if that they are the colors you purchase. Included with the price of the goggles is a goggle bag made of microfiber that contains a sleeve for your replacement lens. The goggles are both eyewear and helmet compatible. They have a floating foam membrane which alleviates pressure on your temples from eyeglasses. The lens area is very large, so you have great visibility. The goggles area also equipped with advanced fog prevention. These goggles have over 25 different color options.

Dragon Alliance DX2 Ski Goggles

Dragon Alliance DX2 Ski Goggles are a less expensive goggle with a cylindrical (flat) lens. They are helmet compatible and are made to fit a medium size head. The lens is double layered and coated with Super Anti Fog which will help to keep your vision clear. The goggles also have a double layer of face foam for extra comfort. The lining is made of a micro fleece that is hypo-allergenic. The lenses are ionized and offer 100% UV protection. Choose from 12 different colors.

Bolle Nova Snow Goggles

Bolle Nova Snow Goggles are made for medium and large size faces. They are designed to fit with any helmet and will work with prescription eyewear as well. The goggles are created with venting ports that control air flow in order to help prevent fogging. The lenses block both UVA and UVB rays to 400 nanometers. The goggles have a double lens design. Five different color options are available for the goggles.

Burton Anon Men’s Relapse Goggles

The Burton Anon Men’s Relapse Goggles provide men with a wide unobstructed view. These lenses are OTG compatible and are cylindrical in shape. The goggle frame is made of a lightweight Thermoplastic Polyurethane. The full perimeter of the frame has channel venting which in addition to the Integral Clarity Technology anti-fog treatment provides you with crystal clear vision. The goggles have a triple layer of face foam for extra comfort. Included with your purchase is a spare Graybird lens along with a goggle bag made of microfiber. The Burton Anon Men’s Relapse Goggles are available in six different colors but only in one size.

Burton Anon Women’s Wm1 Goggles

The Burton Anon Women’s Wm1 Goggles have a spherical lens that gets rid of optical distortion. An Integral Clarity anti-fog coating makes sure that your vision will always be clear. The goggles achieve maximum airflow with channel venting on the full perimeter. There are three layers of foam on the goggles assuring comfort and a seal that is tight. The face fleece is Outlast Fog Management. These goggles use a quick lens change technology called “Magna-Tech” and come with a spare Graybird lens. Also included with your purchase is a goggle bag made of micro-fiber and a nylon compression molded goggle case. Choose from four different color options. As with the above men’s goggles, the women’s goggles are only available in one size.

No matter where or when you ski, it is important to always wear a good pair of goggles for your adventure. Remember that the fit of your goggles is very important. You don’t want to be uncomfortable all day, but they must be snug. The shape and size of the goggles as well as the color and type of lens are all important considerations when making your purchase. You want goggles that are durable, comfortable and will provide you with clear vision. Not just any goggle will do. You certainly do not want your goggles to keep fogging up on you. Consider the factors above and purchase the goggles of your dreams.

5 Tips for Beginners to Stand Up Paddleboarding

By James Leave a Comment

Summer is in full swing, and that means it is time to experiment with new experiences. The warm weather is calling us outside, and most of us end up at the beach no matter how hard we might try to resist the sand and sun. Paddle boarding is a water activity that goes unnoticed because it isn’t as popular as surfing and jet-skiing, but for those who enjoy a less intense aquatic experience, paddle boarding is a great option to try out this summer. Keep reading below to learn about some great tips if you’re interested in testing out a stand up paddle board.

1. Choose the Right Type of Stand Up Paddle Board

The Best Time Paddleboarding with a Dog Facing a wall full of stand up paddle boards can be intimidating, but don’t fear, we can help you pick the right board. There are three main types of stand up paddle boards to consider: Stock boards, 14 Foot boards, and Unlimited boards. Stock boards are best suited for users 180 pounds or less, and the boards are 12 feet long. They travel fast in rough waters and don’t put a fight when accelerating, but are not the fastest of the bunch in calm waters. 14 Foot boards combine the best qualities of the Stock boards and the covetable calm water speed of Unlimited boards– they’re a safe bet if you’re unsure of the other boards. Unlimited boards are around 17-18 feet long and are the fastest of the group because of their long waterline, which allows them to have a longer glide. Because they’re so long they can be difficult to handle during transport, and do not provide the easiest handling in rough waters. Of course, paddle boarding can be executed with a surfboard if purchasing a new board isn’t an option.

