Nitecore NU20 Rechargeable Headlamp Review

The Nitecore NU20 headlamp is rechargeable with 4 different intensity settings ranging from 1 lumen to 360 lumens at full power.

The Nitecore NU20 is very bright, lightweight rechargeable headlamp that I'm using this year for three-season backpacking and hiking. Weighing just 1.66 ounces, including a comfortable head strap, it has 4 brightness levels, ranging from 1 lumen to 360 lumens on full power, in addition to two special modes: a flashing SOS and a Beacon Mode that's good for guiding people to a location in the dark.

In all honesty,  I was hesitant to try this headlamp because it is rechargeable and doesn't take the external batteries that I've carried for years, in case mine run out. But it was recommended by my backpacking friend Martin Rye from the UK and I decided to give it a go. Martin's recommendations are usually spot on when it comes to backpacking gear, cameras, and electronics.

The NU20 is recharged using a mini-USB plug so it's compatible with the 8000 mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery I carry on all my hikes to recharge my smartphone if I use it for GPS navigation.  I've also started using a new USB rechargeable camera, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 (awesome camera), which means I can eliminate a lot of the spare batteries I routinely carry in my pack and recharge on the go, if needed. I like the idea of using a rechargeable battery because it's less wasteful, I don't need to carry a bunch of different device chargers or batteries on long trips, and it makes resupply a lot less complicated between my frequent trips. I rarely use more than 25% of the charge on my backup battery and feel that I still have plenty of extra capacity to recharge these extra devices if needed.

Nitecore NU20 Specs

The NU 20 is a very comfortable headlamp to wear, the headband is easy to adjust, and the lamp is super lightweight so you barely notice that you're wearing it. I'm not a night hiker by habit, so I mainly use the 1 lumen and 40 lumens settings around camp instead of the 200 and 360 lumen settings, although I can see them useful for winter hiking.

Operation of the headlamp is intuitive with button presses to rotate through the different light intensities. The headlamp also has a built-in battery indicator to indicate how much power is remaining and when the light is being recharged.

The bracket that connects the light to the strap has a plastic tab that prevents accidental activation which can drain the battery.

The one thing missing from this light is a lock mechanism built into the switch to prevent the light from being turned on accidentally. That function is handled instead by the bracket that attaches the light to the headband and lets you redirect the beam. There's a small plastic tab on the bracket that prevents the on-off switch from being activated, provided you rotate the light back into the bracket after using it.

This is an easy habit to remember and it's something I do whenever I stow the headlamp in the tiny stuff sack that I use to store all of my electronics. Of course, the fact that the headlamp is field rechargeable means that I can top off the battery is if I ever forget, the headlamp turns on, and drains itself. So far, that's never been an issue and I am confident that the risk of running completely out of juice is low anyway. You're never more than a week away from an electric outlet anymore, even when hiking a remote trail.

I've been using the Nitecore NU headlamp for a four months now and really like it. I like the headlamp's light weight, the adjustability of the strap, the light modes it provides, and that it's powered by a rechargeable lithum-ion battery with a mini-USB connector. Being able to replace all the spare batteries (in different sizes) that I used to carry and replace them with the single rechargeable battery I already carry is also a big win. I'm cautiously optimistic that this strategy will work, but time will tell.

How do you feel about consolidating all your spare batteries, switching to USB rechargeable electronics, and using a USB portable charger to top off your devices instead?

Disclosure: The author purchased this product with his own funds. 

Support SectionHiker.com. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links above, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

from Section Hikers Backpacking Blog http://ift.tt/2rdNJNm

Bushwhacking Cape Horn

Cape Horn – Actual Route

Cape Horn is an unusual geologic feature in New Hampshire's north country called a ring dike. Two thousand feet in height, it's a ring-shaped remnant of volcanic activity, bordered to the east and west by steep (note angry red and purple slope shading above) talus cliffs. I was inspired to climb it after reading a trip report about Cape Horn on John Compton's 1HappyHiker website. John is a local treasure, an off-trail raconteur of rare and unusual places to visit. Cape Horn proved to be a remarkable destination and we had a fine spring day to check out the wondrous views from its cliffs.

View of the southern ridgeline from a ledge at the north end

We approached Cape Horn from Lost Tribe Rd, following an old 4WD road mapped on the USGS map. It's not really a road anymore, but a swath cut through the forest. Our goal was to hike the ridge from south to north and then hop off after the north summit and loop back. We crossed a set of powerlines and could see talus cliffs at the base of the Cape, so we decided to go check them out before vectoring to the south end of the ridge. They proved a nice diversion with nice views all their own.

Note: the area along Lost Nation Rd to the north of the 4WD trail is a rifle range, so well stay clear of it. It's well posted, but still. 

Cliffs in the distance

The area below the cliffs was full of boulders so we dropped some elevation and headed south across open forest. The geology of Cape Horn is such that it sweetens and fertilizes the soil around it and we saw an abundance of flowers on the forest floor. There was evidence of bigger mammals including bear scat and deer pellets. I also saw an enormous porcupine as we neared the southern end of the ridge and gave it a big detour.

When we reached the south end, we found a bony spine and climbed up it to the top of the ridge. We also found ourselves in the midst of a red pine forest, a relatively rare tree in the New Hampshire ecosystem.

Admiring the view from the cliffs

As we worked our way north, we darted between the east and western ledges for views. The best ones were westward into the Pilot Range and down into the river valley between the two ridgelines. It was such a clear day, we could even see Franconia Notch from our viewpoint, close to 40 miles south.

We summitted the south peak and headed toward the northern peak, the highpoint along the ridge. The bugs were horrendous so I pulled out a headnet and wore that the rest of our hike, despite the fact that it'd periodically catch on overhanging vegetation. It's that time of year! Most of us were wearing long pants to protect ourselves against ticks, which we also pulled off our pants.

The northern summit is much more distinct than the southern with even better east facing cliffs that drop hundreds of feet. We lingered soaking up the views of the twin Percy Peaks in the Nash Stream Forest to our north. It was one of those days, where we could have sat there for hours, except for the bugs….

Ken with the unofficial peak canister

After signing the (NH500) canister, we made our way down the western spur and dropped into some logged out areas at the foot of the cliffs that led back to the 4WD road and our cars.

Cape Horn is a unique bushwhack, one well worth the drive up north.

from Section Hikers Backpacking Blog http://ift.tt/2rT307j

How to diffuse the back of your hair

Struggling with drying your curly hair?

I love answering your hair questions and I received great question from a reader, Kama, who is having trouble getting volume at the back of her curls. She asks:

Do you have any tips for diffusing curly hair? I have no problem with diffusing the front, but I can't seem to do the back of my hair correctly (no volume, etc.) If you have any helpful hints, that would be greatly appreciated.

Love this question, Kama!

I've got a couple of videos below to show you how I diffuse my curly hair.

Here are some tips on how to best diffuse the back of your curly hair.

Lean in

As you'll see in the videos, I like to lean over to diffuse the front and sides of my hair. I can usually reach the back this way too.

A trick to make this easier is to sit in a chair. That way, you're supported by the arms of the chair so can get the angle right.

Flip it

To get extra volume, flip your hair all the way over. Drying your curls upside down will help you achieve more lift in your roots.

