Explore Fraser Valley Bouldering with Squatch On The Rocks
The Fraser Valley Climbing Society is debuting its Squatch On The Rocks event on June 13, offering a free bouldering social that showcases the under‑appreciated Stacks area. Participants of all skill levels can try the diverse granite, greenstone and granodiorite formations, with crashpads provided and a small flash competition. The day includes a guided tour of routes favored by late‑pro Marc‑Andre Leclerc, followed by a brewery gathering and a paid film screening that funds the society’s climbing advocacy. The event positions Fraser Valley as a quieter alternative to nearby Squamish for summer climbing trips.
Universal Design Is Quietly Becoming the Future of Outdoor Gear
Outdoor gear is shifting from user‑centric adaptation to products that adapt to users, a trend known as universal design. The North Face unveiled its Spring‑2026 Universal Collection, featuring magnetic closures, adaptive carry systems, and low‑threshold tents, with an accessibility‑focused launch...
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I Used to Always Check a Bag, but Rising Airline Fees Made Me Switch to Carry-On Only—Here’s How I Pack...
Airlines across the United States lifted checked‑bag fees by roughly $10 in April, pushing the average cost to about $50 per bag. Faced with higher expenses, travel writer Rosie Marder switched to a carry‑on‑only approach, redesigning her packing routine around...
Kelly Slater Wave Pool Quietly Debuts ‘Split Wave’ Setting in Mesmerizing Drone Clip (Video)
Kelly Slater Wave Co. unveiled a new "split wave" setting at its Surf Abu Dhabi pool, using hydrofoil technology to divide a single wave into two identical barrel paths. The innovation lets two surfers ride simultaneously, offering private groups a...
Puerto Escondido Swell Looks ‘Straight-Up Historic’ in New Clip (Video)
Puerto Escondido is experiencing its biggest early‑season swell in a decade, prompting local surfer Quetzal Estrada to complete a week‑long “5 A.M. Challenge” and capture historic barrels on video. The wave conditions, described as “straight‑up historic,” feature massive A‑frame walls that have...
Matt's Mega Mullet, The New Epic, and World Cup Kickoff
On April 30, 2026 Pinkbike released a new episode of its weekly podcast titled “Matt's Mega Mullet, The New Epic, and World Cup Kickoff.” The show features the editorial team and guests discussing the latest mountain‑bike headlines, including a performance...
Melamed & ALN Host the 2026 OneUp Squamish Enduro Pre-Race Show
The 2026 OneUp Squamish Enduro launches with a pre‑race show hosted by former Enduro World Cup champions Jesse Melamed and Andréane Lanthier Nadeau. The program delivers insider course analysis, rider spotlights, and announces the event’s relocation to Capilano University Squamish....
Spotted: The New Scott Spark Does Not Have 32" Wheels - 2026 South Korea XC World Cup
Professional riders at the opening round of the 2026 XCO World Cup in Mona Yongpyong were seen testing a new version of Scott’s Spark cross‑country bike. Unlike the current model, the prototype uses 29‑inch wheels and features an integrated linkage...
Video: Hannah Bergemann Puts a Freeride Twist on Queenstown in 'Inversion'
Hannah Bergemann’s new short film *Inversion* captures her freeride prowess on Queenstown’s iconic jump trails and the steep, untamed descents that surround the valley. Produced by Sidehit Films and promoted by Transition Bikes, the video blends massive air‑time with technical...
Review: Leki Skyterra Carbon Lite Trekking Poles
The Leki Skyterra FX Carbon Lite Trekking Poles weigh just 6.9 oz (196 g) each and combine an aluminum upper segment with carbon‑fiber lower shafts for strength‑to‑weight efficiency. They feature self‑adjusting lever locks, extended EVA foam grips, replaceable Flex Tips and both...
The Whale Promises an Immersive Arctic Experience Overlooking the Norwegian Sea
The Whale, a purpose‑built whale‑watching attraction, will open in June 2027 in Andenes, Norway, on the island of Andøya. Designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup, the structure features a curved concrete roof supported on three points and clad with locally sourced...
