Every year, 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 gear team heads to Outdoor Market Alliance in Lakewood, Colorado, to get a glimpse at the new gear headed to the North American market. Much of what we get our hands on is headed for shelves in a few months for the fall season. Some of it, though, is a glimpse at next summer鈥檚 offerings, giving is a peek into the crystal ball of outdoor gear. Our favorite finds this year? Batteries that work like alkalines but perform like lithium, serious mountain biking packs for little shredders, and the much-delayed release of Thule鈥檚 anti-rooftop tent.

Coulee Coffee

For those who aren鈥檛 quite convinced of high-end instant coffee (but honestly, it鈥檚 not bad!), Coulee Coffee recently launched its single-serving, fully-biodegradable pour-over filters. Similar to the Kuju filters we鈥檝e seen on the market, but with a less flimsy design, each bundle comes pre-filled with 14 grams of grounds; So far, the company offers four different roast options. The filters have a sturdy platform that fits on the rim of most standard mugs without fear of tipping or collapsing when pouring in water to brew. You can also buy $20 packs of empty filters to fill with your favorite grounds. 鈥擜dam Trenkamp, gear lab editor

Coast Zithion-X Batteries

There are plenty of rechargeable lithium batteries on the market, but these are special. Coast鈥檚 new batteries have something called ZX Optimized Voltage technology that supposedly delivers the same steady output as alkaline (traditional AA and AAA), making them compatible with 鈥渓ow drain鈥� devices鈥攖hink headlamps and two-way radios. Apart from keeping alkalines out of the landfill, this gives you the performance benefits of lithium鈥攍onger run time and increased performance in extreme temperatures鈥攊n a truly alkaline-compatible package. We asked if the Zithion-X batteries are safe for use with avalanche beacons, which could be big for winter backcountry travel, but haven鈥檛 received confirmation. 鈥擜dam Trenkamp, gear lab editor

Osprey Raptor Jr Hydration Pack

Finding specialized outdoor gear that truly fits kids can be a challenge鈥攎ost technical equipment is designed with adults in mind. Osprey has taken the lead in changing that narrative by focusing on redesigning some of its adult-size packs for kid-specific fits, like the Raptor Jr, a fully-featured hydration pack for young mountain bikers. It doesn鈥檛 lack on any of the technical bells-and-whistles that the full-sized pack includes, like a stretchy front sleeve pocket, an internal tool organization, stabilizing upper compression straps and dual mesh hip belts, and a LidLock helmet attachment clip on the front of the pack. It also comes with a 1.5-liter reservoir that fits snug inside. 鈥擡rica Zazo, Backpacker contributor

Nestout FAN-1 Portable Fan

I鈥檓 not afraid to deck out my campsite for the sake of comfort, but I鈥檝e never found a worthwhile portable fan to pack on my car camping adventures. They鈥檙e either too noisy, too bulky, too weak, or unable to hold a charge overnight. Nestout鈥檚 FAN-1 solves almost all of these problems. You can choose between four different fan speeds and adjust it to swing at 40掳, 70掳, and 100掳 for customized airflow. Built-in tripod legs let you find placement on uneven surfaces, or you can remove the legs and hang the FAN-1 on a tree branch using mounting hooks. I found it particularly useful to blow away pesky mosquitos on windless nights. 鈥擡rica Zazo, Backpacker contributor

Thule Outset Hitch-Mounted Tent

[Launching August 26]

We first saw Thule teasing its a few years back. After quite a few delays (pesky North American compliance), the roof rack brand鈥檚 rooftop tent alternative is finally hitting the market. The new Outset mounts to a standard 2-inch hitch, giving campers a home on wheels that can easily be attached and detached, simpler to set up, and doesn鈥檛 tie up roof space. The best part: You can leave the tent freestanding when parked, which makes quick trips to town or the trailhead a lot easier than with roof-mounted models.

Inside, the Outset offers a raised platform, a built-in mattress, and big windows for ventilation鈥攆eatures that should appeal to anyone who wants a more comfortable camp setup without sleeping on the ground. In general, the design seems geared toward weekend campers who want convenience without a ton of fuss. No doubt, the Outset is something that will only appeal to a small group of campers, especially with a $4,700 price tag. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director

La Sportiva Sender Ski Boot

[Available Fall 2025]

La Sportiva built its backcountry rep on lightweight, uphill-focused touring boots, but the new Sender marks a clear push into freeride territory鈥攁nd brings a first for the brand: GripWalk soles. That means seamless compatibility with both tech and alpine hybrid bindings, something La Sportiva hasn鈥檛 offered until now.

At just under 1,500 grams and a 130 flex, the Sender targets skiers who want real downhill power on big skis but aren鈥檛 willing to sacrifice uphill efficiency. A carbon-loaded Grilamid cuff, Pebax shell, and a Force Wrap liner lock in support, while a 63-degree range of motion in walk mode that should keep skinning practical for big days out.

The Sender is exciting because it鈥檚 La Sportiva鈥檚 most freeride-focused touring boot yet, and the brand鈥檚 first shot at a true crossover model built for skiers chasing big descents without ditching the climb. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director

Marmot Wraptor Sleeping Bag

[Available Spring 2026]

We鈥檝e seen a few 鈥渨rap鈥� style sleeping bags in recent years, most notably the Wrap Sack from Rumpl. Marmot鈥檚 take uses a more traditional mummy style, and foregoes zips for magnetic closures. Available in synthetic and 650-fill down and in 15-to-20-degree ratings, the Wraptor lets you regulate your warmth by choosing between one or two layers of sleeping bag, and utilizes an听 鈥渆nvelope-style鈥� footbox, which lets you stick a foot or two out when you get hot. The magnetic closure at the collar only opens when it鈥檚 pulled down, which Marmot says should keep it from popping open in the middle of the night. Bonus: it鈥檚 made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled materials. 鈥擜dam Trenkamp, gear lab editor

Fjallraven Kajka X-L盲tt 45

[Available Spring/Summer 2026]

The trendy Swedish brand, best known for its durable, sturdy hiking gear, is making a concerted effort to lighten the load of its packs and apparel across the board. Its new 45-liter Kajka X-L盲tt pack, built for short backpacking trips, weighs only 2.4 pounds, which is quite light for Fjallraven, but just about average for most other pack-makers. But the X-L盲tt stay true to its robust design roots with the brand鈥檚 Vinylon F (a burly synthetic fabric with the feel of canvas) and sturdy birch stays. We鈥檒l be curious to see how the pack actually carries after a season of testing. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

The post The Coolest Gear We Saw at OMA鈥檚 Summer 2025 Media Show appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

A fallen hiker in the mountains of Washington found himself in dire straits: badly injured, alone, and approaching hypothermia this past Monday, July 14.

According to a from the U.S. Navy鈥檚 air station on Whidbey Island, the hiker, 31-year-old Ryan Polkinghorn, was climbing the Chickamin Glacier on the northern slopes of 8,440-foot Sinister Peak, a remote, rugged mountain in the North Cascades. That鈥檚 when he lost his footing and tumbled roughly 200 feet down the steep ice field.

Luckily for Polkinghorn, he didn鈥檛 lose consciousness during the fall. And when he came to a stop, Polkinghorn began screaming for help.

The yelling likely saved his life.

Hikers across the canyon heard his cries, and although they could not see or reach Polkinghorn, they sent out a distress call using their Garmin inReach. Emergency responders received this SOS at 1:38 P.M. according to a .

Once they鈥檇 called for help, the other hikers navigated tricky terrain to reach Polkinghorn. 鈥淎fter traversing glacial and rocky terrain鈥� they finally located the fallen climber, and saw that he 鈥渉ad sustained head, neck, and shoulder injuries 鈥� and was showing signs of early-stage hypothermia.鈥�

After reporting this to the sheriff鈥檚 office, Chelan County contacted the Naval Air Station at Whidbey for a hoist-capable helicopter, which airlifted Polkinghorn off the mountain that afternoon. The injured hiker was then taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further treatment.

The rescue highlights the importance of carrying a satellite emergency device or a phone equipped with off-grid SOS functionality when adventuring solo in the backcountry. It’s also proof that, when all else fails, a powerful scream or loud noise can save one’s life in a backcountry emergency.

In its published guide听,听the Colorado-based Mountain Rescue Aspen advises readers to blow a whistle and yell “HELP,” and not to give up if you do not hear a response. “Rock walls and valleys play strange tricks with echoes and you may lose your potential rescuers by attempting to locate them,” MRA writes.

