Outside Picks Gear of the Year for Summer 2014

Last week, we received some great gear tips courtesy of National Geographic, and this week we'll start things off with the Outside magazine selection for the Gear of the Year for Summer 2014 as well. The editors at Outside have narrowed their selection down to just 15 amazing pieces of kit that you'll want in your gear closet for that next big adventure.

Some of the items making the list include the upgraded version of the very popular MSR Hubba Hubba tent, which somehow managed to get a little bigger, while still shaving a half-pound off the weight. They also gave a nod to the new Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy sleeping bag, which is rated down to 15ºF/-9ºC, and can be worn like a jacket while around the campfire. The Granite Gear Nimbus Trace backpack is lauded for its all-around excellent performance, while the North Face Ultra Trail running shoes took the crown as the best new trail runners on the market. Other gear making the list included a new mountain bike from Norco, a jacket from Marmot, and a kayak from dagger.

If the Gear of the Year items aren't enough to satiate your gear lust, than checkout Outside's  Summer 2014 Gear Buyers Guide. It expands the selection nicely, offering up more than 360 gear items to choose from. Categories include the essentials for car camping, the best new luggage, the best new tents, backpacks, cameras, and much, much more. It is a very comprehensive list, and one that will surely leave you wanting gear that you probably didn't even know existed. 

Between Outside's suggestions and Nat Geo's selection for gear of the year, we should have plenty of good choices heading into the summer months. 

National Geographic Announces 2014 Gear of the Year - Spring/Summer Edition

For all of those gear hounds out there looking to get their fix, National Geographic has announced their selections for the 2014 Spring/Summer Gear of the Year. As usual, the list if filled with plenty of products that we'll all lust over, while trying to figure out how we'll pay for it all. The list includes something for just about every outdoor athlete, from backpackers, to climbers, to mountain bikers, and more.

Some of the items of interest include the first ever mountain biking helmet from Smith Optics. The lightweight helmet actually has an eye-catching sense of style, as well as being designed for safety and comfort. Barebones has introduces a great looking camping lantern lit by LED light, and with a built-in USB port for recharging other devices. Sierra Designs earns a spot on the list with its newly designed, and super comfortable, Backcountry Bed 800 sleeping bag, while Mountain Hardware gets a mention for its new South Col 70 backpack, which stands out from the crowd thanks to the fact that it is waterproof.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are more than 20 great gear items that earned the distinction of being called "Gear of the Year" by Nat Geo, including a kayak, a bike, some running shoes, cameras, and more. If you're in the market to upgrade or add gear to your collection, you'll want to check out the list for some suggestions. Not all of it is overly pricey either, as many of the options are quite affordable. Take for example the new Loke Jacket from Helly Hansen, which is a water and wind proof shell with a price tag of just $100. That's an incredibly good deal from a company that knows how to create tough outdoor apparel.

Head on over and check out the entire list here. Be warned, your wallet might be a bit lighter afterwards, but you'll be a happy camper. Literally and figuratively.

Video: An Open Door To Solitude

The short film that I've posted below tells the tale of Ed Zevely, a 68-year old man who routinely rides his horse into the Colorado high country just to find a little peace and tranquility in nature. Ed will spends days at a time riding and camping in the mountains, where he finds serenity that he can't get anywhere else.

Open Door to Solitude from Filson on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Cocoon Merino Wool Mummy Liner

A good sleeping bag liner is one of the most useful pieces of gear that you can have in your gear closet. Not only does it allow you to add extra warmth to your bag, but it'll do so without breaking the bank in the process. Having a bag liner at your disposal can keep you from buying another sleeping bag, both for cold and warm weather situations. 

If you're in the market for a new sleeping bag liner, Cocoon has a wide variety of options to choose from. They have liners made of silk, fleece, cotton, flannel and even microfiber.  But if you want the absolute best of the bunch, then check out their Merino wool Mummy Liner, which offers warmth, breathability, and unbelievable comfort. 

For those who aren't familiar with sleeping bag liners, they seamlessly slide inside your existing bag, adding extra layer of insulation. Each type of fabric delivers a different type of performance. For instance, the silk version packs down to a small size, provides a few degrees of extra warmth and responds well to changing temperatures. Cotton, on the other hand, is machine washable, very durable and breathes nicely. Merino wool offers most of those qualities and and a few of its own.

As the names implies, the Cocoon's Merino wool Mummy Liner is shaped nicely to fit inside your mummy sleeping. That includes a nicely rounded top to fit inside your bag's hood without bunching up in the process. 

Cocoon says that the Mummy Liner will add approximately 7ºC or 12. 6ºF to any sleeping bag that it is added to. That's a substantial amount of extra warmth out of a product that doesn't add much weight to your backpack, and could potentially keep you from actually buying another sleeping bag for your outdoor adventures. Want to take that cool weather bag on a winter camping trip? Just add a bag liner and you're good to go. 

Using Merino wool in this particular liner was definitely an inspired choice. Not only is that particular fabric soft and comfortable, it also happens to be very warm. On top of that, it breathes very well, making it easy to regulate temperature throughout a long nights sleep. Merino wool also happens to have natural qualities that keep it from holding on to unwanted smells, which can come in handy on extended backpacking trips. 

This particular liner is comfortable enough that it can even be used on its own in warmer weather. The Merino wool is incredibly soft against the skin, and because of its natural ability to breathe, it works great as an extremely lightweight stand-alone sleeping bag for summer camping trips. When camping in environments that are too warm for a traditional sleeping, bag, you can pair this liner with a sleeping pad, and get a good night's sleep without overheating. 

