This guy must be related to MacGyver. While participating in the qualification trials for the Amageza Run, South African motorcyclist Johan Gray didn’t think twice about stopping to save a baby calf who had gotten separated from the herd and fallen into a canal. While it took him a few tries, Gray was able to use his ingenuity to save the animal and bring him home. Thankfully, he was able to record the entire experience on his helmet camcorder.
Gadling gear review: OutThere AS-1 Pack
One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that I get the opportunity to test a lot of outdoor gear. I’ve been fortunate enough to put sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing and much more through their paces, and in the process I’ve learned a lot about how those products differ and what distinguishes the good from the bad. After awhile, some of the gear starts to look the same, as one manufacturer copies another in an attempt to add new features or options to their equipment. That’s why it is so refreshing when you find new, innovative products that do something a bit different.
That’s exactly what I found in the AS-1 Pack from a company called OutThere, a start-up looking to challenge the big boys in the outdoor space. The AS-1 was designed by Mike Kloser, a world champion adventure racer, who has spent years competing in some of the toughest endurance events, in some of the harshest environments, on the planet. Kloser knew exactly what he wanted and needed out of a backpack, but since no one made what he was looking for, he went out and built it himself.
When using the AS-1 the word that kept coming to mind was versatility. The pack does so many things, and does it all so well, it is hard not to be impressed. Make no mistake, this is a backpack designed for the hardcore sport of adventure racing, but it brings a lot to the table for adventure travelers and backpackers looking to go light and fast as well. For example, the pack is made from lightweight, yet durable, water resistant fabrics, which help to protect the important gear inside, while shrugging off all the punishment that comes along with travel.The AS-1 features 30 liters of internal storage space, with room for an additional 10 liters in external stowage as well. It includes an incredible array of pockets of various sizes, all of which are easily accessible and help to keep travelers well organized while on the go. In fact, there are so many pockets, that I kept discovering new ones the longer I used the pack. You’ll also find both internal and external hydration bladder sleeves, trekking pole/ice axe loops, and two removable hip pouches that are perfect for snacks or a small camera. Integrated compression straps make it a snap to carry skies or a snowboard, while four mesh elastic pockets provide plenty of room for carrying water bottles too.
Of course, all of these options aren’t very useful if the pack isn’t comfortable to wear. Fortunately, the AS-1 excels in that area as well, thanks to a plethora of options for adjusting the fit. The easy to adjust shoulder straps, working in conjunction with a floating hip-belt and strategically placed compression straps, give you the ability to customize the pack to fit your body perfectly and once you have the fit set to your needs, it stays in place exceptionally well. The AS-1’s back panel is well padded and designed to keep air flowing between the pack and its wearer, a combination that will be much appreciated on those long days on the trail. All of this adds up to a backpack that can easily carry large loads, without sacrificing comfort.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the AS-1 Pack was designed for use in adventure racing, a sport, which mixes trekking, paddling, and mountain biking through remote areas of the planet. For that particular use, this is without question the best pack available. But I think active, adventurous travelers will appreciate its versatility and attention to detail as well. For example, I wished that I had had this pack with me on a trek through the Himalaya last year and I know that backcountry skiers, climbers, snowshoers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it as well. The AS-1 is one of those rare pieces of gear that you can purchase and use in all kinds of ways, making it a bargain at $189.
Win your dream trip to Canada
Lonely Planet is currently hosting a contest that gives travelers the chance to explore the world’s second-largest country however they please. Whether you enjoy winter skiing or summer hiking, this contest can help you have the experience your dreams in Canada. First prize is a $10,000 travel voucher towards the Canadian trip of your choice, while the second place winner will $500 worth of Lonely Planet books.
You can enter by going to Explore Canada like a local and browsing their featured trips. Select your favorite destination/activity and then copy the URL of your choice into the form on the Lonely Planet Facebook page. After filling in your information, you will be asked to explain in 200 characters or less why this trip is your dream Canadian experience.
Couchsurfer rhymes a “gift rap” to his host
Couchsurfer Matthew Bloomfield really appreciated his stay at host Elmar Bierbaum’s apartment in Lima, Peru. If fact, he felt so grateful that he composed a rap as a tribute to Bierbaum (and he stayed within the 1,000-word limit for a CouchSurfing reference).
Bloomfield calls himself “The Rapping Professor”, as he not only writes rhymes for those you give him a couch to sleep on, but also for his day job. An event entertainer, the rapper has been able to break into an unusual niche and has been very successful, even performing at corporate parties in Asia.
Check out the Rapping Professor’s talents for yourself in the clip above.
Breckenridge celebrates 50 years of skiing
One of the top ski resorts in all of North America is preparing to kick-off a season-long celebration of a half-century of operation. Colorado’s Breckenridge Ski Resort will turn 50 this year, and the iconic destination has big plans to commemorate the occasion.
The hill will officially open November 11th (11/11/11) and to get skiers and snowboarders excited, they’ve already launched 50 Days of Giveaways on the Breckenridge Facebook page. The prizes they’re giving away are increasing in value each day, culminating with the final giveaway on the 11th. Thus far have handed out gear, food and drinks at the resort, tickets to events, and much more.
The resort will also soon launch its “50 Wishes” campaign, during which visitors to the mountain can submit a wish that they’d like to see fulfilled while they are there. The staff will comb through those requests, and select 50 of them to fulfill at random times throughout the season.
Early season skiers and snowboarders will also have the opportunity to enjoy great savings as well. If you book your stay at the Village at Breckenridge prior to opening day, you’ll receive 50% off the normal rate rate for a condo, which translates to $118 per night, with a minimum of a two nights stay. That’s an incredibly great deal for the chance to stay at one of the top ski resorts in the world. They’ll even throw in 2 free drinks and an appetizer at a local restaurant as well. For more details on this offer, click here.
Last year was a record breaking season for snow in Breckenridge, with the resort receiving an unbelievable 519 inches of accumulation. The long term forecasts for this year indicate that we should expect more of the same, which should make for outstanding skiing and snowboarding once again. With plenty of snow and plenty to celebrate, Breckenridge should be a fantastic destination all season long.
[Photo courtesy Breckenridge Ski Resort]