My NEXT Backpacking Stove – the Stash

JetBoil has finally perfected the hiking stove. It’s called the STASH.

When my MiniMo (orange) finally retires, I’ll switch to the smaller, lighter Stash.

UPDATE. I just bought the Stash for my upcoming trip to Portugal.

I’ll fly with it in the box — unused — so the airline can’t claim it’s a flight hazard.

Read Adventure Alan’s detailed review.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Crossing Iceland on Foot

Łukasz Supergan posted a terrific summary of options for hiking across Iceland.

I’m looking to do some bike touring and hiking summer 2022. #research

Łukasz did the #4 route (green) in winter, for example.

He recommends we do it in summer.

Variant no. 2 may be the easiest, but it leads through the roads used by cars, which may be tiresome.

Variant no. 1 is more demanding.

Variant no. 3 is the fastest traverse from all of the options. Going east-west requires more time and planning, and it is combined with bigger difficulties (less roads, more paths and sometimes the wilderness, crossing the rivers, long distances with no water). Choose it, if you are sure of your skills and you can survive far away from people. …

Crossing Iceland. Part 1: the route and preparations

I’m also researching options for bikepacking Iceland.

Inflatable Pillow for the Tent

One option is the Drift Camp Pillow from Klymit.

BUT the regular size is 19 oz / 540 g. Bulky and heavy.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

For many years I’ve been sleeping well with an Uberlite small sleeping pad as my pillow, wrapped in a shirt.

Much smaller and lighter at 6 oz than the Drift Camp 19 oz. BUT much more expensive.

I partially inflate the Uberlite. And stuff it with clothing. An adjustable-sized comfortable pillow. Good fully inflated sitting up reading, as well as partially deflated for bed.

I sleep on a (more durable) NeoAir short. If it ever starts leaking, my “pillow” is my back-up sleeping pad.

Oops – In this photo I have the Uberlite and NeoAir swapped from their usual positions.

IF I were to switch, I’d want something that weighed less than 6 oz.

Perhaps one of the Sea to Summit AEROS pillows. If you use a sleeping bag with a hood, it will probably stay inside even if you roll over side-to-side.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Proposed NEW thru hike in France

Kevin Ginisty and friends want to officially launch the Hexatrek by summer 2022. In fact, you can join them in the first year.

This 3000 km trail will connect 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 hexagon, joining along the way some of the most emblematic summits, natural wonders and wildest places. …

The route has been designed to connect the most beautiful places and maximize wild camp use where it’s allowed.

They are fund-raising for the project. And the documentary.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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.