Best hikes, treks, tramps in the world.
Do you have a blanket as good as your sleeping bag?
If not, maybe you need a Rumpl. 🙂
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Blankets start at $95
Check out the product line at GoRumpl.com.
It’s happening. They raised $216,889 on kickstarter, looking for only $15,000 to get the product started.
Though the Ursack is not allowed in many American National Parks, I often use mine on other hikes.
The 2014 Ursack S29 AllWhite has been given IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee) certification number 3738. It may take a bit of time before that information shows up on the IGBC website. 2013 and earlier models of the AllWhite are not certified. …
… we baited an Ursack S29 AllWhite, knotted it securely and placed it on the ground with no aluminum liner and not tied to a tree. The first two grizzlies went at it for an active 57 minutes. One of the bears was nick-named “The Destroyer,” but neither he nor his sister were able to compromise the Ursack. …
As rated by wikiexplora:
1 Chile – Torres del Paine Trek
2 Perú – Inca Trail
3 Tanzania – Mt. Kilimanjaro
4 France-Italy-Switzerland – Haute Route
5 Nepal – Everest Base Camp
6 New Zealand – Routeburn track
7 Pakistan – Snow Lake
8 Pakistan – Baltoro glacier
8 India – Zanskar river
10 USA – Kaibab trail, Grand Canyon
see the rest of the best on wikiexplora
Not a bad list. 🙂
The Inca Trail should be deleted, however. It’s not even the best trek to Machu Picchu.
And this website is boycotting recommending Pakistan since 11 mountaineers were murdered at Nanga Parbat Basecamp in 2013.
Here’s the BIG question when it comes to famed Annapurna:
ramblin’ boy – Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit: Is It Still Worth Doing?
I trekked Annapurna in 2013, staying mainly on the traditional “roads” on foot and mountain bike.
But I now wish I had an electronic version of this new book by Andrées de Ruiter and Prem Rai. They are documenting the NEW Annapurna trail, avoiding the worst of the motor roadways.
Trekking in the Annapurna area along the new NATT – trails which avoid the road. [Kindle Edition]
It includes Annapurna round / circuit, Tilicho lake, Annapurna Panorama trek & Poon Hill, Annapurna Basecamp trek ABC and the new Khopra Danda and Mardi Himal trek.
Or, you can check out an older (free) PDF version before you buy the new one.
Here’s the road near Chame under construction in 2013.
more on our Annapurna information page
Section Hiker likes the Bear Boxer – Contender Model 101.
I’m still using a clear BEARVAULT BV500. An Ursack. Or no bear vault at all, depending on where I’m hiking. And for how long.
Leave a comment if you have a favourite.
Even I’ll pay $449 for this down jacket
Outside Online – GEAR GUY:
… next fall’s Fitz Roy Down Parka
When it came to the Fitz Roy, Patagonia’s Alpine Product Line Manager Kristo Torgersen only had one real requirement for his designers—that it be the warmest, best jacket in the line.
Insta-Fire is a safe, simple, and versatile product that starts fires quickly. With its water-repellent properties, fifteen-minute burn time, and thirty-year shelf life, Insta-Fire is sure to be your new favorite fire-starting tool. Use Insta-Fire to light campfires, prepare charcoal briquettes, or as a safe and reliable fuel source for cooking while camping or in emergencies. …
5 gallons costs $69.99
That’s a lifetime supply for this hiker. I won’t need any more of my home made “paraffin in an old cardboard egg carton“.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Philip Werner edits the excellent Section Hiker blog.
He and I were asked to list “Great American Hikes”.
I recommended:
• Glacier North Circle, Montana
Here’s the final list:
Active Times – 30 Great American Hikes
It’s an odd list, actually. My guess is that they felt obliged to include something from different parts of the USA.
Fact is, most of the Great Hikes are in the West.
It’s worth clicking through, however. There are some gems on the list.
That article was reprinted by USA Today. The number of hikes dropped from 30, to 20
15 seconds of fame. 🙂
Once again I’m looking to climb Kili.
The last thing I want to do is sleep in the Marangu huts. I much prefer tenting.
Of the options tenting, Machame is most popular. 6-7 days, 49km. Less expensive.
Kyle McLaughlin recommends it.
What guiding company should I sign on with?
Kyle likes African Walking Company and Ultimate Kilimanjaro. They charge $2,000 to $3,500 per climber. Mid-range.
Here are the Ultimate Kilimanjaro trips for autumn 2014.
African Walking Company does not seem to have an easy-to-browse calendar. I emailed them. UPDATE: They got back to me by email, a 7-day trip starting Aug 26th costs $1850. … Those dates are not likely to work for me.
More recommended Kili trek operators.
Though you can climb year round, the main dry season is July to October.
I’ve got the gear.
Leave a comment if you have any recommendations for me.
In collaboration with Frank and Sue Wall, Jay Reilly announces a new eBook. Jay lived in Nepal for 6 years, a professional trekking and mountain guide:
It includes a comprehensive guide to frequently asked questions, the best time of the year to go, your health and required first aid supplies, training to get prepared for the trek, equipment you’ll need and where to find it, and comprehensive track notes.
This 70 plus page downloadable PDF eBook is written with the first time visitor to Nepal in mind. It is packed with inside knowledge and tips to help you plan and execute your trip.
Best still – as it is a downloadable eBook you can have it today (with no need for delivery fees) It’s just $A15.99.
Our Hiking Blog – How to trek to Everest Base Camp – a independent guide book
That’s the best link for details on the book.
Click to see a sample.
I have a review copy. It looks great.
In 2014 I prefer eBooks to hard copies. On my laptop, eBooks are a dream — so easy to search.
On my phone, on the trail, it’s a little more challenging to find exactly what I want, when I want it.
Having trekked to Everest Base Camp a few years ago, carrying two heavy guidebooks, I wish I’d had this resource instead.
One point of confusion in the book:
“The TIMS Card can only be issued by a trekking agency that is registered with TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Nepal)
Along with the TIMS Card, you are required to take a Nepalese “guide” with you. The cost of this should be about 1200 NRP per day for the guide. This includes his food. Be sure to negotiate this before you pay any money.”
Only 6 months ago you could purchase a TIMS card for yourself at the Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. It was not necessary to have a guide to go to Everest.
Has something changed?
Jay’s reply:
Nothing has changed, you can still get a TIMS Card at the Ministry for Tourism if you wish. It’s a different card than the one issued by trek agents, that registers you as an ‘independant’ trekker, not requiring a guide. However-not all the check post guys know this and to them you are a trekker without a guide, and in their eyes, doing something wrong. I’ve heard of people being turned back even though they have the Ministry issued TIMS. Buyer beware…
The guide suggests Rabies shots. I’ve not encountered many trekkers who have had them. Cyclists generally do, as they are at far greater risk of being nipped at by guard dogs.
Jay:
Regarding rabies, I never personally got the vaccination, but some doctors recommend people do. Bottom line-consult a doctor and make your descisions based upon professional medical advice.
I’m planning on Nepal again Oct/Nov 2014.
besthike.com 