Click PLAY or heart it on Instagram.
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.

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
- EP-246 A LIFE OF CURIOSITY: From Remote Mountains to Inner Exploration
- EP-245 WHICH CAMINO IS RIGHT FOR YOU? A Complete Guide to Europe’s Most Iconic Walks
- EP-244 KAYAK THE MANGOKY: Adventure, Danger & Discovery in Madagascar
- EP-243 SKI TOURING IN ANTARTICA: How a Cancer Researcher Took the Trip of a Lifetime
- 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.

