Video: Adventure is Calling (Part 2)

A year or so back I posted a video that was made by three friends who quit their jobs to go off and travel across the U.S. for two months. Along the way they captured some amazing images of their journey and turned it into an inspirational short film called Adventure is Calling. Now, one of those travelers is back with a second video that continues on the theme of delivering inspiration to travel. This three-minute clip offers some stunning timelapse images from across the U.S. and Canada that will quite simply take your breath away. These are some of the most compelling outdoor settings that you'll find anywhere, and if you don't feel inspired to go find an adventure of your own after watching this, you should probably check yourself for a pulse. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Adventure Is Calling II from Shane Black on Vimeo.

Video: Drone Over Nepal

We have another short – but sweet – drone video today, this time from Nepal. The opening footage shown in the clip was shot around Kathmandu, giving viewers a sense of what that city looks like from the air. But later we head out to the Annapurna region, where the DJI Phantom 2 drone captures great shots of the countryside, as well as some beautiful looks at that far-off mountain.

Drone over Nepal from Fallout Media on Vimeo.

The National Park Service Invites You to Find Your Park

Yesterday, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced a new initiative called Find Your Park. This new campaign is designed to help raise awareness with the public about the importance of America's national parks even as we draw near to the 100th anniversary of the Park Service in 2016.

The goal behind the Find Your Park campaign is to connect people to the parks in many different ways. For a lot of us, the parks aren't just a place, but a connection with friends and family as well. They illicit emotional responses on many different levels ranging from awe and wonder, to joy and contentment. The goal is to help others discover their connections with the parks as well, particularly young people who are visiting those places in fewer numbers.

First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Laura Bush are co-chariing the Find Your Park effort. They are heavily focusing on finding ways of inspiring the younger generation to explore the parks more fully, and come to appreciate their value in new ways. There hope is that this campaign will help that process.

For me personally, the U.S. national parks represent some of the best outdoor landscapes found anywhere on the planet. They are spectacular settings that often have to be seen to be believed. Find Your Park is all about discovering those places that speak directly to you as well, whether they are in Yellowstone or Yosemite National Parks, or at the White House or places like Gettysburg. These are places that are natural, cultural, or historical wonders, and we should appreciate and protect them more. As the Park Service is about to enter its second century, that is exactly the goal.

Video: Beautiful Iceland in Timelapse

We'll close out the week with this amazing three-minute short film that captures the spectacular landscapes of Iceland in timelapse. The settings look simply amazing, and should inspire some outdoor adventures for all of us as we head into the weekend. Enjoy!

Iceland 4K - shot on Nikon D800 from Macgregor on Vimeo.

Video: Things I Remember About Zermatt

The things that stay with us when we travel to a new place are often surprising. That's the premise behind this video, in which the filmmakers traveled to Zermatt, Switzerland for a mountain biking trip in the shadow of the Matterhorn. They wanted to highlight the amazing things they saw there, and the elements of Zermatt that stood out the most. This beautiful video is the result.

Things I Remember from Zermatt from Filme von Draussen on Vimeo.

Trail Run Takes Athletes Around Kilimanjaro on Foot

National Geographic Adventure has posted an interesting article about the Kilimanjaro Stage Run, an 11-day epic trail running event that circumnavigates the famous African mountain. This non-competitive event is undertaken by runners from around the world each year as a challenging adventure that gives them a different perspective on the mountain and the people that live at its base.

The run is the brainchild of Simon Mtuy, a Tanzanian who has earned world-wide respect for his trail running skills. Back in 2006 Simon set a record for running to the summit of the mountain, reaching the top in just 9 hours and 21 minutes. That record was broken in 2013 when Simon helped Kilian Jornet beat his mark. Jornet managed to make the trip just 7 hours and 14 minutes. The current record, held by Ecuadorian mountain runner Karl Egloff stands at 6 hours, 56 minutes, and 24 seconds by the way. To put that in perspective, on my recent climb up Kili, we spent the better part of seven days reaching the summit.

