Video: Border Country - Climbing In The Tian Shan Mountains

Last summer, mountaineers Mike Libecki, Ethan Pringle, and Liv Sansoz traveled to a very remote region of the world located along the border of China and Kyrgyzstan to climb a new route in the Tian Shan Mountains. The short video below captures some of their experiences there, and gives us a glimpse of what this rugged, largely unexplored, wilderness looks like. A place where adventure still beckons from around every corner.

Border Country from Mountain Hardwear on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking Peru, GoPro Style

If you need further proof that the mountain biking in Peru is spectacular, than look no further than this video. It features Ali Goulet, Chris Van Dine and Aaron Chase on an adventure in the South American country that was captured on GoPro of course. The 4-minute clip is a bit older, but still a fantastic look at mountain biking in the Andes.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tip #12 - Travel Immunizations

Richard Bangs is back this week with some more helpful advice on a topic that is often overlooked by many travelers – travel immunizations. As always, he shares some of the wisdom that he has gained after years of travel to remote corners of the globe. This time, he learned an important lesson after enduring a bout of malaria while in Brazil. Something he hopes he can help the rest of us avoid.

North Pole 2014: Barneo Ice Camp Set To Open This Week

One of the true sign that the Arctic expedition season is progressing is the opening of the Barneo Ice Camp on the Russian side of the Arctic Ocean. This temporary base is built on an ice flow each year, and serves as a launching pad for those making a "last degree" journey to the North Pole. After locating a suitable spot to build this year's base over the weekend, the Russian crews are now in place, and working to have the camp operational by its scheduled April 2 date. But in order to accomplish that feat, they have to pull of an impressive display of logistics.

This year's Barneo camp will be located at 89º 39'N. Construction first begins by having a team of engineers, parachute out onto the ice from Russian MI-8 helicopters. Once there, they build a temporary landing strip that allows a big Ilyushin aircraft to land, and deliver the supplies they'll need  in order to conduct operations over the next few weeks. That includes 4-season tents, food, fuel, and much more. Soon, a tent city will be built on the ice flow, which will be home to the base's staff and visitors. Many of whom will be research scientists studying the impact of climate change on the polar ice caps. Others will be well heeled adventure travelers heading to the top of the world, with Barneo serving as their gateway to that location.

The Ice Camp serves an important purpose each year, as it is often the exit point for many of the explorers who ski to the North Pole. Since it is the closets settlement to 90ºN, the Russians often fly helicopters to that point to extract the weary travelers. They'll do that agin this year if necessary, although at this point, the teams skiing to the North Pole don't look like they'll arrive while the base is still open. We'll have to see what their plans are as the season progresses.


Speaking of those explorers, Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters continue their slow, but steady progress north. They have started to cover slightly longer distances each day, which is encouraging, although they aren't yet up to the speeds they would like, in no small part because of conditions out on the ice. Not only are they still experiencing rough ice in certain sections, they're also coming across patches of thin ice as well. So much so in fact, that Ryan fell through the ice on two occasions yesterday while trying to cross sections that weren't entirely stable. In addition to being incredibly dangerous, these incidences also slowed them down dramatically. Fortunately, aside from some frozen gear, Ryan came out of the water without any significant harm done. The situation was a scary one however, and they'll have to be more cautious in the days ahead.

The other Arctic explorer who continues to press ahead is Japanese solo-skier Yasu Ogita. His home team tells ExWeb that he is on schedule, having crossed the 84th degree last week, 20 days into the expedition. He is reportedly in good physical condition, feeling fit and strong, but has been having some challenges to mental state of health. 20 days out on the ice in these difficult conditions can be brutal on the psyche, and facing the daily grind of an Arctic expedition alone will take its toll on anyone. Hopefully he can remain focused and stay strong in the days ahead. There is still an awful long way to go before he is done.

Things didn't improve much over the weekend for Yasu though. A blizzard blew into his location and he was estimating that it might keep him tent-bound for two days. Those are two precious days to give up when he's already on a tight schedule. Whether or not he'll be able to make up the time remains to be seen.

That's all of the news from the Arctic as we start a new week. I'll post more as things continue to progress.

2014 Piolets d'Or Winners Announced

This past weekend, the 2014 winners for the Piolets d'Or were announced. Often referred to as the "Oscars of Mountaineering" the awards are given out annually to the climbers that pull off the most inspiring and pioneering climbs from the previous year. A jury of accomplished mountaineers judge the nominees based on a number of criteria, not the least of which is respect for the sport and the ability to push it in new directions. The award itself is appropriately enough, a golden ice axe.

There were three winners this year including Canadians Raphael Slawinski and Ian Welsted for their impressive first ascent of K6 West, a 7040 meter (23,097 ft) peak located in the Karakoram. The duo went up a new route along the Northwest Face that was both highly technical and physically demanding. The third award went to Swiss climber Ueli Steck, for his solo summit of Annapurna, in which he went from Advanced Base Camp to the top, and back, in a mere 28 hours. That expedition was amongst the most audacious that the mountaineering community has seen in recent years, and even the amazing Steck admitted that it pushed him to his vary limits.

Ueli's win was not without some controversy. As I reported last week, there are some who feel that he hasn't provided sufficient proof of an actual summit, since there are no photos (he lost his camera in an avalanche on the ascent), nor GPS data to back up his claims. Ueli's teammates say they did see him less than 200 meters below the summit however, and even the Sherpas on the expedition back up his claims. The jury for the Piolets d'Or ignored that controversy however, and wisely awarded Steck the prize.

Congratulations to the winners. All three men are very deserving of this honor.

Video: GoPro Captures The Life Of An Elephant

Ever wondered what it is like to see the world through the eyes of an elephant? Well, you can wonder no more thanks to this video, which was shot on GoPro cameras in the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, located in Kenya. The footage not only gives us a glimpse into the life of an elephant, it shows us their more playful side as well. These creatures are amazing, and seeing them up close in the wild has been one of the greatest joys of my many travel experiences.

I, Elephant from Cristian Dimitrius on Vimeo.

Video: Running Rim to Rim to Rim In The Grand Canyon

If yesterday's video of trail running in Patagonia wasn't enough to get you motivated, than perhaps this fantastic video will. It was shot last October in the Grand Canyon, where trail runners Jeff Pelletier and Karl Woll did a double crossing of the Grand Canyon (rim-to-rim-to-rim), covering 46 miles, over 14 hours, in the process. Along the way, they captured some fantastic images from the trail. This short-film captures the essence of that adventure incredibly well.

Thanks to Karl for sharing this. Great work!

Gear Closet: Cannondale Launches Redesigned Mountain Bikes

I get dozens of press releases and product announcements sent my way on a daily basis, and for the most part I tend to glance at them and move on, as few of them are of any interest to readers. But yesterday I received word that Cannondale is updating its OverMountain line of bikes just in time for spring, and since this is the time of year when many of us go shopping for a new ride, I thought the news was worth sharing.

Both the Trigger and Jekyll models got a refresh this year, bringing aggressive new styling along with a host of upgraded components. Both are available in the now popular 27.5" tire size, which has become the sweet spot between the agile 26" models of the past, and the more comfortable ride of the 29" models that were all the rage just a few years ago. For those who prefer that tire size, the Trigger does have a 29" option as well.

Cannondale has brought SuperMax forks to both the Trigger and the Jekyll, as well as Fox DYAD rear shocks. Both options deliver better performance over previous models, giving riders more confidence on the mountain. The Jekyll has been specifically designed for the Enduro crowd, and it shows in its all new design. In contrast, the Trigger is more of an all mountain bike, offering the ability to both climb and descend more aggressively.

