Gear Closet: Travel Tech From iClever

As someone who travels frequently for his job, I'm always on the look out for new items that can help make my life on the road more convenient and enjoyable. That often takes the form of some new tech gadget that is designed specifically with travelers in mind. Recently, I received a number of products from a company called iClever that definitely meet that description, delivering some great features at prices that are very affordable. Here's some thoughts on what I tested.

USB Wall Chargers (Prices Vary)
When traveling these days we usually carry a variety of tech gear with us. Everything from smartphones to tablets to digital cameras, not to mention portable game systems, e-readers, GPS devices, and host of other items. While each of them are wonderful for helping us to stay informed and entertained while on long flights or spending time in a tent, those gadgets are only useful as long as they can hold a charge. Fortunately, practically everything these days is charged using USB cables, and iClever offers some excellent wall chargers to help keep your technology up and running.

I received the 4-port BoostCube and 2-Port BoostCube, both of which function pretty much identically, other than the number of gadgets they can charge at the same time. Both of the chargers have SmartID technology that automatically detects the fastest speed your device can be charged, and adjusts the wattage provided accordingly. They both also have the ability to provide 2.4 amps per port, which means your gadgets will be powered up as quickly as possible. Similar devices from competitors often split the power between ports, increasing charge times as a result.


Both models of the BoostCube offer great build quality and feel great in your hand. They're also durable and include foldout power plugs for inserting them into wall outlets. They are also priced perfectly, with the 4-port model selling for $17.99 while the 2-port version is just $10.99.

Additionally, iClever also has a single port version called the BoostCube Quick Charge, which has the ability to power up a device up to four times faster than regard chargers. It uses a special process that is safe for your gadgets, and can power them up to 80% of their full charge in as little as 35 minutes. When you need to get your phone up and running as quickly as possible, this is the charger you'll want. And at $16.99, it is affordable too.

All of the chargers come with a full year warranty and work great. In fact, I've gotten to the point where I leave my devices' OEM chargers at home and just carry iClever's versions with me instead. Because they are small, compact, and easy to use, they make great travel accessories for sure.

Tri-Folding Bluetooth Keyboard ($54.99)
As a travel writer who routinely finds himself in a remote destination, I'm always looking for ways to cut weight from my bags. For instance, I often like to leave my laptop at home and just take my iPad along with me instead. The problem is, the onscreen keyboard isn't always the best for getting serious work done. That's where the iClever Folding Bluetooth Keyboard comes in handy.

This product is lightweight, yet very durable. So much so, that I wouldn't hesitate to take it with me anywhere I'm going. The keyboard is cleverly designed to fold up into a surprisingly small footprint, but when it is opened it transforms into a full-sized keyboard. The device actually allows me to easily get work done, using productivity apps on my tablet to write stories and articles, take notes, even compose emails.

The keyboard comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that takes about 4 hours to fully power up, but can provide up to 80 hours of actual wireless use. It can also be connected to your laptop or desktop computer via USB to serve as a standard keyboard for those devices too. It even has a fantastic backlight mode (with three different colors) that makes it easier to use in the dark. But the backlighting eats into the battery life, so I tend to work with it off.

iClever sells the keyboard for $54.99 and ships it with a soft carrying case, making it even easier to take with you on the road.

Outdoor Wireless Speaker ($29.99)
These days, Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen, with plenty of good options for consumers to choose from. But iClever's Outdoor Wireless Speaker offers a few nice features that help set it apart from the competition and make it a good option for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, it is lightweight, compact in size, and offers IP65 water resistance. That's enough protection from moisture that you can even use it in the shower if you'd like.

The speaker comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can power it for up to 10 hours. It offers solid performance with clear playback of music across the full audio spectrum, even at higher lives of volume. And since it is built to survive in the outdoors, you can take it with you to the beach, a remote campsite, or for use around a hotel room without fear of damaging it.

What I like most about this speaker is that it isn't overly large or heavy, which means you can toss it into your pack without really realizing that its there. And while it offers solid battery life, I wouldn't mind getting more hours out of it so I don't have to worry about it running out of juice while in the backcountry. But the price is great and the performance is very good too, making it a great travel buddy for sure.

Find out more about all of these products and more at iClever.com.

Colorado Adventures: Fly Fishing in Crested Butte

Earlier in the week I shared a post on my recent trip to Crested Butte, Colorado where I had an amazing time exploring the mountain biking trails there. If you read that piece, you already know that CB is considered one of the birth places of mountain biking, and as such there are plenty of trails to ride. In fact, there are more than 750 miles of trail, spread out over 150 different routes. That's enough to keep even the most dedicated rider busy for awhile.

But, Crested Butte isn't just a great mountain biking destination, as it has a lot to offer other visitors too. For instance, in the winter it has excellent skiing both at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort and backcountry options for the more adventurous. There is also plenty of great snowshoeing and nordic skiing too, if you prefer your winter adventures with a bit less adrenaline-fueled downhill action. During the warmer months, the hiking and trail running routes are spectacular, and the most of the mountain bike trails can be done on horseback too. This being Colorado, there also plenty of options for camping, climbing, and paddling as well, with even some good whitewater to run.

