One Last Thank You to Mountain Khakis

I know I've mentioned Mountain Khakis a number of times over the past few weeks, but as November draws to a close, I want to do it one more time. The company, which is based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was generous enough to sponsor The Adventure Blog for the month and I am grateful for them doing so. It doesn't hurt that I also really like their products, and can unequivocally endorse their gear as well.

Considering we're coming off the Thanksgiving weekend here in the states, I'd also like to thank all of the readers who make The Adventure Blog a part of their daily or weekly routine. I appreciate you stopping by my little corner of the Internet as well, as you not only help to keep me going week in and week out, but you inspire me with your own adventures as well.

Tomorrow, things will return to normal around here, and the blog will have its familiar look once again. But there are may be some other changes afoot in the days ahead as well, so stay tuned for possible news on that front.

Thanks again to Mountain Khakis. I've been proud to fly their banner here over the past few weeks.

Video: Racing Extinction - In Search of the Blue Whale

This short film serves as a prelude to Racing Extinction, a new show that is set to premiere on the Discovery Channel on December 2. It follows a group of filmmakers as they set out to capture the first footage ever of a massive blue whale swimming alongside a human being. Before they ever left on their quest, they were told over and over again that they wouldn't be able to achieve their goal, and while it wasn't easy, they did manage to find those elusive animals, and record some of the most amazing footage you'll ever see. The short documentary is about 16 minutes in length, but well worth a watch, as it is not only very well done from a creative standpoint, it also shares insights on how we can help save species that are now nearing extinction.

Video: Kilian Jornet's Summits of My Life - Langtang Trailer

This past spring, mountain runner Kilian Jornet traveled to the Himalaya, where he had hoped to attempt a new speed record on Everest. But, as we all know, those efforts were cut short when a massive earthquake hit Nepal, devastating the countryside and leaving parts of that nation completely in ruins. In this video, we get a sneak preview of Kilian's latest film � entitled Langtang � which takes along with him as he explores the Langtang Valley following this natural disaster. The footage we see, even in this brief clip, is incredibly sobering, and a reminder of how powerful this earthquake was, and why Nepal continues to struggle with rebuilding. The full Langtang film will be available on December 12, and promises to be quite a powerful experience.

Langtang Trailer - Summits of My Life from Summits of My Life on Vimeo.

Scans Suggest Hidden Chambers and Passages in King Tut's Tomb

Back in August, I posted a story about an archaeologist who had proposed a theory that there may be hidden chambers inside King Tut's tomb, and that those chambers could in fact lead to the final resting spot of Nefertiti, one of Egypt's most well known female historical figures, whose burial site has never been found. Now, just a few short months later, researchers are saying that they believe that these secret passages may indeed exist, and could contain treasures that go well beyond those found in the boy-king's burial chamber.

Last week, archaeologists took ground penetrating radar into the tomb of Tutankhamen in attempt to peer beyond the existing walls in search of hidden passages behind two panels that may be secret doors. On Saturday, they announced their findings, which look very promising. So promising in fact, that Egyptian antiquities minister Mamdouh Eldamaty now says that there is about a 90% chance that another chamber sits hidden behind the north wall of Tut's tomb, and that there is evidence of another hidden doorway along the west wall as well.

The results of the radar scans lend credence to the theory that was put forth in July by British archaeologist Nicholas Reeves. He spotted the potential hidden chambers while reviewing the physical layout of the tomb, and extrapolated that the area beyond could be the resting place of Nefertiti, who was the Tut's mother in law. Since than, others have physically examined the tomb as well, and found evidence to support Reeves' theory. The radar scans were simply the next step in looking for further clues, and were necessary before any kind of excavation could potentially begin.


Reeves, who has been studying Tut's tomb for more than 30 years, says that he first got the idea that more hidden chambers could exist when he looked at laser scans that were made of the burial chamber back in 2009. They showed structural differences that weren't readily apparent thanks to the paint and other decorations that are a part of the walls. He also says that he believes most of the artifacts found in Tut's tomb were actually originally made for someone else. Most likely a woman.

He has further postulated that Nefertiti didn't just pass out of history when her husband � a powerful pharaoh named Akhenaten � died, but instead ascended to the throne herself. Reeves says he thinks she changed her name to Smenkhkare, and much like Hatshepsut, the female-pharaoh that proceeded her, ruled the country for a time.

Whether or not the hidden chambers do exist, and what treasures they might hold, is likely to remain a mystery for a bit longer. It'll take some time before a team of archaeologists can carefully remove the sections of the wall that cover the secret passages, as they'll go to great lengths to not damage the existing site. That will be painstaking work for sure, but once completed it could reveal a piece of hidden history that will be fascinating to behold.

For now, we'll just have to wait patiently for more news. If there are hidden chambers behind the walls of Tut's tomb, they have been locked away for more than 3400 years. They can wait just a bit longer to be revealed to the world.

Himalaya Fall 2015: South Korean Team Prepares for Summit Bid on Lhotse

While those of us living in the U.S. celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday, the South Korean team on Lhotse was busy pressing forward with their efforts to climb that mountain. While there hasn't been a lot of news to report in recent days, the team has continued to make progress and they are now set to make one final push to the top later this week.

According to ExWeb, the Koreans managed to establish a new high camp at 8200 meters (26,902 ft) that will serve as the launching pad for this final summit push of the season. They built that camp amidst high winds over the past week following a failed summit bid earlier in November. The location of their new Camp 4 will provide more shelter and a better spot to rest before their summit push, making it somewhat easier to go for the top, weather permitting of course.

After establishing C4 last week, the squad descended back to Base Camp where they rested for a few days prior to setting out once again. According to reports, they left BC on Saturday and are now making their way back up the mountain. The plan is to be in position by Wednesday, and make an attempt on the summit on Thursday, December 3.

Of course, the weather will ultimately dictate their chances, and while things look promising for later in the week, high winds have been the norm at higher altitudes on Lhotse in recent days. Still, if Korean team can catch a break, they may yet stand on the summit this fall. And if they do succeed, it will be due to their determination and persistence. They've been on the mountain for weeks now, and have remained focused on their goal despite the fact that many other teams climbing in the Himalaya this fall have gone home without achieving much success.

Other than Lhotse, the rest of the Himalaya has gone most silent this fall. There are still a couple of teams out in the mountains attempting to climb some big peaks, but with winter now closing in quickly, most of the climbers are now looking ahead to the spring of 2016, with a few very hearty souls planning big winter climbs as well. I'll continue to keep any eye on the Koreans' progress on Lhotse, as it now looks like it'll be the last major expedition of the season, and will likely close down the climbing scene in Nepal before what promises to be a very interesting spring.

Stay tuned for more later in the week.

#OptOutside for Black Friday

Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S., and most of us are gearing up to have a few days off to spend some time with friends and family. Of course, Thanksgiving brings another annual tradition along with it � Black Friday. That's the day that holiday shopping kicks into high gear, most major stores offer significant discounts, and shoppers head to the malls in droves in an attempt to get an early start on their holiday shopping. In short, it is madness, and most sane people try to stay as far away from the experience as possible.