But they Kilimanjaro Stage Run isn't about speed or setting records. Instead, it covers 260 km (161.5 miles) over 11 days as participants travel completely around the base of the iconic mountain. The runners stay on dirt tails and footpaths the entire way, at altitudes that range from 1400-2000 meters (4593-6561 ft). They pass through dense rainforests, pass beautiful waterfalls, and immerse themselves into Tanzanian culture in small villages along the way. All the while, the snowcapped peak of Kili looms tall overhead.

The Nat Geo article gives readers a good indication of what the run is all about, and provides excellent insights into the experience for intrepid trail runners who are considering attempting the run themselves. You can also check out the fantastic short film called Mountain of Greatness, which you'll find below. It follows a team of runners who completed the KSR back in 2012, and gives viewers an even better sense of what it is like out on the trail.

The 2015 edition of the Kilimanjaro Stage Race is set to take place from October 17-27 of this year. If you're interested in running it, you can find out more here. Sign up and get busy training. There is still plenty of time to prepare.


Mountain of Greatness from Andrew King on Vimeo.

Video: Wondrous Timelapse From South America

Shot in Chile and Bolivia, this beautiful video captures timelapse footage from the amazing landscapes that can be found in those two countries. You'll see everything from sun-soaked deserts to rocky canyons to snowcapped peaks, with a lot in between. It is a wonderful short journey through a part of the world that I personally enjoy immensely. After watching this clip I think you'll understand why.

Wondrous Timelapse from VDOLAB on Vimeo.

Video: 30 Days in Nepal

If you're looking for a very well made short-documentary to inspire some adventure this weekend, than look no further than the video below. It is a 30-minute film that follows the journey of the three friends who spent 30 days trekking the spectacular Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. The film gives viewers a taste of what it is like to travel from the chaotic streets of Kathmandu, to the breathtaking trails of the Himalaya. It also gives us wonderful glimpses of the culture, landscapes, and history of country as well. Sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy this one from start to finish.

Google Street View Takes Us to the Himalaya

Want to explore the Himalaya, but don't have the time or inclination to actually go yourself? Better yet, have you already been there but find yourself missing the spectacular mountain settings in Nepal? Than why not let Google Street View take you back without ever having to leave your comfortable home?

Recently, the Internet search giant sent it's Street View team to the Khumbu Valley with one if its Trekker backpacks. The high tech device is capable of capturing images in a 360º circle around the wearer, and those photos are than stitched together using special software that creates panoramic shots of a region.

The team hiked all the way to Everest Base Camp, capturing some fantastic photos and video along the way. You can get a glimpse of that trek in the short video below, than click here to learn more about the project and to start exploring the Khumbu Valley yourself.

Video: Traveling Along La Ruta de los Gringos in Peru

Peru is a country with a surprising number of unique environments and landscapes. Ranging from the dense Amazon Rainforest to stark deserts, to the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, it is a land of startling contrasts. All of those settings, and more, are captured nicely in this video, which was shot over a three-week journey through the South American country. It is a wonderful travelogue that documents all of the fantastic things to see and do there, reminding us why Peru is a top destination with adventure travelers the world over.

Perú - La ruta de los gringos from Guillaume JUIN on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Chaco Trailscope Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Chaco is well known for making their iconic sandals, which are a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts. But not everyone knows that they also make a line of excellent hiking shoes and boots that are worthy of attention too. Recently I got the opportunity to put their Trailscope shoe to the test, both at home and on Kilimanjaro, and what I found was an incredibly well made light hiking shoe that is just as capable on the trail as it is running errands around town.

When shopping for a light hiking shoe I always look for something that is comfortable, versatile, and durable. Those are three words that aptly describe the Trailscopes, which are built for use in a wide variety of environments. These qualities make them an excellent choice for the casual hiker, adventure traveler, or just someone who needs something that is tough, but looks good in a casual setting.

The Trailscope shoes come in two varieties – standard and waterproof. I tested the waterproof version and found them to have all the necessary components for keeping your feet dry even in very wet conditions. They are made with a water-resistant leather upper and have an integrated waterproof bootie as well. Both of those items work together to repel moisture in a very efficient manner. In fact, I wore these shoes in a late afternoon rainstorm on Kilimanjaro, as well as in snow and ice back home, and never once had my feet even feel the least bit wet. I'd venture to say short of complete immersion in a stream, or getting caught in very heavy downpour, they'll manage to keep out all water.


