2006 Outside Buyer’s Guide Gear of the Year | Outside Online recommends the Black Diamond Skylight — the perfect two-and-a-mutt tent. 4.2lbs (1.9kg)
We would compare it against the double wall MSR Hubba Hubba at about the same weight.
gold mining company wants to move a glacier
Canadian international mining company Barrick Gold wants to “relocate” three glaciers in the mountain range between Argentina and Chile to gain access to 17.6 million oz. of rich gold and silver deposits.
Chilean farmers and residents of the surrounding Huasco Valley are strongly opposed. Glacial water is used for irrigation.
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Politics (Pascua-Lama)
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Original article on CorpWatch.org
In the hiking mecca of Huaraz, Peru, Barrick Gold does everything they can to portrait themselves a good corporate citizen. The trash bins in town are donated by Barrick.
The history of mining in South America is very grim. We cannot get the fantastic Huayhuash range in Peru declared a National Park because of mining interests.
I say, hold Barrick’s feet to the fire on this one.
Merino wool is back “in”
I heard Chris Townsend on a podcast recently championing wool over synthetics. Especially when worn under a garment. Especially on longer hikes.
On one of his reviews of hiking socks:
Smartwool Hiking is my first choice with the well-priced Fox River Trailmaster a very close second.
Townsend routinely wears a different sock on each foot in order to compare them.
books – Robert Young Pelton
You’ve probably heard of Pelton’s TV show or his books:
The World’s Most Dangerous Places
The Hunter, The Hammer, The Heaven
Come Back Alive
Three Worlds Gone Mad
Licensed to Kill : Hired Guns in the War on Terror
Pelton was the first Western journalist to meet with the Taliban after they set up offices in Peshawar, Pakistan. He simply walked in the front door with his cameras. When told the Taliban do not allow photographs because of the Koran …
I explain very carefully that only cowards do not show their faces and that in my culture a man who does not wish to be seen cannot be trusted. Just to make sure I get my point across I ask, “Must their leader hide as women must hide behind the veil?”
Pelton survived that time.
In fact, his most harrowing tales in the one I just finished are of an upbringing in a broken Canadian home. Good book.
adventure travel in Africa
A great site for anyone looking at Africa is AfricaTravelResource.com
They promote an excellent selection of activities including hiking.
Check their Kilimanjaro page, which advises against the Marangu Route (also known as the Tourist Route or Coca Cola Route) used by 80% of hikers.
the ultimate New Zealand Adventure?
I want to do this!
4-days helicopter supported bike, swim, sail, kayak, hike, bike, raft, Cessna, sail.
The guides calls it only “The Adventure”.
Journeys at the Edge “The Adventure”.
CONFIRMED – Crowsnest Mountain scramble
Climber Scott Whiteside who lives in the Crowsnest Pass recommends the Crowsnest Mountain scramble in the Canadian Rockies. It’s 4-7hrs return, 1100m (3609ft), non-technical. Good fun — but no mountaineering gear needed when dry.
No map needed, just Alan Kane’s book.
A group of us are planning to do it Saturday, June 17th. Email or leave a comment if you want to join us.
gear – Swiss Champ knife
Amazon.com: Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife (Red): Sports & Outdoors
I’m still lugging the 1lb ! (.45kg) biggest Swiss Army pocket knife made.
Heavy — but at least I’ve got the biggest tool in the woods!
32 stainless-steel tools with a lifetime warranty. Essential to me are the corkscrew, tweezers, nail file, pliers, and large knife (which should lock, but does not).
What’s your favourite camping knife? Leave a comment below.
food – CampRecipes.com
On-line database of camping grub. No need to live on energy bars.
Camp Recipes – Camping never tasted so good!
introducing Chris Townsend
Chris is one of the world’s leading long distance wilderness walkers.
In 1988 he was the first to walk the continental divide of the Canadian Rockies, a 1600mi challenge. The book is titled High Summer.
He published too his 2002 desert trek: Crossing Arizona
In 1996 he climbed all 517 summits over 3000ft in the Scottish highlands.
He has walked the 2600mi Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, the 3000mi Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada and 1000mi south to north through the Yukon.
In Europe he has walked 1300mi end-to-end through Scandinavia and 1250mi from Lands End to John O’Groats in Britain.
If you buy only one how to hiking book, it’s his Backpacker’s Handbook.
Aside from his books, he’s authored hundreds of articles, and contributes regularly to TGO (The Great Outdoors) magazine. He’s their gear guru.
besthike.com 