Each year the outdoor industry invests millions of dollar chasing the Holy Grail of technical fabrics for use in a variety of gear. The top companies are constantly developing and refining lightweight, durable materials that are breathable, moisture wicking and odor fighting as they try to one up the competition in performance. It turns out however that nature has already provided us with the perfect material in the form of merino wool, which not only has all of those great qualities and more.

A number of great apparel companies already offer wonderful products made from merino wool and I've personally used plenty of them over the years. I am continually impressed with how well the material performs, particularly in active pursuits in cooler weather. Thats why I was eager to put the Merino Cobra Pullover from Chrome to the test. This great looking garment was created with cyclists in mind but it is so well designed that it can be used for a variety of outdoor sports, including trail running, hiking, mountain biking or even snow sports.

The Cobra Pullover is built to be form fitting without restricting motion in any way. It is clear that Chrome put a lot of thought into its design, making it a great option for outdoor athletes. For instance,  the high-quality neck zipper slides down far enough to allow you to pull on this extra layer without even needing to take off your helmet. It also comes with a high neck collar that can be flipped up to help ward off a cool wind. Thumb loops pull the extra long sleeves down over the hand, providing some much appreciated warmth when the temperature starts to drop, while a longer torso keeps warm air trapped close to the body.

As you would expect, the Cobra Pullover benefits greatly from Chrome's version of merino wool. The fabrics so an excellent job of wicking away moisture, helping to keep the wearer warm when out for a ride or a long run. But its ability to breathe allows heat to vent away from the body as well, keeping us cooler when we start to overheat. Temperature regulation is one of the benefits of merino and this pullover does a great job in that regard. The garment also happens to be odor resistant, which means you can go straight from the trail to a restaurant without fear of sending your friends running for the door. Travelers will love that feature as well, as it comes in incredibly handy on extended active trips.


Other nice touches include a large, zippered passthrough pocket along the back that provides ample storage and a smaller key pocket on the right arm just above the wrist. That pocket has an integrated fabric loop that you can attach your keys to, making it even more difficult to lose them.

The Cobra Pullover is one of those rare pieces of gear that looks as good as it performs. Chrome has put a lot of thought into the design and it shows. This is definitely an article of clothing that you won't mind wearing out and about around town, which isn't always the case with performance wear. This pullover has classic good looks going for it and when you put it on, you'll be right at home on the bike, trail, coffee shop or just about anywhere else you may go.

For a piece of clothing made from merino wool, the Cobra Pullover is actually priced quite affordably. Chrome sells it for $140, which is very competitive when compared to similar products from competitors. This is a warm, durable, well built active wear that is versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of activities. I really like what Chrome has brought to the table and think that it will be a favorite with cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts alike. With the holidays just around the corner, it would also make a great gift for the gear hound on your list.

With mid-August now upon us, it is safe to say that we are definitely in the dog days of summer. In fact, where I live we've had a string of triple digit days (that's 38º+ for my readers who prefer celsius) and there isn't much relief in sight. If you're like me, a little hot weather isn't enough to keep you indoors for long and provided you have clothing suitable to the weather, it's easy to head out, even in the heat of the day.

Carhartt isn't an apparel brand that quickly comes to mind when you're looking for clothing for outdoor adventures. After all, the company has built itself a reputation for creating comfortable and durable clothing for use in work environments such as construction sites, shipyards and farms. But now Carhartt is applying what it has learned in the work place to make clothes we can sea when we head out to play too and judging from what I saw from them at Outdoor Retailer, I'd say they have some great things in store for us. But until that new gear arrives, here are a couple of products you can buy now to get you through the remainder of the summer.

Men's Rugged Cargo Shorts ($36)
I have to admit, when I first took Carhartt's Rugged cargo shorts out of the box they were shipped to me in, I was a little concerned. The seemed heavier than most of the other pairs of shorts that I typically wear and I was afraid they wouldn't be comfortable in very hot weather. After all, no on likes thick, dense fabrics that don't breathe well in the heat. Turns out I had nothing to worry about however, because these shorts are made out of 100% cotton that is soft and comfortable, while still performing very well in the heat.

For a company that is known for offering clothes that are ultra-durable, it says something that they gave these short the  name "Rugged." The fabrics used in their construction are practically bullet proof, shrugging off wear and tear easily and holding their good looks even when they're been put through a gauntlet of abuse. Like their work clothes, these shorts can take punishment and keep coming back for more, all the while keeping the wearer comfortable with their relaxed fit design.


These shorts have a generous amount of pocket space. Not only are there four in the usual spots (two on the front and two on the back) there are also two massive cargo pockets on each of the legs. They are large enough to carry all kinds of small items including a digital camera, GPS device, a headlamp or just about any other small gadget you may want to bring with you when you head out. There is even a pocket specifically built for carrying a smartphone, which is a nice touch for a pair of shorts designed more for leisure than work.

I was incredibly pleased with how the Rugged cargo shorts felt when I put them on and even more impressed after spending a day running errands and going on a short hike with them as well. They performed as well as any of the other shorts in my wardrobe and did so without compromising quality and durability. With a price tag of just $36, I feel these shorts are an incredible bargain as they are built to last a long time and good looking enough to wear to any casual occasion. Summer isn't over just yet and now might be a good time to add the Rugged cargo shorts to your closet too.

Men's Force Short-Sleeve T-Shirt ($28)
A good pair of shorts is only half the equation when it comes to staying cool and dry in the hot weather. A good shirt plays an even more important role, wicking moisture away from the body and helping the wearer stay as comfortable as possible even as the mercury climbs higher. Carhartt's Force t-shirt is the perfect compliment for the Rugged cargo shorts in that regard as it's cotton/polyester blend is perfect for pulling sweat away from the body and allowing it to quickly evaporate. The result is a more comfortable day out in the sun.

