Backpacker Gives Us The Best Budget Thru-Hiking Gear

Thinking about making a long-distance hike, but don't have a big budget to buy all of the gear that you'll need? Never fear, Backpacker magazine is here to help. The mag has put together a list of their favorite inexpensive products to help you get over the budget crisis and head out on the trail.

The list contains some of the most important items that you'll need for any backcountry camping or backpacking excursion, including a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad. It also offers some suggestions on a couple of jackets to keep you warm and dry on your adventures as well. Just don't expect any major name brands to make the cut, as there is nothing from The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, or Columbia on the list. Instead, you'll find products from companies that you've vaguely heard of that Backpacker says deliver the best bang for your buck in terms of performance and price.

So what equipment makes the cut? For starters, the magazine says that you should forego the more expensive down jackets from the well-known brands in favor of the Uniqlo Ultralight Down Jacket instead. It costs just $70 but comes from a company more well known for its fashions than its outdoor performance. In terms of a backpack, we're told to go with the ULA Circuit, which is 68L model that costs $235.

The rest of the items on the list fall into a similar vein, offering solid performance at a more affordable price, although I would argue in some cases that there are better options out there for less money – particularly if you shop clearance items and closeouts. This list also doesn't offer the prices for each piece of gear within the story itself, which would have saved a few extra clicks when reading about the gear. And, I take a bit of umbrage with them listing "SmartWater" as one of their lightweight pieces of gear, when I think in reality they're telling readers to use the bottle that the brand of water comes in.

Still, for those of us who want to save a little cash and don't need to have the latest gear from the big boys in the industry, the list does have some all-around solid choices. As we approach spring hiking season, and you find yourself needing some new equipment, you might be able to save yourself some cash and go with these items instead.

Alan Arnette Answers The Age Old Question "Why Climb Everest?"

When asked why he wanted to climb Everest, George Mallory famously answered "Because its there." That quote has gone on to become the most famous in all of mountaineering, and it is a popular answer even today, some 90 years later.

But for those of you who want a bit more of a reason, Alan Arnette has attempted to give us all an answer. In his latest blog post, he polls some of his friends who have attempted to climb Everest in recent years – some successfully, some not – to share their thoughts on why anyone would climb the tallest mountain on the planet. As you can imagine, their responses are interesting and varied.

The responses reveal that each of the climbers have their own reasons to go up the Big Hill. Some do it for the challenge, some get inspiration from the high places of our world, and others just have a passion for the mountains. I think you'll be surprised at some of the responses and as the 2014 Spring season begins to loom on the horizon, this interesting article will start to get you thinking about what the mountaineers will be facing in a few months time.

None of these will go down in history as being as famous as "Because it's there" but if you have a love of adventure and an interest in Everest, they'll resonate with you none the less.

Scientists Discover Massive Canyon in Antarctica

It is fascinating to me how much we are still learning about our own planet. It seems that despite the fact that we are sending space probes and rovers to other Mars, Pluto, Jupiter, comets, and other celestial bodies, we continue to discover new things right here at home. Case in point. Last week it was revealed that a team of researchers have discovered a massive canyon under the ice in Antarctica. It's so big in fact that it could dwarf even the Grand Canyon itself.

The canyon was discovered using satellite imagery and ground penetrating radar that was pulled along behind snowmobiles and small aircraft. This giant gorge is located in the western region of the Antarctic near the Ellsworth Subglacial Highlands. It is said to be buried under several miles of ice, but its dimensions are staggering to say the least.

According to preliminary estimates, the canyon is believed to be 3 km (1.9 miles) deep, and more than 25 km (15.5 miles) across. It is also believed to run more than 1000 km (621 miles) in length, and even more amazingly it reaches 2000 meters (6500 feet) below sea level at certain points. In comparison, the Grand Canyon 1.8 km (1.13 miles) deep and stretches for 433 km (277 miles) in length.

The scientists studying the Ellsworth region aren't sure how old the canyon is exactly, although they do know that Antarctica has been covered in ice for at least 34 million years. Over that time, the glaciers that cover the area have shifted dramatically, ranging in thickness while shaping the surface found underneath them. Because of its immense size, it is believed that it was ice – not an ancient river – that carved this massive gorge.

Unlike the Grand Canyon, it is unlikely that humans will ever see this natural monument. Because it is covered in snow and ice, it would take millions of more years – not to mention dramatic shifts in climate – for it to ever reveal itself. Still, it is fascinating to know that this place exists, and it makes you wonder what else is still out there, hidden under the ice.

Video: Norway as Seen by Drone

Norway has been a regular subject of many of the travel videos I post here on The Adventure Blog, and for good reason. Not only does it have some oft he best landscapes found anywhere on the planet, it has some of the most spectacular wilderness environments as well. Ranging from beautiful fjords to high mountain peaks to arctic environments, Norway is an adventure traveler's dream come true. And in this video, we catch a glimpse of what the country has to offer from a drone's eye view. Flying over these settings is utterly captivating, so sit back and take it all in.

NORWAY - a great Holiday trip from Marc on Vimeo.

Video: Sunrise to Sunset In The Atacama Desert

Here's a brief, but very lovely, video that was shot in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It is a timelapse that captures the movement of the skies from sunrise, to sunset, and back again in one of the most amazing environments on the planet. I can tell you from my visit to the Atacama, that the skies really do look like that. It was one of the most breathtaking night skies that I have ever seen, and definitely worth the trip for that view alone. Simply amazing.

Ancients from Nicholas Buer on Vimeo.

Video: Once Upon A Time In Nepal

Dreaming of a visit to the Himalaya, even though you're stuck behind a desk, longing for an adventure? Nothing can take the place of an actual visit to Nepal, but this short video sure comes close. It is a beautifully shot travelogue for that country that will leave you wanting to go yourself.

Once upon a time in NEPAL (short version) from amankerstudio on Vimeo.

Video: Woman Climbs Seven Summits, Films Journey on an iPhone

National Geographic Emerging Explorer Wasfia Nazarene recently became the first woman from Bangladesh to climb each of the Seven Summits. That alone is a remarkable achievement. But, along the way she also filmed her adventure using an iPhone, and the video below is a result of that project. It is a 13 minute long short documentary of her journey, with some fantastic video footage from each mountain. The fact that she was able to make the film using just a smartphone is remarkable, and a good indication of the power of technology that most of us now carry in our pockets. Amazing and inspiring stuff.