Alternatively, you can place your hairdryer in a holder (or DIY one) and lean back in your chair to dry your hair. This is a great trick if you have back problems or can't hold a dryer for a long time.

Clip it

Use flat pin curl clips to hold up your roots as you dry your hair. I like these ones. Lift your curls and place the pins right at the root at the top of your hair and at the crown of your hair.

If you need more volume at the back, add in more clips below the crown of your head. They will hold up your curls so they don't dry flat against your head.

Dyson Diffuser Testdrive

This video is more about the hairdryer review but skip forward to around the 6 minute mark to see how I diffuse my hair.

Click here if you can't see the video above

How I wash and style my curly hair

This is my full curly hair routine, and I start to diffuse my hair around the 3.30 mark.

Click here if you can't see the video above

Hope these tips help you get more volume in your curls!

If you've got any hair questions, you can ask me in the comments below or send me an email xx

The post How to diffuse the back of your hair appeared first on Hair Romance.

from Hair Romance http://ift.tt/2rBXRAZ

How to diffuse the back of your hair

Struggling with drying your curly hair?

I love answering your hair questions and I received great question from a reader, Kama, who is having trouble getting volume at the back of her curls. She asks:

Do you have any tips for diffusing curly hair? I have no problem with diffusing the front, but I can’t seem to do the back of my hair correctly (no volume, etc.) If you have any helpful hints, that would be greatly appreciated.

Love this question, Kama!

I’ve got a couple of videos below to show you how I diffuse my curly hair.

Here are some tips on how to best diffuse the back of your curly hair.

Lean in

As you’ll see in the videos, I like to lean over to diffuse the front and sides of my hair. I can usually reach the back this way too.

A trick to make this easier is to sit in a chair. That way, you’re supported by the arms of the chair so can get the angle right.

Flip it

To get extra volume, flip your hair all the way over. Drying your curls upside down will help you achieve more lift in your roots.

Alternatively, you can place your hairdryer in a holder (or DIY one) and lean back in your chair to dry your hair. This is a great trick if you have back problems or can’t hold a dryer for a long time.

Clip it

Use flat pin curl clips to hold up your roots as you dry your hair. I like these ones. Lift your curls and place the pins right at the root at the top of your hair and at the crown of your hair.

If you need more volume at the back, add in more clips below the crown of your head. They will hold up your curls so they don’t dry flat against your head.

Dyson Diffuser Testdrive

This video is more about the hairdryer review but skip forward to around the 6 minute mark to see how I diffuse my hair.

Click here if you can’t see the video above

How I wash and style my curly hair

This is my full curly hair routine, and I start to diffuse my hair around the 3.30 mark.

Click here if you can’t see the video above

Hope these tips help you get more volume in your curls!

If you’ve got any hair questions, you can ask me in the comments below or send me an email xx

The post How to diffuse the back of your hair appeared first on Hair Romance.

from Hair Romance http://ift.tt/2rBXRAZ

IndieView with Phoenix Elvis Nicholson, author of Appalachian Phantoms

Oh, there are always struggles in writing. Anyone who denies this is either lying to themselves or you. Or they're not faithful to their audience.

Phoenix Elvis Nicholson – 30 May 2017

The Back Flap

Friends from Bruceton Mills, West Virginia investigate the unknown.

About the book

What is the book about?

Appalachian Phantoms is about a diverse group of acquaintances investigating strange happenings in the Bruceton Mills area of West Virginia.

When did you start writing the book?

The genesis of this work came about after meeting some folks at a birthday celebration lovingly referred to as Millstock.

How long did it take you to write it?

In December 2016 it was published. I started writing it soon after that early July birthday party, urged on by stories my family was burdened with. They weren't too keen on listening, so I retreated to my study and a few months later, Tada!

Where did you get the idea from?

During a brief trip to a purportedly haunted barn/farmhouse owned by family relatives that had been for years shuttered.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Oh, there are always struggles in writing. Anyone who denies this is either lying to themselves or you. Or they're not faithful to their audience.

What came easily?

Starting from page one and going to the final chapter's end, at least for the rough draft.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

For the first time, I have drawn from actual people met. Names are changed to protect the guilty and easily embarrassed.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I grew up loving Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Isaac Asimov and Frank Stockton. I tried reading a few novels by other famous authors and found them great for bringing on sleep before the second chapter. How these and other authors have inspired me, well, I've always enjoyed being entertained and having my imagination challenged. James Patterson always thrilled me with how he wasted no time in getting the action started from the get go. I have always wanted to reach that effect.

Do you have a target reader?

As far as age groups, no. My hope is that anyone who enjoys the hobby of reading and gravitates towards the unusual will also gravitate towards my stories.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Certainly. Glad you asked. Proud of my eclectically adorned study. Take your time looking around. You'll see some influences and odd props hanging about, such as the lava lamp, the Necronomicon, the 1930 Sears catalogue, the 1920 typewriter, and of course the multiple incense burners. I fire up the huge capacity CD Changer, turn the volume up to Deafness, light up some incense and try to escape any other interference. You'll notice right away there's no telephone in here. Part of the process begins with the right mental attitude. Reality gets shut out and the trance begins. Not a real trance, but bear with me…

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Everything depends upon the material being attempted.  For instance, with my first book, Trilogy White Stone (Book 1 Cousin Bertie), the approach was simply chaining myself to the typewriter and pounding out everything that happened. Honestly, I found sleeping extremely difficult after visiting her home.

Most times, it's just a matter of knowing where to start and end the story and then filling in the rest, hoping that nothing important is forgotten along the way.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you've finished?

Usually, it's all stream of consciousness. A few passages in Appalachian Phantoms were done in varying stages of unconscious streams of thought.

Did you hire a professional editor

Oh, yeah, I sort of evaded the other question, forgive me. Anyways, yes, and no. I edit as I go along, sleep on it a bit, wake up around, oh, some ungodly hour, and then trip over the cats on my way to the study. By the time my teenager needs a ride to the bus stop, she'll snap me out of it and let me know it's time to go. That's where the work ends for that day. Only professional I ever "hired" was an online service for the first book's cover. (I did call in a favor by the ultra-talented Cheryl Looker for the 4th book's cover.)

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Heh, as said before, I love the ambience music provides. Depending upon my personal mood, I might fill the jukebox with Queen, Franz Liszt, Willie Nelson, AC/DC, Etta James, Styx, Alan Parsons Project, Frank Zappa, Susan Tedeschi, Primus, Beethoven, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Aerosmith, or any of a dozen different bands. (CD collection of 600 and growing.) My taste is all over the place, just like the voices that inspire. Some call them muses. I call them friends.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did try. Not being very good at rejection, I took it upon myself to get all of these ideas out there quickly as possible. Biggest impetus was my daughter. Close to thirteen at the time, she wrote on my dry erase board, "You can do the stuff, so do the stuff. I believe in you."  I look at that every day. At times it makes me tear up.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

After reaching a certain age, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe goals are more than lofty. Many will say they're unattainable. My dream was publishing one book before passing away. With the wonderful encouragement of my daughter, I decided to simply do it on my own. In honor of her age, many of my books only had 13 chapters.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Book 1's cover was done by an online service, book 4 by Cheryl, the rest by yours truly.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

No plans as of yet other than getting all these ideas and voices in my head out and onto paper, sharing it with the reading world. Should monetary success happen, great! If not, at least I got my stories in print.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don't ever give up. Age is only a number not a death sentence. Surround yourself with at least a handful of people who support you and are honest enough to tell you whether your words are good or not.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Born in Washington DC, raised in the suburbs of Forestville, Maryland. Served in the US Army for 9 years, US Park Police and as an officer in the Pentagon. Also, worked plenty of odd jobs like the Savannah (Georgia) Theatre Company, Humane Society, Domino's Pizza…

Where do you live now?

