Happy Holidays!

With the holiday weekend now upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  The next week or so will be a quiet one for the most part, so I'm going to take the opportunity to shut things down around here until after the start of the new year. I'll be spending time with friends and family, relaxing, writing, and working on some projects, and of course getting outside a bit as well. Hopefully you'll be doing much the same.

If any major stories or pressing news breaks, I'll post an update. But, for the most part, don't expect any regular updates again until January 3. The day after that, I'm heading out to North Carolina for a little skiing, hiking, and fun in the snow, so regular posting probably won't resume until the week of January 8. Considering all of the things going on this time of year, you probably won't be spending too much time on the web anyway. Go out and pursue some of your own adventures in the interim.

Happy Holidays and here's to a fantastic 2018. Thanks for reading this blog and keeping me going year in and year out. I wouldn't be here without the support of those of you who drop by my humble little corner of the Internet from time to time.

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Backapcker Gives Us 13 Great Last Minute Holiday Gifts for Hikers

The clock is ticking on the 2017 holiday season, and Christmas is only a few days away now. If you're still scrambling to find the perfect gift for the outdoor lover in your life, Backpacker magazine is here to help with its picks for the 13 best last-minute gifts for the hikers.

The list is a good one, offering all kinds of suggestions. And with prices ranging from just $13, all the way up to $450, there truly is something for everyone here. Amongst the gear that makes the cut are an inflatable camping pillow from Klymit, a daypack from The North Face, and a solar charger from Revel. You'll also find jackets, socks, and other apparel, as well as a backpack for your dog.

Backpacker has put together an eclectic list here, with some really thoughtful items that many hikers wouldn't consider getting for themselves, but would love to have as a gift. Each of the items that made he cut are high quality and really useful in a variety of outdoor settings. They also come from top brands that we all know and love, making them easy to recommend as well.

If you're still wondering what you should buy the hiker on your list, don't panic. You still have a bit of time. But you might want to click here to see what Backpacker recommends just in case.

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GearJunkie Has a Gift Guide for the Outdoorswoman in Your Life

We've seen a lot of different holiday gift guides this season, including five that I wrote myself. But, most of those lists offer suggestions for the male outdoor enthusiast, with barely a mention of the daring and adventurous ladies in our life. GearJunkie has rectified this issue however, offering up their picks for gifts that the badass outdoorswoman will love.

Some of the very cool items making the list include Crescent Moon EVA All-Foam snowshoes, light hiking boots from Danner, and the new women's version of the Ventrix jacket from The North Face. Other items include a host of women-only gear, plus some stylish and fun products that just about everyone – male or female – will love. Some of those items include camp lights from Revel, a new tent from Fjallraven, and travel tumblers from S'well.

If you're still searching for a great gift for that awesome outdoorswoman in your life, this list will certainly provide some good options. Whether she's a hiker, camper, or adventure traveler, there are more than a few items here that she'd love to find under the tree this year.

Check out the entire list here.

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Men's Journal Presents the 20 Best Gifts for Adventurers

I may have shared my picks for the best holiday gifts for outdoor adventurers a few weeks back, but as we get closer to Christmas there are sure to be others. For instance, Men's Journal has posted its picks for the 20 best pieces of gear for the adventurer in your life, with some really great items we'd all like to find under our tree this year.
The list gets off to a rocky start – at least for me – by suggesting a rifle from Ruger, but I know plenty of people who wouldn't mind receiving that as a gift. Other items include awesome rain pants from Kuhl, iPhone cases from OtterBox, and a tent from Big Agnes, amongst plenty of other things. In fact, it is safe to say that pretty much whatever your favorite outdoor pursuits are, you'll find something you can use here, including a folding kayak from Oru and a waterproof duffel from Yeti (which also made my list!).

I won't spoil the rest of the items on the Men's Journal list as there is plenty to discover. Check out all of their picks by clicking here.

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Holiday Gifts for Under $50

After sharing gift ideas for hikers and backpackers, outdoor athletes, adventure travelers, and techies, I thought I'd round out the week with some suggestions for outdoor and travel gifts that are under $50. These items make great stocking stuffers or are fantastic pieces of gear that won't break the bank. Here are my picks.

