Video: Iceland in Winter

This video was shot as part of a travel photography workshop that was conducted in Iceland in the winter. As you would expect, it features some of the amazing landscapes that the country has become so well known for. When you have places like this to shoot, it's hard to take a bad photo, and the video is simply spectacular too.

Iceland Photo Tours - Winter Image Spot from Dennis Schmelz on Vimeo.
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Gear Closet: Suaoki S270 Portable Solar Generator Review

Portable battery packs designed to keep our smartphones charged while on the go have become too good that it is almost criminal to not have one at your disposal these days. Small, lightweight, and compact chargers can be found for not much money and they generally fit the needs of most day-to-day users. But what about those of us who have power requirements that go beyond the basics, but don't want to sacrifice portability either. Thankfully, we now have some good options to choose from as well, including the Suaoki S270 Portable Solar Generator, an awesome little power pack that is perfect for charging just about anything while on the go.

Lightweight and compact, the S270 never the less delivers on its promise of plenty of portable power. It is equipped with a 150 watt-hour battery and is capable of a sustained 100 watt output with a peak of up to 150 watts if necessary. That means it won't just charge your smartphone and tablet, but can also power laptops, drone batteries, headlamps, cameras, or just about anything else you plug into it. It can even power small appliances in a pinch.

The designers of S270 gave it plenty of outlets so you can plug multiple devices in at once. Along one side it has four USB ports (three standard and one quick-charging), while the other side features four DC charging ports as well. The system even ships with a female DC adapter (read: car port) for charging devices designed for that type of output. The result is a handy portable power station that you can carry with you just about everywhere.

But, that isn't all. The S270 also features two AC wall outlets as well, which expands its versatility even further. When items are plugged into these ports, they charge as quickly and easily as they do at home, extending the life of your gadgets for a lot longer.

Other nice design choices include a set of flip-up handles that make it easy to carry the power bank and a set of built-in emergency lights. Those lights can even be set to flash an SOS signal if necessary as well. The entire product is built into a rugged, durable case that feels right at home in the outdoors.   That said, the generator is only "splash proof" so you won't want to leave it out in the rain.


The S270 is the result of a successful Indiegogo campaign, which shipped the generators to its supporters back in December. I was lucky enough to get one to review, and have been extremely impressed. At home, it sits on my desk, providing a convenient source of power to my iPhone, iPad, and various other devices that need recharging on a regular basis. But, I also traveled with it over the holidays, easily slipping it into a backpack to take on a road trip. It served its purpose then too, not only keeping all my electronic toys stocked with energy, but my travel companions too. It also helped keep my MacBook Pro powered up while working on the go as well.

The massive battery inside the S270 takes about 10-12 hours to charge via wall outlet, and the device does support charging in the field via a solar panel. I haven't had a chance to test it with a solar panel as of yet, but obviously that would take considerably longer, with direct sunlight, to charge the battery fully. Of course, this is the same with just about any solar-powered generator, where your mileage always varies based on conditions.

What I like about this battery pack is that if fills a niche niche between smaller chargers designed at phones and tablets, and larger generators from companies like Goal Zero. Not everyone needs something that large, but many people need a bit more than the compact battery packs that are sold at gas stations and drug stores. For those folks, the Suaoki S270 is the perfect companion for their adventures, providing plenty of power in a surprisingly small package.

Best of all, the S270 is very affordable. Priced at just $139.95, it is less expensive than some much smaller battery packs that are on the market. Of course, not everyone needs a battery pack of this size and power, but it is really nice to have one at your disposal. The versatility that this device offers is outstanding, and I've found myself using it more places than I first thought. I think other frequent travelers and explorers will love it too.

Find out more at the Suaoki Facebook page and order your own S270 from Amazon.

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The Adventure Podcast Episode 3 is Now Available

Just a quick note to let readers and listeners know that the latest edition of The Adventure Podcast is now available for download and to listen to online. For those who haven't had a chance to listen in on the show just yet, it is kind of an audio version of this blog, sharing news, gear reviews, and opinions on what is happening in the outdoor and exploration space.

