Indonesian Digital News Archive

The North Coast Trail, located inside Cape Scott Provincial Park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is a 43.1 km (26.7 mile) hiking route that is considered by many to be one of the best in the world. Rugged and remote, it is a beautiful but challenging trek which my friend Rick McCharles of BestHike.com says is not so much a hike but a backcountry adventure.

Rick recently hiked the entire length of the NCT and shared the experience on the Best Hike Blog, which is always a great site for finding new trails to explore all over the world. Rick begins his initial post on the North Coast Trail by calling it "paradise" but goes on to explain why it is certainly not for everyone. He notes that the trail is so challenging at points that some groups manage a pace of just 1km (.6 miles) per hour! That's a pretty brutal pace and far from a stroll in the park. In typical Best Hike fashion, he then goes on to share logistical information for the trek, listing options for hiking this beautiful beast.

Most hikers who take on the NCT make a 7-day/6-night excursion along its length. After giving us his initial introduction, in his second North Coast Trail post Rick breaks down each of those days and tells prospective backpackers what to expect. He also shares plenty of great video and photos from along the way, helping to further prepare visitors to the trail.

For hikers looking for a remote wilderness adventure, it seems this is a fantastic option. Wildlife abounds, including wolves and bears, and the scenery is simply spectacular. Rick encountered a great deal of mud along the trail, which helps account for some of the slow progress at points, but overall he loved the experience, which involved walks along the shore, treks deep into the forest and a trail that wanders up, over and around some very beautiful places.

Check out his full trip report for more information. Then start making plans to hike this trail yourself.

High Peak is a company that has a reputation for making solid, affordable gear that is both durable and dependable. Their products don't tend to be flashy or over blown, but they are very functional and are often a great example of how simple design can be highly effective.

I was reminded of this recently while testing their new Alpinizmo Lightning 50 pack, which at first glance didn't seem to offer much in comparison to some products offered by competitors. There aren't an over abundance of pockets and storage compartments, and other than a few compression straps and an ice axe holder there isn't much to set this pack apart from the crowd. But the Lightning 50's true strength is in its simplicity and this is a bag that truly shines when you actually start putting it to use.

My early impressions of the pack changed dramatically as soon as I put it on. The Lightning is surprisingly comfortable and I love how easy it is to adjust the fit even while wearing it. The adjustable frame makes this a "one-size-fits-all" option and finding just the right settings were a snap. Even the chest strap is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, and in a matter of minutes I had the pack dialed in exactly where I wanted it.



Sticking to the no-frills approach, the Lightning 50 has just two internal compartments that are separated by a drawstring shelf. The bottom chamber is perfect for a sleeping bag of course and the top can be used for the rest of your gear. The drawstring makes it possible to open the interior into one large compartment, but I personally preferred some level of organization. The pack's lid has another pocket that is great for keeping the most important small items, such as a headlamp or multitool close at hand. Another small pocket on the waist belt is perfect for a small point an shoot camera and an energy bar.

While the Lightning 50 may appear to be a no frills pack, High Peak hasn't exactly skimped on the quality. Everything from the highly durable fabrics and thick buckles on the belts and straps are nothing short of impressive. The Vario air channel system provides good ventilation for the back while out on the trail and the built in hydration sleeve can comfortably hold hold up to a 3-liter water bladder.

All of that comes in an attractive package that weighs just 3.4 pounds and carries an MSRP of $149. That's actually a great price for a rugged pack that will keep most backpackers and hikers happy for a very long time. The Alpinizmo Lighting 50 is an excellent option for the outdoor enthusiast who just needs a simple, comfortable pack to carry all of their gear on the adventures.

When we think about the most important gear that we have with us when we head out for our favorite outdoor pursuits the first equipment that generally comes to mind are things like backpacks, hiking boots or shell jackets. But often times it is the small piece of gear that we take for granted that is actually amongst our most important and useful items. Take for example a good pair of sunglasses. Usually we put them on almost as an after thought and we don't even realize how important they actually are. I was reminded of this recently while testing out a new pair of shades from Liberty Sport, whose Trailblazer sunglasses have quickly earned a spot amongst my favorite gear items.

