Video: Into the Arctic in Norway

We'll wrap up a busy week here at The Adventure Blog with this breathtaking video. It is nearly three minutes of some of the best landscapes on Earth. Shot in the Norwegian Arctic, it shows us just how stunningly beautiful that part of the world truly is, with vistas that were meant to inspire adventures. Simply wonderful.

Norway: Into the Arctic 4K from Raphael Rogers on Vimeo.

Video: Meet the Himalaya

Want an intimate look at the Himalaya Mountains and the people that live there? Than all you have to do is watch this film. It takes us to India, Nepal, and Tibet to show us just how spectacularly beautiful this part of the world truly is. But more than that, it shows us how beautiful the mountain people of the Himalaya are as well. This is a moving, touching, spectacular five-minute clip that you won't want to miss.

HIMALAYA from Berta Tilmantaitė on Vimeo.

Video: The Wild Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands rank amongst the top travel destinations in the world, and watching this clip its easy to understand why. The unique creatures found there are a big enough draw on their own, but the beautiful waters that surround the islands are enticing too. Enjoy!

Wild Galápagos from GALAXIID on Vimeo.

Nat Geo Offers the Best Trips for Summer 2016

Are you looking for some suggestions for where you should go on vacation this summer? Are you stumped on which destinations should be on your short list? Than you're in luck, because National Geographic Travel has released their picks for the best trips for summer of 2016.

Amongst the destinations that earn a spot on Nat Geo's list are Banff National Park in Canada, Acadia National Park in the U.S., and wine country in the Pacific Northwest. Each of those places have a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast looking to put a bit of adventure into their summer season, but if the beach is more your speed than consider Moorea in French Polynesia instead. Want a long-distance adventure? Than why not hop aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway?

These are just a few of the options that earn a spot on the list, with some other great choices that I'll leave for you to discover yourself. The important thing to take away from this article however is that it is not too late to start planning a summer getaway. In fact, some of the best adventures come together over after a brief period of planning, with anticipation for hitting the road driving the idea.

Check out National Geographic's full list by clicking here.

Video: Blessed in the (Australian) West

There is no question that Australia is a country blessed with amazing outdoor environments. From sprawling deserts to dense rainforests to wild coastlines, Australia has it all. This video takes us to the Australian west where we get a beautiful look at some of those places. If you haven't been "Down Under" yet, this will give you a little more incentive to go.

Blessed in the West from Thurston Photo on Vimeo.

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.

Video: Ripcord Travel Protection for Adventurers

A few days back I posted a story on 5 reasons why you need to use adventure travel insurance, and keeping that idea in mind, I have a video that comes our way via Ripcord Travel Protection, a company I've worked with in the past.  This clip actually gives us a rundown of Ripcord's coverage, which includes emergency evacuations from remote corners of the globe. I witnessed just such an evacuation on Kilimanjaro last year, and Ripcord not only retrieved trekkers from Nepal following the earthquake last year, but has rescued several who were suffering from altitude sickness this year too. If you're someone who finds themselves often visiting wild places, you need to have Ripcord on your radar.

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.

Adventures in... Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia isn't a destination that typically ranks high on the list of places for adventure travelers to visit, but my friend Richard Bangs recently shared his experiences there, which included visits to museums and historical sites, camping in the Empty Quarter, and a dizzying array of other wonders, both modern and ancient.

Richard describes the Kingdom as the "hardest place in the world to visit," but yet he finds plenty of friendly, accommodating people that welcomed him. Along the way he had the opportunity to explore some truly amazing places, including the Lost City of Qaryat Al Fau – the remains of a civilization that dates back to 1 B.C. – and the tombs of Qasr Al Farid, which are carved out of a single giant sandstone monolith in the desert.

Most visitors to Saudi Arabia come on a religious pilgrimage, although there is a tourism sector there that is growing slowly. The country has very restrictive visa restrictions, which include requiring visitors to have a sponsor before they arrive. Most visa are issued for business purposes only, with general tourism still remaining mostly off limits. In fact, the only company that currently offers regular tours of the Kingdom is Mountain Travel Sobek, which Richard is a co-founder of.

