Video: Backpacking Around The World In Five Minutes

In 2011, Kien Lam spent 343 days traveling around the world, visiting 17 countries in the process. Along the way, he took 6237 photos, and now has compiled them into the five minute timelapse video below. The video now serves as a great reminder of the year that has just passed, and an excellent inspiration for the finding our own adventures in the year ahead. Enjoy!

Gear Box: Snow Peak SnowMiner Headlamp

Just when you think you've seen it all in terms of headlamp design, along comes the SnowMiner, by Snow Peak, to shake things up. This cleverly designed light looks like nothing else on the market, but that's just the start of what makes this lamp so great.

Like any good headlamp, the SnowMiner is lightweight (just 2.3 ounces/65g without batteries), comfortable to wear, and provides plenty of light. It features two different pre-set levels of illumination, high (80 lumens) and low (8 lumens), and comes with a flashing strobe mode that can be used to signal for help in emergencies. Perhaps best of all however, is the "Variable" mode, which lets you easily dial-up the exact brightness you need. This is accomplished by pressing, and holding, the power button, which gradually adjusts the light from its brightest to lowest setting.

One of the things that impressed me the most about this lamp was how comfortable it is to wear, even over extended periods of time. The headband adjusts very easily, and can be worn directly on your head or over a hat or helmet as well. Once it is in place, you barely notice the oversized lamp unit, which features a soft, silicone covering around the bulb itself. At first, that soft covering seems like just another unique design choice, but it turns out is has a purpose all of its own too.

While the SnowMiner is a nice headlamp in its own right, it turns out it has a few tricks up its sleeve that truly set it apart from the pack. For starters, when you're done using it on the trail or moving around camp, the lamp quickly, easily, and efficiently turns into a hanging lantern. A plastic hook built into the headband make it easy to hang from the ceiling of your tent, providing plenty of illumination for those late night card games or curling up in your sleeping back with a good book.

As for that soft silicon covering I mentioned, well its true use becomes apparent when you switch to lantern mode. When you're wearing the SnowMiner as a headlamp, the silicone covering collapses around the bulb to allow it to focus its beam in a more concentrated direction. This helps us to be able to see further ahead when we're walking on a dark trail, but doesn't really help much when trying to illuminate a larger area. But when you're ready to use the light as a lantern, you simply give tie silicon a slight pinch and a twist, and two tiny magnets inside the light release it, allowing the covering to expand into a dome. That dome disperses the light nicely, making it act more like a lamp and less like a flashlight. It really is an ingenious design that will be much appreciated when bedding down for the night.

Battery life is fantastic on the SnowMiner as well, lasting 50 hours on high and 140 hours on low. The light uses three AAA batteries, which are cheap and easy to find, and when they start to get low, the headlamp gives you plenty of warning by turning on a small red indicator light.

Snow Peak designed the lamp to be easy to use, even while wearing gloves, and the large power button is  fantastic when you're fumbling around in the dark as well. I also appreciated the easy to access battery compartment, which made it a snap to replace dead power cells. I've used other headlamps where that simple task turned into an exercise in futility.

In case you couldn't tell, I'm very impressed with the SnowMiner. It's a great little head lamp that extends its functionality well beyond what you would expect out of a light like this one. If your'e looking for a last minute stocking stuffer, the backpacker or hiker on your list will definitely appreciate this lamp. (MSRP: $49) (Checkout other Snow Peak gear at TravelCountry.com.)

New Long Distance Trekking Trail Set To Open In New Zealand

Long distance hikers looking for a new challenge will have one starting December 3rd. That's when the Te Araroa foot trail opens in New Zealand, offering a  route that is more than 3000km (1864 miles) in length, stretching from north to south across the entire country.

Te Araroa, which means The Long Pathway, stretches from Cape Reinga, in the northernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island to Bluff, located in at the southernmost end of the South Island. Walking the entire length of the trail will take backpackers through thick forests, past verdant farmland, up volcanoes and mountains, and across open meadows. The trail even passes through seven cities, which will serve as great starting and ending points or places to resupply.

Building this epic trail was no small feat, as it was mainly accomplished by volunteers who worked many long years to link up a series of trails and fill in open spaces on the map. In fact, it took more than 17 years to complete this project, with all kinds of legal, technical, and physical challenges that had to be overcome in order to bring it into existence.

The official opening ceremony will take place at 10 AM local time on December 3rd in Wellington, which is almost exactly the middle point of the trail. After that, it'll be officially open for long distance hikers, and the countdown will begin as to who will be the first to trek it end-to-end.

Cool story and a great new trail. Thanks to Lou-Phi for sharing. I'm sure you're already plotting your adventures on the Te Araroa my friend.

Gear Box: Primus Eta Solo Stove

The trend in lighter, more efficient, backpacking and camping gear has paid dividends in all kinds of different equipment over the past few years. Everything from tents and backpacks to sleeping bags and hiking boots have shed excess kilos while improving performance and durability. This same formula has also been applied to camp stoves, which were once of the heaviest and bulkiest pieces of gear in our packs. Now, outdoor enthusiasts have a number of great personal cooking options, which seem to get more useful and efficient each year.

