Mammut's New Protective Airbag for Avalanche Safety

Mammut's PAS adds neck, chest, and head
protection to avalanche suffocation protection

Introduced at the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show that just finished a few days ago in Salt Lake City, the Snowpulse PAS (Protective Airbag System) improves on Swiss manufacturer Mammut's existing RAS (Removable Airbag System) airbag by adding trauma-specific protection.

According to varying reports, mechanical trauma (running into things or being pushed into hard objects) accounts for between 15 and 32 percent of avalanche deaths, something the PAS seeks to address.

As a follow up to our dispatch on avalanche safety (an important consideration for anyone engaged in snow sports in the backcountry), we wanted to direct readers to Outside Online's write-up about the new Snowpulse PAS - Mammut Introduces New Protective Airbag Packs at Outdoor Retailer

Read the Outside article to learn more about the specific benefits the Mammut PAS offers and to see a side-by-side comparison of the PAS and RAS airbags.

Hosteling Bangkok - The Best of Cheap AND Chic

Bangkok used to be well-known as Asia's home for cheap accommodations, affordable drinks, and budget thrills for backpackers and world travelers, but the Asian financial boom of the '90s and Bangkok's financial renaissance have cause prices to move in one direction - up.

CheQinn hostel brings bright color and modern style together

Now, finding cheap room and board can be a challenge for travelers on a shoestring budget, and often "cheap" comes at the expense of cleanliness and comfort (and sometimes even safety).

However, the BBC has set out to remedy that by scouting a handful of Bangkok hostels that are economical without sacrificing the standards of today's "flashpackers."

BBC Slideshow - Bangkok's hippest hostels

If you're looking for cheap digs while you tour Bangkok's ornate temples, instead of reserving a room in Thailand's tallest building, check out one of these modish hostels:

• @Hua Lamphong - No frills but right in the thick of it, @HL is just down the street from Silom Plaza
• CheQinn - Ideal location near world-renowned Bumrungrad Hospital, east of Siam Square
• HQ Hostel - Located halfway between the river and Lumphini park in the Patpong district
• Lub d Siam Square - Right at the flashy Siam Square shopping complex, this is the heart of Bangkok
• Lub d Silom - Another option near HQ Hostel in Patpong district
• Suneta Hostel Khaosan - We weren't able to find an official website for them, so your guess for contacting them is as good as ours
• Take A Nap - Great location near Lumphini Park and the Saladaeng BTS station

What To Order: Switzerland - Rösti

Home to the Matterhorn and precision watchmaking, Switzerland is one of Europe's finest travel destinations.

Iconic Matterhorn in
the Swiss Alps

Officially the Swiss Confederation, Switzerland offers something for every traveler - Europe's best skiing and winter sports, haute cuisine, fine arts, an abundance of tours, river cruises, and adventure sports, fine wines and chocolate, cosmopolitan shopping venues with the most exclusive name brands, and the list goes on.

All of that notwithstanding, finding an authentic "Swiss" dining experience in Switzerland may be harder than expected. A result of its original formation as a confederation, Switzerland has 4 official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansch) and strong regional identities that espouse sister countries' culture and cuisine as much as they do the Swiss national identity.

However, one dish that is authentically Swiss and can be found in every region of the country is "rösti." Made of pan-fried shredded potatoes, rösti is often available with a meat as an main dish or as an á la carte addition to an entrée.

Originally a breakfast dish eaten by farmers in the Bern region, rösti is now considered by many Swiss to be a national dish.

Finding rösti on a menu will likely come as a welcome sight for travelers shell-shocked by the high food prices in one of Europe's priciest countries, and rösti will also be a refreshing choice for many travelers because of its similarity to dishes in their home countries: 'hash browns' in US, '干煸土豆丝' (gan bian tudou si) in China, 'boxty' in Ireland, and 'aloo tikki' in India, to name a few.

Swiss rösti, still hot in the skillet

Black Diamond to Join Technical Clothing Market

One of Black Diamond's new technical apparel offerings

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd, respected manufacturer of climbing, ski, and mountain sport equipment, has just announced that they will soon be re-introducing technical apparel to their offerings.

