Steve Jobs, industry leader and Chairman of the Board at Apple passed away today at age 56. Here’s the statement from Apple:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

Many of us at NC love and use Steve’s products, while all of us deeply respect and admire the man himself. As someone who has inspired and influenced many, Steve Job’s legacy will live on, not only as a true innovator, but as a good person.  Steve had reportedly suffered with numerous health issue over the past few years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.

After a full weekend of adventurers in the back lands of this wildlife preserve, The Green Oval Guild took a Land Rover tour of the preserve itself. It was a weekend full of camping, off road adventure, and wildlife adventures. Check out some of the photos from the event below and be sure to check out The Guilds site for upcoming events. Before the weekend really got started the GOG held an auction to raise funds for The Wilds. Big thanks to Osprey, Teva footwear, Otter Box, and Base Camp X for helping us at NC sponsor this event. NC

There really isn’t much we could say about this that you can’t read below in the PR statement, but hey, if you don’t know everything you need to know just by the name and style, then read on. 

Ducati confirm their 2012 Streetfighter 848 with the first officially released images of the brand new model set to add everyday accessibility to the Italian manufacturer’s famous naked sport bike family.

Combining a new and brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine with the enhanced geometry of a chassis that provides confidence-inspiring agility, the Streetfighter 848 has enriched its user-friendliness with a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and Ducati Traction Control.

The Ducati Streetfighter scored a round one knock-out when it entered the ring for the first time at the Milan show back in November 2008, winning the ‘Most Beautiful Bike’ award and raising the bar for extreme nakeds. Its asphalt-ripping reputation became the desire of sport naked connoisseurs throughout the world and the Streetfighter 848 will now widen that appeal even further with enhanced usability.

Available from November 2011 onwards, the new fighter is dressed in red for Ducati traditionalists, while yellow makes a return for mid-range purists and “dark stealth” provides a matte-black reminder of the Streetfighter’s aggressive image. NC

Yep. Tom Waits is back ladies and gentlemen. NC

Letter from Steve Jobs

August 24, 2011–To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it.
And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

More info when we get it. NC

Well it’s an inflatable tent called “The Cave”. Duel layer “air beams” are tougher then you’d think (they claim) and they inflate in less then a minute. Alright that’s pretty cool. Lets check it out…

Lightweight breathable water-resistant nylon makes up the inner tent and a tough waterproof polyester footprint (the layer under the tent which keeps your butt dry), they say it’ll fit 2-3 people, so you can count on one with a lot gear or two with light packs, and it has built in lofts and gear pockets.

Alright, now lets take a closer look. This isn’t a backpacking tent of that we’re sure, but it’s not intended to be. It looks like it would be a great car camper, or maybe even for those trips when you’ll be seeking new routes and day adventures from a basecamp. Durability over long term use could be an issue, but the design is much like that of a bicycle tire so patching is possible.

Our biggest issue isn’t the idea, but the price. At over $600 this isn’t something that will replace the expedition tent you already own. This is aimed at gear heads and people who always want the newest and best. Chances are you’ll have to fall in love with this idea and want another tent on your shelf to buy The Cave. It’s very unlikely that this will find a home on the shelves of adventurers pushing the limits of themselves on their way to the next summit. Not when it’s still mostly unproved and it’s in the same price range as proven tents from brands like The North Face, Marmot, Nemo, and others. Still the price could be worse and we’re sure these will find a home with many adventurers.

All the facts can be found here. As far as we’re concerned this is a cool idea and a great start. As long as we continue to see development and innovation such as this in the outdoors industry rather then heaters in boots, well the future of tech and nature together looks good to us. NC

Not bad for a budget of about $250. NC

Again we find that teva is putting out something new we love. Soft and comfy, these take the place of those flip flops we love so much when things get chilly. Reviews coming soon, but for now all you need to know is these have soft footbeds that feel like sandals, but protect like shoes.

They’re also available in a slip on. $50. NC