So often do adventurers find themselves in situations where their large pack is too much and their small pack is not quite enough. At 2300 cubic inches the Camelbak Vantage 35 is the perfect size between a large daypack and a small overnight pack.

Alas, the much anticipated, and in my opinion, long overdue “BikeThere” feature has been added to GoogleMaps, an official announcement is rumored to happen tomorrow at the opening of the US National Bike Summit in Washington D.C.
The BikeThere feature has gained many supporters, with one website leading the push, gathering over 50,000 signatures in an effort to convince Google to offer the service. A combination of high gas prices and an effort to become healthier are inspiring folks to use their cars less – and onto their bikes or into their walking shoes. Now with Google instantly plotting the best route, the only thing left is to grab a water bottle and head out the door, leaving the car at home.

The beauty of a softshell is how versatile they are, and when you add a hoody – you quickly find it your favorite outer layer. In the world of technical apparel, you may wonder exactly how the softshell fits in?
Besides looking really slick, the main feature is that they offer great WIND PROTECTION and moderate rain protection in a lightweight and FLEXIBLE fabric that is perfect for a high level of activity.

I have been watching some of the threads and getting inquiries of late from friends and colleagues about snowshoeing. With the enormous amount of snow that has hit the mid-Atlantic states this season, the race staff has suggested to the participants of the Endorphin Fix that they add snowshoes to their gear list. So, we wanted to post our tips from Travis Macy (that appeared in our January 2010 issue) on snowshoeing.

It would just be plain lazy to say that the Koven Plus jacket from Cloudveil has too many features to list, but it nearly does. Cloudveil is a Jackson Wyoming based company that has been producing “focused and performance-oriented” outdoor clothing for about 15 years. The Koven Plus is no exception to that mantra.

Okay…so I know that I am a little late in posting this since Outdoor Retailer was in late January. Upon returning from OR, I took a little holiday to south Florida for a mid-winter warm-up. Then upon my return, Pittsburgh received the most snow in a single month on record (thus preventing me from flying out to Ecuador to cover the Huairasinchi Adventure Race). And, since most of the gear spotlighted below won’t be available to the general public until at least spring…we are still very much ahead of the curve. And, can you ever get too much info about new gear for our wish lists?

The Origo Granite Peak Series is the crown jewel of the Origo watch brand. Ranging in price from $230 to $299 this series earns the price tag by being an all-in-one wrist top computer with functions like an altimeter, barometer, compass, run memory, compass, and barometric trend graph.

Immersion Research’s Comp LX Dry Top leaves no room for excuses. Paddling is a year round sport and IR can prove it. Designed for the movement of a paddler, the dry top boasts ergonomic seaming throughout. Latex gaskets on both the neck and wrist combines with 4 layer waterproof and breathable Entrant® fabric to keep water out. An adjustable neoprene waistband prevents water from entering into the kayak through the skirt, maintaining a dry lower body as well.

This is the do anything, go anywhere jacket. The Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover is one of the most versatile pieces I have in my quiver of apparel. I have used this jacket in everything from snowshoeing to trail running to the monotonous task of shoveling snow from my driveway. It has also found its way into my carry-on arsenal. It is surprisingly warm and super lightweight. It stuffs into the left chest pocket though I have never used that feature. I always find myself just stuffing it into one of the bottle sleeves in my hydration or carry-on pack. I have also wadded it up to create a make shift pillow while flying to my next destination.

They call it the official footwear of relaxation for a reason, These shoes are great — really warm and comfortable! They are great for all day walking or lounging. They come up just past my ankle bone and aren’t the struggle to put on like many higher or floppier boots are. Though if you always think you should wear thick socks you may find the fit in front a little snug, just go up ½ a size. They’re so warm though that the socks aren’t really needed. They have enough ‘give’ that they would probably adapt if you insisted on heavy socks. The Earthroamer Boot features rough-out suede uppers or upper details treated to be water repellent. However, I have not worn them in rainy or snowy weather yet. I like the heathered felt for textural interest and its made from 50% wool and 50% recycled PET.

Another crucial piece of technical gear to tote with you? You might be skeptical at first, but only long enough until you pop open your GoLite Chrome Dome and find shelter from the rain or shine.