While I didn't have the chance to try each of those activities while I was in town, I did get the chance to do a little fly fishing. And while I'm mostly a beginner at that sport, I found it to be a relaxing, yet still engaging, way to explore the local culture.

For my fly-fishing experience we drove about 20 minutes outside of Crested Butte to reach the Three Rivers Resort, located in the small town of Almont. Three Rivers not only has a some wonderful rooms, cabins, and houses for visitors to rent, it also offers some active day-trips for those looking for some adventure. In addition to guiding rafting and kayaking excursions, travelers can also book stand-up paddleboard sessions, and skiing and snowboarding outings during the winter months. They also have a knowledgable and friendly staff in a well-stocked tackle shop for local and visiting anglers, as well a guide service that can get you out on the water and reeling in fish in no time.


We dropped by one morning to find out what fish were biting (trout and salmon it turns out!) and to hire one of the guides to take us out on the Taylor River. His name was Patrick, and he brought years of experience and excellent knowledge not only about the best places to fish in the area, but the different ways of setting up your pole to try to land a few big ones. As someone who has fly fished before, but is still relatively new to the sport, he proved to be an invaluable asset out on the water.

For those who have never fly fished, there is a bit of skill involved with learning to cast, letting your line drift, setting the hook, and bringing a fish to shore. All that can be picked up fairly quickly however, and after a brief refresher course, I soon found myself casting relatively efficiently. Patrick provided good tips on how and where to cast our lines, and he gave plenty of encouragement as we stood hip-deep in the refreshingly cool river.

It is often said that fly fishing is a bit of a zen-inducing activity, and after spending a couple of hours out on the water, I began to understand why. There is certainly a skill to getting the casting motion down, and the patience required to lure in a fish requires a sense of calm. Add in a dramatically beautiful back drop like the ones found in Gunnison County, and you have all the ingredients for a great day. Standing in the middle of that river, watching salmon swimming upstream around you, while learning to cast efficiently was an amazing experience, and even though we didn't end up landing any fish that day, it was still a terrific way to spend the morning.

That isn't to say we didn't have several bites. On more than one occasion our lures were stuck hard by a salmon or trout, and just like that we found ourselves with fight on our hands. On some occasions, the fish would leap clear out of the water in an effort to free themselves from the line, while others escaped just before we could get them into the net. Considering this was a catch-and-release stream, we didn't end up minding too much, and half the fun was just getting them to strike our lures in the first place.

One sure sign that you're having a great time on any outdoor adventure is when you look at your watch and are shocked to see how much time has passed. That was exactly the case during our fly fishing excursion. Before I knew it, several hours had gone by and it was time to move on to another activity. But, after even that brief time in the water, I think it's safe to say I'm hooked (ha!) and I'm already looking forward to my next opportunity to give it a go again. It will be tough to match the landscape I was immersed in while visiting Crested Butte though, as the surrounding mountains looming overhead were exactly what you'd expect for a fantastic fishing trip.

If you're headed to CB and you're looking to take a break from mountain biking or hiking, or you're simply looking to go fly fishing while you're in the area, the Three Rivers Resort will certainly do a great job of helping you land some fish. Even if you don't hire one of their guides to lead you out on the water, drop by their tackles shop to pick up any items you might need, and get some hints and tips on where to go and what is biting. They'll be more than happy to help you out. Check out the resorts website here.

After my all-too-brief fly-fishing experience, it was time to move on to more mountain biking. Obviously that was not something that I would object to, but the next time I visited Crested Butte, you can bet that fishing will be back on the agenda. If you're headed that direction, it should be on yours too.

Gear Closet: Rumpl Down Puffy Performance Blanket

When it comes to warmth and comfort in cold weather conditions, it it hard to beat a good puffy jacket. In fact, they are often so cozy that we're sometimes reluctant to take them off, even when we get inside. But what if you had a warm puffy of another kind to help keep you warm after you've pulled your jacket off? That's the premise behind the Down Puffy performance blanket from Rumpl, which is so comfy that you'll want to buy two just to avoid arguments over who gets to wrap up in it.

Much like that down jacket that you love so much, this blanket is made with 20D ripstop nylon complete with a DWR coating to help repel moisture. That same coating also helps it to resist stains and odor too, something that comes in handy not only at home, but around the campsite as well.

Stuffed with 600 fill duck down insulation, the Down Puffy is incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable, without being overly bulky. In fact, it is highly packable, which makes it easy to carry with you anywhere. It even comes with a nice stuff sack to help compress it down to a small footprint when you need to stuff it into a backpack, duffel, or piece of luggage. And since Rumpl uses Dry Down water resistant fill, you literally can take this with you to the backyard, the cabin, or a tent in the backcountry without fear.