Both the new Trigger and Jekyll will be available at dealers soon. Prices vary depending on the exact model you're looking for. Personally, the new Trigger looks fantastic. I hope to get the chance to check it out soon.

North Pole 2014: Driving In The Arctic

It has been another long, and sometimes frustrating, week for the skiers who are  North Pole-bound this season. The frozen surface of the Arctic Ocean remains very rough, which slows the pace to a crawl at times. They are doing their best to locate routes through to the smoother ice that is promised on the other side, but it has made for slow going in the early stages of their expedition.

But one team is making better progress, mainly because they aren't skiing, but are driving instead. According to ExWeb, a group of explorers, who drove specially designed vehicles from Russia to Ward Hunt Island, via the North Pole, last year, have returned to the ice to drive those same vehicles home this year. The 2013 expedition lasted for 61 days and covered more than 2000 km (1242 miles), before the Russians parked their vehicles in Resolute Bay. Now, they've set off into the arctic once again, as they attempt to drive back home to Russia via the frozen Bering Strait.

Just like their counterparts who are headed to the North Pole on foot, the Russian team has also experienced plenty of rough ice at the start of their journey. That has kept them at a more measured pace as they search for ways through, or around, these difficult sections. Progress is so slow, that the drivers rarely have to take their vehicles out of second gear, although they are covering 50+ km (31 miles) on a daily basis. While the skiers envy those distances, that is extremely slow for the Russians.


At this rate, it'll take them weeks to reach Russian territory, and they'll still face a long crossing through Sibera, which won't be easy this time of year either. To help them get there, the specially designed arctic trucks are pulling trailers filled with gear and supplies, including 1000 liters (265 gallons) of fuel, and plenty of spare parts to make repairs.

Meanwhile, Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters continue to make slow, steady progress north. They have been covering their best distances yet this week, as they have reached 3+ nautical miles (5.5 km) on more than one occasion. That may not seem like much, but considering the conditions they boys have faced early on, and the slow pace they were forced to endure during their first days on the ice, it is a small triumph for them to say the least. The further north they get, the better the ice conditions should be, so they are hoping to pick up the pace in the days ahead. For now, it is sometimes an exercise in frustration as they battle the rough ice, inhospitable weather, and their own nagging doubts.

That's all from up north today. Hopefully next week we'll have more news and better progress reports all around.

FlightNetwork Travel Stories

From time to time, I like to share some of the travel stories that have shown up on the FlightNetwork blog, one of the outlets I contribute to on a regular basis. It has a more general travel focus, and isn't quite as adventure oriented as I'd like, but there are still some good stories to share and interesting articles for frequent travelers. Here's a run down of some recent activity there.

• Can You Guess Which Countries Are The Happiest In The World?
• Why The Maldives Needs To Be On Your 5-Year Plan
• United Airlines To Offer Free Movies, TV Shows On Apple Devices
• Admission Bargains and Rip-Offs at Famous Tourism Sites
• You Won't Believe These Strange Hotel Guest Requests
• Does Tanzania's Lake Natron Really Turn Animals To Stone?

Those are just a sampling of some of the things that have been written by myself, or other bloggers, on the site recently. I hope you enjoy.

Video: Bigger Than Life Ice Caves

This video puts GoPro cameras and flying drones to good use exploring ice caves in Alaska. The imagery they capture is incredibly mesmerizing and very beautiful to watch. This is a great example of how technology is changing the face of exploration in the 21st century, giving us the ability to visit and capture places like never before. Incredible stuff to say the least.

Bigger Than Life - Ice Caves from Firefight Films on Vimeo.

Video: Trail Running In Patagonia

Ever wonder what it is like to go trail running in Patagonia? Than have a look at this video from ultra-runner Philippe Gatta that was shot while he was running 300 km (186 miles) in and around Torres del Paine and Ftiz Roy. What a spectacular place to go for a run!

Controversy Over Ueli Steck's Annapurna Solo Summit?

One of the biggest and boldest climbs of 2013 was Ueli Steck's amazing solo ascent of Annapurna, the 8091 meter (26,545 ft) Himalayan peak that is considered to be amongst the toughest climbs in the world. Ueli had set out to climb the mountain with Don Bowie last fall, but when Bowie fell sick, the Swiss climber was left to go it alone. Showing off the skill, strength, and speed that have made him famous, Ueli was able to launch his summit bid from Advanced Base Camp, then push on to the summit, and back, in just 28 hours. It was certainly quite the display of mountaineering prowess, that has now earned him a nomination for the prestigious Piolets d'Or, the awards for the best climbs from the previous year. But now, a bit of controversy has sprung up surrounding his nomination which is casting some doubt on the veracity of Steck's claims.

The crux of the argument is that Ueli has no proof of his summit of Annapurna. He has said all along that he was caught in a small avalanche on the way to the summit, and lost one of his gloves and his camera in the process. As a result, there are no summit photos to back up his claims. He also says that his altimeter broke during the ascent and that he didn't use a GPS to track his progress. All of this means that there is no solid evidence to substantiate his claims of having gone to the top, which in turn has now led to some to say he should not have been nominated for the Piolet d'Or at all.

In Ueli's defense, his teammates on that expedition, including two Sherpas who were support in his efforts, say that they saw Ueli just 200 meters below the summit that evening, with his headlamp moving steadily upwards. They fully believe he accomplished what he said he did, and don't question his accomplishment at all. Miss Elizabeth Hawley was also satisfied with his summit report, as were French climbers Stéphane Benoist and Yannick Graziani, who made a similar ascent a couple of weeks after Steck.


For his part, Ueli says that he doesn't particularly care what others think, he climbs for himself and the joy of the sport. He is quoted as saying recently “What happened is partly my fault. I am not someone who likes to brag because climbing brings nothing to humanity," indicating that while he doesn't have any evidence to support his claims, he also doesn't have any incentive to lie about either. Want further proof? An article questioning his summit has been posted on his own official website.

I am not surprised that this controversy has reared its head at this time. I predicted last fall that there could be some backlash against Ueli over the lack of summit photos, and that prediction has proven to be true. Steck fully acknowledges the lack of evidence, and doesn't seem to be especially bothered by those that are questioning him. Personally, I'm of a mind to believe what he says, as I don't see what he has to gain by making a false summit claim. He is already one of the best known climbers on the planet, and is past exploits have been well documented or witnessed by other climbers. The fact that Ueli's teammates believe that he reached the summit of Annapurna says a lot as well.

Controversy has long been a part of mountaineering, and it remains so even in the 21st century. Whether or not Steck deserves to win the Pilots d'Or isn't up to me to say, but I do think he has at least earned the benefit of the doubt in regards to his accomplishments.

Meanwhile, Ueli isn't letting these questions slow him down. This past weekend he climbed three classic routes in the Alps in a single massive push. He and Michi Wohlleben topped out on "Cassin" at the Cima West, "Comici" at the Grande Cime and "Innerkofler" in succession, and during the winter no less. The man known as the "Swiss Machine" continues to impress.

Everest 2014: Teen Goes For Triple-Header, New Route On Kangchenjunga

As mentioned earlier in the week, it is a busy time in Kathmandu, where the climbing teams are now arriving ahead of the official start of their expeditions. Nepal's capital is a bit chaotic anytime of the year, but that is even more true now. Most are still organizing their gear and planning the last minute logistics of their adventure, while also trying to relax before they have to truly go to work. Over the next couple of months, we'll be sharing their stories as we follow along with their progress.

One climber that you'll be hearing a lot about in the weeks ahead is Matt Moniz. At the ripe old age of 16, Matt is already a veteran climber who has summited Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, and Denali. A few years back, he and his dad Mike reached the highest point in each of the 50 U.S. states, accomplishing that task in just 43 days, and earning Matt the honor of being named one of National Geographic's adventurers of the year. Since then, his passion for the mountains has only grown, and this spring he'll attempt his first 8000 meter peak. Well, technically he'll attempt three of them.

