Introduction

If you’d like to submit a link to a timely (fresh) story for us to consider including in our next installment, please send it along to submissions@backpackinglight.com with the subject line “BPL NEWS DIGEST”.

Top Stories

New Studies Show That Increased Arctic Temperatures May be Affecting Mid-Latitude Weather Patterns

Professor Edward Hannah and Ph.D. Student Richard Hall ( University of Sheffield ) are in the process of researching what effect increasing temperatures in the Arctic have on other parts of the world. They have theorized that the increased temperatures in the Arctic during 2014 added to the extreme weather that was happening in the U.S. and U.K. Arctic temperatures are increasing two to three times faster than the temperatures in mid-level latitudes. Their theories point to this as a cause for a wavier jet stream and weaker upper-level westerly winds, which was likely the reason for the cold weather in the Eastern Seaboard and Midwestern United States in the last two years. Professor Hannah is quoted as saying “Our work presents tantalising new evidence of links between global warming, which is enhanced in high northern latitudes, and recent extreme winter weather events in the UK and further afield, as well as a timely review of much recent literature which has appeared in this important field of research. However, since the climate system is highly complex, many missing parts of the puzzle remain and much further work needs to be done.”

• Read the full report from Eureka Alert.

Will El Nino Save California From Drought?

The Drought in California has continued for the last four years. There has been a talk of the El Nino in this coming winter that could bring enough rainfall to relieve the situation. However, Climatologists say that it is too soon to estimate that El Nino would be able to alleviate or end the current drought. After all, in thirty-five years California has only experienced two major El Nino’s. Those were in 1982-83 which produced 18.26 inches of rain in the San Diego area. The other was in 1997-98 which brought 17.78 inches of rain, compared to the normal amount of 10.34 inches. Rising ocean climate temperatures have a great part to play in the El Nino. With projections of a rise in Pacific Ocean temperatures of three degrees higher than normal in the upcoming months, the El Nino could be powerful. But Climatologists say that it is still early to tell. “The setup looks promising, but I would be somewhat reserved about going way overboard,” said Climatologist Dan Cayan (Scripps Institution of Oceanography in UC San Diego).

• Read the full report from San Diego Union Tribune .

Top Stories Shorts

YELLOWSTONE PARK RANGERS SAVE MAN’S LIFE – While walking backward to take a photo, a 71 year old man stumbled over a rock barrier and fell twenty-five feet. He was able to stop himself before falling another 200 feet into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. A nearby visitor witnessed the fall and called 911. Park Rangers were able to respond to the emergency. They found the man bracing himself on opposing sides of a crevice with his hands and feet.

NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES OPPOSE REMOVING GRIZZLY BEARS FROM PROTECTED STATUS – Thirty-Five tribes in the United States have united to form an alliance called G.O.A.L which means “Guardians of our Ancestral Legacy”. Included in G.O.A.L are all of the Native American tribes of Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and the Cherokee and Navajo tribes. The tribes are opposing the Grizzly Bear’s removal from the protected status that it currently has. Read more from Wyofile

WILL MCGOUGH HIGHLIGHTS SHORTER HIKES AROUND THE U.S. – According to Outside there are many options for shorter thru-hikes around the U.S. For those of you that may not have the time to take six months off to complete the P.C.T or Appalachian Trail, you may want to consider a shorter trip. Will McGough highlight trails in Vermont, Oregon, California, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and more.

Expeditions

Danakil Depression; Take a Trip Into the Furnace

With daytime temperatures being an average of 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit, volcanoes, bubbling pools of acid water and an elevation that lies 100 meters below sea level, the Danakil Depression is an inhospitable place. It is among the hottest places on Earth based off average temperatures. That doesn’t stop it from being visited every year. Recently Ryan Salm took the trip there to capture images and write about his experiences there.

• Read the full report from Sidetracked.com.

Creighton University Students Make Award Winning Documentary

In the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, a group of Creighton University students began an assignment for the university’s fourth Backpack Journalism Expedition. They were making a film that captured the way of life that has been around for centuries, and the now changing climate’s effects on the way of life that the Yupik people have known. The film named “Mother Kuskokwim” was made by sixteen students and three faculty members. It is now being played in film festivals around the U.S.

• Read the full report from Creighton.edu.

Expedition Shorts

TAKE A WALK UP TO MULTNOMAH FALLS– Steps To Wander shows us the views from Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

FIRST HAMMOCK TRIP – Syntax77 takes his wife on her first hammock backpacking trip in the Shenandoah National Park.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Skills

Five Ways to Make a Fire

Learn five different ways to construct a camp fire. Learn what basics are needed to make fire as well as different arrangements for your fire. Different constructs help with different conditions of weather and intended use of the fire. Remember to only use a campfire if necessary and where legal, safe, and responsible. Please always practice leave no trace Principles before leaving your campsite.

• Read the full report from Indefinitely Wild.

Survive with Cattails

Cattails are not just for admiring. This plant actually has several functions that humans can benefit from, including providing you with nutrients. If you happen to find yourself in a situation without food, remember that the stalks and roots are edible and contain starch. Another benefit is that they usually grow near water. Disclaimer; eating wild edibles is dangerous and should only be practiced under the supervision of a professional instructor.

• Watch the video below to learn more.

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Skills Shorts

LEARN HOW TO TIE A HEEL LOCK – Hey Runners, here is a video on how to keep your heel from slipping up and down inside your shoes from Pop Sugar.

