Every new year we look back at the past 12 months and compile the top stories of the year. We publish hundreds of articles from January to December, but the top stories are always chosen by you, the reader. We base the top articles on total page views, so here they are, the top 10 stories of 2014 on UtahOutside.com
10. New Momentum Millcreek climbing gym opens
A new climbing gym opening up in Salt Lake is always big news, and that news trended through the website as our article about the newest Momentum Climbing Gym location was out 10th most popular article of 2014.
9. Mountain Hardwear Sitzmark Jacket review
At #9 is our review of the Mountain Hardwerar Sitzmark jacket. This light weight, breathable shell was a hit with our readers, as well as ourselves as we thoroughly enjoyed backcountry skiing with this hi-tech jacket.
8. Osprey defies gravity at Outdoor Retailer 2014 Summer Market
Check out the suspension on that backpack! This eye-opener from Osprey propelled our Outdoor Retailer article about the Atmos & Aura AG Packs into the top 10. The packs have a 3D contoured suspension that they dub “Anti-Gravity.” According to Osprey, it’s a light, body-contouring suspension “that allows the user to move as if they don’t have a pack on – true anti-gravity realized.”
7. New Salomon packs and boots for mountain runners at Outdoor Retailer 2014 Summer Market
Mountain runners found a lot to like about this article about new running offerings at the Salomon booth during the 2014 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. From pack to shoes and winter running boots, it seems Salomon caught your attention once again.
6. Sierra Designs 60/40 Mountain Parka review
Perhaps it was the retro look of the thing, but Ryan Malavolta’s review of the Sierra Designs 60/40 Parka got a lot of page views over 2014. Like Ryan says, “vintage clothing never goes out of style, as evidenced by the hordes of hipsters rocking your grandpa’s favorite gear from the ‘50s. However, “vintage” is not usually a consideration when searching for a multi-functional piece of outerwear. If it’s classic style and modern performance you seek in a jacket, then Sierra Designs may have the ideal coat for you…
5. Videos: Ski-BASE Hellgate and BASE Jump Squaw Peak
Our most popular featured video of the year comes in at #5, and it’s no wonder so many of you clicked to watch. Clayton Hoyt Butler and Amber Bellows are two Utahns that clearly were born to fly, and their videos of base jumps around Utah were breathtaking. But sad reality is, however, that Amber was killed during a base jump not long after the video was released.
4. Salomon ups their backcountry offerings at Outdoor Retailer
Salomon continues to be the one brand that gets the most attention here on UtahOutside.com, and our preview of backcountry skiing gear coming out for 2014 fast became one of our most popular articles. From new skis to boots and WTR bindings, it’s clear that Salomon is upping their backcountry game, and readers wanted to know all about it.
3. New Durand Boots the big story from KEEN at Outdoor Retailer
Our readers love their Keens, and the 3rd place winner is evidence of that as our look at the new Keen Durand Boots at the 2014 Outdoor Retailer became one of our most popular articles of the year. Maybe it’s because these new waterproof hikers are made in America.
2. Atomic 2015 Bent Chetler ski review
The new Atomic Bent Chetler skis were unveiled last winter, and we got a first look at them at Alta before their release in the fall. While we found the skis to be impressive, you, the reader made them to be among the most viewed article of 2014. We found the 2015 Atomic Bent Chetler to be a huge upgrade from previous models. They’re playful, fun, and floaty powder sticks that will let you ski pretty much any way you want to, whether you go backward on your tips or prefer straight lining it on Backside at Alta.
1. Salomon Q BC Lab backcountry skis review
Gear reviews are always the most popular article on the website, so it’s no wonder that our review of the Salomon Q BC LAB skis made the top spot. The article was posted back in February, so it was a preview of the skis which didn’t come out until the fall. That didn’t deter readers, however, and the buzz around these super light backcountry boards with an impressive 114 underfoot, poplar wood core construction, CFX Superfiber (carbon and flax blend) and honeycomb tip propelled this review to the top based on page views.