Deserts In The Winter - Adventure Journal's 11 Favorite Things About The Desert

Spring is almost upon us. Or is winter in full swing? Either way, some folks are looking forward to the days of one less layer and a pint on the porch, instead of a mug by the fire. If you're not one of those, keep enjoying the powder. If you are looking forward to warmer days and... shorts, Adventure Journal gives a timely reminder that the desert is still there, waiting for you.

Out west, many of the US National Parks (11, by Adventure Journal's count) have enough sand and scree and sun to make you completely forget that you were wearing tights and gloves on your run last week. So, shrug off your anxious twitch and get some inspiration with AJ's 'The List: The 11 Best Things About The Desert.'

Our favorite from The List? The Rivers (#6). Nothing feels more like summer that sunning on the burning-hot side of a whitewater raft in nothing but a swimsuit and life jacket, and there's no better way to cheat Old Man Winter out of his due than by grabbing a mid-winter raft trip in the American Southwest.

Enjoy the read, pack a bag, and get ready for your out west road trip (don't forget oft overlooked Canyon de Chelly). Or you could always go to Thailand.

Canyoning, Paragliding, and Hiking - Switzerland's Jungfrau Region Has More Than Just Skiing - Video

The 'Jungfrau' Region of the Swiss Alps, so named for the 13,669 ft. (4,166m) peak that looks down on the numerous lesser prominences and valleys spanning its base, is home to some of the best skiing in Europe. Yet, despite being home to what many consider the best skiing in the world - including this year and next year's Ski World Cup in Jungfrau's town of Wengen, the region refuses to be pigeonholed as just a "ski destination."

In addition to skiing, snow tubing, and sledging, the Jungfrau Region offers a perfect environment for numerous other mountain sport activities, including paragliding and BASE jumping, hiking, and canyoning.

The area's craggy landscape and deep valleys seem to posses an almost irresistible lure for folks who like to throw themselves off terra firma and into the secure embrace of a parachute harness. Watch in the video below as a band of BASE jumpers from the UK wax poetic while they tackle both the Eiger and the cliff face overlooking the valley between the villages of Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg, one of the deepest in the Alpine chain:

The Adventure Community Looks At Health Insurance

In a follow up to our post on the challenge of finding health insurance for those who engage in "high risk" adventure activities such as rock climbing, here we look at a case study involving one of the most high risk activities out there today: BASE jumping.

BASE jumper prepares to launch from Christ
the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

On November 19, 2012, professional BASE jumper Jill Kuzman had just made her 4th jump from a towering sandstone cliff near Moab, Utah, when she experienced every BASE jumper's worst nightmare - her parachute opened backwards, causing her to plummet to the desert floor. Kuzman broke her leg on impact but was lucky to have the immediate assistance of medics and doctors who were jumping alongside her that day. Her competent companions treated her as they rushed Kuzman to the hospital, minimizing the consequences of a fall that could have turned out much worse. Today, Jill Kuzman is off crutches and moving toward a full recovery.

Unfortunately, like many athletes and adventurers, Jill Kuzman did not have health insurance coverage at the time of the incident and quickly racked up $120,000 in medical bills. Friends pitched in and Kuzman herself reached out on Facebook for donations to help offset her cost, bringing in close to $10,000 toward her bills, but a majority of her expenses still remain.

Not long after Kuzman's incident something of a firestorm, focused on uninsured BASE jumpers and adventure seekers, erupted on BASEjumper.com, with some contributors voicing support, others exasperation that someone would engage in such high risk activities uninsured, when accidents are so likely to occur. In his article The Adventurer's Health Insurance Conundrum on National Geographic's Adventure Blog, James Mills outlines the argument that unfolded on the site and examines some of the points that were brought to light, which adventure-seekers across a number of sports must grapple with.

What To Order: Thailand - Thai Tea

A barista whips up Thai tea on a train
platform in just a few moments

Whether you are navigating the bedlam of downtown Bangkok or enjoying the silence atop Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon or lounging on one of Thailand's many island beaches, one thing is almost guaranteed - a delicious, iced "Thai tea" is probably only a stone's throw away.

Thai tea is a ceylon tea (though often now made with cheaper black tea leaves and colored with food coloring) that is mixed with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice for a cool and refreshing liquid refreshment. Thai tea's burnt orange hue and creamy, slightly smokey, sweet flavor make this iced drink quite distinct, with many devotees and the occasional detractor.

