Category: product endorsements

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World’s 100 Best Walks

I’m just digging into a terrific site posted by William Mackesy. In fact, William’s done about 40% of his top 100 already.

I like it so much that I’m including a dedicated link in the right hand navigation under RECOMMENDED SITES.

Walkopedia – World’s 100 Best Walks

One quibble …

#2 are the “Inca Trails” of Peru: Inca Trail, Silque Valley, Mollepata/Salkantay, …

Normally I discount any list including the Inca Trail. It’s much maligned by serious hikers. That choice is marked “* provisional”, however. Having been there twice, I’ll recommend to William that he downrate.

Choquequirao is mentioned, however. Choquequirao to Machu Picchu is the “best” hike to Machu Picchu, I reckon.

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MSR Hubba tent

Hendrik Morkel posted a detail review of my current tent:

If you are on the look out for a new solo tent which is 4-season worthy, quick and easy to set up, and of course light, then the MSR Hubba HP might just be what you’re looking for. The green fly allows you to go stealth camping and it is a friendly colour to wake up to, the features are well-thought out and the inner and fly set up allows you to be variable – take only the inner when its warm and sunny and you need rest from the bugs, take only the fly when you’re with a friend, and take both in winter. You will feel comfortable and safe, in rain, wind and sunshine …

Hiking in Finland – MSR Hubba HP 2010 Review

Actually, I’m on my 3rd Hubba.

Like Hendrik, I replaced the bulky stuff sacks with two separate waterproof stuff sacks — one for the fly, one for the tent. And I almost never carry any tent pegs, using natural “alternatives” — most often stones — to secure my tent from the wind.

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gear for hiking Zion Narrows

Virgin Narrows, Utah is one of the best hikes in the world.

• canyon walk in knee-deep water
• real risk of flash floods
• 1 or 2 days
• 10-12hrs of walking
• 16mi (25.8km)

Tim Miner, Trail Sherpa:

The Essentials

Regardless of your preferences for weight, style, or functionality you will need the following essential gear to tackle the Narrows in Zion:

Backpack
Shelter
Dry Bags
Water Shoes
Neoprene socks or Seal Skinz
Dry Pants (early or late seasons)
Walking Stick
Clothing
Headlamp
Camera and extra battery
Hydration System – bladder, bottles, and filtration system

Gear List for Hiking the Narrows in Zion

Most critical – water shoes. Tim recommends Chaco Tedinho Pros.

If I went again, I’d wear 5-10 CANYONEERS again. With neoprene socks, again. They were perfect for my Narrows trip, perhaps 40% of the time walking in the water.

related – nearby Paria Canyon

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New Zealand contest – 9 Great Walks in 9 wks

New Zealand is our #1 hiking destination in the world. Here’s the contest of a lifetime.

Air New Zealand:

Do you think you’re the perfect curious adventurer to take on the Great Walker Challenge? In their latest adventure travel contest beginning Tuesday, September 25th, Air New Zealand is searching the globe for four lucky adventurers to trek all nine of New Zealand’s Great Walks over the course of nine weeks. … (FEB-MAR 2013)

To enter, you … will need to submit a short YouTube video or Pinterest board that describes why he or she deserves a spot. Submission will be accepted through October 22.

Here’s a peek at what the lucky four will experience:

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

The nine Great Walks include the Abel Tasman Coast, Heaphy, Kepler, Lake Waikaremoana, Milford, Rakiura, Routeburn, Tongariro and Whanganui Journey.

· To enter: www.greatwalkernz.com

For information on Air New Zealand’s Great Walks vacations: www.airnewzealand.com/greatwalks

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Mammoth Lakes, CA

Adventure Freak loves Mammoth:

If you like to hike, Mammoth is a great base camp. You can pretty much walk out your door and just go.

1. The John Muir Trail runs a few miles from Mammoth. If you have the time and desire, you could hike south all the way to Mt Whitney or north to Yosemite.

2. Lakes area – there are a number of trails that leave from the lakes area that offer unlimited day hikes and connections to much longer journeys.

3. White Mountains – from Mammoth, you can’t miss these huge mountains to the south. The hiking is outstanding for two reasons – you get a great view of the Sierra and you get to see some of the oldest living things on earth, the Bristlecone Pines.

4. Yosemite offers hundreds of hikes that max out the wow scale.

If you like to camp, the possibilities are endless. Just point yourself toward the mountains and walk until you are tired. Wherever you end up, it will be a spectacular camp site. I am especially fond of the Duck Pass area. …

Great Outdoor Towns – Mammoth Lakes

Should Mammoth be added to our list?

top 10 hiking towns in the world

#1) Queenstown, New Zealand
#2) Huaraz, Peru
#3) Namche Bazaar, Nepal
#4) Cortina, Italy
#5) Chamonix, France
#6) Banff, Alberta, Canada
#7) Grindelwald, Switzerland
#8) El Calafate, Argentina
#9) Zermatt, Switzerland
10) Moab, Utah

Devil’s Postpile
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NEW – Magellan Outdoor Community

I’m a guest blogger on the new Magellan Outdoor Community page“. Click the link below to see my article:

Best Hikes Worldwide

CLICK IMAGE to see the new site

Next, click through to …

see all Hiking and Camping articles

LIKE their Facebook page. FOLLOW their Tweets.


A personal thanks to Ronald Payne for inviting me on-board. I’m proud to be part of this project.