The First Free Ascent of Kama Sutra
In 1975 a New England climber achieved the first free ascent of the off‑width route Kama Sutra on Mt Arapiles, Australia, using a single 150‑foot 9 mm rope and scant protection. The climb featured a dramatic pendulum swing when his partner Ray was unintentionally dropped, forcing a precarious rescue. The ascent, recounted in Alpinist’s Winter 2025‑26 issue, illustrates early free‑climbing daring and the limitations of period gear. The narrative blends personal adventure with a milestone in climbing history.
'Biggest Swell Ever Seen' Sends 20-Foot Wedge Freight Train Past Newport Boat (Video)
An unusually strong south‑southwest swell hit Southern California this week, generating 3‑foot, 20‑second sets. The Wedge in Newport Beach recorded a massive 20‑foot face wave, described as a “freight train” by surf legend Kelly Slater. The wave slammed into the...
This Tiny Backcountry Cabin Fixes Everything That’s Broken About Hut Trips
The newly renamed Hemlock Hut in British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains opened in winter 2026 as a four‑guest, helipad‑accessed backcountry lodge. Isaac Kamink and Zoya Lynch expanded the original cabin, adding a sauna, deck and doubled floor space. The all‑inclusive package—guiding, meals...
The Ledge Boardshop: Suge (Aka, Brett Scott) on Hip-Hop, Snowboard Culture, & the Current State of Snowboard Gear (Ep.386)
The Ledge Boardshop podcast features Suge (Brett Scott) discussing the intersection of 90s hip‑hop, snowboard culture, and the latest gear innovations. He highlights the unique role of on‑mountain retail versus traditional town shops, emphasizing how location shapes product selection and...
Katie Harris of the Road Chose Me on Blending Human and Vehicle- Powered Adventures
The Overland Journal Podcast featured Katie Harris of Road Chose Me discussing how she merges human-powered trekking with vehicle-based overlanding across Australia, Iceland, and Tunisia. She shares personal stories of hiking the Camino de Santiago with her young daughter and...
These Are the Farms You Need to Visit for the Best Strawberry Picking in California
Spring ushers in California’s brief but vibrant strawberry season, prompting dozens of farms to open U‑pick fields for the public. The article highlights four standout locations—Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Kenny’s Strawberry Farm, Tanaka Farms, and Three Nunns Farm—detailing their acreage, operating...
Two Epic Thru-Hiking Memoirs Just Dropped. Here’s What You Should Read.
Early 2026 saw the release of two standout thru‑hiking memoirs: Heather Anderson’s *Farther*, chronicling her eight‑month, 8,000‑mile Calendar Year Triple Crown, and Derick “Mr. Fabulous” Lugo’s *A Fabulous Thru‑Hike*, recounting 3,100 miles on the Continental Divide Trail. Anderson’s narrative mixes...
The ASP Is Back (Sort Of)
Billabong Europe has revived the Anti Surf Project (ASP), a meta‑collective that backs artists, surfers and skaters across the continent. The group is launching its first month‑long party series alongside the debut of the film *Pirates, Not Porate*, which documents...
South American Ski Destination Announces Planned Opening Day
Valle Nevado in Chile announced a planned opening on June 14, 2026, with operations running through October 4. The resort is investing $3.3 million in pre‑winter upgrades, including the Aconcagua Ski Residences, expanded snowmaking, lift modernization, and new grooming equipment. A...
Ama Dablam: 65 Years Since Its First Ascent
Today marks the 65th anniversary of Ama Dablam’s first successful ascent. The 6,814‑metre peak in Nepal’s Khumbu region, famed for its elegant “mother’s pendant” shape, was finally summited on March 13 1961 by a multinational team of New Zealand, British and American climbers....
Built Not Bought: The Unmaker Is the Ultimate Freeride Machine
Mechanical engineer Tamás László Zsida spent over a decade creating the Unmaker, a fully custom aluminum downhill bike built in his Budapest basement. The bike features a 210 mm rear travel, 190 mm front travel, dual Hope brakes, and a Marzocchi Monster T2...
SEABOURN INTRODUCES THE DENALI EXPERIENCE, EXTENDING ALASKA VOYAGES INTO DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Seabourn has unveiled The Denali Experience, an optional eight‑day, seven‑night pre‑cruise land program for its 2027‑2028 Alaska itineraries, extending voyages into Denali National Park. The itinerary includes a scenic rail journey, flightseeing over more than 6 million acres, wildlife encounters at...