For myself, I will admit that I was not completely sold on my first sip. However, my second sip led to a third and it quickly grew into endearment, such that now I look forward to any chance to grab a "cha-yan" (Thai, lit. "iced tea"). There is also a variation of Thai tea with an added lime flavor called "cha-manao," if you are looking to increase the "tropical quotient" of your drink.

Mixed Thai tea ready to
be poured over ice

Thailand, especially the Lanna region of northern Thailand, has a long history with tea, and Thais love their tea, especially a Thai tea on-the-go to contend with the pervasive heat and humidity of this much-desired Southeast Asian tropical travel destination. This ocher-colored beverage is so popular that Thai restaurants in other countries and continents include it on their menu, a distinctive element of many Thai menus around the world.

In Thailand, street stands and small beverage shops are everywhere, whipping up Thai tea in no time. In fact, there are even iced coffee and Thai tea stalls on the Bangkok BTS skytrain platforms. So, get a leg up on the heat and start your Thai travels with a Thai tea!

Skimo: A Novice's Introduction To Ski Mountaineering - Video

The beauty of "adventure sports" is that the options are as broad as the term adventure. Each year it seems, innovative ways to combine sports, push the envelope, and break new ground are being introduced and popularized.

From adventure racing, which has been in a constant state of emerging and refining for the last 20 years, to free solo climbing, which jumped onto the outdoor sporting scene afresh last year with Alex Honnold's speed climb of Yosemite's El Capitan, there seems to be a steady flow of new and exciting possibilities.

A pack of ski mountaineering competitors race uphill

So it is this year with ski mountaineering, a type of competitive ski touring event where participants race both up and down mountains, combining mountaineering with alpine, telemark, and backcountry skiing.

Ski mountaineering, or 'skimo' as it is often called in the US, has maintained long-term popularity in Europe under the name 'randonee racing' and is quickly gaining a following in the United States.

The following video from the 2013 Eddie Bauer Winter Mountain Games Ski Mountaineering Race that was just held in Vail, Colorado, gives a great glimpse into the grueling challenge that skimo competitors are enthusiastically throwing themselves into:

Wild Yunnan - China's Hidden Gem

China is an intriguing mystery to many trekkers and adventurers, with nowhere more compelling than the wilds of western China: pandas in Sichuan province and the wide open Tibetan plateau in Qinghai province, to say nothing of Tibet itself. Owing largely to many travelers' only superficial familiarity with China, too many of the country's most worthwhile sights and experiences are missed - possibly nowhere more than in southwesterly Yunnan province.

Beautiful Lugu Lake in Yunnan's northern mountains

Not only is Yunnan where the Himalayas fade into the sultry jungles of Southeast Asia, it is home to 25 of China's 55 ethnic minorities and some of the greatest outdoor experiences you've never heard of. The pristine natural landscapes blend with the rich variety of minority cultures to offer a wealth of memorable adventure travel opportunities.

Enjoy a Climb Dali route
over Yunnan's Er Lake

Earlier we wrote about hiking the trails in Yunnan's Tiger Leaping Gorge, reportedly the deepest gorge in the world, where a tributary of the upper Yangtze cuts between two 5,000+ meter peaks to create thundering rapids, and Celeste LeCompte has just reported on her experience rafting Yunnan's Nu River with raft guiding outfit Last Descents in her Outside Online article China's Last Wild River. 

Other organizations, such as Climb Dali, Bike Yunnan, and Action Asia's Lijiang 3-Day Ultra Marathon, offer tailored experiences that delve deep into the treasures that lie hidden in Yunnan's far corners. While the outdoor sporting market is certainly still in its fledgling stages in Yunnan, there are a growing number of credentialed guide outfits offering forays into southwest China's best kept secret.

Last Descents leads Tibetan monks on whitewater fun

One additional aspect of choosing one of Yunnan's many adventures that should not go overlooked is the invaluable difference tourism dollars can make in tipping the scales in favor of conserving, rather than developing, China's vast but shrinking natural beauty.

A laudable example, Last Descents' owner Travis Winn uses his raft guiding as a platform to raise awareness among local Chinese policy makers and the many up-and-coming Chinese who are beginning to head for the outdoors of the need for conservation efforts in many of China's lesser-known travel spots which are in danger of being overrun by China's modernization efforts.