Matt and Mike will head to Nepal next week, where they will begin an ambitious expedition. They'll first travel to Tibet where they'll acclimatize and test teen's skill on Cho Oyu, an 8201 meter (26,906 ft) mountain that is considered one of the easier 8-thousanders, if you can call any of them easy. If all goes according to plan, they'll summit around mid-May, then transfer back to Nepal, where they'll travel to Everest Base Camp on the South Side. From there, they'll have a go at the 8848 meter (29,029 ft) summit of Everest. If successful on the tallest mountain on the planet, and conditions are right, they'll then try to summit nearby Lhotse (8516 meters/27,940 ft) as well. Since Everest and Lhotse share much of the same route, they hopefully won't need to descend back to BC, but can link up both summits in a single push.



Whether or not they'll be successful has yet to be seen, as a number of factors such as weather and health, will have an impact. Last year, Mike was able to bag both Everest and Lhotse however, and that experience will prove invaluable on this expedition as well.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of meeting both Mike and Matt in person at last year's Outdoor Retailer show. They are incredibly down to Earth, humble individuals who simply love to climb. I am wishing them the very best on this big adventure, and I'll be following their progress all the way. If there is one young man who is capable of pulling off this triple header in the Himalaya, it is Matt, and I look forward to reading about their progress.

While the mountaineering community will be squarely focused on Everest in the days ahead, it won't be the only big Himalayan peak to see action this spring. In fact, some of the more interesting climbs will probably be taking place away from the Big Hill, as top mountaineers look to avoid the large crowds that are now associated with climbing the tallest mountain on the planet. Take for example, Denis Urubko, who will be leading a team at they attempt a new route on Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain on the planet at 8586 meters (28,169 ft).

Denis will be joined by Artem Brown, Adam Bielecki, and Alex Txikon on this adventure, in which they'll be trying to open a new line up the mountain's North Face. This experienced and talented team will have their work cut out for them, as Kangchenjunga is no easy mountain to climb, and can be very dangerous when conditions are poor. But each of them is looking to put a challenging 2013 behind them and try something new in the Himalaya this spring. They'll likely travel light and could possibly even attempt an alpines style ascent. Their expedition will be another one that I'll be keeping a close eye on this spring.

Good luck to everyone traveling to Nepal in the next few days. Be safe and enjoy a bit of calm before the hard work begins. You'll be on the mountain soon enough.

Gear Closet: Osprey Exos 48 Backpack

Yesterday, I reviewed the new Rev 6 backpack from Osprey, hailing it as the best trail running pack that I had ever used. Today, I've got some thoughts on another revolutionary new product from the same company in the form of the new ultra lightweight Exos 48, a product that is sure to delight the "light and fast" crowd.

The Exos series of packs have been around for some time, and they have always remained highly focused on delivering very light, yet still durable, packs for backpacker who truly watches ever ounce. One of the hallmarks of the Exos packs has always been that they are comfortable to wear, while still maintaining their minimalist approach. With this new design, that level of comfort has increased even further, even as Osprey has managed to cut even more weight. So much so, that this year's model tips the scales at a svelte 2 lbs., 5 oz. (1.05 kg). That's extremely light for a pack this size.

The Exos series is available in three sizes, 38-, 48-, and 58- liters. Personally, I think the 48 is the definite sweet spot for being lightweight, yet still providing plenty of capacity to carry all of your gear. The large, internal chamber offers plenty of room for all the gear you need for a prolonged hike, provided you've already bought into the ultralight mantra. Make no mistake, the Exos packs are probably not the best option for a beginner hiker, but for those with a bit of experience under their belt, they are a very tempting option.


In addition to main storage compartment, the pack also has a removal upper pocket with a zippered compartment. I like this option for storing things that I want to keep close at hand, such as a headlamp or small medical kit. The hipbelt also has an integrated pocket on both sides, with are large enough to hold a small point and shoot camera or some snacks for the trail. These pockets have become indispensable to me over the years, and it baffles me when manufacturers don't include them these days. A large, external mesh pocket on the front is a great place to store an extra pair of shoes, or wet items that you don't want inside the pack as well.

Speaking of the hipbelt, it is surprisingly thick and well padded for an ultralight pack. Once adjusted properly, it rode exactly where it should, transferring the weight to my hips, and keeping the load well balanced for long hikes. Likewise, the shoulder straps are thick and comfortable as well, helping to maintain the overall level of quality across the entire design.

Ultralight backpackers will like the fact that Osprey has designed parts of the Exos to be easily removed. In addition to the top floating lid of the pack, there are removable compression straps and sleeping pad straps for those who really are looking to shave ounces.  Those who do remove the lid will be happy to see an integrated FlapJacket to help keep the weather out of the interior of the pack.

As much as I really like the Exos 48, I have to say that I'm not sure I'd want to load it up with too much weight. While it is comfortable to wear, I feel that if you push it to its 48 liter capacity, it may start to show the strains of being such a lightweight pack. While some may find it carries that load just fine, I'd recommend being careful with pushing it too close to that limit. It feels like a safer option carrying 40-45 liters of gear, rather than stuffing it full.

That said, the pack is very easy to wear on extended hikes. It is comfortable, provided you recognize its limitations and don't push the weight too high. The new "Exoform" harness system is mostly to thank here, with those well padded shoulder straps and hipbelt aiding int he level of comfort.

I have been a fan of Osprey's airspeed suspension systes for some time, and it is a welcome addition on this pack as well. The suspension helps keep the pack off your back, which greatly adds in ventilation. There is no way to keep you perfectly cool and dry while wearing a backpack, but this design certainly helps some.

Of course, the pack is also hydration ready, and capable of carrying a 3-liter bladder. Sadly one isn't included with the Exos. On the one hand, this does allow you to choose the bladder you want to use, which is particularly handy for those of us who already own several. But Osprey makes some excellent reservoirs, and the inclusion of one here would have been icing on the cake, albeit at the expense of ounces.

The Exos series of packs are already a favorite with those hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. My feeling is that this new version will only increase their popularity further. If you're looking for a lightweight pack that can meet all your ultralight needs, Osprey has delivered once again. With a price tag of $190, this pack delivers on the promise of comfort and performance, at an extremely low weight. Provided you know what you are getting when you buy in, I think you'll be more than happy with Osprey's latest masterpiece.

Video: Crazy Urban Mountain Biking In Valparaíso, Chile

I've mentioned the now infamous urban mountain biking race held in Valparaíso, Chile before, but it is also an amazing sight to behold. Especially when seen from the perspective of the rider. That's exactly what this video shows, as Marcel Gutiérrez flies down a course like nothing you've ever seen before. It has banks, jumps, drops, and even the occasion dog or pedestrian crossing the street. There is nothing else quite like it for sure.

Duo Prepare To Race Across The Pacific To Raise Awareness Of Threats To The Ocean

In June of this year, the inaugural Great Pacific Race will get underway. That event will pit ocean rowers against one another in a competition to see who can cover the 2400 mile (3862 km) between Monterey, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii. That journey is expected to take anywhere from 30 to 90 days to complete, depending on the size of the team, weather conditions, boat design and so on. The GPR promises to be quite the event, and I look forward to following it this summer. 

One team that is taking part in the race has much bigger goals than simply just completing the journey to Hawaii however. The duo of Clément Heliot and Christophe Papillon, collectively known as CC4Pacific, are looking to raise awareness of the threats to the ocean, while also raising funds to help clean it up. 

