The Linkup: March 21st

Wild and Scenic-East Rosebud Canyon

East Rosebud Creek is one of the 1% of rivers in Montana that are eligible for Wild and Scenic Designation.  This video is brought to you by Friends of East Rosebud who are petitioning to get the creek protected from a possible hydroelectric project.

#Backcountry Ski Problems

While no one wants to admit it, chances are you or someone you know has forgotten their skins.  This can mean missing out on a perfectly good spring ski day as you see the ideal corn conditions melt away as you drive back to town. Read this article about how to MacGyver your way up the mountain...

Skin Care for Climbers

Skin care is one of those small things that can mean the difference between sending your project and sitting by watching your friends crush it.  Read this blog post by Paige Classen about how to heal faster and push harder...

Creating the All-Terrain Human

Killian Jornet is one of those athletes that is just a step above everyone else.  An endurance athlete that competes in ultra-marathons, ski-mountaineering races, and breaks speed records all over the world.  Check out this New York Times article for a look at Killian's training and newest project.

  A Sobering look at Submersion Times

There isn't much that is scarier than being trapped underwater.  This article takes a hard look at the data of drownings and tells it how it is.  Read more here...

Hyalite Canyon plowing ends March 31st.

March 31st is the last day Hyalite Canyon Road is open for the winter season.  Get out and enjoy the last chance ice climbing, backcountry skiing, and ice fishing while you can.  The road will stay open to bikes and foot traffic; which is a great way to see Hyalite without the cars.  Also there is an informal grill out at G1 on March 31st.  See you there!

Werner Paddle Review

Whether you are paddling Class V whitewater or out enjoying a flatwater tour, a great paddle can make all the difference.  Richie Bekolay is a kayak fisherman who fully endorses Werner paddles.  Check out his writeup here...
Last Week's Linkup

The Linkup:March 14th

Sun, warm weather, soft snow, and awesome outfits; for many people spring skiing is what it is all about.  Video from Big Sky Resort.

Bozeman Climbing Team

The Bozeman-Magpie writes about the Bozeman Climbing Team, from its inception in 1995 to today the Bozeman Climbing Team has been getting youth outdoors through rock climbing and competing on competitions across the Northwest.  Read more about it here...

Paddling out the Winter in Mexico

Substantial TV is out with their next episode, this time south of the Border in Mexico.  While we have fun crushing ice and slashing powder, these guys headed down to Tlapacoyan, Veracruz, Mexico to drop waterfalls and paddle whitewater.  Paddling season is right around the corner and 

Uphill Travel at Ski Resorts Gains Traction

Alpine Touring Equipment has been the biggest area of growth in the ski industry.  While there are more people then ever skiing the backcountry, ski resorts are responding to this by allowing uphill travel in-bounds.  By setting up a skin track many people are enjoying the relative comforts of a ski resort while touring. Check it out...

  Climb the Nose in a Day,

Some days you wake up feeling old, your joints hurt, your back is tight, and you feel the aches and pains from a day of skiing, paddling, or climbing.  The next time you feel old think of these guys, Jim Donini, 69, and George Lowe, 68, are planning on climbing the Nose in a day.  While these two are legends of climbing they are still out there climbing hard.  Read more here...

Channel that inner Dirtbag

Big Sky-March 16th.  While some people think every day is dirtbag day, those classy folks up in Big Sky devote one day to celebrate this phenomenon.  Break out the one piece suits or denim jackets, pull out your mullet wig, and ponder the most effective way to show off some ridiculous facial hair.  More info...

Last Week's Linkup

The Linkup:March 7th

Spring Skiing

Sun, warm weather, soft snow; for many people spring skiing is what it is all about.  Video from Big Sky Resort.

Spring Skiing-Middle Basin

Spring is starting and while the resorts are skiing as great as ever it is an excellent time of year to head out into the backcountry.  Middle Basin is definitely not a secret but check out this write-up from our blog last year. 

Trad Mixed Lines

"Rarely have mixed climbing standards been pushed so far in a single winter. In Wyoming and Washington, Switzerland, Norway and Scotland, climbers are torquing their way up rock faces to thin ribbons of ice—or lack thereof—and they're doing it without bolts. This has been the year of hard mixed trad climbing" Continue the article here...