How to Prepare Your SUV for a Multi-Day Overlanding Trip
Preparing an SUV for multi‑day overlanding demands a systematic approach that starts long before hitting the road. The article outlines essential mechanical checks—brakes, suspension, fluids, tires, and electrical systems—to ensure the vehicle can handle added weight. It also stresses organized...
Review: Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 60 Backpack
The Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 60 is a 60‑liter, ultralight backpack built around the new ALUULA fabric, marketed for its waterproof, high‑strength properties. Weighing just under 2 lb, the pack costs $595 and features a roll‑top, side pockets, and a V‑shaped aluminum frame....
Filming Underway on Deadliest Dinners
Australian adventurer‑chef Mario Kalpou is filming "Deadliest Dinners," an eight‑part documentary series for Binge/Foxtel. The show follows Kalpou as he ventures into some of Australia’s most hazardous landscapes to hunt wild, often dangerous ingredients. He collaborates with Indigenous custodians and...
Wolf Tooth Adds Semi-Internal Headset Options
Wolf Tooth has expanded its headset lineup with semi‑internal options that route cables through the headset while keeping them external to the stem. The new models feature Enduro stainless‑steel bearings, advanced sealing, and a custom seal for the cable entry...
JJF + Dane Reynolds Recall The Best Session Of Their Lives
John John Florence and Dane Reynolds recall their 2012 Japan session as the best waves of their careers. Fourteen years later, both have left the professional tour to launch their own surf‑centric businesses. They reunite on episode five of the...
Exclusive Pre- and Post-Event Delegate Trips at AdventureELEVATE Europe 2026
Adventure travel association ATTA’s member Primitivo Travel has unveiled two exclusive delegate trips surrounding AdventureELEVATE Europe 2026. A pre‑event itinerary (May 16‑18) takes participants from Madrid to Vielha for horseback riding in Segovia, a Numancia history tour, and mountain biking or...
Safety Isn’t Optional: How Indian Bike Gears Gave Me Reasons to Smile
The Indian motorcycle‑riding‑gear market has surged, crossing $800 million in 2024 and projected to hit $1.2 billion by 2030. Home‑grown brands such as Rynox, Raida and ViaTerra are delivering protection‑focused jackets, pants and accessories at a fraction of imported prices, while tailoring...
Dialable Camping Stove Cranks up Outback Cooking Power for Full Meals
Jetboil has launched the Trailcook series, an all‑in‑one stove system that adds simmer, sauté and stir‑fry capability to its ultra‑light backpacking heritage. The line includes a 2.0 L pot weighing 629 g that serves 2‑4 people and a 1.2 L solo model at...
How Much Will It Cost to Thru-Hike a Long Trail in 2026? We Did the Math.
Backpacker estimates that a 2026 Appalachian Trail thru‑hike will cost roughly $8,000, while the Pacific Crest Trail will average about $10,700. The rise reflects 38% overall U.S. inflation since 2015, plus outdoor‑industry specific price pressures from tariffs, supply‑chain disruptions, and...
Listen to the Stories of 8 Climbers, From the Late Upside-Down Soloist to the Trad Princess
Climbing.com has launched an audio playlist that curates eight in‑depth climber profiles, ranging from legendary alpinists to unconventional free‑soloists. Each story is available via a “Listen” button and runs between six and twenty‑seven minutes, catering to fans who prefer audio...
Snowboarder Makes DIY Tow Rope Out of Riding Lawn Mower
A Winnipeg snowboarder transformed a rusted riding mower into a homemade tow rope, creating a DIY lift capable of pulling three riders up a slope. He sourced the mower on Facebook Marketplace, rewired it, added an extra tire groove and...
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This Is the Trendy London Neighborhood Most Travelers Miss—And It Has Michelin-Starred Dining and Historic Charm
Clerkenwell, a central London district in the Borough of Islington, has emerged as a must‑visit neighborhood thanks to its thriving culinary scene, historic architecture, and vibrant arts venues. Visitors can stay in boutique hotels such as The Rookery, dine at...
Swiss Side Refreshes Gravon Carbon 500 Gravel Wheels with 50 Mm Rims and Lower Price
Swiss Side unveiled the Gravon Carbon 500 V2, an aero‑focused gravel wheelset featuring a 50 mm deep hooked carbon rim and a 24 mm internal width. The updated design trims weight to 1,620 g, a claimed 126 g reduction, while supporting 35‑65 mm tires. Priced at €1,199...
