Book Review: Climbing Fitz Roy, 1968: Reflections on the Third Ascent

Are you still looking for a last minute Christmas gift for the climber or outdoor adventurer on your list? Than let me recommend a fantastic book that I reviewed over at the Wenger Blog today. It is entitled Climbing Fitz Roy, 1968: Reflections on the Third Ascent. This high quality, fantastically bound tome includes more than 90 photos from a historic climb in Patagonia that took place 45 years ago, along with some insightful and thoughtful essays about the men who undertook that expedition. Men who would later go on to have a profound impact on the environmental and outdoor adventure community.

The team consisted of five guys who called themselves the "Funhogs." Those men were skier Dick Dorworth, filmmaker Lito Tejada-Flores, and climbers Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins and Chris Jones. If some of those names sound vaguely familiar, it isn't just because they are legendary climbers who put up the now classic California Route out Fitz Roy, perhaps the most famous mountain in all of Patagonia. Tompkins would also go on to found a little company called The North Face, while Chouinard would start Patagonia, whose logo is modeled after Fitz Roy. These same men would also help found an environmental movement amongst outdoor enthusiasts and the industry, which persists even to this day.

Back in '68, the men drove from Ventura, California all the way to Patagonia, a distance of 8000 miles. They were also forced to wait out the bad weather in an ice cave for 31 days, before they actually got a crack at the highly technical Fitz Roy, which is far more difficult than its 3359 meters (11, 020 ft) would typically imply. When they were done, they had completed an impressive new route but more importantly they came away from their adventure with a different outlook on the world.

The book shares their story through their own words, but it is the photos – once thought lost in a house fire – that really sell the story. The images are very impressive and do an excellent job of not only supporting the story but standing on their own to tell the tale as well.

Climbing historians will love this book, not just for the content, but for how high of a quality it is in general. It just feels great in your hands, although it doesn't hurt that the amazing images jump off the page. With the holidays quickly approaching, I can promise you that Climbing Fitz Roy is sure to delight the outdoor adventurer in your life. Truly a wonderful gift.

Book Review: On The Trail Of Genghis Khan by Tim Cope

Is there a more interesting character from history than Genghis Khan? The Mongol leader managed to unite the legendary horse clans and build the the largest contiguous land empire that the world has ever seen. The Great Khan was a legendary leader, a fearsome warrior and an unrelenting enemy. More than 700 years after his death, he still casts a large shadow over the Mongolian people and his mark on history is undeniable, altering the destiny of two continents.

Of course, the Kahn and his Mongol Horde were able to accomplish great things because they were perhaps the greatest horseman to ever live. It is with that spirit in mind that Australian adventurer Tim Cope set out to accomplish something that hadn't been done since the time of Genghis Kahn himself. With little previous experience in the saddle prior to setting out, Cope launched a 10,000 km (6000 mile) journey starting in Mongolia and ending in Hungry. An expedition that he chronicles in his new book, On The Trail Of Genghis Khan.

Before he ever launched this epic excursion, Cope new he was in for a challenge. After all, he was an inexperienced rider with thousands of miles of open steppe to conquer on his own. The trip began in June of 2004 and would ultimately take him three years to complete. Traveling with a number of horses and his loyal dog Tigon, he faced harsh and difficult climates, wild wolves, horse thieves and a host of other challenges. He also met some incredible people and was continually surprised and humbled by the hospitality and kindness of the strangers he met along the way. Tim's journey was as much about finding himself on the trail while following in the footsteps of a legend.


Cope's new book takes readers along for the ride as he wanders across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Crimea, the Ukraine and finally Hungary. The story is a compelling one for anyone who enjoys a good tale of adventure but Tim's writing style draws readers in even more. It is a wonderful mix of his personal experiences framed against a historical backdrop that gives us a glimpse of what the Kahn experienced when he made a similar ride centuries earlier.