Leatherman Sidekick ($50)
A good multitool is always a fantastic gift, and Leatherman's Sidekick is the perfect companion for hikers, backpackers, or anyone else who spends much time outdoors. Sporting 14 different tools, including multiple blades, a needlenose pliers, a bottle opener, saw, and even a ruler, the Sidekick is a full-blown toolbox that you can carry in your pocket. This is one of those gifts that will keep on giving, long after the holidays have come and gone.

Yeti Rambler Tumbler ($30)
Like all things made by Yeti, the Rambler tumbler is over engineered to survive in the outdoors. These stainless steel cups look great, are tough enough for use around the campsite or home, and will keep your drinks cold (or warm) for hours on end. The MagSlider lid even uses magnets to slide effortlessly into place, keeping drinks for accidentally spilling.

Lifeproof Lifeactív Charging Cables ($40)
Carrying USB cables with us to charge our devices is a fact of life these days, but often times the cables that come with our smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets don't survive the rigors of the road for very long. Lifeproof's new Lifeactív Cables are built for use in the outdoor however and are rugged and durable enough to take with you anywhere. Available in standard USB, USB-C, and Apple Lightning, these cords come with a protective lid that converts them into lanyards for easy stowing.


Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon Winter Cap ($36)
Winter caps don't come much warmer than Mountain Hardwear's Dome Perignon, which uses Polartec Windbloc fabrics to keep the wearer protected from the elements. Perfect for hiking, trail running, or climbing in cold conditions, this is a great addition to any outdoor lover's winter wardrobe.

The Muncher Multitool ($45)
The ultimate tool for use around the campsite, the Muncher is a spork, and so much more. Made from titanium, the Muncher includes a serrated butter knife, both a can and bottle opener, and a fruit and veggie peeler, It also comes with a fire starter, cord cutter, box cutter, a flathead screwdriver, and serves as a pry-bar too. In short, it's exactly what campers need when preparing and eating meals.

Hydro Flask 24 oz. Water Bottle ($35)
Hydro Flask practically invented the double-walled, vacuum sealed stainless steel beverage bottle, and the company's products remain some of the best on the market. The 24. ounce,  Standard Mouth model is perfect for toting along just about anywhere, whether that means running errands around town, hitting the trail for a hike, or flying halfway round the world on some crazy adventure. Available in an array of colors, this is a fantastic gift that keeps your adventurer hydrated wherever they go.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker ($25)
A good first aid kit is a must have for the outdoors, and no one makes better options than Adventure Medical Kits. The company's Mountain Series Hiker kit has everything you need to treat a wide variety of wounds and injuries, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, trauma pads, butterfly closures, and much, much more. All of the items fit neatly in a small, compact, and easy to carry bag that includes a handy map to tell you where to find everything in an emergency. It even comes with a guide for basic wilderness first aid too.

Swiftwick Socks ($13-$36)
Socks aren't always the sexiest of holiday presents, but when they perform like those made by Swiftwick, they'll be a major hit. The company makes socks for every kind of adventure, from trail running and cycling to hiking and travel. These socks are comfortable, breathable, and offer outstanding performance, while providing various levels of compression too. Chances are, if you love to do things outdoors, Swiftwick has a sock that for you.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Travel Cube Set ($40)
Staying organized while traveling has never been easier than with the Eagle Creek Pack-It Spectre Tech Travel Cube Set. These handy travel bags are translucent in color, making it easy to store important items, and see exactly where everything is at inside a backpack or luggage. The set includes an extra small, small, and medium sized cube, which use with two-way zippers and are made from DWR and stain resistant fabrics.

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A Holiday Shopping Guide for Hikers and Backpackers

We're now less than a month away from Christmas, and it is truly time to start thinking about the gifts you want to give to your favorite outdoor adventurer this year. To help out, I'll be producing a series of Gift Guides over the next few days, providing some suggestions for items we'd all like to find our our tree or in our stocking this holiday season.

