The Alps Mystique 1 perfect lightweight tent for solo trips. You and all your gear will fit comfortably with it’s unique “porch” storage, and you can count on staying warm and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Read the full review and shop the Alps Mountainteering Mystique 1 Al Tent

Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket

This one-person tent is so light and compact that you’d never know it’s a sturdy, windproof shelter. At only about 1.5 points, everything from the interior design to the setup is catered to the efficiency of the solo camper.

Read the full review and shop the Mountain Laurel Designs Cricket Tent

The Marmot Firefly 2P

With a spacious floor and high ceiling, this 2-person double-dome is ideal for taller campers. Storage is a breeze with the built in wall organizer and gear loft, and there’s even room for your dog to sleep too.

Read the full review and shop the Marmot Firefly 2P Tent

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2

This seriously sturdy 4 season tent is the perfect buy for all types of expeditions on any terrain. Complete with a durable frame, floor, canopy, reinforcement layer, and optional fly, this tent is the toughest in its class and will provide optimum warmth and confort in even the harshest alpine conditions.

Read the full review and shop the Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Tent

Easton Kilo 3P™ Tent

Winner of Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year award, this 3 person, 3 lb. tent will provide enough space to sit up and spread out comfortably while allowing you and your team to sleep soundly for all 3 camping seasons.

Read the full review and shop the Easton Kilo 3P Tent

NEMO Espiri LE 3P

The Espiri LE is the most versatile in its class this season. Its weatherproof design allows for a sound sleep in even the loudest hail storms, while keeping the interior dry and secure.

Read the full review and shop the NEMO Espiri LE 3P Tent

Sierra Designs Lightning HT 4

This award winning 4 person storm-proof tent has been even further improved for the 2012 season. The space-to-weight ratio proves its innovative design and allows for more headroom than previous models.

Read the full review and shop the Sierra Designs Lightning HT 4 Tent

The North Face Bastion 4 Tent

The North Face has done it again with their 4-person 4-season base camp tent. It was designed specifically for extreme conditions and harsh environments, and it performs at the highest standard of tents in its class.

Read the full review and shop the North Face Bastion Tent

REI Kingdom 8 Tent

This family style tent maximizes space and allows for comfortable movement and sleep for 8. With a 104 square foot floor, 2 doors and plenty of gear storage space, this large shelter is a home-away-from-home that conveniently folds into a backpack-style carrying case.

Read the full review and shop the REI Kingdom 8 Tent

Marmot Limelight 4P Tent

This tent is ideal for family or group camping/backpacking trips, and at only about 2 lbs. per person, its unique Window Weld™ design allows for maximum outdoor visibility.

Read the full review and shop the Marmot Limelight 4P Tent

Related posts:

1. 2012 Outside Gear Of The Year Announced
2. Trail Ready Footwear: Hiking Boots Tested and Reviewed
3. Best 2011/2012 Winter Day Packs

1. North Face Havoc Mid GTX XCR

Our testers wore this boot for a day hike, and then they went out for a full weekend in the woods.  Their conclusion: the Havoc mid is fast, light, supportive, and tough. Oh and did we mention it’s completely waterproof? Seriously.

Read the full review & shop this boot

2. Garmont Vetta Hike GTX

This is a great boot for the weekend warrior.  The boot provides total support on every step and the solid Garmont construction is visible throughout. More adventurous hikers and casual walkers alike will enjoy it.

Read the full review & shop this boot

3. Bogs Jamison Boot

Love to play in every puddle you see? The Bogs Jamison boot is ready for anything you dunk it in.  From streams to slushy snow to swampy marshland trails… try and get your socks wet.

Read the full review & shop this boot

4. Wolverine Terrain Mid Boot

Wolverine boots are bred in the working world: tough boots for tough duty.  With its unique “Customized Comfort” 4-setting system, the Terrain surpassed our testers initial skepticism and ended up being quite impressive on the ‘Firm’ setting.

Read the full review & shop this boot

5.Wenger Canyoneer Boot

Does the logo on the side of this boot look familiar? It should – you’ve seen the same logo on every Swiss Army knife you’ve ever used.  If you know you’re going to be getting into steep or slippery terrain, you need this boot.  It’s the king of traction control.

Read the full review & shop this boot

6. Low Renegade GTX Mid Boot

The best case of you-get-what-you-pay-for.  With impressive uphill power, comforting downhill control, and week-long wearability, the Renegade was engineered for the serious adventurer.  They lace up so nicely you won’t want to untie them.

Read the full review & shop this boot

Related posts:

1. Winter Boots For The Wise
2. 2012 Tent Round Up
3. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

You may remember photographer Ian Shive from our interview with him a while back. Committed to conservation and preservation of our wild places, he uses his photography to tell stories of fragile ecosystems, geographical landmarks and iconic National Parks–inspiring all of us to get outside and show some love for the nature that surrounds us.

With his new iPad app he takes us behind the lens to share his photography process in an interactive way. The app takes us into the story behind the image and proves it’s not just about the gear, it is about the emotional and mental state you need to produce truly unique and compelling photos.

Read on to hear more about Shive’s new app and his goals for inspiring and connecting photographers, conservationists and nature lovers.

WEND: What was your motivation for developing a photography app?

IAN SHIVE: I really wanted a “how to book”–a single resource for people to go behind the lens and learn about my process, not just technically, but my thought process. I wanted people to understand the psychology of my photography–why I choose to go out at this time of day, the thought behind this type of composition, or why I chose to shoot at such a high or low angle. The books out there were just not doing it. The app is really robust, like five issues of your favorite magazine, plus I can update it constantly.

WEND: Right, it definitely has more flexibility than a book. So what makes it ideal for photographers?

IS: It is visually oriented and there is a ton of content to explore. Photos speak for themselves and I wanted people to be able to explore that language. I wanted to share my personal process with other photographers to show the stories that can be conveyed in an image. And being an app, the price is right. It was important to me to make it accessible and available to everyone.

WEND: There are a lot of photography apps out there, what makes yours stand out from the rest?

IS: A lot of the photo apps dwell on technical aspects or specific functions, this is more about getting into the photographic headspace. It operates more like a magazine–rich with engaging content and stories and full of videos and galleries. It goes beyond the camera, tripod and miscellaneous gear and gets into the headspace you need to make your photos stand out.

WEND: The field guide is an incredible feature–tell us about it.

IS: Yeah, I am most proud of the field guide. With it I was able to organize my thoughts and intentions to share my entire process and give people a glimpse into my world of photography–into a different way of looking at things. The field guide is like this gigantic magical book that allows me to add pages and continuously organize galleries and fieldwork–so the content just continues to grow.

WEND: Sounds great, I’m excited to see how it builds. What was the conceptualization and development process for the app like?

IS: Apps can be intimidating because they are unlimited; Daily Interactive (the same team who build apps for National Geographic) was instrumental in helping me to organize my thoughts and determine what content to include. They know what it means to display images beautifully and that was hugely important. We were adamant that this could not just be an extension of my website, we had to give people content they could not find anywhere else. We wanted to extend the story.

Wend: Between jobs for the Nature Conservancy, managing your app and other gigs, you are running an agency, Tandem Stills + Motion, tell us about it.

IS: I love great images, it doesn’t matter if it is my camera or someone else’s; it’s just cool to be surrounded by the art and supportive of it. I started Tandem Stills + Motion to represent photographers and build a community of people who care about the outdoor world. It is becoming harder to get into this field and do what we love, so I wanted to support photographers in their efforts toward building a career. Now we have 300 photographers around the world and Tandem is one of the leading outdoor image providers. It has been really exciting to see the success of other photographers.

Wend: It is great to know there is a community of photographers advocating for the outdoors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Ian.

Whether you want to learn tips and skills of the trade or just explore beautiful images of beautiful places, you’ll find inspiration in Shive’s app. And if you don’t have an iPad, get one–this app alone makes it worth it.

Related posts:

1. ‘Cold’ Interview With Climber and Photographer Cory Richards
2. Enter Climb For Change’s Photo Contest to Win a Pakistan Expedition

Join Surfrider Foundation Portland Chapter & the filmmakers for this special kick off screening with beer, raffle prizes, filmmaker Q&A afterwards, and the good feeling knowing you’re supporting your Surfrider Portland Chapter & our programs such as Stormdrain Marking, Ban the Bag, Ocean Friendly Gardens, Blue Water Task Force and more!

