Outside Gives Us the 5 Best Deals in Outdoor Gear

In early October, Bass Pro Shops purchased Cabela's, essentially merging two of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. But, since these stores mainly focus on fishing and hunting – something that I rarely talk about on this blog – the news mostly went unnoticed by the climbing/mountain biking/trail running community, most of whom prefer to shop at a place like REI rather than one of these giant outlet stores. Now, Outside magazine is taking a look at what Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's has to offer, and providing readers with some tips on what they'll find there, as well as the best bargains to be had as well.

Amongst the tips that Outside has to offer are that these stores offer plenty of great gear for car campers in particular where when and size is not a major issue. They also say that both shops are great for purchasing rods and reels, but you're better served buying your flies elsewhere. Finally, they also recommend that you take your time when visiting Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's as these outlets are quite large and it takes awhile to sift through everything, particularly if you're looking for good deals.

Speaking of which, Outside also offers their picks for the best bargains to be found inside these stores as well. Those bargains include a 6-person tent from Bass Pro that costs just $100, a 3-pack of 200-lumen flashlights for $25, and a 20ºF sleeping bag from Coleman that is priced at $50. The magazine also recommends a $20 jug for bringing plenty of water to the campsite and a $13 compass from Brunton for navigating the way.

While not all of those items will necessarily come in handy for your next trip, they are a good reminder that Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's have some affordable gear that is useful in the outdoors no matter what activities you're taking part in. I'm not a hunter or much of a fisherman (I'm learning to fly fish and enjoy it though!) but I do like good gear that doesn't break the bank. I think we'll find that at one of these outlets, even if REI and similar stores cater more to our needs.

Patagonia to Close All Stores in the U.S. for Election Day

Last week I posted the news that REI would once again close all of its stores – and website – for Black Friday here in the U.S. Now, we have word that another major gear manufacturer is following suit for another very important day in America. Last week, Patagonia announced that it would close all of its retail outlets, its cooperate headquarters, and important distribution centers to on November 8, which is election day in the U.S.

The move comes as part of Patagonia's Vote Our Planet initiative, which encourages us to support candidates that take a tough stand on environmental issues, something that should be of major concern for all outdoor enthusiasts. The idea is to rally around men and women who are running for office that are looking to preserve the planet for future generations and protect wildlife and wild spaces.

“During a time of catastrophic environmental crisis, when America needs strong leadership to confront the fundamental threat of climate change, voter turnout threatens to reach historic lows as people are turned off by the ugliness of politics,” said Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. “As a business, we have a unique ability to take a stand and choose to prioritize the health of the planet over profit, and I think it’s important we take that opportunity when it truly matters. We want to do everything possible to empower citizens to make their voices heard and elect candidates up and down the ballot who will protect our planet.”

Obviously the presidential election to be held next week is an important one for many reasons. I don't often use this blog as a place to make a political statement or support any one candidate over another. But I will say that the future of the country, and perhaps the world, rests in the hands of who will be elected to the White House on November 8. While I have my own opinions on who should or should not be in charge, what is most important to me is that everyone get out to vote. Patagonia is making that a little easier, at least for its own employees and customers. 

If you care about the environment, do a little research on the candidates in your area and get out and vote for the ones that are looking at ways to make things better moving forward. We are at a critical point when it comes to climate change and other environmental factors, and now is the time to have our voices heard. Vote on November 8 to at least play a role in that process. 

Video: GoPro Celebrates One Year Anniversary of the GoPro Awards

Last October, GoPro announced a novel program in which they paid users of their Hero cameras for sharing epic clips of their adventures. The program has become an overwhelming success to say the least. Over the course of the past 12 months, they have received submissions from 196 countries and paid out over $1 million in cash. To celebrate the first anniversary of the GoPro Awards, they've put together this short but sweet video comprised of clips from some of the best submissions the company has seen. The program still continues, so if you have awesome footage to share, find out how you can submit it here.

REI Invites Us to #OptOutside Again This Fall

Last fall, gear retailer REI made headlines when it announced that it would close all of its brick and mortar stores, as well as online shop, on the biggest shopping day of the year – Black Friday. Instead of chasing the almighty dollar on a day that should be about spending time with your family, the company elected to give all of its employees the day off, and encourage them – as well as the rest of us – to head outside for an adventure. They even used the hashtag #OptOutside to promote the movement, which was adopted by several other outdoor brands like Outdoor Research as well.