The Force t-shirt not only looks good but incorporates fabrics designed to resist stains that help to keep it that way. Like everything else in the Carhartt line-up, it is durable and built to last. This is anything but a cheap t-shirt that will wear out after you've owned it for a few months. Instead, it is a piece of clothing that is designed to last. And unlike the cargo shorts, you'll want to continue wearing the Force even when the weather starts to get cooler.

Carhartt's understanding of their customer needs shows through in the small touches. For instance, the shirt has a tagless neck collar to prevent chafing and a breast pocket comes in handy for keeping small items close at hand. The design also incorporates Raglan sleeves that don't hinder the range of motion while the relaxed fit of the shirt doesn't bind or restrict movement in any way. In other words, it is great shirt for any time of the year, it just happens to well suited for the summer months too.

The Force t-shirt and Rugged cargo shorts are Carhartt quality brought to the casual market. They look good, are durable and comfortable. Everything you could ask for in warm weather clothing and at affordable prices.

Yesterday I posted a story about Josh Garrett closing in on the end of the Pacific Crest Trail and a new speed record for the hike. As expected, Josh did finish his journey yesterday, clocking in with a time of 59 days, 8 hours and 59 mintutes. That shaves more than five days off the previous record and is certainly an impressive feat.

Little did I know that when I posted that story I was actually wading into a bit of a controversy that has been going on in the thru-hiking community. You see, while Josh was busy chasing his record on the 2655-mile (4272 km) PCT another hiker was just a day ahead of him and in pursuit of a record of her own. The way these two hikers went about their journey is now a source of debate amongst other long-distance trekkers, creating a controversy of sorts around these speed records.

On Wednesday of this week, Heather "Anish" Anderson wrapped up her own end-to-end hike of the PCT. Her official time was 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes, which would have been good enough for a new record as well, although it was beaten by Josh the following day. So here is where the controversy comes in. Heather was making her trek unsupported in that she had to do everything on her own, while Josh had a single-person support crew who brought him food and other supplies to the trail. He was also sponsored by John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods, who helped fund the adventure.

The lines between what is "supported" and "unsupported" start to get blurred a bit however as there are reports that Heather also had a few people with good intentions delivering her supplies to her on the trail as well. She often posted about her hike on the Internet as well, sharing the details of where she would be on certain dates, which prompted some people to gather at access points along the trail to offer words of encouragement while also offering food and drinks to keep her going. Whether or not that still qualifies as "unsupported" is entirely up to you to decide.

Thru-hikers are a resourceful, independent bunch and I personally feel that some of them didn't appreciate the fact that Josh had a sponsor that assisted on his trek. This resulted in a bit of a backlash within that group for how he went about the attempt on the speed record. Either way, I'm not going to wade into the middle of this debate because quite frankly I think that both Josh and Heather accomplished something very cool. They may have taken slightly different approaches to their PCT speed hikes, but they both covered all of those miles at impressive rates.

I want to congratulate both Josh and Heather and leave it at that. They are both inspirations.

Throughout the year, I've been fortunate enough to test and review a couple of pairs of shoes from ECCO, a company that has been revamping its entire footwear line and in the process releasing some seriously great products. First I was impressed with their Biom Lite Helion minimalist running shoe and later I was bowled over by the Biom Hike 1.2 boots.  Both products were durable, attractive and very comfortable, delivering very good performance in their two very different outdoor activities. Recently I've been putting a new ECCO shoe through its paces and like with its predecessors, I'm extremely impressed. Once again the company has found a way to surprise me with their designs, this time offering up a sandal that is built for the trail. 

If you were to compare the new Biom Terrain Chiappo sandal to a motorized vehicle you'd say that it looks like an ATV or even a dune buggy. It has a rugged suspension, in this case in the form of an amazing outsole and a comfortable interior that keeps the wearer safe from harm while allowing them to go places they never thought they could. At least not in a shoe like this one. 

If you turn the shoe over and only saw the bottom, you'd probably guess you were looking at a light hiking shoe. The sole is flexible, yet incredibly sturdy and offers an excellent grip, even on slick surfaces. ECCO may have built the Chiappo to look like a sandal, but this shoe has the heart of a hiker. 

Slipping the shoe on is an eye-opener as well. These sandals cradle the foot nicely and provide an excellent layer of padding that was completely unexpected. I didn't just think the Chiappos were comfortable for a sandal, I just thought that they were comfortable when compared to any shoe. The ergonomically designed footpad felt great and the low profile sole kept my feet well connected to the surfaces that I was scrambling over – something that is very important when moving over uneven terrain. 

ECCO wisely included three straps for adjusting the fit of these sandals – two across the top of the foot and one along the back of the heel. This really helps to dial-in how you want these sandals to feel on your feet. Personally, I happen to like my performance shoes to be a little on the snug side. It helps me get a better feeling for the ground and react accordingly much more quickly as well. Tightening up the velcro straps on the Chiappos achieved exactly that goal and kept them from feeling like they were going to fall off my feet unexpectedly, something I've experienced with some other sandals in the past. 

Made from yak leather, the shoe's uppers feel soft and comfortable while wrapped around the foot. They also happens to wear very well, resisting scuffs, cuts and other damage with equal aplomb. After putting these shoes to the test on the beach, several hiking trails and while kicking around town, I can honestly say they still look like they have been just taken out of the box. The same level of quality that I saw in ECCO's previous shoes shines through here as well, giving you the sense that these are a pair of shoes that will be with you for years and see you safely through all kinds of adventures. 

In terms of styling, I really like the looks of the Chiappos too. Available in four color schemes, I was sent a pair that are dark gray with reddish accents, a combination that is known as Dark Shadows and Lava in ECCO's vernacular. Those color combinations look totally unique and help these sandals to stand out from the crowd. While they do retain a classic sandal styling, the Chiappos also have a design that is modern, unique and all their own. 