When: FRIDAY MAY 4, 7pm
Where: Clinton Street Theatre (2522 SE Clinton Street, Portland, OR)
How much: Tickets $7 cash @ the door. Raffle tickets $3 for 1 or $5 for 2.

Sweet raffle items from Oregon businesses like Bamboo Sushi, Laughing Planet, Cleanline Surf Shop, KEEN, eNRG Kayaking and more will be for sale too—so please bring cash!

Related posts:

1. Ocean Frontiers Film Premiere, March 7th, 7pm at the Hollywood Theatre
2. “Project 365″ A Year of Living Vertically

Outside Magazine has just released their bi-annual Gear of the Year list.  The products that make the cut undergo “several months of torture-testing the latest crop of rugged cameras, tents, shells, boats, packs, and just about every other piece of gear you need to play outdoors this summer.” Check out the remaining items on ActiveJunky.com.

TENT: Easton Kilo 3

Earn cash back on the Easton Kilo 3 tent

SHELL: Outdoor Research Axiom

Earn cash back on the Outdoor Research Axiom jacket

SLEEPING BAG: REI Igneo

Earn cash back on the REI Igneo sleeping bag

BACKPACK: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Alchemist 40L

Earn cash back on the Eddie Bauer First Ascent Alchemist pack

ROAD-RUNNING SHOES: New Balance Minimus Zero Road

Earn cash back on the New Balance Minimus shoe

TRAIL-RUNNING SHOES: Montrail Rogue Fly

Earn cash back on the Montrail Rogue Fly shoe

Check out the rest of Outside Magazine’s Gear Of The Year on ActiveJunky.com

Related posts:

1. 2012 Tent Round Up
2. Running Gear for Taking on Winter
3. Best 2011/2012 Winter Day Packs

First the Dutch make slow bikes for us to covet and now this. Weltevree’s wood-fired whoa inducing four-person portable hot tub reaches a max temp of 100 degrees after about two hours of stoking the fire basket. At 165 pounds it’d be slow going but with room for three friends you can always take turns playing mule. Or do as this intrepid soaker did.

The Dutchtub will set you back about $6500 by the way, but there is literally no chance that you’ll have to share it with Professors Roger and Virginia Clarvin.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Related posts:

1. Wipeout Wednesday: Bike Blastoffs

The 5Point to Telluride Tour is the next leg in my long happy journey of discovery. The Joy Trip Project is my little spot on the Internet where I report on the many interesting things that make a sustainable active lifestyle, well…worth living. I’ve been incredibly lucky over the years to be able share my experiences and the stories of people I’ve met with a small but growing online audience. And I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to take another lap around a few western states to bring back a more inspiring tales.

I’m a big believer in vehicle maintenance. In advance of this long Joy Trip my first stop is typically the Zimbrick Volkswagen dealership in Middleton just outside of Madison. I’m in for an oil change and a general check up. It seems I need a new battery, the rear windshield wiper arm is shot and I’m due to replace the timing belt. Everything but the battery can wait. Short on cash I approve the repairs I can afford and write this post while I wait.
I bought my VW Jetta TDI Wagon here about 7 years ago. Now after more the 100,000 miles on the road the Joy Ride is still going strong. And just like the check-ups I get for my car it’s a good idea to check in with myself to see what kind of mileage I can look forward to as the Joy Trip Continues continues.

A few weeks ago Patagonia signed on for another year as my primary sponsor. And just last week I secured agreements with Rayovac and the New Belgium Brewing Company to support travel and other production expenses over the next several months. For the first time the JTP is fully endowed with the financial resources to go on location and report first hand on the many different aspects of the adventure life. Now that I’m earning enough cash to support the project as more than just a full-time hobby I believe I have the opportunity to really spread my wings and see exactly what I can do.

Film and book reviews will continue to be a big part of the JTP line-up moving forward. I’ll also continue to deliver first person interviews with interesting people in the world of conservation and adventure. But I also aim include more information on different places I’ll have the chance to visit while traveling over the next several weeks. I’ll be dropping in on restaurants, yoga studios, climbing gyms, gear shops and other establishments in order to find those things that make them unique. The places I visit will include recreation areas, national, state and local parks, as well as other out-of-way places worth exploring.
Personally I can’t imagine a better way to spend the weeks leading to summer. My goal is to demonstrate that with just a little bit of money and as much free time as you can spare there’s a lot of adventure opportunities out there. It’s worth mentioning that several promotions are going on right now to help get you motivated and maybe through some great swag your way.

Sylvan Sport is offering up free use of their Go camp trailers to three people interested in putting together an awesome road trip adventure. In 400 words or less let them know your epic plans for a gear-heavy GO expedition. Tell them how you would promote your adventure through blogging, stop-motion photo stream, your church newsletter or what ever and Sylvan will buff you out equipment from top brands like KEEN, Kelty, Jackson Kayak, Black Diamond and Yakima.

Click here to view the embedded video.

You can also enter to win the Red Rocks Base Camp Giveaway sponsored by Kelty and Oskar Blues Brewery. Winners will receive round trip airfare for two to Colorado, Dale’s Pale Ale RV transportation, hotel accommodation for two nights, OB Brewery tour, dinner, live music, a pair of backstage VIP tickets to a Red Rocks show in September with a Kelty/Oskar Blues parking lot tailgate, $200 worth of Oskar Blues swag, and a Kelty equipment pack.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And check out the Subaru Work Play Love Tour.
The carmaker is hosting events across the country to celebrate the balance of work and play. Partnering with several different companies like KEEN, Outside Magazine, Icebreaker, PrAna and Osprey Subaru wants to promote and encourage people everywhere to make room in their lives for finding a little joy.

Even though these are promotional events I believe that each of these companies is sincere in their aim to inspire people to lead a more active life. As we share that common goal I hope that readers of this blog will follow along in the weeks to come and share in some of things I discover in my travels on the 5Point to Telluride Tour. Life is a journey where happiness is as much a skill to be explored, as it is the destination.

The Joy Trip Project is made possible with the support sponsors Patagonia, Rayovac and the New Belgium Brewing Company

Related posts:

1. Justin Clifton’s 5Point of View
2. What it Means to “Make it Count”

By now you have likely seen the Make it Count video from Casey Neistat and Max Joseph–the duo who turned a project for Nike into a 10-day trip around the world.  If not, check it out above. Inspirational quotes layered over shots of awesome scenery, rare cultures and interesting airplane food motivate us all to make our life an adventure–and to make it count.

[Video via: YouTube]

Related posts:

1. Wipeout Wednesday: The Nearest Misses

photo by Ben Knight

The 5Point Film Festival has a new executive director. Justin Clifton spent six years on staff with the Mountain Film Festival in Telluride. Last summer he come over to the Roaring Fork Valley where he’s plying his expertise and vision to guide an exceptional adventure media event in Carbondale, Colorado. In advance of this four-day mountain movie menagerie, set to start on April 26th, Clifton shared a few thoughts on his new role and what we can look forward to on the cinema scene in 2012.

JTP:

You spent a lot of time working over at Mountain Film. In your opinion, how does that festival compare to 5Point?

Clifton:

The way that I’ve been explaining it succinctly has been that Mountain Film is very much a festival that is activism on the back end. It’s a festival that really is doing a wonderful job of highlighting the problems in the world and talking about things that people need to care about. It truly is an activist film festival. 5Point is not an activist film festival, but it is on the front end of activism. It’s more about connecting people to the wilderness, the outdoors and these places that they’re going to fight (for) and protect for the rest of their lives. That’s the biggest difference that I see. Mountain film has gone pretty far away from just programming for the adventure community or the outdoor market. They’re kind of spreading their wings a bit more. 5Point to me is fairly rooted in providing a place where that community comes together in a meaningful way.

JTP:

I’d like to think that this is the kickoff to the adventure film season. What can we look forward to this year?

Clifton:

Oh man, so much! It’s unbelievable. We’re really exploring this idea of the evolution we make and are sometimes forced into this evolution by our experiences outdoors. Our films really speak to this notion that we are truly transformed by the places that we visit, that we engage in. It’s certainly a reflection of where our mind is and it’s also a reflection of where people are in their lives.