Lightweight and durable, the Trailblazers provide plenty of coverage with an attractive wrap around design. They are form fitting, yet comfortable, and are perfectly shaped to wear under both a cycling and climbing helmet. I especially liked the large lenses which kept the bright Texas sun out of my eyes on daily runs and bike rides.

A good pair of outdoor sun glasses needs to be able to withstand plenty of abuse out in the field and the Trailblazer definitely can handle just about anything you throw at them. The frames are flexible and can absorb impacts when dropped and the performances lenses are specifically designed to be as much as five times stronger than standard polycarbonate. The result is a set of eyewear that can be used in a variety of environments and activities.



One of my favorite features of the Trailblazer sunglasses are the included eye cups that snap into place along the inside of the lenses and stay there through the innovative use of magnets. These cups help to seal off the open areas around the outside of the farm, keeping excess sand, dust or snow out of the eyes. The fact that the magnetic eye cups can be added or removed as need, gives these glasses a nice level of versatility that makes them a good option for a variety of outdoor pursuits. For instance, I keep the eye cups off while running and cycling, as the increased ventilation is much appreciated. But when hiking a dusty trail on a windy day, it is nice to have the ability to keep flying particles out of our eyes. Additionally, mountaineers and skiers will appreciate this option of using the cups to keep the snows at bay. Liberty Sport has truly created a pair of sunglasses that is versatile enough for all environments and sports.

Over the past month I've used the Trailblazers nearly every day and I've been extremely happy with their performance. These glasses keep my eyes well protected from the harsh summer sun and the large lenses are a big help in that department. Initially I was afraid that the wrap around design and thicker frames would be warmer to use, resulting in more sweat in my eyes while running. It turns out the Trailblazers were actually better at preventing that irritating sweat from running down my face, making them much more comfortable to use on the 100ºF/38ºC days.

On top of all those other great technical qualities the Trailblazers happen to look great too. While its true we all want our gear to function at a high level, it also doesn't hurt if that same gear has a level of good ascetic design as well. Sun glasses in particular should be fashionable as well as functional, and these shades can be worn out on the town just as easily as on the trail.

Outdoor athletes looking for a versatile pair of sun glasses that they can use for a variety of activities will appreciate the Trailblazer from Liberty Sport. They carry an MSRP of $175 which makes them competitive with similar frames from other eyewear companies, but considering the fact that they can be used in a wide variety of sports and environments, I think they are well worth the money. The included magnetic eye cups are a great touch as well.

Garmin, the company that makes a host of GPS products, including handheld devices, watches and more, has announced the launch of their Garmin Adventures website. The new site is a place for outdoor enthusiasts to share their latest adventures and pick-up some tips on where to go on their next one.

The site provides access to Garmin's Basecamp software (available for both PC and Mac) which allows you to create an interactive timeline of any journey. The software simply imports track logs from any GPS device (presumably even non-Garmin products) and allows users to build a nice online story of their adventure. Basecamp allows you to connect photos, complete with geotagging, YouTube videos, geocache locations, notes and more. Details of the trip, such as distance, duration, amount of climbing and descending and so on are also included. And when you're done building your trip profile you can easily share it with friends and family too.

This is an interesting way of creating more interesting and interactive logs of a hike or backpacking trip that others can enjoy too. Garmin has posted a couple of examples online to give us an idea of what Basecamp can do. For instance, click here for an example of a hike through Zion National Park or here to take a virtual trip through the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota.

I'm intrigued with what Garmin has created here. It's a bit rough around the edges, but I can see how this could be a really fun way to not only share an adventure with others but also discover some cool places to go as well. It even works with Garmin's new Fenix watch that I wrote about a few weeks back. If you're looking for a new way to creatively share your adventures, this may be just what you're looking for.