2. Have the Proper Paddle

Know the difference between a stand up paddle boarding paddle and a paddle used for canoes. They look similar, but paddle boarding paddles are generally longer. The blade of the paddle will vary in size depending on the activity, but they are usually shaped like a banana peel. Depending on what type of sport you’re participating in using your stand up paddle board the size and length of the paddle will vary. For surfing, you want a paddle that’s about 5 to 7 inches longer than your height– this is known as “shaka” length. For racing, the paddle should be closer to 10 inches above your height. The paddling technique is not too complicated, so don’t be intimated by having to operate the board and paddle. Hold the paddle in a wide grip with both hands in order to glide through the water quickly as a tighter grip will slow you down. The blade of the paddle should be angled away from the rider, and you should use a “push and pull” method of moving it. By “push and pull” it is meant that the rider moves the paddle forward gently, and then moves it back toward themselves quickly without before removing it from the water.

3. Keep it On a Leash

Unlike those annoying Velcro ankle tethers you hated to use when boogie boarding as a kid, having a tether on your stand up paddle board is important to ensure that it doesn’t float away if you fall off. Also, because the stand up paddle board itself is a flotation device, being tethered to it is an important step to take for safety reasons. In case you don’t wear a personal floatation device– though you should– having that tether on your board can keep you afloat if the waters get rough. Additionally, like paddles, there are different types of leashes and tethers depending on what type of activity you use your board for, so be careful to choose the correct one.

4. Dress Appropriately

In cooler waters, be sure to wear either a wet or dry suit to prevent hypothermia, especially if you’re taking an extended stay out on the water. In warmer waters, a bathing suit or shorts and a shirt meant for getting wet will do just fine. You want something that moves easily in the water and also shields your skin from the sun.

5. Be Aware of Safety Regulations

The US has specific safety measures for waterspouts. Stand up paddle boarding is regarded like most forms of prone surfboard riding and does not require a personal flotation device while in the designated surf zone. But because it’s quite easy to move out of that area without knowing, it’s best to wear a personnel flotation device as the safety regulations may change from area to area. If you’re hitting the waters during the peak of tourist season in an area, pay close attention to the safety regulations because the authorities of that area will be paying closer attention to how they are followed and thus enforce them with more intensity.

If you’re thinking of taking stand up paddle boarding under your wing, consider these tips before you get in the water. Happy paddling!

Reviews of the Best Sleeping Pads for Camping

By James Leave a Comment

Camping is meant to be fun, but if you can’t get any sleep, it won’t have nearly as much fun as you could. The ground is naturally cold, hard and uncomfortable.

A high-quality sleeping pad can make all of the difference. The only problem is that most people don’t know what features to look for. Once you have the best sleeping pad for camping, it won’t matter where you decide to plop down for the night.

After a full day of hiking, you’d think it would be easy to get some sleep on just about any surface, but without the right gear, you’ll be lucky if you even get a few minutes of sleep.

What to Look For In a Sleeping Pad

sleeping pads If you’re looking for the best sleeping pad for campers, you need to make sure that you know what to look for. One of the top considerations to make is cost.

It’s possible to find high-quality sleeping pads at a variety of prices, and you should never assume that a pad is great because it’s expensive. On the flipside, there are many inexpensive pads that can deliver a better overall experience than what you’d get from an expensive product.

However, as a general rule of thumb, most expensive pads have a better experience to offer than cheaper products.

Foam or Air

There are two main types of sleeping pads available. The first type is made out of foam, and the second type will support your body using air. With modern materials, both types of pads can be quite comfortable and lightweight. Most of the foam pads tend to be easier to set up and affordable.

They’re also better for situations that involve unknown terrain, which means you don’t know what type of terrain you’ll be sleeping on. A foam pad can provide some extra support for your frameless backpack, or it can be used as a versatile seat around the campfire.

When compared with air pads, the biggest downside of foam pads is bulkiness. It can be difficult to pack the foam because it’s bulky, and over time, the foam wears down and requires replacement.

Although they have several advantages to offer, air pads can be quite expensive, so you’ll need to decide if the camping trip is worth the extra cost. After trying both types of products, most campers agree that air pads are much more comfortable than foam.

However, one of the major downsides of air pads is that they’re extremely vulnerable to punctures, and there is nothing worse than getting no sleep because the only bed that you had got punctured by a lone branch. If you decide to get an air pad, it’s worth the extra money to purchase some repair patches because you never know when you’ll need them.