TURN A LOW COST TENT INTO A GREAT TENT – TacBlades turns one of the least expensive tents that he could find into a quality tent. He shares what improvements can be made yourself with a sewing machine, and details about how to make the improvements with a sewing machine.

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KNIFE SELECTION AND SAFETY-Dave Collins shows different types of knife choices and why you would carry that knife backpacking. He also covers knife safety and resharpening in the field.

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Photo of the Week

Backpacking in South Korea

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그는 분명 저 순간에 속으로 말했을 것이다. . . . . . . . . . “아놔! 저 구름들 어쩔” @벙어리임금님 #wildcamping #funkingcrew #camping #ZEROGRAM #PCT_UL #spaceward #enjoyoutdoor #EnjoyOuting #funking #kayaking #kayaker #backpacker #오지캠핑 #캠핑 #백패커 #카약커 #청풍호 #카약캠핑 #backpacking #ReturnToNature #제로그램

A photo posted by From South Korea. @Johnny CHOI (@enjoyoutdoor) on May 9, 2015 at 11:57pm PDT

People

The World Record Freefall

Robert Alan Eustace holds the world record for highest freefall. Mr. Eustace is a retired executive (Google), Computer Scientist, and Adventurer. Working with Paragon, Alan dove from 135,000 feet into the stratosphere. He broke the previous record for highest freefall which was held by Felix Baumgartner (128,000 feet).

• Watch the video below to learn more.

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Get to Know Dan and Janine Patitucci

Image courtesy of Sidetracked

Dan and Janine Patitucci are Mountain Sports Photographers. They are based out of Interlaken Switzerland. They have a very lightweight approach to their business, often carrying one camera body and relying more on the knowledge and skills it takes to make a great photograph instead of weighing themselves down with excessive equipment.

• Read the full report from Sidetracked.

People Shorts

MEET SOME HIKERS ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL – Stickman interviews several Thruhikers on the Appalachian Trail. He is taking trail names, spreading the word about Leave No Trace, and finding out why people hike the Appalachian Trail.

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INTERVIEW WITH ETHAN LEMIEUX – Hike and Tell interviews Thruhiker Ethan Lemieux about the Palmetto Trail

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Gear

Do It Yourself First Aid Kit

When it comes to the choice of first aid kit, what do you include for a lightweight solution? Premade first aid kits are available in many different sizes, with different activities in mind. The idea is to have something small enough to keep in your pocket, but still include main essentials for possible emergencies that you may have on a specific activity. AllOutdoor1 chose to piece together his own kit to meet his personal needs.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles

While these poles have been on the market longer, they still have some nice features. They are a three section pole that features a flick lock instead of some other styles that require you to twist the sections to lock them into place. Sugemery shows some of the reasons he loves these trekking poles.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Gear Shorts

GEAR TALK WITH KIM HAVELL – Pro Skier Kim Havell shares some of her favorite gear.

BACKCOUNTRY EDGE SHOWS THE FEATURES OF THE OSPREY KYTE 36 WOMEN’S BACKPACK-Backcountry Edge offers a look at this backpack designed for women. Highlighting possible uses of the bag, and giving a look at how it adjusts and what the key features are.

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Media

“You’ll Never Stand in Line for a View”

The First 40 Miles is a podcast for beginning backpackers. This episode covers several topics including the explosion in interest in backpacking, the top five things to try on a future backpacking trip, a Summit Gear review of the Crazy CreekHex 2.0 Original Camp Chair, backpack hacks, and a little humor. The hosts Heather and Josh Legler are posting new episodes every Tuesday ensures that you can get some new information often.Listen toThe First 40 Miles here.

Lost and Found

Scientists are discovering that we are losing more ice from the Polar Ice Caps than they previously thought based off satellite images and recent findings. They have also discovered ten new species including a fanged frog that gives birth to tadpoles, and the White Spotted Puffer fish, who makes a symmetrical design in the sand on the ocean floor. Find out more from SciShow.

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Media Shorts

ADVENTURES ON PLANET FRAILEJON

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While Out Riding Shares a Photo from Frailejon

Adventures on Planet Frailejon. http://t.co/XKfObKxRYY pic.twitter.com/tl3enMU9uH
— While Out Riding (@whileoutriding) March 21, 2015

CATCH A RIDE ON THE DEVIL’S RIVER – Outdoors Magazine shares the adventure from The Noble Lab and the Jamestown Revival for some kayaking, fishing and camping.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Introduction

If you’d like to submit a link to a timely (fresh) story for us to consider including in our next installment, please send it along to submissions@backpackinglight.com with the subject line “BPL NEWS DIGEST”.

Top Stories

The 2015 Everest Season – Summits Don’t Matter

Alan Arnette who has been on the Everest scene for years recounts his 2015 season on Mt. Everest. Starting from the beginning of the season with the expectations of what this year’s climb would look like. He speaks of new routes, obstacles, and mountain life on top of the highest place in the world. Leading into, of course, the avalanche that was triggered by the earthquake near Katmandu. His account is detailed and shares the perspective that he has gained from this year’s tragic events.

• Read the full report from Explorer’s Web.