Take for example the Eta Solo cooking system from Primus. Designed to support one or two hikers while on the trail, the Eta Solo is impressively compact and lightweight. The stove tips the scales at just 12.9 ounces and even with a fuel canister, it barely weighs more than a pound. When not in use, that same canister stores neatly inside the included .9 L pot, keeping everything well organized for when you need it to cook your next meal.

When you are ready to play the part of camp chef, you'll find the Eta Solo to be a solid performer. In my tests, it was consistently able to boil a pot of water in just over two minutes, although admittedly those tests didn't take place under conditions what would be deemed extreme. The stove did resist the wind very well, but I wasn't able to put it through its paces in temperatures below 50ºF/10ºC. I was especially impressive in how efficiently the Eta uses its fuel, which helps to stretch the lifespan of the canister and allows you to carry less gas when you're on the trail.

Other great features include solid burner control, good build quality and a locking mechanism that securely holds the pot in place and keeps the entire system very stable. The stove also comes with optional support for larger pots, which brings a nice level of versatility to the entire system, and a removable wrap for the pot allows you to hold it even when it's very hot. The included hanging kit was a nice touch as well.

The Eta Solo isn't without room for improvement however. The placement of the controls seemed a bit close to the burner at times and I found myself having to watch where I put my fingers. The stove's support legs also didn't fit neatly inside the pot while the fuel canister is inside, which took away from the compact nature of the product as well.

Those few nit-picks aside however, Primus has put together an excellent, efficient stove that is on par with any of its competitors. Aspiring backcountry gourmets looking for a compact cooking system at an affordable price (MSRP is $120) will find that the Eta Solo is a great choice for their culinary needs while on the trail.

Gear Box: High Peak Alpinismo Lite 'n Fast Sleeping Pad

When it comes to sleeping in the backcountry a good tent and a comfortable sleeping bag go a long way to ensuring a good nights sleep. But any backpacker will tell you, to live the true life of luxury, you also need a good sleeping pad. Of course, plenty of gear manufacturers provide durable, comfortable pads for our camping adventures, but few give you the complete package – compact and light weight sleeping pads that you actually look forward to using.

High Peak, a company that specializes in quality outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more, offers a line of light weight gear under their Alpinizmo line. One of those pieces of gear is their Lite 'n Fast sleeping pad, which is designed for the minimalist climber and backpacker who is looking to save ounces without giving up some comforts.

The mattress is shaped to accommodate a mummy bag and self-inflates to about an inch of thickness in just a few minutes. Once it is fully inflated,  the Lite 'n Fast is nicely firm and comfortable to lie on, providing plenty of protection from rough terrain and insulation from the cold ground. That makes for a much more comfortable night in the tent, which also makes for a much happier hiker on the trail the following day.

Weighing in at 1 pound, 5 ounces (.6 kilograms), the Lite 'n Fast isn't the lightest sleeping pad on the market, but it actually tips the scales very favorably for a self inflating pad. Better yet, when it is rolled up and stored in its included stuff sack,  it actually is quite compact, taking up very little room in your pack.

With the Lite 'n Fast, High Pack has designed an excellent sleeping pad that offers quite a lot of value in a small package, although taller backpackers may need to look for something a bit longer. The pad is 72" inches (183 cm) in length, which is plenty long for most people, but anyone over six feet in height will start to hang off the end. I'm actually taller than that, but didn't really notice any discomfort, but it is something to be aware of none the less.

Aside from that, I whole heartedly recommend the Lite 'n Fast for anyone looking for a comfortable, well designed, and affordable sleeping pad that will see you through a lot of adventures, without weighing down your pack or breaking the bank. (MSRP $50)

Gear Box: Kelty Cosmic Down 20º Sleeping Bag

For those of us who live in the warmer, southern region of the U.S., the fall season bring relief from the heat at last. That means we get head back outside and enjoy our favorite wild space for the first time in a few months. It is also the perfect season for camping, as the days are still warm, but the nights are perfect for spending time in a tent. Recently I had the opportunity to test out the Kelty Cosmic Down 20º sleeping bag in just those conditions, and came away quite impressed. It isn't the warmest or lightest bag I've ever used, but for the price, it packs a lot of performance.

Kelty is an outdoor gear company that has built a solid reputation for making good gear, at affordable prices, that are perfect for the more casual outdoor crowd. Someone who enjoys camping and hiking, but isn't likely to be heading to the Andes or the Himalaya any time soon. Their gear is designed more for the weekend warrior than the hardcore adventure set, but over the years they have built a very loyal following who swear by their products.

With that in mind, I wasn't sure what to expect out of the Cosmic Down. After all, Kelty was promising a down-filled sleeping bag, rated for 20ºF (-6 Cº) that weighs 3.5 pound (1.6 kilograms) for around a hundred bucks. If the bag could come anywhere close to meeting those specs, I'd be quite happy.

Removing the Cosmic Down from its included stuff sack, I was pleasantly surprised at the overall quality of the bag. The fabrics were all quite nice and the zippers were solid and moved without sticking or snagging on the cloth. Rolling it out on the floor, I immediately crawled inside and was happy do discover there was plenty of room for my tall frame. Kelty had sent me the "large" version of the bag for review, and it was definitely spacious and comfortable, particularly for a mummy bag.

