Osenga Invitational

I thought everyone might want to see what our backcountry still looks like… as of June 8th, 2008. This is the reason for the delay in the June trip which has been pushed it to July 4th - 6th.

For the 2008 season we have purchased the GPS wonder-tool from SPOT Inc., a subsidiary company of Globalstar, Inc, SPOT Satellite Messenger. What does this tool do for us?

1.) Security in the backcountry. SPOT will enable us to be in immediate contact with emergency services should one of our hikers become injured. Response by 911 services will be deployed upon contact with the GPS coordinates of our exact location.

2.) Controlled contact. Should delays occur on the trip a message that “we are okay” can be sent to any number of email address or to cell phones via text message. This will give loved ones and friends (list predetermined prior to trip departure) the knowledge that all is okay and things may just be running late.

This is a great tool of conveniences for our team to ensure the safety of all hikers and peace of mind for family and friends.

SEE SPOT HERE!

There’s a great audio podcast on hiking with poles that gives qualified information on pole use. Check it out HERE. The episodes are called: Using All Fours, part 1 and Using All Fours, part 2.

You want some video media as well? Here is one source for some online videos offered by Backpacker Magazine.

Backpacker Videos Here

Looking for some media and information on backpacking and wilderness back country? Here are a couple items for you in audio form. These are free podcasts that you can play from your internet browser or download and save on your computer. You can load these onto an MP3 player or burn to a CD to listen to in the car.

:: WildeBeat ::
- Website
- Shows
- iTunes Subscription
- RSS Feed

:: Practical Backpacking ::
- Website
- Shows
- iTunes Subscription
- RSS Feed

I’m sure there will be more to come. If you know of a great source for some back country gear and outdoor life information, please comment below. Thank you!

Here’s the run down of the obvious places to get gear. If you don’t have these companies catalogs coming to your mailbox… well, you should.

Campmor :: catalog signup

Cabela’s :: catalog signup

Sportsman’s Guide :: catalog signup

Mountain Gear :: catalog signup

REI :: catalog signup

Patagonia :: catalog signup

Bass Pro Shop :: catalog signup

We know there are others. So if you have a favorite place where you grab your gear, let us know by leaving a comment!

There are many styles and ranges of backpacks out there now. The original bags usually were in the form of what we would now call a day pack. Then came the framed packs. With the advent of the hip-belt, more weight could be added to the packs with greater comfort.

For more information on choosing a pack, go HERE.

Tell us what you are using. Leave a comment so others will get an idea on some good, or bad, equipment!

This is the conversational “blog” to utilize communication for the Osenga Invitational.

The goal of this section of the website is to kick around ideas, needs and preferences for gear and safety in the back country.

Please take part in this and leave comments and points of view. Various conversations will be started in order to initiate popular topics.

Where to start? Well, just read and make a comment on the first story: “What backpack Do You Use, and Why?”