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My Aunt Has Been Solo Traveling the World for 45+ Years—These Are 13 Safety Devices She Swears By, From $9
Travel‑writer Stephanie Gray profiles her 65‑year‑old aunt, a 45‑year solo‑travel veteran, who relies on 13 Amazon‑sourced safety devices ranging from $9 accessories to $30 anti‑theft gear. The list includes TSA‑approved cable locks, an Anker power bank, a Vadoo sling bag,...
Michigan's Beachy State Park On Lake Superior Has Scenic Camping, Fishing, And Swimming Spots
Brimley State Park, a 100‑acre waterfront retreat on Lake Superior’s eastern Upper Peninsula, offers 237 powered campsites, a 2,000‑foot sandy beach, and an observation deck that frames the Soo Locks and distant Canadian horizon. The park’s modern amenities include showers,...
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I’ve Lived in California for 10 Years—And This Is the Best Secret Beach Town in the State
Long Beach, a five‑mile beachfront city midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, is emerging as Southern California’s best‑kept travel secret. The city blends a vibrant multicultural scene—including the nation’s largest Cambodian enclave—with upscale hospitality such as the newly renovated Fairmont Breakers and...
What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — May 2, 2026
The UltraRunning Magazine calendar lists 56 North American ultramarathons for the first weekend of May, spotlighting events in California, Ohio, Arizona, New York, and British Columbia. Featured races include the Miwok 100K in Stinson Beach, CA, with 11,500 feet of elevation gain and a...
Fatal Shark Attack Site Named One of World's Best Beaches
The 2026 World’s Best Beaches list crowned Entalula Beach in the Philippines as #1 and placed Wharton Beach in Western Australia at #3. Wharton Beach, known for its turquoise waters, was the site of a fatal shark attack in March...
Sandwiched Between Atlanta And Charlotte Is Georgia's Underrated State Park For Lake Fun And Top-Tier Golf
Richard B. Russell State Park, a 2,500‑acre peninsula on the Georgia‑South Carolina border, offers lakeside recreation on the 26,000‑acre Russell Lake and a top‑rated public golf course, Arrowhead Pointe. Visitors can stay in cottages or campsites, kayak, hike six miles...
Swaggy 15-Sec Push-Button Tent Airs Out with Big Panoramic Views
South African maker AlphaGo has launched the Cube Solo, a compact semicylinder inflatable tent that sets up in about 15 seconds using a built‑in high‑pressure pump. The solo‑sleeper offers an 87 × 35 in floor area, large panoramic mesh windows, and a blackout‑lined...
New Tauck Journeys Explore Yellowstone and Canyon Country
Tauck opened bookings for its 2027 North America portfolio, adding two new small‑group national‑park itineraries: Yellowstone Awakens (a 6‑day spring/fall tour) and Bryce & Zion (a 7‑day southern Utah adventure). The Yellowstone trip limits groups to about 24 guests, includes...
The Baby Head and No-Tex: A History of Two of Climbing’s Weirdest Holds
The article traces the origins of two of climbing’s most unconventional holds – the “baby head” and the “no‑tex”. The baby head, a grotesque sloper first shaped by Jason Kehl for So iLL in the late‑1990s, has evolved into larger...
RMU Skis Just Dropped a Mountain Bike—And It’s Not What You Expect
Rocky Mountain Underground (RMU) has unveiled the Nighttrain, its first purpose‑built enduro mountain bike, developed with legendary suspension engineer Dave Weagle. The bike features a high‑pivot Orion linkage, 170 mm of rear travel, dual 29‑inch wheels and an aluminum frame. RMU...
8 Items Thru-Hikers Are Ditching Mid-Trek
Thru‑hikers increasingly shed unnecessary gear once the trail reveals real weight costs. Early‑season cold‑weather layers, bulky stoves, oversized knives, hydration bladders, books, umbrellas and even decades‑old emergency blankets are commonly mailed home after a few hundred miles. The article cites...
$4,250 California Ski Pass Has One Feature You Won't Find on Epic or Ikon
The Ski California Gold Pass, priced at $4,250, grants unrestricted access to 36 California alpine and cross‑country resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl, and Mammoth. Unlike the Epic and Ikon passes, it carries no blackout dates and is fully...