With second wife and second daughter in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Currently entertaining seven freeloading cats.

What would you like readers to know about you?

Appalachian Phantoms 2 & 3, Goblin 2, Siblings (7th part and end of Trilogy White Stone / Sky Not Empty collection), Guest Services and a few other titles. No moss growing here.

Thanks for talking with me. Maybe next time we'll meet at your place. You bring the wine, I'll bring the Ouija Board.

End of Interview:

For more from Phoenix visit his website. follow him on Twitter, or like his Facebook page.

Get your copy of Appalachian Phantoms from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

 

from The IndieView http://ift.tt/2rAu0Zr

IndieView with Phoenix Elvis Nicholson, author of Appalachian Phantoms

Oh, there are always struggles in writing. Anyone who denies this is either lying to themselves or you. Or they’re not faithful to their audience.

Phoenix Elvis Nicholson – 30 May 2017

The Back Flap

Friends from Bruceton Mills, West Virginia investigate the unknown.

About the book

What is the book about?

Appalachian Phantoms is about a diverse group of acquaintances investigating strange happenings in the Bruceton Mills area of West Virginia.

When did you start writing the book?

The genesis of this work came about after meeting some folks at a birthday celebration lovingly referred to as Millstock.

How long did it take you to write it?

In December 2016 it was published. I started writing it soon after that early July birthday party, urged on by stories my family was burdened with. They weren’t too keen on listening, so I retreated to my study and a few months later, Tada!

Where did you get the idea from?

During a brief trip to a purportedly haunted barn/farmhouse owned by family relatives that had been for years shuttered.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Oh, there are always struggles in writing. Anyone who denies this is either lying to themselves or you. Or they’re not faithful to their audience.

What came easily?

Starting from page one and going to the final chapter’s end, at least for the rough draft.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

For the first time, I have drawn from actual people met. Names are changed to protect the guilty and easily embarrassed.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I grew up loving Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Isaac Asimov and Frank Stockton. I tried reading a few novels by other famous authors and found them great for bringing on sleep before the second chapter. How these and other authors have inspired me, well, I’ve always enjoyed being entertained and having my imagination challenged. James Patterson always thrilled me with how he wasted no time in getting the action started from the get go. I have always wanted to reach that effect.

Do you have a target reader?

As far as age groups, no. My hope is that anyone who enjoys the hobby of reading and gravitates towards the unusual will also gravitate towards my stories.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Certainly. Glad you asked. Proud of my eclectically adorned study. Take your time looking around. You’ll see some influences and odd props hanging about, such as the lava lamp, the Necronomicon, the 1930 Sears catalogue, the 1920 typewriter, and of course the multiple incense burners. I fire up the huge capacity CD Changer, turn the volume up to Deafness, light up some incense and try to escape any other interference. You’ll notice right away there’s no telephone in here. Part of the process begins with the right mental attitude. Reality gets shut out and the trance begins. Not a real trance, but bear with me…

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Everything depends upon the material being attempted.  For instance, with my first book, Trilogy White Stone (Book 1 Cousin Bertie), the approach was simply chaining myself to the typewriter and pounding out everything that happened. Honestly, I found sleeping extremely difficult after visiting her home.

Most times, it’s just a matter of knowing where to start and end the story and then filling in the rest, hoping that nothing important is forgotten along the way.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Usually, it’s all stream of consciousness. A few passages in Appalachian Phantoms were done in varying stages of unconscious streams of thought.

Did you hire a professional editor

Oh, yeah, I sort of evaded the other question, forgive me. Anyways, yes, and no. I edit as I go along, sleep on it a bit, wake up around, oh, some ungodly hour, and then trip over the cats on my way to the study. By the time my teenager needs a ride to the bus stop, she’ll snap me out of it and let me know it’s time to go. That’s where the work ends for that day. Only professional I ever “hired” was an online service for the first book’s cover. (I did call in a favor by the ultra-talented Cheryl Looker for the 4th book’s cover.)

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Heh, as said before, I love the ambience music provides. Depending upon my personal mood, I might fill the jukebox with Queen, Franz Liszt, Willie Nelson, AC/DC, Etta James, Styx, Alan Parsons Project, Frank Zappa, Susan Tedeschi, Primus, Beethoven, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Aerosmith, or any of a dozen different bands. (CD collection of 600 and growing.) My taste is all over the place, just like the voices that inspire. Some call them muses. I call them friends.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did try. Not being very good at rejection, I took it upon myself to get all of these ideas out there quickly as possible. Biggest impetus was my daughter. Close to thirteen at the time, she wrote on my dry erase board, “You can do the stuff, so do the stuff. I believe in you.”  I look at that every day. At times it makes me tear up.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

After reaching a certain age, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe goals are more than lofty. Many will say they’re unattainable. My dream was publishing one book before passing away. With the wonderful encouragement of my daughter, I decided to simply do it on my own. In honor of her age, many of my books only had 13 chapters.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Book 1’s cover was done by an online service, book 4 by Cheryl, the rest by yours truly.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

No plans as of yet other than getting all these ideas and voices in my head out and onto paper, sharing it with the reading world. Should monetary success happen, great! If not, at least I got my stories in print.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don’t ever give up. Age is only a number not a death sentence. Surround yourself with at least a handful of people who support you and are honest enough to tell you whether your words are good or not.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Born in Washington DC, raised in the suburbs of Forestville, Maryland. Served in the US Army for 9 years, US Park Police and as an officer in the Pentagon. Also, worked plenty of odd jobs like the Savannah (Georgia) Theatre Company, Humane Society, Domino’s Pizza…

Where do you live now?

With second wife and second daughter in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Currently entertaining seven freeloading cats.

What would you like readers to know about you?

Appalachian Phantoms 2 & 3, Goblin 2, Siblings (7th part and end of Trilogy White Stone / Sky Not Empty collection), Guest Services and a few other titles. No moss growing here.

Thanks for talking with me. Maybe next time we’ll meet at your place. You bring the wine, I’ll bring the Ouija Board.

End of Interview:

For more from Phoenix visit his website. follow him on Twitter, or like his Facebook page.

Get your copy of Appalachian Phantoms from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

 

from The IndieView http://ift.tt/2rAu0Zr

ULA Backpacks: How to Choose

ULA Ultralight Backpacks – How to Choose

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) is one of the oldest and most respected ultralight backpacking gear manufacturers. Their backpacks are quite popular with long distance backpackers and weekend warriors in the United States and are a frequent sight along our National Scenic Trails and in the backcountry.