A few things we’re excited about is the expansion of our Dream Project, which is a scholarship program for young people, sending kids out into the world to pursue their dreams and passions. We sent three students out last year. We’re sending five this year.

As far as world premieres we’re excited about the latest Felt Soul Media installment which is called “Unicorn Sashimi”.

JTP:

Ha! So is this another fly fishing film like last year’s “Eastern Rises”?

Clifton:

It’s not. It’s actually a snow film. They went on a little trip with Nick Waggoner from Sweet Grass Productions to Japan this past winter and came back with quite an amazing film. We’re excited not only to be producing partners on the film but to also host the world premiere.

We have three great guest presentations. Hayden Kennedy, who’s just back from setting the world on fire down in Patagonia, but that’s only part of the story. He just had an amazing trip to Pakistan where he was on K7 around the time the guys shared the Piolets (d’Or) this year. And putting up an amazing route there that hasn’t been completed yet, he’s going to talk about that and his trip to Cerro Torre and maybe talk about some of the things he’s been doing down in Indian Creek since he’s been back. No rest for the wicked with that kid!

JTP:

What other films can we look forward to?

Clifton:

We’re premiering a number of films. Tyler Stableford is premiering his film called ‘Shattered’, which follows Steve House and his pursuit for something more than mountains. That’s how we’re kicking off the festival. We’re also excited about bringing in a few films that are just getting ready to hit the scene. A film called ‘Code Red’ (by Jaime Brooks), which follows the Billabong pro Tahiti challenge during a double code red advisory at Teahupoo, is pretty amazing. We just have a tremendous line up of films, and I’ve only gotten to Friday night!

JTP:

At 5Point you’re not just a host of films. You’re also a producer and you assist financially in the production of films. I know that your organization was very involved last year with the production of Anson Fogel and Cory Richards‘ film ‘Cold’ and also Jeremy Collins’ film and stage show “The Wolf and the Medallion”. How does that factor into your work at 5Point and moving the whole genre of adventure media forward?

Clifton:

Really the idea behind it is to help evolve the medium and to evolve the storytelling and to put our money where our mouth is. Festivals are constantly asking filmmakers for better cuts or better edits. We see that as part of the process, but when we see a lot of potential in a project we really need to step up and help how we can. We’re very selective in how we do that. We don’t have a lot of money. We actually run on an extremely tight budget, but we’ve prioritized a portion of that budget for these types of activities that will allow us to give people the opportunity to make something that they have even better.

By default we’re seeing some emulation of the film ‘Cold’ in a lot of filmmaking. Another film we’re seeing a lot of emulation from is from last year that we didn’t have any part in but we really love is ‘Dark Side of the Lens’. When you put this quality content out there you start pushing filmmakers to make something other than point of view GoPro adrenaline porn.

JTP:

That’s one of the things that really differentiates you from not just Mountain Film but other film festivals of your type. You’re able to create a means through which, not only a venue, where these films can be shown. Is there an opportunity to get some recognition of the value of these films outside of the adventure film genre?

Clifton:

I think it’s picking up. We’re seeing the adventure film genre being picked up by things like the Aspen Shorts Fest, and some of these other festivals, which is certainly broadening the scope and appeal. One of the things that is both a blessing and a curse for film festivals is things like the Vimeo community and YouTube certainly. That kind of self-publishing also helps people to get their content out there. But the film festival still operates as a filter, where the best of the best makes it into the festival, but any old thing can make it on YouTube.

JTP:

Then ultimately do you hope to not only grow your audience at this film festival but grow the broader audience for this genre?

Clifton:

Absolutely. There are a lot of people that are compelled by the stories. I think that if we’re telling stories and we’re not just showing off and we’re actually getting at the heart of something then you automatically broaden the appeal to individuals who may not be climbers or bikers. But they still can appreciate the drive and the passion of someone who’s into that. So I’m 100 percent committed to stories. Not just because I’m a climber and a biker myself, but because I truly believe in the human spirit that’s embodied by explorers and extreme athletes, people who are pushing the boundaries.

JTP:

So is that the big goal for 5Point? To make storytelling the priority so that these films are more compelling to a broader audience?

Clifton:

Definitely, I can so without hesitation, well maybe a little hesitation because there is some soft-core (adventure) porn* in this, But for the most part our festival is entirely adventure porn free. Every film has a story and really a more soulful presence than just people hucking themselves off of cliffs. Our goal is to expand the creativity and the intelligence of this genre of film.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Joy Trip Project Adventure Media Review is made possible with the support of sponsors Patagonia and Rayovac

* “Adventure porn” – def: The gratuitous use of action sports imagery in film meant to induce an adrenaline response with little to no socially redeeming value other than being totally awesome!

Related posts:

1. The 5Point to Telluride Tour

For many sport climbers, like Jonathan Siegrist, the real adventure lies in exploring a beautiful rock wall, finding a challenging line and making it climbable. After six weeks and 30 attempts, Siegrist put up “Le Reve” in Arrow Canyon, Nevada. Check out the video above, it just may inspire you to explore new walls and put up a first ascent of your own.

[Video via: Vimeo]

Related posts:

1. GoPro Captures Ridiculous Kayak Drops

If you are tired of dealing with the resort crowds and looking for a bit more adventure and solitude, backcountry skiing / snowboarding might be for you. Backcountry winter sports can be complicated, risky and dangerous so it is important to start out slowly and carefully. Different sports require specific skills, equipment and planning. If the snow beyond the resort intrigues you, make sure you are mentally and physically prepared before heading into the backcountry.

To get you started, I was able to track down Alison McLellan–US Outdoor buyer, outdoor gear guru and adventure nut. Next to climbing, backcountry skiing just might be her favorite thing. Read on to hear some of her essential tips for preparing yourself to ski or board in the backcountry.

WEND: What is the most important consideration for getting started in backcountry sports?

ALISON MCLELLAN: The most important things are education and preparation–articles, books, and your friends cannot prepare you enough. There is a lot of information available. If you really want to build your confidence, take an avalanche education course.

WEND: How does backcountry touring differ from sticking around the resort?

AM: For touring, there is definitely technique to be learned, for example, choosing your path both up and down and dealing with obstacles that you would never encounter in a resort. The differences from resort skiing are many, but the most significant is that your group is alone out there. The pristine setting and fresh turns are priceless, but remember that you are entirely responsible for yourself and your party. Having excellent backcountry navigation skills and understanding safe terrain is critical.

WEND: In addition to consulting various information sources, what skills are needed to feel prepared in the backcountry?

AM: No matter if you are on a multi-day tour or doing laps on ridges just outside the resort, it is always strenuous, and being in great shape for other activities only goes so far. Not much can physically prepare you for skiing or riding a three-mile-long run, just be ready for those legs to start burning!

Researching the conditions and knowing what it means for your route is essential. Start checking weather and avalanche forecasts a few days out and be prepared to change your plan at any time. Remember that you can always turn around–there is no obligation to make it to the top

WEND: What about gear? Any tips for picking out the essentials?

AM: The gear list is long, and seems to grow continuously. Here are a few highlights and things to consider when purchasing new gear:

Bindings: Dynafit bindings are the most efficient AT binding, and they perform great. I like the Dynafit Radical FT/ST. You have no extra weight and a natural pivot point while in walk mode, your boot is as close as possible to the ski, and you can still power down steep slopes.

Skins: G3 skins have a tip connector that sits very flush against the ski, reducing the amount of snow that starts to get between the skin and the ski. They also have non-toxic glue, and the skins come with a very handy trim tool–in fact, I recommend getting the G3 trim tool separately if you get a different brand, it makes trimming skins to your ski so easy.

Pack: There are tons of great options out there for packs–for short days, a 20 or 30-liter pack with ski straps on either side works great. For longer trips and ski mountaineering, a 40-liter pack will be better. Most ski specific packs have an easy access exterior pocket with space for your shovel and probe. Black Diamond has several styles of packs that have an integrated Avalung. If you are buried in an avalanche, an Avalung can significantly extend your air supply–it is excellent technology that you hope you never need. This year several companies, including Mammut and BCA, even have airbag packs, which can be inflated if you are caught in an avalanche to keep you on top of the debris.

