Today's Outdoors Pulse
Travelers Flock to Hidden Nature Gems, Study Finds
Travel researchers report that 58% of British travellers now prioritize lesser‑known destinations. Google searches for “hidden gem travel” surged 5,095% in the past year, underscoring strong demand. Luxury‑travel firm Bailey Robinson compiled a Hidden Nature Gem Score, highlighting the Philippines’ Hidden Lagoon and Canada’s top hidden sites.
Montana Brothers Rodworks: The Inside Skinny
Todd Tanner reflects on how seasoned fly‑fishing professionals have lost the thrill of unboxing new gear. He notes that once‑exciting rod and reel shipments now sit untouched for weeks as anglers prioritize experience over novelty. The piece uses Montana Brothers Rodworks as a lens to illustrate broader market fatigue, while hinting at shifting expectations for product performance and durability.
Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch Is a Climber (and Other Rock Climbing Links to Outer Space)
NASA astronaut Christina Koch, a veteran rock climber, says the sport taught her how to manage fear and focus—skills directly applicable to training for the International Space Station. Recent observations show climbing equipment crossing into aerospace: Ocun Dominator crash pads...
The Honda Civic of Hiking Shoes Has Never Looked Better (EXCLUSIVE)
Merrell’s best‑selling Moab 3 hiking shoe has been refreshed in an oat‑hued colorway created in partnership with South Korean apparel label Khaki. The new edition retains the model’s core technical specs—Vibram outsole, air‑cushion midsole, and durable leather panels—while adding blue accents...
Stargazing on Mustang Island Has Galactic Appeal
Texas’ Mustang Island State Park hosted a nightly stargazing event led by ranger Ben Taylor, who uses low‑impact red lighting to enhance visibility. Attendees enjoyed unobstructed views of planets, constellations, and upcoming meteor showers thanks to the park’s ocean horizon....
Kat Edwards Anderson
Professional ultra‑trail runner and coach Kat Edwards Anderson is gearing up for her second start at the 250‑mile Cocodona race. In a recent interview, she recounts her evolution from a burned‑out high‑school runner to a rising star in ultrarunning, crediting...
Craft Template: Celebrate Earth Day and the Great Outdoors
The blog post spotlights a new Earth Day‑themed classroom activity built around the children’s book *Fatima’s Great Outdoors*. The story follows an immigrant family on their first camping trip, highlighting confidence, belonging, and a love of nature. Teachers are invited...
Merrell’s Pitch to Non-Outdoorsy Consumers: Go Outside Instead
Merrell, the 45‑year‑old hiking‑footwear brand owned by Wolverine Worldwide, unveiled its first global brand platform, “It Starts Outside,” aimed at making outdoor activity feel accessible to everyday consumers. The 30‑second digital spot features Olympian Alexi Pappas, marathoner Lisa Thompson, and...
How to Catch Channel Catfish — and Why You Should Target Them This Spring
Channel catfish, often overlooked for larger flatheads and blue catfish, become prime targets in spring as river temperatures rise to 50 °F. Anglers report that scent‑rich baits like hot dogs soaked in Kool‑Aid, chicken livers, or fresh shad trigger aggressive feeding,...
Utah's Remote Ghost Town Is An Abandoned Beauty
Sego, a former coal‑mining town in Utah’s Book Cliffs, sprang to life in 1908 and was renamed in 1918 after the abundant sego lilies. Poor water quality and a declining mine led to its desertion by the 1940s, and a...
Rockgeist Big Dumpling Review: If This Bag Could Talk
Rockgeist’s Big Dumpling, a 6 L waterproof hip pack originally launched by Porcelain Rocket in 2019, has become the go‑to camera carrier for bike‑packing photographer Miles Arbour. After seven years and tens of thousands of kilometres of use, the bag’s RF‑welded...
Illinois' Deepest Inland Lake Is A Midwest Gem For Scenic Trails And Kayaking
Devil's Kitchen Lake, a 90‑foot‑deep reservoir in southern Illinois, holds the title of the state’s deepest inland lake. Created in the late 1950s by damming Grassy Creek, the 810‑acre lake sits within the 40,000‑acre Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and...
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This 825-Acre North Carolina Ranch Is a Perfect Mother-Daughter Getaway—With Epic Views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a Cowgirl...
