Latest news with #expedition
CNET
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Elden Ring Nightreign: How to Unlock The Secret Nightfarer Characters
Elden Ring Nightreign's new Nightfarer class system is an easy way for players to pick out a familiar character archetype and jump into battle. Each comes with passive and active skills to suit many playstyles and help round out the game's three-player squads. Creating a strong team composition is just as important as speedrunning bosses and collecting runes, flasks and other upgrades during the three-day expeditions. You'll want to mix-and-match damage dealers, tanks and supporting roles while also ensuring you have melee, ranged and elemental damage options. Newer players might gravitate toward more forgiving Nightfarer options, such as Wylder, Guardian and Ironeye. But the six Nightfarers available to you when you first start Nightreign aren't the only player classes in the game. Here's how to unlock the two secret Nightfarer classes in Elden Ring Nightreign. If you receive this relic after an expedition, you'll be able to unlock the first secret Nightfarer. Screenshot by David Lumb/CNET How to unlock the Duchess The first Nightfarer you'll have a chance to unlock is the Duchess. Once you finish your first Tricephalos expedition, you'll be rewarded with a special green relic -- the Old Pocketwatch. You don't actually have to defeat Gladius in order to obtain the relic, but you do have to complete a full run in order to claim your rewards. This relic imparts decent buffs on any Nightfarer that you're running with a dexterity-based build, but it also doubles as the key item that unlocks the first secret Elden Ring Nightreign class. Once the Old Pocketwatch is in your possession, approach the Priestess in the Roundtable Hold. Her normal dialogue options give some background on what the Nightfarers are doing here and why the fight against the Nightlord is so important. Now, she'll ask about your new relic, and present you with a choice of whether or not to hand it over to her. Even if you've slotted the Old Pocketwatch relic into your build, you have nothing to fear by handing it over to the Priestess. You'll retain the relic and it you can still equip it on any of your playable Nightfarers. When the Priestess is handed the relic, a short cutscene plays where she drops her shroud and reveals that she has been the Duchess all along. She vows to stop standing on the sidelines and join the fight, and with that you'll unlock Nightreign's seventh playable Nightfarer. The Duchess wears a Dark Souls Firekeeper mask, but her overall aesthetic is much more Bloodborne-y. Screenshot by Tyler Graham/CNET What is the Duchess' role in a team? The Duchess is a dexterous attacker who can flit in and out of battle to keep up the pressure. She doesn't have high poise, defense or health, but she can hold an enemy's attention and easily evade their attacks. The Duchess greatly benefits from weapons like fists, daggers and curved swords, though any weapons with powerful lunge attacks will feel right at home in this Nightfarer's arsenal. The Duchess' passive ability lets her expend less stamina when attacking and dodging, allowing her to stay in the battle longer before taking a tactical reprieve. Her class ability, Restage, rewinds time and inflicts additional damage against enemies who have been wounded in the past few seconds. Her ultimate ability, Finale, shrouds the Duchess and any nearby teammates from enemies during a fight, allowing the team to heal up and prepare attacks with long wind up times. The effects of Finale instantly wear off on any person who attacks an enemy (or gets hit by a stray attack themselves). After you unlock the Duchess, a new item will be available in the Jar Bazaar. Screenshot by David Lumb/CNET How to unlock the Revenant You'll need another key item in order to unlock the Revenant, the eighth and final playable Nightfarer. Luckily, this item becomes available as soon as you unlock the Duchess -- it's nestled down toward the bottom of the Jar Bazaar. The Besmirched Frame will cost you 1,500 Murk and, just like the Old Pocketwatch, it's a relic you can use in your Nightfarers' builds. Once you've obtained this item, a Lost Phantom will spawn in the east hallway of the Roundtable Hold. This NPC will be denoted by a girl's portrait on your map -- there will be an exclamation point icon by the portrait's head. Approach this phantom and interact with the girl. You'll be warped to the plateau where you fought the Margit the Fell Omen in Nightreign's tutorial, but this time a unique boss will be waiting for you. Taking on the Night Idol is much easier once you defeat her summons, but you'll still have to avoid some of the spells she slings. Screenshot by Tyler Graham/CNET The Night Idol is an easy boss fight, but there are a couple of enemies you'll have to micromanage. She has three spirit summons she fields against you: Helen, an agile page that will quickly press the attack; Frederick, a bulky cook who swings slowly but delivers devastating blows; and Sebastian, a massive skeleton who can't move but has deadly melee attacks and magic beams. Focusing on these spirit summons is imperative, because they don't come back once they're defeated. You can beat this boss with any Nightfarer, but I found it was easiest with Ironeye. You can use your bow to zone out the summons, peppering