Reading On The Trail, it is impossible to not get swept up in Tim's infectious sense of adventure. His story is an amazing one, but he also approaches it in such a way that you'll think that it might be possible for you to attempt an epic adventure of your own. That's the kind of inspiration that Tim creates through his writing, which is at times very sensitive and thoughtful in its approach. If the writing were less compelling, the 450+ page book could run the risk of feeling as long as Cope's journey across Asia and Europe, but fortunately that isn't the case. It is a real page turner that will leave you staying up later than you intended so you can read "just one more chapter."

On The Trail Of Genghis Kahn is available in bookstores now and is wonderful read for anyone looking for a grand adventure. With the holidays fast approaching, it would also make a great gift for your favorite adventurer or traveler. If you've ever dreamed of escaping to a far off, remote destination with hundreds of miles of open space all to yourself, you'll likely appreciate what Tim has accomplished. His tale is the very definition of the "epic" and by the time you finish reading it, you'll be ready to set out on  your own journey. That's what a great book is all about.

Riding The Dragon's Back: Rafting The Upper Yangtze River

In 1987, adventurers Richard Bangs and Christian Kallen led an expedition to paddle the Upper Yangtze River, a place that was about as remote and unexplored as anywhere on the planet at that time. Their journey was a challenging one to say the least, as several previous expeditions to the region had failed, sometimes resulting in the death of a member of the team. But the two men managed to complete their excursion and would later go on to write a book entitled Riding the Dragon's Back that recounted their tale as well as that of others who had tried before them.

A few days ago, Richard posted an excerpt from that book on the Huffington Post. The article has the ominous title of "A Death on the Yangtze," and it offers details of a previous expedition that set out to raft the river. This brief portion of the book offers insights into a major river expedition and gives us a glimpse of the challenges that teams faced when paddling the wild and untamed Yangtze at that time.

The members of the team faced any number of obstacles including difficult water conditions, weather that changed on a moments notice, logistical and supply problems and illness. It is the last of those that brings about the death of one of the members of the team who contracted pulmonary edema hundreds of miles away from a hospital and with no means of being evacuated.

The excerpt is an excellent read and offers some lessons for anyone planning a major expedition. But most of all, it'll probably inspire you to want to read the full book and get the entire story of the race to explore a wild river that wouldn't be conquered easily.

Book Review: The Mountain By Ed Viesturs

For those looking to expand their library of books on adventure and mountaineering, a new book written by Ed Viesturs (and David Roberts) hit the shelves today that may be of interest. That book is entitled The Mountain: My Time on Everest and as the name implies, it is focused almost entirely on Ed's 11 expeditions to the tallest mountain on the planet.

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of the book and have written a full review of it for the Wenger Blog. You can read that review here but if you want the shortened version, I'll simply say this: If your'e a fan of Ed's previous books or are an Everest junkie, you'll certainly enjoy reading The Mountain. It does a good job of both presenting both the history of Everest and Ed's own personal experiences there. Those experiences include seven successful summits from both the North and South side of the mountain, many weeks spent in Base Camp and at altitude, while interacting with a host of characters that befit the larger than life status of this peak. Ed was also on Everest in 1996 when the events of that tragic season went down.

The book is an extremely easy and quick read. Ed and his co-author are good storytellers that move their narrative along at a brisk pace and leave you turning pages long after you've said "just a few more." His wealth of experience on big mountains is undeniable and much of that is shared here. The book is also approachable for readers who are new to the genre, although there are times where references are made that may be a bit confusing for those who don't have much of a background in mountaineering lore. For the most part though, The Mountain ranks right up there with Ed's previous three books, which I happened to enjoy quite a bit.

For more detailed thoughts, be sure to read my full review.

Book Review: There Are Other Rivers

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Alastair Humphreys. The British adventurer has ridden his bike around the world, rowed the Atlantic and trekked across Iceland. Soon he'll even take on a 1000-mile crossing of the Empty Quarter. I even love how he champions the concept of micro-adventures as a way to put adventure into our daily lives. Alastair's spirit and enthusiasm are an inspiration to us all and I have a deep appreciation for how he lives his life. But after reading his latest book, There Are Other Rivers, my admiration for the man has grown even deeper. For this book takes everything we've already known about him and then gives us even more depth and insight. 

