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. 

Outside Picks the 20 Most Dangerous Hikes in the World

Looking for some new hiking trails to try this summer? Then you might not want to look at the new list from Outside magazine. They have compiled their selection of the 20 most dangerous hikes in the world, giving us a taste of just how dangerous hiking can be when you throw in extreme conditions, dangerous wildlife, and trails that are literally falling apart around you. This list isn't meant for those who enjoy walking the nature trail in their local park. These trails are for the truly adventurous who enjoy a bit of a challenge while they're in the wilderness.

Make no mistake, there are some truly spectacular hikes on this list. Many offer sweeping views or access to some of the truly great wilderness areas on our planet. But, as the name implies, they also offer some unique dangers as well. Those dangers come in a variety of forms that are sometimes unexpected. Take for example, the Huayna Picchu route in Peru, a trail that goes beyond Machu Picchu and up a 1000 feet of ancient stairs that the Inca carved out of stone. Those stairs are slippery, in need of repair, and shrouded in mist. Many people who set out on the hike, have no idea how dangerous it is, and often aren't wearing the proper boots, or carrying enough water.

Other outstanding – yet dangerous  – trails include the Maze in Utah, which consists of a series of twisting canyons that are easy to get lost in, and Mount Hua Shan in China, which is infamous for its wooden platforms precariously bolted to the vertical cliffs of the sacred mountain. Other trails that make the list include the amazing Drakensberg Traverse in South Africa, Kalalau in Hawaii, and El Caminito del Rey, in Spain, which I recently shared on this blog in video form.

The list offers trails that can be found in just about every corner of the globe, although the U.S. is heavily represented.  The Outside authors offer advice on the things that make each of these routes dangerous, and what we should be aware of before setting out. Of course, further research is highly recommended, but this makes for an interesting read none the less.

Video: Lance Armstrong Talks To Outside Magazine

Lance Armstrong has maintained a relatively low profile over the past year, during which he admitted to using performance enhancing drugs while competing in, and winning, seven Tour de France races. Over the months since his confession, he has started to come clean about those transgressions, and he has been very open and frank about the nature of cycling in that era, and his own involvement. In the video below, he continues to speak candidly, this time with Outside magazine, about the situation. When asked if he feels he won the those seven Tour titles, that have since been stripped from him, he unequivocally says yes. It is an interesting, and straight forward interview, that fans of cycling and Lance should see. And for the record, I agree with him. He won those races on the road.

Outside Names 50 Trips Of A Lifetime For 2014

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

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

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

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

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

More Gear From Winter Outdoor Retailer

Yesterday I posted a gear preview from the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, giving us a glimpse of new products that we'll all be wanting to add to our equipment sheds come next fall. Today, we have even more interesting gear to lust after, as manufacturers continue to unveil what they'll be offering in the months ahead.

First up, we have Outside magazine's picks for the best gear of the show, giving us their selection of five items that really stood out from the crowd. An innovative new jacket from the North Face earned a spot on Outside's list, as did an avalanche airbag from Black Diamond. A new fitness tracker from JayBird also gets a nod, as does the new energy-generating cook stove from BioLite. Scarpa's new ski boot rounds out the winners.

Our friends at Trailspace have posted a nice round-up of their second day at the show, giving us a first look at new ski packs from Osprey, Deuter and Gregory. They also share thoughts on new shoes from La Sportiva and various other great outdoor gear.

The OR gear show will go on for another couple of days, with plenty more to be revealed. Watch for a couple more "best of show" reports to come, with some thoughts on all the outstanding new products in our future.

Outside Picks The Best Adventure Films Of 2013

December doesn't just mean that the holidays are right around the corner. It also is a time to reflect on the year that has just passed and take stock of events that have transpired. Over the course of the next few weeks, I'm sure we'll see plenty of articles detailing the "best of 2013" or the "top ten" something or other from the past 12 months. Take for example this article from Outside magazine which shares their picks for the ten best adventure films that were released this year, each of which look like they'll be of interest to outdoor enthusiasts.

A number of the films on the list were ones that I've written about here on the Adventure Blog while others are completely new to me. For instance, I covered The Sufferfest, a film about Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright's "worst trip ever" few weeks back, and I've covered The Last Great Climb as it happened and when the trailer hit back in the summer. Most have us have probably at least seen the trailer for Blackfish as well. It was the film that was released this past summer that take a hard look at how captivity impacts the lives of killer whales.

