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.
You Only Miss Me When I’m Gone
World Surf League announced Jeffreys Bay will be omitted from the 2026 Championship Tour due to insufficient financial support. The South African right‑hand break is being replaced by Raglan, New Zealand, as the league’s new venue. The decision impacts local surf tourism, athletes seeking a home‑grown CT spot, and signals a shift toward financially driven venue selection. Industry observers note the move could reshape the competitive landscape and funding models for future events.
Hossegor Erupts as La Gravière Delivers ‘Best Day in Years’ (Video)
Hossegor’s iconic La Gravière beach break has revived after several quiet years, delivering heavy, clean barrels that surfers are calling the best day in years. Strong Atlantic swells, offshore winds and restored sandbanks created deep tubes and hollow right‑hand waves. Surfline...
From Gambling Spiral to Waikiki Savior: How Buddy Wiggins Is Giving Away First Waves
Buddy Wiggins, a 32‑year‑old Honolulu pool cleaner, hit rock bottom after a years‑long sports‑betting addiction. He launched the First Wave Project, offering free surf lessons to strangers on Waikiki Beach. The initiative has introduced roughly 100 novice surfers to the...
Fresh 3‑Foot Snow Delivers Epic Wasatch Backcountry Tracks
Just an absolutely outrageous morning in the Wasatch backcountry today. 3 feet of brand new snow and we got to make fresh tracks 😍 (Video from my friend Todd, I’m in the orange)
“One of the Biggest Fights I Ever Had” – Alex Megos Onsights 5.14c in France
Alex Megos announced an impressive onsight of Nadesjda, a 5.14c (8C+) route at Le Joncas in France, describing it as one of the toughest fights of his career. The ascent follows a storied history of groundbreaking first‑offs and flashes, including...
How to Customize a Motorcycle Helmet (And What’s Actually Possible)
Motorcycle riders seeking personal style can customize helmets through a spectrum of options, from DIY vinyl wraps to factory-built made‑to‑order models. Simple cosmetic mods like wraps, decals, or swapping visors preserve the helmet’s safety certification, while professional airbrush painting or...
Weekend Warm-Up: The Place Where I Am
The documentary *The Place Where I Am* follows Japanese trad climber Masa Sakano as he builds a life in the Scottish Highlands, swapping Japanese sport‑climbing gyms for Scotland’s rugged winter routes. Since moving in 2000, Masa blends his 1990s Japanese...
Battery-Powered Air Conditioners for Campervans: The Off-Grid Guide
Battery-powered air conditioners for campervans have matured, with DC rooftop models eliminating inverter losses and using variable‑speed compressors for higher efficiency. The guide compares a spectrum of units—from low‑draw 12 V options like the Indel B Plein‑Aircon to high‑capacity 48 V heat‑pump models such...
Here Are Some Familiar Faces Returning to Everest
The 2026 Everest season sees several high‑profile climbers back on the mountain. Tyler Andrews has shifted to the Nepalese south side to chase a no‑oxygen Fastest Known Time, while Ecuadorian Karl Egloff also targets the record. Legendary guide Kami Rita...
Flash Review: 26/27 Armada AntiMatter 100
Armada has launched the AntiMatter 100, an all‑mountain ski that quickly replaced a managing editor’s previous favorite. The review highlights its lightweight carbon‑reinforced core, versatile sidecut, and enhanced stability at high speeds. Early impressions suggest the model sets a new benchmark...
Frigid and Firing: Was the East Coast the Best Place to Surf This Winter?
The East Coast experienced an unprecedented winter surf season in 2026, with water temperatures plunging to 31°F and storms delivering double‑overhead swells. A combination of La Niña, a negative Arctic Oscillation, and a deep trough forced the polar vortex south, creating...
$25K Electric Surfboard Whips Into Big San Francisco Walls At 35 Mph (Video)
LIND Surfboards unveiled its $25,000 Canvas electric surfboard on San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, where surfer Dave Langer rode waves at speeds up to 35 mph. The board, powered by a jet motor and controlled via a handheld throttle, delivered smooth turns and...
