After a long journey, full of adventures, with superb views seasoned with many flight hours, eight airport checks, interviews on entering the US territory and a few difficulties on authentication wi-fi networks, the three members of the expedition Dan Caba, Cristian Niculescu Ţâgârlaş and Tiberiu- Nicolae Pintilie arrived safely in Anchorage Alaska.
The view is spectacular.
This night is fabulous, especially since we are dealing with the phenomenon of civil twilight throughout the night. Sunlight touching, in this period, only the upper atmosphere, where it refract and diffuse the light.
The night is only 4 hours long, it is a phenomenon to which the 3 climbers will have to adapt quickly.
In the lower left corner, of the article picture, you have a sublime image of the full moon over downtown Anchorage Alaska made by Marc Lester, Daily News photo journalist.
The day in Anchorage has almost 19 hours, enough time for final preparations before leaving to Talkeetna.
From there the expedition starts with flying on the glacier.
[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We all have friends, colleagues, family members that celebrate their birthdays. And, for sure, some of them are loving the thrills of adventure, outdoor experiences, sports, adrenaline.
We climbed high mountains before and got a lot of equipment during the last year. Some of them was absolutely necessary, some was only nice to have, the truth is all of it is great for a present. Get your inspiration from here and then buy them from your most convenient store.
So, let’s help you pick the best gifts for them, even if you are on a budget or you have no limit on spending.
Most important, get something to help them STAY SAFE IN THE WILDERNESS. All presents and gifts are for this purpose in the end, so try to get good quality products, that are relevant and helpful. Nobody wants a gift that only weight more in their backpack but is not useful for them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][td_text_with_title custom_title=”Low Budget, 1 – 5 USD”]Lip balm
Keeps your lips hydrated, healthy and nourished. This lip balm also offers UVA protection. Great for an outdoor adventurer that you barely know 🙂
Hand warmers
Low temperatures can affect our experience outdoor. To avoid the loss of feeling in the fingers or any discomfort, this gift will be highly appreciated and useful at some point. Be sure the guy or the lady really enjoys winter, snow or at least skying.
Fire starter
This little utensil will be an amazing help to create abonfire that will keep you warm and your food heated. It’s made out of magnesium and flint. For the adventurer’s that go in the wild and want the pure experience.
7-in-1 camping tool
This is a handy tool for any traveler. You can use the fork, spoon, knife, can opener, bottler opener, cork screw, tent reamer.
You can be sure that for this budget, you will give a very inspired gift, that will last and provide much use. It is made from stainless steel and also has a handy carrying pouch. A gift that you can’t miss any adventurer with.
5 in 1 survival whistle
For an outdoor enthusiast that has a birthday soon, this is an appropriate gift. This 5 in 1 whistle kit has a whistle, water-resistant storage container, compass, signaling mirror and flint. No adventurer wants to use it, everybody has to have it in the backpack. At least it will be a loud celebration for sure 🙂[/td_text_with_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][td_text_with_title custom_title=”Office Gifts, Secret Santa, 5 – 15 USD”]Bike tubes
For sure, everyone has a bike or knows someone with one. So, you can offer a gift for situations when the tires of the bike can get cut. This can be called a self-healing inner tube for the tire. Any biker will need it at one point.
Alcohol stove
For trips with overnight camping, this stove is perfect. We all need our nutrients from food. The alcohol type stove will sustain a fire for 45 minutes, working on 100 ml of alcohol. Quite cool as a present, not very useful if you climb more than the treeline.
Compass
Adventurers love to discover new places. If you know your colleague is an outdoor passionate, don’t hesitate and offer him an extra cool compass. Will be useful for sure in one of his or hers trips. Just be sure he or she knows how to use it. Or send them this link: How To Use A Compass
Water purification straw
You know those moments when you would give anything for a sip of water? It can happen even to the most prepared not to have enough water supplies with them. So make sure your colleague, the traveler, will be hydrated in their trip by buying this gift for them. This type of straw can purify up to 25 gallons of water, at a level of up to 99%. Excelent gift for adventurers, fun to own but not so fun to use.
Bike tools
You know your colleague loves bikes? Then give him the kit that will help him take care of them. This contains all kind of instruments needed to repair the bicycle: Allen keys, screwdrivers, wrenches. You can’t miss it with a guy anyway.[/td_text_with_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][td_text_with_title custom_title=”Acquaintances, 15 – 25 USD”]Compression bag
Space is important in any backpack that a traveler would use. So make sure you are offering a gift that will help him enjoy the trip and carry what is needed with him. This cover will reduce the size of a sleeping bag and it protects it from water.