This year, outdoor gear retailer REI has done something that to many was unthinkable. The company has decided to close its doors on Black Friday, and actually give its employees a paid day off to go outside instead. Using the hashtag #OptOutside, the company has encouraged its customer base to do the same. As of now, nearly 1 million people have pledged to follow suit.

REI isn't the only organization that has pushed to turn Black Friday into a day to enjoy the outdoors either. Gear company Outdoor Research has jumped on the bandwagon as well, as have some state and national parks as well. In Tennessee, all state parks will be free for visitors,  and Oregon is doing the same. In the state of Washington, Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks will be fee-free as well, and if you look hard enough you'll probably find similar offerings where ever you are too.

The point is to avoid the massive shopping frenzy and head out to enjoy the great outdoors, which is a great message to send. The holiday shopping will be there in the days ahead, but we don't always get a day off to enjoy being outside. So, if you're like me, and would much rather be on a trail than standing in line at the store, take advantage of this new unofficial holiday, and #OptOutside yourself. Chances are it'll be a far more rewarding experience.

Video: The Harmony of Fall

Autumn is a transitory season, fast moving and fleeting. It marks the time between summer and winter, warmth and cold. But for many of us, it is one of the best times of the year, as mountainsides are ablaze with all the colors of nature's palette, and the crisp air is refreshing and welcome.

Shot in Croatia and Slovenia, this beautiful video gives us a glimpse of the fall in eastern Europe. It is three minutes of amazing shots that celebrate the season, but also remind us that it will soon be gone. Enjoy it while you can.

The Harmony of Fall from Enrique Pacheco on Vimeo.

Video: Wild Scotland

Think Scotland doesn't have epic wild spaces? This video will convince you otherwise. Shot with a drone in some of the country's most remote locations, it captures the landscapes of Scotland in beautiful fashion. The Highlands in particular look very enticing, inviting us to come explore their expanse. Sit back and enjoy, this short clip is only a little more than three minutes in length, but it is well worth the watch.

Wild Scotland from John Duncan on Vimeo.

The Adventure Blog 2015 Holiday Shopper's Guide (Part 2)

Yesterday I posted the first part of my 2015 Holiday Shopper's Guide with ten suggestions of gifts aimed at the adventure traveler and outdoor enthusiast in your life. Today I have even more gear ideas that the explorer or adventurer in your life will sure love.

Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO Tent ($350)
With its integrated LED lights, the Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO tent isn't just a great camping shelter, it is a fun place to sleep in the backcountry. This two-person, three-season model is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to assemble. It comes equipped with a rainfly, two doors and two vestibules, integrated media pockets, and more. And at the end of the day, those built-in LED's give create an ambient light that makes this tent even more cozy and comfortable inside.

Osprey Atmos AG 50 Backpack ($230)
Rated amongst the best backpacks currently on the market, the Atmos AG 50 from Osprey is comfortable to wear, offers plenty of capacity, and is durable enough to withstand all the punishment you can throw at it. On top of that, it comes equipped with Osprey's amazing anti-gravity suspension, which makes wearing this pack a joy, even when it is fully loaded. Great for camping, backpacking, or adventure travel, this is a backpack you can take with you just about anywhere, and know that it is going to serve you well.

Base Camp Power Solutions from EnerPlex ($350 - $1400)
For those who need plenty of power while on the go, EnerPlex has the solution. They offer a pair of lightweight generators that can be recharged by solar panel, and are a source of electricity even in remote locations. The Generatr 100 is small enough to be slipped into a backpack and carried anywhere, providing a charge for your smartphone, tablet, camera equipment, or even laptop. The larger Generatr 1200 is built for use in base camp, and is even capable of powering a television set or a small refrigerator. Best of all, this model is less than half the weight of competing products, which makes it far easier to use on extended expeditions.


GoPro Hero 4 Session ($300)
Acton cameras continue to be all the rage as more budding filmmakers capture their outdoor exploits. GoPro remains the leader of the pack, even though other camera manufacturers are closing ground. The new Hero 4 Session is a great choice because it is the smallest, lightest, and simplest camera that GoPro has ever produced. It shoots professional quality video, is compatible with the majority of GoPro accessories already on the market, and it is durable and waterproof out of the box. If you have a future action film director on your shopping list, they'll be thrilled to unwrap this camera.

Berghaus VaporLight Hydroloft Reversible Hoody ($220)

When it comes to innovative design, it is tough to top the VaporLight Hydroloft Reversible Hoody from Berghaus. This jacket takes the "reversible" angle to the next level, and not just for cosmetic value. With one side of the jacket facing out, it is a windproof layer that can keep the wearer warm while out on the trail. Turn it inside out, and the hoody becomes more breathable to help vent out excess heat. As if that wasn't enough, the jacket weighs less than 8 ounces, making it the perfect companion for trail running, winter hiking, climbing, and even mountain biking.

SPOT Gen 3 Satellite Messenger ($149, Free for a Limited Time)
The SPOT Gen 3 Satellite Messenger has been around for awhile, but it is still a great way for adventurers to stay safe while in the backcountry or traveling in a remote parts of the world. The device allows friends and family to track their whereabouts at any time, and it can send pre-canned messages to let everyone back know that they are okay. And if an emergency situation should arise, the SPOT messenger lets the user to call for help, even if they are way off the grid. And for a limited time, you can get the SPOT hardware absolutely free with the purchase of a qualifying service plan.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight .9 ($36)
Want to show your favorite outdoor enthusiast that you really care? Than buy them the excellent Ultralight & Watertight .9 first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits. This compact and lightweight pack contains everything you need to take with you on a backpacking trip or while traveling abroad to treat common injuries and ailments. Inside the waterproof bag you'll find everything from band-aids and syringes, to medicines to kill the pain and silence an upset stomach. There are wraps and bandages, as well as moleskin for blisters, plus a few tools that could come in handy too. This is the kind of gift that really shows its true value over time.

Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 Mountain Bike ($3730)
Really want to spoil the mountain biker on your holiday list? Why not buy them a new bike? The Cannondale Habit Carbon 3 is an all-mountain ride designed for nimble performance on the trail, fast climbs, and even faster descents. This is a bike that begs to be ridden in all kinds of terrain, and with its dialed trail geometry, lightweight frame, and high performance components, it is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

Princeton Tec Sync Headlamp ($30)
A good headlamp is always a handy device to have with you while traveling or even at home, and the Princeton Tec Sync is one of the best available right now, especially at such a great price. Tipping the scales at a mere 3 ounces, it is comfortable to wear and easy to operate. It can crank out up to 90 lumens of light, and offer a burn time of over 200 hours on its 3AAA batteries. On top of that, it features both a spot and flood beam, as well as red light LED. The wearer can dial in exactly the brightness and settings they need with the twist of dial, making this one of the most convenient headlamps to have on you in the backcountry.

Phiaton BT 330 NC Bluetooth Headphones ($179)
Anyone who travels regularly can tell you the value of having a good pair of headphones. They come in handy on long flights and they are great way to stay entertained while on the road. The new BT 330 NC headphones from Phiaton have two great qualities that frequent fliers will definitely love. First, they use Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music from a smartphone or tablet, and they come equipped with noise canceling technology to keep out background noise too. Music and podcasts sound crisp, clear, and vibrant, and these headphones are comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.

