Vibrant TV Delivers Compelling Content for Adventure Travelers

Good, quality travel content with a focus on adventure is not always easy to come by. Most broadcast networks and cable channels eschew the adventure scene in favor of programming that is more marketable to the mainstream audience. But Internet television start-up Vibrant TV offers some high quality shows from international markets, with some wonderful options for more adventurous travelers.

Vibrant TV launched late last year with the concept of collecting television programming from a variety of English-speaking countries from around the world The company has collected a numerous shows in the reality, lifestyle, travel and scripted drama categories from such places as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.K. The network then provides those shows to viewers through an online subscription service, as well as in partnership deals with the likes of Hulu and Roku. Vibrant’s catalog of shows is a genuine mix of eclectic and creative offerings with a decidedly international flair.

As someone who is always on the lookout for interesting travel programming, I found the show Intrepid Journeys to be especially entertaining and informative. Originally produced in New Zealand, the show sends local celebrities off on fascinating excursions to countries that are often completely off their radar and out of their comfort zone.

For instance, one episode sent footballer Jeff Wilson to Eastern Europe, where he spent time traveling through Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, countries he had almost no prior knowledge about. Another episode follows news broadcaster Paul Holmes as he explore the fascinating culture and history of Yemen, a place that few westerners are bold enough to experience on their own.

One of the things I truly love about Intrepid Journeys is that the show follows a similar philosophy that I take in regards to getting readers excited about their own adventures. Often times I receive an email from someone asking advice on how they can get started with an adventure of their own. Usually that simply involves giving them a nudge out the door, and once they realize what is possible, they are soon on their way to exploring the world around us. This show holds that same sensibility, giving each of its celebrity hosts – and by proxy the viewers – the nudge they need to add more adventure into their lives too.

There is a host of other interesting programming on Vibrant TV that might catch your eye too, depending on your interests. For instance, I found Entrada to be another interesting travel program that takes viewers on a culturally focused, culinary journey around Latin America to such countries as Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Chile. The host visits some amazing destinations along the way, giving us intriguing looks at small villages, historic landmarks, and swanky hotels, and other points of interest. If you’re planning a trip to Central or South America, there are a lot of great tips to be found on the show.

Similarly, Avventura takes viewers on a journey with host David Rocco as he enjoys the food, wine, and other delicacies in a variety of beautiful locations across Italy. While not entirely adventure focused, the show has a knack for inspiring wanderlust none the less.

This is just a taste of what Vibrant TV has to offer. Other shows include numerous reality shows covering a number of genres, as well as, creative comedies and dramas too. Moving forward, the network promises to continue to add more content to meet viewers needs.

Currently Vibrant is offering some great deals for new subscribers. If you sign up now, you can get two weeks of service for free with any reoccurring monthly subscription. Viewers can also elect to purchase a 6-month subscription for $24.95, which provides them with one month for free. Find out more by clicking here.  

Video: The Illusion of Light

We've seen a lot of amazing timelapse videos in recent months, but the ones that often stick with me the longest are those that capture the night sky in impressive fashion. This video does that incredibly well, showing us countless stars and the glow of the Milky Way over some stunning landscapes from across our planet. This is a beautiful way to end the day, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Illusion of Lights: A Journey into the Unseen from Goldpaint Photography on Vimeo.

Adventure Tech: The North Face's New Virtual Reality Experience

It's no secret that fewer people are heading outdoors these days, with a particularly sharp decline amongst young people. Researchers believe that the rise of technology, including smartphones, tablets, and video games, has helped to erode interest in outdoor pursuits, as many now prefer to stay inside with their gadgets rather than go for a hike or on a camping trip. But The North Face has come up with an interesting new way to possibly spur interest in the outdoors once again, and with an ironic twist, they're using technology to do so.

At the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market convention,  currently taking place in Salt Lake City, the gear company introduced the Virtual Outdoor Project, which uses virtual reality video footage – specifically created for the Oculus Rift – that was shot by the wizards at Camp 4 Collective. Reportedly, the result is an immersive experience designed to create a sense of being outdoors in some incredibly wild and remote area.

For those not familiar with the Oculus Rift, it is a virtual reality headset that has become the talk of the tech world over the past year or so. With high resolution video screens and head-tracking technology, it creates an incredibly immersive experience that allows users to experience an environment that exists 360º around the viewer. In other words, tilt your head to the left and you'll see what is happening in that direction. Turn around completely and you'll see things that are taking place behind you.

