A recap of top stories for the week of April 30 – May 6, 2017.
1) Mountaineering Great Ueli Steck Killed Near Everest
Ueli Steck, a renowned mountaineer known for fast ascents of technical peaks that earned him the nickname “Swiss Machine,” died today near Mount Everest. He was 40.
2) Man Claims Record Snowkiting Up Mount Saint Helens
A 42-year-old Oregon man claims his sub-35-minute ascent of Mount Saint Helens by snowkite is the fastest non-motorized ascent of the volcano ever.
3) Monday Bargains: 4 Steals To Start Your Week
Great outdoor gear at an amazing price. Check out the bargains from Sea to Summit, Outdoor Reseach, Osprey, and Haglofs.
4) In The Spotlight: NEMO Equipment Brand Profile
NEMO Equipment just turned 15 years old. But in its relatively short history, the brand made waves with unique designs in sleeping bags, tents, hammocks, camp pillows and more.
5) Robots Will Build Salomon’s First Custom Shoe
Salomon today announced a new method of manufacturing that will allow the brand to make custom running shoes for the general public, and build them on site.
6) Wildlife Bridge May Relieve Deadly Utah Highway
Utah’s I-80 received $5 million from the USDOT to plan a wildlife crossing over the highway.
7) First Look: YETI Rambler One Gallon ‘Jug’ Review
Ten cans of beer, 16 cups of coffee, or a whole lotta’ soup, YETI’s one-gallon Rambler can obviously hold plenty. But we tested how well it performs.
8) Inflatable ‘Stash’ Coolers Blow Up Like A SUP Board
If an inflatable SUP board and a YETI cooler had a baby, it might look like a Stash.
9) Camping World, Inc. Wins Gander Mtn. At Bankruptcy Auction
The nation’s largest RV service center and dealer now owns one of America’s biggest outdoor retail networks.
10) Biking Across the USA to ‘Leave It Better’
Seth Orme and Abigail Taylor are crossing the U.S. on bike. Along the way, they will pick up trash and inspire others to do the same.
11) Utah Throws Hat (Back) In OR Show Ring
Despite publicly losing the twice-annual Outdoor Retailer show amid controversy, Utah submitted a bid to reclaim the show after 2017.
12) Lions, Wasps & Santa Hats: Honnold, Wright Climb Kenya
Alex Honnold pukes, Cedar Wright gets stung in the bottom lip mid-climb by a wasp, and the crew establishes a first ascent all while wearing santa hats. “Of Choss And Lions” is equal parts adventure and comedy.
13) Battle Tested: Patagonia’s Rio Gallegos Waders
I’ve spent a couple hundred days in the Patagonia Rio Gallegos Wader while fishing some of the most demanding water in the Pacific Northwest, and I still can’t find a leak.
14) Vibram’s Custom RV Will Resole Your Boots For Cheap
Two cobblers in a custom fitted RV are touring the west coast, re-soleing shoes with any of Vibram’s 30-plus available sole designs.
15) Read The Clouds: 5 Signs A Storm Is Brewing
Spring has sprung and so begins another season of severe summer weather. Here are some telltale signs a storm is brewing.
16) Gear Savings Of The Week: Mother’s Day Edition
Mother’s Day is coming up quick! We’re here to help you find the perfect outdoor gift for that special lady in your life.
17) This Travel Duffel Is Designed For Sketchy Border Crossings
Flashy gear catches eyes. This bag is made for sketchy international borders and other places where the last thing you want is attention. But you’ll need a handsome ransom to afford it.
18) Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
Our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
19) REI Video: The Unspoken Sexism In Climbing
From Talweg Creative, the REI film “Within Reach” gives a look into the climbing community, whether at the crag or in the gym.
20) Hike New Zealand’s 2,000-Mile Te Araroa: 10 Tips
In 2011, New Zealand opened up “the long pathway,” an end-to-end hike from the top of New Zealand to the bottom spanning roughly 2,000 miles. These observations will help you hike New Zealand’s Te Araroa.
21) Grivel Helmet: So ‘Stealth’ You Won’t Know It’s There
The cooler and tumbler behemoth is in court again, this time suing Home Depot and drinkware-manufacturer Takeya USA for trademark infringement.
22) Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
Our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
23) #Vanlife Envy: Does My Festiva Look Small?
Who knew living in your car could get so trendy?
24) Paws On Patrol: Dog Detectives Sniff Out Zebra Muscles
Circle, sniff, sit: Minnesota’s newest crack detectives aim to halt the spread of zebra mussels.
25) Make Your Van Life Dreams Reality: 9 Camper Builders
Want to live the #vanlife but not very handy? Leave the carpentry and wiring to the pros. These top van builders will make your dream vehicle a reality.