Video: Adventures in Enthralling India

Shot over a five-week period in India, this video takes us on an adventure that spans the entire country, from the Andaman Islands to the Himalaya. It features beautiful imager of a country that has a dizzying array of landscapes, and a culture that is rich with history and tradition. If you watch closely, you may just see the exact point when the filmmaker destroyed his Canon 600D camera by dropping it into the Indian Ocean. Ouch!

Adventures in INDIA - Sand To Stone from Basti Hansen on Vimeo.

Video: The Joys of Birdwatching

In terms of people who are passionate about their outdoor pursuits, it is tough to find a group that is more dedicated than birders. They'll often go to great lengths to enjoy their favorite activity, and will often travel the world to visit amazing places with unusual bird species to spot. This video is a wonderful introduction to birding, and comes our way via mountain guide and filmmaker David Anderson. Dave is an avid birder, and his love for the activity shines through in this great little documentary. While not as "extreme" as some of the other activities I cover with regularity here on The Adventure Blog, birding is never the less a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, and pass on that love to a younger generation. I hope you enjoy this short film.

Birding from David E. Anderson on Vimeo.

Video: EpicTV Looks at the Three Weirdest Climbs of 2014

As 2014 draws to a close, it is always fun to look back on the year that has just passed and reminisce about some of the amazing, wonderful, and just plain strange things that went down. In the case of this video, that means checking out the three weirdest climbs of the year, as decided on by our friends over at EpicTV. Check out their choices below and see if you agree.

Gear Closet: 180s Foundation LED Gloves

With winter now firmly set in, the cold temperatures and short days sometimes make it a little more challenging to get outside and maintain our normal workout routines. But if staying warm and visible are your goals, than an innovative pair of gloves from 180s is about to take away all of your excuses. The new Foundation LED gloves cleverly integrate a bright light right into the design, providing comfort and convenience in one great package.

Made from comfortable and durable  QuantumHeat fabrics, the Foundation gloves provide a snug, yet non-restrictive, fit that feels great on your hand.  They are also a surprisingly warm considering how thin and lightweight they are. If I were simply judging them based how they perform as gloves, I would give the Foundation LED's high marks for protecting my hands from the elements, while still allowing me to accomplish basic tasks that require manual dexterity. It is refreshing to have a pair of gloves that allow you to tie your shoes while out on the run, without having to remove them from your hands.

As with most of the gloves from 180s, the Foundation LED's also feature ALLTouch technology. This allows the wearer to interact with his or her touch screen devices – such as a smartphone or mp3 player – while still wearing the gloves. This is another handy feature to have when the temperatures turn cold, and you don't want to take the gloves off just to select a new music track or respond to a text while running. The snug fit of the gloves also helps to ensure accurate use of the touch screen as well.

The feature that really sets these gloves apart from the competition however is the integrated LED lights that provide quite a bit of illumination without adding undue bulk. Each glove has a small lightbulb stitched into place just above the forefinger, with an on-off button situated on the wrist. When turned on, the two lights give the person wearing them a set of headlights that not only make them more visible in the dark, but also allows them to illuminate their way while running, walking, or taking part in any other outdoor activities.


I am very impressed with how much light the tiny LED's in these gloves manage to put off. During the day, or in a well lit room, they don't seem all that impressive, but out on the road in the dark, they are very effective. So much so that I wore them to my weekly running group one evening, and had several members comment on them and inquire as to where they could get a pair. It was immediately apparent to my companions that this was a very useful piece of gear that could make an evening run much safer.

It is clear that 180s has put a lot of thought into the design of these products, and that they had outdoor athletes in mind when they created them. The Foundation LED gloves will impress you with their integrated lights of course, but the fit and feel of the gloves will be what keeps you wearing them. The fact that you can interact with your tech gadgets without having to take them off is simply the icing on the cake.

If you're looking for a great pair of gloves to wear on your outdoor workouts, I can't recommend these gloves highly enough. They are warm, comfortable, and dare I say even stylish. The addition of the integrated LED lights is perfect for those evening runs, helping to keep you safe out on the road. 180s has priced the Foundation LED's at $55, which is a price I find to be fair considering the level of performance they provide. At the moment, they also happen to be onside for just $22, which is an incredible bargain. Take advantage of this bargain while you can.

Winter Climbs 2014-2015: High Winds and Extreme Cold on Denali

Just a very brief update from Alaska today, where Lonnie Dupre has been waiting for the arrival of the New Year, while preparing for his major challenge ahead. His plan is to make a solo-summit of Denali in January, which is when that 6168 meter (20,237 ft) mountain is at its absolute coldest. This is his fourth attempt at this expedition, and Dupre is already being reminded of why this is such a difficult goal to attain.

Since his arrival on the mountain a few weeks back, Lonnie has been shuttling his gear up the route, and building a series of camps that will be well stocked for when he eventually makes his summit push. This is not only a good logistical move, it is also helping him to acclimatize. A few days ago, he reached an altitude of 11,200 feet (3413 meters), where he had intended to stash some gear, and then descend 600 feet (182 meters) back down the slope for a rest day. High winds and very cold temperatures have hit his location however, forcing him to take a second consecutive rest day simply because it was unsafe for him to climb in the whiteout conditions that had developed. Reportedly, winds were as high as 60 mph (96 km/h), and temperatures plummeted with their arrival.

Just how cold does it get on the mountain? Have a look at the photo attached with this blog post. That's Lonnie inside of a snow cave that he dug for protection on his 2012 expedition. As you can see, the frost is forming on his boots and pants, and just about all the rest of his gear, due to the temperatures. These are the kinds of challenges he is facing as he presses ahead with the climb.

Tomorrow marks the first day of 2015 and of January. That means the clock is now officially ticking on the expedition, and Lonnie has 31 days to complete his quest. The weather forecast calls for improving conditions over the next few days, so he now plans to descend a bit lower, collect some more gear, and bring it back up to 11, 200 feet. From there, he'll begin scouting the upper sections of the mountain and start placing his high camps in anticipation of an eventual summit push. The next few weeks should be prove very interesting.

Elsewhere, the teams on Nanga Parbat should be gathering in Base Camp now as well. Expect reports on the progress on that mountain soon too.

Video: Drones in the Mountains of Brazil

The combination of a GoPro camera and an aerial drone have given amateur filmmakers a set of tools that simply haven't been available in the past. As a result, we're now seeing some amazing videos that simply weren't possible a few years ago. Case in point, this clip that was shot in the Sierra Fina region of Brazil, where a series of mountains rise above 2500 meters (8202 ft). The landscapes are captured in a truly beautiful fashion thanks to the use of drone. This looks like a beautiful place to visit, and we get a wonderful three-minute tour of the place that is simply tantalizing.

DRONE DA MONTANHA - Alto Capim Amarelo - Brasil from DRONE DA MONTANHA on Vimeo.

Video: Epic Snowmobile Drops Caught on GoPro

Shot in the deep backcountry snow near Steamboat, Colorado, this video captures a couple of massive drops off of high cliffs by a snowmobiler who happened to be wearing his GoPro camera that the time. The first drop is scary enough, but the second is even more impressive. Fortunately, there was plenty of soft powder to help cushion the fall. Don't try this at home kids!

Video: BASE Jumping Fisher Towers in Moab

Just in case you're in need of another healthy dose of adrenaline today, this video will certainly provide it. It features Miles Dasher, JT Holmes, and Andy Lewis who traveled to Moab, Utah where they BASE jumped from the iconic Fisher Towers. The stunning and dramatic landscapes that Moab is so well know for are on display here, as we follow the boys up, and then off, of the Towers. Enjoy!

