A recap of top stories for the week of Nov. 5 – 11, 2017.
1) Narrow Cobblestone Streets: Taxco Downhill Race Is Urban Insanity
Houses, restaurants, and pedestrians flash by the bike riders during the Urban Downhill race in Taxco, Mexico. This custom course is all pavement, stairs, and drops.
2) Paddle to Pedal: Do-All Portage Pack Doubles as Messenger Bag
Loads of room, surprisingly comfortable fit, and bomber construction—it’s no wonder this canoe pack became my favorite messenger bag.
3) Monday Bargains: Three Steals to Start Your Week
Great outdoor gear at an amazing price. Check out the bargains from Big Agnes, Adventure Medical Kits, and Gregory.
4) Outdoor Hazards: Sprained Ankle
Don’t let hidden trail hazards trip you up. Learn how to prevent and treat sprains and strains by following these steps.
5) First Look: Arc’teryx Konseal FL Approach Shoe Review
The Arc’teryx Konseal FL is a light, nimble approach shoe with moderate cushioning for quick travel in steep terrain. We put this model, coming to market Feb. 2018, to the test for this review.
6) First Look: REI’s ‘Iconic’ Half Dome Tents Get 2018 Facelift
REI will roll out a new line of its flagship tents in 2018. We spent a few nights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park camped inside the updated Half Dome 2 Plus to see what’s new.
7) Slacklines and Hula Hoops: 100% Original Ski Tricks
Forget everything you’ve ever known about ski tricks. These guys are flipping the park world on its head with one heck of a creative edit.
8) Quick Clip: ‘Capture’ Upgrades Your Camera Carry
‘The best damn way to carry a camera.’ That is the bold claim by Peak Design about its revamped Capture product.
9) Made In MN: Granite Gear Day Pack And Duffel Test
Granite Gear’s Minnesota Made collection is designed and hand-sewn in Two Harbors, MN. We tested an 18L daypack and tube-style duffel during a month of travel and climbing for this review.
10) Winter Ultra Racing, or ‘Confessions of a Human Sled Dog’
Veteran winter ultra racer John Storkamp shares wisdom gleaned from a decade of racing some of the world’s toughest, and coldest ultramarathons.
11) Hilarious: Ex-Engineer Leaks Bike Industry Marketing
Think 29ers, 27.5ers, fat bikes and ebikes are “innovations.” Think again. This hilarious spoof sets us straight.
12) Hundreds of MTB Trails Set to Launch in 2018
Sixty-one days to raise money for 68 grassroots mountain bike projects. That’s the IMBA’s latest and ‘most widespread effort’ to expand and increase access to trails and parks.
13) Watch: War Vet Finds ‘Place of Peace’ in Outdoors
After 20 years on the front lines that left multiple gunshot and shrapnel wounds across his body, a war veteran finds peace in archery and the outdoors.
14) Screaming Deals: Gear Savings of the Week
Our weekly column finds the best deals from across the web to save you money on outdoors gear. Check out the deals from Petzl, SPOT, Sierra Designs, Marmot, and more.
15) Hike, Bike, Haul: Patagonia Launches Technical Trail Packs
Hikers, cyclists, and lightweight overnight backpackers take note: Patagonia unveils six different trail packs under the new ‘Nine Trails’ line.
16) Watch: Otherworldly Adventure Of Skiing Kashmir
How would one make a dream trip to India even more exciting? Add skiing in Kashmir.
17) Best Men’s Winter Boots of 2017–2018
From hiking boots to snow boots, we tested winter boots for every budget and found some favorites. These are the best winter boots of 2017-2018.
18) GNARLY! Back-Breaking Wipeout At Nazaré
Andrew Cotton goes into orbit after taking the lip on a huge wave at Nazaré. The horror. The horror.
19 Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
Our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
20) People are Stumped by a Mysterious Wood Penis Erected in the Alps
Someone actually built a lifelike wooden phallus atop the Austrian Alps. And nobody knows who.
21) Alpine Down Under: ‘Australian Alps’ Offer Bonafide Backcountry Terrain
If Australia only conjures images of the hot desert and poisonous animals for you, think again. There is backcountry skiing down under!
22) Wall Art: Beautiful Map Showcases Western U.S. Ski Resorts
From Alaska to the Mexico Border, ‘Ski Resorts of the West’ showcases North America’s western ski resorts in stunning detail. All 246 of them.
23) IMBA Softens Stance On E-Bike Non-Motorized Trail Use
The International Mountain Biking Association will now offer a seat at the table for motor-assisted mountain bikes after years of opposition.
24) REI ‘Gear Up Get Out’ Sale: What Our Editors Would Give
REI’s ‘Gear Up Get Out’ sale is here, and it’s a great chance to get a jump on holiday giving. Check out our editors’ recommendations for anyone adventurous on your list. Don’t dally; sale starts today (through Nov. 20).
25) Meet The Women of Big Wave Surfing
The first ever women’s only big wave surf event on the legendary North Shore of Oahu will crown the ‘Queen of the Bay.’
