A recap of top stories for the week of Feb. 4–10, 2018.
1) Top Knives and Tools From SHOT Show 2018
The annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas is chock full of knives and tools. Our contributors scoured the floor to find some of the coolest offerings from big brands for 2018.
2) Heroes In Action: Watch Complete Rock Climbing Helicopter Rescue
Want to know what goes into a mountainside rescue? This POV video shows it all, from getting dropped off in a helicopter to rescuing the stranded, injured man.
3) From 16 to 4: NPS Free Days Plummet This Year
If you missed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you’ve got just three more fee-free entrance days to America’s national parks.
4) Monday Bargains: 4 Steals to Start Your Week
Looking for great outdoor gear at an amazing price? Check out these discounts and sales from Black Diamond, REI Co-op, Native Eyewear, and Light My Fire.
5) Custom Sports Car Transforms Into Ultimate Snowmobile
The Chicago Auto Show will host one of the hottest cold-weather concepts ever built: A drop-top Nissan 370Z … on skis.
6) L.L. Bean Introduces Aerogel-Insulated Sleeping Bag
The new-to-market L.L.Bean Ultralight Sleeping Bag is the first to use an innovative insulation by PrimaLoft that blends aerogel with traditional fibers.
7) National Ski Patrol’s New Partner? Mountain Bikers
The International Mountain Bicycling Association has partnered with the National Ski Patrol to support growth and sustainability of mountain bike patrolling.
8) Photography Up High: 10 Tips for Shooting in Mountains
Washed-out photos with too much snow and sun are common “whoops” shots while high on peaks. Capture the alpine light (and the climbing action) just right with these tips.
9) Knife Handmade From ‘Most Extreme Super Steel’
Recently funded on Kickstarter, the Mako EDC uses steel that approaches the limits of the Rockwell Hardness Scale.
10) Take 5 Minutes to Daydream of Stunning Snowboard ‘Sledpacking’
Virgin pow, towering mountains, and campfire camaraderie – this is what backcountry is all about.
11) Sunburn On Your Eyes! Protecting Against Snow Blindness
Despite the cold, winter actually poses serious risks from the sun. Intense solar exposure and reflection off snow can cause temporary blindness. Here are some tips to protect your vision.
12) New Balance Benefits National Parks With Limited-Edition Sneaker
National parks: Love them, wear them, and support them with New Balance’s specially designed 998s.
13) Patagonia Launches ‘Dating Site’ for Outdoors Activism
Enter your skills, search for movements you’re passionate about, and connect with groups that need your specific help.
14) Conrad Anker Establishes New Route for Fallen Friend
Nearly 20 years since an avalanche claimed Alex Lowe’s life, Conrad Anker creates a new ice route in honor of his former climbing partner.
15) Optics of Choice: SHOT Show’s Best Options
Binocs, scopes, and sights – we zeroed in on the best optics for 2018 while touring the SHOT Show floor.
16) Yes, There’s Really a Tesla in Space
Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster is traveling 18,000 mph toward the asteroid belt. But check out the amazing footage of Earth seen from its windshield!
17) Such Smooth Flow: Travis Rice Carves Epic Japanese Spine
Watch this video, then start planning your trip to Japan for some powder turns of your own.
18) ‘Chinese Finger Trap’ Rappel: Beal Escaper First Look
The Escaper provides a rope-releasing mechanism for full-length, single-rope rappels. So why does this potentially lifesaving device make us so nervous?
19) 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 Patagonia, Suunto, Woolrich, The North Face, and more.
20) Meet Advenate, a Revolutionary New Snow Safety Brand
A unique snow safety shovel, bivouacs, probe, and pack helped the tiny brand Advenate burst onto the scene at the 2018 ISPO outdoors show.
21) Unveiled: 40+ New Outdoor Products for 2018–19
If you’re a true gear junkie, there are a ton of great products on the horizon for 2018–19. Check out this exciting gear from the recent Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, a massive trade event held in Denver last month.
22) Watch: Stunning Snowshoe Art Blankets MN Baseball Stadium
To see it up close, you’d think they were random tracks. But from high above, these tracks reveal something spectacular.
23) Top Women’s Gear From SHOT Show
For the women afield, these nine products from SHOT Show will enhance the hunt.
24) Spring Stoke: Fly Fishing Is Right Around the Corner
Awake the senses of the upcoming fly fishing season. Nature. Bugs. The hatch. Flowing rivers. And a thick butterstick brown trout.
25) L.L. Bean Ditches Legendary Return Policy
L.L. Bean joins a growing number of retailers updating return policies. The reason? To exclude items that have been simply worn out through regular use.
26) Your Old Gear Has a Future: Benefit the Environment
Don’t throw used gear away. Give it a second life and help protect wilderness spaces, climbing areas, rivers, and more in the process.