No matter what type of adventure you are looking for, chances are Yunnan has it!

World's Best Hikes According to National Geographic

Though it's just a tease for many, National Geographic has put out a list of "epic trails" to hike.

Santa Cruz Trek in Peru's Cordillera Blanca 

National Geographic - World's Best Hikes: Epic Trails

Hey, it can't hurt to dream, and with a little planning, it's not hard for you to take the initiative to turn your dream into an epic hike!

Packing Tip: Osprey Airporter LZ - Save Your Straps!

A backpacker with her closest travel companion - her pack

Backpacks and rucksacks are hands-down the luggage of choice for many of today's budget world travelers, aptly named "backpackers."

More than anything, a backpacker needs his or her backpack to hold up to the beating it will receive being thrown into airplane baggage bays, on bus roofs, and over horse saddles day after day.

It is more than a backpack - it is a seat, a pillow, a coffee table, a closet. It is home.

Osprey, well known for their packs and uber-efficient travel equipment, has a practitioner's grasp of the demands that are placed on their packs by trekkers around the world every day.

The Osprey Airporter LZ was birthed out of Osprey's practical understanding of the backpacker's way of travel - a simple, durable, light and packable duffle bag who's one and only job is to protect zippers and straps from the careless hands of baggage handlers, security checkpoint personnel, bellhops, and bus drivers.

The old Airporter was one-size-fits-all.
Now, you can choose one to fit your pack.

The Osprey Airporter LZ's constuction is simple: a cavernous duffle with a single, top-loading zipper and a sling strap.

Now, this long-time favorite of trekkers and backpackers has gotten injection of Osprey's genius. The updated Airporter now comes:

• In three sizes to more suitably accommodate packs of different volumes;
• With improved handles;
• With a more comfortable shoulder strap. 

As much as I love my old-model Airporter which has served me and my pack faithfully for years, all three of these improvements are much appreciated. A great buy for US$30-$40, this is a no-brainer - you should definitely have the Osprey Airporter LZ in your luggage stash.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park To Charge For Backcountry Camping

A measure to introduce a fee for backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which was adopted last year, goes into effect 2 days from now, on February 13th. The National Park Service has said that fees collected will allow for more staff and longer hours in the Backcountry Office, in order to provide more trip planning assistance for potential visitors.

The system for obtaining permits is still being finalized and the latest information can be found at the Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry Camping website, but the word so far is that it will be $4 per person per night to camp in the backcountry and that an online reservation system is in the works.

Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, so be sure familiarize yourself with the new system in advance and nab your reservations before someone beats you to it!

Do This, Not That: Movie Theaters in Thailand

If you happen to grab a matinée movie showing in Thailand (or any showing, for that matter) while traveling through Southeast Asia, there is a Thai custom that is a regular part of every Thai movie-viewing experience that you should certainly be aware of.

The king of Thailand
as a younger man

At some point before the movie starts, you will be expected to honor the king of Thailand by standing. The process is simple - during the previews, a song called the "Thai royal anthem" will start playing and everyone in the theater will rise.

While the song plays, a video usually plays on screen, showing pictures or video of the king over the course of his life and highlighting some of his accomplishments, as well as accomplishments of the Thai people. At the end of the anthem, everyone may return to their seats.

Revering the sovereign is important in every country with a monarchy, and Thailand is no exception. Penalties for slandering and insulting the royal family are stiff in Thailand and should not be taken lightly by visitors, as you can see from the following news account:

BBC News: Thai comedian and 'red-shirt' leader jailed for royal insult

However, if you follow the lead of those around you, everything should go smoothly. And then you can sit back and enjoy the show.

"New" Mountain Sports Manufacturer - Salewa

A few weeks ago, I was walking down the main thoroughfare in Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps and ducking into a few outdoor shops along the way to see what they had for 2013. One shop that I was surprised to see was the Salewa store, a brand which I had previously seen on a few occasions in China but was skeptical about. Given the chance to talk to a knowledgeable rep, I took the opportunity to ask a few questions.

From my first few encounters with Salewa in Chinese department stores, I assumed that it was an overpriced "outdoor equipage" brand with no real pedigree, a fairly common practice in China. However, the agent in Grindlewald introduced me to Salewa's long German history and innovative products.