Boots: This comes down to personal preference. Prioritize fit and comfort. A snug fit is good, but if you wear them as tight as alpine boots, you risk losing toenails after a couple miles of touring. Try a lot of styles and brands and walk around in them (in walk mode, buckles and strap loose, just like it will be while touring) before settling on a pair.

Beacon: This is an essential piece of gear–yet you hope to never use it. The beacon you become comfortable using is the best beacon! The Pieps DSP (and DSP Tour) have a great range, fast processing speed, are very user-friendly, and have good extra features such as checking your partner’s beacons to make sure the signals are transmitting within a safe range. The Ortovox 3+ is easy to use and has a “smart antenna;” that means that when sending a signal, the beacon will choose which of the three antennae is in the most optimal position for a searching beacon. Find one you are comfortable with so that you are prepared to use it if you need to.

WEND: Tell us about one of your favorite backcountry adventures.

AM: After quite a few trips on fairly mellow terrain, I talked a couple of very experienced and skilled friends into taking me with them for a morning of skiing outside of Mt. Hood Meadows. We ended up on Gnarl Ridge, which was slightly terrifying. As we were boot packing up a chute far too steep to skin, I kept looking over at the line I was expected to ski down and wondering what the heck I’d gotten into. After forcing down half a granola bar I put my skis on, carefully checked out the line (and got a few words of advice from my ski partners) one more time, and headed down. The second I was actually skiing, and made a couple turns on surprisingly nice snow, I went from scared to ecstatic! It was thrilling to come out of that chute and look back at what I’d just accomplished. No resort experience comes close!

WEND: Sounds awesome!

AM: It was! But getting to and from the ridges was pretty tough. At one point we were traversing a very icy slope, and my legs were absolutely burning, trying to hold an edge and gain a little elevation along the slope that seemed to go on forever. When we decided to take the skis off and boot pack the rest of the way up the ridge, I somehow lost a brake and my ski slid a hundred feet or so down the hill. It is remarkable it stopped rather than going all the way down, and I’m not quite sure how the brake came off, but I know it was largely due to my clumsiness and lack of experience with the transitions from skinning to boot packing to skiing. Luckily you can ski without brakes… It just made those transitions even a little trickier.

WEND: Any additional tips to share?

AM: Yeah, it’s helpful to remember a few things:

DO NOT get summit fever

DO NOT wear all white

DO have a backup plan

DO stay warm and bring extra layers

DO familiarize yourself with your gear and understand basic repairs before you go.

WEND: Definitely good tips to remember. So, what are your favorite places to go in the Northwest?

AM: There’s a really great variety just on Mt. Hood–from exciting couloirs to mellow day tours like White River, and even huts and fire towers for overnight trips. I recently went to Tilly Jane, a cabin that is a 3-mile skin (or snowshoe) from Cooper Spur Resort. From this cozy base you can ski some beautiful low-angle terrain or some of the most technical steep slopes on Mt. Hood, making it a good destination for almost any conditions. Also, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams can be good peaks to start with for ski mountaineering.

WEND: There is definitely a lot to think about. Thanks for all the tips, Alison. 

[Photo via: Flickr]

No related posts.

This video shows us what happens when 20 artists bring their creativity to their bikes. Feathers, streamers, fluorescent paint and stuffed animals are all fair game. 20 bikes go from naked to unique in 10 days. So, if I put you in the middle of a craft workshop, how would you personalize your bike? Bonus points if you incorporate a Unicorn.

For more information on the Orto Bikes project visit their site here.

Related posts:

1. Klunking: Mountain Biking in its Purest Form
2. Axrak Makes it Easy for You to Bicycle With Your Guitar
3. Cycling the Super City

In a remote corner of British Columbia First Nation tribes of the Canadian Rockies wage an economic and political battle to maintain their traditional relationship with the land while corporate and government agencies impose their demands for oil and natural gas. And as this tale of recent history unfolds the reader may come to recognize the necessity to defend a more sustainable way of life to protect not only this culture but perhaps define an environmental ethos for the preservation of land closer to home. Providing an intimate view of the region where Davis raised his own family the author encourages readers to image similar actions perpetrated against themselves.

“How would these corporate executives and government officials feel, and how would their families respond, if total strangers pulled up to their homes in Point Grey or West Vancouver, perhaps to the maple-lined streets of Rosedale in Toronto, and with backhoes and bulldozers began to tear apart their gardens?” Davis asks in the book. “For the Tahltan, the Sacred Headwaters is a garden, and this is exactly how they feel about what they fear may happen to their land.”

With a forward by David Suzuki and an afterward by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the book reads much like an expansive magazine article, a personal narrative woven together with firsthand accounts of past events. Placed within an historical context the story Davis tells guides us through both the social and political landscape that lead circumstances to the point of conflict. And it is through the voices of First Nation people like Rhoda Quock that the reader can fully appreciate why this area is so important.

“Just as this water will flow back into the three great rivers that sustain our people, we will return to our territories and protect our lands,” she says. “At the Sacred Headwaters we are drawing a line in the sand; this country bestowed to us by the Creator will be protected.”

The Sacred Headwaters is a testament to what a group of dedicated individuals can achieve in the interesst of environmental protection. Faced with arrest and a depressed economy the Tahltan people persevere to thwart the powerful influence of the oil industry to protect for now the wild places that are some much a part of their lives. But Davis clearly asserts the fight is not yet over and continued preservation will require eternal vigilance.

The Joy Trip Project is made possible with the support of sponsor Patagonia

No related posts.

The purpose of this audio slideshow (originally made for The Clymb) is to offer a glimpse into world of thru-hiking and inspire anyone considering a long distance trek to get out there and do it. Completing the Pacific Crest Trail is an epic and life-changing experience; it can also be taxing and just plain shitty. Success often comes down to mindset and preparation.

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Why would you pay $600 dollars for a pair of skis when you can get the same pair for $380? Deals like this are common on the internet! It’s crazy to hop in your car, drive to the store and pay the retail price for a piece of gear when you can get it for 50, 60 or even 70% off the original tag online. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? We’ve put together a list of our favorite online stores with deals so good you’ll swear off retail forever. Happy shopping!

Backcountry.com

We know how that itch can sneak up on you and suddenly you need more of the best quality gear, and you need it now. When this happens Backcountry is the place to stop. They have top quality outdoor gear from 250+ brands like the North Face, Patagonia, Salomon and Black Diamond, and over 50,000 products to choose from.

Find a Backcountry Coupon

Steep and Cheap

Sometimes it’s hard to get extra low on the dance floor. But extra low on the best outdoor gear in the industry? No problem. Steep and Cheap offers an unbelievable daily deal that will help you get lower than you ever thought you could. Just ask their loyal users, they swarm to the site every morning and pick up one piece of gear per household per day before it runs out, because Steep and Cheap doesn’t want you selling it on the street.

Find a Steep and Cheap Coupon

Department of Goods

Retail is for suckers. If anyone believes that it’s the Department of Goods. They know that true skaters and surfers spend more time playing then working, which doesn’t result in an endless cashflow. Their site has all the best deals on gear so you can get envious glances from the people that still make the trek to the store to go get their gear.

Find a Department of Goods Coupon

REI 

With a glance at that mountain-clad REI sign, you know you’re in good hands. They are one of the most trusted outdoor retailers and have rockin’ deals on skiing, camping, hiking, paddling, biking gear and plenty of the best apparel. Not to mention the fact that their warehouse is always stocked so that you can get exactly what you want. If you are an REI member, the deal is even sweeter as you will earn typically 10% back on eligible purchases.

Find an REI Coupon

The Clymb

If your friends have to physically move you away from the TV so you can go to work during the Tour de France, the Clymb will be your new favorite site. They have the premium cycling gear in the industry and plenty of other crave-worthy digs (like ski gear in the winter) at slashed prices up to 70% off retail.

Find A Clymb Coupon

Sierra Trading Post 

Sierra Trading Post has a fresh new website that helps you easily access discounts of 35-70% off all your favorite brands including Patagonia, Marmot and the North Face. They also treat their customers well, so if you become a Sierra Trading Post member, you can save 20% off your first order.

