USWE Adventure Team

Seems like we got away cheap at Pico Blanco yesterday. A month ago a small plane crashed in the jungle, just by the trail in the most inaccessible area. The wreck is still there. We passed it with respect of the 5 people that lost their lives that day.

The high altitude jungle is truly amazing. Super steep and technical in several sections. We enjoyed the >2000m mountains with unexpected chantarelles and amazing nature(didnt know you could find Kantareller in Costa Rica!!).

Just when we started the descent Helen got in trouble. When moving in these surroundings it’s normal to get bruised and scratched. To get scratched by a log/root/rock/tree/bushes/thorns/whatever is just part of the deal. But this was different.

A sharp branch stabbed Helén’s lower leg and the movement of running was enough to slice a deep cut.

The cut was bad. We used my tank top and calve sleeves to stop the bleeding and put pressure on the wound. It worked out and was enough to get us down from the mountain.

The evening was spent at the emergency room and with three (!!) layers of stitching, IV antibiotics and some painkillers we got back to our place.

A reminder for all of us enjoying the outdoors. Bring a friend. It’s the best safety equipment without a doubt. If not, make sure to bring the gear needed for whatever could happen.

Mountain ⛰️ climbed. Price paid.

Is it hard to race nonstop for several days and nights? Well. It is. Always. These two pictures might give some insight. At TA 4/5 with only one night to go.

Why USWE packs for adventure racing? Simply put because they (USWE) gets it. They race. And they race hard. Here is Jacob Westerberg CEO of USWE, his wife Helen, and the rest of the team taking 6th place at the 2022 ARWS - Adventure Racing World Series World Championships. (Team BendRacing/4HourFuel took 7th that year). If their packs had sucked, the team suffers, and we would have beat them! So you know they are committed to working out the kinks and continually testing and improving the packs.

And we are pleased to announced that they are stepping back into the AR arena, as USWE Adventure Team has officially committed to race America's Toughest Race : Expedition Oregon.

Furthermore, we are working with them on a sweet secret packraft carry system for those packraft/trekking legs that will work well with just about any pack regardless of size. Stay tuned. And yeah - you might want to read into that a bit for those of you racing EO. Or the Magnificent. Or Adventure Immersion Lab's Raid the Rockies. Packraft carries happen. Best to be prepared.

USARA Adventure Racing Discussion Group