A recap of top stories for the week of August 20 – 26, 2017.
1) GearJunkie Investigation Prompts ‘Life-Saving’ Redesign
Last week we reported on a dangerous feature found on a Kickstarter-funded jacket. The company responded with plans for a redesign.
2) Cabela’s Orion: Good Camp Tent, Easy On The Wallet
At less than $100 on sale, Cabela’s designed its Orion tent as an all-around shelter for anyone on a budget.
3) National Park Service Ends Plastic Water Bottle Ban
The nearly six-year prohibition on plastic water bottle sales ends at some of the most prominent parks in the country.
4) First Week Bike Commuting: What I Learned
I learned a lot about bike commuting in my first week. Gain from my mistakes!
5) In The Spotlight: Granite Gear
Granite Gear outfits all manner of outdoor enthusiasts: campers, hikers, paddlers, travelers, even America’s soldiers.
6) Chinese Automaker Confirms Interest In Buying Jeep
Jeep denied the rumors swirling on Monday after Great Wall Motor Company confirmed ‘an intention to acquire’ the American off-road icon.
7) Rocky Mountain Highs (and Lows): Bike-Touring CO To WY
Near Grand Teton National Park, 3,500 miles from where I started, reflecting on the winding roads of the Rockies behind.
8) Monument Deadline: Patagonia Airs First Ad On Trump’s Review
This week, following President Trump’s executive order, Secretary Ryan Zinke will offer recommendations on the fate of more than 30 national monuments. In anticipation, Patagonia premiers its first ever television commercial in support of public lands.
9) Profile: Penn Newhard Builds Brands In A Mountain Town
Some say the dream of bumming in the mountains is no longer possible. Not true. But it takes a lot of hard work. Penn Newhard sets the example.
10) Lean-To Shelter: First Look At ‘High Side’ Tent
Bigger than a bivy, but tighter than a traditional tent, the 2018 ‘High Side’ shelter shoots for the weight-to-space sweet spot.
11) Breaking The Dam: Paddling Iowa’s ‘Revived’ Rapids
Get your butt to Iowa and get in a kayak. Sound silly? We did just that.
12) Best Bushcraft Blade? Our Knife Editor’s Top Choice
From whittling and crafts to filleting and everyday carry, there’s a knife suited to just about anything. But for pure bushcraft and survival, our editor has a single favorite.
13) 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 Five Ten, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more.
14) You Should Go: ‘The Outpost’ Is Look At Future Of Outdoors
‘The Outpost borrows as much from Burning Man as the aisles of an REI store.’
15) Emerging Gear: Outdoor Products This Week
Our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.
16) How To (Legally) Catch A Great White Shark
The OCEARCH custom fitted a retired crab boat to excel at catching sharks. It’s also one of the only vessels used for legally catching sharks.
17) Fugitive Fish: State Govt’ Opens ‘Unlimited’ Catch for Rogue Salmon
As many as 5,000 Atlantic salmon are loose in the Pacific waters off Washington’s coast. So the state’s Fish and Wildlife Service has asked everyone to ‘catch as many as possible.’
18) Outdoor Hazards: Rattlesnakes
It’s been a hot year. And in many areas, that means snakes! Here are some tips to identify and avoid rattlesnakes.
19) Doggy Paddle: Tips to SUP with your Pup
Sure, paddling with a dog looks easy and fun on Instagram, but for the unprepared it can be frustrating, unsteady, and potentially dangerous. Here’s what you need to know.
20) ‘The Shot’: Climbers Capture Iconic Eclipse Photo
Perhaps no place was better to view this week’s historic solar eclipse than the birthplace of American sport climbing: Smith Rock.
21) Simple Steel: Cost-‘Efficient’ Knife Review
With the cost for a trusty, solid knife now pushing upward of $700, it’s hard for the price-conscious to find a good deal. Enter the Efficient by Spyderco.
22) Form and Function: Choosing the Best Blade Shape
Even with the wide variety of blade ‘species,’ there are a handful of blade ‘genuses’ you should know.
23) Monday Bargains: Three Steals To Start Your Week
Great outdoor gear at an amazing price. Check out the bargains from The Clymb, Patagonia, and REI.