Read more about his adventures in Saudi Arabia in this article from HuffPo, and if you're looking for something a little closer to home, Richard also has details on what he calls "far and away, flat out, the West's best road trip."

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.

Video: Intova Duo Waterproof Action Camera

There is no question that GoPro is the market leader in terms of the action camera market. Their devices are used by thousands of people, ranging from professional filmmakers all the way down to weekend warriors hoping to catch a great shot of their own travel adventures. But those cameras can come with a large price tag, which makes them an expensive luxury for many people. But what if there was a more affordable option that offered solid performance at a price that would make more of an impulse purchase? That's exactly what the Intova Duo brings to the table, delivering some surprising features for a pice that is tough to beat.

Before we go too far, I'll say right of the bat that if you're expecting GoPro level of performance and video quality, this won't be the action cam for you. On the other hand, if you understand that you're getting a solid substitute for a fraction of the price, your expectations will be more in line with Intova's device.

So how much does the Duo cost exactly? It sells for just $49.95, which is considerably cheaper than even the lowest price camera from GoPro. For that price, you'll get a camera that can shoot 720p video footage and shoot 5 mega-pixels till photos as well. It has a battery life of about two hours, a 4x zoom, and it comes with a 1.77" LCD screen for accessing images, video footage, and settings.


As if that wasn't enough, the Duo also comes with a waterproof housing that keeps it safe down to 100 feet (30 meters). That same housing allows the camera to float, which certainly comes in handy when operating around water, when one accidental drop can mean the loss of the device. The camera is very easy to use, both above and below the water, and because the 720p video is fairly lightweight, it is easy to edit on just about any device, including a tablet or smartphone.

The Duo is small, measuring just 2.6 inches (6.7 cm) across and it weighs just 1.6 ounces (46g). That means it easy to toss in a pack and carry with you just about anywhere. It also makes it a great companion device for your other photography equipment, allowing you to capture video and still photographs with ease. And while I personally felt that the video quality of this camera was better than the still photos, the fact that it can take 5MP snaps was nice in a pinch.

Make no mistake, this isn't a camera that will replace a GoPro Hero 4 Black with professional filmmakers, but it is a camera that delivers plenty of quality video for those of us who don't need everything that the high end, $500 GoPro camera offers, or even the $200 Hero Session. The Duo is a great option for those who don't want to break the bank for an action cam, but do want to take something with them on their travels that can capture solid images and is rugged enough to survive in the outdoors.

If you've been looking for an affordable solution to shoot your outdoor adventures, the Intova Duo is a worth taking a look at, especially since it costs less than $50. It is a surprisingly fun camera to use, and I think a lot of people will be surprised at how well it performs for the price.

Video: The Wonder List Visits Machu Picchu

CNN produces a television show called The Wonder List, which takes viewers around the globe to visit some of the most interesting and iconic places on our planet, while telling stories of interesting people, cultures, and locations. For those of us who love travel, it is an interesting escape on a weekly basis. But thanks to the elections process here in the U.S., the final episode won't air for awhile yet. So, we get a preview of that episode in this wonderful video, that takes us to Peru on a journey to Machu Picchu. As you can imagine, the sights along the way are spectacular.

The Wonder List: Peru - Behind The Shot from Philip Bloom Reviews & Tutorials on Vimeo.

Infographic: Choose Your Own Adventure in America's National Parks

National Park Week continues through this weekend in America's National Parks. That means free entry into every park in the system, and lots of great opportunities for outdoor adventure. To help you find the best adventure for you, the National Park Foundation released this info graphic, which is filled with all kinds of great suggestions. I don't post too many infographics on this blog, but I thought this one was worth sharing. For a full size version of this click here.

Video: Wild Chile Teaser

Chile is one of my favorite places that I've been fortunate enough to have visited in my travels, and this video is a short, but sweet, reminder of why. Just one minute in length, it gives viewers a tour of the country, spotlighting some of its most wild and beautiful places. It is a stunningly beautiful place with some surprising diversity. Warning: After watching this, you'll want to go to Chile too!

WILD CHILE Teaser 4K from NedoEquilibrio on Vimeo.

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.

