Ditch The Deet: Week 4

Okay, so I promise this is the last week for my Ditch The Deet giveaway. I'm running low on supplies anyway! :)

Once again this week, I'll be giving away one, and possibly two, summer survival packs to help fight off the bugs in the warmer months ahead. The pack includes a SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear, all of which should prove handy in the warmer months ahead. I say that I may be giving away two of these kits because my Week 1 winner still hasn't contacted me, and if he or she doesn't drop me a note by Friday, when I pick this week's winner, I'm giving away their pack too! So, there is a good chance you'll have two chances to win this week!

As in previous weeks, entering the contest couldn't be easier. Send me an email to kungfujedi@gmail.com with the subject line of "Ditch The Deet," and in the body of the email, tell me a little something about your summer plans and how you could use this swag. That's all there is to it! On Friday, I'll randomly pick a winner, and send off the stuff. As always, if you've already entered in previous weeks, you don't have to send in your e-mail again.

Don't forget to also enter the Ditch The Deet contest that Natrapel has running at the moment either. The grand prize is a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which should be a lot of fun. All you have to do to win that one is submit a photo of your bug-free outdoor adventures. Head on over to the official website for more information.

Finally, congratulations to Bob Czaplicki of Woodstock, GA for winning last week's Ditch The Deet contest. I'll be shipping your prizes today Bob and I know they'll come in hand in Georgia this summer.

Contour+ Helmet Cam Brings New Features

Contour has launched a new helmet cam, the Contour+, delivering a host of great new features that will give aspiring filmmakers some wonderful new options when creating their next adventure film. The new edition to the line-up delivers pro-level quality and ease of use in one very small, yet durable package.

The Contour+ adds a new "professional grade" lens that allows capturing of 1080p video, which is what you would expect out of any digital video camera in this day and age. The new lens also provides the ability to shoot in a wider format, while delivering a cleaner image as well. The camera also now includes an external microphone jack, as well as a built in GPS receiver that tracks location, distance, traveled, and other data. And if that wasn't enough, it is now capable of live streaming from events and can connect, via Bluetooth, to your smartphone, which can be used as an external display. All of this for just $499, including all the cables, a 2GB memory card, and 3 different mounts.

I have an earlier model of the Contour, and while it is a bit on the larger and heavier side, when compared to other helmet cams, it is also more durable and of higher quality than the other cameras I've used. The video that it shoots is great, and mine doesn't do 1080p, and it is fun to play with when mountain biking, climbing, or just about any other outdoor sport. My one gripe is that it is sometimes hard to know what you're shooting, but with the ability to use a smartphone screen, that doesn't seem to be much of a problem now either. At least for lining up shots and knowing that things are working properly.

This new gadget seems like a worthy upgrade and if you're looking for a great helmet cam, it is tough to beat all the technology stuffed into this little device.

Adventure Racing Gets Some Mainstream Press!

This article is a few weeks old, but I thought it was worth sharing in case you hadn't already seen it. It seems that adventure racing received some love from the mainstream courtesy of this article in the Wall Street Journal. The article serves as both an introduction to the sport and a profile of racer Kristen Beckmeyer, who races on Team Mandatory Gear, and competed in her first event back in January of 2010. The same day that this article appeared, the WSJ also published a second story on preparing for your first adventure race as well.

One interesting note from the story is that the article cites a 2010 study by the Outdoor Foundation that lists adventure racing as the fastest growing activity amongst Americans. That report says that more than 1 million people participated in AR in 2009, which is great to hear considering that many races were still on the rebound from the bad economy in that period. I think it is safe to say that adventure racing is as healthy as it has ever been, and that it has a very bright future.

Receiving coverage from a source like the Wall Street Journal is a huge plus for adventure racing in general. We has a reporter from the paper with us at Primal Quest Montana and I can tell you that it significantly raised the profile of the event. Those of us who follow, compete, and already love the sport don't need a story like this one to remind us of how much fun AR can be, but it is always nice to help introduce it to a new audience, and perhaps keep the current growth cycle going.