At the ages 25 and 27 respectively, Clément and Christophe are the youngest team to enter the race. They also have no ocean rowing or sailing experience to speak of. But they are passionate adventurers who enjoy a challenge and exploring the world around them under their own power. In 2010, they rode their bikes across Europe, creating a documentary film as they went, and covering more than 4000 km (2485 miles) in just two months time. It was on that journey that a bond of friendship was formed, and the two cousins hatched the idea of rowing across an ocean.

Fast forward a few years, and they are now preparing to set off on the Great Pacific Race, which is scheduled to start on June 7. As part of their efforts to take part in the race, the CC4Pacific team is attempting to raise €50,000 (about $69,000), which they will donate to efforts to clean up the ocean. As most of you probably already know, the Pacific is filled with trash, much of it ending up in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. With those efforts in mind, they have launched a crowdsourcing campaign to help reach their goals. 

With the race still more than two months off, there is lot of work to be done for all of the teams involved. But June will be here before we know it, and this new adventure will be underway. It should certainly be fun to follow CC4Pacific and the other teams in the weeks ahead. 

You can follow Clément and Christophe on their website, Facebook and Twitter.

Video: Paint It Black

The short video that I have shared below is an incredibly powerful look at the dedication and determination that climbers often bring to their projects. It features Ian Dory, who set out to climb a V15 route in Colorado known as Paint It Black. Little did he know that finishing that route would become his obsession, taking two years to complete. The film shows viewers his frustration along the way, and ultimately the satisfaction of having completed this difficult problem. Beautiful images and good storytelling are highlights of the clip.

Ian Dory's STRONG from Mind Frame Cinema on Vimeo.

Ultra-Runners Complete Drakensberg Grand Traverse, Set New Speed Record!

On Monday, I posted a story about Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel, two ultra-runners attempting to set a new speed record on South Africa's Drakensberg Grand Traverse, a remote and rugged trail that stretches for 220 km (136 miles), through the Drakensberg Mountains. The duo had set out on Sunday with the goal of smashing the previous record, and yesterday evening they reached the end of the route, easily besting the old mark in the process.

Starting front he Sentinel Car Park in the north and traveling to the Bushman’s Nek Border Post in the south, Sandes and Griesel crossed through some incredibly difficult terrain. The Drakensbergs are known for their sharp edged peaks, rocky trails, and substantial climbs and falls.. Over the course of the run, the two endurance athletes saw nearly as much total elevation gain as the equivalent of summiting Mt. Everest.

When they launched their efforts, Ryan and Ryno hoped to beat the previous record of 60 hours, 29 minutes, 30 seconds set back in 2010. After scouting the route ahead of their attempt, they felt that was an attainable goal, while also believing they could actually complete the route in under 40 hours. While they did manage to crush the old record, they weren't able to finish quite that quickly. Their official time was 41 hours, 49 minutes, which shaves more than 18 hours off the previous best pace.

The run was not without its share of challenges. In addition to the grueling terrain, which they even ran through at night, both men faced some physical challenges. Sandes twisted an ankle no more than two hours into the attempt, and was worried for a time that he might have to pull the plug on their expedition. Later that day, Griesel said that he became dehydrated, which made for a rough couple of hours that is partner helped him to get through. In the end, they were able to overcome those difficulties and complete the traverse in record time.

Congratulations to Ryan and Ryno on an impressive effort.

Gear Closet: Osprey Rev 6 Trail Running Pack

One of the best parts about my job is attending the Outdoor Retailer convention each year and checking out the latest and greatest products from my favorite gear companies months before they are available to purchase. As much fun as that sounds however, it can also be painful to have to wait for some really great product to actually go on sale. Such was the case with the Rev 6 pack from Osprey, which I first saw last August but had to wait weeks to get my hand on. The wait was worth it however, as it is hands down the best trail running pack that I've used.

The new Rev line comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from the diminutive 6 (as in 6 liter), all the way up to the 24. In between there is also a 12- and 18-liter version too. (Those who like to go ultralight will want to check out the Rev 1.5 and the Rev Solo water bottle holster as well.) All are lightweight, have a variety of great features, and are built to move with trail runners, no matter how demanding conditions get. Obviously you'll want the pack that most fits your needs in terms of capacity. If you're carrying a lot of gear, you'll want to go bigger, but for my needs, the Rev 6 was actually perfect.

The pack's main compartment, which shares double duty with the included 1.5 liter hydration bladder, is just large enough to stuff an extra jacket, and perhaps lunch for the trail. It is surprisingly roomy for such a small pack, but no one would ever use the word "cavernous" to describe it. A second, smaller, pocket is built into the top of the Rev 6, which provides room for a few small items, such as a headlamp and a wallet. A key clip is conveniently placed in that pocket as well, keeping all of your essentials in one place.

Additional storage can be found on the two straps, where stretch pockets allow access to an additional water bottle, a camera, or energy bars. The left strap even has a cleverly designed "DigiFlip" media pocket that is built for smartphones or touch enabled mp3 players. The pocket is securely fastened in place with its own clip, but it can be flipped open to grant access to the device inside. That device is encased in a plastic covering that keeps dirt and sweat away from the precious technology, but still allows the wearer to have full access to the screen. This is one of my favorite features of the Rev line, as I always run with an audio player of some type, but I have a tendency to sweat all over it. Additionally, wearing it on an armband isn't alway the easiest way to access music or apps while on the go. This solves both of those problems very nicely.

In terms of fit, the Rev 6 is fantastic. It uses lightweight materials and the belts and straps aren't particularly large, but they still do a great job of holding the pack in place when you run. Sizing is as simple as pulling the pack on, and adjusting a couple of bands to make it all fit. It took me just seconds to dial in exactly where I want the pack to ride, and it stayed in place throughout my runs.

Other nice touches include a bungee on the front of the pack to provide extra external storage, and a  soft, breathable back panel to aid in keeping runners cool. The Rev is small and light, so it doesn't have a frame that can provide true airflow across the back, but this specially designed panel does a good job none the less.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Osprey's excellent hydration bladder. It has a large mouth that makes it easy to fill, and includes built in markings to let you know just how much water is in the reservoir at all times. It's low-profile design keeps it from becoming too cumbersome, even when filled with liquid, and it's tough materials are very resistant to wear and tear. The bite valve even includes a magnetic backing to help keep it securely in place while running, and a quick release allows the entire hose to come off, which makes for easier filling and better access for cleaning.

All in all, it is difficult not to be impressed with the Rev 6. As I mentioned above, it is the best trail running pack that I've used, and it is clear that Osprey put a lot of thought into the design before releasing this product. It is compact, lightweight, and packed with features that trail runners will love. For me, the 6 is the perfect size for most runs, as its allows you to carry everything you need, and nothing you don't. I know there will be some runners who will want to take some extra gear with them when they hit the trail, and Osprey has options for those folks. But for me, the little Rev 6 is just about perfect for my needs.  Considering all that it delivers, its price tag of $100, also comes across as a real bargain.

If you're a trail runner, you owe it to yourself to check out this pack. I think you'll be very happy that you did.

Check out the video below to see what ultrarunner Ben Clark carries in his Rev 6.

Adventure Tech: The World's First 3D Printed Kayak

Sticking with the kayak theme today, we have yet another interesting innovation from the world of technology. If you're a tech nerd (like me!) you probably know there has been a lot of buzz over 3D printing the past couple of years. It is a form of technology that remains in its infancy, but holds huge promise for the future. Now, someone has put that innovation to work, creating the first 3D printed kayak. While it won't win any awards for design, and it probably doesn't perform like the top boats on the market, it sure is an interesting process to see come together. What do you think? Would you paddle something like this?