Salewa Ultra Flex Mid GTX Hiking Boots ($189)
If your favorite hiker likes to go fast and light on the trail, without sacrificing comfort and support, the Salewa Ultra Flex Mid GTX speed hiking boot is the shoe for them. This boot feels like a running shoe on your foot and comes with a technical sole made by Michelin tires, providing a fantastic grip on a variety of surfaces. In terms of comfort and agility, it is really tough to to beat this awesome option from Salewa.

Osprey Aether AG 60 Backpack ($290)
Every hiker and backpacker needs a good pack to carry all of their gear with them out on the trail, and they don't come much better than Osprey's Aether AG 60. The pack is spacious, comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and adept at shouldering heavy loads. It's Anti-Gravity suspension is perfect for long days on the trail, while a slew of other features make this the perfect option for hiking the Appalachian Trail or making your way across Europe.

CamelBak Fourteener 20 Hydration Pack ($125)
On a day hike you don't need a pack as big as the Aether, but you sill want to carry extra gear, food, and water with you. On those outings, the CamelBak Fourteener 20 is a great choice. Lightweight, compact, and filled with pockets and storage areas to organize your gear, the Fourteener is just the right size for a day out on the trail. It even comes with a 3-liter hydration bladder to keep you refreshed while out on the trail.

The North Face Ventrix Jacket ($199)
Insulated jackets are common in the outdoor industry, so it takes something truly special to be able to stand out from the crowd. The Ventrix from The North Face is just that type of jacket. It is lightweight, comfortable, and warm. It is also form fitting and built for use in aerobic pursuits, including hiking, trail running, and climbing. Best of all, the Ventrix has a series of hidden venting points that allow excess heat and moisture to escape, while keeping the wearer plenty warm and dry at the same time.

Outdoor Research Echo Duo Shirt ($39)
Activewear has come a long way and now plays a crucial role in keeping us comfortable out on the trail. The Outdoor Research Echo Duo shirt is a perfect case in point. It is extremely comfortable, does a great job of wicking moisture, and allows the wearer to stay dry while hiking through the backcountry. It even looks great and doesn't cost an arm and a leg either.

Leki Micro Vario Ti Core-Tec Trekking Poles ($140)
A good set of trekking poles is something that every hiker can appreciate, whether they're just out for the day or plan on thru-hiking the entire PCT. For my money, Leki makes the best trekking poles in the business, and their Vario Ti Core-Tec models are a great blend of durability, affordability, and light weight.

Thorlo Outdoor Athlete Socks ($17)
A good pair of boots goes a long way to keeping our feet healthy and happy in the trails, but without the right socks, blisters and hotspots can ruin any hike. That's why a pair of Thorlo Outdoor Athlete socks are so special. They wick moisture away, allow our feet to breathe, and provide ankle and arch support too. All of that makes them a great option for hikers.

Smartwool PhD HyFi Gloves ($45)
Another lightweight, yet still high performance, product that hikers will love are the Smartwool PhD HyFi Training gloves. These gloves are plenty warm for active days on the trail, but now so thick and heavy that you'll wish you had brought something lighter. The thumbs and forefingers are compatible with touchscreens as well, making it easy to text and call without having to take them off.

Petzl Tikka Headlamp ($30)
The Petzl Tikka Headlamp has been around awhile, but it is a classic piece of gear in the truest sense of the word. Easy to use, lightweight, and water resistant, the Tikka can put out as much as 200 lumens of light on its brightest setting. Powered by either 3 AAA batteries or a USB rechargeable kit, this headlamp offers versatility and reliability no matter where you go.

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The 2017 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Outdoor Gear and Adventure Travel Deals Rundown

Here in the U.S. we are celebrating Thanksgiving today. It is a day to reflect, enjoy a much needed break, spend some time with our friends and family while eating a traditional meal. It is also the calm before the storm, as tomorrow marks the official start of the holiday shopping season with the arrival of Black Friday, which is closely followed by its online equivalent – Cyber Monday – next week. As usual, there are a number of major outdoor brands and adventure travel companies hosting significant deals, and I thought this would be a good time to share them.