On The Road Again!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'm off on another escape, this time heading to the Atacama Desert in Chile. As I write this, I'm at the airport in Dallas, waiting for a connecting flight to Miami and an overnighter to Santiago. After that, it is another flight to Calama, and then an hour drive to my eventual destination of San Pedro de Atacama tomorrow morning. 

I'm told that there is Internet access at my hotel, so I hope to post some updates while I'm on the go, as I would hate to miss all the action that is about to unfold on Everest and other Himalayan peaks. If the connection is good (read, not like most Internet connections in remote areas, I hope to post some photos and updates on what I'm doing over the course of the next few days. I'm hoping to do some mountain biking, hiking, and volcano climbing, but we'll see. 

This is a quick trip, I'm back home on Monday, when you know I'll be back to regular posts. Hope everyone has their own adventures planned for the days ahead! Back soon!

impossible2Possible To Launch Expedition Bolivia

Ray Zahab and the rest of the crew at impossible2Possible are getting ready for the next adventure, this time on the salt flats of Bolivia. The organization, which expertly mixes education, inspiration, and a healthy dose of adventure, will launch Expedition Bolivia later this week.

Unlike Ray's solo run of the Atacama Desert earlier this year, Expedition Bolivia is part of i2P's youth ambassador program, which adds several young people to the team. In this case, there are five young men and women joining the usual impossible2Possible team as they cover 250km (155 miles) across a remote region of Bolivia, on foot in just one weeks time. That's roughly a marathon per day for the entire length of the expedition.

This wouldn't be an impossible2Possible project with out an educational element in the mix. As usual, the expedition will reach out to classrooms across the globe, checking in daily with reports from the fields via satellite phone. The project is celebrating the fact that 2011 is the International Year of Chemistry, and as such, they'll be conducting a number of experiments and collecting data while exploring the unusual terrain of the Bolivian salt flats.

Also joining the squad for this expedition is polar explorer Hannah McKeand, who went to the South Pole in record time a few years back and made a solo attempt on the North Pole as well. This is her first endeavor with the i2P organization, but I'm sure she'll have plenty to contribute. To check out the entire team, including the youth ambassadors, click here.

I've written about i2P and its numerous expeditions multiple times here. I'm a big fan of their approach to mixing education and adventure in a way that is engaging to students in classrooms of a variety of ages. The youth ambassador program only adds to that, as it shows young people that they can go out and do some amazing things and visit some incredible places. There is no better way to motivate kids, in my opinion, than showing them someone their own age doing great things. These expeditions do just that, and it has proven to be a great success in the i2P mission.

Good luck to everyone on Expedition Bolivia. Enjoy the run!

Cyclist Wouter Weylandt Dies In Crash At Giro

By now, many of you have no doubt heard the word that Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt died in a crash at the Giro d'italia yesterday. He was just 26 years old and leaves behind a wife who is pregnant with their first child.

Race officials say that the accident occurred while Weylandt was racing down the Bocco mountain pass at about 72 km/h (45 mph). Apparently his pedal became stuck in a wall that lined the side of the road, sending him hurdling 20 meters to the ground below. The crash left him unconscious and bleeding, while paramedics struggled to assist him on the scene. He was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.

This is the first time that a rider has died in the 25-year history of the Giro. The tragedy comes on the third stage of the cycling classic, the same stage that Weylandt won last year. The race continues today despite the accident, and Weylandt's teammates on Team Leopard-Trek have elected to continue racing. The riders in the peloton have donned black armbands in remembrance of their fallen comrade as well. The start of todays stage was also neutralized, with all teams riding together for 10km out of respect for the Belgian.

I saw this news later yesterday, but didn't have a chance to report on it until this morning. It is a sad day for fans of cycling and I want to send on my sincere condolences to Wouter's friends and family in their time of grief.

Greg Mortenson, CAI Slapped With Class Action Lawsuit, Offer Up A Defense

As the Greg Mortenson/Tree Cups of Tea controversy continues to play out, there were two new developments late last week, that come to us courtesy of Outside Online, who have been doing an outstanding job of keeping the news coming from both sides of the discussion.

