Video: You Will Remember Chile

Shot as a promotional video for the South American country of Chile, this clip does its job very well. With its stunning images of Patagonia and the Atacama Desert is paints an alluring picture of everything that Chile has to offer for adventure travelers. Whether you want to go climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding, Chile can accommodate, and offer so much more. It is one of my favorite destinations in South America, and would highly recommend to anyone.

If you do choose to go, Mountain Travel Sobek can help. They have several great itineraries that are focused on Chile that can introduce you to the wonders that that country has to offer.

Nat Geo Presents Holiday Gifts for the Adventurer in Your Life

Now that December is here, the holidays are just around the corner, which probably means that you're searching for the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast or adventurer in your life. Why not let National Geographic help you find just the right thing to put under their tree this year?

Nat Geo has just published it's holiday shopping guide for 2015, with some great suggestions that are sure to be popular with your outdoor explorer. Some of the products that get the nod include the Pace Norviz Reflective Top from Helly Hansen, which is zip-necked activewear top that becomes highly reflective in low light conditions. The Danner Jag Steel boot is recommended for its retro look, comfort, and lightweight, while the Filson Meridian duffle is a great option for use on those short, weekend escapes. Other gift options include new running shoes from New Balance, a down-insulated pull-over from Patagonia, and an ultralight stuff pack from Osprey.

You'll find items on the list for every budget and lifestyle, ranging from high end watches and cameras, down to simple � but highly useful � items that don't cost much at all. Most of the items on the list will definitely be highly coveted by the outdoorsman or woman in your life, and will provide them with something that will be of use for many years to come.

If Santa is reading this blog post, I'd certainly enjoy finding the new Suunto Traverse under my tree this year. That, and a puppy.

Video: Iceland From Above

Iceland is a country that never fails to captivate. It is a land filled with remote, wild destinations that are stunningly beautiful to behold. This video is a good reminder of that, giving us a bird's eye view of some of the more spectacular locations that the country has to offer. This is 4+ minutes of pure bliss that will once again leave you longing to visit this place yourself. And when you're ready to do just that, Mountain Travel Sobek can help take you there. Check out their options for visiting Iceland here.

ICELAND from ABOVE - Aerial highlight video taken from all around Iceland from Paul Weeks on Vimeo.

On The Road Again - Heading to the Caribbean

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'll be traveling again over the next few days. I'm headed to Antiqua and Barbuda on assignment. While there, I'll be exploring everything these Caribbean islands have to offer in terms of adventure, while of course soaking up a bit of sun in the process.

That means there likely won't be any updates for the remainder of the week, although I'll be back to my normal posting schedule next Monday. In the meantime, take the opportunity for the remainder of this week and the weekend ahead, to get outside and enjoy some of your own adventures too. Fall is starting to run short here in the northern hemisphere, and we should take advantage of it while we can.

Back soon!

Video: A Journey Through the Galapagos Islands

With their stunning natural beauty and dizzying array of wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are one of the top destinations for travelers from around the world. Located 906 km (563 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos are home creatures that don't exist anywhere else on Earth. They are also the isolated living laboratory that spawned Charles Darwin's concepts of natural selection and evolution. In this video, we take a photographic journey through this spectacular setting, catching a glimpse of some of those animals, and the wild settings that they live in.

And when you're ready to visit the Galapagos for yourself, my friends at Mountain Travel Sobek can help. They offer multiple options for exploring the islands, and other parts of Ecuador as well. This truly is a destination that should be on the bucket list for any adventure traveler, and MTS can help you get there.

Galapagos from Tom Pinsard 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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?

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: Lands of Wind - A Journey Across Peru and Bolivia

Need a brief escape to South America today? Than check out this great video that takes us to Peru and Bolivia to explore the culture, people, and landscapes that can be found there. It is a colorful look at a part of the world that has a lot to offer travelers, ranging from mountains to jungle to desert, with just about everything in-between.

And when you're ready to go visit these places for yourself, check out the wide variety of travel options to South America that my friends at Mountain Travel Sobek have to offer. They have several itineraries for both Bolivia and Peru, as well as several other countries.

LANDS OF WIND from Baptiste Lanne on Vimeo.

Outside Has Your Bucket List for 2016

We still have about six weeks to go until the calendar turns to 2016, but already many of us are looking ahead to next year to start plotting our outdoor adventures. If you're starting to think about what you'd like to accomplish in the new year, than you'll want to take a look at this article from Outside magazine, which is filled with suggestions on what to include on your bucket list.

The story includes 46 different suggestions for adventurous pursuits that would make just about anyone envious. If strung together, these suggestions add up to 365 days of adventure, giving us a full year of amazing experiences. Of course, very few of us could actually manage to do all of these things in a single year, but the article will definitely plant the seeds of things to do in the future.

Some of the suggestions include driving a car as fast as you can on the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah. There is even a link to the registration form that will allow you to do just that. Outside also recommends taking a paddling trip in Maine, Utah, or Oregon, as well as going bobsledding in Lake Placid, New York. Other options include catching the Northern Lights in Iceland, facing your greatest fear, no matter what it might be, and taking a solo camping trip to just about anywhere.

Whether you're a climber, hiker, skier, mountain biker, or all of the above, you'll find something of interest on the list. In fact, one of the things that makes this "bucket list" so much fun is the diversity of activities that includes. There are options for visiting the Grand Canyon, meditating at a wilderness escape, and opportunities to experience wildlife like never before. In short, there is a whole lot of adventure options packed into this one article.

One of the best things about reading an article like this for me is that it opens my eyes up for new opportunities. Sure, I've been fortunate enough to do some of the things already on the list, but there are plenty of amazing experiences to be had, many of which I didn't even know existed. So as I start to turn my attention to 2016, and think about the things I want to do and the places I want to go next year, I always appreciate a few suggestions. You'll find plenty of that and more on Outside's list. Check it out for yourself here.