A few of the films are ones that I haven't seen yet. Those include The Crash Reel, which follows snowboarders Shaun White and Kevin Pearce as they prepare for the 2010 Olympics. Just days before the games Pearce suffered an accident in the half pipe, suffering brain damage in the process. I'm also excited to see Maidentrip, which follows Laura Dekker on her attempt to sail solo around the globe a few years back. But perhaps the most intriguing film to me is Keeper of the Mountains, which is a movie about Miss Elizabeth Hawley, the Grand Dame of the Himalaya, and the keeper of all the records pertaining to climbs that take place in the big mountains. Catch the trailer for that film below.

If you're looking for some great adventure films to watch in the days ahead, Outside's list is a perfect place to get some ideas on where to start.

Outside Magazine Announces 2014 Winter Gear of the Year

Looking for some suggestions for gift ideas for your favorite outdoor enthusiast? Outside magazine has you covered with the latest edition of their Gear of the Year list. This time out, it's the best gear for Winter 2014 with suggestions on what to buy for the season ahead.

Some of the items that make the list include Eddie Bauer's new Neoteric Polartech shell, skis from both Rossignol and DPS, a snowboard from Burton, running shoes from New Balance and a backpack from Millet, amongst other things.

If you're looking forward to winter and may need some new gear for your snowy endeavors, Outside has you covered. Most of the gear is available now and should represent some of the best new items available as we head into the months ahead.

It is hard to believe that it is snowboarding and ski season already. Where did this year go? Most of the major resorts will be opening in the next few weeks and snow has been plentiful already across the western U.S. It appears that we should be in for an excellent season. That is, unless you just don't like playing in the snow, which means you're probably not looking forward to the arrival of winter at all. But like I always say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. This list will help remedy that. 

Everest News: Commentary On New Regulations And Sherpas Speak Out On Spring Brawl

August isn't typically the time of year that get much news on Everest. After all, the spring climbing season is well behind us and the much quieter fall season hasn't begun yet. But today we have a couple of Everest-centric stories worth noting and considering the rather large shadow the mountain casts over the mountaineering world, they are both worth sharing.

First up, Alan Arnette has weighed in with his thoughts on the new regulations that Nepal will be instituting next year. Those regulations include a permanent government presence in Base Camp, a ban on the use of helicopters in the region and a requirement that all attempts at setting a record on the mountain be declared ahead of time. Alan notes that while it is good to see Nepal making any kind of effort to bring a bit of order to Everest, he has his doubts as to whether or not these rules will actually accomplish anything or will even be enforced at all.

One of the more troubling aspect about the news that more regulations are coming to the world's tallest mountain is that aside from a BBC article on the changes, there has been little other information on the topic. The Nepali government hasn't even issued a press release or sent out any written confirmation of the rules changes. Worse yet, Alan says that none of the new regulations do anything to address the biggest challenge - overcrowding.

I have to say that I agree with Alan's assessment of the situation and had my own reservations about the new rules when they were announced. Nepal isn't all that well known for following through with their government oversight to begin with and adding yet more bureaucracy  probably isn't the answer. The fact that these new rules don't help in controlling the crowds leads me to believe that officials there are simply burying their heads in the sand so as to not disrupt the the cash cow that Everest has become for them. More people on the mountain means more permits sold, which of course leads to more cash in the country's coffers.

Meanwhile, Outside magazine has an interview with a Sherpa who was on Everest this past spring and was a witness to the incidents that led to a brawl between other Sherpas and European climbers Ueli Steck, Simone Moro and Jonathan Griffith. The conflict began up near Camp 3 at 23,000 feet (7010 meters) when the well-known trio attempted to cross the ropes that were being fixed at the time. Reportedly they dislodged a piece of ice that struck a Sherpa working below. This of course angered the other members of the rope-fixing team who had warned the three westerners to stay off the ropes. The lead Sherpa pulled the team off the job and ordered them to go down to Camp 2. When Simone, Ueli and Jonathan arrived back at that point a few hours later, all hell broke loose.

Tashi Sherpa, who works for International Mountain Guides and was the subject of this interview, paints a similar story from what we've heard in the past but with a few key differences. For instance, he claims that the crowd that approached Simone and Ueli in Camp 2 was nowhere near 100 people as many reports have indicated. He also says that Simone in particular was confrontational and abusive with the Sherpas involved. His actions, according to Tashi, directly led to increased tension between the parties involved.

