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

A century after he disappeared, one of Everest’s first pioneers has been found. A sock embroidered with ‘A.C. Irvine,’ along with a boot, has been discovered on the Central Rongbuk Glacier below the North Face of Mount Everest by a team led by Jimmy Chin.

Irvine, 22, and famous climber George Mallory, 38, disappeared on Everest on June 8, 1924, during one of the first major attempts to summit the world’s highest mountain. The British duo were never seen again — until American alpine legend Conrad Anker discovered Mallory’s frozen body in 1999.

It’s a seismic moment for mountaineers and climbers, many of whom grew up fascinated by the enduring question raised by Mallory and Irvine’s fatal attempt: Did they reach the summit first and die attempting to descend?

If so, that would forever change climbing history, as the official first ascent of Everest belongs to Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay for finally reaching its summit in 1954.

Historians have long hoped that Irvine’s camera would turn up and finally solve the mystery. The mystery of Mallory and Irvine continues to live on. Read the full story from Gear Junkie.

Kiwi mum inspires tramping with kids

Shand shares tips and inspiration for outdoor adventures with kids on Instagram and has attracted thousands of followers, many of whom are amazed at her exploits.

“I got into it for my own mental health, and people go, ‘Oh, that’s a bit selfish of you’. Well, not actually, because the more you do for yourself, the better you are and the better you can turn up for your kids.”

Shand’s children, whose identities she keeps private, are now aged one and five. Early tramps involved Shand carrying her son part of the way, but now that he’s older, he’s able to walk long distances on his own, the most recent being a 17-kilometre stage of the St James Walkway in North Canterbury.

“He did the whole way. He’s five, and I was surprised. He was so proud of himself, [he] was so excited.”

“I get so many messages and photos saying, ‘Look, we went on a hike, and you inspired us to do this,’ and it makes me really excited.” Read the full story and watch the interview from One News.

New 80km track pitched for Wānaka

A new 80km walking and cycling loop track along the shorelines of Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea is one of the features of a recently released Upper Clutha Tracks Trust strategic plan.

The track would traverse the precipitous East Wānaka faces between Wānaka, “the Neck” and Hāwea. While it is no more than an orange line on a map at present, and labelled “long-term aspirational”, trust chairman Dave Howard believes the track proposal demonstrates what “could be possible and be of high value to the region”.

“Within the next two years, we can bike 300km (off-road) from Wānaka and Queenstown to Dunedin, so the 80km Lake Wānaka/Hāwea loop is entirely achievable.

The track-building veteran is aware of the work required before work begins on any new track. Even more crucial and difficult than raising money is negotiating access.

The strategic plan is intended to be a 50-year vision of what could be possible. The strategic plan, including a map showing the existing and proposed tracks, is available on the trust’s website. Read the full story from the Otago Daily Times. 

Iconic footwear brand going out of business

Minnesota-based footwear maker Vasque will cease all operations, the brand confirmed to GearJunkie. Vasque began making hiking-focused shoes and boots 60 years ago. It’s unclear when the brand will officially close its doors, though Red Wing did say it would “continue to operate the Vasque website for the time being.”

“Together, we have done remarkable things across the outdoor industry,” Red Wing said in a statement. “But, this market has changed dramatically, particularly over the last several years. What consumers seek and how they want to both shop and buy has changed dramatically … We have, therefore, made the difficult decision to sunset the Vasque brand and our outdoor business as we know it today.”

When asked how consumers’ demands changed, a spokesperson explained, “Consumers have shifted from traditional hiking activities to [a] broader set of casual outdoor activities, which resulted in different product needs and requirements.”

The news comes after a string of years with flat sales. Parent company Red Wing did leave a glimmer of hope for Vasque fans, saying that a few select styles would remain active, so long as demand exists.

DOC ‘alarmed’ at numbers walking flood-damaged tracks

People are urged not to ignore track closures after many walks across Otago and Southland were significantly damaged in last week’s floods.

The Department of Conservation warned of multiple closures while the tracks undergo repairs. Among them was the popular Tunnel Beach walk in Dunedin which had 10 large slips covering the width of the track. DOC southern South Island director of operations Aaron Fleming urged people to respect the closures.

“Despite the carpark being locked and several barriers and signage saying the track is closed, we are alarmed and disappointed by the number of visitors choosing to ignore safety advice and walk the track regardless.

“This is also causing frustration to nearby residents with people choosing to park in the neighbourhood and on private property to walk on the closed track.”

He encouraged people to check the DOC website or contact the local DOC visitor centre for the latest information as some tracks were still being assessed. See the full list of closures from RNZ.