Video: Dane Jackson Makes 60-Foot Waterfall Drop

While we're on the subject of big waterfall drops, here's a successful one. Dane Jackson went over the 60-foot La Tomata waterfall in central Veracruz, Mexico, adding to his already impressive paddling resume. The best part about this video isn't the big drop. We've seen plenty of those before. But this particular one is caught on video in so many ways including GoPro, remote drone, and a variety of other methods. The result is some spectacular looks at a very impressive drop.

Video: Kayaker Rescued Before Going Over 60-Foot Waterfall

This video is seven months old, but only came to my attention yesterday thanks to our friends over at Climbing.com. It shows the dramatic rescue of a kayaker who went over a 20-foot (6 meter) waterfall, only to then realize that there was a 60-foot (18 meter) drop on the other side. The action is mostly caught on GoPro cameras as the two kayakers involved struggle to avoid going over the falls. Pretty scary stuff to say the least.

Kayaker saved just before swimming over a 60 foot waterfall!! from David Fusilli on Vimeo.

Everest 2014: A New Season Begins!

Last Friday marked the official arrival of spring here in the northern hemisphere, which most people see as a sign of blossoming flowers and trees, with warmer weather ahead. But of course, spring also means the start of a new climbing season in the Himalaya, which will soon become the epicenter of mountaineering activity once again. As I write this, scores of climbers are arriving in Kathmandu ahead of the start of the new season. And while their is quiet anticipation in the air there, it is also the calm before the storm.

As always, our friend Alan Arnette will be providing excellent coverage of the spring climbing season, both on Everest and beyond. A veteran of numerous expeditions to the region, Alan not only knows what it takes to summit Everest, he has a great relationship with the guides there. If you don't already have his site bookmarked, you'll want to add it to your favorites for sure. There is no better resource on the Internet for keeping track of the daily progress on the Big Hill.

This past weekend, Alan wrote a blog entry that offers insights into what is going through the minds of the climbers right now. Most are finishing up their gear prep and taking care of last minute business before they depart for Kathmandu. They're saying goodbye to friends and family, who they won't see again for two months. They're also thinking about the monumental task ahead, which will require just the right amount of physical and mental toughness, not to mention a fair bit of luck. If everything comes together as expected, and the weather cooperates, they'll get their chance to stand on the highest point on the planet in mid- to late-May.


Following that blog entry, Alan wrote another that looks at the big picture of for the season ahead. He covers a wide range of topics in that article, touching on the higher than normal media attention for Everest this year, his thoughts on adding a ladder to the Hillary Step, the change in climbing fees, teams collecting trash on the mountain, and so much more. It is a good look at some of the trends that will influence how this season will go.

Alan is certainly right in the fact that the mountain seems to be collecting lots of pre-season attention this year. Often Everest only hits the mainstream media when there are multiple deaths or some strange occurrence such as the fight between the European climbers and the Sherpas that took place last year. But this season, there seems to be media attention for just about everything that Nepal is doing leading up to the beginning of the season. For instance, the Associated Press put out this story yesterday, which summarizes a lot of the changes that climbers can expect this season, including the presence of government officials in South Side Base Camp to keep an watchful eye on what is going on there.

The same article indicates that there will be two ropes on the Hillary Step once again this year. One will be used for ascending and the other for descending. This is another attempt to to mitigate traffic jams, although the same plan last year yielded only marginal improvements. That section of the mountain is simply a bottleneck for climbers, especially when there are so many of them on the mountain.

While teams are indeed already arriving in Kathmandu, it'll be awhile before they actually reach Base Camp. On the South Side they'll face an 8-10 day trek through the Khumbu Valley that will begin their acclimatization process. Those heading to the North Side will have to wait for the Chinese to open the border to the climbers, after which they can spend a few days driving to BC. I wouldn't expect the first climbers to reach either camp until the first week of April. After that, things will start to get interesting.

At the moment, only Sherpas are on the mountain. They are busy preparing the camp for the arrival of the paying clients. On the South Side, the Icefall Doctors have already begun their work in building a path through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, which they will maintain for the entire season. Once that path is built – using ladders and rope – the teams will be able to head up to Camp 1 and start their first rotations. But that is still some time off. For now, everyone is still in pre-game mode, as they wait to get started.

As usual, I will be posting regular updates on the Everest climbing season. There will likely be plenty to share in the days and weeks ahead. Stay tuned. This is always one of the most exciting periods on the adventure calendar.

South Africa Plays Host To 11th Annual Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race

Yesterday I posted a story about two South African adventure racers who are attempting to break the speed record on the Drakensberg Grand Traverse. While that attempt is still on going, it isn't the only major outdoor sporting event to watch in the country. The Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race is also underway, hosting some of the top riders from around the world in a stage race that is both fast and technically demanding.

The race got underway on Sunday and is eight days in length. It runs from Durbanville to Somerset West, covering some 718 km (446 miles) in the process. On top of that distance, the riders face a grueling 14,850 meters (48,720 ft) of total climbing over the course of the eight stages, which can zap the strength out of their legs with the daily grind.

At the moment, the race is led by Team Centurion Vaude which is made up of Markus Kaufmann and Jochen Kaess, both of Germany. They're followed by Team Meerendal Songo Specialized – Christoph Sauser (SUI) and Frantisek Rabon (CZE) in second place, and Team BMC Mountainbike Racing – Lukas Fluckinger (SUI) and Martin Fanger (SUI) in third. With five more stages yet to go, it remains anyones race however.

The video below are highlights from the first stage. It'll give you an idea of what the 1200 riders are experiencing out on the course. Looks like a great race in a great setting.

Video: Sean Leary's Passion For Base Jumping

This past weekend it was discovered that climber and Base jumper Sean Leary had died in an accident in Zion National Park, where he was attempting to wingsuit off some of the impressive cliffs found there. For Sean, Base Jumping and wingsuit flying were some of his passions, and that shows through in the video below from EpicTV, in which he and fellow pilots Charley Kurlinkus and Jeff Shapiro, were plotting out some big jumps in North America, where the sport is still trying to get a foothold.

My condolences go out to Sean's friends and family. He will be missed.

Video: Dancing On The Maiden

Here's something we really haven't seen before. The video below shows a "fabric dancer" plying her craft on The Maiden, a peak located in the Flatiron Mountains near Boulder, Colorado. The amount of strength, grace and confidence that she displays is simply amazing, considering the only thing keeping her up are those thin pieces of cloth and her own incredible athleticism. This is beautiful to behold, and I'm guessing we'll see more videos like this in the future. Amazing.

Maiden Light from Craig Muderlak on Vimeo.

Ultra-Runners Go For Speed Record On South Africa's Drakensberg Grand Traverse

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is a challenging hike through a tough stretch of the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. The trail covers approximately 220 km (136 miles) and takes most hikers anywhere from 6 to 10 days to complete. But at the moment, two ultra-runners are attempting to set a new speed record on that trail, as they hope to cover it end-to-end in less than three days.

Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel set out on their speed attempt yesterday. Departing from the Sentinel car park in the north, and running south toward the Bushman's Nek Border, they  hope to beat the previous record of 60 hours, 29 minutes, 30 seconds that was set back in 2010 by Griesel and teammate Cobus van Zyl. After weeks of scouting the route and preparing for the run, Ryan and Ryno feel that that time seems not just within reach, but fairly very beatable, as the two extreme athletes have told others that they are actually aiming at a time closer to 40 hours.

The route, which is mostly unmarked, covers some very difficult terrain. The trail is wanders up and down the dramatically shaped Drakensbergs, offering rocky ravines, edging peaks and plenty of climbing and descending. In fact, the two men will climb approximately the same height as Mt. Everest over the course of their two days on the trail. They'll also have to cross alpine grasslands and wet marshlands along the way.