Neck warmer
Great for winter sports, this first layer piece of clothing is very useful and protects the sensitive area of the neck from cold or wind. And it has cool colors too.
First aid kit
A responsible traveler will take care of himself and the ones he travels with. So he will be sure they have a first aid kit nearby. Always needed and used, this will be a very inspired gift. This specific product covers the needs for between 1 and 4 people. Has instruments to take care of fractures , sprains, pain.
Sunscreen
Sun is so enjoyable. Less enjoyable is to come back home with a bad sunburn or worse. So, offer a gift for which the skin will say thank you. This product is a suggestion. It has no parabens and PABA, is water resistant (highest timeframe – 80 minutes) and won’t clog the pores being oil free.
Microfiber towel
This is a good idea for people that have an active lifestyle, especially in the outdoor.
Will dry fast, is super absorbent and has antibacterial microfiber. Has a funky color and comes with a waterproof bag to carry it in.[/td_text_with_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][td_text_with_title custom_title=”Friends, 25 – 50 USD”]Portable battery pack
We live in a digital age. So we won’t leave technology at home. For your friends that will take their tablet, phone, kindles on a trip, make sure they will have the battery fully loaded. A gift for them is this portable battery pack that will fit in a pocket and recharges with the help of solar power. This is nowadays a must have and a perfect item for adventurer presents.
Wool compression socks
These are best for winter sports. Help the blood to circle without interruptions and the shin splints not to appear. Those are very good for mountain hiking but also for running in cold weather. A gift for the adventurer that stays fit during the cold season.
Sleeping pad
Is the best companion for a sleeping bag in a tent. Hold the heath near your body and is easy to fold so it saves up space. Be careful as for long expeditions a simple neoprene mattress is usually more reliable that an inflatable one. A inflatable pad is a luxury gift for a hardcore adventurer.
Washing bag
It is as if you bring the washing machine with you. This is definitely a cool gift for your friend. He or she will be grateful for clean clothes. It is very easy to use and does not take space at all to be stored in the backpack or luggage.[/td_text_with_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][td_text_with_title custom_title=”Family, 50 – 100 USD”]Headlamp
Seeing is discovering. So, make sure your dear one has an amazing adventure by having a source of light with him. This headlamp assures illumination for short and long distances, is waterproof (good for complete immersion) and resists to physical shocks. Wherever he or she goes, your adventurer friend will surely need it. Be sure he doesn’t own 3 already 🙂
Tent
Let him be the king of the camp. Or queen. With this gear, for sure, sleeping in nature, under the sky will be a comfortable and safe experience. It usually fits 2 people and has a layer of protection against rain, though you can get something more specific. Ask a specialist what tent you should get based on the adventures your friend is going to. The better the tent, the lighter it is.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping under the stars is a relaxing experience and most enjoyable. If you are warm and comfy. So, a great gift is a sleeping bag. This one is waterproof and has a mummy hood to keep the head or pillow off the ground. Pick a down one that is also light and warm, and check before if anyone is buying a similar gift – you don’t need to many down bags at one, they loose properties over time.
Outdoor cooking set
Food is vital for anyone. But in conditions of camping, hiking can be particularly tricky to prepare a meal. Good thing we can find outdoor cooking sets. Make sure you put it on the list of presents for family members that you know are passionate about travelling especially in nature. The best gas cooking sets are used even in the Himalayas at 8000m, be sure you get a quality one.
Hiking Backpack
The most common problem of travelers is preparing their baggage. Even if we are talking about an experienced adventurer, make his life easy by offering him a hiking backpack. This model has a capacity of 40L and can be used as an everyday accessory as well.[/td_text_with_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” custom_title=”” header_color=”” header_text_color=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][td_text_with_title custom_title=”Significant Other – If You Let Him / Her Go On Adventures, 100+ USD”]Go Pro Hero 4
We love our memories. What a better way to capture the amazing moments in an adventure than by filming it or taking pictures? One of the coolest gadgets on the market is the Go Pro, now with a new model, with extra features. The Hero 4 is perfect for a person passionate about water sports, like surfing. If you can, get an external battery or a solar charger also, as their batteries drain very fast. During long expeditions you can film at most 2-3 hours at a time, especially in cold weather.
Wind stopper / Fleece for women
Weather can be our friend or not. While travelling is always good to be prepared, especially in hiking trips where the temperature can rise during the day and drop suddenly at night. A good idea for that special other is to have a jacket to keep her warm and protected from the wind. This wind stopper is made out of bonded fleece and has a Omni-Heat thermal reflective layer.
