Rave for the Hubba tent. Why carry a bivy?
This coffin-sized, 1-person sanctuary weighs (maximum) 3.5lbs (1.6kg) and yet is fully functioning protection. I wouldn’t trade it for a bivy or tarp.
Product details on the MSR Hubba at MEC.ca
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.
gear – Go Lite Gust pack
This 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.
An alternative we like are the ultralight packs by Granite Gear.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
Bruce Kirkby – travel photos
Blue Nile Falls — also known as Tis Issat or Tissasat Falls. (Ethiopia)
The flow has been greatly reduced since a hydro-electric station started diverting the river in 2003.
besthike.com 