Putting this liner to the test, I came away impressed with a couple of things. First, the Merino wool is very durable, resisting tears and abrasions, and coming away unscathed, even after using it on a couple of camping trips. I also appreciated how stretchy the fabrics were, making it easy to sleep without feeling to restricted. 

If you're an ultralight traveler or hiker who counts every ounce, there are other options available that are both smaller and lighter weight. At 495 grams (17.4 ounces), this is a rather heavy bag liner compared to some of the other options in the Cocoon line-up. When placed inside of its included stuff sack, it also carries a larger footprint than some of the other options as well. But it does deliver on the promise of 12+ extra degrees of warmth, and a super-comfortable nights sleep. If those are qualities you find that you need while backpacking, then this Mummy liner is perfect for your needs. 

At $99.95, the liner isn't the most affordable option on the market. But it does happen to offer some of the best performances you'll find anywhere. Merino wool is one of the best fabrics available for use in our outdoor adventures, and I am happy to see it migrate from clothing, to other products as well. 

Gear Closet: Kelty Ignite Down Sleeping Bag

One of my favorite advances in terms of outdoor gear technology in recent years has been the introduction of waterproof down. In my opinion it is a real game changer in terms of providing us with the best insulation possible while avoiding previous problems with what happens to down when it gets wet. In the past I've reviewed (and loved) the Brooks Range Mojave jacket, which was one of the first products to incorporate DownTek, one of the options available for waterproof down. Recently I've been testing an Ignite Down sleeping bag from Kelty, which uses DriDown, the primary competition to DownTek. It turns out, it doesn't matter what you call the waterproof down inside, it still performs great and remains the best insulator available today.

The version of the Ignite Down sleeping bag that I tested was rated for 20ºF/-7ºC. That makes it a comfortable option for three-season camping. The bag has a pack weight of 2 pound, 12 ounces (1.2 kg), which is decent, if unremarkable. The mummy-style bag also includes internal loops for a bag liner, external security loops for connecting to a sleeping pad and hand loops for storage. It has high quality zippers and is made from 30D ripstop nylon, while being stuffed with 600-fill DriDown of course.

I was extremely impressed with the build quality of the Ignite Down. Kelty has a rich history of delivering outdoor gear that provides an excellent performance to price ratio. But this bag actually exceeded my expectations in terms of how well it managed to keep me comfortable in a variety of conditions. Better yet, it also feels like it is built to last, shrugging off the normal abuse that come with traditional  camping and backpacking trips. The durable external fabrics are easy to keep clean and very resistant to wear and tear.

The bag also happens to be quite comfortable, which is of course what we're all looking for. Not everyone likes a mummy bag, and if you're someone who feels restricted by this type of sleeping bag, the Ignite Down probably won't do anything to change your mind. But if sleeping in a mummy bag isn't a problem for you, you'll find that this one provides a snug, but not overly confining fit, with plenty of room inside. At 6'2" (1.8 m) in height, I used the "Long" version of this bag and found that I had plenty of room to spare. So much so in fact that I could keep socks, base layers and a few other clothing items that I wanted to keep warm and dry at the bottom without feeling cramped in any way.

As expected, the DriDown performs exceptionally well. The material provides plenty of warmth, even at a slightly reduced 600-fill level. In fact, I feel Kelty might be a bit conservative with their temperature rating and I wouldn't have a problem using this bag even in slightly colder weather. Its water-repellant properties make it a great option whether you're camping in the desert or heading to a damp forest. Similarly, it works well in dry, cool conditions, as well as damp, rainy or snowy ones.

If there is a knock on this bag it is probably in its weight and compressibility. As I mentioned earlier, the Ignite Down tips the scales at 2 pounds, 12 ounces, which makes it rather average in terms of pack weight. It also doesn't compress down particularly small, which means it also takes up more room in your pack than similar bags.

But Kelty more than makes up for these minor issues by delivering a great product, that happens to include waterproof down, at an amazing price. The 20ºF version of the Ignite Down carries an MSRP of just $219.95, and it can be found at places like Sport Chalet for just $199.95. That is an incredibly good deal for backpackers and campers on a budget, who care more about good performance at a great price than they do about shaving a few ounces from their pack weight. For those folks, Kelty has delivered a great option.

As we're heading into the holiday season, this sleeping bag also happens to make a great gift for your favorite outdoor enthusiast. I know I wouldn't mind finding one under my tree this year.

Gear Closet: Goal Zero Rock Out 2 Portable Speaker

Goal Zero is a company that is well known for offering affordable and efficient solar chargers for use on everything from a day hike to a full blown expeditions to the Himalaya. GZ is dedicated to creating products that are tough, useful and good for the environment, and over the past few years their gear has accompanied many explorers on their adventures. But it turns out they also make a line of other products that are fun and a bit unexpected. Take for example the new Rock Out 2, a ruggedized portable speaker that is designed for listening to your favorite tunes and keeping your smartphone charged while in the backcountry.

The Rock Out 2 is a refined update to the original Rock Out portable speaker system that Goal Zero has offered for several years now. The multifunctional device serves as a protective case for your smartphone or mp3 player while also allowing you to listen to music, podcasts or other audio sources while on the go. In a sense, it is an entertainment system for backpackers, campers and hikers who just can't leave home with out their personal soundtracks.

Goal Zero brought some nice upgrades to the sound quality of the new Rock Out 2. The bass is louder, deeper and more full than the previous model, delivering a surprisingly nice thump for such a small speaker. I found sound quality to be quite good across the entire audio spectrum with the mid- and high-ranges coming through distinctly at all times. The speakers also don't distort as the volume increases, belting out tunes clearly at all times.
A portable speaker is only as good as its battery and GZ was sure to give the Rock Out 2 solid performance in this area. It includes a lithium-ion power source that is rated for up to 20 hours of playback. In my testing, I'd ay that was fairly accurate. Higher volumes seemed to drain the battery a bit more quickly but it was always a considerable amount of time between charges. A built-in energy saver system automatically shuts the speaker off after five minutes of inactivity, which helps to preserve power as well.