In 2009, Alastair walked coast-to-coast across India, following the River Kaveri along the way. His journey would cover more than 500 miles through one of the most interesting and culturally unique countries in the world. But if you buy this book expecting a travelogue of Humphrey's adventures in the sub-continent you'll be sorely disappointed. Instead, this book is a mediation on adventure and a day on the road like no other. 

There Are Other Rivers is Alastair's attempt to convey what it is like to be off on a true expedition without glossing over any of the details – either good or bad. The book conveys the wonder of travel through the mundane, boiling down the experience to a single day of endless walking, interactions with others and the thoughts that go through our heads when we have too much time alone. As Al himself says, those days are "the happiest days of my life. Any day, any journey."

That is this book in a nutshell and quite frankly it is brilliant. Alastair will inspire you with his words and the pages will fly by as you consume every syllable. This book isn't a particularly long one, just a couple of hundred pages, with some colorful images intermixed. But it reads like it is half that length and I found myself knocking off multiple chapters in rapid succession. And when I was finished, the book was over far too quickly, and I found myself wanting to start it completely over again.

This is a book that isn't just for the seasoned adventurer – armchair or otherwise – who enjoys a good travel yarn. This is a story that will inspire those who have always wished they could enjoy an a rousing journey of their own, but just needed a little inspiration to send them out the door and down the road. Alastair's enthusiasm is infectious and his love for adventure in all of its forms shines through here, and if you don't feel inspired to start planning an excursion of your own, we probably should check you for a pulse. 

I read the electronic version of There Are Other Rivers, which is available for the Kindle and iPad in the iBook Store. Al has physical copies of the book for order on his website too and each version is a real bargain. The e-book runs just $2.99, while the regular edition costs $7.75. Either version makes a great gift, so grab a copy for yourself and your favorite adventurer or traveler in your life. You won't regret it. 

Book Review: Walking The Amazon

One of the biggest and boldest expeditions in recent years was Ed Stafford's extraordinary journey along the length of the Amazon River. Ed spent 860 days traveling on foot through some of the harshest and most demanding terrain on the planet. Along the way, he faced blistering heat, hostile natives, dangerous insects and animals, diseases and so much more.

After more than two years of constant struggle, Ed eventually completed his journey, becoming the first person to survive such an expedition. Upon his return home, he went to work chronicling his very personal story, which was eventually released in the aptly named Walking the Amazon.

Ed's journey began on April 2nd 2008, when he and Luke Collyer set off on their incredible journey together. Walking the length of the Amazon had been a shared dream at that point, but a falling out between the two men would send Collyer home just three months into the expedition. Later, Ed would be joined by Gadiel "Cho" Sanchez Rivera, who would become his constant companion for much of the trek. The two men would eventually reach the mouth of the Amazon in Brazil on August 9, 2010, officially completing the 4000+ mile expedition.



Stafford manages to condense that entire journey down to a 320 page book that reads like it is half that length. I found it to be a compelling narrative that was difficult to put down, even when I knew I should be shutting out the light for the evening. Ed's writing style is fast-paced, easy to read and very entertaining. He spends about two-thirds of the book describing the challenges he faced in the first year of his trek, but strangely enough the second half of the journey was glossed over much more quickly. If I have a criticism of Walking the Amazon it is that it could have used an extra 100 pages or so to help fill out the details on the final push to the end. Stafford does provide information about that section of journey, but his account seems rushed.

While the Amazon is one of the most remote places on the planet, it is still inhabited by pockets of humans sprinkled across the jungle. Ed met many of them along the way. Some of them helped him, some of them attempted to hinder his progress, and many of them were interesting characters. I enjoyed reading Stafford's account of his encounters with the indigenous people of the Amazon, finding they added spice to his already amazing story.