On this week's episode, my cohost Dave Adlard and I discuss a number of big topics, including fallout over Nepal's decision to ban solo and disabled climbers. We also take a look at a 10-month long training course to prepare students to become outdoor guides, which has both of us wishing we were 20 years younger. Our main topic is tips and tricks for cutting weight from your backpack and luggage, and we take a look ahead to Outdoor Retailer next week as well. We wrap up the show by answering another gear question from a listener and share our favorite gear for the week. 

As always, you can listen to the show online, or subscribe to it in iTunes, Google Play Store, and through Stitcher. For those who just want to sample it, I've also embedded the latest episode below. Give it a shot and let us know what you think.

Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter, and we welcome any feedback or questions via email too.  Thanks for giving us a shot!

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More Travel Destinations for 2018

With the start of the new year, many of us are looking ahead at 2018 to decide where we want to go and what we want to do. After all, its a long 12 months ahead and there is plenty to accomplish before the year is through. Yesterday, I shared The New York Times selection of 52 places to go in 2018, and today I have a few more suggestions from two other publications worth looking at.

First up, Luxury Travel Magazine has produced its list of recommendation destinations for the New Year as well, and while most of them don't fall under the "adventure" category, they do have a top ten list dedicated specifically to our favorite type of travel. In fact, the editors have picked 10 Adventure Experiences You Can't Miss in 2018, with some very nice options for those looking to do something a little different this year.

A few of the items that make the cut include sailing on an Arctic safari, trekking through the hidden valleys of Dolpa in Nepal, and exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile, which happens to be amongst my favorite destinations. Other items include visits to a rhino sanctuary and staying in a lodge in the Amazon Basin.

Not to be outdone, Men's Journal has also produced a list of recommended destinations for 2018, and while it is a bit more modest in size, it offers some great options nevertheless. The five places that earned a mention with the magazine include Malta, the Republic of Georgia, Zambia, Kalimantan (in Indonesia), and The Arctic. Each of which would make a fine place to go on an adventure.

It is interesting to see the Arctic pop up on these lists. As climate change makes these places more accessible, more and more adventure travel companies are offering opportunities to go there. I've been sharing it on similar list that I've written for the past few years, but in my case it was usually last-degree ski journeys to the North Pole or something similar. But, the Arctic is opening up for more tourists, for good or ill, and that will no doubt have an impact on the region to some degree.

So, after reading all of these suggestions in recent days, have you started making your travel plans yet?

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The New York Times Presents 52 Places to Go in 2018

If you're still thinking about your travel plans for 2018, why not let the "paper of record" help out? The New York Times has created a list of 52 places to go in 2018, and it is filled with some wonderful suggestions on place to travel throughout the next year.

As you can imagine with a list of this size, the destinations vary greatly in type and location. For instance, the first few entires on the list include New Orleans, Colombia, and Basilicata in Italy. The recommendations vary in size from a single, small location, to an entire region, such as the Caribbean. All of the suggestions come with a description of what makes it a compelling place to visit, along with links to where you can find out more about the place.

The Times has done a nice job of curating a list of unique destinations to visit in 2018 and they have gone to great lengths to use multimedia assets to bring those places to life as you read about them. But, the slick website they've used to deliver the information is also a but cumbersome and overly produced, which can cause some slowdowns and pauses while scrolling through. I found myself having to wait for animated images and text to load from time to time, which is more annoying than anything else. The end result is a pretty nifty list of places to go and things to do that should keep most travelers busy for a lifetime.

Check out the entire list/multimedia experience here.

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Video: Riding a Cruise Ship Through the 'Bomb Cyclone'

Normally we don't think about a Caribbean cruise as being much of an adventure, but it can turn into quite the experience when your cruise line – in this case Norwegian – decides to ignore weather warnings and sail directly into the so-called "Bomb Cyclone" that hit the east coast of the U.S. last week. The video below gives you an indication of what this was like for the 4000 passengers onboard, and I can honestly say that I don't think I experienced conditions like this even when on the Southern Ocean last year. Crazy stuff, with rooms and hallways flooding, the ship lurching violently, and passengers struggling to stand and walk. A smaller ship wouldn't have fared well at all in these conditions.

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Outside Magazine Presents the 2018 Bucket List

If you're still making plans for travels and potential outdoor adventures this year, allow Outside magazine to help. The publication just released its 2018 Bucket List, providing readers with a host of suggestions on where to go and what to do in the year ahead.

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.