Chaco puts a great deal of emphasis on making their shoes very comfortable, and that starts with the well cushioned footbed that they call the "LUVSEAT." This thickly padded liner molds nicely to the foot over time, and actually does make a difference in the level of comfort that you'll feel when wearing these shoes. I'd go so far as to compare the fit and feel of these shoes to being closer to a sneaker, rather than a hiking shoe, with just the added weight that comes along with the thicker heel belying the difference.

Speaking of the heel, the Trailscope provides solid protection for your feet, protecting it nicely from the sharp rocks, rough ground, and uneven terrain that comes with a hiking trail. I was impressed with how they felt while walking on a variety of surfaces, providing the wearer with a protective shield that doesn't make you feel detached from the ground in any way. This is important on long hikes, as it keeps your feet feeling rested but still allows you to trek with confidence.

On Kilimanjaro, the Trailscopes served as my camp shoes after a long day of hiking on the rough trails. They were excellent in that role as they allowed me to shed my heavier boots for a much more comfortable shoe that was lightweight, yet still managed to keep my feet warm and dry. They were so good at their job in fact that at times my feet felt a little too warm. If I were to complain about any aspect of this shoe it would be that the waterproof versions could possibly breathe a bit better, which would regulate the temperature of your feet more evenly. This is mostly a small nitpick in the greater scheme of things, but it is important to point out none the less, particularly if you suffer from warm feet already.

It should be noted that Kili is a challenging environment on gear. It features multiple climate zones, plenty of rocky terrain, and weather conditions that can vary greatly. But that said, when I returned home my Trailscopes looked like I had just taken them out of the box. There wasn't a scratch, scuff, or ding on them despite wearing them on most afternoons on the mountain. I think that says an awful lot about their long term durability, and their ability to survive in tough environments.

As mentioned, these shoes also served double-duty while at home just kicking around town. We had a few late-winter storms blow through our area, bringing snow and ice to a city that normally doesn't have to deal with those conditions. The Trailscopes performed very well however, with the excellent waterproofing keeping moisture at bay. And as the temperatures dropped, I appreciated the fact that these shoes were able to add a little extra warmth to my feet.

Beyond that however, these shoes just happen look nice and are perfect for wearing in casual situations. They have an understated design that is perfect for the trail, but doesn't scream "outdoorsy" when you just want to wear them around town too. If you like to wear your hiking shoes for a variety of occasions, I think you'll find Chaco has delivered footwear that will keep you happy both on and off the trail.

The waterproof version of the Trailscope runs $135, which makes them competitively priced with similar boots from other manufacturers. Considering the high level of comfort that they deliver however, I'd say that they are a relative bargain. This is a great multipurpose, light-duty hiking shoe that will keep your feet happy and safe on the trail or around town. They are durable, good looking, and well built, which should make them a great addition to your gear closet too.

Video: A Voice in the Wilderness

This beautiful clip is a good reminder of why we need to go outside. It was shot as a promotional piece for my friends over at O.A.R.S., but the message is a good one none the less. It features a narrator reading a great quote from author and environmentalist Edward Abbey about the importance of not only protecting the wilderness, but also going out and exploring it as well. The scenery depicted in the clip will certainly help to inspire you to heed that advice. Short and sweet, but very lovely. Enjoy!

A Voice In The Wilderness from Thelonious Step on Vimeo.

Video: Voyage of the Labyrinth - Episode 1

In 2012, Jase Kovacs purchased a yacht called the Labyrinth and began pursuing his life of adventure on the open seas. The video below is the first episode in a new series, in which viewers follow Jase and his crew as they explore the ocean, visiting unique islands, and seeing things that few people ever get the opportunity to see. In the opening moments of the video, Jase explains that he had always dreamed of owning his own ship and being able to sail where he wanted to, but he never thought it was possible. But now, just two years after buying the Labyrinth, he is living the life that he always dreamed of. Inspiring and interesting stuff to say the least.

