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One of the most spectacular areas in the world has come under fire of an environmentalist. The peaks in the park are some of the most visually striking in the world. I can attest to this statement as I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the park. Home to incredible climbs, fishing, kayaking, backpacking and much more this area is a natural wonder. However one man documents how mismanaged the park is and suggests some idea to change current conditions before this area becomes soiled by the throngs of visitors it gets every year. From overflowing latrines to decimating the flora around camp areas his article dictates how Chile’s Forest Service needs to pay attention in order to preserve its natural wonder in Southern Patagonia. Check out the article here. Torres Del Paine Management
On a lighter note the Patagonian Expedition race is underway again. This is perhaps the most difficult race in the world. This year it is definitely the longest. The temperamental weather and rugged conditions push the adventure racers to the limit. Just to finish this race is a feat in itself. Check out the current results at their website. Patagonia Expedition Race
Since its the holiday season and people are in the giving mood I figured that it would be appropriate to highlight a book that proves one person can make a huge difference. ‘Three Cups of Tea’ is a book about how one man started a movement in Pakistan that lead to dozens of schools and social programs to help the impoverished people over there. A botched K2 summit bid that almost killed Greg Mortenson lead to an epiphany that drove him to dedicate his life to helping the people of Pakistan. He wasn’t rich and never had much money but his drive and dedication conquered all. The book is fantastic and is sure to warm your heart and inspire you to give. Pick up a copy and you’ll see.
I’ve heard a lot lately about Plastic Nalgene bottles leach bisphenol-A into whatever you are drinking. While Nalgene bottles are supposed to be medical grade there is a possibility that they do leach BPA. There is some evidence that this occurs. So much so that Nalgene has already said they are pulling all their old bottles off the market and putting out new product that doesn’t contain BPA. In the mean time authorities are suggesting people use Stainless Steel water bottles such as Guyot Designs “The Bottle” or Sigg Bottles.
These bottles are great alternatives. They are a little more expensive so if you lose bottles as much as I do then it could be a problem. Stainless bottles do look very nice but another down side is that you can’t see through them. No more using it as a measuring cup in camp. They also dent if you get too rough with them. The sacrifices we to make to maintain our health I suppose. For now I’ve retired the sticker clad beat up Nalgenes in favor for a nice stainless steel bottle. It does add an air of sophistication to any camping setup. Just be even more aware of hot liquids since steel conducts heat a lot quicker than plastic.
Its time once again for the Outdoor Retailer show. The greatest place to check out all the newest and greatest outdoor equipment for the year. Its a sensory overload for any gear whore like myself. Along with the gear are tons of activities and all the beer you can drink. This year will feature a beer pong tournament. I even hear one of the companies is bringing in The Roots to play a concert at Port O Call.
This is my pre-show excitement generator. I will report on the new products about to hit the market later in the week. So if your in the area try and get a pass and check out the best show in town. You might see your favorite action sports hero. I know that all the big time climbers will be in town for the bouldering championships on Saturday. It will be held on the top level of the Shilo Hotel Parking lot. That should be entertaining as well.
Well now there is a tent that has power outlets. Introducing the Eureka N!ergy series (N!ergy 9, 1210 and 1310). The ultimate car camping tent for total comfort. The best thing next to having an RV.
Check out the reviews Popgadget and Gizmodo.
Here is the Popgadget review
Gear up for camping with the Eureka N!ergy tent with power outlets
eureka-nergy.jpg
How many times have you run out of battery power on your cell phone or mp3 player during a camping trip and wished that you could somehow charge them? Or just longed for a power outlet that you could plug your hair dryer into? If you find yourself nodding in agreement, your knight-in-shining-armor could very well be the N!ergy tent from Eureka.
The company, which specializes in camping gear, has designed the cool N!ergy tent with three 12V outlets right within the tent, with the wiring completely concealed.
What you need to do is buy a rechargeable battery source called the E! Power Pak (sold separately) and charge it before your camping trip. Then, plug it into the wiring system and you are ready to power upto 3 devices at once. In addition, there are glowing outlets throughout the tent for easy access to the power outlets in the dark.
Choose from three different sizes accommodating 5 (N!ergy 9), 8 (N!ergy 1210) or 10 (N!ergy 1310) people. Toss in an additional $50 for the E! Power Pak and get set for a geeky camping trip.
I might be excessive to have power outlets but if your girlfriend won’t leave without the ability to use her hairdryer then your set. Or if you simply get kicked out of the house for the night you can take the Wii and play it in the backyard.
I ran across this post on the official Google blog today. Google has paired with Trimble Outdoors to create a layer on Google Earth that allows you to pull up hikes that have been loaded into the system. Here is the story -
Hikes on the fly
Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 3:19:00 PM
Posted by Larry Fox, Business Development, Trimble Outdoors
Many of you reading this may already know that Trimble Outdoors has partnered with Google to provide Google Earth viewers with GPS-based interactive hiking information. We’re very excited about being able to share all the great GPS content we’ve developed over the years and through partnerships with magazines including Backpacker, Bicycling and Mountain Bike. It’s an outstanding resource for outdoors enthusiasts, or really, anyone who wants to do a little research before setting out on a hike. You can access lots of multimedia info on fitness and outdoor adventures, including routes, points of interest, pictures, video segments and even audio clips. Essentially, anytime, anywhere you can launch Google Earth, you can view hundreds of hikes that have already been logged and completed, and view personalized web content. Then, through the convergence of Trimble Outdoors’ technology and Google Earth, you can click one button, and the exact trail route is exported to your GPS-enabled phone.
This partnership between Google Earth and Trimble Outdoors is designed to support the community of outdoor enthusiasts with exciting new ways to explore the earth and share adventure stories online.
This is really sweet. Just load it on your GPS enable phone and you’ve got the route. And its all free!
Utah Outdoor Activities
Resource to the Utah outdoors. Offering pictures, stories and reviews on outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating and more!
Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Trends, patagonia expedition race, Torres Del Paine Patagonia parks park management Chile