Cataloochee Ranch, an 825‑acre family‑owned property in western North Carolina, is expanding its women‑focused programming with a dedicated Mother/Daughter Cowgirl Camp scheduled for April 30‑May 3, 2026. The five‑day retreat costs $800‑$1,610 per night, depending on lodge or cabin selection, and blends horseback...
Skillcations Blend Learning and Leisure, Redefining Travel in 2026
Travelers are embracing 'skillcations,' a hybrid of skill‑building and vacation, as the newest trend in 2026. Destinations from Arizona ranches to California wine country are packaging hands‑on lessons with lodging, appealing to guests who want personal growth alongside leisure.
YETI Natural Selection Ski Returns to Alaska in 2026 with Elite Backcountry Lineup
YETI Natural Selection Ski is back in Alaska for 2026, assembling the sport’s top freeride and freestyle athletes for a one‑day, weather‑dependent competition on raw backcountry terrain. The event blends big‑mountain skiing with cutting‑edge broadcast tech, highlighting a shift toward...
Pivot Founder Chris Cocalis on Their New Insanely Powerful Shuttle AMP’d, XC Race Bike Design, 32” Wheels, & More (Ep.321)
Pivot unveiled the Avinox M2S‑powered Shuttle AMP’d, a high‑output electric mountain bike that pushes power levels beyond typical e‑bike norms. Founder Chris Cocalis explained the engineering trade‑offs of integrating the controversial Avinox drive, including frame reinforcement and advanced battery management. The...
A Guide to Volcano Hiking, Mountain Biking and Eco-Guardianship in Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand, is emerging as an adventure hub that blends volcano hiking, world‑class mountain biking, and Māori‑led eco‑guardianship. Guides like Rangiora Inia of Kaitiaki Adventures lead hikes up the sacred Mount Tarawera, while Mountain Bike Rotorua offers 110 mi of inclusive trails...
I Tested the Instagram-Famous Ridge Wallet and I’m a Convert
The Ridge wallet, an Instagram‑fueled minimalist metal card case, impressed reviewer Louryn Strampe after a brief learning curve. Constructed from aluminum or titanium, it holds one to twelve cards, a slim cash clip, and offers modular add‑ons like a coin...
Isaac Wright Combines Urban Exploring, Photography in Drift
Isaac Wright, an Army veteran coping with PTSD, has turned illegal rooftop climbs and striking photography into an artistic identity known as Drift. Director Deon Taylor discovered Wright’s Instagram work and produced a documentary that follows his high‑risk urban explorations,...
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I Asked Podiatrists Which Comfy Shoe Brands Offer Supportive Flats for Low Arches—Here Are 12 Pairs From $46
Travel writer Samantha Leal, with input from podiatrists Dr. Anne Sharkey and Dr. Suzanne Fuchs, curates a list of 12 stylish flats that combine arch support, structured midsoles, and stable heel counters. The shoes range from premium Vionic and Naturalizer models to budget‑friendly Dream Pairs, with...
Northumberland 250 Crowned UK’s Top Road‑Trip for 2026
The Camping and Caravanning Club has named the 250‑mile Northumberland 250 route the United Kingdom’s best road‑trip for 2026. Stretching from Corbridge through historic towns and the dark‑sky Kielder Forest, the accolade arrives as British travellers seek affordable staycations.
Cyclone Vaianu Triggers Strong Wind Watch and Coastal Evacuations Across New Zealand
MetService has placed a Strong Wind Watch over the entire North Island as Category‑3 Cyclone Vaianu approaches, urging boaters to stay off the water and prompting coastal communities to ready evacuation plans. The storm brings 35‑knot gusts, 60‑80 mm of rain...
66 New Bikepacking Routes Connect 12 Towns Across West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest
A new network of 66 mapped bikepacking routes has launched in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, branded as the Mon Forest Gravel and Bikepacking Route Network and billed as the largest curated gravel bikepacking network in the Eastern United States....
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I Travel Abroad Every Year and Have Never Been Pickpocketed—These Are My Top Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags From $9
Travel writer Chaise Sanders highlights five budget-friendly anti‑theft crossbody bags ideal for frequent travelers. The list includes Travelon Classic Mini ($38), Bostanten leather ($19, down from $29), Oprah‑favored Mali+Lili Gail ($46, down from $78), Banelu ($9), and Wander Plus ($27)....
