Video: Peak To Peak On New Zealand's North And South Islands

Last November I wrote a piece about an ambitious human-powered expedition called Peak to Peak 2013. It featured two adventurers, Kiwi Grant Rawlinson and Aussie Alan Silva, who were attempting to climb the highest mountain on both the North and South Islands, while also traveling between those two peaks completely under their own power. Grand and Alan started the expedition with a successful summit of Mt Ruapehu on the North island and then hiked, paddled, and cycled their way to Mt Cook (aka Aoraki) on the South Island. It was quite the adventure all around and the video below chronicles their journey nicely. The amazing New Zealand landscapes certainly don't hurt either!

Backpacker Gives Us America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes

When most of us decide to go for a hike we generally tend to hit local trails that are scenic, fun, and even relaxing. But not all trails fit that description, with many being down right difficult and demanding. Then of course, there are the ones that are actually quite dangerous.

That's the subject of a great article put together by Backpacker magazine, which takes a look at the 10 most dangerous hikes in the U.S. The list contains some iconic treks across the country, as well as some lesser known trails that have a reputation for being incredibly difficult. In fact, if you go unprepared on these hikes, you could get seriously hurt or even killed.

Some of the hikes that make the list include Bright Angle Trail in the Grand Canyon, which is known for being a challenging walk in hot conditions the often leaves those who aren't prepared dehydrated and exhausted. The Maze in Utah on the other hand will confound even the most navigationally savvy, while the infamous Mt. Washington in New Hampshire blasts hikers with its high winds, which tend to blow furiously all year round.

I won't give away the entire list, as the article is well worth a read by everyone. I will say however, that each of the entires definitely has an element of danger to it, which could cost the inexperienced and unwary their lives. Thankfully, Backpacker has some suggestions on how to avoid these challenges, and survive each of these beautiful but difficult hikes.

Check out the entire list here.

The Impact of Climate Change on Everest

There is no denying that climate change is having a major impact on our planet. Temperatures are warming, ice caps are melting, and ocean levels are rising. As a result, some of our most iconic places are now starting to be undeniably altered by this shift in our environment. That includes Everest, where the effects of climate change are becoming more and more evident with each passing year.

Outside Online has the story of two researchers who have traveled to Nepal this spring to study the effects of climate change on the mountain. In particular, they are watching how warming temperatures are impacting the Khumbu Glacier, which has been receding for years. That will have a direct impact on climbing the mountain, making it even more difficult and potentially deadly. 

Everest Base Camp sits just below the Khumbu Icefall, an important section of any Everest climb on the south side of the mountain. Mountaineers must pass through this dangerous section using ropes and ladders that must be carefully placed, and meticulously maintained, for the entire season. But as the glacier melts, the Icefall could disappear altogether, making it almost impossible to climb Everest from the Nepali side. Perhaps a new route would be revealed under the ice, but that isn't likely.

Additionally, the crumbling glacier has also made the trek from BC up to Camp 1 a lot more dangerous, as evidenced in 2014 when 16 porters were killed in an avalanche. More avalanches are likely to take place in that section of the climb as temperatures rise and the glacier continues to feel the stress. 

The Outside article goes into more depth on the impact of climate change not just on the mountain itself, and the Khumbu Glacier, which is a source for fresh water further down the valley. As the glacier continues to recede, that water will become more scarce, directly impacting the people who live in the area. 

This is a sobering piece about how climate change is already having a major impact on a part of the world that is now seeing dramatic changes. Soon, it will become even more difficult for us to bury our heads in the sand over this issue as the effects begin to be felt in more widespread parts of the world. Hopefully we can do something about it before its too late. 

Dawn Wall Update: Adam Ondra Making Steady Progress on the Toughest Climb in the World

Remember last week, when I shared the news about Czech climber Adam Ondra preparing to make an attempt on the incredibly difficult and demanding Dawn Wall in Yosemite? At the time I had said that it seemed unlikely that he would be able to take on that epic ascent considering it was his first visit to the valley, and he hadn't even touched the rock there yet. On top of that, the Dawn Wall had only been completed once in the past, having famously been free-climbed in January of 2015 by Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson. But, it turns out I couldn't have been more wrong however, as Ondra is proving what many in the outdoor world already knew – that he just might be the best rock climber in the world today.