Find a Sierra Trading Post Coupon

BonkTown 

If biking is your passion, you are missing out if you don’t already know about BonkTown. This site gives you ridiculously low prices on biking gear that you have to see to believe. Every day they have a daily deal that they sell until the shelves are empty, so if you are looking for a new messenger bag, or even craving a new bike, this is the site to check out.

Find a BonkTown Coupon

Moosejaw

Hardshell or softshell? Powder or all-mountain? Sometimes a second opinion is helpful when you’re dropping cash on gear, and Moosejaw has a team of experts to answer your questions by phone or live chat. Plus, they have all the brands you rely on like Gore-Tex, Roxy, Nixon and Marmot. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49 dollars.

Find a Moosejaw Coupon

Patagonia

Whether you like to enjoy the stillness of a lake at dawn, or solo climb a rock face that gives normal people shivers, Patagonia is the place for you. Not only do they know the outdoors intimately, they’ve created the best gear for enjoying it. They’ve also committed to protecting the environment by using recycled materials and donating at least 1% of sales to environmental groups all over the world. Plus, if you have any questions, an online rep will do a live chat with you.

Find a Patagonia Coupon

Altrec 

If you love technical base layers and high quality outerwear, Altrec is the place to go to find what you’re looking for, even if it’s hard to find. They are one of the largest online retailers of outdoor gear and apparel with a huge selection of products. Plus, they have free shipping on orders over $45, and if you are ever unhappy with what you order, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can always get exactly what your heart desires.

Find a Altrec Coupon

Chain Love

If your friends have talked to you about your cycling “problem” more than once and your garage has turned into a makeshift shop, you’d be silly not to follow what’s going on at Chain Love. This site offers the best cycling gear in the industry at dirt cheep prices. Every day they mark down one piece of gear and watch it fly off the shelves. Good thing you can check the site when you get up for your 5:00am ride,’cause this stuff goes fast.

Find a Chain Love Coupon

Whiskey Militia

The makers of Whiskey Militia were stuck in the monotony of the suburbs growing up, so they got some piercings and body art and decked themselves out in the hippest gear. No way were they going to blend in with the Jones’ and their perfect yard. Yet this lifestyle doesn’t always come cheap, so they set up Whiskey Militia, which offers a deep daily discount on a piece of gear or apparel that drops at midnight and sells quickly.

Find a Whiskey Militia Coupon

Dogfunk

If you are looking for people that know snowboarding gear, look no further than Dogfunk. These guys are some of the biggest snowboarding bums we’ve ever laid eyes on, and they know all the best gear and brands including D.C., Rome and Burton, plus niche brands like Skullcandy, Airblaster and Capita. Plus, they ship for free on orders over $50.

Find a Dogfunk Coupon

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On a Wednesday night in Portland, Ore. it’s safe to bet you’ll find many of the Wenders sipping whiskey at Landmark Saloon in Southeast. Sure, it’s the middle of the week, but it’s tough to pass on the whiskey specials and traditional country music. Singer/songwriter, Jake Ray has been serenading the Landmark crew at what has affectionately been dubbed as “Whiskey Wednesdays” for more than two years now. Not unlike the humble and mysterious Johnny Cash, there is something a bit compelling about his rambling and roaming outlaw image. His demeanor is quiet and reserved but his lyrics are filled with whiskey-soaked stories. His poetry (and, admittedly, the legend of his lassoing skills) intrigued me. So, after a drink or two, I convinced him to tell me his story. He won’t talk your ear off, but I did learn a few things–for starters, he favors a Stetson hat.

And he has never stayed in one place long. It was a broke down truck that left him stranded in Portland and warmly welcomed into the vibrant folk scene. He started playing a mix of his own songs and a few covers with some of the most talented old-time folk icons in town. In traditional country style, his lyrics tell personal stories of heartbreak, pain, hope, and redemption. He says he writes about the personal stuff to get it off his shoulders and to give others something to relate to–and he plays because music is the only thing that makes him truly happy.

Combining blues rhythms with pure rock and roll; Jake Ray has a way of taking you on an incredible journey with his music–from the moments of rich, soul-touching sadness to the times when you’re suddenly transported to some roadside honky-tonk bar, dancing your cares away. From the hard times to the good times, there’s something for everyone.

So if you need some good tunes and some good whiskey, head on over to catch Jake Ray at Landmark Saloon this Wednesday night, we’ll see ya there.

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Denim Vs. Softshell

Here in Portland, we like clothing that’s as functional as it is fashionable. Enter  Thunderbolt Sportswear, a homegrown, Oregon-based company that has been selling its high-end softshell jeans since 2010 and perfecting and developing that concept since 2008.  These guys know the ins and outs of variable weather conditions, and the result is a high-functioning, well-thought-out style piece that can double as an everyday pant.

Thunderbolt jeans are made with Schoeller Dryskin, which is imported from Switzerland and considered to be the best softshell fabric on the market today. The fabric is treated with Nanosphere, a durable water repellent (DWR). It doesn’t make the Thunderbolt jeans quite waterproof but will ensure that you stay much drier than if you were wearing denim if caught out in the rain.

Sunshine and everything in between

The first time that I put the jeans on I was surprised at how nice the cut was. Most softshell pants I’d used seemed square cut and suffered from a baggy crotch area, which resulted in me feeling that I always had to be pulling my pants up—especially if I was hiking with a pack. Thunderbolt jeans fit snuggly, like a tailored pair of dress pants. I was also surprised at how comfortable the brushed interior felt against my legs. So far the Thunderbolts proved to be a good fit but I was eager to put them to the real test.

First, I made them my daily riding pants for the week. My bike commute is a little over six miles one way, so I was able to get a good sense of how the pants felt under the saddle. The week started off with beautiful sunny skies and chilly temps that deteriorated to driving rain by mid-week. In all conditions, the jeans performed well, blocking wind and rain, keeping my legs warm, but allowing moisture to move through the fabric and preventing me from overheating as I warmed up. As an extra bonus, I was able to transition directly from the bike to the office without changing clothes. Thunderbolts really do look that good.

Look at that stretch!

Next on the agenda was climbing in Central Oregon. Due to the dry, cold and usually windy conditions, bouldering in the high desert during the winter months is perfect for testing softshell fabrics. The four-way stretch of the fabric and its ability to block the wind made these pants the perfect tool for the job. I will definitely be adding these pants to my climbing quiver and would even consider wearing them for larger alpine objectives. (Stay tuned for an El Cap report!)

Thunderbolt jeans can handle just about anything that you can throw at them. The only situation that I encountered where they might not be ideal was commuting in the downpour. There is definitely a chance that rain could seep in during an extended ride in those conditions. That being said, I still stayed warm, and the jeans dried almost instantly. When comparing these jeans to the denim alternative, and considering an active, urban lifestyle, I have to say, they rock!

Related posts:

1. Storm-Proof Shells
2. Jeans That Won’t Bare Your Ass While Biking

Black Diamond Alias Winter Pack

This large 30L top-loading pack is ideal for powdering hunting (with some extra room for survival gear in case you don’t make it back before nightfall). It’s ultra lightweight, streamlined and has A-frame or diagonal ski carrying options. The pack also features a 20mm removable aluminum stay that supports extra weight. It also has a quick-access avy tool pocket, an insulated hydration sleeve and hipbelt stash pockets.

Get Cash Back on the Black Diamond Alias Winter Pack

Deuter Cruise 26 SL Backpack –Women’s

This rockin red 26L pack has a high-tech support system so that your back won’t complain as you skin up the mountain. It features load adjuster straps on the shoulders and hip fins, an x-frame system with curved profile aluminum stays and an anatomic hip belt that moves with your body. It’s also a little bit shorter to fit women’s bodies better. Plus it has a ski and board attachment system, a rear access zipper and is hydration system compatible.

Get Cash Back on the Deuter Cruise 26 SL Backpack

Osprey Packs Kode 22 Backpack

When the going gets tough, you are going to want a pack that works with you, not against you. The Kode 22 has all the right details so that you can comfortably carry your skis and quickly access your gear. It has diagonal and A frame ski carrying systems and a zippered panel that offers fast access to the avy tool pocket. The pack also features an insulated hydration pouch, an ice-ax loop, a dry pocket for extra layers and generous hip belt pockets.

