Like most people who backpack, hike or just simply enjoy the outdoors I like to vary how and what I eat while I am out in the bush and with the wide variety of backpacking foods out that is really pretty easy.

To be honest I have a preference for ready made backpacking food like Hungry Hikers and Mountain House produce simply because I don’t want to go to the trouble of cooking and then dehydrating my own food. To supplement these foods I usually take protein bars , trail mixes etc that are easy to find in any grocery store.

Also most decent ready made backpacking food is full of the healthy protein and carbs that any hiker needs everyday and they mostly taste pretty nice.

I tend to spend a bit of time checking out what other people feel about various companies and meals and just wanted to share a video with you of a good comparison between Mountain House and BackPackers Pantry meals and here it is …..

The difference in brands is quite substantial and while I don’t have a preference for either one having not personally tried ether it is fairly obvious that the Mountain House meal looks and seems much higher quality.

It would be interesting to hear what your thought’s are so please add your comment below.

Happy hiking

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” — Edward Abbey

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If you want to know how to start adventure racing then click the links

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Do you feel like doing something different this New Years Eve? Take a look at Lonely Planets take on the coolest places for New Years Eve Breaks and just get away from the ordinary. My personal pick would be the French Alps but there’s another four hotspots to choose from and I am sure that you will be able to find one that suits you.

The Best New Years Eve Breaks

Lonely Planet’s favourite New Year’s Eve destinations

It’s easy to be a cynic about New Year’s Eve, but let’s be honest – most of us will be joining in the countdown to 2013. Whether you’re hoping to gaze at fireworks, contemplate life at a tranquil hideaway, or fumble for someone to kiss at midnight, here’s our round-up of travel picks for New Year’s Eve.

Prague, Czech Republic, recommended by Tom Hall, Travel Editor at Lonely Planet

Prague makes for a superb New Year’s Eve break.The city stays open over the holiday, so there’s lots to do, and of course the Old Town looks fantastic in deep winter

New South Wales coast, recommended by Jane Atkin, Online Community, London

I’m a city girl through and through, but when it comes to New Year’s Eve there’s nowhere I’d rather be than by the seaside somewhere along the coast of New South Wales. Sydney can keep its fireworks, I’d rather have a bonfire on the beach and watch shooting starts while I shoot the breeze with my nearest and dearest. I’ve seen the ball drop in Times Square, but nothing beats the natural attractions of New South Wales coastline.

Chiang Mai, Thailand recommended by Tom Hewitson, Destinations Editor at lonelyplanet.com

Sick of freezing to death in hour-long queues and splashing cash on overpriced drinks? Why not take a post-Christmas trip to $1.50-a-beer, 27ºC Thailand? While the southern islands will be full of the inevitable ‘full moon’ parties bearing absolutely no relation to the lunar cycle, the northern city of Chiang Mai provides the perfect mix of cheap drinks and cultural adventures.

Dublin, Ireland, recommended by James Kay, Digital Editor at lonelyplanet.com

Dubliners are said to drink nearly 10,000 pints of beer each hour from Friday night to Monday morning. Make no mistake – this is a town that knows how to party. What better place, then, to spend New Year’s Eve than St Stephen’s Green, the lungs of the Republic’s rambunctious capital, which hosts an annual fireworks display amid the mother of all craics

French Alps, recommended by Anita Isalska, writer and editor on lonelyplanet.com

The antidote to New Year’s Eve mayhem is a blissful retreat to the French Alps. Clean mountain air eradicates the post-Christmas bloat, and rambling around snow-covered beauty spots like Lake Montriond is an invigorating build-up to the big night.

Check Out The Full Article At Lonely Planet

New Years In Antarctica?

Have you got a better spot picked out for New Years? then let us know in the comments below, oh and by the way where ever you happen to be have a safe and enjoyable time

Or why not check out an Antarctic Trip for a totally wild New Years Eve Break?

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In 2011 during the months of September and October, Jane Blanchard hiked the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile journey that would take her from France, over the Pyrenees and across northern Spain. The pilgrimage  ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where it is said the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. Jane’s story, documented in the book Women of the Way: Embracing the Camino, tells of her personal journey, her encounters with the many women she met along the way and also the beauty she discovered. Her descriptions of the surrounding area have been described as breath-taking and her personal journey compelling.  Whilst many take the pilgrimage for religious reasons, Jane’s journey was one of discovery. Click the link to be taken to the website where you can find out more about the book.