Ondra began his climb of the Dawn Wall last Monday – October 17 – and has been making steady progress up the face ever since. On his first day out, he managed to knock off seven quick pitches as he rapidly ascended the route, which falls along the southeast face of El Capitan, quite possibly the most famous rock climbing spot in the entire world.

But, being primarily a sport climber, Ondra found the Dawn Wall to be a different beast than he is use to tackling. By the time he finished those first seven pitches he was exhausted. Despite those challenges however, he did manage to reach the top of pitch 10 before darkness fell Tuesday, making it a very productive first couple of  day for sure.

Over the following few days of last week, Ondra continued to make progress, albeit at a slower pace on more difficult pitches. Heading into the weekend, he had reached pitch 15, which is rated a 5.14d and is considered the crux of the entire climb. There hasn't been update yet as to his progress on that particular challenge, but if he didn't get past it over the past couple of days, it will certainly be his primary focus as he starts his second week on the Dawn Wall.

If the 23-year old Czech climber can get over the next three pitches – and there is no indication that he won't – it is relatively easy sailing to the top from there. That means we could see a second ascent of what many consider the toughest rock climbing challenge in the world by the end of the week. Stay tuned for more updates. It's going to be fun to follow Adam's progress.

Gear Closet: Haibike Xduro AllMtn RX Electric Mountain Bike

One of the hottest trends in cycling over the past couple of years has been the rise in prominence of the electric bike – more commonly known as the e-bike. At first glance, most of these bikes look like just about any other that you might encounter on the road, although they have a hidden secret. They come equipped with a battery-powered motor that can help you maintain higher speeds with less effort or climb tough hills that would normally leave your legs crying out in agony.

This little speed-boost has made e-bikes especially popular with commuters, many of whom find that the onboard motor helps them travel along with traffic better and allows them to arrive at their destination relatively fresh thanks to not having to exert as much energy.

An avid biker myself, I've been intrigued with e-bikes for some time, but hadn't gotten the chance to try one out for myself. That changed recently when Haibike sent me one of their electric assisted mountain bikes to take for a spin, and I have to say I came away impressed. The bike delivered on everything that was promised – and more – allowing me to power through a ride like never before. But in the end, it also left me reevaluating why I like mountain biking so much in the first place.

For my little e-bike test drive, Haibike sent me a 2015 model known as the Xduro AllMtn RX. The current model that fits pretty much the same specs is the Xduro AllMtn 7.0. Both versions sport Shimano components, 27.5" tires, a full-supsenion, and a slick looking design that looks aggressive and fun to ride. Hidden inside the aluminum frame however, is a 36-volt motor that is powered by a 500 Wh battery that help this bike truly stand out from the crowd.

Before we go too far into this review, it is important to point out that while most e-bikes provide an electric assist, but you still have to do all of the pedaling. You simply don't have to pedal quite so hard in order to get the bike up to speed nor to maintain that speed. Likewise, when climbing a hill, the speed-assist kicks in to lend a hand, making it surprisingly easy to shoot up steep grades, although you still have to put in some work to get to the top.


The motor installed on this bike has five different settings, including Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo, as well as off. Yes, you can ride the bike without any type of electrical assist, but since it tips the scales at 49.2 pounds, it does feel a bit slow and ponderous. Eco mode provides the least level of assistance, which doesn't feel like much, although it is there to lend a hand when you need it. Turbo is bit like strapping a rocket to your bike, although it comes at dramatically reduced battery life.

While testing the Xduro, I only switched over to the highest level when tackling a big hill, otherwise I tended to stay in Tour mode most of the time. This allowed me to easily maintain a good rate of speed over a variety of terrains without having to expend a lot of energy in the process. The result was that at the end of my ride, I still felt like I had a good workout, but I wasn't completely wasted, even after riding a tough trail.

The Xduro AllMtn has a built in cycling computer mounted on its handlebars that provides information such as your current speed and time, as well as offering a trip odometer, and life-time odometer all in a digital format. That same display also provides constant updates of how much battery life remains by showing not only a battery indicator but also the amount of range the bike has before it runs out of juice. The screen also has an icon that indicates which level of power that the motor is set too as well.

Getting on the bike for the first time, I was unsure exactly how things worked. The motor was engaged, but there is no throttle that you can control, so I wasn't exactly sure how I'd know if it was working properly. It only took a second to figure that out however, as when I started to pedal you could feel the electric assist kick in with a very noticeable boost, even in Eco mode. That boost only became more noticeable as increased the level of power generated by the motor.