Obviously this blanket is very warm and cozy for use in cool and even cold weather conditions, but it can also serve as a sleeping bag replacement for warm weather camp outings as well. Using a blanket allows for more versatility in those conditions, when a regular sleeping bag can feel confining and overly warm, even if it is rated for higher temperatures. You'll also find the Down Puffy to be a great addition to your camp gear when sitting around the fire before retiring for the evening too.

I can tell you from experience that this blanket is so comfortable and warm that you won't want to share, even though it is large enough for two. At my house there have been arguments (mostly in jest of course!) over who stakes claim to the Down Puffy, and I can tell you that I can see us packing it on future travel outings simply because it is so easy to take with you and offers so much versatility.

The Down Puffy is described as a "performance blanket" and it carries a price tag to match. Rumpl sells it for $199, which makes it quite an investment for anyone who wants one. I can tell you that it is definitely worth the money, even if it is a bit of a luxury item for use around the home and campsite. But if dropping that much cash on a down blanket seems like too much, Rumpl also offers other puffy blankets in a variety of colors that start at just $65.

Any of these options are a great investment, and make wonderful gifts too. Find out more at GoRumpl.com.

Video: Walking the Roads of Argentina

In 2016, a pair of travelers visited Argentina, exploring both the Salta Region in the north, and Patagonia in the south. Along the way, they shot some very dramatic video footage, which has now been assembled into this beautiful clip which not only reveals the roads of Argentina, but plenty of other breathtaking images of landscapes and people too. This well crafted short film is a joy to watch, and will get your wanderlust going as well.

 ROADS OF ARGENTINA from Guillaume JUIN on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: ASAP Dash - The Fastest USB Battery Charger On the Market?

For me, one of the most life-altering pieces of technology that has appeared in my lifetime is the smartphone. Sure, mobile phones existed before the iPhone and Android appeared on the market, but those devices, coupled with great mobile operating systems and a creative app ecosystem, have fundamentally altered the way we work, play, and communicate on a daily basis.

But if those gadgets still have one fundamental flaw, its the with their battery life. As we use them throughout our day, they can run out of charge very quickly, ending up useless. Fortunately there are a wide array of portable USB battery chargers on the market that give us a quick boost of power when we start to run low. The downside of most of them however, is that they are yet another device that we need to keep charged, and if you've ever used one, they can take awhile to gather power too.

Enter the ASAP Dash, a portable USB charger that promises to be the fastest charging battery pack the market. The device is currently in the crowdfunding stage, but is well on its way of achieving the $30,000 goal that its designers need to get it into production. What sets the Dash apart from the competition is that it can save enough power to recharge an iPhone in under five minutes, or completely fill its 5000 mAh battery in just 15. That means you don't have to wait long for it to be ready, which is different from most other battery packs that I've used, which can often take hours to fully charge.

So how does it do it? Well, unlike most other portable chargers, the Dash doesn't rely on a slow micro-USB port to provide it with energy. Instead, it ships with a high capacity adapter of its own, which is capable of filling the internal battery in a matter of a few minutes. The final product will even ship with a car adapter so you can fill it up while on the road too.


In terms of design, the ASAP Dash is sleek, small, and light. It is also very rugged, and has been build to survive a drop of more than one meter, with its anodized aluminum shell keeping it safe from harm. That makes it great for travel, where weight and durability are always an issue.

I got the chance to test an early prototype model, and came away very impressed. The actual build quality of the Dash is quite nice, and it looks very classy. My model didn't quite charge as quickly as the final version, but it was close enough to get the idea of how it will function once everything is finalized. Is it fast? Most certainly so. My test unit came with a half-charge, and I was able to fill it up completely in well under ten minutes. That's not something I can say about any other charge I've used in the past.

Its clear that a lot of attention was put into the details of the Dash. For instance, in addition to the adapter charging port, there is also a micro-USB port as well, which will allow you to charge it the old fashioned way, albeit at a much slower pace. The standard USB port that is used for charging your devices is also of the smart variety, which means it auto detects the fastest speed your smartphone or tablet is capable of gathering a charge, and tunes its flow of power accordingly. And since it has 3 Amps of power, it can recharge your devices very quickly too.

That's not to say there isn't room for improvement in the ASAP Dash. For instance, I would have preferred to have two USB ports for charging rather than one so that you and a friend can use it at the same time. That's fairly standard on most chargers these days. And while the 5000 mAh battery is capable of charging most smartphones up to three times, it will hardly put a dent in the battery life of a tablet. I'd like to see a higher capacity Dash at some point down the line so I can share the rapid-charging love with my iPad too.

The Indiegogo campaign for the Dash has been underway for a few days now, and it is already more than 80% of the way towards its goal. If you order one while in the crowdfunding phase, you can get the charger for just $69. When the Dash hits retail in June it is expected to sell for $119, so this is a real bargain.

Find out more at ChargeASAP.com and in the video below.