First up, on Friday, a class action lawsuit was filed against Mortenson and his non-profit organization the Central Asia Institute, in Missoula, Montana. The suit, which was brought up by state legislators Jean Price and Michele Reinhart, contends that Mortenson and CAI defrauded donors, as well as people who have purchased his books, by fabricating stories about his experiences, with the intention of making money. The lawsuit also cites that this has been an ongoing, and continually perpetrated, act that has resulted in millions of dollars being donated to the cause by people who believed Mortenson's stories, which have been called into question on a number of fronts in recent weeks.

As Outside points out, the class action lawsuit spells even more trouble for the author and CAI, who are already under a criminal investigation for potential racketeering. In this latest suit, which you can read here, Price and Reinhart call for CAI to be suspended as an organization, and have its funds administered by a third party organization that would continue its charitable work in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

But Mortenson and CAI have no intention of taking these allegations sitting down. In a separate story, Outside also noted that they have prepared a defense, which will be released in an annual report called "Journey of Hope." Typically, the report is released in November, and serves as a way of updating major sponsors and supports of CAI as to what is happening with the organization. But the 2011 edition of Journey of Hope is coming much sooner than that.

The newsletter gives few direct responses to the recent allegations against Mortentson and his charitable arm. Instead, it offers some broad defenses, and highlights the good things that CAI has planned for the  months ahead, including building as many as 60 new schools in Afghanistan this year alone, and launching a special education program designed for women and girls.

In the way of defense, the organization points to its 1996 charter in which it says that it not only will build schools but also do outreach programs to the public. One of the major charges against CAI is the millions it spends on promoting Mortenson and his books. It seems they are filing all of that under the very broad umbrella of public outreach. They also note that they've been the victim of embezzlement, which cost them a lot of money and failed to produce a number of schools, due in large part to a trusted, but highly corrupt employee.

All of this comes after 60 Minutes ran an expose on Mortenson a few weeks back, which questioned the truthfulness behind some of the stories in his books, and leveled allegations against the way that CAI is being managed and appropriating its funds. Since that time, there have been a number of people who have stepped forward to both defend and refute the author, who has admitted to taking some poetic license, at the very least, with some of his tales.

It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out in the long run. I've said it before when covering this topic, and I'll say it again. CAI has done a lot of great work in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and it is sad to all of that overshadowed by these stories and allegations. Hopefully, at some point down the line, the non-profit can get back to doing what it was intended to do, without dark clouds looming over head.

Buy Stuff From Planet Gear, Help The International Mountain Biking Association

Remember that members only gear shop called Planet Gear that I told you about awhile back? Well, they launched on schedule at the end of March, and have been offering up some killer deals ever since. But they've also been partnering with some other organizations, and helping out the adventure community where ever they can. Currently, they're working with the International Mountain Biking Association, offering up some proceeds to help their efforts.

For everyone who signs up to be a member for Planet Gear using the link PlanetGear.com/IMBA, the company is donating $1 to the IMBA. Additionally, everyone who signs up through that link and spends $50 or more, Planet Gear will award the IMBA $10 in credit.

Remember, signing up for Planet Gear is absolutely free, and if you're a gear hound, like myself, they have some excellent deals to help update your aging gear or add some new items to the closet. And if you sign up now, you can also help an organization that works tirelessly to create and protect mountain biking trails across the globe. For those of us that enjoy that sport, this is a big deal, as some places have really cracked down on how trails are used, often excluding mountain bikes from the list of what is acceptable.

Definitely a great way to aid the IMBA, while also scoring some good deals on killer gear at the same time.

Ditch The Deet: Week 3

Okay, I haven't had a whole lot of luck giving away these Ditch The Deet packages I've been mentioning on my blog over the past couple of weeks. I have indeed selected, and e-mailed, winners the past two weeks, and I have yet to hear from either of them. So, if you've entered the contest, be sure to check your e-mail. The Week 1 winner didn't have a name attached to the e-mail, but Week 2 went to Bob Stocker. Bob, if you're out there, get in touch with me so I can send you your stuff! ;)

Which brings us to week 3. I have two more "Ditch The Deet" survival packs to give away. The packs include an SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear, all of which should come in handy for the summer months ahead.

