Gear Closet: Thule Stir 35 Technical Backpack

In need of a new backpack for your spring adventures? Than you're in luck, because Thule has delivered a couple of great new packs that deliver a high level of performance and a number of great features, at a price point that we can all appreciate.

Recently I got my hands on the new Thule Stir 35 pack and found it to be a great option for day hikers that need to carry plenty of gear with them out on the trail. But the pack also works great for climbers and peak baggers looking for a bag that can carry all of their equipment without slowing them down. The Stir is comfortable, versatile, and well designed, making it a breeze to stay organized while hauling a surprising amount of equipment with us on our adventures.

With 35 liters of storage, the Stir is definitely on the larger size when it comes to daypacks. That may make it overly large for some hikers, but as a frequent traveler and outdoor enthusiast who takes part in a lot of different activities, I found the extra space to be really useful. Some of my smaller packs are a bit cramped at times, while this bag allowed me to carry pretty much everything I need without compromise.


Some of the features that I really like include the easy-access lid that allows you to get inside the main storage compartment while still keeping the elements at bay. But if the weather really takes a turn for the worse, the Stir comes equipped with a built-in rain cover, which should pretty much be a standard piece of equipment on every daypack these days. I also love that this pack offers access to the interior through a side zipper, making it super easy to retrieve important items no matter where they are stored. This is something I'm use to finding on larger backpacks, but it isn't all that common on a daypack.

Another feature that is more common on larger packs that is also found here is an adjustable torso for improved fitting. This not only adds another level of versatility to the pack, but allows you to find a more comfortable fitting for the Stir as well. By simply adjusting the back panel using some Velcro, you can adjust where the pack sits on your back, making it easier to carry heavier loads.

For those hikers who count every ounce, the Stir offers the ability to remove the hipbelt and sternum strap, saving some weight in the process. That ability also makes the pack a bit less technical looking if you want to use it as a commuter pack around town as well. I personally like having those items in place, as the small pockets on the belt come in handy, but it is nice touches like this one that indicate that Thule took great care in designing a backpack that meets a variety of customers' needs.

Other nice features that have a more technical slant include a light loop attachment points made from reflective materials and two attachment loops for carrying trekking poles or ice aces. There is even a stretch pocket on the one of the shoulder straps that is specifically designed to carry a smartphone, keeping it close at hand for when you need it most.

Personally, I really like the slim design and minimalist approach that Thule took with this pack. It looks great, but also offers great features and functionality too. Comfortable to wear and with plenty of storage capacity, this is a backpack designed for longer day hikes or even short overnight trips if you can manage to go ultralight in warmer weather. But climbers will appreciate everything it brings to the table as well. And since the pack is priced at just $139.95, it is very affordable as well, particularly when considering all of the great features it delivers.

The pack is available now. Find out more at Thule.com.

Actor Jared Leto Joins Alex Honnold on El Cap in Yosemite

Academy Award winning actor Jared Leto seems to have added yet another skill to his resume that already includes musician, songwriter, director and author. It seems the celeb is also an accomplished rock climber, as was evidenced last weekend when he went climbing in Yosemite with Alex Honnold.

On Friday Leto and Honnold scaled the East Buttress of Middle Cathedral, which is ranked amongst the 50 classic climbs of North America. Then on Saturday, the two men climbed three shorter, easier routes on the 600-foot Manure Pile Buttress, before moving onto the East Buttress of El Capitan on Sunday.

Later, Leto posted a photo of The Nose on El Cap – perhaps the most iconic climb in the world – hinting that he might like to try that at some point. Later, he shared the photo below on his Instagram account of he and Honnold. They're joined by Jimmy Chin, who dropped by for a photo bomb apparently.

Me @alexhonnold + @jimmy_chin #Yosemite

A photo posted by JARED LETO (@jaredleto) on May 14, 2016 at 9:28am PDT

Antarctica 2013: South Pole Prepares To Welcome Visitors!

The Antarctic season is drawing to a close as numerous teams now close in on the South Pole. This weekend should be a very busy one at the bottom of the world, where the inhabitants at the research station there are known for giving warm welcomes to those who ski in for a visit. They'll have to put the welcome mat for sure over the next few days, as several teams are now on final approach.

The first arrival to the Pole is Antony Jinman, who reached that point earlier today after 47 days out on the ice. He skied the final 14 nautical miles (26 km) today, and reportedly is in good spirits now that his expedition is done. Antony's 700+ mile (1126 km) journey has had its challenges, just like everyone else, but the Polar vet showed his strength by quietly going about his work, pushing ahead at a steady pace, and completing the journey on the same day that Captain Scott reached the Pole more than 100 years ago. Along the way, Jinman carried two drones with him, which were used to capture arial video footage. It should be interesting to see what he has to share with us once get home and has a chance to review. 