Canada's Lakeside Park Is A Scenic Gem With Forest Hiking Trails
Hardy Lake Provincial Park, a free non‑operating park 120 miles north of Toronto, offers roughly 10 miles of well‑maintained forest trails along one of Canada’s 2 million lakes. The park’s three main loops—A, B and C—cater to varying skill levels, with...
New Research in Rocky Mountain National Park Shows Most People Are Unprepared in the Wild
A Boston University study of 586 day hikers and 68 trail runners in Rocky Mountain National Park found that only a quarter of runners and 16% of hikers met a strict wilderness‑preparedness checklist. Researchers defined preparedness by carrying at least...
The Difference Between 4-Low And 4-High When Off-Roading On Rough Terrain
Four‑wheel‑drive vehicles offer two selectable ranges: 4‑high for normal‑speed traction on slick surfaces, and 4‑low for extreme off‑road conditions that demand maximum torque. 4‑high keeps the standard gear ratio while locking front and rear shafts, whereas 4‑low engages a low‑range...
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I’ve Camped on 4 Continents—And These Are the 12 Essentials I Take for Every Spring Camping Trip
Olivia Young outlines a curated list of twelve spring‑camping essentials designed to combat rain, bugs, and temperature swings. She highlights a $20 Unigear hammock rain fly, the best‑selling Gas One GS‑3400P stove (8,000 units sold last month), $9 LED string...
Review: Helinox Passport Folding Aluminum Trekking Poles
The Helinox Passport TL115 trekking poles are a pair of ultralight, fixed‑length poles that fold to a compact 35 cm length and weigh just 320 g (11.3 oz). Constructed from DAC aluminum alloy, they deliver carbon‑fiber‑level strength while staying well below the weight...
RockShox’s New Zeb & Lyrik Vs. The 1500 W Avinox Wave
RockShox unveiled a fully redesigned Zeb and Lyrik fork line, complemented by updated Super Deluxe and Vivid shocks, in a first‑ride podcast episode. The discussion turned to the Avinox M2S motor, which now offers 150 Nm of torque and a 1500 W...
5 Things to Keep in Your UTV Emergency Kit During Hunting Season
Hunters increasingly rely on UTVs and ATVs for season prep, making on‑the‑trail emergencies a real risk. Can‑Am’s off‑road expert recommends a core kit of jumper cables, an air compressor, tire repair supplies, tow straps, duct tape, zip ties, and basic...
North Carolina's Historic State Park Is An Oceanfront Beauty With Trails, Paddling, And Bird Watching
Fort Macon State Park, North Carolina’s first state park, preserves a pre‑Civil War fort that served both Confederate and Union forces and later functioned as a WWII coastal defense. Spanning 424 acres on Bogue Banks, the park attracts more than...
Minnesota's Friendly City Near Rochester Is A Thriving Locale With A Charming Downtown And Beautiful Scenery
Zumbrota, a southeastern Minnesota town of roughly 4,200 residents, boasts a walkable downtown anchored by 210 local businesses and a historic 123‑foot covered bridge—the state’s only remaining example. The city’s cultural calendar features weekly summer concerts, community theater at the...
Artemis II Launch Sparks Surge in Space‑Themed Outdoor Adventures Across the Southwest
NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar flyby, launched on April 1, 2026, has ignited a wave of space‑themed outdoor experiences—from volcanic‑crater hikes in Arizona to dark‑sky festivals in San Diego. Operators are leveraging the mission’s excitement while grappling with preservation concerns.
The Pemigewasset Wilderness Will Require Hikers to Carry Bear Canisters Starting May 1
Starting May 1, the U.S. Forest Service will require all overnight hikers in New Hampshire’s Pemigewasset Wilderness to store food and scented items in an International Grizzly Bear Committee‑approved hard‑sided bear canister. The rule replaces bear‑bagging and Ursacks, with violations punishable...