South African Mother-Son Team To Pedal Across the Atlantic

Yesterday I posted a story about a Frenchman who is preparing to cross the Atlantic on SUP board. Today we have word of another Atlantic crossing, this time under pedal power.

South African Davey Du Plessis and his mom Robyn Wolff plan to set out in the next few days, depending on the weather conditions. They'll leave from Cape Town with the intention of pedaling their custom made boat all the way to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Their journey will cover an estimated 6450 km (4007 miles), and is expected to take anywhere from 90-150 days to complete.

The mother-son crew are obviously in for a big adventure out on the high seas, but they are undertaking this epic journey to help raise awareness of how man is causing the mass extinction of life across the globe. Through our own actions, we are having a deep, and lasting, impact on the planet that is resulting in a sever loss of life that will be irreversible. Davey and Robyn hope to bring this cause to the forefront of world issues through their efforts. You can find out more about his issue at ExtinctionSix.com.

If Davey's name sounds familiar, its because he made world-wide headlines back in 2012 when he attempted to travel the length of the Amazon River, but was attacked by gunmen, shot, and left for dead. His story was a brutal reminder that not all of the challenges that we face while traveling through remote areas are due to Mother Nature. Other humans can still be a major threat too.

Davey and his mother intend to set out before the end of November, so they are starting to run low on days. But they are prepared to be begin when the weather allows them to, and they know that the ocean may not be all that accommodating to their schedule. They'll make their Atlantic crossing in  a boat that has no sail or motor. Instead, it has been outfitted with a specially created pedal drive that will allow them to make progress as if they were pedaling a bike. The boat was also made from sustainable materials to help make it safe for the environment as well, and it it is outfitted with the standard equipment you would expect on an ocean crossing, including water purification system, GPS navigation, and emergency radios.

Good luck to Davey and Robyn on this voyage. It should be an amazing one.

Video: Finland in Timelapse

We've seen some impressive timelapse films over the years, with several of the Scandinavian countries being well represented. But somehow Finland seems to get left out of the fun, as I'm not sure I can recall ever posting a video from there in the past. But that changes now, as this is a beautiful clip shot in the Finnish landscapes, giving us an all-too-brief glimpse of what the country has to offer. The scenery found in this four-minute video was shot all over Finland, starting in the north and ending in the south. In between are some spectacular images of a place that is breathtakingly beautiful.



FINLAND | Timelapse from Riku Karjalainen on Vimeo.

Video: Matterhorn Obsession with Herve Barmasse

Earlier this year the Matterhorn celebrated the 150th anniversary of its first ascent. This video was made to honor that occasion, and it features climber Herv� Barmasse sharing his thoughts on a peak that has been so integral to his life. For Herv�, the Matterhorn is not just one of the most iconic peaks in all of Europe, it is his home mountain. One that he has known since he was a teenager, and one that remains important to him, even as he has scaled much bigger peaks in other parts of the world. Herv� has put up more first ascents on the mountain than any other climber, and in this video he shares his relationship with the Matterhorn, while giving us incredible insights into a peak that has been important to the mountaineering world for nearly two centuries. Powerful stuff.

Frenchman to Attempt Atlantic Crossing on a SUP Board

A Frenchman by the name of Jarossay Nicolas has set quite a goal for himself. In January, he intends to launch a specially built stand-up paddle board from the African Coast on which he will attempt to become the first person to SUP across the Atlantic Ocean. He expect to spend 75 days at sea as he paddles towards the Americas, covering approximately 4000 km (2500 miles) of open water.

The key to his survival on the Atlantic Ocean is the 21-foot long, custom built SUP board. Large and ponderous looking, it has never the less been built to help him survive for two-and-a-half months at sea. It features a host of high tech gadgets to help with the crossing, including GPS navigation, emergency beacons, radios, and a water purification system that is capable of producing 3.5 liters of fresh water per hour. The board also includes a 7-foot long storage compartment that will be packed with freeze dried food for Nicolas' meals, and an emergency suit in case he experiences bad weather along the way. It is even large enough for the man himself to squeeze inside in dangerous situations.

It appears that the Frenchman will be paddling alone and without a safety boat on this voyage. He will be in daily contact via satellite phone with a friend back home, but will not have the luxury of a boat following along to help avert disaster. Should he run into problems, he could be days away from anyone who could assist him. Tropical storms are less common during the time of year that he'll be crossing the ocean, but they can happen, and this tiny craft would have a difficult time surviving such an onslaught.

You can find out more about the SUP crossing of the Atlantic at Nicolas' official website, and on Facebook. Big thanks goes to the Gear Junkie for sharing this story.

The Adventure Blog 2015 Holiday Shopper's Guide (Part 1)

Do you have an adventure traveler or avid outdoor enthusiast on your list this holiday season? Are you struggling to figure out what you should get for them? I've got more than a few suggestions for the best gear for hiking, backpacking, climbing, or just plain having fun around home. So, without further ado, I present The Adventure Blog's 2015 Holiday Shopper's Guide (Part1).

Ex Officio Storm Logic Vest ($125)
It's hard to find a more versatile piece of outerwear than the Storm Logic Vest from Ex Officio. Not is it comfortable to wear, and will keep your core plenty warm, but it comes equipped with seven interior pockets, each designed for a specific purpose like keeping your smartphone close at hand, protecting your passport, or storing your sunglasses. If that wasn't enough, the vest even transforms into a travel pillow for use on those long flights to your next destination.

Limefuel Rugged Portable Battery Pack ($85)
Need portable power to keep your smartphone and tablet running in the backcountry? Than checkout the Limefuel Rugged, a battery pack that is built to survive in the worst of conditions. This waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof product has a built-in battery that packs a whopping 15,000 mAh of power. That's enough to recharge your iPhone nearly eight times over. With dual-USB ports you can charge multiple devices at once, and the Rugged is even capable of powering a full-sized tablet. Just the think for the modern adventurer on the go.

Sugoi Zap Run Jacket ($170)
Have a runner on your list? Want to keep them warm, dry, and safe on their winter workouts? Than the Sugoi Zap Run Jacket is the way to go. Made from water resistant fabrics, this jacket reflects light on an insane level, making the wearer highly visible, even on very dark nights. It also comes with two hand pockets, a chest pocket, and a headphone management system built right into the collar. Sugoi's signature quality is a given of course.

Holiday Clif Bars ($15 box 12)
Clif bars are a staple of in the diet of many outdoor adventurers, and it is easy to see why. They're good for you, easy to carry, and provide a burst of much needed energy at times too. Plus, with so many flavors to choose from, everyone will find at least a few that they like. But during the holiday season, Clif Bar always introduces some special seasonal flavors that are only available for a limited-time. This year those flavors include hot chocolate, iced gingerbread, and spiced pumpkin pie. Get 'em while you can.

Cold Weather Buff ($20-$25)
I've been a big proponent of Buffs for years because they have so many uses while traveling or on an outdoor adventure. The super-versatile headwear can be worn around the neck, as a hat, balaclava, face mask, and more, and really should be a part of everyone's wardrobe. Better yet, the company has a line of Buffs specifically designed for use in colder weather, providing extra warmth for our favorite outdoor winter activities. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, this makes a great stocking stuffer too.