“No matter how faint his or her yell may be, stay put and keep yelling,” the group adds.

The rescue on Sinister Peak has also ignited the debate about who should foot the bill for search and rescue operations: the victim, local taxpayers, or nonprofit rescue outfits. On the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post that reported the Sinister Peak rescue, one of the top comments was, 鈥淪end him a BILL!鈥�

Earlier this summer, another Washington sheriff鈥檚 office considered an ordinance that would charge hikers fines for rescue, if they鈥檙e found to have behaved recklessly, such as venturing off trail to take a photo on the edge of a slippery gorge. In late June, five separate distress calls on the same trail in a single week prompted the responding rescue organization, a volunteer group, to encourage hikers to use more caution when recreating outside.

The post An Injured Hiker Screamed Across a Valley. The Yelling Saved His Life. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Every time I try to book a campsite on , I end up closer to a mental breakdown than a backcountry getaway. I start off dreaming of a quiet weekend off the grid鈥攁nd end up rage-refreshing tabs like I鈥檓 trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets in 2022. Booking on Rec.gov feels like your camp neighbor is . while you鈥檙e wearing ski boots with no socks and getting a bug bite you can鈥檛 reach on top of a sunburn.

The user experience on this miserable site is like if Clippy and a CAPTCHA had a baby during a server crash. Dates won鈥檛 load. Pages disappear mid-click. Filters are fake. The whole thing feels like a trick quiz from 2004 Facebook. Just this weekend, I went to confirm a booking for an upcoming trip鈥攐nly to find out the site I swear I booked months ago wasn鈥檛 actually reserved. Instead, I had a confirmed spot 25 miles away.

For the uninitiated, Recreation.gov may sound like a government site鈥攂ecause it was supposed to be. But it鈥檚 actually run by a private contractor making millions off your desire to sleep on the ground. While national parks face record underfunding, Booz Allen Hamilton is raking in booking fees that don鈥檛 go to the rangers, the trails, or the land. That annoying $8 fee? It鈥檚 not helping a ranger buy new boots. It鈥檚 padding someone鈥檚 investment portfolio.

For context: is a giant consulting firm that sounds like a Succession villain and acts like one, too. In 2023, they paid $377 million to settle claims they illegally billed taxpayers for work that had nothing to do with the government. One of the largest fraud settlements ever鈥攁nd somehow, they鈥檙e still the ones running the site we have to use to go outside.

I wouldn鈥檛 mind the fees if they were helping patch trails, protect threatened ecosystems, or even went into the beer fund for our overworked and underpaid park rangers. But instead, it鈥檚 Ticketmaster for tents鈥攋ust another example of privatized inconvenience dressed up as civic infrastructure. (And if Tay Tay ever does come for that monopoly, maybe she can take down this one next.)

In the meantime, I know I鈥檒l keep using it鈥攂ecause sometimes the only way to get to the places that remind me to shut off my phone and breathe. Which, clearly, is exactly what I need after using their site.

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You鈥檙e ten minutes from the trailhead and an hour from home when you realize the snacks are still on your kitchen counter. Big bummer. Stopping at the last gas station between you and four hours of hiking, you know this is make-or-break time, the difference between a magical day on the trail and a grown-up meltdown. So how can you save the day for under $15? Here are six considerations for those looking to score some last second calories without breaking the bank.

1. Slim Jim ($1)

Not the most elegant of the meat sticks, but this classic snack packs a protein punch鈥攕even grams to be exact鈥攆or much less than its other beef jerky competitors. Bonus points for being flexible, thin and incredibly pack-friendly, a Slim Jim offers you a nice calorie baseline in a pinch.

2. Honey Roasted Peanuts ($4)

Roasted nuts are full of burnable calories and make for great trail fuel. While almonds offer a balance of iron, calcium, and magnesium, we鈥檙e opting for peanuts that are higher in protein and fiber. That tasty coating of honey and sugar could give you a boost on a steep incline. Plus, taste, you know?

3. Pedialyte ($3.50)

Skip the sugary sports beverage and grab that drink 听your sick kid lived on once for some real replenishment power. Pedialyte is high in electrolytes and sugar that help replenish what you lose while sweating on the trail, and offers 780 milligrams of potassium and 7.8 milligrams of zinc per serving. Combine with water for longer days on the trail.

4. Bananas ($1)

This kind of depends on the gas station, but many (like 7Eleven) will offer some bananas hanging out by checkout. Bananas are high in potassium, which helps prevent cramping and boosts your blood sugar to keep energy levels from crashing during your day hike. If bananas aren鈥檛 available, dried apricots are a good alternative.

5. Snickers ($1.75)

The ultimate backcountry snack, Snickers might be the most useful candy bar of the lot, combining peanuts, chocolate, and caramel into a delicious energy pop when you need it most. I tend to pack a Snickers for summit days, breaking off a half at the top for a reward, but also that necessary protein and sugar kick. The second half can provide some emergency calories on the return trip, 听but also tastes great in the parking lot.

6. Hard-Boiled Egg ($1)

Believe it or not, lots of gas stations have them, and they’re always cheap. Hard-boiled eggs, while not the most glamorous trail snack, are a great emergency option for replenishing energy and repairing muscle tissue after or towards the end of a long day on the trail. Protein rich, these trail MVPs provide all nine amino acids and are easy to throw in the top of any hiking pack. Bonus points for pickled hard-boiled eggs, which offer lots of anti-inflammatory benefits to offset that post-hike rigor mortis.

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If you are drawn instinctively and helplessly to high mountains, then the Nepal Himalayas are something of a holy grail. Home to eight of the world鈥檚 ten highest peaks, a dense network of trails, and an unrivaled trekking infrastructure of lodges, guides, and porters, Nepal is perhaps the world鈥檚 ultimate hiking听destination.

In 20 years of writing guidebooks about the country, I’ve learned that Nepal has far more to offer trekkers than the famous hike to听Everest. The world鈥檚 highest mountain dominates news headlines, sucking up all the oxygen in the room. But Everest has serious downsides鈥攏otably high-season overcrowding, the hassles (and dangers) of flying into Lukla airport, and the dangers of traveling to听such high altitude. Most tour leaders agree that Nepal鈥檚 best trekking experiences actually remain outside the Everest region.

So, where else should you trek in Nepal? Choosing the perfect trail depends largely on your priorities. If you want a logistically simple, budget-friendly hike, and you also enjoy the social side of trekking, then opt for a teahouse route like the Annapurna Sanctuary or Langtang Valley. On these trails you can get meals and a bed en route鈥�you can also spend the evenings trading tales with a collection of like-minded travelers.

If you prefer a quieter experience, as I do, try a less popular teahouse route such as around the one that circumnavigates 26,781-foot听Manaslu, perhaps in shoulder season. I’d also suggest a camping trek like the ones to Kangchenjunga or Makalu Base Camp, generally organized with porters and a guide, which allows you to soak up achingly beautiful landscapes in splendid isolation. If village culture and Buddhist monasteries are more your thing, then head to the Tibetan regions of Mustang or Dolpo.

And if committing to a single Nepal trek feels like having to choose your favorite child, don鈥檛 worry. Nepal鈥檚 unrivaled combination of spectacular Himalayan scenery, logistical ease, and charming people means that you are almost certain to come back for another round. So, if you are finally ready to look beyond Everest, here are our favorite other treks in Nepal.

Around Manaslu: Nepal鈥檚 Best Teahouse Trek

Duration: 11 to 12 days
When to Go: April to May, October听t0 November
Maximum Elevation: 16,785″
Permit: U.S. $75-100 permit, plus Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permits, $22 each.

Why we love it: If only there was one trail that combined magnificent high-altitude scenery, traditional Tibetan-style villages and the comfortable lodges that Nepal is famous for, but without the crowds of Everest and the Annapurnas. Well, don鈥檛 tell anyone, but Manaslu has all of that, and I feel totally justified in calling it Nepal鈥檚 single best teahouse trek. Highlights include waterfall-lined gorges, epic views of the world鈥檚 tenth highest peak, the snowfields of the Larkye La pass,听and some of the Himalaya鈥檚 most beautiful glacial lakes. The route鈥檚 optional detour to Pungyen Glacier might well be my favorite day hike in the entire Himalaya.

Need to know: Cramped buses and shared jeeps run to the trailheads, but for sanity鈥檚 sake, it鈥檚 worth splurging to hire your own jeep. Bring Microspikes for the often icy crossing of the Larkye La pass.