Down Jacket for men
For cold weather there is nothing more suited than a comfy, cool jacket. It has synthetic insulation on the inside, the DWR finish repels moisture and the hood is a protective layer for stormy weather. An adventurer needs maybe 2 down jackets, a lighter one for not so cold areas and a serious down jacket – usually this one he chooses by himself, don’t assume you know his choices in something so important.
Thermal first layer for men
First layers are very important in hiking apparel. It help protect from cold temperatures and keep a low level of humidity. An adventurer can use it during winter hikes, skying, expeditions or any other cold environment. If you can, get a merino wool equipment, it keeps warm even if it’s wet and generally feels much better. For longer expeditions, for sure an adventurer will appreciate a good quality one.
Dry down hoody for women
A stylish hoody for your special one is an inspired gift. It will be so useful in her trips and when she is busy in the city. She won’t have to worry about the wind or cold in her outdoor adventure. A down jacket is always a good gift for a lady, especially because it’s difficult to fit colors with the rest of their equipment.[/td_text_with_title][/vc_column][/vc_row]
During our expeditions we used lots of vitamins and minerals. Some of them helped, some of them seems miraculous in the most difficult moments. For us, they worked and kept us healthy for the months that we were away in the mountains. Let’s see, what’s the matter with those vitamins?
Preparing Vitamins and Supplements during a Tien Shan Expedition, July 2013
A vitamin is an organic compound and a vital nutrient that an organism requires in limited amounts. An organic chemical compound (or related set of compounds) is called a vitamin when the organism cannot synthesize the compound in sufficient quantities, and it must be obtained through the diet; thus, the term “vitamin” is conditional upon the circumstances and the particular organism. Wikipedia.
Maybe the most important discovery was the DNA structure. Vitamins and minerals are the building blocks of this amazing structure that makes us who we are. They nurture cells, tissues, organs and help the body to process the chemical energy given by food and carbohydrates, proteins, fats necessary for respiration.
The most common and known vitamins are vitamin A, C, D, E, B6 and B12. For these, deficiencies appear most often. Vitamin A does not have a direct relationship with sport performance, but is essential for the overall well being of our bodies. It maintains the health of our vision, skin, bone structure and soft tissue, skin and mucus membranes. Vitamin C, an important component of anyone’s diet, is an antioxidant that can reduce fatigue, muscles damage and increase the strenght of the immune system.
Vitamin C from a Pack
Vitamin D, the vitamin of the sun, is a perfect ally for any athlete. A deficiency of it causes fatigue, muscle damage, slow recovery after the workout, deterioration of bone health. Imagine what a healthy intake of this vitamin can do positively for your body. Don’t rely only on getting it from sun exposure, try supplements as well.
A dosage of 100 – 200 mg of vitamin E can prevent the oxidative damage produced by exercise, being a well known antioxidant. Of course, next to this, you will benefit from other goodies of the vitamin like a strong immune system and get rid of muscle cramps.
Last but not least, let’s consider the help given by healthy levels of vitamin B6 and B12.
Vitamin B6 is the motor that gets energy produced and B12 handles the delivery of oxygen to tissues, the lack of it inducing anemia. The B6 substance does another vital thing: vitalizes the production of red-cells.
Each and every vitamin has its own dosage and healthy levels. Consult a specialist to provide you with a status of your health and give you a plan to pursue and be all up for the expedition.
Being outdoorsy has become a lifestyle trend nowadays, with a prosperous industry blooming around it. We all like to think that if we buy specialized equipment, we will be ready for the adventure of our lives. But is it that simple? Or do we need to be more careful?
When you go into the wild, that is exactly what you will get: the wilderness, with all its unexpected and sometimes unpleasant situations. Coping with a difficult outdoor adventure can be a challenge even for an experienced mountaineer, so if you are just starting to see what the great outdoors is about, please consider carefully our advice.
Be as prepared as you can be, before going outside: take survival skills classes, read the top best survival books and make sure you know a survival guide by heart.
Caucasus Range, Russia
2. Create a survival gear list: write down everything you would need during an expedition, including emergency essentials. And, if your plan is to go by yourself, you can first try to go in a guided journey with a group. Also, do some research on the area you are about to visit. For example, if you travel to areas that are prone to seismic activities like the Yosemite National Park, be aware these trips need earthquake preparedness gear and information as well.
3. Don’t behumble about your trip: spread the word around to your closest friends and family. Speak about your outdoor adventure to the caretaker of the area that you are planning a hike to. If anything happens, search parties can be sent out after you.