As a gear head, I also enjoyed his final section on the kit that he used while walking the Amazon. Considering how big this expedition was, some of the items that he took with him were quite surprising. This section of the book will provide would-be adventurers with some good insights on what to take on their next excursion, while the rest of the book will provide plenty of valuable information as well.

With this book, Stafford has managed to deliver an adventure story for the 21st century. What he managed to accomplish is nothing short of spectacular and reading his story only heightened my admiration for the man. You may think you know the tale of Ed's walk across the jungle, but until you've read his book, you just don't have the entire story. The trade paperback is available on Amazon for just $10.88, which is a very small price to pay for so big of an adventure.

Book Review: Extreme South

Late last year and into the early days of 2012, we followed along and cheered the efforts of a pair of young Australian adventurers named James Castrission and Justin Jones, or more affectionally Cas and Jonesy. The two men were attempting something that had never been done before, a there-and-back again expedition to the South Pole that started and ended at Hercules Inlet. Their journey would take nearly three months to complete, covering 2275 km (1413 miles) of frozen landscapes in the process. Along the way they endured frostbite, high winds, and temperatures in excess of -40ºC/F.

While they were on their expedition, Cas and Jonesy issued regular dispatches from the Antarctic that helped to keep us informed of their progress and struggles. Those dispatches gave us a glimpse of what it was like to spend 89 days out on the ice but they couldn't paint a complete picture of the experience. But now we can get the whole story of their of their adventure in the form of a new book entitled Extreme South that was written by Cas himself.

Cas and Jonesy were no strangers to adventure prior to their Antarctic expedition. The duo has spent 62 days in a kayak of sorts crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. That was feat unto itself and for most people it would be enough adventure for a lifetime. But not long after completing that epic journey, the boys found themselves craving another one. A bigger and even more challenging one.

They knew right away it would be Antarctica and they knew that they wanted to do something different than simply skiing to the South Pole. The idea to make it a round trip came quickly but the details of the plan took some time. They also had a lot of preparation to do, including getting into physical condition for the hardships they'd face and learning to ski. Yep, that's right, the two would-be Antarctic explorers had never skied prior to the start of their training.



The first part of the book, entitled "The Early Days," focuses heavily on their panning, preparation and training. Of course they faced a few obstacles to overcome along the way, but before they knew it, Cas and Jonesy were leaving Australia and were on their way to Punta Arenas, Chile – the jumping off point for the Antarctic. While there they would meet Norwegian skier Aleksander Gamme, a solo explorer who had the idea to attempt the exact same journey as the Aussies. Gamme had plenty of experience in cold climates and his heritage made him a natural skier. A friendly rivalry ensued between the three men, but at that time they could have no idea that their paths would cross again before the end.

The second, larger part of the book is called "Crossing the Ice" and it truly gets down to the nitty gritty of the expedition. It is, quite literally, a day-by-day account of what it was like to ski from Hercules Inlet to the Pole and back again. The daily entries give great insights into how demanding, both physically and mentally, an expedition such as this one can be.

The endless snow and ice, along with the unrelenting cold temperatures and wind, can truly take a toll on even the strongest person. This is particularly true when when exposed to them for weeks and months on end. In reading the account of their journey it was interesting to hear how physically demanding the days were early on but in the end it was the mental challenges that became more difficult to over come. And while the men traveled together they were also very much alone at times. Add to it nagging pain and injuries, lack of sleep and a never ending hunger and you begin to understand why so few people are able to actually complete a journey such as this one.

On December 30, 2011, Cas and Jonesy reached the South Pole. It was an immense achievement and it made them feel like all of their struggles and difficulties were all worth it. But they were also behind schedule and the plan wasn't just to go to the Pole but also back to the start again. Something that had never been accomplished before. Their joy at reaching 90ºS was short lived however, as they knew that they had a long way to go before they were done. Worse yet, time was starting to run short and if they were going to return to Hercules Inlet, they would have to redouble their efforts. But the wind was at their back, the sun in their face and they were literally heading downhill at last.