When put to real-world, practical use, the bag didn't disappoint either. The Cosmic Down uses 550-fill Down, which was surprisingly warm and made for comfortable sleeping with temperatures falling into the 20's, although I'm not sure I'd want to trust it much lower than that. For most three-season camping conditions, this is a more than adequate choice.

When first eyeballing the CD I was a bit concerned that it didn't have any kind of venting options on the lower half of the bag. Turns out it didn't really need them, as the well designed half-zip that runs along the side worked well when I needed to let a little air into the bag. Kelty also built in security loops to keep the Cosmic Down connected to your sleeping pad, which is a nice touch for a bag that isn't considered "hardcore."

Campers and backpackers on a budget will absolutely love this bag. It is comfortable, well made, and is a perfect option for late spring, summer, and early fall camping. Kelty has managed to create a product that lives up to its performance promises and does so in an attractive and affordable package. If you're in the market to upgrade your gear, than the Cosmic Down is a fantastic choice, as you'll have cash left over to continue shopping for other equipment as well. (MSRP: $99.95 (small), $109.95 (medium), $119.95 (long))

Checkout other Kelty gear at TravelCountry.com.

Gear Box: Sierra Designs Jive Jacket

Summer may not have officially slipped away just yet, but its days are certainly numbered. The changing of the season will bring a rainbow of colors to the trees, not to mention cooler temperatures and crisp fall air. While that won't slow down our outdoor adventures of course, it will change the clothing we wear while out on the trail and add to our packs. During the warmer months of summer we can often get away with lightweight gear and a simple rain jacket, but as temperatures drop, we'll need something more substantial.

Climbers and backpackers looking for an excellent shell to keep them warm and dry in the months ahead need look no further than the Jive Jacket from Sierra Designs. Built to take on the worst weather conditions, the Jive is a perfect addition to any gear closet and great companion on any adventure where the weather could turn bad.

The first thing I noticed about the Jive was how incredibly light it is. Weighing in at just 15 ounces, it's hard to believe that a jacket this light can perform as well as it does. Even better, the shell packs down to an incredibly small size as well, which means it doesn't take up much room in your pack either. That combination of attributes means that you won't have any excuses for setting out on a hike without bringing the Jive along.

The jacket uses lightweight, yet breathable, fabrics to keep you comfortably dry while on the move and in a variety of conditions. Of course, these days most gear manufacturers boast about their breathable fabrics in all of their marketing materials, but few actually live up to the hype. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Sierra Design's Cocona Xcelerator fabrics more than met my expectations in this regard, allowing moisture to exit the jacket, while preventing rain from getting in. Integrated pit vents under each arm further aid in keeping you cool in a variety of weather conditions.

You only need to pull on the Jive one time to realize that a great deal of thought went into the design of the jacket. For instance, two spacious chest pockets are within easy reach, even while wearing a pack, and an interior pocket helps to keep your most important items secure and dry. High quality, heavy duty, waterproof zippers abound and the adjustable cuffs and hem help you to adjust the fit as needed. Throw in a helmet-compatible hood, and what appears to be bomb-proof build quality, and you have a product that gets nearly everything right. The jacket even looks great, both on the trail or while kicking it around town after your adventure is done.

The Jive does seem to run a little large, so keep that in mind when sizing. The extra space does come in handy when using the jacket as part of a layering system however. This isn't a knock on the jacket in anyway, just something that should be pointed out for potential buyers.

The Jive is a fantastic rain jacket, and thanks to its high level of breathability, it is more versatile than most competing products. Sierra Designs has a real winner with this jacket, and I'm incredibly impressed with the entire package. I have a feeling that this is one piece of gear that I'll be using for a long time to come.

MSRP: $279

Gear Box: Brunton Restore Solar Charger

The use of solar chargers on extended expeditions is not a new concept. In fact, they've been used on Everest and other big mountains for years, helping to keep communications equipment charged and, more recently, powering laptops, cell phones, and mp3 players charged. For most of us however, using a solar charger on our journeys generally hasn't been an option. The systems are still a bit bulky and expensive for general use and generally remain a luxury for those looking to travel light.

That's where the Restore solar charger from Brunton comes in handy. Weighing in at just 8.6 ounces, the Restore features a rugged, clamshell design that incorporates two solar panels and an included charging cable. The result is a solar charger for the rest of us – with a few caveats.

The Restore has a built in Lithium Polymer battery that can be charged via sunlight of course, but also using an included DC car adapter or a USB port on a computer. Brunton also has an AC wall adapter available for an additional fee, although I found in my testing that if you plan ahead, it isn't all that necessary. It takes about an hour and a half to fully charge the battery using USB or DC power and considerably longer through the solar panels. Depending on exposure to the sun, it took my test unit approximately 8-10 hours to charge on a sunny day, and with cloud cover it can take even longer than yet.