Mount Huashan Trail

Mount Huashan is 7,070 feet high at it’s tallest peak. There are five peaks on this mountain which is located in the Shaanxi province of China. A gondola ride, a hike, and then a walk along the side of the mountain (literally) will lead to a temple that is said to be one of the hardest temples to reach on Earth. The mountain trail has steps that are carved into the rock and there is a boardwalk for part of the journey with safety cables above for you to clip a rented harness onto. If you reach the West Peak of Mount Huashan you enjoy some tea in the Cui Yun Palace.

• Read the full report from the Huffington Post.
• Watch the video below for views of the journey up Mount Huashan.

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Top Stories Shorts

NEW SHUTTLE PLANNED FOR POPULAR NORTH BEND WASHINGTON TRAILS – A new shuttle service is in the works with the aim to reduce traffic congestion along the roads for some of the most popular trails in Washington including Mt. Si.

MORE REASONS TO KEEP AMERICA’S PUBLIC LAND OWNED BY THE PUBLIC – Take another look at the argument for keeping public lands federally owned.

FOCUSSING ON HABITATS TO PROTECT MIGRATORY BIRDS – Scientists are studying bird habits to gain insight into better ways to protecting them.

Expeditions

Lightweight Flying

WiIl Gadd and Gavin McClurg have successfully paraglided 385 miles along the spine of the Canadian Rockies. They Started at McBride Peak and ended at the United States border in Montana. They called their journey the “X-Rockies” paying homage to the Red Bull X-Alps paragliding race. Paragliding over the Canadian Rockies is a risk as most of the route is isolated with a lot of wildlife along the way and few places to land safely.

• Read the full report from Outside Online.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the photo immediately below, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

One of the most ambitious trips ever: 385 miles down the spine of the Canadian Rockies: http://t.co/QHm6m9lX5V pic.twitter.com/ql1t2TRY7G

— Outside Magazine (@outsidemagazine) May 9, 2015

Hiking Alone through South America

Elise Schmelzer is a twenty-one-year-old woman and a student from the University of Missouri. She has decided that she is going to hike through South America alone. She shares some of her desires and inspirations that have her seeking an adventure with the hope that it will send a message to other women.

• Read the full report from USA Today.

Expeditions Shorts

HIKE THE CHEROKEE TRAILS – Follow the footsteps of Appalachia’s first people.

GO KAYAKING INTO PATAGONIA – Sidetracked Magazine reports on the adventure that doged floating ice blocks and watched glaciers from kayaks.

Paddling in Patagonia courtesy of Sidetracked Magazine.

 

MT. WASHINGTON WINTER ASCENT – Watch what it takes to scale Mt. Washington in the winter. IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Photo of the Week

The rugged lands of Bosnia. IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the photo immediately below, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

#OnAssignment on the #ViaDinarica Trail in #Bosnia. Gorgeous #Alpenglow on Otiš yesterday. #backpacking #hiking #ultralight #backpackinglight #wandern #trekking #nature #mountains #sunset #snow A photo posted by Hendrik Morkel (@hendrikm) on May 11, 2015 at 8:24am PDT

Skills

How the Internet is Changing Camping

Two barriers to camping are 1) available information about “good” camping spots, and 2) the gear and equipment to actually camp. Similar to how you might find a restaurant or a hotel, new sites are being created to help you find reviews and information about campsite. Complete with pictures these sites even let you check campsite availability and make reservations online. In the same vein, other sites allow people to rent outdoor gear often at low costs.

• Read the full report from Indefinitely Wild.

Outdoor Adventure Courses

In order to teach the skills that people need to survive and thrive outdoors in an effort to get more people out on adventurers, ex-Royal Air Force Pilot Matt Prior has launched Matt Prior’s Adventure Academy. He promises to turn any participant into a competent adventure but also promises his academy won’t be a walk in the park and says “If you need a hot shower and WiFi each day this is not the course for you.” In addition to the field training, Prior’s courses will also cover the “show-stoppers” things like logistics and finances that often prevent an idea from getting off the ground.

• Checkout the Matt Prior Adventure Academy Website.

Skills Shorts

WHAT’S NEXT? – Alastair Humphreys shares the best way to answer this question when asked after completing a big adventure.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE SHAKES UP CHARITY EXPEDITION PLANS – Dooley International & Six Summits Challenge have decided to cancel their respective charity expeditions in light of the tragedy.

Gear

A Look At Seven Pieces of Gear

Most everyone’s list of items taken on a backpacking trip is different and subject to change depending on the trip you plan to take. Dave Collins gives his opinions on 7 must own backpacking gear items. His list consists of the following: the Sawyer Mini water filter, Petzl E+Lite Headlamp, JetBoil MiniMo, Therm-A-Rest NeoAir, Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent, Ultralight & Watertight .5 Medical Kit, and the Grand Trunk Nano 7 Hammock.

• Read the full report from Clever Hiker.

Mini Q Organizes Your Keys and Has a Knife Built In

The new product called the Mini Q organizes your keys and has a 2.53-inch knife blade built in. It holds four keys and has a pocket clip to keep your keys from being tossed around into your pocket. There are three versions available with different blade shapes and handle materials including brass which is the heaviest version weighing 4.16 oz and costing $54. Titanium which weighs 2.7 oz goes for $68.The aluminum version is the lightest and least expensive at 1.7 oz and costs $39. The blades are made from stainless steel and are available as a drop-point blade with bottle opener at the base of the blade, a standard drop-point blade, and the “Anteater Utility” blade which essentially looks like a bottle opener with a sharpened belly and flat head screwdriver at the tip.

• Read the full report from Gear Junkie.