Mountain Khakis' Original Mountain Pants ($85)
Looking for a pair of pants that you can wear on hike, traveling the globe, or to the office? The Original Mountain Pant from Mountain Khakis can fill that role, and than some. This is the article of clothing that put the company on the map, and has continued to be one of their most popular products for years. Comfortable, packable, and easy to keep clean, these pants are ready for adventure.

Eddie Bauer Kara Koram 0� Storm Down Sleeping Bag ($549)
When you're camping, backpacking, or traveling in remote settings where the temperature can drop surprisingly low, having a good sleeping bag is the key to staying comfortable. The Kara Koram 0� bag from Eddie Bauer isn't just good however, it's great. Packed with 850 fill water resistant Storm Down from DownTek, this bag is ready for the worst of conditions. Warm, comfortable, and lightweight, this sleeping bag is perfect for backpacking, climbing, and cold weather camping. It is also available in 20� and -30� version too.

Skins A400 Starlight Running Tights ($160)
Keep the runner in your life warm on those winter workouts with these running tights from Skins. Form-fitting, yet very comfortable, the A400 Starlight tights are designed to help the wearer perform better and recover faster, while also staying highly visible in low light conditions. The reflective power of the fabrics used in these tights is very impressive, and will increase safety out on the road too.

Suunto Traverse GPS Watch ($450)
The Traverse is the latest GPS watch from Suunto, delivering all of the features you would expect in such a timepiece, in a new, thinner form factor. The watch features improved navigational capabilities that make it easier than ever to find your way, its barometric sensors will alert the wearer of changing weather patterns too, giving them an alert on incoming storms, as well as data on sunrise and sunset times across the globe. Connect it to a smartphone to receive notifications, or use it as a fitness tracker. With a battery life of over 100 hours with GPS activated, this is truly a versatile watch designed for the outdoor adventure lifestyle.

Lorpen Hiking Socks (Varies)
Yes, I know what you're thinking. Socks are a terrible gift that are often the butt of holiday jokes. But Lorpen makes great technical socks that are perfect for the outdoors, including their T3 Light Hiker ($17.99), which is made from a blend of three fabrics designed to keep the foot comfortable on long walks. For those who require a bit more from their performance socks, the Trekking & Expedition Polartec/Primaloft ($69.99) model is the way to go. Billed as the "ultimate sock for high altitude expedition use" this is a highly technical sock to be worn inside mountaineering boots in rigorous alpine environments. Whether you're buying for a trail runner, hiker, backpacker, skier, or all of the above, Lorpen has a sock that can meet their needs, and make their feet very happy in the process.

That's all for part 1 of my holiday gift buying guide. I'll be back tomorrow with even more suggestions.

Antarctica 2015: Bad Weather Has Everyone in a Holding Pattern

The 2015-2016 Antarctic season is slowly starting to get rolling, but bad weather is once again causing problems for a number of teams. In the case of some of the South Pole skiers, it is preventing them from even reaching the ice, while others are struggling to make progress towards their goals. It is a long season though, and these delays are not completely unexpected, although they are never the less frustrating.

Henry Worsley is experiencing this to the fullest at the moment. Not only did he have to patiently wait out a long delay in Punta Arenas before he could even begin his solo traverse of the Antarctic, he is now caught in a massive snowstorm on the continent itself. For the second day in a row he is tentbound while he waits for the weather to calm down. Considering the fact that he is already on a fairly tight schedule, and only has enough food and fuel to barely get him through the 80 days he expects are needed to complete his expedition, any days spent in one place are costing him time and resources. Hopefully the storm will fade out later today, and he can return to skiing towards the South Pole, and finishing the first stage of his expedition. He still has a very long way to go.

Meanwhile, several other teams are still stuck in Punta and waiting for a flight out. The four-man squad of the Shackleton 2015 Live team loaded their gear on a plane on Saturday, but continue to wait for the call letting them know that it is time to fly out the Union Glacier camp. Similarly, the three-person team that includes both Emma Kelty and Khai Nguyen are in a holding pattern too. In an updated posted to his blog yesterday, Khai reports that conditions at the camp are good enough for planes to take off, but not for landing. So, they wait for an opportunity to fly to the frozen continent and begin their expeditions to the South Pole.


Yesterday, the Ice Project team arrived on South Georgia Island after sailing 1200 km (745 miles) from the Falklands. They'll now do a bit of prep work before they set out for their traverse of the island, following in the footsteps of Shackleton, who did the same thing back in 1916 as he made a last ditch effort to save all of his men who had been stranded in the Antarctic after their ship � the Endurance � became stuck in the ice and was later crushed by the pressure, before sinking to the bottom of the ocean. The Ice Project crew will recreate that historic march across South Georgia, while bagging a few peaks along the way. They should get underway very soon, and will eventually sail back to the Falklands as well.

As December approaches it is now time for the climbing teams to start arriving in Punta Arenas too. Most will be traveling to Mt. Vinson, the tallest peak on the continent at 4892 meters (16,050 ft). They'll face the same weather delays and challenges, although flights out to Union Glacier tend to become a bit more regular as the austral summer rolls along. To that end, the Madison Mountaineering squad is already en route to South America, and will be gathering in Punta Arenas over the next few days, and will spend some time there before departing for the frozen continent. We'll keep an eye on their progress in the days ahead too.

That's the news from the Antarctic for today. Weather delays continue to be the major story, but hopefully things will improve soon. It is time for more teams to hit the ice, but Mother Nature keeps getting in the way. Perhaps we'll have more to report later in the week.

Thanks Again to Mountain Khakis

As we start another week here at The Adventure Blog, I once again wanted to extend my appreciation to Mountain Khakis for sponsoring the site for the month of November. I appreciate the support, and have been very happy to have them onboard for the past several week.

If you're not familiar with MK and their line of products, now is a great time to change that. With the holidays now just around the corner, you'll no doubt be searching for the perfect gift for the adventure traveler or outdoor enthusiasts on your list. Mountain Khakis has plenty to choose from, for both men and women, including their signature line of pants of course, but also shirts, jackets, and a complete line of accessories, amongst plenty of other things.

Do me a favor and click on over to the Mountain Khakis website to checkout everything they have to offer. Chances are you'll not only find something to help out with your holiday shopping needs, but you'll probably find something for yourself too.

Video: Capturing the Silence of the North with Photographer Morten Hilmer

Danish photographer Morten Hilmer goes to great lengths to capture his amazing wildlife photos. Morton routinely ventures into the Arctic completely on his own, enduring harsh conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and difficult terrain just to get the perfect shot. In this video, we travel with him to get a sense of what it takes to be a world class photographer. As you'll see, he faces a number of challenges along the way, but the results can be incredibly rewarding.

Silence of the North from Morten Hilmer on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: ECOXGEAR EcoPebble Powerbank Bluetooth Speaker

There is no denying that technology has brought a level of convenience and enjoyment to nearly every aspect of our lives, and that includes the outdoors. The proliferation of smartphones and tablets have put a great deal of information right int he palm of our hands, not to mention plenty of options for entertainment, navigation, and communication. It has gotten to the point now that we rarely leave home without these gadgets, whether we're setting off to run errands around town, or flying to the far side of the planet. 