One thing that was a bit of a disappointment for me was the design choice to make the Chiappo an open toed shoe. That means that they vent well and allow your feet to breathe better, particularly in hot climates, but it also allows more loose debris, sand and dirt to get inside. This is somewhat common with many sandals like these however and is basically something you accept when you choose to wear them. Closed toes do make these shoes a more viable option when visiting certain areas or participating in some outdoor activity. For example, when I visited the Amazon Rainforest a few years back, we weren't allowed to wear open toed sandals as they didn't provide enough protection. But in that case it wasn't protection from dirt and dust that was a concern so much as it was the snakes. 

That one nitpick aside however, I have to say that I really love these shoes. I continue to be impressed with how good they feel on my feet and how well they perform in the field. If you've been looking for a lightweight, comfortable and durable sandal that you can hike in, your search is over. Pick up a pair of Ecco Biom Terrain Chiapos and get trekking. Similarly, if you want a comfortable shoe for wearing around camp while backpacking, you can't go wrong either. Your feet will thank you when you slip into them at the end of the day and they won't take up much room in your backpack either. 

The Chiapo Sandals carry an MSRP of $130, which is a competitively priced with similar offerings from competitors. 

Back in early June I posted a story about vegan hiker Josh Garrett who was about to attempt to set a new record for thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. At the time, Josh was just starting out on his adventure and still had most of the 2655-mile (4272 km) route still ahead of him. Now, nearly two months later, he is nearing the end and a new record for this epic hike is now in sight.

According to Josh's support team he should be approaching the finish line at the border between the U.S. and Canada later today. He is expected to wrap up his journey in the early afternoon local time. While we'll have to wait to see what his official time will be, he will complete the hike in under 60 days. The previous record was 64 days, 11 hours and 19 minutes. That means that for the past two months, Josh has been averaging more than 44 miles (70 km) per day, on foot, through some rather rugged terrain. That is an impressive stat to say the least.

The 30-year old Garrett is a college track coach who has hiked the PCT before. Back in 2009 he did it a more leisurely pace (at least for him!) completing the route in 88 days. This time out he not only wanted to set a new record but he was also raising funds for Mercy For Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to stamping out the cruel treatment of animals.

For updates on Josh's progress, watch his Facebook page. It should be updated shortly after he completes the trek and hopefully provides us with an official time.

Not a bad way to spend your summer. Take a little hike on one of the world's best long distance trails, maybe set a new speed record in the process. Congrats to Josh on a job well done!

Last weekend I completed my first hike in Taiwan with my friend Alex. It was an incredible experience. I've been hiking mountains since I was 4. If given the choice between the beach or mountains I would pick mountains every-time. Taiwan may not be world renowned for it's hiking but it should be.

Earlier this week I was standing on the summit of Snow Mt. (雪山）which is the second tallest mountain in Taiwan with an elevation of 3,886 meters. Although Snow Mt. is not as famous as Mt. Fuji in Japan it is taller. In Taiwan it is common to climb in a group and pay someone to carry and cook food. I certainly wasn't going to pay someone to lead me and carry my pack. This made my host family nervous and even my Chinese teacher.

On day 1 my friend Alex and I took a bus from Taipei to Wuling Farm. From Wuling Farm we hitched a ride to the trail-head. Here we had to watch a rather silly safety-video. It only took us half an hour to reach the first cabin. We were supposed to stay the night there but with so much daylight we decided to move on to the next cabin. The trail was well maintained and fairly easy. There were even benches to sit on at one point. In order to get to cabin 369 we needed to cross over the "Crying Slope”. The name comes from the slope's difficult appearance. Unfortunately on day one there was too much fog to see any good views, fortunately it didn't rain. We made it to Cabin 369 and stayed the night at what I would consider a 5 star resort. There was a bathroom, a kitchen with running water, and bunks.

Day 2 started with a beautiful sunrise. After some bread for breakfast Alex and I started our trek for the summit. The trail started out at the "Black Forest". The sunlight coming through the tall straight pines was a great sight. We made it to the summit early around 7:30. From here we went on to explore some trails and even hiked down to the highest lake in Taiwan. The weather was perfect for hiking and the views were breathtaking. We made it back to Cabin 369 around 2:00.

Tired and smelly we hiked down and out on day 3 and returned to Taipei.

At the trail head 

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. and prayer paper? 

Sun set 

Sunrise at cabin 369

Summit of Snow Mt. 

Alex and I at the summit 

Sunrise day 2 

Sunrise day 2

View from Snow Mt. 

View from Snow Mt. 

Looking for a new backpacking or hiking challenge? Want to experience some of the best trails in the world? Then you'll definitely want to check out the list of 20 top trails as picked by 20 famous hikers that was put together by the team over at National Geographic Adventure. They poled some well known figures from the world of exploration and adventure and shared their selections for their ultimate dream hikes. The results are a list of hikes that range from legendary to those you may not even have heard of.

Some of the walking routes that earn a place on the list include the Sierra High Route in California, which was selected by über-hiker Andrew Skurka and the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a favorite of ultrarunning phenom Scott Jurek. Unsurprisingly, American mountaineer Jim Whittaker names the trek to Everest Base Camp as his favorite hike, while Sally McCoy, the CEO of CamelBak loves the 200-mile (321 km) Snowman Trek in Bhutan.

As you can tell, there are some very diverse and interesting hikes on the list that were selected by a very diverse and interesting group of people. But one of the hikes isn't even officially open yet, although it continues to evolve into a true world-class trekking route that will draw backpackers from around the globe. That is the Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Historical Trail that runs through South Sudan and Uganda. This route, which I first told you about several months back, is 360 miles (580 km) in length and runs from Gondokora near Juba, in South Sudan, to Baker’s View, which overlooks Lake Albert in Uganda. This particular trail was suggested for the Nat Geo list by explorer Julian Monroe Fisher, who has been instrumental in its creation. It is set to open in 2014 with the first trekkers walking its length shortly there after. The photo above is actually a shot of an existing plaque commemorating the Bakers in one of the villages along the trail. Official trail markers will be added alongside it soon.

