Real People. Real Terrain. Real Gear.
Based in the heart of downtown Jackson, Wyoming, Mountain Weekly News is a premier outdoor publication dedicated to the rigorous, year-round vetting of technical equipment. For nearly 25 years, we have provided straightforward, unbiased insights into the gear and culture that define the American West.
The “TETON TESTED”: Our Testing Philosophy
We don’t do “backyard” reviews or rewrite press releases. Our home base in the Tetons provides the world’s most demanding laboratory. Whether we are hammering high-torque e-bikes up washboard dirt roads in July, tracking elk through sub-zero mountain ranges in October, or skinning up Teton Pass for a January dawn patrol, our gear earns its keep. If it is featured on our site, it has survived a “TETON TESTED.”
Meet the Founder: Mike Hardaker
Technical Auditor | CEO | Level III Avalanche Professional
Mike Hardaker has spent the last 26 years on snow and trail, with a career rooted in the industry’s most respected outlets, including Teton Gravity Research (TGR) and Snowboard Magazine.
While he is a Level III Avalanche Professional—the highest technical certification in the U.S.—his expertise extends far beyond the snow. Mike applies a technical auditor’s eye to everything he tests, from high-stakes backcountry splitboarding and high-altitude hunting to heavy-duty e-bikes and cutting-edge AI home tech. He technically evaluates gear for survival, efficiency, and real-world durability to ensure readers make informed decisions in a market flooded with AI-generated “office-chair” reviews.
Teton Grit: Authentic Knowledge vs. AI Algorithms
In an era of generic content, Mountain Weekly News stands as a bastion of human authenticity. We are a local operation that employs a crew of 20+ Jackson-based athletes, photographers, and professional guides.
Following Google’s 2023 Helpful Content Update (HCU), much of the world was told that independent, expert-led journalism was “unhelpful.” We disagreed. We’ve spent 15 years in Jackson Hole building a track record of driving over $15 million in sales for our partners because our readers trust our “Grit.” We are real humans living the mountain life 365 days a year, creating local jobs, and delivering gear vetting you can actually rely on.
Explore Our Master Guides & Vetted Gear
Our team specializes in deep-dive technical roundups. Explore our current Teton-Tested selections:
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Snow & Backcountry: [10 Best Splitboards] | [Best Splitboard Bindings] | [Top Walk-Mode Ski Boots]
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E-Mobility & Automotive: [Best Heavy-Duty E-Bike Racks] | [Top All-Terrain E-Bikes]
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Backcountry Essentials: [Best Snowboard & Splitboard Backpacks] | [Essential Ski Touring Gear]
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Electronics & Home Tech: [Best Snowboard Headphones] | [Power Station Reviews]
Beyond the News
When he isn’t technically vetting the latest gear, Mike is deeply involved in the Jackson community:
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Barron’s Leash: Jackson’s premier boutique pet retreat and #1 rated dog sitting service. [Request a Teton Pet Vacation].
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Jackson Estate Finds: White-Glove Property & Estate Concierge
When high-value estates in Jackson Hole need more than just a “cleanout,” they turn to Jackson Estate Finds. Founded by Mike Hardaker—a 15-year valley resident and one of the top eBay resellers in the United States—we provide a bespoke, discreet solution for estate liquidation, downsizing, and luxury home clearance. We don’t just clear spaces; we technically vet every item for value, ensuring that storied possessions are respectfully rehomed or liquidated for maximum return. [Learn More & Request a Consultation]
Join the Crew.
Whether you’re ripping cowboy powder, tracking big game, or looking for the best way to transport your e-bike, rely on the team that lives it every day.