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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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Gear Closet: Cauldryn Fyre Mobile Heated Water Bottle

One of the things that I've l liked most about the continued advancements in technology is that it has forced us to improve the batteries that go into our various devices. These more powerful and long-lasting rechargeable power cells have made their way into a wide variety of other product that either didn't use them before or didn't exist at all. Such is the case with the new Cauldryn Fyre Mobile, a heated water bottle that will redefine the way you think about hot beverages and cooking around the campsite, while on the go.

At first glance, the Cauldryn Fyre looks like a lot of other water bottles you might find on the market, It is sleek, made of stainless steel, and uses the vacuum-insulated design that has proven to be a winner in countless other models over the past few years. The 16-ounce bottle even has two openings for sipping a beverage or for pouring out more liquid depending on your needs.

But look a little closer, and you'll start to see how this product differentiates itself from the competition. For starters, it includes a built-in heating mechanism that allows it to warm a beverage completely on its own, or keep liquids hot for hours at a time. This heating element is so powerful in fact that it can even boil water all on its own. Simply plug the bottle into a USB outlet and set it to the temperature you need.

The Cauldryn Fyre comes in two different models, the standard version and the Mobile. The difference between the two is that the Mobile edition comes with a battery pack that allows it to function while away from a power source. An included battery pack means that you can have hot beverages on the go, even if you're venturing far off the beaten path. Taking a morning hike to the top of your favorite peak, but would like some hot coffee along the way? The Cauldryn Fire Mobile can handle that. Snowshoeing or backcountry skiing and want some hot cocoa? Check!


The secret behind the Cauldryn is its Fyre heating element. Embedded in the bottle itself, this handy piece of technology offers five levels of warmth ranging from Boil (212 degrees), Brew (195-205 degrees), Extra Hot (160-170 degrees), and two Hot modes (135-145 degrees and 125-135 degrees). Those modes can be selected as needed, providing options for conserving battery life too. The Boil and Brew options eat up the most power of course, while the lower hot modes are much more conservative. In fact, they can be switched on and keep a beverage steaming hot all day long, even running off of just the external battery.

The stainless steel cup can be easily removed from the power pack for wire-free drinking. It snaps back into place extremely easily, making it a breeze to take a drink while driving, then return it to its power source to keep the beverage warm as needed. The travel mug does a good job of keeping liquids hot (or cold) completely on its own, but when paired with the mobile battery pack, it truly can provide warm drinks all day long.

With the battery pack attached, the Cauldryn Fyre Mobile is a bit tall, which means you'll have to be careful not to tip it over. Because of this extra height it can be a bit unstable, although the lids ensure that no water spills out. In fact, the device actually operates just fine, even if it is laying on its side.

One of the more intriguing uses for the Cauldryn Fyre Mobile is as a portable stove for use in the backcountry. Because it can boil water quite quickly, you can heat up packaged meals in no time at all. Obviously there are backpacking stoves that are much smaller and lighter than this device, which tips the scales at about 1 pound (.45 kg), but when you factor in fuel and a pot to boil water, things even out quickly. On extended trips the battery life wouldn't necessarily be up to the task, but on short overnighter or weekend outings, this is a viable option. Particularly if you bring solar panels or an external power source for recharging.

Speaking of the battery, it holds a large enough charge that if you're conservative with how you use the Cauldryn Fyre you can make it last for quite a long time. The battery pack comes with two USB ports as well, allowing users to recharge mobile devices such as a smartphone. The battery pack is sold separately for $69.99, allowing standard Cauldryn buyers to add one later if they like, or Mobile users to pick up an additional one for additional run time.

Overall, the Cauldryn Fyre Mobile is a fast and efficient way to boil water, but is also fantastic for keeping hot beverages warm for extended periods of time. That makes it a great choice for anyone who spends time in the outdoors during the colder months of the year. Whether you're actually hiking into the backcountry or simply going to the local ice rink, this bottle will come in handy. It also makes a great gift heading into the holiday season as well.

The standard Cauldryn Fyre runs $69.99 while the Mobile edition is $129.99. Find out more here.

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A Holiday Shopping Guide for Adventure Techies

Our holiday shopping guides continue today with yet another list of great gear for the adventurer on your list. This time out, we'll take a look at some of the best adventure tech available today, providing travelers, explorers, and adventurers the tools they need both at home and while on the road.

