ajtestbed Kurt Refsnider had the dream gig — Geology professor at Prescott College, in Prescott, Arizona, near tons of great riding. But as bikepacking took more and more of his headspace, he realized his real dream gig was founding Bikepacking Roots, an organization dedicated to getting folks from all walks of life out there and having … Read more
We’ve added some to this list since we’re always finding new ways to torture ourselves on hikes. – Ed. Couple weeks ago, I set out on a nice day hike up in Point Reyes National Seashore, just north of San Francisco. Ever been? Gorgeous, magical place, clothed in redwoods in the flats and valleys, fog-shrouded … Read more
If you’re shopping for all-terrain tires for your truck or SUV, you’re probably looking at the standard options: BF Goodrich K02, Falken Wildpeak, or Cooper Discoverer AT3. Maybe if you’re deep in the weeds, you’re researching Toyo Open Country, or General Grabbers. All good tires, all will get the job done. It’s hard to claw … Read more
Cody Townsend has made a name for himself as one of the world’s best big freeskiers, but in recent years, he’s mixed mountaineering into the equation. His series “The Fifty,” which chronicles his attempt to climb and ski the 50 classic ski descents of North America, is one of YouTube’s best adventure series. We talked … Read more
Last week we covered the excellent Kona Unit X, a rigid, steel frame workhorse of a bike. If you haven’t read it (and come on, whaddya waiting for?) I gushed about its do-it-all-ness. Sure it won’t handle black diamond singletrack as well as a full suspension bike, or even a hardtail, but the simple elegance … Read more
These are meant for more technical running, or hiking I suppose, featuring a Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep 5mm lugs. The drop is minimal-ish, at about 4 mms. They have an engineered mesh upper that provides more support and security than you might think, my feet always feel locked in. The midsole is dual density … Read more
Denise Joi is one of four pilots for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, where she flies a small Cessna between soaring Rocky Mountain peaks, conducting wildlife surveys and — more dangerous and dramatic — fish drops, stocking pristine alpine lakes with trout and grayling. We spoke with her about her incredible job, but also her amazing … Read more
For months now, I’ve mostly ridden a rigid bike with a steel frame, and had an absolute blast. It’s the Kona Unit X, the latest in a two-decade model line. For $1,599, you get a Reynolds 520 Butted Cromoly frame with a no-frills but durable Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain, Shimano MT410 hydraulic brakes, and excellent, … Read more
Is this book strictly adventure-related? Not necessarily, but considering we’re out there trying to bolster our happiness, either with people we’re close to, or, sadly, at the expense of those we’re close to (I’m looking at you, fellow surf bums), this book feels like something anyone living an examined life in pursuit of what makes … Read more
Craig Kelly wasn’t just one of the best and most important snowboarders to have lived, the boarding pioneer and four-time world champion was particularly cautious when it came to snow safety. It was one of the most important messages he shared with his fans, and as he pursued his goal of becoming a splitboard … Read more