Yesterday, REI announced that it will again be closed on Black Friday, and that it is encouraging its employees and customers to skip the crazy shopping madness that is typical for the day, and instead head outside to enjoy some time with nature. That means that on November 25 all 149 REI stores will be closed, and the company's more than 12,000 employees will be free to spend time with friends and family, as well as pursue their favorite outdoor adventures.

In addition to that, over 275 national and local organizations are joining in on the fun this year as well. Those entities will also be encouraging their communities to #OptOutside on Black Friday too, as this movement seems to be picking up even more steam heading into its second year.

REI has also launched an activity finder on the #OptOutside website to help you find organized events, and other things to do, on November 25. That search engine lists local hikes, trail running outings, organized mountain bike rides, climbing excursions, skiing trips, and more. If you're at a loss for things to do where you live, this will surely help.

Obviously REI received a ton of publicity for its decision to close its doors on Black Friday last year. The company more than made up the revenue it would have made on that day with the exposure it received with the #OptOutside campaign. But it would be easy to dismiss this as just a marketing scheme if I hadn't met some of the representatives of the company a few weeks back. It is clear that the gear retailer genuinely cares about helping its staff, members, and customers to get outside and enjoy their time in nature, and while #OptOutside has been a good marketing campaign, the people who run the company definitely believe in the message they are sharing too. You don't find that in too many companies these days, and it is refreshing to say the least.

This attitude also makes it easy to want to support REI too. Which is exactly what I'll be doing on November 25. Hopefully you will too.

Casting Call: Adventure Capitalists is Looking For Outdoor Entrepreneurs

Do you have a great idea for a product or business that revolves around the outdoors or adventure travel? Are you looking for funding to get that idea off the ground? If so, the Adventure Capitalists want to hear from you. 

If you're not familiar with Adventure Capitalists, it is a television show on CNBC that features three hosts – Jeremy Bloom, Craig Cooper, and Dhani Jones – who also happen to be businessmen who are looking to invest in great ideas that revolve around the outdoors. They bring on potential partners to pitch them on their idea, and if they like what they hear they just might buy in and help get the project funded. The format is similar to ABC's Shark Tank, which has been a popular show for a number of years now. 

As Adventure Capitalists gears up for a new season, the producers have put out a casting call for new guests to have on the show. The team is looking for outdoor entrepreneurs who are looking for investors to help them take their products from a simple idea to reality. If that sounds like you, you can apply to be on the program by clicking here.  (Before applying, you may want to first check out the list of eligibility requirements as well. Those include being over 18 years of age, and a citizen of the U.S. or hold a visa to work within that country)

If you haven't seen the show before, it really is quite interesting. Some of the products that are pitched to the hosts are quite remarkable, while others are bit silly. It is fun to see what kind of ideas are floating around out there, and you might even recognize some of the people who are sharing their ideas. For instance, on one episode the founders of SlingFin tents appeared looking for funding on some new projects that they are working on. 

This is a legitimate opportunity to turn your great idea into a legitimate product. If you think you have what it takes, head on over to the Adventure Capitalists website now and apply for your chance to be on the show. Good luck! 

Video: The North Face Invites Us to Question Madness

The North Face has just launched a new marketing campaign using the hashtag #QuestionMadness. Much like the famous "Think Different" ads from Apple Computers back in the day, this campaign introduces us to some of TNF's sponsored athletes. People like Conrad Anker, Alex Honnold, and Renan Ozturk, who are pushing the edge of adventure and exploration. Are they mad or are they geniuses? That is the question, and in this beautiful video we get an opportunity to see them doing what they do best, while we ponder whether or not it is all worth it or why they pursue these challenges. If you read this blog with regularity, you probably already know the answer to that. Particularly on your own personal level. Enjoy!

Men's Journal Gives Us 14 Epic One Day Adventures

Last Friday was a National Day of Adventure, and while I wasn't in the country to celebrate, you can bet I was off on an adventure of my own that day. Hopefully you took advantage of the opportunity and hit your favorite trail, climbed a new route, paddled some open water, or did something equally fun as part of the celebration. But if not, Men's Journal is here to help with a list of 14 epic adventures that you can do in a single day.
Whether you like ride a mountain or road bike, prefer to hike on your own two feet, or are down for some aquatic adventures, this list has something for you. For instance, some of the suggestions that earn a nod from the MJ editors include a hike to the summit of 5267-foot (1605 meter) Mount Katahdin in Maine or trekking through the Vermilion Cliffs of Arizona. Other options range from riding a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail on your mountain bike to cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. And for those who prefer their adventures to be waterborne, the list suggests running the Upper Gauley River in West Virginia, which is at its peak this time of year with Class III to V rapids.

