Nothing to see here, men.
This post is strictly for female hikers looking for the best gear for outdoor sport.
Boobydoo Sports Bras is a company founded by runners and adventure racers in the U.K.
Tongariro ALPINE Crossing, New Zealand
Entertaining trip report from one of the best and most popular hikes in the world.
… We weren’t exactly sure what to prepare for in terms of climate, and timing to complete the hike but we knew it was going to be quite the challenge.
The Tongariro Crossing is actually rated New Zealand’s BEST one day hike. Now imagine, New Zealand is an absolutely amazing jaw – dropping country, so to nominate it the # 1 Day Hike is quite optimistic on the Department of Conservations’ behalf.
It’s an 18 Km Hike through and UP both active and dormant volcanoes, and average hiking time is 7 hours. IN addition, to this hike, we planned to conquer Mount Ngauruhoe – a 2287 M active volcano, which from here on end, I will refer to as MOUNT DOOM ( I have no idea on how to pronounce and I can not expect you to!!!) Keep in mind that this volcano is not included in the hike, and is a climb at “your own risk”…since there are no paths or trails, you’re litterally crawling up a steep mound composed of volcanic ash and rock on your hands in knees. …
Tongariro Alpine Crossing! – Stefarr from Montreal
original – travelpod
It may be that I liked the author’s photo even more than her trip report:
location unknown
Tongariro Crossing – best hike information page
amazing high res photos – Earth from Above
George pointed us to high resolution “wallpaper” outdoors photos. A couple of samples:
Trees amid the waters near Taponas, Rh̫ne region, France Рoriginal wallpaper
Glacier de la vallée Blanche au pied de l’aiguille du Midi, massif du Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie, France – original wallpaper
See them all: Earth from Above.
(It defaults to photos from France. But click the pulldown menu top left to choose other countries. There are hundreds or thousands of amazing photos.)
Half Dome in Micronesia
In the tropical paradise of Pohnpei stands a pretty good clone of Half Dome. Where? The scuba diving mecca of the Federated States of Micronesia. … Sokehs Rock, or Paipalap, juts out and towers over the northern extreme of Sokehs Island. About five hundred feet from base to summit, the massive basalt formation is easily the most impressive natural formation on Pohnpei. Very similar also to Diamondhead.
… A rope has been strung along the route to the top to provide some support (mostly psychological). Below the sloping backside of the Rock there’s a flat grassy area where you can get some good views of the lagoon through stands of pandanus. Finally, a utility pipe runs all the way to the top to help haul yourself up. The summit, which is larger than it looks from the bottom, is frequently very windy. The rugged surface is composed of coarse, cracked basalt covered in part by low scrubby vegetation and wild pineapple plants. This prominent feature served as a primary location for Japanese defenses on Pohnpei, which included concrete bunkers, twin-barrel guns and 6-inch coastal defense guns.
Sokehs Rock – Hike Half Dome
original – Sokehs Rock – Pohnpei – pbase
(via Two Heel Drive)
Man vs. Wild – Copper Canyon, Mexico
I’m on the record as boycotting Man vs. Wild, fearing that the TV show will encourage people to do things far more dangerous than those filmed by Bear’s crew.
But I found myself watching a full episode, lately:
In Mexico, Bear must find his way out of Copper Canyon, and his only supplies are a water bottle, a flint and a knife. Bear demonstrates how to build a simple compass and climb sheer cliffs safely. For shelter, he uses ancient caves and makes fire with a traditional “fire saw.” Bear also demonstrates techniques for finding scorpions or grubs and fishing without a rod or line.
Man vs Wild Episodes – Wikipedia
It’s hard to stay angry at Bear, his boyish enthusiasm is inspiring.
My real excuse for watching is that I’m planning a very similar adventure, dropping into Copper Canyon from the train tracks and finding my way to Batopilas village.
(To make up for my sin of watching Man vs. Wild I watched a full episode of a real Survivorman, Les Stroud. Much more impressive in every way.)
original – flickr
more of Sam Meztli’s photos photos tagged Copper Canyon – flickr
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Yet another “must-hike” on Kauai.
Na Pali – the Cliffs in Hawaiian – is one of the most beautiful and remote areas on Kaua‘i. The strenuous eleven-mile Kalalau Trail winds along this rugged coastline, providing the only land access to legendary Kalalau Valley. The trail and facilities are rugged; some eroded areas are very narrow over cliffs that are hundreds of feet high.
exploring coastal Patagonia
Cristian Donoso, a Chilean lawyer, has been exploring the remote western coast of Patagonia for over a decade. He won a 2006 ROLEX associate Laureate award.
His latest expedition is a 5 months journey, 1250 miles (2,039 km), using kayaks to reach inaccessible waterways, glaciers, summits, caves, underground rivers, and wildlife preserves.
The climate is harsh and unpredictable.
Now this is ADVENTURE.
Scroll down the trip website and you can quickly get an idea of what they face in that part of the world: transpatagonia expedition – official homepage
(via The Adventure Blog)
This journey reminds me of the concurrent Journey on the Wild Coast now in Alaska.
3-season tent 1 pound
NEW – Gossamer Gear The Oneâ„¢
Full protection for about a pound, The Oneâ„¢ sounds good to me.
see details, photos and video at Gossamer Gear
5 of the Best Walks in Europe
The Rambling Traveler posted 5 major hikes he would like to do in future.
Italy- Alpe di Siusi in the Dolomites between Val di Fassa and Val Gardena (many day hikes) Switzerland- Alpine Pass Route from Sargans to Montreux (350km/220 miles) Norway- Hardanger Plateau DNT Trail from peak to fjord (5-7 day hike) Scotland- West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William (152km/95 miles) England- Coast to Coast Walk (C2C) from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay (304km/190 miles)
If you have other recommendations, please share them in the comments on the Rambling Traveler blog post.
Cabin in the middle of nowhere, Alpe di Siusi, Italy
original – flickr – Alaskan Dude
Kauai – Alaka’i Swamp Trail, Hawaii
Stuart at Trail Spotting recommends the Kauai – Alaka’i Swamp Trail 11mi (17.7km). Hard.
… Take a westerly drive around Kauai until you run out of road and you’ll find yourself overlooking the plunging cliffs of Kalalau Valley on the fabled Na Pali Coast.
The only way to explore beyond this point by land is on foot, and the well-maintained Pihea trail leading to the Alaka‘i Swamp trail is an exhilarating way to do so. Hike along cliff edges, through jungle and across misty mountain-top swamps to reach the trail’s end and clifftop views over Wainiha Pali. …
Click through for photos and maps: Trail Spotting
besthike.com 