The interview is a good one and comes across as being honest and forthright. The Sherpa, spoke to a reporter in Kathmandu and talked openly about a growing resentment amongst Sherpas towards western climbers. This is a result of them doing most of the work on Everest and getting little credit for the role they play. As the Nepali climbers have gotten more educated and self assured, they are now starting to ask why the stories about their climbs aren't included with news of westerners summiting the mountain. After all, without the Sherpas, very few people would actually be able to climb Everest.

I found the interview to be very interesting and credible. it is good to get the story from the perspective of the Sherpas involved – a story that has mostly gone untold until now. The person in Outside's interview, says that no foreign journalists or bloggers who were there in BC bothered to talk with the Sherpas involved to get their side of the story. Not even the Nepalese government liaisons approached them. This interview gets at least part of their story out to the public.

If you're a fan of all-things Everest, you'll certainly want to read both of these stories.

Outside Magazine Wants To Give You $10,000 To Fund Your Next Adventure!

Listen up outdoor adventurers! Are you planning an epic expedition in the near future? Need some extra cash to help get your journey off the ground? Outside magazine is here to help!

Outside is seeking submissions for its 2013 Adventure Grant and is looking for one bold adventurer to give $10,000 to. To enter, all you have to do is click here and fill out the online form. It includes the usual information such as your name, address, and so on. You'll also be asked to write a brief (500 words or less) essay about what kind of adventure you have planned and share a photo of yourself or your team. Finally, you'll need to create a brief video, no longer than two minutes, that expresses your passion for whatever your adventure may be. Upload that video to YouTube or Vimeo, and you're all set to go.

Deadline for submissions is June 1, which means you don't have a lot of time to get everything you need together. Once the deadline passes, Outside editors will pick their finalists and those videos will be posted online where readers can vote for their favorites. Last year, readers selected Daniel Alvarez as their winner. The 31-year old from Tallahassee, Florida went on an amazing kayaking journey that began in Minnesota, followed the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and then continued along the coast until he reached the tip of the Florida Keys.

This is a great opportunity for anyone to find some funding for their big adventure. Be creative, pitch your idea well and who knows, we may just be reading about you in the pages of Outside next year.

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.

Outside Magazine Picks 2013 Adventurers Of The Year

Outside magazine has selected their choices for the 2013 Adventurers of the Year, giving that honor to nine people that they feel are "changing the face of global adventure." Their selections are diverse, deserving and most of all very inspiring.

Amongst those earning a spot on the list are ultrarunner Kilian Jornet, who has been a fixture in endurance and mountain sports for some time, but has recently become a darling of the mainstream media. He's joined by director James Cameron, who plumbed the depths of the ocean and Eruc Erden, who circumnavigated the planet completely under his own power. Of course Felix Baumgartner makes the list, as does Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, even though it has been nearly two years since she completed her quest to climb all 14 8000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen.

All in all, this is another solid list of outdoor personalities who deserve plenty of recognition, although I can think of a few more that I would either add to the list or substitute for a few that received recognition. I realize that these lists are always subjective, but they also tend to lean towards picking people who are especially easy to market. Gerlinde's story is a good one for example and it would certainly earn her Adventurer of the Year honors for 2012, but I'm not sure I'd have her on my 2013 list.

That said, I have major respect for everyone of these men and women and I like that Outside is recognizing them for the things they have accomplished.

Outside Announces 2013 Travel Awards

Still looking for some ideas for your next big trip? Perhaps Outside magazine can help! The periodical has posted its selection for the 2013 Travel Awards listing their favorite trips, guide services, destinations and a whole lot more.

All told, there are 42 trips on the list, providing travelers with options that range from sailing in the Marshall Islands to trekking in the Karakoram mountain range. They also offer tips on their favorite lodges, hotels and even airport bars. There is a little something here for everyone, whether you prefer your adventures on a beach, in the mountains or somewhere in between.

And after you've finished perusing all of the great travel suggestions, head on over to the Outside Facebook page and complete the What Trip Are You Quiz? By doing so between now and April 8, you'll automatically be entered to win one of five dream trips for you and a guest. Options include paddling down the Salmon River, zipping off to the rainforest of Ecuador or skiing in the Alaskan backcountry.