I won't spoil the entire list, as half the fun is discovering what adventures actually made the cut. Needless to say however, there some great suggestions here with destinations spread out across the entire U.S. Chances are, you live fairly close to several of these places, and could potentially fit one or two of them in on a busy weekend.

Of course, this list is also a good reminder that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure just outside our door at all times. Perhaps its time to head out and explore some of those options and remember why there is no place like home.

Video: The Official Trailer for Planet Earth II

Way back in 2006 – when this blog was still in its infancy – a groundbreaking television show called Planet Earth was released. Narrated by the incomparable David Attenborough, it went on to capture the imagination of millions of viewers, and set a high-water mark for nature documentaries that has yet to be surpassed in my opinion. Now, the BBC is back at it and will release Planet Earth II in November. We recently got a sneak peek at what we can expect in the form of a 2+ minute long trailer, which you'll find below. When it was released a decade ago, the original series was filmed in high definition, revealing to the public just how stunning that format could me. Now, the show has been filmed at 4K resolutions, which is just as dramatic of a leap forward as HD. As you'll see, the team behind this program looks like they delivered on the epic heritage of the original. I can't wait to see it.

Majorcan Adventures: Exploring a Mediterranean Paradise

After a very long and busy year of travel that has seen me snowshoeing in Canada, mountain biking in California and Colorado, hiking in Utah, traveling by horseback through Mongolia, and whitewater rafting in Quebec, I've been looking forward to a bit of downtime. Fortunately, that's what I've been getting on the Spanish island of Majorca, where I've been relaxing with friends while soaking up some of the history and culture – not to mention wine and food – that the island has to offer. Of course, even a weary traveler needs a little excitement in his life from time to time, we've been mixing in some mildly active escapes to go along with our other experiences as we continue to discover everything that the island has to offer.

For those who didn't read my first report from Majorca, my friends and I are staying in the small, but incredibly accommodating, town of Pollença. Our base camp for the week is a lovely villa provided to us by my friends at Travelopo, a company that specializes in helping travelers find villas from all across Europe. In our case, they picked the perfect place for us to enjoy the island, as it is nicely located to a number of other great towns, and while it has plenty to see and do itself, it isn't an overly touristy destination. In fact, we love that it has so much to offer, including very friendly locals, but is also off the beaten path to a degree. It has made our stay a quieter one, which we all appreciate. 

After spending the first couple of days in Majorca getting over a bit of jet lag, and getting acquainted with Pollença itself, we were finally ready to venture out to see more of the region. That included visiting a couple of local wineries, which produce some surprisingly great wines. While I am hardly a connoisseur, several of my companions take their wine very seriously, and all of us have come away quite impressed. The local options have all been flavorful, well-made, and extremely affordable. This being a more relaxed trip, we have certainly imbibed our fair share. 

But touring a winery isn't just about drinking bottles upon bottles of the inventory. In our case, we visited one of the oldest family wineries on the entire island in the Ribas Bodega, which was founded in 1711 and has remained in business ever since. Taking a tour of the grounds was immensely eye-opening, as we not only learned a lot about how the wine is made, we actually passed through the old family home, which has been remodeled and updated some over the years, but remains quite rustic and charming. It was the perfect setting for gathering more insight into Majorcan culture with a healthy dose of history splashed in. 

In addition to visiting some of the local wineries, we've also dropped by a traditional Spanish finca as well. These tracts of land typically have a farmhouse or estate house on the property and are used in some type of agricultural capacity. In the case of the finca that we visited, that included raising sheep and bottling their own wine as well. The tour once again took us through a historical home, and gave us some background on what life is like in the more rural areas of the island.

While at the finca, we also had the chance to taste a wide variety of local foods as well, including empanadas, figs, cheese, and other delicacies. Eating outside, on the farm's grounds, while enjoying an impressive view of Majorca's capital city of Palma far below, was one of the highlights of the trip thus far. 

As you can tell, this trip has been at a far more leisurely pace than my usual outings, and even though that was the intent from the start, I still needed a certain level of activity to keep me going. In this case, that has meant a visit to Serra de Tramuntana, a spectacularly beautiful mountain range that runs along the northwest coast of the island. What these rugged peaks lack in terms of massive height, they more than make up for with spectacular views. In this case, their are some ridges that provide epic overlooks of the towering bluffs and the waters of the Mediterranean far blow. 

Serra de Tramuntana is located in the heart of what was once Majorcan farmland, and it is a good example of how the region was maintained and used in that capacity over the centuries. Because of this, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 2007. The place is not just incredibly beautiful to behold, it is also a slice of human history, as it was used for agricultural purposes by some of the earliest settlers dating back to the Bronze Age. 