I like ULA's backpacks because they're very durable and can be configured to fit a wide range of people, including men and women. In fact, nearly half of ULA's customers buy backpacks configured for female customers, far more than any other ultralight backpacking manufacturer. They're also the only backpack manufacturer to offer female friendly S-shaped shoulder straps as an option on every overnight backpack they make.

All of ULA's backpacks are sewn in the United States if that's important to you, which also gives them the ability to customize their packs for a small fee. They also provide fantastic custom support in my experience, especially when it comes to making sure that you get a pack that fits properly.

If you've never purchased an ultralight backpack before or aren't familiar with ULA's product line, it can be challenging to figure out which ULA backpack is right for you. Here are some tips to help you with the selection process, so you get the right pack for your needs.

ULA Circuit Backpack

ULA Circuit Backpack

The ULA Circuit is ULA's most popular backpack and the one I recommend most often to hikers looking for a pack that's durable enough to withstand a thru-hike but lightweight enough for weekend use. With 68 liters of capacity, the ULA Circuit can hold a lot of gear, but has a surprisingly nimble feel and won't slow you down. It's also easy to configure for a different types of trips, terrain, and equipment needs, and is burly enough for winter use, so you can use it year-round.

• 68 liters of capacity (total, including pockets)
• Weight: 36-41 oz, depending on optional components used
• Max load: 30-35 pounds
• Bear canister compatible: a BV500 fits vertically inside
• Replaceable hip belt with big pockets and multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, including female specific straps
• For complete specs

Most of the Circuit's storage is in the main compartment which closes with a roll top, making it easy to pack and access the gear stored inside. Roll top closures provide excellent top compression for larger loads without much added weight, which is why they're so popular on ultralight backpacks.

The Circuit is organized like most ultralight backpacks with two open side pockets, a large rear mesh pocket, and a hip belt with two large zippered pockets. This design lets you keep the daytime gear you need on the outside of pack, so you can avoid having to stop and dig around in your pack whenever you need something.

The ULA Circuit has a three-part frame the includes an aluminum frame stay, a plastic stiffening sheet, and a foam pad. The advantage of a frame stay is that you can bend it to fit your back and personalize the fit. Load transfer to the hips is very good and the pack is comfortable with up to 35 pound loads.

Read my review of ULA Circuit Backpack

ULA Catalyst Backpack

ULA Catalyst Backpack

The ULA Catalyst is ULA's largest capacity pack with 75 liters of capacity and a max recommended load of 40 pounds. While the Catalyst looks quite similar to the ULA Circuit and can be used for thru-hikes, this pack is best used on expedition trips that require carrying more food between resupply points than thru-hikes. The Catalyst is also a good backpack for professional guides or trip leaders because it has extra space for larger first aid kits and technical equipment.

• 75 liters of capacity (total, including pockets)
• Weight: 44-48 oz, depending on optional components used
• Max load: 40 pounds
• Bear canister compatible: a BV500 fits vertically and horizontally inside
• Replaceable hip belt with big pockets and multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, including female-specific straps
• For complete specs

The ULA Catalyst has a much burlier frame system which gives it a slightly less nimble feel than the Circuit. It has two aluminum frames stays instead of one, in part because the Catalyst has a wider and larger pack bag. Having the two aluminum stays means that you can carry much heavier loads with the Catalyst than another of ULA's other backpacks (other than the Epic and Camino 2 which are also built on top of the Catalyst frame system.)

Read my review of ULA Catalyst Backpack

ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack

ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack

The ULA Ohm 2.0 has a minimalist frame and suspension system that best used by hikers who've already made the transition to less bulking and lightweight gear, not those starting down that road. It's a great backpack, but it requires a more nuanced packing and gear strategy than the ULA Circuit or Catalyst backpacks, which have much heavier stiffer frames.

• 63 liters of capacity (total, including pockets)
• Weight: 27.5-32 oz, depending on optional components used
• Max load: 25 pounds
• Bear canister compatible: the smaller BV450 fits inside
• Replaceable hip belt with big pockets and multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, including female-specific straps
• For complete specs

The Ohm 2.0 is laid out in like other ultralight backpacks with side water bottle pockets and a rear mesh pocket. While the pack back comes with a draw string closure, a roll top is also available. The side compression system is much more streamlined than on the Circuit or Catalyst and uses cord instead of webbing. However, the Ohm 2.0 also gives you many different attachment points so you can rig up a custom compression/attachment system that fits your exact needs.

The Ohm 2.0 frame has a thin foam back panel and a fiberglass/carbon fiber loop to help the pack bag keeps it's shape. It's very fragile however and you should avoid sitting on the Ohm 2.0 or checking it as luggage on an airplane because it can break easily. The pack bag is also narrower than any of ULA's other backpacks, so it really conforms to your body and moves with you. The Ohm 2.0 is my favorite ULA backpack, but it is easy to overwhelm if you load it up too heavily or have very bulky gear that doesn't compress well.

Read my review of ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack

ULA CDT Backpack

ULA CDT Backpack

The ULA CDT is a classic frameless ultralight backpack, one of the few still available from cottage ultralight gear manufacturers. It's a streamlined backpack with less closed storage than ULA's other backpacks, but one a very durable one, with great external storage.

• 54 liters of capacity (total, including pockets)
• Weight: 19-24 oz, depending on optional components used
• Max load: 18 pounds
• Bear canister compatible: the smaller BV450 fits inside
• Multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, including female-specific straps
• For complete specs

While the ULA CDT is technically frameless, it has a foam back panel that prevents packed items from poking you in the back. But the secret sauce that makes the CDT so comfortable to carry is the fact the hip belt is sewn directly to the backpack, so you get a carry that moves when you move, provided you don't overload the pack with gear and consumables. If you need a pack that can carry more weight than the CDT, I'd recommend choosing the Ohm 2.0 instead.

Read my review of ULA CDT Backpack

Specialty Backpacks

ULA makes a number of specialty backpacks that are quite similar to their other backpacks but are "tuned" to specific uses.

ULA Camino 2 Backpack

ULA Camino Backpack

The ULA Camino 2 is a panel loading backpack designed for hostel-to-hostel and travel hiking, where luggage like access to your gear and airplane carry-on spec compatibility are the chief requirements. Panel loading backpacks let you unzip the main compartment of a pack from the exterior, much like a suitcase, so you can pull out the gear you need without having to unpack your backpack through the top. They're super convenient for travel or when you're sleeping indoors in a hostel and have limited closet space.

• 75 liters of capacity (total, including pockets)
• Weight: 52 oz
• Max load: 40 pounds
• Bear canister compatible: a BV500 fits vertically and horizontally inside
• Replaceable hip belt with big pockets and multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, including female-specific straps
• For complete specs

For all practical purposes the Camino 2 is identical to the ULA Catalyst except it has a different pack style pack bag. The shoulder straps, the hip belt, and the frame system, are all identical, so it can carry up to 40 pound loads comfortably. While the Camino can be used as a top loader since it has a roll top, the back of the pack can be opened by opening a zipper that runs around the perimeter of the rear mesh pocket.

ULA Epic Backpack

ULA Epic Backpack (the blue stuff sack containing a packraft strapped to the bottom of the Epic is shown for illustration and is not included with the pack).

