A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.

Over the past few decades, Patagonia’s fleece has become as common in the boardroom as it is on the trail, with logo-embossed vests given away at conferences and to employees. But that’s about to come to an end with Patagonia announcing it would no longer add corporate logos to its products.

“What we’ve learned is that adding an additional non-removable logo reduces the lifespan of a garment, often by a lot, for trivial reasons. People change jobs, and the extra logo makes for an awkward re-gift,” the company said in a blog post.

“People tend not to pass logo’d gear down to their kids, and not everyone wants to be an advertisement on weekends, even if they’re proud to go into work on weekdays. Perfectly good gear ends up forgotten in the closet—or worse, gets tossed in the trash.”

In response, Gear Patrol has shared a DIY method for removing corporate logos.

Adventure Consultants goes into hibernation

Wanaka-based guiding company Adventure Consultants has announced it will go into hibernation due to the disruption caused by Covid-19.

“The company will discontinue the promotion of the main bulk of our guiding and expedition services globally until a time when we can safely and reliably reintroduce them,” company principal Guy Cotter said. 

“We have been immensely thankful for our New Zealand clientele who have supported us through this past year but unfortunately the scale of costs to operate the business has far exceeded income levels. To that end, we will not be operating the business functionally through the winter months of 2021.”

Cotter anticipates the company will return to normal after borders reopen.  

Adventure Consultants’ Sherpa Future Fund, which supports the children of Sherpas who have died in the mountains, will remain open for donations.

Denali glacier reaches alarming speeds

An Alaskan glacier has been recorded travelling 100 times its usual speed.

The Muldrow Glacier, on the north side of Denali, has been moving as much as 30m a day, reports The New York Times.

Glaciologists have rushed to study the event with satellite imaging, aerial photography and GPS devices.

The glacier was used in 1913 by the first climbers to ascend Denali, but the route may be impassable this season.

Hakarimata Walkway reopens

The southern section of the Hakarimata Walkway, near Ngaruawahia, has reopened following major track restoration.

DOC closed the track in early February, Stuff reports.

The upgrades have reclassified the southern section from a tramping track to a walking track.

“The upgrades made to this section will make this track more accessible” acting Waikato operations manager Andrew Styche said.

“Steps have been installed along the Waingaro Loop to the same standard as the rest of the walkway, meaning more people can enjoy this beautiful part of the forest.”

New Auckland walkway improves Te Araroa

A new shared pathway has opened for walkers and cyclists in Southeast Auckland.

The walkway will take people off the busy 20B state highway on Campana Road, and is an important connection in the Te Araroa Trail.

“It’s [now] a much more enjoyable part of the walk, close to the estuary, with a better view that will really enhance the walker experience,” Te Araroa Trail executive director Mark Weatherall said.

Read the story here.

Am I a coward for buying an e-bike?

When Roger Foley switched to an e-bike, he felt like a coward.

But after putting some serious kilometres on it, he has reflected on its pros and cons in an opinion piece.

“I have lost some fitness by using an e-bike, but I now do two or three times the distance in half the time and finish the day without being totally stuffed,” he writes.

Read the full story here.