John Balsdon and Grenadier Take on the West Africa Driving Record
British adventurer John Balsdon is leading a record‑breaking overland drive from Nordkapp, Norway to Cape Agulhas, South Africa, aiming to beat the 1984 Cape‑to‑Cape time of 28 days and 13 hours. The expedition will use two INEOS Grenadier diesel 4×4s...
Stinner’s Gibraltar Podium Is Built for Riders Not Chasing the Trends
Stinner’s Gibraltar Podium brings the company’s custom‑grade titanium expertise to a production line, offering a stock version of its flagship Gibraltar model. The frame features straight‑gauge TIG‑welded titanium, a relaxed geometry, and UDH‑compatible dropouts, positioning it for stable, comfortable all‑road riding....
The Popular Whakarewarewa Forest Loop ‘Great Ride’ Is Now 100% on Dirt Thanks to a $500,000 Investment
The Whakarewareta Forest Loop, a 35 km beginner‑friendly mountain bike route in Rotorua, has been fully converted to off‑road singletrack after a $500,000 investment. The project replaced the remaining 6 km of paved bike path along State Highway 5 with purpose‑built trail sections...
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This European City Dethroned Paris and Rome as the Most Romantic in the World
A Mozio analysis has crowned Venice the world’s most romantic city, scoring 9.65 out of 10 and overtaking Paris and Rome. The ranking weighed romantic restaurants, hotels, couple‑friendly activities and wedding‑related search volume. Venice leads with 148.8 romantic restaurants and...
Erik Mogensen Buys Black Mountain, Indy and Entabeni Will Move To New Hampshire
Erik Mogensen, Indy Pass director and Entabeni Systems CEO, has bought back Black Mountain ski area in Jackson, New Hampshire, rebranding it as an Independent Mountain Laboratory. The original co‑op plan with community shareholders was abandoned after shareholders voted to...
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This Tiny Southern Town Is the ‘Quartz Capital of the World’—And You Can Dig for Your Own Crystals
Mount Ida, Arkansas, a town of just over 1,000 residents, has earned the title "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World" thanks to its extensive quartz deposits. Visitors can drive the scenic Crystal Loop, stopping at Avant, Twin Creek, and Wegner...
These MTB Handguards Mount Directly to Your Grips
Sendhit released the Nock V3 handguard, a redesign that mounts directly to compatible grips, eliminating the traditional lockring. The V3 uses a stiffer aluminum bracket and a simplified interface, offering slightly more coverage than the V2 while remaining one of...
Scope Introduces More Affordable R4.G Gravel Wheel
Scope Cycling has launched the R4.G, a new gravel wheel set designed for price‑sensitive riders. It retains the 45 mm rim profile and 38/28 mm width of the premium Artech 4.G but drops the Aeroscale texture, carbon spokes and 3D‑printed hubs. The wheel...
Matterhorn Sees Winter Ascents, Including a Solo Climb
The Matterhorn saw two notable winter ascents in early March: a two‑day team climb of the historic Gogna‑Cerutti route and a solo ascent of the south face via the Furggen Ridge. Matteo Della Bordella and Giacomo Mauri emphasized learning and...
Road or Gravel, There’s a Gran Fondo for Every Rider in 2026. Which Route Fits Your Goals?
Gran fondos—long‑distance, organized rides popular in Europe since the 1970s—have exploded across North America, with both road and gravel formats now commonplace. In 2026 the continent will host hundreds of events, ranging from 25‑mile beginner routes to 150‑mile endurance challenges,...
A Thriving Illinois Village Outside Chicago Offers Lakes, Parks, And A Scenic Nature Preserve
Lake in the Hills, a thriving village just an hour north of Chicago, offers a variety of lakes, parks, and nature preserves for day‑trip visitors. Its largest water body, Woods Creek Lake, provides swimming, fishing and picnicking, while non‑residents must...
Ouachita DOOM Bike Check: On Location at South City Stitchworks
Jesse Smith’s 2026 DOOM bike check showcases his Allied BC40 equipped with premium Enve M5 wheels, SRAM XX SL drivetrain, and RockShox suspension. He visited South City Stitchworks in St. Louis to acquire a full suite of custom frame‑wedge and top‑tube...