Adventurer Plans to Walk the Length of the Congo River

Over the past few years we've followed Ed Stafford as he walked the length of the Amazon River, and Levison Wood as he attempted to hike the Nile River from source to sea. Both men spent months on their respective journeys, as they explored the two longest rivers in the world on foot, while simultaneously inspiring others with their efforts. Now, another British adventurer is planning to take on a similar challenge, when he attempts to trek the 4700 km (2922 mile) length of the Congo River in Africa.

The expedition is currently still in the planning stages, and isn't set to begin until the spring of 2016. That is when explorer Toby Storie-Pugh will launch his attempt to Walk the Congo, an expedition that he believes will take roughly 12-14 months to complete.

The journey will begin at the headwaters of Chambeshi River in northeastern Zambia – the very source of the might Congo River itself. From there, the river descends into the Bangweulu Swamp, before merging into the Luvua, and eventually the Lualaba Rivers. Storie-Pugh will continue along that route until he reaches the village of Kisangani, which his where the Congo officially begins. That town will mark the halfway point of the journey, with the toughest section yet to come.

From there, the route will lead into an 800-mile (1287 km) stretch of thick jungle and flooded forestland that will be incredibly difficult to pass through. That same section of the river passes along the equator, making it an incredibly hot and humid region. If Storie-Pugh and his team successfully make it through what will undoubtedly be the toughest part of the trek, they will reach Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo. From there, they'll have to make one final push to the end of the river at the Atlantic Ocean.


In terms of how much water flows along the river, the Congo is second only to the Amazon. It is also the deepest river in the world, reaching depths of more than 220 meters (720 ft) at certain points. Combine the massive size of the river with the incredibly tough terrain that surrounds it, and you have a challenge more akin to Ed Staffor's walk along the Amazon, as opposed to Lev's Nile excursion.

Toby won't be completely alone on this expedition. He'll be joined by documentary filmmaker Simone Bazos, who will be documenting the project along the way. He is also taking applications for an expedition co-leader to join the squad and help see the project comes to a successful end. You can check out the qualifications for the position, and see that application by clicking here.

Before he begins training for the Congo, Toby will first head to Nepal in the spring of 2015 to attempt to climb Everest. Once that expedition is complete, he'll then turn his attention more fully on walking the Congo. If all goes according to plan, he will set off on the journey sometime in the spring of 2016.

Find out more at WalkTheCongo.com.

Gear Junkie Looks at the 110 Greatest Outdoor Ambassadors of All Time

The Gear Junkie, working in conjunction with Wigwam, have come up with a unique project to celebrate that company's 110th anniversary. Over that period of time, we've seen a lot of amazing people do a lot of amazing things in the outdoors. So, to that end, Gear Junkie and Wigwam are compiling a list of the 110 Greatest Outdoor Ambassadors of All Time.

Regular readers of this blog will recognize more than a few names that have earned a spot in the line-up. Some of the men and women who are part of the list are outdoor athletes, while others are explorers, conservationists, gear designers, and so on. Each has made an undeniable contribution to the world of outdoor adventure, and while not all of them are household names, they each are very deserving of this honor.

Some of the people who made the list include polar skier John Huston, inventor and adventurer Ray Jardine, polar explorer Eric Larsen, adventure racer Mike Kloser, and mountaineer Conrad Anker, just to name a few. Some of the outdoor luminaries that are part of the project are still active today, others are historical figures from the past who left their mark in some very unique ways. These men and women are climbers, skiers, endurance athletes, filmmakers, and so much more. Over the years, they have inspired us, encouraged us, and most of all, they have certainly lived up to the title of "Outdoor Ambassador."

One of the best elements of this list is that it isn't quite complete yet. At the moment, it ends at number 73, who happens to be our friend Dave Cornthwaite of Expedition 1000 fame. The Gear Junkie and Wigwam are asking us to help fill in the rest of the list by suggesting more names to add. In the coming weeks, they will continue to expand the number of men and women who earn the honor of being included in this hall of fame based on the suggestions that we provide. For instance, I've suggested Ueli Steck as a candidate, and think that he is very deserving of being one of these ambassadors as well.

Who do you think should make the cut? Have a look at the full list here, and then add your suggestions here.

Video: Capturing the World Before You Wake Up

This short video takes us out into the wild with photographer Janez Tolar, a man who makes it a habit to be up well before sunrise so that he can capture images of the world around us as it wakes up with the dawn. His persistence and patience are an admirable trait, as he goes to great lengths to get photos that are breathtakingly beautiful. Aspiring photographers will deficiently appreciate this one.

Before You Wake Up from Nejc Miljak on Vimeo.

Video: Technical Mountain Bike Freeride in Squamish, British Columbia

If the holidays have left you bereft of an adrenaline fix, perhaps this video will be of assistance. It features professional mountain bike rider Aaron Chase as he screams down a fairly technical singletrack trail in Squamish, British Columbia. Captured using a helmet cam, it gives us a great idea of what it is like to ride these amazing trails, with much of the route not meant for your average rider. This one is guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

Video: Summiting Solu Hidden Peak in Pakistan

This video will take you to the summit of Solu Hidden Peak in Pakistan, a 5850 meter (19,192 ft) mountain that challenges climbers in numerous ways. Follow Harvé Barmasse and Daniele Bernasconi as they take us all the way to the top of this impressive mountain. Watch for the moment when they are using ice axe to crawl through snow that looks like it is about about chest deep. The GoPro camera they are using to capture the footage really gives you a sense of what it is like on a climb of this nature.

Winter Climbs 2014-2015: Teams Gathering in Pakistan

Just a quick update on the winter climbing expeditions that are either now underway, or are preparing to begin. With the new season just over a week old at this point, most of the teams are still making their way to the mountains following the holiday season last week. While they are in transit, the climbers are mentally and physically preparing themselves for the challenges ahead on what will likely be the most difficult expedition of their careers.

As mentioned last week, the planned attempt on the North Side of K2 has been scrubbed following the denial of a climbing permit by the Chinese government. This has left Denis Urubko, Adam Bielecki and Alex Txikon on the sidelines this season after they had been planning their expedition for months. As you can imagine, the team is disappointed by this turn of events, but they have vowed to try again in the future. Chinese officials cancelled the permit after terrorist activity in the region picked up in November. They have already invited the climbers to reapply for a permit when conditions improve and it is once again safe for foreign visitors to travel in the Xinjiang region.

With K2 now off the table for this winter, all attention will now turn toward Nanga Parbat, the only other 8000 meter peak that remains unclimbed in the winter. There are no fewer than three teams attempting that mountain, including Daniele Nardi, who arrived in Pakistan on Saturday and is now making his way out to Base Camp. He'll climb with Elisabeth Revol on the Diamir Face, and now expects to be in BC by January 1.


That duo will be sharing Base Camp with Tomek Mackiewicz, who spent a few weeks acclimatizing in the Rupal Valley before the arrival of winter. Tomek should already be in BC at this point, where the is scouting the route and already preparing to make his solo attempt on the mountain.

The Russian team of Nickolay Totmjanin, Valery Shamalo, Serguey Kondrashkin and Victor Koval arrived in Pakistan in time for Christmas, and wasted no time in getting to work. They were in and out of Islamabad as quickly as possible, and arrived in Base Camp on December 27, where they report that all is okay. After a few days of getting settled, they will begin the first preliminary steps of heading up the mountain, while they begin to acclimatize to the altitude and cold weather.

