It was time to explore the fabulous Cordillera Blanca, known for its large number of 6,000-meter peaks and mind-blowing landscapes.
Gear Scout: LifeStraw
Released in 2005 and quickly dispatched to some of the most water challenged regions of the world, the LifeStraw performed beautifully, and since has won numerous awards.
VOTD: Land Rover Iceland
Iceland is just too beautiful. Paired to a Land Rover, it’s a tough combo to beat.
Cooper Discoverer A/T3
Released in 2011, you could still call the Cooper Discoverer A/T3 a new tire. We’ve had the opportunity to test it over the last year on a variety of platforms and it has handily exceeded our expectations.
Head to Head: Synthetic vs. Water-Resistant Down
This time around, the new technology isn’t a wonder fiber, it’s a super feather. For the first in a very long time, this raging debate is finally getting interesting.
VOTD: Into The Empty Quarter (Trailer)
Raincatchers’ New Fuso Will Extend Their Positive Reach
Raincatchers recently finished an extensive project to build a transport vehicle which will greatly increase their ability to bring more Raincatcher systems to the people throughout the Seguin Plateau.
Adventure Photographer: Sony Cyber Shot RX100 II
This past summer Sony released an updated version of their popular Cyber Shot RX100, a camera which was already one of the best in its category.
VOTD: Wyoming Landscapes
Secret Compass Announces 2014 Expeditions
If you have a penchant for adventure, need inspiration for your next endeavor, and want to participate in a genuine expedition, you should quickly reserve a spot on one of the trips provided by the gurus of exploration at Secret Compass. Every winter they release their new schedules and itineraries for the coming year, and…
The African Pothole, by Kingsley Holgate
The French have their Eiffel Tower, the Dutch their tulips, the Irish their Guinness, the Cubans their cigars, the Spanish their bull fighting, and the British their tea. But, hey! We in Africa have the “Pothole”
Landtrek: A Leap of Faith
What are the odds of finding a Land Cruiser equipped for overlanding at a decent price? What are the chances of finding a one owner diesel HJ47 Australian pick-up truck completely outfitted for adventure?
VOTD: One Lucky Base Jumper
Ever had a rough day? This video will put that in perspective. It’s important to note, the jumper in this video survived, albeit with multiple injuries including a compressed vertebra, oodles of stitches, and bruises. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Map of the Week: Unesco World Heritage Sites
UNESCO’s World Heritage Program was formed in 1954 when the government of Egypt decided to build the Aswan Dam, which would have deluged a valley containing priceless and irreplaceable treasures from the ancient world. The World Heritage Program was establish to relocate and safeguard those treasures for posterity. From there, the program expaned rapidly to protect other man-made and natural treasures around the world. Today there are 981 properties, of which 759 are cultural sites, 193 are natural wonders, and the remaining 29 are a mix of the two. The map above is an interactive guide to those sites. It also denotes sites currently under threat. To view the map and learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage program – CLICK HERE.
Gear Scout: ArkPak Smart Charger
Unlike many power packs which are built around a sealed, proprietary battery, the ArkPak can optimize the efficiency of any 12V battery, keeping your gear fully charged.
End of an Era: The VW Kombi is No More
Another victim of advancing safety and efficiency regulations, the Kombi, 10 million units later, is no more with the last factory in Brazil ceasing operations on December 31st.
VOTD Riding the Highest Road in the World
This is such a cool video, and I’m genuinely green with envy that I wasn’t on this trip. I guess I’ll have to settle for the video.
ExPo’s Ten Favorite Things of 2013
Some of these items are brand spanking new, others are freshly discovered items we feel have improved our travels. Some, are just cool things we’d love to own. Here are our favorites of 2013
Front Runner Defender 110 Project
A Land Rover Defender in Africa captures all of the heritage and spirit of overland travel.
Backcountry Classics: The Kelly Kettle
More than a century old, it still kicks those high tech stoves right in the proverbial pants