Once the battery is charged however, it stores that power until you're ready to recharge one of your devices. I had no problems using the Restore to juice up my iPod, iPhone, and GPS device. Simply plugging them into one of the unit's built-in USB ports (standard and micro) started the process, and in no time at all, you'll have a fully powered device again. Time to recharge is about the same as plugging the device into your computer and the 2200 mAh battery was good for 3-4 recharges on my iPod Nano and about 2-3 on my iPhone. It should be noted that the Restore can recharge an iPad as well, it is just so slow at doing so, that it hardly seems useful. That means you can forget about charging anything more powerful, such as laptop.

Brunton did a great job of making the Restore very easy to use. When you plug it in to charge, blue LED's light up to indicate progress. When all four are lit, the device is charged and ready for travel. Hitting the power button without anything plugged into the Restore gives you a quick indication of how much power is still in the battery, and when you plug in your gadgets to charge them up, a tap of the power button begins that process as well. Charing automatically stops once your iPod or cell phone is topped off.

Other nice touches include having the charging cable conveniently integrated into the design and a rubber, ruggedized case that truly feels like it can take a beating. That same casing is sealed tightly, helping to make the device water resistant as well. Brunton also designed the Restore to have small handles on both ends of the case, which can be used to fasten the device to the outside of your backpack. This allows the twin solar panels to gather power all day long, even as you hike, so the Restore is ready to use once you reach camp in the evening.

Overall, I'm impressed with the Brunton Restore. It is a lightweight and useful option for recharging devices while on the go. I do wish that it would charge a bit more quickly and efficiently on its solar panels, but considering how small those panels are, its a wonder that it charges as quickly as it does. If you're looking for options to recharge your electronic devices while you're in the backcountry, the Restore is a great option, as long as you're aware of its limitations ahead of time.

MSRP: $120

Gear Box: Hiking Socks From Keen and Dahlgren

Remember the old days, when we'd head out on a hike in a pair of basic leather boots and tube socks? At the end of the day, we'd be so happy that we reached our destination, simply so we could kick of our shoes and air out our tired, sore, and usually stinky, feet. A lot has changed since then. Our boots have certainly improved, becoming more comfortable and durable at the same time. Hiking shoes have become high tech wonders, mixing the latest waterproof and wicking fabrics, with Vibram soles and comfortable padding. As a result, our feet are more protected, and pampered, than ever, making it even more enjoyable to be out on the trail.

But boots aren't the only thing that have gotten better, as hiking socks continue to evolve as well. Now days, there are a wide variety of socks to wrap your feet in and keep them well protected from the rigors of the trail. They come in a variety of weights for trekking in the summer heat all the way up to the icy cold of the polar regions, with every conceivable environment in between getting covered as well. I recently had the opportunity to test out new hiking socks from two different companies, and I came away quite impressed with both.

First, I received a pair of Boulder Canyon Lite Sox from Keen. Made from soft, comfortable Merino Wool, these socks were a joy to wear from the moment I slipped them on. They offer a snug fit, in the best possible way, without feeling restrictive in the least. You'll find the usual Keen attention to detail is alive and well in the Bolder Canyon socks as well, as their seamless design ensures that they don't irritate your feet on long hikes either.

One interesting design element in these socks is that there is actually a left and right designation to them. Keen designed them to be extremely comfortable, and that means building them specifically for each foot, and when you have a sock on the wrong foot, you can definitely tell a difference. (I know this because I tested them, not because I wasn't paying attention and put them on the wrong feet. I promise! *Ahem*) Fortunately, Keen was smart enough to put a little "R" and "L" on the socks to help me keep them straight, and when they're worn correctly, they just might be the most comfortable hiking sock I've ever used.

The Boulder Canyons stood up well on my trail tests, keeping my feet comfortable and dry, even in the heat of the Texas summer. And as we all know, dry, comfortable feet don't get blisters and at the end of the day, they're more weel rested as well. After putting in a few miles on a local hike, I was still able to go for an evening run without missing a beat. I think these socks are the just another ploy by Keen to make sure I never put anything on my feet that isn't from their catalog. It might be working.

The Keen Boulder Canyon Sox have an MSRP of $16.95 and they're worth every penny.

The other hiking socks I've been testing are the Ultra Light Trail and Light Hiking socks from Dahlgren. Like their Keen counterparts, these socks also use Merino Wool, but they also mix in fabrics made from the fur of an Alpaca as well. This blend results in a super-soft, yet incredibly absorbent sock that also kept my feet cool and dry on hot weather hikes. I was especially impressed with the "ultra light" version of the socks in this regard, as they are incredibly thin and lightweight, yet still comfortable to wear and just as protective of your feet as the medium weight offerings. Both version breathed well and did a good job of  preventing blisters, although I admittedly rarely suffer from blisters in the first place.

Dahlgren is a company that is serious about socks. In fact, it is the only product they make, and it shows. Their products fit very well, are super comfortable, and definitely do what they're designed to do – namely keep your feet dry. Whether you're on a day hike on a local trail or heading to the Himalaya for a weeks long trek,  Dahlgren has the perfect sock to keep you moving along. The Ultra Light Trail socks carry an MSRP of $18.45, while the Light Hiking Socks will run you $21.45. That may seem a bit on the high side, but these are high quality adventure socks that will last you for a very long time, and they are definitely worth the money as well.