One of the more popular accessories for these smart devices is a Bluetooth speaker, which allows us to listen to our favorite music, news reports, or podcasts while on the go. And over the past few years, few companies have produced speakers that are more well suited for the active, outdoor lifestyle than ECOXGEAR. Their products are rugged and durable, easy to use, have been designed to take anywhere with us. But of all of their devices that I've tested so far, none compare with the new EcoPebble Powerbank, which brings some much appreciated new options that make it a more valuable both at home, and on the road. 

For many of us who like to travel light, carrying a Bluetooth speaker on our adventures is a luxury that we often can't often afford. After all, these devices do take up extra room in our backpacks, and add unnecessary weight. But ECOXGEAR has decided to counter these arguments by making a device that is more versatile and useful, eliminating some of the reasons why we might not want to take a speaker with us when we hit the road. In this case, the Powerbank not only cranks out our favorite tunes, it also has the ability to recharge our other gadgets, and comes equipped with a built-in flashlight capable of producing 200 lumens of light when necessary.

If you've ever used one of ECOXGEAR's other speakers, you probably already know what to expect from the Powerbank in terms of build quality. The device is built like a brick, and feels nearly indestructible in your hands. It has been ruggedized against the elements, and is IP67 rated. That means it is waterproof, dustproof, and impact resistant, making it a great choice for use not just around home, but the backyard and campsite as well. In fact, the speaker is so durable, I wouldn't hesitate to take it with me just about anywhere. 

As with any modern Bluetooth device pairing is a simple affair that takes just a few seconds. Within a matter of moments you'll have audio being wirelessly fed to the Powerbank, with sound quality that is crisp and clear, even at higher volumes. Audiophiles will probably find fault with the way the speaker performs, but the vast majority of us will find that it delivers solid performance with our favorite tunes, particularly for use in an outdoor environment.

Most Bluetooth speakers have a relatively small battery, which gives them somewhere between 8-12 hours of playtime depending on the device. But the Powerbank gets its name from the fact that it has a massive 10,400 mAh lithium-ion batter, which can keep it belting out music for up to 50 hours. That is impressive in and of itself, and means that it can probably get you through most of your adventures without needing a recharge. 

But that massive battery isn't just for keeping the speaker powered up. The Powerbank also has two integrated USB ports that allows it to transfer power to other devices as well. For instance, it can recharge most smartphones up to four times, or cameras as much as eight times. It'll even power-up your full sized tablet once too. That means that when you carry this speaker with you, you're also bringing a portable power source for your other devices too. 

ECOXGEAR has also integrated a speakerphone into the Powerbank, which allows you to take calls right from the device when it is pared with a smartphone. This is a handy feature to have around home, and extends the usefulness of the device a bit further. This isn't a feature that I use often, but it is nice to have in a situation where you want to have a conference call, or allow the whole family to chat at the same time. 

The Powerbank's built-in flashlight feels a bit like an add on that isn't altogether necessary, but it is also nice to have in a pinch. As mentioned, the light source is 200 lumens, which is plenty bright for use around a dark campsite, or for emergency purposes at home when the power goes out. It won't replace a trusty headlamp of course, but it is certainly nice to have in a pinch. 

Despite its high level of build quality, enormous battery life, and level of versatility, there are still a few issues with the Powerbank. For starters, it is not only built like a brick, but it is about the size of one as well. If you like to travel light, you'll probably still have some qualms about taking this speaker with you, particularly since it weighs 1.4 pounds. That's a considerable amount of weight to add to your pack, although its increased functionality does help to offset that to a degree. 

I also found that the range on the speaker's Bluetooth chip wasn't particularly impressive. In theory, Bluetooth should have a range of about 30 feet (9 meters) or so, depending on conditions. Some devices even have greater range than that. But if you wandered more than 15-20 feet away from the speaker while carrying the audio source, the sound quality dropped off and began to cut out. I ended up leaving my smartphone next to the speaker most of the time as that ensured a good connection, but if I carried the device too far away, it left others without any music to listen to. 

Despite a few nitpicks like these however, I really like the Powerbank. It is a fun device that is truly built to survive in the outdoor. Because it is on the heavy side, I'll certainly pick and choose the times when I'll want to carry it with me. But it is a very well-built device that offers a number of features that I truly appreciate while on the road. The fact that it can not only play audio sources, but also recharge my other gadgets, is a big plus, and the flashlight is a nice bonus that adds convenience. 

The EcoPebble Powerbank is available now for $99.99. It offers solid audio performance, outstanding battery life, and useful features that go beyond what most other Bluetooth speakers can provide. That makes it easy to recommend this device for anyone looking for some backcountry entertainment around the campfire, and it would be a great gift for the adventure traveler on your list this holiday season. 

Team Seagate Wins Adventure Racing World Championship

Last week, the Adventure Racing World Championship was held in Brazil, where the top teams from around the world went head to head to decide just who is the best in this grueling endurance sport. The teams tested themselves on a course that was 720 km (447 miles) in length, and after seven days of nonstop racing, it was a familiar team that stood atop the leaderboard.

Team Seagate from New Zealand was the favorite coming into the event, and they did not disappoint. The squad took first place at Patanal Pro, the host event for this year's AR World Championship. The Kiwi's finished with a time of 6 days, 16 hours, 44 minutes, which fast enough to put them seven hours ahead of second place team Hagl�fs Silva of Sweden. Third place went to team SAFAT, also of Sweden, who finished another five hours back.

At the start of the race back on November 15, there were 30 teams set to compete. Only five managed to run the entire course, with 17 other teams continuing on a short course, while 8 others retired from the event. Two additional teams continued on unranked after losing one of their four-person squad.

As usual with adventure racing, the ARWC required coed teams of four to trek, mountain bike, and kayak through a remote course using only a compass and map to navigate between checkpoints. In this case, that remote course ran through the Patanal region of Brazil, which is the largest wetlands area in the world. The dense forests found there are reminiscent of the Amazon, although the terrain varies to a higher degree.

Congrats to the champs who have proven once again that they are the top team in the world. Hopefully we can lure them to come compete in Expedition Alaska in the future.

Winter 2016 Climbs: Nanga Parbat Will Be Busy, K2 Will Be Empty

Last week I shared the news that Spanish climber Alex Txikon would lead an expedition to Nanga Parbat this winter in an effort to complete the first ascent of that mountain during the coldest, most difficult season of all. Turns out that group won't be alone, as ExWeb now reports that as many as five teams could be on the mountain, all trying to achieve the same objective.

In addition to Txikon's mix of climbers form all over the world, there will be a Polish-Pakistani team attempting the Rupal Face all on the Schell Route. That squad is already in Pakistan and according to ExWeb is preparing to acclimatize now ahead of the actual official start of winter on December 21.

Meanwhile, the team of Elisabeth Revol and Tomek Mackiewicz will be back on the mountain this year, along with Arslan Ahmed. They will be attempting an alpine style ascent along the Diamir side of the mountain. Reveal and Mackiewicz spent considerable amount of time scouting the route last year, and are hoping to return to complete unfinished business.