Before too long, I found myself testing the bike to see what it could do in a variety of different conditions, and for the most part it performed very well. It wasn't quite as agile and responsive as my Trek mountain bike back home, then again that bike doesn't power up big hills as easily either. I have to admit, the Xduro AllMtn is fun to ride, and is quite capable of tackling a wide variety of trails types.

Now, all of that said, I have to say that I have a few reservations about this e-bike as well. For starters, it is a heavy beast. As mentioned, it is nearly 50 pounds (22.68 kg), which makes it more than twice as heavy as my normal ride. That added weight becomes more evident on tougher trails where agility can be an important factor. And heaven forbid you should run out of battery power while riding, as it would definitely be quite a workout to get Xduro back to the trailhead without the electric assist.

Despite how much fun I had riding the bike, I also couldn't help but feel like I was cheating a bit out on the trail. Part of the allure of mountain biking for me is taking on the challenges of the route with just my bike. That includes all of the challenges, such as climbing hills and maintaining a good speed. This bike made that so easy to do that it almost felt like an entirely different sport. At the end of my test run, I came to the conclusion that while I wouldn't mind an e-bike for commuting around town, I'm not sure I want one to replace my mountain bike.

That said, for riders who are a little older, or aren't quite as physically fit, the Xduro AllMtn is a good solution that allows them to ride challenging trails much more easily. I can definitely see the allure of this bike under those circumstances.

Durable and well-built, the Haibike Xduro AllMtn 7.0 is competitively priced at $5299. It has quality parts and components at every important spot, and a tough aluminum frame with solid geometry. It also happens to have a secret weapon hidden away in the form of an electric motor. All of that design and technology doesn't come cheap, although I've seen plenty of standard mountain bikes that fall in the same price range, even without a motor. Of course, those bikes are likely to have even better components and a carbon frame, just to put things in perspective.

If you've been considering an e-bike for your mountain biking needs, I'd certainly encourage you to give the Haibike Xduro AllMtn a look. It is a great machine for the right rider. I'm just not sure if that rider is me.

Find out more at Haibike.com.

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Adventure Travel Insurance

I'm fortunate that my job takes me to some of the most amazing places on the planet to do some fantastic things. From climbing Kilimanjaro, to camping in the Sahara, to hiking in the Himalaya, I've had the opportunity to see places that most people only dream about. But the destinations I visit are often very remote and some of the activities come with a certain measure of risk as well. Because of this, I always purchase travel insurance before setting out, and you should too. With that in mind, here are five reasons why you should invest in travel insurance coverage before setting out on your next adventure as well.

Emergency Evacuation
One of the biggest worries for adventure travelers is taking ill or getting injured while visiting a destination that is miles away from a hospital or other kinds of medical care. But if you have a travel insurance plan, you'll not only be covered for emergency evacuations, you'll also receive help in determining the best course of action for treating the illness or injury too. Some plans will even cover the costs of family members traveling to meet you should an extended stay in a hospital be required. As if that wasn't enough, you'll also be covered for the appropriate care when you get home too.

Finding Quality Heath Care No Matter Where You Are
It isn't always easy to know which doctors to see or hospitals to go to when visiting a foreign country. But a good travel insurance plan will also offer advice and information on where to go to receive the proper care. You'll have an emergency response team at your disposal 24/7, which can help answer questions and direct you to the best place to receive the care you need. That kind of information can be invaluable while traveling.

Keep Medical Costs Down
Most of our health insurance plans don't cover us while we traveling in foreign countries, and especially if you're undertaking adventurous activities like climbing a mountain or rafting a Class V river. But travel insurance from a company such as MedEx of United Healthcare Global is designed to help keep costs down and prevent you from having to pay an arm and leg to receive care. Some plans do have a deductible, but even that will be far less than what you might pay if you were to become ill or injured while on the road.


Non-Medical Assistance
Travel insurance isn't just useful for overcoming medical emergencies. It can prove highly useful in other ways too. For instance, insurance representatives can help you to get a new passport should yours get lost or stolen. Depending on your plan, you might also be able to receive emergency funds if your cash is taken as well. Most travel insurance companies can offer advice on a wide variety of topics, including where to seek legal advice, how to recover lost travel documents, and who to talk to for arranging assistance in non-medical emergencies too. It's a bit like having a very knowledgable travel resource at your service 24 hours a day.