For many hikers and backpackers the John Muir Trail is the quintessential hiking trail in all of North America. The 210-mile long route that stretches between Yosemite in the north and Mt. Whitney in the south is widely considered to be amongst the best hikes in the entire world. Last year a group of friends made that hike and filmed their experiences along the way. They are now preparing to release a documentary of their adventure entitled Mile... Mile& A Half. The trailer for this beautiful looking film can be found below and quite simply it looks like a visual love letter to the JMT.

The team behind the film is still looking for some funding to help complete the project and get it out to some of the big upcoming adventure film festivals. With that in mind, they've launched a Kickstarter page to help them raise the funds they need. With just over a month to go, they're still hoping to pull in about $37,000. Take a look at the trailer and see if you think this is a project worth funding. (Pssst...It is!)

MILE... MILE & A HALF (trailer 2) from The Muir Project on Vimeo.

Last month I posted a link to technology/gadget site Gizmodo when they wrote a story on how to build a triathlon outfit for under $1000. Aside from the fact that they recommend getting your bike on Craig's List, the rest of their gear suggestions were pretty solid. They've now followed up that article with similar post, this time announcing their selection for the Ultimate Backpacking Outfit.

Gizmodo gear-guru Brent Rose has put together quite a list of equipment and for many of their readers this list is sure to be adequate for their needs. The article starts with the "Core Gear" which includes things like a backpack (Osprey Argon 85), tent (Big Anges Copper Spur UL2) and a sleeping bag (Marmot Plasma 30). From there they fill out their Camp Kitchen with suggestions for a stove (MSR DragonFly) and cookware amongst other items. The "Apparel" section lists options for various layers and the "Stuff You May Want" includes extras that aren't needed but could still come in handy.

If you're just in the market for quality gear to replace an older item than this list isn't especially bad. Most of the gear is high quality stuff from big name companies we've all known and used in the past. But the problem I have with Gizmodo's choices is that for the money they are spending on some of these items there are often better – and lighter – options available. At the start of the article they note that this represents about 80 pounds (36.2 kilograms) of gear, which is an insane amount of weight, particularly when we are all trying to travel lighter and faster these days. Some of the suggestions are also quite subjective of course and many of the items simply wouldn't be considered mandatory gear for most of us.

My advice to anyone using this article to select their gear is to shop around some and always keep your eye on the the price vs. weight. There didn't seem to be much regard to either of those factors when the article was written and as a result, if you were to buy all of the suggestions you'd end up light in the wallet but very heavy on the trail.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of testing a pair of Danner Crater Rim hiking boots and came away very impressed. The boots were comfortable, durable and provided plenty of support on the trail. They ended up being one of the biggest surprises that I've had all year in the way of gear and after sufficiently breaking them in, I was regularly hitting hiking trails with very happy feet.

Part of my surprise came from the fact that the Crater Rim boots looked rather uninspiring when I first took them out of the box. They had a very classic look about them that appeared dated when sitting next to other hiking boots from Danner's competitors. That staid look wasn't great for first impressions, but the Crater Rims made up for that when I got them on my feet.

A few weeks back I received a new set of boots from Danner and based on my experience with their previous offering I was eager to open it up and see what was inside. This time I found a pair of hiking shoes that had looks to match their performance. The new Crag Rat boots update the classic good looks of the company's other hiking shoes with a splash of color and a more modern design. But these shoes aren't just about good looks, they also happen to maintain Danner's high level of performance.

Built from Nubuc leather, these boots require a bit of a break-in period as well, but once the leather has loosened up, they become a flexible, comfortable trail shoe. Danner lined the boot with Gore-Tex which keeps them waterproof and warm - a bit too warm for summer in Texas I might add – although I'm sure they'll be fantastic in the fall when the cooler weather sets in. The Crag Rats also features a Vibram outsole that works nicely with Danner's patented Dynamic Response System to create a protective barrier for the foot that also happens to provide plenty of stability on unstable ground. Inside they've placed a soft footbed that molds to the foot, becoming more comfortable over time.