The final section of the book deals with that long slog back to the start. A harrowing journey that took every last ounce of strength to complete and made all the more difficult because they were rushing to catch the last plane off the ice. We always knew that this was no easy ski in the park, but the book underscores that point in spades.

It may be a cliche by Extreme South is the very definition of a page turner. It's fast and easy to read and it always leaves you wanting more. This is a book that you don't read, you devour. Usually in large chunks and I found myself staying well up past my bedtime just wanting to "read one more day."

I highly recommend this book not just to those who followed Cas and Jonesy on their Antarctic adventure but to anyone planning an expedition of their own, whether thats to the South Pole or elsewhere. There are some excellent nuggets of information that can help in the planning, but more importantly there is a lot to be learned about being mentally tough in the face of overwhelming challenges.

I received a copy of the book directly from Cas himself, and for that I am eternally grateful. Amazon sells a Kindle version for just $17 which is a steal for a modern adventure story such as this one. I enjoyed ever moment of Extreme South and I think you will too.

One question for Cas however. When did you find time to write this? The book was done and published before you had completely thawed out or put back on all the weight. Well done mate!

Book Review: Buried In The Sky

On August 1, 2008, K2, the second tallest mountain mountain on the planet and arguable the most challenging to climb, was the scene of a horrific series of events that led to one of the most deadly days in the history of mountaineering. On that fateful day, a serac collapsed high on the mountain, sweeping the fixed ropes used by climbers off the mountain and killing several people in the process. The crushing ice and snow also stranded a number of others above an area known as the Bottleneck, leaving them scrambling for a way to descend out of the infamous "Death Zone." By the time the tragedy had completely played out, 11 climbers lost their lives and those that did survive, came back with harrowing tales to tell.

Two of those survivors were Chhiring Dorje Sherpa and Pasang Lama, two guides from Nepal whose paths had criss-cross in the past as they both traveled from small, remote villages in the Himalaya  to the very tops of the tallest mountains on the planet. The book Buried In The Sky, by Peter Zuckerman and Amanda Padoan, tells their story, starting in those tiny villages, then later to the streets of Kathmandu and on to a variety of Base Camps across the Himalaya and Karakoram, including K2.

In the summer of 2008, both men were with climbing teams on the mountain and on the first of August they were amongst those that went up to the summit and were making their way back down when the serac collapsed. Exhausted and alone, Chhiring was looking for a way to get down the mountain without the use of ropes, some that seemed nearly impossible to his oxygen deprived mind. He had very few pieces of gear with him at the time, although he was still in possession of his ice axe, which could potentially be used to arrest his fall.

While looking for a place to attempt a decent, Chhiring came across Pasang, still clinging to the mountain in his climbing harness. Pasang had given up his axe to another climber earlier in the day and at that point he was unsure how he would get down on his own and without his axe. Although their situation seemed bleak, Chhiring couldn't leave a fellow climber – a fellow human being – behind and the two men joined forces and made the incredibly difficult descent together.



Buried In The Sky gives a breathtaking account of their ordeal but not before first providing plenty of background on the two Sherpas, modern mountaineering and K2, the Savage Mountain itself. The two authors have certainly done their homework and it shows through in their writing. It isn't enough to just research the subject matter, you have to go deeper to make the story come alive, and Zuckerman and Padoan make the story of these two Sherpa come to life in amazing fashion.

Of all the big peaks, K2 is easily the mountain that fascinates me the most. It is an incredibly difficult climb and is particularly deadly as well. Reading this book I not only learned more about the legendary mountain, but at times I felt like I had been transported to its icy slopes as well. Thats a testament to how well written Buried actually is and the authors are to be commended for pulling that off. This is a book that can be proudly put on the shelf next to Krakauer's Into Thin Air, as the two cover similar ground at times, although their stories are very different.