Raymarine Expands Charting Options for Serious Anglers
Raymarine has broadened its marine cartography suite for anglers by launching LightHouse Charts GEN 2, adding Florida Marine Tracks, and introducing CMOR NEX GEN for its Axiom 2 Pro and XL displays. The new LightHouse version redraws three times faster...
Rigs of DOOM 2026 (Part One)
The fifth annual DOOM bikepacking event launches March 13, 2026 from Hot Springs, Arkansas, featuring three route options and a record 230+ riders. The full Ouachita DOOM route (over 325 miles) draws most participants, offering more than 100 miles of...
It Takes a Village – the Pioneering Tourism Project Breathing New Life Into India’s Mountain Communities
Village Ways, a community‑based tourism initiative founded in 2005, now links over 30 villages from Uttarakhand to Kerala, offering low‑impact hiking stays in guesthouses rather than homestays. By distributing earnings equally among cleaners, porters and guides, the model has hosted...
Must Watch: Aptos Productions’ 'Top Soil 2' Still Holds Up 20 Years Later
Aptos Productions’ "Top Soil 2," originally released in 2006, remains a benchmark for mountain‑bike freeride cinema twenty years later. The film captures the Aptos crew—Cam McCaul, Tyler McCaul, Ryan Howard, Greg Watts, Alex Reveles, Jamie Goldman and others—delivering tricks and style...
Video: Peaty's Josh Bryceland Stars In The Fast Flow Show
Peaty’s Products released a promotional video titled “The Fast Flow Show” featuring downhill legend Josh Bryceland. The clip showcases the brand’s newly introduced Holeshot Fast Flow Valves, designed to enhance bike handling and momentum. Filmed by Tommy Caldwell and shot...
Interview: Orbea, TQ, and Fox on Developing an eMTB That Doesn't Feel Like an eMTB
Orbea teamed up with motor specialist TQ and suspension leader Fox to launch the Rallon RS, an e‑mountain bike engineered to feel like a conventional bike. The trio integrated TQ’s ultra‑light HPR40 motor, Fox’s upcoming Neo Live Valve suspension, and a...
Experience the Thrill: Nepal’s 50th International Himalayan Rafting and Kayaking Festival on the Trishuli River
The 50th International Himalayan Rafting and Kayaking Festival kicked off alongside the 24th Himalayan Whitewater Challenge on Nepal’s Trishuli River, highlighting the country’s push to become a global adventure‑tourism hub. The three‑day event featured 51 paddlers in a 300‑metre kayak...
200-Lb Inflatable Camper Airs up in 5 Minutes to Sleep 4 People
Thaircamper unveiled an inflatable truck camper that weighs just 180 lb and can be set up in under five minutes. The unit expands into a fully enclosed alcove with a floor, roof, door and optional bunks, providing sleeping space for three...
Montana's Oldest Operational Ski Area Is An Underrated Mountain Getaway With Lovely Views And Laid-Back Vibes
Showdown Montana, the state’s oldest operational ski area since 1936, sits in the Little Belt Mountains about three hours north of Big Sky. The family‑owned resort offers 40 runs across 640 skiable acres, ranging from wide groomers to five steep...
Best Road Bike Tires 2026: 10 Editor-Tested Tires Worth Buying for Speed, Traction, and Puncture Resistance
Bicycling’s test team evaluated ten road bike tires for 2026, ranking them by speed, traction, durability, and puncture resistance. The list includes all‑season Continental GP5000 AS TR, lightweight Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed, and high‑mileage Gatorskin, among others, with detailed specs such as...
Nestled Between Albany And New Haven Is Connecticut's Deepest Natural Lake With Crystal-Clear Water For Fishing
Lake Wononscopomuc, located near Salisbury, Connecticut, is the state’s deepest natural lake, exceeding 100 feet in depth and spanning roughly 350 acres. The lake offers swimming, kayaking, and regulated boating through Town Grove, where entry costs $15 and boat rentals...
Olympic Gold Medallist Climbs His Hardest Route Ever
Alberto Ginéz López, the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, completed Chris Sharma’s El Bon Combat in Spain, marking his hardest sport‑climbing ascent to date. After six sessions split between December and February, he joined Jakob Schubert as only the third climber to repeat...
The North Magnetic Pole: The Hardest Place in the World to Reach
The Earth's North Magnetic Pole, once a 650 km trek from the Canadian hamlet of Resolute, has migrated far beyond the Geographic North Pole into the central Arctic Ocean, making it the hardest polar destination to reach. Historically, adventurers used ski‑equipped...