Putting these boots through their paces only served to reenforce my positive impression of Danner. The Crag Rats are incredibly well constructed and resistant to wear, absorbing every bit of punishment I threw their way. The pair I tested look like they just came out of the box, aside from a bit of mud and dirt from the trail and despite using them on the rocky Texas trails, there is nary a scratch or scuff on them.

I aslo appreciated the high ankle support these boots provide, which when coupled with Danner's speed lacing system, cinched up nicely around my feet. Since spraining both my ankles in the Costa Rican rainforest last year I've had particularly sensitive and tender ankles. But the Crag Rat boots not only cradled them extremely well, they prevented me from rolling them and re-injuring them again.

One of the elements that stood out for Danner when I tested the Crater Rim boots a few months back was the fact that they were handmade in their factory in Portland, Oregon. The company is clearly proud of its heritage and the fact that their boots are made in the USA. The pair of Crag Rats that I received included a stitched in label that noted that they were made in Vietnam however and I'm not sure if that is a new direction for Danner or if the pair I've been using are simply an advanced prototype built overseas before production is moved stateside. While I really didn't detect a huge difference in quality between the two boots, I still thought that this little element was worth mentioning considering Danner's reputation.

Unfortunately I haven't received any word on when these boots will be available for purchase or at what price they'll be introduced to the market. The Crag Rat boots are an incredibly high quality pair of boots that hikers and backpackers will find very enticing, but for now we'll all simply have to wait for their arrival in stores to discover these final pieces to the puzzle. If I were willing to bet, I'd guess these are scheduled for release this fall, when I think they'll be a popular choice for outdoor adventurers.

I wrote about this over at Gadling a few days back but thought it was definitely worth mentioning here as well. Nepal has taken the unprecedented move to require all trekkers to hire a guide or porter when trekking inside the country. The decision was announced on the 23rd of July and the new restrictions will go into effect beginning in September.

Solo trekking in Nepal has been a staple of adventure travel for decades and for years it has been a safe country to hike in. But a rise in the number of assaults on the trail and the brutal murder of a Belgian trekker this past June, has spurred the Nepalese government to react. Starting on September 1st, all trekkers will be required to hire a guide or porter to accompany them at all times on the local hiking trails. This was already a requirement for those traveling in groups.

The move isn't expected to have a major impact on Nepal's tourism trade. It is estimated that the cost of a porter or guide will increase the cost of the trip by about $10/day but its value in safety and security goes well beyond that. It is unfortunate that independent travel will no longer be allowed, but it is of the utmost concern for the country that it remains safe for visitors.

When I was in Nepal a few years ago I was traveling as part of a group, so guides and porters were already a requirement. But there were still plenty of trekkers that I encountered who were either there alone or with just a few friends. Those travelers took their time, set their own route and pace and seemed to really be comfortable with the atmosphere. That won't be the case now however and if you've always dreamed of making an independent hike in the Himalaya, you'd better get there soon.

Kloofing is an activity in which hikers descend into narrow gorges and is, in a sense, a lot like canyoneering. One of the best places to go klooing in South Africa is a place called Suicide Gorge, which I'm told is a 17km (10 mile) trek that involves a number of leaps off high cliffs into cold water below. Those leaps are mandatory in order to descend the canyon, with most measuring 7-8 meters (22-26 feet) and the biggest drop topping out at 14 meters (46 feet). Clearly a hike through the gorge isn't for the faint of heart.

The video below shows a group of hikers that took on that hike recently and gives us a better idea of what both kloofing and the Suicide Gorge are all about. Looks like a lot of fun and it sure beats some of the alternate ways of descending the canyon.

The hiking boot market is one of the most competitive and crowded in the entire outdoor industry. There are literally dozens of companies producing a wide variety of footwear designed to fit the specific needs of climbers, trekkers and backpackers everywhere.

Italian boot manufacturer AKU is one such company. For more than 30 years AKU has been designing and testing mountain footwear in the Alps, and over those three decades the company has grown from a small workshop to a large scale operation. The brand is well known in Europe and other parts of the world, but now AKU is coming to North America and their bringing their high quality boots with them.