ExWeb doesn't have many details yet, but they are also reporting that Simone Moro and Tamara Lunger will be on Nanga Parbat this winter as well. Their route, schedule, and plans have yet to be revealed however. Hopefully we'll get more word on their intentions soon.

And finally, Adam Bielecki and Jacek Czech will acclimatize on Ojos before heading over to Nanga for the season. They'll be the fifth confirmed squad on the hill this winter, although ExWeb doesn't have any information on their intended route yet either.

At 8126 meters (26,660 ft) in height, Nanga Parbat is just one of two 8000-meter peaks that have yet to be climbed in winter. And while there will be quite a few teams attempting to put up the first winter ascent of that mountain, at this time it appears that there are no plans for anyone to attempt the other unclimbed eight-thousander this winter. That peak is K2 of course, which is perhaps the most dangerous and deadly of all of the big mountains. It's summit remains elusive in the best of weather conditions, and in the winter it is nearly unclimbable. I'm sure some day someone will reach the top, but it doesn't look like the winter of 2016 will be that time.

Of course, we'll be following these expeditions closely as the winter season approaches. This just might be the year that someone finally summits Nanga in winter.

Video: The Spectacular Landscapes of Canada

What better way to wrap up the week than with a stunning tour of the amazing landscapes of Canada? This video takes us into British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon to show us just how outstanding the outdoor settings of Canada truly are. This is nearly four minutes of breathtaking footage, much of which was captured by drone, that will leave you eager to go explore the Canadian wilderness more fully.

And for those who would like to visit these places for themselves, Mountain Travel Sobek has a wide variety of excursions to Canada to help you discover everything that country has to offer.

Canada - The True North from Man And Drone on Vimeo.

Video: The Best of Olympic National Park with National Geographic

Yesterday I posted a video that shared the best of Yosemite National Park, and today we have another video from National Geographic that puts yet another one of America's national parks in the spotlight. This time we travel to the Pacific Northwest, where we take a visual tour of Olympic National Park, which is a truly spectacular wilderness setting. These videos serve as promos for Nat Geo's upcoming special on the national parks, which is set to debut on December 6. Enjoy.

Video: Ueli Steck Sets New Speed Record on the Eiger

Earlier in the week I wore about Ueli Steck's new speed record on the Eiger. On November 16, he managed to climb the mountain in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 50 seconds, shaving five minutes off the previous record held by Dani Arnold. In this video, we not only get to hear Ueli talk about this new record, we also get to see him climbing along the famous Heckmair Route. As usual, he makes the climb look almost effortless, and when he talks about his accomplishment he is quite humble too. Watching the video will help you understand how he earned the nickname "The Swiss Machine," as he moves with such speed and grace on one of the most iconic mountains in the world.

Nat Geo Presents the Best Trips of 2016

As the year begins to wind down, it is time to start looking ahead to 2016, and making plans for some adventures of our own. To help us out with that process, National Geographic Traveler has announced their picks for the 20 best trips for the year ahead, with some classic places earning a nod alongside some surprisingly new destinations as well.

Some of the more adventurous places that earn a spot on Traveler's list include Eastern Bhutan, Greenland, South Georgia Island, and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Some of the other destinations don't necessarily qualify as adventure travel per se, but they do still offer plenty for visitors. Locations like C�te d'Or in the Burgundy region of France or Bermuda for instance. But then again, travel is an adventure in and of itself, so just about any one of these places will help satiate your wanderlust to a degree.

Each of the entires on the list not only include a brief description of why that destination earned a spot in this exclusive travel club, but also offers good travel tips for anyone heading there. Those tips include the best places to stay, what to eat and drink, and how to efficiently get around. There are also cultural tips, suggestions on what to buy, and even movies and books you should watch or read before you go.

If you're looking for some suggestions on places you should visit in 2016, The Traveler list is a great place to start. Not only will it remind you of some classic places that may have fallen off your radar, it will also provide some fresh new suggestions that you might not have thought of before. For me, the Okavango Delta remains extremely high on my places to get to, as I can never get enough of Africa, and the landscapes and wildlife found there are said to be unbelievable.

So? What's your 2016 travel bucket list? Where would you most like to go next year?

Antarctica 2015: Shifting Weather Taunts Henry Worsley, Others Prepare to Begin

As expected, the 2015-2016 Antarctic season is now starting to ramp up. Weather conditions at Union Glacier remain spotty at times, but regular flights to and from the frozen continent are expected to resume shortly. That means more expeditions will be setting out very soon, and over the next few days a number of explorers will be putting the final touches on their prep work before starting towards their goals at long last. But first, an update on Henry Worsley, who has now been skiing for a full week, and has yet to reach the Antarctic coastline.

As you may recall, Worsley has set the unenviable task of making the first solo and unsupported traverse of the Antarctic continent. His journey is expected to take upwards of 80 days to complete as he sets out from Berkner Island with the intention of skiing to the Ross Ice Shelf, via the Geographic South Pole. Along the way, he'll cover 1100 miles (1770 km) while hauling a very heave sledge behind him all the way.

The past few days have not been easy ones for Henry, as the weather has been extremely challenging. For nearly two days he skied in almost complete whiteout conditions, with low hanging clouds creating a shroud around him in all directions. That makes navigation difficult, and can be hard on the spirits too, but he has managed to perceiver and continue pressing forward. But today, the sun came out, lifting his spirits even as temperatures plummeted. The British explorer reports that it was his coldest day yet, with the mercury dipping down to -30�C/-22�F, although Henry is generating enough heat from his physical labors that he hardly noticed until it was time to make camp.

To give you a sense of scale for the Antarctic, Worsley set out from Berkner island last Saturday, and has been making good progress most days so far. After a week, he is now on the Ronne Ice Shelf, and can see the Pensacola Mountains in the distance. But it will still be four more days before he even hits the actual coastline and gets off the frozen sea ice. From there, he'll be steadily heading south on his way to the Pole. There are still many hundreds of miles to go before he reaches that point however, and even then he'll only be half-way to the finish line.


Italian polar explorer Michele Pontrandolfo hasn't shared his exact whereabout yet, but it would seem that he is currently approaching the Antarctic and should begin his expedition soon too. He'll be setting off from the Novolazarevskaya station with plans to kite ski to both the Pole of Inaccessibility and the Geographic South Pole, before finishing at Hercules Inlet, covering some 3620 km (2250 miles) en route.

Meanwhile, South Pole skier Emma Kelty is in Punta Arenas, and has begun sorting her food and gear for the upcoming trip across Antarctica. Weather permitting, she'll fly out to Union Glacier on Saturday, along with her teammates and several other teams as well. She'll be part of three-person squad that will be skiing together to the Pole, with the expedition set to begin soon after they arrive in the Antarctic.

The Shackleton 2015 Trans-Antarctic team will also be on the flight. This four person team consists of Brit Stew Edge, Canadian Devon McDirmid, Jordanian Mostafa Salameh, and Malaysian explorer Shahrom. The four will ski together to the South Pole along the Hercules Inlet route, where Mostafa and Shahrom will fly back to Union Glacier, while Stew and Devon will switch to kites and ski back to their starting point.