The video below is the trailer for her book

Jane had kindly written a post about her experience on the Camino, The Camino de Santiago, a great first long walk. Click the link to read more about the great pilgrimage.

Author Bio

Jane was born in Hartford, Connecticut before moving to New Hampshire with her husband Dennis. After spending most of her adult life there, her and Dennis moved to Sarasota, Florida in 2003.

For 30 years Jane worked as a technical writer and Women of the Way is her first non-technical book. Jane is also an avid Mountain Biker, after taking up the sport at the age of 50, she went onto win second place in the Masters Division EFTA Championship Series.  She has also climbed 20 of the 4,000 feet mountains in New England.

One of Jane’s main aims was to create a lifetime of memories with her husband Dennis, they are both still doing that and when they are not hiking, climbing or riding they are writing and sharing their journeys with us.

For more information about Jane  please visit her website JaneVBlanchard .com

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You know how you sometimes come across a product and think, what a great idea. Well I found one of those today. The Gigwam Tipi Tent. Designed with large families and groups of friends in mind, the Gigwam is communal living in a tent.

The tents which look like tipis or wigwams, hence the name Gigwam each come with their own tunnel which can be attached to another tent, creating a communal camping area. The tents are also usable as stand alone tents so they are not just for large groups or families, they can also be cosy for two.

The tents which sleep two people each come with its own tunnel which can be attached to another tent. This gives privacy but you can still camp together. The video below shows you how it works

About The Company Behind The Gigwam Tipi Tent

Gigwam is a company dedicated to the continual innovation of new and unique tent systems for all camping and outdoor activities. Our products are designed and built to be both groundbreaking in their design whilst remaining practical and reliable. They are the product of years of research and understanding of what is required by the modern camping customer.

All tents are designed using the most advanced computer programs and a committed team of professionals with over 20 years of experieince. Tents are fabricated using the highest quality precise machinery in dedicated work areas. Our aim is to continue to provide high quality tents that concentrate on maximising the fun and community atmosphere created by festivals and other camping activities. Constantly improving our products to ensure that you are able to get many years of fun out of your Gigwam.

Amazon are  currently selling the Gigwam Tipi Tent. Priced at $219 they include one tent and one tunnel. Please like the page and share with your friends.

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When people backpack through Germany, the destination they usually head for is Berlin. Whilst Berlin is a beautiful place to visit, there are alternatives that offer culture, history and great beer! The city of Leipzig is a delight for those wanting to get off the backpacking trail and discover a hidden gem in Europe.

Gomio.com have published the following information for those who want to try something a little different whilst backpacking in Germany.

Backpacking in Germany: Leipzig

A center of trade from the start, Leipzig also grew into a cultural center with influential names like Goethe and Bach, as well as a center of the german liberal movement, and the birth place of the first, organized protests against the communist regime which ultimately culminated in the 1989 fall of the Berlin wall.  Today, Leipzig still has the spirit, motion, and pride that impassioned the political revolution, except now, all of that energy is being put toward its own evolution, toward continuing Leipzig’s legacy as a forward-thinking hub of art and culture with a young population and lively city life.

What to do?

There is a surprising, and somewhat eclectic, variety of things to do whilst backpacking in Leipzig, most of the attractions bearing titles like “the oldest” or “the first,” reflecting Leipzig’s character as a city of ingenuity and creativity.

History

Leipziger Messe – Leipzig Trade Fair:

The double “M” logo of the Leipzig Trade Fair (ger.: Leipziger Messe) marks the entrance to one of the oldest commercial trade fairs in the world.  Today, you can stop by to visit shops, supermarkets, events, and skating, and home for the second largest book fair in Germany, held every March, attracting almost 164,000 visitors last year. Compare the difference between the Leipzig New Fair, complete with five exhibition halls that is a new take on the medieval tradition.

Culture and Arts

Asisi Panometer:

If you’re looking for something unique, the Asisi Panometer offers the world’s largest 360 degree panorama.  With past themes like Mount Everest and ancient Rome, and the current theme as the Amazon Rainforest, stand on the raised, center platform to gawk at the spectacular, mystical recreations that will leave you in awe and wonder.  The light and sound effects, coupled with the towering amalgam of paint and photographic images, make you truly feel a part of the scene.

Beer

Yes, for Germany, “beer” gets its own category within a culture that can’t help but enjoy a good brew!