To win this swag, all you have to do is send me a note at kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject line of "Ditch the Deet." In the body of the message, write me a note about what your summer outdoor plans are,  and how this swag could come in handy. I'll pick a random winner later in the week and ship off the stuff. Easy as that! (At least in theory!) If you've already entered the contest, no need to send me another note. You'll be automatically eligible for the prize until I give away all the stuff.

Also, don't forget to enter the Ditch The Deet contest, which could send you and three friends off to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. For details on how to score that trip, click here.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't send a big thank you to my friends at Adventure Medical Kits for sharing these prizes with us. I've been a big fan of the AMK stuff for awhile now, and I appreciate their support of the Adventure Blog. Great stuff guys! :)

Update: Yay! I've heard from Bob! I'll be shipping his kit ASAP!

Adventurers And Scientists For Conservation

Yesterday I received an excellent link in my e-mail that I thought might be of interest to a number of readers as well. It is for an organization called Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, which promises to bring both communities together in a cooperative way.

The goals for the ASC are fairly straight forward and simple. The group looks to provide scientists with a way to attain unique and inexpensive datasets from a variety of places from around the globe by mobilizing a group of like-minded people from across the planet. They also hope to give adventure athletes a set of tools to help conserve the wild spaces that we all love so much, and dditionally, they hope inspire the general public to use those same wild spaces wisely and to protect them from harm.

The organization is the brainchild of Gregg Treinish, who falls into both the adventurer and scientist categories. He has worked as a wildlife biologist, backcountry guide, and more. He has also completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail as well as an epic 7800 mile (12,552 km) trek across the Andes that took 22 months to complete. That earned him the honor of being named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year back in 2008.

Treinish is joined by some real heavy hitters in the science and adventure field. The ASC board has folks like Conrad Anker, Roz Savage, and Jon Bowermaster on it. Additionally, Their Mentors section has even more amazing folks that can be contacted for advice on how to launch your own expedition or contribute to the conservation cause.

Although this is a relatively new organization, Treinish says he didn't formulate the idea until late 2010, the website has already become quite a resource for adventurers and scientists alike. You'll find links to allow you to request datasets, lists of proposed projects, and ways to get in contact with men and women who are active in both the science and adventure communities.

Personally, I think this looks like a great organization. I've found that these two groups have more in common than it would seem on the surface, but both tend to have a deep respect and love for the natural environment and a desire to protect it for the future. It seems like a natural pairing and I have high hopes that the ASC will be helping to accomplish and promote great things in the future.

There Is Still Time To Enter The Ditch The Deet Week 2 Giveaway

There is still time to enter this weeks "Ditch The Deet" giveaway in which one reader will receive an SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear. I'll be drawing a winner tomorrow and shipping off the swag after that.

To enter the contest, simply send me an e-mail to kungfujedi@gmail.com. Make the subject line "Ditch The Deet" and in the body of the message share your plans for the warmer months ahead. I'll then randomly pick a winner to give the gear to tomorrow and alert the winner via e-mail, and post the name here as well.

The Week #1 winner still hasn't gotten back to me, so if you've entered the contest, be sure to check your e-mail to see if I sent you a note. If I don't hear from the winner, I'm giving away his or her stuff next week! ;)

And don't forget that Natrapel is running a "Ditch The Deet" contest of their own, in which they're giving away a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. To enter that contest you'll need to upload a photo of your favorite outdoor destination. Go to this website for more information.

Good luck everyone and thanks for playing!

Gear Box: Brooks-Range Cirro Hoody Jacket

Just because calendar says that it is spring it doesn't mean that the weather will cooperate, especially when you head up into the mountains, where conditions can be notoriously fickle this time of year. Fortunately, Brooks-Range makes a fantastic jacket that is taylor made for springtime adventures at altitude.