Getting to the site can be a bit harrowing in and of itself. Visitors must negotiate a very narrow stretch of road coming out to the town of Port de Alcudia and winding its way up into the mountains. This route is safe enough for two cars to pass one another without too much difficulty, although the larger tour buses that you encounter along the way can make things more difficult.

Once you reach Serra de Tramuntana you'll find a couple observation platforms linked together by a basic sidewalk trail. These platforms are perfect for taking in the views, which are practically guaranteed to take your breath away. There is something magical about seeing the sea far below while you stand on top of jagged, rocky peaks. 

For a truly spectacular view however, don't stop at just the typical tourist destination, which comes complete with snack bar, drinks, and souvenirs. Instead, turn onto the unmarked country road that you'll find nearby. It takes you to the very top of another nearby summit, which looks to have once been an observation station for the Spanish military. Now, there is an off-limits section that includes a full array of radar dishes and other sensory equipment, as well as the remains of a few old buildings. At the very top, which requires a short hike to reach, you'll find an old stone watch tower that the more daring travelers can climb into. 

At the top of this particular road, which is even narrower and more dangerous than the first, you'll discover that you can see for miles in all directions. Not only are the mountains of Serra de Tramuntana visible, but so is the Mediterranean sea beyond. You'll also look down upon the port city of Alcudia, where numerous ships come and go throughout the day. Beyond that, stretching far into the distance, are the profiles of other mountains, which look both striking and inviting as they stretch to the horizon.

My adventure on the summit of Serra de Tramuntana was made all the better by the dramatic clouds that circled and danced all around us throughout the day. It brought high winds along with it, which made our trip up to higher elevations very windy and a bit cooler than expected. This is island life however, which means the weather can change quickly, and you have to be ready for just about everything at any given time.

Following an event-filled day, it was time to return home to our villa again before closing the night with some fine dining back in Pollença. It had been a day filled with exploration and enchantment, that includes some of the best natural views that I've ever been fortunate enough to encounter on my travels. Majorca may lure you in with its promises of beaches and fine wines, but it hooks you with its surprisingly great mountain landscapes, friendly people, and accepting culture. In terms of a relaxing escape, you can't possibly ask for much more than that. 

On the Road Again - Heading to Majorca, Spain

After being home for nearly two weeks, it is once agin time for me to hit the road. This time, I'm off with my wife and some friends to Majorca, Spain for a week of relaxation and some lower-key adventures. We're going to spend some time hiking and exploring the island, but also taking the local wineries, beaches, and enjoying a fantastic villa provided to us by Travelopo, an online booking company that handles some outstanding properties across Europe.

I will have Internet while there, and I will be monitoring some stories, so it is likely that there will be a few updates while I'm gone, just don't expect the usual level of output. If a major story breaks while I'm away, I will have time to post, and I'll probably be sharing photos and updates on my regular social media outlets.

In the meantime, sit tight. I'll be back home on Sunday, October 16 and will resume updating the blog on the following day. As always, thanks for reading and for your patience with this semi-frequent interruptions. I'm sure I'll have some good stories to share when I get back.

Video: How Traveling Through America's National Parks is Different for a New Generation

As the National Park Service continues to celebrate its 100th year of stewardship over America's national parks, we are learning just how different generations have viewed those iconic places. For my parents, they were wild areas that were perfect for family vacations. For my generation, it is more about getting out of the car and exploring the parks on foot and camping in the backcountry. And for the millennials that follow me? Find out in this video from Nat Geo, in which they discuss what the parks meant for their families and how they feel about them too. It turns out, not all of today's youth feel the need to stay indoors.

Reminder: October 14th is a National Day of Adventure

As I get ready to head out of the country once again tomorrow, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that next Friday – October 14, 2016 – had been declared a National Day of Adventure by Men's Journal and Victorinox, the company behind the iconic Swiss Army Knife.

While not an official holiday of course, the entire point of the NDOA is to encourage people to get outside, engage in their favorite outdoor activities, or perhaps even try something new. To that end, the two sponsors of the Day of Adventure have helped organize more than 30 events across the U.S. to give us all a starting point for getting our adventures off to a good start.

While I'll actually be in Spain on that day, I'll certainly take some time to hit a trail and do some hiking, or possibly even some snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea. And since it is a Friday, hopefully some of you will take part in the celebration by heading out to enjoy your own adventures too. Why not skip out of work early, grab your mountain bike and take a ride on your favorite trail? Or, gather up some friends and take a scenic hike somewhere before grabbing some dinner and drinks afterwards. The whole point is to add a little excitement and adventure back into your life, something that hopefully we do on a more regular basis than one day a year, but it is a good place to get started never the less.