Voyage of the Labyrinth: Episode 1 from Jase Kovacs on Vimeo.

Outside Picks the 30 Best Trips for 2015

Still having difficult deciding where you want to travel in 2015? Have no fear, as Outside magazine is here to help. The editors of the popular outdoor and adventure mag have compiled their choices for the 30 most incredible trips for the year ahead, giving readers plenty of suggestions of places to visit based on their own personal preferences for ideal travel destinations.

Amongst the places that earn a spot on Outside's list are Bermuda, which was named the "Best Island," and Fiji which took home the top honors for "Best River Trip." Cuba, which is finally opening up to American travelers after five decades, received a nod for "Best Dive" spot, while one of my personal favorite destinations – Montana – earned the distinction for being the "Best of the Wild West."

Those places are just scratching the surface of suggested destinations to visit however. Outside also names my old stomping grounds in Austin, Texas as the best place for street food, and it says that Portland, Maine is the best place to "tie one on." The magazine also recommends heading to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado for a seven day mountain biking tour, and names Chile as the "Best International Adventure Hub," an honor that I can certainly agree with.

There are plenty of other great trips and destinations on Outside's list as well, so even if none of the ones I've already mentioned strike your fancy, you're sure to find something to like. Whether you want to hangout at the beach, explore a destination by car, or paddle the serene waters of a mountain lake, you'll find some great suggestions on where you can do that, and a whole lot more. Check out the entire list of tops destinations by clicking here, and start planning your adventurous escapes today.

Video: Atlantic Light Along Ireland's West Coast

Wild and dramatic would be the words I'd use to describe the landscapes captured in this video. They were shot by photographer and filmmaker Peter Cox, who traveled to Ireland's West Coast to capture these ariel images. The shots will be featured in a new coffee table book, but it is hard to not marvel at them in motion as well. This is a beautiful part of the world, and this short film does a wonderful job of conveying the sense of wonder that comes along with visiting this place.

Atlantic Light from Peter Cox on Vimeo.

Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor 2015: A Rescue On the Mountain

This article is the fourth in a new series about my recent Kilimanjaro climb. In the days ahead, I'll be sharing several articles about the experience to help readers prepare for a potential trek of their own in the future. If you'd like, you can read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 respectively.

Because Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb there is a common misconception amongst those who haven't visited the mountain that it is actually a very easy trek to the top. In fact, I've actually spoken with some people who have been downright dismissive of a Kili climb, saying that it offers little in the way of a challenge, and isn't particularly difficult. This shortsightedness can lead to a few surprises however, catching some climbers off guard. While it is true that Kilimanjaro doesn't require any special mountaineering skills to summit, it still presents some serious challenges due to its altitude. At 5895 meters (19,341 ft) in height Kilimanjaro is not to be taken lightly, something that my entire climbing team was reminded of in dramatic fashion on our recent visit to the mountain. 

The Climb for Valor team that went to Kilimanjaro last month with Tusker Trail was made up of a group of individuals who were about as healthy and physically fit as any group that you would find on the mountain. In fact, there were two Green Berets that were part of the team, as well as several widows of fallen U.S. special forces soldiers. The remainder of the team were also incredibly fit, and about as well prepared for a trek at high altitude as any group of travelers that I have ever been around. That high level of physical fitness would serve each of well in the days we would spend on the mountain, and would ultimately lead to a high level of success come Summit Day as well. 

But sadly not everyone on the team was able to join us at the summit. In fact, a few days into our adventure we all faced a sobering reality that was an indicator of just how serious a Kilimanjaro climb can truly be. On our second night spent above 3962 meters (13,000 ft) two members of the team became quite ill, and ultimately had to be evacuated by helicopter from the mountain. While we all knew that altitude sickness was a serious concern, none of us expected to face it in such a dramatic fashion.