Finally, the Ice Project team has set out on their expedition to South Georgia Island, where they will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton who made a harrowing traverse of that island in a last ditch effort to find help for his stranded men back in 1916. The squad, which consists of polar veterans Mike O'Shea and Clare O'Leary, along with Tom Ruane, Sean Murphy, Keith McDonnell, and Aiden Forde, got underway yesterday as they'll first sail to South Georgia from the Falklands Islands. They'll aim to reach King Hakkonn Bay, where they'll begin their trek, which will include bagging a few peaks along the way. Once they've finished the traverse, they'll then sail back to the Falklands, making this an 1800 mile (2896 km) round-trip voyage.

That's all for today. It won't be too long before we'll be having regular updates from the Antarctic on the progress of all of these teams, and more yet to come. It looks like it'll be an exciting year, with plenty of news to come.

Video: Go Seek - An Ode to Exploration and Adventure

When I first started The Adventure Blog oh-so many years ago, one of my goals was to hopefully inspire others to get outside and seek adventures of their own. That seems to be the case with this video as well, as it encourages us to  not let the opportunity for exploration pass us by. But instead, we need to look for those opportunities and seize them when they come our way. That message is hammered home in beautiful fashion with some fantastic landscapes that simply beg to be explored. Go seek your adventure, and the rewards will be more than you could ever imagine.

Go Seek // By Live Unbound from LiveUnbound on Vimeo.

Video: The Best of Yosemite National Park with National Geographic

On Sunday, December 6, National Geographic will premiere a new show dedicated to America's National Parks. In preparation for that debut, Nat Geo has started release shorting videos of some of the more famous, and beautiful, parks. This one takes us to Yosemite and gives us glimpse of the very best that park has to offer, including El Capitan, giant sequoia trees, and epic views of one of the most spectacular valleys on the entire planet.

Video: A Packrafting Adventure in the High Sierra

Recently, adventurer Hank Leukart � who writes about his travels at the website Without Baggage � gathered up two of his best friends and headed out on a hiking trip into the Ansel AdamsWilderness Area in California. The trio were looking for an adventure, and were hoping to find some pristine alpine lakes to packraft while they were there. As with all good adventures, not everything goes as planned, but the journey is at least as important as the destination. Read Hank's rundown of the trip here, and check out the short film he made of their three-day expedition below. It looks like the guys had a lot of fun in the High Sierras.

Packrafting the High Sierras from Hank Leukart on Vimeo.

Himalaya Fall 2015: Risk and Reward on Manaslu - A Review of the Season

As the fall 2015 Himalayan season slowly grinds to a halt, it is good to reflect on the events that have transpired. If you've been reading my reports with any regularity, you probably already know that the weather has been unpredictable, and generally bad, all season long. As a result, it has been difficult for any teams to summit their intended mountains. This has been particularly true on the 8000 meter peaks, where success has been fleeting this autumn. But way back in late September and early October, there was a lot of action taking place on Manaslu, the 8156 meter (26,759 ft) mountain that saw the most climbers this season.

If you were reading my updates back than, the situation probably seemed a bit confusing. As the climbing season was unfolding, the teams on Manaslu seemed to be making progress, despite poor weather conditions. But as they grew closer to the time when they would potentially make their summit bid, several high profile teams (Himex, Altitude Junkies, Adventure Consultants, and others) decided to cancel their expeditions and head home. It appeared that the mountain simply wasn't safe enough to climb, as heavy snow made the risk of avalanches extremely high.

But as these big commercial teams departed for Kathmandu, a funny thing happened. The weather improved, conditions on the mountain got better, and just a few days after they left Base Camp, other teams went up to the summit. In fact, 80 people managed to top out, although sadly one lost his life and another had to be rescued from Camp 4.

So what exactly happened on the mountain that caused some teams to head home, and others to say and find success? That is the subject of the most recent blog post from Alan Arnette, who monitors the climbing seasons in the Himalaya very closely. Alan has heard directly from a number of people who were there, with each weighing in with their thoughts on how things developed. The article isn't meant to point fingers or cast blame in any way at all, but is instead a study of how teams weigh the risks of the climb, and decide whether or not they should go for the summit, or pull the plug altogether and go home.

For those of us who follow these kinds of expeditions closely, reading Alan's article is very interesting. It offers some insights into how decisions are made in these situations, particularly when the lives of clients are at risk. His conclusion is that the larger commercial teams will be more conservative in their assessments, while the smaller teams may be willing to accept more risk for the chance of successfully summiting.

Read the entire article here and draw your own conclusions. It is definitely a good report on what happened on Manaslu this season, and the thought process that went into making those choices.

Want to Ride a Bike to the South Pole in 2016?

The 2015 Antarctic season is just barely getting underway, but there is already a reason to start looking ahead to next year. That's because TDA Cycling � a company that specializes in long distance trips by bike � has announced the first ever guided bike expedition to the South Pole.

The new trip will launch in December of 2016, and will cover the last degree to Pole. Riders will be flown to the 89th parallel to begin their journey in Punta Arenas, Chile where they will first spend four days prepping for the challenges they'll face out on the ice. After that, it'll be on to Union Glacier Ice Camp for a brief stay before proceeding to the 89th parallel, which is where they'll start pedaling to the Pole. It is expected to take nine days to cover the distance to 90�S, with the team covering approximately 20km (12.4 miles) per day.

The ride will be conducted on fat bikes, which are the only ones that are suitable for the Antarctic terrain. These types of bikes are big, and heavy, but the wide tires are very forgiving on snow and ice. There have already been a couple of people who have ridden to the South Pole, so the usefulness of the fat bike has already been proven in these conditions.

Before you can sign up for this one-of-a-kind tour, TDA is requiring all participants to first take part in a training ride in Lake Winnipeg this coming February. That tour will be used to get everyone accustomed to riding in the snow, and get acquainted with their bikes. Successfully completing the training ride will demonstrate to the TDA guides that you are ready for your polar expedition.

As you can imagine, a trip like this one doesn't come cheap. The price is $70,000, which doesn't include flights to Punta Arenas, travel insurance, gear, the Lake Winnipeg training session, or even a bike. In other words, this is one expensive adventure. But if you have the cash, it looks like it would be the experience of a lifetime.

Check out this tour, and all of TDA's cycling expedition, on the company's website. And watch the video below for more information.

Video: On Safari in South Africa

Most of the time when we get a beautiful timelapse video it features stunning landscapes and occasionally a spectacular night sky. But this one was shot in South Africa while on safari, so not only do you get a chance to see some great scenery, but plenty of wildlife too. Shot in Marakele Reserve, Madikwe Reserve, and Sabi Sands, this gives you a taste of what to expect while on safari there.

And when you're ready to travel to South Africa yourself, Mountain Travel Sobek can help. They offer several trips to that country, including a week long safari to some of the places shown in this video.

SAFARI South Africa | A Time-Lapse Film - In 4K from Tyler Fairbank on Vimeo.