So, whether your like to ride, hike, run, paddle, fly, climb, or some other crazy outdoor activity, don't forget to set a little time aside to pursue that passion next Friday. After all, you'll never regret the days that you do the things you love, and you might just discover other passions along the way.

Get out there and enjoy!

Men's Journal Gives Us the 50 Most Adventurous Men

If you're looking for something to read today that is equal parts inspirational and educational, than have a look at Men's Journal's list of the 50 Most Adventurous Men on the planet. You'll find more than a few names that get mentioned here on The Adventure Blog on a regular basis, as well as some that you may not have encountered before.

The list reads like a "who's who" of adventure, with guys like Alex Honnold, Kilian Jornet, and Conrad Anker all making the cut. Others who earn some recognition from MJ include Ueli Steck, Eric Larsen, and Mike Horn, all of which I've written about and covered their expeditions extensively on this very website.

Of course, those well known names are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak, with numerous other interesting, daring, and downright visionary individuals making their way onto the list as well. The article spotlights mountaineers, rock climbers, ocean rowers, explorers, and more. Each of the profiles includes a brief introduction to the person's accomplishments, some insights into their career highlights, and a glimpse of where they may be headed next. All in all, it is a pretty great way to learn about some of the men who are shaping the way we explore the world today.

While 50 individuals is a fairly lengthy list, there are always some who are left off. I'm sure that like me, you'll be able to think of a few individuals that probably deserve to be mentioned with this group such as Simone Moro for instance. There are others as well, but this is still a pretty interesting list and well worth a look for sure.

Now, when is someone going to do a list of the 50 most adventurous women?

Video: Life in Balance

Here's one of those videos that shows off a skill that is better to be seen in a clip like this one, rather than to attempt yourself. In it, we join Norwegian Eskil Rønningsbakken as he travels around that country demonstrating his ability to balance on objects that are dangling not he edge of extreme spaces, including cliff, canyons, and mountains. His demonstration of agility is quite impressive, particularly considering the places he has chosen to show off these skills. And of course, this being Norway, the scenery is beautiful too.

On the Road Again: Headed to Crested Butte, Colorado

It has been a busy summer at The Adventure Blog headquarters. Since May, I've been on the road every week or two, visiting some truly spectacular destinations along the way. Since I was in Quebec a few weeks back, I've been fortunate enough to actually be home for a little more than two weeks. The longest stretch I've had in quite some time. That ends tomorrow, as I'll be heading out to Crested Butte, Colorado for a few days of fly fishing, mountain biking, and exploring this intriguing adventure destination in the Rocky Mountains.

As usual, that probably means no updates for the rest of the week. I will be back home late Sunday, and will resume posting updates again next Monday, so just a short break this time out. The following week I'll be off to Bryce Canyon for a short backpacking trip however, so my time at home will once again be brief. After that, there is just one more international escape on the agenda at the moment, followed hopefully by some pleasant time at home heading into the fall.

I'm sure I'll have lots of stories to share when I return from CB. I'm told the mountain biking is epic and I'm looking forward to seeing the place for myself. Until then, take advantage of the changing seasons and get outside and enjoy some adventures of your own. Now is a great time for camping, hiking, cycling, or whatever outdoor activity you enjoy doing. I'll be back before you know it.

Columbia is Looking for New Directors of Toughness

Last year, gear manufacturer Columbia set the Internet ablaze when the went in search of two "Directors of Toughness." The position promised to be adventurous, sending the two people selected off to remote areas to test gear in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. It also offered a base salary of $39,000 plus benefits for nine months of work that involved lots of long days in the field. In exchange, the directors would blog about their experiences, video their adventures, and generally serve as online ambassadors for the Columbia brand. Sound like a dream job? If so, I've got good news for you. Columbia is hiring once again!

If you're interested in potentially becoming a Director of Toughness, you'll first need to register online to take part in a potential interview. Currently interviews are scheduled to take place on Mt. Hood in the state of Oregon, but future sites include somewhere on the East Coast of the U.S., as well as in Canada and the U.K. Exact locations will be announced at a future time. Follow Columbia on Instagram at @Columbia1938 for more details as to when those interviews will take place.

For more information about the Director of Toughness position visit the Application Page here. And to get a sense of what the job is all about, check out the video below.

Seems like a great opportunity for the right person. Good luck to everyone who applies!