So, if I had to recommend to pick one of these pairs over the other, what would it be? There is no easy answer to that. The Dahlgren Ultra Light socks were absolutely perfect for the triple digit heat we've been experiencing all summer here in Texas, while the Keen Boulder Canyons are super comfy for trails in moderate temperatures. Either way, you can't go wrong, and once you try these socks, you'll wonder why you'd ever use anything else again.

Gear Box: Eureka Apex 2XT Tent

Living in Texas, where we've already had more than a dozen days of triple-digit heat y this year, we're always looking for gear that performs well in warmer temperatures. After all, it isn't much fun to be uncomfortable in extremely hot and dry weather. In fact, while most of the U.S. is just getting their camping gear onto the store shelves, ours is being put in storage until fall, when it is actually safe to go back outside again.

Fortunately, there are some gear manufacturers that go to great pains to design gear that works well in warm weather, ensuring we don't have to cancel our camping trip just because the mercury starts to climb. One of those companies is Eureka, who makes a variety of tents for backpacking, family outings, and even mountaineering expeditions. I took one of their newly designed Apex 2XT tents on a recent weekend outing, and found that it was a fantastic option for summer campers.

One of the biggest challenges of testing out a new tent is trying to figure out how to set it up. Sometimes they are simple, straight forward affairs, and sometimes it requires a rocket surgeon to help you figure it out. In the case of the Apex, it was a real breeze to put it together, taking just a few minutes to get it set up and ready for use. That's greatly appreciated at the end of a long day on the trail or when you're trying to out run a sudden storm.

After setting the tent up, I climbed inside to check out my sleeping space and was surprised to find a very spacious interior. The Apex 2XT is rated for two campers, which it can fit comfortably with room to spare for gear as well. In fact, its large enough that two adults and even a small child could probably get away with sharing the space for weekend outings.

As is typical with Eureka tents, the Apex is well constructed and durable. It also includes a fly that covers the entire tent and creates two vestibules that are helpful for keeping gear dry in inclement weather. A gear loft and interior pockets helps you to keep your important items close at hand, and a "bathtub" floor helps to keep the water out.

The Apex is most definitely designed for warmer weather, and the twin side-opening access points help to keep the interior well ventilated on summer nights. If you use the tent in those kinds of conditions, you're likely to be very happy with its performance. This is a late-spring to early-fall kind of shelter, and anything much colder than that will probably leave you wanting something a bit more substantial.

Speaking of substantial, the tent is a bit on the heavy side as well. Light and fast backpackers will want to look elsewhere as well, as the Apex 2XT has a pack weight of 6 pounds, 5 ounces. That's a fairly heavy load for a two-person tent that doesn't offer better protection in colder temps. But on the other hand, it is hard to beat the quality, size, and performance for the price.

One other item of note is that I've read that this tent has issues with keeping moisture out, particularly in heavy rainfall. I can't confirm or deny these issues, as it was warm and dry when I used the tent. I can say that it seems that Eureka has taken great strides to incorporate design elements that should help to keep all but the heaviest of rains out. The bathtub floor, included fly, zipper covers, and other items seem well thought out and incorporated to keep us dry, but perhaps there is something I'm overlooking.

Warm weather campers will find the Apex 2XT has everything they need for their summer outings. With plenty of interior room and good design elements, tt is an excellent and affordable option that should serve you well, provided you don't use it in cooler weather.

MSRP: $129.99 (But it at TravelCountry.com)

20 Great Hikes In The National Parks

With summer nearly officially upon us, it is time to hit the trail and go for a hike. And what better place to hike than inside a national park? With that in mind, National Geographic Adventure has compiled a list of the 20 best hikes in the national parks, with some fantastic options for those looking to explore those great destinations on foot.

Amongst the trails that get a nod are Teton Crest Trail in Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming. Called the "signature hike" of the Grand Tetons, this one takes six days to complete, covering some of the most fantastic backcountry in North America. Outer Mountain Loop Trail in Big Bend gets a well deserved nod as well, although I don't recommend that trail in the summer. Wait for the cooler autumn weather before exploring that three day hike in the Texas heat. A better warm-weather option is the Yellowstone trail from Bechler to Old Faithful. That four-day trek will take you past some of the park's amazing geysers and waterfalls.

The other 17 hikes that earn a spot on the list are spread out from Maine to Alaska and are equally impressive. They range in length and difficulty, offering up something for the experienced backpacker and beginners alike, while sharing the common thread of some of the most breathtaking scenery you could ever hope to see.

So? Did they acknowledge your favorite national park trail? What would you add to this already impressive list?

National Trails Day Is This Saturday

Just a reminder for residents of the U.S., National Trails Day is this Saturday, June 4th and everyone is encouraged to get out and hike, bike, run, paddle, or climb your favorite route. There will also be a number of trail maintenance events around the country, giving us all the opportunity to help build and restore trails in our own communities.

This is the 19th annual National Trails Day, which is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. The event is designed to help encourage Americans to live a more healthy lifestyle and appreciate their wild, green spaces as well.

This year, there are more than 2000 events scheduled to take place on NTD. To discover one close to where  you live, click here, scroll down the page, and use the interactive map to see what is happening in your state. With that many official events going on, there is bound to be something that you can participate in.

