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Are you a man or mouse? Are you weak or strong? Are you courageous or afraid? What kind of person are you exactly? Do you have a strong mind, or a feeble one? Who are you? Most of us at some point in time think about the stuff we are really made of. Are we tough enough? Finally we can answer this eternal question. There is a solution. Adventure Races. That's right, three of the craziest adventure races will be happening this year. Where will you be?
It seems in the age increasing awareness and acceptance of more and more outdoor activities, sports, and environmentalism, stories and tales of all different shapes and sizes, good and bad, seem to float to the surface. Like the true media junkies we all are, hearing and reading about glory and defeat in our field of outdoor interest captivate us and hold us hostage.
If you're ever crusing through the channels on your TV and run across Peter Lik's show on the Weather Channel, From the Edge, you will end up staring in amazement at the talent and photographs Peter can produce. It is truly amazing how different he can make any landscape appear compared to our poor piddling around, how come our shoots never turn out that way?
This is the question that bothers all good outdoor adventure people in the universe. We all love camping, we live for the weekend and usually sleep better in our tent under the stars then in our house. Camping is what we don on the weekend. But, there is one question that haunts us all.
Am I the only one who cringes every time you go to REI, Amazon.com , or open up Outside Online, looking at the prices on all that sweet gear we always want? I mean really. Who has that kind of money and where do they work to get all that stuff? From the hat, jackets, boots, gloves, electronics, books, and the gear lists goes on. Just when you think the coolest piece of gear is out, you see the next big thing.
Yes, there are many wise lessons we can learn from the famous Dwight Schrute of "The Office." What? You think I'm full of it? And, I don't even want to hear about how you don't think the Office is funny. It is funny, and on top of that, our favorite character Dwight as all sorts of life lessons for us.
Doesn't it make you feel like running and hiding in the closet or under the bed. From what? The Gear Monster. I envision a large creature, made of snowshoes, backpacks, cooking utensils, camping gear, tents, and stakes running me down and taking over my life. Yes, it is the attack of the gear, and who can survive?
Was I the only one watching the Super Bowl this weekend? Just like the rest of you the only reason we watch the game is for the commercials, which were lack luster, and the half time show. I mean you have to at least watch the first half of the game so you can tell all those people at work that you did watch some of the game at least.
Who has not heard of the infamous Death Valley in California? the Death Valley brings up visions of desert, dryness, withered trees, blazing heat, and death of course. Of course this world is always full of those looking for the next adventure and challenge, and that definatley true of Ryan Mills.
I recently had a hard problem to solve. My best friend is getting married and I'm the best man. Problem? How do I plan an awesome bachelor party for someone who loves the outdoors and would hate (as I) the typical bachelor party.
This winter has been hard on us all. With hardly a flake of snow on the ground to be found within driving distance, we are chained to the couches every weekend. Normally we would all be out snowshoeing, skiing, ice climbing, and generally wreaking havoc, but this winter has not been easy on the outdoor enthusiast.
Most people would think that hiking through the backwoods sweaty and tired with 40lbs on your back would be some weird nightmare. Not us. We love backpacking and all the beautiful misery that comes with it. What could be better? We live for the open trail before us, winding ever on. How does the saying go? "Not all who wander are lost." Doesn't that just stir you up inside?
This is for all you arm chair adventurers, just like me. There are a few age old questions that seems to boil up to the surface every once in awhile, questions that leave people divided. The culture and social aspects of professional outdoor adventure of all kinds has given rise to a new generation of super athletes, and average folk, looking for the next mountain to climb.
I'm pretty sure you and I both need one. Don't we? Slaving away all week in that cubicle putting up with those same people, "didn't you get the memo?" It's enough to drive you crazy, literally. And we all have those same dreams don't we? We dream about going up to our boss and saying, in no uncertain terms, "Forget You."
Who doesn't love a good camping trip? Even when the rain is pouring down on you it's still better then being stuck in a cubicle or on your couch, wouldn't you agree? Camping trips are supposed to bring us back down to earth, make our lives simpler, and rejuvenate our souls. There is only one problem, all the stuff and gear. All the things you always forget
Everyone is being cheap these days, it's pretty much the new way of life. People trying to get bottom dollar on everything from camping gear to selling their own children, well ok, maybe not that far, but close to it. So, who isn't looking for three easy ways to save money on that next big outdoor adventure?