them with arrows until they fall, and then move in on the Night Idol boss using your action skills. Once the Night Idol is defeated, you'll be transported back to the Roundtable Hold and informed that you've unlocked the Revenant, the last of the Nightfarers missing from the roster. The Revenant is a doll, like Ranni the Witch. She commands spirits to enact her will. Screenshot by Tyler Graham/CNET What is the Revenant's role in a team? The Revenant is one of the more magically inclined player classes in Elden Ring Nightreign, which means that she's a high risk, high reward character to use. The Revenant has a high focus point (or mana) pool and can take advantage of sorceries and incantations alike, though her stat spread favors spells from Seals and Dragon Communions. What this character lacks in defense, though, she makes up for in utility that allows her to shift focus away from herself and her teammates. The Revenant's passive ability has a chance to spawn spirit summons of non-boss enemies that she deals final blows to. This combines well with her class ability, Summon Spirit, which allows her to call Helen, Frederick or Sebastian (the same summons from the Lost Girl boss fight) to the battlefield. The Revenant's summons add an element of chaos to Nightreign's battles, and often pull enemy aggression away from players. It's much easier to get in the thick of the fight and mete out some damage when there's a small army marching on a boss. When the fight is turning against her, the Revenant's powerful ultimate ability makes herself and her allies briefly immortal. The Immortal March ability applies to other players as well as the Revenant's spirit summons, making it a real Swiss army knife of an ability -- if you really want to squeeze the most value out of it, you can activate it when your teammates are knocked down to instantly revive them. If you've got a spirit summon active, it'll use its own ultimate ability, but it can't swing a fight nearly as well as picking up your fallen squadmates. The Revenant is fragile, but she provides more effective health to her tankier teammates -- and levels the playing field by bringing more allies into the fight.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
Here's Everything I Packed for Antarctica—and What I Wish I Had
Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination marked by untouched landscapes, drifting icebergs, and thriving penguin colonies. I recently returned from the 'frozen continent,' traveling on the inaugural Sail and Fly the Drake Passage itinerary with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. While the experience was extraordinary, it also came with logistical challenges, including two nearly 24-hour flight routes with multiple layovers between the U.S. and South America, plus strict luggage weight limits for the one-way charter return flight to Chile from King George Island. As someone who tends to overpack for cold-weather destinations, I knew I had to be extra strategic and conducted extensive research to find the most functional and reliable clothing, gear, and accessories to withstand demanding weather conditions. Layering is crucial: Include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell to adapt to changing conditions more easily. Include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell to adapt to changing conditions more easily. Check what gear is provided: Most expedition companies supply waterproof muck boots for land excursions and a warm outer parka. Most expedition companies supply waterproof muck boots for land excursions and a warm outer parka. Bring backups of critical items: Remember essentials such as medications or seasickness remedies, and pack spares for things that can get wet (or lost) like gloves, hats, and socks. The most essential items for an Antarctic expedition are proper clothing and footwear. Without them, survival in Antarctica's extreme conditions would be nearly impossible. Start with base layers made from moisture-wicking materials such as Merino wool, or opt for synthetic fabrics like polyester if you're sensitive to wool. The design of your base layers also matters, as features like partial zippers, U-neck collars, and thumbholes can contribute to greater comfort and functionality. For moisture-wicking fabrics to work effectively, they must fit snugly and be in direct contact with your skin. Mid-layers, such as fleece or wool, provide additional insulation, while a waterproof and windproof outer shell protects against harsh winds and wet conditions. For footwear, most expedition cruises offer passengers muck boots for rent or as an inclusion to wear during landings on the continent but you'll need shoes with good traction to wear onboard as well. Be sure to pack a reliable pair of flip-flops and a swimsuit for onboard amenities such as saunas and hot tubs, which are available on some ships. These items are also necessary if you plan to take part in the polar plunge. Additionally, most ships offer laundering services, so plan to launder a few items during your trip to reduce the amount of clothing you bring. Credit: Cotopaxi $295 $251 at Amazon $206 at REI $295 at Backcountry I chose Cotopaxi's Fuego Hooded Down Jacket because it's warm, stylish, and incredibly lightweight. It also features a well-fitted hood that helps seal out cold air and is sustainably made from 100 percent recycled polyester. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions provided each passenger a signature, branded orange parka, which served as my outer layer during landings. Knowing I would receive this parka, I opted not to pack one of my heavy outer coats, and the Fuego jacket served as my mid-layer and was warm enough for short outings on the ship's outdoor decks. I found the jacket's fit to be true to size, and a similar version is available for men. If your ship does not provide you with a parka, a Gore-Tex skiing jacket will do the trick. Keep in mind that the outer layer jacket you choose must be totally waterproof and windproof. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure A base layer top is a staple piece of clothing for any Antarctic expedition cruise. Smartwool's version (also available in men's) is made from 100 percent Merino wool that is incredibly soft and non-itchy, plus functions well in extreme environments. Its slim fit, featuring a quarter-zip, makes layering easy and allows you to wear it comfortably under a mid-layer and outer shell without feeling restricted. Whether I was outside in freezing temperatures or inside the ship in a more controlled climate, this base layer adapted well and proved to be one of my most reliable and frequently worn pieces of clothing on the journey. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $115 $95 at Amazon $57 at REI $115 at Nordstrom Smartwool's classic thermal Merino base layer bottoms were one of the unsung heroes of my Antarctic expedition (and also come in men's sizing). They kept my legs warm and dry as I transitioned between the icy outdoors and the cozy interior of the ship—no small feat in such extreme conditions. The fit is firm but never restrictive, giving me full range of motion whether I was hiking icy terrain or climbing back into the zodiac. Additionally, Merino wool resists odors far better than synthetic fabrics, which is a huge advantage when laundry facilities are limited. I wore this base layer every other day. It's easy to layer it under insulated pants or waterproof shells, and I never once felt overheated or clammy. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Burton $450 at Amazon View on $420 $252 at I wore a version of the Lenado pants from The North Face, but they're often hard to find in stock. A great alternative is the Burton Summit pants. They're made with two-layer Gore-tex, so you'll stay dry and comfortable in wet, windy conditions. The fit is roomy enough to layer thermal leggings underneath, and the zippered vents come in handy when you're heating up during things like zodiac landings or glacier hikes. These sleek pants come in several modern colors—because who wants to wear plain black in every epic penguin photo? Realistically, most ski pants will work for Antarctica, but be sure they're fully waterproof, not just snow-resistant. Men can opt for the Men's Swash Gore-tex 2L Pants. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: The North Face $145 at Amazon $145 at REI View on The North Face Since muck boots are required and typically available to rent for Antarctic shore excursions, there's no need to pack specialized expedition footwear. Onboard the ship, you can wear almost any type of shoe, but a reliable, waterproof hiking shoe like The North Face Hedgehog 3 is a smart and versatile option. Hiking shoes provide stability for navigating slippery decks or climbing stairs when the ship is swaying, especially while crossing the Drake Passage. They're also perfect for pre- and post-cruise adventures in rugged destinations such as Ushuaia, Argentina, and Torres del Paine in Chile. The North Face Hedgehog 3 has become my go-to for most outdoor adventures, thanks to its comfortable cushioning and durable construction. The North Face sells a men's version of the shoe as well. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Accessories may seem like a minor detail, but they're just as important as main clothing layers when traveling to places like Antarctica. Insulated gloves are critical for keeping your hands warm and functioning during zodiac landings and when handling gear in freezing temperatures. Look for pairs with touchscreen compatibility so you can take photos without removing your gloves. A thermal hat that covers your ears is key, as a significant amount of heat is lost through the head. For additional protection from biting winds and blowing snow, a balaclava or neck gaiter helps shield your face and neck, while sunglasses with UV protection and polarized lenses reduce the intense glare from sunlight reflecting off snow and ice. Credit: REI $170 $153 at Amazon $339 at REI Gloves are one item I can never seem to have enough of—though it's usually just one from each pair that sticks around, as the other inevitably goes missing. For the expedition, I packed a pair of no-longer-available Columbia gloves which featured a thermal lining and the brand's proprietary Omni-heat technology for enhanced heat retention. They were also touchscreen-compatible, a small but helpful feature when you want to snap a photo or check your phone without peeling off your gloves in the cold. However, the next time I participate in an extreme, cold-weather adventure, I'll be bringing along a pair of heated gloves instead—turns out my hands just aren't built for freezing temperatures. This exact pair is next on my list as they are also touchscreen compatible, but have three heat settings for even warmer hands and keep out the snow and wind with adjustable wrist straps. