OK … I’ve downloaded Viewranger

Apps and maps. For the first time I’m going to try navigating with them on the trail.

First download was Viewranger. It’s free for basics. You pay to download specialty maps.

Unfortunately their shop offers none for Chile nor Argentina.

I’m really keen on augmented reality showing me peaks, towns, lakes, cliffs, ridgelines, mountain passes, and even glaciers up to 20 miles away. That’s the Skyline feature available from within ViewRanger.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

It works with my Apple Watch too, though I may never use that feature.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch Alastair Humphreys on YouTube.

January 12, 2018January 8, 2018

Cape of Good Hope hike

VERY south South Africa.

… 33,8km (you can add 10-12km extra by walking around Cape Point and taking longer routes and loops).

… you need 2 days and 1 night. It’s a circular route that starts and ends at the Main gate of Cape of Good Hope. …

Stingy Nomads

January 11, 2018

Adventure Podcast – Episode 2: 10 Essentials of Hiking

Dave Adlard and Kraig Becker talk gear on their new audiocast.

Dave referred to his 2003 edition of Freedom of the Hills. The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the 1974 version of that classic.

He and Kraig added 3-4 more essentials, only briefly touching on the non-essential electronics most of us carry.

Check it out:

The Adventure Podcast – Episode 2: The 10 Essentials of Hiking

.Wikipedia:

Navigation. Topographic map and assorted maps in waterproof container plus a magnetic compass, optional altimeter or GPS receiver.
Sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection.
Insulation. Hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season.
Illumination. Headlamp, flashlight, batteries. LED bulb is preferred to extend battery life.
First-aid supplies, plus insect repellent.
Fire. Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container.
Repair kit and tools. Knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties.
Nutrition. Add extra food for one additional day (for emergency). Dry food is preferred to save weight and usually needs water.
Hydration. Add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day (for emergency).
Emergency shelter. Tarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad.

The textbook recommends supplementing the ten essentials with:

Portable water purification and water bottles
Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
Signaling devices, such as a whistle, mobile phone, two-way radio, satellite phone, unbreakable signal mirror or flare, laser pointer.

January 10, 2018January 3, 2018

Pennsylvania’s Loyalsock Trail

Though it occasionally appears on lists of “short long trails” in the US, Pennsylvania’s Loyalsock Trail is still fairly unknown. That’s unfortunate …

Total Distance: 59.2 miles

Location: North-Central PA, between the towns of Williamsport and Dushore.

Western trailhead: PA-87, Williamsport, PA Eastern trailhead: Mead Rd., Dushore, PA

Time to Finish: 4-6 days, depending on fitness, desired pace, and arrival time

BRIAN CIPPERLY hiked it — Pennsylvania’s Loyalsock Trail: a Thru-Hiking Guide

Here’s the guidebook.

January 9, 2018January 10, 2018

MEC Spark tent vs Hubba

I first posted this in 2016. And did buy another Hubba. My third. I do love that tent.

Next time I will go for the MEC Spark, I think. It’s cheaper. And has far better waterproofing ratings.

___ original post:

I’m a Hubba guy. Hundreds of nights in the iconic one man tent and I’ve no complaints.

Slightly lighter, slightly cheaper is the new MEC Spark.

January 8, 2018January 3, 2018

in praise of hiking boardwalks

We love them in boggy areas.

There are plenty on the west coast of Canada.

BOARDWALK TRAILS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

January 5, 2018December 24, 2017

Everest Base Camp

Kristen on Barefoot Theory posted one of the best trip reports we’ve yet seen.

An Everest Base Camp trek offers the perfect trifecta as far as adventure travel goes. Big mountains, incredible culture, and for most people, a decent physical challenge that leaves you feeling proud and in better shape than when you started.

There are two ways to go about your trek to Everest Base Camp: Independent or Guided, and both options offer their pros and cons. …

I chose to do my Everest Base Camp Trek with the guiding company Anywhere Plus, and I was joined by 8 other Bearfoot Theory readers on this 11-day adventure. At the end of the trip, every person in our group agreed that it was one of the best trips any of us had ever been on – both due to the country and how well our trip was organized. …

PLANNING YOUR EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK: THE ULTIMATE LOGISTICS GUIDE

January 3, 2018December 24, 2017

12 Classic Hikes in Colorado

By Paul Magnanti & Cam Honan. Amazon Kindle edition.

January 1, 2018December 22, 2017

Sham Valley trek, Ladakh, India

Brown Gal Trekker recommended we add Sham Valley to our list of the best hikes in Asia.

We did.

It looks ideal for a first adventure out of Leh before continuing on to higher elevations treks like Markha Valley.

Sham Valley is an acclimatization hike.

Realizing that the area of Sham Valley is remote in some aspects, combined with my lack of language skills and the lack of a decent map to guide me along, I decided to have a guide with me as a safety precaution. That turned out to be a good decision …

I then hired a female guide trainee, Yangdol, from the Ladakhi Women’s Travel Group …