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ISSUE #34.04 • SPECIAL SECTION •

Outdoors


29. It's a No. 2: Airblaster Ninja Suit and Bonus Carlson ProAm Airgoggles

BY JOE JATCKO | 503-243-2122

[December 5th, 2007]

20 Sleeping in the Trees


Perfect for backpacking during the warmer months, the ENO SingleNest Hammock ($47.95, Oregon Mountain Community, 2975 NE Sandy Blvd., 227-1038 ) takes up less space than a sleeping bag and, well, it’s a hammock. Would you rather sleep on the ground?

21 Collapsible Dining Set


The Axis Orikaso Outdoor Set ($15.95, The U.S. Outdoor Store, 219 SW Broadway, 223-5937) includes a dish, bowl and mug that all miraculously collapse down to nearly paper-thin sheets of plastic. The entire set is only 3 mm thick when folded, and takes up virtually no room in your camping gear.

22 Trek Named a Bike After Us!


Aside from the fact that it’s named after our home city—which, let’s face it, would probably get it in the Gimme Guide no matter what—the 2008 Trek Portland ($1,549.99, The Bike Gallery, 1001 SW Salmon St., 222-3821) is a great commuter bike, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, fast-stopping disc breaks and built-in fenders. Since premiering in 2007, the Portland has been completely redesigned for 2008. It features a brand-new “Ucru Pearl” finish along with a brown saddle and handlebars for a unique look. Take that, Seattle!

23 Straight From the Recycle Bin to Your Fanny


All of the fabric used in the Mountainsmith Recycled Tour Lumbar Pack ($69.95, REI, 1405 NW Johnson St., 221-1938) comes from recycled plastic soda bottles. And while, yes, this is a fanny pack, it also comes with a shoulder strap and dual-carry handles, so it doesn’t necessarily have to go there.

24 It’s a Jungle Out There


Been lost in Forest Park more times than you can count? Lucky for you Friends of Forest Park, which works to maintain and protect Portland’s 5,000-acre strip of wilderness, also produces this comprehensive set of maps. The Hiking and Running Guide to Forest Park ($19.95, Friends of Forest Park, 2366 NW Thurman St., 223-5449) is a 10-map set featuring all the trails and loops the park has to offer, and best of all, the maps are waterproof! The set is available in shops throughout the Portland area, including REI, New Seasons Markets and Powell’s, or you can just drop by the Friends of Forest Park office, just a few blocks from the park.

25 iHat


Because a minimum of one item per section must be able to be hooked up to an iPod, we give you the Burton Basic Headphone Beanie ($45, Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., 226-3948 ). Please use responsibly.

26 Huck Some Discs


Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and with tons of great courses nearby and at least seven annual tournaments, Portland is no exception. Next Adventure has over 3,000 discs in stock for amateur to serious enthusiasts, including the Beginner Discraft Golf Disc Set ($34.99, 426 SE Grand Ave., 233-0706) , which features a long-distance, medium-distance and putter disc. With a bulk discount and trade-in programs as well as a ton of accessories, you’ll find everything you need for both game and style, including a houndstooth hat. Seriously, they have a houndstooth hat.

27 Surfing the Streets


The Carveboard Surfstick Longboard ($215, Daddies Board Shop, 7126 NE Sandy Blvd., 281-5123) features a “patented spring-loaded carving system,” which increases the turn radius and allows the rider to get as low as 45 degrees from the ground. Sick.

28 Pump your Tires up the Fun Way


Why be that person on the side of the road using one of those tiny portable pumps to re-inflate your tire one mini-sized pump at a time when you could use a straight shot of 100 percent unadulterated CO2? With the Blackburn Airfix CO2 Bike Pump and Multi Tool ($39.99, River City Bicycles, 706 SE Martin Luther King Blvd., 233-5973 ), you’ll never be that person again. And with other features, like five different hex keys, a chain tool and a tire lever, you’ll be up and on your way in no time.

29 It’s a No. 2


Local balls-out snowboarding company Airblaster has added another striking item to its high-voltage collection of fluorescent apparel and accessories: the Ninja Suit ($110, Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., 226-3948). This hooded onesie boasts an easy-access zippered “dump-truck butt” so you can drop it like it’s hot in an isolated spot on the slopes. Available in mango, mild blue or black, the Ninja keeps drafts and snow at bay, keeping you toasty no matter what the thermometer reads. Top the look off with the magenta-lined Bonus Carlson ProAm Airgoggles ($89, Exit Real World), and you’re set for a wild ride.

Gimme More


Captain Kirk and Mr. Spork:


Weighing a mere 0.38 oz., the Vargo Titanium Camping Spork ($9.95, Oregon Mountain Community, 2975 NE Sandy Blvd., 227-1038) is an even more efficient version of one of the most efficient inventions in history.

Nice Ice:


Icebreaker, a brand new store all the way from Wellington, New Zealand, offers many cozy cover-ups—among them the Conquest Hoodie ($164.99, Icebreaker Touch Lab, 1109 W Burnside St., 241-8300). Made from 100 percent merino wool, it features thumb loops and comes in either black or “atomic” (blue).

Safe and Stylish:


A reflective vest ($29.99, Vespa Portland, 808 NW 23rd Ave., 222-3779) made by Seattle-based company Crashwear ensures you won’t be hit by a car—or a ticket from the fashion police.
















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