Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, Scotland

, September 10, 2015

The experience of alighting from a train in the middle of the Scottish Highlands is unrivalled. As the train tracked through the snowy landscape, I drifted outbounds from Corrour Train … Read more

Escaping the Capitol: Great Falls Park, Virginia

, June 3, 2015

Founded in 1790 on the Potomac River, Washington DC has it all. The city booms with life as congressmen walk the steps of the Capitol, tourists explore the Smithsonian, the President hosts foreign emissaries and students party it up in Georgetown. However, when the weekend comes around locals and foreigners alike might be inclined to escape the city limits in search of tranquility and adventure. While these two concepts might appear contradictory Great Falls National Park caters for both those who want to simply relax in the wilderness, and for those who want to break a sweat or two.

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness: Music Pass & Sand Creek Lakes

, April 2, 2015

Music Pass (11,500 ft) was so named because of the rumored musical sounds that can be heard as the wind passes over Music Mountain and the other surrounding peaks that guard the Upper Sand Creek Basin. Located in the Sangre de Cristos, a chain of mountains that run from southern Colorado through northern New Mexico, the basin sits at the northernmost end of the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.

Rab Neutrino SL

, November 5, 2012

Rab actually make two topbags, the first is called the Module and does without the hood. The second is the Neutrino SL, made slightly warmer by extra filling and a trapezoidal construction

Conquering Conception Volcano

, September 2, 2012

If you think you’re ready for this epic adventure, a local guide is highly recommended. Otherwise, experienced hikers can take the bus to a small village called La Savana which is toward Altagracia. From the street, follow the wide dirt road all the way to the split in the road and take the path right. Continue on and you will come to a wooden sign that states it is Conception Volcano’s Entrance and a $2 fee is required. This should be about a 45 minute walk from the street. From there, the only way is up! This path is extremely steep, slippery, and dangerous. Most likely there will be high winds at the top and you must be cautious when viewing inside the crater. It should take you around three hours to reach the top at a fast pace and nearly three hours down at a slow pace. This will be an experience of a lifetime!

Rakaia Gorge

, August 26, 2012

During one gorgeous, sunny, summer day here in New Zealand Melissa, Ray and I had just finished work at the lodge and decided that we had to take advantage of … Read more

Navigating Ben Nevis

, April 1, 2012

At a an altitude of 1,344m, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Located in the Grampian Mountains in the west of Scotland, it represents one of the many highlights of Scottish highland hiking. Being within two hours of Glasgow, and less than three hours from Edinburgh, it is also a very accessible peak which could even be summited as a day trip from one of Scotland’s cosmopolitan cities.

Canyoneering in the Western Cape, South Africa

, March 26, 2012

Situated between Grabouw and Stellenbosch in the Hottentots Holland mountains, the source of the Palmiet-river marks the starting point of a gem of a valley. The naturally-formed waterslides down waterfalls fall into amazing rock pools, leaving jumps ranging between 3 and 20 metres to help you release your adrenaline-valve in this beautiful canyon. You’ll be busy for anything between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the “escape-route” you choose to take out of Suicide Gorge. There is no variation of trails here, and once in, it’s rather difficult to get out.

Routing the High5 Hiking Trails, Mpumalanga, South Africa

, February 19, 2012

Mine-heaps and tollgates are what the average tourist would remember from the Mpumalanga province in the Northern parts of South Africa, but there certainly is more to it. The ‘Highveld’ (translated as Highfield), as this part of the Rainbow Nation is locally known, plays host to a different kind of beauty than what you would find in the more commercial Southern parts. Those seeking adventure while experiencing the true African wildlife are sure to be pleased on the relatively new Num-Num trail near Machadodorp, Mpumalanga.

Summit Pikes Peak from the Crags

, January 18, 2012

With its close proximity to the city of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.), one of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners, offers an abundance of accessible terrain for your next adventure. This peak, however, is unlike any others you will come across in Colorado, as you can reach the summit on foot, bike, cog railway, and even car. In addition to the panoramic views on top, you will find a large parking lot and the Summit House (open 8AM-8PM), filled with a gift shop, cafe and lots of people. For the hardcore among you, an ascent on foot or bike will feel particularly rewarding when you arrive and view the crowd who came by motorized means.

Petzl MYO RXP Headlamp

, November 24, 2011

Most of us do our sports during the day, spending evenings to resting or relaxing with friends – usually anything other than getting our heart rates up with some exercise. Word is out that there are countless new nightclubs that few are aware of. It might not be the typical dance scene that you expect it to be. Ladies, gentlemen, and especially those adrenaline-seeking freaks, I bring you the Petzl Myo RXP; a headlamp that will bring light to your darkness, show these new “nightclubs” and unlock these long-hidden nocturnal instincts inside of us all.