How to Catch the Biggest Bass of Your Life This Spring
Spring’s warming waters trigger largemouth bass to move from deep winter haunts to shallow ledges, where egg‑filled females feed voraciously on baitfish. This pre‑spawn feeding frenzy creates a narrow window—typically when temperatures reach the mid‑50s—for anglers to target trophy‑size fish....
The One Spring Tackle Sale Anglers Won’t Want To Miss
Bass Pro Shops has launched its Spring Classic Sale, offering up to 50% off a wide range of fishing gear. The promotion runs through March 25 and features deep discounts on lures, rods, reels, electronics, and paddling equipment. Highlighted deals...
Kayak Angler Scores Massive Smallmouth On “Lake Of Giants” (Video)
Kayak angler Josh Howard recorded two record‑size smallmouth bass on the mysterious “Lake of Giants,” catching a 17‑inch fish early and a 20‑inch, 4.10‑pound specimen later in the day. Water temperatures rose from 35 °F to 46 °F, prompting a shift from...
Technology and Innovation in Overlanding
On Overland Journal Podcast episode 282, hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady discuss how new portable power technologies are reshaping overlanding. They highlight hot‑swappable battery fridges from brands like EcoFlow and Bluetti, and all‑in‑one lithium power packs that reduce dual‑battery complexity....
One Day in Steveston (Perfectly Planned, By a Vancouver Local)
Steveston, a historic fishing village just under an hour from downtown Vancouver, offers a full‑day itinerary blending maritime heritage, culinary treats, and outdoor activities. Visitors can start with coffee at Garry Point Park, explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery museum,...
How Indigenous Peoples Are Shaping Chile’s Next Phase of Adventure Tourism
Chile’s adventure tourism is increasingly foregrounding its eleven Indigenous cultures, turning them from scenic backdrop to core narrative. Operators now offer etnoturismo experiences such as Aymara quinoa planting, Mapuche forest stewardship, and Rapa Nui cosmology workshops. While these programs generate new...
Epic Kyrgyzstan Bike Adventure: Summer Memories Unleashed
1969 or 2025? Looking back on some of the best times from last summer. 30 days of exploring by bike while racing through the mountains and valleys of Kyrgyzstan.. I sure could’ve used a haircut before starting that trip. 📸: @joelbarger_...
Alpinestars Expands ALL TERRA ADV Line With New Gear For 2026
Alpinestars is launching a refreshed ALL TERRA adventure collection for Spring 2026, adding 15 new styles and 42 colourways. The lineup incorporates high‑tech fabrics such as SuperFabric, Drystar XF laminated shells and 3‑layer GORE‑TEX, covering jackets, pants, boots, gloves and backpacks. Central to...
See Death Valley Covered in an Ethereal Blanket of Wildflowers
The U.S. National Park Service reports Death Valley's 2026 wildflower bloom is the most extensive since 2016, creating a spectacular carpet of golden and violet flowers. The phenomenon, known as a superbloom, occurs roughly every decade when winter rains are...
The Making of the Ron’s Bikes Alumax II
Ronnie Romance, known as Bené, released a new YouTube video dissecting the evolution of Ron’s Bikes Alumax II. The episode walks viewers through the frame’s aluminum redesign, weight savings, and updated geometry aimed at aggressive trail riding. It also reveals the...
Ruta De Las Flores – A Cultural Road Trip in the Coffee Region
The Ruta de las Flores is a 35 km scenic corridor in El Salvador’s highland coffee region, linking five colorful colonial towns—Ataco, Apaneca, Juayua, Salcoatitán, and Nahuizalco. Travelers can base themselves in Juayua, the route’s geographic midpoint, and explore by car, motorbike,...
El Tunco Guide | El Salvador’s Coastal Paradise & Surfer Town
El Tunco, a coastal surf town on El Salvador’s Pacific shoreline, is gaining a reputation for its dramatic rock formations, world‑class waves and legendary sunsets. Visitors can reach the town easily via frequent $2 buses from San Salvador or by driving the...
