A fire lookout tower on top of a mountain in the state of Washington isn't usually the place where you'd expect a wedding to be held. But that is exactly where Devin and Brendan Cleary exchanged their vows. In this video, you'll join the couple on their special day, which looks like it was an amazing experience. There is apparently a trend towards "adventure weddings" that some couples are choosing to pursue, and this is an example of just such an outing. It is certainly a memorable way to tie the knot.
Showing posts with label Outside Magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outside Magazine. Show all posts
Outside Magazine Presents the 2018 Bucket List
There are numerous amazing adventures that were selected to be a part of this list, all chosen by travel experts who contribute to Outside. Their suggestions include everything from staying in eco-friendly cabins in New Zealand to going Gorilla spotting in Uganda. The list includes options to hike, bike, paddle, and surf in some of the most breathtaking places in the world. There are options to go fishing, camping, and commune with nature, and there is even one trip that will send you off to a completely unknown destination.
Of course, I won't spoil everything that Outside recommends, as discovering what suggestions made the cut is part of the fun. Needless to say, pretty much every type of traveler will find something intriguing here, with some completely new options that you may not have even considered before.
All of the entires on the bucket list include a paragraph that describes why this is an amazing excursion. There is also information on how to do the individual trips that offers links to a tour provider and a price. Some of the itineraries are very affordable, while others will require a bit larger budget, but all of them are very approachable.
Check out the entire 2018 Outside Bucket List here.
Outside Presents 8 Adventurers Who Changed the World
As you can imagine, the list is filled with distinguished and very worthy outdoor athletes, some of which have become household names. There are also several whose exploits we cover regularly here at The Adventure Blog as well, including the likes of Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, and Jeb Corliss. Beyond that, I won't say too much about who else earned a spot on Outside's list, but it is safe to say that there are some true legends here.
Narrowing down the list of iconic adventurers to just 8 couldn't have been easy. Personally, I can think of at least a half-dozen other men and women I would have put on here in addition to the ones that are named. But, it is safe to say that these athletes have certainly had an impact on the world of outdoor adventure, breaking new ground in their various fields of endeavor while also pushing boundaries in ways that we may not have ever considered before.
To read the entire article and find out who made the list – and why – click here.
Outside Gives Us 100 Things to Do This Winter
To help us make the most of the season ahead, Outside magazine – working in conjunction with Columbia Sportswear – has published a guide for things to do and places to go during the colder months ahead. The story is called 100 Days of Winter, which is ironic since winter isn't even 100 days long, and is filled with suggestions on how you can embrace the cold and the snow to have the best winter ever.
Some of the suggestions that make the list include going camping in the snow, riding your bike in poor conditions on purpose, and take a polar plunge in a cold lake or river. Outside breaks down each of the activities by providing suggested dates to undertake them, and offers options based on locations across the U.S. too. Each entry on the list can also be conveniently shared to social media or email, and has an option to add the event to your calendar too. Reader's can even build their own personal lists of the things they want to do most, with festivals, outdoor events, winter races, and more to choose from.
Too often I hear people say that it is too cold to be outside or they don't enjoy their favorite activities during the winter. As I've said many times on this blog, having the right gear can make a world of difference. If you invest in a proper layering system, grab a good pair of winter boots, and embrace everything the season has to offer, I think you'll find it is just as rewarding – if not more so – to be outdoors in the winter. The solitude alone is usually worth the effort.
Check out Outside's entire list of winter activities here.
Outside Presents the 2018 Winter Gear Buyer's Guide
The guide itself is broken up into individual sections that cover layers, ski and snowboards, fitness, and essentials, which covers things like packs, helmets, and other snow-sport specific gear. Each of those sections is further broken down into subcategories, with things like the best jackets and the best base and midlayers found under the layers heading, while the best running shoes and cold weather workout gear is found under fitness.
All told, there are literally dozens of gear items to sift through on the list, including suggestions for the perfect skis, snowboards, and snowshoes, as well as goggles, helmets, and camera equipment too. You'll find the best choices for gloves, the top picks for winter camping gear, and even the best winter fat bikes. In other words, everything you need to survive and thrive in winter weather.
If you're in need of some gear for your cold weather adventures, check out the Outside 2018 Winter Buyer's Guide now.
Video: What You Need to Get Started Car Camping
Last week we shared a video from Outside magazine that offered the 7 things you need to get started in backpacking. This week, the Outside team is back to show us how to get started with car camping instead. While hiking into remote backcountry is always amazing, sometimes camping with a few extra luxuries is nice too. That's what car camping is all about, and to see how its done, check out the video below.
