We’ve rounded up the top-trending, most popular, and most news-breaking stories of 2020.
This year was a rollercoaster. The global COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us, but also the outdoor industry. Bikes sold out everywhere, races were canceled, and athletes got really creative with their running in lockdown routines. We rallied to support each other, our healthcare workers, small businesses, climbing gyms, mountain communities, and more.
Over the past year, our staff broke stories about crime on public lands, “quarantine” fitness, climbing during COVID, the coolest off-road campers and trailers, new gear and technology, and more. Without further ado, here were our top stories of 2020:
The Top 10 Stories of 2020
Bowmars Poaching Case
Recap: An Ohio bowhunting couple, Josh and Sarah Bowmar, faced charges in November that included hunting without a permit, illegally baiting wildlife, and illegally transporting game. Their case will go to a jury trial in 2021.
Why read: The couple is well-known in the hunting community, and their actions spurred a surge of conversations on the ethics of hunting, how to hunt responsibly, if they should or shouldn’t be charged, and more. We’ll be following the case closely, so look for our follow-up coverage soon.
Eco-Challenge Fiji Teams
Recap: The highly popular return of “Eco-Challenge,” a reality adventure racing TV series, released on Amazon Prime this fall and took everyone (including us) by storm.
Why read: The teams this year were especially awesome. If you watched the series and liked it, check out our exclusive coverage here.
Lightweight Pop-Top Truck Campers
Recap: Pop-top campers save space, are more affordable than towed campers or full standalone RVs, and have lots of other perks too. Check out our list of some of the best on market here.
Why read: If you don’t like camping in a tent on the ground and want to find the perfect alternative, check out these campers.
Quarantine Fitness Routines
Recap: The global COVID-19 pandemic changed all of our fitness routines: from professional athletes to stay-at-home dads. Whether you live in a 500-square-foot apartment, travel for work, or no longer have access to a gym (but are looking to stay ripped), we’re here to help. No weights? No worries. These are exercises you can do anywhere.
Why read: Want to stay fit under shelter-in-place or lockdown? Read this handy list of “prison-style” workouts.
Best Winter Boots (Men’s and Women’s)
Recap: Getting outside this year was more important than ever for many of us. And getting outside more means learning to explore colder and snowier adventures. We researched the heck out of the best winter boots.
Why read: If you need (or are thinking about) giving your boots an upgrade, check out our heavily researched lists.
GMC Transparent Trailer
Recap: A futuristic and amazingly functional update, GMC’s Transparent Trailer View makes it possible to see behind your truck or trailer. This automotive tech came out in GMC’s 2019 and 2020 Sierra Pickups, and really made an impression.
Why read: Want to know why GMC’s new Transparent Trailer View impressed us? First of all, it’s invisible, so cool points there already. Want to know more? Click here.
Common Knife Blade Steels: Explained
Recap: There are thousands of knives on market and dozens of types of steels and alloys used to make the blades. We’re here to make all that info a little more digestible.
Why read: Lost on what type of blade you need? We’ve compiled a list of all the common knife steels to help you find the right one.
Adventure Vehicles Under $20,000
Recap: You can get an adventure truck or SUV for way less than $20,000. But in this list, we step it up: Each awesome adventure vehicle here can seat at least four, has room to sleep, has a drivetrain that can power all four wheels, and more.
Why read: The “adventure vehicles” market is worth millions. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or buy one, this is a must-read list.
Best Face Coverings for Skiing and Snowboarding
Recap: Neckwarmers, neck tubes, gaiters — you get the gist. Face coverings are here to stay. We’ve rounded up and tested the best, from balaclavas to BUFFs.
Why read: At least for this season (and maybe next), face coverings are required at the bulk of ski resorts and mountain towns. Hit the slopes safely and in COVID-19 fashion with one of these top face coverings.
The Best Compound Bows from ATA
Recap: Our staff covered the Archery Trade Association trade show very early in 2020. Then we rounded up the crème de la crème of the newest compound bows of 2020.
Why read: If you hunt with a bow or want to learn, stay up to date with the latest and greatest bow tech here.
More Trending Stories: Honorable Mentions
Already read through that list? Here are a few more stories that hit record pageviews but didn’t quite make our top 10.
