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Beards, Gifts & Round-The-World Adventure: GearJunkie Week In Review

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A recap of top stories, week of Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, 2015.

week in review

1) American-Made: Outdoors Gifts Born In The USA

It’s easy to choose American-made when shopping for your loved one. We’ve got something for everyone who loves the outdoors, made in the USA.

2) This Couple Traveled The World For 500 Days; Here’s How

Don’t just dream it, do it! Here’s how a middle-class couple made a round-the-world, multi-year adventure a reality.

3) Fenix Headlamp Packs Bright Beam Into Small Package

Tough, waterproof, and bright, the HL55 headlamp by Fenix is a workhorse of a light.

4) Age 19, Trekking 250 Miles Unsupported Across Iceland

A group of young explorers is set to take on Iceland this winter in a bid to cross the island unsupported.

iceland

5) ‘Convertible’ Tote Designed As Do-All Urban Bag

Tote bag quickly converts to waterproof backpack, messenger or shoulder bag and is compatible with bike-share cycles.

6) Can ‘Permanent Beading’ Revolutionize Outerwear?

A more waterproof jacket, lighter weight, and no more “wetting out”… a crop of new jackets and a new membrane technology this month from Gore might just revolutionize the hardshell category.

7) 101-Year-Old Woman Delights In A Snowball

Remember, there is beauty all around you. You’re never too old to play in the snow!

8) Ink On Paper: Popular Website ‘Adventure Journal’ Bets On Print

The popular outdoors website will launch a high-quality, 124-page paper edition in April.

9) Massive Scavenger Hunt Launches In Minnesota Today

Checkpoint MN launches today, and it includes more than $40,000 in prizes and 10 checkpoints scattered at iconic destinations around the state.

checkpoint-mn-2015

10) North Pole Expedition Film Is A Must-Watch Adventure

Nobody ever said going to the North Pole was easy, but after watching Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters in ‘Melting,’ you’ll shake your head in awe.

11) The ‘Fruit Bowl’ Is Some Next Level Rigging

Slackliners, basejumpers, and rock climbers from all over the world gather at the Fruit Bowl in Moab, Utah, at one of the coolest suspended structures we’ve ever seen.

12) Very Cool: Single-Shot Snowboard Video Through ‘Peace Park’

While the camera rolls uncut, these snowboarders hit their marks in this fun snowboard video by Burton.

13) This Is ‘A Life Well Lived’

At age 66, Columbia Sportswear employee Jay Kerr has done things most will only dream of. But he’s not slowing down now.

14) What Will Become Of The Wasatch Backcountry?

In Park City, a decades-long battle against the resort industry may be all but over. Will the backcountry survive?

15) 30 Great Gifts Under $30

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get great gifts for those who love the outdoors.

16) Shovel Multi-tool: Dig, Chop, Pound, Saw, Cut

This tool, based on a small shovel, weighs just under 3 pounds and could come in handy when the going gets tough.

17) Insane! Watch The Gnarliest Race On Earth

You’ve read about the brutal Adventure Racing World Championships in Brazil. Now watch the video.

beard products

18) The Beard Is Dead; Long Live The Beard!

Artisanal beard-supply companies are popping up as fast as microbreweries and boutique bike shops. But as the whims of style change, will beard-based brands remain viable businesses?

19) Barrel-Hauling Backpack: Granite Gear Vapor Flatbed

This system replaces traditional backpack design with 60-liter barrels perfect for use in canoe camping and travel.

20) Waterproof Backpack For Fly Fishing Put To Test

This simple backpack is billed as a waterproof option for fly fishing. We put it, and the waterproof claims, to the test for the review of the Simms Dry Creek Z backpack.

21) The Struggles Of The Off-Season Cyclist

Skiers rejoice with snowfall, but for cyclists, the winter wonderland means ‘happy spinning.’

22) Canadian Man Becomes First ‘Pro’ Beer-Miler

Run a mile, drink four beers along the way. Now the burgeoning ‘sport’ of the beer mile has its first pro athlete from Canada, the ‘Kenya of beer mile-ing.’

23) Watch A ‘Ski Chase’ Fit For A James Bond Flick

One skier steals another’s cell phone, and the chase is on! This is a fun ski short enhanced with a little plot line.

swimming-in-swamp

24) Swimming With Crocodiles: AR World Series In Brazil

Thirty-two teams converged to trek, paddle, bike, and navigate a 700KM course. After days out there, a group of teams refused to go on — the race directors were forced to fly teams out one by one on a small airplane.

25) Cyber Monday: Gear Deals Roundup

We spent the morning scouring the web for Cyber Monday deals so you don’t have to.

26) Zappos: One-Stop-Shop For Outdoors Gear

Check out Zappos’ top outdoors gear picks, from headlamps to winter boots.

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