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Backpacking Gear, Next-Gen SUP, Truck Drawers: GearJunkie Week In Review

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A recap of top stories for the past week, April 3 – 9, 2016.

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1) Video: You’ve Been Splitting Firewood All Wrong

Try this lesser-known technique to split fire wood safely and efficiently.

2) Five Epic Treks From Backpacker’s ‘100 Best Hikes’

Get out on these five spectacular hikes from Backpacker’s Top 100.

3) Bicycle Speed Limit: Marin County ‘Common Sense’ Crackdown

In the wake of a terrible accident, this California county is strictly enforcing a 15 mph speed limit for bikes – predictably, reactions have been mixed.

4) World’s Highest Tri Debuts In Icy Colorado Waters

An all-new mountain triathlon in Summit County, Colorado, will see competitors swimming in the frigid Dillon Reservoir and running up past 10,000 feet.

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5) Stand-Up Paddling With Whales

Whales come in for a closer look at a SUPer in this video shot by a paraplegic videographer.

6) Lowe Alpine: New-Generation Backpacks For 2016

Lowe Alpine’s 2016 pack line has breathable back panels, customizable fit, and plenty of accessories.

7) Gentleman’s Perfection: Chris Reeve Mnandi

The Mnandi, even in its most basic iteration, is a stunning piece of cutlery, something at home next to a Mont Blanc fountain pen or a Rolex watch.

8) Range Rover Convertible: Rugged Or Ridiculous?

Is Range Rover’s new convertible SUV tough enough to be taken seriously?

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9) ‘Convertible’ Bike Changes Geometry For Multiple Uses

This Bicycle converts from road geometry to cyclocross or ‘adventure’ mode in 15 minutes.

10) ‘Bike Camping’? Worldwide Event Staked For Solstice

Load up you bike for this free two-day camping event happening around the world.

11) Speedometer For Your Bike: World’s First ‘Analog’ GPS Gauge

Old-school speedometer (with GPS inside) adds both style and key features to your bike. It comes to market soon at a sky-high price.

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12) Eastern Mountain Sports May Be Headed For Bankruptcy

Eastern Mountain Sports, a stalwart outdoor retailer founded in 1967, may be headed to bankruptcy court as soon as next week.

13) Cast Iron ‘Field Skillet’ Raises $1.4 Million

Upgrading the venerable cast iron skillet was the recipe for overwhelming success in the case of this fund-raising campaign.

14) Ultralight Hiking: Katabatic Gear Helios Backpack

Tough-as-nails Cuben Fiber and a streamlined design make the Helios from Katabatic Gear an efficient backpack for hauling gear that weighs just over two pounds.

15) Anti-Theft Bike? Unlocks At ‘Touch Of Your Hand’

Want to see the next wave of anti-theft tech for bikes? This e-bike unlocks ‘when you touch the frame.’

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16) First Look: Quick-Inflating Therm-a-Rest SpeedValve Pads

Take a deep breath. Now, purse your lips and exhale. The magic is about to begin.

17) Going Huge Into Corbet’s Couloir

Gallivan sends it huge into the classic Jackson Hole line.

18) Charged! Electric Mountain Bikes Crush ‘Sea Otter’

Get your pedal-assist ready to race for $5K!

19) Get Organized: Bomb-Proof Drawers Declutter Your Rig

Decked provides a drawer and storage system for truck beds that is waterproof, modular, can carry 2000 pounds, and it is made in America.

20) New Watersport? SUPing Just Got A Wild Makeover

Pedal power hits the waves with this bizarre take on SUPing.

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21) Beer ‘Marmalade’ Redefines The Breakfast Brew

Move over jelly, peanut butter just got a new best friend.

22) See The Unfiltered Everest Via Snapchat

As they make their ascent of Everest, they plan to hand off the Snapchat account to Sherpas, guides, other climbers, and expedition doctors in an attempt to show the full experience.

23) Does The World Need A ‘Retractable’ Helmet?

Retractable tops? Safety helmets could join sports stadiums and Mazda Miatas on the list.

24) Think Ironman Is Too Easy? Get Heavy With Leadman

Looking for a tough challenge? Consider the ‘Leadman’ series of ultra-distance events.

25) Close-Up: KEEN Versatrail ‘Light Hiker’ Refined

The KEEN Versatrail appeals to casual outdoors types and hardcore hikers alike, we caught up with shoe designer Miroslav Milanov to get his take on the new shoe.

26) Review: Petzl Ultra Vario Is Walloping Headlamp

Eye-watering power, and price, come together in a class-leading headlamp for those who rely on a long running, durable, and powerful headlamp.

27) Black Box: Prototype ‘Jetpack’ Integrates Stove, Pot

We got a scoop on this prototype wood-fire backpacking stove, which offers a neat all-in-one design.

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28) Spring Antics, XC Ski Style

Watch flips, tricks, and rowdy spring behavior on skinny skis.

29) Airport To Trail, Eagle Creek ‘Modular’ Luggage Review

An all-in-one convertible backpack/roller bag that is fit for most weekend warrior adventures.

30) Outshined: 8,000-Lumen Belt Light Scorches The Night

This 8,000 lumen monster light is worn around the waist like a belt and will have you wearing your sunglasses at night.

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