Professional paragliding pilot Markus Anders participated in the world’s toughest adventure race; the Red Bull X-Alps. During this race around 30 athletes run, hike and fly by paraglider across the Alps with the same goal: get to the finish line. Markus Anders has been actively involved in paragliding for a significant portion of his life, constantly pushing his limits. We look back on this intensive race with Markus where he tells you more about his experience, preparations and used Xtorm gear.
The Red Bull X-Alps race was an incredible and challenging experience. It was my third time participating, and this time, I successfully completed the race in 7 days, finishing on the 9th rank. The race is known for pushing participants to their physical and mental limits, and it demands strategic planning and precise decision-making throughout. Overall, it was an intense and thrilling adventure that tested my abilities as a paragliding pilot.
Unforgettable moment
The most impressive moment of the entire adventure was undoubtedly the flight around Mt. Blanc. I had spent two days doing this in 2021, but this year, it was even more spectacular. The flight covered a total of 210 kilometers, starting at Niesen, flying around Mt. Blanc, and finally landing in the south face of Dufourspitze in the evening. The sheer magnitude and beauty of the landscape were just amazing, to the point that I forgot where I had taken off in the morning for a while when I had landed. It was an experience that left a profound and lasting impression on me.
Battling adverse weather and fatique
The Red Bull X-Alps race presents numerous challenges and obstacles for participants. Some of the biggest hurdles I faced included adverse weather conditions, fatigue, and the mental strain of navigating through challenging terrains. To conquer these obstacles, I relied on my training and experience as a paragliding pilot. Staying focused, making calculated decisions, and closely monitoring weather forecasts were crucial in navigating safely. Additionally, having a strong support team and staying mentally determined helped me overcome the physical and mental fatigue during the race.
Crossing the finish line
Completing the Red Bull X-Alps race was a moment of immense joy and accomplishment. When I crossed the finish line, my first thoughts were a mix of relief, pride, and gratitude. Relief that I had successfully completed the challenging race, pride in my performance and ranking, and immense gratitude towards my support team, fellow participants, and everyone who had contributed to making the adventure possible.
How to prepare
Preparing for an adventure like the Red Bull X-Alps race requires comprehensive training and preparation. This involves physical fitness training to build endurance, strength, and stamina, as paragliding can be physically demanding. Additionally, mental training is essential to stay focused, make quick decisions, and handle the pressure of competition. Familiarizing oneself with the race route, assessing potential challenges, and developing strategies are also vital aspects of preparation. Lastly, assembling a reliable and skilled support team to assist throughout the race is crucial for a successful adventure.
Reliable power is crucial
Xtorm products played a crucial role in ensuring I had access to reliable power throughout the adventure. In a race like the Red Bull X-Alps, where staying connected and having access to electronic devices is essential, having dependable portable power sources is invaluable. Also the Power Station XP1300 helped us along the way to get all our devices charged in time. So we kept my communication devices, GPS, Xtorm Power Bank, and other essential gadgets charged even in remote locations, allowing me to stay informed and connected during the race.
My advice
For those aspiring to embark on similar adventurous journeys or compete in challenging events like the Red Bull X-Alps, I would offer the following advice:
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Start Training: Prioritize physical and mental training to prepare yourself for the demands of the adventure. Consider external help with mental coaches and fitness trainers
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Build experience: Engage in various paragliding competitions and expeditions to gain valuable experience and improve your skills.
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Plan strategically: Thoroughly analyze the route and potential challenges beforehand, and create a strategic plan to navigate through the journey effectively. You can start with small flights or competitions to practise this!
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Stay focused and flexible: During the adventure, stay focused on your goals, but also be adaptable to unexpected changes or obstacles. Weather situation can change quite fast. You need to be at the right place at the right time.
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Form a reliable support team: Surround yourself with a skilled and trustworthy support team who can assist you throughout the journey.
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Respect safety: Safety should always be the top priority. Never compromise safety for the sake of pushing limits
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Enjoy the journey: Embrace the adventure and appreciate the beautiful moments and landscapes that come your way. It's an extraordinary experience that few get to have.
Markus' Power Products
XP1300
Xtreme Portable Power Station - 1300W - 392.000 mAh
1300W / 392.000 mAh
€1.499,00
1254Wh battery capacity
Pure sine wave
Battery with a 4x longer lifespan
1300W AC output
The Xtorm Portable Power Station 1300 gives you access to two powerful AC sockets with an output of 1300W, anywhere you are! Thanks to its high capacity of 1254Wh you’re able to power or recharge your devices many times over.The XP1300 is an Xtreme Powerstation with a huge capacity. It allows you to power even larger appliances. For example, you can power a cooler for up to 19 hours or use an electric pump to inflate your air mattress or inflatable water toys. You can also use a coffee maker or an electric table grill for over an hour. It is even possible to connect an electric heating blanket or a heater to stay warm during a colder night.The XP1300 is perfect for a weekend of off-grid camping and enjoying all that nature has to offer.Batteries that have a 4x longer lifespanThis Power Station uses a new type of battery cell, LiFePO4. These cells have one big advantage over standard Li-ion cells – namely their much longer lifespan. While regular Li-ion cells have a “battery cycle life”* of around 500, LiFePO4 cells have a cycle life of 2000. That’s 4x longer than most other Power Stations! Recharge 33% faster with X-ChargeX-Charge allows you to combine two power inputs to fast charge your Power Station. It’s as simple as connecting 2 input sources: The wall charger, and the USB-C PD input. When both inputs are connected, X-Charge is automatically activated - fully recharging your Power Station 33% faster! Versatile port selection – Always have the power you needThe Power Station features 5 different styles of output ports, so you always have the one you need. It not only features two powerful AC sockets with an output of 1300W, but also has a 120W 12V car charger, 1x 60W USB-C in-/output, 3x regular USB outputs, and even 2x 5.5mm 60W DC outputs. Recharging made easyRecharge the Power Station with solar power, a wall charger, or even from your car – everything is possible thanks to the included cables. One of the fastest way to recharge it is to use a 200W solar panel, like our Xtorm XPS200 Solar Panels.Extreme power - anywhereIt doesn’t matter whether you’re going camping, road tripping, or simply just traveling anywhere remote – these days you need enough power to fuel all your devices. Smartphones, cameras, laptops, drones, or even a cooler; nothing is too crazy for this Portable Power Station. Combine it with a solar panel and you’re able to go fully off grid, without having to give up the devices you can’t live without.
