Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual
Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling heavy gear uphill in bad weather. He served in the U.S. Army as an intelligence analyst and electronic warfare specialist. Following his military service, Austin saw the light and moved home to Salt Lake City to chase deep snow and desert cracks. When not enjoying getting rained or snowed on he is probably geeking out about the latest apparel fabric innovation or obsessing over shaving the last few ounces off his backpacking load. An amateur fly fisherman and outdoors photographer, he seems to always have his tenkara rod and Gopro handy. His work has also appeared with Gear Patrol, Active Junky, MOTUS, and Outdoor Retailer Magazine.
How to fell a tree with an axe – the steps and tips you need
Whether you need to gather firewood, get rid of problem trees, or become a better outdoorsman, here's how to fell a tree with an axe.
The Best Cold Weather Cycling Gear to Buy
With the right gear, cold weather cycling can be the best workout you'll get all year. Time to get out on those frozen trails and icy back roads.
Campfire Comforts: Our Favorite Luxury Items For Summer Camping
With these 6 great camping gadgets, “roughing it” in the woods doesn’t have to mean surviving like a monk on herbal tea and wild, tasteless berries.
Help Our Wild Places Grow and Get The Best Damn Jeans Ever with Backcountry Denim
Backcountry Denim's Dyneema fiber jeans are the most durable pair of denim you'll ever own. And they do good for the environment. Learn more here.
Escape Outdoors this Summer with Camelbak’s Pursuit Series
Camelbak and The Outbound just launched the ultimate summer getaway with their Pursuit Series. Get ready to camp, SUP, and climb your way to adventure.
Hit the Shore this Spring in a Cool Collab by Chaco and United by Blue
United By Blue and Chaco teamed up to bring us the best collaboration of the summer. Get a peak at new sandals for chasing surf and sand this season.
Outdoorsman, Get a Monthly Gear-Up with Cairn Subscription Box
If ever you needed an excuse to get out and expand your gear knowledge and adventure horizons, Cairn is the perfect vehicle to do that.
Meet Your New Favorite Adventure Travel Pack: The Cotopaxi Allpa
The all new Cotopaxi Allpa is a well designed pack built for adventure travel. No matter where you're heading, this is what you need on your back.
Celebrate Nemo’s 15th Anniversary with this Amazing Wood Carving Kit
The Spoon Shaper wood carving kit reflects both Nemo's commitment to innovation and their love of distinctive hard-working products.
Wear More, Wash Less: Fight The Funk With Polygiene
Polygiene's innovative anti-stink technology will keep you on the trail without letting everyone within a mile find you by following your smell.
The Outpost is the Future of the Outdoors Experience
The Outpost's model of partnering adventurers, brands, artists, athletes, and a weekend of fun in the wilderness is the future of the outdoors.
Classic Wool: Dale Of Norway
Like a well tailored suit, a finely knit sweater will last your for years. Dale of Norway's high quality Norwegian wool pieces need to be in your closet.
The Best Ski-Mountaineering Races In North America
Ski-mountaineering racing is one of the fastest growing winter sports. If you're looking for your next winter sufferfest, we've got you covered.
The Best Valentine’s Picnic Gear
A picnic in the snow could spell disaster for your Valentine's date, unless you know your lady friend is an outdoorswoman, & you have the right picnic gear.
Db Equipment’s Douchebag Is The Last Ski Bag You’ll Ever Need
Despite the funny name, the Douchebag is the most versatile, durable, stylish ski bag on the market.
Best Of Show: Outdoor Retailer Spring 2017
Any adventure-minded individual will gush at the outdoor gear presented at the Outdoor Retailer Spring 2017. So read up and start writing your wish list.
Banish The Cold with Vasque’s Lost 40 Boots
Vasque Lost 40 Boots are built to take extreme cold and snow - and keep you warm no matter how long you're out in the elements.
The Best Ski Helmets for 2022
Whether you're just getting on skis for your first time or are a seasoned pro, you need a good ski helmet. Here are our picks for the best ski helmets.
You Need NWT3K’s Custom Outerwear For Your Next Ski Trip
NWT3K's ski outerwear is our new favorite for powder skiing, and is fully customizable and made in the USA.
The Manual’s 2016 Dog Holiday Gift Guide
Top Dawg gifts for man's best friend with The Manual's Dog Holiday Gift Guide. Get Fido what he truly deserves.
Go Anywhere And Do Everything With Heimplanet’s Motion Packs
Heimplanet's new Motion Series are built for any adventure you can throw at them.
Hinterlands Is Your Ticket To Uncommon Adventure
Hinterlands new adventure guiding platform connects you with the best outdoors adventures effortlessly.
Protect Your Feet This Winter With Muckboots’ Arctic Excursion Boot
Keep your feet happy this winter with Muckboots' new Arctic Excursion boot.
Dynafit’s Mountopia Is Your Ticket To Adventure
Dynafit's Mountopia Program is your ticket to mountain adventure. What are you waiting for?
The 5.11 RUSH 12 is the Ultimate Urban Emergency Prep Bag
The 5.11 RUSH 12 Pack is the ultimate way to build your emergency "Get Home Bag." Fill it with our suggested selection of emergency supplies and tools.
Diamondback’s New Andean Is a Purpose-built Speed Demon
By eschewing the road racing rules and focusing directly on the triathlon market, the Diamondback Andean is an industry defining speed demon.
The Great OMEALS Taste Test
We tested new camping food brand OMEALS against our favorite trail meals.
Get Organized On The Road With Yakima Rack System
From crossbars to cargo boxes, newly redesigned Yakima rack systems are the ultimate road trip gear for organizing tools and accessories.
Hit the trail with Forsake’s Fall 2016 line
Forsake's award winning line of casual hiking boots is completely redesigned for Fall 2016. See why we're stoked to get in a pair.
Becoming a Mindful Athlete: lululemon men
lululemon's men's line has quietly built up a massive following. We took a tour of their design center to see what sets them apart.
Rip Serious Singletrack with BULLS Bikes
BULLS Bikes are making some serious all-mountain trail bikes. We hopped on their latest Wild Cup 2 to put the performance to the test.
America’s Best Flannel: Pladra
Pladra has reinvigorated the flannel work shirt. Get your American Made, premium flannel today.