Unexpected Interruptions
Lets face it, travel isn't cheap and it can be very disappointing when it doesn't go as planned. If your luggage is lost or a trip gets unexpectedly cancelled, there might not be much you can do. But if you have the proper travel insurance, you'll be compensated for these issues, often receiving cash to help purchase new gear to see you through your journey, or covering the costs of the trip if it does get delayed or cancelled. Depending on where you are going, you might not have much legal recourse to recover the funds you've spent otherwise.

As mentioned MedEx of United Healthcare Global can offer travel insurance plans that can provide these levels of protection and more. The company offers plans that can cover travelers for a minimum of 7-days overseas up to a full year abroad. Customers have access to a 24/7 emergency response team that can help answer questions and lend assistance as needed, offering advice on a wide variety of topics.

MedEx has three plan levels that offer a variety of coverages ranging from $50k to $500k in medical insurance, the handling of records and other information, medical and dental referrals, transferal of medication prescriptions and more all for just a few dollars per day. Their coverage also includes emergency travel options, replacement of lost travel documents, legal referrals, transportation to medical facilities, and lots of other things you don't tend to consider until you run into a problem while traveling.  (Note: MedEx of United Healthcare Global is not available for purchase by residents of Washington State or New York)

I've been fortunate that I haven't had to use my travel insurance while on a trip, but I have been with others who have. For instance, while visiting Everest Base Camp a few years back, one of the members of my group became incredibly sick due to the altitude. She needed to be taken to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible, and received emergency treatment for high altitude pulmonary edema. Similarly, last year when I was climbing Kilimanjaro two members of the team had to be taken off the mountain via helicopter when one had a severe allergic reaction to something she came in contact with, while the other was once again suffering from altitude sickness. In both cases, travel insurance covered the costs of the evacuations and the medical treatment that followed.

And if you need yet another reason why you should carry travel insurance while traveling abroad, consider this. Many adventure travel companies now make it mandatory that you have coverage before you depart on the trip. Some will offer their own plans of course, while others will allow you to choose the company that you want to work with. If that is the case, you should definitely look for a quote from MedEx. Not only are their insurance plans very reasonably priced, they give you the coverage that you need for the destinations you are visiting. Keep in mind, depending on the activities that you plan on doing, you may need to add a sports rider as well to ensure that your coverage handles whatever things you choose to do while on the road.

Find out more by visiting the MedEx website and pricing out the plans that best fit your needs.

Antarctica 2015: Season Extended as Final Team Nears the Pole

The 2015 Antarctic season has now entered its final days. Weeks ago the last flight off the frozen continent was scheduled to take place yesterday – January 28, but it seems that deadline as been extended. With one team still out on the ice, that last plane out has been delayed by a few days in order to let them finish.

A few days back, Devon McDiarmid and Stew Edge completed their return trip to the Union Glacier camp. They had skied the full distance from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole along with two other explorers, but rather than hop a flight back to the coast they elected to kite-ski instead. They made good time, wrapping up their journey in less than 9 days. They've now departed Antarctica however, which leaves just Emma Kelty, and her guide Pachi Ibarra still out on the ice.

Emma has been making daily updates on her progress, and according to her dispatches she and Pachi crossed the 89th degree on Wednesday. She now estimates that they will reach the South Pole on Tuesday of next week, which is February 2. No doubt they'll find a plane waiting for them ready to whisk them back to Union Glacier, and eventually Punta Arenas.

It has been a very long, and difficult slog for Emma who started off with guide Carl Alvy and another skier. That skier was forced to pull the plug on his expedition, leaving Emma and Carl to push on without him. Last week, Carl had to depart due to other commitments, so Pachi stepped in to escort the British adventurer across the final couple of degrees to the Pole. Now, they're closing in on that point, but it hasn't been easy. They're covering approximately 12 nautical miles (22 km/13.8 miles) each day in order to wrap up the expedition early next week, and considering how exhausted Emma is at this point, that can't be easy. Fortunately, the sleds are a lot lighter than they were when they started, which makes it a bit easier to make progress.

When Kelty reaches the Pole next week, the curtain will drop on what has been a long – and tragic – season at the bottom of the world. Hopefully she reaches her goal safe and sound, and gets off the continent safely. Until then, we'll be keeping a close eye on her progress.