Finally, we leave the Karakoram behind to check in with Lonnie Dupre on Denali. He is busy preparing for his attempt to summit the tallest mountain in North America in January, and has already been very busy establishing some of his higher camps. He has already climbed up to 11,200 feet (3413 meters) where he has started to get a taste of the weather that the mountain is so well known for. Wind speeds have already been in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h), and temperatures are well below zero. Still, he is happy with his progress thus far, and will take a rest day today before continuing to shuttle gear up the slope. Once January 1 arrives, the expedition will be officially under way, with Lonnie hoping to become just the 4th person to stand on the summit during the coldest, darkest, windiest month of the year on Denali.

That's all for today. I'll post more updates as the teams start to progress.

Antarctica 2014: Frédérick on the Home Stretch, Others Press Forward

It has been another busy couple of days in the Antarctic, where the teams of skiers continue to press on towards their goal despite difficult and trying circumstances. The South Pole has now seen several visitors this season, but others are still heading towards the bottom of the world as quickly as they can.

We already knew that the trio of Are Johnson, and Stéphanie and Jérémie Gicquel had reached the South Pole in time to celebrate Christmas. They arrived at 90ºS on Christmas Eve, and after spending a day recharging their batteries, the team has already struck out on their return journey to the coast. They have an additional 1100 km (683 miles) to cover on their way back to where they started, so while they were happy to reach the Pole, it was only the halfway point of the expedition.

Since resuming their journey Are, Stéphanie, and Jérémie have encountered poor surface conditions, with lots of soft snow, which has made for tough going. Additionally, they received a resupply at the South Pole, so now their sleds are very heavy once again. That said, the return journey should be an easier and faster one, as they will be traveling down hill, and over ground that they are already familiar with. Still, they are feeling the physical demands of the expedition more than ever, and it is going to be a long, slow haul to get back to the coast.

Canadian kite-skier Frédérick Dion also reached the South Pole, arriving at that point on Christmas Day. It took him nine days to travel the more than 800 km (500 miles) from the Pole of Inaccessibility to 90ºS, and while he was happy to add another milestone to his journey, Fréd isn't quite finished yet. He has already started on his journey to Hercules Inlet along the coast, which will be his final destination for what has been a long and difficult journey. He hopes to wrap up the final leg of the expedition in just five days, which would put him at Hercules by tomorrow. The winds will need to be working in his favor for that to happen, but even if he doesn't nab that record, there are several others he has the potential to set, including the fastest traverse ever. We'll have to see what his final numbers will be, but it looks like he'll wrap up the expedition later this week.


Fellow kite-skier Faysal Hanneche continues to press on towards the South Pole as well, although he hasn't found the winds to be quite so helpful as Frédérick. It has been slow going for sure, and often he is reduced to skiing without the use of his kite. Faceless last dispatch came on December 24, a day during which he only covered 6 km (3.7 miles). Frustration and exhaustion seem to be his biggest challenges, and with a long way to go before he is done, it isn't clear yet whether or not he'll actually reach 90ºS. Hopefully the winds will turn beneficial once again, and he can start covering longer distances at last.

Solo skier Newall Hunter is closing in on the Pole, and should arrive there sometime within the next week. As of yesterday, he had just 150 km (93 miles) to go until the finish, and since he is covering approximately 25 km (15 miles) per day, that would put him at the Pole around January 3 or so. It won't be easy covering those final miles however, as he too reports soft snow, which is making it harder to pull the sled. Still, he is just 34 days into this journey, and making great progress. Reaching the end in about 40 days would be an impressive accomplishment for sure.

Ian Evans and his team crossed the 88th degree this past weekend, inching them ever closer to the South Pole. He reports that the 60 nautical miles (111 km) between the 87th and 88th degree were by far the toughest of the journey. Not only did they continue to climb up the Polar Plateau, but they encountered plenty of sastrugi along the way. These hard ridges of packed snow and ice are obstacles that must be overcome by the skiers, as they make progress incredibly difficult and slow. Still, they hope to reach the finish line in another week or so as well, provided everything continues on schedule.

That's all from the Antarctic for today. More updates coming later in the week.

Video: Nomadic Asia

If you're starting to look for inspiration for travel destinations for 2015, perhaps this video will put some adventurous ideas into your head. It follows a group of travelers as they head into a remote region of Mongolia and the Altai Mountains, where they encounter nomadic herders and trading Eagle hunters. The landscapes are breathtaking and the setting is fantastic. Just the kind of destination  we all hope to find in our travels.

Nomadic Asia from Sibweek on Vimeo.

Video: Introducing the Matt Prior Adventure Academy

Have you always wanted to go on a grand adventure, but just didn't know where to start? Do you have an epic journey in mind that you would like to embark on, but keep finding excuses to put it off? Than perhaps you'll be interested to learn about a new program designed to give you the skills necessary to start your project, while on an adventure of a lifetime.

That is exactly the premise behind the Matt Prior Adventure Academy, an innovative new approach to adventure travel that will allow participants to not only visit a fantastic destination, but earn valuable skills that will allow them to travel more confidently on their own in the future. The Adventure Academy will begin offering "courses" in 2015, giving would-be adventurers an opportunity to get out their front door, and start pursuing their passions more fully.

The Academy is the brainchild of Matt Prior, an adventure from the U.K. who has circumnavigated the globe in a London taxi, rode a motorbike through Patagonia, taken a Rickshaw from the southern tip of India all the way to the Himalaya in Nepal, and taken a road trip from London to Mongolia and back. In short, he doesn't lack for experience in the adventure travel realm, and now he wants to share that knowledge and experience with you.

Personally, I think the idea behind the Adventure Academy is a good one. I know plenty of people who say they would like to live a more adventurous life, but they have a hard time just getting out their front door. This program is designed to take away the excuses, and give participants the valuable skills necessary to show them that they can do amazing things if they just set their mind to it.

The video below will give you more of an idea of what Matt has in mind. It is endorsed by none other than Sir Ranulph Fiennes as well, so you know he is on to something. Find out more at the Adventure Academy Facebook page, follow the Academy on Twitter, and sign-up here for more details. A full-blown website will go online in January.

Video: The North Face Cab Takes Passengers on Epic Adventures

Recently, The North Face took a specially built cab around New York City, picking up passengers and then inviting them to go on an epic adventure. Some of those passengers couldn't take advantage of the opportunity, as they had to go to work, meet friends, or catch a flight. But others were able to be spontaneous and to see where that very special cab would take them. The result was some amazing journeys to places that these people never intended to visit, with those lucky people rediscovering their sense of adventure along the way.

The video below is the result of this unique campaign. You can see for yourself not only what the North Face cab looks like, but where it took those bold enough to say agree to an adventure. It looks like they each had a fantastic time, and I love the thought behind this clip.

Would you have been able to say "yes?"

Gear Closet: Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Earbuds

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to start looking ahead to the New Year, a time when many people make resolutions to workout more and to get into better shape. Over the past few years, there have been a number of great new wearable technology products that have hit the market that can help us achieve those goals, including numerous activity monitors and smart apps. One of the more innovative of these products is the new Jabra Sport Pulse wireless earbuds, a device that combines a pair of Bluetooth earphones with a built-in heart rate monitor.

If you're a serious outdoor athlete, you have probably worn a heart rate monitor at some point. Traditionally, these somewhat bulky devices are strapped across the chest in order to keep track of your heart rate while on a workout. This can help track performance over time, and give you an indication of how efficient you are as runner, cyclist, or even swimmer. But wearing that chest strap can be uncomfortable and distracting for many athletes, which is why they aren't used as much as they could be.

The Jabra Sport Pulse does away with the bulky chest strap altogether, and puts the heart rate monitor into the headphones themselves. These earbuds are a bit larger than most others you'll find on the market, but once you get them properly fitted (using the included EarGels and EarWings), and have used them a time or two,  you'll soon forget that you are even wearing them at all.