Honky Tonk Pub Festival:

You know what is great? Staying in a Hostel, meeting people, and hit the road! But here is one thing you will enjoy by backpacking Leipzig. Book your hostel in Leipzig and take part in the largest pub crawl in Europe and dive head-first into trying all of the pubs and bars that Leipzig has to offer.

Auerbachs Keller:

One of Germany’s oldest taverns dating back to the middle ages, this important pub, restaurant, and wine cellar holds its own flash of fame for being referenced in Goethe’s playFaust. Can’t get much more authentic than that!

There are many more wonders of Leipzig that are not included on this list and remain undiscovered to the everyday tourist.  A relic of the past, and a promise for the future, Leipzig offers backpackers a bridge between both old and modern-dayGermany, and an interesting view into how the two have created the German culture of today.

Hostels in Leipzig

Say Cheese Hostel Leipzig

The new Say Cheese Hostel in Leipzig is a fun hostel & hotelfor smiling people! We want you to enjoy and have an unforgettable experience with your friends!

Sleepy Lion Hostel Leipzig

The Lonely Planet said about the Sleepy Lion Hostel Leipzig “this playful hostel is the best deal in the center of tow”. Sleepy Lion provides you with information and help to discover the city of Leipzig, free Wi-Fi, cheap drinks etc. and that 24hours and 7 days a week!

Central Globetrotter Hostel Leipzig

The Central Globetrotter Hostel next to Leipzig main station features a fully equippedguest kitchen, free Wi-Fi and quiet yard in a relaxed atmosphere.

Read the entire article here

Take a look at the video to find out more about this historical city.

Backpacking in Germany doesn’t have to include all the usual haunts. Try something different Please share with your friends and click the like button

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If you haven’t heard of GoPro camera by now then you must of been living in a box.  The founder of the company started it off 10 years ago with a rudimentary disposable camera strapped to his wrist. After seeing the potential of wearable cameras the GoPro was born.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast or into extreme sports then the GoPro camera is one of those items that should be on your kit list. Not a day goes by that a video hasn’t be uploaded to YouTube of people showing of their skill via GoPro. The company have just launched the latest model, GoPro Hero 3. Lighter and faster the Hero 3 cam is probably the best sports camera on the market today.

“The faster, more powerful Black Edition is head and shoulders the best sports camera on the market today.” 

CNET

There are 3 different editions of the Hero 3 Black, White and Silver. The black being top of the range and loaded with features and the white being at the bottom with less features. Its worth mentioning that the prices varies quite significantly too. The being $399 and the white being $199. The silver comes in at the middle $299

“…packs more power than most professional cameras on the market today.”

The New York Times

The table below enables you to see features of the 3 different Hero 3 models at a glance.

The brand new  GoPro Hero 3 lets you keep those amazing moments alive forever. Don’t miss out on those special moments.  REI have the new models now available, click the link to be taken through to the whole range of GoPro cameras and accessories.

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I love watching this video when I am stuck behind my desk. It really does send a powerful message, that there is so much in life to do and to achieve that we should never stop exploring and we should always be seeking that special ‘moment’.  Napoleon Hill said that what the mind can conceive, it can achieve.

The Never Stop Exploring video from the North Face

If this doesn’t stir your passion, then nothing will. Share with your friends and like us on Facebook.

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Are you looking for an exhilarating challenge? Then how about the Deloitte Ride Across Britain, considered to be one of the best long distance, endurance cycling events in the UK. Covering 960 miles in 9 days. Yep over 100 miles per day. The ride is fully supported and will take you from John O’Groats to Lands End.  The event takes place in June 2013, s what are you waiting for get signed up! To get you in the mood, watch the video below for inspiration.

Deloitte Ride Across Britain 2013

Deloitte Ride Across Britain is the premier UK cycling challenge which sees over 700 riders take on the legendary ‘End to End’ each year. People enter to fundraise, to fulfil a lifelong ambition to complete the route, or sometimes just to get themselves into shape. Many are inexperienced cyclists when they sign up, but from the moment they are on board we take care of everything. Having looked after almost 1,500 on the Ride and ensured 94% have crossed the finish line we know what makes riders happy after a long day in the saddle.

Get you name down soon and get some extras for winter training!

You need the right combination of motivation and kit to train in winter. This is why we are offering a choice of an Elite Mag Turbo Trainer worth £140 or a men’s or women’s Brooks B17 saddle worth £65 for the next 50 people who register for a full course place and enter the codeHALFORDS2013 at checkout.