Video: The 7 Things You Need to Get Started in Backpacking
Want to get started in backpacking but not sure where to begin? Why not let the experts at Outside magazine help? In this video, columnist Bryan Rogala will not only tell you about all of the gear you'll need for your first backpacking trip, he'll also show you how to pack it all in your pack before you go. The video is extremely informative and well done, and even veteran backpackers might pick up a tip or two.
Outside Picks the Most Innovative Gear of 2017 (So Far!)
You'll find a little of everything on this list, ranging from gear for skiers and cyclists to runners and surfers too. Some of the gear that earns a spot on Outside's "most innovative" run down include Columbia's OutDry Ex Eco Jacket, which is almost entirely of recycled materials, and Altra's Torin IQ running shoes, which has embedded sensors to track all kinds of data about our running styles. There is even a smartwatch from Samsung on the list, as well as a versatile backpack from The North Face.
Were I picking my most innovative gear of the year, I would probably add a few more gadgets to the list. For instance, recently I've been testing the Gnarbox, which is a mobile editing station for photos and video, that was built for the backcountry. It's a pretty handy device for those of us who live on the road quite a lot. I've also been impressed with some of the high-tech lanterns that have come out of the outdoor industry as well, many of which not only provide light for the campsite, but do a host of other things too.
To check out the rest of Outside's most innovative list, click here.
The Story Behind Vanessa O'Brien's Summit of K2
In the article we learn that in addition to struggling with usual challenges of the climb, which include extremely poor weather, technical ascents, as well as heavy snow and ice, Vanessa also had several injuries to deal with as well. In addition to having shoulder surgery prior to leaving for Pakistan, she also had an injured knee and a fractured sacrum. Those nagging pains would make the climb all that much more challenging, although she persevered through them nonetheless.
The article also goes into Vanessa's story, which is an inspiring one to say the least. At one point in her life, she was working in the fast paced, cutthroat world of high finance, but wasn't exactly feeling fulfilled with her career. So, she quit her job at Morgan Stanley and set off on a different path, completing the Explorer's Grand Slam – summiting Everest and skiing to the North and South Pole – in record time. She also added five other 8000-meter peaks to her resume, while summiting K2 on her third attempt.
By reaching the top of K2, Vanessa also became the oldest woman to ever complete that climb, and by virtue of holding a dual passport, the first British woman to do so as well. But that's just part of her story, and there is much more to tell, including what she would like to do next. While dreams of climbing mountains have occupied her time in recent years, she has other ambitions too, with perhaps finding a way to reach the lowest place on the planet as well.
Read the entire Outside article here.
Video: 10 Female Adventure Icons Tell Outside About The Moment That Shaped Them
Outside magazine put ten of the most inspiring, impressive, and adventurous women of all time on its May cover, giving readers a chance to learn what drives them in their particular arena. Those ladies included the likes of Lindsey Vonn, Diana Nyad, and Melissa Arnot, and if you haven't had a chance to read the issue yet, I highly recommend it. In this video, we get to meet these ladies once again, while each of them shares with viewers the moment that shaped their lives. For a daily dose of inspiration, check it out below.
Video: Outside Presents the Gear You Need for the Ultimate Car Camping Experience
We all like to go camping deep in the backcountry from time to time, but it is also nice to gather up some friends and head out somewhere more accessible too. A good car camping experience is always more comfortable and affords us some extra luxuries as well. To that end, Outside magazine has created this video that shares their picks for the best gear for the perfect car camping excursion. If you like to be out in nature, but don't always want to "rough it" completely, this is the equipment you need.
The 40 Most Iconic Places on the Planet According to Outside
To earn a spot on the list these places must be "significant, beautiful, and terrifying destinations that loom large in our imaginations." Once you get a look at the list, I'm sure you'll agree that the places that made the cut fit that description. For instance, the mountain bikers will appreciate the inclusion of the Slick Rock Trail in Moab, Utah, while surfers will find that Maverick's has made the list as well. These two spots wouldn't make the average person's list most likely, as many would not have even heard of them. But for the Outside crowd, the certainly loom large.
Other destinations that have captured the hearts and minds of outdoor enthusiasts, would-be adventurers, and explorers include Chris McCandless' bus in Alaska, Heartbreak Hill from the Boston Marathon, and Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley, which holds a special place for multiple generations of climbers.
I won't spoil the entire list. In fact, the ones that I've mentioned are some of the first that you'll find as you begin to scroll through the webpage. But needless to say, this is a great read that will bring back fond memories, inspire future adventures, and leave you plotting an escape to visit these destinations for yourself. This is a list that lives up to its name, and it is as diverse and varied as you can imagine.
Grab yourself a beverage and a snack, get comfortable in your chair, and sit back and savor this one. It is well worth a read. I've been lucky enough to visit a few of these spots, but I have my work cut out for me to see them all. Check out the full list here, and then start thinking about what Outside has planned for its next list as well.