The Sport Pulse earbuds pair wirelessly with a smartphone or Bluetooth enabled mp3 player, allowing the wearer to listen to their favorite music or podcasts while they workout without having an annoying cable running from their ears to their device. This same connection shares heart rate information with the Jabra Sport Life app (available for iPhone and Android), which tracks progress over time, and suggests workouts for improving performance as well. With the app installed on your smartphone, you can check historical data for your workouts, and see how your fitness levels change.


Throughout your workout, the Sport Pulse earbuds will also provide audio feedback to let you know how well you're doing. At ten minute intervals, a voice inside your ear will let you know how far you've run, how fast you're moving, what your current heart rate is, and what "fitness zone" you are operating in. Those zones can include "fat burning," "cardio training," and "intense cardio training" – amongst others – depending on how hard you are working out at any given time. This audio updates make it easier to know how well you are performing on any given workout, and can motivate you to go a bit harder and faster when you feel the need.

As someone who runs nearly every day, it is incredibly liberating to not have to deal with any kind of cable running from my earbuds to my music player. This may seem like an insignificant thing, but if you've ever found that cable to be annoying while you run or ride, you'll understand how nice it can be to do away with it altogether. Throw in the ability to do away with the heart rate monitor strapped to your chest, and you start to see how convenient these headphones truly are. If you routinely run with a heart rate monitor now, you owe it to yourself to try these earbuds out. You may just discover how nice it can be to workout with a single wearable device that can function as your earphones too.

Jabra has included a number of other nice features on the Sport Pulse earbuds as well. The addition of an in-line remote comes in very handy for starting and stopping your music, while another button on the left earbud allows you to begin, end, and pause your workout too. An integrated microphone lets the user take phone calls while wearing the headphones, and it is even possible to interact with Siri on the iPhone (and Google Now on Android) while working out too. While I generally try to run to get away from phone calls and text messages for a little while, it is nice to have the ability to take them if the need arises.

These earbuds have also been built with the outdoor athlete in mind. They are surprisingly durable, and have been designed to resist rain, dust, and the shock that comes with being dropped. Jabra knew that they had to make the Sport Pulse earbuds tough and dependable, and it shows in how well they are constructed.

It is hard not to be impressed with all of the technology that is crammed inside the Sport Pulse headphones, but they do come with a few flaws. For instance, I was less than impressed with the sound quality that they delivered. Jabra has a great reputation for delivering very good sound, but the Sport Pulse sound just "okay." They aren't particularly bad, but there is also nothing to get all that excited about either. I would have liked to have heard a little more punch – for lack of a better word – out of my music, but instead the sound quality left me feeling a bit detached from what I was listening to. That said, the music and vocals sounded clear, there just wasn't anything exciting about it in any way.

Since these are wireless earbuds with a heart rate monitor attached, they also have a built-in rechargeable battery. That battery is good for about four hours of life before it needs to be recharged. That means you'll have to remember to plug in and charge yet another device if you want to use these regularly. For me, I can get about three normal workouts from these earbuds before I need to juice them up again. Optimally, I'd love to see the battery life at least doubled, but considering how small these headphones are there will need to be some significant breakthroughs in battery technology to make that happen anytime soon. For now, you'll have to recharge these headphones often, and keep your standard pair of wired earbuds close by just in case. Fortunately, the Sport Life app provides information about the current level of charge on the batteries, which is a good reminder of when it is time to plug them in.

Jabra sells the Sport Pulse wireless earbuds for $199.95, which sounds a bit expensive if you're just comparing them to other Bluetooth earphones. But when you factor in the built-in heart rate monitor, they actually become quite a bargain. The fact that you can do away with entangling wires running to your audio player, and get rid of the bulky chest strap at the same time, makes this product completely worth the money for many outdoor athletes. If you set your expectations accordingly for the sound quality that these headphones produce, and make it part of your routine to recharge them regularly, you'll find that Jabra has created an excellent product for those who are serious about their fitness.

Winter Climbs 2014-2015: No K2 Expedition This Season After All

The ongoing saga of Denis Urubko's planned expedition to K2 took another strange turn today with the news that the entire expedition has been cancelled. Yesterday, Urubko and his teammates, which included Alam Bielecki of Poland and Alex Txikon of Spain, received word that the Chinese government would not issue them a permit to climb due to a high terrorist threat in the region they would be passing through. This was their second attempt at obtaining a permit, but this time the rejection has brought an end to their efforts.

The team had been preparing for an early January departure for China, where they had intended to climb the mountain from the North Side. Their original plan had been to set out for K2 – the second tallest mountain in the world – last week, with the intention of being in Base Camp by the start of the winter season on December 21. But just days before they were to fly out, Denis received word that their permit has not been approved. Undaunted, he, Adam, and Alex shifted to another logistics company with the hope that they could still get a permit. They seemed fairly confident that that would happen, but were forced to shift their plans by a few weeks.

Denis broke the news of the second rejection on his Facebook page where he posted the email note he had received from the team's logistical support crew in China. It indicated that the permit was cancelled due to terrorist activity in the Xinjiang region of China, an area that the team would pass through on their way to K2, but would not be spending any significant amount of time in. Back in November, a terrorist attack killed 15 people in the region, and wounded another 14. That has put the area on high alert, with a great deal of tension permeating the mostly-Muslim population there.

With the news that the K2 winter expedition is over, the mountain will remain unclimbed for another year. It is one of only two 8000-meter peaks that have yet to be summited during the winter, with the other being Nanga Parbat. That mountain will see no less than three teams attempting to climb it this year, while Urubko's squad was the only one heading to K2.

I'm sure the news of the cancellation of the permit was a crushing blow to Denis, Adam, and Alex. They had been planning this expedition for months, and were set to embark on what was surely going to be a difficult and demanding journey. Now, they'll be back home for the winter, and wondering what their next adventure will be.

Happy Holidays From The Adventure Blog!

Happy holidays from The Adventure Blog. I hope you are spending the day with friends and family, while relaxing from your latest adventures. 2015 is just around the corner, and it is nearly time to start thinking about our next journeys. Until then, enjoy the final days of the year with peace and tranquility.

Video: 24 Beaches in a Day

There aren't many places where you can visit 24 different beaches in a single day, but that's exactly what filmmaker Jono Blake did while creating this film. It is a fast, fun trip to some of the most best beaches in and around Sydney, Australia, giving viewers a chance to see just a bit of what the city has to offer in terms of sandy places to catch some sun.

Thanks to Jono for sharing this. It looks like it was a lot of fun to make.

'GREETINGS FROM' - 24 Beaches in a day from The Runaways Production House on Vimeo.

Video: The Little Nordics - Life in Miniature

Here's a wonderful little video that is sure to mesmerize and delight. It features a series of timelapse images shot in hyper-realistic fashion that makes everything that is taking place look like it is incredibly small. It is almost as if you're looking into a miniature world of tiny people exploring the globe. Shot in Norway and Iceland, I can assure you however that these are all real photographs of real places and real people. It is a wonderful way to look at the world around us.

The Little Nordics - Life in miniature from DAMPDESIGN on Vimeo.

Best Hike Treks The Simien Mountains of Ethiopia

If you're looking for a spectacular destination for an adventure in 2015, than perhaps the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia will make a suitable location. My friend Rick McCharles, the editor of BestHike.com, just returned from that amazing setting, and as usual he has all kinds of great tips and photos to share with readers.

Rick launched his journey in Gondar, a small town that is one of the best places to find guides, supplies, and information prior to setting out into the Simien Mountains. A typical trek through the region – which is both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site – takes roughly four days to complete. Along the way, travelers pass through the spectacular Ethiopian highlands, visiting local villages, and encountering amazing wildlife as they go.

