This Cyclist Want to Ride His Bike in Every Country in the World

Over the years, there have been a number of cyclists who have quite literally ridden around the world on their bikes, circumnavigating the globe under their own power. We've even followed a few of them on their adventures here on this blog. But, German rider Patrick Schroeder is setting an entirely new bar for others to follow, by attempting to ride his bike through every country in the world. All 195 of them.

Over the holiday break, the team over at Gear Junkie posted a story about Patrick, sharing his goals to pedal his way across the globe. Ten years ago, he set out from his home country at the age of 19 to see where he could go on his bike. At the time, he didn't really have any goals for his ride, nor did he have a plan. But over time, and as the years, passed, he decided that he wanted to pursue his goal of cycling through every country on Earth.

Patrick says that after he completed school and military service, he spent a year traveling around the world. After that, he got into bike touring, with his first big adventure being a ride from Germany to South Africa. He also rode from Germany to China – and back – as well as Argentina to Canada. Along the way, he has now ridden his bike in 141 countries, leaving him 54 more to go.

In the Gear Junkie article, Patrick talks about the equipment that he takes with him, his current bike (a custom MyBoo Densu), as well as ones he has used in the past, his favorite pieces of gear, and more. He also talks about the things he's learned on his bike journeys, the hardest place he's traveled through, the extraordinary things he has seen during his travels, and the things he hasn't done yet that he would still like to do.

Perhaps most interesting is his list of gear that he has taken with him, both on his 2008 bike expedition and on his 2016 journey. As you can imagine, things continue to evolve over time, with new and better gear being released regularly. For instance, on his 2008 list he has an iPod Nano, but now he uses a smartphone instead. His gear has been reduced in weight nicely too. In 2008, his kit weight about 55 pounds. Today, it's down to 26 pounds. That's some impressive gains to say the least.

If you're interested in long-distance bike travel, this is a story that you'll want to read. But beyond that, it is just really interesting to see what Patrick is doing. No word on where he is headed next, or how he'll knock off those remaining countries, but follow him on hit Facebook page to stay updated.

Sean Burch Shares His Side Of Nepal Permit Story

Remember the story I posted back in November about an American mountaineer named Sean Burch who found himself in hot water after climbing a number of peaks in Nepal without the proper permits? Well, Burch recently sat down with Explorers Web to explain his side of the story, and clear up some of the details that have been making the rounds. And, as it turns out, he may not be in the wrong here, despite reports that he could face large fines and a ban from climbing in the country.

In the interview with ExWeb, Burch says that it is his understanding that permits are not needed to climb any mountains under 5800 meters (19,028 feet). In fact, these mountains are categorized as "trekking peaks" so as to avoid a lot of unnecessary paperwork for travelers who come to Nepal and just want to hike in the Himalaya for a few weeks. Back in October, the American adventurer summited 31 different mountains there over the course of a three week period. But, according to him, all of them were under the 5800 meter mark, which meant he didn't need to obtain permits for his expedition. 

To add further fuel to the fire, Burch also says that the reporter who wrote the initial story for The Himalayan Times didn't get all of the facts right. It was first reported that he had climbed above 6500 meters (21,325 ft), which is the altitude at which a liaison officer is required. The original story also said that he claimed to have summited three mountains – Kangnun Himal, Chandi Himal, and Changla Himal – none of which he actually climbed. Burch says the highest altitude that he reached during his expedition was 5793 meters (19,006 ft), and that everything he did followed the rules and regulations. The initial story even says that he lives and works in Nepal, which apparently isn't true either. 

It is difficult to say exactly where these stories started, but if it is true that Burch never ventured above 5800 meters, than he is correct in saying that he didn't need a permit. It seems likely that all of this will be sorted out by the Nepali government in good time, but it has made for splashy headlines in the mountaineering community in recent weeks. The American isn't the only to fall into this category either, as a team of Spanish climbers has also been accused of not having the proper permits as well. 

At this point, the stories seems to have been blown well out of proportion, and it appears that Burch hasn't done anything wrong. Hopefully this will all get sorted out and blow over soon. 