If you're looking for a new addition to your mountaineering library than Buried In The Sky is a definite must have. With superb writing, hair-raising drama and two memorable protagonists, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages as quickly as you can. On more than one occasion I found myself in the "just one more chapter" mode, even as the clock said it was well past bedtime. I think you'll be just as riveted as was and the story of these two Sherpas will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Buried In The Sky is a must read.

Book Review: How to get to The North Pole... and Other Iconic Adventures

Have you ever read this blog one of the many other great outdoor websites and wondered how you could undertake some of those adventures yourself? If so, I have just the book for you. Its entitled How to get to The North Pole... and other iconic adventures and as you can probably tell from the title, it was written to be a resource for adventure travelers and explorers alike.

Written by Tim Moss, the book could have easily been called Expeditions For Dummies. Moss has taken his considerable experience in organizing more than 100 expeditions to the more remote and wild places on the planet and condensed it down into a 300 page tome on how to get to just about anywhere.  That includes choosing the right gear, honing the proper skills, learning how to deal with weather and other natural phenomena and much more.

No matter what adventure you're planning this book has chapter for you. Moss has written chapters on how to cross a desert, reach the North or South Pole, row an ocean or even make the first ascent of a mountain. Each of those chapters comes with advice specialized for the particular topic. For example, in the chapter on desert trekking he offers advice on dealing with sand storms and traveling with camels while in the section dedicated to getting to the North Pole, Moss discusses how to navigate around or across open leads of water and dealing with polar bears.

Moss shares his experience in a practical, straightforward manner that not only makes it easy to understand but also retain. The chapters are well organized, easy to read and packed with all kinds of information. Not only does the author provide tips on what to eat and drink while on the various expeditions, but he also where you should sleep and even where to go to the loo.



The book can also be seen as Adventure 101 as it provides a fantastic base layer of information on a variety of expeditions that are common topics around these parts. For instance, in the chapter on the South Pole Moss explains the difference between the Magnetic and Geographical South Pole, as well as the South Pole of Inaccessibility. He also lays out the various options for getting to your destination and offers ideas on the best starting points. This is a wealth of information that will be appreciated by both active and armchair adventurers alike.

How to get to The North Pole also features a number of basic, but informative maps and illustrations. The maps show routes for rowing an ocean or pedaling a bike around the world as well as various other important geographic information. The illustrations will show you how to pick a good touring bike, tent or even sailing vessel. Heck! Even the book's glossary provides a lot of information, giving definitions to dozens of terms from the mountaineering and exploration world.

I found the book to be written in an easy to understand manner that complete beginners to the adventure world can understand, without boring the more seasoned traveler in the process. There are helpful hints and tips no matter what your level of experience and if you have an epic adventure you've always dreamed of launching, but weren't sure how to proceed, this is a must read book for sure. Moss has a wealth of knowledge to share and he gets a lot of it down in this one book. Sure, there is more that goes into an expedition than a book can teach you, but this is certainly a good place to start.

The book costs just $17.99 on Amazon, which seems like a steal with all the things you can learn inside.

Book Review: Cycling Sojourner: A Guide to the Best Multi-Day Tours in Oregon

Sandwiched neatly between California and Washington, Oregon is a beautifully scenic state filled with spectacular mountains, lush forests and seemingly endless vistas. It is an adventurers playground although it is sometimes forced second fiddle to some of the more well known western states, including it's two high profile neighbors. But a new book not only hopes to encourage visitors to explore Oregon more closely but do so in one of the best ways possible.

Cycling Sojourner: A Guide to the Best Multi-Day Tours in Oregon was released a few weeks back and is without question the most complete guide to cycling the state. Written by Oregonian Ellee Thalheimer, the book offers eight enticing itineraries that truly have something for every kind of traveler and rider. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through the state's wine country, a scenic trip up the coast, or a more challenging ride through the mountains, you'll find everything you need to make the trip happen.

