Posts

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Zenbivy Bed 2.0 – a unique sleeping system

Kraig Becker on The Adventure Blog is one of my most trusted gear reviewers.

He’s been using this innovative sleeping system since 2018:

… The model I tested was rated for use in 10ºF (-12ºC) and the entire system (sheet and comforter) weighs just 3 lbs, 13 oz. (1.73 kg) for a large model. An equivalent-sized version rated for 25ºF (-4ºC) temperatures weigh more than a pound (.45 kg) less. Make no mistake, there are other sleeping bag options that weigh less, but few will deliver this much comfort. …

It looks great. Ideal for adventures where weight is not a major issue: Bikepacking, Kayaking, car camping, etc.

For long hikes I’ll stick with the lighter (more expen$ive) Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt.

Read Kraig’s review – Gear Review: Zenbivy Bed 2.0 10º Sleep System

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Testing my NEW DRONE – Mavic Mini SE

The (Mavic) Mini SE is the entry level model. Only CAD $349.

It has no obstacle avoidance.

… How long before I break it? 😀

Al l footage is my own aside from one professional stock video clip. Can you guess which one I did not shoot?

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Ammonite Falls the HARD WAY 😀

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles.

Keith and I headed out to Ammonite Falls near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Having failed badly my previous time there 😀 out of the Weigles Road trailhead, this time I tried the Jameson Road trailhead. We immediately got lost.

Doh.

Happily, returning hikers explained how we could do a bit of road walking to get to the actual trail to Ammonite Falls.

A nice walk.

Below is my original trip report from January 2021:

Without checking in advance, I cycled out for my first visit to Ammonite Falls near Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Most convenient for me was the Weigles Road trailhead.

January 15th was the best weather we’ve had in 2021. A perfect day.

And it’s an easy day hike.

What could go wrong?

Turned out the BENSON CREEK trail to the Falls was closed for MAJOR improvements. I had to find another way.

Later I found out that other trails to the top of the Falls were open. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

related – Outdoor Vancouver – Ammonite Falls Hike

Click PLAY or watch the hike from the Jameson road trailhead on YouTube.

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Best Hiking Backpacks 2022

Adventure Alan posted a detailed review:

BEST BACKPACKING BACKPACK 2022

Best Overall: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest
Best Value: REI Flash 55
Most Comfortable: M’s Osprey Exos and W’s Eja 58
Most Innovative: Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L [‘Ultra’ fabric]
Best Super Ultralight: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L [‘Ultra’ fabric]
Best Budget: Osprey Rook 65

I’ve been using a Hyperlite since 2019.
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NEW – 3000km HexaTrek in France

HexaTrek is a 3034 km hiking trail, connecting 14 of the most beautiful nationals parks and crossing France from the Vosges to the Pyrenees.

The path follows the highest mountain regions of our country, often nicknamed “l’Hexagone” for its hexagonal shape, joining together some of the most emblematic summits, natural wonders and wildest places.

47 Great Hiking GR®  trails have been brought together in a single path to create this thru hike.

en.hexatrek.com

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

2022 is the first year of the thru hike. But they already have an app.

Wild camping in France is technically illegal. But you are allowed to … Bivvy. Tent only in the dark in certain areas.

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Cam Honan’s Himalaya Book

… Described by Backpacker Magazine as “the most travelled hiker on Earth”, Cam has trekked across 56 countries and six continents, logging more than 60,000 miles (96,500 km) in three decades. We sat down with him to discuss his experiences in exploring this region, and creating Wanderlust Himalaya in collaboration with gestalten. …

Q: What sets the Himalaya apart from other mountain ranges you have hiked before?

A: Apart from the fact that they’re higher, distinguishing qualities of the Himalaya include its iconic teahouses, Buddhist monasteries, and rich folklore. …

Q: Was there a specific moment or place during your hikes in the Himalaya that was memorable to you? And if so, why? 

A: I couldn’t pinpoint one specific moment or place. That said, among the standout features of all my journeys in the region has been the friendliness of the locals. Irrespective of the country, the hospitality I’ve encountered during my Himalayan treks is something I’ll never forget.  …

gestalten.com

Wanderlust Himalaya: Hiking on Top of the World is a coffee table photography book with route-plans for over 50 hikes.

This is the latest in a series. All excellent.

Wanderlust: A Hiker’s Companion (2017)

The Hidden Tracks: Wanderlust – Hiking Adventures off the Beaten Path (2018)

Wanderlust USA (2019)

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American Youth Outdoors are Happier

  • Among youth who spend only 1-5 hours outside per week, just 31% rated their happiness level in the 8-10 range on a 10-point scale. 42% put their stress level that high.
  • But among youth who spend 11 or more hours outside weekly, the results flip: 51% are in the 8-10 happiness range and stress drops.

As reported by Axios.

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#6 – Glacier North Circle, Montana, USA

Glacier North Circle is one of our top 10 hikes in the world.

Why?

  • 7 days, 6 nights recommended
  • 65miles (104km) plus side trips
  • best months July-Sept
  • well-signed
  • medium difficulty hiking
  • recommended for experienced multi-day hikers
  • Highline Trail
  • Ptarmigan Tunnel (120ft long)
  • Swiftcurrent Mountain Lookout
  • Iceberg Lake
  • wildflowers late June to early August
  • great day hikes elsewhere in the Park
  • likely to see elk, mule deer, moose, mountain goats & bighorn sheep. For wild life, this Park is second only to Yellowstone, in our opinion

World → North America → Rockies → North Circle

yellow marks the Highline Trail / Ptarmigan Tunnel, North Circle red arrows point to our recommended campgrounds

Click PLAY or watch a 1-minute preview on YouTube.

 

For details click over to our Glacier North Circle information page.

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Winter Hiking #FAIL

Sundance Canyon is a popular, easy day hike directly out of Banff townsite in the Canadian Rockies.

On a lovely Spring day in April I set off to enjoy the afternoon.

Some of the approach is along the lovely Bow River.

Everyone stops en route at the (now closed) Cave and Basin National Historic Site. And nearby boardwalk trails down to the river.

I popped into 3 Mile Cabin.

My #FAIL came when I reached Sundance Canyon itself. I’d forgotten to bring my Yaktrax® up to the mountains. They were essential this day. 😀

I was forced to quit.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.