According to the Stephen Regenold of the Gear Junkie, the video experience that The North Face was sharing at Outdoor Retailer transported viewers to Yosemite National Park to experience a difficult rock climb up a route called "Separate Reality" from the eyes of the climber himself. The VR film included amazing views of the surrounding landscape, and captured the experience of what it was like to be scaling a big wall. At one point, the climber even loses his grip, falling down the rock face momentarily until his protection arrested the drop. The experience for Stephen made his stomach drop however, as the virtual reality environment simulated the plunge a little too closely. Later, the video even followed some BASE jumpers as they plunged off a cliff, capturing their fall in in "360 and 3D" as well.

North Face intends to roll out this VR project to its retail stores sometime this year. That means if you have a store in your area (Mine just opened!), you'll be able to drop by and give it a go yourself. The hope is that by bringing a virtual outdoor experience to customers, they may inspire more people to actually get outside themselves. Int his case, virtual reality may spur interaction with actual reality.

Call me a pessimist in this regard, but my guess is that it will probably spur consumers to actually want to buy an Oculus Rift or similar product, rather than actually go spend some time int he wild, but we'll see.

Video: Twenty-14 in Review

This short film is a highlight reel from last year that was shot by adventure film company Twelve Productions. It includes numerous impressive shots of some amazing outdoor adventures that were filmed in drop dead locations. While there isn't a single driving narrative to these clips, the images that are shown will certainly evoke a sense of adventure that can carry you into 2015 as you go seeking a few adventures of your own. This is beautiful and powerful stuff.

Twenty 14 from Twelve Productions on Vimeo.

Adventure Tech: Planning for the Next Generation of Satellite Communications

For explorers and adventurers wandering into remote regions of the planet, satellite phones and data transmitters are the lifeline that allows them to stay in contact with the rest of the world, while also sharing updates on the progress of their expeditions. But today's satellite networks are aging rapidly, and are quickly becoming outdated. While they still handle voice calls fairly well, they lag far behind in data speeds. But two forward-thinking billionaires are in the planning stages for their own independent projects which will bring faster, more reliable voice and data coverage to the entire planet, and considering the track records of both of these gentleman, I wouldn't bet against either of them.

The first new satellite communications venture is being spearheaded by Elon Musk and his SpaceX program. Musk, who also runs electric car company Tesla Motors, and his researching building a high-speed train called HyperLoop, has announced plans to build a network consisting of hundreds of satellites in low-Earth orbit that would provide high speed data connections to the entire planet. The project is expected to take about 5 years to complete, and cost around $10 billion, but because the communications satellites will be at a relatively low altitude (750 miles up), they'll be able to exchange data at a far faster rate than current systems, which are as high as 22,000 miles.

Musk says that this project won't just benefit people on Earth however. He sees it as a stepping stone for what he eventually envisions as a permanent colony on Mars as well. That may seem far fetched at the moment, but considering the leaps that SpaceX has made in recent years (the company is one of the contractors that delivers supplies to the International Space Station), and their ambitious plans for the future, it doesn't seem completely out of the realm of possibility down the line.


Meanwhile, another rich visionary who has designs on the commercial space travel market is Richard Branson, who also has revealed similar plans for his own satellite communications network. The Virgin Galactic founder says he would also like to use his fledgling company to launch a network of low-orbit satellites as well, with the same aim of bringing improved communications and high speed data to the planet.

The concept would be to use Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo aircraft to launch small payloads carrying satellites that way about 500 pounds into orbit. This would be a far more efficient and cost effective way of getting those devices into space, and would speed up the time table dramatically. The problem is that the project took a step backwards with the recent crash of SpaceShipTwo, which claimed the life of a test pilot. Branson says he is committed to the concept none the less, and he hopes to begin deploying the first of these satellites in the next few years.

While both of these programs will obviously take some time to come to fruition, the payoff could be huge for our ability to say in contact while in remote areas. The fact that they'll include high speed data means that voice and video communications will improve dramatically, and likely drop in price when compared to current satellite offerings. But the traditional satcom companies like Iridium aren't exactly resting on their laurels either. Several have announced plans for their own next generation satellite systems which will hopefully deliver on the promise of faster performance as well.

The Matt Prior Adventure Academy Website is Live!

A few weeks back I first told you about the Matt Prior Adventure Academy, which looks to give would-be adventures a nudge out the door by providing them with the skills they need to explore the world around them with confidence. At the time, the concept was still in its planning stages as it prepared for its launch in 2015. Now, the official website for the Adventure Academy is up and running, and ready to start taking applications.