So, without further adieu, here you go!

Gear Deals: 

• The North Face has already launched its sale, taking 40-60% off everything in its online outlet store and 25% off other select items. 
• Mountain Hardwear is running a Pre-Black Friday Sale with items at 25% off, with more undisclosed discounts to come heading into the weekend. 
• Columbia is also offering 25% off almost everything on its site and customers who spend $125 get $30 gift cards too. 
• Under Armour is running sales of up to 40% off select items all weekend long making it a good time to stock up on fitness and workout gear. 
• Goal Zero's sale doesn't officially start until tomorrow, but you can get a preview of what to expect by clicking here. Shoppers will find a number of items on sale at good prices, including substantial savings on Yeti Power Stations, Nomad solar panels, and more.
• Outdoor gear manufacturer Kathmandu has all of its gear on sale for 30% off for Black Friday.
• Sunski sunglasses is offering up to 35% off its entire stock for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On Giving Tuesday prices will return to normal, but 25% of revenue will go to a select charity as part of 1% for the planet. 
• Otterbox is offering 25% off select products, including their awesome Venture Coolers, which are seldom discounted. 
• Leatherman has a variety of promotions including 50% select multitools, 20% off its Skeletools, Wingman, and Sidekick lines, and $50 gift cards with orders of $300 or more.
• LifeProof has its rugged smartphone cases on sale for 25% off (excludes iPhone X) and has doorbuster sales on a variety of other items. Customers who buy a case will also get 50% off a LIFEACTIV accessory. 

• Crua Outdoors is running a "November Sale" with 20% off everything. Use promo code NS20 to save on their fantastic tents. 
• Forsake has all of its active footwear on sale for 25% off for the weekend, and in December it will offer free shipping. 
• Pacsafe has shared a discount code for 15% off the entire site. Use GIVETHX17 at checkout. Other items are on sale for as much as 60% off. 
• Snow Peak is crushing it with 50-60% off its closeout deals. This company sells absolutely everything and is great place to find unique gifts. 
• Lifestraw has all of its water-filtering products on sale for 30% off for the entire weekend as well, making it a good time to pick up one of their 2-stage filtration systems. 
• Starting tomorrow, Stio has 30% many of its products and free shipping. For the first time the company will include its Environ Collection. On Cyber Monday the company will also add an additional 10% (up to 40% in total) off select items as well. 
• Vibe Kayaks will have discounts on practically everything on its website starting tomorrow and running through Monday. They'll even offer free shipping on kayaks and trailers too. 
• Grand Trunk Travel Goods will have absolutely everything on sale on Cyber Monday at 25% off. 
• Travel gear and bag designer Lander has put everything on sale for 30% off. Additionally, if you sign up for their free advantage program you'll receive an additional 10% on orders too. And if that wasn't enough, all orders of $50 or more will receive a free Apple Lightning charging cable. 
• For those who like to fast and light in the backcountry, Hyperlite Mountain Gear is offering a 20% discount on their fantastic backpacks, apparel, and gear. 
• 686 will also be launching a Black Friday sale with substantial discounts across a wide variety of products. 

Travel Deals:

• Intrepid Travel is offering 15% off every trip it is very extensive catalog on all departures between February 1 and September 30 2018. The sale is already underway and runs through November 30. Intrepid offers Kilimanjaro climbs, Everest Base Camp Treks, and countless other great adventures. 
• Adventure Canada is offering a 15% discount on its 11-day North Atlantic Saga, taking travelers from Scotland to the Faroe Islands to Iceland, or alternatively its 11-day Newfoundland Circumnavigation journey when booked between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 
• Liftopia is giving customers a little something extra when they get their lift tickets through the site on Cyber Monday. If you spend $100 you'll get a gift card for $115, $150 gets you $175, and spending $200 results in a card worth $250, which is a 25% bonus. 
• Voyages of Antiquity is offering discounts on several of its adventure cruises, including visit to Greece, Italy, and other parts of Europe. All discounts will go live on November 24 and can be found here. 
• Xanterra Parks and Resorts has a slew of discounts available for a variety of national park trips, guided tours, adventure cruises, hotel stays, and more. Those deals will go live on Cyber Monday, so watch this page for updates.
• Fiji Airways is offering a sale on flights to the island paradise that runs from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, with tickets to not only Fiji, but also Australia and New Zealand, costing $799 roundtrip. Click here to book your flight.
• Planning on visiting Park City for some skiing this winter? The resort will have a Cyber Monday sale that will see rates starting as low as $97/night. Also, if you book a 3 night stay, they'll even throw in a $300 travel voucher for Delta Airlines. Get the details here.
• Hotels.com has already launched its sale, which will run through Cyber Monday. Travelers who book through the site are eligible for as much as a 50% savings on room rates. 
• The Four Seasons Resort Oaho at Ko Olina is offering guests a fourth night free when they book three consecutive nights stays, with an option to upgrade to suite and receive a $400 resort credit. Reservations can be made here on Cyber Monday. 
• Banyan Tree Lang Co in Vietnam is offering 35% discounts on room rates. Use the code "CyberMonday" when booking. That same code works for similar discounts at Angsana Lang Co hotel, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and Banyan Tree Bangkok as well. 

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Happy Thanksgiving! (and #OptOutside)

Just a quick note to wish all of The Adventure Blog readers from the U.S. a Happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully you'll all be enjoying some great food and beverages, not to mention quality time with the family, over the next few days. This is a good opportunity to rest, relax, and prepare for the final month of the year as well as the busy holiday season ahead.

A couple of items of note. First, the blog will be most quiet the rest of the week. I plan on publishing a round-up of some of the top outdoor gear and adventure travel deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sometime in the next day or two, but other than that I intend to enjoy a bit of down time myself to spend time with friends and family and concentrate on some other projects. Don't look for any major updates until the start of next week.

Also, for the third year in a row all of the REI stores will be closed on Black Friday, which really isn't much of a story anymore. But, the company's continued push to get us all to #OptOutside instead remains an inspiring and fun way to spend the day after Thanksgiving. I would like to take this opportunity to do the same and encourage anyone reading this to head out on an adventure this Friday. Go for a hike. Take a bike ride. Go camping. Do any of the outdoor things that you love. In the end, you'll be happy you did, and chance are the crowds won't be anything like what they are at the stores. There is still plenty of time to go holiday shopping. Have some fun instead!

See you next week!

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Cairn is the Subscription Box Service for the Outdoor Adventurer

Now that November is here, some of you have no doubt already started to think about your holiday shopping lists. If you count an outdoor adventurer amongst your loved ones, you have probably wracked your brain main times trying to figure out what exactly they want. This year, why not make it easier on yourself and buy them a subscription to Cairn, a gift that keeps on giving all year long.

Cairn is a monthly (or quarterly) subscription service that ships a box filled with gear, snacks, apparel, directly to the subscriber's door. Those boxes contain all kinds of different items, including gear, snacks, clothing, and other items that come in handy in our favorite outdoor pursuits.

The monthly subscription box costs $29.95, but comes with items valued at more than $50, while the quarterly box will set you back $249.95, but is guaranteed to have products that are worth more than $300 . Some of the things that have appeared in the box include travel bags from Eagle Creek, jackets from Marmot, Clif bars, and dozens of other items from well known outdoor brands.

Recently, I received a box from Cairn that included some fun products. For instance, my sample package came with a hammock from Serac and included the TreeHugger straps to connect it to trees. I also received a some insect repellant wipes from Natrapel, and a new protein bar from Clif. Everything came neatly packed and organized in a Cairn box, with a nicely designed newsletter to share information about all of the products. Judging from what I received, I'd say everything was worth about $80 or so, making it a real bargain.

Part of the fun the Cairn subscription is that you never know what you're doing to get each month. You know that it is designed for use in the outdoors, and chances are it will be something you can put to good use, but their is real joy in opening up to discover what is inside. That joy is something that can be spread out all year round, making it a great gift for the upcoming holidays. And, if you buy a 6 or 12 month subscription, you'll receive a discount as well.

