Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown in the Selk' bag 4G Lite - Travel Gear Review

Outdoor Adventures in Selk’ Bag 4G Lite – Travel Gear Review

The Selk’bag would have been great to have on as I watched the aurora borealis light show taking place in Fairbanks, Alaska or the sled dog ride in Chena Hotsprings. When the Selk’ Bag Sleepwear System arrived in the mail, my husband and son were all over it. They are both hunters and with hunting comes overnight camping trips. I requested the extra large size knowing full well that the sleeping bag, or “Selk bag” as it is called, might be an ideal match for my outdoor boys.

The Selk’bag arrived on a hot July summer day in Northern California. Being a professional travel writer and reviewer of travel apparel and travel equipment, I dutifully tried on the “Selk’ Bag 4G Lite Sleepwear System.  Deemed “Lite,” the 4G has a comfort rating of  45 degrees Fahrenheit, designed for fall and summer season wear. Technically, this is not the Sleepwear System designed for winters in Alaska, but I think it would be ideal for overnight camping trips and outdoor adventures in Northern California.

Originally created by Rodrigo Alonso of Müsuc Design Studios of Santiago, Chile, the Selk’bag wearable sleeping bag features no-zip quick release hand systems and comes in three colors; dark grey, royal blue and violet.

Selk'bag Carry Sack - Travel Gear Review

Features include:

• Baffled construction to eliminate cold spots
• Soft, yet durable ripstop nylon shell with DWR (durable water resistant) finish

• Reinforced nylon soles prevent wear and lateral grips give traction on multiple surfaces
• A hood with drawstring for added warmth
• Compacting carry sack
• Thermal collar around the head and neck to prevent drafts
• Exaggerated draft tubes to stop heat loss around zippers
• Wide zipper tape, preventing snags

The Selk’bag 4G Lite is available for purchase from Selk’bag’s online store  at $79 for the kids’ version and $99 for adults. You may follow Selk’bag on Twitter and follow Nancy D. Brown on Twitter for all things travel.

Not everyone was happy to try the Selk'bag Sleepwear System - Travel Gear Review on hot summer day

If You Go:

Pack your Selk’bag. It packs in a stuff sack and doesn’t take up much room. I challenge Rolf Potts to wear this on the airplane the next time he does a no baggage challenge.

Selk Bag supplied me with this travel gear for review.

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Sharing Aloha at Hilo Farmers Market

As I wandered the aisles of the Hilo Farmers Market, I was lamenting my “carry -on packing policy” decision. I would be able to take home Filthy Farmgirl soaps, Hilo Sharks coffee and handcrafted earrings and matching pendant from a local crafts woman, but I would NOT be able to bring back any Broke the Mouth Passion Mango salad dressing or Leslie’s Menehune Kitchen Apple Banana Butter from the Hilo Farmers Market due to TSA’s airline regulations restricting liquids in carry on luggage. Boo hoo!

Stop by Ratana's food cart at Hilo Farmers Market for spring rolls

Hilo Farmers Market Humble Beginnings

The Hilo Farmers Market has come a long way since its debut in 1988. Conceived and developed by Richard “Mike” Rankin, the Hilo Farmers Market had a humble beginning with only four farmers who sold their goods from parked cars and trucks. Today, the market has grown to over 200 vendors selling everything from locally grown tropical flowers, to fresh island fruits and vegetables, special Big Island food products and handmade crafts made with Aloha.

Named one of the best Farmers Markets in the West by California-based Sunset Magazine,  you’ll find good deals on produce, Spam musubi, Ratana’s Green Papaya Salad and spring rolls sold from her food cart, Puna goat cheese or special gifts that say “The Big Island” at The Hilo Farmers Market.

Did you know that the Hilo Farmers Market was the first open market in the nation to be federally approved to accept food stamps?  True to the Big Island’s welcoming spirit, the Hilo Farmers Market is accessible to everyone.

I had a chance to speak with Hilo Farmers Market Director Keith De La Cruz during my visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. Look for De La Cruz cameo appearance drinking fresh coconut water in the YouTube video I created at the Hilo Farmers Market.

What are your favorite things to do in Hilo, Hawaii?

If You Go:

Hilo Farmers Market (808) 933-1000

Corner of Mamo St. and Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii, 96721-0034

Thanks to Big Island Visitors Bureau and Jessica Ferracane of Irondog Communications for assistance with this post. You may also follow the Hawaiian Island on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan of Hawaii. I was a guest of Big Island Visitors Bureau. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown

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Horseback Riding on Paani Ranch, Big Island

Go horseback riding in BC Canada's Fraser Canyon when visiting the South Cariboo region

Are you visiting British Columbia’s South Cariboo area for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in this Canadian region.

When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to the Fraser Canyon near the ranch and across the Fraser to the grasslands of the famous Gang Ranch.

If you are looking for British Columbia cowboy cuisine, I recommend Ric’s Grill in Kamloops.

Looking for a quiet place to escape and unplug? Check out Big Bar Guest Ranch.

When you come to Big Bar Guest Ranch, get your picture taken on Big Bar Mountain overlooking the Fraser Canyon.

Seeing a lot of cowboy hats? The South Cariboo area is known for rugged cowboys, wildlife and spectacular scenery.

For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to Ric’s Grill in Kamloops.

In the South Cariboo, take your picture with a magnificent horse.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Lookout Mountain or Big Bar Mountain.

The Big Bar Mountain offers great views and is the best place to watch or experience wildlife, including Big Horn Mountain Sheep. During my visit to Echo Valley Ranch, bear and deer were spotted.

In the Big Bar area, outdoor enthusiasts will want to hike, bike and horseback ride.

The South Cariboo area of British Columbia is known for rugged cowboys. In this photo Wrangler Bill Spoonemore.

Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the trail to Riley Dam.

If you are a museum lover, the Clinton area’s best historical site is the Hat Creek Ranch.

You can tell a lot about Clinton from visiting and watching the annual Clinton Rodeo in late May.

In the spring you should ride in the grasslands when all the wildflowers are in full color.

Go to the Chartreuse Moose coffee shop in 100 Mile House for great lunch and coffee.

Don’t miss the Big Bar Guest Ranch if you have kids traveling with you.

What are your favorite things to do in British Columbia, Canada?

Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown with Wrangler Bill Spoonemore on Canada's Big Bar Mountain with British Columbia's Fraser Canyon in the background

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Thanks to Flint Bondurant for assistance with this post. Article, YouTube video and photos by Nancy D. Brown