True to the Brooks-Range philosophy, the Cirro Hoody is a no-frills jacket that gives you everything you need, and nothing you don't. Super-light in weight, the Cirro is warm, comfortable, and good looking, which also makes it versatile enough to wear on the slopes or around town. With three zippered external pockets, elastic cuffs, and a well designed hood that protects the wearer from the elements, it is clear that the designers knew what they were doing when they created this jacket. The inclusion of an internal pocket is much appreciated as well.

The Cirro uses Permaloft One as its source of insulation and Pertex as an outer shell. That means that you get a jacket that stays warm, even when it gets wet, but is also well protected from moisture as well. Those synthetic fabrics help provide a garment that is both warm and durable, but weighs just 12.4 oz (342 grams). I was particularly impressed with how warm this jacket is, especially considering the lack of weight and bulk. It makes for a fantastic piece of cool weather gear on its own and an excellent insulation layer in colder conditions.

As a frequent traveler, one thing I always appreciate is clothing that is highly packable. That described the Cirro Hoody to a tee. As I mentioned, this isn't a bulky or heavy jacket, and it also compresses down to a very small footprint, which comes in handy when you're stuffing it in a backpack. The fact that it adds very minimal weight to that pack is a further reflection on how well Brooks-Range knows their market and what we are looking for in our gear.

All of this comes at a great price as well. Brooks-Range lists the MSRP as $189, which is an excellent deal for a jacket this versatile and well made. Add one to your gear closet for a little extra springtime protection on your next adventure.

Ditch The Deet: Week 2 Giveaway!

Today marks the beginning of the second week of the Ditch The Deet giveaway that I launched last week in conjunction with Adventure Medical Kits and Natrapel. Over the course of the next few weeks, I'm giving away a couple of "survival kits" that include a SOL Core Lite tool, Natrapel Insect Repellant Wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear.

As I've mentioned before, all you have to do to enter the contest is send me an e-mail at kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject of "Ditch the Deet." Then, in the body of the e-mail, share some details about what you have planned for outdoor adventure in the months ahead, and how this kit would be of benefit to you. With that done, I'll automatically enter you into the contest to win the prize. If you already entered last week, there is no need to enter again, I'll keep everyone in the contest until I've given away all the prizes.

I did pick a winner last Friday, but I haven't heard back from them yet. So, if you entered the contest, you may want to check your e-mail to see if you won. The entry didn't include any name with it, so I can't even announce who gets the swag!

Good luck everyone and have a great start to the week!

Nat Geo Adventure Announces Spring/Summer Gear of the Year for 2011

Our friends over at National Geographic Adventure have posted their picks for Gear of the Year for Spring/Summer 2011. As the weather heats up, we all need different gear for our outdoor activities, and the items on the list reflect a different approach for the new seasons.

As you would expect from a list like this, there is a little of everything, including backpacks, tents, clothing, and more. One of the items making the list is the Osprey Hornet 46 backpack, which receives high honors for being lightweight and flexible, something that I noted when I reviewed the Hornet 32 awhile back. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the convenience and comfort that comes with the Osprey packs, and this one is definitely no exception.

Also making the list is the Stretch Cohesion jacket from Mountain Hardwear, which gets the nod for its many multisport uses. The Marmot Plasma 30 sleeping bag was a hit thanks to its comfort and lightweight, while the Salewa Alp Trainer hiking boot earned a spot on the list for it all around quality and design, not to mention comfort, on the trail.

This is just a sampling of the gear that made the cut however, as there is plenty of other footwear, gadgets, and other items as well. For instance, there are both DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras on the list, as well as a great outdoor watch. The iPad 2 gets a mention as well thanks its more svelte design and all around usefulness as a travel companion, something I whole heartedly agree with.

So, if you've got some spare cash burning a hole in your pocket, and you're looking for some new gear for your warm weather adventures, take a look at what Nat Geo recommends, and maybe you'll find an item that is exactly what you're looking for.

Himalaya 2011: Record Number Of Visitors To The Everest ER Tent

The Outside Blog has an interesting post up this morning regarding current conditions on Everest's South Side, where the doctors in the Everest ER tent are on pace to see a record number of visitors this year. In a recent post to their blog, one of the docs says that they have seen 276 patients already this season, which they call "a blistering pace set to break all previous clinic visitation records."