North Pole 2016: British Team Completes Expedition

As expected, the British Race Against Time team completed its journey yesterday, reaching the North Pole after 13 days out on the ice. The Pole marked the finish line for what was a demanding trek that began long before they ever set foot in the Arctic, and culminated at 90ºN early yesterday.

It took Mark Wood, Paul Vicary, and Mark Langridge just 4 hours to complete the final push to the Pole yesterday, facing more ice rubble and fields along the way. The squad saw plenty of that, plus plenty of other obstacles over their two weeks of skiing north, including open leads of water and blocks of ice the size of a house. They also witnessed the effects of climate change, with thinning ice, warming temperatures, and the Arctic Ocean uncovered in surpassingly large areas.

The 13-day expedition was far shorter than the trio of explorers originally envisioned. Initially the plan was to ski the full distance to the North Pole via the Russian side of the ice. Later, they decided to change directions, and travel from the Pole to Ward Hunt Island in Canada instead. But delays to the start of the expedition pushed back their start, making that much longer journey an impossibility. Instead, they elected to complete a journey that crossed two degrees of latitude instead. The shortened trip still allowed them to observe the environmental impact they had hoped to learn more about, but they had hoped to collect more data over a larger area of the Arctic.

The three men didn't spend much time at the Pole. They were picked up by helicopter last night, and flown back to the Barneo Ice Camp where they now are waiting for transportation back to Europe. It might take another day or two for that to happen, but soon they'll be on their way home.

The North Pole season will continue for another week or so as some "last degree" teams continue to ski to the Pole and some research teams wrap up their projects. Soon though, the Barneo camp will pick up for another year, and the Arctic will be abandoned once again. At this point, it is impossible not to wonder if the age of Arctic exploration is quickly coming to an end as climate change alters the landscape their forever.

Backpacker Maps America's Best Long Distance Hiking Trails

Everyone knows about the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and even the Continental Divide Trail, but did you know there are a number of other great long-distance hiking routes in the U.S.? In fact, there are numerous other options for those who like to trek for days on end, covering hundreds – if not thousands – of miles in the process. And now, thanks to Backpacker magazine, we have a comprehensive map of the very best of them.

The map, which you can view in its larger format by clicking here, shows dozens of different trails scattered across the entire U.S., many of which most of us probably aren't all that aware of. For instance, did you know that there is a Centennial Trail that stretches for 111 miles (178 km) through South Dakota? Or that the Buckeye Trail covers 1445 miles (2325 km) on a circuit through Ohio? Heck, there is even a Florida Trail that stretches for 1400 miles (2253 km) across the entire length of the state, including the panhandle.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of course, as there are plenty more interesting long-distance hiking routes all over the U.S., stretching from one coast to the other. That includes the American Discovery Trail, which literally does just that, covering some 6800 miles (10,943 km) in the process. The point is, no matter where you live, chances are there is an epic trek to be had somewhere near by, and Backpacker wants to help you find it. This map is a great place to start.

As the magazine also points out, these trails wouldn't exist if it weren't for the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and conservation advocates all over the country. We get to reap the benefits of their hard work, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Hopefully in the years to come, there will be even more impressive trails to add to this map.

Gear Closet: DryGuy Force Dry DX and Travel Dry DX - Never Have Wet Boots Again!

Winter can be an amazing season for playing outdoors, provided you have all of the year you need to keep you warm and comfortable in the snow and cold temperatures. That includes a good set of baselayers, a warm coat, and of course a great pair of boots. But even the best boots can get soaked through after hours of fun in the snow, which can make putting them back on the next day for another outdoor excursion a dreadful affair. Fortunately, there is away to avoid that, and always have warm, dry boots at all times.

A company called DryGuy makes some excellent solutions for keeping your shoes and boots dry and comfortable all year round. Yes, their products are fantastic for use in the winter, but I've also found that they come in handy for drying my running shoes after a run in the rain or even a humid workout during the summer too. I've been using a couple of their products for awhile now, and have come to appreciate the simple joys of never having to worry about wet footwear ever again. Here are two devices that can help you achieve the same feeling.

Force Dry DX ($80)
DryGuy's flagship product is the Force Dry DX, a device that was specifically built to not only warm your boots, but dry-out your gloves and other gear too. This handy little machine uses the company's signature "forced air" process to blow heated air into your boots as a way to remove moisture without harming the shoes in any way.