Video: Where in the World Are You? - Quest #35

It has been awhile since we've had a new addition to Richard Bangs' fun "Where in the World are You?" series, but he returns with this great video to test our knowledge today. He provides the clues, with plenty of great imagery from the place, and we're tasked with figuring out where he's at. This one is especially good, and as always the clip will inspire you to want to travel there.

Gear Closet: Nonda iHere Wireless Item Locator

Are you one of those types of people who is routinely forgets where they place their keys, wallet, smartphone, or other valuables? Is this issue exasperated even further when you travel? Than you're going to want to add the iHere smart key finder from Nonda to your life. This tiny, rechargeable device attaches to your important gear and helps you to locate it when it goes missing.

The iHere is small enough to serve as a keychain, but packs a surprising amount of functionality into its tiny casing. The device connects to your smartphone (iPhone or Android) via Bluetooth technology, setting up a two-way link that makes it a breeze to track important items.

Once your smartphone and the iHere are paired with one another, you can use a specially developed app for iOS and Android to not only track the location of the whatever the iHere is connected too. The device has a range of about 75 feet, with the current location being displayed on a map to indicate just where it is located at any given time. This can prove incredibly useful when you've lost your keys, luggage, or just about any other item you can connect the gadget to.


But that isn't all that the iHere can do. The device can also ping your phone to help you locate it in a pinch, and it can also be used as a remote control for your smartphone's camera when you want to take selfies. The iHere app can also bookmark the location of your car when you park it, and help you navigate back later on. As if that wasn't enough, you can also use the iHere as a remote for the voice recorder on your mobile device as well, allowing you to dictate messages on the go.

Much of this functionality isn't new, and there are similar gadgets available to help you locate your important items. What sets the iHere one apart however is that it is the only one currently available that comes with a rechargeable battery. Most of the others are either disposable or require you to replace the batteries yourself, but this device lets you recharge it as needed. And with a battery life that is measured in weeks, you won't have to do that all that often.

Personally, I'm not someone who loses track of his keys or smartphone all that often, but I do like to know where my backpack is when I'm traveling. On a recent trip, I put my iHere in one of the pockets of the pack, which allowed me to stay aware of its location, track where it was at in the airport, and know that I hadn't wandered too far away from the bag. This provided a nice sense of security, especially since the pack contained some important items that I didn't want to leave out of my sight.

The iHere carries a price tag of just $19.99, which is incredibly affordable for all of the functionality that it offers. Your smartphone can connect to multiple iHere devices, and you can even rename them within the app to keep track of which one is which. Then, you simply tap on that particular model to track the asset that it is connected to. It is as simple as that.

If you're someone who frequently loses things or leaves important items behind, than this is an affordable gadget that can help your daily life to be better. If you're a frequent traveler, you'll find it is a nice inclusion to your travel gear. And since it comes with a rechargeable battery, the iHere won't fail on you at the least opportune time.

Find out more at Nonda.co.

Gear Closet: REI Flash 65 Backpack

Everyone knows that REI is one of the best sources for finding outdoor gear for our various adventures. But, not everyone realizes that the company produces its own line of gear, much of which compares very favorably to equipment made by some of the more well known brands in the industry, and usually sells for  less money too.

At the start of the year, REI announced that it was actually revamping its gear line up in an effort to streamline the number of products it produces and to make it easer for consumers to understand what they are buying and what items worked well with one another. With that in mind, the gear retailer launched its Flash and Traverse line of products this spring, both populated with equipment that is designed to work well with one another.

The flagship product for the Flash line up is the new Flash 65 backpack, which is designed for lightweight travel and backpacking excursions. The pack brings some interesting features to the market that will make it an attractive option for many outdoor enthusiasts.

As the name of this pack implies, it has about 65 liters of storage depending on which size you go with. The small version clocks in at 63 liters, while the large goes as high as 67. That's quite a bit of capacity for just about any trip, although it does provide some room to bring a few extra amenities if you like.

Like most backpacks, the Flash 65 provides access through the top, which is the traditional approach of course, but can make it annoying to access things that are buried deep inside. But the designers of this pack also added access through the side too thanks to a large zipper than runs down the length of the pack. This makes it very convenient to get to the things you really need without disrupting the entire system.