While that may sound like there is some terrible virus working its way through BC this year or that the climbers are taking bigger risks, the Everest Docs have a different theory. They believe that after spending several years in Base Camp, where they have more than earned a reputation for reliable and high quality care, that the teams are coming to rely on them more. Some of the teams may have even left their own doctors behind in favor of using the established docs who have been a part of the Everest ER squad for awhile now. Either way, the med tent is definitely busier, and the patients are receiving consistently better care than they have in the past.

In the same blog post, the docs say that they've had to treat several cases of HAPE/HACE, but all of the climbers who have had to be evacuated were feeling find when the rescue chopper came. They've also had reports back that after they've been taken from BC, the patients have recovered nicely as well.

They've also had to deal with their first case of frostbite, suffered by a Sherpa who took his glove off at Camp 1 where the winds were howling at 100 mph (160 km/h). That incident prompted them to post some great advice on how to avoid frostbite when caught on in the cold. That list looks like this:

-Stay well hydrated and well fed to enable your body to generate heat!

-Avoid alcohol, which can impair your sensation (and judgment!)

-Avoid smoking, which will constrict your blood flow

-Don’t climb/trek under extreme weather conditions (wind, very cold)

-Avoid tight fitted clothing (eg no wrinkles in the socks)

-If your clothing/socks/gloves get wet from snow/rain or perspiration, DRY them quickly – including boot insoles

-Wear mittens rather than gloves in extreme cold and a liner glove underneath if you need quick temporary access to fingers (e.g. photography)

-Never ignore numbness – as an old professor once told me – 'if you feel your fingers and toes getting numb and you ignore it, that numbness might be the last thing you ever feel!' Numbness is a sign that you may be getting into trouble. If it doesn’t resolve by increasing activity, you need to get somewhere to take off your gloves/boots and rewarm yourself.

-Avoid rubbing frostbitten areas – beating on them only increases the chance of injury and doesn’t help them rewarm faster.

-IF you or your buddy has frostbite, get somewhere warm, but only rewarm the injured area if there is no chance it will refreeze. The quickest way to rewarm is to submerge in warm water (~104F, or the warmth of a hot tub, test the water first with a thermometer or an uninjured body part – a frozen hand can’t determine if the water is too hot!) 

–keep the area padded and protected against further heat loss. 

-Research suggests that a dose of ibuprofen may help prevent some of the inflammatory problems that result from frostbite

-Get to a doctor as soon as possible if there is frozen tissue or if normal sensation doesn’t return after rewarming. New treatments, like some antiinflammatories and clot-busting drugs are TIME sensitive - and are only effective if given within 24 hours of thawing.

Great advice straight from the doctors that I thought was worth sharing considering that many of us visit areas that get cold enough to induce frostbite, something I wouldn't want to wish on anyone. Keep these in mind the next time you're heading to a Pole!

The Three Cups of Tea Controversy Continues

Over the past couple of weeks, the controversy surrounding Three Cups of Tea author Greg Mortenson has continued to roll through the mountaineering community and beyond. It all started when 60 Minutes ran an expose on Mortenson, alleging that he fabricated sections of his bestselling book and that there were major questions about how he ran his charitable organization, the Central Asia Institute. In that piece, author Jon Krakauer spoke out about Mortenson, and published his own story entitled Three Cups of Deceit.

A few days later, Mortenson gave an exclusive interview with Outside Magazine in which he admitted that he had exaggerated certain areas of his book for dramatic purposes, but he stuck by the main themes and elements of the story, in which he says that on a 1993 expedition to climb K2, he became lost in the Himalaya and wandered into the town of Korphe. He originally claimed that he was injured and needed assistance, and spent several days there before being helped on his way. The villagers supposedly helped him to get well and then find his way home. The story goes that Mortenson was so moved by their generosity that he vowed to return and repay their kindness by building a school for the children there. That would be the origin of CAI, an organization that would go on to build dozens of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

But in the interview with Outside, Mortenson says that he actually only spent 2 or 3 hours in the village, and caught up with the rest of his team later. That was later confirmed by another member of the team. But now, Outside has further evidence to suggest that Mortenson wasn't even near Korphe as he says he was, further calling into doubt his recollection of events. These new allegations were published yesterday in another blog post on Outside Online.

