Northern California National Forests Reopen After Fire Closures
All national forests in California have been closed to public use as wildfires rage across the state.
Review: Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoe
The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low provides the stiff, solid cushioning underfoot of a trail boot but with a low cut. So if you’re looking for something lighter than a boot but sturdier than a trail runner, these could be the shoes for you.
Wildfires are Worse Than Ever. Here’s What That Means for the Backcountry We Love
Wildfires fueled by years of drought are upending lives in the West. The National Interagency Fire Center reports 79 large fires have consumed 1.5 million acres across 12 states. Here’s what that looks like for backpackers.
Fire Danger Closes Public Lands East of the Cascades in Washington
Extreme fire danger and drought have prompted the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to temporarily close all recreational and public access to DNR-managed lands east of the Cascade Mountains beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 23. The temporary closure will apply to DNR-managed state lands, conservation areas, community Read more
Effective Immediately, All Camping is Prohibited on Max Patch
Max Patch, a popular Appalachian Trail camping spot, has been closed to all camping and overnight activity. The restrictions, effective immediately, were announced Thursday, July 1, by Pisgah National Forest. A press release said the move was made to reduce impacts to natural resources and protect public health and safety Read more
It’s Not Your Imagination. There’s a Shortage of Outdoor Gear
As outdoor recreation soared in the pandemic summer of 2020, increased demand for gear coupled with Covid-related supply problems caused shortages of everything from bicycles to tents. And it doesn’t appear to be getting better this year as Americans continue to head for the outdoors in record numbers and supply problems persist.
After 20 Years in the Dirt, Big Agnes Co-Founders Talk About Sustainability
Recycled gear and sustainability weren’t a priority in the outdoor industry when Bill Gamber and Len Zanni started Big Agnes in 2001. Although Bill lived off the grid—and still does—in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where Big Agnes is headquartered, he wasn’t thinking about sustainability as a business model. “We started the Read more
HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa Mid GTX Review
The HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa mid- and low-cut trail shoes build on the company’s thickly cushioned, lightweight hikers for on and off trail. The mid-cut, which I tested, are a smart choice for someone who likes the above-ankle grip of a boot but wants the lightweight flexibility of a trail runner.
Interior Secretary Recommends Restoring Protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has recommended to President Joseph Biden that he restore millions of acres to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah, according to reports Monday in the Washington Post and the New York Times. Former President Donald Trump in 2017 slashed Bears Ears by nearly Read more
Biden Reviewing Trump Move to Allow Logging in Tongass National Forest
The Biden administration is moving toward restoring environmental protections for Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, one of the world’s largest temperate rain forests. Former President Donald Trump opened about 9 million acres of the nearly 17-million acre forest to logging and construction. It’s not clear how much of the 9 million Read more