Outside Gives Us 20 Stocking Stuffers for $20 or Less
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.
Outside Gives Us the 5 Best Pieces of Gear From Interbike
The list includes a $20 bell from Kong, a sweet bike from Rawland Cycles, a new hitch-rack from RockyMounts, a light from Fabric, and a bike helmet with bone-conducting technology that allows you to safely listen to your tunes on a ride. Each of the products on the list is distinct and different, but each brings some good innovation to the table as well.
While not quite as exciting as Outside's list of favorite gear from Outdoor Retailer back in August, cyclists will no doubt appreciate these items nonetheless. After all, technology is making our rides safer and more enjoyable than ever before, and this is just a small sampling of what is to come in the weeks ahead. Plus, each of these five products was impressive enough to catch the attention of Outside editors, which should tell you that they are all very impressive in some way.
Fall may be in the air, but it isn't time to hang up your bike just yet.
Outside Presents the 2016 Summer Gear Buyers Guide
The Buyer's Guide is broken down into multiple categories, including Float, Hike, Bike, Run, Fitness, and Travel. Each of those listings is further divided into subcategories that include lists of great gear that is applicable to the activity. For instance, under hiking you'll find the best tents for 2016, as well as the best hiking shoes. Meanwhile, under the bike category you'll discover the best mountain bikes and accessories for a summer ride.
Naturally, with this many items to explore, it can take you quite a long time to sift through all of the options. But, if you're in the market for a new sleeping bag, kayak, camera, or other equipment, the experts at Outside can help you find exactly what you're looking for. There are some really great products to check out here, each of which has been curated by testers who have put these items through their paces over the past few months.
Check out the full list of items on the Outside Online website by clicking here.
Grand Canyon Paddling Speed Record Broken Twice in Three Days
Outside magazine has a great piece on their website explaining the entire story, and it is an interesting one. Essentially, no one really cared about this speed record until author Kevin Fedarko wrote a book called The Emerald Mile back in 2013 detailing the 1983 record row. That sparked a renewed interest in trying to beat the old record within the paddling community, with kayakers Ben Orkin and Harrison Rea trying to set a new record last January. They failed in that attempt, coming up an hour and ten minutes short.
But last week a new team of paddlers hit the water with the hope of chasing the record. Ben Luck, Ryan Casey, and Matt and Nate Klema set off on January 20, with Matt actually reaching the finish line in 35 hours and 5 minutes, shaving an hour and a half off the previous record. Of course the foursome were ecstatic over their success, but they soon began to hear rumblings of another kayaker who was about to attempt the record himself.
Ben Orkin, who had missed setting the record last year, was back out on the river on a solo mission this time. He had no idea that the other team was even trying to set the record, let alone that they had already accomplished that goal. He was preparing to put-in the Colorado on Saturday morning when he received an email from Ben Luck informing him of the new time to beat. Knowing that he'd now have to go even faster than he had previously thought, Orkin moved forward with his plans.
The paddle wasn't an easy one. Orkin grew exhausted after paddling for hours on end completely on his own. He also flipped his kayak in some of the rough rapids, costing himself precious time. But in the end, he was able to best Matt's new record, covering the distance between Lee’s Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs in 34 hours and 2 minutes, 57 minutes faster than the two-day old record.
You can read a lot more about this story on Outside Online, where more details of these record-setting paddles are shared. The interesting thing to watch now will be how many more people will attempt to kayak the Grand Canyon, and just how low this time can truly go.
Outside Probes False South Pole Ski Record Claims
But then, something funny happened on the way to the South Pole. It all started to fall apart as holes appeared in Szwed's stories of where he was at certain times, and how he managed to get there. His photographic evidence of reaching 90ºS appeared to be photoshopped, and his claims of previously summiting Mt. Vinson were also proven false. Just as quickly as he had shot to the top, Szwed came tumbling back down.
Now, Outside magazine is taking a look at the controversial story, with none other than Eric Larsen writing a piece about the whole affair. Larsen probes into Szwed's claims using flight manifestos from Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, the company that supports most expeditions to the frozen continent, to further discredit his story. Eric, who is an accomplished polar explorer himself, even talks to other members of the close-knit community to get their take on the situation, with most saying they knew it was a false story from the beginning.
The article is an extensive one, with lots of details on how the situation unfolded, the reaction from the media, and Szwed's own denials. Within a few days the disgraced explorer's sponsors started to backtrack, and in-depth examinations of his claims started to punch holes in the story. There was even a public exchange between Szwed and Eide.