I recently had my first experience with AKU boots when I put their SL Trek GTX to the test. Lightweight and durable, these shoes are built for hiking. Their design incorporates an intriguing blend of AKU's traditional mountaineering heritage with a mix of modern, high tech elements that make them a great choice for trekking trails in the backyard or the far side of the planet.

One of the first things that struck me when I started hiking in these boots was how comfortable and breathable they are, even in very warm conditions. Hiking Texas trails in the summer heat can be brutal on your feet, but the SL Trek GTX managed to keep my feet dry, happy and blister free. No boot is perfect in hot conditions of course, but these were some of the best I've encountered, especially considering some of the other features it brings to the table.



Performance isn't limited to simply venting heat off our feet either. The aggressive Vibram sole has an impressive grip that provides stability and traction on a wide variety of surfaces, both wet and dry. These boots are obviously well suited for the trail but I found they were equally adept at scrambling up a smooth rock face or across a field of loose scree too. This level of performance and versatility is obviously a cross over from AKU's line of mountaineering boots but considering how unpredictable trail conditions can be, it is nice to know you're wearing a pair of boots that are up to the task.

One of the more unique aspects of AKU's design is a polyurethane exoskeleton, which wraps around the exterior of the boot. That exoskeleton is meant to provide an extended level of stability without adding bulk or weight, and for the most part it works. This feature does give the Trek GTX a certain rigidness however, which made for an extended break-in time. As is generally the case with a pair of new boots, they did eventually loosen up and became more very comfortable but it took a bit longer than I expected.

Other features of the AKU SL Trek GTX include a Gore-Tex liner that helps keep moisture out, a memory foam footbed that molds to the foot the more you wear it and a sole that provides excellent cushioning from the rigors of the trail. All of these elements work well together to create a lightweight, comfortable boot that is durable enough to last for years.

AKU has a winner on their hands with these boots. They not only perform at an extremely high level but they also have their own unique look and feel as well. If you're in the market for a new pair of hiking boots for serious alpine trekking or backpacking, I highly recommend giving these boots a try. Just be prepared to give them ample time to loosen up and break in and you're likely to find you have a fantastic pair of boots that will accompany on far flung adventures for a long time.

(MSRP: $329)

Brooklyn, New York isn't exactly a place you would expect to find an outdoor gear and adventure company but that is exactly where the aptly named Brooklyn Outfitters is located. The small, grassroots company is dedicated to not only providing outdoor enthusiasts with some unique adventure opportunities but it also has a line of gear that will come in handy along the way.

I've recently had the good fortune of testing out BKO's Wolfjaw 34L backpack and came away very impressed with both it's high quality build and well thought out design. As you can probably guess from the name, this version of the Wolfjaw has a capacity of 34 liters, which makes it the perfect size for day hiking and peak bagging. That size is large enough to carry everything you'll need for a long day on the trail, but not so much that you'll be slowed down or have your movement inhibited in any way. The fact that the pack weighs just 25 ounces (708 grams) doesn't hurt the cause either.

Built from very durable Cordura fabrics, the Wolfjaw is able to take plenty of punishment without showing much in the way of wear and tear. My review unit has been on numerous hikes of varying lengths and it still looks the same as when I first took it out of the box a few months ago. Those same fabrics are also waterproof, which is greatly appreciated when you get caught in a surprise rainstorm while still miles away from your campsite or car.

In terms of design, the Wolfjaw takes a classic, simple approach. With just the main storage compartment and an outside organizational pocket, it first appears that BKO elected to go with the "less is more" approach to creating this pack. But then you start to notice all of the nice details, such as the removable compression straps, the ice axe loops and the integrated hydration pocket and you begin to understand the company's approach to building this pack. It isn't that they went with the less is more philosophy at all, but instead with went the "everything you need and nothing you don't" approach.

