Making the switch to Vibram Five Fingers Max Effgen, February 21, 2012December 1, 2013 At the start of the year, I made the switch to the iconic, near-barefoot toe shoe. This has been a gradual process. Moving to a minimalist trail shoe about 2 years ago and ditching my orthotics about 18 months ago proved to be easy. I had come across Chi Running… Continue Reading
Weekend Project: Climbing Wall for the Bowflex Max Effgen, November 15, 2009December 2, 2013 My toddler-aged son has loved the climbing walls at various playgrounds around Seattle this summer. With the start of the rain, which should stop sometime in April, the playgrounds have been a little wet and cold. I wanted to encourage this new love since it combines physical and metal challenges… Continue Reading
Portable Espresso = Handpresso Max Effgen, July 5, 2009 I came across the Handpresso while shopping at the Seattle Flagship REI store. It is truly portable. Hand pump operated and uses the standard Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pod. This is a device that I would actually take into the backcountry. Pack-in/Pack-out does not work well with loose coffee grounds…. Continue Reading
Mother Nature does not care what logo is on the side of your tent. Max Effgen, June 14, 2009 First camp trip of the year was literally a wash. The wife and I are avid backpackers. We have tackled adventures in the Yukon, Alaska, Glacier NP and Patagonia. The addition of children has compromised our backcountry adventures a bit, but we still enjoy a car camp and light hikes… Continue Reading
Discovery Park Service Project Max Effgen, February 28, 2009 REI has adopted a plot of Discovery Park in Seattle and held a volunteer day today to help restore the habitat. As a frequent park user, I was glad to help plant snowberry bushes and mahonia. Felt good to get out an turn some earth on a windy and cool… Continue Reading