That evening, one of the members of the team – an incredibly fit Green Beret no less – became ill and started to have a difficult time breathing. A quick check of his oxygen levels revealed that he was at just 60% saturation, and his lungs were beginning to fill up with fluids. Fortunately the Tusker guides are well trained to handle situations like this one and they were quickly able to diagnose the problem, and oversee the patient's medical care on the mountain. It didn't hurt that Tusker is one of the few guide service on Kilimanjaro that carries both bottled oxygen and a portable altitude chamber (PAC), with the Tusker team well versed in how to handle both the oxygen and the PAC. The ailing climber was quickly placed inside the PAC to help alleviate his symptoms, but because he had developed High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), the only way for his condition to improve compleltey was to get down off the mountain. Something that wouldn't be easy in his weakened state. 

As part of the Climb for Valor package every Tusker climber was issued adventure travel insurance coverage from a company called Ripcord Travel Protection. Ripcord provides all of the standard coverages you would expect, including trip cancellation and interruption, as well as lost baggage coverage, and so on. But unlike most other travel insurance policies, it also covers emergency evacuations for medical and security purposes as well. It was fortunate that we all had this protection from Ripcord, as it allowed us to call in a helicopter to evacuate our strike companion from the mountain, allowing him to get the medical attention he needed in a much more expedited fashion. 

The climber who was stricken with HAPE was placed inside the portable altitude chamber to help make him feel more comfortable until morning. By daybreak he was starting to feel a bit better, but it was still vitally important that he get off the mountain. By mid-morning a helicopter was sent to pick him up, and within a matter of minutes he was on his way to a local hospital where he was treated for his symptoms, and released that same day. Dropping in altitude had allowed him to recover quickly, but it was certainly a humbling reminder of just how serious climbing at altitude can be. 

The helicopter also evacuated a second member of the team who had suffered a severe allergic reaction over night as well. She woke up that morning with severe swelling in her lips and face, and while it was unclear what caused the reaction, we knew it was best that she be evacuated as well. In an environment like Kilimanjaro even a seemingly small threat to your health can turn into a major issue, and we couldn't afford to wait to see what exactly the problem was. 

With our two companions gone from the group, the dynamic changed significantly. Not only did we miss those two personalities, we were all reminded about then serious nature of the climb. It was not a foregone conclusion that we would all reach the top, and altitude sickness is can be a real problem, even on a non-technical mountain like Kili. The rest of the team was eventually able to a make it to the top without any more serious threats to our health, but I think we were all a bit more cautious following the evacuation, as we all knew that it could have been anyone of us on that helicopter. 

Thankfully, the two people evacuated were back to full health in a just a day or two, and both welcomed the rest of the team after we descended from the mountain. With the whole team reunited once again, we celebrated a successful climb with dinner and cold beers back in Moshi, as we all began to reflect on what the experience had meant to each of us. 

On a personal note, I can't tell you how impressed I was with how the Tusker staff handled the evacuation process. The guides are well trained to handle emergency situations, and they saw to the health of our companions while making the necessary arrangements to get them safely off the mountain. 

Similarly, the folks who represented Ripcord – two of whom were on the climb with us – were extremely professional and on top of the situation as well. They facilitated the evacuation as efficiently as possible, and made alternate arrangements when the first airlift fell through. If you are a climber or adventure traveler who frequently finds yourself in remote places, they are certainly the insurance policy that you want covering your expeditions. Their policies go above an beyond what is typical for the industry, and it clear that they take their clients' health and security very seriously. 

As for anyone who intends to climb Kilimanjaro in the near future, hopefully this story will serve as a reminder. Don't take the mountain lightly. Sure, it is a high altitude trek without many technical challenges, but the altitude alone is enough to cause concerns, and it is a mountain that can take you by surprise if you go unprepared. 

Gear Closet: Rocky S2V Provision Pants

If you read my review of the Provision Jacket from Rocky S2V that I posted a few days back, you already know that I was highly impressed with its performance while on Kilimanjaro. That lightweight, but incredibly warm and protective shell, kept wind, rain, and snow away from my body while on the climb, and proved invaluable on Summit Day when I was most exposed to the elements. But the jacket was only half the story, as I was also wearing a pair of Provision Pants, which provided the same level of protection for the bottom half of my body.