Get Cash Back on the Osprey Packs Kode 22 Backpack

Dynafit Broad Peak 28 Backpack

This is the perfect ski pack for day excursions. It features an anatomical design for the perfect fit with breathable shoulder straps and a mesh lower back area. It also has a back panel that opens up so you can view and re-arrange the contents, a separate compartment for your probe and shovel and a hydration system pouch. To boot, it has a removable bottle holder on the shoulder strap in case you need a little liquid motivation.

Get Cash Back on the Dynafit Broad Peak 28 Backpack

Marmot Sidecountry 20 Backpack

This pack has enough room for adventures into the sidecountry, but is low-profile enough that it won’t tangle with the lift. It has a molded back panel that resists snow accumulation, and features a front pocket for your shovel and probe, a stretch goggle pocket and a convenient waist belt pocket. It also has an insulated hydration sleeve so that your water won’t freeze when you need it most.

Get Cash Back on the Marmot Sidecountry 20 Backpack

Ortovox Free Rider Pack- Women’s

Not only does the Free Rider have a fly design and carry all your essentials, it has five superimposed layers that protect your body on impact. This 18L pack features fasteners for skis, a snowboard and helmet, and has a pocket for everything including your safety tools, camera, cell phone and hydration system.

Get Cash Back on the Ortovox Free Rider Pack

Deuter Freerider 26 Backpack

Whether you’re alpine skiing, ski touring or snowboarding, this 26L pack will hold all your gear and extra layers. It features a shovel and probe compartment in the front for quick access to your life-saving equipment when you need it most. The Freerider 26 also has an anatomic hip belt and load adjuster straps on the shoulders so that you don’t have to be the old man of the pack whining about your back.

Get Cash Back on the Deuter Freerider 26 Backpack

Check out 7 more Winter day pack picks from Active Junky 

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The North Face Denali Jacket – Men’s

This classic fleece is about as multi-purpose as it gets. Whether you are hiking, backpacking, climbing or skiing, this jacket provides warmth with its recycled Polartec 300 Series Fleece, the warmest Polartec Fleece available. The Denali has abrasion resistant shoulders, chest and elbows so that it’s more durable than traditional fleece. The shoulder and chest fabric also prevents the jacket from wear and tear that comes from harnesses and packs. Plus, it has plenty of pockets, a hem cinch cord and pit zip vents.

Get Cash Back on the North Face Denali Jacket

Arc’teryx Strato Hooded Fleece Jacket – Women’s

This uniquely textured jacket is made with Polartec Thermal Pro Cobble, which is moisture-wicking, has a great warmth to weight ratio and is made from 64% recycled materials. This fleece is also snow shedding and breathable with a DWR finish to repel water. It features a hood with a laminated brim, gusseted underarms and a full front zipper with a laminated wind flap. It makes a perfect mid layer for snow sports or can stand on its own because of its water resistance and snow shedding.

Get Cash Back on the Arc’teryx Strato Hooded Fleece Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket – Men’s

This jacket is made from Mountain Hardwear’s Monkey Phur, which is a plush fleece that has a great warmth to weight ratio and excellent thermal efficiency. It has MicroClimate Zoning construction, which takes into account the body’s naturally hot and cool areas for better temperature regulation. It works very well as mid layer for skiing or winter camping or alone while hiking or climbing. It also features a chest pocket and two handwarmer pockets and comes in any color you could ever want.

Get Cash Back on the Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket

Isis Topo Jacket – Women’s

The textured surface of this fleece traps air and retains body heat to keep you toasty without extra material weighing you down. It’s also very breathable and dries quickly so that when you’re working hard you stay protected and comfortable. The jacket also has a smooth, wind resistant exterior, flatlocked seams, an invisible security pocket and zippered hand pockets. This is an excellent layering piece and comes in a number of pretty colors.

Get Cash Back on the Isis Topo Jacket

Marmot Afterburner Fleece Jacket – Men’s

If you are looking for a fleece that keeps you warm but stops weather in its tracks, you want to get your hands on the Marmot Afterburner Fleece Jacket. It’s made with Gore Windstopper Fleece, which is both wind and water resistant so it works as a mid-layer but can also stand on its own. It also has a climber friendly design and is harness compatible. It features adjustable cuffs and hem, zippered handwarmer pockets and wind flap behind the zipper for extra protection.

Get Cash Back on the Marmot Afterburner Fleece Jacket

Helly Hansen Precious Fleece Jacket – Women’s

This soft and fluffy high-loft fleece has bountiful insulation for the bitterest days. It can be worn alone or as a layering piece to beef up your hardshell. It features a mock turtle neck for the protection of a high collar without feeling of being smothered. It also has an attractive contrasting fabric trim, slanted welt pockets to keep your paws cozy and an adjustable draw-cord hem.

Get Cash Back on the Helly Hansen Precious Fleece Jacket

Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft Fleece Jacket – Men’s

This is Patagonia’s warmest layering piece and is made with their toasty Regulator 3 high-loft fleece. It not only traps warmth, it’s compressible, moisture wicking, dries quickly and has a great warmth to weight ratio. The fleece features stretch panels under the arms and down the sides for ease of movement and a soft micro-fleece lining in the collar, cuffs and hem. It also has two handwarmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket and a drawcord hem to seal in the heat.

Get Cash Back on the Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft Fleece Jacket

Check out 7 more performance fleece picks on ActiveJunky.com 

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Spring is coming up fast and summer will appear soon after which means making estival plans if you’re student or a recent grad.

The Sierra Club is taking video pleas to be their Outdoor Youth Ambassador for ten weeks this summer. Perks of the gig include pay, $2,000 worth of The North Face gear and adventure . Last years ambassadors marched in New York City’s Puerto Rican Day Parade, got schooled in ooutdoor leadership on Bainbridge Island, Wa, backpacked the Socal’s  San Jacinto Mountains and rafted down the Amercian River.

Details:

• You must be a student or recent graduate over the age of 18
• Apply by  submitting a 60-90 second video that showcases your love for the outdoors and why you want to be the Sierra Club’s 2012 Outdoor Youth Ambassador
• The application period closes on March 27, 2012 at 5PM PDT
• The voting period closes on March 30, 2012 at 5PM PDT

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To most of us, it sounds like a dream–climb an incredible mountain, trek through uncharted territories, explore rare cultures, scribble your thoughts along the way, come home and share it with the world–oh, and get funded (and paid) to do it. But this dream is the reality for some people–like Julian Smith. He is one of those fortunate souls who gets to travel and explore and adventure around the world, and then share his stories…for a living.

His latest book took him to Africa for two months where he walked, biked, bussed, rode and ferried himself across 4,500 miles in the love-struck footsteps of British adventurer, Ewart Grogan–the first man to walk the length of Africa. Not unlike Grogan, Smith was driven by love yet consumed with pre-marriage jitters and the idea of a lifelong commitment. He sought to face his fears by retracing Grogan’s trek from South Africa to Sudan–a trek Grogan himself completed in pursuit of love. In weaving Grogan’s expedition in 1898 with his own voyage, you can only begin to guess what Smith encounters, both physically and emotionally–and the best part? This counted as his “job.”

So the question is, how do all of us adventure addicts with a love for storytelling make this our reality? Lucky for us, Smith was willing to share his journey and tips for making it happen–just before he took off for Jamaica to write about a reef study–yeah, I was jealous too.

WEND: Many of us are trying to live this dream. Tell us a little about your path to becoming a travel writer.

JULIAN SMITH: I Studied biology and ecology in school but always loved to read and write. After finishing school I knew I had to combine my love for travel with my love for writing. It seemed the best way to get published was to start your own publishing company–so that’s what I did. A buddy and I researched, wrote, edited and published guidebooks on El Salvador, Ecuador, Virginia and the 4 corners. It was great, but it was a lot of work. It sounds glamorous, but it was tiring–going to every restaurant and every bar in every city–I guess it is fun when you’re young.

WEND: I can imagine. So how did you balance the exhaustion with your love for traveling and the need for writing assignments?