Not that any of us need an excuse to get out on a trail!

National Parks Week Begins Tomorrow!

As an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, I'm a big fan of America's National Parks. These amazing wilderness settings are amongst the most beautiful places I've visited on Earth, and that is saying something, as I've been fortunate enough to visit some pretty spectacular places. To celebrate these wonderful places, the Park Service has declared April 16th - 24th as National Parks Week and has scheduled a host of activities to take place during that period. They're also making the parks free to visitors during those days, waiving the entrance fee for all who want to experience the wonders of the parks for themselves.

Over the course of the next nine days, there will be a lot of promotional activities taking place in a number of parks throughout the country. Be sure to check out NPS.gov for more information on those official park events, and drop by the National Parks Promotional Council website to see what some of the affiliated organizations have on tap as well.

As for me, I'm heading out to Joshua Tree for the weekend. The National Parks Conservation Association is holding an event out that way, and I'll be on hand to cover it and take part in the festivities. I've never been to Joshua Tree before, so I'm looking forward to experiencing a new park and kicking of National Parks Week in grand style. I hope you have plans to enjoy a park during the week ahead as well.

Gear Box: Solite 150 Headlamp

Back in January, when the Winter Outdoor Retailer show was taking place, there was a lot of buzz about a new headlamp from a company called Light & Motion. The headlamp is called the Solite 150, and all of the early previews and reviews raved about what a great product it was, but all I could think was "For $150, it better be a damn good headlamp!" Recently, I got my hands on a unit so I could see first hand if it was worth the hype – and the money!

The first thing I noticed when I took the Solite out of the box was that it certainly lives up to its name. It is indeed very light, weighing in at just 150 grams or about 5.3 ounces. The second thing I noticed when I turned on the light was just how bright it is. At the highest of the three settings, the Solite cranks out 150 lumens, which is very bright in the dark. At that setting, the included rechargeable battery pack is only rated for three hours, so you may want to crank it down to the medium or low settings which offer 75 and 33 lumens respectively. Both were more than adequate for casual around camp and night trail hiking.

Where the highest setting does come in handy however is when riding your bike. Those 150 lumens make it easier to see further down the road, which is useful when traveling at higher speeds, and it ensure that other vehicles will see you as well. The Solite comes with a great, easy to use quick mount for your handlebars, keeping the light locked in place when out for a ride. It is a nice touch that the Solite comes with both a headband and handlebar holder, making it all the more useful For your $150, you're going to want to use it as often as you can.

The Solite does have one issue, and that is its rechargeable batteries.  While they are rated for 40 hours of life on their lowest setting, and my tests seem to bear that out, on an extended trip you'll want some way to charge them, and there is no way to use standard batteries. The light charges via USB, which means you'll have to get creative on how you want to charge while in the backcountry. You could take your laptop with you of course, but that's generally more weight than you'll want to carry, and laptops have their own battery issues. Fortunately for me, I have a Solio Classic solar charger, which collects and stores energy from the sun just for recharging these kinds of devices. It worked well with the Solite, although it did take awhile to charge it up fully. I realize that not everyone has that kind of gear at their disposal, and for them I'd recommend a headlamp from another manufacturer that uses standard batteries. Chances are, you'll find one for less money as well.

On the other hand, if you really demand performance out of your gear, and you're always looking to shave weight off your pack, the Solite is a great choice, even for $150. I also have a feeling that this headlamp will prove very popular with the adventure racing crowd. It is durable, bright, and versatile. Something that the AR crowd is always looking for in their gear.

So? Is it worth the $150 price tag? For the casual hiker/backpacker, I'd say no, there are cheaper alternatives that get the job done for them. But for those that need a little something more than "getting the job done," this is a great piece of kit that will definitely prove itself useful in a wide variety of situations.

Unfortunately for me, I have a penchant for leaving my headlamp in some distant country while I travel. Leaving my Solite behind would hurt. A lot!


MSRP: $150

Gear Box: Satmap Active 10 Trek GPS

GPS devices are a dime a dozen these days. It use to be fairly easy to go into your favorite gear shop and plunk down your hard earned money, and walk out with a handheld device from Garmin or Magellan. Now though, there are a number of other options to choose from, all with a host of features to help you navigate your way through the backcountry.

One such option is the Active 10 Trek from Satmap, a company with a strong reputation in Europe, but a bit lesser known here in the States. As you would expect, the Active 10 Trek has all the features you could ever want in a handheld GPS device, including a built-in base map with a good level of details, the ability to mark way-points and chart courses, and a digital compass to keep you on course. The device is also ruggedized to protect against all sorts of weather and has a color screen to help the maps easy to read, even in the bright sunlight. A red backlight for navigation at night helps protect your eyes, and large buttons make the Active 10 easy to use, even while wearing gloves. 

The device is well built and screams high quality and refinement at every turn. It has a nice heft in your hands, but isn't too heavy either, and you get the feeling that it can stand up to all kinds of punishment on the trail. There are eight buttons on the unit, plus a tiny joystick. Those can be a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of how it works, you'll soon be using all of those buttons easily and without thinking. The interface is intuitive and easy to use. So much so, that I took it out on my first trial run without even reading the manual, and used it to successfully navigate off trail between two points. That should say something about how easy it is to use the Active 10. 