The ULA Epic Backpack is designed for packrafting and canyoneering where you want to be able to store all of your clothing, gear and food in an industrial strength dry bag designed for water sports. Instead of a conventional pack sack, it incorporates a 65L Sea-to-Summit Big River Dry Bag, which is cleverly sandwiched to the backpack frame using compression straps and fabric panels to hold it in place. The Epic also has a mesh rear pocket with a zipper down the middle to store gear you want access to during the day. However, unlike ULA's other packs, it does not have side water bottle pockets or a hydration sleeve.

• 30-82 liters of capacity (total, depending on dry sack volume)
• Weight: 52 oz
• Max load: 40 pounds
• Replaceable hip belt with big pockets and multiple sizes available for a custom fit
• Multiple shoulder strap options available, including female-specific straps
• For complete specs

The ULA Epic is also built on top of the Catalyst frame, shoulder strap, and hip belt system so it has a max recommended load of 40 pounds. While it does come with a dry bag, you can also use the stripped down frame system to carry other things such as coolers, elk quarters, boxes of food – pretty much anything you can wedge between the frame and compression straps. The Epic isn't for everyone, but if you need a pack like it, it provides the right level of modularity to fill a wide variety of needs.

ULA Fastpack

ULA Fastpack

The ULA Fastpack is ULA's newest and smallest capacity backpack, designed for adventure racing, day hiking, or peak bagging. It doesn't have a hip belt and features a vest-style shoulder harness instead of the J-shaped and S-shaped shoulder straps used in ULA's other backpacks.

• 45 liters of capacity (total, 25L in the main pack bag, 15L in the roll-down extension collar)
• Weight: 26 oz
• Max load: 15 pounds
• For complete specs

The Fastpack is laid out like an ultralight backpacks with 1 liter side water bottle pockets, a rear mesh pocket, and a roll top. It has a foam back panel like the frameless ULA CDT backpack, but with less capacity. If you're interested in using the Fastpack for overnight trips, I'd encourage you to way its pros and cons against the CDT which provides a bit more flexibility because it has a higher volume.

Additional Information

Backpack Volume

Many ultralight backpacking companies, including ULA, measure the volume of their backpacks differently than mainstream backpack manufacturers, which is important to know if you are trying to compare the weight-to-volume ratio of a conventional backpack to a  ULA backpack.

When measuring backpack volume, companies like Gregory and Osprey only measure the volume of the closed storage and don't include the volume of external mesh pockets, pockets without lids, or the added volume of an extension collar in their volume specifications. So if ULA's backpacks seem large in terms of volume, it's because they include a lot of storage that other companies don't count. There is an industry standard for pack volume computations, but almost all of the cottage manufacturers ignore it.

Shoulder Straps

You have the option of selecting J-shaped or S-shaped shoulder straps when purchasing a ULA backpack, on all of their packs except the Fastpack. J-shaped straps are traditionally used on men's packs and S-shaped straps on women's packs, although they're also good for men with athletic builds. S-shaped straps wrap around breasts rather than mash them, which is the key difference between the two. See my article on Women's Lightweight Backpacks, for more information about S-shaped straps and how they differ from J-Straps.

Separate Hip Belt

When ordering a ULA backpack, you can choose from several hip belt sizes. If you've every purchased a pack that only comes with one hip belt size (that doesn't fit you), you're in for a treat, because you can get a highly personalized fit with a ULA backpack. If you're unsure how to size your pack, call ULA support. They're very experienced and helpful and will help you get a good fit.

Torso Lengths

ULA also offers their packs in a number of different torso lengths, but you can further refine the fit by adjusting the height of the hip belt on their Circuit, Catalyst, Ohm 2.0, Epic, and Camino packs. The hip belt attaches to the backpack through a slot in the lumbar area and is secured in place using velcro. The height of the slot has about 2″ of vertical adjustability to it, so you can raise or lower the hip belt, and reduce or lengthen the torso length of the pack beyond the torso length you purchased. This is good if you're between sizes or you need to adjust the torso length when carrying big loads. Contact ULA support for more information about this feature and how to adjust it.

Wrap Up

There's a lot of information in this post, so leave a comment if you have additional questions I can help you answer. And do consider calling ULA support directly if you have questions. Those guys and gals can talk about backpacks all day.

Support SectionHiker.com. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links above, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

from Section Hikers Backpacking Blog http://ift.tt/2rzdzwv

ULA Backpacks: How to Choose

Day-To-Night Style – 2 quick hairstyle tutorials

Hair Romance x Batiste collaboration

Switch up your style from day to night with these two quick hairstyle tutorials and go from boardroom to bar in minutes.

The first look is a quick and easy bun you can do in under a minute. It's perfect for work and will be comfortable all day. Then when it's time to go home, or head out, you can let down your hair for a gorgeous night-time hairstyle.

It's easy to transform your style when you're using products that are designed for dry hair, like Batiste's styling range. It means you can change up your look in seconds, and take a conservative style and transform it back into something fun.

Now to transform from day to night style – video tutorial

Click here if you can't see the video above

Look One – The Bun

This easy bun is a twist on a classic. It's perfect for any work environment. It's so quick and easy that you could just roll out of bed and do it.

What you'll need:

• Dry shampoo (loving the new Batiste Rose Gold!)
• Invisible hair elastic
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray (make sure it's flexible like the Batiste Hairspray)

Step by Step:

1. Part your hair where you normally wear it. Then separate a section of hair from your part line to your ear.
2. Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail. Secure it in place with an Invisibobble or invisible elastic.
3. Twist your ponytail around to create a low bun. Pin it in place with bobby pins.
4. Create your twist. Take the sections you left out at the front, twist it back, and wrap it over and around your bun. Pin it in place underneath with bobby pins.
5. Finish with a spritz of Batiste's flexible hairspray to catch any flyaways and keep it chic all day.

Styling tip

• If your pins slip out of your hair, spray them with dry shampoo or hairspray first. They won't budge all day.

Now to transform from day to night style…

Look Two – The Braid

Let your hair out for a gorgeous night-time look. This braid has the best of both worlds – it's like wearing your hair out, but the braid keeps it off your neck so you stay cool all night long.

What you need:

• Batiste Texturizing Spray
• Batiste Hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Optional – Batiste Heat and Shine Spray

Step-by-step:

1. Start your braid by picking up a section of hair at your part and split it into three. Create a Dutch braid (which is the opposite of a French braid). Cross the right section under the middle and then the left under the right. On the next section, pick up a piece of hair to add into the braid.
2. Repeat this Dutch braid stitch, adding in hair on either side of the braid. Try and angle your braid along the side of your hairline down towards your ear. Once you reach your ear, stop adding in hair and just finish in a regular braid.
3. Stretch out your braid – an unmissable step. Pull at the sides of your braid to make it look and feel bigger and more stylish. See my extra styling tip below for my secret to Pinterest-worthy braids.
4. Wrap your braid along your neck, tucking it under your hair. Pin it in place with bobby pins by the nape of your neck. Gather the rest of your hair over your other shoulder and just comb your waves through with your fingers or brush them into place. It depends on how you like to wear your curls.
5. To finish the style, I love the Batiste Heat and Shine Spray to add a little gloss. I also use the Batiste Hairspray to hold it in place. This style will still look good long after your feet are tired and are ready to go home.