Always putting excellence into their products, Black Diamond's upcoming return to apparel has been two years in development after a 10 year absence from producing technical clothing. Loyal Black Diamond fans and outdoorsmen/women alike are sure to keep their eyes peeled for BD's first line to hit shelves later this fall.

Outside Online broke the news just over a week ago and did a full interview with Tim Bantle, head of Black Diamond's clothing team.

Read the full interview here - Exclusive: Black Diamond Announces New Technical Apparel, then let us know what you think: what strengths will Black Diamond bring to the tech clothing arena?

Washing Your Gore-Tex or Softshell: Tips from Arc'teryx - Video

Want to increase the performance and longevity of your technical outwear? Arc'teryx's warrant rep says to wash your garments more, not less.

Getting rid of sweat and dirt (which inhibit maximum performance by the Gore-Tex membrane) and rejuvenating the water-repellant coating can restore your piece to peak effectiveness, and the process is simple.

Take a look:

[Note: make sure to double rinse the garment(s) to assure that all detergent residue is washed off]

Tibet Travel: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway

In 2006, China made possible a new way for trekkers and adventurers to get to the "Roof of the World" - a high-elevation railway that connects the Chinese province of Qinghai with Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Covering over 1,200 miles across the Tibetan Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes some of the most beautiful scenery in Asia.

From the windows of the train, it is possible to take in some of Tibet's most pristine vistas and natural wildlife as the train rolls across the highlands. In the summer, it is possible to see herds of yaks or, if you're lucky, Tibetan antelopes roaming. In the winter, there is a good chance you will roll through at least one blizzard along the way, the route rising as high as 16,640 ft. (5,068m) as it crosses the Tanggu Pass. A winter view from the window makes it easy to see why Tibet is called "the Land of Snows."

Mountain Hardwear's Q.Shield - A New Take on Waterproof - Video

New within the past year, Mountain Hardwear has introduced a process called Q.Shield to work in tandem with the OutDry waterproofing technology they are already using on some pieces to create a completely new standard of water-repellancy.

For the past 2 years, Mountain Hardwear has been using a laminating process known as OutDry from Italian innovator OutDry Technologies in their line of winter sport gloves. OutDry supposedly improves on Gore-Tex's popular waterproofing process by bonding a "waterproof-breathable membrane directly to the shell fabric," rather than to the inside of the shell fabric.

The new Q.Shield process complements OutDry, which by Mountain Hardwear's own admission "can't prevent exterior fabrics from wetting out," by fusing ion-mask extreme water repellency directly into the shell fabric, rather than coating the fabric like a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) does. Mountain Hardwear marketing goes so far as to state that Q.Shield does not effect feel or breathability and "will perform for the life of the glove," a marked improvement over DWR if true.

OutDry vs. Gore-Tex-style water repellency

Mountain Hardwear's OutDry-equipped gloves have already gotten some support over the last two years when tested head-to-head with Gore-Tex-equipped gloves, and if Q.Shield performs as MH's marketing indicates that it does, damp gloves on the ski slopes may quickly become a thing of the past.

However, as someone who has been reapplying DWR to my kit for years, Q.Shield's almost magical claims of near-waterproofness and lifetime effectiveness will take some serious substantiation to prevail on ingrained skepticism to such claims.

Frankfurt in Five: One-Day Travel Guide to Europe's Financial Center

Traveling Europe is an incredible experience, but there are so many countries with so much to offer that choosing an itinerary can be overwhelming - even just narrowing down a manageable list of countries, let alone cities, can be a monumental task! Germany has always been an important fixture in the European landscape, as much today as in the days of Charlemagne, and Germany should certainly be on any first-time visitor to Europe's short list.

Frankfurt's skyline - new and old meet

Here is the bare bones, brass tacks list of how to get the most out of a one-day visit to Frankfurt, Germany's financial and transportation hub on the Main River.