If you're looking for other gift ideas this holiday season, check out my previous gift guides for hikers and backpackers, outdoor athletes, and adventure travelers too.

iPad Pro with Apple Pencil (iPad - $649 | Pencil - $95)
With the introduction of the iPad Pro, Apple has inched us closer to not having to carry a heavy laptop with us when we hit the road. These powerful tablets can handle everything from editing video and photos, to recording podcasts, composing music, and writing blog posts and even a book. Throw in the awesome Apple Pencil, and you have a portable toolbox that can do some surprisingly awesome things from taking handwritten notes to sketching maps, and so much more. Throw in the new multitasking abilities of iOS 11 and you have a mobile workstation that is a blast to use.

Gnarbox ($270)
For mobile professionals who edit photos and videos on the go, the Gnarbox is a must-have device. This tiny, lightweight editing station provides the power of a laptop in a convenient package, allowing users to backup and store photos and video, while also editing those images and video up to 4K resolutions. Uses connect to the Gnarbox using their phone and tablet, and with a special app have all the tools they need to get work done in the field.

GoPro Hero 6 Black ($500)
If it has been awhile since you updated your action camera, GoPro has a few surprises for you. The new Hero 6 Black offers unparalleled image quality, capturing footage at stunning 4k resolutions at 60 fps. The camera is waterproof without a special housing, uses voice commands to control filming, and has onboard image stabilization too. As if that wasn't enough, low-light performance has improved dramatically and the new touch screen interface allows simple zooming as well. In short, its the best GoPro camera yet and a worthy addition to any budding filmmaker's arsenal.

DJI Spark Drone ($499)
Yes, DJI makes a line of more powerful and feature packed drones, but its Spark is affordable, offers lots of functionality, and is compact enough to carry with us just about anywhere. On top of that, it offers good flight times (16 mins) and is extremely easy to get up and flying. Capable of capturing great video and photos, this is a drone that is easy to transport without compromising on features.

Cases from Catalyst (Prices Vary By Model)
Keeping your mobile devices protected while exploring extreme environments can be challenging, but thanks to Catalyst it doesn't have to be impossible. The company makes great cases for a wide variety of devices, including the new iPhone X ($40/$90). My favorite Catalyst product at the moment is the handy waterproof case they make for AirPods ($25), which is simply the perfect accessory for frequent travelers.

Romeo Saber Power Pack ($299)
Striking the right balance between providing power and portability, the Romeo Saber is a battery pack that can keep all of our gadgets – including laptops and drones – functioning in the field. The device offers a powerful 86Wh, fast-charging battery, coupled with an AC outlet and three USB ports, all in a compact and relatively lightweight package. Portable power has never been this efficient and handy.

Cauldryn Fyre Mobile Heated Travel Mug ($130)
Battery technology has come a long way, allowing us to do some incredible things with what were once basic products. Take for example the Cauldryn Fyre Mobile, a heated travel mug that is powered by a lithium-ion battery and can keep your beverage warm all day long. But better than that, it can actually boil water, making it great for use around the campsite and even cooking meals. The Cauldryn is also equipped with a USB port that allows it to share its battery's charge with mobile devices too.

Ecoxgear EcoLantern ($130)
Camp lighting continues to get better and better. Take for example the new Ecoxgear EcoLantern, which not only offers up to 400 lumens of light, but also functions as a Bluetooth speaker and charger for small mobile devices. There are even "party" modes to that thump to the sound of the music and bring multicolored lighting to the campsite too.

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A Holiday Shopping Guide for Adventure Travelers

All week long I'm sharing some holiday shopping suggestions for gifts for the outdoor and adventure lover in your life. On Monday I posted some gift ideas for the hiker and backpacker and yesterday I offered some suggestions for the outdoor athlete. Today, we'll take a look at the top gifts for the adventure traveler with a wide variety of items to make life on the road more enjoyable.