Worse yet, Outside has failed to find any evidence that Mortenson had any kind of mountaineering background before heading to K2, a peak that is so difficult and deadly to climb that it has the nickname of "The Savage Mountain." Mortenson claims that he has climbed a half-dozen Himalayan peaks, but there is little evidence, beyond a trek to Island Peak, that he has ever done so. Even the esteemed Miss Elizabeth Hawley, the keeper of all the records dealing with the Himalaya, has no account of Mortenson reaching the summit of any of the mountains there. And as we all know, if Miss Hawley doesn't say you've climbed in the Himalaya, then you haven't climbed in the Himalaya!

All of this may seem like small potatoes when it comes to some of the other big stories taking place around the world, but Mortenson is a guy who has built his reputation, not to mention his fortune, around  the stories about his experiences in the mountains of Pakistan. Many people have donated money to his organization based on those stories, and the belief in this man. With more allegations against Mortenson coming to light, one has to wonder how far the deceit actually goes.

Gear Box: SteriPEN Sidwinder Water Purification System

In the spring of 2010 I traveled to Nepal and made the trek to Everest Base Camp. A trip like that one requires plenty of gear, including a good pair of boots, a comfortable pack, and plenty of clothing to keep you warm at altitude. But one of the pieces of gear that I found to be the most invaluable was my SteriPEN Journey water purifier. The little electronic device allowed me to drink the local water without fear, which is both more cost effective and environmentally sound.

For those not familiar with SteriPEN's products, they use ultraviolet light to kill off 99.9% of all the harmful bacteria that can live in drinking water. In the case of the Journey, you simply stick the little wand inside your water bottle and stir for a couple of minutes. After the process is complete, you're good to go. The Journey was so effective that I never once had issues from drinking the water, despite the fact that many in my trekking group suffered ill effects.

Since that time, SteriPEN has released a new product called the Sidewinder, which does away with the battery operated light in the Journey in favor of a new system that uses a hand crank to power the light. The system includes a 32 oz water bottle (BPA free of course!), which you fill up with water and then attach to the Sidewinder. After flipping the device over, you are free to start turning the crank.

SteriPEN has made it nearly impossible to screw up the purification process. If you are turning the crank too slowly, a pair of red LED lights turn on to let you know you need to go fast. The instructions say you need to turn the crank at about two revolutions per second, and turning it faster does not speed up the time it takes to complete the process. It takes about 90 seconds to finish, and when you do, the LED lights turn green to indicate the water is now safe to drink.

That's really all there is to it, and much like the Journey, the Sidewinder does an excellent job of getting you water free from all the potentially harmful stuff inside. But just for a bit of added security, SteriPEN included a filter in the box. That filter attaches to the water bottle and further helps to clean the water for drinking. It is a nice added touch and shows the company's commitment to keeping us healthy while traveling.

The Sidewinder has a few decided advantages over the Journey that I used last year. For starters, it doesn't require batteries, which can be difficult to obtain in the backcountry or a foreign land should you run out of juice. It is also super-easy to use, although it does take some practice to get the cranking perfected, and it can be tiring. Consider the Sidewinder a way of working your biceps while on a camping trip though, and you'll be fine.

On the other hand, the Sidewinder is a bit large and bulky, and I can't imagine taking it with me to Nepal, or most other countries for that matter. It is better suited for car camping or for when you're staying in a base camp for some time and won't be lugging it about. Don't get me wrong, the device isn't all that heavy, just a bit on the large side and awkwardly shaped.

Still, the addition of the Sidewinder to the SteriPEN product line definitely fills a niche. The fact that it doesn't require batteries at all will be a big bonus for some, and it works as advertised, purifying your water as needed.  (MSRP: $99.95)

(Both the Sidewinder and the Journey are available from TravelCountry.com)

Adventurer Prepares To Circumnavigate The Globe Via The Poles

South African adventurer Ray Chaplin hopes to circumnavigate the globe, under his own power no less, in just 80 weeks. But even more impressive is that he will do so via both Poles, and not traveling around the planet in a east-west direction as is typical for these kinds of expeditions. If successful, he'll be the first person to circle the globe in this direction and manner.