Kangchenjunga North & South: Trek to the World鈥檚 Third Highest Peak

Duration: 15 to 20 days
When to Go: March to May, October to November
Maximum Elevation: 16,863″
Permits: U.S. $20 per week, plus $22 conservation area fee.

Why we love it: Way out in the far eastern corner of Nepal, on the border with India鈥檚 Sikkim province, lies a monster: 28,169″ Kangchenjunga, the world鈥檚 third highest peak (presumed the world鈥檚 highest until the fifties). Getting here takes time but the rewards are immense, from traditional Limbu villages and stunning springtime rhododendron blooms, to high yak pastures and neck-craning views of Kangchenjunga鈥檚 five sacred summits. Separate routes lead to the southern and northern base camps, but the best itinerary combines both by crossing the Mirgin La pass in one incredible trek.

Need to know: The simple local teahouses that line the routes offer basic food and porter accommodation, meaning you can cut down on heavy supplies such as fuel and food and turn this into a hybrid teahouse-camping trek. Getting to the trailhead involves some effort: most likely a flight to Bhadrapur and then a day-long jeep ride.

Langtang Valley: The Best Bang for Your Buck

Duration: 7 to 9 days
When to Go: September to May
Maximum Elevation: 12,697″
Permits: Langtang National Park fee $22

Why we love it: Nepal鈥檚 third most popular trekking area is just a day鈥檚 bus ride from the capital Kathmandu and packs a powerful scenic punch for a relatively short time investment. In a week, you鈥檒l climb through lush forests up into alpine pastures, crossing the ruins of former Langtang village, destroyed by a landslide during Nepal鈥檚 catastrophic 2015 earthquake.

The real highlight of the trek is basing yourself in the highest village of Kyanjin Gompa for several days of awesome radial day hikes, up to dramatic glacier and lake viewpoints or yak pastures just a stone鈥檚 throw from the Tibetan border. It鈥檚 hard to imagine a better week in the mountains.

Need to know: Good lodges line the Langtang Valley, offering food and accommodation every couple of hours. Kyangjin Gompa even offers a bakery-cafe and locally-made nak cheese (a nak is a female yak). Combo options with nearby Gosainkund and the community-based Tamang Heritage Trail make for great extensions if you have time.

Gosainkund & Helambu: Sacred Lakes & Himalayan Panoramas

Duration: 6 days
When to Go: April to May, October t0 November
Maximum Elevation: 15,124″
Permits: Langtang National Park fee U.S. $22

Why we love it: A great add-on to the Langtang Valley trek, this underrated walk climbs past panoramic Himalayan views into the high bowl and dozen sacred lakes of Gosainkund. Be sure to budget half a day to explore the main lake, adorned with Buddhist cairns and Hindu tridents, as well as some of the lesser-visited tarns. During the August monsoon, thousands of sadhus (holy men) make the trek here to celebrate the lake鈥檚 associations with the Hindu god Shiva.

From Gosainkund the trail crosses the rugged pass of the Laurebina La and then plummets through wild valleys to reach big Himalayan views at Tharepati ridge. From here, it鈥檚 a day鈥檚 descent through the rhododendron forests of Helambu to the roadhead at Kutumsang.

Need to know: This is one trek where you have to watch out for altitude sickness, as the first few days see rapid altitude gain. Consider acclimatizing on the Langtang Valley trek first. Instead of ending at Kutumsang, you can continue for another two or three days, descending through Shivapuri National Park to enter the Kathmandu Valley on foot, a stone鈥檚 throw from the yak steaks and two-for-one cocktails of Thamel.

Upper Mustang: A Former Himalayan Kingdom

Duration: 10 days
When to Go: May to October
Maximum Elevation: 14,190″
Permits: U.S. $500 for the first ten days, then $50 per day

Why we love it: A thumb of Nepal sticking into the Tibetan plateau, the former Himalayan kingdom of Mustang, off-limits to foreigners until the nineties, represents one of the world鈥檚 last pockets of unfettered traditional Tibetan culture. The scenery is more Tibet than Nepal鈥攁 dusty, treeless, high desert of Martian landscapes, and fantastical, eroded valleys. It鈥檚 also home to some of the finest Buddhist murals in the Tibetan world, in the spectacular temples of the walled capital of Lo Manthang, but also hidden in cliffside cave complexes. This is one trek where culture ranks higher than high mountain scenery.

Need to know: An unpaved road popular with Nepali motorcyclists now connects Jomsom airport on the Annapurna Circuit to Lo Manthang and the China border beyond, but hiking trails avoid most of the road, especially if, like I did, you return down the roadless eastern side of the valley, via Tange and Tetang. Here鈥檚 another tip: splash out on the high-end Royal Mustang Resort in Lo Manthang, belonging to the former royal family of Mustang, but book well in advance if coming for the spectacular masked dances of the Tiji festival in May.

Annapurna Sanctuary: The Best Annapurna Teahouse Trek

Duration: 10 days
When to Go: April to May, October听t0 November
Maximum Elevation: 13,345″
Permits: $22 ACAP permit, best purchased before departure

Why we love it: The most popular of the routes winding into the stunning Annapurna massif in central Nepal, the sanctuary is a classic Himalayan journey. It starts in sultry rice fields and climbs through ethnic Gurung villages until entering a breathtaking high mountain cul-de-sac, surrounded by the horizon-filling peaks of Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna鈥檚 epic south face (26,545″).

Need to know: While the long-popular Annapurna Circuit has been transformed by roads along 70 percent of its course (the reason it鈥檚 not listed here), the Sanctuary remains road-free. The clearly marked trails, excellent teahouses, and relatively short duration make it an understandably popular trail, so try to visit toward the beginning or end of the season.

Tarap Valley Loop: A Taste of Tibetan-style Dolpo

Duration: 9 Days
When to Go: May to October
Maximum Elevation: 17,356″
Permits: $20 for the first week, then $5 per day

Why we love it: The remote western region of Dolpo ranks with Mustang as one of the Himalaya鈥檚 most fabled and little-visited regions. This Tarap Valley trek stays in lower Dolpo, enjoying much of the same traditional Tibetan culture and unspoiled wilderness of remoter upper Dolpo, but without the latter鈥檚 eye-watering $500 permit. Highlights include timeless villages, iconic stupas, and the monasteries around Do Tarap village, plus the stunning high passes of the Numa La and Baga La and a night beside Nepal鈥檚 most beautiful lake, Phoksumdo. Only a few agencies offer this trek, but it鈥檚 a real hidden gem.

To venture even further off the beaten track, use Phoksumdo as the jumping off point for an expedition into upper Dolpo, following in the footsteps of George Schaller and Peter Matthiessen to reach the crystal monastery of Shey, as described in the Matthiessen鈥檚 classic travelogue The Snow Leopard.

Need to know: This is a camping trek requiring a restricted area permit, so you鈥檒l have to trek with a registered guide and, most likely, porters to help carry your equipment. Start the trek by flying into Juphal airstrip from either Kathmandu or Nepalganj.

Makalu Base Camp: The Heart of the High Himalaya

Duration: 13 Days
When to go: March to May, October听t0 November
Maximum Elevation:听16,404″
Permits: $20 per week, plus $22 Makalu Barun National Park fee

Why we love it: This rugged trek remains deliciously off the beaten trek. Despite being the world’s fifth highest peak (at 27,762″), there are so many awesome mountains in Nepal that many people haven鈥檛 even heard of Makalu. The route takes you from the Arun river, over ridges, pastures, and the Shipton pass, to follow the Barun valley into the very heart of the high Himalaya. The astonishing views of Makalu, Lhotse, Baruntse, and Everest鈥檚 Kangshung face are as dramatic as you鈥檒l find anywhere in the world. The only downside: you have to return the way you came.

Need to know: Simple trekking lodges line the route in high season but they do fill up, so come with a backup tent. Access is via a prop flight to Tumlingtar.

Annapurna North Base Camp: Historic, Short, and Spectacular

Duration: 6-7 Days
When to Go: March to May, October to November
Maximum Elevation: 14,124″
Permits: $22 ACAP permit

Why we love it: Here鈥檚 a wild card. Not many people know about this short but spectacular camping trek that leaves the Annapurna crowds in the dust to follow Maurice Herzog鈥檚 classic 1950 expedition route to Annapurna I (the first time an 8,000 meter peak was summited鈥攔ead his adventure classic Annapurna). No other trek gets you so close to such epic mountains so quickly. A three-day valley approach drops you at Narchang Lake and Annapurna North Base Camp, from where astounding day hikes lead to a series of high base camps and close-up mountain views of the Annapurna, Tilicho, and Nilgiri peaks. This is high mountain heaven, served with a deep slice of climbing history.