For 2013 we have the same incredible route as 2011, but more packages than ever to choose from

We are excited to launch some new options for 2013 to allow more people than ever to join us out on the road. You can now choose from the 9 day John O’Groats to Land’s End package, the 5 day England package or the 4 day Scotland package. They all have the same level of support and camaraderie, but if you are stuck for holiday or aren’t ready for the full 9 dayer yet then the shorter packages are the ones for you.

The 2013 ride is expected to be the most in demand yet as word spreads from those who have experienced the magic first hand. You can enter the ride by paying the deposit on your credit card here. However, if you have any questions get in touch. Like all big challenges you sometimes need  a reassuring voice to make that final leap.

Please share this with your Facebook friends and click the button. If you are looking for more challenges then check out our Get Outdoors section for inspiration

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Best travel destinations 2013

Do you suddenly have a mad wish to see the world? Have you finally saved some money and plan to set of on that long planned for trip. The good news is that there are literally hundreds if not thousands of places to travel to, so I thought a look at what might be the best places to travel in 2013 would certainly be a good idea.

Even better yet the team from lonely planet have put together an excellent article on some value destinations and thats what follows here.

The Best Places To Travel In 2013

Savour every centimetre of that shoestring with these budget-friendly boltholes, perfect for an economic downturn-busting break. This article is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2013.

Rio, Brazil

If you’ve an unfulfilled plan to visit Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and iconic landmarks then this may be the year to do it. After 2013 the big events come thick and fast – the football World Cup in 2014 (also taking place in cities around Brazil), then the Olympic Games in 2016. One thing’s for sure: big-name events bring fresh development, a boost to infrastructure and, in many cases, higher prices for visitors.

Gothenburg, Sweden

There’s good value in Sweden if you know where to look. That said, if you don’t, even popping out for a pizza and beer can make for a pricey night by the standards of your home town. Unless, that is, you’re from Norway. Either way, the savvy traveller makes tracks for Gothenburg

Namibia

Namibia beckons those in search of a good deal. While neighbouring Botswana courts the big-budget traveller, the desert state to the west welcomes all, and offers a spectacular set of attractions to boot.

Cambodia

While perhaps not the whoops-of-delight-inducing bargain it was a decade ago, Cambodia is still a great deal. This means that despite the boom in the number of midrange hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in particular, a huge amount of budget accommodation remains at much lower prices.

Bolivia

South America’s best-value option continues to delight travellers. With public transport as cheap as anywhere on the continent, filling street food (another empanada? Don’t mind if I do!), and good-for-the-money excursions, this country is more than a bridge between the east and west coasts, it is an essential journey in itself.

Portland, Oregon, USA

Travel writers speak with one voice when asked to nominate their fave US cheapie: Portland, OR. Cheap food! Free things to do! Forty breweries (and counting) with pints of perfectly crafted beer often costing US$4!

Spain

Spain has been getting much friendlier for budget travellers in the past few years, as currency fluctuations and falling costs for many items have combined to make what was once Europe’s best bet for a cheap break a contender once again for many international travellers.

Slovenia

It’s tempting to leave this as one sentence: Slovenia is as picture-perfect as Switzerland or other Alpine areas to the north, but much smaller and easier on the wallet. Yes, there’s devil in the detail – the adoption of the Euro and popularity of Ljubljana, Bled and coastal areas in summer can push prices up – but that’s hardly the point

Nepal

With visitor numbers steadily rising, Nepal remains a tremendous option for budget travellers. After all, the number of countries where you can live on the price of a Starbucks latte or two are diminishing rapidly. Sure, to do that you’ll need to stay in budget accommodation somewhere other than Kathmandu and resolutely stick to simple local food, but many consider this a price worth paying for paying a low price.

Georgia

Georgia is, like its Caucasian neighbours, little known to most travellers. Those who do go come back raving about a beautiful, friendly country that offers excellent, inexpensive (though potentially waist-expanding) cuisine, typified by the near-universal khachapuri (cheese pie).

Read more:

Hopefully this gets your creative juices working and your desire for travel into overdrive. Personally I think Nepal is on my radar for a trip next year so hopefully I can save some pennies and catch a flight. You are a long time dead my friends so live life to the fullest

Here’s a few more pretty cool reasons to get out and travel hard

Keen to check out some more of the best value travel then grab Lonely Planets Best In Travel 2013

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