Video: Timelapse Of Magic Iceland

A timelapse video of Iceland. Thats all you need to know about the short film below. Those words alone should tell you how beautiful it is. Just hit play and enjoy.

My magic Iceland | Timelapse from MY WORLD MY MAGIC on Vimeo.

Winter Climbs 2016: Summit Push Underway on Nanga Parbat

The weather conditions on Nanga Parbat seem surprisingly good for this time of year. That has given hope to the four remaining teams hoping to complete the first winter ascent of that mountain. While nothing is ever a sure thing when it comes to high altitude mountaineering, there is a weather window that is currently open and is expected to last into the weekend, and with two teams currently high on the Nanga's slopes, we could be about to see history made.

The team that we know the most about includes Tomek Mackiewicz and Elisabeth Revol. They set out a few days back, and while they aren't exactly sharing tons of information, we do know that they reached Camp 2 at 6500 meters (21,325 ft) on Monday, and are now pushing further up the hill. They should have at least reached Camp 3 by now, which could put them within striking distance of the summit over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Italian climbers Simone Moro and Tamara Lunger also set off on an alpine style ascent a few days back, but true to form they're staying mostly off the radar. There have been no updates on their progress since late last week, so they could also be ready to complete a summit push. We'll just have to wait for their next update to know for sure.

It should be noted that while the weather conditions on Nanga Parbat are listed as good, that is a relative term at best. During the winter, "good" still means high winds and extreme cold, which are simply par for the course during this season. At the moment, temperatures at the summit are said to be about -40ºC/F, so even if the current weather window holds, it won't be an easy ascent.

Elsewhere, the Polish Justice For All team has now reached 6650 meters (21,817 ft) and have established Camp 3. They're watching the winds very closely as well, and report that at least on their side of the mountain (Rupal Face) things are calm at the moment. They could potentially be getting ready to launch a summit bid of their own, although they haven't fixed ropes above their current position yet.

Finally, there has been no updates on the progress of Alex Txikon, Ali Sadapara, and Daniele Nardi over the past couple of days. We know that Txikon and Sadapara were planning to descend to Base Camp to rest after fixing ropes up to 6500 meters, and that Nardi was recovering from some minor injuries. It is likely that they are all still in place, and waiting to start their next rotation up the mountain as well.

I'll be keeping a close eye on the proceedings over the next couple of days. Lets keep our fingers crossed that one of these squads gets a chance at the summit, and that they all get back down safely.

Winter Climbs 2017: Txikon Back in Base Camp, Ready for Summit Attempt

At the end of last week I wrote that Spanish climber Alex Txikon had set out from Everest Base Camp to take advantage of a brief weather window that had opened on the mountain. At the time, there was some speculation that he might be making an attempt on the summit, although I suspected it would be his final acclimatization rotation instead. Now, after a very busy couple of days on the mountain, we know two things: The weather window has closed and Alex is ready to make history once again this winter. 

Txikon and his band of Sherpa climbing partners left BC last Thursday to make a push up the Lhotse Face. The team made solid time as they enjoyed good weather on their way up the mountain, first staying in Camp 2 for the night, before proceeding up to C3 the following day. Ultimately, they would establish Camp 4 at 7950 meters (26,082 ft) on Saturday, where they would deposit gear that will eventually be needed for the coming summit push. Once they dropped off the equipment, they immediately turned around and descended back down the mountain, with the Sherpas remaining in C2 while Alex himself continued back to Base Camp.

Now, all the members of the team have safely reached BC, where they are awaiting a storm that is expected to arrive early this week. That storm will bring high winds, lots of snow, and very cold conditions. But, it isn't expected to be a large weather pattern, and the forecast says it will move on later in the week. That means that another weather window could open within a few days, giving the team a chance to go for the summit at long last. 

Alex says that he is now full acclimatized but he needs rest before launching his summit bid. He'll get time to regather his strength while the weather is bad. Once the storm passes and he's had a few days to recuperate, the final push will begin. The Spaniard says that he is now ready to go and the stage has been set. All he needs is a stretch of good weather conditions and he will have a go at the summit. 

As if climbing Everest in the winter isn't challenging enough, Alex is also doing so without the use of bottled oxygen, something that has only been accomplished once in the past. You may recall that the Spanish climber is use to making history during the winter, as last year he was part of the squad that put up the first ascent of Nanga Parbat during that season as well. 