Just like the jacket that bears the same name, the Provision Pants are made from the same high performance fabrics that are designed to repel moisture, while remaining very comfortable to wear, even while working hard at altitude. These pants incorporate the extremely thin and lightweight aerogel insulation, which completely shields the wearer against rain – and perhaps more importantly wind – without adding any kind of bulk or excess weight to the product. In fact, I was continually impressed with how thin and light these pants actually are, particularly when you consider the amount of protection from the elements that they provide.

Much like the Provision Jacket, these pants incorporate multiple zippered pockets, including a handy one on the thigh that is perfect for keeping important small items, such as a point and shoot camera, very close. The high quality zippers help to seal out excess moisture as well, but are also easy to operate even when wearing gloves.


Just like with Rocky S2V's fantastic jacket, these pants incorporate the Recco Advanced Rescue Technology right into the design. A built-in Recco transmitter gives off an electronic signal that makes it easier for wilderness first responders to locate you should you go missing in the backcountry. This is a handy piece of mind to have on your side for those "just in case" moments, and it is just another example of all of the great little touches that have been included with these pants as well.

The knees and seat of the Provision Pants also include reinforced fabrics and insulations to help keep you more comfortable when you sit or kneel on wet or cold ground. Two-way zippers run the length of each leg, giving you the option to vent excess heat as needed as well. These options go a long way towards keeping you comfortable on the trail, no matter what weather conditions Mother Nature throws your way.

Rocky has built these pants with internal waist adjustments so that in theory you wouldn't have to wear them with a belt. I found that the medium sized pants that I wore were still a bit too big however, so I was definitely glad I had a belt along to help keep them in place. It seems sizing runs a bit on the larger size, so keep that in mind when ordering a pair of these pants. I'm typically a medium in shell pants, but the Provisions were practically falling off of me prior to putting on a belt.

Other than that very small observation however, I found the pants to not only fit fine, but also move fluidly no matter what I was doing. The last thing you want when climbing a mountain like Kilimanjaro is for your clothing to restrict your movements, but that wasn't the case at all. In fact, I wore these pants all the way up to the summit, and was very glad I did. The amount of protection that they provided from the wind alone was enough to convince me of just how good they were, and the fact that I was able to climb all day in cold conditions, wearing just these pants and a thin thermal layer underneath, is a testament to how warm they are as well.

Tough and durable, the Provision Pant feels like it is the type of product that will accompany you on many adventures without showing any signs of abrasion or wear and tear. In fact, my pants, which were worn several days on Kilimanjaro, still look absolutely brand new, which is a testament to the quality of the fabrics used in their construction. Built for the harshest of weather conditions, these pants will certainly come in handy on many future trips as well.

Rocky S2V sells the Provision Pant for just $119.99, which I found to be quite a bargain considering the level of performance that they deliver. This is a high quality product that will keep you warm and dry in the worst of conditions, and allow you to continue your active outdoor pursuits even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

I can't tell you how incredibly impressed I am with products from Rocky S2V. I know that they certainly made it easier for me to climb to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, and I can't imagine how much more challenging my Kili climb would have been without them.

Video: Monument Valley, USA

This video takes us to the spectacular Monument Valley, located in Arizona and Utah, to give us a grand look at the sweep landscapes and improbably stone structures that exist in that environment. It is a 4+ minute tour of this amazing place, filled with awe inspiring shots of place that looks like it could be from an entirely different planet. If you have never seen Monument Valley before, this video will serve as quite an introduction. One you won't soon forget.

Monument Valley - USA from FREEWAY PROD on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: Rocky S2V Provision Jacket

Summit Day on Kilimanjaro is a long, grueling push to the top of the mountain that begins early hours of the morning, and continues well into the afternoon. It is a difficult scramble up the side of the mountain that – if you're lucky – eventually culminates with you standing at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. On the day that I summited a few weeks back it was a cold, windy affair that threatened to make the final push to the top a very uncomfortable one. But fortunately for me I was wearing a new Provision Jacket from Rocky S2V, which proved to be the perfect shell for my high alpine pursuits.