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $175 at Amazon $175 at View on The hat I wore in Antarctica is an old favorite from The North Face that has been with me on countless adventures around the world, but unfortunately, it's no longer available online. Now, I've discovered a new go-to: White + Warren beanies like the Cashmere Plush Rib Beanie. This ultra-soft cashmere hat feels great against the skin, offers plenty of warmth, fits easily under a hood or helmet, and is light enough to stash in a pocket or daypack. The only trade-off is that it requires a bit of extra care, as it needs to be hand-washed or dry cleaned, but for the comfort and quality, I find it well worth it. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure When you're wearing muck boots, you've really only got your socks for insulation and comfort, so they need to be both warm and moisture-wicking. I've found the Fits Light Ski Sock to be an excellent choice. Made from a high-quality Merino wool blend, they offer a snug, over-the-calf fit that stays in place without slipping or bunching. Thoughtful features, such as the dynamic toe cup, which molds to the shape of your foot, and the heel lock system, provide added support and significantly reduce the risk of blisters when paired with well-fitted boots. The socks are also unisex, so they work well for just about anyone. After long days in wet, cold environments, having socks that perform this well really makes a difference. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Buff $27 $23 at Amazon $19 at REI View on One surprisingly practical accessory to pack for an Antarctic expedition is a gaiter. I highly recommend the Buff ThermoNet Neckwear Gaiter, which is made from recycled materials and can be worn multiple ways—I've used mine as a neck warmer, face covering, and even as a makeshift hat. Incredibly lightweight and compact, it dries quickly and adds an extra layer of protection against biting wind and blowing snow. Lightweight and compact, the gaiter dries quickly and provides an added layer of protection, making it a far more practical choice than a traditional scarf. In fact, I've all but replaced scarves with this gaiter in cold climates. Its versatility and performance make it a must-have item on any Antarctica packing list. Best of all, it's one-size-fits-most, so there's no need to worry about sizing. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure/Taylor Fox Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure For my eyes, Ray-Ban's Chromance sunglasses were a fantastic choice. The polarized lenses provided greater visual contrast and sharpness while also blocking out UV rays. What I especially appreciated was how lightweight and comfortable these sunglasses were. I wore them for hours without any pressure points or irritation. Even in strong, cold winds and after physically demanding climbs on icy terrain, they never fogged up and offered excellent protection from the wind and the brightness reflecting off the snow and ice. They fit nicely, and I never had to worry about them slipping during active excursions. They also looked stylish, so I didn't feel like I was wearing bulky expedition gear. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure With unpredictable weather, limited storage space, and the need to stay organized during landings and long days at sea, the bags and gear you bring to Antarctica must be rugged, reliable, and well-designed. Look for bags made from durable, weather-resistant materials, with smart organizational features that help you separate wet and dry items or access key items quickly. Versatility is also key, and gear that can handle both shipboard living and shore excursions will make your experience far smoother. Credit: REI $150 at REI View on View on Bringing a waterproof backpack or dry bag is essential for protecting gear, such as electronics and large camera lenses, from the elements. National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions provided me with a dry bag, but if I had to bring my own, I would have chosen the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L. This compact roll-top backpack is fully waterproof and very comfortable to wear, thanks to its padded back panel and adjustable straps. Even when it's not actively raining or snowing, there's plenty of moisture, sea spray, and condensation that can seep into your gear and cause issues. The great thing about investing in a quality dry bag is that you can use it beyond Antarctica in numerous scenarios, including biking or hiking in damp conditions. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure If you're looking for something small, stylish, and super handy for landings or just hanging out on the ship, the Cotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack is the perfect companion. Though small in size, it offers just the right amount of space for everyday essentials like your phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and hand cream—which I found myself reaching for constantly in the dry, polar desert climate of Antarctica. It has water-resistant fabric, durable construction, and Cotopaxi's signature vibrant colors. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to wear either around the waist or across the chest, and it stays securely in place and never feels cumbersome, even during more active excursions. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Cotopaxi $180 at Amazon View on REI View on The Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 70L Duffel is a dependable, high-capacity bag that easily accommodates all your expedition gear. It's spacious and built from rugged, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the demands of adventure travel. One of my favorite features is the exterior pockets for quick-access items. I also appreciate that you can wear it as a backpack or carry it by hand, depending on what's most convenient in the moment. The padded handles make it comfortable to transport, even when fully packed, and because it lacks the rigid frame of traditional luggage, you get more usable space. It's also lightweight, compared to similar-capacity bags, which was one of my top considerations. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Cotopaxi $395 at Amazon View on REI View on Dicks Sporting Goods With its clean, modern look and cleverly designed compartments, the Allpa 65L roller bag made it easy to keep my gear organized. I primarily used it to store undergarments, base layers, accessories, and any other items I didn't want to part ways with. The bag was especially handy in the tight quarters of my cabin, where efficient packing really matters. One thing to keep in mind is that this bag doesn't have 360-degree wheels, which makes maneuvering through tight spaces a little more challenging. That said, 360-degree-wheeled bags are less ideal on a swaying small ship, so this trade-off didn't bother me too much. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: REI $50 at Amazon $35 at REI View on Walmart One often overlooked but incredibly useful item is a waterproof phone case. The Nite Ize Waterproof Phone Case kept my phone completely dry during zodiac rides and shore landings. I love its airtight construction, lanyard, and touchscreen compatibility, which allowed me to use my phone and snap quick photos without removing it. However, since image quality is noticeably better without the case, I usually removed the phone for photos during landings and when conditions allowed. I especially liked the integrated attachment point, which made it easy to clip the case securely to my pack or jacket, keeping it accessible but out of the way. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $38 at Amazon $38 at Target $38 at Walgreens I've long been a fan of La Roche-Posay products, and the Anthelios Melt-In Milk Lotion Face and Body Sunscreen quickly became part of my daily routine. Given the tilt of the Southern Hemisphere, the sun in Antarctica can be surprisingly intense, even on overcast days. While I've used this company's moisturizer before, this trip was my first time trying their sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum, high-SPF protection that holds up well in the harsh polar conditions. Non-greasy and oil-free, it absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast, and it didn't clog my pores, irritate my sensitive skin, or interfere with makeup application. If you have reactive skin like I do, this sunscreen is definitely one to consider. Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure To protect Antarctica's fragile ecosystem, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has established strict regulations for travel to the continent. Among them are that you cannot bring food or drinks ashore during landings to prevent contamination and avoid attracting wildlife. Additionally, all gear—especially boots and outerwear—must undergo biosecurity checks to prevent the introduction of non-native species, seeds, or bacteria. This often includes disinfecting boots and brushing off any soil or plant material. Antarctic summers are milder than you might expect. During the cruise season from November through March, coastal temperatures typically range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, though recent years have seen record highs reaching 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The early season (November to early December) offers striking icy landscapes and the chance to witness penguin courtship, but it also tends to be colder and windier. Mid-season (December through January) is the warmest and most popular time to visit, with long daylight hours, abundant wildlife activity, and easier access to landing sites. Late season (February to March) is excellent for whale watching and usually sees fewer visitors, though snow may become slushier. Mid-season is the best time to visit for active wildlife and optimal weather conditions. Taryn White is a freelance travel writer and luxury travel advisor, always looking for her next adventure. With nearly 100 countries under her belt, she has ventured to the volcanic terrain of Iceland, the otherworldly landscapes of Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats, and the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. A self-proclaimed fleece fanatic, she has a talent for turning any packing list into a cozy-meets-chic wardrobe for every climate. Her favorite travel companions? Her husband and children, who've been packing their own bags since they were old enough to choose their favorite hiking boots. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Nepali ‘Everest Man' reaches new heights with historic 31st summit
