Technology for Competitive Hikers Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler BC, Canada began using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) technology last  winter.  Skiers  buy a pass that includes an antenna and their identifying information.  As they approach a chair lift, the gate reads the card and automatically opens to allow access. The same technology has created a new […]

Topographic Maps Explorers need maps.  The U.S. Geological Survey has been creating and updating these maps since its inception in 1879.  If you need a current map for your explorations,  you can download them for free or order them on paper using the “Map Locater & Downloader” at store.usgs.gov. Beyond current maps,  the U.S.G.S. now has […]

I got my first really good 10-speed bike in Albany, New York in 1975.  It was a Peugeot PX-10, a racing bike that had carried some great riders to success in the Tour de France. My first really good mountain bike arrived in 1988.  I was leaving Libby, Montana and closing the little bike repair […]

I came across the Tentsile Tree Tent and thought it looked pretty interesting.  This two-person tent is essentially a suspended hammock with an integrated tent.  It’s not exactly a hammock because the floor of the tent is attached to three trees.  The straps that attach to the trees are tensioned with ratchets, just like a slackline.  This creates […]

When backpacking it’s really nice to have a towel along to dry off after that refreshing dip in a chilly stream. Anything bigger than a hand towel is too big and heavy to be carrying in a backpack. Always on the search for something effective, light and inexpensive, I gave the Handy Shammy a try. […]

I seem to be continually finding outdoor activities I didn’t know existed.  Tightwire walking is common in the circus, but becomes an extreme sport when practiced between skyscrapers.  We hear about these events from time to time, but slacklining is new to me, although I suspected it was just walking on a not-so-tight wire.  Not  quite. […]

  The photo shows an example of a “fat bike.”  These bikes are essentially mountain bikes that are specifically designed to handle very wide tires . . .  like four inches, and more, wide. You can see how the fork and the rear triangle must be considerably wider than your typical bicycle.  These types of […]

Outdoor News, December 20, highlighted a new video from Destination British Columbia and noted that they have also produced a virtual reality experience for users of Oculus Rift equipment.  They also produced a “making of” video about the virtual reality experience.  Destination BC has a mission to bring visitors to British Columbia.  If potential visitors can […]