The Städel, overlooking the Main River

1. Museum District - Start your morning off by visiting some of Frankfurt's more than 30 museums, at least 20 of them located in close proximity to each other along the banks of the Main River, in an area known as the 'Museumsufer' (Museums Riverbank). Some of the museums include:

• Städelsches Kunstinstitut und Städtische Galerie, more commonly known as the Städel, one of Europe's most important art museums
• Museum of World Cultures
• Jewish Museum Frankfurt
• Bible House Experience Museum
• Historical Museum Frankfurt

Full list of Frankfurt's museums

New Pack Manufacturer Mile High Mountaineering Gets High Praise

Outside Magazine has been putting upstart pack manufacturer Mile High Mountaineering's flagship Salute 34-liter hiking and climbing pack through its paces on multiple different climbing pitches across Europe. After rigorous testing in Spain, France, and Germany, Outside's thoughts? "A perfect pack for climbers."

Among the original touches Outside's testers noted:

• "its unique S-shaped zipper, which winds around the top compartment and down the packs’ body"
• "the plastic-reinforced hang loop—designed much like a gear loop on a climbing harness"
• "the comfortable but compact suspension system that uses a lightweight M-shaped piece of flexible aluminum to create a simple frame for the pack"

Jumping onto the outdoor gear landscape in 2009, Colorado-based Mile High Mountaineering has stuck with what they know, producing a small-but-innovative line of activity-specific packs. Instead of expanding quickly, MHM has focused on packing their packs with perks to make their users fall in love with them. As the Outside article shows, it's clearly working!

Outside Online's full article: Mile High Mountaineering Salute: A Perfect Pack for Climbers

Baiyoke - Bangkok's Tallest Building

Baiyoke over Bangkok

Out of the heart of downtown Bangkok juts the Baiyoke Tower II, an axle hub that the city's daily commotion seemingly revolves around. At 997 ft., the 85-story Baiyoke (pronounced "buy-yo-kuh") is the tallest building in Thailand and the fourth tallest all-hotel structure in the world. The Baiyoke Tower II is home to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, a number of eateries, and an observation deck with a commanding view of the city.

Joy Is Up in Bangkok

Easily identified from many places in downtown Bangkok, Baiyoke can also be recognized by the multi-story advertisements that often grace the sides of the building.

At ground level, you would hardly know you standing below Thailand's tallest building - the streets and alleys around the hotel and even the lobby area itself feel much more like a bazaar or Thai street market than a luxury hotel.

However, once you push past the congestion and into the elevator, you begin to feel the elegance that is the heart of the Baiyoke.

Restaurants and cafes abound in the Baiyoke, including the Roof Top Bar (83rd floor), Stella Place Chinese Restaurant (79), Crystal Grill International Buffet (82), Bangkok Sky (76/78), Tee Off Cafe (next to the open-air golf range - 18), and the Bangkok Balcony (81). Sitting on top of it all is Baiyoke's Observation Point - an observation deck on the 77th floor and the open-air revolving view point on floor 84. Open daily from 10:30 to 23:30, the view is spectacular, especially after dark.

Bangkok's nightlife from Baiyoke's observation point

Bangkok's tallest building is a unique contrast to the traditional sites and numerous temples that draw many to the city. Cool off after a hot day of Bangkok travel at Baiyoke with a drink and a view!

Hiking Boots - What Is The Right Footwear For Your Trail?

The right hiking boots are the means
to many memorable miles

Trekking, hiking, tramping, walkabout - whatever you call it, a hike is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When it comes to hiking, not too much is needed - an idea of where you're going (a map and compass are probably a good idea), proper hydration, protection from the elements, and of course, adequate footwear.

50 years ago, the "choice" was pretty basic - full leather hiking boots with aggressive lugs on the sole. There wasn't really anything else on the market. However, since that time not only have the number of options burgeoned, so have the number of categories of hiking footwear - so how do you navigate the increasingly congested waters of outdoor footwear?

Travel The World - Tips From An Expert

If you've ever thought about taking a year off and traveling the world, the logistics and the sheer quantity of unknowns have probably raised your pulse a little. Just getting an around-the-world ticket seems confusing enough, without even beginning to figure out how you fill 365 days in exciting, new places or how you get to those places without completely breaking the bank.