Chris and Marty Fagan are on track to arrive at the Pole tomorrow, which is a good thing. They're down to just emergency rations at this point, with Marty drinking his final cup of coffee this morning. If that isn't incentive enough to get to the finish line, I don't know what will be. With 20.4 miles (37.7km) yet to ski, they're not quite done yet. But they can now start turning their attentions to home, where there son has been patiently waiting for their return for the past two months.

Lewis Clarke and Carl Alvey are slowly but surely closing in on 90ºS. As of yesterday, they still had 37 miles (68 km) to go before they finished, and while that is still a daunting distance to cover, they hope to arrive tomorrow too. If high winds persist, as the weather forecast indicates, their arrival could get pushed off until Saturday. It has been 45 days since they left the coast in Lewis' attempt to become the youngest person to ski to the South Pole, and that goal looks like it will soon be a reality.


Daniel Burton is pushing forward with is attempt to be the first person to cycle the full distance to the South Pole. He passed another milestone yesterday by entering his final degree. He reports soft snow on the ground, which makes it harder for him to pedal and slows him down some. Still, he keeps pushing ahead as best he can, and now seems likely to reach the finish line early next week. From the tone of his dispatches, I think it is safe to say that he'll be very happy to have this journey behind him.

Another cyclists, Juan Menendez Granados, is reportedly suffering mightily on his final push to the Pole. We knew that he was nearly out of food a few days back and ExWeb is reporting that he is also going without much sleep. He is trying to get to 90ºS, but he is tired, weak and low on energy. Not a good combination in the Antarctic. His last update said that he is 48.5 km (30 miles) from the finish, so it will likely take him another couple of days to get there.

Finally, on this important day in Antarctic exploration history, the Scott Expedition continues its push back to their starting point. They've been out on the ice longer than anyone else – 84 days at this point – and yet they still have more than 500 miles (804 km) to go before they are done. By early next week they hope to have descended from the Beardmore Glacier, which should make it much easier for them to progress. But at this point, they are exhausted both mentally and physically. Each day is a challenge, but yet both Ben and Tarka seem resolved to see their expedition through. If they manage to make it back to the coast, it will be one of the most impressive expeditions in recent memory. More than 3 months in the Antarctic is enough to test anyone. I sure hope they're making plans to sit on a warm beach when all of this is through.

That's all for today. My next update next week should have news on the successful arrivals of numerous teams.

Video: A Stunning Base Jumping Video in Norway

This video is equal parts stunning landscapes from Norway and adrenaline rush with base jumping footage as well. It starts off showing us some great images from a country that we already know is beautiful, and ends with a group of jumpers leaping into the air. It is a nice mix of breathtaking shots crammed into just three minutes. Definitely worth a watch.

Video: Taking Flight Over Moab

This beautiful video takes us high above the rocky landscapes of Moab, Utah where eight different disciplines of flight (proximity flying, wingsuits, skydiving, etc.) all converge to show us what is possible when humans take to the air. The landscapes around Moab make a great backdrop for these scenes, which look incredible from every angle. After watching this, you'll believe that a man can fly.

For Cycling, is "Technological Doping" the Next Big Thing?

As if cycling in any form needed another black eye, over the weekend a Belgian rider by the name of Femke Van den Driesshe was forced to withdraw from the Cyclocross World Championships when a small motor was found hidden in the frame of her bike. The revelation has caused some to wonder just how widespread this practice is in the various disciplines of the sport, with the term "technological doping" be used to categorize the illegal behavior.

Van den Driesshe was one of the favorites heading into the race, but on the final lap her bike suffered a mechanical problem that forced her to withdraw from the event. She actually had to dismount from the bike and walk it off the course. When the race was finally over – and one by British rider Evie Richards – several bikes, including Van den Driesshe's, were taken for inspection. It quickly became clear that something was amiss.

UCI president Brian Cookson said of the situation “It’s absolutely clear that there was technological fraud. There was a concealed motor. I don’t think there are any secrets about that." He also reiterated that the cycling union has come up with ways to test bikes for these kind of activity, although he was understandably reluctant to share what those were. He promised that further testing would be done throughout 2016 at UCI sanctioned events, including the Tour de France.

For her part, Van den Driesshe denies any knowledge of the hidden motor on her bike, which she says was put their without her consent. She is facing a six-month ban from the sport, and a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs ($19,500 US) for using the enhanced bike during the race. Those numbers are just preliminary however, as both the amount of the fine and length of suspension could be go up.