As for me, I'm still trying to plan my own escape for this year. I've had a couple of opportunities on the back burner, but life has kind of gotten in the way this spring. I hope to change that soon, so Outside's awards come at just as I'm considering where to go in 2013. My feet are getting itchy, the wanderlust is taking over and the world is calling. Maybe I should just spin a globe and go where my finger falls.

Outside Interviews Alan Arnette

For years Alan Arnette has been our go-to source for information related to Everest. Each spring he provides the most comprehensive updates and reports from the mountain, diligently tracking all of the teams as they make their way up and down (and back up and down) the slopes. Alan also does a great job of providing plenty of preseason coverage as well, providing insights into what it is like to climb the world's tallest mountain and interviewing the personalities that are in the Himalayan community.

Because of all this excellent Everest coverage, not to mention his own extensive personal climbing resume, Outside magazine decided it was time that someone interviewed Alan instead. That interview went online yesterday and it is an excellent read for anyone who has wanted to know more about the man behind AlanArnette.com.

In the article, Alan talks about what got him interested in climbing in the first place, how his site evolved from a page about his personal adventures into something more and why he works hard to raise funds and awareness about Alzheimer's. That is a cause that is particularly near and dear to his heart and has played a big role in his motivations for climbing today.

If you're a regular reader of this blog you know that I link out to Alan's content on a regular basis, in part because I think he does outstanding work and in part because I love his approach to adventure and climbing in general. I've been fortunate enough to connect with Alan on occasion through the Internet and he has always provided great insight, advice and knowledge. Reading this article you'll get a sense of who he is as person and it'll make your visits to his website have a little more meaning as well.

Thanks to Outside for spotlighting Alan. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

Does The Amazon Still Remain Un-Paddled From Source-To-Sea?

An interesting story showed up on the Outside magazine website yesteraday. Its an article that first appeared in the January issue of the print mag and is just now making its way online. In it, a white-water kayaking guide by the name of James "Rocky" Contos contends that the river that has been previously thought to be the source of the Amazon isn't in fact the source at all. That would mean that all previous attempts to make a first descent of the waterway were starting in the wrong place and the Amazon has yet to be paddled source-to-sea.

Contos says that he made his discovery while using Google Earth to plan some new kayaking routes in Peru. Previously it has been assumed that the Apurimac River marks the furthest starting point of the Amazon, but he believes that its true source sits on the 18,363-foot (5597 meter) Nevado Mismi mountain, where the Mantaro River begins. By Contos' estimates, the Mantaro is approximately 50 miles longer than the Apurimac, giving it the distinction of being the furthest source.

If what Contos says is true, we'll eventually have to re-write the record books on the first descent of the river. As of right now, it hasn't been done. At least not by kayak. Contos shared his findings with West Hansen, who was launching his Amazon Express expedition last year, but the two had a bit of a contentious relationship it seems, which led to Hansen going the historical route and Contos using motorboats to complete a first full descent of what he believes is the Amazon River. The Outside article has more details on the situation between the two men, which seems like it can best be described as frosty.

For now, we have to wait to see if there is independent confirmation of this new finding, which Outside speculates could lead to a rush of expedition paddlers heading to South America to attempt to become the first to run the Amazon from the "new" source to the sea. Regardless if it is proven or not however, I suspect there are some already planning to make the run, just so they can lay claim to it.

Outside's Five Reasons To Watch Le Tour This Year

We're now just a little over a week away from the start of the 2012 Tour de France. For many of us it is amongst the top sporting events of the year and I can honestly say that I look forward to it for months ahead of time. But others see a large shadow looming over the sport of cycling as doping scandals mount and big name stars drop like flies. I even have some close personal friends who don't tune in to watch the Tour any more. For them, Outside magazine has put together a list of five reasons we should all watch this year.

Outside's list includes some compelling reasons, at least for someone like me who is already a big fan of the sport. That list includes the following:

No Clear Favorite - The race is wide open this year, especially with Alberto Condator banned and Andy Schleck out with an injury. 2011 champ Cadel Evans will be back to defend of course.

Extreme Carnage - Not sure I agree with this one, as I'm not the kind of person who tunes in to auto racing to watch the wrecks either. But there are always nasty crashes at the Tour, although it'll be tough to top some of the big ones from last year.

