All articles
Everything we've published — guides, gear reviews, recipes, and field notes from the outdoors.
A look at the $830 million Interior Department contract that included a 10-question survey, what that money could have funded in Pacific Northwest parks like Olympic and Crater Lake, and how park lovers can push for accountability.
Head-to-head comparison of the Garmin inReach Mini 2 (~$250) against the inReach Messenger, ZOLEO, SPOT X, and ACR Bivy Stick on weight, battery, features, and plan costs — with notes on the new Mini 3 and a clear winner.
A seven-step setup guide for the Garmin inReach Mini 2: charging, choosing a subscription plan, pairing with your phone, messaging, MapShare location sharing, pre-trip testing, and navigating back with TracBack.
What Oregon's proposed 4% tire tax (HB 3362) would cost rural drivers and outdoor travelers, what happened at the March 2025 hearing, and how to respond — from buying tires early to submitting testimony through OLIS.
Head-to-head comparison of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 against the Gregory Baltoro 65, Granite Gear Blaze 60, Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10, and REI Traverse 60 — comfort, weight, durability, and price, with a pick for each type of hiker.
How permanent Standard Time versus permanent Daylight Saving Time would change sunrise and sunset hours for hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and trail running across the U.S., with state-by-state examples, health effects, and ways to weigh in with lawmakers.
Five ways to find mountain biking trails near you — apps like Trailforks and MTB Project, local bike shops and clubs, social media, state parks and national forests, and scouting on your own — plus what gear to bring.
Beginner ski fundamentals: gear checklist, reading trail difficulty markings, proper stance, the snowplow stop, wedge turns, riding lifts, getting up after falls, and mistakes to avoid like leaning back.
How to read the color-coded trail difficulty system, boundary and hazard signs, lift boards, and resort maps so you can pick runs that match your skill level and stay oriented on the mountain all day.
How to build a fire in wet weather: reliable ignition sources, finding dry tinder under logs and inside split wood, fire lays that shed rain, and troubleshooting when tinder won't catch or the fire dies out.
How to plan, build, and maintain mountain bike trails: getting permissions, designing for drainage and sustainability, features like berms and grade reversals, and ongoing upkeep with community help.
A rundown of mountain bike protective gear—helmets (full-face vs. half-shell), goggles vs. sunglasses, gloves, body armor, footwear, and clothing—with fit pointers and when heavier protection makes sense for downhill versus trail riding.