Ray has named his expedition SHOVA360, and plans to get underway in August from Table Mountain, in Cape Town. He has broken down the journey into stages, with the first stage covering Africa as he travels north. From there, it is on to the Middle East, then Europe, before moving into the Arctic. If all goes according to plan, he'll pass through the North Pole and begin heading south once again at long last. The next stage of his journey will take him across North and South America, then a crossing into the Antarctic, followed by a traverse of that continent. When he's done there, he'll cross the Southern Ocean back to South Africa, and return home. Remember, he wants to do all of this in 80 weeks, which is fairly ambitious all things considered.

Since he's also doing all of those miles under his own power, that means he'll either be trekking, skiing, or pedaling while on land and paddling, either in a kayak or boat, while at sea. Along the way, Ray hopes to stop at more than 200 World Heritage Sites, while covering more than 66,000km (41,010 miles).

Update: For those wondering the source of this story, I came across it in a link from the Explorers Club tweets yesterday. The original article can be found here. Obviously there are a few discrepancies on Ray's website, and as I've noted, his scheduled of going around the world in 80 weeks seems rather ambitious, but I wanted everyone to be aware of where I found this story.

Don't Forget To "Ditch The Deet!"

Just a quick reminder of the contest that I launched yesterday in which I'm giving away a little Spring/Summer Survival Kit that includes a SOL Core Lite survival tool, as well as a Natrapel insect repellent wipes, Afterbite Itch Eraser and Ben's Insect treatment for clothing and gear. All you have to do to enter to win is send me an e-mail with the subject line of "Ditch The Deet" to kungfujedi@gmail.com. In the body of the message tell me about your outdoor plans for this spring and summer, and why this "survival kit" might just come in handy. On Friday of this week, and for the next few weeks, I'll be randomly picking a winner to send this pack to.

And while you're at it, drop by DitchTheDeet.com to enter the contest that Natrapel has going at the moment. On that site, you can upload your favorite photo from your outdoor adventures, and you just might end up winning some other cool swag, gear, or even a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Not a bad place to spend a few days this summer!

Good luck to everyone who enters, I've been enjoying the notes that I've received so far!

Win A Spring Survival Kit From Adventure Medical Kits and The Adventure Blog

Last week I posted a review of a great little tool called the SOL Core Lite from Adventure Medical Kits. I gave it high marks for being a lightweight knife, flashlight, and emergency whistle combo that you could throw in your pack on any outdoor venture. I also noted that I would be giving a few away in the near future, along with a few other products from AMK.

The Core Lite is just one element to a Spring Survival Kit that we've put together for readers. I've also got Natrapel insect repellent wipes (good for 8 hours!), AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for Clothing and Gear. Each of these products should prove extremely helpful in the warm spring and summer months ahead, when the bugs will be returning in force and looking to spoil your outdoor fun. Best of all, none of these items uses Deet, which we all know can be quite harmful.

In fact, Natrapel is running a Ditch The Deet contest at the moment, which encourages us to submit photos of our favorite outdoor adventures (bug free of course!) to their website. From there, photos will be voted on by site visitors, with the winning image being awarded a trip for four to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Runners up will receive gear and other prizes as well. So, dig out your favorite snap-shot, or take a few new ones, and submit them to the site. You and three friends could be off on a fun vacation thanks to your award winning photo!

But I have an even simpler contest for you. To win your own Core Lite tool, Natrapel insect repellent wipes, AfterBite Itch Eraser, and Ben's Insect Treatment for your gear, simply send me an e-mail with the subject line of "Ditch The Deet" to kungfujedi@gmail.com. In the body of the message tell me a little something about your outdoor plans for the spring and summer, and why you would need this little "survival kit." On Friday of this week, and for the next couple of Fridays, I'll select winners and ship them off their kit, just in time for the insect invasion of 2011. It's that simple!

Good luck!