Visitors to the newly launched site will find much more information about the Academy, as well as its founder  – Matt Prior. Matt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, which he has earned on his own adventures which have seen him visit more than 85 countries across the globe, often blending unique methods of travel with cultural and historical immersion. He plans to pass that knowledge on to participants in his "courses" which will teach vital skills to travelers, while visiting remote destinations around the globe.

The first of those courses will be offered starting in May, with others to follow in June, August, September, and October of this year. Each of them will take place in Indonesia where participants will spend a week exploring the landscape by motor bike, while also gaining the skills and confidence they need to launch their own adventurous travels in the future. The cost of the Academy courses are £999 (or roughly $1500) which covers internal flights, motorbike and helmet rental, all fuel, entry permits and fees to national parks, guide fees, food and drinks. Additionally, 5% of all profits will be donated to the NSPCC, an organization dedicated to ending child abuse.

The video below will provide you with more insights into the Adventure Academy, including some testimonials from those who have traveled with Matt, and a glimpse at the landscapes that the courses will be visiting. To find out more visit MPAdventureAcademy.com. If you're interested in applying to join one of the trips, the application form can be found here.

As I've said before, I think the idea behind the Adventure Academy is a brilliant one, and anything that helps encourage people to put a little more adventure into their lives is wonderful.

Icebreaker Bust Myths, Shares Tips for Staying Warm in the Winter

With an arctic blast bringing incredibly cold temperatures across North America and Europe, this week was a sharp reminder that winter is upon us. But the arrival of winter doesn't mean you have to stay closed up inside until the return of warmer weather in the spring. On the contrary, with the proper gear, and a good layering system, outdoor activities can be just as enjoyable in the colder months, as they are the rest of the year.

With that in mind, our friends over at Icebreaker – a company that knows a thing or two about making quality gear for outdoor adventures – has shared 5 tips for staying warm this winter, while also busting some common myths about layering systems. Their advice could help you to enjoy the season more fully, and be more comfortable while doing so.

BUSTED: Layering Myths

MYTH- The majority of body heat is lost through the head and feet.
While hats and gloves are important components to staying warm, you don’t actually lose any more heat through the head or feet than other parts of the body. The key to maintaining heat is keeping your torso insulated. When the core is warm it readily releases blood to hands and feet, keeping them nice and toasty. However if your core is cold it stops sending blood to extremities to preserve for vital organs.

MYTH- You need several layers and a giant puffy coat to stay warm in severe weather conditions. 

Less is more! If you choose the right pieces you can stay super warm without all the bulk and discomfort of excessive layering. Icebreaker is designed as a head-to-toe layering system. Merino fibers wick moisture, therefore when layered on top of one another the fibers bind together to work as one complete piece, keeping you warm and cozy and while being light enough to provide for superior mobility. Our design team works hard to make sure your Icebreaker layering system is comfortable, chic, and functional.

MYTH- You need to be climbing Everest to wear a technical layering system. Sure, people do climb Everest while wearing our gear, but it’s also great for everyday adventures for ordinary people. Icebreaker is tough enough to wear in the most extreme weather conditions, but chic enough to wear in the city.   

5 Tips for Staying Warm with Layers this Winter

1. Nature Knows Best- Choosing the Right Fiber
Merino wool is silky soft and luxurious. Its adapted technical properties naturally keep sheep insulated in some of the most extreme weather conditions. Our Merino is designed by nature, adapted by Icebreaker.

2. All About That Base- The Base Layer
Our base layer acts as a second skin, with its primary purpose to regulate body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin. Merino wool wicks away moisture so efficiently that it will keep you warm even when wet.

3. Meet Us in the Middle- The Mid Layer
The mid layer is crucial because it retains heat. Merino wool contains millions of tiny air pockets, which trap body heat while also breathing to keep you warmer, drier, and more comfortable longer than synthetics and fleeces.

4. Protect Yourself- The Outer Layer
The outer layer is your final layer and crucial for protection from wind, rain, snow, and any elements nature throws your way. Our Next Generation Merino combines new technologies with merino wool, creating amazing outer layers that have all the benefits of traditional merino with elevated features including water resistance and windproof layers.

5. Finishing Touches- Socks and Accessories
Adding socks and accessories is the final component to maximizing your warmth this winter season. Icebreaker offers a wide array of socks, gloves, beanies, and neckwear to help you enjoy your cold weather adventures.