Of course, a number of GPS devices could be described in the same manner that I described this one above. But the Active 10 has something that no other handheld GPS device can boast, which is access to the library of National Geographic Maps right on the unit. The Active 10 has an SD card slot along the left side of the device, which facilitates expansion maps that can add far more detail to the built-in base map. SD cards with the Nat Geo maps are purchased separately, but deliver the kind of expertise that can only come from National Geographic. 

With my test unit I received two of the Nat Geo map cards to try out on the Active 10. Those cards included the Trails Illustrated: America's Greatest National Parks and the Topo! Texas maps. The latter of those would prove very useful on weekend hikes in my home state. The first time I zoomed down to the highest detail level while out hiking, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Seeing all of those topographic lines, trails, and POI's was very impressive, and a HUGE upgrade from my previous GPS device that is over eight years old. Similarly, the National Parks card includes a similar level of detail for 25 of the best parks in the U.S. That list includes: Acadia; Arches; Big Bend; Bryce Canyon; Canyonlands; Channel Islands; Death Valley; Glacier/Waterton; Grand Canyon; Grand Teton; Great Smoky Mountains; Isle Royale; Joshua Tree; Kings Canyon; Mount Rainier; North Cascades; Olympic; Redwood; Rocky Mountain; Sequoia; Shenandoah; Voyageurs; Yellowstone; Yosemite; and Zion.

Satmap didn't scrimp on the accessories that come with the Active 10 either. Inside the box you'll find a lanyard, as well as a very nice case, for carrying your GPS on the trail. There is also a USB cable for connecting the Active 10 to your computer, 3 AAA batteries and a rechargeable battery pack. There is also a car charger and a wall charger with every international adapter you could ever hope for. The batteries last for a good long time, especially the included rechargeable pack. It is difficult to give you an accurate number, as how you use the device greatly impacts battery life, but I had no problem getting 15+ hours of use, and with the USB cable I could connect the device to my Solio solar charger to recharge the batteries on longer treks. 

Performance on the Active 10 is excellent. The first time I turned it on, it took it awhile to connect to the satellites, but it managed to lock on to every one of them, even under a decent tree cover. Subsequent uses of the device showed a marked improvement in locking on to the satellites as well. I'm not sure why there were performance gains, but I suspect that the first time out of the box, there was an initialization process that the Active 10 had to complete. 

After an initial get acquainted session, I found the Active 10 very easy to use, and I was quickly drilling down into some of the more high level navigational functions without even thinking about it. Setting way points was a breeze, and navigating to them was even easier. The electronic compass was useful in a number of circumstances, and the interface was so quick, that I could turn the device off, and store it in the case, only breaking it out as needed. 

I haven't had the opportunity to go geocaching with the Active 10 yet, but I'm told that it is easy to load up geocaching coordinates and go in search of those hidden treasures. I hope to give it a go sometime in the near future. 

If you couldn't tell, I'm highly impressed with the Satmap Active 10 Trek. By itself, it is an excellent, easy to use GPS device with all the features you could ever hope for. Throw in great battery life and an interface that is easy to use, and you have a real winner. Pair the device with the amazing National Geographic Maps, and you have a GPS unlike any other o the market. Those maps unlock a lot of potential for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and just about any other outdoor enthusiast. You won't get the Nat Geo maps on any other handheld GPS device, and that puts the Active 10 in a class all it's own. (MSRP: $369.99)

Gear Box: Keen Alamosa WP Hiking Shoes

Spring is clearly in the air. The weather is warming up, the last of the winter snow is melting away, and our winter gear is going back into the closet so we can break out our warm weather equipment instead. It is most definitely time to hit the trail again, and if you're in the market for a new pair of hiking shoes, Keen has just the thing for you.

Living in Texas, we don't really get much in the way of snow, so I've already had an early start on the spring hiking. Recently I've been hitting the trail with a new pair of Keen Alamosa WP's on my feet, and once again I'm very impressed with what the company has to offer in their new line of hiking shoes.

The Alamosas are lightweight, yet durable, with an aggressive tread on the soles that holds tight even on slick wet rocks. Crafted from a great mix of breathable fabrics and nubuck leather, the shoes look great and feel even better. Like nearly every pair of Keens that I've tested over the past year or so, these shoes require little to no break-in, and the first time I put them on was prior to a three hour hike in the Texas Hill Country. At the end of that hike, the Alamosa's still looked like that had just come out of the box, but they felt like a pair  of hiking shoes that I had owned for years. Better yet, my feet felt well rested and protected throughout the hike, and there wasn't a blister to be found anywhere.

The "WP" on this pair of shoes stands for "Water Proof," and they certainly live up to that billing as well, I've walked through puddles, across streams, and through mud, and in all cases, my feet stayed dry. Of course you'd expect that from any shoe that bills itself as water proof, but on the other hand, those types of shoes often don't allow your feet to breathe, resulting in hot sweaty, feet on the trail. Those conditions can also lead to blisters, but fortunately the Alamosas breathe quite nicely, helping to keep your feet comfortable for extended treks in warmer weather.