In addition to the main storage compartment, the Flash 65 also includes a large stuff pouch on the outside that I found useful for storing a spare pair of shoes or wet gear that you don't want inside the bag. There is also another large zippered pocket on the front of the pack, as well as traditional storage in the pack's lid too. Two more pockets can be found on the thickly padded, and very comfortable, hipbelt as well.

One of the key innovations that the Flash 65 brings to the table is REI's proprietary UpLift compression system. By pulling on the compression straps you're not only cinching the load inside the pack into a smaller space, but you're also lifting it upwards, making it easier to carry over longer distances and rough terrain. And when this compression system is combined with the Packnit back panel, it makes this a pack that is comfortable to wear with plenty of ventilation to help keep you from overheating on the trail.

Other nice features of this pack include gear loops for carrying tools such as ice axes or trekking poles, hydration compatibility, an adjustable torso for dialing in just the right fit, and thickly padded shoulder straps that are surprisingly comfortable to wear.

And as an example of how the Flash 65 pack works with other items in the Flash line, it is designed to integrate with the Flash 18 daypack, adding extra capacity and the ability to easily carry an additional pack as needed. The new Rhyolite Rain Jacket has also been designed to accommodate the Flash 65 by moving the hand pockets up to a height that places them above the pack's hipbelt and the shoulders were made without seams to prevent the shoulder straps from causing discomfort.

If there is one issue I have with the Flash 65 its that it is a bit on the heavy side. REI says it is meant for lightweight backpacking and travel, but the pack itself tips the scales at more than 3.5 pounds. That's not completely awful, but it's enough to take this pack off the list of those who count their ounces when setting out on the trail. There are definitely lighter options available if you're someone who is weight conscious with your gear.

The Flash 65 carries a price tag of $199, which makes it competitively priced for its capacity and feature set. Other than the fact that it is a bit on the heavy side, it is a wonderful, comfortable, and versatile pack that will serve you well on many outdoor adventures. And when paired with other items in the Flash line-up, it becomes part of a gear ecosystem that is designed to make things easier for consumers. In that area, it more than succeeds.

Video: A Visit to Bolivia's Altiplano

Bolivia's Altiplano is one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. With its wide open vistas, unearthly landscapes, and wide-open skies, it is a place that has to be seen to be believed. This video takes us there, giving us a whirlwind tour of this often overlooked South American destination. Enjoy the views and be sure to put Bolivia on your bucket list.

Uyuni - Bolivia from Erwin Olmos on Vimeo.

California Dreamin' - Adventures in Santa Rosa (Part 2)

I've been spending the past couple of days in the heart of California's wine country visiting the city of Santa Rosa, where I've been discovering all kind of amazing, active adventures that visitors can partake in when they're not visiting the local vineyards. It turns out, this part of the country is not only blessed with lots of great places to grow grapes, but some fantastic outdoor adventures too, making it the perfect destination for those who want to mix an active escape with some relaxing downtime. 

After a very active day yesterday, I was eager to get my last day in Santa Rosa underway. With a busy schedule ahead, I knew I'd have to keep moving if I wanted to take it all in, but I much prefer a packed, active schedule over too much downtime on the beach or sitting by the pool. So, after a light breakfast, I hit the road early for the town of Occidental, which sits roughly 40 minutes from Santa Rosa. My destination was Sonoma Canopy Tours, which is yet another option for those looking to spice up their trip with an adventure.

Sonoma Canopy Tours opened in 2011, and has been a popular attraction ever since. Their original zipline course includes three different lines – the longest of which is 800 feet (244 meters) in length – as well as a number of sky bridges spanning between platforms in the trees. It remains a very popular outing with visitors, who often reach speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h) as the fly through the magnificent redwood trees that are so common in this area.

But I wasn't here to do the original course. I'd come to take on the new Challenger course, which just opened last fall. It includes a single line that exceeds 1500 feet (457 meters) in length, on which zipliners can reach speeds of more than 40 mph (64 km/h). That's the first line of the day, and it is one heck of a way to get things started.


