NCR Adventure Network

10/06/2020

Nothing spoils a long than a bad stomach caused by microbiologically contaminated . from Vestergaard with a filter pore size of 0.2 microns, lifetime capacity of 4000 L and weighing it at 6.5 oz claims to remove 99.999% of (amoeba, cryptosporidium Parvin, Gardia..) and 99.999999% of (E Coli, Campylobacter, Vibrio Cholera, Shigella, Salmonella...). See lifestraw.com for more details.

08/02/2019

So I'm testing off grid solutions for longer treks. Normally, a good power bank is great to keep you going for a couple of days. Then, unless you come across a village or a portable genset, you're out of luck for power. Not anymore. The surprisingly compact 2-panel Anker PowerPort Solar is a powerful solution. With two USB output ports with a default USB B type connector, you can be away from civilization for days on end. No problem. I'm simultaneously charging my 10000mAh powerbank and my Android phone in the morning sunlight. Will report back on how long it takes in this mild winter sun.

15/12/2018

Niligiri hills still has a number of places that haven't been completely destroyed by unsustainable development. But you have to find them. Avoid Ooty and any known tourist got spots.

30/05/2018

Stay out of for a bit, people!! Unless of course, you want to stand in a line for your quota of water. The politicians think that they can continue to build hotels in these fragile hills like there is no tomorrow. Well, game up!

10/05/2018

While it appears to be a contradiction, nothing is as important for trekkers today as being able to generate enough power to charge a myriad of electronic devices - torches, tent lamps, cell phone, gps devices, tablets, iPads, laptops and whatever you have! So how do you go about generating this power?? Of course, the answer lies in the abundance of solar energy. However, even a casual scan of solar devices on the internet will leave any seeker overwhelmed. Should you just carry extra batteries for each device? Are the new-fangled solar power banks of any use? Are there solar panels small enough to fit into a backpack? What is the minimum specification for solar power generators and power storage devices on a trek? How do you balance the need to trek during the day and camp at night, with the need to charge your devices when the sun is up?? Here is a list of the best solar chargers for trekkers:
1. Nekteck Solar Charger 20W
2. ECEEN Solar Charger 10W
3. Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight 1W
4. Instpark Mercury 10M18U solar panel 10W
5. Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Kit 7W
6. Anker PowerPort Solar Lite 15W
7. WakaWaka Power 1W
8. X-Dragon Solar Charger 14W

Anker PowerPort 15W for example, has a transition efficiency of about 22%, and is currently available for about Rs 7300/- on amazon.in.

25/11/2017

So you want to hike and fly? Learn from the experts.

Already planning your hike&fly adventure for next summer? Here are my tips to get ready faster! You can follow me on: http://www.paulguschlbauer.at https://w...

01/10/2017

For those of you who are unable to make up their mind about trekking or camping gear, walkie talkies, gopro cameras etc, here is a good rental option (for residents of Delhi/Gurgaon). Check out https://unwindlife.com/

01/10/2017

With most of the "tourist" destinations witnessing heavy rush of visitors this season, it is always challenging to find a place where you can be alone with nature. If you take the village road beyond Shogi, a small settlement about 15 km from Shimla, you have a number of options for stay - the likes of Aamod Resort (6000), Club Mahindra Kandhaghat (8390), Eco Valley Resort (5400), Woodsmoke resort (6864) and numerous value-for-money home stay options (check out tripadvisor.com). For a more offbeat experience you have the Parkwoods Shogi for the rustic rural feel but they are getting pricey (with luxury tents starting 4800). And of course, you can find a place to pitch your own tent. Here's sunset from our campsite located atop a ridge with a view of the valley, which we discovered while exploring the surroundings during our stay at Parkwoods nearly 15 years ago.

22/08/2017

With the profusion of drones in the market, everyone wants to get their hands on these gleaming new toys. But there are restrictions that you need to be aware of when you fly these "gadgets" (to you), "aircraft" to aviation and law enforcement authorities. Space around and above all airports, upto 50 km radial distance and upward to 18000' AGL in some instances, is called "controlled" airspace. Without getting into technical details, entry into any "controlled airspace" is a serious aviation hazard and occurs when any "flying object" enters such airspace without necessary permission. These "airspace infringements" happen because some "pilots" are not familiar with the correct procedure for entering controlled airspace and do so without clearance. All aircraft (used in the most general sense to include your gadget) wishing to enter controlled airspace must file a flight plan and air traffic services involved must receive the request at least 10 minutes before the expected time of entry. So:
- An aircraft must not enter controlled airspace until clearance has been received
- It is not sufficient that the pilot has informed the controller of his/her request; entry must await receipt of formal clearance;
- The aircraft must stay clear of controlled airspace while awaiting clearance.

To get clearance from the controller, you need to be formally registered with the designated aviation authority which will then assign a registration code, for example, VT-EHF. You also need two-way radio communication gear to talk to controllers.

In essence, you cannot fly your new-fangled "gadgets" in the vicinity of any airport. If you do, you will get into serious trouble.

18/08/2017

Longest time in the air, greatest distance gliding, greatest distance hiking, greatest gain in altitude, it's all here in this review of the greatest race in the world!

Let's take a look at this year's race strictly by the numbers. Who flew the highest? Who walked the farthest or flew the farthest? Check it out below...

02/07/2017

X-Alps: Meet the athletes

Meet the athletes that will be participating in the world's toughest adventure race! Who will you be supporting? Let us know in the comments... For all athle...

02/07/2017

Race teaser

Red Bull X-Alps 2017 will start on July 02, 2017 in Salzburg and will be the eighth edition of the world’s toughest adventure race. It's a bold claim – but o...