2013

Gadling Gear Review: Bergan’s Osen Down and Wool Jacket

by Pam Mandel on Feb 19, 2013

Sometimes, when I look at the price tag on a piece of gear, I think, “Really? It’s made in some factory in Asia, there’s not that much material to it, and really? REALLY?” Other times, I’m lucky to get to try out something super nice and my reaction is different. It’s more along the lines of, “Yeah, it’s expensive and I totally get why. And I really don’t want to send it back now that I’ve seen it.”

Bergan’s of Norway’s Osen jacket fits that category. The wool and down, water resistant jacket (available in both a men’s and a women’s cut) is one of the nicest things to pass through my hands for some time.

This isn’t your typical “poof” layer – it’s a combination of a wool and polyester blend on the sleeves, shoulders and waist with a down torso and collar. It looks great – the women’s cut makes sense; it’s got a bit of shape to it and the bright, contrasting zipper pulls are in a cool neon green on the jacket’s dark blue. Add a rain shell to this and you are set for just about any weather.
Everything about the way this jacket is made speaks of attention to detail. The collar is lined with microfleece so it’s not itchy or cold on your chin when it’s zipped up all the way. The pockets are big and they zip the right way (you’d be surprised how often this is not the case). The finish work is immaculate; the seams are all folded over and sealed and there are no loose edges or threads. And the sizing is right – something that’s increasingly rare in women’s outdoor gear.

The jacket was missing two things I’ve come to appreciate in this kind of gear – pit zips and a two way front zipper – but it’s still nicer than many a jacket that’s been in my test queue.

The wool/poly mix is a nice alternative to the usual slippery nylon shell you get with your typical down jacket. It gives the jacket some alpine formal style. I wore the Osen jacket out and about a few times and always got compliments on it.

The Osen jacket will set you back $329. The line doesn’t seem to have wide distribution in the U.S. yet, but check with your local mountaineering store or use the Bergan’s “Find a Dealer” link provided on the site.

[Image courtesy of Bergan’s of Norway]

British Cyclists On Round-The-World Ride Killed In Thailand

by Kraig Becker on Feb 19, 2013

British cyclists Peter Root and Mary Thompson were killed in Thailand last week while on a round-the-world ride. The couple, who were both 34 years old, were struck by a pick-up truck while traveling east of Bangkok. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

After meeting in art school, Root and Thompson spent six years planning their trip and saving money to fund an extended stay on the road. They set out on their journey in July of 2011 and blogged about their adventures as they went. Their unique experiences garnered them a loyal following on Facebook and Twitter.

Like all of the best travel experiences, their long distance ride had no timetable or set destinations, although the two were planning on traveling to New Zealand once they had crossed Asia. Their travel had already taken them across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and China.

Police reports indicate that the accident last week took place because the driver in the pick-up truck dropped the lid from his drink on the floor and reached down to retrieve it. He took his eyes off the road for only a moment and that was enough for his vehicle to hit the two cyclists. The truck then careened off the road and stuck some trees, injuring the 25-year-old driver in the process. He has been released on bail but now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in Thailand.

This is a sad end to what was a wonderful adventure for these two travelers. Condolences to their families.

[Photo Credit: Peter Root and Mary Thompson]

Video Of The Day: Scenes From Southeast Asia

by Libby Zay on Feb 18, 2013

This video made by Birk Poßecker and Diana Weschke is a collection of scenes from a trip to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia this past October. It takes viewers across these countries via motorcycle, zipline, plane, bus, van and even the back of an elephant. From scenes shot deep underwater to time-lapse shots from the tops of skyscrapers, it showcases many of the quintessential experiences travelers seek out in Southeast Asia.

Passing Gas Mid-Flight Is Good For Your Health, Doctors Find

by McLean Robbins on Feb 18, 2013

A new study from a group of New Zealand physicians has confirmed something we’re rather certain most people would rather not know: it’s not only OK, but preferred, that passengers pass gas mid-flight.

Breaking wind has health benefits, the study finds, and the benefits of breaking wind mid-air outweigh the health effects of holding it in.

Anecdotal evidence in the survey, originally reported on by the Associated Foreign Press and reprinted on News 24, shows that flying increases one’s likelihood of passing gas (a natural phenomenon that already happens, on average, ten times per day).

The study was led by Danish gastroenterologist Jacob Rosenberg, who published a 3,000-word article in the New Zealand Medical Journal last week.

“(Holding back) holds significant drawbacks for the individual, such as discomfort and even pain, bloating, dyspepsia (indigestion), pyrosis (heartburn) just to name but a few resulting abdominal symptoms,” the study found. “Moreover, problems resulting from the required concentration to maintain such control may even result in subsequent stress symptoms.”

When should you not pass gas? When you’re part of the cockpit crew, the study finds.

“On the one hand, if the pilot restrains a fart, all the drawbacks previously mentioned, including impaired concentration, may affect his abilities to control the plane,” the researchers said. “On the other hand, if he lets go of the fart, his co-pilot may be affected by its odour, which again reduces safety onboard the flight.”

We’re only quoting the article here, folks.

One positive? Textile seats used in coach are more likely to “absorb” odors produced than leather seats in most first and business class cabins.

“We humbly propose that active charcoal should be embedded in the seat cushion, since this material is able to neutralise the odour,” the study found.

We’re pretty certain that, as passengers, we’d like you to hold in your gassy in-flight moments, regardless of health concerns. What do you think?

[Image Credit: sbamueller]

Awesome X: Sense Of Life (Video)

by Chris Owen on Feb 18, 2013

Some of the best things we run across just don’t need a whole lot of words.

This stunning video compilation is one of those.

Awesome X: Sense Of Life is a compilation of over 30 adventure videos from Germany’s EdisProduction. The stunning effort is a whirlwind of visuals and locales. The production company offers this caption to accompany the video: “Sense of Life – my fresh 5-minutes compilation capturing awesome and stunning videos introduced with a wonderful Song: Band of Horses – The Funeral.”

[Compilation Credit – EdisProduction]