Styling tips

• Pinterest-worthy braids – my secret tip! If you're always looking at those big braids and wondering how they do it, the secret is texture spray! I love the Batiste Texturizing Spray and I spray a little on the centre of my braid before stretching it out. It helps hold the braid in place instead of it becoming too loose. It works like a dream to achieve those Pinterest perfect braids every time.
• Frizzy with flyaways – Instead of spraying your hair with hairspray, spray the palm of your hand. Then gently run your hand over your hair to smooth and catch any unruly flyaways.

I hope you liked this video; I had fun making it! These fast hairstyles can be worn day or night and are easy to transform into your next look.

Give these styles a try – and don't forget to tag me #hairromance on IG so I can see your photo. And you should also follow @BatisteAU for even more hair inspo.

The post Day-To-Night Style – 2 quick hairstyle tutorials appeared first on Hair Romance.

from Hair Romance http://ift.tt/2qpTUPG

Day-To-Night Style – 2 quick hairstyle tutorials

Hair Romance x Batiste collaboration

Switch up your style from day to night with these two quick hairstyle tutorials and go from boardroom to bar in minutes.

The first look is a quick and easy bun you can do in under a minute. It’s perfect for work and will be comfortable all day. Then when it’s time to go home, or head out, you can let down your hair for a gorgeous night-time hairstyle.

It’s easy to transform your style when you’re using products that are designed for dry hair, like Batiste’s styling range. It means you can change up your look in seconds, and take a conservative style and transform it back into something fun.

Now to transform from day to night style – video tutorial

Click here if you can’t see the video above

Look One – The Bun

This easy bun is a twist on a classic. It’s perfect for any work environment. It’s so quick and easy that you could just roll out of bed and do it.

What you’ll need:

• Dry shampoo (loving the new Batiste Rose Gold!)
• Invisible hair elastic
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray (make sure it’s flexible like the Batiste Hairspray)

Step by Step:

1. Part your hair where you normally wear it. Then separate a section of hair from your part line to your ear.
2. Gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail. Secure it in place with an Invisibobble or invisible elastic.
3. Twist your ponytail around to create a low bun. Pin it in place with bobby pins.
4. Create your twist. Take the sections you left out at the front, twist it back, and wrap it over and around your bun. Pin it in place underneath with bobby pins.
5. Finish with a spritz of Batiste’s flexible hairspray to catch any flyaways and keep it chic all day.

Styling tip

• If your pins slip out of your hair, spray them with dry shampoo or hairspray first. They won’t budge all day.

Now to transform from day to night style…

Look Two – The Braid

Let your hair out for a gorgeous night-time look. This braid has the best of both worlds – it’s like wearing your hair out, but the braid keeps it off your neck so you stay cool all night long.

What you need:

• Batiste Texturizing Spray
• Batiste Hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Optional – Batiste Heat and Shine Spray

Step-by-step:

1. Start your braid by picking up a section of hair at your part and split it into three. Create a Dutch braid (which is the opposite of a French braid). Cross the right section under the middle and then the left under the right. On the next section, pick up a piece of hair to add into the braid.
2. Repeat this Dutch braid stitch, adding in hair on either side of the braid. Try and angle your braid along the side of your hairline down towards your ear. Once you reach your ear, stop adding in hair and just finish in a regular braid.
3. Stretch out your braid – an unmissable step. Pull at the sides of your braid to make it look and feel bigger and more stylish. See my extra styling tip below for my secret to Pinterest-worthy braids.
4. Wrap your braid along your neck, tucking it under your hair. Pin it in place with bobby pins by the nape of your neck. Gather the rest of your hair over your other shoulder and just comb your waves through with your fingers or brush them into place. It depends on how you like to wear your curls.
5. To finish the style, I love the Batiste Heat and Shine Spray to add a little gloss. I also use the Batiste Hairspray to hold it in place. This style will still look good long after your feet are tired and are ready to go home.

Styling tips

• Pinterest-worthy braids – my secret tip! If you’re always looking at those big braids and wondering how they do it, the secret is texture spray! I love the Batiste Texturizing Spray and I spray a little on the centre of my braid before stretching it out. It helps hold the braid in place instead of it becoming too loose. It works like a dream to achieve those Pinterest perfect braids every time.
• Frizzy with flyaways – Instead of spraying your hair with hairspray, spray the palm of your hand. Then gently run your hand over your hair to smooth and catch any unruly flyaways.

I hope you liked this video; I had fun making it! These fast hairstyles can be worn day or night and are easy to transform into your next look.

Give these styles a try – and don’t forget to tag me #hairromance on IG so I can see your photo. And you should also follow @BatisteAU for even more hair inspo.

The post Day-To-Night Style – 2 quick hairstyle tutorials appeared first on Hair Romance.

from Hair Romance http://ift.tt/2qpTUPG

IndieView with Vanessa Frances, author of Laundry

I think that there is so much value in the human story, and every experience, whether that leaves us distraught or strengthened, is purposeful in helping us grow.

Vanessa Frances – 27 May 2017

The Back Flap

A collection of poetry, prose, and essays, touching on triumph and tragedy, overcoming one's own demons, abuse, as well as the bitter sweetness of first love and first loss. As with dirty clothes, humans themselves are given the chance to wash, rinse, dry, and fold themselves over and over again. with every cycle, we gain more of our own wear and tear, adding to our own individuality. Everything comes out in the wash.

About the book

What is the book about?

laundry is a collection of poetry and prose that touches on a variety of themes and events that have occurred within the course of my life, such as abusive relationships,  bullying,  identity struggles, and eating disorders. The work is divided into four different sections, each section being titled after a phase in the cycle of doing your laundry (wash, rinse, dry, and fold) with the titles being symbolic of the human experience throughout our growth, change, and experiences.

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing the book in July of 2016, when I decided that I had amassed enough journals from the past three years of my life to begin telling a story that I felt would be best told through poems that myself and so many others could connect to. The human experience is a complicated thing, and sometimes even the biggest events feel better depicted through a limited amount of words. laundry gradually evolved into both my catharsis and catalyst for finding hope and strength in our pasts, and preparing for our futures.

How long did it take you to write it?

Roughly seven months, including editing.

Where did you get the idea from?

All the inspiration for the poetry came from experiences in my own life, and the experiences that others have felt inclined to share with me. I think that there is so much value in the human story, and every experience, whether that leaves us distraught or strengthened, is purposeful in helping us grow.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were specific poems that were inspired by particular people that I found most difficult to write out in full. No matter how much you think that you have grown in your life and have changed since you first felt the feelings that were so poignant, you're never really ever ready to go back and feel the same things that you thought wouldn't hurt as much as they did before. None of us are capable of being strong every day of our lives, and going back to take inspiration from moments I was at my weakest were some of the hardest experiences for me.

What came easily?

Poems where I felt satisfied, happy, and inspired came the easiest. Any emotion, whether good or bad, the moment that you are feeling it at the most powerful will always be the most inspiring moment to write something down during. When I knew that I was feeling something particularly powerful and decided to write something down, I knew those poems were the ones that turned out best.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

In my opinion, the best way to write poetry is to read poetry and learn from past authors. I have a particular liking for Sylvia Plath, Rupi Kaur, Amanda Lovelace, and Zelda Fitzgerald as far as writers go. They all have such varying and particular talents, and are all such interesting women to read about and study regarding their literature. I can only hope to be half as great as any of them.