Yeti Panga 75 Duffel ($350)
There are waterproof duffel bags and then there is the Yeti Panga 75 duffel. As you would expect from a duffel built by Yeti, this bag is practically indestructible. And thanks to the use of the hydrolock zipper, the bag can be completely submersed in water and still keep its contents completely dry. Whether your paddling the Amazon or hiking to Everest Base Camp, the Panga will keep your gear safe, secure, and dry.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Backpack ($200)
For those who like to travel light (who doesn't?) or just need a small bag for weekend getaways, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel pack is the perfect solution. With just enough space to take everything you need, but nothing you don't, the bag is built for adventure travelers. Cotopaxi has given the Allpa lots of organizational pockets and compartments, while still providing room for laptops, tablets, and other tech gear. It is also built tough enough to survive the rigors of the road and uses the company's trademark whimsical colors.

Goal Zero Venture 70 USB Battery Pack ($150)
Keeping our gadgets up and running while on the road is of the utmost importance these days, and thankfully there are a lot of portable power packs that can help us to do just that. My favorite is the Venture 70 from Goal Zero, which offers 17,700 mAh of power for smartphones, tablets, and other devices, and comes in a rugged, waterproof case. It even comes with charging cables and a built-in flashlight.

ExOfficio Underwear ($26)
Underwear doesn't always seem like a great gift for the holidays, but when it is ExOfficio Underwear it will be welcomed enthusiastically. Specifically designed with travelers in mind, these briefs are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. They also have antimicrobial properties that keep them smelling fresh, even if they've been worn for a number of days straight. These are a must-have for any adventure traveler.

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC Noise Cancelling Headphones ($200)
For frequent travelers, a good pair of nose cancelling headphones are a must. They not only help you relax and unwind while on the plane, they can also come in handy in noise hotels, airports, cafes, and other busy places. The HD 4.50 BTNC model from Sennheiser offer great sound, durable build-quality, the convenience of wireless, and excellent battery life. But best of all, their active noise cancelling circuitry is top notch, blocking out external distractions.

Leatherman Tread Tempo Watch ($450)
Leatherman's Tread Tempo watch is stylish and rugged, which alone makes it a great travel companion. But, its band also happens to contain 29 tools ranging from screw drivers to bottle openers, making it a handy multitool that you wear on your wrist. The watch is also TSA friendly, meaning you can wear it onboard an aircraft, ensuring that you're never too far from all of the tools you need.

Grayl Water Purifier ($59.50)
Access to fresh, clean drinking water can be a premium while traveling in some parts of the world, which is why every traveler should carry the Grayl water purifier with them when they hit the road. The Grayl removes all of the harmful materials from the water, like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, and even cleans out most particulates too, making it completely safe to drink. This purifier is simple, effective, and easy to use.

Crown Trails Headwear ($25)
America's national parks and triple crown long-distance hiking trails are favorites amongst active travelers, often resonating with them long after they've gone home. The team at Crown Trails Headwear has put together some fantastic hats that commemorate those places, offering options for the Appalachian Trail and PCT for instance, as well as parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and numerous others. These high quality hats allow travelers to show their love for these destinations, both while they are on the road and back home.

Eagle Creek USB Travel Adapter ($70)
Recharging your favorite electronics while on the road has never been easier than it is with the Eagle Creek USB Travel Adapter. The device comes with two built-in USB ports for charging smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other gear, but it also quickly and easily converts for use in just about any outlet found anywhere in the world. The adapter features onboard surge protection and supports charging up to 2200 watts, making it fast, easy, and efficient. 

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Nat Geo Picks the Top Travel Destinations for 2018

Starting to make plans for where you want to travel in 2018? Still looking for some suggestions on where to go? National Geographic is here to help, offering up 21 destinations for some big adventures in the New Year.

Nat Geo's list includes some places you are no doubt familiar with, and others that will be completely new. Each entry includes a brief explanation of why now is the time to go, cluing readers in on what makes these destinations special. The National Geographic editors have also included a "fun fact" about each place as well, offering a nugget of information that is good for stirring the imagination. This being Nat Geo, there are plenty of great photos too of course.

Some of the places that make the cut for top travel destinations for 2018 include perennial favorites like Sydney, Australia; Vienna, Austria, and the North Shore on Ohau in Hawaii. But some of the more lesser known destinations include Madagascar; Tetouan, Morocco, and Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.

Beyond that, I won't give too much else away, as a major part of the fun of this type of list is discovering the places for yourself. Needless to say, you'll find a good mix of modern and rustic places to visit, with spots that remain complete wild and off the beaten path, mixed in with the familiar and well-trodden. Each has their own charms and plenty to offer adventurous travelers.