Find out more at gocairn.com.

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138. Sun in Sozopol

If you're wondering why I've been quiet, it's because last week we pootled off to Sozopol for a little break with my family, and this week I've been generally readjusting to non-holiday life. Last week I was rolling out of bed and into the pool before eating a lovely cooked breakfast. This week I've been rolling out of bed and trying not to trip over any cats before eating, if I'm lucky, a boiled egg while hunched over my keyboard. Glam.

Here are some pics from beautiful, sunny Sozopol.

Our lovely villa...

View of the sea from the pool. We saw dolphins on our last day. (I mean, I wasn't that excited by the dolphins because, personally, I find them creepy and am pretty sure they're evil. But the fact that we saw dolphins seems like the sort of holiday anecdote you should tell.)

Nifty outdoor seating area.

And, OH MY GOD, I have to tell you about the bonkers, bonkers, batshit crazy, bonkers Ravadinovo Castle...

Yes, it's a newly built Bavarian castle. In Bulgaria. We were greeted at the entrance by a King who told us it was 'tradition' to have our picture taken with him so we could buy it for 5 leva as we left. They even put it on a fridge magnet. 

I mean, they really went to town on the place. Sadly, you can't go inside as it's still being built.  But I cannot WAIT to go back one day and see what they do to the interior. I'm picturing Camelot crossed with Posh and Becks' wedding. You?

I can't tell you how much I loved it there.

They even had real (and very sharp) weapons left lying around for visitors to play with.

This is the Grecian bit, obviously. Look, you should just go. It's the best 10 leva I ever spent in my life.

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Happy Holidays From The Adventure Blog

It is that time of year again! I want to take this opportunity to with each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays in general. I'm not really sure where 2016 went, but it has come and gone in a blink of an eye, with so many amazing and fantastic experiences along the way. Hopefully it was a year filled with adventure for you, with plenty of inspirations for 2017 as well. 

Now that we're heading into the holiday weekend, I wanted to share a bit about the schedule for The Adventure Blog moving forward. Next week we'll enjoy a bit of downtime to celebrate with friends and family, so expect very few updates between Christmas and New Year. I'll share any major stories that might arise, but for the most part daily updates will be at a minimum. 

I'll return in the first week of January to get things going once again, but even then there may be a limited posting schedule. During that week, Adventure Blog World Headquarters will be relocating to a more permanent location, so there could be a bit of transition to undergo while that happens. Immediately after that, I'll be flying off to Salt Lake City for the Winter Outdoor Retailer Convention, where a host of new gear will be on display. I'll have more about that as we get closer to the day however, but expect the usual reports on what I see and learn about on social media and here on this blog. 

For now, just go and enjoy the holiday season. And get ready for an exciting year to come.

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Video: Polaris RZR and Brantley Gilbert Bring Holiday Cheer to Veterans

With Christmas just a few days away at this point, it's hard not to share some of the more heartwarming stories we've come across recently, and this one definitely falls into that category. Below we have a video put together by Polaris RZR and featuring country singer Brantley Gilbert, who came together with the Disabled American Veterans organization to make the dreams of three families come true. The families – each of which has a disabled vet as part of the group – were brought in under the guise of helping to film a promo video for Polaris. But, it turns out they got quite a surprise that they'll no doubt remember for a lifetime. Check it out below.

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10 Last Minute Travel Gift Suggestions from The Adventure Blog

Christmas is now in sight and the clock is most definitely ticking. If you find yourself still scrambling to find the perfect gift for the adventure traveler or outdoor enthusiast on your holiday shopping list this year, we have some suggestions for what they might like. Here are 10 list minute gifts that are sure to make them happy, all of which are under $100.