Need to know: You鈥檒l need a 4WD from Pokhara or Tatopani to take you up the spectacular mountain road to the trailhead.

Bradley Mayhew is a travel writer specializing in the mountains of Asia, and is the author of Lonely Planet guides to Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Central Asia and others.

The post Skip Everest Base Camp for These 9 Epic (and Less-Crowded) Treks in Nepal appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Our gear editors and contributors have one of the best jobs in the world (we think). We get to be the first to try the latest and greatest in outdoor equipment and apparel, and our bosses don鈥檛 bat an eye when we set our Slack status to 鈥渙ut for a run鈥� or 鈥済one camping鈥� and disappear for a while to go test gear in the field.

As rad as this gear testing gig is, it can also be overwhelming. On any given day, we have boxes of shoes, backpacks, camp cookware, technical apparel, and more (much, much more) stacking up on our desks and in our closets. Not all the gear we test is worth writing about. But every few weeks, there are at least a handful of gadgets and toys that truly surprise and delight our experienced and discerning testers. From running and bike shoes to travel luggage to apparel every outdoor enthusiast should own, here鈥檚 the best gear we tested this month.

Gear We Tested and Love – June

Arc’teryx Granville 25

To hike a coastal trail in Japan this June, I needed a pack that would look discreet on planes and public transit but could perform in wet and humid conditions. (I could only bring a carry-on and personal item, and I didn’t want to look like a dork in Tokyo.) The Arc’teryx Granville 25 ended up being the perfect companion.

My Japanese guide approved of the sleek aesthetics. Functionally, the top flap kept everything contained and streamlined鈥攑erfect for sliding under an airplane seat or tucking between my knees on a train. I kept my wallet and passport hidden but still easily accessible in the water-tight outer pocket that secures under the lid. The exterior is made from a highly durable nylon ripstop that didn’t snag on branches in the forest and was easy to wipe clean when I accidentally squashed a couple bugs. It only sprinkled on us once during our 10 days on the train, but I never worried that my stuff would get wet.

Even though it’s quite heavy for a daypack (30.5 ounces) and I weighed it down further with a bento box full of convenience store candies and too many layers, the padded shoulder straps didn’t dig in and the AeroForm backpanel kept my back cool despite 70-degree temps and high humidity. A guy in the Seattle airport lounge said the pack made me look fancy. Little did he know that I had sweat all over it. I won’t be taking it on day hikes in the Pacific Northwest this summer because it’s a little too streetwear forward, but for trips that take me into urban and forested environments, it’ll be my first pick. 鈥擜melia Arvesen, 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor

Teva Aventrail

I鈥檝e been putting in a lot of miles on the trail this summer, and the Aventrail has become my favorite pair of trail runners. Teva is all in on max cushion right now, and the Aventrail is plush, while still being springy. I really liked the Velcro-strap tensioning system, and the mesh upper breathes well and dries fast.

The shoe has a lot of cushion underfoot, which is off-putting to some, but I鈥檝e felt perfectly stable while running over some really technical rock and root gardens. Need more proof? Pro runner Michael Wardian wore this shoe while thru-running the Appalachian Trail last fall, and that path is known for its technical terrain. One thing to note: the Aventrail has a relatively narrow toe box compared to many modern trail runners. It doesn鈥檛 bother me, but I know some have grown accustomed to more spacious kicks. 鈥擥raham Averill, gear and travel columnist

Yeti Rambler One Gallon Jug听

As a gear editor, I’m drowning in fancy vacuum-insulated vessels these days. Truly, I didn’t think I’d ever get excited about seeing a glorified Thermos ever again. The Ramble One Gallon Jug has proven to be an impressive party trick, however. It’s got all the same ruggedness and temperature retention as the brand’s other products, just supersized with some clever design. It was big enough to hold enough coffee to caffeinate a group of 16 on a recent early-morning birding adventure. It’s also handy if you want to prepare stew or chili for a crowd before heading to a campground without ever lighting the camp stove. The magnetic screw cap is a smart move for someone prone to losing small pieces of gear, and the overengineered handle makes hauling a gallon of fluids surprisingly painless. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

Related: Get Yeti gear on sale during REI’s 4th of July deals

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent

My husband and I did something brave this month: We took our 2-year-old and 9-month old camping for the first time. We survived this first family car camping trip mostly thanks to the Wawona 6-person tent. The 86-square-foot tent proved big enough to fit our Exped Megamat sleeping pad, another single sleeping pad for our toddler, and a regular-sized pack-n-play for our baby. The massive 45-square-foot front vestibule fit a family鈥檚 worth of gear鈥攁 backpack carrier, two duffels, and a camp chair鈥攁nd served as our little lounge during an evening rain storm.

Besides the generous interior (and 76-inch peak height that let us walk and stand freely within the tent), my favorite feature of this tent was all the interior pockets, especially those integrated on the rear door. These were so handy for keeping diapers, wipes, extra pacifiers, and kid books handy but out of the way. Make no mistake, this tent is huge, so you need a good-size campspot for it and two people to pitch it efficiently. But it鈥檚 an amazing tent for families who head out into the wild even when you鈥檝e got two under two and there鈥檚 rain in the forecast. 鈥�Jenny Wiegand, 国产吃瓜黑料 associate gear director听

Altra Experience Flow 2 Running Shoes

Turns out I鈥檝e been running wrong my entire life. My stride was too far forward so I was using my legs to pull me along the dirt or pavement. That killed my hip flexors and shins and left me sidelined for weeks. But with input from my local physical therapist I鈥檓 in the process of correcting things and have found that the Flow 2 are a useful tool. Thanks to a low 4mm heel drop and slight rocker, the shoes are perfectly designed to help me toe-off on each stride, which is the motion I need in order to push (instead of pull) through each step. The extra-wide toe box that the company is known for adds extra comfort in this push-off motion and also helps me feel more balanced as I land in my mid-foot area. The Flow 2s aren鈥檛 the cushiest shoes on the market but they鈥檙e still a solid all-around training shoe and stable enough for speed work. 鈥擩akob Schiller, 国产吃瓜黑料 gear tester and contributor

Yeti 14-Liter Tote Bag

Sometimes a cooler is overkill, but a paper bag isn鈥檛 enough, which is why Yeti launched this insulated tote bag. At 14 liters it鈥檒l hold enough lunch, snacks, and drinks for a full family picnic and has a light layer of insulation that keeps things cold for at least five or six hours. My wife recently took this as the snack bag for a road trip with her friends, and then a week later I packed it with ice and used it to keep drinks cold during an outdoor track meet. Like all things Yeti, the details all line up. A magnet in the lid ensures the top snaps closed, it鈥檚 made from indestructible nylon, and the Yeti ice blocks fit perfectly inside.

No Reception Club The Sidekick

I鈥檓 a huge fan of cross-body bags over purses and totes for daily errands and for traveling. I used to wear a minimalist, 1-liter bag that was just big enough to fit my keys, wallet, and cell phone. But that was before I had two kids. Now I need something bigger, but I still like to travel light. Enter The Sidekick. This 3-liter cross-body bag is big enough to fit all of my essentials plus emergency snacks, a spare diaper for each of my kids, and hand sanitizer. It also comes with a sleek, foldable changing mat that also fits snugly in the main zippered compartment. My favorite feature, though, is the separate back pocket with a magnetic closure specifically designed to store a pack of wipes. It makes cleaning up messes and sticky hands on the go so easy. Ten out of ten would recommend to all parents (and even non-parents). 鈥擩.奥.

686 Everywhere Hybrid Short

Warmer temps, including a few heat waves, have had me wearing primarily shorts and this pair from 686 is my go-to. The cut, stretch, and durable material make them great for just about any activity outside鈥擨鈥檝e hiked, biked, climbed, paddled, and done marathon yardwork sessions in these. They shrug off light precipitation while handling abrasive rock scooting and bushwacking through scrub oak as if made of kevlar.

Not only are they great for playing outdoors, they easily double as urban wear thanks to rear zip and side leg pockets (all RFID blocking), and a design aimed at organizing all of your EDC essentials. Between activities, simply brush the shorts off, or do a quick wipe with a wet cloth, and it鈥檒l look like you just put on a fresh pair. 鈥�Adam Trenkamp, 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab Test Editor

Giro Gritter Mountain Bike Shoes听

Gear We Tested and Loved – May

Rab Cubit Stretch Down Jacket

听

This is the puffy I have been looking for my whole life. I started testing it out in February, and it quickly became my go-to spring skiing layer. Warm and wind-resistant, it鈥檚 the perfect piece to wear听on a breezy summit, yet it鈥檚 packable enough to live in my pack for the rest of the day.

