Our August Roundup
The Latest Must-Read Stories to Explore
Our latest roundup of the best from the backcountry and beyond.
First all-Black American expedition of Everest set to begin in 2022
First announced this month at Outdoor Retailer’s summer show, a team of U.S. climbers—called the Full Circle Everest Expedition—hope to make mountaineering history next year. The group is led by Phil Henderson, a veteran Himalayan alpinist, and aspires to be the first all-Black American expedition to reach the summit. [Outside Business Journal]
Injury halts AT ultrarunning legend from reclaiming record
Scott Jurek set the fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail six years ago, but since then, three other runners have unseated him. Earlier this month, he set out to take back his FKT, but four days into his run, a quad injury foiled his plans. [Trail Runner Magazine]
Gearhead Take: Did you know that most thru-hikers on the AT go through three to four pairs of shoes on their attempts? That’s one pair for about every 500 miles!
Almost 3,000 miles of new bike trails to be added to the U.S. network
Earlier this month, the Adventure Cycling Association announced that the United States Bicycle Route System is in the process of adding nearly 3,000 miles of gravel biking trails in five states—California, Indiana, Ohio, Utah, and Washington—increasing the existing network by over 20%. [Adventure Cycling Association]
Neil Beltchenko wins the Colorado Trail Race with a 60-mile lead
The Colorado Trail Race is a bikepacking course that runs from Durango to Denver, covering 500 miles and 70,000’ of elevation gain. Neil Beltchenko finished the race in 4 days, 3 hours, and 7 minutes, falling 7 hours shy of his course record set in 2016, but handily outriding his 2021 competitors. [Bikepacking.com]
Spinning shark outsurfs teen
Tennessee teen Ethan Allen was riding some waves off South Carolina’s North Myrtle Beach when a young spinner shark decided to show off for the cameras, performing a few 360s in the air. [The Sun News]
Gearhead Take: Scared of sharks? Don’t sweat. Despite their dramatic showing in the media, you’re actually more likely to die from being struck by lightning or even by a falling coconut.
Spanish teenager takes home first-ever gold medal in climbing
18-year-old Spaniard Alberto Ginés López won the first gold medal in climbing, becoming the youngest male athlete to win gold for Spain. Climbing was included for the first time ever in the 2020 Tokyo Games, and controversially, required climbers to compete in speed climbing, bouldering, and lead climbing, even though the disciplines are typically specialized. [NPR]
Gear of the month: Hammocks
Who can say no to a portable chill spot and nap venue? We’re particularly stoked on this Eagles Nest Outfitters’ one because not only is it thru-hike themed, it’s large enough for two.
Boozy summer pops
Check out our latest way to cool off (and get a little tipsy) from Backcountry Trail Snacks Chef-In-Chief Lentine Alexis: Boozy Popsicles.
Caption: “The flowers are beautiful. I, however, am more beautiful”
Top 7 gear trends at The Big Gear Show
Over 100 outdoor brands showed up in Park City this month showcasing the best new gear for summer—from camp to bike, paddle, and beyond. We’ve rounded up our favorite picks, from planet-friendly gear to the ultimate camp kitchen setup.