There are a lot of adventures and adventurers out there today doing this and that. But, when is the last time you talked to someone who wanted to ride their bike around the world? Yeah, that's what I thought, me either. Dreaming big is something that we all do, but Sean Conway had a little bit bigger dream then most of us. Riding his bicycle around the world, and do it so fast he sets a world record.
Yup, another one of those weekends, evenings, or days off that you end up sitting around on the couch dreaming about adventure and romping around in the great outdoors. Don't pretend like you don't have those days and evenings. Luckily we have the wonderful world wide web to escape to, that is until you reach the end. Then what?
What would be Part 1 (Longs Peak), 2 (Mount Sherman), or 3 (Mt. Bierstadt) without a Part four (Pikes Peak)? The saga continues, for better or worse. We’ve talked about the famous, the easy, and now we have to talk about the in-betweeners when it comes to the fourteeners. Did that rhyme? Pikes Peak is probably one of the most well known 14ers in Colorado, sure it may not be pure adventure, but it is on the list none the less. This wonderful mountain towers over Colorado Springs at 14,115 feet, another great reason to visit the area.
Who would have guessed we would have lived to see the day? Christmas without snow? Going for long walks in mid-January with nothing more then a sweater on? I'm not really sure if I should be really or really sad. I think my snowshoes are lonely and sad, my car...happy. What is up with the weather? For the most part it has turned about to be a very mild winter, putting it lightly
Do you like large open bodies of water, big waves, storms? Well, I would take a rain check, but the professional adventurers on the TransAtlantic Slovenian-British Ocean Rowing Expedition must not mind it so much. If you have not heard already, this ocean rowing expedition is made up of 4 professional adventurers, including Alastair Humphreys (who we interviewed here), Marin Medak, Simon Osborne, and Stephen Bowens. These brave souls plan to row their way 2500 nautical miles from the Canary Islands to Barbados, quite a long Atlantic ocean expedition.
So, do you know the answer? Do you know what makes you different? I mean, who knows you better then you? Hmmm. What am I talking about? Have you ever wondered why you and me love the great outdoors and all those fresh air adventures and many people don't?
Wondering what the best piece of backpacking gear is? Hmmm...me too. Guess what, I got it for Christmas, lucky me uh? Oh, well you’re probably wondering what is the best and coolest piece of backpacking gear is, at least for right now, it’s the GSI Bugaboo Backpacker “cooking and eating solution.”
We’ve talked about the Apostle Islands before, this place is one of the Seven Wonders of the known world. Anyone looking for and outdoor adventure that is a little bit different then the normal has to check out the Apostle Islands. Does this famous outdoor destination offer any activities and fun in the winter?
Brrr...it’s cold out there. The winter snow and that cold wind blowing from the north is enough to shiver Sasquatch to his bones. Being cold is no fun and not being prepared is even worse. Being able to keep yourself alive in a cold environment is important for any outdoor adventuresome person. We have come up with the five best winter survival trips that could be the key to your next outdoor winter and cold environment excursion. You never know when that vehicle won’t start or when you get turned around and lost. Even though that stuff never happens to us, right?
Even though we all like to have the best and brightest colored camping equipment money can buy, money doesnt grow on money trees. At least not anywhere but our dreams. Money is hard to come by these days, it takes sweat, blood, and precious tears to get some of that green stuff. It can be vary painful going to Patagonia.com or NorthFace.com and handing over buckets full of greenbacks for that shiny piece of outdoor gear; tent, sleeping bag, cooking ware. We think we need that new gear, but don't like spending to get it.
What man doesn't like a good knife? Ever since I was a kid, and probably you also, being the guy on the block with the biggest knife was what it was all about. Knifes are..well.. knifes, need I say more? I'm not sure what us guys like so much about knifes, I mean it probably goes all the way back to caveman running around with rock knifes killing mammoths and what not. Well, you may not have to defend against saber tooth tigers with your knife, but if you still think you need a blade, I have the coolest one out there right now.
You ever wish you were a kid again? Do you ever dream about those snow days when you got school off and played outside with your friends all day? Those glorious snow forts, sledding down that huge hill, those were the days. In today's cubicle world it's easy to forget about the simple and fun things in life. Life is short, what's the point in being a grump the whole time? If you're looking to blow off a little steam, we've got a list of 5 things you have to do for fun this winter. Don't think about it, just go outside and do it. You will feel better, we promise.