There you have it. Some great tips and advice on how to layer properly for the cold. With the right gear, you truly can go out and enjoy the winter, without overly bulky clothing. 

New Website Gives Travelers Ability to Make Travel Plans in Entirely New Way

If you're making travel plans for 2015, you owe it to yourself to drop by Amadeus.net, a new website designed to give travelers all the tools they need to find flights, and more efficiently plan their escapes for the months ahead. The website not only locates the best airfare deals possible, it even indicates the optimal days to travel to your destination, allowing flexible travelers to save more money if their schedule permits.

The site uses a clever interface that allows visitors to use natural language to search for the destinations that they want to visit, as well as indicating their date of travel, how long they'll be gone, and which airline class they want to fly in. From there, Amadeus takes over, locating the best possible options for the time you want to fly, and suggesting alternate dates when pricing may be better.

But searching for the best flights is just the tip of the iceberg for what Amadeus.net is capable of. After creating an account, you can plan out your itineraries, save them to your profile and share them publicly, or with friends and families. Built-in tags allow others to quickly and easily see what you have planned, and elect to add the same trip to their profiles as well. And if you're looking for a bit of inspiration, there are numerous trip plans created and shared by other Amadeus users as well.

The website is geographically aware, and upon visiting it immediately knew where I was at, and made all suggestions for flights based out of my home airport. Additionally, when I viewed the plans made by other users, it shifted the schedules accordingly for my location as well. When creating your profile, you can also designate your home location and preferred airport too.

The Amadeus.net designers have also built a suite of very useful tools for travelers too. For instance, a world clock will tell you the time in any major city across the globe, while currency converters will give you an idea of exchange rates at your destination as well. You'll also find handy airport guides, subway maps, international dialing codes, and even weather forecasts.

The hope is that Amadeus can become your one-stop shop for planning all of your travel needs. The site is still in beta however, so a lot of data is still being filled in. There are also plans to eventually add hotels in the future as well, making it possible to book your flights and accommodations all in one place.

The video below will give you an idea of how it all works, and the benefits of using the site. Then head on over and start plotting your next adventure today.

CheapOair and Qatar Airlines Are Giving Away a Pair of Bose Headphones Everyday in January

I don't typically post these kinds of giveaways on The Adventure Blog, but since I consider a good pair of headphones are an essential piece of travel gear, I thought it was worth sharing. Online airfare booking site CheapOair has joined forces with Qatar Airways to give away a pair of Bose wireless headphones every day during the month of January. These headphones typically cost $250, and offer amazing sound and great comfort in a lightweight package, which makes them a great option for travelers making a long flight.

Entry into the give away is simple. Just visit the Qatar Airways landing page at CheapOair, and click on the banner for the promotion. You'll be asked to login either via Facebook or by using your email address, either of which will earn you an entry into the contest. You can earn bonus entries by inviting friends to sign-up as well, or by joining the CheapOair mailing list. Each entry gives you an extra chance at scoring a pair of the Bose headphones.

For those not familiar with CheapOair, it is the fourth largest website for online booking of airfare – trailing behind just Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz. The site is a great resource for travelers who are looking to save money when flying, and is one of  my "go to" options when I'm looking to book a flight. Customers can shop for affordable flights online or through a mobile app, while also interacting with customer service reps through live chat or phone.

As mentioned above, I pretty much feel like a good pair of headphones are a must have for anyone who travels with any regularity. When I set off on a trip, I always take a pair with me as it helps to pass the time on the flight, and can provide a nice sense of escape from the noisy surroundings. My favorite pair are wireless as well, which eliminates the bulky cables that can easily get tangled when taking them in and out of your bag. Prior to owning these headphones I hadn't really thought that that would be much of an issue, but now I don't ever want to go back to standard headphones if I can help it.

This is your chance to score some great Bose headphones for yourself. Head on over to the Qatar Airways page and sign up now.

Happy New Year From The Adventure Blog

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you all for dropping by my little corner of the Internet from time to time to see what is happening in the world of adventure. Hopefully 2015 will be filled with all kinds of opportunities to put more adventure to your lives as well.

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.

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: 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?"

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.

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.

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.

ExWeb Mountaineering Round Table Part 2: Cameras, Video, and Staying Powered Up

Explorers Web has posted the second part of their technology round table, in which they discuss how some of the top mountaineers and explorers in the world stay connected while on their expeditions, while also documenting their adventures for sponsors and social media followers back home. If you missed Part 1 yesterday, and have an interest in how expedition technology works, I'd urge you to check it out here.