4. Check the weather: under no circumstances continue your hike when there is news about a storm or bad weather. Even if you have your survival gear with you and plenty of food, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Now that you know the basic rules of planning an outdoors adventure, we have one more important step to go through: the contents of your survival kit. You need to take everything into consideration, starting with your clothes, gear and food and ending with your shelter. Of course, you need to prepare days before the trip so that you can take any possible situation into consideration. You can find it all in specialized stores, which are recommended for their variety of products, expertise in the field and quality advice.
A survivalist brings emergency essentials that would consist of: a bug out bag, proper hiking gear and training beforehand. The name of the bug-out-bag seems to come from bail-out bag. But regardless of this, it is probably the most important element in your survival experience. It contains food and water and lots of other objects. But, let’s break it down in a list, because these items will be in your shopping cart for sure.
Food and water
These have to last for the length of your journey plus extra 72 hours. Water will be used for washing, drinking and cooking. US regulations recommend to bring with you 3.78 liters per day.
The best type of food is the non-perishable one. The list should include:
freezed dried food: you will find plenty of assortments for each taste, to be purchased online or in outdoor stores. Or you can even prepare it at home. To eat it on the trail, you can boil it and you get a quick and rich breakfast, lunch or dinner.
nuts/seeds: choose the unsalted, raw nuts or seeds. You can decide between peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashew and many others. They have essential fat acids and protein, friends for a hiker’s body.
cans: their only disadvantage is that a large quantity means extra weight. So, just choose what that will last you a few days – a week.
trail mix/energy bars: they have a lot of benefits and are a preferred choice among hikers. You can enjoy various types of mixes: with chocolate, dried fruits, berries, nuts, raisins. But, remember, they give a short term energy so be sure your survival food contains various options to cover all your nutritional needs while you are outdoor.
OK, now that you gathered some ideas on what type of food you can bring, let’s talk quantities. A quantity of food agreed by hikers to travel with is between 800-850 g/day. Also, you might see some leftovers from days with warm weather due to high temperature that makes your appetite level decrease. A simple meal plan can save your morale and keep you going. Consider a light breakfast composed of powdered milk and cereals. As snacks opt for trail mixes, muesli , chocolate, candies or drinks with high levels of vitamin C. At lunch you can enjoy some salami with cheese, carrots, honey, jam, crackers. For dinner think of soup, frozen dried meals, pasta, tea.
Professional hiking gear
Buy only the necessary and what is proper for the kind of terrain you will encounter. Here is a list with the essentials:
Footwear (boots/shoes adequate for terrain, hiking socks)
Clothing
convertible nylon pants/shorts
fleece jacket
polypropylene underwear, first layers (long-sleeved shirts and underpants)
wide-brimmed hat
hooded rain jacket and pants
gloves
bandanna
watch, sunglasses
Caucasus Range, Russia – Searching For The Route In A Difficult Area
Shelter, with enough space
It is necessary to bring a knife, a compass, a map. These are vital for orientation. The knife can help you while camping. Together with matches and a backup fire starter will be your best friends. With knowledge and practice, you can create a shelter powered by nature’s resources or you can bring your own lightweight tent. Be sure it is usable for the weather conditions and the type of soil. Nights can very cold so insulate your place of retreat with leaves, grass, and even snow. Add layers of clothes as well.
Instruments
Headlamp or Flashlight
First-aid kit
Sunscreen
Whistle
Insect repellent
50-foot nylon cord
Toilet paper
Hiking Poles (if the hike has a higher level of difficulty)
Nice to have
Being alone in the wild has its surprises. That is why you can keep an eye on the following list and consider having these items with you as well.
Re-sealable plastic bags
Plastic garbage bags
Repair/sewing kit
GPS (although a map is easier to carry and maybe even more useful)
Weather radio
Field guides
Binoculars
Hiking Books
Cell phone ( maybe for a one day trip, usually not that needed, especially that you don’t have a charger or signal)
Camera (if your wish is to document/film something on the trip)
Lip balm (with sunscreen)
Key & I.D.
Money
Old Camping Tent from a Glacier in the Tien Shan Mountain Range
Now you know how you need to prepare, what you need to take with you on an expedition, but we have some final words of wisdom, for when you really find yourself alone in the wild.
If by any chance you get lost, please stay calm. As long as you have announced somebody of your arrival time back from the trail, a rescue team will be out there for you. Meanwhile, sit down and choose your next actions. It might be that first you need water or that night is approaching and need a shelter. To be reached easily you can build a campfire as a sign.