For those unfamiliar with the Simiens, they are a chain of mountains that stretch across northern Ethiopia. Rugged and remote, the region features rocky plateaus separated by deep gorges and valleys, and towering peaks. The highest mountains in the Simien Range climb above 4400 meters (14,435 ft), making a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop to the walk.

You can read Rick's account of all four days of his journey – starting with Day 1 – by clicking here. Each of his daily reports include very helpful information for anyone who would like to do this trek themselves, as well as an array of great photographs that he shot along the trek. He offers valuable tips that will make anyone's journey to the Simiens an easier one, and helpful advice on how to make such a journey possible. His Simien Trek information page is especially helpful in this regard, and should serve as a great resource for anyone thinking of visiting this part of the world.

One of the parts of the trek that Rick enjoyed the most was spotting wildlife along the trail. He especially enjoyed seeing and interacting with the baboons that were plentiful in the highlands. Seeing those primates in their natural environment was a real treat, and true highlight of the experience for sure.

This isn't the fist time I've had a friend recommend the Simien Mountains as a great trekking destination. I understand that it a truly spectacular part of the world, and that the people there are incredibly friendly and accommodating too. As you start looking ahead for new adventures in 2015, perhaps you'll keep this trek in mind as well. It looks like it was an amazing experience.

Antarctica 2014: Are, Stéphanie, and Jérémie at the Pole and Near Disaster for Frédérick

Just a quick update from the Antarctic today to share the news that Are Johnson, and Stéphanie and Jérémie Gicquel have arrived safely at the Geographic South Pole as expected. The team skied the final 26 km (16.1 miles) today to arrive on schedule. It took them 39 days, 6 hours to complete the journey, which began back on the Antarctic coastline, and traveled along the Messner Route.

The trio have already begun celebrating Christmas Eve at 90ºS, where they've had a tour of the Antarctic research station and a good meal while chatting with the staff assigned to the base. They'll now spend the next couple of days resting and recuperating, before they start their 1100 km (683 mile) return trip to the coast. While they are happy to have reached the Pole, it is only the halfway point of their expedition, and they still have a very long way to go before they are done.

Meanwhile, kite-skier Frédérick Dion is on his way to the South Pole, and should arrive there today or tomorrow as well provided the winds stay in his favor. A few days back though he had a very close call that could have resulted in a true polar disaster. While he was kiting, strong winds lifted Fréd and his kite completely off the ground, and tore the guide lines that run between him and his sled. Ultimately he was tossed into the air and pulled 300 meters, finally coming to a halt on the snow and ice.


But since he was no longer attached to his sled, he wasn't sure where it was, and in the featureless landscape of Antarctica, it can be incredibly difficult to get your bearings, and spot a tiny object, which just so happens to be white as well. As you probably already know, in the Antarctica the sled is the explorer's lifeline. It carries his or her food and fuel, their tent, spare clothing, emergency equipment, and so on. Without it, Fréd would have been stranded quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, after 20 minutes of searching, he was able to locate the sled and continued on his way. It turned out to be quite a productive one at that, as he ended up covering 127 km (79 miles), pulling him ever close to the South Pole in the process.

Our other kite-skier, Faysal Hanneche, continues to struggle with the wind and is making much slower progress towards the Pole. As of now, he is across the 77th degree, which means he still has a very long way to go before he is done. A few days back he was able to cover 51 km (31.6 miles) in a single day, which is far faster than most skiers can go, but he isn't putting up the impressive distances that we've seen out of Frédérick. Both men started at the Russian Novo station, with Fréd first skiing to the Pole of Inaccessibility before turning to the the Geographic South Pole. It now looks like he'll arrive well ahead of Faysal, who has battled poor weather much of the way. Hopefully the winds will continue to fill his kite, and he'll be able to start making more steady progress moving forward.

Finally, after 29 days out on the ice, Newall Hunter has reached the top of the Polar Plateau, and is now heading due South to the Pole. He reports that the actual temperatures in the Antarctic at the moment are about -10 to -20ºC (14º to -4º F), which isn't too bad. Unfortunately, the wind adds to the chill in the air, making it incredibly uncomfortable. Newall says that while moving it is easy to say warm, but stopping for a break can be painful. Fighting off frostbite is a constant battle, and in his latest dispatch he reports that his chin actually froze to the inside of his mask today. That sounds painful and incredibly cold indeed.

That's all for today. My next update will come after Christmas. Hopefully there will be more good news to post at that point.

Kilian Jornet Sets New Speed Record on Aconcagua!

Photo Courtesy of Summits of My Life

If you follow my Twitter feed, this is probably old news to you by now, but I definitely wanted to share it here on the Adventure Blog as well. Yesterday, Spanish mountain runner Kilian Jornet set a new speed record on Aconcagua, smashing the previous time for the fastest ascent and return to Base Camp by more than two hours.

Setting out from the Horcones entrance to the Aconcagua National Park, Kilian ran to the summit of the mountain, located at 6962 meters (22,841 ft), and back again in the unbelievable time of just 12 hours and 49 minutes. He ran along the "normal" route to the top, covering some 59.85 km (37.1 miles), while gaining 3962 meters (12,998 ft) along the way. To put this in perspective, most climbing expeditions spend roughly 8-10 days on this same route, acclimatizing as they go. In Kilian's case, he acclimatized prior to the speed record attempt, and even went to the summit last week.

The previous record for the fastest time on Aconcagua was held by Jorge Egocheaga, how ran the same route a few years back, covering the distance in 15 hours, 5 minutes. Kilian bested that mark by 2 hours, 16 minutes in yet another demonstration of his incredible strength and endurance in the mountains. This was his second attempt at the record in less than a week. Last Friday, he set off along the same route, but turned back at 6500 meters (21,325 ft) due to very high winds.

This was the latest challenge in Jornet's Summits of My Life project. Previously, he has set speed records on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, and Denali as well. Next up, he intends to head to Everest in the spring to see if he can set yet one more speed record on the biggest hill of them all.

Congratulations to Kilian on yet another amazing accomplishment. His efforts in the mountains continue to astound and amaze me. I am already looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Himalaya this coming spring.

Video: Clouds and Mountains - Timelapse From the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are the setting for this beautiful timelapse video, which captures some of the amazing landscapes there, and delivers them to our screens in bright, vivid colors. The timelapse photography from this three-minute video is nothing short of spectacular, and definitely worth a watch for anyone who loves alpine settings.

Clouds and Mountains: 5D Mark III Time Lapse + BMPC 4K from Mohammed al_husayan on Vimeo.

Video: Reconsider South Africa

South Africa is one of my favorite places that I've ever visited. It has just about everything a traveler could ask for, including very metropolitan cities that offer plenty of great places to eat, a jumping nightlife, and an amazing cultural and art scene. But of course, the country has a wild side too, with great hiking, surfing, scuba diving, and safari destinations that are unmatched. The fantastic video below shares just some of those experiences with us, giving viewers a glimpse of what the country has to offer. You'll have to watch all the way to the end to get the full payoff from the clip, but lets just say it'll give you a new perspective on everything that South Africa has to offer.

And when you're done watching the video, head over to the Discover South Africa website to learn more about the country, and the amazing experiences that can be had there. For instance, did you know that the Eastern Cape is a pristine part of the world that remains largely untouched by man? It is the perfect destination to go in search of the legendary "Big 5" – which consists of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The wildlife there is some of the most spectacular on the planet, and it is a place that will, without a doubt, leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

If you're considering going to South Africa in the near future, now is a great time to go. As winter arrives here in the Northern Hemisphere, in the southern part of the world summer is in full bloom.