The book begins with a few pages for out of state travelers who are visiting for the first time. Those pages offer tips for arriving in Portland, either by plane, train or bus and provide suggestions on where to eat and stay while in town. Some of the cities more popular bike shops are also listed and the author even has suggestions on where to attend a yoga class as well.



With the preliminaries out of the way, it's on to the meat of the book – namely the tours themselves. Thalheimer begins each section dedicated to a tour with a great introduction that lists the basic price range of the trip, where to camp or stay in a lodge, the relative difficulty rating and a lot more. Included maps offer suggested routes and the historical and environmental facts help to set the backdrop for the region you'll be cycling through. The advice even extends to letting you know how good the cell coverage is and where the closest hospitals are located, just in case. In short, it is everything that you could ask for in a guide book and considerably more.

Each of the tours also comes with a day-by-day itinerary as well, listing the best places to stop along the way and providing information about the towns that riders will be staying in too. Daily cue sheets are also included, giving travelers a list of milestones and signposts to keep an eye out for as they make their way along the route. Those cue sheets will prove invaluable to anyone planning on riding any of the itineraries in the book, as they make it extremely difficult to get lost or make a wrong turn. The author has made it so easy in fact, that all you have to do is ride and enjoy the scenery.

Whether you're new to cycle touring or you're an old pro, the book's suggested packing and gear lists, found at the end, will be of interest as well. Thalheimer offers some great suggestions on what to bring with you on a trip of this type, including basic gear for both the bike and rider, as well as equipment for cold weather, camping and more. She even tells you what to stock in your repair (bike) and first aid (rider) kits.

Cycling Sojourner is definitely a must read for anyone planning a cycling trip through Oregon, which is obviously who this book is going to appeal to the most. But there is also quite a bit of good practical advice for cycling in general here as well. If you're planning a long distance bike trip, you can still find some good information to aid you along on your journey as well.

Find out more at CycleTourOregon.com, where you can also order your own copy.

Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide Winners!

Over the past few weeks I've been running a little giveaway on the site during which I was giving away eight copies of Andrew Skruka's new book The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide. Late last week I randomly selected the winners. They are:

Kerry Scott (Piney River, VA)
Stacy Mantooth (Las Vegas, NV)
Michael Smith (Downingtown, PA)
Andrew Frishman (Santa Fe, NM)
Roberto Guzman (La Habra Heights, CA)
Amy Ekberg (St. Paul, MN)
Jim Cawley (Smithsburg, MD)
Lee Edwards (Brisbane, Australia)

Congrats to all the winners. I shipped out the books today and they should be arriving on your doorsteps very soon. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest and who read this blog. I appreciate you stopping by my little slice of the Internet.

Also, big thanks to the folks over at National Geographic Books for providing the prizes for this giveaway!

Book Review: The Ultimate Hang by Derek Hansen

Hikers and backpackers are constantly looking for ways to travel lighter and faster on their excursions into the backwoods. Whether its an overnight stay along a local trail or a weeks-long thru-hike of one of the grand epics such as the Appalachian Trail, we're always looking to shed pounds while remaining as comfortable as possible. Author Derek Hansen has found the key to doing just that and he shares the secret with us in his book The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide to Hammock Camping.

Derek asserts that we can drastically cut down on our pack weight by ditching a tent in favor of a lightweight and comfortable hammock, particularly in warmer weather. He notes that sleeping in a hammock allows backpackers to stay off the hard ground, which provides a better night sleep, and that they perform the same no matter if the terrain is smooth and flat or rocky and uneven. Hammocks can be equipped with rain flies to keep out the inclement weather and insect netting to prevent the creepy crawlies from making their way inside as well. They even adhere to the "leave no trace" concept, having zero impact on the campsite.

Converting to hammock camping may seem like a  simple affair, and for the most part it is, but Hansen has plenty of great advice for first-timers and experienced backpackers alike. He starts with the very basics, such as what gear you'll need for your hammock and then he demonstrates the ease of setting it up using some simple, yet highly effective, illustrations. Derek shares important information on selecting the proper campsite, lightning safety, avoiding wild animals and much more. He even tells us how to stay warm when the cooler weather sets in and how to best keep the rain out when we are inevitably caught out in a storm.