It does this by first drawing air into the Force Dry DX, where it flows past a heading element, before being expelled into the shoes that are placed on its extension tubes, which have vents on the end. That heated air (warmed up to 105ºF/40.5ºC) then goes to work removing moisture from your boots, running shoes, or gloves, making them far more comfortable to put on again when you need them. The process takes between 1-3 hours to complete depending on the garment being dried and how soaked it is. But, once complete, the device not only removes the dampness, but also prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi that could lead to foul odors too.


The Force Dry DX includes four individual pillars built into the device, each of which can accept a show, glove, or other item. That means you can dry as many as two pairs of shoes at any given time. DryGuy even offers several accessories, such as a helmet holder or an adapter to dry your fishing waders, to extend the functionality of the machine a bit further. This helps to make this product an all around solution for keeping you warm and dry, no matter what your favorite outdoor activity happens to be.

The DryGuy team says that dry garments are 25 times warmer than wet ones. I don't know if that number is accurate, but anyone who has spent any time outdoors in wet shoes, socks, or gloves can tell you how uncomfortable that can be. Chances are, if you're outside in the winter, you'll experience this at some point in your life. But thanks to the Force Dry DX, you don't have to start your day out with wet feet before you've even gone outside. Simply set this gadget up in your garage or some out of the way corner, and let it work its magic. You'll be amazed at how useful it is not just in the winter, but all year round. And price at $80, it might be the best investment you've made in a long time as well.

Travel Dry DX ($40)
Of course, our outdoor adventures aren't just confined to when we're close at home. We often have to endure wet footwear while on the road too, which is why DryGuy has invented the Travel Dry DX, a portable version of the Force Dry DX that you can take with you anywhere.

The Travel Dry DX works under the same principle, but rather than placing your shoes on the drying pillars, it actually comes with two small devices that slide into your boots to help remove moisture in the same way. A small fan efficiently and silently draws air into a heating element, which then pushes it into the shoe to help dry it out. While not quite as warm as the more powerful Force Dry DX, the Travel Dry does accomplish the same task, albeit at a bit slower pace.

DryGuy thought ahead while designing the Travel Dry, allowing it to be powered by either AC wall outlet or by plugging it into the 12V DC outlet (read cigarette lighter) port in your car. This makes it easy to warm your boots while on the road, allowing you to even arrive at the ski resort or tail head with dry shoes. I would have liked to have seen an option to power this model with USB as well, which would make the use of a portable battery pack a viable one. But, I'm not sure how efficient that would be for using the Travel Dry DX for extended periods of time.

I had a chance to use this product last week while I was on the road in Aspen, Colorado attending the X Games, and have to say I was extremely glad to have it with me. At the end of a long day outside in the snow, my boots were indeed cold and damp. But, I simply dropped the Travel Dry DX heating elements into each shoe and let them run over night. The next day, they were dry and comfortable and ready to go once again. And at just $40, this is once again a very affordable option for frequent travelers.

On its website, DryGuy offers a few other options, including the Simple Dry, which is a basic boot dryer for $40. I haven't used that particular model, but from what I understand, it uses simple convection drying methods rather than the forced air method employed by the Force Dry DX. That means that it will remove the moisture from your footwear, but it isn't quite so fast and efficient. But unless you're on a strict budget, I'd recommend purchasing the flagship model, as you'll likely to be happier with its improved performance.

Find out more about these products, and all of the DryGuy line-up, at DryGuy.com.

Video: Kilian Jornet's Everest Summit Dreams Live On

Yesterday the news broke that Kilian Jornet has abandoned his plans to make a speed attempt on Mt. Everest due to very poor weather conditions on the mountain. Deep snow made him cancel that attempt, but while his dream of a speed ascent may have been postponed, they are no over. Clearly he will return again in the future to have another go at the world's highest peak.

In this video we get a bit of a recap of what Kilian has been up to over the past couple of years. It is a review of his Summits of My Life project to date, with a bit of inspiration to help us all move forward. It is a nice tribute to one of the greatest mountain athletes on the planet today, and definitely worth a look for those who follow his exploits.