If you're planning a new treking adventure in the near future then you'll certainly want to check-out the trails that made Nat Geo's list. There are some excellent options for sure and whether you want to hike a well known classic route or take on a complete new one, there is a little something for everyone.

Garmin, one of the leaders in consumer GPS technology, has taken the wraps off a new handheld device today that looks to be a promising new entry for outdoor enthusiasts. At least those with some extra cash to spend.

The new Monterra is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter (read: July or August) and will be powered by the Android operating system that is so common on many mobile phones these days. In fact, Garmin's new device resembles a mobile phone in many ways, simply lacking the ability to actually make calls.

The device comes equipped with built-in WiFi, enabling the user to download updates and add apps to the Monterra without ever connecting it to a a computer. It also features an 8-megpixel camera, 6GB of internal memory (expandable through the use of microSD cards) and a 4-inch touch screen that has been optimized to be used in the outdoors without the need for battery-crushing backlighting. As you would expect, the handheld is ruggedized and waterproof (IPX7) and can run off of either the included rechargeable battery pack or AA batteries. It includes Bluetooth 3.0, NFC technology, an FM radio complete with NOAA weather, a UV sensor for keeping track of the intensity of the sun and a barometer/altimeter that measure not only your changes in altitude but possible changes to the weather as well. Preinstalled apps will enhance functionality further and the Google Play Store will obviously be available to get Angry Birds on this bad-boy as well.

There is no word on exactly which version of Android the Monterra is running but I suspect it'll be the most recent release of Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) that is available when it begins shipping. Battery life remains a questions as well, but that is always the case with a GPS device these days. Prices start at $650 for the base unit with a built-in world map while $700 will get you a version preloaded with U.S. Topo maps as well.

This looks like it'll be a great device and I'm sure it'll be a hit with the geocaching crowd considering how easy it should be to add cache's to the device. The price seems a bit steep but it seems like it packs in a lot of functionality. If it can provide good battery life, this may just be the new GPS handheld to beat.

Yesterday, long distance hiker Josh Garrett launched his attempt to set a new record for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail end-to-end. The 30-year old track coach at Santa Monica College will be trekking the entire 2655 mile (4272 km) this summer as he also hopes to raise funds and awareness for a cause that is very near and dear to his heart.

The current speed record for the PCT is 64 days, which means in order to break the record, Garrett will need to average close to 42 miles per day for more than two months. Thats a pretty grueling pace for most of us, although he does have the benefit of having walked the entire trail before. Back in 2009 he backpacked the PCT in 88 days, which is a great effort for someone who wasn't even considering a speed record at the time.

While on his hike this summer, Garrett hopes to raise funds and awareness for the Mercy For Animals organization. It's a non-profit dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals. Over the past 18 months Josh has become a vegan and that lifestyle has inspired him to want to do more for improving the way we treat animals in general. The MFA website has posted an interview with him discussing his efforts. They also have a page in place for anyone who wants to sponsor Josh. He is hoping to raise $26,550 and is already nearly 10% of the way there.

The Pacific Crest Trail wanders from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada along the far-western portion of the United States. The route goes through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, providing hikers with some extremely scenic landscapes along the way. It passes through California, Oregon and Washington, avoiding civilization almost entirely. It is considered one of the best long-distance hiking routes in the world and true gem amongst backpackers the world over.

You can follow Josh on his adventure along the PCT at his Twitter feed which is @VeganHiker. Not too many updates so far, but hopefully we'll hear from him regularly as he attempts the new speed record.

Last summer I reviewed a pair of SL Trek GTX hiking boots from AKU and came away highly impressed. At the time, I lauded the boots for being comfortable, breathable and durable with great traction on a variety of trail conditions. Since then, I've only become more impressed with the boots, which continue to hold up well with many more miles of trail under their heels. So when AKU offered to let me try out their new SL Sintesti GTX hiking boots, I jumped at the chance, eager to see if the same level of quality could be found in a lighter and more affordable shoe. Considering the mountaineering legacy that the company brings to the table, I should have known that I wouldn't be disappointed.

AKU says that the Sintesti is designed for hiking and backpacking on a variety of terrain up to medium altitudes. Lightweight and comfortable, these are the kind of shoes that you can wear on your favorite local trail or take with you on a trek through the Himalaya or up Kilimanjaro. The shoe provides plenty of protection for your feet, keeping them well shielded from rocky trails. In fact, the ground here in Central Texas is actually very rocky, but the Sintesti had no problem keeping my feet from getting battered or overly tired, even on long walks.

These boots feature a Vibram Mulaz outsole that is tough as nails and provides excellent footing whether you're scrambling over rock or through deep snow and mud. When combined with a triple-layer internal midsole, it provides a rigid, yet comfortable ride that nicely cradles the foot and protects it from harm. Because of that rigidness, these shoes aren't quite as flexible as some lighter weight hiking footwear from the competition, although their performance is light years better.

Despite this outstanding level of protection for the foot, the Sintesti don't feel heavy or bulky when worn at all. On the contrary, they actually feel so good that you'll almost believe that AKU custom made them especially for you. The footpad molds itself nicely to the shape of your foot and the break-in period is quite fast, ensuring that your new pair of boots feels like a comfortable old pair of boots in no time.

Other features include a precision lacing system that extends to just above the toes, allowing you to cinch the boots to your liking. I personally prefer a snug fit when hiking, although I know others don't like their feet to feel confined. What ever your preference is, you'll be able to adjust the Sintesti to an optimal fit quickly and easily. The suede upper conforms nicely to your needs as well, wrapping the foot in an incredibly durable – not to mention good looking – shell.

AKU has incorporated a Gore-Tex liner which helps to keep the feet dry in a variety of conditions. When your they start to heat up, the liner wicks moisture away and when you're hiking through wet conditions, Gore-Tex will keep unwanted moisture out as well. As is typical with all products that use Gore-Tex, performance was excellent and my feet remained dry and happy at all times.