Do you have a target reader?

I feel that my target population is those who have been through some of the lowest and highest points of life. Relatability and understanding is what I've always aimed for, and the greatest poetry seeks to make things both general and relatable to any reader, and that is what I hope I've accomplished most.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Sitting in a quiet place with a cold glass of water, old jazz music, and plenty of mint gum to help wake up my constantly exhausted brain.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Since laundry is a collection of poetry, after I established what I wanted each section to cover in regards to their themes and significant topics , I organize poems that I write to fit in the sections that I have and order them in a way that reads as both a set of disconnected events, and also a continuous storyline.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you've finished?

Definitely as I go. I don't like looking back and seeing a lot of spelling errors or grammar mistakes. I like to keep the process precise.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Classic jazz, 1950s music, or instrumental tracks of pop songs. Anything that helps keep me focused on what is in front of me without getting too sidetracked.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not. I knew that with poetry it might be best to do the self-publishing route in order to help establish myself and learn a bit more about the publishing industry as a whole.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Going Indie to me had always seemed like that natural choice. Stylistically, I much prefer to do my own thing and create things that I think are different or intriguing, much rather than simply fitting a defined square that some authors get trapped in when going about a predefined publishing route. I think that after doing some self-reflection, I realized that in order to get the most out of my first publishing experience, it would be best to work on my own.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

One of my best friends, Emily Kucala, is an absolutely incredible graphic designer. After a couple of failed attempts on my own part, I contacted Emily to see if she would mind helping me make the cover into something beautiful that I couldn't imagine myself being able to create on my own, and it certainly turned into something beyond my wildest expectations.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Marketing wise, I'm taking the most modern approach that I can think of. Contacting Indie sites and reviewers, using social media platforms, and simply word of mouth, is what I'm hoping will help the book grow into something that many people will be able to read, love, and enjoy.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would advise them to take it slow and not rush into anything that they aren't ready for. You have to know your limitations and take care of yourself. If you're overwhelmed or stressed, you won't be able to do everything that you want to do with the work.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Concord, Massachusetts, but I've spent the majority of my life in Orlando, Florida.

Where do you live now?

St. Augustine, Florida.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I would like them to know that just like myself, they are not defined by their experiences. No matter the good or the bad that you go through, you are comprised of a collection of your best and worst, and that is what will make you into a mosaic of a human being; beautiful with different pieces and shards, that come together to be something amazing. Life is all about our choices, and the way that we react to those choices. What we do, say, think, or feel may be constantly changing, but it is constantly shaping who we are.

What are you working on now?

I'm currently working on a new collection of poetry, as well as my first full length novel, which will hopefully be finished at some point. Every step is a process, and I'm trying to be steady with every one of them.

End of Interview:

For more from Vanessa, visit her website.

Get your copy of laundry from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

 

from The IndieView http://ift.tt/2qZ31pa

IndieView with Vanessa Frances, author of Laundry

I think that there is so much value in the human story, and every experience, whether that leaves us distraught or strengthened, is purposeful in helping us grow.

Vanessa Frances – 27 May 2017

The Back Flap

A collection of poetry, prose, and essays, touching on triumph and tragedy, overcoming one’s own demons, abuse, as well as the bitter sweetness of first love and first loss. As with dirty clothes, humans themselves are given the chance to wash, rinse, dry, and fold themselves over and over again. with every cycle, we gain more of our own wear and tear, adding to our own individuality. Everything comes out in the wash.

About the book

What is the book about?

laundry is a collection of poetry and prose that touches on a variety of themes and events that have occurred within the course of my life, such as abusive relationships,  bullying,  identity struggles, and eating disorders. The work is divided into four different sections, each section being titled after a phase in the cycle of doing your laundry (wash, rinse, dry, and fold) with the titles being symbolic of the human experience throughout our growth, change, and experiences.

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing the book in July of 2016, when I decided that I had amassed enough journals from the past three years of my life to begin telling a story that I felt would be best told through poems that myself and so many others could connect to. The human experience is a complicated thing, and sometimes even the biggest events feel better depicted through a limited amount of words. laundry gradually evolved into both my catharsis and catalyst for finding hope and strength in our pasts, and preparing for our futures.

How long did it take you to write it?

Roughly seven months, including editing.

Where did you get the idea from?

All the inspiration for the poetry came from experiences in my own life, and the experiences that others have felt inclined to share with me. I think that there is so much value in the human story, and every experience, whether that leaves us distraught or strengthened, is purposeful in helping us grow.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

There were specific poems that were inspired by particular people that I found most difficult to write out in full. No matter how much you think that you have grown in your life and have changed since you first felt the feelings that were so poignant, you’re never really ever ready to go back and feel the same things that you thought wouldn’t hurt as much as they did before. None of us are capable of being strong every day of our lives, and going back to take inspiration from moments I was at my weakest were some of the hardest experiences for me.

What came easily?

Poems where I felt satisfied, happy, and inspired came the easiest. Any emotion, whether good or bad, the moment that you are feeling it at the most powerful will always be the most inspiring moment to write something down during. When I knew that I was feeling something particularly powerful and decided to write something down, I knew those poems were the ones that turned out best.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

In my opinion, the best way to write poetry is to read poetry and learn from past authors. I have a particular liking for Sylvia Plath, Rupi Kaur, Amanda Lovelace, and Zelda Fitzgerald as far as writers go. They all have such varying and particular talents, and are all such interesting women to read about and study regarding their literature. I can only hope to be half as great as any of them.

Do you have a target reader?

I feel that my target population is those who have been through some of the lowest and highest points of life. Relatability and understanding is what I’ve always aimed for, and the greatest poetry seeks to make things both general and relatable to any reader, and that is what I hope I’ve accomplished most.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Sitting in a quiet place with a cold glass of water, old jazz music, and plenty of mint gum to help wake up my constantly exhausted brain.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Since laundry is a collection of poetry, after I established what I wanted each section to cover in regards to their themes and significant topics , I organize poems that I write to fit in the sections that I have and order them in a way that reads as both a set of disconnected events, and also a continuous storyline.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Definitely as I go. I don’t like looking back and seeing a lot of spelling errors or grammar mistakes. I like to keep the process precise.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Classic jazz, 1950s music, or instrumental tracks of pop songs. Anything that helps keep me focused on what is in front of me without getting too sidetracked.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not. I knew that with poetry it might be best to do the self-publishing route in order to help establish myself and learn a bit more about the publishing industry as a whole.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Going Indie to me had always seemed like that natural choice. Stylistically, I much prefer to do my own thing and create things that I think are different or intriguing, much rather than simply fitting a defined square that some authors get trapped in when going about a predefined publishing route. I think that after doing some self-reflection, I realized that in order to get the most out of my first publishing experience, it would be best to work on my own.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

One of my best friends, Emily Kucala, is an absolutely incredible graphic designer. After a couple of failed attempts on my own part, I contacted Emily to see if she would mind helping me make the cover into something beautiful that I couldn’t imagine myself being able to create on my own, and it certainly turned into something beyond my wildest expectations.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Marketing wise, I’m taking the most modern approach that I can think of. Contacting Indie sites and reviewers, using social media platforms, and simply word of mouth, is what I’m hoping will help the book grow into something that many people will be able to read, love, and enjoy.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would advise them to take it slow and not rush into anything that they aren’t ready for. You have to know your limitations and take care of yourself. If you’re overwhelmed or stressed, you won’t be able to do everything that you want to do with the work.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Concord, Massachusetts, but I’ve spent the majority of my life in Orlando, Florida.