Video: 5 Things to Know Before You Go on an Adventure

Before you set out on your next adventure, you'll want to watch this video. It comes our way from National Geographic, and it shares advice that a team of climbers learned while traveling to Myanmar to climb the highest peak in Southeast Asia. That expedition wasn't an easy one, with lots of challenges to overcome before they ever reached the mountain. But what they learned along the way was invaluable.

Gear Closet: Hydrapak Stash Water Bottle

As a frequent traveler, I'm always looking for ways that I can shed weight from my pack without sacrificing functionality. Often that comes from packing more wisely, leaving behind nonessential items, and choosing the proper gear for any given trip. But sometimes those gains can come from discovering an item that is designed for those who like to travel fast and light, but don't want to have to make compromises along the way. The Stash water bottle from Hydrapak is just such a product.

Made from durable and flexible materials, the Stash is a collapsible water bottle designed to shrink down to a highly packable size when not in use. This makes it super easy to stow in your pack until you're ready to use it, at which time it expands back to its full size in a manner of seconds.

I carry the 1-liter version (it is also available in a 750 ml size) of the Stash with me when I hit the road, and I've found it to an excellent traveling companion. It is lightweight (3.1 oz/88 g when empty), and yet still plenty durable enough to survive plenty of use and abuse in the backcountry. My Stash bottle is capable of holding up to 32 oz of water when full, but can reduce down to just 1/5 its normal size when you're ready to tuck it away.

As if that wasn't enough, the bottle can be used to store both hot and cold beverages. It is rated for use at temperatures as high as 140ºF (60ºC) or it can withstand its contents being frozen too. That versatility makes it a great option for the trail or campsite, allowing you to take it anywhere you want to go, and still stay hydrated along the way.

The 1-liter version comes with a wide-mouth (63 mm) cap that makes it extremely easy to drink from. That cap has also been designed to fit most backcountry water filters too, allowing the Stash to be refilled directly from a stream or lake. That same opening comes in handy when you're pouring water out as well, for instance when you're filling a pot to boil water for dinner.


Made from 100% BPA and PVC free materials, the Stash is perfectly safe to drink from. It also doesn't absorb the flavor of liquids other than water either. On occasion, I like to fill the bottle up with water and add a couple of nuun tablets, but after rinsing the bottle out the taste from those tablets usually disappears. You will have to occasionally wash the bottle out however, which is another time when the wide-mouth opening comes in handy.

I have been carrying this bottle with me on numerous trips over the past year, and have come to truly rely on it. I love that it weighs less than half that of a hardshell bottle, and that it compresses down to such a small size. It also draws a lot of attention from fellow travelers and guides, all of whom comment on what a clever and useful product it is. Most want to add it to their own gear collection once they head home.

If I have a criticism of the Stash it is that it often takes two hands to drink from it properly. Because it is a flexible bottle, it will start to bend out from the weight of the liquid inside as you start to empty it.  Other bottles will allow you to drink with one hand, as their hard shells prevent this from happening. For me, it is a small price to pay for the other conveniences it brings however, but it is worth pointing out nonetheless.

Speaking of small prices to pay, the Stash bottle is incredibly affordable too. Priced at just $22.99 for the 1-liter version, and $17.99 for the 750 ml model, this is an inexpensive option for adventure travelers, backpackers, and campers alike. It also makes a great stocking stuffer gift for the holidays too, as just about any outdoor enthusiast would love to receive this bottle. It's even available in five different colors.

Versatile, durable, affordable, and just downright cool. The Hydrapak Stash is one of my favorite pieces of gear that I've used in a long, long time.

Buy it at REI.com, CampSaver, or Backwoods.

Himalaya Spring 2016: Summit Window Shaping Up On Everest, Go Time on Shishapangma?

The weekend brought a bit more clarity to the summit schedule on Everest, where rope fixing teams are still working on completing the installation of the lines but should wrap up those efforts over the next few days. And with good weather projected this week, the summit teams may not be far behind.

At the moment, most of the teams on the South Side of Everest are in Base Camp or even further down the Khumbu Valley. They'll all be heading back to BC soon however, as various reports say that climbers are now preparing to go to the summit as soon as the rope fixing is complete. That means we could potentially see the first summits of the past two years take place as soon as Friday, May 13. On top of that, the weather forecast looks very favorable through May 20, which means we could have a steady week of summit bids.