If you find yourself surprised by staying longer than predicted, you will definitely be in need of more water. Don’t look for fruits that you think might help, instead look for water sources: dew on plants, banana, plantain trees, and tropical vines. With purification tablets, a filter or by boiling it, you can drink that water and be hydrated and so, stay healthy.
Keep a travel log. So, bring pen and paper. This is not a must, it is something you might enjoy doing. It has several benefits: if you will visit the area again it will help you remember what you’ve experienced, learn from your decisions, help other hikers with advice and tips, reflect on your inner self. If you find pleasure in writing things down, than do it.
Oh, and before you leave on your adventure, please think about this. Be as eco—friendly as possible so that nature has a nice time as well!
This is probably the most important one. Both in a great adventure and in a new business, you won’t be able to go alone. Choose very wisely your partners, employees and suppliers.
2. Attitude beats Expertise
This one is a no-brainer. Choose the people with a great attitude. Expertise will come afterwards. People who help, that want to get involved, that learn, listen and the do more than they should or are supposed to. People that go the extra mile. At one point in time, this extra mile will be crucial for the business and the team.
Looking east from 8500m on Everest
3. Live for the Moment and make the most out of every second
It’s a certainty that the road will be difficult, that you will struggle, feel exhausted, experience pain and suffer along. Most of the times you will be alone – even at 8000m, you usually climb alone. You have to find reasons and ways to enjoy every moment though.
4. Prepare for the Unexpected even when nobody thinks anything bad will happen
Can you spot signals of possible problems in business before everyone else? A bad supplier, a bad employee, a bad decision, a competitor? You’d better grow this ability. Otherwise, you will be caught unprepared by avalanches of situations you should have seen coming.
Makalu as seen from Everest final ridge
5. Don’t join Groups of people without Proven Experience
Just because someone says he will handle a situation doesn’t mean he will. Just because someone says he or she is trustworthy and hardworking doesn’t mean he or she is. You know that already. But do you really evaluate people before committing? Think about trial periods, evaluations that are a few days or weeks long, things that they have to do for the team before being part of it.
6. Don’t be afraid to Dare, but take Calculated Risks
I often say I like to take risks but I don’t like to gamble. Risk taking means handling as much risk as possible, as long as the possibility of winning still outcomes the possibility of failure, or at least that the prize is much more relevant than a failure. Gambling is a game against you all the time.
7. Never feel that you Know too much and can Be less Cautious
Keep your guard up, all the time. Trust people very fast to a certain degree and very slow completely. Entrepreneurs with experience made bad decisions, extraordinary climbers died in the mountains in the most stupid ways. Stay humble and learn continuously.
Tibetan Plateau, seen from above Camp 3, 8300m
8. Bootstrap and learn to get where you want with the least amount of Resources possible
Somewhere along the way, in the mountains, you will have to make do without the usual resources. You will have to climb without proper gear, without food or sleep, to reach the top. In your business it is often similar – it’s not about what you learned, saw in the movies or what you have been told.
Find new ways to do things, find 10 times or 100 times cheaper ways to grow, hack everything and become a master of using and re-using resources. Remember, with enough resources, a lot more people can succeed. Will someone else be able to replace you in the market with the same resources as you have? You don’t have the same resources as a competitor already has? Not yet. Until then, find a way!
9. Build you physical stamina and Endurance, the Road to the top is Long
Stay fit, sleep enough, visit the gym much more often that your doctor and your fast food restaurant combined. Run a lot, in the morning or at night, whenever you can. Keep a flat belly – if you cannot dedicate a few minutes a day to stay in shape despite all other things that you have to do, how will you manage the gigantic amount of work and decisions that your business will need every day?
10. Everything seems Easier if you Train Harder than everyone else
Learn at least one hour per day. Read about your field, about the best practices in the world that shape your market, network, discuss with the best people. It’s time consuming, I know, I already heard you don’t have time.. Let go of the distractions in your life and focus on what is really important for the market you address. Always struggle to become the number 1 choice for your clients.
Low temperatures can affect our experience outdoor. To avoid the loss of feeling in the fingers or any discomfort, this gift will be highly appreciated and useful at some point. Be sure the guy or the lady really enjoys winter, snow or at least skying.
For an outdoor enthusiast that has a birthday soon, this is an appropriate gift. This 5 in 1 whistle kit has a w
have a first aid kit nearby. Always needed and used, this will be a very inspired gift. This specific product covers the needs for between 1 and 4 people. Has instruments to take care of fractures , sprains, pain.
