Backpacker.com is giving away free gear each week and you can enter every day to win.  Backpacker is giving away the gear that their editors have tested and reviewed.  So it's slightly used - it's still cutting edge gear.  Each week they are going to give away a different item.  Read more, and enter the contest, at backpacker.com.

 Here's an interesting new game show from Austrailia.  I’m A Backpacker… Get Me In Here! is just like I'm a Celebrity... Get me out of Here, but with 6 backpackers facing off on the Gold Coast of Australia.  The selected six backpackers will compete in  bush tucker trials just like the celebrities.  I'm hoping the trials more be a bit more challenging, and the camp site a lot less dramatic.  Kind of funny though, backpackers will be competing just to get a chance to camp out in Australia.  And, if you'd like to give it a try, you can submit a one minute video and maybe win a free trip to Australia to be on the show.  Looks like you have to be in the UK to win though.  Read more about it at gapyear.com/competition/.

 Backpacker.com has updated their GPS Trails Android app. The new version has higher resolution photos, more trails, and a streamlined interface.  You can download GPS Trails Pro from the Android market.  It's free if you downloaded the previous version, otherwise $4.99.

Backpacker.com is running a gear makeover contest right now. Send them the best letter in one of three categories - "I want to eat better!", "I want to go lighter!", or "I want to dress better!" - and the winner for each category will get hooked up.

 Backpacker Magazine has released an app for viewing trails and recording your own.  The GPS Trails Lite app lets you take advantage of the GPS features of your phone to navigate over 3500 trails downloaded from their site, and record and post your own. You can view maps, navigate with a digital compass, and take photos of your hike.  Use it in remote places where you don't have a signal, and it will save your data to post later when you do.  Their app will also calculate calories, speed, distance, and elevation for you.  I'm not lucky enough to have a phone that will support this yet, but it seems like a cool use of the technology.  They are currently offering a Lite version that is free and US oriented, or a $9.99 version with more features including trails from around the world.  

Backpacker Magazine has an article up about five new solar powered backpacking toys.  I've got a solar charger I use occasionally, but there are some pretty cool new toys out there.  I've been using a Steri-pen for purifying water for a few years, so a solar powered version is interesting.  I am intrigued by the Lightcap Lantern. I always carry a Nalgene bottle on the outside of my pack, so adding a solar charger to and using it as a lantern is a nice idea.  Combine the Lightcap Lantern and the Steri-Pen into one to make a solar powered lantern and water purifier and then you're in business   Using a black bladder as a solar shower is an old school idea, but Seattle Sports Pocket Shower is a nice clean implementation of the idea.

With all of these ideas, except the shower, I'm not sure if the extra weight is worth the functionality.  The batteries in Steri-pen seem to last forever, so I'm not sure the solar charger saves me much.  I could make the case for a very long hike like the App Trail though, not having to carry extra batteries would be advantageous.  Decreasing your environmental footprint is a big plus for these solar toys too.  I just might have to buy me a Lightcap Lantern to play with.  Go check out the Backpacker article and find you a new toy.

 I've added quite a few resources to the site - everything from cool gear stores to trail guides to backpacking tips and gear lists.  Take a look and feel free to suggest any cool sites I've missed.

I'm still making some updates to the site - trying to make it easier to use, and look a little better.  So bear with me.  If you have any suggestions for the site, or run into any problems using it, please feel free to post a comment and let me know. 

I've finished up most of the updates I had in mind for the site.  Its got a slightly different look, and its a little easier to navigate.  I also added some more articles and a bunch of gear.  I'm still working on some cool new features, but I'll post updates about those as it gets closer to time.

I'm doing some work on the site this week.  I've making it easier to use, and making it look a little better.  I'm hoping to have a different design working in the next few days.  And I'll definitely be adding more useful information to the site.  So check back soon.