Whether bike touring, trekking, adventure racing, or event just running errands around the city, you will wonder how you ever got along without a technical umbrella. The biggest surprise I found was

Women’s EMU Stinger Hi & 2 Up Stinger

I LOVE these boots. They are so comfy and warm. They keep your feet toasty warm but not too hot. They are perfect for wearing outside when it is freezing! They do fit about a half size larger than marked. So I would recommend if you wear a 7.5 just buy the size 7. I also found that I still had enough room to wear nice wool socks with them too. This boot is like wearing house shoes all the time. I heard some one say they are so comfortable you would want to sleep in them. I agree!

UGG Australia – Lo Pro Drawstring

Sporty cotton style with thermal lining and shearling insole.

With the economy still at a historic low, we wanted to discuss ways to get into adventure sports while keeping your budget intact.

Of all the ‘adventure sports’, trail running would have to be the easiest on the wallet. During mild weather, one can just head out the door wearing just about anything. However, if you have ever lived or raced in the south during July or August, it doesn’t take long to figure out that a cotton t-shirt is not quality gear. I don’t remember the last time I bought a cotton t-shirt though they are forever accumulating in my closet from every event in which I compete or volunteer. Cool weather apparel involves a little more of an investment but the dividends will be worth it in the long run and those cotton sweatpants will be a distant memory.

Planning for a trip is almost as good as actually going on one. The devil is in the details, as they say, but if you are a gear junkie like me, it’s actually quite fun to put together your arsenal for a pending adventure.

We are five souls, scattered across mountain towns in the US, coming together for a ski expedition into the unknowns of the Andes Mountains. Our team’s hope is to climb and ski some high peaks (upwards of 7200m), but you never really know. Weather, mountain conditions, health, and human interaction all have a say in the outcome, so flexibility is most important.

We are still following up with teams following Primal Quest about their mandatory gear for the race in South Dakota. We followed nuun-FeedTheMachine leading up to PQ focusing on their training for the event.

I must say, I do like happy endings, and with SPOT Messengers out there, the odds increase exponentially.
Ed Cooley, a nature photographer, went out on a hike to photograph Twin Falls for a series on `Arkansas Beauty` and while scouting a good spot to shoot – he slipped and fell 10 meters to the bottom of the creek, suffering serious injuries. Fortunately, he recently got a SPOT Messengers and pressed the emergency button 30 minutes later. A rescue crew was assembled within an hour or two and were able to make contact with Ed about 4 hours later. They eventually got him out of the woods and he was flown to a hospitable where he is in pretty bad shape (open book pelvic fracture, broken collarbone, shattered ankle), but is alive.

If you want to send him an email to wish him well: ed@traviswilliams.net

Here is the story as told by his son in law Travis Williams (from his blog):

The bike seems about perfect as far as I´m concerned, but that shouldn´t stop people from twisting, tweaking, and contorting bike designs. Here is a collection of some epic creations posted around the web of futuristic bike designs. Interesting to wander through the collection and see what kind of changes they had to make to the bikes to realize the concept they were going for.

As I tend to bike and run alone most of the time, I am always carrying my iPod but am always getting the headphone wires caught on my hydration pack or arm and pulling the ear buds from my ears. The answer came in something as simple as the Magneat. The solution is only about the size of a half dollar and gives you something to do with all of that extra wire coming from your MP3 player. I always attach my iPod to my hydration pack d-ring for easy access and by placing the Magneat near by, I am able to wrap the excess around circular piece. It attaches to your clothing via a 2 piece powerful magnetic clip that I have used with everything from shirts to cycling jackets.

There was recently a bit of a buzz online about Ollie Erkkila, a design student who made a forkless cruiser bike for his graduation project at Design Institute Lahti – Finland. This was just one of his many phenomenal bike design projects. Others including chopping up an old bike and rewelding the same pieces into an exquisite single speed called Kosmos Fixie.

Though, it was the Funky Elephant Chopper that really caught my eye.

We wanted to publish information for those that may just be entering the fantastic world of adventure sports or interested in branching out to enjoy a new sport. The below post is basic information on gear acquisition for each of three disciplines: mountain biking, paddling and trail running.

Physical training for the Mongolia 2010 Expedition commenced in October 2008. It’s my idea that the better I am prepared for this challenging expedition the safer and more worthwhile it will be.

Getting fit is one of the cheapest parts of my expedition – running, walking, mountain biking, pulling old car tires, yoga and lifting anything heavy is free! I also believe in spending time testing equipment, especially what I plan to use in Mongolia, and myself in cold or warm situations. Mongolia will throw some ruthless weather my way.