Fastest Bikes Ever - The top cycling companies continue to refine their designs and as a result, the bikes are improving nearly every year. This year's bikes will certainly be the fastest to ever hit the roads of France. Speaking for myself personally, the bike porn is part of the reason I enjoy watching so much. I can't help but drool over those machines I'll probably never get to ride, let alone own.

It is a "race of truth" - This is a reference to the time trials that are always a part of the Tour de France. I know I love it when the race comes down to two or three great riders dueling it out for the Yellow Jersey. Hell, everyone loves that. Except maybe the Schleck brothers.

American Riders - Outside is an American magazine, so of course they're going to cheer on the toop American cyclists, even if there is little chance of one making the podium. The U.S. does have a very good crop of up and coming riders however and it will be fun to watch them mature and gain experience in the race. I suspect we'll see Tyler Farrar contending for some sprint finishes at the very least, although I'm not sure anyone can touch Mark Cavendish for the Green Jersey.

The article on Outside Online goes more into detail in each category and it is a good way to get the juices following for the beginning of the race next Saturday. I'll be doing regular coverage as much as I can this year. I know I for one don't need an incentive to watch. Can't wait!

A Mugging On Everest?

Yesterday Outside magazine posted a story about a disturbing incident that took place on the North Side of Everest back in May. It seems that a group of young men, all graduates from the Tibet Mountaineering Guide School (TMGS), assaulted a Chinese climber that they suspected of being on the mountain without a permit. When the man raised his ice axe in an attempt to defend himself, the group over powered him, roped his hands together and proceeded to force him back down the mountain. One witness who saw the incident is quoted in the article as saying, "It was disgraceful. They literally kicked him down the ropes. It was a disgusting example of a pack of bullies egging each other on and literally beating him down the hill."

Obviously being on the mountain without a permit is a major offense and Outside writer Grayson Schaffer says this climber was keeping to himself, which is a dead giveaway of someone trying to keep a low profile on the world's tallest mountain. But that certainly doesn't justify the treatment of this man, who would normally be fined heavily, kicked off the hill and possibly banned from climbing in Tibet for a period of time.

To add a bit more fuel to the fire, the climber also happened to be Chinese. Considering the delicate nature of the relationship between the Tibetans and the Chinese, its possible that the young men involved in this incident may have let pent up frustrations boil over to a degree. There is also a fear that the Chinese government could react harshly to the treatment of a Chinese citizen, possibly cracking down further on the Tibetans.

The Outside article says that the entire incident was captured on film mountain guide Kari Kobler who is one of the founders of Kobler & Partner, a company that leads expeditions to the North Side on an annual basis. Kobler says that he has no intention of releasing the film and that he has ties to the TMGS, where discipline is being handled internally. Kobler also indicated that the same group of thugs may have been involved in other problems on the North Side this year. He didn't wish to elaborate, but Schaffer speculated it had to do with the theft of bottled oxygen.

Stories like this are always a bit unsettling, as we like to think that their is a camaraderie that exists amongst the climbers on these big mountains. Hopefully this won't escalate into something really nasty between the Chinese and the Tibetans, but we do know that Beijing doesn't take kindly to any kinds of displays of aggression there.

The North Side has always been a bit more unruly than the South Side and this could be an indication that that side of the mountain still has a long way to go before it is completely tamed.

Outside Announces Finalists For Adventure Grant

In celebration for its 35th anniversary, Outside magazine is giving away a $10,000 adventure grant to help fund what it calls a "smart, creative, and (perhaps) slightly foolhardy endeavor." Over the past few months they've solicited entries for the grant and now they've announced the five finalists on the Outside Facebook page.

The five finalist are certainly a diverse group. They include Daniel Alvarez, who hopes to paddle from Minnesota to Key West Florida; Quinn Langbauer and Mike Tassels Richard, who intend to cycle across Siberia; long disance hiker Ben Mayberry who will travel the American west on foot and pack raft; Ali Bayless and Hannah Bassett who want to sail the California coast in search of people with dream jobs and  Chase Berenson and Charla Hughes who dream of traveling the length of Thailand in a tuk-tuk.

Each of these is a unique adventure to say the least and all of them sound like fun. You can visit the Outside Facebook page to find out more about them and watch videos from the finalists. Then, cast your vote for the one that you think is most deserving. The winner will be awarded the grant!

Outside Profiles Chad Kellogg

We're all Everest all the time around here today, but it kind of is the epicenter of the adventure world at the moment.