Total Weight

A sleeping pad for camping is also very likely to be used for hiking, so it’s a good idea to consider the weight. As mentioned earlier, foam tends to be significantly heavier than air.

Since it will need to be large enough to support your entire body, there is a good chance that your sleeping pad will be one of the heaviest objects in your camping pack.

If you’re only staying for the night and plan to sleep in a common campground, don’t be afraid to purchase something heavy. For longer trips deep into the wilderness, you’ll want to go with something much lighter.

Understanding R-Values

A lot of people have trouble understanding R-values and how they affect your camping experience. Fortunately, they’re not too difficult to understand. Most sleeping pads have an R-value, and it’s created to tell you how warm the sleeping pad will keep you.

After all, the purpose of the pad is to keep you warm and comfortable while you sleep at night. The R-value is designed to tell you how effective a particular sleeping pad is at keeping your body insulated from the cold ground beneath you. A higher R-value offers greater protection than a lower value.

If you frequently enjoy warmer camping trips, then consider getting a product with an R-value between zero and one. For most other camping conditions, you can get something with an R-value ranging from one to three.

If you’re really pushing the limits and plan to sleep in freezing temperatures, you should get a sleeping pad that has an R-value ranging from three to five. For winter backpacking and sleeping on snow, an R-value of five or higher is recommended.

However, since everyone is different, these values must be adjusted for your own personal preferences. If you tend to prefer a warmer sleeping environment than most of your friends, you might want to add an additional point to the R-value system.

Total Length

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is choosing the wrong length. When you’re trying to sleep, your major pressure points are the shoulders and hips, so you’ll want to consider getting a sleeping pad that delivers optimal padding for these areas.

If you view yourself as an ultralight backpacker, your best bet would be a torso-length pad, which allows your legs to hang off of the pad and saves weight. For the average camper, the best pad should offer plenty of padding for your entire body.

Total Thickness

In most cases, a thicker pad will deliver more overall comfort. However, this isn’t always the case. One of the benefits of choosing a thicker pad is that it offers greater flexibility to find the ideal firmness for your unique body.

It’s important to find a thickness that doesn’t leave your body bottoming out and uncomfortable. You should also make sure that the pad has plenty of structure.

You don’t want to be camping and feel like you’re sleeping on bubble wrap. In other words, the pad should be extremely comfortable while staying strong enough to hold its shape.

Total Size

The total packed size of your sleeping pad is important. You want to be able to pack it up and deploy it quickly. If you choose a smaller pad, you’ll have no trouble packing it into a small, lightweight backpack, which is great for long hiking trips. If you go with a bulkier pad, you’ll probably need to strap it to the outside of your backpack while hiking.

Top Recommendations

To make your life easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best sleeping pads for campers. Although these are some of the best products on the market, you’ll still need to use your judgement and select the best pad for your personal needs.

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Mattress

If you’re looking for the best pad on a budget, this is a great product to consider. It’s a closed cell foam pad and delivers great durability.

When compared with most other pads, the price is very affordable. This particular pad offers the perfect combination of size and durability. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Mattress is an excellent choice for campers and works just as well for hardcore backpackers.

It’s a logical choice for mountaineers, alpine climbers, thru-hikers and campers. Although it’s not nearly as durable as some other products, its compact size provides a distinct advantage.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture WV Mattress

If you’re looking to get the most for your money, the NeoAir Venture WV sleeping pad should be considered. It delivers an excellent combination of durability, comfort and value.

It’s significantly more comfortable than some of the other sleeping pads on the market, and it’s an especially logical choice for campers. It features a rectangular shape and heavy fabric. When you need the highest level of comfort for camping and don’t care about weight, this is an ideal pad.

It’s made from heavy, durable fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out too quickly. It’s great for camping and backpacking. You should have no problem using it to get a restful night of sleep. You can even use this pad for car camping.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm

For the best overall sleeping pad, you’ll want to go with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm mattress. It’s one of the best overall pads on the entire market.

It offers the perfect thickness and has been designed to be ultralight. With an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, this sleeping pad will keep you warm in almost any environment.

To reduce weight without compromising warmth, the bag features a tapered design. When fully packed, this pad is no bigger than a one-liter water bottle, so you’ll have no trouble fitting it into the smallest backpack. It has a baffled internal structure, which provides optimal support and stability.

With a Triangular Core Matrix Construction, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm minimizes convective heat loss while keeping the overall size of the bag to a minimum. Overall, it’s the best sleeping pad for campers on the market.