Gear Shorts

JOHN MUIR TRAIL GEAR LIST – This video shows one man’s gear list for the John Muir Trail.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

People

Author Frederick H. Swanson

Frederick H. Swanson is an environmental historian and author. He moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest over fifty years ago. This is where his love for the outdoors began. He spent twenty-five years working as a publications designer and editor. For eleven of those years, he resided in Montana, where he decided to write full-time. His most current book is titled “Where Roads Will Never Reach: Wilderness and Its Visionaries in the Northern Rockies”. The book touches on the history of wildland preservation in the Northern Rockies, spans several decades even before Congress had passed the Wilderness Act, and highlights the importance of citizens working in the 1950s-60s to protect our wildlands. Swanson will be performing readings from his book in several cities in Montana through the month of May.

• The locations and dates of the readings can be found on Wild Montana.

The World’s oldest Runner

Fauja Singh is 104 years old and still enjoys running. This man started his running career when he was 89 years old. His competitive running stopped two years ago when he turned 102, but he still enjoys running daily. He has completed nine marathons including the London Marathon. Fauja said that he began running as a means to cope with the loss of his wife and son because it forces his mind to focus on what it takes to run. For more information look at the video .

• Checkout the video below to learn more.

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People Shorts

POLAR EXPLORER BEN SAUNDERS LAUNCHES MAGAZINE – Avaunt Magazine will cover fashion, outdoor gear, and luxury lifestyle products.

50 MOST ADVENTUROUS MEN – Men’s Journal publishes this list which includes Erik Weihenmeyer who has climbed Everest and kayaked the Grand Canyon withouth the aid of sight.

Media

Increasing Hiker Traffic on the PCT

The Pacific Crest Trail has been increasing in hiker traffic. With increases of website traffic, registrations, and information requests also increasing this year. This video points to recent media attention with movies like “Wild” possibly bringing more new hikers from all around seeking the adventure and views that they have seen on the big screen.

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Mountain Biking and Uranium

Watch Matt Burt and friends mountain bike around the white rim trail outside Moab Utah.

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Remembering to Invest in the Future

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“Those who have the humility of a child may find again the key to … kinship with all life.” -J Allen Boone pic.twitter.com/4tdPlMLSXX

— Wilderness Society (@Wilderness) May 9, 2015

The Wilderness Society Shares a Photo

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“Not to have known…either the mountain or the desert is not to have known one’s self.” -Joseph Wood Krutch pic.twitter.com/5ONbzMUMET — Wilderness Society (@Wilderness) May 11, 2015

Introduction

If you’d like to submit a link to a timely (fresh) story for us to consider including in our next installment, please send it along to submissions@backpackinglight.com with the subject line “BPL NEWS DIGEST”.

Top Stories

Nepal’s Earthquake Causes Devastating Avalanche on Mt. Everest

An earthquake that registered 7.8 on the Richter scale in Nepal has caused an avalanche on Mt.Everest, ending the lives of eighteen climbers. The United States Geological Survey detected twelve aftershocks measuring up to 6.7. The earthquake occurred on Saturday before noon local time. Helicopters have been dispatched to evacuate the injured.

Seismologists have been expecting a major earthquake in western Nepal, because the Northern Eurasian plate and the Indian Plate have been grinding together building up pressure. This is also the second year in a row that there has been a major avalanche on Mt. Everest. Last year a large icefall broke from the mountain’s south side, killing 16 of 30 sherpas that were crossing the Golden Gate.

According to the Guardian, since Saturday the number of fatalities has risen to 5,000 confirmed deaths and 6,500 injured, and the count of fatalities could as much as double as more progress is made in finding victims. The UN says that over 8 million people have been affected.

Seventeen climbers were killed and thirty-seven climbers injured by the avalanche. One climber who perished was a Google Executive/Engineer Dan Fredinburg.

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Dan Fredinburg, Google Exec, Killed in Mt. Everest Avalanche http://t.co/hpZ3q2lMC6 pic.twitter.com/8vX0YlhdVL

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 25, 2015

He was part of the Jagged Globe camp which was effected by the avalanche severely. Strangely, he had been at Everest last year at Camp 1 above the Khumbu Icefall when that avalanche happened. Fredinburg was quoted at the time saying, “There was this massive shudder and I thought I was going to die. It was terrifying. I grabbed my helmet and my ice axe and rushed out of the tent and threw my ice axe into the ground. Basically, we were the last people through the icefall before it happened.” Many doctors are on the scene treating the victims. One of these, Dr. Nima Namgyal has been posting updates with photos via Facebook. “Many camps have been destroyed by the shake and wind from the avalanche,” and “All the doctors here are doing our best to treat and save lives.” Our thoughts and prayers are for peace for anyone suffering loss from this terrible natural disaster.

• Read the full report from The Guardian.

• Google’s Lawrence You released a statement on Google Plus yesterday at 2.21 P.M. regarding the loss of Dan Fredinburg, and announcing that Google has opened Person Finder(1) in order to aid in recovering lost people in Nepal.

• Check out the Jagged Globe site.

• Check out Dr. Nima Namgya’s Facebook page.