On the North Side, the story is a similar one. As of the start of the weekend, the ropes were fixed up to 8230 meters (27,000 ft), with the final lines set to be placed in the next few days. That will clear the way on the Tibetan side of the mountain too, with summit bids launching there as well.


Over the next few days, we're likely to see very few updates from Everest. It is the calm before the storm there at the moment. The climbers are resting, relaxing, and preparing for the challenge ahead. But their schedules are now falling into place, and within a few days they'll start their summit pushes. Even those who will delay past the initial rush are likely to be gearing up for the final stage of the season.

Meanwhile, over on Shishpangma it looks like it may be go time for Ueli Steck and David Göttler soon as well. They have yet to confirm when they will begin their attempt along a new route on the mountain, and a potential traverse down the opposite side. But the weather forecast there is said to be looking good for the next week, giving them plenty of time to begin their light and fast, alpine style ascent without oxygen. We'll be keeping an eye on their attempt as well.

While the next few days may be fairly quiet in the Himalaya, we're about to get vary busy. Stay tuned for lots of updates to come.

Yellowstone Bison Calf Euthanized Following Tourist Abduction

One of the top stories on social media over the past few days has been the news that a father and son duo traveling through Yellowstone National Park put a bison calf into their car because they worried that it was too cold and might die. They took the calf to a ranger station at Lamar Buffalo Ranch, where the animal was taken back into custody and returned to its herd. Unfortunately, the news came yesterday that the young bison had to be euthanized, as the herd wouldn't accept it back into the group.

It should be noted that the man and his son who took the calf were foreign visitors, and it was their first time in Yellowstone. But they ignored Park Service warnings to stay away from the animals, and they obviously had little knowledge of how the creatures in the park survive in much harsher conditions than what are currently found in the park. They were cited for transporting the animal, and park rangers are once again reminding visitors to leave the animals alone. Usually that warning is to keep the humans safe more than the animals, as in recent years there have been some high profile wildlife encounters that have turned tragic. Most of those incidences have occurred between humans and bisons.

Apparently, the calf had been returned to its herd, but the other animals wouldn't accept it back. But having been exposed to humans, the calf was then approaching other visitors to the park and wandering up to cars. That is once again a very dangerous situation for everyone involved, so rangers made the tough decision to put the calf down.

If you're reading this blog, you probably don't need the reminder, but when you're in the wild, leave the animals alone people. That is advice that might just save your life. This story is also a good reminder that not everyone has the same experience and knowledge that most of us take for granted. It's just incredibly sad that this newborn bison had to suffer for that.

Video: The Polar Night in Timelapse

Above the Arctic Circle each year, the sun sets in November and doesn't return for nearly two months. That absence of light creates a long polar night that brings shadows and darkness to the landscapes. In this video, you get a chance to experience what that is like with some stunning timelapse images that will leave a lasting impression. Stark and beautiful, this is a place where the conditions are challenging, but well worth it for those who love the outdoors.

 Polar Night from Jan R Olsen on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: SOL Traverse Survival Kit

Need a handy little survival kit to carry with you on your outdoor adventures, but don't want to spend a lot of money putting a custom kit together? Then you'll definitely be interested in the new Traverse kit from Survive Outdoors Longer. It has just about everything you could possibly need for your backcountry excursions, and a price tag that makes it one of those products that you can't afford to not have with you. 

Packed in its own tin case, the Traverse covers the most important elements of survival including water, shelter, fire, and signaling. Items found inside the kit take care of all of those needs, allowing you to survive for an extended time should an emergency situation arise. 

So just what does the kit include? Here's a complete list of what you'll find side the tin container:

1 60” x 84” Heatsheets Emergency Blanket
1 Liter, Sterile Water Bag
2 Micropur Purification Tablets
1 Spark-Lite Firestarter
4 Tinder Quik Firestarters
1 Mini Rescue Howler Whislte
1 26” x 2” Mini Roll of Duct Tape
1 Safety Pin
1 Instruction and Tip Manual

As you can see, there are water purification tablets as well a bag to carry water in. There is also an emergency blanket for warmth, a firestarter and tinder, as well as a rescue whistle. SOL has also conveniently thrown in some duct tape and a few other items that can come in handy as well, including an instruction manual with tops for staying alive in challenging circumstances. 