I Took a Solo Railway Trip Across the Largest Landlocked Country in the World
Writer Kate Bettes embarks on a 26‑hour, 2,485‑km train journey from Almaty to Oskemen, traversing Kazakhstan’s vast steppe on a Soviet‑era platzkart carriage. The trip showcases the country’s 16,000‑km rail network, communal travel culture, and lingering Russian influence. Along the...
Whitewater Kayak Review: Pyranha ReactR
In May 2024 Pyranha released the ReactR, a medium‑size whitewater kayak that combines a quarter‑slice stern with a high‑volume hull. The boat features the new Elite outfitting—extra foam padding, adjustable thigh grips, and a pulley‑based strap system—for enhanced comfort and...
Extreme Climber Alex Honnold Says ‘Backyard Travel’ Is for Everyone
Alex Honnold’s new series *Get a Little Out There* takes viewers on a ground‑level tour of Nevada’s public lands, from Great Basin stargazing to turquoise mining and UFO museums. The show underscores that adventure doesn’t require distant peaks, emphasizing free,...
The Backcountry Skis Worth Your Turns
The article is a comprehensive guide to backcountry touring skis for the 2025‑2026 season, breaking down categories by waist width and explaining how length affects performance. It reviews ten standout models—from the lightweight Armada Locator 104 to the powder‑focused 4FRNT Renegade—detailing...
Inside Niihau, Hawaii’s ‘Forbidden Island’ That Tourists Can Finally Visit
Niihau, Hawaii’s privately owned "Forbidden Island," has been closed to outsiders for over a century but now permits limited, helicopter‑only day tours. The Robinson family, who own the island and much of Kauai, strictly control visitor access, allowing only three‑hour...
60-Foot Nazaré Monster ‘Absolutely Obliterates’ Alberto Truncer Before Rockside Rescue (Video)
Spanish surfer Alberto Truncer was towed into a 60‑foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal, and suffered a dramatic wipeout that left him underwater and near the dangerous rocks. He surfaced and was rescued by jet‑ski operator Dino Carmo while his brother...
Pedernales Falls Is a Force of Nature
Pedernales Falls State Park, a 5,212‑acre preserve opened in 1971, has been a family recreation hub for the author since moving to Dripping Springs. The park sits amid the rapidly expanding Texas Hill Country, where only 5% of land is...
What Is Active Insulation? Revisiting the Forgotten & Much Improved Jacket Category
Patagonia’s Nano‑Air Ultralight Freeride Midlayer showcases the matured concept of active insulation, a decade‑old approach that blends stretchable, breathable fabrics with stable, migration‑resistant fill. The design relies on a stretchy shell and liner that let controlled air flow while retaining...
Jetboil TrailCook Review: A Mini Stove for Big Upgrades in the Backcountry Kitchen
Jetboil’s new TrailCook stove adds precision fuel control and a stable, fold‑into‑pot design, delivering a two‑minute boil while handling fresh ingredients. Tested on a canoe trip in Maine and at a backyard campsite, the 1.2‑liter model proved stable on uneven...
Why Kayak Fishing Is Good For Your Brain
Kayak fishing merges paddling, angling, and hands‑on customization, turning each outing into a continuous learning experience. Enthusiasts routinely modify their vessels with accessories like anchor pulleys, rod holders, and electronics, fostering a DIY mindset. The sport’s demand for new techniques—such...
Penang Travel Guide: Exploring The Island Beyond George Town
The updated Penang travel guide spotlights attractions beyond George Town, including Penang Hill’s funicular, the upcoming cable‑car project, and multiple hiking trails such as Moon Gate. It details practical transport tips, costs for tickets, and highlights cultural sites like Kek...
Zero FX: Is The E-Dual Sport Experience Enough To Gain Converts?
Zero Motorcycles’ FX electric dual‑sport, now in its latest iteration, pairs a 46 hp Z‑Force 75‑5 motor with a 7.2 kWh battery that Zero claims delivers up to 102 mi city range and 65 mi at 55 mph. The sub‑300 lb bike offers instant torque, Bosch...