Now it’s become the perfect layer for shoulder season. I’ve worn it on chilly evenings camping in the Tetons, dinner dates in Chamonix, and thrown it on while pedaling to the market for groceries. This puffy is not a seasonal layer鈥攊t will be living at the front of my closet all year long. 鈥擫ily Ritter, 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor听

Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine听

Real espresso heads will probably laugh at me for owning this machine since it鈥檚 totally automated. Like all bespoke things, I鈥檓 assuming that if you want top-shelf espresso, you have to be more involved. However, I know what a good cappuccino, flat white, or cortado tastes like after sampling these drinks across the world for the past several decades, and the Touch Impress delivers brews that are 90 percent as good as the best I鈥檝e tried. In fact, the coffee I can make with this machine is so good I鈥檝e given up on going to coffee shops in favor of just making my own espresso drinks. We buy high-quality beans and make sure the water is filtered, but otherwise, the machine does all the work. 鈥擩akob Schiller, 国产吃瓜黑料 gear columnist

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller听& Convertible Travel Bag 40L听

Before using these two Topo Designs bags, I was a disheveled traveler. But with this matching backpack and roller set, you’ll never again find me rifling through my bags in the middle of the terminal. The soft-sided roller has one large compartment that fits even the most overstuffed , a zippered panel serves as a dirty laundry deposit, and two mesh pockets organize socks and undies. A bar between the wheels makes it easy to grab听from the overhead bins without bonking anyone.

I use the backpack as overflow, stowing extra layers and travel mementos that don’t fit in the carry-on. The laptop sleeve is inconspicuous but easy to access, and the numerous internal and external pockets keep my essentials鈥攚allet, Airpods, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and snacks鈥攆rom sinking to the bottom. Straps secure the backpack to the roller bag’s handle, giving my shoulders a break while waiting in long airport lines. One ding: The roller exceeds some international luggage dimensions; I was asked to check it on a flight to Qu茅bec. 鈥擜melia Arvesen, 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor听

Early Rider Super Velio Bike

On the eve of my son’s second birthday, I bought him a used Strider bike from our local second-hand gear store. I was so excited to get him on a bike this summer I was crushed when I realized he was still too little to use it. The Strider proved too big, heavy, and unwieldy for his still-developing motor skills. Then this thing showed up on my doorstep for testing. The Early Rider Super Velio looks like something straight out of Tron, which is probably one reason why my son instantly gravitated towards it. But the main reason he likes it is because he can actually use it鈥攂y himself.

The Super Velio is specifically designed for toddlers under two (and even babies as young as 8 months, depending on how tall and coordinated they are) to use before they get on a balance bike like a Strider. Though my kiddo is technically above the recommended age limit, he’s a little guy (2’11”), and the Super Velio is a good size for him. Its magnesium frame is light enough for him to handle, the seat is low to the ground so his short legs can reach comfortably, and the massive, spherical wheels (balls?) increase stability so my timid little guy isn’t afraid of tipping over.

The brand’s ABC (Active Balance Control) steering system also purportedly helps reduce wobbles and actively guides the wheels to help the bike stay upright; this system is adjustable via an allen key above the back wheel鈥攜ou can add tension to the rear wheel to make the bike less responsive to wobbles, or reduce tension to make the bike more responsive once kiddos get better at handling the bike. My son is still figuring this training bike out, and at this point, he prefers sitting on it while I push him via the tiller that attaches to the back. It’s yet to be determined whether the Super Velio will help my kiddo ride independently sooner than a traditional balance bike, but because he’s still too little for a Strider, it’s definitely giving him earlier opportunities to practice on a two-wheeled bike.听鈥擩enny Wiegand, 国产吃瓜黑料 associate gear director

Mountain Hardwear Butter Up Hoody

Breathable and stretchy, this sun hoody has become my go-to for long ski tours, springtime mountain bike rides, and muddy trail runs. The jersey knit fabric feels as soft as my favorite pajamas, and the hood has the perfect amount of stretch鈥擨 can pull it over a helmet while skiing, but it also sits comfortably over a hat while hiking. The scuba hood design adds a little extra protection from the sun, making it ideal for warm days on the water. I typically go for merino base layers (which manage body odor) for multi-day trips, but I was surprised that this one never stunk, even after wearing it for four days in a row on a glacier this spring. 鈥擫.搁.

Topo ST-5 Running Shoes

These are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. The soft, flexible upper hugs my foot from heel to ball like a second skin, while the toe box is roomy and airy, with plenty of space for splay, even when wearing . Underfoot, a half-inch, zero-drop layer of firmly bouncy Zipfoam allows me to feel and interact with the ground without getting bruised by it. The Topo ST-5 has become my default casual shoe, especially when traveling (like I did several times in May); they kept me feeling balanced and nimble while walking for miles on sidewalks and stairs, standing for hours, and running short distances. Their clean styling and subdued colors (I have both a black and a grey pair) let me wear them anywhere, from a run to a restaurant, without feeling out of place. And my podiatrist friends tell me that they are , too. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, 国产吃瓜黑料 senior gear editor

Rab Protium 20L Day Pack

I鈥檝e been testing out a lot of hiking gear recently, which means I鈥檝e been putting a lot of miles on the trail. The Protium is the pack that I keep coming back to for most of my day hikes. It鈥檚 relatively light weight (just over 2 pounds, empty), but is loaded with user-friendly features, like a shoulder harness that can be adjusted to your specific torso, and easy-access stash pockets all over the outside of the pack鈥攖wo on the hips, two for water bottles, and one large expandable mesh pocket on the back. I like to keep my snacks and rain jacket handy, so these pockets have been clutch.

I鈥檓 not a trekking pole devotee, but there鈥檚 an attachment point for those too. The terrain here in the Southern Appalachians is steep, and there are plenty of opportunities for hand-over-hand scrambling. The Protium shines in these situations as it fits snug to my back, eliminating any sway or bounce when I鈥檓 moving fast or handling technical terrain. It even comes with a built-in rain cover, which has proven handy since spring in the Southern Appalachians means daily rain showers. 鈥�Graham Averill, 国产吃瓜黑料 travel and gear columnist听

LIVSN x Gnara Ecotrek Overalls

In general, I’m a huge fan of overalls鈥攖hey’re comfy, practical, and moderately cute, and most have tons of pockets for snacks, drywall nails, gardening shears, and cool rocks. The only thing I don’t like? Having to get basically naked to pee. Enter the which have a hidden central zipper. The product of a collab between outdoor lifestyle brand LIVSN and women’s pants brand Gnara (a pee-zip pioneer), these things have quickly become my daily drivers (in fact, I’m wearing them as I write this.)

The central pee zip goes from front waistband to tailbone, making it easy to squat and go without baring your booty to other trail users. And the durable, water-repellent, quick-dry fabric has thus far shrugged off light snowfall, summer squalls, poison ivy, and even thorny underbrush. I use them for everything from yardwork to setting at my local gym to hiking in the foothills around Boulder, Colorado. They’re a little pricey at $229, but I expect them to outlive me. And if time is money, then just count up the minutes I’ve saved by not having to disrobe entirely for pee breaks and they’ve already paid for themselves. 鈥擟orey Buhay, interim 国产吃瓜黑料 managing editor

Giro Imperial II Road Cycling Shoe

After three consecutive seasons of solely using mountain bike shoes, I’m back to road cycling shoes. The reason? The BOA Li2 closure system has made the lightweight (220 grams) Giro Imperial II road cycling shoes my new go-to bike shoes. The Li2 has solved many of the gripes that I formerly had with BOA’s innovative dial-and-cable closure systems鈥攕pecifically that they could not hold up to my daily use (and abuse). I ride hard, and due to my narrow foot, I tend to crank down my shoe laces or buckles or BOA dials to their maximum for every ride.