If the terrain wasn't enough of a challenge, the weather could prove difficult too. There has been a lot of rain in the region lately, and while snowfall is limited in March, a freak blizzard would not be unheard of. Heavy mists and fog could slow them down as well. Considering they'll be spending much of their time above 2800 meters (9186 ft), the thin air could prove difficult to run in as well.

Ryan and Ryno are running the Grand Traverse completely self supported, meaning they are carrying all of their gear and supplies with them as they go. As of this writing, they are well ahead of the record pace from 2010, although there is still a very long way to go before they are through. You can follow their progress on the DGT's officials website, which has lot more information about the run and the two men attempting it.

Good luck to Ryan and Ryno and big thanks to my friend Lisa for sharing this story with me!

North Pole 2014: Blizzards and Polar Bears

It was a difficult weekend in the arctic for the two remaining teams heading to the North Pole this spring. While they continue to battle bad surface conditions, things do seem to be improving a bit on that front. But the weather took a turn for the worse, leaving them tent bound for a day, while an encounter with polar bears also left one of the teams with a very close call.

Americans Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters have been struggling with the patch of rough ice almost since they were dropped off on Cape Discovery ten days ago. That has kept progress at a pace that has been much slower than they would like, mainly thanks to the fact that they have to cover each distance three times as they each haul one of their sleds through a tough section, then ski back to grab their second sleds, before proceeding forward again. As of this writing, the tracking section on Eric's website says that they still have 466  miles to go to reach the North Pole. Considering the pace that they're currently on, and the challenges that yet lie ahead, that is still an awful long way to go. But their latest dispatch indicates that the ice is starting to get better and they have hope that they can start to cover further distances soon.

This past Saturday, the boys got a real taste of what the Arctic can throw at them. High winds, blizzard conditions, and whiteouts kept them tent bound as they waited and watched for an opportunity to start skiing. That opportunity never came, and they ended up staying in the tent all day. This of course didn't help their moods much, as they felt it was another day where progress was lacking. But trying to work through the rough ice, in conditions where you can only see a few feet ahead – at best – just wasn't going to be safe. Hopefully they'll be able to make up the time and distance in the days ahead.



A raging blizzard may have been the least of their worries, as Eric and Ryan also had a very close encounter with some polar bears. Last week while pulling their sleds, through a tough section, they stopped to take a break. When they turned around, they found two bears – a mother and her cub –  following closely behind. They immediately began shouting and waving their arms in an attempt to scare them away. Ryan even fired several flares at them, while Eric scrambled to retrieve their shotgun from the sled. Eventually they were able to convince the animals to leave them alone, with a few shots fired in the air to ensure that they didn't come back.

According to their dispatch, the men then paced off the distance to where the bears finally turned and fled, and were surprised to find that the creatures had come within 15 feet of them. This story only underscores once again how traveling in the Arctic is so different than in the Antarctic. When skiing to the South Pole, there are no large, meat eating, predators that could potentially be stalking you. On a journey to the North Pole, it is a real possibility. Eric and Ryan were lucky that they spotted the bear and her cub when they did, or this story could have had a far different ending. Very scary!

Meanwhile, Japanese solo-skier Yasu Ogita also found himself tentbound over the weekend thanks to the same blizzard that prevented the Americans from making progress. Up until then, he has been feeling strong and focused, although struggling against the rough ice is taking its toll.

Yasu made the decision to carry a folding kayak with him on his journey as he felt that it would help him to more quickly cross some of the larger open leads of water that he'd come across. So far he hasn't faced anything too large in that department, and he has been flirting with the idea of leaving the kayak behind in order to lighten his load and make better time. But, he fears he'll still have some big leads to cross before he is done, and so far he has kept the kayak with him.

All of that said, Yasu has been covering solid distances. On Friday, the day before the blizzard hit, he managed to travel 8.3 km (5.1 miles). Unfortunately, he didn't add any miles to that total on Saturday, and actually lost about 4 km (2.4 miles) due to negative drift. Thats another challenge of the Arctic – even when you're standing still, you're losing ground.

Thats the weekend update from the Arctic. It was a tough one, and the season will likely remain that way. Both squads still have a very long way to go, and while time isn't a pressing factor just yet, it is starting to slip away quickly.

Adventure Kitchen: New Mojo Trail Mix Bars From Clif

A few weeks back I received a nice little care package from my friends at Clif Bar giving me a sneak peek at the new flavors of Mojo Bars that they were preparing to ship for spring. Considering that one of my favorite products in their entire line-up is the Mojo, I was interested to see what they had put together in terms of new offerings. Turns out, Clif has put together some tasty new combinations that I think will appeal to a wide audience.

One thing I have always liked about the Mojo bars is that they are a nice blend of salty and sweet. They also don't happen to taste like most energy bars in that they offer a surprising amount of variety and fresh flavor. The new version carry on that tradition quite nicely, giving us more choices to throw in our pack on a long hike or for a post workout snack. Those new choices include: Wilde Blueberry Almond, Cranberry Almond, Coconut Almond Peanut, Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond, and Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt. Of those, my two new favorites are the ones that incorporate dark chocolate. They are super tasty without being overly sweet.

As is usual with everything from Clif Bar, these new bars are very healthy. They are complete gluten free and low glycemic of course, but they also use organic ingredients. That means the almonds, blueberries, coconut, cherries and even the chocolate are all natural and good for you.  The Mojo bars are also very affordable. The suggested retail price for a bar is $1.49, with 5-pack going for $5.99.

I have been happily munching away on my supply for awhile now, and the only knock I have against them, is that I wish they were bigger. Don't get me wrong, Clif has made a nice sized trail mix bar, its just that these are so tasty, they always leave me wanting more.

Video: Into The Light - Episode 4: Aftermath

It turns out, the third video of the Into the Light series that I posted a few days ago wasn't the final clip after all. Earlier today, I received word of this fourth video, which features climbing legends Chris Sharma and Stefan Glowacz reflecting on their accomplishment of climbing the longest cave ceiling in the world. After spending two weeks climbing in a dark cave, in the middle of a hot, dry desert, what did they do to refresh themselves? Go deep-water soloing of course!

Video: GoPro Captures Grizzly Bear Romp

This video shows the clever use of GoPro cameras. Filmmaker Brad Josephs set up a couple of the cameras along a river in Alaska, where he captured a family of grizzly bears playing in the water. The animals romped in the water, chased birds, caught fish, and even eventually became aware of the camera itself. This is great footage and definitely fun to watch.

Video: Drone Flight Into An Active Volcano

The Adventure Journal posted this video a few days back, and I definitely thought it was worth sharing. It was shot with a DJI Phantom drone that hovered over an active volcano on an island called  Tanna in Vanuatu. The awesome power of our planet is on full display here, with lava, smoke and rubble being blasted into the air. It is pretty amazing to watch and it is another testament to how useful a drone can be for capturing video and photos today.

Kayaking Around South America: Freya Hoffmeister Closes In On Finish

It has been quite awhile since we last checked in on Freya Hoffmeister, the long distance kayaking queen. If you're familiar with Freya, you probably already know that she is the first woman to kayak solo around Australia and is in the midst of attempting her second contingent by paddling completely around South America too. She's been working on that project for some time, and while she still has quite a ways to go before she is done, she is edging ever closer to completing that epic paddle as well.

As of now Freya is 630 days into the expedition and currently she is in Punta de Pesqueiro, Brazil. Considering the fact that she launched this journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina in August of 2011, I'd say she has made considerable progress. She has been traveling in a clockwise direction around the continent since that time, braving the treacherous waters of the Drake Passage, paddling solo up the west coast, and even passing through the Panama Canal.

During that time, she has taken a couple of breaks, flown home to Germany to rest, regroup and refocus. But she has always returned to the water and remained dedicated to completing this epic project. It seems she's in the stretch run now however, as she makes the final push toward a return to Buenos Aires, where the entire journey began.