Nat Geo Shares 15 Unexpected Places to Go Skiing

Winter is here, and if you're lucky you have plenty of snow to play in. But, if you're one of those winter warriors who is always on the lookout for new places to ski and snowboard than National Geographic has some suggestions you may not have considered in the past. In fact, they've assembled 15 of the most unexpected ski areas that you'll want to put on your radar.

Some of the suggestions include Malam Jabba in Pakistan, which is the only ski resort in a country that is filled with impressive mountains, and Masikryong, North Korea, which falls behind the veil of secrecy and propaganda that permeates that nation. And if neither of those are unusual enough destinations for you, give Riksgränsen, Sweden a shot. It is home to the northern-most ski area in the world, a full 200 km (125 miles) above the Arctic Circle.

Whether you enjoy skiing remote backcountry or unique resorts, this list has something for everyone. Ranging from Lebanon to Afghanistan, to Alabama, you'll find a ski area to fit your needs, including some in the most unexpected places.

Check out the full list here.

Video: A Two-Minute Journey Through Beautiful South Australia

If you're looking for an escape to some place exotic, but just don't have the time to get away at the moment, perhaps this video from National Geographic can help. It takes us to South Australia where we get a glimpse of some of the stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and wonderful people that can be found there. It is a two-minute journey through one of my favorite places.

And when you're ready to go see what Australia has to offer for yourself, check out the tours of that country that Mountain Travel Sobek has to offer.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tips #2 - How To Prevent Jetlag

A few weeks back I posted the first in a new series of videos in which our friend Richard Bangs shares travel tips that will sure come in handy for any of us who hit the road on a regular basis. In that first video, he shared tips on how to avoid getting the dreaded "traveler's tummy" and in the second video he tells us how to avoid jetlag. If you've ever experienced severe jetlag, you'll appreciate any options that help alleviate the problem. It can be a brutal to overcome, but if you follow Richard's advice you might be able to get through your next bout with out too much trouble.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tip #6: Home Safety While You're Away

Who hasn't left home for an extended trip, only to wonder if we remembered to lock the doors and turn off the stove. Adventure travel expert Richard Bangs is back this week with another travel tip, this time offering some suggestions on home safety while we're on the road, something he learned the hard way on a trip to North Korea.

Majorcan Adventures: Hiking and Driving the Wild Coast

Yesterday I returned home from my all-too brief visit to Majorca, Spain's beautiful and enchanting Mediterranean island paradise. If you've ready my previous two articles about that experience (Part 1 and Part 2 here) was a relaxing one, during which my traveling companions and I enjoyed camping the local food and wine, while soaking up plenty of history and culture as well. But, it wasn't all just about eating and drinking while basking in the Mediterranean sun. We also enjoyed some active escapes as well, including hiking and driving some of the most scenic coastlines I have ever encountered.

For our trip to Majorca we enjoyed a stay in an amazing villa located in the town of Pollença. Our accommodations for the trip were provided by Travelopo, a website that specializes in providing luxury villa rentals not only on the Spanish island, but in other amazing European destinations as well, including France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal too. Our particular villa served as a comfortable base camp for our trip, and it was nicely situated close to town, so we could walk into the village each night for dinner at any number of wonderful restaurants. It was definitely a great place to stay, and one that were reluctant to leave at the end of our trip.

As fantastic as our villa was however, we weren't content to just hang around there for the entire stay. We ventured out regularly, with visits to nearby towns, wineries, and beaches luring us to a variety of locations on the large – but still very drivable – island. In fact, the roads are well maintained, clearly marked, and easy to follow, making it a simple affair to find the various places you are looking for. In the smaller towns, like Pollença, the streets can get quite narrow however, so we often found it better to park and wander on foot whenever possible.

One of the highlights of our trip was exploring some of the local markets, which take place in different villages on different days. For instance, Pollença holds its weekly market on Sunday, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and hand-crafted goods for visitors and locals alike.  It is relatively small however, when compared to the Wednesday market held in the village of Sineau. While walking the streets of this town, you'll not only discover plenty of good food and wine, but also leather goods, clothing, sweet treats, and custom-made art. You'll even see live animals such as chickens, goats, dogs, rabbits, and a variety of colorful birds for sale, right alongside knock-off electronics and more.


These open-air markets are colorful and chaotic, with lots to see and do. Wandering through one, you'll find locals and foreigners alike haggling over the price of goods, while jamming the streets in all directions. For those of us who are use to dropping by a conveniently placed, and well-stocked, grocery store, it is quite an experience, and one that any visitor to Majorca should have on their schedule.

Of course, visitors should also be sure to take in some of the island's natural wonders too. For instance, we spent one morning visiting the Parc Natural die Mondrago, which is a nature preserve located along the south coast. The park has several hiking trails – all of which are relatively easy and well marked – that take visitors along the edge of the water for some stunning views of Majorca's coastline. Here, the water is a turquoise color unlike any you'll find just about anywhere else. It is clear and blue, and incredibly inviting. If you visit the park, be sure to bring your bathing suit, as there several beaches that provide access for a dip in the Mediterranean.