Where do you live now?

St. Augustine, Florida.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I would like them to know that just like myself, they are not defined by their experiences. No matter the good or the bad that you go through, you are comprised of a collection of your best and worst, and that is what will make you into a mosaic of a human being; beautiful with different pieces and shards, that come together to be something amazing. Life is all about our choices, and the way that we react to those choices. What we do, say, think, or feel may be constantly changing, but it is constantly shaping who we are.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a new collection of poetry, as well as my first full length novel, which will hopefully be finished at some point. Every step is a process, and I’m trying to be steady with every one of them.

End of Interview:

For more from Vanessa, visit her website.

Get your copy of laundry from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

 

from The IndieView http://ift.tt/2qZ31pa

The Logic of the Landscape: How to Become an Expert Navigator

The Logic of the Landscape: How to Become an Expert Navigator

Learning how to use a compass isn't difficult. What's difficult is finding a class where you can learn it. Well-blazed and well-signed trails are partly to blame. You only need use a compass when hiking outside of well-establish trail systems or in poor weather, when trail signage is obscured.

A compass is one of the 10 essentials and while many hikers and backpackers carry one, many don't know how to use it to navigate in the backcountry. This is something I hear often when I teach map and compass skills courses and describes my experience as well: I carried a compass for years but never knew how to use it.

I could get away with not knowing how to use a compass because I hiked well-blazed and well-marked trails in good visibility. I only got interested in compass navigation when I ran out of new trails to hike and was forced to expand my horizons to off-trail destinations, since I prefer hiking to new places and not repeating the same old hikes over and over.

Learning how to use a compass or GPS isn't difficult. What's difficult is finding a class where you can learn how to use them, since so few people teach navigation courses anymore, even in big outdoor organizations and clubs. Well-blazed and well-signed trail systems are partly to blame. You don't really need to know how to use a compass or GPS device if you can follow the trails marked on a map, follow blazes, and read trail signs. It's only when you step off-trail that getting lost becomes a big issue.

Given advances in smartphone GPS navigation and the convenience of easy-to-use apps like GaiaGPS, is it even worth learning how to use a compass? That's a valid question, but it misses the point. The device you use is irrelevant as long as you can count on it to be functional when you need it.

The truth is that experienced navigators need a compass or GPS a lot less frequently than you'd imagine. While learning how to use them is useful, the most important navigational skill is how to plan and follow a route without a compass or GPS. I call this learning the logic of the landscape and it's the focus of the backcountry navigation classes that I teach.

Hiking off-trail through dense vegetation requires a lot more effort than hiking on a well blazed or well signed trail. It can also be helpful to follow obvious landforms so you can always know where you are.

The Logic of the Landscape

The most important skill in learning how to hike off-trail is understanding how to plan a route that minimizes the amount of physical effort and the uncertainty that can occur when hiking cross-country.

Minimizing Effort

Hiking off trail is a lot harder than hiking on a well-maintained trail and a lot slower. For example, if you can hike 2 or 2.5 mph on a trail, the best you can hope for is 1 mph off-trail. Sometimes, it's as low as 0.25 mph in dense vegetation, which is why picking a low energy route is such an important skill.

What makes hiking off-trail energy intensive? Vegetation including bushes, dense tree cover, and dead trees lying on the ground will slow down your pace considerably, since you need to scramble over or detour around them. Boulders and rocks at the base of steep hills or cliffs are best avoided for the same reason. Hiking sideways across a hillside with one leg higher than another is also much more difficult than hiking perpendicular to a slope. These are a few of the terrain features to avoid. These obstacles are not shown on maps, but you can infer them if you've been trained to think about what you're likely to encounter when planning a route.

The Franconia Ridge Trail – Approaching Mt Lafayette

Minimizing Uncertainty

You can often tell where you are on a map or stay "of course" by following landscape features around you. But most people need to be trained to recognize them. For example, if you're hiking up a cone-shaped mountain, the summit is always going to be uphill and there's little need to change directions en route, except to avoid debris. When you eventually get to the top, you'll know exactly where you are on a topographic map and what your elevation is. When hiking longer routes, consider breaking up your hike into segments, hiking from one obvious landmark to another, so you always know where you are.

Another strategy is to follow so-called handrails in the landscape, like walking beside a river, stream, or a lake. As long as you keep the water within sight or earshot you'll have a pretty good idea of where you are. Track the time you've been hiking on your watch and you can further refine your approximate location based on your pace.

Franconia Ridge depicted topographically.

Ridgelines are another common handrail, especially in mountainous environments.  What's a ridgeline? It's a narrow swath of high ground with lower elevations on either side, like Franconia Ridge (see the picture and corresponding topographic map representation, above).  Note how the elevations on both sides of the Franconia Ridge Trail increase until they reach their apex, the ridgeline, which has a trail on it.

If there wasn't a trail on this north-to-south ridge, you could still follow it easily by staying on the highpoint. You can tell this by sight since the horizon slopes down on either side of you, or by feel, since you'll quickly detect it if you start walking down a side slope. Ridgelines commonly link multiple mountains in the landscape and are therefore a common handrail to follow if they run in the direction you want to travel.

The best route up Mt Lowell is to follow the ridgeline.

A ridgeline is also a useful handrail to follow up the side of a mountain, like this example route on Mt Lowell. The blue-marked route follows a ridge that has westward facing cliffs. If you keep the cliffs in sight as you climb, you'll have a pretty good indication of where you are without ever having to refer to a compass or GPS.

Compass and GPS Use in Uncertain Conditions

If you can plan routes that follow landscape features, you can limit your reliance on a compass or GPS-enabled device. One of the reasons we advocate doing this is so you can move faster. If you're constantly referring to your compass and a map, or a smartphone GPS/dedicated GPS unit, your pace is going to slow down considerably. Hiking off-trail in the dark really sucks, so speed can be a significant safety issue.

But you still need a compass or GPS when hiking through less differentiated terrain where the landscape features are less obvious and the direction you need to travel is more uncertain. For example, when hiking across gently rolling hills covered by grassland or forest, across indistinct arid areas, and even large saddles between mountains, it's handy to use a navigational device to stay on your desired bearing.

Becoming an Expert Navigator

It's this interchange in being able to navigation by landscape features vs. navigating by instruments, or though certainty and uncertainty, that's the mark of an expert navigator. It takes a little mentoring to learn, and a little practice to become proficient, but once mastered, you can hike anywhere your feet can take you, on-trail and off. That's an amazing feeling.

Support SectionHiker.com. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links above, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

from Section Hikers Backpacking Blog http://ift.tt/2rFAmXh