As you might expect, the device is also designed to easily pair with a Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel to stay charged in the field. The company says it takes about three hours to recharge the device using their system, although that time will vary depending on the amount of available sunlight. You can also charge the Rock Out by plugging it into a USB power source. Recharge times will vary there as well depending on the quality of the USB port. My MacBook Air was able to refill the battery in roughly two hours.

The outer case of the speaker system is well built and feels very solid. It has been designed to protect any device that is slipped inside its padded interior and it does an excellent job at doing just that. Not only is it water resistant, but it would take a seriously vicious impact to the Rock Out for any damage to actually pass through to the interior of the case, which has been expanded in order to accommodate larger smartphones. If you're someone who likes to take your iPhone or Android device with you into the backcountry, you'll find that the RO2 provides plenty of protection, although it is bulkier than a standard case thanks to the built-in speaker system.

Goal Zero listened to customer demands and added exterior controls to the Rock Out 2 allowing the user to  adjust volume, pause, play and skip tracks. This is a nice touch over the older model which required you to open the case to access the audio device to make those kinds of adjustments. Doing so can expose the smartphone to the elements, which is counterproductive considering the amount of protection the case provides otherwise.

While the Rock Out 2 is a fun, well built product there is one thing that it doesn't do that i would have liked to have seen included. It doesn't allow the user to tap into it's battery and use it to recharge your smartphone directly. I know the idea is that everything will be charged through a solar panel, but it would be nice to able to take the Rock Out and your smartphone with you and have the battery life extended by charging off the speaker itself. It's a minor quibble but it would have been nice to have the option.

The new Rock Out 2 carries a price tag of $59.99, which is a reasonable price for speaker/case of this kind. GZ kept the original Rock Out in their line-up for $29.99 as well, giving customers a choice. Personally, I think the performance gains from the new model are worth the upgrade price, but if you're looking for audio output while on a budget, you'll find the older model to be quite a bargain too.

Gear Closet: Eureka Midori Solo Tent

Last year, tent-maker Eureka made a splash with a well designed new line of backpacking shelters in the form of the Midori 2 and 3. Those tents were lauded for being lightweight and affordable while still offering plenty of features that campers and backpackers really appreciate. This year they're bringing that same sensibility to the new Eureka Midori Solo, which as the name implies is a lightweight tent built for one.

The Midori Solo has inherited a number of key features from its older, larger siblings that make it an attractive option for anyone looking for a single person tent for their excursions into the backcountry. For starters, I was impressed with how easy it is to set up, even on my first go. It took less than ten minutes to take the tent out of its included bag, assemble it and move inside. Considering the tent is designed for the solo hiker, that ease of set-up is much appreciated.

I was also impressed with the level of ventilation on the Solo. Here in Texas, we're just now starting to cool off from the summer heat and the evenings have continued to be relatively warm. Rain has been at a premium as well, which meant I was able to camp without the rain fly without any issues. Even on warmer nights however, I was comfortable inside the tent with jut a light sleeping bag liner.

One of the most important aspects of any solo tent is how much it weighs, after all you won't be able to split the weight across multiple backpackers on a solo excursion. Eureka has delivered a product that performs relatively well in this aspect, particularly considering the tent's price tag. The Midori Solo tips the scales at 3 pounds, 9 ounces, which is hardly svelte but not especially hefty either. Make no mistake, there are solo tents that  weigh considerably less than this one, but they'll also lighten your wallet too.

Inside, the Midori Solo provides a solid amount a room for a single person although things get a bit tight if you bring too much gear inside. When secured into place, the rain fly provides a secure place for hikers to stash their gear to keep it protected from the elements. Inside their are a couple of gear pockets  for keeping a few small items close at hand such as a headlamp or a multitool. A gear loft across the ceiling provides even more internal storage.

With the fly in place, this is a tent that is rated for three-seasons, making it versatile for just about any outdoor adventure save winter camping. As mentioned, we haven't had much rain in my area, so I can't comment on how well the Midori Solo performs in wet conditions. But if it maintains the same level of performance of the Midori 2 and 3 however, it should do well in adverse conditions.

On more than one occasion in this review I've indicated that Eureka has delivered a great tent at an affordable price. The Midori Solo will sell for just $129.99 when it hits gear shops in January of 2014. That's a great price for a solo tent of this quality and relatively light weight. If you're in the market for a single-person tent for your future excursions, without breaking the bank, this is a tent that I think you'll be very happy with.

(Note: The photo in his story is of the Midori 2. I haven't been able to find a solid image of the Solo yet and I didn't carry a camera with me when I went camping with this tent. While the Solo is smaller and more narrow, the image of the Midori 2 does give you an indication of what the Solo looks like as well.)

National Adventure Day Coming October 12 & 13

Now here is an idea that I can get behind. My friend Chuck Vohsen of Rock Racing has declared the second weekend of October as National Adventure Day and he's looking to spread the word to other adventure lovers not just here in the States but across the globe.

Chuck writes about this inspiration for this new holiday in a recent blog post. It seems a few weeks back he read about some kids declaring a certain day as National Bacon Day, which he thought was a great idea. But the more he thought about it, the more he wondered why there wasn't a day to celebrate adventure in all of its forms too. Unable to shake the idea, he decided to do something about it. So, he declared October 12 and 13 as those days. He even launched a Facebook page to build support for the idea.