The Ultimate Hang may be a mere 130 pages in length but is chock-full of useful information for anyone who is interested in giving up their tent in favor of a hammock. The book is a fast and easy read, and features plenty of charming illustrations that compliment the text very well. By the time you finish reading this guide you'll be more than prepared to spend your first night in the woods sleeping between two trees and suspended several feet off the ground.

Of course, there are times when sleeping in a tent does have some advantages over a hammock. For instance, tents are naturally warmer and can be shared by multiple people as well. They also are less problematic above the tree line when hammocks require the use of other suspension types to be of any use. But under the right conditions, it is clear that a good hammock is an excellent way to travel and sleep while on a backpacking trip.

I have to admit I learned a lot from reading this book, which was not only informative but fun as well. Derek makes a great case for using a hammock on just about any camping trip and I've already started looking for a nice, comfortable option to take with me to the woods. I like the concept of traveling a bit lighter and sleeping more comfortably. Both of those options would make life on the trail so much better.

The Ultimate Hang is available from Amazon for just $12.78. Find out more at TheUltimateHang.com

Book Review: The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook by Don Mann

One of the distinct pleasure of writing this blog over the past few years has been getting the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing, yet down-to-earth, adventurers on the planet. Men and women who thrive on pushing themselves to the limit, exploring the boundaries of human endurance and living life to the absolute fullest. One of those men is Don Mann, endurance athlete, adventure racer and my Primal Quest boss Don Mann. Oh yeah, and he also happens to be a Navy SEAL.

Recently Don sent me an advanced copy of his new book The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook for a sneak peak before it goes on sale this July. As you can imagine, the book is packed full of tips and tricks from a guy who has made a living out of surviving in some of the most hostile environments on the planet. But the book emphasizes that being physically fit and strong won't necessarily keep you alive and that a healthy dose of mental toughness, and the ability to react quickly to changing conditions, are just as important when trying to survive.

The book opens with an introduction to the intense and demanding training that every SEAL must endure before joining the teams. That six-month long course, known as Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training, or BUD/S, is designed to forge men into elite commandos. That training begins with a legendary physical regimen that usually causes 2/3 of any SEAL class to flush out. Those that survive move on to the diving and land warfare phases where they hone their skills even further.

Of course, you and I aren't likely to ever take part in a BUD/S program, let alone successfully pass through it. Thankfully this book can share some of the wisdom that the SEAL teams gain from months of training and years in the field. The subsequent chapters focus on specific environments offering lessons on how to survive in the jungle, mountain, desert, arctic and even at sea. Those survival tips are far ranging and provide invaluable insights into how to find food and water, how to treat snake and insect bites, how to fashion weapons and tools and a whole lot more. There are even chapters dedicated to building shelters, dealing with inclement weather, navigation and a host of other important topics that could be the difference between life and death in the field.

While there is plenty to learn from each of the various chapters there is far more here than just a basic how-to manual for survival. The book is sprinkled with a number of great stories of survival, each with a lesson we can all learn from. Those stories make for fascinating, and often inspiring, reads while serving as a reminder of just what properly motivated humans can accomplish. Other sections take a look at the importance that mental strength plays in survival and one chapter even examines the "mystery of survival," those intangible elements that can spell the difference between success and failure.

Gear, field medicine, supplies, even creating your own survival kits. It is all here. This book proves that if you absolutely need to survive, you should definitely consult a SEAL. There is so much invaluable knowledge here that you'll want to read it twice just to make sure you get it all down.

The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook is still several months away from release, but you'll definitely want to keep it on your radar. In fact, you can pre-order it now at Amazon and have it shipped to your door when it is finally published. You'll find it a fascinating read on a number of levels and more educational than your typical survival manual. It just might be the best investment you've ever made.