At the moment, Freya is resting her weary body before returning to the water. She'll then head to Sao Luis, which will be her next major stopping point. She still faces a few months of paddling before she wraps up the expedition altogether, but the end is somewhat in sight, even if it is still a bit distant. With thousands of miles of kayaking now behind her, and hundreds yet to go, I'm sure Freya is focused on the finish line, and eager to be done, but the final push is going to require her to stay tough and power through the final weeks. That is something we know she is more than capable of doing.

I'll keep a close watch on Freya's final push toward the end, and of course let everyone know as she approaches Buenos Aires. As I mentioned, it's still some time off, but considering the distances she's already covered, it seems that her finishing the expedition is just an inevitability at this point.

North Pole 2014: Fighting For Every Mile

Now that two of the four Arctic teams have been evacuated due to injuries, the news from the north is a bit less hectic to report on. Those that do remain out on the ice continue to struggle with rough ice and generally poor surface conditions in general. And while the season is just getting underway, there are still miles and miles of frozen ocean to cross before they reach their goals.

The American team of Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters have now been out on the ice for a week, and the  two adventurers continue to fight their way through the rough ice zone. Yesterday they struggled against the elements and equipment failure, only to cover a single mile (1.6 km) through the nasty stretch that marks the start of their Arctic expedition.

For those who don't know, this "rough ice" zone is the result of the breaking apart of the ice slabs that flat above the Arctic Ocean. When they crash into one another, it creates massive uplifts, with chunks of ice blocking the way. Those large pieces of ice are often the size of a car, some even get as big as a house. They make it impossible for explorers to ski through the area, as the surface is just littered with rubble. It can get so bad at times that they can only pull one of their sleds at a time, forcing them to cross the same patch of ice multiple times, just to make progress. It can be extremely frustrating and time consuming, which shows through a bit in Eric and Ryan's dispatches at the moment.


Fortunately, the rough ice patch doesn't last forever. This year it is about 15-18 km (9-11 miles) wide. That means that Eric and Ryan should hopefully put it behind them soon and start making real progress toward the North Pole. While the surface won't be come smooth and easy, it definitely becomes more manageable. Thats what they're hoping to reach in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Japanese solo-skier Yasu Ogita is a bit ahead of the Americans and making his way as best as he can. He has already cleared the rough ice patch and is making solid progress. Yasu is reportedly in good physical and mental condition, and while temperatures are bitterly cold, he is maintaining a steady pace. The early stages of an Arctic expedition are a bit of a war of attrition. The explorers must struggle for every mile that they get, with the hopes that it will eventually pay off once they get far enough north and conditions can improve. That is where Yasu is right now. Working hard for every bit of progress and holding firm for when things can improve. The further north he gets, the more distance he can cover on a daily basis. Right now, it is extremely tough to move forward at all.

Since it has been more than four years since anyone has completed a full expedition to the North Pole, I'm cheering on these two remaining teams. Hopefully one, or both, of them will reach 90ºN this year. Stay tuned for more updates in the days ahead. It is going to be a long season in the Arctic.

Video: Travel Is...

Here's a charming little video that reminds us that travel is more than just visiting a place and idly observing the sights there. It's about getting immersed in the culture and history of a place. It is about seeking an adventure while away from home. It is about life-changing, mind-altering experiences that just can't be duplicated anywhere else. I hope you enjoy.

Travel Is from The Perennial Plate on Vimeo.

Video: Sailing To Antarctica

This video is a teaser trailer for a longer film coming this summer that will document a sailing expedition to Antarctica. The short clip below gives a sense of what that voyage is all about, offering up some great scenery from the frozen continent. Antarctica remains very high on my list of places to visit, and this video is only making a stronger case for why I should go.

Sailing to Antarctica - Trailer from Sam Darmon on Vimeo.

Twin Adventurers To Cross Greenland On Foot

Twin British adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner are preparing to set out on a grueling expedition across Greenland that will not only test their resolve, but also aid scientific research, while simultaneously celebrating one of the greatest stories of survival in history. They'll also bemusing the expedition to raise funds for a charity they have supported in the past that has played a crucial role in the health of one of the twins.

On April 26, Hugo and Ross will begin a 340 mile (547 km) journey on foot across Greenland. That journey is expected to take 30 days to complete as they battle tough terrain, inhospitable environments and unpredictable weather. They'll travel on skis while pulling sleds filled with all of the gear and supplies necessary to survive behind them at all times. And if that wasn't challenge enough, one of the men will be doing the expedition while using vintage gear from a century ago.

The twins will be part of a research project that will study how modern gear protects and aids the human body while on an extreme expedition. In this case, Ross will use vintage gear from the early 1900's, right down to pulling a sled from that era. Meanwhile, Hugo will be outfitted in the latest and greatest equipment. They two men will then keep track of how they perform, including taking saliva samples to test for stress hormones, to see how modern gear improves performance. Having a set of identical twins as your test subjects should help to mitigate most of the genetic difference that two other adventurers might have.


The Turner twins are no strangers to physical challenges. Back in 2011/2012, they competed in the Trans-Atlantic Woodvale Rowing Race as part of a 4-man crew, finishing third in the event, but raising £300,000 (about $495,000) for spinal research. That is a topic that is close to their hearts since Hugo was injured in a swimming accident at the age of 17 and nearly lost the ability to walk. It took him six months of intensive medical treatment and therapy to recover, and now the men do what they can to support that cause.

As if all of this wasn't motivation enough for their expedition, they have also opted to wear the vintage gear as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition. As you may recall, Shackleton and his men were on a voyage to explore the Antarctic when their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the ice off the coast of the frozen continent. They managed to survive for months on end, before making a daring sea crossing in life rafts in search of help. Shackleton and his men survived that crossing, and not a single member of the crew was lost. It remains one of the greatest stories of leadership and survival in history.

Ross and Hugo have launched a crowd funding page as they seek assistance for getting their expedition off the ground. Considering the ambitious nature of their plans, it seems they can use all the help they can get. They've already managed to collect a couple of corporate sponsors, but they're still seeking volunteers, promotions, and other assistance to their cause.

Good luck to the twins on their adventure in Greenland.

Everest 2014: First Kenyan To Attempt Everest To Promote Sanitation

As the spring climbing season on Everest draws nearer, climbers from across the globe are busy putting the final touches on their preparation for the climb ahead. Many will be organizing their gear and packing before leaving for Nepal sometime over the next week or so. One of those climbers is Steve Obbayi, a 39-year old man from Kenya who is looking to become the first person from his country to summit the tallest mountain on the planet. But he isn't going just to achieve that feat, as he also hopes to raise awareness of the importance of sanitation to overall health in an effort to improve conditions back home.

Steve will depart Kenya on March 24 and plans to arrive in Base Camp on the South Side of Everest in the first week of April. He is part of the Chase Bank Kenya Everest Expedition, and will be joined by founder Toby Storie-Pugh on this climb. The two men have tuned up with one another on the 17,057 foot (5198 meter) Mt. Kenya – the tallest peak in that country – and Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest mountain in Africa at 19,340 feet (5894 meters).

But climbing Everest will be a much bigger challenge than either of those mountains. For starters, you don't need oxygen on Mt. Kenya or Kilimanjaro. Those climbs are also just a few days in length, while a Himalayan expedition will require 6-8 weeks to complete. Acclimatization will be much slower, the altitudes will be greater, and the technical challenges will be more intense. They'll be climbing the South Col route on the Nepali side of the mountain, where Base Camp is actually located at a higher altitude than Mt. Kenya's summit.