Like the SL Trek GTX boots that I reviewed last year, I am once again impressed with the high level durability that AKU has managed to instill in the Sintesti. These boots can take everything you throw at them and still come out looking just as good as new. I took them on muddy trails, across very rocky terrain, up and over boulders and through rushing streams, and except for showing a little dirt, they look like they've barely been worn. A good pair of hiking boots are an investment and this level of durability ensures that the Sintesti are a wise investment indeed. I would wager that anyone who buys these boots will have footwear to accompany them on their adventures for years to come.

AKU sells these boots for $249, which is about $80 less than the SL Treks that I recommended so highly last year. The Sintesti GTX delivers a similar level of performance with those boots but at a more affordable price. If you're in the market for a new pair of boots that can accompany you on nearly any hiking adventure, these are just the shoes you've been looking for. They are comfortable, durable and perform well even under the worst of conditions. Not all footwear displays that level of dependability, but you'll get all of that and more in AKU's SL Sintesti GTX hiking boots. And chances are, your feet will thank you.

Amateur pilot, outdoor enthusiast and blogger Ney Grant has created a wonderful little film that combines his love for flying with his passion for the outdoors. Ney, who writes about his experiences at WestCostFlyingAdventures.com, uses his Cessna T210 to shuttle he and his family to some fantastic places to hike, mountain bike and climb.

Be warned. The video, which you'll find below, will probably leave you a little envious. After all, we can't all have a personal plane at our disposal to help facilitate our own escapes. By the time you're done watching however, you'll probably be trying to figure out how you can afford one. Just the things that Ney and his family have seen from the cockpit alone would make it worthwhile.

In Celebration of 100 Flying Adventures from Ney Grant on Vimeo.

Backpackers and mountain bikers will be interested to learn that a new long distance trail is set to open in Africa in early 2014. The new trail will give adventure seekers the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of a legendary explorer while also visiting the newest country on the planet – South Sudan. Along the way they'll get the chance to experience parts of Africa that remain wild and undeveloped, passing through landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker Historical Trail will stretch from Juba in South Sudan to Baker's View, which overlooks Lake Albert in western Uganda. The route will cover approximately 575 km (357 miles) along the same path that the Bakers followed on their two expeditions to Africa, which took place in the 1860's and 70's. The route will end at the point where Sir Samuel became the first European to ever set eyes on Lake Albert, which he himself named after Prince Albert.

The trail is being created through the efforts of anthropologist and explorer Julian Monroe Fisher who is working closely with the Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities, The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation & Tourism for South Sudan. The descendants of Sir Samual and Lady Florence Baker are also taking part in the creation of this new route, which is being developed with the support of RailRiders Adventure Clothing and Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, both of which are sponsors of Fisher's Great African Expedition. It was during Phase Two of that expedition that he discovered the exact location of Baker's View and is credited by the Ugandan Government with correcting key locations on maps. Fisher will return to Uganda in June to begin placing historical markers along the trail which will designate places that the Bakers camped while they were exploring the region.

During the 1860's and 70's, Samuel Baker explored much of central Africa and later along the path of the Nile. His wife, Lady Florence, traveled with him on his expeditions as he wandered throughout much of what is now Uganda and South Sudan. One of his early adventures took him to the shores of  Lake Albert, which he discovered in 1864. In addition to their contributions towards filling in the blank spots on the map, the Bakers were also staunchly against slavery. The couple publicly called for the abolition of the slave trade, a fact that is not forgotten in the region even in the 21st century.

The new trail is set to officially open in January of 2014 in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Baker's expedition. Unlike many trails of this kind, access will not only be granted to hikers, but also mountain bikers and eventually 4x4 vehicles as well. Future extensions to the trail will expand on its length, including a long loop in South Sudan that will lead to the summit of Mount Kinyeti, the tallest peak in the region at 3187 meters (10,456 ft).

The trail is also being seen as an economic boon for both Uganda and South Sudan. The hope is that the scenic route will lure trekkers to the area bring much needed in flux of tourism dollars.

If there is anyone on the planet who demands as much performance out of their gear as outdoor enthusiasts it is construction workers. Day in and day out they go to work in demanding, often harsh, environments. In order to do their jobs effectively, the need apparel that keeps them comfortable, doesn't restrict motion and is durable enough to survive the wear and tear that comes with a construction site. Carhartt is a company that has built a reputation for manufacturing tough, high performance clothing for the work place and over the years their gear has become incredibly popular with many people who have to work out in the elements.

This spring, the company has released a new line of rainwear that brings its considerable experience with performance apparel to the outdoor crowd. Carhartt has released three new rain jackets of various weights that will certainly be popular options for both the workplace and the trail. I've been lucky enough to put the Huron jacket to the test this spring and I've found that it is a worthy addition to a gear closet already full of rain gear from a number of well known and popular outdoor companies.

The Huron is built from 100% nylon ripstop fabrics that are designed to be both lightweight and breathable. The jacket succeeds on both counts keeping the wearer comfortable and dry, even in heavy downpours. Lesser rain jackets are often good at keeping water from getting inside, but their poor level of breathability means you end up cooking under the extra layers. But Carhartt has managed to create a jacket that performs surprisingly well, even when the rain is dropping by the bucket and temperatures are warm.

Designed for use in warmer environments, the Huron is the thinnest and lightest of the new jackets from Carhartt. It's heavier brothers include the Steelhead and the Bad Axe, both of which are built for increasingly cooler weather. You won't need either of them until fall at the earliest however, as the Huron will serve you quite well through the rest of spring, summer and into early fall. This is the kind of jacket you'll want in your pack on a long hike or backpacking trip. To that end, this jacket can pack down to a relatively small footprint and stores itself inside a back pocket, which make sit easy to bring along on any trip without taking up too much space.