Time to Replace Climbing Gear?

Mike Doyle's climb was going great until he took a big lead fall on a fixed draw, the sling broke, and he stopped 5 feet short of the deck, plummeting a total of 60 feet.  Read more about it here...

  Snowshoe Shuffle March 9th Moonlight Basin

Heart of the Valley Snowshoe Shuffle is this Saturday.  Head to Moonlight Basin and show your support for Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. Snowshoes provided by Northern Lights! 
 
More information here...

Tips-Making a POV Movie

Outside Magazine has an article with a few tips on how to make your videos better.  Follow the link and start making awesome videos today! The first step is to get a GoPro!

  Boating Season is around the Corner!

Follow the link for a Q&A with Simon Westgarth, one of Europe's best paddlers who gives us some advice on learning to kayak and reading rivers.  There are also videos at the bottom of the article worth watching.



Last Week's Linkup

The Linkup:Feb 28th

Green Gulley

Hyalite is spectacular but sometimes you need to go explore the other classics. This is a video from climbing Green Gulley, one of the gems of Southwest Montana located in Pine Creek. For more beta get a copy of Winter Dance.

Pinhead Classic-Saturday, March 2nd

Bridger Bowl is home to another great event this weekend, the Pinhead Classic Tele Festival.  Open to everyone, head up to Bridger for the day and meet back at the Emerson for some more fun with music from The Kitchen Dwellers and Cure for the Common.  More info here...
Also, this year's theme is Nascar Tele-dega so be ready for a party!

Will Gadd and Ice Festivals

This years Bozeman Ice Festival competition winner weighs in on the growing popularity of Ice Fests and his favorites around the world.  Head over to Scarpa's blog for the article.

Vassilopoulos climbs M12/13 in Hyalite

Local Kyle Vassilopoulos claims the first ascent of House of Flying Daggers in the bingo cave, Hyalite Canyon.  Read the article on Rock and Ice.

  SW Montana Action Sequences

Local Photographer Pat Clayton shows off some shots from SW Montana over on TGR.  Bridger, Big Sky, Crazy Mountains, and more. Follow the link...

The Piolets d'Or

Look at the list of amazing alpine ascents up for consideration for the Piolet d'Or awards.  From Alaska to Patagonia, France to Pakistan, climbers were busy putting up new alpine routes all over the world.  Follow the link...

  Chasing Ice

The Bozeman Chronicle highlights Chasing Ice, a documentary about climate change that will be part of the Bozeman Film Festival March 7th.  Read the article here.



Last Week's Linkup

NLTC Video:Demo Day at Big Sky Resort

A bluebird February ski day at Big Sky Resort!

Bozeman Sport Climbing Movie-March 29th

Free Premiere at Northern Lights Trading Company on March 29th! Check out the trailer and get stoked!

Like the facebook page!

The Linkup:February 21st

Walk On Water

When a skiing accident left Greg Mallory paralyzed from the waist down, he turned to whitewater kayaking to help him escape his wheelchair. Now he's an accomplished Class V whitewater paddler who finds strength, challenge and meaning in paddling rivers. This is his story. 

Bridger Gully Freeride-Saturday, Feb 23rd

Bridger Gully Freeride is this weekend.  Good luck to all the competitors!There are still a couple spots available if you want to give it a go against some of Bozeman's Best Skiers. Follow the link for details...

Veterans Overcoming Barriers

Check out today's Chronicle Cover Story about Veteran's Expeditions who teamed up with Conrad and Whit this week in Hyalite Canyon.  Read the story here...

Friend's of East Rosebud Creek

Check out the Non-Profit's work to secure permanent protection for the Beartooth's East Rosebud Creek. One of the pristine areas of Southwest Montana, great Ice Climbing, Rock Climbing, Class IV-V Paddling, and access to the highest peaks in the state.  http://www.saveeastrosebud.org/index.html

Nikki Kimball's Finding Traction

Bozeman Running Company put on a screening of Nikki Kimball's film Finding Traction a couple weeks ago and Outside Bozeman wrote about it on their website.  If you haven't seen it check out the trailer here.