1254Wh battery capacity
Pure sine wave
Battery with a 4x longer lifespan
1300W AC output
*1 Battery cycle life is a full charge, from 0 to 100%. This can be split in several smaller recharges as well.
XPS100
Xtreme Solar Panel - 100W
100W
€399,00
This Xtorm Xtreme Solar Panel 100W is the ultimate way to power your devices, anywhere you are. Its compact, lightweight, and splash-resistant design makes it perfect for all your roadtrips and adventures. It can be folded in half, and thanks to the integrated handles it can be easily carried and set up anywhere you want. Pair it up with one of our Xtorm Power Stations and you have access to limitless power!
High efficiency solar power
The use of high efficiency SunPower cells means the panel has a very high output in a much smaller surface area. This allowed us to design a much more compact solar panel, without having to compromise on power output. The solar cells are coated with a special lensed matte surface that minimizes reflection, and maximizes solar input.
Choose your power output
This Solar Panel features 3 different outputs: a 100W 5.5mm DC output (which can be converted to MC4, thanks to the included cable), a 45W USB-C PD output, as well as a regular 18W USB Quick Charge 3.0 output. This means you can charge anything you want; a Power Station, a laptop, tablet, or your phone – this Xtorm Solar Panel can do it all!
Limitless Power – Combine with Power Station
This Xtorm Solar Panel is designed to work perfectly with one of our Xtorm Power Stations. This gives you with an endless supply of power, with the benefit of a battery buffer and a wide variety of ports and power outputs.
Connect together for double output
Are you looking for even more power? No problem. You can easily connect two of our panels together to increase their combined output to a total of 200W!
Designed for adventure
The Solar Panel is designed to be ready for adventure. It’s easy-to-carry lightweight design means you can take it anywhere you go, and thanks to the built in support stands you can set it up in just a few seconds and angle it perfectly to optimize the solar input. The integrated pouch allows you to easily carry the included cables, and protects the powerbox from the elements. The Solar Panel itself is also finished in a splash-resistant material for extra peace of mind.
Bestseller
CXX005
Xtreme USB-C Power Delivery Cable - 1.5 meter
100W USB-C PD
€29,95
These Ultra-Strong Xtorm cables are built to last – and offer a Lifetime Warrantee. Every detail is designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy use. It's able to withstand 100.000x bends, and is pull tested to support up to 100kg!Ultra-strong materialsThis cable is made from a multi-layer composite material with a reinforced core, that gives it extra strength and durability. Every detail of this cable is designed to be maximally rugged, even the included cable strap!Reinforced materials33% Aluminium54% Nylon Braiding13% DuPont™ Kevlar® FiberXFLEX Bend-proof technologyXtorm Xtreme Cables are designed and engineered to be able to withstand over 100.000x bends. This is made possible thanks to a combination of features, called XFLEX. XFLEX combines a specially designed connector with a braided nylon cable and reinforced core, making the cable both flexible, and extremely strong.Lifetime WarrantyThe Xtorm Xtreme Cables are built to be life-proof. Their unique XFLEX reinforced design has been thoroughly tested, and is proved to be extreme durable. These qualities allow us to offer a lifetime warranty* on all Xtorm Xtreme Cables.*We offer a lifetime warranty on the operation of this product. This warranty will lapse in the event of improper use.DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. © 2019 DuPont.
CXX004
Xtreme USB to USB-C Cable - 1.5 meter
USB to USB-C
€22,95
These Ultra-Strong Xtorm cables are built to last – and offer a Lifetime Warrantee. Every detail is designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy use. It's able to withstand 100.000x bends, and is pull tested to support up to 100kg!Ultra-strong materialsThis cable is made from a multi-layer composite material with a reinforced core, that gives it extra strength and durability. Every detail of this cable is designed to be maximally rugged, even the included cable strap!Reinforced materials33% Aluminium54% Nylon Braiding13% DuPont™ Kevlar® FiberXFLEX Bend-proof technologyXtorm Xtreme Cables are designed and engineered to be able to withstand over 100.000x bends. This is made possible thanks to a combination of features, called XFLEX. XFLEX combines a specially designed connector with a braided nylon cable and reinforced core, making the cable both flexible, and extremely strong.Lifetime WarrantyThe Xtorm Xtreme Cables are built to be life-proof. Their unique XFLEX reinforced design has been thoroughly tested, and is proved to be extreme durable. These qualities allow us to offer a lifetime warranty* on all Xtorm Xtreme Cables.*We offer a lifetime warranty on the operation of this product. This warranty will lapse in the event of improper use.DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. © 2019 DuPont.
