Our October Roundup

Our roundup of the best from the backcountry and beyond.

Cooler Up In Space? YETI Doesn’t Think So.

As Bezos and Musk play out their billionaire space race, YETI launched a billboard with a simple message: See Space. Save Billions, humbly reminding the duo (and us all) that there are problems here on Earth. “There’s a big chunk of the world on this planet, and we think it’s pretty special and it doesn’t cost you billions,” Paulie Dery, VP of YETI marketing says. We personally prefer to invest in billion-star-view camp gear than a fleeting trip to space, too. [Business Insider]

Tired Of A Tire, Elk Freed Of Rubber Neck Accessory

As everyone in the Mountain West is frantically rushing to get their snow tires on after our first storms of the season, one Colorado native finally got his tire off. In 2019, a 600-pound bull elk was spotted carrying a spare around his neck, and after years of attempting to unburden the animal, rangers were finally able to tranquilize the elk and safely remove the tire. Talk about relieving some pressure. [BBC]

Our Ski & Ride Guide Has Landed

Speaking of snow … there’s a buzz in the air here at Backcountry as we count down the days to ski season. Part of our pre-season ritual is taking stock of gear, and this year the earlier you do that, the better. While our ‘21-’22 Ski & Ride Guide is packed with the latest and greatest, we’re expecting quick sell-outs due to global supply-chain issues. Get your kit dialed now so you can rip when the lifts start spinning.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Runs Boston Marathon

As a tribute to her ancestors, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day by running Boston’s 26.2. Haaland has been running for years, and while training for her first marathon, she began to consider the story of her people—the Laguna Pueblos—who ran for transportation and tradition. Now she runs to raise awareness and promote action, saying “it is more important than ever to recognize Indigenous Peoples as the first stewards of this land.” [ABC News]

Nevada Trail-Building School Set To Be Nation’s First

A federal grant has been awarded to the Great Basin Institute in Nevada to start planning the first professional trail-building school in the U.S. Representing more than $5 billion annually of Nevada’s economy, and supporting nearly 60,000 jobs, outdoor recreation is a staple of the state, making a trail-building school a more than worthwhile investment sure to a boon to the whole country. [AP]

Rusty & Dusty: Andreu Lacondeguy’s Red Bull Rampage Ride

With a title and two silvers, Andreu Lacondeguy had everyone’s number when it comes to the Red Bull Rampage. Rocking a rust-themed Commencal FRS Mullet 27/26, Andreu wanted his rig to look like “just another old truck getting rusty in the desert”. Since we were sponsors of the event this year, some lucky Gearheads got to see Andreu and his jalopy perform up close and personal. [Pinkbike]

Gearhead Take:

“After experiencing Red Bull Rampage as an event sponsor, we couldn’t be more stoked on the trajectory of the baddest competition in the MTB scene. From the electric atmosphere of watching the most progressive freestyle moves to the awe-inspiring nature of Southern Utah’s incredible sandstone features, Rampage brings something to the table for all bike-minded individuals.”

Bears Ears Is Restored As Biden Restores Boundaries

With a flick of the wrist, President Biden signed orders to restore Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah to their original boundaries. Biden said the order was “the easiest thing I’ve ever done so far as president.” Conservationists and local Native American tribes breathed a collective sigh of relief knowing that steps will now be taken to fully preserve the rich environmental and cultural resources throughout the monuments. [ABC News]

Gearhead Take:

As Utahns, the fight for Bears Ears and Escalante here at Backcountry was personal and local. The combined 3.1 million-acre area the monuments protect is much more than a place to backpack, climb, and explore—it’s the past and present homes of Indigenous people, as well as stunning displays of desert landscapes.

What We’re Streaming: The River Runner

Squid Game might be capturing the world’s attention, but here at Backcountry, we’re also busy diving into the new story of a kayaker setting out to become the first person to paddle the four great rivers that flow from Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash.

Salt Lake Area Queer Climbers Lift Up Local Community

Salt Lake Area Queer Climbers (SLAQC, pronounced “slack”), is a group aimed at creating a more inclusive environment in northern Utah’s rock climbing community. Read our chat with the three co-founders about their stellar work with the organization. [Explore]

#BackcountryDog of the Week:

“Okay Holland, play it cool.” – Porter