Ledlenser SEO 7R Headlamp
Every outdoor adventurer can use a good headlamp, and Ledlenser's SEO 7R is one of the best I've seen in awhile. Powered by either a rechargeable battery pack or standards AAA batteries, this lamp is capable of putting out as much as 220 lumens and is built to be water resistant too. It is comfortable to wear, lightweight, great for travel, and comes with a 5 year warranty as well. Price: $90

Dog & Bone LockSmart Travel Bluetooth Padlock
Keeping your valuables safe and secure while on the road can be a challenge, but Dog & Bone's LockSmart Travel high-tech padlock can help. This Bluetooth enabled lock connects to your smartphone for keyless unlocking from anywhere in the world. It also has location tracking properties and is TSA compliant, meaning you can place it on your bad and not worry about nefarious individuals gaining access to your belongings. Price: $59.95

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
Everyone can use a good water bottle of course, but the LifeStraw Go isn't just a handy way to stay hydrated, it also features a two-stage filtration system that removes 99.99% of all harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that could be lurking in water. This makes it a great choice for both backcountry excursions and travelers who might be visiting countries where finding clean drinking water might be a challenge. Price: $49.95

Power Practical Luminoodle Plus Camp Lighting System
Keep the campsite well lit with a Luminoodle light rope from Power Practical. Flexible and waterproof, these lights are easy to hang in a tent, on branches, or just about anywhere else you need them, delivering 180 lumens of light without blinding anyone in the process. The Luminoodle Plus kit comes complete with a 5-foot set of lights and a 4400 mAh battery to keep them powered on. Price: $39.95

Global Entry
Frequent travelers know how long it takes to get through security lines at the airport, and customs when returning to the country when traveling abroad. But a Global Entry membership from the Transportation Security Administration lets them bypass those bottlenecks quickly and efficiently. The process does require an interview and a bit of a wait time, but it is worth it. Price: $100

Champion Duofold THERMatrix Baselayers
Baselayers are always handy no matter what outdoor activities your favorite adventurer is into. They provide the first line of defense in keeping us warm and dry in the backcountry, and are an indispensable part of any gear closet. Champion makes high quality baselayers that are also affordable and good looking too. Price: $23.99

Yaktrax Cabin Socks
Soft and warm, the Yaktrax Cabin Socks just might be the most comfortable sock your outdoor lover will ever put on his or her feet. If the cold chill of winter is leaving their toes a bit chilly, get them a pair of these to help them recover. They are so comfortable (and affordable!) that you'll even want a pair for yourself. Price: $12.99

Stacked iPhone Wireless Charging System
For the traveler looking for a convenient way to keep their iPhone charged while on the road, the Stacked wireless charging system is a godsend. Modular in design, this iPhone case uses powerful magnets to connect with chargers, portable battery packs, and a handy car mount that is fantastic for navigating on long road trips. Buy the Stacked bundle for $99.99 or individual pieces as needed.

Dry Guy Warm 'n Charge
The cold weather isn't just hard on our bodies, it's hard on the batteries in our electronic devices too. That's why Dry Guy invented the Warm 'n Charge, a battery operated hand warmer that is also capable of recharging a smartphone too. The device uses a 4400 mAh battery for up to five hours of warming or two phone charges. Price: $40

Stanley Pocket Steel Adventure Flask
Let's face it, we all like to rough it in the woods on occasion, but that doesn't mean we have to be completely uncivilized. The Pocket Flask from Stanley is a lightweight and compact way to carry a little extra something into the backcountry with us for those celebrations when you bag a peak or are just toasting to your good fortune. Price: $18

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Outside Gives Us 20 Stocking Stuffers for $20 or Less

With a little more than a week to go until Christmas, our shopping days are running short. Hopefully you've wrapped up all of your gift buying for the season, but if not, Outside magazine is here to help. The staff there has compiled a great list of 20 stocking stuffers for under $20 that any outdoor enthusiast is sure to love. 

With 20 items to choose from, I wouldn't think of giving away everything on the list. But, there are some really great suggestions for those still struggling to find the perfect gift, or are simply looking to add one more item that won't break the bank. Amongst the things that Outside recommends are a classic Swiss Army Knife from the folks at Victorinox for just $17, running socks from Balega for $8, and a new Nalgene bottle, which start as low as $3.50. Other options include traction cleats from Yaktrax ($14), a travel pillow from Therm-a-rest ($12), and a classic Petzl Tikka headlamp for $20. 