Video: Where in the World Are You? - Quest #89

Looking to test your geographical skills and travel knowledge today? If so, we have another edition of the Where in the World Are You? series from Richard Bangs. This time out, Richard takes us to some very iconic places, in a part of the world that is known for being remote and wild. Can you guess where he is at based on the clues that he provides? The landscapes in particular should be a dead giveaway for this location.

Winter Climbs 2014-2015: The Season is Underway!

This past weekend officially marked the first day of winter here in the northern hemisphere, which means it is time for the winter climbing teams to start their expeditions as well. While some are waiting until after the holidays to get underway, others are already making their way to the mountains, where they'll now face the daunting task of climbing some of the world's toughest peaks during the coldest, most treacherous time of year.

There will be no fewer than than three teams heading to Nanga Parbat this winter, and according to ExWeb the Russian squad of Nickolay Totmjanin, Valery Shamalo, Serguey Kondrashkin and Victor Koval left for Pakistan yesterday. They hope to be on the trail to Base Camp as early as tomorrow, with plans for reaching the mountain as quickly as possible. They intend to climb a variation of the Schell Route on the Rupal Face, establishing Camps 1-3, with an intermediate camp consisting of one small tent stationed between C3 and the summit. They'll start acclimating as soon as they arrive, and will then let the weather dictate their progress.

The Russians won't be alone in Base Camp. Polish climber Tomek Mackiewicz is already there after acclimatizing in the Rupal Valley. He's sharing space with Elisabeth Revol and Daniele Nardi, although they won't be climbing together. Mankiewicz is attempting a solo summit of Nanga Parbat, while Revol and Nardi will try a new route.

Also heading to Nanga Parbat soon will be the Iranian team of Reza Bahadorani, Iraj Maani and Mahmoud Hashemi. The trio of climbers remain at home in Iran at that moment, where they are currently putting the final touches on their planning and logistics. They plan to depart for Pakistan during the second week of January.


After sorting out the issues with their climbing permit on K2, Denis Urubko and his team, which consists of Adam Bielecki and Alex Txikon, will now depart for China in the first week of January. Denis posted to his Facebook page that they will have 40 days to climb once they reach Base Camp. He feels confident that they are a strong enough team to accomplish the first ascent of K2 in the winter. They will be climbing along a new route on the North Face of the mountain, where they hope to get some protection and respite from the dangerous winds.

Finally, we head to Alaska for an update on Lonnie Dupre's efforts to climb Denali in January. He was flown out to the mountain last Thursday, and has skied into his first campsite, which he's using as a base of operations until the expedition officially gets underway on January 1. In the meantime, he has started to shuttle gear up to Camp 1, located at 7800 ft (2377 meters) as also acclimatizes to the cold and altitude. He has a lot of work to do for his solo expedition, but with more than a week to go until the arrival of the new year, Lonnie is in good shape so far. He even reports that a raven has joined him on his expedition, and has followed him on his journey over the past few days.

For more on Lonnie's efforts, check out the video below.

Antarctica 2014: Christmas Eve South Pole Arrivals

The past few days have been busy ones for the Antarctic skiers, some of which are now nearing their ultimate goal of the Geographic South Pole. The weather continues to be a challenge, as high winds, frigid temperatures, and whiteout conditions remain the norm, but that is typical for this time of year, which is actually the calmest season at the bottom of the world. But the finish line is now in sight, and it is now looking like a few of the explorers will have a very Merry Christmas indeed. 

The trio of Are Johnson, and Stéphanie and Jérémie Gicquel, look like they will be the next team to reach 90ºS. As per an update today, they are now just 26km (16 miles) from that point, which they expect to reach tomorrow afternoon. That will allow them to celebrate Christmas at the South Pole, where they'll rest, regain some strength, and have a few good meals with other people before starting the return journey. By the time they get to the Pole, they will have been out on the ice for 40 days. That's a good time for skiing across the Antarctic, and it has no doubt taken its toll on their bodies. 

Meanwhile, Frédérick Dion is also nearing the Geographic South Pole, although it remains unclear as to whether or not he'll make it for Christmas as well. His latest update indicates that he is closing in on the 88th degree, but since he is kite-skiing, his progress is mostly dictated by the winds at this point. If he gets strong winds that blow in his favor, there is a chance that he'll cover the distance necessary to reach the Pole by tomorrow or Thursday as well. Yesterday he knocked off 107 km (66.4 miles), which if he continues to do that, he'll have a great shot at joining Are, Stéphanie, and Jérémie for a holiday celebration. As you probably already know, Fréd first skied to the South Pole of Inaccessibility before proceeding on to 90ºS. Once there, he'll evaluate his plans for possibly skiing back to Hercules Inlet. 

Faysal Hanneche is another kite-skier trying to reach the South Pole, but is battling the elements mightily. Faysal has had more poor weather, which has slowed his progress once again. High winds are good for kiters, but not when whiteouts prevent you from seeing the surface around you. That can be dangerous for regular skiers, but when moving at high speeds while kiting, it is incredibly treacherous. To make matters worse, the explorer is starting to see signs of frostbite in his feet, which is becoming painful as well. He still has quite a distance to go before he reaches the South Pole, but thankfully the winds have turned more in his favor, and he is starting to pick up speed. 

Solo-skier Newall Hunter has now been out on the ice for 28 days, and has found a good rhythm that is allowing him to cover 28+ km (17 miles) per day. This weekend he picked up a resupply, which provided him with extra food and water for the final push to the Pole. As of now, he is about 280 km (173 miles) from that point, so he is still a number of days away from wrapping up his expedition. Yesterday he ran into a bit of trouble when he entered a crevasse field covered in about 4 inches of fresh snow. Fortunately he didn't suffer any injuries, or damage to his skis and sled. Still, it underscores the dangers of skiing in the Antarctic, where the weather and surface conditions will constantly test your awareness. 

Canadian Ian Evans and his team of skiers passed a significant milestone a few days back, reaching the half-way point on their journey to the South Pole. After picking up a resupply, they turned due south at last, and are likely to reach the finish line sometime next week. They have quite a few miles to go before they are at 90ºS, but the team is in good spirits and enjoying the journey so far. 

Finally, Manon Ossevoort (aka Tractor Girl) has wrapped up her return trip to Novo station. After driving a Massey Ferguson tractor to the South Pole in awful conditions, the return trip went much faster and easier than expected. They wrapped up the journey yesterday, and are now preparing to depart the frozen continent for home. 

Video: Return of the Yak - Driving in the Mongol Rally!

The Mongol Rally is a crazy adventure that sends teams of drivers on a trans-continental road trip of epic proportions. Beginning in London, and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the race covers more than 10,000 miles (16,000 km), with participants driving insanely small, and under-powered vehicles, across Europe and Asia. The Rally has long been a bucket-list item for adventure travelers looking to experience a truly unique experience on the road.

If you've ever wondered what it is like to take part in this race, then the video below will be of particular interest. It is an hour-long documentary filmed by a team that drove in Mongol Rally, and it will give you an idea of just how truly wild, dramatic, and fun the event can be. Grab a cold drink, a tasty snack, and sit back and enjoy.

Video: Bluetopia - Adventure in the Blue Mountains of Australia

If you needed more proof of the wonderful adventure opportunities that can be found in Australia, this video will certainly provided it. The 15-minue long short-film follows a group of friends as they travel two hours outside of Sydney to visit the amazing Blue Mountains, an outdoor playground that offers climbing, BASE jumping, trail running, camping, and more. The group captured some amazing shots of the beautiful landscapes there, while also experiencing all of the fantastic adventures that this place has to offer. The result is this fantastic video, which I think you'll enjoy as much as I did.