We found the park to be an amazing place to take photos, with high cliffs towering above the azure waters, while the beaches provide access to the sea itself. And while we didn't get the chance to kayak along those rocky walls, I imagine it would be a great way to explore this section of coast, which even had some intriguing looking sea caves to wander in and out of. While hiking the trails, we also stumbled across an old machine gun nest left over from World War II that overlooked the coast. It was a surprising discovery along this idyllic coast, and provided yet another glimpse into Majorca's history.

Mondrago isn't the only place to explore the islands beautiful coastline. Heading to the other side of Majorca you can take a drive up an even more dramatic and awe-inspiring section of the coast. Follow highway Ma-1110 out of the capital of city of Palma until you reach the town of Valldemossa, which is situated on the towering hills and cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean. The village, which is home to about 2000 people, was founded in 123 BC and sits 500 meters (1640 feet) above the water, providing some spectacular views of the area. You'll also find several quaint little coffee shops and bars if you find you want to stop for a beverage and enjoy some tapas. Considering the town's rich history, that would be completely understandable.

Continuing further down the road on Ma-10, you'll find a similar experience in the even smaller village of Deià, which is even more enchanting than Valldermossa, although more difficult to find parking or even a place to stop to take photos. But, the views spotted from the road are utterly spectacular, and well worth the effort.

Driving this wandering highway is a bit of an adventure in and of itself. It is incredibly narrow, and it twists along the side of the mountain, often obscuring on-coming traffic until the very last moment. That isn't so bad since most of the vehicles on Majorca are small cars. But it only takes a chance encounter or two with a tourist bus to have your life flash before your eyes. That said however, the drive is a fantastic one, with all the passengers being treated to some of the most beautiful scenery you'll find anywhere. The drive on the other hand will need to keep his or her eyes on the road at most times, making it a bit more challenging for them to soak it all in. But, since most of the trip occurs within the wonderful Serra de Tramuntana World Heritage site, you know that it must be grand.

As the old saying goes, "all good things must come to an end," so too did our wonderful escape to this Spanish setting. After spending more than a week on Majorca, my friends and I began the long journey home, but not before spending a lovely night in Madrid first. Out flights the following day didn't go exactly as expected – a common occurrence it seems in modern travel – but we made it home at last with some amazing tales to share with our other friends who were not lucky enough to join us. What we discovered on Majorca was a place filled with natural and cultural beauty. It was also a destination that offers plenty of relaxation and comfort to go along with its history and unique charms. I don't think any of us will ever forget our experiences there, and I'm sure we'll be laughing about some of the stories we now share for years to come.

If you haven't been there yourself, and are seeking a magical escape to the Mediterranean, I can't recommend Majorca highly enough.

Big thanks to my friends at Travelopo for providing such a fantastic place to stay while we were there. The experience was simply lovely, and that was in no small part due to the great villa we stayed in. It was a rare treat to say the least, and everyone enjoyed it immensely.

Video: A Visit to Magical Iceland

Iceland is a magical place. There is no getting around that. But we're reminded of just how beautiful and special that country is in this video, which takes us on a whirlwind tour of the Icelandic countryside. Sit back and enjoy this one. It is three minutes of pure beauty. And if you still haven't been to Iceland, perhaps now is the time to go.

ICELANDIC MAGIC from Rod Gotfried on Vimeo.

10 Last Minute Travel Gift Suggestions from The Adventure Blog

Christmas is now in sight and the clock is most definitely ticking. If you find yourself still scrambling to find the perfect gift for the adventure traveler or outdoor enthusiast on your holiday shopping list this year, we have some suggestions for what they might like. Here are 10 list minute gifts that are sure to make them happy, all of which are under $100.

Ledlenser SEO 7R Headlamp
Every outdoor adventurer can use a good headlamp, and Ledlenser's SEO 7R is one of the best I've seen in awhile. Powered by either a rechargeable battery pack or standards AAA batteries, this lamp is capable of putting out as much as 220 lumens and is built to be water resistant too. It is comfortable to wear, lightweight, great for travel, and comes with a 5 year warranty as well. Price: $90

Dog & Bone LockSmart Travel Bluetooth Padlock
Keeping your valuables safe and secure while on the road can be a challenge, but Dog & Bone's LockSmart Travel high-tech padlock can help. This Bluetooth enabled lock connects to your smartphone for keyless unlocking from anywhere in the world. It also has location tracking properties and is TSA compliant, meaning you can place it on your bad and not worry about nefarious individuals gaining access to your belongings. Price: $59.95

LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
Everyone can use a good water bottle of course, but the LifeStraw Go isn't just a handy way to stay hydrated, it also features a two-stage filtration system that removes 99.99% of all harmful bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that could be lurking in water. This makes it a great choice for both backcountry excursions and travelers who might be visiting countries where finding clean drinking water might be a challenge. Price: $49.95

