Eric Larsen Tells Us How to Survive a Winter Camping Trip

Winter camping isn't for everyone. You have to be well prepared for the cold temperatures, bring plenty of food and water, and not mind being huddled in a tent when conditions take a turn for the worse. If anyone know how to survive in the cold for an extended period of time, it is probably Eric Larsen, who has skied to both the North and South Pole amongst his various expeditions into the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet. Recently, Larsen shared some tips for winter camping with Men's Journal, providing some insights on how to do it right.

In the article, Eric offers some good recommendations for how we can all get more accustomed to spending time outdoors in cold conditions. For instance, he shares his tips for dressing in layers, he tells us why it is important to keep our extremities warm, and why we need to eat and drink more regularly too. He also tells us how to stay warm at night, keep our important electronics functioning, what gear you need to bring, and much, much more.

Whether you're a complete beginner to the idea of winter camping or you're experienced veteran, chances are you'll learn a thing or two from this article. Very few people know more about traveling through remote areas in extreme cold than Larsen, and he offers up plenty of invaluable tips for staying healthy and happy on a winter expedition. Keep in mind, backcountry winter camping for Eric is still a far cry from the weather he faced when going to the poles, which is an entirely different level of challenge.

Check out all of the great tips, gear, and information that he shares here.

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Men's Journal Presents the 25 Most Adventurous Men of the Past 25 Years

Men's Journal has released another interesting article that is sure to spur some heated conversation. This time out, the magazine has posted its selection for the 25 most adventurous men of the past 25 years, making their picks based not only on the amazing feats that these men managed to pull off, but also their "consistency and commitment" for taking on big adventures. Also, as the name of the article implies, these gentleman have been mostly active over the past two-and-a-half decades, which has led to some big names potentially being left of the list. Even still, while those that made the cut are obviously deserving of some serious recognition, I can think of at least one or two names that didn't make the cut that would certainly have been on my own personal list.

As usual, I'll leave the bulk of the list for you to discover on your own, but will mention a few of the more familiar names that you'll find there. Not only did Conrad Anker earn a place amongst the top 25, his buddy Jimmy Chin is on the list too. Their joined by the likes of Alex Honnold, Eric Larsen, and Erik Weihenmayer as well. 

All of the entries on the list include a profile of the individual with a few paragraphs explaining why they deserved a mention. In some cases there is a break down of their defining expeditions and moments, while for others it is an overview of their entire career. All told, the article serves as a good introduction for these men, most of whom are still very active today. 

It is obviously very difficult to break down a list such as this one and select just 25 people to put on it. I'm sure there was a group of explorers and adventurers who didn't make the cut that are impressive in their own right. But, I was surprised to not find Ueli Steck on the list, as he redefined what was possible in the mountains over the length of his career. Kilian Jornet didn't make the cut either, nor did Simone Moro, who has four first winter ascents of 8000-meter peaks on his resume. Of course there isn't room for everyone in the top 25, but Ueli's omission is puzzling in particular. 

Still, it is hard to argue with the guys who are on MJ's list. They are all inspirational men who have pushed boundaries in their respective areas. To find out who did earn a spot in the rundown, click here. 

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Want to Become a Polar Explorer? Apply for this Scholarship to Learn From Eric Larsen!

Over the past month or so, I've been writing extensively about the unfolding expedition season down in Antarctica. As I write this, adventurous men and women are making their way across the frozen continent on skis while pulling sleds filled with supplies and gear behind them as they go. Some are headed to the South Pole, other are traversing to different places, but they are all crossing one of the most dramatic, demanding, and spectacular wildernesses on the planet. If you've ever dreamed of doing that same thing, then I definitely have a tip for you.

In January of 2018, polar explorer Eric Larsen will be conducting a Level 1 Polar Training course to help others follow in his footsteps. The course will be held on Lake Winnipeg in Canada and will consist of a week of intense training that will help you to become more adept at winter travel or even prepare you for your own journey to the North or South Pole.

The course will consist of three days of indoor training, which in turn leads to four days of practical experience out in the field. Students will actually embark on a traverse around Lake Winnipeg in conditions that will replicate those found near the poles. They'll travel on skis, pull their sleds, sleep in tents, and learn every aspect of what it is like to survive in arctic conditions.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, you can actually apply for a scholarship to attend the program. Allied Feather & Down and Helly Hansen have teamed up to give one lucky recipient the chance to travel to Lake Winnipeg to take part in the course, which is taught by Eric himself. The scholarship covers all the costs, including required gear, travel expenses, course fees, and more.

You can find out a lot more about the training program – including a full itinerary – by clicking here. And if this sounds like something you'd like to take part in, you can apply for the scholarship by clicking here.

If you've ever had dreams of skiing to the South Pole but weren't sure how to get your expedition off the ground, this course will certainly put you on track. You'll not only come away with some valuable skills for use in polar conditions, you'll also get the chance to learn from a guy who has spent a lot of time in very cold places. This will be the chance of a lifetime for some lucky adventurer and I'll definitely be jealous of whomever gets the opportunity.

Find out more here.

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Video: Mountain Biking with Eric Larsen

After spending 53 days this past spring traveling to the North Pole on foot, I'd say polar explorer Eric Larsen has earned a little down time. In this video, he takes advantage of some time off to go mountain biking in Colorado near Crested Butte, a spectacular place to hit the trail if there ever was one. The ride looks like a fun one, with enough speed to provide some adrenaline, without becoming overly technical on the descent. Just what you need some days when all you want to do is get on your bike and go. Lovely.

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