When writing the piece for Outside, Larsen when directly to the source, contacting Szwed himself. The German says that he has GPS tracking information that will serve as proof of his claims, but if he releases it he could face jail time and a substantial fine in his home country. The one-time mountain guide is under investigation for claims of fraud and possibly visiting Antarctica without proper authorization.
The whole story is a sordid one, but well worth a read. For my part, I wrote about the controversy last year and at the time thought that the story was suspicious from the start. For one thing, as someone who follows the Antarctic ski season closely, Szwed hadn't even shown up on my radar in the reports I was writing. That isn't necessarily proof that his claims are false of course, but it is a bit unusual to not know about a speed-record attempt of this kind.
The sad thing is, that Szwed's story isn't the only one like this. There have been others who have also falsified reports and records. This probably won't be the last time it happens either.
Outside Picks the 30 Best Trips for 2015
Amongst the places that earn a spot on Outside's list are Bermuda, which was named the "Best Island," and Fiji which took home the top honors for "Best River Trip." Cuba, which is finally opening up to American travelers after five decades, received a nod for "Best Dive" spot, while one of my personal favorite destinations – Montana – earned the distinction for being the "Best of the Wild West."
Those places are just scratching the surface of suggested destinations to visit however. Outside also names my old stomping grounds in Austin, Texas as the best place for street food, and it says that Portland, Maine is the best place to "tie one on." The magazine also recommends heading to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado for a seven day mountain biking tour, and names Chile as the "Best International Adventure Hub," an honor that I can certainly agree with.
There are plenty of other great trips and destinations on Outside's list as well, so even if none of the ones I've already mentioned strike your fancy, you're sure to find something to like. Whether you want to hangout at the beach, explore a destination by car, or paddle the serene waters of a mountain lake, you'll find some great suggestions on where you can do that, and a whole lot more. Check out the entire list of tops destinations by clicking here, and start planning your adventurous escapes today.
Outside Names the 20 Most Deadly Hikes in the World
These 20 hikes are amongst some of the most amazing places to trek on the planet, and the locations range from Guatemala to China, to South Africa, and beyond. In fact, there are hikes on the list from just about every corner of the globe, although North America is particularly well represented.
Amongst the trails that make he cut are Huayna Picchu in Peru, a trail that wanders up an ancient staircase carved out of a mountain by Inca craftsmen 500 years ago. The route climbs more than 1000 feet (305 meters) in less than a mile (1.6 km), offering spectacular views Machu Picchu along the way. But the route is slippery, steep, and crumbling with age, which has earned it the nickname "the Hike of Death."
With its narrow slot canyons, deep gorges, and remote location, The Maze in Canyonlands National Park is another dangerous hike. Just getting there can be quite an adventure, and Outside says that just 2000 people actually go on any given year. Those that do, find a series of twisting, confusing rock corridors that are a clear indication of how the place got its name. The potential for flash floods and rock falls only add to the danger, although thankfully no one has died in The Maze just yet.
Scotland's Aonach Eagach Ridge also earns a spot on Outside's list thanks to its narrow ridge trail, steep slopes, and unpredictable weather. The knife-edge approach to the top of the trails twin mountain peaks is very exposed, often leaving hikers feeling vertigo, and a deep desire to get off the route as quickly, and easily, as possible. Accidents often occur on the descent, as hikers pick the wrong line for their exit from the mountain.
These are just a few examples of the trails that Outside has put on their list. To read the entire collection, and find your next hiking challenge, click here.
Smart Gear for Travel from Outside Magazine
Amongst the categories they address is the luggage that we carry. Outside rightly points out that wheeled carry-on bags sacrifice space in order to give travelers the convenience of those wheels. They recommend the Thule Crossover, a 40L pack that offers plenty of protection for all of your important gear. The Outside editors also recommend that you never leave home without a good pair of noise canceling headphones. In this case, they suggest the Bose QuietComfort 20's, which are small, comfortable, and work extremely well.
Other categories include a small tablet (they give the nod to the iPad Mini), a travel water bottle, comfortable and highly packable underwear from Icebreaker, comfortable travel shoes, compression socks, a neck pillow for use in flight, and a few other items.
All in all, this is not an incredibly comprehensive list, but it does suggest some fantastic items that are great for travelers. A number of these items are things that I carry with me when I'm traveling somewhere, and I'd recommend to others as well. For instance, I can't imagine boarding a long flight these days, and not having my iPad with me. It's just such a versatile piece of gear, allowing you to watch movies, listen to music, play games, read books and magazines, and more. The fact that it doesn't weigh much at all, and has incredible battery life, is just a bonus.
If you're planning any trips in the near future, this looks like a good list of items to choose from to make it a better experience all around. Just like in our outdoor pursuits, the right gear can make all of the difference.