Flash Review: 26/27 Atomic Redster Q9.8 Revoshock S & Redster Q7.8 Revoshock C
Atomic’s 2026/27 Redster line introduces the Q9.8 Revoshock S and Q7.8 Revoshock C piste skis. After an initial test in January, Blister reviewers Jonathan and Luke have spent additional days on both models, comparing them to other Redster offerings. Their...
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24 Must-Visit Destinations in Utah, From Striking Salt Flats to Turquoise Lakes and Scenic National Parks
Utah’s diverse landscape—from iconic red‑rock arches and turquoise lakes to expansive salt flats and world‑class ski slopes—offers 24 standout destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The state boasts five national parks, numerous Dark Sky‑certified sites, and towns like Park City and Moab...
The Only Time Snowboarders Are Allowed at Alta Has Begun
Alta Ski Area announced that, starting April 29, 2026, uphill travel is permitted for backcountry users, including splitboarders and snowboarders, after the resort’s seasonal closure. The move makes Alta one of the few U.S. ski areas to temporarily allow snowboarding...
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The 6 Best Heated Socks of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Travel + Leisure tested 30 heated‑sock models and identified six stand‑outs for 2026. The Gerbing 7V Ultimate Wool pair delivers up to seven hours of heat, three temperature settings, and a lightweight 2,200 mAh battery. Savior Heat adds Bluetooth app control and eight‑hour runtime, while...
The 11 Best Women's Hiking Sandals for Wet and Dry Adventures
Field Mag tested 11 women’s hiking sandals across 800 miles of Utah terrain, evaluating breathability, traction, stability and fit. The roundup highlights Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro with Vibram Megagrip, Teva Hurricane XLT3, Chaco Z/1, ECCO Offroad Roam, KEEN Hyperport H2 and Hoka Hopara 2...
A Legends Trail Story
Frank Henning’s race report chronicles his third‑place effort in the 350‑kilometre Legends Trail 350, a grueling winter ultramarathon across Belgium’s Ardennes. Having already finished the Great Escape 200K and Bello Gallico 200K, Henning is now three‑quarters of the way through the Legends Trail Grand...
How the Remote & Harsh Landscape of Cornwall Influences Finisterre's Approach to Gear
Finisterre, the cold‑water surf brand founded in St. Agnes, Cornwall, builds its product line around the region’s harsh, rain‑soaked coastline. The company relies on sustainable materials such as plant‑based Yulex rubber and traceable wool, preserving its Certified B‑Corp status. Its on‑site...
Gossamer Gear Takes on Leki and Black Diamond with Its Lightest Folding Trekking Poles Yet
Gossamer Gear has launched the FT3 Folding Trekking Poles, its first fully collapsible Z‑style model, weighing just 6.2 oz (176 g) and folding to 15 inches. The carbon‑fiber poles feature carbide tips, EVA grips and a single flip‑lock that adjusts length from 115 cm...
Nordest Kutxo 2 Announced
Nordest Cycles unveiled the 2026 update of its rugged drop‑bar 29er, the Kutxo 2, featuring subtle geometry tweaks, new paint finishes, and the choice of a steel or carbon fork. The bike retains its 435 mm chainstays, 29×2.4″ tire clearance, and adds...
Tours of Lehman Caves In Great Basin National Park Will Resume May 22
Public tours of Great Basin National Park’s Lehman Caves will restart on May 22, offering visitors access to the Gothic Palace and Rose Trellis rooms via a 30‑minute lantern‑guided experience. Up to 13 tours per day will run, with a blend...
5 KOA Campgrounds on Route 66 That You Can Book for Your Road Trip
Travel writers highlight five KOA campgrounds that sit directly on historic Route 66, spanning from St. Louis, Missouri to Needles, California. Each site offers a mix of RV hookups, cabins, and tent spaces, plus amenities such as pools, dog parks, saunas...
Situated Between Birmingham And Columbus Is An Alabama Lake City With A Charming Downtown And Scenic Camping
Alexander City, Alabama, sits less than two hours from Birmingham and Columbus and serves as a gateway to Lake Martin, a 41,000‑acre artificial reservoir. The lake’s 800‑plus miles of wooded shoreline support fishing, boating, and a range of camping options,...