BLUETOPIA from Mission Control Collective on Vimeo.

Casting Call: Want to Join the Cast of a New Survival Reality TV Show?

Are you a survival expert? Want to prove it on a reality television show? Than you'll definitely want to read on. Swiss production company Media Fisch is casting for a new show, and they're looking for tough, outdoor adventurers to join them on an as-yet unnamed expedition. I was sent the casting call over the weekend, and here are the details.

CASTING CALL

SURVIVAL EXPERTS!

12/20/2014 

Do you think you have all the skills to survive in unforgiving, unpredictable
parts of nature and compete against other survival experts on the toughest
expedition that has ever been on TV? Are you a born leader with no or little
fears that can handle every survival scenario? Then this might bei it!!
Because we are looking for the toughest of the toughest! 

An established international television production company seeks new
talents for a survival show aired on a big global TV channel/plattform!
We are seeking adventurous individuals with varied backgrounds and
experience in the following: 

• Survival skill techniques and strategies
• Extreme outdoor pursuits and primitive living
• You must be strong in character, highly competitive and quick thinking. 

WE ARE NOT SEEKING HOBBY ADVENTUROURS OR REALITY TV
WANNA BE`S – THIS IS A CALL FOR REAL EXPERTS WITH PROVEN
SKILLS! 

Is this your Call? Then apply now, and we might see you on TV soon! 

Submissions: t.strack@mediafisch.ch 

Submissions need to include the following: 

• Your updated resume
• A current photo
• Any video, YouTube links, websites, or blogs that highlight your work
• A brief description of your background and why you think you`d be the perfect cast.

There you have it. If you think you might fit the description, and you'd like to throw your  hat in the ring for consideration, than contact Theresa Strack at the email address provided above. With any luck, you could be the next reality TV star.

While I'm not in the running for a show like this, I am curious however to see what it is all about. I wonder what kind of expedition they'll send participants on. It should be interesting.

Gear Institute Announces Gear of the Year for 2014

If you're still looking for that last minute Christmas gift for the outdoor adventurer in your life, and could use a little extra help, that perhaps the Gear Institute could be of assistance. The website, which is dedicated to all things outdoor gear related, has announced it's gear of the year picks for 2014, naming the items that are Best in Class in over 45 different categories that range from climbing, hiking, camping, running, and more.

Some of the items that earned this distinction from the expert staff over at the Gear Institute include the Lowa Camino LL Flex boots, which were named the best backpacking boot, and the Patagonia Ascensionist 35L which won best daypack. Joining those items in the winner circle were the La Sportive TC Pro climbing shoes (best all-purpose climbing shoe), and the Primus ETA Lite (best rapid-boil stove). Mountain Hardware's Skyledge 3 earned the distinction of being the best 3-person backpacking tent, while the Brooks Cascade 9 went home with the trophy for top comfort trail running shoes.

The Gear Institute has been around for a few years now, and over that time it has become one of the best online resources for anything outdoor gear related. Their team consists of numerous individual experts on specific gear items, and they put that expertise to good use testing and reviewing all kinds of items that will likely be of interest to you. Be sure to check out their Best in Class 2014 list to see what gear items have impressed them the most this year.

Aconcagua Speed Record Update: Kilian Turns Back in High Winds

On Friday, I posted the news that Kilian Jornet had launched his attempt to set a speed record on Aconcagua, the tallest peak in South America at 6962 meters (22,841 ft) in height. At the time, I mentioned that it might be awhile before we heard anything about his progress, and the success of failure of this attempt. It turns out it wasn't as long as we had hoped, as news was posted later in the day that the mountain runner had turned back due to high winds.

According to updates from Kilian's Facebook page, the Spanish endurance runner got as high as 6500 meters (21,235 ft) before turning around. He was reportedly making good time on his summit bid, but began experiencing high winds that exceeded 90 km/h (56 mph), which made it extremely difficult for him to continue upwards. When you're on a mountain like Aconcagua, those kinds of winds speeds can be very dangerous, particularly when you're traveling as light and fast as Kilian was.

The high winds didn't come completely by surprise. When Kilian announced that he was making his speed attempt, he mentioned that the weather wasn't as good as he'd like, specifically mentioning that the winds could be a problem. Of course, discretion is the better part of valor, and it was a wise move for him to turn back. According to the post on his Facebook page, he will try again soon, possibly as early as today or tomorrow depending on conditions.

Aconcagua is the latest in Kilian's Summits of My Life project, during which he has set speed records on other peaks, including Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, and Denali. On Aconcagua, he is hoping to break the old record, set by Jorge Egocheaga in 2011, of 15 hours and 5 minutes. If all goes according to schedule, he'll also be traveling to Nepal in the spring to attempt a speed record on Everest as well.

I'll be watching Kilian's social media outlets over the next few days to see when he starts his second attempt at this record. After having a couple of days back in Base Camp to rest, he is probably watching the weather forecasts at the moment, and waiting for his next opportunity. I'll post updates as I hear anything.

Video: Danny MacAskill Rides the Alpe Adria Trail in Europe

Mountain bike rider Danny MacAskill is back once again with a new video, doing what he does best. For those not familiar with Danny, that means riding some amazing routes, while pulling off some unbelievable stunts, on terrain that few riders would even think about attempting. This time out, he's doing his thing on the Alpe Adria Trail, which runs for more than 750 km (466 miles) through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Typically this trail is not accessible by bike, so MacAskill and his team had to take what they could find along the way. The results – as usual – are pretty spectacular. Enjoy!

Video: Sunrise From the Edge of Space

Now here is something that you don't get an opportunity to see every day. This short video captures the amazing view of a sunrise caught from the edge of space. It was shot on a recent test flight for World View, a company that is preparing to take travelers into the upper atmosphere aboard a specially designed balloon. World View is gearing up to start offering flights possibly as early as 2015 or 2016. This is a sneak preview of what passengers aboard their capsule will see.

Help Support the Pacific Crest Trail

With the recent release of the movie Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon, there has been a lot of attention called to the Pacific Crest Trail. In the biographical film, Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, who decided to through hike the PCT while she was going through some personal crisis in her life. Now, the real Cheryl Strayed is calling on us to help support the trail in its time of need.

In the video below, we get a glimpse of just some of the outstanding landscapes that the PCT passes along its course, which starts at the U.S.-Mexican border in the south, and runs to the U.S.-Canadian border in the north. In total, the trail is an incredible 2663 miles (4285 km) in length, and passes through some of the most amazing wilderness locations in all of North America. But the PCT is also under constant threat from developers, big companies, and careless people who neglect the environment.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association is a non-profit that works tirelessly to protect the PCT. The organization could use our help to ensure that this great hiking route remains one of the best on the planet. If you can, volunteer some time, or donate some money, to help keep the Pacific Crest Trail a fantastic resource for outdoor enthusiasts now, and in future generations.

Check out the video below for more information, and then take a virtual walk on the PCT yourself.

Kilian Jornet Launches Speed Record Bid on Aconcagua

Last week we reported that Kilian Jornet was preparing for a speed record attempt on Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America at 6962 meters (22,841 ft). At the time, Kilian had just wrapped up  his speaking tour in Argentina, and was departing for Base Camp on the mountain. Over the past few days, he has been acclimatizing and scouting the route, but now it seems he is ready to go at last.

According to a post on his Facebook page, Kilian has set off this morning for his push towards the summit. The post reads:

"Hey guys! Today is the day to try! Wind is stronger than perfect on the mountain but is a window. I will start in 5 minutes. See you soon!"

The time that the mountain runner is trying to beat is 15 hours, 5 minutes from Base Camp to the summit, and back. That unofficial record is held by Jorge Egocheaga and was set back in 2011. That record is widely seen as the fastest time, despite the fact that Jorge did not have an official timekeeper on site.