To show how much thought has gone into the idea, Chuck even mentions the acronyms that were discussed to support National Adventure Day. He thought of naming it the Great Outdoor National Adventure Day – or GONAD for short. That led to simply calling it NAD instead and since a single day isn't enough to celebrate the idea of adventure, it became NADs as the idea of spreading it out across two days took hold.

So with NADs still a month away, we all have time to plan how we'll celebrate. I'm a big believer that the term "adventure" means something different for everyone. And on National Adventure Day we should all find something that expresses our own personal definition. Hit a trail for a long hike or run. Camp over night. Go climb a mountain. Whatever inspires you. Get out there and do it.

Head over to the National Adventure Day Facebook page and "like" it. Then share your plans for how you'll celebrate.

Thames Challenge 2013: Hiking The Length Of The Thames River

I always like the idea of finding an adventure right in your own backyard. A lot of times we miss some great opportunities to explore the outdoors close to home because we're often dreaming of flying off on some grand adventure on the other side of the planet. Those big adventures have their time and place of course, but sometimes we don't have the time or money for that kind of escape. That's when a microadventure can often provide the fix we're looking for, often to surprising results.

That happens to be the case for my friend Alan Curr, who recently decided to walk the length of the Thames River – source to sea – in England. Carrying all of his gear on his back, including a tent, food and clothes for the trek, Alan set out from Gloucestershire on September 1 with the aim of hiking the entire 186 miles (300 km) distance from the Thames Head to the Thames Barrier in London.

It took Alan a full week to walk the length of the river as he averaged more than 26 miles (41 km) per day. He wrapped up his journey last Saturday and has begun recounting his tale on his blog, giving us a daily account of each stage of the trek. Stage 1 was a 35 mile (56 km ), 13 hour walk from the source of the Thames to Tadpole Bridge. That was followed on Day 2 with a 32 mile (51 km) hike from Tadpole Bridge to Abingdon which took 14 hours to complete. He hasn't posted any other updates just yet, but I'm told we'll get one a day for the rest of the week with a final summary of the entire hike at the end.

This looks like it was a fun adventure and a solid challenge to complete in a single week. The fact that Alan was able to do this simply by packing up his gear and hopping on a train is just icing on the cake. These kinds of microadventures are all around us. All we have to do is look for them.

Gear Closet: Energizer Ultimate Headlamp

Energizer is a company that is well known for making batteries that power everything from watches to cars. Their power cells are amongst the best in the business and help keep our gadgets up and running when we need them most. But Energizer also makes a line of outstanding lighting products that are durable, bright and perform extremely well even in harsh conditions. They also happen to be extremely affordable, providing an excellent alternative to some of the more well known brands that typically cost twice as much.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be especially interested in the Energizer Ultimate headlamp. This light was built with extreme adventure in mind and was designed for use in harsh conditions. It's case is built out of an aluminum alloy that is rugged enough to stand up any abuse you dish out while continuing to provide plenty of light. It features a single lamp that is capable of putting out a constant beam of 100 lumens which comes in handy when flying down a dark trail on a mountain bike but is probably brighter than most people will need. But just in case you do need a little extra light, a "boost" button on the side of the housing will temporarily amp it up to 130 lumens, at the expense of battery life of course.

Other modes include low and medium settings which give off 25 and 50 lumens respectively. There is also a flashing strobe mode to signal in an emergency and a night vision option that emits a red light that is easier on the eyes when in a dark space. Battery life varies depending on the level of brightness of course. On the highest setting the batteries will last 10 hours but drop the brightness down to low and   that time increases to an impressive 40+. The fact that the Ultimate headlamp uses three replaceable AA batteries (Energizers preferred of course!) means that it is easy to swap out a fresh set when needed.


Other nice touches include a comfortable strap, a pivoting head that allows you to change the direction of the light and a focus ring that allows you tighten up the beam for greater distance. There is also a blinking green light on the back of the battery pack that make it a breeze to find the headlamp in the dark or when it's found its way the bottom of your pack. That can certainly come in handy when you're fumbling around in a tent during the wee hours of the morning.

Energizer had built the Ultimate headlamp to resist the elements and as such it is designed to be weatherproof. While it isn't exactly meant to be immersed in water, it can survive a sudden rainstorm without missing a beat. Better yet, this light is rated for use in extreme temperatures as well. Energizer says that it will operate in a range from -40ºF (-40ºC) to 140ºF (60ºC). That means you can take this light into some pretty remote places and expect it to continue burning bright.

All of these features added up to a great headlamp that is surprisingly versatile and efficient. But what kicks the Energizer Ultimate headlamp into a category all its own is the price. The light carries an MSRP of $44.99, which is a bargain for a piece of gear that performs as well as this one. Even better, you can find the Ultimate at discounted prices online making it an even better bargain. For instance, Amazon has it for just $34.01, which makes it nearly impossible to pass up.

This headlamp is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a quality light. But mountaineers, backpackers, winter campers and other outdoor athletes will really appreciate everything it brings to the table. If you need an affordable headlamp that happens to also be very durable for your next adventure, then look no further. This is the one for you.

Gear Closet: Bear Grylls Gerber Survival Hatchet

Say what you will about Bear Grylls but the man certainly is a survivor. And I'm not just talking about his talent for staying alive in the wilderness. It wasn't all that long ago that he was weathering the storm of the revelation that his television show Man vs. Wild had staged some segments for dramatic effect. At the time, it was quite a scandal in the outdoor world, but Bear has proven to be a resilient guy and he has managed to put that speed bump behind him and become more popular than ever.

