A recap of top stories for the week of Jan. 21-28, 2017.
1) Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
Ski helmets to a do-it-yourself puffy coat… our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
2) For First Time, Snow Fat-Biking Recognized By UCI
The first snow-based cycling race recognized by cycling’s international governing body, The UCI, took place last weekend in Gstaad, Switzerland.
3) Five-Year Test: Leatherman ‘Style CS’ Doesn’t Fail
Carrying the Leatherman Style CS everywhere for five years, including on two trans-national trails, the only problem I experienced was solved by a drop of oil.
4) Iconic Buck ‘110’ Now Auto-Opening
The 110 model has been built by Buck since 1964. Now, it’s being reissued as an automatic opener.
5) First Look: Vasque Lost 40 Boot Is ‘Modern Mukluk’
A hybrid mukluk, these boots have a Vibram sole and modern add-ons like softshell synthetic material and aerogel insulation in the sole.
6) 7 Weird Things To Pack For Better Backcountry Skiing
While everyone knows to bring a beacon-shovel-probe and the like, you may consider these out-of-the-box gear items to stay happy and comfy while you’re backcountry skiing.
7) Review: Mukluks Made For Coldest Places On Planet
We tested Steger Designs’ Yukon Jack mukluks this month in the dank cold of a Minnesota winter. The boots are modeled after footwear worn long ago by Arctic tribes.
8) 5.11 Reinvents The Cargo Pant
They look like a normal pair of khakis or blue jeans, but the Defender-Flex pants have more storage space than you’d imagine possible.
9) Future Trends: In ‘Era Of Wool,’ Merino Brands Look Ahead
From sheep farms to ‘shirts of the future,’ we questioned an expert at Icebreaker about the future of wool.
10) Watch Kayakers Take Beating In 90-Foot Falls
Ouch, that had to hurt! Tomata Two is one burly waterfall. Nobody makes it look easy in this ‘beater reel,’ but dang it’s fun to watch.
11) Designed For Desert Heat, ‘Buffalo Tent’ Sleeps 14
Inspired by Burning Man, the Buffalo Tent is designed specifically for large groups camping in desert heat.
12) In Minnesota, Worshiping Winter At ‘The Great Northern’
Arctic wind might freeze snot to your cheek. But the people of Minnesota embrace winter more than most.
13) Get ‘Bushcraft’ Basics In Morakniv Kit
A new kit from Morakniv includes the basic tools for the self-subsistence pastime known as bushcraft.
14) Best Knives From SHOT Show 2017
SHOT show wrapped up last week and hundreds of 2017 knives were unveiled. Great design and innovation abound. Here is some of the new gear we are excited to see in 2017.
15) Headlamp, Flashlight Combine In Tiny ‘Baton’
Having my share of cheap plastic headlamps from other brands, the H1R from Olight was an upgrade that felt like going from an Accord to a Bentley.
16) Breckenridge Reclaims Record In Drinking
It was ‘bottoms up’ in Breckenridge for a remarkable 1,234 people in unison with the world’s largest shot-ski.
17) Screaming Deals: Gear Savings Of The Week
Outdoor gear deals that are too good to pass up. Click at your own risk!
18) Meet The World’s Most Fantastical New Climbing Gyms
Imagine Ninja Warrior meets climbing gym meets video game, and you have Clip ‘N Climb.
19) Coffee Mug Brews On The Go
The BRuX is a vacuum insulated, steel coffee mug that lets you brew coffee anywhere. Just add a filter, grounds, and hot water.
20) Ballet To Big Air: Redbull’s 50 Years Of Freeskiing
What started as ballet-like dances down the hill are now full-fledged productions, with helicopters and impossible-looking stunts.
21) Hammock Head-To-Head: ENO TechNest Vs. DoubleNest
This review breaks down the differences between ENO’s DoubleNest and TechNest hammocks to help you decide which is better for you.
