A recap of top stories for the week of Dec. 10–16, 2017.
1) Solo Adventure: Sailing to Remote Finland Bikepack
If you haven’t tried bikepacking, this video will make you want to pack up and hit the trail!
2) ‘Outdoor Recreation Hub’ Coming to Urban Park in Mpls
The ‘Trailhead’ will provide a 14,000-square-foot ‘jumping-off point’ for a variety of activities through Minneapolis’ largest park.
3) If There Were Only Trees: Maps Show World’s Forests
Robert Szucs analyzed satellite data to create stunning images of the world’s forests from above. Now you can hang these maps on your wall.
4) Dream Kit: Courtney Dauwalter’s Moab 240 Head-To-Toe Gear
Running 240 miles is no easy feat. Doing it faster than anyone ever had before is otherworldly. We interviewed Courtney Dauwalter and got the scoop on the gear she used during her record-setting run.
5) Monday Bargains: 3 Steals to Start Your Week
Great outdoor gear at an amazing price. Check out the bargains from Marmot, Mammut, and Sierra Designs.
6) Boot Tech: 3 Innovations In 2018 Columbia ‘Canuk’
Lightweight but warm, the Canuk boot by Columbia was built for below-zero days … like 65 degrees below zero.
7) Pitch a Pyramid: Hyperlite Ultamid 2 Tent Review
Minimalism meets all-mountain functionality in the next great line of multi-sport tents. We reviewed the ultralight Ultamid 2 tent in Mexico, Colorado, and the Sierras. Made from Dyneema fabric, this is one tough, expensive tent.
8) Try Before Buying: We Rented Gear and You Can Too
Renting outdoor gear is a great option for anyone traveling or looking to try before buying.
9) Ice Skating Alaskan Backcountry Is the Stuff Of Dreams
Even if you’re not a serious ice skater, this video will make you want to strap on a pair of blades and glide across a frozen lake.
10) Avoid Knee Injuries While Skiing: Tips to Keep You Healthy
Changing snow conditions, weak legs, skiing above your ability: Knee injuries are one of the most common traumas on the slopes. Here are some tips to avoid knee injuries this winter.
11) The Most Exciting Shoes From ‘The Running Event’
The Running Event trade show debuts some of the running industry’s top products for the coming year. We were on hand to learn about five exciting new running shoes for 2018.
12) First Look: Trono ‘Cushion Of Air’ Camp Chair
The humble camp chair gets an inflatable upgrade this year. Our contributor lounged on air for a weekend to test a cushioned seat unlike any other.
13) Watch: First Female Ascent of 5.14 R Trad Route
Heather Weidner climbed China Doll, a 5.14 R trad route in Dream Canyon, Colo., on trad gear. This film documents her progress, with passion and determination exposed in full.
14) Stretch Puffy: Mountain Hardwear DS Hooded Review
Stretch it! A new construction method adds stretch and makes this 2017/18 Mountain Hardwear jacket unlike anything on the market.
15) Bankrupt Gander Mountain Reemerges As ‘Gander Outdoors’
The rebranded Gander Outdoors will refresh the bankrupt Gander Mountain stores and online presence with direction from new owner Camping World Inc.
16) 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 Arc’teryx, Leatherman, Outdoor Research, Helly Hansen, Gerber, and more.
17) Grant Offers Splitboarders Gear, Cash To Ride
Interested in backcountry snowboarding but can’t afford the gear? Jones Snowboards and the American Alpine Club offer two new grants for amateurs only.
18) Special Buff Designs Benefit Red Cross Relief Efforts
The [As One] line honors U.S. communities devastated by natural disasters this year.
19) Watch Skiers Descend Pitch-Black Slopes With Headlamps
Shot at midnight, this ski film follows two skiers down one of Chamonix’s renowned lines, the Vallée Blanche.
20) Gifts the Badass Outdoorswoman Will Love
Not sure what to get that special – and adventurous – lady in your life? It’s OK, neither were we. So we talked to the women who test, review, and buy the gear that works best.
21) For the Hunter: A Holiday Gift Guide
No matter the type of hunting, you’re sure to find a suitable gift in this list that will enhance the outdoor hunting experience.
22) Clean Hiking: Granite Gear Seeks 25 Garbage-Collecting Trekkers
The ‘Grounds Keepers’ program will sponsor 25 individuals to clean trash along major section hikes and popular public trails in 2018.
23) Better Fly Fishing: How to Perfect Your Forward Cast
Cast better with some simple instruction! This video from RIO teaches fly fishers how to properly perform a forward cast and points out common problems along the way.
24) Stocking Stuffers (Gifts Under $40 From REI)
Our team of gear experts scoured REI for our favorite gear picks and gift ideas. Best of all, they don’t cost a fortune, with each item costing $40 or less.
25) Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
Our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
26) You Can Zip Line Over the Mississippi During the Super Bowl
During Super Bowl LII, attendees can take part in a high-flying zip line over the river in Minneapolis. The zip line will span more than 800 feet and will likely be one of the coldest to date.
27) Film: ‘Day of the Dead’ Swirls Through 3-Day Mexican MTB Race
Experience the vibrant culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, in ‘Ride of the Dead.’ The film showcases a mountain bike competition during the Day of the Dead celebration.
28) Non-Locking Standout: Benchmade Proper 318 Knife Review
Can a non-locking knife hold up against the rigors of modern use? In testing, the Proper 318 proved itself a rugged and ready worker.
29) Gear Lust: 19 Gifts for Outdoorsy People
No need for a holiday wish list. We’ve chosen 19 products that will be sure to please anyone who loves the outdoors.
30) Love Cold? ‘Polar Training Scholarship’ Up for Grabs
One lucky, polar-minded person will receive an $8,000 hands-on education from renowned explorer Eric Larsen. Best of all: Gear is included.
31) Illustrated: Alex Honnold Explains El Cap Free Solo
What was going through his mind free-soloing El Cap? Alex Honnold discusses risk, goals, and tiny mouse people in this animated short from The North Face.