The Bear Grylls name has proven valuable to gear companies too. He has put his name on a line of clothing from Craghoppers, a nifty new stand-up paddleboard/tent combo and a number of knives and other tools from Gerber. I've had the good fortune of testing and reviewing several items in the Bear Grylls Gerber catalog and I have continually come away impressed. The blades are always high quality, the handles are sturdy and each of the products comes across as a well designed and built for use in the backcountry. Recently I got my hands on the Bear's Survival Hatchet and true to form it continues the legacy of a high quality and useful tool that you'll want in your pack.

First impressions are always important with any piece of gear and this hatchet makes a good one. It feels incredibly sturdy and well balanced in your hand. The hand axe weighs a mere 20.8 ounces (590 g) but when it strikes its target it hits with more punch than that weight would typically imply. That means this is a tool that feels great on your pack but still offers plenty of power when it comes time to put it to use.

The hatchet's rubberized handle make it easy to grip, even in wet conditions. It has a couple of finger notches ergonomically incorporated into the base, closer to the blade itself, that help you to wield the axe with more precision when doing fine fork. Slide your hand further down the handle when you need to strike with power. Either way, this is a hatchet that can handle all of your backcountry needs without missing a beat.


The blade is a mere 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in length, which gives you an idea of just how compact this hatchet really is. Despite that, the sharp, incredibly durable blade will slice through wood with ease. Need some firewood? The Survival Hatchet will have you warm and dry in no time at all. The opposite end of the blade features a second striking surface, this time one that is flat and very versatile. Roll the axe over and you have a great hammer for pounding in tent stakes for instance, which will be much appreciated when pitching your tent on hard ground.

Gerber has included a nice nylon sheath for the axe that fits the blade nicely but doesn't detract from the compact nature of the axe. The sheath includes a pair of loops that make it easy to attach to your pack or your belt, keeping it within easy reach when needed. As with all of Bear's other products from Gerber, the Survival Hatchet also comes with a mini survival guide that has plenty of tips for staying alive in the backcountry.

All in all, this is another great product from Gerber and Bear. If you need a compact, lightweight hatchet for your backcountry adventures, than this is the perfect choice to add to your own gear closet. It is a durable, versatile and high quality tool that will prove to be worth its weight in gold.

Gerber prices the Survival Hatchet $48 but it can be found online for less. For instance, Walmart sells the axe for just $32.35, which is an incredible bargain for a tool like this one. The online store has other Bear Grylls products available as well, most of which can be found by clicking here.

Who Wants A Bear Grylls-Branded Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard That Converts To A Tent?

From the "now I've seen everything" category we get a new inflatable stand-up paddleboard from Coreban that also has the ability to serve as your tent while out on your SUP adventures. And if that wasn't enough of an incentive to buy, the board also comes full endorsed by none other than Bear Grylls himself.

The new system is called the Ultimate Adventure Tent and it features a specially built shelter that is designed to wrap around Coreban's existing Scout inflatable SUP board. The tent uses three poles – one on the nose and two on either side of the board at the back – to keep the structure in place. When it is full assembled there is room for one occupant with the Scout actually serving as a sleeping pad, which is actually rather ingenious. Mesh sides allow fresh air to get in while keeping insects at bay.

The system has been designed for expedition paddleboarding on rivers, lakes and other relatively calm bodies of water. It includes a waterproof bag for keeping the tent and other camping gear dry while paddling all day and the Scout has integrated cargo nets on the front and rear to ensure essential gear doesn't easily get washed away. In short, it should be just about everything you need to spend a few days or weeks exploring your favorite waterway.

There is no word yet on when the Ultimate Adventure Tent/Scout SUP board will ship. The design is still being tweaked an Coreban has been relatively tight lipped on its specifications at this point. Still, considering how popular stand-up paddleboarding has become in recent years, this has the potential to be an interesting product. There is no word on cost either.

Thanks to Gizmag for sharing.

The Best Gear Of Outdoor Retailer (Part 2)

A few days ago I shared my thoughts on the best gear that I saw at this year's Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. But the half-dozen items that I spotlighted at the time were just a tiny fraction of the new outdoor equipment that was on display there. Here are a few more items that caught my eye and may of interest to you when they hit store shelves over the next few months.

Kelty TraiLogic
One of the more impressive set of products that I saw at OR this year was the new TraiLogic system from Kelty. The company has gone back to its roots, creating a collection of gear that is designed to work well with one another in a very efficient manner. The TraiLogic product line includes a tent, sleeping pad, Dry-down sleeping bag and a backpack that converts from a 50-liter bag designed for backpacking to a 35-liter day pack in seconds. It is difficult to sum up all of the innovation that I saw in the TraiLogic designs but just know that Kelty is focused on making a complete backpacking system that is lightweight and affordable. How lightweight and affordable you ask? The entire collection weighs less than 10 pounds and will cost just $800-$900 depending on which configuration you select. Expect to hear much more about this product as it gets closer to launch next spring.

Adventure Medical Kits Fire Cubes
I've been a big fan of Adventure Medical Kits for years and absolutely love the products they've designed for travel, adventure racing and backpacking. At OR, the company was showing off another new innovative product in the form of their All Weather Fire Cubes. Somewhat resembling small marshmallows, the cubes are designed to help you easily start a fire in the backcountry. They are designed to ignite easily with the included fire sparker, even when wet and they are capable of generating a flame that burns as hot as 1300ºF (704ºC) for about 10-12 minutes. In other words, they burn long enough for you to get your tinder going so you can build a fire when ever you need one. Available in the spring, a $12 bag will include 48 cubes, which can actually be broken down into 8 smaller pieces should the need arise.