That's not to say that the pack doesn't have some nice frills. For instance, the main storage compartment is sealed with a roll top closure that you'd be more likely to find on a dry bag. This has the dual benefit of not only keeping moisture out to the inside of the pack, but also providing an excellent handle for carrying the bag around when it isn't on your back.



Speaking of your back, the bag also has a surprisingly comfortable foam pad that serves as a back support of sorts. This is a nice feature to have on longer hikes or climbs in which you're carrying a heavier load, but if you're looking to go fast and light and want to shed sue ounces, the pad is completely removable as well.

I found the pack's well padded shoulder straps carried a load very well and were comfortable for long days on the trail. The Voluminous interior compartment can swallow up a lot of gear and if you're not careful, the weight can add up quickly. But even with a large load, the Wolfjaw was enjoyable to wear and had minimal impact on my ability to move unrestricted.

If you're a fast packer, peak bagger or avid day hiker looking for a new pack to add to your own gear closet, you could do a lot worse than the Wolfjaw. While I wouldn't have minded having a few extra pockets to help keep things organized, in the long run the pack was very impressive. Despite the fact that Brooklyn Outfitters isn't a big, well known brand, they're already making quality gear on the same level as some of the bigger outdoor gear companies. I think you'll find the pack to be impressive as well and with a price tag of $160 it is a pretty solid bargain as well. For those looking for something a bit smaller, BKO also makes the Wolfjaw 16L pack which I'm sure shares the same build quality as its big brother.

The battle for technology on your wrist has just gotten a bit more interesting. Over the past year or so, the Sunnto Ambit has been the darling of the outdoor community, offering adventurers a host of functionality, including GPS technology, in a stylish and rugged watch. But Garmin, one of the leaders in both GPS and outdoor timepieces, hasn't exactly been sitting on their laurels. Today the company has officially announced the newest addition to its line-up, the fenix watch, which looks to be an outstanding product designed specifically for the outdoor market.

As you've no doubt already guessed, GPS functionality is at the heart of the fenix. Garmin promises simple and easy to use, "hands-free" navigation no matter which direction the watch is facing or how thick the forest canopy overhead. Navigational tools allow users to not only mark waypoints (Up to 1000!) along their route but also download trails from their computer, while a built in tracklog plots the course and provides an easy "trackback" option to get you safely back to the trailhead.

In addition to the typical watch functionality that we'd all expect he fenix also includes an altimeter, barometer and 3-axis compass, all of which come in handy when hiking and backpacking, particularly in the mountains. It contains a database of sunrise and sunset times based on location, keeps track of distance traveled and elevation changes, and is waterproof down to 50 meters (165 ft).

 If all of that isn't enough, the fenix also has the capability to wirelessly connect to other devices to extend its capabilities even further. For instance, it can be paired with an external temperature cage to get more accurate weather readings. Runners will have the option to add a heart monitor to track performance more closely and the watch will even be able to interact with "compatible" smartphones to share data as well. If I had to guess which phones will be compatible, I'd say iPhone and Android, although I haven't seen that confirmed anywhere as of yet.



As with all GPS devices, battery life is key to performance. The fenix comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is rated for 16-50 hours in GPS mode, which is to say when the GPS featues are activated. Sensor mode, which is when the watch is configured to work with external devices, will net you a battery life of about 3 weeks, while watch mode doubles that to 6 weeks.

The fenix is available for pre-order now with a $399.99 price tag. That puts it squarely in the same market as GPS enabled watches from competitors and is fairly reasonable considering the tech they've got packed in here. It is expected to start shipping in August.

I'm looking forward to checking the fenix out while at Outdoor Retailer next month. I'm sure Garmin will have it prominently displayed in their booth and I'd love a watch like this not only for travel but for daily runs and bike rides. If I get my hands on a review unit I'll be sure to share some thoughts.

Machu Picchu is amongst the most visited destinations in the world and for good reason. The site is a spectacular ancient ruin set atop a mountain in Peru with the Andes as a dramatic backdrop. One of the best places to view the Inca fortress is from Huayna Picchu, a nearby peak that requires a bit of a hike to reach. The video below, which was shared by one of my compatriots at Gadling yesterday, takes us on the journey to the top of that mountain, which does indeed provide a fantastic pay off.

