In this extract from The Gap Years, Tom French returns to Ecuador, a country he first discovered through mountaineering in his youth. Now in his 60s and several years into a personal journey of rediscovering adventure, he joins climbing partner Mark Pattison for an ascent of Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s iconic 19,300-foot volcano. What begins as a relaxed acclimatisation trip quickly becomes a race against deteriorating weather and time. From torrential storms and flooded mountain roads to a freezing ascent through the darkness, French captures both the exhilaration and suffering of high-altitude climbing, culminating in a spectacular sunrise summit and a hard-earned lesson in the meaning of Type 2 fun.
Articles
For Dads who love the great outdoors
On 13th of August, travelers aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer witnessed two minutes and 15 seconds of totality from Harefjord in Scoresbysund, Greenland – placing them closer to the center line of the eclipse than almost any other travelers on Earth. Positioned at the Center of the Path SEATTLE, WA – August 13, 2026 – Quark Expeditions, dedicated exclusively to the polar regions since 1991, today shares that guests aboard its expedition ships Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer witnessed the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, from Harefjord, one of the innermost branches of Scoresbysund, Greenland, placing them closer to the center line […]
Here’s 7 quick and easy ways to get dads organised this Fathers Day, that will elevate his experience on the trail, at the campsite, or on the snow! 1. Heli Ski Trip with Heli DreamsHeli Ski Trip for the dad who loves to ski, there are few gifts more exciting than being dropped by helicopter into remote wilderness, ready to ski or snowboard down untouched mountains! Take the guesswork out with 60-second Trip Finder, matching you with the right heli-ski experience from more than 30 options across New Zealand, Canada, and Europe, from single-day adventures to multi-day lodge experiences. 2. Smith […]
Bloody Mission’s Find Your Mountain Vertical 5K challenges you to climb 5,000 vertical metres in five days while raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Winter adventures across New Zealand's South Island.
One of Italy’s least-explored regions!
Gear
For Dads who love the great outdoors
Do you know the difference?
WILD reviews the Arc'teryx Rush Jacket and Bib.
Set within a restored palace in Kerala, Kalari Kovilakom offers a deeply immersive two-week Ayurvedic retreat shaped by personalised treatments, mindful meals and restorative daily rituals. This firsthand account explores the healing rhythm, cultural experiences and quiet transformation of an authentic Panchakarma journey.
The Outer Edge Polar Challenge is redefining modern exploration with a zero-emission, wind-powered expedition across Iceland's Vatnajökull glacier. Combining renewable energy, engineering, education, and live storytelling, the mission proves that the future of exploration is about working with nature—not against it.
Discover the untamed beauty of the Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area, where Zambia and Zimbabwe meet along Africa's most iconic river. From walking safaris and canoe adventures to tiger fishing and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this journey explores one of the continent's last truly wild frontiers.
Videos
NOTHING BUT BLUE is a 16-minute short film about German Olympic surfer Tim Elter – and his uncompromising passion for one of the most extreme and primal forms of surfing: tube riding.
News
Bloody Mission’s Find Your Mountain Vertical 5K challenges you to climb 5,000 vertical metres in five days while raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Kate Dzienis puts No Pong to the test, exploring whether this Australian-made natural deodorant can handle trail running, long days and the demands of an Aussie climate.
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail here we come!
Thank god she was carrying a PLB
Is this Australia’s most famous bushwalk?
Get set for the 145km Camino Dubrovnik–Međugorje