After more than a month of daily riding, the Li2 system’s alloy dial and CS1 lace have not slipped or stretched. I am also impressed with the Li2’s dual-direction micro-adjustability, which allows me to wrench down the fit for climbs, and then back off a few clicks for descents. And finally, the low-profile dials don’t get caught on my leg warmers or overshoes, which makes it easy to adjust these layers when riding. You can find BOA鈥檚 new Li2 on a growing number of cycling shoes: Specialized S-Works Ares II, Fizik Vega Carbon 2 and Vento Carbon 2, and Shimano S-Phyre RC902. 鈥擣rederick Dreir, 国产吃瓜黑料 articles editor

Halfdays Ynes Longsleeve Top听

In the eight years that I鈥檝e been testing gear for a living, I鈥檝e only come across a handful of clothing pieces that are true standouts in the wide-reaching and crowded apparel category. The Halfdays Ynes Longsleeve Top is one of these. I鈥檝e worn it at least 20 days this month because it鈥檚 now the most comfortable, versatile, and stylish shirt in my closet. This top, made from 87 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent Tencel, and 2 percent spandex, feels like butter next to skin, is ultra-stretchy, and is so lightweight and breathable that I can comfortably wear it on hikes in 80-degree temps even when I have my built-in furnace attached to me (aka, my 8-month-old daughter).

I鈥檓 also obsessed with ruched fabric and the mock neck cut that provides additional protection from the sun and makes this technical layer stylish enough for a night out on the town. Like other synthetic tops, the Ynes does tend to hold on to odors; but despite the delicate-feeling fabric, it has held up surprisingly well to extensive wear and five machine washes. 鈥擩.奥.听

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The post The Best Gear and Equipment We Tested This Month (June) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As a 36-year-old, white, biological female, I haven’t dealt with much discrimination on the trail. Though I consider myself a part of the queer community, I blend in pretty well. I present as straight. I’m not very eccentric. And there is a sort of safety in that, really.

During a recent trip to Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest with a group of my queer friends, I begin to notice things听I never had before. “It isn’t always safe out here,” I heard one of my friends say on our climb. I could tell that they meant they were only comfortable because of the size of our group. Alone, when harassment is more likely, things feel different.

That comment made me think. I started to wonder: What resources were there to support and empower queer hikers to stay on the trails, and to educate other recreationists on how to better share them?

Here are six LGBTQ-safe hiking groups specifically created to do just that. Over the last few decades, these organizations have helped thousands of queer hikers explore鈥攁nd heal.

The Venture Out Project

鈥淎s queer and trans folks, we鈥檙e often on the receiving end of help,鈥� said Peter Cohen, the founder of 听, in a previous interview with 国产吃瓜黑料. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really empowering when one of us gets to be the helper.鈥�

Cohen, who came out as trans at age 38, started Venture Out in 2014, driven by a desire to connect folks in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC spaces to outdoor job opportunities. The organization still remains a launching pad for entrepreneurs, but it also hosts backpacking and wilderness trips for queer and transgender folks and their families.

Venture Out is active mostly along the , but offers day-length events all over the .听You can volunteer to , browse the organization’s job listings, or check out other upcoming events.

Wild Diversity

is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon on a mission to help BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities connect to nature and each other. The organization equips young people as well as adults, offering summer programs to connect isolated teens to new peer groups.

Some of Wild Diversity’s offerings include:

• Single and multi-day backpacking and camping trips on the West Coast
• Environmental education workshops that teach topics on sustainable living
• Annual BIPOC Youth 国产吃瓜黑料 Media Summer Programs, which focus on documenting nature
• Nine–Week BIPOC & LGBTQ2S+ Youth Summer Camp Program that helps teens develop outdoor skills

Out There 国产吃瓜黑料s

Elyse Rylander spent a decade as an outdoor teacher and guide before she realized that the queer youth she worked were having a very different experience than other kids in her programs. Ultimately, that need for outreach and inclusion felt too great to ignore, so she went on to found听, in 2015. Elyse has chatted with 国产吃瓜黑料 a few times about her passion for helping LGBTQ+ youth who feel ostracized in their current peer groups and environments. “There is this need to connect and to find a community,鈥� she shared.

But that’s not the only way Rylander helps youth get outdoors. From her current role as the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Rylander runs day-length and short multi-day events for LGTBQ+ youth all over the country.

Queer Mountaineers

is a Washington–and Oregon-based rock– and ice–climbing club for LGBTQ+ folks. The organization has three core goals: to provide opportunities for queer people to connect, to offer technical training and discounts on gear, and to train up LGBTQ+ outdoor industry leaders.

Queer Mountaineers is known for being a hub for activists and artists, and it stands out as an organization that focuses on skill development for everyone鈥攆rom beginners to experts. You can browse Queer Mountaineers’ 听or offer up your expertise by

Gays of National Parks

was introduced to me by Mikah Meyer, an incredible human being whose recent award-winning documentary 听illuminates the reality of what it’s like to to grow up gay, and how intense the internal fight can be over whether or not to be visible in the world. Meyer spent three years visiting all 419 National Parks, driven by a hope that his presence alone would make the outdoor space more inclusive. “There were so many people out there who needed to see an openly gay outdoorsman to help them be that person and enjoy the outdoors,” Meyer shared on the 国产吃瓜黑料 Podcast. “This park’s journey taught me my life’s vocation, which is being that role model that I never saw.”

According to Meyer, Gays of National Parks is a great place to start for other LGBTQ folks who share a love for the outdoors, who want to share their stories, and strive to boost queer visibility. GoNP conducts (and in other countries). What started as an Instagram page has now grown to 20,000-plus queer folks enjoying community, and combating isolation and loneliness by getting outside.

LGBTQ+ Outdoors

is a massive network of inclusive outdoor spaces that all have the same central tenets:听safety, connection, and belonging. The organization has community-based chapters in 23 states and is looking to expand into the other 27. It offers “adventure trips” open to all, like a rep to the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska this summer and a hiking tour through Glacier National Park in Montana.

Check the to find an outing near you. If you don’t see anything close, consider signing up to be an LGBTQ+ . I’ve just applied to start a chapter here in Spokane. The commitment is one year and is mostly community building and advocacy work with the option to act as a guide for simple day trips.

My life hasn’t been easy. Getting outside has brought me so much healing. I want that for others. I want that for my friends. But not everyone is comfortable doing it alone as I have. I’m looking forward to receiving training on how to create community outdoors, so that there is support for all of us to heal and develop outdoor skills.

The post These Queer Hiking Groups Are Keeping Trails Safe for LGBTQ+ Folks appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

A flurry of distress calls from a single hiking trail near Seattle prompted the local King County Explorer Search and Rescue (KCESAR) team to ask hikers to exercise better judgement and caution.

All of the incidents occurred on 4,841-foot Mailbox Peak.

On Monday, June 22, KCESAR , noting that five different people required rescue over the span of seven days in June. Another rescue group, called Seattle Mountain Rescue, posted that it responded to three different distress calls on June 19 on the mountain.

In the semi-satirical , KCESAR wrote that it had 鈥淥fficially Filed Change of Address to Mailbox Peak鈥� to make future rescues easier.

Both of the posts included a photo of the metal mailbox that sits atop the mountain.

“Sometimes, accidents just happen鈥攁nd we鈥檙e here for that,” wrote KCESAR.

Mailbox Peak is accessible by two trails: an older, steeper route, and a newer, slightly longer but more gradual trail, but neither requires any technical rock climbing or scrambling, and even the longer route is less than 10 miles round trip.听However, the path is quite steep. Hiking from the trailhead to the summit entails 4,000 feet of elevation gain, and even via the newer, gentler trail, hikers must ascend approximately 850 vertical feet per mile.

As the , 鈥測our thighs will feel the burn once you start climbing, and it won’t let up until you’re standing triumphantly next to the Mailbox.鈥�

In addition to the steep nature of the trail, Mailbox Peak is less than an hour by car from downtown Seattle. with local outlet KOMO News, KCESAR鈥檚 Natalite Patterson called hiking the mountain a 鈥渞ite of passage鈥� for locals, and noted that the majority of distress calls on Mailbox entail dehydration, leg cramps, falls, or becoming lost in the dark. Although five emergency calls in a single week is unusual, KCESAR says the peak is one of their 鈥渢op 5 most common SAR callout locations鈥� year-round.

Due to the high quantity of inexperienced and unprepared hikers who seem to find their way to the peak, the idea that Mailbox is inordinately treacherous or difficult has become a . On the Reddit page r/Mountaineering, commenters routinely to 8,000-meter mountains such as K2 and Mount Everest.

King County isn鈥檛 the only county in Washington struggling with an excess of search and rescue calls. In nearby Skamania County鈥攚hich saw a 400 percent increase in SAR incidents in May compared to last year鈥攍ocal authorities are considering an ordinance that will require rescued hikers to pay for their rescues, if their behavior is deemed to be negligent or reckless. Many rescue outfits, particularly volunteer ones, oppose this idea, arguing that punitive policies could deter hikers from calling for rescue.