With that in mind, Outside Online has a great profile of speed-climber Chad Kellogg as he prepares for a run at the Everest speed record. The story was written by Grayson Schaffer, who has been stationed in South Side Base Camp all season long and has had the chance to get to know Chad while he is there.

The story takes a look at all the challenges that Kellogg has had to deal with over the past few years, including the loss of numerous loved one, most notably his wife Lara. He's also dealt with injuries, financial set backs and plenty of other problems, and yet he continues to pursue his passion for climbing all over the world.

At the moment, as the rest of the teams head for the summit, Chad is preparing to have a run at Marc Batard's 1988 record of 22 hours, 29 minutes from BC to summit and 36 hours for the round trip, all done without oxygen. There has been some rumblings about a fast time, turned in by Kazi Sherpa a decade later, who made it to the summit in 20 hours, 24 minutes, but Outside says that Kazi used oxygen on the descent, so his record is in some dispute.

Either way, reading the article I get the impression that Chad is going to hit the slopes and simply see what he can do. If the record is attainable he'll go after it, but mostly this is about him continuing to chase his passions in the mountains.

There are some concerns about the current weather window closing early next week. It would be a shame if Kellogg didn't at least have a go at the record. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

You Have One Week Left To Apply For The Outside Adventure Grant

Just a quick heads-up for anyone looking for funding for their next adventure. The inaugural Outside Adventure Grant  is still up for grabs, but you'll have to hurry. Outside magazine is accepting applications for the grant through May 18, which just so happens to be next Friday.

Applicants for the grant, which is worth $10,000, simply need to fill out a brief online form that includes contact information and a short 500-word essay explaining your proposed adventure and what makes it unique and worthwhile. There are also options to include a photo or video as well, although they aren't mandatory for consideration.

Once the application process has closed, editors will select finalists based on "ambition, creativity, and feasibility of the entry, as well as how effectively you communicate these qualities." The winner will then be picked via a vote on the Outside Facebook page starting on June 4.

If you've been dreaming of an expedition for some time, but have lacked the funds to be able to pull it off, now is your opportunity to make it a reality. Sign-up for the grant. What's the worst that can happen?

Good luck everyone!

Mountain Biker Wants To Take Bike To The Summit Of Everest

Last year I wrote a satirical piece for Gadling about a man who wanted to ride his mountain bike up Everest. That was an April Fools day post that managed to illicit a few laughs at the time. I promise that the following story is a real one that comes are way courtesy of Outside Online.

According to Outside correspondent Grason Schaffer, who has been reporting from Everest Base Camp for the past few weeks, there is a man in BC who is hoping to take his beloved mountain bike up the mountain if and when he gets the chance to climb. 46-year old Aydin Irmak, a Turkish-immigrant to the U.S., believes that he can go all the way to the summit with the 33-pound bike, although he seems to be lacking a few permits to do just that.

Irmak's story is an interesting one. He came to the U.S. in the early 90's and took a variety of odd jobs to earn a living. Eventually he started his own business focused on industrial design and started making some good cash. But things changed after 9/11 and in 2005 he filed for bankruptcy, left his wife and hit the road. First he tramped around South America on foot for a few years, then wandered back to New York where he was homeless for a time and made money by fixing discarded bikes that he found on the street. Eventually he discovered his current bike and something in him told him to do something special with it, so he set off on a ride to Norway that took him north above the Arctic Circle. After that he turned back south into Russia and kept riding. Eventually he crossed through more than 19 countries before arriving in Kathmandu, where he got the inspiration to take his bike up Everest.

The bureaucrats in Nepal were none too keen to issue him the necessary permits however and he practically had to threaten one just to get permission to go up to Camp 4 on the South Side. According to the Outside story however, he also needs a permit from Sagarmatha National Park, which surround Everest and at this point he still doesn't have one. If he does get that paperwork, he can at least try to go up the mountain.

It doesn't seem he really has much of a chance of reaching the summit, with or without the bike. This is Irmak's first real mountaineering expedition and until now he's never even worn crampons before. On top of that, Schaffer reports that on Aydin's first acclimatization rotation to Camp 1, the actually went up without his jacket and was forced to retreat to BC. Those are rather auspicious signs for someone who hopes to climb the tallest mountain on the planet.

Still, it's hard not to cheer for the guy. I love his sense of adventure and approach to life. I doubt he'll have any success in getting to the top with his bike, but it sure is fun to dream big sometimes.