For now, just like Alex and his teammates, we have to sit and wait. But the next time he leaves BC, it should be for an attempt on the summit. I'll let you know when that happens and will have regular updates on his progress in the days ahead. 

Video: Vote for the 2016 Nat Geo Adventurers of the Year

Even though the official slate of National Geographic's 2016 Adventurers of the Year were announced back in November, there is still one prize left up for grabs. The coveted People's Choice Award is given out based on a fan vote that is conducted online, and with less than a week to go before the polls closed, you still have a chance to help decide who will go home with this honor.

This video serves as an introduction to these amazing men and women, and it is filled with Nat Geo's customers great imagery too. Take a peek at this year's class of adventurers, then head over to the NG website to cast your vote for who you feel is most deserving. Voting runs through January 31st, and the ultimate winner will be announced in early February.

Adventure Tech: Beartooth is a New Communication Device for the Backcountry

Looking for a new way to communicate while traveling in remote places? Then check out the newly revealed Beartooth, a device that creates its own cell phone network, allowing users to stay in contact in place where coverage is normally impossible.

Much like the goTenna, which we reviewed back in January, the Beartooth connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth technology. A special app is then installed on your device that allows the user to send text messages to other  Beartooth users who are within range. But unlike the goTenna, this device can actually transmit voice messages as well using a push-to-talk option that is part of the app too. There is even group messaging for both text and voice as well.

Other nice features include GPS tracking that allows the user to share his or her location with others. That point shows up on detailed maps that can be downloaded prior to departure for use offline. The Beartooth even has the capability to serve as a USB battery pack for your smartphone too, providing an extra charge via its 3000 mAh battery.

The Beartooth has a range of 2 miles, which is about half that off the goTenna, but the device is smaller and doesn't need to be dangled from your pack or tent via a carabiner. Instead, you simply activate it and put it inside your backpack. From there, you can pretty much forget about it, using just your smartphone to communicate.

When Beartooth begins shipping later in the year, it'll come with two devices, one for you and one for the person you need to communicate with in the backcountry. The MSRP is expected to be $399, but those who preorder now can get the device for just $249. That seems like a small price to pay for what could be the future of communications in the backcountry.

Crack in Antarctic Ice Shelf Grew 17 Miles in Length Since December

I've posted some sobering reports on the impact of climate change on the Antarctic in recent months, but this one may be the most stunning of all. According to an article published by The New York Times yesterday, a crack in the Larsen Ice Shelf is growing at an incredibly rapid rate, signaling a possible complete collapse in the coming months, potentially creating the largest iceberg ever recorded.

According to scientists who have been monitoring the crack, it has grown by as much as 17 miles in the past two months. According to the Times, the speed at which it is spreading is accelerating as well, now growing at a rate of more than five football fields each and every day. At this point, the crack is now just 20 miles away from reaching its end point, which will result in the entire chunk of ice breaking free and slipping into the ocean, something that could happen as early as April or May of this year.

This is alarming for a number of reasons. Not only will it create the biggest iceberg of all time, but as that iceberg begins to float away from the frozen continent, it will begin to melt, and possibly breaking up into smaller icebergs that could cause problems for ships. But, more importantly, the ice shelf serves as a buffer between the ocean waters and the glaciers that sit on the continent itself. Without the ice shelf to help protect it, the glaciers will begin to melt at a much higher rate too, and will tumble directly into the water. If this continues to happen across Antarctic – and evidence suggests it will – we could see the start of a major rice in ocean levels around the world.

I know that there are still a lot of people out there who want to deny the impact of climate change. But, there is something happening to our planet, and the polar regions are the canary in the coal mine. In recent years, we've seen substantial change in both the Arctic and Antarctic, and those changes only seems to be speeding up. Perhaps with the austral winter now nearly upon us, we'll see things slow down at least temporarily, but the Larsen Ice Shelf is about to collapse, and at this point it isn't a question of "if" but "when."

To find out more about his, check out the entire story at NYTimes.com.

Antarctica 2016: Solo Skier Johanna Davidsson Closes in on the Pole and a New Record

Yesterday I posted an update from the Antarctic during which I shared info on a couple of expeditions I hadn't written about before, and made some quick updates on several of the skiers making their way to the South Pole. But one of the skiers I failed to post an update on was Swedish adventurer Johanna Davidsson, who is now closing in on polar history at the bottom of the world.

