365 days is a lot of time to seek out stories on adventure, gear, and everything in between. Here’s a look back at the best stories our Outdoors and Fitness writers tackled over the course of 2016 — bass fishing to road cycling to the ultimate bugout bag.
Quotes of the Year
Choice Words from Our Favorite Interviews
“I do some hand-drawn stuff, but with the bikes it’s tough. You try to draw a bike and it ends up looking like a fucking clown machine.”
“I look at snowboarding now, and there’s great talent out there, but the direction is pretty interesting. It’s people spinning, holding their butts! Is that snowboarding now?”
The Stories
Our Finest Work From the Past Year
A Mountaineering Legend Reflects on a Lifetime of Summits (and Almost Losing His Toes)
New Balance just redesigned a hiking boot. We talked to the guy who gave them the idea to make it in the first place. – Tanner Bowden
Why Does America Love Bass Fishing?
Why would a fisherman be content to flip on the tube, sit on the couch, and watch someone else fish? I followed a production crew at the world’s best bass lake to find out. – Chris Wright, Associate Editor
How to Read a Rock Climbing Route, as Told by Conrad Anker
Essential climbing advice from the greatest living mountaineer, Conrad Anker.
– Michael Finn, Editorial Apprentice
The Ultimate Survival Bag for When Disaster Strikes
It’s a scary world out there — who knows what disaster might occur tomorrow. Be ready for the worst-case scenario by preparing a survival bag. – Michael Finn, Editorial Apprentice
The 25 Best Outdoor Stores in America
Looking for some new outdoor gear? These are the best places in the country to refresh your kit. – AJ Powell, Associate Staff Writer
An Interview With The Greatest Living Mountaineer
Drinking beers and climbing rocks with mountaineer Conrad Anker. – Jeremy Berger, Contributor
Meet the Young American Cyclist Kicking Ass in Europe
Ian Boswell credits Lance Armstrong with his pro career. Read the interview to find out why. – AJ Powell, Associate Staff Writer
Climbing Partners
They climbed the 13,770-foot Grand Teton peak on their first date. What’d you do?
– John O’Connor
Is Climbing Everest Without Supplemental Oxygen Reckless?
Climbers Adrian Ballinger and Cory Richards talk about the merits of climbing Everest without supplemental oxygen. – Outdoors and Fitness Desk
Editor’s Choice: The Best Gear from Outdoor Retailer Summer 2016
Ball-bearing knives, advanced sweat-wicking fabric, and much more. – AJ Powell, Associate Staff Writer