Power Practical Luminoodle Plus Camp Lighting System
Keep the campsite well lit with a Luminoodle light rope from Power Practical. Flexible and waterproof, these lights are easy to hang in a tent, on branches, or just about anywhere else you need them, delivering 180 lumens of light without blinding anyone in the process. The Luminoodle Plus kit comes complete with a 5-foot set of lights and a 4400 mAh battery to keep them powered on. Price: $39.95

Global Entry
Frequent travelers know how long it takes to get through security lines at the airport, and customs when returning to the country when traveling abroad. But a Global Entry membership from the Transportation Security Administration lets them bypass those bottlenecks quickly and efficiently. The process does require an interview and a bit of a wait time, but it is worth it. Price: $100

Champion Duofold THERMatrix Baselayers
Baselayers are always handy no matter what outdoor activities your favorite adventurer is into. They provide the first line of defense in keeping us warm and dry in the backcountry, and are an indispensable part of any gear closet. Champion makes high quality baselayers that are also affordable and good looking too. Price: $23.99

Yaktrax Cabin Socks
Soft and warm, the Yaktrax Cabin Socks just might be the most comfortable sock your outdoor lover will ever put on his or her feet. If the cold chill of winter is leaving their toes a bit chilly, get them a pair of these to help them recover. They are so comfortable (and affordable!) that you'll even want a pair for yourself. Price: $12.99

Stacked iPhone Wireless Charging System
For the traveler looking for a convenient way to keep their iPhone charged while on the road, the Stacked wireless charging system is a godsend. Modular in design, this iPhone case uses powerful magnets to connect with chargers, portable battery packs, and a handy car mount that is fantastic for navigating on long road trips. Buy the Stacked bundle for $99.99 or individual pieces as needed.

Dry Guy Warm 'n Charge
The cold weather isn't just hard on our bodies, it's hard on the batteries in our electronic devices too. That's why Dry Guy invented the Warm 'n Charge, a battery operated hand warmer that is also capable of recharging a smartphone too. The device uses a 4400 mAh battery for up to five hours of warming or two phone charges. Price: $40

Stanley Pocket Steel Adventure Flask
Let's face it, we all like to rough it in the woods on occasion, but that doesn't mean we have to be completely uncivilized. The Pocket Flask from Stanley is a lightweight and compact way to carry a little extra something into the backcountry with us for those celebrations when you bag a peak or are just toasting to your good fortune. Price: $18

Travel Stories From FlightNetwork.com

I have shared any travel stories from FlightNetwork.com in a few weeks, but I thought some of you might be interested in the content that we're producing there. Not only is the site a great place to find discounted airfares, the Let's Roll blog has some interesting stories about a variety of travel related topics. Here's a few:

• Adventure Options On The Rise With Luxury Travelers
• Breathtaking and Bizarre Must-See Places From Across the Pond
• 5 Destinations To Escape The Winter Weather
• Into the Wild: An Interview with Jeff Bartlett
• Gear Review: iLand Fly Smartphone Solar Charger

This is sampling of the things that are covered on the blog. If any of catches your attention, you'll definitely find similar articles on a daily basis. Drop on by and see what we're sharing.

Gear Closet: Enevu CUBE Utility and Mood Lights

One of the most interesting and fun trends in outdoor gear over the past year or so is the increasing number of lighting options that are coming our way from a variety of companies. Sure, we've all worn headlamps forever, but now a number of gear manufacturers are working on innovative and fun ways to light up our campsite. One such product is the new CUBE utility light from Enevu, which brings some unique features that will come in handy both outdoors and around the house.

As the name implies, the CUBE is a perfectly square light measuring 2" (5 cm) on a side). It also weighs just 3.42 oz. (97 grams), which makes it highly packable and easy to carry with you just about anywhere. And since it has an IPX4 splashproof rating, it can survive a bit of rain, although I wouldn't want to submerge it completely in water.

On its highest setting, the CUBE is capable of putting out 100 lumens of light, which is plenty bright for just about any dark setting. In fact, I actually found that I preferred using the light on its medium or even low settings, as it not only prolonged its battery life – which is over 100 hours on its most efficient level – but also provides a softer light for enjoying your time around the campsite.

In addition to its three different brightness settings, the CUBE also has the ability to change colors. When put into multicolor mode it will slowly cycle through the entire range of the rainbow, and then some. This makes for great mood lighting, particularly when you're enjoying some time outdoors with friends. And if you come across a color that you prefer, a simple click of the button locks the CUBE into that color only for as long as you'd like.


As a safety measure, the CUBE also has a beacon mode, which can be activated in an emergency. When placed in that setting, the light will flash every three seconds for up to 48 hours, indicating that someone is in need of assistance. Hopefully that is one mode that you'll never need to use, but it is nice to have it just in case.

The CUBE ships with 3 AAA batteries to power it, and even comes with a hook to hang it in your tent or from a tree branch. It has been drop tested from 1 meter too, which means that it has been built to take a beating and continue to function.

My wife and I have been using the CUBE light for sometime now, both indoors and out. We not only really enjoy it for use around a campsite, but also in our backyard or just in the living room when we want some mood lighting while enjoying a glass of wine. The color changing mode has been especially popular around my house.