Arctic Conditions Prove 2025 Tundra Rally’s Toughness
Arctic weather, meet the 2025 @Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Rally 4x4! Last week's miserable weather was really the perfect week for me to have this vehicle loaner, as I explain in my latest vehicle review: https://t.co/bJ7QTzEkZn #toyota #tundra #trucks #auto https://t.co/MJxWGDBQsY
Abbey Bike Tools Updates Its Team Issue Toolbox
Abbey Bike Tools has launched the Team Issue V2 toolbox, a premium cycling maintenance kit priced at $1,850. The new version adds magnetic 4‑Way and T‑Way bit‑drivers, a set of ten Wera bits, and a 2‑6 Nm Wera torque screwdriver while...
Pepa Šindel Climbs an Adam Ondra 5.14d
Czech prodigy Pepa Šindel sent Adam Ondra’s iconic Biologico (5.14d/9a) in Arco, Italy, on April 2, marking his thirteenth climb at that grade. The 18‑year‑old achieved the ascent on his first attempt, recalling the route’s bouldery start and a signature double‑dyno crux. Šindel,...
I Tried These Trail Shoes and They Solved My Biggest Issue With Hokas
Tread Labs’ Dover RS Trail Shoes are engineered around the company’s podiatrist‑designed Pace Insole, delivering immediate arch support and a custom‑fit feel. The APMA‑certified insole comes in multiple arch heights, allowing users to swap it without compromising shoe structure. Featuring...
Need Compact Tripod for Long Bike Tour
We are going on a bike trip in a few weeks and need to figure out a tripod/monopod solution. We're going 20-30 miles a day but don't want to slept our current set-up on our backs. Any suggestions? They are...
Dad in 40s Discovers Birding with Smart Camera Birdhouse
A smart birdhouse with a camera inside arrived today, because as a Dad in my 40’s, birding has come for me.
South Carolina Soft-Launches Black River State Park, First Linear Riverine Park
South Carolina opened the soft launch of Black River State Park on April 2, 2026, marking the state's first linear river park and the start of a planned 70‑mile corridor. The Meadows, the inaugural 4‑mile riverfront section, provides kayak launches,...
Exploring Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Exotic Eats, Boma Fun
Having the most amazing time at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Third African country in 10 days so far. And here we got to try some really exotic foods and a Boma shows. Zimbabwe is so much fun.
Psyco Wyco Loop (KS)
The Psyco Wyco Loop is a 9.2‑mile hard‑level trail in Wyandotte County, Kansas, featuring 1,500 ft of vertical gain. The route circles Wyandotte County Lake and includes a steep climb by the dam, offering sharp hills, dirt and rock sections, and...
U.S. National Seashores: 10 Sites, First Named 1937
Did you know in addition to national parks and rainforests, the U.S. also has national seashores? There are 10 total and Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the first, designated in 1937 🐚🌊
Cook Strait Crossing: Windy yet Surprisingly Calm Seas
Crossing the Cook Strait from the North to South Island of New Zealand. Very windy but (disappointedly) not that rough seagoing. https://t.co/3UTxM1NrIq
Grandmaster Ultras: Old Is Cool
Grandmaster Ultras is a series of ultra‑marathon events in Arizona created exclusively for runners aged 50 and older. The races range from 50 k to 100 miles and feature generous cut‑off times—up to 48 hours for the 100‑mile distance—so participants can finish without...
I Wore This $40 Prada-Ish Uniqlo Backpack All Over Utah’s National Parks
Uniqlo’s new multi‑pocket backpack, retailing for under $60, delivers a Prada‑inspired look at a budget price. The reviewer used it on a family trip through Utah’s national parks, noting its structured shape, padded straps, and ample compartments for tech, water...
Flash Review: 26/27 Nordica Dobermann Multipista 80 DC
Nordica has launched the Dobermann Multipista 80 DC, a ski that fuses race‑inspired construction with an all‑mountain shape. The model features a narrow 80 mm waist, dual‑camber profile and carbon‑reinforced layers aimed at delivering precision on hardpack while remaining playful off‑piste....
The USDA Just Finalized Faster Environmental Reviews for Public-Land Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a sweeping overhaul of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules, rescinding many existing regulations and imposing strict caps on review timelines and document length. Assessments for projects such as mining or logging are...
The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland
The piece spotlights Ireland’s most photogenic destinations, from the 120‑mile Causeway Coast and 700‑foot Cliffs of Moher to the 111‑mile Ring of Kerry and the limestone wonder of the Burren. It blends iconic landmarks—Giant’s Causeway, Trinity College’s Long Room, Benbulben—with...