Snow Kayak Racing

Some people put their paddling gear away for the winter.  These are not those people.  Check out the video from an event in Estonia.

 

 

A First Descent in the Tetons

Check out Outdoor Research's Article about skiing the Elevator Shaft.  A new line on the north face of Prospectors Mountain in Grand Teton National Park.



Last Weeks Linkup

Learn to Kayak

Learn to kayak with the folks at The Barn. This class will get you ready to hit the water when the snow melts. This introductory-level class teaches you everything you'll need to know to get started:  kayaking safety, paddle technique, gear selection, rolling and more. We provide almost everything you'll need. There are a limited number of spots, so please call us if you're interested or if you would like more information.

Danielle will be leading the class again this year and she can be reached at 585-2090 or at ddesmond@northerlightstrading.com.

"The more you know when you start this course the further we'll take you, and the less you know, the fewer bad habits you'll have to break -- which means your learning curve will be faster. Either way there's no-one too advanced for lessons because we teach strokes and rescues from a practical point of view, and the class size is kept small so we can challenge each student to their individual level.
Build confidence and self-reliance by learning the boat handling and safety skills needed to deal with the weather, waves, currents, and capsizes that are part of kayaking. This kayak lesson is no superficial introductory class --on-the-water instruction including learning to roll, bracing, edging, steering, turning and even forward strokes."

The Linkup:February 13th

Bozeman Sport Climbing Movie

Check out the trailer for the new Bozeman Sport Climbing Movie coming out next month.  Tune in for more info on the premiere and get excited for sport climbing this spring!

Sharma/Ondra Sport Climbing in Spain

Chris Sharma sent Stoking the Fire 5.15b, the same day Adam Ondra sent La Dura Dura 5.15c.  Check out these world class climbers who are crushing the toughest routes in the world. Then get motivated because winter won't last forever!

Smith River Deadline Feb 15th

Friday is the last day to submit an application for a Smith River permit for 2013.  59 miles of pristine river, excellent trout fishing, and amazing scenery. Click here for a link to the application.

New Trail on Dougherty Mountain

Outside Bozeman has a writeup about the possibility of a new trail on Dougherty Mountain north of Interstate 90.  It looks to be a great early/late season hiking and mountain biking trail that benefits from the rain shadow of the Continental Divide.  Check it out here...

 

La Sportiva Vertical K Review

As the snow seems to be unfortunately getting more and more scarce in some places, it might be time to have a look at what to wear for this new trail running season that is coming soon.
The Vertical K from La Sportiva are not new on the market, but they still are one of the best option to look into when it comes to super lightweight competitive trail running shoes. Read More...

Skiing the Gallatin Crest

A ski traverse of the Gallatin Crest is a long challenging objective.  Check out Forrest McCarthy's article about doing just that from 2011.  Read more here...

 

 

Mammut Athlete Whit Magro

Check out Bozeman's own Whit Magro's pictures from his trip to Patagonia this January.  Check it out on Mammut's blog.


Last Week's Linkup

The Linkup:February 7th

Be Careful out there!

The GNFAC Youtube Channel highlights the instabilities in the backcountry.  Be careful and have the proper equipment.

Product Review:The Scarpa Boostic

Simply put this shoe crushes everything I have been able to throw at it so far; indoor, limestone, granite bouldering even a little crack climbing.  I have been very impressed with continue reading at montanabouldering.com...

Aaron Mulkey on Defibrillator M8

Read about this new mixed line and check out some of the pictures from the South Fork on Aaron's blog Coldfear.  If you are thinking about a trip check out Winter Dance for information on Ice Climbs in both the Cody area and around Bozeman. 

Shovel Racing

Ice Climbing not your thing?  Check out Shovel Racing.  In case you didn't know the World Championships are at Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico this weekend.  Read more...

 

Matt Sterbenz on Camber and Rocker

Check out this Explore Big Sky writeup by 4FRNT Owner Matt Sterbenz- 
"If you’re on the beat with what’s new and wonderful, then the topic of camber to rocker ratio has probably already reached you, and thus you’ve chosen a side (or compromise) for the style and conditions of skiing or riding you prefer. Rocker will have some permanent role in future ski design, or dare I say, technology." Read More...