This isn't the first time that a rider has been accused of using a motor on their bike. There were allegations against Tour de France winner Chris Froome last year, and former World Time Trial champion Fabian Cancellara has been accused of using a motor in the past too. Neither of those accusations have ever had any merit, although this latest incident does raise the question of how much "technological" or "mechanical doping" is actually taking place.

It's no secret that cycling has had more than its fair share of scandals regarding performance enhancing drugs over the years. So much so, that the UCI has taken measures to try to combat the issues, becoming far more stringent and wide sweeping in its testing. But the developers of PEDs have traditionally stayed one step ahead of the tests, making it very difficult to catch anyone who is actually using them. But as the scrutiny has intensified, it seems that some riders are looking for other ways to get the upper-hand on their competition. Finding unique and creative ways to improve their bike's performance that falls outside the rules of racing seems like the next way for them to do just that.

I suspect this won't be the last time we hear the term "technological doping" being passed around when discussing cycling. It will more than likely become a problem that the UCI will have to deal with on a wider level in the years ahead. While it seems impossible the it could rival the largest doping scandals of the sport's history just how widespread and pervasive it becomes remains to be seen.

All of this of course begs the question, why is cycling so filled with scandals and characters who are willing to bend or outright break the rules for a chance to win. The problems that cycling faces don't seem to be quite as common in other sports, although there are plenty of them that have had to deal with PEDs too. But there seems to be a persistent culture that surrounds cycling that makes it more common amongst those who participate in it, and how that changes is anyone's guess.

Himalaya Spring 2016: Summits on Annapurna, Avalanches on Everest, and More

On top of the big news of the discovery of the remains of Alex Lowe and David Bridges on Shishapangma that broke this past weekend, there is quite a few other updates to share from the Himalaya today too. And with May now upon us, the season is rapidly slipping by with potential summit bids now just a few weeks away.

Over on Annapurna this weekend it was already summit day for a number of climbers. The first teams topped out on Saturday, with others following suit on Sunday. The weather was reportedly quite good, with low winds and great conditions on the summit. This followed days of less than ideal weather which had kept the climbers stuck in Base Camp, but once the forecast improved, they were on the move quickly, going from BC to Camp 4 over the course of two or three days. That put them in a position to top out over the weekend, with a good weather window holding long enough for everyone to get up and down safely.

All told, 30 climbers managed to reach the summit of Annapurna this past weekend, with 16 of those mountaineers being Nepali Sherpas. Amongst the foreign climbers were Aussie Chris Jensen Burke and Spaniard Carlos Soria, whom we've been following on expeditions for several years. For Soria, this was his 12th 8000-meter peak, and at the age of 77 he is now the oldest to ever summit the mountain.


Elsewhere on Everest the teams are back on schedule following the avalanche that took place last week, temporarily closing the Lhotse Face. Late last week there was also an ice collapse in the Khumbu Icefall which shut down operations through that crucial part of the ascent as well, but the Ice Doctors quickly fixed the route and had teams back on track once again. In fact, a number of teams have now spent time in Camp 3 and are back in BC following their rotation at altitude.

If the weather holds – and the forecasts look good at the moment – the Sherpa team that is charged with fixing ropes to the summit hopes to complete their work by the end of the week. If that happens, we should be on track to begin summit bids by May 15, weather permitting of course.

Alan Arnette has updated readers on his progress on Lhotse, and sadly his expedition has come to an end. You may recall that last week Alan shared the news that he was forced to turn back while climbing in the Khumbu Icefall due to a cough that was a sign of an upper respiratory infection. That cough turned into something worse a few days later when he made an acclimatization rotation up to Camp 2. In fact, the infection became dangerous and debilitating to the point that he had to be flown off the mountain from C2 by helicopter. He's now back in Kathmandu, starting his recovery, and preparing to head home.

Finally, over on Shishpangma, Ueli Steck and David Göttler are now preparing to make their summit push along a new route. The duo announced that their acclimatization process is complete, they've scouted the route thoroughly, and they are now ready to get going. They're simply waiting for the proper weather window to launch their bid, which could come as early as this week.

As you can see, things are really heating up at the moment with lots of activity taking place. We'll probably see it quiet down briefly as teams return to their Base Camps, rest up, and start watching the weather. The season is moving along at a steady pace, and things are going about as well as can be expected. So far, it has been a nice change of pace over the past couple of years, as it looks like things are getting back to "normal" on Everest.