• Watch the report below from the BBC.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

The U.S. Outdoor Act of 2015

Aims to boost consumer spending by $646 billion on outdoor related products and increase U.S. outdoor industry jobs by 6.1 million. The act is a bipartisan piece of legislation that creates new definitions and tariff classifications in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule for “recreational performance outerwear”, and does away with the import duties on these products. This is supposed to reduce the cost of performance outerwear for consumers since some outdoor apparel has import tariffs that are as much as thirty percent. The bill also creates the Sustainable Textile and Apparel Research fund supporting the research and development of sustainable textile and apparel supply chains.

• Read the full report surrounding the issues from Angling Trade.

Top Stories Shorts

CONFLICT CAUSES CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF THE SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL – Land owner Randy Bowe owns 380 acres between Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls state parks in the Great Lakes area. He has come to the decision to close the part of the trail that runs through his private property because of conflicts with hikers that pass through. RARE FLIPPED ICEBERG – Approximately ninety percent of an iceberg is submerged under water. Alex Cornell recently captured views of the bottom of an iceberg that flipped in the water. This is not usual, as icebergs are most commonly seen right side up, covered in snow and debris, but the underside of the iceberg proved to be something quite rare and beautiful. Alex mentions that he would have loved to get a closer look, but there is a certain level of danger to being near an iceberg in motion as the force from an iceberg flipping can cause waves that carry enough force to cause a tsunami.

Expeditions

Tripping Through the North York Moors

A new entry in the books for BackpackingBongos details a trip through Newtondale in the North York Moors. Many photos are included to give you a look at the United Kingdom’s country side. The trip passes through “The Grand Canyon of Yorkshire” Horcom Hole where the terrain is varied.

• Read the full report from Backpacking Bongos.

Climbing in Turkey

Liam Lonsdale’s shares photos and stories from his trip to Turkey to climb Horguc Margara. Get a descriptive look at the trip from Liam, as well as many photos. He talks about the climbing conditions, his fellow climbers, and the local food in Turkey.

• Read the full report from Sidetracked Magazine.

Expedition Shorts

DENALI NATIONAL PARK SHARES ADVENTURES WITH THE YOUTH – Denali Backcountry Adventures gives the student the opportunity to decide where they want to explore in the Denali Wilderness. FEED THE RAT – Alastair Humphreys shares one of his favorite books which talks about the spirit within that calls for adventure.

Photo of the Week

Beautiful day for a hike. IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the photo immediately below, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

A photo posted by Hendrik Morkel (@hendrikm) on Apr 18, 2015 at 1:06pm PDT

Skills

Getting Lost While Hiking is not the Goal

Don’t find yourself alone without the necessities – The items that you choose to bring on your hike can become your most valuable tools for survival if you are lost. Amy Whitley shares her take on how not to get lost on a hike, what to do if you are lost, and five items that you can keep in your bag all the time to increase your chances of survival.

• Read the full report from Fix.

Ranger Mike Shows His Techniques for Using a Signaling Mirror

A mirror reflecting the sun can be seen for several miles, but using a mirror is not the only option. In this video Ranger Mike explains the conditions needed to use a mirror for signaling, some different items that you can use for signaling, techniques of use, and what the universal sign of distress means and how to use it. The end of the video shows a long distance shot of each item covered in use so that you can get an idea of what you would look like if you were effectively signaling for aid.

• Checkout the video below to learn more.

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Skills Shorts

TAROMOVIES SWISS BUSHCRAFT BUILDS A SURVIVAL BOW AND ARROW WITH NO TOOLS OR EQUIPMENT. – Checkout the video below to learn how.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Gear

Section Hiker and Rain Chaps

Section Hiker had a chance to test out something new from Sierra Designs. The Elite Rain Chaps from Sierra Designs are intended to be a solution for wet weather that keep not only your legs dry, but when paired with a poncho or a long parka they will help keep your crotch dry. The idea is that having this area open as opposed to a traditional rain pant, you will have air flow beneath your parka.

• Read the full report from Section Hiker.

A Lightweight Stove with Integrated Stand

The Reactor Single Billet 6061 Aluminum Camp Stove is a personal sized stove that can use multiple fuel sources or be placed into a wood fire. There is a single spike on the bottom of the stove that is meant to be driven into the ground as a stand. Sixteen holes drilled into the bottom of the stove draw air through to the heat source, and there are notches cut out of the top of all sides for the hot air to escape. It is large enough to handle a larger cook pot and will boil enough water for a dehydrated meal.

• Watch the video below to learn more.

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Gear Shorts

PROS AND CONS OF ARCTEREX NEW TAKE ON THE HIKING BOOT. – Indefinitely Wild takes a look at the issue.

FUGOO OUTDOOR BLUETOOTH SPEAKER BRINGS MUSIC TO THE OUTDOORS – Gear Junkie reviews the Fugoo outdoor bluetooth speaker which has six speakers, multiple case options, and survived a drop from an overpass. Some of the configurations include the ability to clip it to a harness, and mount it to a bicycle. Forty hours of battery life make this speaker something to consider if you have to take music with you on multi-day expeditions.

People

Craig Weiland

Craig Weiland in a weekend backpacking trip has collected a new single celled organism for scientific research. Craig is a volunteer for Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation. He has been using his hiking trips to collect samples for the ASC.

I contacted the ASC and they informed me that Craig has been working with them since 2012, and has taken on more projects than any other volunteer. In addition to collecting diatoms, he has participated in Pacific coastal marten survey on the Olympic Peninsula, the Landmark wildlife research program on the American Prairie Reserve, and he’s now signed up for the freshwater micro-plastics research. Craig also has another species named after him: Encyonopsis Weilandii.