According to this report, Kilian has been training very well on Aconcagua and even managed to reach the summit in just 4 hours earlier this week. If that is true, he'll be more than poised to smash the record, as he has done on there mountains in the past, including Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, and Denali. If all goes well on this latest adventure, he also hopes to go after the speed record on Everest in the spring.

It is likely that it will be late tonight before we get any official word on Kilian's efforts. Hopefully he travel quickly and safely, and makes it up and down without injury. I'll post an update when we know more about this attempt, but history could be unfolding at this very moment. Watch Kilian's Facebook page for the latest updates.

Antarctica 2014: Frédérick Turns Toward the South Pole

As we head into the weekend, the Antarctic explorers continue to press ahead as best they can. Nearly everyone who is out on the ice at the moment now has the same goal – the Geographic South Pole. But no one is particularly close to 90ºS just yet, although several are closing in rapidly.

We'll start with an update on Frédérick Dion, the Canadian kite-skier who just wrapped up his journey to the Pole of Inaccessibility. Fréd reached that point at the start of the week, and for a time it was unclear where he would go next. But with plenty of food and fuel, he has decided to ski to the Geographic South Pole as well. After suffering days without wind, he now finds that the breezes have turned in his favor, and as a result he's making great time once again. Today he knocked off 175 km (108 miles), which must seem incredible after he struggled for so long. That puts him 590 km (366 miles) from the South Pole, so just three days away if the winds hold. But that isn't likely to happen, so it may take a bit longer. Perhaps he will reach the Pole by Christmas. In the meantime, the explorer is said to be in in fantastic spirits and enjoying his time in the Antarctic, having found renewed vigor after finally reaching the POI. In fact, he is enjoying it so much, that he is even pondering skiing back to Hercules Inlet after he has reached the South Pole.

Elsewhere, Faysal Hanneche is also kiting to the South Pole, and finding the winds to be far more fickle at his location. He's managed 150 km (93 miles) for the entire week, and is now 1747 km (1085 miles) from his goal. That is still a long way to go, but he remains confident that he'll be able to cover that distance in good time. Having started at the Novo station, he is approximately halfway to his destination. Hopefully he'll get solid winds soon to help propel him along. For now, he is happy to e out of the whiteouts and enjoying some clear days for a change.

Newall Hunter is also enjoying some much improved weather and surface conditions, which are allowing him to pick up the pace some as well. Now on his 24th day out on the ice, he managed to cover 28km (17 miles) with clear skies and relatively calm winds, and smooth snow. This is in contrast to a few days ago, when he could barely see the tips of his skis as the whiteout enveloped him. Those days are long, difficult, and hard on the morale, but they are part of the process of skiing to the South Pole.


The team of Are Johnson, and Stéphanie and Jérémie Gicquel, experienced their coldest day of the expedition thus far. It was -50ºC/-58ºF with the windchill, which is just down right cold even when you're wearing the proper gear. The trio has now reached the top of the polar plateau, and are mostly skiing on a flat surface now, but with a nasty headwind, it was slow going the entire day. They still managed to cover 28.5 km (17.7 miles). That puts them at about 136 km (84 miles) to the Pole, which would put them on pace to finish their expedition on Christmas Eve. We'll have to see if they make it by then, as that would be the best present possible. 

Finally, Dutch adventurer Manon Ossevoort (aka Tractor Girl) is now just 300 km (186 miles) from the end of her journey. You may recall that she and her team reached the South Pole a few days back by driving to that point in Massey Ferguson tractor. It was slow going getting to 90ºS, but the return trip has gone much more smoothly. They should reach the Novo station today or tomorrow, and begin preparations for heading home. If the weather holds, they may be back with their friends and family for the holidays. 

That's all for today. More updates next week as we should get our first skiers arriving at the South Pole at long last. 

Video: Autumn in the Mountains

There is no question that Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. The changing of the leaves and the arrival of cooler weather is always a welcome change. This timelapse video captures that season very well, offering up some wonderful images of the arrival of the fall in the mountains. We have just a few days left until the official start of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, and we should cherish it while we can. Winter is coming, and it brings its own special type of beauty along with it.

Autumn in my Mountains from Gabriele Prato on Vimeo.

Video; Trail Running on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

Ever wondered what it is like to go trail running in the High Himalaya of Nepal? Then you'll definitely want to check out this video that was put together by endurance athlete Jeff Pelletier who traveled there last December and ran along the Annapurna Circuit. As you'll see from the clip, the thin air isn't the only thing that is breathtaking along this route. The scenery is as amazing as you'd expect, with snowcapped peaks lining the horizon. Jeff gives us a great look at his adventure in Nepal, but if you'd like to know more about the specific trails he ran, be sure to read his trip report as well. After watching this, you'll want to hit a trail soon too.

Video: To The South Pole and Back - The Hardest 105 Days Of My Life with Ben Saunders

Last year, during the busy Antarctic season, explorer Ben Saunders attempted one of the most difficult and brutal expeditions ever when he traveled to the South Pole, and back to the coast, along the same route that Robert Falcon Scott took back in 1912. The journey covered more than 1800 miles (2896 km) and lasted 105 days, pushing Ben to his very limits. In this fascinating TED Talk, he speaks openly and candidly about that journey, and what he learned about himself along the way. This is some insightful stuff from an explorer who had to deal with everything imaginable on his adventure. Definitely a video you don't want to miss.

BattleFrog Obstacle Course Race Series Giving Away $1 Million Purse in 2015

Obstacle course racing continues to inspire a lot of people to get off the couch, train hard, and have a lot of fun at these unique and challenging events. Earlier this year I got to be a part of the team that launched a new race series called BattleFrog, which made a lot of noise in the industry by bringing unique events with a Navy SEAL theme to the OCR community. The races garnered a lot of attention due to their high level of organization and outstanding courses, making BattleFrog one of the hottest new events to hit the OCR circuit in a very long time. But in 2015, the race management team is taking it to a new level. Yesterday, they announced a new BattleFrog Elite division, and a total prize package of $1 million.

BattleFrog Elite is designed to attract the very best competition possible to these OCR events. As the organization rolls out more events next year, it will also begin tracking season-long points totals, ranking the top 250 elite mail racers, as well as 125 female and masters class racers as well. Those season points will count towards the BattleFrog Elite Series Cup, and at the end of the season, $50,000 in prize money will be warded to the top 30 ranked male athletes, with an additional $50,000 going to the top 30 females as well. On top of that, $25,000 will be awarded to the top 15 ranked competitors in the male masters division, and another $25,000 will be given to the 15 highest ranked female masters competitors as well.

But that is just the beginning. In November of next year, the first ever BattleFrog Series Championship will take place. That event will bring together the top ranked athletes in each of the divisions to race head-to-head to see who will be crowned as the BattleFrog champ. Three other races that will be held throughout the year will provide chances for others to quality for the event as well, giving them an opportunity to get a slice of the $60,000 in cash prizes that will be given away at the event.

Additionally, my friends over at BattleFrog have announced that they are forming Team BattleFrog to compete in events in 2015 as well. The athletes who have already been named to this group include Ryan Atkins and Claude Godbout, both of Canada, as well as Corinna Coffin of the U.S. Atkins and Coffin will serve as team captains.

In 2015, BattleFrog will be showing up in more cities across the U.S., allowing more racers to take part in the Navy SEAL-themed event. In addition to old favorites such as Atlanta and Pittsburgh, which hosted races this year, BattleFrog events are now scheduled in Austin, Houston, and Cincinnati too. For more information, and to view a full race calendar, visit BattleFrogSeries.com.