Optics Planet Deals: Save on Trail Cameras From Tactacam, Bushnell, Stealth Cam, and Cuddeback
Optics Planet is running a limited‑time promotion on a wide selection of trail cameras, featuring discounts up to 78% across top brands such as Tactacam, Bushnell, Stealth Cam, Wildgame Innovations and Cuddeback. The Tactacam Ultra, Outdoor Life’s 2025 editor’s choice,...
The 2026 Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles Are Coming to Oceanside
The 2026 Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles will take place on Friday, March 13, at Oceanside Harbor’s South Jetty, offering free public access and serving as a crucial qualifier for the August 2026 World Titles in Saquarema, Brazil. The event returns...
No 40ft Swell Means The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Will Not Run This Season
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has been officially cancelled for the 2025/26 season after the required 40‑foot swells never materialized at Waimea Bay during the December‑March window. The event, which celebrates the legacy of legendary Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer...
‘Our Jaws Just Dropped.’ Jumbo Perch Caught Through the Ice Should Break a 44-Year-Old State Record
Veteran ice fisherman Alan Hintz landed a 2.99‑pound yellow perch on Devil’s Lake in North Dakota, a catch that appears set to break a 44‑year‑old state record. The fish was measured at 16.5 inches and, after rounding, qualifies as a...
Destroying Big Sur’s Calla Lilies Is Not Hiking
POV: cutting down all of the Calla Lilies in Big Sur is vandalism, and not how to hike like a respectable human being.
Jackson Bunch Hurls What Might Be Surfing’s Biggest Backflip Yet (Video)
Jackson Bunch, a rookie on the World Surf League Championship Tour, attempted what many observers call the biggest backflip ever captured on a surfboard at Rocky Point on Oahu’s North Shore. The feat was filmed by the Cola Bros and...
Mystery Shark ‘Found’ 12 Miles Inland Baffles Sydney Locals
A shark was reported on a brick road in Kellyville, a suburb about 12 miles inland from Sydney’s coast, baffling police and residents. The sighting comes amid a recent surge of shark attacks in Sydney, linked to heavy rains that drive...
Gigantic Rock Slide Slams La Gomera Beach as Campers Watch in Shock (Video)
A massive rock slide struck La Gomera’s coastal road in 2020, sending a boulder into the ocean while campers watched from parked vehicles. The footage resurfaced this week, highlighting that no injuries occurred despite the proximity of the slide. The...
Why Hello There, Mr Kudu
The author set out to hunt a wild boar, positioning a tree blind near a watering hole, but instead encountered a half‑horned kudu. The unexpected sight sparked a vivid personal reaction, described as changing his brain chemistry. The post blends...
Cameron Highlands: Trails, Tea Fields & My Honest Tips
The Cameron Highlands, a 1,100‑1,600 m altitude region in Malaysia, offers a cool climate and sprawling tea plantations that dominate the local economy. BOH Tea, founded in 1929, now produces roughly 80 % of the country’s black tea and has become a...
Protected Areas as Strategic Assets for the Adventure Travel Industry
Protected areas are the backbone of adventure travel, supplying the pristine ecosystems and cultural landscapes that premium travelers seek. The ATTA highlights how well‑managed parks generate conservation funding, community benefits, and a social license essential for long‑term business viability. Conversely,...
Introducing BRP Experiences: A New Gateway to Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures
BRP Inc. has unveiled BRR Experiences, a refreshed online marketplace that aggregates curated powersports adventures across snowmobile, watercraft, and off‑road categories. The platform builds on the Uncharted Society legacy, now offering access to more than 225 destinations in 14 countries...
Everest 2026: Icefall Doctors Launched
The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee’s Icefall Doctors have departed Namche Bazaar for Everest Base Camp, commencing refresher training and drone scouting ahead of the 2026 Khumbu Icefall route setup. Over the next three months they will install ladders, ice screws,...
Best Inflatable Paddleboards For 2026
Paddling Magazine’s 2026 roundup evaluates the fastest‑growing segment of stand‑up paddleboards, naming top inflatable models for all‑around use, budget, touring, whitewater, fishing and SUP‑kayak hybrids. The guide highlights how advances in drop‑stitch construction, Integrated Shaping Technology and higher PSI ratings...