KATHMANDU, May 27 — A 55-year-old Nepali climber dubbed the 'Everest Man' reached the peak of the world's highest mountain for a record 31st time on Tuesday, more than three decades after his first summit. 'Massive congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on his 31st successful ascent of Everest – the highest number of ascents by anyone in history,' said a statement from expedition organisers, Seven Summit Treks. 'Kami Rita Sherpa needs no introduction. He is not just a national climbing hero, but a global symbol of Everest itself,' it added. Sherpa first stood on the top of Mount Everest in 1994 when working for a commercial expedition. He has climbed Everest almost every year since, guiding clients. Speaking last year after his 29th and 30th ascents of the 8,849-metre peak, Sherpa said he was 'just working' and did not plan on setting records. 'I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken,' he told AFP in May 2024. 'I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognised in the world.' Seven Summit Treks said he completed the climb on Tuesday as the leader of the Indian army team, adding that he 'not only reached the summit himself, but also led and guided the last remaining members of the team to the top'. 'To the next height' The achievement comes as the spring climbing season nears its end. More than 500 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit of Everest since the route opened, taking advantage of brief spells of good weather, according to Nepal's tourism department. The season has so far recorded the fewest number of deaths on Everest in recent years. Two climbers, a Filipino and an Indian, have died at its high camps. Nepal has issued more than 1,100 permits for mountaineers this season, including 458 for Everest, earning more than US$5 million in royalties. The country is home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring, when temperatures are warmer and winds typically calmer. Earlier this month, British climber Kenton Cool, 51, successfully climbed Everest for the 19th time, extending his own record for the most summits by a non-Nepali. Tourist ministry official Himal Gautam, director of its mountaineering and adventure section, said Sherpa's achievement reflected the country's wider efforts. 'Kami Rita Sherpa's record ascent has helped to take Nepal's mountaineering sector to the next height,' Gautam said. A climbing boom has made mountaineering a lucrative business since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa made the first ascent in 1953. Last year, more than 800 climbers made it to the peak of Everest, including 74 from the northern Tibet side. — AFP
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nepali 'Everest Man' breaks own record with 31st summit
A 55-year-old Nepali climber dubbed the "Everest Man" reached the peak of the world's highest mountain for a record 31st time on Tuesday, more than three decades after his first summit. "Massive congratulations to the legendary Kami Rita Sherpa on his 31st successful ascent of Everest -- the highest number of ascents by anyone in history," said a statement from expedition organisers, Seven Summit Treks. "Kami Rita Sherpa needs no introduction. He is not just a national climbing hero, but a global symbol of Everest itself," it added. Sherpa first stood on the top of Mount Everest in 1994 when working for a commercial expedition. He has climbed Everest almost every year since, guiding clients. Sherpa, speaking a year ago after he had climbed the 8,849-metre (29,032-foot) peak for the 29th and 30th times, said that he was "just working" and did not plan on setting records. "I am glad for the record, but records are eventually broken," he told AFP in May 2024. "I am more happy that my climbs help Nepal be recognised in the world." Seven Summit Treks said he completed the climb on Tuesday as the leader of the Indian army team, adding that he "not only reached the summit himself, but also led and guided the last remaining members of the team to the top". - 'To the next height' - The achievement comes as the spring climbing season nears its end. More than 500 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit of Everest since the route opened, taking advantage of brief spells of good weather, according to Nepal's tourism department. The season has so far recorded the fewest number of deaths on Everest in recent years. Two climbers, a Filipino and an Indian, have died on its high camps. Nepal has issued more than 1,100 permits for mountaineers this season, including 458 for Everest, earning more than $5 million in royalties. The country is home to eight of the world's 10 highest peaks and welcomes hundreds of adventurers each spring, when temperatures are warmer and winds typically calmer. Earlier this month British climber Kenton Cool, 51, successfully climbed Everest for the 19th time, extending his own record for the most summits by a non-Nepali. Tourist ministry official Himal Gautam, director of its mountaineering and adventure section, said Sherpa's achievement reflected on the country's wider efforts. "Kami Rita Sherpa's record ascent has helped to take Nepal's mountaineering sector to the next height," Gautam said. A climbing boom has made mountaineering a lucrative business since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa made the first ascent in 1953. Last year more than 800 climbers made it to the peak of Everest, including 74 from the northern Tibet side. str/pjm/dh