JULIAN SMITH: Well, now I edit guidebooks, so that means I can just work from the comfort of my home–and I still travel myself too. I’ll try to get about 2-3 assignments per trip to make it really worthwhile. You have to be OK with variety–In addition to taking trips I write about science, travel, and culture in Portland, Ore. I continue to speak in the industry as well. It keeps things interesting.

WEND: I would guess that often times the hardest part about starting a book is talking someone into publishing it. Tell us about your experience with publishing your first novel, how was it different from publishing guidebooks?

JULIAN SMITH: The process is very different–with guidebooks you just approach the publisher directly, but with nonfiction books and novels you typically get an agent who then helps you fine-tune a proposal (nonfiction) or manuscript (fiction) and pitches it to editors at publishing houses. And then negotiates the contract on your behalf.

So for Crossing the Heart of Africa, I had to think of it not just in a literary sense (good writing) but in a commercial sense too. What would sell? For example, what approach would help convince an editor that it would sell so he/she would buy it? You don’t have to think that way really when proposing a guidebook, at least to an established publisher. Those concerns definitely altered my approach to and writing of the book itself, for the better I think. It was definitely a new challenge, even though I’d had experience putting proposals together for guidebooks. 

WEND: Sounds like there’s a lot to think about. Once you passed that hurdle, what was most challenging about writing your book, Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure?

JULIAN SMITH: The trip itself was long, lonely and exhausting, so at times that was challenging. But really, writing about the history and geography of the travel was easy–it was the personal relationship stuff that was hard to articulate. You have to think about what others will find interesting–of course your personal life is always interesting to you, but you have to ask yourself what other people will care about. So, in a nutshell, including more about my own personal experience and relationship was the hardest part.

WEND: OK, so come up with a compelling idea, convince someone to give you money to act on said idea, take off on an amazing adventure, and pen every joy and struggle you encounter…then what? What other tips do you have for us aspiring authors?

JULIAN SMITH:

1. Competition is crazy. Start small and local and continue to build each time.
2. Double up on assignments if you can, see if you can publish every article 3 times.
3. Develop a game face. Learn how to deal with rejection.
4. Be your own photographer. It is in your favor to learn how to photograph your story.

WEND: Alright, I’m going to work on my game face. So, what’s up next for you?

JULIAN SMITH: I’m still holding this one close to my chest, but I can tell you this: it’s a non-fiction, true crime book based on recent and exciting events.

WEND: Sounds intriguing, we’ll stay tuned.

Smith also speaks at various conferences, festivals and events on science and travel writing, international travel, and life lessons from great explorers. You can view all these events and his published articles on his website. And if you’re dying to know about his adventures in Africa and in love, check out his book, Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure.

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From Waylon: (Head hit’s the floor could be the new new metal song of the year.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

From George: (Knees bent, helmet on, faceguard not so much.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

From Willie: (Kite + mountainboard = hilarous.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Ocean Frontiers: The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship,

Event Co-hosted by:
Onward Oregon, Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV), Bamboo Sushi, Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET), The Wetlands Conservancy, Sandy River Basin Watershed Council, Green Fire Productions, Damascus Fiber Arts School, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, Illahee, Milwaukie Understands Sustainable Transitions (MUST), We Love Clean Rivers, Willamette Riverkeeper and Audubon Society of Portland.

Details:
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
7:00-9:00pm (doors open 6:45pm)
Tickets $5 - http://bit.ly/OceanFrontiers
Hollywood Theatre
4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR

Twitter: @Ocean_Frontiers
Facebook: facebook.com/oceanfrontiers

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From Al: (Oh they don’t come with instructions?)

Click here to view the embedded video.

From Barry: (Well at least grass is softer than pavement.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

From Warren: (Some things are better left unseen.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

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NOLS Denali Expedition participants Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin, Chelesea Griffie, Philip Henderson, James Mills & Stephen Shobe

For the first time a team of African-American climbers is assembling to make a bid for the summit of the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali. To be lead by the National Outdoor Leadership School in 2013 this expedition aims to encourage minority youth to enjoy outdoor recreation as part of an active lifestyle as well as create a cadre of role models for careers in environmental protection.

Also known as Mount McKinley at 20,320 feet Denali is the highest physical point anyone can reach in the United States. And as a metaphor, this mountain also represents exactly what a person in this country can achieve, the literal height of ambition. Unfortunately far too few people of color in our nation are likely to attain it. But with a bold plan to achieve their lofty goal this group of adventurers aims to inspire a new generation to ascend beyond their life circumstances to accomplish something greater than themselves.

“For many of our NOLS grads the experience has been so meaningful to them that they went on to do great things,” said Aparna Rajagopal-Durbin diversity and inclusion manager at NOLS. “There are studies that show that being outside really changes your view on education and achievement.”

NOLS offers wilderness leadership training opportunities all over the world. But statistically there is a profound gap in rates of participation among African-Americans when it comes to spending time outdoors. As a percentage of the U.S. population blacks and other ethnic minorities engage in outdoor recreation far less frequently than whites. And as our population shifts to favor a non-white majority, as predicted to occur in 2042, organizations like NOLS are beginning to recognize the need to more actively encourage people of color to get involved.

“We’re not attracting a diverse demographic of students and our staff does not reflect the changing demographic of the U.S.,” said Rajagopal-Durbin. “It was a shock to me that we had 3 black instructors in a pool of several hundred instructors world-wide.”

Called ‘Expedition Denali: Inspiring Diversity in the Outdoors’ the NOLS project aims to create a high-profile event that will help to demonstrate the passion and opportunities that exist in the African-American community for climbing and hopefully prompt others to participate. Though not in itself a first ascent this expedition will be the latest in long succession of groundbreaking trips to the summit.

It’s not as if no one has ever climbed Denali before. In fact scores of people make it to the summit every year. Since Alaska native Walter Harper first climbed it in 1913, approximately12,000 individuals have seen the view from the top. In 1947 Barbara Washburn became to first woman on Denali’s peak. And over the last 100 years all manner of other ‘firsts’ have been achieved. But try to find a reference for the first African-American to summit Denali and you’ll be hard pressed to discover a single name.

To be fair the American Alpine Club doesn’t account for race when recording the successful summits of the world’s mountains. And the National Park Service as a federal agency does not collect that information when issuing permits. As a culture the mountaineering community perhaps best exemplifies the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. in which men and women are “judged not by the color of their skin but the content of their character.” And John Muir implied no restrictions of race when he said, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”

Roped together on a high peak the ancestry of one climber over another matters little when the line pulls tight in a fall and all that stands between life and death is the strength and skill of that person on the other end. So why then now should it matter if a single African-American in particular or for that matter an entire team ascends to the summit of Denali?

Charlie Crenchaw photo Ebony Magazine

At it’s core climbing has always been about firsts. The rush to plant a flag on the summit of big mountains had spurred the pride of nations around the world throughout the 20^th century. Even during our global military conflicts and the economic strife of the great depression men and women dreamed of escape to high places and the elemental reward of deliberately pitting their courage against the impartial tests of nature. In 1964, the same year the Civil Rights Amendment was signed into law, Charles Crenchaw, an aerospace administrative assistant from Seattle, became the first African-American to summit Denali. At a time when many people of color in the U.S. could neither vote nor travel freely, when segregation restricted rights of association and public gathering, this one man found freedom in climbing.

photo Ebony Magazine

Part of an 18-person team Crenchaw helped to make mountaineering history. The 1964 Mt. McKinley Expedition then claimed the largest party to reach the summit in a single day, 15 climbers including the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th women. It was also on this trip that the highest radiotelephone transmission was sent and received. Though accomplishments we may now take for granted these events were the steps necessary to get us where we are today and as they have been throughout all endeavors in our nation’s history African-Americans were there to play a role.

Almost 50 years later there are firsts that remain unaccomplished. Since Crenchaw first climbed Denali there have been other African-Americans to follow in his footsteps. But there has never been an expedition made up primarily of African-Americans climbers. And now that NOLS has taken on this particular challenge some will likely ask the cynical question, why does it matter?

“It matters because this is how you influence young people,” said Philip Henderson one of NOLS’ 3 African-American instructors. “Go to Everest and you’ll find the first Slovenian woman, the first Chinese woman, the first blind person, the first person with diabetes. And when it comes to the first African-American person and you ask who cares? It drives me to say, WE care.”

