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backpackinglight.co.uk

minimum weight – maximum fun

The best hiking podcast as of this date is hosted by Bob Cartwright of backpackinglight.co.uk

Cartwright posts a new 30min+ podcast it seems almost every day. You can subscribe from iTunes as I did — but it is worth checking the backpackinglight.co.uk podcast page too. They archive some of the best podcasts and include links to related blogs and websites. It is well done.

Complaints? I find the podcasts often too long. And very UK-centric.

Still, they have set the bar for future audio and video hiking podcasts. Congratulations to Cartwright and the rest of the team.
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backpackinglight.co.uk home page

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gear – Go Lite Gust pack

golite.jpgThis 570gm (1.25lb) pack is one of the most popular for carrying up to 14kg (30lbs).

A minimalist speciality item without frills.

backpackinglight.co.uk — it sets the standard for maximum strength at minimal weight.

Available in 4 colours, 3 sizes for about US$100, we think it’s a bargain.

GoLitestore.com

An alternative we like are the ultralight packs by Granite Gear.

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Needle Mountains Loop, Colorado

This hike has all the attributes of one of the best hikes in the world. It’s a circuit. It takes you to the base camp of the highest local peaks. Wildlife is not only visible, you may get chased by a mountain goat!

And you access and exit the trip by train.

The 4-day circuit around the Needle Mountains.

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photos – Mike Donato & Chris Kaffer

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Maroon Bells Loop, Colorado

One of the most accessible great hikes in the world, you can get to the trailhead on a shuttle bus departing Aspen every 20 minutes.

This is a great treat in a region where most trailheads are not accessible by public transport.

The 4-day circuit around the famous Maroon Bells (mountaineering peaks) is a classic. Most of the walking is above 11,000ft (3343m) so the views are magnificent.

Maroon Bells

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Cirque of the Towers, Wyoming

The Cirque of the Towers represents a real “must see” on the lifetime list of most serious backpackers … TwoHikers.org

I seriously must get back to Wyoming to hike this 2-day, 20.4mi (32.8km) loop via one of the most impressive cirques anywhere! it’s surprising how some of the biggest glaciers, the best peaks, are not in the central Rockies but way over in Wyoming.

August and September are the best months.

Cirque of the Towers

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Terragenâ„¢ software – photorealistic landscapes

Have you heard of Terragen?

It’s software for generating real looking landscapes. This is not an actual mountain, but a generated image.

peak
More terragen images by artist Luc Bianco.

Terragenâ„¢ still offers a free beta version if you want to try it.

George recommends these sites:

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/userg/user1.shtml
http://swaroop.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://www.begann.de/start.html
http://www.terradreams.de/
http://gallery.artofgregmartin.com/wallpapers/
http://www.inganielsen.de.tc/
http://www.moodflow.com/

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cycling – world’s longest line?

Did you happen to see Darren Berrecloth’s uninterrupted ride down a steep arid mountain ridge in Utah?

Very cool!

It first aired on Discovery Channel’s Stunt Junkies Feb. 1st, 2006. But I notice they are replaying that episode frequently where I live.

Darren

Berrecloth is widely considered to be the top mountain bike freerider on extremely steep and technical terrain.

Bike Magazine’s 2004 “Rider of the Year,” Canadian Darren “Bearclaw” Berrecloth has spent the last few years radicalizing the already extreme sport of freeride mountain biking. His signature spins, hand grabs and no-hands seat grabs have redefined the sport and earned him tons of accolades in the biking world.

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Chang Tang, Tibetan Plateau

Have you heard of the Chang Tang?

A part of the world half the size of the continental USA?

Me neither.

George Schaller made 11 trips between 1985 and 2001. I read a couple of his books so perhaps I did hear of the region.

plateau

The photographer is Galen Rowell, who’s work was admired by Ansel Adams. This was Rowell’s last adventure. He and his wife were killed in a plane crash in California.

National Geographic sponsored expedition to Chang Tang

Bruce Kirby pitched the idea to National Geographic and worked a year on the Chang Tang project. But NG went ahead without him.