As I mentioned above, Steve and Toby won't be climbing simply for the challenge. They have larger goals in mind. They will use their expedition to support a nonprofit called Toilet Hackers, an organization that has dedicated itself to providing clean, sanitary toilets to the 2.5 billion people in the world who don't currently have one. They hope to accomplish this goal by 2025, thereby improving sanitation and health across the globe.

You'll be able to follow the progress of the Kenya Everest Expedition on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. They'll begin their journey next week when they depart for Kathmandu, and after a brief stay in the capital of Nepal, they'll start the trek to Base Camp. If all goes according to plan, they'll be there in early April with an eye on summating in mid- to late-May.

Good luck to Steve and Toby on this grand adventure.

Outside Names 50 Trips Of A Lifetime For 2014

Looking to add a little adventure to your plans for 2014? Then you'll certainly want to check out Outside magazine's picks for he 50 trips of a lifetime. They've whittled down the absolute best travel opportunities from around the globe to a relatively manageable list, making it at least a little easier for us to choose the ones that are perfect for us.

The editors at Outside have organized their list into several categories, making it easy to peruse the options that most appeal to you. For instance, they have a category for Best Polar Trip (South Georgia Island and Shackleton crossing!), as well as the best trips for the Desert, Mountains and Beach. If that wasn't enough, they've also divided the best trips into categories based on activity. So if you wanted to trail running or biking, you'll be presented with some incredible options. Some of the other categories include Best SUP Getaway, Foodie Destination and Adventure Hub.

What I appreciate about Outside's list is that most of their trips feel like something that normal people can do. Sure, some of them are expensive, but they aren't out of the realm of possibility for the outdoor adventurer who also has a regular life to lead as well. I also like that while many of their destinations are exotic, the "runner up" trips are frequently located in very approachable locations, often inside the U.S.

Since this is a travel oriented list, there are also a few other awards given out. For example, Outside has named Alaska Airlines its Best Airline for 2014. They've also picked their favorite airports, new luggage, new trail and outfitter. They've even picked their list of the top guides as well.

Travel junkies will love everything that the magazine has put together for us. There is plenty to pour over and soak up. In the end, you'll probably end up adding more options to your bucket list. But you were probably in need of some new options anyway.

Video: Wingsuit Pilots Buzz Through Narrow Canyon

This short, but very sweet, video captures the view of wingsuit pilot Marshall Miller as he flies through the Beehive line at the Vermillion Cliffs, located in Arizona. It is a scary, adrenaline inducing scene to say the least.

Video: Into The Light Episode 3 - Climbing A Cave In Oman With Chris Sharma And Stefan Glowacz

Today we have the third, and final, episode of the Into the Light series, which features legendary climbers Chris Sharma and Stefan Glowacz taking on a secret project in Oman. It turns out the two men were working a route inside the Majlis al Jinn cave, which gave them the chance to traverse the longest cave roof in the world, which took 13 pitches to complete. Quite an impressive project to say the least. Watch the video below to see them do what they do best. Great stuff.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tips #12 - Getting Through Foreign Customs and Immigration

World traveler Richard Bangs returns again this week with more good travel tips for those heading abroad. In this video he shares advice on how to successfully navigate through customs and immigration without getting yourself into trouble. He even shares an experience of his own from when he was traveling in Ethiopia and learned a valuable lesson.

Everest 2014: A Ladder On The Hillary Step?

The start of the spring climbing season on Everest may still be a couple of weeks off, but news from the Big Hill continues to stream in none the less. We already know that there will be a military presence in South Side Base Camp this year, and that Nepal is cracking down on climbers who leave trash behind as well. Now, we've also learned that the Himalayan nation is taking steps to ensure the mountain is safer as well, with the possible inclusion of a ladder to the famed Hillary Step.

Earlier in the week, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism indicated that Sherpas would fix extra ropes to the summit of Everest this season in an effort to ease traffic jams on the mountain. In recent years, the route to the top of the world's highest peak has become quite congested, leading many to question the safety of such a climb. The additional ropes would help to make things safer, while hopefully allowing traffic to flow more quickly as well.

Amongst the other possibilities for improving safety on the mountain is the installation of a ladder on the Hillary Step. That section of the climb is a rock face that is the final major hurdle to overcome on the way to the summit, and it is a bottleneck where slower climbers can really cause things to come to a halt. To make matters worse, it is a narrow section, which has often had mountaineers going both up and down on the same ropes in the past.


Adding the ladder would make it easier to get over the Hillary Step, but purists say it also takes something away from the climb. The Step was the last hurdle that Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had to clear on their first summit of Everest back in 1953, and it has remained part of the mountain's lore ever since.

Using a ladder is not unheard of on Everest. On the North Side of the mountain in Tibet, there has been a ladder on the Second Step for years. It is another tough rock face for climbers to overcome, and the Chinese have maintained a ladder at that section to aid the ascent for some time. This would be the first time that such assistance would be included on the South Side however, where ladders have only been employed in the dangerous Khumbu Icefall in the past.

The 2014 climbing season is shaping up to be an interesting one. While it will be tough to top last year's crazy Everest news, there is already plenty of controversy to go around this year. Hopefully things will quiet down as the season gets underway, but it seems there could be a lot of interesting stories to share once again this year.

North Pole 2014: Irish And Norwegian Teams Evacuated From The Ice

It has been a very busy couple of days in the Arctic, where things seemed to be going fine at the beginning of the week, but quickly turned sour yesterday. After finally getting all of the North Pole teams out on the ice, two of them had to be evacuated, leaving just two others to continue on this season. This news is another reminder that a journey on foot to the North Pole may be the most difficult challenge left in the world of adventure.

On Sunday, both Mike O'Shea and Clare O'Leary both suffered injuries when a large block of ice they were moving over shifted. The duo were lowering a heavy sled at the time, and the unexpected movement resulted in the sled falling on them, injuring Mike's back and Clare's knee in the process. The Irish explorers were scheduled to get a resupply on Monday, but the plane scheduled to drop off the food and fuel extracted them from the ice instead. They are now back in Resolute Bay and preparing to head home to Ireland.

Meanwhile, we have also received word that the Norwegian team of Lars Flesland and Kristoffer Glestad were also evacuated from the ice on the same plane that picked up Mike and Clare. The two men had been making solid progress through the rough ice patch at the start of the expedition, but on Sunday extremely cold weather (-47ºC/-52ºF) caused their feet to get cold, even inside their thermal boots. When they examined their feet in the tent that evening, they discovered frostbite had already begun to set in, and by Monday morning it had gotten worse. Their home team immediately called for an evac, while Lars and Kristoffer skied back south to their starting point. They are also back in Resolute Bay and preparing to head home.


Elsewhere, Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters continue to battle the rough ice on their way north. They are netting relatively short distances right now as they haul one sled at a time through the very difficult region that marks the start of all expeditions to the North Pole. As a result, they are covering just 1.5 nautical miles (2.7 km) per day. Hopefully they'll clear the rubble zone soon and begin to pick up some speed, but at the moment, they are facing blocks of ice that are 3-4 meters in size, which are impeding their progress greatly.

Finally, Japanese solo-skier Yasu Ogita is pushing north as best he can. He seems to have cleared the rough ice and is making solid progress at roughly 6 km (3.7 miles) per day. His home team reports that he is feeling good both mentally and physically, and that conditions are about as good as he could expect them to be at the moment.

Fortunately, no one on the Irish or Norwegian teams was seriously hurt in their attempts, and hopefully that trend will continue throughout the rest of the season. With just two teams still out on the ice, we're looking at an uphill battle to have anyone complete the full distance to the North Pole this year. I won't bet against any of the three explorers who are still attempting to reach 90ºN, but it certainly won't be easy for them to accomplish their goals.