When it comes to hiking the Appalachian Trail and other "odyssey" type expeditions - first of all, our advice is definitely: go for it! Second, the best place to start -to help overcome doubts and fears- is to talk to someone who's done it, to see that it can be done by normal people like us.

In that vein, 18 Lessons from 5 Years Around the World is a great article for getting the creative juices flowing and whetting the appetite for world travel. Helping you take it one step further, "Nomadic Matt's" website Nomadic Matt's Travel Site is a wealth of practical knowledge gained from firsthand experience.

Read up, plan up (but not too much, according to Matt), and get out and travel!

While You're In The Neighborhood - Canyon de Chelly

The Grand Canyon is one of the most well-known natural landscapes in the world, visited by almost five million people annually. Only a few hours away lies another canyon with a fascinating history and unsung beauty - Arizona's Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Spider Rock in Arizona's Canyon de Chelly

The Four Corners region - the area of the southwest United States where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet at Four Corners Monument, is only hours from the eastern rim of the Grand Canyon National Park and has an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and national parks, but most of these incredible vistas are too often missed by visitors in their rush to get to the Grand Canyon. A beautiful crimson-and-coral hued sandstone canyon, Canyon de Chelly is one such locale.

Hong Kong's MTR - Getting Around "The Pearl of The Orient"

Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station in Hong Kong

"The Fragrant Harbor," where East meets West, the Pearl of the Orient - China's Special Administrative Region has a rich history, an intriguing modern posture, and occupies a unique position in the Asian landscape. Hong Kong is home to a booming movie industry, cosmopolitan shopping districts, an iconic skyline, and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Like an Asian version of New York City, Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, and while all the hustle and bustle may seem overwhelming to travelers, Hong Kong consistently ranks in the top 5 best public transportation systems in the world. Consider this: over 90% of Hong Kong travel is done by mass transit every day, over 7 million people.

Winter Camping Gear - The Quick List

Therm-a-Rest's Z Lite Sol sleeping pad

Gear Junkie has just put out a guide for 'sleeping in the snow,' an article listing their 8 essential items for  cold-weather camping, to be published in this month's Scouting magazine (the magazine for Scout Leaders).

Get a look at what they say you need to fend of the chill while exploring the backcountry - Gear for 'Sleeping in the Snow' (winter camping guide)

Take special note of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad with its unique heat-reflective barrier, and the Mountain Hardwear Spearhead mitts with MH's OutDry Waterproof Technology to punch through the numbing winter nip that damp gloves can give way to.

"World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations" - Your New Adventure

The world is a lot different than it was 50 years ago - travel destinations are easier to reach and information about those destinations is much easier to obtain. In addition, the prevalence of responsive consumer markets around the world means that we are able to make statements about what is important to us by how we spend our time and money, especially when it comes to travel.

Riga, Latvia's capital, decked in snow

One group that seeks to help concerned travelers make educated decisions for "ethical" travel decisions is Ethical Traveler, a non-profit that produces an annual report of their "World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations." Their report considers a combination of factors, focusing primarily on social welfare, environmental protection, and human rights.

"We urge you to visit these destinations, and explore the wonderful sights, cultures, and activities they offer," says Ethical Traveler's 2013 report, which has just come out. "Each country selected as a Best Ethical Destination also offers the opportunity to experience unspoiled natural beauty, and to interact with local peoples and cultures in a meaningful, mutually enriching way."

Travel Fitness - Succeed In Your 2013 New Year's Resolutions

Every year, on almost everyone's list of New Year's Resolutions, working out and getting fit makes the list in some form or fashion - "join a gym" "lose X pounds by June" "GO to the gym that I'm member of" etc. And yet for many, by April that Resolution has fallen by the wayside, and often the reason is travel.

Whether business travel, early vacation, a chance at world travel, or the realization that Spring Break is another 365 days away, these interruptions to your routine of hitting the gym/pounding the pavement/logging miles on the bike can become an insurmountable obstacle that derails the best hopes of a regular fitness regimen until next January 1. But they don't have to be.