If you're familiar with SOL's products, you know that they are always high in quality and well made. The Traverse is no different, as it is a product that is designed for the outdoors and is built to survive in those environments. It is also lightweight, weighing in at a mere 6.1 ounces (173 grams). The entire package is very compact, and is made to slide right into your pack and stay there until you need it. 

So how much does this little kit cost? As I said earlier, this is a piece of gear that you almost can't afford to be without when you set out on your travels. The SOL Traverse survival kit is just $20, which makes it almost a no brainer when you consider everything that is inside. It also makes a great gift for other outdoor enthusiasts as well, as its attractive tin case gives it a classic good look that most will appreciate. 

If you want to add one of these great little survival kits to your gear, you can find out more at SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com. 

Gear Review: goTenna Personal Communications System

One of the biggest challenges we face while traveling in the backcountry is how to stay in touch with our companions in a place that has unreliable or completely nonexistent cell service. But a new product called the goTenna is looking to change that by giving us the tools we need to create our own personal cell data network that can facilitate messaging between mobile device.

In its purest form, the goTenna is a small, lightweight, portable antenna that connects to your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android) via Bluetooth technology. Once paired with a mobile device, the goTenna then uses its own custom app to send text messages to other goTenna users who are either in your personal address book, or with the option to broadcast to any other goTenna devices that are within range. It is a simple and elegant solution that actually works quite well in the field.

Paring your smartphone or tablet with the goTenna is a simple affair. Modern Bluetooth connectivity is very easy to use, and it only takes a few seconds to get the two devices communicating with one another. After that, you simply hang the goTenna from your belt or backpack, or perhaps on the exterior of a tent, so that it can start sending and receiving messages.

The goTenna is powered by its own built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. When in use, the device can stay in stand-by mode for approximately 20 hours. Stand-by mode means that it is listening for incoming messages, but isn't sending any out. Once you start communicating with it, the battery life does go down, but not at such a rate that I ever felt like it would run out of juice before the end of the day. Like you're smartphone, you will need to charge it each night however, which means on longer trips you'll need a portable battery pack or solar charger to keep it working.


Many backpackers and campers use two-way radios to stay in contact with one another in remote places, and obviously those devices have their advantages too. But the goTenna has a couple of nice options that help set it apart from those communications systems. For example, when you send a message to someone else using a goTenna you'll also receive a return receipt that lets you know that it was delivered. That way you can be sure that your companion is within range, and has gotten the note that you sent them.

Speaking of range, the powerful little antenna can broadcast to other devices over a surprisingly long distance, although it does have some limitations. In a city, where radio waves can cause interference, the range is limited to about 1 mile (1.6 km), although that can vary depending on your location. In the backcountry, that range extends to 4 miles (6.4 km), and possibly further depending on elevation and obstructions. Generally speaking that should allow you to stay in contact with traveling companions provided you don't wander too far apart.

The goTenna has another trick up its sleeve that could come in handy in the backcountry as well. The device can also share your location, providing others with your GPS coordinates. The goTenna app even has downloadable maps that can display that position, making it easier for you to find the other members of your party in a pinch.

It is important to point out that if you are completely off the grid, and without cell service, the goTenna won't provide the ability to make voice calls or pull data from a satellite or any other source. It is strictly used for direct communication with other goTenna devices, in a sense creating a personal network for you and your friends, as well as anyone else who might be in range. But if you can accept that limitation of the device, and realize that it is actually an affordable method for staying in contact in remote places, you'll find the system works quite well.

The device is built to be rugged enough to withstand the challenges of adventure travel, although as with most electronics some care is needed in handling it. The units themselves are lightweight, but durable, with solid protection from the elements. Having tested the goTenna myself, I'd be more worried about the survival of my iPhone in the backcountry than I would this product.

The goTenna is sold in pairs and is currently available for $199. Out of the box you have everything you need to get it up and working, including two charging cables. In terms of simple and effective communications solutions, they don't come any better than this.