This little light is handy and versatile. It's great for travel, camping, backpacking, or as a useful source of illumination around the home too. And with a price tag of just $29.90, it is highly affordable too.

If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive, and easy to use lighting system for your next camp outing, the CUBE is a great option. And like me, you'll probably find you'll have plenty of uses for it elsewhere too.

Gear Closet: Petzl Reactik+ Headlamp

It seems all of our electronic gadgets are getting smarter these days. First came the smartphone of course, then tablet computers, and smartwatches too. Now, thanks to the the Reactik+ from Petzl, we can add "smart" headlamps to the list too.

What makes the Reactik+ so smart you ask? Well for starters, it comes with Bluetooth wireless technology baked in that allows it to connect to your smartphone and control its functionality using a special MyPetzl mobile app. That app gives users the ability to control the brightness of their lamp yourself, or tell it what type of activity you'll be doing, and for how long, which gives the device the ability to set its own brightness levels based on how much power is lift it is rechargeable battery. The app has preset profiles for sports like trail running, mountaineering, hiking, or simply just hanging out around the campsite. You can also add your own custom profiles as well, allowing you to dial in exactly the performance you need.

At its brightest setting, the Reactik+ can crank out as much as 300 lumens of light, which is plenty for just about anything you want to do outside. On that level, it the headlamp can run for about 2.5 hours, but you can adjust the burn time for 5 or 10 hours as well, and the lamp will automatically regulate itself to achieve that length of time. This ability to extend the life of the Reactik+'s battery comes in handy if you find yourself out on the trail for longer than you expected, or you don't have a handy way to recharge the device while in the field.


The Reactik+ has several different lighting modes to help you navigate through the darkness. For instance, it features a proximity beam that diffuse the light across a wider area, as well as a focused beam that acts as a bright spotlight for when you just need to see as far ahead as possible. Of course, it also comes with a red light mode, which is handy around he campsite when you don't want to burn out the retinas of your friends who are accompany you on your outdoor adventure.

Designed to be tough and weather resistant, I recently put this headlamp to the test on a backpacking trip to Bryce Canyon where the rain was coming down sideways. Despite those poor conditions however, the Reactik+ performed admirably, surviving some of the worst weather that part of the country has seen in years, and continuing to work well. After that experience, I feel confident that this light will work great in just about any weather, with perhaps the exception of extreme cold. Frigid temps can put a strain on the life of the built in rechargeable battery, although this is something that plagues most other headlamps too.

Other features of this headlamp that I really like include a washable headband, which is a must for those of us who live in warm climates and will run with this light on our heads. I also appreciate the ability to lock-out the power source, preventing the lamps from accidentally turning on while in our packs and running down the battery. Petzl has even given the headlamp the ability to use a standard battery pack that employs AA batteries for power instead. This battery pack is sold separately, but it is nice to have the option none the less.

In terms of performance, I love all of the technology that this headlamp brings to the table. It's "smart" features work great, and I appreciate its ability to dial in just the right level of lighting to get me through a long run or a night hike back to camp. The MyPetzl app is simple to use, connects to the Reactik+ quickly and easily, and is versatile enough to allow you to fine tune things to your own liking. My only complaint is that I wish it had Apple Watch support that would allow me to adjust the light's settings on the fly without having to retrieve my iPhone from my pack or wrist strap.

At $109.95, the Petzl Reactik+ is on the expensive side in terms of headlamps. But, if you're an active outdoor athlete who runs, bikes, climbs, or hikes a lot, you may very well appreciate all of the tech features that it brings to the table. As a gadget-nerd myself, I know I certainly do. However, if you're just looking for a very good headlamp that you can take with you on your adventures, the standard Reactik may be a better choice. It performs much the same way as the "+" model, but without the "smart" features. It also sells for $84.95, making it a bit less expensive. Either way, you'll get an excellent headlamp that is comfortable to wear, versatile to use in the field, and very powerful at lighting your way.

Purchase your Reactik+ at REI.com or CampSaver.com.


REACTIK + Bluetooth headlamp with Reactive Lighting Technology from Petzl-sport on Vimeo.

Video: TravelSmith Travel Tips #1 - Avoiding Traveler's Tummy

The start of the new year also marks the start of a new series of travel videos from our friend Richard Bangs. He has just launched the first of a weekly set of clips that will offer tips on how to travel smarter and more safely in the year ahead. In this video, he tells us how to avoid the dreaded traveler's tummy, something that most of us have probably had the misfortune of experiencing at some point in our wanderings. He also shares a story of how he got hit with giardia while paddling the Colorado River, which resulted in him having to be airlifted to safety. There is a good lesson for us all here.

Video: The Wilds of the South Pacific

When you think about the wild places on our planet, the South Pacific with its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and iddlic tropical settings aren't necessarily the first place that comes to mind. But that part of the world is quite remote, and there are some unique wildernesses that remain intact there. This video takes us to Western Papua, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago and Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia where we see those landscapes and meet the people that live there. This is a breathtaking part of the world that has to be seen to be believed.