The Grand Canyon of the Stikine

Kayaking some of the toughest whitewater on the Planet.  Check out Substantial T.V.'s episode full of raging whitewater, dub step, and other shenanigans.  Check out the Brown!

 

 

Calling All Bloggers/Youtube/Web Feigns

Share your stuff with us on our Facebook Page and if we like it we will highlight it in the Linkup! 

Last Week's Linkup

The Lowdown on Down Products

Ever wonder what all those numbers mean on your goose down jacket or your down sleeping bag? Well, we're going to try to unravel the mystery for you here so you can make better decisions about your next down purchase.

Most people understand that 800 fill is better than 650 fill. But why? What do those numbers mean exactly? Down is measured by loft and weight. So there's two numbers you should pay attention to. The first, loft, is measured by what's called "fill power." Basically, that's how much volume an ounce of down fills, measured in cubic inches. So when you see "800," that means you're getting down with a loft of 800 inches cubed per ounce. Compare that with 650 cubic inches per ounce and you can literally see the difference between the two.

800+ is fairly rare and, therefore, more expensive. And the more down in the jacket or sleeping bag or down bootie, the more expensive.  The total volume of down is usually expressed as "fill weight" or the total weight of all the down stuffed inside your bag or garment. Ultimately if you are looking for the warmest, lightest down product you can find, look for a high fill power and high fill weight.

It's difficult, however, to judge how warm a garment or sleeping bag is until you've ventured out into the elements. Sleeping bag ratings in the U.S. are known to be more about survival than comfort. So ask your friendly salesperson if they know anything about the company's history before you go out on a 0 degree night with a sleeping bag rated 0 degrees.

Overall, if what you're looking for is a lightweight sleeping bag that will compress down to almost nothing and last you ten years, go for a high fill power.  If you're looking for a down jacket that is super warm but compressibility and weight aren't your primary concerns, go for a medium fill power like 600-650 and get it stuffed with a high fill weight.  The golden rule really is if it looks warm, it probably is!

-By NLTC Staff

The Linkup:Bringing You Links to the Outdoors

Bridger Bowl closes out the month with a BOOM!

With 40+ inches to end the month we are excited for February here at Northern Lights.  Powder Skis are on sale and ready to go!

Bridger Moves Forward with New Lifts

 In other news Bridger is moving forward this offseason with replacing the current alpine lift with two new higher speed triple chair lifts.  Read more about it here.

Winter In Hyalite

Take 5 minutes and fill out the Hyalite Winter Use Study being conducted by Friends of Hyalite and Montana State University.  Follow the link here.

Climbing Season in Patagonia

Patagonia Ambassador Colin Hayley has a writeup on Patagonia's blog about his current trip down south.  Nothing like seeing beautiful pictures from the Southern Hemisphere to get you thinking about a summer trip to the Bugaboos or Cirque of the Towers!

 

Black Diamond Ski Journal

Black Diamond spotlights one of the classic backcountry ski lines in Southwest Montana, The Hanging Garden on Beehive Peak.


"I stood on top of the coveted Hanging Garden, on the north side of Beehive Peak in the Spanish Peaks of Montana, remembering the first time I had come up to ski this line. A steep, narrow and exposed shot, it is one of those ski descents that exemplifies the zone, and defines itself as a classic."
-BD Product Developer Bob Downs

Read More...

 

Nyes' Ice- an enjoyable excursion 

"We ended up having goldy-lock conditions. The ice was fat and sticky, there was hardly any snow, the valley was beautiful, there was abundant wildlife, and the climbing was 100% type 1 fun.

The reason I'm talking this route up so much (it's only WI2 for all you radsters) is that it is the best route of the grade I have ever climbed- pure hippy holler glee!" -Loren Rausch

Read more about it here...

New Video:Climbing Silver Surfer Suit 13a

Check out the newest NLTC video of Alex climbing in Gallatin Canyon.  Silver Surfer Suit is a challenging climb at "The Cube" just south of Gallatin Tower.  Filmed with a GoPro Hero2 earlier this summer.