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Nate Mitka

Nate Mitka performed hundreds of reviews for GearJunkie before he decided to make the product he was reviewing, instead of reviewing it. After a number of years on the product team for one of the largest outdoor brands, Nate is back doing what he loves: telling stories by means of splitboarding, climbing cracks, trail running, gardening, attempting to surf, and cooking around the campfire. You’ll find him scarfing down the best pizza in Denver (2x blind taste test champion) after his high- and low-octane pursuits in the mountains.

‘Spin’ Is a Fire Tornado for Your Backyard or Campsite

Is this the lava lamp of 2019? Spin turns fire into a vortex. Check out this dazzling evolution of fire.

Written by Nate Mitka March 21, 2019

Emerging Gear: Ultralight Tent Stakes, Reebok Instapump, Scissors Multitool

A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

Written by Nate Mitka March 21, 2019

10 Bike Hacks in a Pinch: Watch Seth’s Bike Hacks

Learn how to waterproof your gear and stop muscle cramps with mustard packets with the latest edition of Seth’s Bike Hacks.

Written by Nate Mitka March 20, 2019

DUER Weatherproof Jeans Review: New Tech Still Has a Ways to Go

The world’s first denim jeans with a waterproof membrane come with a steep price tag. We tested these ‘weatherproof’ cycling jeans for this first look…

Written by Nate Mitka March 19, 2019

Pros Ride Tiny Bikes: Watch Mini Mountain Bike Video

What happens when professional mountain bikers ride bikes way, way too small for them? Hilarity. We cannot believe they land 360s and backflips.

Written by Nate Mitka March 19, 2019

Save Almost $100 on This Damascus Steel, Mammoth Tusk, Turquoise Gem Knife

This beautiful knife is made in the U.S. with 15,000-year-old woolly mammoth tusk, Sonoran turquoise, and 16-layer Damascus steel. And now it’s affordable.

Written by Nate Mitka March 19, 2019

Monday Bargains: 3 Steals to Start Your Week

Great outdoor gear at an amazing price: That’s our goal each Monday. Check out these bargains from Rossignol, Ultimate Direction, and Weston Snowboards to save…

Written by Nate Mitka March 18, 2019

‘First Ascent’ Impresses: Eddie Bauer Improves Ultralight 2019 Alpine Shells

Pertex fabrics, ‘super-DWR,’ and featherweight construction: Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent climbing releases for spring 2019 clearly show the brand wants to compete with the best…

Written by Nate Mitka March 18, 2019

Watch: Terrifying Video of Kilian Jornet Running Ridges in Norway

For 3 minutes, you can watch this mountain goat in his natural habitat. Kilian Jornet never ceases to amaze.

Written by Nate Mitka March 18, 2019

Emerging Gear: Onewheel ‘Pint,’ Hunting Canoe, MTB Bibs

A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

Written by Nate Mitka March 15, 2019

Pasta Bar: Skratch Labs Savory Trail Food Taste Test

Skratch Labs introduced an energy bar that made the entire GearJunkie staff scratch our heads: parmesan, sun-dried tomato, and black pepper energy bars are here.

Written by Nate Mitka March 15, 2019

Unlike Any Shoe We’ve Seen: HOKA ONE ONE ‘Arkali’ Blends Climbing, Running, Hiking

The SKY Arkali from HOKA ONE ONE is a shoe like no other. Velcro ankle straps, grippy rubber, and HOKA’s signature plush foam combine in…

Written by Nate Mitka March 14, 2019

What?! GoPro ‘DarkFEST’ Mountain Bike Edit Is Certified Jaw-Dropping

DarkFEST highlights some of the best riders on the biggest jumps we’ve seen. Of course, the highlight reel is absolutely mindblowing.

Written by Nate Mitka March 14, 2019

Screaming Deals: Gear Savings of the Week

This week’s screaming deals highlight the Mountainsmith Upland Tent, Thermoball Bootie II, and KEEN Sandals.

Written by Nate Mitka March 13, 2019

Backcountry Ski Safety: What Avalanche Gear Should You Buy?

Before you buy that beacon, shovel, and probe, read this list to make sure you buy the right ones. Stay safe in the backcountry with…

Written by Nate Mitka March 11, 2019

Monday Bargains: 3 Steals to Start Your Week

Great outdoor gear at an amazing price: That’s our goal each Monday. Check out these bargains from ENO, Klymit, and Sea to Summit to save…

Written by Nate Mitka March 11, 2019

Watch: ‘First Ever Zeppelin Ski Drop’

In perhaps the most ‘Mission: Impossible’ ski drop ever, three athletes rappel out of a floating zeppelin to the top of the mountain.

Written by Nate Mitka March 11, 2019

Trending: Our Top Outdoor Stories This Week

Check out the realities of Instagram fame, a review of the Toyota Prius AWD-e, which camp chairs are the best, and more popular stories this…

Written by Nate Mitka March 10, 2019

Epic Photos: Will Gadd Climbs Inside Greenland Ice Cap

Famed ice climber Will Gadd repels deep into Greenland’s ice shelf to learn more about global warming and climb some mind-blowing routes.

Written by Nate Mitka March 08, 2019

Meet the ‘Omelette Guy’: Trail Angel Cooks Food for AT Hikers

Out of pure generosity, the Omelette Guy sets up shop on the Appalachian Trail to feed hungry hikers. He doesn’t charge anything, and the serving…

Written by Nate Mitka March 08, 2019

Knife Price Cuts: Save on These 5 Blades and Multitools

Gerber, CRKT, Leatherman, SOG, and Wüsthof all have huge sales right now at Cabela’s.

Written by Nate Mitka March 07, 2019

Emerging Gear: Kayak Roof Rack, Patagonia Danner Wading Boot, Salsa Spearfish

A peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

Written by Nate Mitka March 07, 2019

Smith 4D MAG Goggles Review: Folded Lens Offers 25% More Vision

Smith’s folded lens lets you see more of the mountain — no question. But it comes with a cost. We reviewed the Smith 4D MAG Goggles…

Written by Nate Mitka March 07, 2019

The Tallest Mountain on Earth: Mount Everest Timelapse

‘Himalaya, An Everest Time-Lapse Film’ is an awesome, long-form look at life around the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Written by Nate Mitka March 07, 2019

Screaming Deals: Gear Savings of the Week

This week’s screaming deals highlight the Arc’teryx Sabre Pant, Leatherman Juice CS4, and a Chrome sale.

Written by Nate Mitka March 06, 2019

Watch Rickey Gates Run Every Street in San Francisco

In 2018, Rickey Gates ran every single street in the bustling West Coast city. He covered 1,303 miles in 46 days!

Written by Nate Mitka March 05, 2019

Watch: Dashcam Shows Cars Blasted by I-70 Avalanche

An avalanche struck a section of I-70 in Colorado this past weekend. The first-person footage is terrifying.

Written by Nate Mitka March 05, 2019

The Ultimate Sport! Ski Mountaineering Meets Bikepacking Video

‘Our mission: Bikepacking across the Alps and skiing some beautiful mountains along the way — no motor allowed.’

Written by Nate Mitka March 04, 2019

Monday Bargains: 3 Steals to Start Your Week

Great outdoor gear at an amazing price: That’s our goal each Monday. Check out these bargains from Five Ten, Shred, and Arc’teryx to save on…

Written by Nate Mitka March 04, 2019

Algae, Wool, and Bison in a Shoe: Jasper Wool Eco Chukka Review

United by Blue and SOLE’s Jasper Wool Chukka is perhaps the most sustainable shoe ever made. I tested them for a few weeks for this…

Written by Nate Mitka March 04, 2019