It is simply amazing how the gear we carry with us on our adventures can have an impact on our enjoyment of those experiences. Visiting destinations that are either very warm or very cold can be incredibly rewarding or complete misery, depending on whether or not you have the right gear. This is especially true when it comes to the clothes we wear, which ultimately decide how comfortable we are when traveling.

For my money, the hydration pack is amongst the greatest outdoor innovations of all time. The ability to conveniently and comfortably carry water while we hike, bike, run or do just about anything else can not be overstated. Over the years the options for hydration packs have expanded dramatically and these days its nearly impossible to buy a backpack that isn't at least hydration-ready. But one company that has has stayed razor focused on providing hydration solutions is is Hydrapack, which makes some of the best bottles, reservoirs and of course, packs, in the industry. One of their newest packs is the Jolla, a spacious and versatile bag that is lightweight, comfortable to wear and features plenty of extras that outdoor enthusiasts will most certainly appreciate.

The Jolla is listed as weighing in at 2 pounds, six ounces and having 18 liters (1100 cubic inches) of storage, but thanks to its numerous pockets the pack actually feels much larger – and I mean that in a good way! The pack features a fleece-lined top pocket with a removable tool kit bag, a large main compartment with a velcro sealed internal pocket and additional storage on the exterior. In addition to the dedicated zipped hydration pocket on the back panel, the Jolla also has two water bottle holsters (also with zippers!) and small mesh pockets on the hip belt. With all those options the Jolla makes it easy to keep all of your gear well organized.

Made of soft, but durable, ripstop nylon, the Jolla is comfortable to wear for a variety of activities. I've used it hiking, trail running and mountain biking, and once I adjusted the fit properly, it was surprisingly easy to wear for extended periods of time, even while carrying a full load. I was especially impressed by the well padded back panel and shoulder straps.



Of course, no matter how well designed and comfortable a hydration pack is, if it doesn't work well at it's primary function than it isn't worth owning. Fortunately the Jolla performs exceptionally well in that area as well, thanks in no small part to the included 3-liter reservoir. Hydrapak was generous enough to add one of their excellent Shape-Shift reservoirs to the package and it one of the best bladders I've ever used. Not only does it's wide mouth make it easy to fill but the sliding seal locks the reservoir up nice and tight, preventing the water from leaking all over the pack itself. In fact, it worked so well that through my testing of the bag I never had any issues with leakage at all.

One of the worst things about most water bladders is that they can be nearly impossible to get completely dry or clean. Over time, as you use them, a bit of moisture gets left behind and that moisture can facilitate the grow of bacteria. But the Shape-Shifter is designed to be able to be turned completely inside out, which makes it easy to get all of the water out at the end of the day and a breeze to keep clean as well. The reservoir also happens to be very rugged and durable and the bite valve and water hose are just as high in quality. That means that you won't have to replace the bladder as often as you would on similar packs, which is another plus for the Jolla. That said, the Shape-Shift reservoir is so good that it is definitely worth purchasing on its own. That's why Hydrapak offers it separately for just $32.99.

Both the Jolla and the Shape-Shift bladder are individually great products, but when put together they make an unbeatable combo. If you're in the market for a new pack for your upcoming summer adventures, than look no further than the Hydrapak Jolla. It carries a price tag of $144.99 which is a bargain for a pack that is this comfortable and versatile.  Considering the fact that it also comes with one of the best hydration reservoirs you'll ever find and I think you'll find that Hydrapak has delivered a winner that is worth every penny.

Last week I wrote a piece about my recent visit to Jordan, in which I highlighted that country's many historical, cultural and religious attractions. Places like Petra, the Greco-Roman city of Jarash and the biblically important Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Visiting those places can be both inspiring and incredibly humbling at the same time, but after a few days of exploring ancient ruins, I was ready to stretch my legs and enjoy a little adventure. Fortunately, Jordan has plenty of that too. 