Speaking of pockets, the Huron has two rather large zippered hand pocks and a spacious chest pocket that seals nicely with a couple of snaps. Each of these pockets are great for keeping moisture away from your small, valuable equipment, for example I carried my phone in the breast pocket during a heavy downpour and it stayed completely safe and dry the entire time. That same pocket includes a media port that allows you to pass your earbuds through so you never have to miss a call or stop listening to your tunes.

Other nice touches include a hood with an adjustable draw-cord that can be pulled tight around the face in particularly bad rainstorms or expanded to fit over a helmet as needed. Fully gusseted seams help to further seal out the elements while a high quality zipper pulls smoothly and easily – wet or dry. Additionally, side seams help with ventilation while a tapered cut ensures that the jacket doesn't impede movement when on an active excursion or working hard on the job site.

Whether you're looking for a tough, durable jacket for your next outdoor adventure or something that you can wear at work, Carhartt's Huron Jacket is a winner. I am very impressed with how well this jacket performs, particularly coming from a company that isn't known for making outdoor gear. The company brings the Huron to market with a price tag of $120, which is competitively priced with similar jackets from competitors, most of whom won't be nearly as rugged or versatile.

Lets face it, we all love our iPads and various Android tablets, but they aren't always the best devices to have with us when we head into the backcountry. Sure, they pack a lot of functionality into a relatively small frame, but they don't have all the features we could truly use while out on the trail. A new start-up called Sqigle INC is hoping to bring a very different tablet to the market, one that is designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind. Their product will offer a lot of the features you would expect from similar products from other companies, but with some key differences that backpackers, climbers and others will find very useful.

The new tablet is named Earl, which is derived from some of the device's primary functions: explore, alter, relay and listen. Powered by Android 4.1, Earl uses an e-ink display much like those found on the original Amazon Kindle. Those screens are easy on the eyes but don't offer the same wow factor that you find on an LCD screen such as the Retina display found on Apple's iPad. But the e-ink screen has one big thing going for it – it consumes much less power, which is crucial for battery life when traveling in places where you won't have access to a power outlet for some time.

Speaking of battery life, Earl is rated to last 20 hours on its built-in rechargeable power cell. After that, you'll need to either plug it in to charge it again or use the device's integrated solar panel to start refilling the battery. Yep, that's right, this tablet has its own solar cell built in too.

But what really makes Earl interesting is that the gadget comes with some nice options specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, it features a full-blown GPS chipset and trail maps for charting your way through the backcountry. It also supports both Bluetooth and ANT+ technologies for connecting to a variety of heart rate monitors and other external devices. The device comes equipped with a thermometer, barometer and hygrometer for tracking weather and altitude, while an anemometer will even display the current windspeed.

That's not all however, as Earl can also serve as a walkie-talkie while in the backcountry, transmitting on FRS, GMRS and MURS transceivers to help users to stay in touch. It can even transmit weather reports, locational data and route information as well. It even comes with a built-in radio receiver to listen to AM/FM transmissions as well as to get weather alerts and more.

Rugged and built to withstand the elements, Earl comes preloaded with trail maps for the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The device is runs all Android apps and will even connect to the Internet when within range of WiFi. Sqigle INC is hoping to get the tablet into production in June and with that goal in mind they've launched a crowdsourcing campaign designed to raise the $250,000 needed to get the device off the ground. Currently they've raised about 11% of the money they need with 32 days to go. They're hoping to bring the device to market for under $300.

This looks like a promising device. It'll be interesting to see if they hit their fund raising goal.

There is no question that one of the more well received GPS watches to hit the market the past couple of years has been the Ambit from Suunto. The watch was marketed as being designed for explorers and it showed in its functionality. With good GPS integration, the watch was perfect for heading out on the trails, as it provided directions, trackbacks, data on speed, altitude and so on. Now, the company has unveiled its second generation Abmit project, this time bringing more features for the outdoor athlete.

Available in two versions, the Ambit2 and Ambit2 S, the new version of the watch keeps its core functionality while adding some nice new options to the mix. For instance, the 2 S, which is the sport model aimed at endurance athletes, is a bit lighter and thinner than the original Ambit. It features ANT+ technology that allows it to connect to heart rate monitors, cycling power meter. That means it can provide all of the data to track your training efforts and improve performance. It does give up the thermometer, barometric sensor and altimeter that were part of the original Ambit package. The Ambit2 on the other hands, retains all of the abilities from the original model and mixes in the new multi-sport features from the 2 S. Both versions have the ability to run the simple Ambit apps as well.

The Ambit2 and Ambit2 S will be available to purchase this month. Prices haven't gone down any since the original Ambit was released. The Ambit2 will set you back $500-$650 depending on which unit you buy, while the 2 S will run $400 on its own and $450 with a heart monitor.

When you live deep in the heart of Texas you really only have two seasons. You have the comfortably warm days between November and May, and then you have the blast furnace known as summer that runs June through October when the mercury rises to 100ºF (38ºC) and pretty much stays there for weeks on end. If you're an outdoor enthusiast you don't want to stay cooped up inside for all those months, so you have to find ways to enjoy your favorite activities while remaining as cool and comfortable as possible. Thanks to improvements in our technical clothing this has become easier than ever before. Our apparel is now breathable and moisture wicking, while remaining stylish at the same time.

The Duluth Trading Co., a clothing company that has earned a reputation for making durable and good looking apparel for the workplace, has turned its nearly 25 years of experience on the outdoor market. Their talented designers have come up with a unique way to create clothing that is noticeably cooler than gear from competitors. They decided to weave microscopic jade particles into the fabric under the theory that those tiny particles will reflect the heat and keep the wearer nice and cool. Those same fabrics also happen to be ultra-lightweight, wicking and breathable, while also remaining durable enough to wear on our demanding outdoor adventures.

In theory, this combination of qualities should make for a fantastic piece of gear for use in warm conditions. How does it perform in the real world? I recently put two of their pieces of gear to the test in order to find out.