Video: 142 Miles From Monday - Mountain Biking the Kokopelli Trail

The Kokopelli Trail runs for 142 miles between Loma, Colorado and Moab, Utah. It is an epic route the draws mountain bikers on a regular basis, and in this video we join three friends who set out to ride its entire length. Along the way, we get plenty of great scenery and an amazing look at the route, but we also get a healthy dose of inspiration as well. There is a great message here about pursuing the things that you are passionate about in life, and breaking away from the routine to seek your own path. It is a good message, and one that we should hear more often. Either way, this is a great short film about three friends on an amazing ride that can be completely enjoyed on that level too.

142 Miles From Monday from Alex Witkowicz on Vimeo.

Video: Teaser for Snowboarding Film The Fourth Phase

I don't post a lot of snowboarding and skiing films on The Adventure Blog, but this one looks so utterly fantastic that I had to share the teaser trailer for it. It is called The Fourth Phase, and it comes our way from the same team that brought us the critically acclaimed Art of Flight a few years back. The film features the return of pro rider Travis Rice, along with a host of other snowboarders, as they travel the globe looking for epic powder. Based on the fantastic scenery that is on display here, this documentary will be worth watching just for the landscapes alone. Oh, and the snowboarding looks pretty great too. Take a look below.

Adventure Tech: The North Face Uses Virtual Reality to Take Us to Nepal

Way back in January of this year, I told you about a project that The North Face had been working on to use virtual reality technology to provide an immersive outdoor experience to customers visiting the company's retail stores. The initial VR videos took viewers to Yosemite National Park and Moab, Utah where they could explore the landscapes there using high tech VR headsets and incredible 3D movies. Now, that program is expanding further, this time taking us into the Himalaya in Nepal.

The new VR film is entitled "The North Face: Nepal" and it was made in conjunction with Jaunt Studios. It is a 3D film that offers 360� views of the mountain landscapes found in that country in high definition, but with the ability to look in any direction at any given time. The video was shot in Nepal last February, in the heart of winter, providing a look at the Himalaya at a time of the year that few people ever get to experience. It was then that TNF athlete Renan Ozturk traveled to the mountains to test the new Summit Series of gear, and he helped capture the VR footage.

The film reportedly takes us from the city into the foothills of the Himalaya, before proceeding up into the mountains themselves. The journey begins in the famed Monkey Temple in Kathmandu, passes through the Thamel shopping district, before proceeding out to the Khumbu Valley, passing through villages along the way. Eventually it takes us to the top of Lobuche Peak as well.

As with the previous VR videos, this one will be available in The North Face retail outlets. But, you don't have to visit those stores to get an idea of what this virtual reality experience is all about. The video is also available for free from the Google Play and iOS App store through the Jaunt app. Don't own a pair of VR goggles to watch it through? Than just pick up the latest issue of Outside magazine, as it comes with a Google Cardboard headset that will help approximate the full experience.

This story, coupled with the one earlier in the week about a virtual reality version of Everest coming in 2016, heralds the advent of a new era in VR technology. The promise of virtual reality has been out there for decades, but it seems like we finally have the proper tech to make it truly happen. While these experiences will never replace the actually feeling of going outside and visiting these places for ourselves, it is still exciting to see it all come together.

I haven't had the chance to try out one of these VR films yet, but I think I may have to make a point of dropping by my North Face store very soon. Find out more about the "Nepal Experience" in this article from Outside Online.

Ueli Steck Sets New Speed Record on The Eiger

It has been a busy couple of weeks for Swiss climber Ueli Steck. It wasn't all that long ago that he was in the Himalaya attempting a summit of Nuptse, and now he is back home in the Alps, and enjoying some time in the mountains that he knows best. That includes climbing The Eiger recently with mountain runner Kilian Jornet. But now Ueli has reminded us why he called "the Swiss Machine" by also setting a new record for a speed climb on that same mountain.

On Monday of this week, Ueli set off on the famous Heckmair Route in good conditions and with great weather. He later posted a photo of himself on the summit, showing his recorded time on his Suunto watch. The display read 2:22:50.7, which means he was able to top out in under 23 minutes. Thats five minutes faster than the 2 hours and 28 minutes it took Dani Arnold to summit the same route back in 2011, when he set the previous record. It should be noted that Arnold used fixed ropes on his ascent, while Ueli does not. For purists, that added an asterisk to the previous mark.

Ueli is certainly no stranger to The Eiger. He climbs it regularly, and it is part of his personal playground in the Alps. In fact, he set a record of 2 hours, 44 minutes back in 2008. That was the record that Arnold later broke. It has been a few years since than, and that record held up well, but it seems Ueli has lowered the mark even further. The funny thing is, he probably didn't even set out to break a record, but was instead just trying to climb while the weather conditions were good. But we all know how fast Steck can be once he gets rolling.

Congrats tu Ueli on setting the new mark. He was as impressive always.

Video: Male Lion Proves Why He is the 'King of the Jungle'

Shot in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, this video is a stark reminder of why the male lion is often referred to as the "King of the Jungle." The video shows a pride of female lions who had recently taken down a buffalo. The fresh kill attracted a swarm of hyenas and jackals to the feast, to the point that those scavengers were overwhelming the big cats. That is until the "big boy" show up. When a large male lion appears on the scene, he sends the intruders running with quite a display of ferocity.

Warning: the clip may be a bit hard to watch for some, but it is an impressive display of what happens in the animal kingdom.

Video: New Highline World Record

This past weekend, Frenchman Th�o Sanson set a new world record for the longest highline walk when he completed a 550 meter (1600 ft) traverse between Castletown and the Rectory in Castle Valley, UT. This video was shot on Friday, November 13 as he was training for the attempt, and as you'll see, it gives you a good look at the scale of what he was trying to achieve. During the practice round he slipped a few times, but on Sunday he managed to walk the entire line cleanly, setting the new distance mark in the process.


Highline from David E. Anderson on Vimeo.

New Film Takes Us on an Iranian River Adventure

Way back in March of this year I told you about a new documentary that was in the works. The film followed the travels of U.K. adventurers Tom Allen and Leon McCarron as they traveled through Iran, following the Karun River from source to sea. The duo traced the origins of the river to the Zard Khu mountains, and then followed its entire length to the Persian Gulf, covering some 720 km (450 miles) on foot, packraft, and bike.

Along the way, they discovered a country that was not at all what they expected. The Iranian people were warm and inviting, greeting Tom and Leon with respect and friendship. This runs counter to the way the country is often portrayed in the media, particularly as Iranian leaders clash with the West on some fundamental political issues. But the Iranian people didn't let those geopolitical conflicts influence how they felt about their visitors from he U.K., and as a result they came to call the country the "friendliest place on Earth."

That film is now complete, and it was just released earlier this week through digital distribution on the Internet. You'll find more about it on the official website at KarunFilm.com. You'll also find a list of screenings for the doc, as well as instructions on how you can host a screening of your own. Tom and Leon are hoping to show the film to as many people as possible, as they would like to use it as a vehicle to inform others about just how welcoming the Iranian people truly are. While they set out on a grand adventure, they discovered that their film was as much about the people of Iran as it was their own expedition.

Below is the trailer for the documentary. If you'd like to watch the entire video, visit the film's official website.

Karun: Misadventures On Iran's Longest River (Official HD Trailer) from Tom Allen on Vimeo.