Tis' the time of year for shoveling snow and being generally cold and miserable. Right? Well, I guess the right winter gear goes a long ways to keep you from turning into the abominable snowman. We have talked about boots, snow shoes, and other winter topics, but what about our poor fingers that always seem to turn into icicles? I don't know about you, but when having outdoor winter adventures there is nothing worse then fumbling around with boot laces or snowshoe straps because your hands are just a big block of ice.
The cold arctic weather has come to rest above us, temperatures are dropping and it seems the wind has a extra cold bite these days. Alas, it will be a few months before the robins are chirping again. With snow coming that will soon be up to our knees and trips planned for snow shoeing and winter adventures, having the best pair of winter snow boots in your closet is a must.
Ever wonder when you are sitting around on the couch surfing the internet, what makes a great adventurer so great? What is it like to do all those things you only dream about when day dreaming in your cubicle? Well, Alastair Humphreys probalby doesnt, because he is one of those people you read about, watch online, hear about, and wonder how they do it. What better way to find out then ask?
Yes, that time of year is upon us again. Usually there is a certain point where it becomes uncomfortable to go out in the morning and start your car, because it's freezing! Winter has arrived and with it the cold weather and snow are here, or on its way here. How can a person possibly keep in shape and exercise during the winter without killing the budget on a huge gym membership that none of ever uses?
Knowledge is the key to life. How do we get knowledge? What about the old fashioned way? What happened to getting under a blanket on the couch on a cold winter evening with a good book? Books make us cultured and broaden our horizons. Books let us be arm chair adventurers from the comfort of our home.
Roaming the hills and setting off into the sunset, isn’t that what life is really about? Breaking free of that sea of cubicles that traps most of use five days a week. There is something to be said for leaving that smart phone and laptop behind and breathing the fresh air and feeling that wind in your hair. What better way to get some sanity back in your life then to head out onto the trail?
It seems a new era has dawned. The outdoor and adventure world has been over run by changing times and new ideas and gear it seems almost every few months. From barefoot running and Vibram Fiver Fingers to Stand Up Paddle Boards, our world is changing forever. Another one of those ideas that seems to be rising to the top in popularity is the Adventure Race.
I'm not really sure, but what is all the fuss about? Why is it that some Colorado 14er's have risen above the rest for being the most well known peak? Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park has become one of the most well known and coveted 14ers for peak baggers from far and wide. Is it the beauty of the mountain? Is it because of the ease of location? Is it because people everywhere have heard of Longs Peak? Is it just because it's there? What is the reason that Longs Peak in Colorado draws so much attention to itself?
The cold is here, the wind is blowing, I’m sure the snow is not far behind. I’m not sure that there is too much worse then the cold biting wind cutting down to my poor bones. On average it probably takes me two days to thaw out. The more time I spend outdoors the more things I learn about staying warm, about what works and what doesn't. One thing is for sure, if you don’t have a good base layer on when you’re out and about, you might as well throw in the towel.
Do you know what “sweat equity” means? Some people would argue that it is a shame not to know, others would say who cares. I would have to admit that until I was confronted with this term I really had no idea, I got the concept now because I do have conscience, as I’m sure you do.
Do you like rock climbing? Let’s introduce you to someone who does, Nicolas Favresse. Every once in awhile there is someone who comes around that was born for adventurer, Nicolas is one of those people. Nicolas Favresse is a rock climber, Patagonia Ambassador, hails from Belgium, and has been climbing from a very young age. He has accomplished some amazing feats and climbs in his career so far and is a pioneer in his sport. Placing in the Junior World Championship and the World Cup are just a few of the places Nicolas has claimed on the world stage of rock climbing.
Unfortunately for all the men out there, the Christmas season is coming quickly upon us. Not that many men have even thought about it right now, I mean come on, it’s not even December yet. If there are any ladies out there, I’m sure you are done already, but if you’re looking for a few more ideas, look no further.
Sometimes you just have to wonder, is anything sacred anymore? It seems like everyday you hear about expanded drilling here and there, off this coast and that coast, on federal land and parks. Can you imagine the day where there is no wilderness left? I don’t know about you, but if I was going on back-country trip in Alaska in the so called wilderness and hiked pass a pipeline, that would be depressing.