Built from the ground up for outdoor adventures, the Provision Jacket features a form fitting cut that is designed to keep you warm and dry, without inhibiting your ability to move freely. Made from 4-way stretch polyester fabrics and combined with a blend of Hydro IQ, this is a jacket that is meant to repel even the harshest of conditions you'll face during your favorite outdoor activities. In fact, it can resist a torrential downpour, shrug off sleet and snow, and continue to keep you both warm and dry, even when mother nature is throwing her worst at you.

Rocky S2V has incorporated Aerotherm insulation into this jacket to make it the warmest shell possible without adding undue bulk and weight. Aerotherm is made from aerogel, which you may recall was being tested as part of a ultralight, but incredibly warm, climbing suit on Everest a few years back. In this case, the Aerotherm is woven into the chest and arms of the Provision Jacket to provide extra warm and protection from the elements. This wonder-material is unbelievably thin, and yet it is still both water and windproof, something that came in very handy on Kilimanjaro, where the howling winds on the summit would have bitten through lesser materials.

The fantastic design of this jacket doesn't end with the high tech fabrics that are used to keep the elements at bay however. In fact, there are a number of very nice touches woven into this jacket that help to make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves braving poor weather on a regular basis. For instance, there are numerous pockets both on the exterior of the jacket and the interior, which can help to keep important items organized and close at hand at all times. On top of that, the designers at Rocky S2V also wisely incorporated easy access pit-vents under both sleeves, giving the wearer the ability to regulate their temperature without sacrificing any of the protection that the jacket offers. I found that this feature came in handy while on the ascent of Kilimanjaro, allowing me to stay nice and cool even when I was working hard. But when the situation changed, and I needed to bundle back up, a quick zip of the vents had me warm and cosy once again.

Other nice features include the inclusion of Recco Advanced Rescue Technology into the jacket, which emits an electronic signature that search and rescue and medical first responder units can use to  locate a missing or injured person. An integrated snow skirt, a helmet-ready hood, and an easy to adjust drawstring for fitting help to round out an already impressive package.

As if that wasn't enough, Rocky S2V even includes a nice little kit of "survival essentials" for use with the jacket as well. That kid provides users with some indispensable gear to keep with you at ll times. Items like a signal mirror, an emergency LED flashlight, a company, emergency whistle, and so on. Each slides efficiently into one of the many pockets on this jacket, giving you an extra sense of security while out on the trail.

For me, Kilimanjaro was the ultimate testing ground for this jacket, and it couldn't have performed more impressively. On Summit Day, when I needed it most, it kept me warm all the way to the stop, and prevented the very strong winds from delivering a chill on what could have been a very long, and uncomfortable day. Even after we successfully topped out on the mountain, I wasn't safe from the wind and the cold. That evening we camped at 18,700 feet (5700 meters) in the snowy crater of the volcano, and the Provision Jacket continued to perform incredibly well there as well.

If you're looking for bullet-proof shell to protect you from the weather on your outdoor adventures, you'll be hard pressed to find a better choice than Provision Jacket. It is tough, durable, looks good, and performs even better. Considering everything that this jacket has to offer, the $274.99 price tag is actually quite a bargain as well. Whether you're climbing in the mountains, snowshoeing or skiing in the backcountry, or on a weekend backpacking trip, this is the kind of jacket that you'll want to have with you. Armed with the Provision Jacket, rain, sleet, snow, and wind will hold no fear over you, nor will they prevent you from achieving your outdoor goals.

Great jacket. Great design. Great price. What more could you ask for?

Video: Drones Over the Serengeti

While I was in Tanzania climbing Kilimanjaro I couldn't help but wonder what kind of awesome drone footage could be captured over the Serengeti – the premiere safari destination in the world as far as I'm concerned. It turns out I didn't have to wonder for long, as this video not only takes us to the savannah of Africa, it also stops at Lake Manyara and Ngorongro Crater too. As you can imagine, the scenery and wildlife are exceptional. Great footage from one of my favorite places on Earth.

DJI Inspire 1 // Tanzania from Electric Peak Creative on Vimeo.