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TSA Confiscated My TINY Pocketknife

I’d made dozens of flights with a tiny Swiss Army knife in my carry-on without a problem.

But flying out of Vegas, the TSA told me that NONE were allowed — not even those with blades no longer than 2.36 inches long and no wider than 1/2 inch.

Those were allowed at one time but are not in USA 2023.

items confiscated at Calgary Airport

related – Flying with a Camping Stove in your carry-on luggage.

Many have had clean camping stoves confiscated from their personal luggage.

I put my pot in one carry-on bag. The tiny screw-in stove part mixed in with other small electronics and metal pieces in another bag.

So far that’s worked for me. I don’t check luggage for a hiking trip unless absolutely necessary.

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Scrambling Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas

I’d say Red Rock Canyon is the best hiking and scrambling destination in the world this close to a major city. Las Vegas.

Over the years I’ve done all of the established hikes.

BUT more recently I drive or cycle to nearby Calico Basin. Free entry. Free parking.

THEN take the Calico Hills Overlook Scramble to Red Rock Canyon. It’s obvious and easy from the parking lot.

Once in the red rock, I wander and scramble wherever I like.

Click PLAY or watch an example from April 2023 on YouTube.

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#8 day hike – The Wave, Arizona USA

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Only 64 hikers / day are allowed access.

Getting a permit is the BIG problem.

  • on the Utah-Arizona border, halfway between Page, Arizona and Kanab, Utah in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
  • Wire Pass trailhead located in North Coyote Buttes permit area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
  •  5.2 miles return
  • you can go any month of the year, if you can tolerate the heat

For details click over to our Wave information page.

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5 best hikes in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is not at all considered a hiking destination. But Lonely Planet does recommend these trails.

  • Waitukubuli National Trail, Dominica (185km)
  • Pico Turquino, Cuba (22.5-25km)
  • Mt Christoffel, Curaçao (2.7km)
  • Gros Piton Trail, St Lucia (4.7km)
  • Dark View Falls, St Vincent (2.4km)

Details – The 5 best hikes in the Caribbean

Of those, we’re most interested in the long Waitukubuli Trail, officially opened in 2013.

Click PLAY or get a glimpse on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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#3 best hiking region in the world is the …

Rockies

Spectacular vistas, frequent wildlife encounters, the best wild flowers we’ve ever seen. Hot springs, quaint mountain towns, perhaps the best long distance hikes on the planet.

There are options to scramble ridges and peaks virtually everywhere.

“You can’t lose in the Rockies.”

… so says frequent contributor Rob Glaser who hiked here all his life.

Trails are safe and well managed. The infrastructure excellent. (In fact, it’s hard to imagine there are two regions in the world we rate better.)

The weather and conditions are variable to say the least, but in many parts of the Rockies Aug-Sept are the best months. A very short window! On the other hand, if you ski or board, you’ll never lack for adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

More information on our Rockies information page.

Our favourite trip in the Canadian Rockies is Sunshine to Assiniboine, our #5 hike in the world.

Anemones and Assiniboine, Alberta, Canada

Our Assiniboine Information page.

Just a short drive away is our favourite trail in the USA Rockies, Glacier North Circle, our #6 hike in the world. One of the best places in the world to see wildlife.

Our North Circle Information page.

Leave a comment if you have your own favourite hike in the Rockies.

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Carly Hiked the Vancouver Island Trail

Solo.

Approximately 800km / 500miles

She saw no other hikers outside the 2 provincial parks.

There are multiple route options, but here’s the gist.

Carly Wiechnik:

The two higher elevation mountainous sections, the Beauforts and Strathcona, can be snow covered until the end of June, and snow can begin to fall again around the month of October.

A thru-hike might take a month (fast) to six weeks (slower), which can easily fit into the window of July-September.

The best month to hike would probably be August, as by then the snow is mostly gone in the higher elevations, precipitation is low and it is warm and dry. (However, campfire bans are common around this time to prevent wildfires). Coastal trails are also less muddy. …

Resupply: A cool thing about the VIT is that it goes straight through towns at reasonable intervals, so it’s easy to hit up a grocery store every 3-6 days …

Vancouver Island Trail: Recap (and Tips!)

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BestHike #8 – Everest Base Camp / 3 Passes

The Everest Base Camp via 3 Passes is one of our top 10 hikes in the world.

Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.

Base Camp / 3 Passes

Everyone wants to hike to Everest Base Camp (5,320m / 17,450ft). The 3 Passes route is the most epic.

Based on weather and fitness, you can do one or more passes as well as peaks like Kala Pattar (5,545m) that don’t require a permit.

base camp sign

AT A GLANCE

Nepal
  • majority of hikers in the Everest region hire a guide, porter(s) and/or pack animal(s) but it’s fairly easy to do independently. As of April 1, 2023 guides are probably required on Everest.
  • guided trekkers stay in lodges, or sprawling tent encampments
  • October to November best months
  • beginning of March to mid-May next best
  • 16-18 days minimum for 3 Passes. 21 days would allow for rest / illness / sidetrip / and other unanticipated delays.
  • if you don’t have time, it’s recommended 14 days just to get to Base Camp and back safely.
  • generally easy hiking on good trails with a light pack. Some very challenging, potentially dangerous sections, if you cross any of the 3 Passes
  • on the main trails buy food as you go and stay in simple “lodges”
  • Everest trails are not expensive, but many spend more than they anticipate on luxuries
  • be clear — you might have to QUIT if by bad luck or rushed ascent you suffer altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS).
  • many suffer respiratory problems. And fatigue.

Read more on our Everest Base Camp / 3 Passes information page.