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wiltson's Revolutionary Low-Temperature Battery Tech Conquers Mount Everest, Unlocking Extreme Reliability for Demanding US Power Applications
DONGGUAN, China, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wiltson Energy, a leading innovator in low-temperature lithium battery technology, today announced a groundbreaking achievement, demonstrating unmatched reliability for demanding power solutions in the United States and globally. The company's proprietary low-temperature battery system successfully supported a critical national Mount Everest expedition, delivering flawless, zero-maintenance performance at an altitude of 29,032 feet. This powerful system ensured the continuous operation of the world's highest automatic weather station and vital ice core drilling equipment under some of the planet's most extreme conditions. Operating in the extreme conditions of Mount Everest, with temperatures plummeting to -40°C (-40°F), severe low air pressure, and ultra-high altitude, has historically posed formidable challenges for battery technology. Previous solutions utilizing standard or externally heated batteries, including ternary lithium and conventional lithium iron phosphate, struggled to provide the necessary sustained power and long-term stability required for critical scientific operations. Wiltson's engineering team successfully overcame these formidable challenges by leveraging their advanced low-temperature LiFePO4 battery technology, conquering three key obstacles: Exceptional Discharge Performance in Extreme Cold: Achieving over 80% discharge efficiency at -40°C (-40°F), comparable to normal temperature operation., ensured critical equipment remained reliably powered. Direct Solar Charging Capability at Freezing Temperatures: Enabling direct charging via solar power at temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) eliminated the need for complex, energy-consuming heating systems and solved the critical challenge of energy replenishment in remote, frigid locations. Robust Pressure-Resistant Design: Employing a durable cylindrical steel case design effectively mitigated the risk of pressure differential failures common at extreme altitudes and low atmospheric pressure, ensuring consistent, reliable operation. This successful mission unequivocally validated the exceptional reliability and resilience of Wiltson's battery technology in the world's most challenging environments. The battery system provided continuous, uninterrupted power to the scientific equipment for an impressive 12 days without any external power source or maintenance requirements. This proven capability has broad applications, particularly for demanding environments across the United States, including scientific research in polar or high-altitude regions, critical infrastructure in cold climates (like remote monitoring or telecommunications), and robust outdoor photovoltaic power solutions. Unlike conventional low-temperature approaches that rely on external heating, Wiltson's direct low-temperature lithium battery core allows for seamless charging and discharging in temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F). This 'no-heat-needed' approach results in a significantly more direct, efficient, and dependable battery product design, effectively eliminating cold weather as a barrier to high-performance lithium battery use. Backed by international certifications including UL, CB, CE, UN38.3 and REACH, Wiltson leverages the inherent safety and long cycle life of lithium iron phosphate chemistry to deliver this revolutionary performance. "Successfully powering critical scientific equipment on Mount Everest, enduring temperatures down to -40°C and extreme low pressure for 12 days, is a monumental achievement for Wiltson Energy," said Robert Xie, Wiltson's Chairman and CTO. "This mission unequivocally demonstrates the unmatched reliability and performance of our low-temperature battery technology in the world's most demanding environments. We are incredibly proud of this validation and are eager to bring these proven capabilities to customers across the US market who face similar challenges requiring dependable power in extreme cold, high altitude, or remote locations. This technology changes what's possible for applications from scientific research and polar expeditions to critical infrastructure and off-grid solar." About Wiltson Energy Wiltson Energy specializes in the research, development, and production of ultra-low temperature lithium iron phosphate batteries and high-rate lithium batteries. Headquartered in Dongguan, China, the company's innovative battery solutions are designed for demanding applications, including but not limited to, solar streetlights, remote monitoring systems, IoT devices, and extreme environment power storage. With a customer-centric mission, Wiltson is dedicated to providing advanced, reliable lithium battery technology solutions for global operations facing extreme conditions. For more information Website: Email: sales@ Address: No. 3, Nengda Road, Tianliao, Shipai Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wiltson Energy Tech. Co., Ltd Sign in to access your portfolio