Kurtkramerria Weilandii is the new diatom that was collected by Craig was named partly after him and also after German diatom researcher Kurt Kramer. The sample was then given to Dr. Loren Bahls who discovered the new diatom. Craig was able to collect the sample on a weekend trip in the Olympic mountains in Washington.

• Read about this new discovery and diatoms from National Geographic.
• Find out more about the Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation.

People Shorts

PACKRAFTING IN SCOTLAND – Topofests writes how friends got together for some snowy packrafting.

CRAIG ROMANO GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON OVERCROWDED TRAILS – Mountaineers.org shares Romano’s thoughts on crowded trails.

Media

“Do More With Less”

A film by Eric Timmerman and Travis Barron that interviews over 100 different through hikers that have traveled the Pacific Crest Trail. The film provides a look into life away from the normal societal human activities, the beautiful scenery that can be seen along the trail which spans from Mexico to Canada, and what lies in between.

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Dave Collins Hiking the Oregon Coast

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If you like my pics, (and I hope you do!) you’ll love today’s post on my #Oregon coast #hike http://t.co/u6tgV54CnC pic.twitter.com/siUBrOJKlM

— Dave Collins (@CleverHiker) April 22, 2015

Pmags Shares some Inspiration

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A little inspiration on this #EarthDay “As I walk, As I walk, the universe is walking with me” A photo posted by Paul Mags (@pmagsco) on Apr 22, 2015 at 2:05pm PDT

Everest Diagram

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As the rescue starts in #Napal & on #Everest our thoughts are with those affected by this catastrophic disaster. pic.twitter.com/lQjasOjAxy

— Cora McKenna (@McKennaCora) April 26, 2015

Everest Avalanche

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MT@SFGate: #NepalQuake triggered avalanche on #Everest http://t.co/EG70MsWZ7V pic.twitter.com/5hlW0VELtU — Zenzo L (@ZenzoLusengo) April 26, 2015

Mountain Bikes and Bothy Nights

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Alastair Humphreys shares some beautiful footage of the Scottish countryside as he talks about the Bothy; a small shelter that is open to the public that provides just the bare essentials needed to experience a night away from the rigors of our societal lives.

Introduction

If you’d like to submit a link to a timely (fresh) story for us to consider including in our next installment, please send it along to submissions@backpackinglight.com with the subject line “BPL NEWS DIGEST”.

Top Stories

SA 838 Passes, What Does it Mean for Our Public Lands?

The Senate has narrowly passed a vote (51-49) to establish a spending-neutral reserve fund relating to the disposal of certain Federal land in SA 838. As this action was a budgetary amendment it holds no legal precedence and is rather a philosophical support for the growing trend of federal lands transfer. However this vote could mean that in the future the United States National Forest land and other wildlife preserves could be owned by individual states. Opponents of the amendment worry that transferring federal lands to the states will result in these lands being sold off to private entities as a way to balance budgets and increase revenue streams. Opponents worry that this will result in decreased access to many of the areas used by the public for hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking. Proponents emphasize that transferring federal lands to the States does not mean they will be sold off – rather it gives the States power to better manage lands within their borders. The amendment does forbid the sale or transfer of National Parks and Monuments furthering the protection for these historic sites.

• Take a look at the amendment’s text.
• Read the a report from Back-Country Hunters and Anglers.
• Here’s a link to how the Senate Voted.

At the Top of the World

One year ago an avalanche took the lives of 16 sherpas on Mt. Everest. Last fall a team from ESPN went to the region to chronicle the story. The result of their journey was a film showing the events that lead to their deaths and the ways in which the Sherpa community responded. On April 18, 2014 just as the climbing season was starting, a bottleneck was created along the Everest route as Sherpas heading up to set the route for their clients waited to cross a couloir using a defective ladder. Without much warning, an ice and snow avalanche fell from above trapping the Sherpas. This incident highlighted the dangers of the job to the Sherpas and the rest of the world. In a region where most people are extremely poor, the Sherpas line of work allows them to double or triple the average income in just a few months of work. The Sherpas have been crucial in making Everest such a prized destination for the climbing world – some Sherpas estimate that without support less than 5% of mountaineers would reach the summit. Each year the Nepalese government rakes in millions of dollars from climbing and permitting fees. After this incident the Sherpas began to demand that an increased percentage would benefit them directly through expanded life insurance and other benefits.

• Read an article from Outside Online written a year ago about the deadly incident.
• Outside Online reports on whether or not the presence of helicopters will make Everest safer.
• Checkout the video below:

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Top Stories Shorts

SHOW OUR TRAILS SOME LOVE – The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day event registration is now open. If you would like to organize an event to help clean up trails, or find one in your area follow the link. SCIENTISTS MAKE WALKING EASIER – Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a device that uses a spring to store and release energy in a manner that makes walking 7% more efficient. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK HALTS RESERVATIONS TO WONDERLAND TRAIL – Following a record year of reservation requests, Rainier is no longer giving out permits for the 93-mile trail for 2015. SCIENCE SHOWS WHY WE SHOULD SPEND MONEY ON EXPERIENCE VS. THINGS – Jay Cassano writes about how science shows that we are more happy with spending our money on our activities rather than material goods. IT’S BEAR WEEK – Brooks Range Wildlife Biologist Kyle Joly talks about his duty to take care of the bears who call this area home. AN HOUR IN SPACE – Astronauts on the International Space Station pieced together GoPro footage of their duties while in space. IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the video immediately below, or see a “Sorry…” message in the video player, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Expeditions

