Banff Mountain Festival 2021

Click PLAY or watch the teaser on YouTube.

The 2021 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is happening virtually and in-person this year from Saturday, October 30 to Sunday, November 7!

Featuring over 75 films, live events in Banff and Canmore, and 30 virtual programs to watch from the comfort of your home over nine epic days. Get your festival passes, Tuesday, October 5—available to purchase only until November 2 👉

BanffCentre.ca

#AskCicerone: Walking in Europe

Cicerone is by far the best publisher of guidebooks for hiking Europe.

Podcast episode 28 gives an overview of their 162 guidebooks to Europe.

Too many good choices in that continent. This is a good place to start.

#AskCicerone: Walking and trekking in Europe

Listen here.

Mount MacFarlane, Chilliwack B.C.

1800m elevation gain. Beast of a day hike.

The hike to the summit of Mount MacFarlane is steep, difficult and requires some scrambling. However, the hike can be shortened by stopping at Lower Pierce Lake or Upper Pierce Lake. Both lakes are worthwhile objectives of their own.

About 10 hours if all goes well.

Details on Outdoor Vancouver.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

10 Adventures podcast

One of my favourite outdoors podcasts is 10 Adventures.

Check it out.

A good starting point is their interview with Jim Kern on how to Save America‘s Outdoors.

… As the founder of the Florida Trail, co founder of the American hiking society, and president of Big City Mountaineers, Jim has led an awe-inspiring life and career that has gone far beyond the scope of just his own adventures, helping at-risk youth by introducing them to the outdoors and inspiring real change. …

EP-246 A LIFE OF CURIOSITY: From Remote Mountains to Inner Exploration The 10Adventures Podcast

What does a life driven by curiosity really look like? In this episode of the 10Adventures Podcast, we sit down with Martyn Williams, whose extraordinary journey spans remote mountain ranges, Antarctica expeditions, teaching in the Yukon, and deep inner exploration through meditation and human potential work. Martin shares how early experiences walking the hills of Wales sparked a lifelong connection to nature, how curiosity led him into some of the most extreme environments on Earth, and why inner exploration ultimately became just as important as physical adventure. From pioneering expeditions to the South Pole and across Antarctica, to mentoring troubled youth through nature-based learning, to living and training in an Indian ashram, this conversation explores what happens when you keep asking, “What’s next?” This is a wide-ranging, reflective episode about adventure, resilience, simplicity, and learning how to live with less fear — and more meaning. Whether you’re an adventurer, a creative, or someone searching for a calmer and more intentional way of living, this episode offers powerful insights into human potential and the art of exploration — both outer and inner. 🎙️ Listen now and be inspired to ask better questions, take small steps, and follow your curiosity   👉 To learn more, visit: https://martynwilliams.ca/   Check out our 10Adventures survey: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/YMBBrI     About Us 🌍     10Adventures 🌟 was founded with one goal in mind: to make active travel accessible, promoting mental and physical well-being. 🚶‍♀️🚴 Our mission is to eliminate the stress of holiday planning, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey. We offer seamless trip coordination, handling accommodations, meals, transfers, and guides 🗺️ through our network of vetted local tour operators in over 80 countries. For those who prefer a lighter load, we arrange luggage transfers, ensuring a stress-free biking or hiking experience. 🧳🌄   Specializing in private and personalized travel experiences, our team 🧑‍💼🌐 is dedicated to tailoring trips to your preferences. We understand that travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to build stronger relationships and create lasting memories. As fellow active travelers, we provide genuine, human support to ensure your journey with 10Adventures is as unique and fulfilling as possible. 🤝✨   To learn more, visit https://www.10adventures.com/ 🌐 Or contact us at https://www.10adventures.com/contact/  
  1. EP-246 A LIFE OF CURIOSITY: From Remote Mountains to Inner Exploration
  2. EP-245 WHICH CAMINO IS RIGHT FOR YOU? A Complete Guide to Europe’s Most Iconic Walks
  3. EP-244 KAYAK THE MANGOKY: Adventure, Danger & Discovery in Madagascar
  4. EP-243 SKI TOURING IN ANTARTICA: How a Cancer Researcher Took the Trip of a Lifetime
  5. EP-242 FROM LOSS TO LEGACY: Julie Weiss and Her 52-Marathon Journey

Sun-hoodie for Hiking?

The biggest surprise for me on the sunny 😎 John Muir Trail 2021 was the number of hikers wearing sun-hoodies rather than the more traditional button down shirt, buff and/or bandana (that I was wearing).

Sun-hoodies are particularly popular with the ladies.

Should I switch?

Click PLAY or watch a review on YouTube.

Julie has been wearing the Columbia Hiking Sun Shirt. Her daughter thinks she should switch.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Trek Checkpoint 4 – Bikepacking or Mountain Biking?

I’ve customized my NEW 2021 Checkpoint ALR 4 for Bikepacking.

Transportation to-and-from hiking trailheads. (VIDEO)

BUT … occasionally I’d like to take off the panniers and use the aluminum gravel bike for single track.

So far, so good. So long as I keep my tires on the ground. The suspension is … not great.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

My NEW Trek Checkpoint ALR 4

By BestHike editor Rick McCharles.

I’m considering FUTURE trips to Iceland, Norway, northern BC and/or Yukon. Great hiking. Bad weather.

For transport to trailheads, I’ll fly with my own touring bike.

Though it wasn’t easy during the pandemic, I did locate an appropriate ride IN STOCK. For the past week I’ve been testing my 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR 4.

So far, so good.

This gravel frame is aluminum, not steel. Base weight 10.12 kg / 22.3 lbs — though I’ve already customized it with a number of add-ons.

The fewer flats the better. SO added heavier Bontager HARD-CASE ULTIMATE tires.

Having had racks fail in the past, I added Bontager DELUXE MIK pannier racks front and back.

Good lights. Fenders and kickstand.

Click PLAY or check it out on YouTube.

I’ll use a Sportneer 7mm, 3.2ft-long, combination bike lock. Not the most secure lock available, but convenient and only 1.57 pounds.

Excellent Swiss Hikes

Our top multi-day hike in Switzerland is the Haute Route.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Our #1 day hike in the world is Harder Ridge. In Switzerland.

Here is a list of more fantastic walks as posted by Lonely Planet:

  • Faulhornweg 15km; 4½ to 5½ hours
  • Lakes of Macun 22km; 7½ to 8½ hours
  • Gemmi Pass 13km; 5 hours
  • Via Alpina 390km; 20 days 
  • Rigi Panorama Trail 7km; 2 hours
  • Aletsch Glacier Hike, Valais 17km; 5 to 6 hours 
  • Höhenweg Höhbalmen 18km; 6½ to 7½ hours
  • Kronberg Treasure Hunt Trail 7km; 3 hours
  • Bisse de Clavau 8km; 4 hours 
  • Best West Coast Trail video of 2021

    I hiked the West Coast Trail twice in 2021. And watched plenty of videos while putting together our own “How to SURVIVE the West Coast Trail” playlist.

    BUT was still blown away by Rudy D’Alessio’s cinematic edit — only 11 minutes long. It sums up the challenge and grandeur of our #1 hike in the world with no excess. No voice over.

    Shot on an iPhone 12 Pro Max with a Moment macro lens for the closeups.

    #respect

    Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

    I’ve subscribed to his YouTube channel (Ratatrail) and will be watching MORE starting with Pacific Crest Trail thru hike.