Read the entire story here and start planning your next major getaway.

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Now I have to worry about the Gulf Clan

Last week, the Colombian military seized 12 tons of cocaine worth $360,000,000-- the largest seizure in history.

The cocaine belonged to the Gulf Clan, a crime syndicate descended from right-wing paramilitaries. The cocaine was found in the area between Chigorodo and Carepa, right on my bus route from Medellin to Turbo. In fact, I'll be flying out of Apartado airport, which has been used by the Gulf Clan for some of its shady business. Neat!

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And we're back

We just got back from a 4-day trip to Vegas to visit family. I got a facial for the first time at a spa and it was a transformative experience. Junior and I also got kicked out of a casino.

Two more trips in the coming months. In December, we go to Maui. In January, I go on my bus trip.

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Documentary about Rio to Lima long distance bus

A big thanks to Ramon for telling me about this documentary. It shows exactly why I enjoy these bus trips so much.

I won't be posting for four days, so enjoy this while I'm gone!

Bonus: It's narrated by that English speaker in all those Auto Motor Und Sport videos.

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Sexy compression socks

I'm gearing up for my South American bus trip. And this time, I will be wearing compression socks to combat deep vein thrombosis. Two-and-a-half days straight on a bus is a long time to be sitting around. I'll be doing exercises and drinking plenty of fluids on the bus, but I should wear these socks as a precaution. I ended up ordering Jobst socks. I had no idea they were so sexy.

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Adventure Tech: Romeo Power's New Saber Portable Power Pack

Whether you're setting out on an expedition to far-flung corners of the globe or traveling to a more civilized setting, having an easy to use power supply is a must these days. After all, no matter where we're headed, we usually have a slew of electronic gadgets in tow. In my case, I rarely leave home without a smartphone, tablet, and laptop, and depending on where I'm going, I often have rechargeable headlamps, GPS devices, cameras, and other gear as well. Because of this, I'm always on the lookout for a good way to keep those items charged and I may have found the perfect solution at last.

Launching today, the new Saber portable power pack from Romeo Power Technology offers 86 watt-hours of power in a device that you can hold in the palm of your hand. That is enough to recharge most laptops – including a MacBook Pro – twice. It can also recharge a smartphone more than ten times, and a tablet anywhere from two to four times.

The Saber comes with a USB-C port, two standard USB ports, and more importantly, a built-in AC inverter. That means that you can plug in just about any device, just as you would a wall socket. The Saber can provide power to anything that draws 90 watts or less, meaning it can be used to recharge DSLR camera batteries in the field or even a drone. In a sense, it is a bit like having a lightweight, portable generator that you can take with you pretty much anywhere.

We've seen a number of power packs using built-in inverters in recent months, but what sets the Saber apart from the competition is that it is both built for the outdoors and designed to recharge rapidly. This power pack is IP67 rated for protection against moisture, dust, and drops, and while usually a battery this massive would take the better part of a day to charge, the Saber can be juiced up in just two hours, both from a wall socket or the 12V plug in your car. It can also be charged via solar, but the time it takes to complete a charge varies depending on direct sunlight available, type of solar panel, and so on.

When compared to other portable power packs, the Saber is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 2.2 pounds (1kg), but considering what it packs into its small package, that is relatively small. This is a power solution that goes beyond the usual USB battery packs that most of us carry when traveling. Instead, it is a device that is built for outdoor professionals who need plenty of power at all times, but don't want to compromise on durability and reliability while in the field.

The Saber is available for preorder today and for a limited time is available for just $199. After the preorder period ends, and the device begins shipping on Cyber Monday in November, it will sell for $299. So, if you're in the market for a great portable power pack, and the Saber looks like something that might fit your needs, it is worth it to preorder now.

I'm hoping to get my hands on one of the devices and give it a proper test and review at a future time. Stay tuned for that.

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Nat Geo Presents the Creepiest Adventures on Earth

With October now more than half over, we're starting to inch closer to Halloween, a holiday that always evokes images of ghosts, goblins, and any number of other terrifying creatures. To help get us in the mood, National Geographic has shared a list of the creepiest adventures on Earth, taking us to remote places where strange things just might go bump in the night.