As of now, Johanna is just 57km (35 miles) from reaching Pole, which is still a daunting distance of course. But, in recent days she has been skiing as much as 35 km (21 miles) per day, which means that if she manages to put in a solid effort, she should reach 90ºS on Christmas Day. As quickly and as efficiently as she has been moving, that seems like a real possibility at this point.

As ExWeb points out, if she does manage to complete the journey by December 25 Johanna will set a new speed record for a woman skiing solo along the traditional Hercules Inlet to the South Pole route, which covers a distance of 1130 km (702 miles). The current record is held by British skier Hannah McKeand, and stands at 39 days, 9 hours, and 33 minutes. Since Johanna started on November 15, she even has a few days to spare and could beat that record rather soundly.

Obviously she still has quite a bit of distance to cover, and this record isn't int he bag yet. In fact, it wasn't even part of her original plan. She had just hoped to ski to the South Pole and hopefully kite-ski back to Hercules if time permitted. It seems like she should be able to do that if she still wants to. Reaching the Pole by Christmas gives her plenty of time for the return trip.

The days in the Antarctic can be long and tedious, with little to break up the monotony of skiing. Most of the skiers look forward to Christmas as they typically have saved a few special treats to enjoy on that day, and perhaps even a present or two. But for Johanna, it could mean something even more special. The completion of the first leg of her journey and a celebration at one of the most remote places on Earth.

Stay tuned!

North Pole 2014: Eric Larsen And Ryan Waters Preparing For North Pole Expedition

We've barely put the Antarctic expedition season behind us and it is already time to start looking ahead to the North Pole season that will get underway in a few weeks. The past few years have proven that a journey to the top of the world is no walk in the park, as no one has completed the full length journey since 2011. But that hasn't stopped anyone from trying, and this year will be no exception.

Veteran polar explorers Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters will be amongst those attempting to complete this very difficult and dangerous journey this year. The two men are preparing to set out from Ellesmere Island on March 1 for what they estimate will be a 500+ mile (800 km) crossing of the Arctic Ocean. As is typical for a polar journey, they'll travel unassisted, on skis, while dragging 350 pound (158 kg) sleds filled with all of their gear and supplies behind them as they go.

As if a North Pole expedition isn't challenging enough on its own, the duo hopes to break the record for skiing to that point on the globe. In order to do that, they'll have to reach 90ºN in under 49 days. Both men have plenty of experience in challenging environments however. They climbed Denali together in 2009, and both have summited Everest. Waters has bagged all of the Seven Summits and skied to the South Pole as well. Larsen has gone to the North Pole on two previous occasions and has been to the South Pole as well.


They'll need all of that experience if they hope to be successful this time out. Climate change is dramatically altering the Arctic and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to travel there. The ice is not as stable as it once was and large open areas of water are now common. Explorers need to ring a way to go around those obstacles or don a drysuit and swim across. Massive storms have also become more common in the Arctic, creating even more dangerous conditions for the skiers. Throw in the potential threat of polar bears and the constant battling against negative drift on the ice flows, and you being to understand the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

As the North Pole season gets underway, I'll be following Eric and Ryan's expedition closely. Expect to hear more about them and other expeditions that will be heading north soon. I am of the firm belief that soon, this type of journey will no longer be possible. Let's hope this year that isn't the case.

Video: A Journey to the Roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro

For many adventure travelers a climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro is the ultimate dream trip, and one that I've made myself. In this video we join two Egyptian friends who set out to Tanzania to trek to the "Roof of Africa" themselves. The short documentary takes you from Kilimanjaro airport to the summit of the mountain and beyond. If this trip is in your future, you'll definitely want to watch.

Video: Mammut's #Project360 Goes to the Summit of Mt. Everest

We've covered Mammut's #Project360 a couple of times in the past. That's the outdoor gear manufacturer's attempt to bring some of the world's most iconic peaks to the Internet using a high tech camera system that captures images in 360º fashion. After the very successful climbing season in Nepal this spring, #Project360 can now add Mt. Everest to the list. Lakpa Sherpa and Pemba Rinji Sherpa, along with support from Kusang Sherpa and Ang Kaji Sherpa, managed to take Mammut's cameras to the top of the mountain, capturing the entire South Side route in the process. The video below gives us a glimpse of their adventure and the challenges that were overcome to capture the footage, which is already online at the #Project360 website.