Men's Long Sleeve Armachillo Shirt ($59.50)
The Duluth Trading Co. has long been known for their excellent work shirts. The company was founded by two brothers working in the construction business who identified qualities that they would need out of their apparel while on a job site. Over the years, their designs have evolved and become more refined to the point that their shirts have become highly functional and good looking at the same time. That legacy shows through in the Armachillo shirt's design as well and the result is a great looking shirt that you can comfortably wear while hanging around home, running errands around town or traveling to the far flung corners of the globe.

This shirt weighs next to nothing (2.35 ounces/66.6 grams) and features two large, functional pockets right on the chest. The left pocket includes a handy pencil holder while the right incorporates a cell phone sleeve. High quality buttons and durable fabrics round out this attractive, classic looking shirt that has both a modern and throwback look at the same time.

As mentioned the shirt uses high-tech fabrics that breathe well, wick moisture away from the skin and offer UPF 40 levels of protection from the sun. Those same fabrics are covered in an antimicrobial finish that helps fight odors and of course they have those tiny chips of jade incorporated into the design. All of that makes for a great shirt for anyone who is outside for extended periods of time as it truly is comfortable and cool.

I haven't had a chance to test this shirt in the blazing heat yet, but temperatures have already been quite warm on several occasions here this spring. I've worn this Armachillo shirt while on afternoon hikes and on nights out on the town and it has performed extremely well thus far. Best of all, it is quite comfortable and I happen to like the way it looks and fits too.

If you're in the market for a great shirt to wear while hiking, backpacking or traveling, this is certainly an impressive option. I love that it is versatile enough to do all of those things while also serving well as a work shirt or a casual out-on-the-town shirt. I'm not sure how much the integrated jade particles help, but the Armachillo long sleeve shirt definitely lives up to the marketing hype.

Armachillo Cargo Shorts ($54.50)
When the mercury rises I pretty much live in a pair of shorts. I wear them constantly and expect them to be comfortable without restricting motion. Plenty of deep pockets are nice too and it helps if they also breathe to help keep me cool. It doesn't hurt if they look good too so I can wear them just about everywhere.

The Duluth Trading Co.'s Armachillo Cargo Short meet those qualifications and then some. Made from high quality ripstop nylon, these shorts are quick drying, lightweight and form fitting without preventing natural movements. It has nicely sized cargo pockets that are perfect for carrying a cell phone or other small items you want to keep close at hand. The elastic waistline includes an integrated belt that does its job nicely without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Of course, these shorts also feature DTC's ingrained jade chips to help keep the wearer cooler as well as all the other great features found on the Armachillo shirt. They breathe well, they protect from the sun (UPF 40) and they also feature the same antimicrobial treatment. All of that comes in handy on active days on the trail or just relaxing at the beach.

I have to admit that when I first put these shorts on I was a little concerned about the fit. They were a bit snug around my legs, which I thought would bother me once I went for a hike or did something else fairly active. Turns out after a few minutes I didn't even think about it any longer and never noticed it after that. Because they're so good at moving with your body as it goes through its natural motions, these are the kind of shorts you're going to want to wear no matter what you're doing.

These two pieces of clothing complimented each other very well, both in looks and performance. Now that I have them in my wardrobe, I'm not so concerned about the impending heat-wave that we call summer here in Texas. I feel like I'm outfitted to enjoy the season without compromise. And I'll even look good doing it.

No one hikes more unique and unusual trails that Rick McCharles, the writer of the always interesting Best Hike Blog. When he isn't busy coaching gymnastics in some bustling gym, Rick can usually be found backpacking his way along hiking routes in all kinds of remote corners of the globe. His most recent journey took him to South Africa to walk the Otter Trail, a route he tells me is spectacularly beautiful, little known in the West and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The Otter Trail stretches for 41 km (25 miles) along South Africa's popular Garden Route. The OT seldom ventures far from the breathtaking coast but it does wander through some rough terrain, climbing up and down rocky shorelines as it meanders across a spectacular region in a country that is filled with amazing locales. It generally takes about five days to hike the trail and there are comfortable huts situated along its length, making it easy find shelter at the end of the day.

Rick is now sharing that experience with readers kicking off his blog coverage with his first Otter Trail post today. Over the next five days he'll continue adding his thoughts on the experience, including some amazing photos of the things that he saw along the way. Today we start with Day 0, during which he shares some thoughts on just getting to the start of the hike. Starting tomorrow, we'll actually get into the trek itself.

What I always love about Rick's writing at Best Hike is that he does an excellent job of introducing us to long distance trails that many of us probably didn't even know existed. Through his well chosen words and beautiful photos, he also has a knack for inspiring us to follow in his footsteps. I have no doubt that his Otter Trail reports will continue that tradition.

Last week I shared my thoughts on the Scarpa Kailash GTX hiking boots, giving them high marks for being durable and comfortable for use in a rugged environments. I liked how those shoes provided plenty of support for long days on the trail and solid traction, even on wet surfaces. This week I take a look at a completely different shoe from Scarpa and come away just as impressed, although for some very different reasons.

The company's Rapid LT is a light hiking shoe that is perfect for those shorter, less demanding days on the trail. While it lacks the high ankle support of the Kailash, it still provides a rugged sole that maintains a solid grip on a variety of surfaces. In fact, I was extremely impressed with how this shoe held its traction on loose rock, wet pavement, muddy trails and slick rocks at the bottom of a small stream.

Lightweight and built for speed, Scarpa designed these shoes for fast peak bagging, speed hikes and to serve as an approach shoe. I personally found their versatility went well beyond that however as I comfortably wore the Rapid LT's mountain biking, casual hiking and just kicking around town. In all cases, my feet were very comfortable and protected no matter where I went, including some rather rocky trails.