Brunton Hydrogen Reactor
One of the more ambitious projects that I saw at the show this year was the new Hydrogen Reactor from Brunton. The device uses hydrogen fuel cells to power our USB-chargeable gadgets such as headlamps, smartphones, GPS devices and so on. The fuel cells are good for approximately six charges of a typical smartphone and when depleted they can be refilled at a local gear store or swapped out for a fresh cell as needed. There will even be a $250 device available to charge you own fuel cells if you find yourself going through them quickly. The point of the reactor is to provide clean, renewable power to our devices from a lightweight and rugged source. The device works great, but Brunton is still building an infrastructure with retailers to support it. You have to commend them for their efforts at the very least.

Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5 Tent
I'm a big fan of Mountain Hardwear gear so admittedly they can sway me pretty easily with their new products. That said, it is hard to not like the new Optic 2.5 tent that is designed for two people and features a door on both one side and one end. When both are opened you get a nice panoramic view of the landscapes around you that will make you wonder why someone didn't incorporate this design sooner. With a trail weight of 5 pounds, 13 ounces it is a bit heavier than most of the new two-person tents I saw at the show, but it comes with a pretty sweet price tag to help balance it out. The Optic 2.5 costs just $240, which is a great entry level for anyone who wants to buy a Mountain Hardwear tent.

Jetboil Joule Group Cooking System
Jetboil pretty much set the standard for a lightweight cooking system when they released their original
stove a few years back. Since then the competition in this space has gotten stiffer and the company has continued to improve and expand its product line to meet the needs of its customers. The new Joule stove, due in the spring, is large enough to feed 3-5 people and yet still packs down small enough to easily carry with you in your pack. It features a unique design that puts the fuel canister up-side-down which should improve the consistency of performance even as the canister runs low or the temperature begins to drop. The Joule is a cinch to use, heats up extremely quickly and provides ample space for the backwoods gourmet.

Mio Alpha Fitness Watch
If you've ever been to Outdoor Retailer you probably know that some of the more innovative products are often found tucked away in the pavilions that are located across from the main hall. That's where I came across the new Mio Alpha fitness watch which is designed to help athletes train and race better. The watch is capable of monitoring the heart rate of the wearer without the need for a cumbersome and uncomfortable heartrate strap. The watch can then give visual feedback on how much the athlete is pushing him or herself and help them perform better. The watch itself is comfortable and attractive, and can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth for use with some of the more popular fitness apps out there.

I have a few more products I'll probably spotlight in the next few days. As you can see, there were a lot of items to checkout and excellent improvements and innovation from a number of sources. All of this gear may make your wallet groan a bit, but we're living in a time where things are continually improving and we get to reap the benefits.

Gear Closet: Cocoon Ultralight Air-Core Hood Camp Pillow

Remember the days when you would go camping and you would have to leave some amenities behind simply because they either didn't exist in a portable format or they were just too bulky and cumbersome to bring along? Those days almost seem laughable now considering how lightweight and compact our gear has become. Now days when we hit the trail, there are very few things we have to leave behind, making our time in the great outdoors more comfortable then ever. I was reminded of this recently while testing the new Ultralight Air-Core Hood Camp Pillow from Cocoon. It is a surprisingly comfortable camp pillow that takes up almost no room in your pack and weighs next to nothing, making it a no brainer to carry with you on all of your adventures.

The pillow is made of a durable nylon fabric that is designed to stand-up to the rigors of travel. Whether you're spending the weekend in a local campsite or thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, this pillow will be with you every step of the way. Best of all, you will barely know it is in your pack, at least until the end of the day when you're ready to curl up for a good night's sleep. The Ultralight Air-Core pillow weighs in at just 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and when stored inside its included stuff sack, it is smaller than a can of Coke.

Removing the pillow from the stuff-sack reveals that is bigger than I had initially expected. It covers an area of 12" x 16" (30 x 40 cm), which is large enough for all but the most restless of campers. In one corner there is a high quality air valve that allows you to quickly inflate it to its full size with just a few breaths. The valve also helps you to adjust the level of firmness as well, setting it to your personal level of comfort. I found it best to fill the pillow to capacity and then seal it with a quick twist of the valve.  From there, its a cinch to slowly release the air to get everything just right.

Cocoon has put quite a bit of thought into the design of this product that helps to make it easy to recommend to backpackers, campers and even adventure travelers. For instance, half of the pillow is covered in a soft microfiber while the other half remains nylon. The microfiber makes for a warmer sleeping experience, but if you get too warm, you can simply flip the pillow over for a cooler surface on which to rest.

The unique shape of this pillow (it is rounded across the top) makes it perfect fit for the hood of a mummy bag. I happen to be a fan of that style of sleeping bag and having a pillow that fits neatly and easily into the hood is a very nice option. The air valve that is so useful in setting the firmness of the Air-Core also helps in adjusting its size of your mummy bag hood as well. This adds a nice level of versatility to this pillow as well, as I feel it is large enough to be used outside of a sleeping bag, but can fit snuggly into a mummy bag when traveling through colder environments.

If you're in the market for a comfortable and durable camping pillow for your next backpacking trip, it's hard not to recommend Cocoon's excellent offering. It is everything you could ask for – small, lightweight and versatile. On top of that, it is also highly affordable. MSRP is just $25.95. At that price, how can you afford to not have one in your pack?

Outside Magazine Selects 2013 Gear Of The Year (Summer Edition)

Still looking to add some new gear to your collection this spring? Then Outside magazine has you covered. Outside editors have announced their selection for the best gear for the summer season in their 2013 Gear of the Year awards.

This time out 15 great pieces of outdoor equipment made the list, providing shoppers with some excellent choices in the way of new backpacks, tents, running shoes and more. Each of these items is obviously designed for use the warmer spring and summer months, although much of it is versatile enough to be used all year round.