As with the rest of their catalog, Keen has another excellent shoe on their hands. I was very impressed with how durable these shoes were while still remaining very lightweight. I'm not sure how they do it but  Keen has come up with the perfect blend of protection for our feet, without making the shoe bulky or heavy. Something I'm sure we can all appreciate. If you're in the market for some new light hikers this spring, you could do a lot worse than the Alamosa WP from Keen.  (MSRP: $110)

Shop for more Keen Shoes at TravelCountry.com

Boulder Outdoor Survival School Offering 10% Off Courses For 2011

I received a nice note yesterday from the folks at the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS). The company just launched a new website, and to celebrate they're offering 10% off all course throughout 2011. To take advantage of the discount, simply use the promo code “BOSSadventure10” when registering for the courses of your choice.

BOSS has been around since 1968 and is one of the largest and oldest survival schools in the world. Located in Utah, the company specializes in instructing their students on how to survive in the wild without modern technology and gear. In fact, BOSS focuses on getting their students back to the basics, and reconnecting them with nature, through the use of more "primitive" methods. They even stress the value of learning from traditional cultures who found natural and creative ways to exist in the wilderness for centuries.

The courses that are offered at the school range in length from 3 to 28 days depending on what you would like to learn. They offer courses on how to navigate in various environments, how to live off the land, and how to survive for 72 hours in a crisis. They also have full blown field course that will push you to the limits, but teach you how to not just survive, but thrive in the wilderness. These courses are for the explorer who really needs to know how to live in the backcountry.

If you've been considering taking a survival course, or simply want to pick up some new skills, this is a great opportunity to do so at a reduced cost. 10% off all courses for the year is a great bargain and you'll probably learn some skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Take advantage of this opportunity while you can.

Follow BOSS on Twitter at @BOSS_survival and find them on Facebook by clicking here.

The Appalachian Trail Done In Five Minutes

I posted this cool video over at Gadling this past weekend, but wanted to share it here as well. It was put together by thru-hiker Kevin Gallagher, who spent six months covering the Appalachian Trail end-to-end. When he got home, he made this video using still images that he took along the way. The result is a stop motion depiction of what it is like to hike all 2175 miles of the AT. It is also the perfect way to starty your morning. Enjoy!



Green Tunnel from Kevin Gallagher on Vimeo.

Gear Box: Bear Grylls Survival Pack From Gerber

Awhile back I posted a review of the Bear Grylls Folding Survival Knife from Gerber, giving it high marks for quality and and versatility. The company continues to expand its Bear line, now offering several survival kits that are the perfect edition to your pack.

I recently got my hands on the BG Survival Series Basic Kit, which includes seven items stored inside a sturdy, and well constructed, waterproof sack. Those items include a Mini Paraframe Knife, an emergency whistle, fire starter, waterproof matches, snare wire, emergency cord, and cotton balls to be used for fire tinder. That's right, Gerber managed to put most of the "10 essentials" right into one well designed package.

Each of the items in the kit are small, compact, and highly useful, and while the Mini Paraframe won't replace your other knives or multitools, it is a nice little blade to have around "just in case." The fire starter, matches, and cotton balls are an excellent resource to have around whether you're on the trail for two hours or two weeks. The little kit even includes Bear's "Priorities of Survival," pamphlet, which is a pocket guide for survival in the field. The back of the waterproof bag also conveniently has a set of alpine rescue signals that can be used to send message to rescue teams in the air.

The compact Basic Survival Kit is another nice product from Gerber, that maintains the company's standards for quality, while remaining very affordable. This is one of those products that is inexpensive enough to be an impulse buy and really should be in your pack for when ever you head out on the trail. MSRP is about $30, but the kit can be found online for far less than that.

Andrew Skurka's Alaska-Yukon Expedition Detailed In Nat Geo

Last year long distance trekker Andrew Skurka set off on his most ambitious and challenging expedition to date. He was already a legend in the thru-hiking community, but his 4679 mile (7530km) Alaska-Yukon Expedition set a new standard for all others to follow. The route passed through some of the most remote places in the U.S. and Canada, crossing eight national parks and several mountain ranges in the process. As is typical, Andrew went alone and spent 176 days on the trail hiking, skiing, and rafting his way through the unforgiving wilderness. Now, his full story is finally being told in the pages of National Geographic Magazine, which will feature Skruka's adventure in the March issue that will be hitting newsstands soon. Fortunately, we can all read the story online now, simply by clicking here.

The piece is written by Dan Koeppel, who does an excellent job of getting Andrew to open up about his trek through the Alaskan wilderness, which included a challenging traverse of the Brooks Range, which remains one of the most untouched and wild places on the planet. But this story isn't just about the journey, but the man behind the trek as well. Skurka comes across as a very the kind of guy that you'd love to share the trail with and you get the sense that while he's had plenty of adventures, this one touched him in unique ways and changed his outlook on his long distance hikes forever.

In typical Nat Geo style, this isn't just a story about a hike through the wilderness. It's much more than that, and I recommend that you give it a read. Andrew truly is one of a kind and his approach to life is one that should be applauded. This is a very good read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.