Feels like I have mono (though I could just be really bored), a major snowstorm is beginning to take shape outside, and I have nothing particularly interesting to say today. Therefore, I’m in full blog-reading catch-up mode. Here’s a few posts from my favorite bloggers that I think you’ll enjoy:

– Dave over at Compass Points strikes a familiar chord about the stresses of spousal trip planning.

– 501 Places — a cool travel blog — hits the proverbial nail on the head with 6 Tips For Successful Complaining.

– Outside blogger Alan Arnette talks about the search for a camera on Everest that could prove Mallory was the first to summit.

– National Geographic Adventure folded last month, but as they promised, they’re back with some web content, which is cool.

– Toney Farley — creator of Beautiful Places in HD – spices things up with some face time on camera in his new episode, Hiking: Crater Lake.

– Wend Magazine’s blog tells you how to get free condoms from Climb Addict so you can “keep climbing, not parenting.”

– The Daily Dirt gives a good review of the new movie, The North Face.

Anybody else camping out on the couch with the laptop today? If you see anything interesting for me to read/watch, feel free to add it in the comments. Thanks!

Using the same principles as wave generators, U of Pennsylvania biologist Lawrence Rome has created a backpack that generates about 7 watts of electricity. It works by harnessing the kinetic energy of your body’s movements with shock absorbing parts (and some other complicated stuff).

Amazingly, it’s not much heavier than a normal pack — maybe a few ounces — and early testers say it’s actually more comfortable than normal backpacks.  This is great news for the gadget gear hiker. Hit up TreeHugger for more details.

I used to bartend for extra cash, now it’s to stay afloat. Since I love making drinks so much — and since sending out resumes on a Sunday should be illegal — I’ve decided to take a few minutes and share some cocktails perfect for hiking or backpacking. Now go get TrailSauced!

Do you have a favorite backcountry drink? Please share it with the rest of us!

Grandpa’s Ol’ Sleep Medicine

• 2 oz scotch or whiskey
• 2 bags Kava tea (VERY mellowing herb)

Steep tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes, then add whiskey. Try not to fall asleep before getting to your tent.

Camper’s Kamikaze

• 1.5 oz vodka
• .5 oz triple sec
• 1 packet Lime Kool-Aid

Fill cup with water, add drink mix and stir. Add liquor, stir or shake until mixed thoroughly.

It’s 18 degrees here in PA — 13 w/ wind chill — so I got to thinkin’ about my recent  trip to (relatively) warm Joshua Tree National Park last December. Enjoy the vid. My glass of wine and I just got done viewing #3 of the evening. I’ll be back soon, ol’ J-Tree.

Dehydrating food for the trail opens up many possibilities for the picky hiker. Cook it, dehydrate it, pack it, add water on the trail and…voila. It’s hard to beat a quickly-prepared, hot, tasty meal at the end of a long hiking day.

The problem: Food dehydrators can be expensive.

The solution: You can make your own!

Grab some duct tape, mosquito netting and a concrete form cylinder (5 bucks at your local hardware store) and head over to instructables.com for easy-to-follow instructions.

Stink much? Head over to Agion Active to get a FREE “odor-eliminating” shirt. One half is treated with their special sauce (which includes “dual action” antimicrobial properties among other innovations), the other without, so you can smell the difference.

Sign up to test the stink-less tee here.

(via The Daily Dirt)

Nothing can ruin an otherwise great hike like chafing (aka “Monkey Butt”). It’s caused by constant rubbing (most often in the upper thigh/nether regions) coupled with moisture and bacteria build-up. Hikers with chafing issues are often identified by their requisite “duck walk”. While heavier hikers are more prone to chafing, it can happen to anyone at any time. To keep it from happening to you, follow the advice below.

Put simply, prevent chafing by lubricating during the day and keeping dry at night.

Pre-hike prep:

Clean area throughly before heading out. Much of chafing is due to bacteria build-up, so it’s best to start from a sterile base.

Just before hitting the ol’ dusty trail, apply BodyGlide. It’s the most recommended anti-chafing solution on the market, and smoothing some on will eliminate friction for the entire day. As a bonus, you can also put on feet to help prevent blisters.

During hike:

Wipe area with baby wipes or alcohol swaps to keep area clean and rash-free. Remember to reapply the BodyGlide.

Post-hike or in camp:

Wash area thoroughly, dry, then apply Gold Bond Triple Medicated Powder or plain ol’ corn starch. Keeping the area dry while sleeping is absolutely essential for quick healing and chafing prevention.

* Go commando. If wearing a skirt’s not your thing, simply try a hike without underwear (only try this in summer) under your shorts or pants. As long as you follow the above-mentioned essential steps pre- and post-hike, you shouldn’t experience any rubbing down yonder.

Any chafers out there have any better ideas for prevention or treatment? Please add them in the comments section below!