Earning a spot on the Gear of the Year list this time around is the new Mica FL2 tent from the North Face, which is a lightweight and durable three-season shelter. Osprey's new Xenith 88 pack earns a nod as well. It is lauded for being a big pack that is both comfortable and easy to fit. Salomon's S-Lab Sense Ultra trail shoes is the selection for runners, while the new Rip 9 RDO from Niner comes highly recommended for the mountain bike crowd.

This is just a taste of the items that make the list. There are plenty of other suggestions in the area of footwear, sunglasses, cycling and more. Of course, the ubiquitous GoPro Hero 3 Black edition gets a mention too and at this point we all know how good of a camera that is.

If you're in the mood to spend a little cash, take a look what Outside recommends you add to your gear closet. I'm sure there is something on their you'll find hard to resist.

Alastair Humphreys Helps Us Plan A Microadventure

I'm a big fan of Alastair Humphreys. The British adventurer has cycled around the world, rowed across an ocean and trekked through the Empty Quarter on foot, amongst other major expeditions. But I also love the fact that Alastair is a huge proponent of what he likes to call "microadventures" – short escapes, generally close to home, that are cheap to do and highly effective in helping us reconnect with nature. He's even shared a sampling of his own microadventures on his website, providing a template for us to do our own.

But in a blog post that went live on his site this morning, Al has made it even easier to get started with our own microadventures. He has created an infographic designed specifically to inspire us to head outdoors and explore all of the great adventure opportunities that exist right in our backyards. The infographic recognizes that we work 9 to 5 for instance and yet challenges us to do something with the other 16 hours of our day. It then proceeds to explain in as simple as possible terms just how easy it is to find a weekend – or even mid-week – microadventure that can help send you back to the office, rejuvenated and revitalized with your life.

I absolutely adore Al's microadventure concept and even wrote recently about rediscovering some of my favorite outdoor places that I haven't visited in awhile. This is a way to reincorporate some adventure into your own life without breaking the bank or getting on a plane to fly to some far flung corner of the globe. Don't get me wrong, those big adventures are amazing too, but sometimes we just need to find a way to sprinkle a little excitement into our daily existence to help us stay connected to the world around us.

This is a great message from a guy who already lives a life of adventure. Keep up the great work Al!

Become An Outdoor Gourmet With CampingRecipes.co

Are you the kind of person who spends more time cooking over a campfire or backpacking stove than you do in your own kitchen? If so, there is a new website you'll definitely want to checkout and add to your bookmarks. It's called CampingRecipes.co and it is sure to become a popular resource for the outdoor crowd.

As you would expect from an online cooking site, Camping Recipes has a database filled with all kinds of suggestions for things to eat while out on the trail. It features hundreds of suggestions for healthy and tasty snacks and meals for when you're out on the trail. It even features full meal plans designed to provide plenty of calories for extended trips.

The site offers a solid search tool for finding new versions of your favorite recipes but it also provides plenty of categories to explore as well. For instance, there are vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.  There are also suggestions for car camping , backpacking and ultralight trekking, as well as recipes that don't require any cooking at all. Camping Recipes provides excellent choices for kids, low carb selections and even gourmet meals for the talented trail chef.

But what really sets this site apart from others is the wealth of information in provides specifically for backpacking. Not only does it provide the full recipe for the meals but it also provides calorie counts too. It also offers an estimated weight for carrying all the ingredients in your pack, which is helpful for those who want to know exactly what they're carrying with them when they hit the trail.

If you're looking to add some new options to your outdoor cooking repertoire, then head over to CampingRecipes.co now. While you're there, sign-up and join the community. You'll be abel to share some of your favorite trail-menu options, interact with others and review recipes.

Now if you'll excuse me, I suddenly find myself very hungry.

Gear Closet: SteriPEN Ultra UV Water Purifier

We all know that one of the most important aspects of staying healthy while traveling, either in the backcountry or foreign countries, is finding clean drinking water. You can be incredibly cautious and safe in everything you do, but exposure to even a little contaminated water can bring you to your knees. Thats why various methods of water purification have been popular travel accessories for quite a long time. Things like micro filters or iodine tablets, each of which have are helpful, but always effective.

In recent years, a new option for water purification has grown in popularity with many travelers and backpackers turning to devices that use ultraviolet light to kill all of the bad things that could potentially be lurking in our water. Things like giardia, e-coli and salmonella, which can make you incredibly sick or even potentially kill you.

I first became a convert to UV water purification a few years back while traveling in Nepal. While there, nearly everyone else in the group got sick from one thing or another, while I managed to stay healthy the entire time. Whether that was coincidence, luck or the SteriPEN Classic water purification system that I brought along, I'm not sure, but when I came home, I vowed to not travel anywhere without it again.

Since that early model purifier, SteriPen has continued to refine their systems, making them easier to use, keep charged and more dependable. Their latest purifier takes everything they've learned from previous products and updates it nicely. The result is the best SteriPEN yet and a must have product for any adventure traveler.

The new device is called the SteriPEN Ultra and it brings a number of welcome refinements to the table. For instance, the Ultra now incorporates a much better display that is far easier to read under all conditions, including bright sunlight. That display has status indicators for battery and lamp life, and indicates whether or not it has successfully treated your water supply. The device also has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged via USB, which is a nice upgrade from the older battery operated units.
For those who aren't sure how the SteriPEN works, it couldn't be more simple. You start by filling up your water bottle from what ever source is at hand. Next, you power on the Ultra pushing the button once to purify a full liter of water or twice for a half-liter. Then you dip the device into the water until the metal sensors along the base of the UV lamp are submerged. After that, you just stir until the screen indicates whether or not it has successfully treated the water. A smiley face indicates success, while a frown tells you its time to start again.