The second and third ziplines on The Challenge course aren't nearly that long, but they are still quite fun. But to spice things up even further, the sky bridges on this course have been built to test your balance and determination as well. Each of them has a unique design that will offer different challenges for crossing, and while you're never in any real danger – you're clipped in the entire time – it is still a bit unnerving to walk out into open air.

Perhaps the most fun part of the entire course were the two rappels that must be made along the way. The final one returns you to your starting area, and is more than 40 feet (12 meters) high. While I've done plenty of rappelling myself in the past, not every member of my group was quite so experienced. This led to a few interesting moment where our friendly and knowledgeable guides had to coax them off the platforms a bit.

All told, The Challenger course takes about three hours to complete, but it was definitely a fun experience. Families in particular will enjoy a visit to Sonoma Canopy Tours, as it is something that everyone can enjoy. It also provides a nice adrenaline rush before heading out to any of the local wineries for the afternoon.

By the time I wrapped up my canopy tour, I was more than ready for some lunch. So, I hopped back into my car and headed back to nearby Sebastopol for a visit to Woodhouse Brewing Company, a local beer brewhouse that is giving the wineries a run for their money. I had a chance to test out a flight of seven different beers, and came away very impressed. The company's founder – Seth Wood – has an extensive background in wine making, and he brings that same level of sophistication and care to his beers as well. I especially enjoyed the Sour Farmhouse, which is light and tasty with some surprisingly fresh tastes. The food was excellent as well, and with plenty of outside seating, it made for a nice place to relax after swinging from tall trees all morning. 

After lunch, I was ready to burn off some calories, so I changed into my trail running gear, and drove out to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. This beautiful wilderness is another wild and remote place that can be found about 45 minutes from Santa Rosa. The multitude of trails are great for hiking, and give visitors a chance to wander under the spectacular redwoods. 

Not content to just go for a hike however, I set off on a run that was made all the longer thanks to me getting lost on some of the more remote trails. I also discovered that some of those routes wander up and down steep hills, particularly if you want to get away from the crowds and reach the backcountry. Be prepared to work you ass off to reach those places, but it is more than worth the effort. Some of the views from the high ridges are amongst the best I've seen here in California, and once I got away from the visitor center, I seldom rand into anyone else on the trail. 

There is definitely something magical about trail running under the redwoods. It was a bit like visiting the forest moon of Endor from Return of the Jedi, which was filmed in a very similar setting. Those giant trees are impressive to behold, and have a way of making you feel very tiny. Especially as you're running up a steep trail, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. 

After a couple of hours in the Armstrong woods, I managed to stumble back to my car, and get on the road to Santa Rosa once again. By now, it was early evening, and I had another dinner appointment to make. I barely had time to return to my room at the Flamingo, grab a shower, and head back out. My destination for the evening was Belly Left Coast Kitchen, a place I had been told had excellent food cooked up by owner and executive chef Gray Rollins. Gray is known as the "rock chef" because he has often served as the tour chef for a number of major bands, including Motley Crüe, KISS, Katy Perry, the Black Eyed Peas, and many more. 

When I arrived at Belly, I found a loud and raucous crowd. Apparently the restaurant has a popular happy hour, and it was most certainly jumping. I found a spot at the bar, ordered another Sour Farmhouse beer from Woodfour and some foot. The menu had plenty of great options to choose from, and to be honest I had a hard time selecting what I wanted. I finally settled on macaroni and cheese with beef brisket, which was very tasty indeed. On my way out though, I caught a glimpse of the fish tacos, which looked delicious too. 

After another long, and busy day, I was ready to head back to the hotel and crash for a bit. My legs were definitely feeling the combined effect of yesterday's mountain bike ride and today's long trail run, so some downtime was in order. 

Tomorrow, I'll drive back to San Francisco and catch a flight home. But I'll return with a new appreciation for the Sonoma and Napa region of California. While I already knew that those places were wonderful destinations for wine lovers, I now see there is plenty to offer active and adventurous travelers too. I think a return trip will definitely be order and next time I might even make it to one of the wineries. 

Find out more about what Santa Rosa has to offer ant VisitSantaRosa.com.