-
Blogs 
EXPLORER-MADE SWISS ARMY KNIFE
June 24, 2011
Among the world's great explorers, Mike Horn stands out. The South African is currently on a 'round-…
by: Stephen Regenold
Blogs 
MOUNTAIN SHOE: LA SPORTIVA CROSSLITE
June 17, 2011
Over the past few years, the activity of trail running for me has grown from an offshoot fitness reg…
by: Stephen Regenold
-
Blogs 
June 10, 2011
Our criteria for equipment was simple: We would cherry-pick in an attempt to use the best gear in th…
by: Stephen Regenold
Blogs 
TWO-WAY SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
June 03, 2011
Treading in uncharted technological territory between a satellite phone, a GPS unit, and a SPOT devi…
by: Stephen Regenold
-
Blogs 
LONG DISTANCE HAULER: SALSA FARGO
May 24, 2011
Built for long distances and multi-day tours -- but also suitable for commuting and moderate mountai…
by: Stephen Regenold
Blogs 
FIRST DESCENTS: FIGHTING CANCER IN A KAYAK
May 24, 2011
As cancer-hating organizations go, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Livestrong grab a lot of atten…
by: Stephen Regenold
-
Blogs 
HAUTE TACTICAL: TAD GEAR STORE SF
May 13, 2011
The high-end shops and boutiques found in trendy places like New York's SOHO, the Back Bay area of B…
by: Stephen Regenold
Blogs 
May 04, 2011
Promising to add "a bit of civilization to the wild," the Light My Fire Titanium Spork is a unique s…
by: Stephen Regenold
-
Blogs 
CONTEST: 'SEARCH FOR MOST DURABLE PERSON!'
May 03, 2011
GearJunkie.com launched a contest this week, "The Search for the Most Durable Person" sweepstakes. I…
by: Stephen Regenold
Blogs 
April 27, 2011
In the outdoors world, Jimmy Chin, a photographer based in Victor, Idaho, wears two elite hats: As a…
by: Stephen Regenold
BNQT Logo
- GEARJUNKIE: As a world-traveling adventurer and journalist, Stephen Regenold is the Gear Junkie.
Features
February 01, 2011 » Blogs
Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race 2011
by: Stephen Regenold
Photo: (c) T.C. Worley
Trekking in the 2010 race
My gear is packed. My flight leaves in 48 hours. I'm headed back to Chile and the insanity of the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race, a weeklong adventure race near the tip of South America.
This will be my second trip to Chile to do the WPER. I've assembled the same team as last year, including Jason Magness, Chelsey Gribbon, and Daniel Staudigel -- all members of the YogaSlackers group. We know better what's coming this year. We're nervous, but we're ready for it!
Photo: (c) T.C. Worley
Kayaking in the Beagle Channel
In the Wenger Patagonian Race, which has been held since 2004, you traverse the wilds with a map and compass in hand, no GPS allowed. The goal is to find checkpoint flags hidden miles apart that lead, after days on the move, to a finish line hundreds of miles away.
Instead of Tierra del Fuego like in 2010, this year the race moves north in Patagonia to the area around Chile's Southern Continental Ice Field. Disciplines will again include kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, navigation, and ropework in the mountains that spike and interrupt the land.
Photo: (c) T.C. Worley
Bike leg in Tierra del FuegoMy team -- Team GearJunkie.com -- knows the game at WPER, and we're ready to get on with the race! If we eat right, stay warm, keep hydrated, and keep our heads right, we might just pass the test. Our goal is a finish line in the remotest Patagonia. Wish us luck if you can. We're going to need it!
--Follow Team GearJunkie live during the race at http://gearjunkie.com/patagonian-race.
January 27, 2011 » Blogs
Interview with a Speed Freak
by: Stephen Regenold
When it comes to big mountains and fast ascents, Swiss climber Ueli Steck is one of the speediest alpine technicians on the planet. He trains like a madman -- strength and aerobic -- and has for years embodied alpine climbing's "fast and light" mantra like few others. Steck's records are many, including speed ascents on the Matterhorn, the Eiger, Grandes Jorasses, and other stout peaks in the Alps and beyond.
Photo: (c) www.uelisteck.ch
The Matterhorn and Steck on the ascent
Like any elite athlete, the right gear is crucial to Steck's success. But in the realm of solo climbing, your life is literally in your own hands -- often via the grip of an ice ax handle. Gear takes on a new dimension altogether. For Steck, ice tools swing like extensions of his own arms. His crampon-equipped boots allow him to run up low-angle slopes (literally run) and then Spiderman it on a steep face.
This winter, Steck unveiled a custom piece of gear with Wenger. He worked with the company to create a knife made for climbers. The namesake Ueli Steck Special Edition Swiss Army Knife is a serious tool and a piece of equipment that Steck now carries on every climb. It has a large blade with bolt-head wrenches to tighten an ice pick, titanium handles for light weight and strength, and a file that unfolds to hone an ice tool razor sharp.
I caught up with Steck on a phone call last week to get the low down on the new knife and some insight into his world as an elite climber in need of speed.
Gear Junkie: What is the allure of speed climbing?
Steck: I need to have challenge in my life. For me, climbing is that personal challenge. I eased into speed climbing over the years. Really, the "speed" part of it was never what it was about. I just got faster as I got better at climbing. Now, I climb fast because it is a challenge and a personal thing.
Photo: (c) www.uelisteck.ch
Kick and swing!
What speed ascent stands out? What are you most proud of?
I think my climb on the Grandes Jorasses. It was an onsite climb. [He had not attempted it before.] I used my technique learned from the Eiger.
About the Wenger knife, how did you come up with the implements to include?
We did a bunch of prototypes. About 10 or so I think. I talked to Peter Hug [CEO of Wenger] and said the knife had to be simple but with all the tools I need. We focused on weight, too. At first it was too heavy. We got it down to very light. [Editor's note: The final knife weighs about 100 grams.]
Photo: (c) Wenger
Ueli Steck Special Edition Swiss Army Knife
Where do you store it when you climb?
In a jacket pocket or on my harness. Some climbs I never use it. But it's always there. It has what I need. It is a safety tool.
What's next for you on the climbing front?
More climbs! I like to push my gear to the limit just like I push myself!
--Stephen Regenold is founder and editor of www.gearjunkie.com. VentureThere.com is a member of USA TODAY's Travel Alliance, covering adventure sports, travel and the outdoor lifestyle.