The Ultra is actually faster than previous models at completing the purification cycle. It takes roughly 45-90 second to do the job, depending on the amount of water in the bottle and the outside temperature. In colder weather, the device automatically adds a few seconds to the process to account for the lamp requiring more time to power up to full strength. This subtle, but nice, touch ensures that all of the unwanted bacteria, viruses and parasites are killed before we take a drink.

As mentioned, the purifier has a built-in battery that can be charged via an included wall adapter, or via a laptop USB port or solar charger. The Ultra can treat up to 50 liters of water before needing a recharge, which is enough to get you through some fairly long trips in and of itself. But if you do find the need to recharge along the way, it'll take roughly 2-3 hours from a power outlet. Charging times vary a lot more when plugged into a laptop, extending the time necessary to 3-5 hours. Solar chargers are much more unpredictable, as they are often inefficient and don't always get the light they need. Still, its good to know it is an option should you need it.

As a long time SteriPEN users, I appreciated all of the improvements that come along with the Ultra. It is indeed faster and easier than ever to purify your water, which brings a measure of comfort and security with it when traveling. I also love that it now comes with such a powerful rechargeable battery. My original model used replaceable batteries, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, except in this case it was an extremely small and hard to find size. Particularly in foreign lands. Now I have multiple wasy to recharge, even if I'm not close to an outlet.

Using a SteriPEN device in the past wasn't an especially difficult affair, although when it didn't work, it could be confounding at times. The company has taken all of the guess work out of the process now however and it is easy to understand what is happening at each stage of the process. I'm not sure it is possible to make using the Ultra any easier.

The SteriPEN Ultra carries a price tag of $99.95, which will obviously buy you a lot of iodine tablets. But considering the fact that this device will kill 99.99% of the harmful things that can be found lurking in our water, it seems like a very wise investment. As is typical with SteriPEN gear, the Ultra is rugged and tough, making it a perfect travel companion and it comes with a nice carrying cast to help protect it further.

All in all, the Ultra is a worthy addition to the SteriPEN line-up and a perfect option for anyone who needs fresh, clean water no matter where they go.

Adventure Tech: Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator

I've mentioned the products from Goal Zero on more than one occasion. They make some of the most lightweight and efficient solar chargers on the market, providing excellent options for keeping our gadgets charged while in the field. I even reviewed their Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit awhile back, finding it to be a great product for backpackers and climbers alike. Yesterday the company announced an entirely new product that is sure to be of interest to many, particularly those who require a lot of power in a base camp setting.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Goal Zero took the wraps off of the new Yeti 150 Solar Generator, a lightweight option for portable power while camping. The unit weighs 12 pounds and comes with a convenient built-in handle, making it fairly easy to carry to just about any location. It also comes with built in several built in power plugs including a 12-vold car port, a USB port and even a standard wall outlet. That means you can plug all of your devices, including laptops, into the Yeti 150 and get a quick power-up.

The Yeti 150 is essentially a high capacity battery that can be charged at home via a power outlet or in your car in the 12-volt port. In the field, the unit can be paired with GZ's excellent Nomad 13 solar panel for complete charging off the grid. Using the Nomad, Yeti 150 owners can reportedly top off their charge in as little as 5-10 hours depending on weather conditions.

According to Goal Zero the Yeti can provide up to 15 charges of a smartphone, six charges to a tablet such as an iPad, or two full charges of a laptop. The company says that a notebook computer can be completely powered up in two hours as well, which is a relatively short time all things considered.

This new solar powered solution from Goal Zero seems like a great option for those who are planning a prolonged stay in the backcountry or in a base camp somewhere. It's small size and relatively light weight should make it a popular system, and it's price tag of $400 with an included solar panel isn't half-bad either.

I look forward to hearing more about how well these work once they're put to use in the field.

10 Big Adventure Travel Opportunities For 2013

Yesterday I shared a post that I wrote for Wired's Extremo Files Blog on my top five picks for the best climbs of 2012. Today I have a new post over on Gadling that looks ahead to 2013 instead. This story is my top ten picks for big adventure travel trips for the coming year, offering suggestions for great destinations and activities for those looking to add a little adventure to their life.

Some of the options that I included on my list this year are things like going camping in Antarctica, mountain biking in the Himalaya and taking a walking safari on the Serengeti. But rather than just throwing out some suggestions on amazing things to do, I also link to a variety of adventure travel companies that can actually provide that experience. For instance, Quark Expeditions actually offers an option on one of their itineraries that will let you camp for a few nights on the Antarctic Peninsula, something that very few people ever have the opportunity to try. It also happens to be something that I would love to do if I ever make my way down to Antarctica.

When I've written similar pieces like this one in the past, I've always included one of my ultimate dream trips on the list and this one is no exception. It's no secret that I love Africa and enjoy any opportunity I can get to go there. For me, the ultimate bucket-list trip through Africa would be a journey from Cairo to Cape Town overland. That is to say, driving, taking busses, ferries, etc. It turns out, Intrepid Travel offers just such an excursion with their 117-day Discover Africa tour. If you have four months to kill, and you're looking for the ultimate way to visit Africa, this would be my recommendation.

One of the things I love when I write story like this one is hearing from travelers who didn't know that some of these trips were even possible. It happens nearly every time I do something like this list and I always get a kick out of providing a few new dream adventures for someone who wasn't even aware they were possible. Hopefully that will happen again this time, as I feel I've dug up a few really unique travel opportunities for those with an incurable case of wanderlust.

I hope you enjoy the suggestions and good luck with your 2013 adventures. Here's to a new year filled with new possibilities.