Over the course of more than 150 years, a once-radical idea has evolved into our cohesive national parks system often referred to as America’s best idea. Their mission: to make the more than 100 parks across the country accessible to all and to preserve them for future generations. To encourage that, the National Parks System sponsors several fee-free days throughout the year. This years schedule has January 14-16 as the first free weekend. [...]

Our exhaustive search for the perfect backpack may have come to an end. Mile High Mountaineering has just released three very impressive backpacks. These colorful packs are made from super-tough 315 ripstop Codura and come in 38, 55 & 80 liter options. The frame and sYnc A.C. suspension system is incredibly stable and claims to handle weight far more efficiently than most packs of the same size. Load and access your gear more efficiently through the vertical, water-resistant zipper on the front panel (our favorite feature) or the traditional top load opening that also hides a hydration sleeve and an integrated rain fly. Fully adjustable shoulder straps & a dual-pivoting, adjustable hip belt allow each pack to fit virtually any body shape. A special compartment in the bottom of the the 55 & 80 liter sizes house a built-in stuff sac that’s perfect for a sleeping bag. [...]

Have epic plans to summit Everest or Kilimanjaro? Maybe something more modest like seeing the Great Wall, or just back packing across Europe? There are people out there just like you looking to do the same thing. Todd Sullivan decided to do something about it; he co-founded Globetrooper. It’s a website that lets you find like-minded, adventure buddies to travel the globe together. Don’t worry If you’re more in to scuba or wine tasting than hiking and kayaks, you’re sure to find someone else looking for the same thing. Just pick a continent, set a date – then do it. What are you waiting for? [...]

Update: 2012 Schedule

Over the course of more than 150 years, a once-radical idea has evolved into our cohesive national parks system often referred to as America’s best idea. Their mission: to make the more than 100 parks across the country accessible to all and to preserve them for future generations. To encourage that, the National Parks System sponsors several fee-free days throughout the year. This years schedule has January 15-17 as the first free weekend. Plan something fun – Mark your calendar for these free park days in 2011! [...]

When you are deep in the heart of nowhere, whether at base camp on Everest, or helping the relief efforts in Haiti, GOAL ZERO kits deliver maximum off-grid power wherever you need it. Born from a humanitarian need for portable power, their battery packs, lighting accessories & solar panels can all be combined or interchanged to meet whatever power requirements you have. These are the real deal and have literally been to the most remote places in the world. But they’re not just for extreme conditions. Film makers, weekend campers or even soccer mom score keepers – If you need tough, dependable & sustainable power – you just found it.

Share the story of your airport security pat-down experience. Whether it’s the juicy details, advice for future travelers, rants, raves, whatever, this is a forum for you to rate your pat-down and share your story, good or bad, funny or sad. After all, they felt you up, now it’s time to write it down.

One of the biggest problems with having quality equipment is keeping it safe during transport. Thule now has an entire luggage line made just for hauling our gear through those rough travels. Molded crush-proof safe zones for goggles, cameras & your more sensitive items keep the really expensive stuff safe. Outside there are raised rails on top of a rugged exoskeleton to protect everything else from throwers, taxi drivers or a clumsy Sherpa. To keep your clean clothes separate from the wet & dirty, the larger duffel bags have divided main compartments. Sturdy oversized-wheels and strong handles finish them off. Specialized bags for laptops, school, cycling, skiing, paddling – or anything else. [...]