Wilds of the South Pacific from GALAXIID on Vimeo.

Just in Time for Valentine's Day Nat Geo Lists the 17 Most Romantic Destinations in the World

World travelers listen up! If you're looking for a place to visit with your significant other, National Geographic is here to help. Just in time for Valentine's Day (Yes, that's today fellas'!) the experts at Nat Geo have given us a list of the 17 most romantic destinations on Earth. 

As you can imagine, the places that made the cut for this list are all pretty spectacular for a number of reasons. Most offer amazing views, some have a fantastic mix of history and culture, and pretty much all of them have an ambience about the setting that makes them special in very unique ways. You'll recognize some of the usual suspects, but others are a bit more off the beaten path and lesser known, which gives them an allure all their own.

So which destinations earned a spot on this list? As usual, I won't spoil the fun of finding out for yourself, but some of the highlights include the French Riviera, Bruges, Belgium, and Hamilton Island in Australia. Of course, the images that accompany the description of the places are all outstanding and will only increase your desire to visit these places even more. And as usual with any far-flung destination, there should be plenty of adventure to be had along the way too.

The 17 romantic destinations were paired down from a much longer list that is part of National Geographic book The World's Most Romantic Destinations, which is filled with even more suggestions of where to go and what to see with your Valentine. Speaking for myself, quite frankly I can't think of anyone I'd rather explore the world with. 

View the entire list here. 

Adventure Tech: goTenna Extends Backcountry Communication with New goTenna Mesh

Earlier in the year I took a look at an innovative method for staying in communication while in the backcountry called goTenna. This simple, but effective device, connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth technology, and allows you to send text messages and share your GPS location with others who are equipped with a goTenna of their own. In a sense, the device creates its own data network for use in places where shell service is nonexistent, and while it doesn't facilitate voice comms, I found it very useful for staying in touch nonetheless. Now, the team at goTenna is back with a new product, and while it works in much the same way as its predecessor, it has the potential to extend the range of the device much, much further.

Dubbed the goTenna Mesh, this new unit launched on Kickstarter yesterday. A bit smaller than the original model, this new device brings some interesting new technologies to the table that should make it more useful to travelers, backpackers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, the Mesh now operates on UHF radio frequencies, which have brought it's out-of-the-box range down slightly, but make it more adaptable to a wider variety of environments, including both the outdoors and interior spaces. Switching to UHF has also allowed goTenna to bring their product abroad too, opening it up for sale in foreign countries where the previous generation's VHF radio waves were not allowed.

But more importantly, as it's name implies, the goTenna Mesh brings "meshing" technology to users as well. This allows the device to relay data that is sent to it on to other users, thereby extending the range almost indefinitely. Where as the original goTenna simply blasted out the messages that it broadcasted to all other goTenna users in range, the Mesh can analyze the data, and then rebroadcast it to others too. In this way a message that is sent can potentially reach a recipient, even if they weren't in range of the original sender.


The first generation goTenna has a range of about 1 mile in urban settings and 4 miles in rural areas, although greater ranges can be achieved depending on elevation and so on. The goTenna Mesh has a similar range when used for peer-to-peer communications, with 1 mile in cities and 3 miles in the backcountry. But, since it has the ability to relay data, a message can hop from one device to the next, provide there are several of them working within range of one another. So while two Mesh devices might have a range of roughly three miles, three or four units working together could stretch that range considerably further.

When goTenna launched the Kickstarter campaign for the new Mesh model it was with the hopes that it would generate $150,000 in crowdfunding to help get the device into production. Just 24 hours later, the campaign has generated $132,000 and climbing. That means that the new product should begin shipping in December as expected, with a price tag of $179 for two units. Of course, a third goTenna Mesh is really needed to see the true benefits of this second generation model, but this is certainly a good start. Early-bird contributors can reserve their goTenna Mesh units for as little as $129 by pledging to support the Kickstarter campaign now however.

In addition to revealing the Mesh, the company is also launching a new service called goTenna Plus. Users who sign up for this plan receive additional benefits from the goTenna app that is installed on their iPhone or Android device, including improved topographic maps for sharing your location, tracking of speed and distance while out hiking, and even sharing your current location with a designated individual on a set schedule, much like a SPOT Satellite Messenger. goTenna Plus users can also take advantage of network relaying which allows a device that is connected to a cell network to pass along goTenna messages to other users in that way too.

goTenna Plus is normally priced at $29 for a year, but is currently available at an introductory price of just $10. Seems like a pretty reasonable rate to me.

Find out more about goTenna and all of its gadgets at goTenna.com.

Video: What Are Africa's Big 5?

You'll often hear people who are going on a safari or visiting Africa in general say that they're hoping to spot the "Big 5." This is a group of animals that are amongst the most popular with travelers, although some are definitely more elusive than others. So which creatures make the list? Check out the video below to find out.