I'm the kind of person who prefers his shoes to be a bit on the form fitting side as I find that it helps me to stay well connected to what ever terrain I'm moving through. The Rapid LT definitely falls into that category, so if you have wider feet, you'll definitely want to try them on before you buy. In my case, I really appreciated how they felt on my feet, allowing me to move quicker and with more confidence on the trail. They fit so good in fact that although I haven't tried them in this capacity, I feel they could even be used a rugged trail running shoe.

Constructed from a blend of suede, recycled synthetic leather and a polyester mesh, the Rapid LT's shrug off dirt, scuffs and other potential wear without even slowing down. I'm impressed with how great the shoes still look in spite of the fact that I have been wearing them often and in a host of different capacities. Despite them becoming my favorite new shoe, my pair of Rapid LIT's look like they just came out of the box. Judging from the number of comments I've had while wearing them recently, I'd say they look pretty darn good as well.

As impressed with the Rapid LT's as I've been, I was even more impressed when I learned the cost. These shoes run just $110, which I feel is quite a bargain for something that is this versatile and comfortable to wear. This is the kind of footwear you can take with you on just about any kind of trip, whether you're heading to Europe for a leisurely escape or to Africa for something a bit more wild. It'll also serve as a great shoe for shuffling around Base Camp after you've kicked off your heavier mountaineering boots or when you're speed-hiking the Appalachian Trail. In short, this is the kind of shoe you want in your gear closet no matter where you're headed or what activities you intend to take on.

Scarpa is a brand of outdoor footwear that has been around for a long, long time. The company can trace its roots back to 1938 in the Asolo region of Italy. That was an area well known for its shoe craftsmen, many of whom specialized in creating the best footwear possible for mountaineering. Today, Scarpa continues the tradition of designing and building some of the best shoes possible for the outdoor athlete, and while they now offer everything from trail running shoes to loafers for kicking around town, their legacy remains in the high altitude mountaineering boots that have made them so famous.

That legacy can be seen in other shoes across their line as well, including the new Kailash GTX hiking boot. Rugged and durable, these boots have an aggressive styling that hints at the company's decades of mountaineering history while still being designed from the ground up with the serious trekker in mind. The shoe features a rigid sole that provides great protection for the foot, while still offering a surprising amount of flexibility too. And the high ankle support gives the wearer a reassuring amount of stability with out impeding movement. The tension lacing system makes it easy to secure these boots around your feet, providing a snug fit right out of the box.

This combination of features was most welcome while putting the Kailash GTX boots through their paces on the rocky trails of central Texas. The ground here is greatly lacking in top soil and as a result, the hiking paths can be really punishing on the feet. But these boots handled the challenges of those rocky trails with ease, keeping my feet comfortable and well protected for miles on end. The solid toe-box was also a welcome design choice as it saved my toes from getting bashed on outcropping that threatened to trip me on more than one occasion.

The sole of the boot holds a tight grip on just about any surface, even when wet. On two occasions while testing these boots I was caught out on an afternoon hike when a sudden rainstorm sprung up, coating the trail in a mixture of slick rocks and greasy mud. But both times I slogged on without really noticing much of a change. It is nice to know that you can depend on sure footing, even when conditions take a turn for the worse.

My feet also stayed nicely dry during those unexpected downpours thanks to the Gore-Tex lining that Scarpa has incorporated into the Kailash GTX. Gore-Tex remains a wonderful option for waterproofing our footwear and it is a welcome addition to any boot of this caliber. It also happens to breathe well most of the time, although I will admit that my feet did get a little warm on a couple of abnormally hot spring days.

Scarpa's boots are a great option for the serious hiker or backpacker. They are an extremely well built shoe that will hold up well even after hundreds of miles on the trail. But before you set out on that epic hike that you've been planning for years, make sure that you break these shoes in first. On my first few outings in the Kailash GTX's I found that things started off well and my feet quite comfortable. But after an hour or so into a hike, I started to develop a couple of blisters, even through excellent hiking socks. Considering how stiff the soles of these shoes are however, I knew that they had to be well broken in before I could get a legitimate look at how they performed. After two or three moderate-length hikes, the boots began to finally loosen up and my feet started to get far more comfortable in them. Another hike or two and they were very comfortable to wear indeed. If you're planning on buying a pair of Kailash GTX's for yourself, know that you're buying an excellent pair of boots, just be sure to show a little patience while you go through the break-in period.

These boots carry a price tag of $209, which is actually far less than I expected when I first set my eyes on them. That price is a real bargain for a pair of boots that will see you through many years of adventures. Scarpa has built a high quality, versatile boot here that is sure to please any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're hiking, backpacking or bagging a peak, these boots will see you through the challenge and then some.

Two intrepid backpackers are about to embark on an epic journey that will take them along the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail. Their adventure will cover hundreds of miles of backcountry through some of the most scenic and remote areas in the entire U.S., sending them off on one of the truly great long-distance hikes in the world. But these men aren't just taking this walk for the pure adventure, as both of them are trekking for an important cause that is near and dear to their hearts.

On April 15 – Monday of next week – Tim Deatherage and Zach Barnard will begin their hike near the Mexican border in Southern California. From there, they'll trek north, following the spectacular PCT the entire way. The 2663 mile (4285 km) journey will take them approximately five to six month to complete, ending in Manning Park, Canada. Along the way they'll pass through Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, wander past Mt. Shasta and Rainier, and over Snoqualmie Pass and northern Cascade Mountains.

As I mentioned, both men will be trekking to raise funds for their own individual causes. For Tim, a former military officer who served for 11 years, that cause is the Operation Warrior Wellness program. OWW seeks to help veterans suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder through the use of Transcendental Meditation techniques. Zach on the other hand will be walking to raise funds and awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system of those afflicted. Zach has a close family member who has struggled with CF their entire life and so his efforts will go towards helping the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Once underway next week, you'll be able to follow Tim and Zach's progress on their website Trek4ACause.com or on their Trek4ACause Facebook page. Good luck guys and enjoy the PCT.

Thanks to Amanda Lee for sharing this great story!