The panel consists of some big names, including Italian climber Simone Moro, and American Alan Arnette. Wingsuit pilot Joby Ogwyn is also part of the discussion, as is mountaineer and polar explorer Ryan Waters, amongst others. The panel was moderated by Tom Sjogren from ExWeb, who has climbed many big peaks, and skied to the North and South Pole.

Yesterday, the discussion mainly focused on satellite communications and staying in touch while in remote corners of the globe. The various members of the panel shared their strategies for which devices worked best for them, and what they preferred to carry when they go into the field. Today, the discussion shifts to camera equipment, with most of the panelists saying that they now take action cameras with them on their journeys, including a GoPro or the Garmin Virb. One even recommended the new Sony AX100, which is small, lightweight, and shoots in 4K.

Next, the panel moved on to how they stay powered up while at higher altitude and in base camp. Some, like Simone, carry USB battery packs to keep their gear functioning properly when high a mountain, while others turn to solar solutions from the likes of GoalZero and PowerTraveller. Back in BC, gasoline powered generators are still the best source of power, especially as more people travel with electronic gear, including guides and Sherpas.

Finally, the group talked about how they stay connected for high speed Internet while on their adventures. Most said they used the BGAN or Thuraya IP. These lightweight, yet powerful, solutions allow them to post dispatches, share photos and video, and stay in touch with friend and family. In this modern age, many sponsors want to see their athletes sharing the experience from the field, and these devices are crucial to that process.

The panel wrapped things up by discussing other tech gear that they day with them on their expeditions, including such items as foot warming systems, smartphones, and oxygen saturation meter. Some of the gear they touch on in this last section extends to everything from having proper tents, to their favorite climbing harnesses.

All in all, this two-part series from ExWeb has proven highly educational for anyone who wants to learn about the technology that keeps expeditions moving forward. I found it to be a good read, even for someone who stays on top of this kind of information. If you're planning a trip of your own, and want to be able to stay in touch with those back home, I'd suggest reading both part.

Victorinox Creates the Perfect Watch for Adventurers

Outdoor adventurers and explorers looking for the perfect timepiece to accompany them on their next adventure will definitely want to checkout the I.N.O.X from Victorinox. The rugged, yet beautiful, watch has been designed with the precision you expect from a Swiss company, but it has also been built to withstand some of the harshest conditions on the planet as well.

The I.N.O.X was conceived and built to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Victorinox, the same company that is behind the legendary Swiss Army Knife – a product that is well known for being robust and reliable, even under very difficult conditions. The designers of the I.N.O.X drew upon the company's rich heritage, and incorporated elements of their knife design into the watch as well. The result is one of the most durable, and rugged, timepieces that the company has ever produced.

Just how tough is the I.N.O.X? Victorinox says that it has put the watch through a battery of tests to ensure that it can withstand just about any kind of punishment that we can throw at it. For instance, it can survive a 10-meter (33-foot) drop onto a concrete surface, and continue to function properly. It can also be run over by a 64-ton tank, and survive two hours of being tossed around inside a washing machine. It has been certified to resist sand and dust, as well as much as 12G forces of both acceleration and deceleration. On top of that, it continues to function in temperatures as low as -51ºC (-60ºF) or as high as +71ºC (160ºF). The watch is also guaranteed to be water proof down to 200 meters (656 feet), and has been subjected to attack by a number of corrosive products including gas, insecticides, oil, and a variety of solvents.

Built from stainless steel (INOX actually means 'stainless steel in French), this watch has been crafted with the finest of components. Both the axis, and the hands, have been reinforced, while the horns are designed to resist warping and are solidified with a strong crossbar. An integrated protector made of silicon and nylon surrounds the face, blending seamlessly with the crown, case, and back, and adding to the watch's unique look.

Of course, the I.N.O.X is also a precision Swiss timepiece, built to continue that heritage as well. It features Swiss made Ronda quartz movement for maintaining accurate time over the many years that you'll be wearing it.

This watch has been built and designed with the explorer in mind, and as such it is one of those pieces of gear that will become essential on your next adventure. It will also make a fine holiday gift for the adventure traveler in your life. As someone who never leaves home without a watch on his wrist, I can tell you that this is a present that I'd certainly like to find under the tree this Christmas.

To find out more about the I.N.O.X, check out the watch's official website by clicking here.


I partnered with the brand to write this article but every word is mine