6 Great Soft Adventures For 2014

If you missed my list of 10 Big Adventures for 2014 or your looking for something a bit less demanding for your own escape, then you'll want to checkout the 6 Best Places for 2014 as selected by Richard Bangs. Richard, who hosts the television show Adventures with Purpose, posted his selections to HuffPo last week, offering travelers a great selection of destinations for the year ahead.

The list is actually a series of videos which don't actually reveal the destination outright, but instead give viewers clues to exactly where Richard is as he shows off the attractions there. At the end of the video, we can then click on an object in it to reveal the exact location. For an example, check out the clip below, and then start making your plans to travel later this year.

Travel Stories From FlightNetwork.com

It has been a couple of weeks since I've shared some of my more travel related stories from FlightNetwork.com, one of the sites I contribute to on a regular basis. The blog there contains lots of good stories for travelers with tips on where to go and what to do when you get there. Additionally, there is general travel news, gear reviews, and much more. Here's a sampling of what is on offer there:

• 10 Big Adventures For 2014
• 52 Passengers Rescued From Stranded Antarctic Ship
• My New Year's Travel Resolutions 
• National Geographic To Bring Iconic Maps To Google Engine
• Tips For Moving Abroad

Adventure Tech: New Trent PowerPak Ultra USB Charging System

These days when we travel, whether it is to some far off country or into the local backcountry, we tend to carry more electronic gadgets with us than in the past. Everything from our smartphones, mp3 players, GPS devices and even high tech watches, use rechargeable batteries and will like need to be juiced up while we're in the field. In the past, we've seen various methods for doing just that, including the use of various solar chargers. But for many of us, a simple battery pack with USB ports will do the trick for all but the most intensive journeys. Now, there is a new ruggedized option that seems to be designed with adventure travelers in mind.

Yesterday, New Trent officially announced it's PowerPak Ultra, a portable USB charging system that brings a lot to the table. For starters, it features a 14,000 mAh battery, which is enough recharge most smartphones as much as 7 times. It also has two USB ports, the first rated for 1A and the other 2.1A. The latter is powerful enough to charge even a tablet such as an iPad, while the former is good for use with less power intensive devices.

But what really sets the PowerPak Ultra apart from the crowd is its ruggedized construction. It's outer shell is tough enough to resist scratches and most drops, which makes it a perfect companion to take into the backcountry. It also happens to be water resistant with an IP-67 rating. That means it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes without fear of damage, which will come in handy on paddling expeditions or visits to damp climates.

Best of all, the PowerPak is very affordable. The device runs just $69.95 and his available directly from New Trent or Amazon.

Best Hike Treks The Manaslu Circuit

My friend Rick McCharles of Best Hike fame is up to his usual tricks. Rick recently to Nepal where he walked the Manaslu Circuit, a 252 km (156.8 mile) sojourn that takes roughly 12-13 days to complete. Following his Himalayan adventure, Rick has posted his thoughts on the trek, sharing daily info on the walk and lots of beautiful photos as well.

As the name implies, this hiking circuit encircles Manaslu, an 8156 meter (26,759 ft) peak that is located in west central Nepal. The trail first opened back in 1991, but Rick says that it has gained in popularity over the past few years as more tea houses have sprung up along the route, giving trekkers more comfortable options for their adventure.

All told, the circuit features 12,585 meters (41,289 ft) of climbing and 11,279 meters (37,004 ft) of descent. It reaches its highest point at Larkya Pass, which falls at 5106 meters (16,751 ft). While that is plenty of altitude, Rick says that it rises at an acceptable rate, allowing plenty of time to acclimatize. The route will take you through six climate zones along the way, giving backpackers an opportunity to experience a host of beautiful scenery. As with most treks through the Himalaya in Nepal, it also exposes travelers to the great culture there as well.

Rick spent a total of ten days on his hike and from the sounds of his reports, he enjoyed every minute of it, despite some challenges. The thing that intrigues me most about his notes on the hike is that he compares it quite favorably to the legendary Annapurna Circuit from years past. There are many long distance hikers who feel the Annapurna Circuit is the best hiking trail in the world, although the addition of a road to the region altered that perception some. If the Manaslu Circuit is anywhere near as good, it says a lot about just how amazing this walk must be.

If you're looking for a new adventure for 2014, then perhaps the Mansaslu Circuit should be added to your list of potentials. Rick says October and November are the best times to go, although April and May aren't bad either. It looks like yet another amazing Himalayan hike I need to add to my bucket list.