The list is an extensive one, providing readers with 29 unique and scary adventures. Amongst the options that Nat Geo offers are exploring limestone caverns in Mexico that are filled with bats, visiting a national park in Bolivia that is overrun with termites, and visiting a series of caves that are filled with bones in Mali. Other eerie destinations include a hike through Germany's Reinhardswald Mountains where many ancient fairy tales are believed to have taken place and exploring Joshua Tree National Park after dark.

As you would expect from National Geographic, each of the items on the list includes a great photo to help set the stage. Unfortunately, not all of the entires on this slideshow do a great job of telling you exactly why this place is creepy enough to deserve a mention here. This seems to be a reoccurring theme on the Nat Geo website in recent months, with articles that lure you in with nice images an intriguing headlines, but don't always deliver the goods in terms of substance. Still, with a little research, it becomes clear why many of the entities on the "creepy list" belong there.

Check out the entire story here.

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Vaccinations and travel alerts for Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru

I just realized my bus trip is only three months away. Time to check what I need in terms of vaccinations.

Colombia

Yellow fever vaccine, if coming from Angola, Brazil, DRC, or Uganda.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution, as violence linked to domestic insurgency, narco-trafficking, crime, and kidnapping occur in some rural and urban areas.  This replaces the previous travel warning dated April 5, 2016.  

Organized political and criminal armed groups are active throughout much of the country and their methods include the use of explosives and bomb threats in public spaces. Violence associated with the armed groups occurs in rural areas as well as Colombia's major cities, including in the capital. These groups are heavily involved in the drug trade, extortion, kidnapping, and robbery. On November 30, 2016, the Colombian government approved a peace accord with the largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The peace agreement is in the process of being implemented and does not include other active armed groups.

Violent crime is a threat throughout Colombia. Kidnapping remains a threat, although U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted. Violent political groups and other criminal organizations occasionally kidnap and hold civilians, including foreigners, for ransom. 

Ecuador

Yellow fever vaccination, if traveling in the Amazon Basin.

Exercise caution when traveling to northern Ecuador, especially the provinces of Carchi, northern Esmeraldas, and Sucumbíos.  U.S. government personnel may travel to the northern bank of the Napo River in Sucumbíos, where tourist lodges are located, an area approximately four miles wide.  All other U.S. government travel to the northern border area is prohibited without prior permission.  This region has a high rate of ransom kidnappings.  U.S. citizens are not targeted, but have been kidnapped there in the past.  

• Pick-pocketing, robbery, and hotel room theft are the most common crimes.  Tourists have been robbed at gunpoint on beaches and along hiking trails.  Passengers arriving at the Quito and Guayaquil airports have also been targets of armed robberies.
• Use hotel safes if available, avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry or clothing, and carry only the cash or credit cards that you need.  Stay alert in crowds and on public transportation.  Be aware that thieves might create distractions to target you.
• Be alert for express kidnappings, in which criminals enter a taxi and force victims to withdraw money from ATMs.  Some victims have been beaten or raped.  Avoid hailing taxis on the street.  Order taxis by phone or use a service affiliated with major hotels.  Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at one time.  Use ATMs in well-protected indoor areas.
• To avoid carjacking or theft from your car while you are stopped at intersections, drive with your doors locked and windows rolled up. Do not leave valuables in plain view.
• Sexual assaults and rapes can occur, even in tourist areas.  Travel in groups, do not leave food or drinks unattended, and never allow a stranger to give you a drink.
• Do not let your credit card out of your sight in order to avoid credit card “skimming.”
• Incapacitating drugs, such as rohypnol and scopolamine, have been used to facilitate violent robberies and sexual assaults.

Peru

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended.

Narcotics traffickers, terrorist groups and other organized, armed bands still operate in some remote parts of Peru. 

Armed robberies, express kidnappings, carjacking's, and petty theft occur frequently. Credit card fraud is also common in Peru. “Smash-and-grab” style robberies are most often reported on main tourist corridors immediately following arrival at Lima’s airport. Use only official airport taxi services. Do not hail taxis on the street. 

While violence committed against foreigners is infrequent, robberies involving violence have been on the rise. Do not resist a robbery attempt.  Victims who do not resist generally do not suffer serious physical harm. Some criminals with a motive of robbery or sexual assault may target victims by drugging them in bars and other areas frequented by tourists.

 Looks like I'm all set!

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