In a follow-up post to their announcement of the five calls on Mailbox, KCESAR wrote, 鈥渁nyone can find themselves in trouble. Whether you鈥檙e a first time hiker or experienced guide, accidents happen, weather shifts, gear fails. Whatever the reason, KCESAR has your back!鈥� Their post goes on to advocate a policy of, 鈥淐ompassion first. Lessons second. Judgement never.鈥�

Taking a middle ground, some states, like Utah and New Hampshire, have implemented programs that encourage hikers to purchase search and rescue cards in advance of any wilderness trips, both to support the state鈥檚 search and rescue efforts and, worst case, offset the costs of potential rescue missions for themselves.

In its Instagram post, KCESAR included five tips to address common mistakes the crew has seen on the mountain:

• Bring a headlamp, even in summer. Phone flashlights don鈥檛 count 鈥� batteries die, and trail nights are darker than you think.
• Pack the 10 Essentials 鈥� including that headlamp! If you get injured, these items help keep you safe, warm, and dry while waiting for help.
• Choose hikes that match your current fitness and experience鈥攅specially early in the season.
• Don鈥檛 count on cell service. Many trails have spotty or unreliable service. Bring a backup way to call for help and navigate (download your maps!).
• Wear real hiking shoes. Crocs may be comfy, but they鈥檙e not made for steep mountain trails.

The post Hikers Keep Getting Rescued on This Popular Trail Near Seattle appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

On June 11, the 1,000-plus-foot lava blasts of 碍墨濒补耻别补, one of the world鈥檚 most active volcanoes, nearly lured one visitor to his death. A 30-year-old Boston man fell 30 feet from a steep cliff after venturing off a trail to get a closer look at the volcano after dark at Hawai鈥檌 Volcanoes National Park. Luckily, a tree broke his fall, preventing him from plunging another hundred feet or so to the lava-strewn caldera floor. The听impact of which could have resulted in his death, according to .

The man, who did not have a flashlight or headlamp, sustained only minor injuries after the park鈥檚 search and rescue team performed a high-angle rescue.The mission听involved rappelling down the steep, heavily vegetated cliff face and hoisting the man to safety.

碍墨濒补耻别补’s recent eruption began on December 23, 2024. It’s the highest level of volcanic activity the park has seen in about 40 years. The result has been 听a 鈥渉uge uptick鈥� in visitation to Hawai鈥檌 Volcanoes National Park, according to park public affairs specialist, Jessica Ferracane. Park ranger Luke McNair says the June 11 incident was the second听 search-and-rescue mission since the eruption started.

I live part time on the neighboring island of Maui, and I admit I hopped a flight earlier this year so I could witness the glowing lava flows and billowing clouds of ash first-hand from the park trails. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the earth come alive before your eyes. I know not alone in this fascination. Ever since travel industry pioneer Thomas Cook took the first group of tourists to see Mount Vesuvius in 1841, volcano tourism has been a thing. And the onset of social media has fueled the rise of so-called 鈥渓ava chasers,鈥� says Dr. Adam Kent, a professor of geology at Oregon State University.

So far, there have been more than 50 volcanic eruptions worldwide in 2025. But while that may seem like a lot,听Dr. Kent says that鈥檚 on par with the global average. 鈥淭he most spectacular eruptions just so happen to be at some of the world鈥檚 most-known volcanoes,鈥� he adds.

On May 15, Sakurajima volcano in Japan sent a nearly 10,000-foot plume of ash into the air. And Mount Etna, Europe鈥檚 most active volcano, erupted in spectacular fashion on June 2, sending a group of as ashy clouds formed behind them. Other active volcanoes worldwide, including Nicaragua鈥檚 Concepci贸n, Iceland鈥檚 Fagradalsfjall, and Chile鈥檚 Villarrica, are popular tourist lures.

Alex Bradshaw, of , a cultural-focused tourism agency in Japan, says that since the eruption, he鈥檚 seen a remarkable surge in demand for hiking expeditions across the Kirishima Mountain Range and cycling tours on Sakurajima. 鈥淚t鈥檚 clear that travelers aren鈥檛 just coming for the dramatic scenery鈥攖hey鈥檙e seeking a deeper connection with these living, breathing volcanoes,鈥� he says.

That’s a feeling I can identify with. I skied to the smoldering summit of Chile鈥檚 Villarica, just months after its last consequential eruption in 2015. I鈥檇 booked the experience through a local outfitter, , and the ski resort, Pill谩n, closely monitors the volcano’s activity.

When I visited 碍墨濒补耻别补, I stayed on marked trails within the park and went to the in advance for notifications of closures and warnings. At the time, it felt reasonable. But given the recent accidents on 碍墨濒补耻别补, I wonder: During either of these past trips, was I being overly risky? Could I be taking more precautions when I visit volcanoes? I asked experts for their tips on how to safely visit a volcanic site. Here鈥檚 what they had to share.

Understand the Risks

鈥淚t鈥檚 important to remember that you鈥檙e in a dynamic environment where things can change quickly,鈥� says Arianna Soldati, an assistant professor of volcanology at North Carolina State University. Rules are in place for a reason. It鈥檚 crucial to stay on marked trails and safely within viewing areas. Lava flows can be very unstable and collapse under your weight if you attempt to walk on them, says Soldati. 鈥淗ot lava might be flowing under the seemingly inactive surface.鈥�

Volcanoes are essentially a mountain of rubble, says Ben Andrews, director of the Global Volcanism Program, an organization that maintains a website with a comprehensive listing of the world’s active volcanoes. 鈥淵ou need to be cautious of rockfalls, cliffs, and mudslides,鈥� he says. 鈥淩ain or snowmelt can turn volcanic ash into a wall of liquid concrete weeks, months, even years after an eruption,鈥� he cautions.

Toxic gases are another consideration. Scientists estimated that 碍墨濒补耻别补, for example, emitted up to around 83,000 tons of toxic sulphur dioxide per day during some of its recent eruptions, according to an update on the . The sulfur dioxide released from the volcano can mix with other gases and particles in the atmosphere to create a haze called volcanic smog (vog), and strands of windblown volcanic glass, named after the Hawaiian goddess.

Inhaling either at high concentrations may cause respiratory problems and other such as eye and skin irritation, according to USGS. Typically prevailing winds carry the toxic particulates away from the park, but when the weather is calm, local air quality can suffer, states Katie Mulliken, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist.听 If you see people wearing masks and helmets on guided tours, you probably should not be exploring the place by yourself, says Soldati.

Even inactive volcanoes pose dangers. 鈥淒ormant doesn鈥檛 mean safe,鈥� says Harding Bush, associate director of security operations at Global Rescue. 鈥淎 volcano can shift from quiet to deadly with little warning, like a sleeping giant that wakes without notice. Tourists need to be alert and prepared. Even when a volcano appears calm, the environment around it is anything but. It鈥檚 like standing on a frozen lake in spring鈥攖he surface may look solid, but danger lurks beneath.鈥�

Dr. Kent cautions that a safe viewing distance can vary from a few meters to many kilometers depending on the type of eruption. 鈥淢y number one suggestion would be to follow advice from local authorities,鈥� he says. When it comes to photos, Maui-based photographer Daniel Sullivan of Indigo Gallery recommends using a tripod and trying to use different shutter speeds to capture different shots. On the Big Island, he says it鈥檚 important not to get too close to the action. 鈥淭he park rangers have barricades in place to听 show you where you can shoot from,鈥� he says. 鈥淯nfortunately people are constantly ignoring these and bad accidents do happen.鈥�

Review Updates from Local Resources

The exact timing of an eruption can be tricky to predict, but it鈥檚 unusual for travelers to be caught completely off guard by volcanic activity, thanks to advanced scientific forecasts. The Global Volcanism Network puts out around 15 to 25 detailed weekly reports per week on recent eruptions. 鈥淲e鈥檙e a wonderful clearinghouse听but I still tell people to check with local volcano observatories, civil authorities, and local park services,鈥� says Andrews. In the U.S., the site monitors volcanoes and issues warnings. In Iceland, the equivalent service is the that lists active volcano hazards. In Sicily, the Civil Protection Department听and the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology听provide the public with updates on Mount Etna鈥檚 eruption status using a color-coded system.

