Our top 10 blog posts of 2021, from local ultralight packs to the best climbing routes in Ogden

By Mekenna Malan | December 28th, 2021

1. How Andrew Bentz of Pa'lante built a better ultralight pack

Andrew Bentz knew he could build an ultralight backpack that was efficient and simple, weighed less without sacrificing durability, and looked better than anything else on the market.Five years and four pack models later, Pa’lante packs — which are currently manufactured right here in Ogden, Utah — have quickly risen to the top of every in-the-know hiker’s wish list. Named after a Spanish slang word loosely translated as “onward," Pa’lante packs are in high demand, with each batch of product selling out just hours after being released online.  

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2. Snowbasin's general manager talks the new Middle Bowl lift, vandalized rope tow, and the future of the resort

"I believe we have one of the best teams in the ski industry—people who are dedicated to great service and the future of Snowbasin," says Davy Ratchford, the general manager of the resort. And what will that future look like? Ratchford clues us in to Snowbasin's exciting updates in this blog post's Q&A.

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3. 2021/22 Ski and Snowboard Gear Preview

At the end of last season, we were already looking forward to the exciting innovations that this year's season offers. From boards to boots, bindings and beacons, this blog post was a small sneak peek of some of the newest, hottest ski and snowboard gear that was already getting us stoked for 2022. Now that the 2021/22 season is officially here, did you snag any of this gear?

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4. 7 Rare Vintage Outdoor Clothing Items + the Stories Behind Them

Every piece of vintage clothing has a story to tell. This blog post outlines the history behind seven of our rarest Traverse (GEAR:30's in-store vintage pop-up) items from Patagonia and The North Face.

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5. Nordic Valley’s operations manager on the resort’s four new trails, 24/7 uphill traffic, and $9 lift tickets

"Nordic Valley is definitely a resort on the rise," says Pascal Begin, the Resort Operations Manager. "We have a great team dedicated to the success of Nordic Valley and every penny is reinvested in the resort to give our guest better amenities and an improved experience." Just how is the resort being improved this year? Begin talks Nordic Valley's 2021/22 season in this blog's Q&A.

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6. I've thru-hiked over 5,000 miles. Here's what's in my pack

If backpacking over 5,000 miles has taught Bryden Bowley anything, it's that durability—and practicality—are king. He's learned what he likes to include in a simple med-kit, which sleeping bag keep him just warm enough, and which water filter won't let him down. In this blog post and video, he briefly discusses his choice of ultralight pack, the exact clothing he brings on a trip, and his favorite lightweight camp stove.

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7. The Best Climbing Routes in Ogden, From Beginner to Advanced

Ogden - It’s All Within Reach. While the city’s tagline has officially been rebranded, the saying remains true. Ogden boasts some of the best access to recreation in the nation, and our locals are out there getting after it on a daily basis. From skiing to hiking, mountain biking and more, there’s a little bit for everyone in these foothills, including a lifetime's-worth of climbing routes to send. Listed in this blog post is just a snippet of the best beginner, intermediate, advanced, and trad climbs that Ogden has to offer.

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8. Seven Day Trips from Ogden to Beat the Heat

What's better than taking a dip in the community pool? Enjoying all the beauty that a Utah summer has to offer—and staying cool while doing it. Luckily for our fellow Ogdenites, there are plenty of outdoor activities in our own backyard that are not only beautiful, but will also help keep us from melting. We outline seven of our favorites in this blog post.

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9. Simba Tested: Big Agnes Fly Creek Carbon & Tiger Wall 2 Platinum Tents

Our gear guru & resident thru-hiker Bryden Bowley (Trail name: Simba), spent the summer of 2019 thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail over 2,000 miles across Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. While hiking, he chose 22 products to use, abuse, and give his unbiased review. Here's his thoughts on the Big Agnes Fly Creek Carbon and Tiger Wall Platinum 2 tents.

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10. Gear We Love: Dynafit Ski Touring Boots

A ski boot that charges like it's built for full-on downhill alpine riding but tours like a lightweight uphill boot—that's the reason why Dynafit makes our favorite ski boots for the backcountry.

Thanks for following along with Ogden's mountain shop this year. 

We'll see you in 2022!