A lot of the items on this list are things that active outdoor athletes use all the time and will appreciate receiving in their stocking. Many are thoughtful items that most gift-givers wouldn't think about picking out for the people on their list, which makes them all the more special to the person receiving it. I can't speak for everyone, but I'd personally rather have a utilitarian gift that I can actually use than an item that just doesn't suit my needs. Of course, it's always the thought that counts, but it is very nice to get things that we actually want too. 

If you're looking for a few last minute ideas on what to pick out for someone, check out all of Outside's suggestions by clicking here. 

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31 Last-Minute Outdoor Gift Ideas from National Geographic

Still wondering what you should get that outdoor and adventure lover on your list this holiday season? Are you starting to stress out as time begins to run short? Never fear, because National Geographic is back today with yet another extensive list, this time providing 31 gift ideas to help us get outside more.

As you can imagine, this particular list is filled with some wonderful suggestions for outdoor gear that your adventurer is sure to love. For instance, you'll find the Rumpl Down Puffy blanket on the list – which is something I recommended in my holiday shoppers guide a few weeks back. Nat Geo also recommends The North Face ThermoBall Hooded Parka for the ladies, as well as Smartwool's awesome mountaineering socks, which were created in conjunction with Conrad Anker. Other items that get the nod also include Osprey's Raptor 14 hydration pack, Gear Aid camp lights, and the GoPro Hero 5 camera.

All in all, this is a really diverse list of gear with suggestions for just about every kind of activity or outdoor gear lover. Whether they enjoy hiking, biking, running, or travel, there are plenty of suggestions on what gifts to buy this year. Check out the full list by clicking here.

I'm working on my own last minute shopping guide as well with even more suggestions for what to get your favorite adventurer. Look for that in a couple of days, hopefully with enough time to round out your shopping before Christmas.

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Happy New Year From The Adventure Blog

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you all for dropping by my little corner of the Internet from time to time to see what is happening in the world of adventure. Hopefully 2015 will be filled with all kinds of opportunities to put more adventure to your lives as well.

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Anchored down in Anchorage

I arrived in Anchorage late on Christmas Eve night. In fact, with the three hour gain, my body time was Christmas. It had been almost four years since last coming home, but walking into the house I'd first moved into before the 6th grade felt almost routine.

Christmas day was one of the best ever. Very few presents - I bought the wine for dinner, we all got socks, but Mom bought a Wii for the house, and I found out my brother had quit smoking! An old family friend came over to eat with us, and we had lots of good wine over prime rib and uproarious conversation, before heading downstairs to play a few hours of Wii tennis and bowling.

The backyard:



Today Mom and I went skiing on the truly world-class network of urban trails that Anchorage residents enjoy. My stepdad's wooden skis, handmade in Norway, are probably older than me but with the appropriate wax applied, they glide along just as well as the high-end composite models.

Madison Way at high noon in December - that's looking straight north (the sun never really gets above the southern horizon this time of year):



Just a right and a left turn and three-quarters of mile from the house is the access point to Chester Creek Trail:



One of the many underpasses on the ski trails in Anchorage:



We stopped at West Chester Lagoon, near the head of the Coastal Trail, and watched the ice skaters:



Long story short? Keep your distance:



A view of Cook Inlet and Mt. Susitna (Sleeping Lady) from the Anchorage Coastal Trail:



Informational sign at Earthquake Park, where the entire neighborhood of Turnagain Heights slid into Cook Inlet during the March 27, 1964 Earthquake. At 9.2 on the Richter Scale, it was the largest seismic event ever recorded in North America:



At Earthquake Park:



Downtown Anchorage from the Coastal Trail:



Needs no further explanation:



Three hours and 11.5 miles, it was a great workout. We are about to enjoy some leftovers from last night - I am starving - and then my brother and I are headed downtown to meet up with some high school friends we've not seeing in quite a long time over some beers.

Until tomorrow...

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