The Ultimate Challenge

A race to the North Pole has been announced by the Mamont Foundation. Said to be the ultimate challenge and ski race with competitors from around the world. The competition aims to capture the essence of polar exploration, teams will race from the eighty-ninth degree north to the North Pole. The route will cover 60 nautical miles on skis pulling pulks behind them with all of their equipment. The list of team captains includes David Hemplemam-Adams who leads an all British team, French explorers François Bernard, Christian de Marliave and Jean Gabriel Leynaud, and the women’s team lead by Denmark’s Bettina Aller. There will be competitors from Sweden, Italy, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the U.S.A. and Denmark. The race day start is April 15th 2015, and the arrival at the North Pole is set for April 21, 2015.

• Read the full report from Mamot.

King’s Canyon High Basin Route – Best Route in the Sierras

Andrew Skurka introduces us to this route in the Sierra as part of his “Short is the New Long” effort designed to help get people outdoors exploring the geographic features near them. The King’s Canyon High Basin Route is 120 miles of off-trail backpacking in one of the “finest backpacking routes in the world”. The route is remote crossing miles of terrain above 10,000 feet and meeting other backpackers is unexpected. Due to a starting and ending location on the same side of the Sierra Range logistics are simplified and there are options for section hikers.

• Read the full report from Andrew Skurka.

Expedition Shorts

JOURNALING FROM EVEREST – Greg Vernovage shares his daily experiences leading an expedition to the Everest summit giving you a detailed perspective of what it takes to survive life on the world’s tallest mountain. NORTH POLE MARATHON 2015 – Adventure Blog writes about the North Pole Marathon where twenty-two countries are represented, 45 competitors race to the Pole, running in some of the world’s coldest conditions on the frozen Arctic Ocean. JOURNEY ON THE SANTA CRUZ – Sidetracked.com shares Leon McCarron’s experiences on the Santa Cruz River in Patagonia as he mirrors the journey that Charles Darwin made 180 years ago.

Exploring Patagonia by horse and foot. Courtesy of Sidetracked Magazine.

 

Photo of the Week

This weeks featured photo is from the Tetons from last September, remember to use the hashtag #backpackinglight for a chance to see your photo featured. IMPORTANT: If you don’t see the photo immediately below, just click this link to refresh the page, and you’ll be good.

Throwback to a sunset in the mountains. The end of day 2 in the Teton Range last September with @l2photo. #backpackinglight #goatworthy #modernhiker #wildernessculture #backpacking #grandteton A photo posted by Ryan Stanley (@rynstnly) on Apr 9, 2015 at 3:20pm PDT

Skills

Find it, Map it, Plan it, Pack it, Do it

Find the ideal place for your next adventure. Get logistical planning tips from Paul Magnanti about knowing the conditions on the ground. Paul recommends that you perform a Google search for areas that may not be in your local area to find out about the weather in what month of the year you plan to make your trip. You will be able to find out weather history, if local ski resorts are still open in that month it would be an indication on the gear that would be required. Using a Benchmark Atlas to see the difference between BLM land, national monuments and wilderness areas, with overviews and detailed maps as well. He suggests that it is also a good idea to call the local BLM office or Department in charge of the area that you plan to travel to get specifics for regulations and possible permits that could be required.

• Read the full report from Paul Mags.

Leave No Trace on the Appalachian Trail

If everyone who hiked the Appalachian Trail practiced Leave No Trace principles, the Appalachian Trail Conservatory could be saving a lot of work as hikers have been a contributor to the two main problems that the ATC addresses each year. Laurie Potteiger is the Information Services Manager for the ATC. She explained that the two main issues that they have seen in recent years has been graffiti, whether it be on boulders, trees, or shelters as well as the improper disposal of human waste. There are over 2.5 million hikers that travel the trail each year. Whether this concept is new to you or if you’ve been hiking with this idea in mind here is a quick list of leave no trace principles as cited from the Boy Scouts of America.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack it in, pack it out)
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Read the full report from Gossamer Gear.
• Checkout the Boy Scouts Of America’s Leave No Trace Principles to learn how to put them into practice.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is known for it’s beautiful desert scenery, hiking trails, and climbing locations. There are also many varieties of wild flowers currently blooming. The Park was first established in 1936 as a National Monument to protect the desert vegetation that was being picked and planted in other locations. The park publishes a detailed catalog showing which flowers are blooming now in which parts of the park.

• Check out the catalog from the National Park Service.

Skills Shorts

DON’T LET A RIVER RUN YOU OVER – Dave Collins shares his ideas on how to safely ford a river.

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AN EASIER WAY TO CROSS A RIVER – In India, there are bridges spanning rivers made from living roots; they may work better than fording if you have time to wait for them to grow.

HEY PACKRAFTERS, HOLDING YOUR BREATH IS USEFUL – Mark Healey shares his tactics like taking deep breaths beforehand and the mindset that enables him to hold his breath for a while: 3 and a half minutes to be exact.

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BACKPACKERS LEARN FIVE KNOTS – Wes Siler shows how to tie five knots. The bowline hitch, two half hitches, tautline hitch, figure eight, and a trucker’s hitch. With pictures of the process posted in GIF form.