There are a lot of companies that make hiking boots these days, many of which have no business doing so. They stock their line-up with way too many options and colors and they seem more designed for fashion than function. That isn't the case with Danner however, a company that has been around for 80 years and has maintained a reputation for creating boots that are durable, rugged and comfortable even in the most challenging of conditions.

I recently received a pair of the company's new top-of-the-line Crater Rim hiking boots and to be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed when I first took them out of the box. With their simple, classic design these boots don't look much different than something you would have found on store shelves twenty years ago, although that isn't necessarily a bad thing. In terms of looks, this is the quintessential hiking boot, but when you're use to testing shoes that come in increasingly unique colors and designs, the Crater Rim did little to set itself apart.

Of course, I'm of the mind that looks don't mean much in a hiking boot, it's performance on the trail that really matters. With that in mind, I was eager to slip into these boots and take them for a test drive. When I did that however, I was once again a bit underwhelmed. The boots were a bit stiff and they felt somewhat cumbersome on my feet, for lack of a better word. As I walked around my apartment testing them out for the first time, I wasn't sure what to make of these boots with the unassuming looks and the uncompromising fit.

Then a funny thing happened. The longer I wore them the more they started to feel good on my feet. The nubuc leather began to loosen up just enough and my pair of Crater Rims started to become more flexible.  Even better, it felt like they were cradling my feet quite nicely and before I knew it was enjoying these new boots more than I had initially thought possible. By the time I drove to the trail I was more than ready for a good long hike.

While on that hike Danner's hand crafted boots, put together in their Portland factory, continued to impress. The thick soles – the same ones that I found cumbersome not long before – proved to be a great at protecting my feet on the rocky Texas trails and the waterproof Gore-Tex liner remained highly breathable, keeping my feet dry throughout the day. The only hitch in the entire trek was that the boot rubbed my ankles in the early miles of the hike, although like the rest of the boot that loosened up over time.

Make no mistake, Danner's Crater Rim boots are a hard core option for those who demand a lot out of their boots, Their rugged looks are not just for show and the boots have worn very well even after a number of hikes. My pair still look practically new, which bodes well for their longterm health. Be warned, the boots do come with a hard core price tag as well. Ringing in at $300, they may be a bit more expensive than most people want to pay, but from my experience they are worth the money. After all, they're made by hand, right here in the U.S. and the quality shines through.

Whenever I test a new pair of boots I invariably compare them to my favorite pair of Asolos that have accompanied me on trips to Everest, Kilimanjaro and beyond. Those boots are comfortable and very durable and love the way they feel on my feet. They also happen to cost less than the Crater Rims. That said, this is the first pair of boots I've found in years that can actually perform on the same level of those boots and may actually surpass them for long term durability. I'll need to wear them on a few globe trotting adventures to be sure, but at this point I have a really great feeling about that.

If you're in the market for a new pair of hiking boots, and you're looking for something that can handle just about anything you throw at them, then look no further than the Crater Rim by Danner. Quality costs money but it'll also pay off over the lifespan of the shoes, and your feet will thank you on your next long distance trek.

Just don't let your initial impressions turn you off to these boots. This is definitely a case of not judging a book by its cover. Great boots for great adventures!

This is one of my very favorite hikes with the kids because it's super short (.75 miles), it's a loop, so there is no whining about turning around, the trail is well kept, it's right near the Eric Carle Museum and Atkins, and if you worry about being isolated, you don't have to worry much here.


If you are hiking with a small toddler who is barely able to walk the full length, I recommend heading to the right hand side (when the Visitor Center is at your back) to start (going counter clockwise). This is the steepest part of the trail, so if you end up going clockwise you will face a steep hill when the children are the most tired.

After a rain, you'll find every color of fungus on this trail. It is lovely in all seasons, and buggy in most seasons - you really need some serious bug spray here, the poisonous stuff. I have found that the bug repellent wipes are really handy, especially for little ones who can't hold their breath and shut their eyes while you are spraying them.