Founded in 1935 in Munich, Germany, Salewa's reputation in Europe is well established. With the launch of their American headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, in 2007, Salewa has brought their mountain sport experience to North America. Preceding their recent establishment of a North American headquarters, Salewa has had a strong relationship with the likes of REI, Black Diamond, EMS, Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia), and Doug Tompkins (The North Face) since the 60's and 70's, giving them all the credibility they need.

Of the Salewa products that I saw in Switzerland, the most noteworthy was their footwear.

Salewa MTN Trainer with "Salewa Y"
ankle and heel support technology

The representative was very helpful in explaining Salewa's "3D System Evo" lacing and heel support system, which is supposed to give a blister-free experience every time, and "3F System" for added flexibility.

Salewa offers lines of smart looking shoes and boots equipped with Gore-Tex and Vibram technology for:

• Mountaineering
• Winter Trekking
• Alpine Approach
• Tech Approach
• Hike Approach

As our writers continue to familiarize themselves with Salewa, we will continue to let you know what we learn about this "new" name. Leave us a comment and let us know what you've thought about your experience with Salewa and their products.

Waterproof Down: What's The Word? - Video

Since the announcement in late-2011 of a forthcoming water repellant down insulation (no company thus far has actually made a claim of "waterproof"), there has been quite a buzz in the outdoor sports world. So what do you need to know about water repellant down?

Down has long been the choice for
mountaineering and cold-weather adventures,
but moisture is a constant threat

Due to down's susceptibility to moisture (in the forms of perspiration, snow melt, and precipitation) and subsequently diminished loft and insulating ability, until now the best solution has been to pair a down insulating piece with a waterproof shell layer (a hardshell jacket or bivvy sack, for instance) or to use synthetic insulation, instead. However, with the announcement of a hydrophobic down, all of that may no longer be necessary.

DownTek, one of the companies supplying this new down fill, claims that their product is "water repellant, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial." Using a nano polymer treatment to coat goose and duck down fills so that they retain their warmth-to-weight ratio even when wet, DownTek was recently awarded GearJunkie's "Best In Show" at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, indicating that there may be more to these claims that just "fluff."

What To Order: India - Palak Paneer

Don't let the color deter you...

At first sight, palak paneer may not garner much interest from anyone new to Indian cuisine. The strong green color may even cause hesitation in a would-be enthusiast, much as guacamole's greenish hue might deter someone who has (sadly) never tasted its avocado goodness. Yet, for those willing to push past appearances, palak paneer is all flavor.

Palak paneer is a simple-but-tasty vegetarian dish originating in India's Punjab region. Made of pureed spinach (which accounts for the rich green color) and an Indian curd cheese called paneer, palak paneer is a thin curry dipping sauce usually eaten with naan or rice that can help curb the burning in your mouth after a plate full of spicy Indian curry.

Indian naan spread with palak paneer

The pureed spinach is mixed with mild curry spices and the non-aged farmer's cheese, and the result is savory goodness.

Palak paneer's watery consistency and rich spinach, curry, and paneer flavors make it a great dipping sauce and a nice addition to any Indian meal.

Interchangeable Vibram Soles: Korkers New OmniTrax - Video

Footwear manufacturer Korkers (who we had never heard of before) debuted quite an innovative product at this year's Outdoor Retailers Winter Market 2013. In partnership with Vibram, Korkers has created a feature specifically with anglers and winter sport enthusiasts - an adaptable traction sole system called OmniTrax.

Korkers' idea is to provide a footwear platform that can accept a number of interchangeable soles, allowing a single pair of boots to operate optimally in a number of different environments. Watch the following video that Trailspace shot with the Vibram USA representative at ORWM2013 for a demonstration:

Whitewater and (Much) More: U.S. National Whitewater Center - Video

Climbing wall at the USNWC

Located on the Catawba River, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is an à la carte outdoor sports heaven. Let me explain.

The 400-acre, non profit "outdoor recreation and athletic training facility" offers over 2 dozen activities to anyone who wants to participate, ranging from stand-up paddle boarding to rock climbing, a survival school, trail races and triathlons, and seemingly everything in between.

In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities, the USNWC offers a dog-friendly environment where you can hang out and catch a meal, watch whitewater rafters and kayakers on the world's largest recirculating artificial whitewater river, and even attend a music festival or two.