TRAIL WISDOM FROM TOM JAMROG – Tom Jamrog has hiked over 10,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail. He recently gave a seminar on survival skills, and his experiences over the years, and shattering the two most common questions that he is asked, “Did you go alone?” and “Did you take a gun?”

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Gear

360 Degrees of Video Immersion

Youtube has currently opened a video uploading platform that supports 360 degree video, which if you don’t know means that you have the ability to press a button on screen which allows you to look in every direction around the camera, just like if you were there and you were turning your head! As of now the feature is only available in the chrome browser, and cameras that record 360 degree footage are a fairly new development. The Ricoh Theta 360 is one of those cameras. Weighing in at 95 grams (3.35 ounces), it has the capability to pair with your smartphone for extra controls, records three minutes of video in 1080p and has an MSRP of 299.99. Hikosaemon discusses the excitement, and potential about this small camera as well as some of the cons.

• Watch the video below to learn more.

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Exped Lightning 60 Liter Backpack

The Exped Lightning 60 Liter pack is a lightweight, multi-day backpack with a large capacity. It’s list of features include a roll top closure which closes in two different ways, either clip it together or clip it to side straps that are near the water bottle pockets. A compression system consisting of straps (webbing style) that criss-cross around the body of the pack and over the top. The straps are also removable and can be reconfigured to attach at different points to carry different shaped items outside the pack. There is an inner pocket for holding valuables, or smaller items. Two side pockets on the outside of the bag at the bottom. The frame is an aluminum stay that is removable and a cross piece that is sewn into the bag across the top of the pack in the shape of a T. The vertical aluminum stay slides into two reinforced slots on this cross piece and also at the bottom at the hip belt. There is a lumbar pad on the hip belt at the base of the aluminum stay to help with support. You can flip it down to remove the stay from it’s slot. There are two zippered pockets on hip belt, one on the left side and one on the right. One large buckle which features an attached cinch hold the hip belt closed and offer a bit of fine adjustment. The Torso length of the pack is adjustable from 17 inches to 22.5 inches, weight is 2 pounds 7 oz. (1.10 kilograms) and the body of the backpack is made of ripstop nylon.

• Read the full report from Section Hiker.

Gear Shorts

DREAM GEAR LIST COMPILED – Chris MacNamara has compiled a list of “Dream Gear” that aims to highlight the best gear for hiking inspired backpacking, or crossover inspired trips where you may want a balance of camping and hiking.

TARPTENT MADE IN AMERICA – Gear Junkie talks to Henry Shires of Tarptent about their products made in the U.S.A, durability, what makes Tarptent different than competitors, why they only sell direct, and how a background of physics impacts Tarptent’s shelter design.

People

The World’s Fastest Man On a Bike Just Got Faster

The fastest man on a mountain bike just set a new world record in a down hill ride that began atop the tallest mountain peak in Vars France. Eric Barone is fifty-four years old and this is not the first time he has broken the world record for speed on a mountain bike, or the first mountain peak that he has raced down attempting to better his records. Barone has added his newest accomplishment to a list of previous achievements which include riding down twenty volcanos in Nicaragua, Mount Fuji in Japan, Etna and Stromboli in Sicily, Mauna Kea and Kilauea in Hawaii, and Nevado De Teluca in Mexico. This time he has bested his own record by descending the tallest slope of Vars France which boasts a slope of 98% at 2700 Meter altitude. Barone reached a top speed of 138.75219 miles per hour (223.3 Kilometers per hour).

• Watch the video below to see how the record unfolded.

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Packrafting in Nepal

Outdoor enthusiast Jeremie Lamart doesn’t let a knee injury sideline his plans for adventure in Nepal. He originally planned to climb Lobouche, but finding out about his knee being what would seemingly become the end of a trip before it had started was not going to keep him from having some great adventures. With tickets already booked, he made the decision to turn his trip into a packrafting journey through some of the great rivers that run through Nepal.

• Check out the video below to learn more.

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Packrafting Nepal from Injuring Eternity on Vimeo.

People Shorts

THE DAY THAT CHANGED IT ALL – Nick Gibb overcame a devastating leg injury that he sustained in 2004. Now he continues his love for the outdoors and completes the Leadville 100 mountain bike race.

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NO HANDS CLIMBING – Wayne Sharrocks recently had the opportunity to film and interview veteran climber Johnny Dawes about his passion for no handed climbing.

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CLIMBING IN THE PHILIPPINES – Take a peek at the S.P.O.T. Project climbing adventures in the Philippines with James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini.

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Media

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106 yrs after Matthew Henson, Joy, Og, Amiee & Moni Amazu: the 1st black family at the North Pole @thechallenge100 pic.twitter.com/5FOXysv4TC

— Martin Hartley (@MartinRHartley) April 13, 2015

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Goodbye to Longyearbean. Heading further North to 90 Degrees, tonight… pic.twitter.com/vrRCSa3riw — Martin Hartley (@MartinRHartley) April 11, 2015

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Friday night’s Anglesey cliff-top bivvy. St Patrick was shipwrecked here. Exceptionally windy. pic by @mattmercian pic.twitter.com/Y63cvrDseK

— Jack Thurston (@jackthurston) April 13, 2015

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Five star accommodations. Room for two. Fireplace. View of river out front door. #tarplife #getoutside #frontrange @hyperlite_mountain_gear A photo posted by Noel Worden (@noelworden) on Apr 12, 2015 at 10:30am PDT

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN FINALE LIGURE ITALY

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