Be Prepared

鈥淭reat a volcano with the same respect you would a big mountain,鈥� says Andrews. Dress like you would for a hike with sturdy boots, extra layers, sun protection, a headlight, drinking water, and a high-vis vest. Summits can be chilly鈥痑nd rainy, so pack a rain jacket. 鈥淐onsider whether you鈥檒l have cell coverage,鈥� says Soldati. 鈥淚f so, make sure you conserve battery for actual emergency communication versus picture-taking.鈥� Soldati recommends downloading the app to ensure you can describe your location in case of an emergency.

鈥淪tay alert for anything that looks, sounds, or smells unusual, and if things seem off, leave as quickly as possible,鈥� says Soldati. 鈥淭ry to avoid valleys if at all possible, as those will be preferential paths of lava flows. If an eruption starts, do not waste time capturing it with your phone.鈥�

Also keep in mind that eruptions can impact travel. Airports may close, and roads can become impassable due to ashfall. 鈥淭ravelers should be prepared to change plans quickly and use alternate routes by land, sea, or air if needed,鈥� said Bush. 鈥淚 was stranded in Anchorage for days trying to get to Kodiak Island while there was an eruption 160 miles away on the Kenai Peninsula听of Alaska.鈥�

Go with a Pro

Activities like lava-field hikes, crater tours, and eruption viewings offer a front-row seat to nature鈥檚 most powerful spectacle. Consider experiencing them with an expert on a guided tour that can provide historical and geological context. Hawai鈥檌 Volcanoes National Park, offers nearly every day on 碍墨濒补耻别补 volcano..

鈥淚t only takes a little homework to be safe,鈥� says Andrews. 鈥淰isiting a volcano should be an awe-inspiring experience, not a death-defying one.

Lava Gaze Safely on These Guided Volcano Hikes

Travelers can book tours with certified guides who specialize in volcano hikes:听

Hawaii: Get two distinct views of 碍墨濒补耻别补 on the Volcanoes and Waterfalls by Air and Land trip from . Soar above Hawaii Island鈥檚 dazzling volcanic formations with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters then trek through the national park with an expert who knows just how close to snap pics of lively 碍墨濒补耻别补. From $1,009

Chile: Climb Chile鈥檚 most active volcano Villarrica with Amity Tours during an of the Lake and Volcano District. The approximate five-hour trek to the summit rewards hikers with views across the live crater and out to five lakes. From $4,870

Italy: leads full-day hikes, consisting of five to six hours听of trekking, in routes that are safe both during active and quiet phases of the volcano. From $70

Guatemala: Local operator offers overnight guided group treks to the 12,360-foot fiery ridge of the Acatenango volcano, with the option to tack on a 90-minute sunrise hike to the summit the following morning. From $94

Iceland: Walk near newly formed lava fields and witness steaming fissures with . The outfitter鈥檚 half-day hike from Reykjavik showcases the major changes that the Sundhn煤kur, Fagradalsfjall, and Meradalir eruptions made to the landscape between 2021 and 2024. From $120

Japan: Spend 15 days trekking around Kyushu, nicknamed the Land of Fires for its plentiful volcanoes, with outfitter . Take in views of the world鈥檚 largest volcanic caldera at Mount Aso and soothe sore muscles in volcanic sand baths and onsens. From $6,035

Jen Murphy is a regular contributor to 国产吃瓜黑料. This past winter she went ski touring past the stinky fumaroles of Asahi-dake, an active volcano in Hokkaido, Japan.

The post Close Calls at Lava Flows鈥擧ow Safe is Visiting an Active Volcano? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Following a trio of moose attacks in Colorado, state officials are asking dog owners in mountain towns to keep their pets on-leash.

The three incidents occurred successive days this past week, in three different Colorado mountain towns. In all three, the people who were attacked were walking dogs when they encountered female moose.

On Friday, May 30, two women walking four dogs off-leash in the town of Fairplay came across a cow moose, which charged and stomped the women, who were able to escape without serious injury by climbing onto a roof. According to a , a neighbor was later able to chase the moose away using a fire extinguisher.

The following day, in the community of Grand Lake, a man and woman walking their dog on a leash were also charged by a moose, which knocked the woman to the ground and attempted to stomp on her.

The man eventually grabbed a firearm and shot and killed the moose. “The moose was shot in self-defense while actively posing a threat to human health and safety,鈥� CPW said in a release.

Give moose PLENTY OF SPACE AND RESPECT, especially during the spring. Female (cow) moose w/ calves can be very protective of their young, they may charge, kick or defend themselves if they feel you鈥檙e too close.

鈥� Colorado Parks and Wildlife (@COParksWildlife)

This moose was subsequently found to have been protecting a calf, which officials euthanized.听听鈥淭he decision to euthanize the calf was not easy to make,鈥� said the CPW鈥檚 area wildlife manager, Jeromy Huntington, in a release. 鈥淲hile rehabilitation can be successful in some cases, it’s not a guaranteed solution. In the case of this moose calf, taking it to a rehab at such a young age would not be in the best interest of the animal鈥檚 long-term survival in the wild.鈥�

The CPW release noted that 鈥渨ildlife taken to a rehabilitation facility is primarily intended for the purpose of returning the wildlife to the wild,鈥� and that legally, wildlife may not be held for more than one year.

Grand Lake has been the site of serious moose attacks in the past. In 2006, the town鈥檚 former mayor, Louis Heckert, suffered fatal head injuries after being attacked by a moose while walking to church.

A third moose attack occurred on Sunday, June 1, in Steamboat Springs. A woman was returning from a walk with two leashed dogs in River Creek Park, near the Steamboat Ski Resort, when she was attacked and trampled by a cow moose. The woman was saved by a passing paddleboarder, who was himself injured while scaring the moose away.

According to a local report, the paddleboarder was released with minor injuries, but the woman was in critical condition after the attack, and was later airlifted to a hospital in Denver. Investigating CPW officers later found a moose with twin calves in the area. They believe the moose was startled by the woman and her dog.

This moose and her calves were later relocated out of the park and outside city limits. 鈥淎fter monitoring the moose and her young over the last 48 hours, we determined they were very comfortable in the area and not going to move on their own,鈥� Justin Pollock, assistant area wildlife manager,. 鈥淲hile this area is perfect habitat for moose, the risk not only to their safety in a populated area, but to the safety of people, was too high, which is why we chose to relocate them.鈥�

Moose encounters in Colorado are fairly common, but historically attacks and injuries are rare, particularly inside city limits. CPW has reported only 22 injuries from moose attacks in the state since 2019. Most of these occur during calving season鈥攆rom mid-May to early June鈥攚hen cow moose are giving birth to their young, and behave more aggressively than normal. Another time of increased risk is the breeding season, late September through November. Bull moose often become more territorial and aggressive during this period.

CPW maintains a webpage, , offering advice for staying safe while recreating in moose habitat, particularly during calving season. Cow moose often hide their offspring to protect them from predators but remain nearby, so even if an adult moose appears to be alone, it could very well be protecting a calf out of sight. CPW recommends choosing a trail with good visibility, and making lots of noise when recreating through thick vegetation to avoid startling a moose.

Signs of moose aggression included laid back ears, raised hairs on the neck, a lowered or cocked head, swaying back and forth, licking of the snout, and rolling eyes and ears. But in general, if a moose has reacted to your presence, CPW says, you are too close. In the event of a charge, attempt to place obstacles, like trees or boulders, in between you and the moose.

Walking with dogs off-leash raises risks. The scent and appearance of a dog is often similar to that of wolves, one of the only natural predators of a moose. CPW鈥檚 release says 鈥渕ost moose conflicts involve dogs,鈥� and recommends, particularly when hiking near riparian or willow habitats, where moose are often found, that all canines remain leashed.

鈥淥ff-leash dogs can venture off-trail, surprising hidden moose calves or cows. Cows will, in turn, chase retreating dogs, which can bring the moose in contact with humans,” the agency warns.

While many wild animal attacks occur as a result of human provocation and irresponsibility, CPW public information officer Rachel Gonzalez told The Steamboat Pilot that in some cases, a moose attack can simply be bad luck, and can occur even if an individual is following all recommendations.

鈥淭hings happen even when we follow all of the rules,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n places like Steamboat, it鈥檚 important to be extra vigilant when you鈥檙e recreating. Maybe that means keeping your dog on a shorter leash 鈥� maybe don鈥檛 walk or jog with headphones. I know we all want to listen to our favorite playlist, or that audio book we鈥檝e been sucked into, but you are probably going to hear an animal before you ever see the animal. Moose are really big, but they can blend in so well.鈥�

The post A Flurry of Moose Attacks in Colorado Prompts a Warning to Dog Owners appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.