Those individuals who self identify with any particular group will inevitably define their goals and accomplishments based on those who came before them. Young people especially will model their behavior on those most like themselves and will mark their progress against the achievements of the previous generation if only to know how far they’ve come. And in the case of mountaineering with few role models to guide them many young African-Americans can’t even know where to begin.

photo Ebony Magazine

“I’m not going to say that I didn’t have mentors coming up because I did,” Henderson said. “But without role models, people who are like me who came from where I came from I had to pretty much figure it out by myself. And that’s a lonely place to be.”

The purpose of the NOLS Denali Expedition is to create a nurturing environment where people color can learn from those who came before them. Less important than the actual summit is the journey this team of climbers will take to get there, a route that those of similar backgrounds can emulate and follow. With the support and encouragement of a new community black climbers NOLS aims to inspire the next generation of young people to imagine themselves empowered with the knowledge that they are not alone and that there are no heights to which they cannot reach.

The Joy Trip Project is made possible with the support of sponsor Patagonia

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We have put together a list of shells to keep you dry and protected from the storm no matter how much icy snow and wintery mix pour on you. Plus they have smart designs and long lists of features that will make your mouth water. With one of these guys on your side, you’ll stay as dry as a bottle of Jack in a biker bar – guaranteed.

The North Face Varius Guide Jacket – Women’s

The Varius Guide Jacket has The North Face’s revolutionary HyVent polyurethane coating. This waterproof and breathable technology makes this shell an excellent choice for any active winter sport. It also features fully sealed seams, pit zip vents and an adjustable, removable drop hood with lower face protection.

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Mountain Hardwear Drystein Jacket – Men’s

No matter what the nature of your snowy romp, the waterproof Drystein Jacket will keep you completely dry from the inside out. It has Mountain Hardwear’s new technology called DryQ Elite, which moves heat and body moisture away from the body to the outer shell where it evaporates. It works before the body even starts to overheat unlike other shells that have to be wet inside for it to work. It’s also harness compatible with a helmet compatible hood and watertight pockets.

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Peak Performance Pure Jacket – Women’s

This alpine jacket features Peak Performance’s Packlite Gore-Tex material, which is both lighter and thinner than most Gore-Tex, making it a synch to bring with you. It’s also waterproof and breathable with articulated sleeves, pit zips and a one-hand adjustable hem.

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Marmot Alpinist Jacket – Men’s

This Gore-Tex jacket thrives in swirling snow and bitter conditions. Best used for climbing into thin air, it sports a three-layer construction that will be sure to keep you dry, period. It also has a list of technical features so long it will make your head spin. Some of them include taped seams, stretch articulation and a helmet compatible, gale force hood with a laminated wire brim.

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Patagonia Triolet Jacket – Women’s

This rugged shell is perfect for alpine climbing, mountaineering and backcountry skiing. It’s made from waterproof and breathable three-layer DWR-coated Gore-Tex but is low bulk, which means better performance and easier packing. The jacket also features watertight seams, an adjustable hood with a laminated visor and Patagonia’s Touch Point System, which makes it easy to adjust the hood and the hem quickly without opening the jacket.

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Columbia Peak 2 Peak Jacket – Men’s

This multi-sport jacket won an Outside Gear of the Year award for its amazing Omni-Dry technology. Omni-Dry is a waterproof and breathable air-permeable fabric that quickly transfers the moisture you generate out of the jacket. The best part is that 50% of the membrane is air so it weighs only 14 ounces. Whether backpacking or skiing, this jacket will keep you protected and moving with its adjustable storm hood, articulated elbows and fully taped seams.

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Outdoor Research Paladin Jacket – Women’s

This ultra-light shell is perfect for mountaineering and alpine trekking. It’s made from waterproof and breathable 30D Pertex Shield Fabric with fully taped seams and water resistant zippers. It also features an adjustable, helmet compatible hood with cord tunnels to keep the cord away from the face, a dual drawcord adjustable hem and hook/loop cuff closures.

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Check out 7 more Hi-Tech Hardshells on ActiveJunky.com

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Norton is aiming to be the first climber to complete the Triple Seven Summits – the three highest peaks on each continent – to help combat the world’s most pressing development needs: water and sanitation. His goal is to raise $2.1 million for the Denver-based non-profit Water For People and engage 2.1 million people in the global water and sanitation crisis. He’s calling the endeavor Challenge21.

Having already climbed six of the Challenge21 peaks — Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest, Cerro Aconcagua, Mount McKinley, Mount Stanley and Vinson Massif — El Pico de Orizaba marks his latest climbing success and one mountain closer to his final goal.

“Climbing the world’s great mountains has a huge amount of embedded drama and visibility… but, at the end of the day, usually the only people really gaining from a given climb are the climbers themselves. As both a professional climber and a husband and father, I knew I wanted to keep climbing, but also ensure it meant something, and had an impact far beyond myself. In short, I wanted to make sure I have a really good reason for spending months of my life away from my family, in faraway places, putting myself at risk… Challenge21 is the direct result of this desire,” Norton said.

Each climb includes a fundraising target, and an opportunity for people to donate funds directly to Water For People via Challenge21. This month, Live Worldly has teamed up with Challenge21 and Water For People to launch Climbing the Mountain to Clean Water Campaign. To learn more and donate, please visit Live Worldly’s website.

“By raising money and awareness, every step along the way brings us one step closer to addressing the world’s problem of clean water and adequate sanitation,” Norton said.

For Norton, the challenge is a family affair. His wife, Wende Valentine works with Water For People and helped to found Challenge21 last year.

“Unsafe water and sheer lack of sanitation in the developing world kills one child under the age of five every 30 seconds. As a mother of two children under the age of five, I imagine myself as one the mothers of the children who make up this staggering statistic and I feel more compelled than ever to break this extreme cycle of poverty that vastly differs from what we experience in the western world,” Valentine said. “Due to lack of infrastructure and poor programming over decades, basic human needs are simply not being met. Everyone can be a part of this massive global effort by becoming aware of these geographic disparities and by contributing towards lasting solutions through Water For People. Together we have a chance to make a measurable difference that can ultimately transform entire communities around the world and allow us to truly “live worldly”!

Eddie Bauer First Ascent and Vocus are also partners in this month’s climb.

The team is asking people to donate at the link here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Wearable cameras like GoPro have changed the way people share their adventures by allowing the audience to get a first-hand view of the action. Most people have the courtesy to edit the unnecessary production-related bits out of their videos. When they don’t, you are subject to…stupid GoPro faces.

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Here’s a fun, simple graphic that celebrates the history of rock climbing. It came across my desk courtesy of the folks at  JustRopes.com. Ultimately the graphic is a marketing endeavor (journalists, insert skin-crawling shudder here) but it’s a cool one in my opinion so I’m happy to share it.

I think the secret to a good promotional media campaign is for a retailer or brand to offer something that is actually valuable/interesting/entertaining of its own accord and simply take some credit for creating it. This graphic doesn’t attempt to sneak in any sales pitches for JustRopes and I wouldn’t have posted it if it had. Besides the small logo in the very bottom right-hand corner and a slight focus on rope over other climbing gear, you wouldn’t even know the company was behind it. The graphic has the simple, informative feel of a poster that could be collecting wads of chewing gum on a junior high school wall somewhere near the gymnasium. Who knows, maybe a teacher will see it online and ask the company to provide a copy to put in their school. Maybe you active media-savvy types will print out a few high-resolution copies and hang it on your kids’ walls. If the graphic gets one kid interested in climbing—even if it’s through learning about ropes, which he or she may eventually want to buy from JustRopes.com— it would be a successful campaign. Nice approach, JustRopes.

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The best video I’ve seen all morning. Here’s what the Youtube user who uploaded it has to say:

This is at the cafe inside the Memphis Zoo. The manager of the cafe told me that the alpha male monkey noticed me the second I walked in the door and started going crazy, because, as the alpha male, he feels threatened by tall males. So she told me to go stand by the window and turn my back on him and that he would “attack” me

Am I sick for thinking the best part is when the kid starts crying? Ha! This is the rise of the planet of the apes.

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