The Midwest Boasts 3 Of The Top-Ranked Public Golf Courses In The US For 2026
USA Today’s 2026 Best Public Golf Courses list places three Midwest venues among the nation’s top ten: Bully Pulpit Golf Course in North Dakota, Payne’s Valley in Missouri, and the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort in Indiana. The rankings...
Between Seattle And Portland Is Washington's Lesser-Known Lake State Park With Idyllic Fishing And Camping
Ike Kinswa State Park, a 454‑acre Washington state park near Mayfield Lake, sits midway between Seattle and Portland. Managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission since 1962, the park offers easy access to the lake’s 2,021‑acre waters for fishing,...
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This Cruise Ship Is the Perfect Choice for a Solo Vacation—With Plenty of Entertainment and a Relaxing Vibe
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Getaway is being used for a two‑week solo repositioning cruise from New York to Southampton, with stops in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The ship, launched in 2014 and recently refreshed, offers dedicated solo cabins, a Studio...
Maine's Remote Car-Free Island Is A Top Birding Haven With Dockside Bites
Monhegan Island, a car‑free community of fewer than 100 residents, sits 10 miles off Maine’s coast and offers 12 miles of rugged trails that double as premier bird‑watching corridors. Visitors reach the island via a year‑round ferry from Port Clyde, a ride...
Japanese Glamping OG Blows up the Rooftop Tent Camping Space
Snow Peak, a Japanese glamping pioneer founded in 1958, unveiled the Field Rise rooftop tent, featuring a fully inflatable frame, dual side doors, and an inner‑tent “mudroom.” The compact two‑person design fits on vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser while...
To See the Real Bangkok, Head to Lumphini Park at 06.00
At 6 a.m., Lumphini Park becomes a microcosm of Bangkok’s bustling life, where tai chi practitioners, elderly gym‑goers, and tech‑savvy runners share shaded pathways. Street vendors set up stalls, offering traditional dishes that feed commuters heading to the BTS and office...
Not Yosemite, Not Great Smoky Mountains: This Popular National Park Has The Most Campsites
Yellowstone National Park boasts the most campsites of any U.S. park, with over 2,000 sites spread across 11 campgrounds. Roughly half are run by the National Park Service and offer rustic amenities at $20 per night, while five privately managed...
These National Parks Have The Best Fishing, According To Anglers
Anglers are turning to America’s national parks for world‑class fishing, with the National Park Service overseeing 270 parks and more than 150,000 miles of rivers and streams. A survey of fishing magazines, forums and experts identified ten parks—Yellowstone, Acadia, Everglades, Glacier,...
Pennsylvania Resort Sets Historic Mark With Skiing in May for First Time Ever
Pennsylvania’s Camelback Resort will open its slopes on May 1, marking the first time the ski area has offered skiing in May. The resort, which traditionally closes by early April, broke its previous latest opening record of April 9 set in 1963....
How Cyclists Can Find Free Speed Without Buying a New Bike
Trevor Raab outlines a menu of cost‑effective upgrades that let cyclists boost speed without purchasing a new bike. The guide groups the upgrades into aerodynamics, rolling resistance, drivetrain friction and, for climbers, weight, highlighting the biggest gains from a proper...
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This Texas Ghost Town Is the Perfect Place to Stargaze and Explore One of the Country’s Most Underrated National Parks
Terlingua, a former mercury‑mining ghost town of about 170 residents, has reinvented itself as the gateway to Big Bend National and Ranch State Parks. Its designation within the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve makes it a premier stargazing...
The 10 Best Water-Repellant Trail Sneakers for Men
The article lists the ten best water‑repellent trail sneakers for men, blending performance and style. It notes the shift from purely functional outdoor gear to fashionable "gorpcore" footwear, citing brands like Salomon, On, and The North Face. Each model is...
Tight Curves and Wide Horizons: The Return of Highway 1
After a three‑year shutdown caused by a series of landslides that began in 2023, California’s iconic Highway 1 reopened on Feb. 14 2026, restoring the full 655‑mile coastal route. The closure had severed a 110‑mile segment north of the Big Creek Bridge, forcing drivers...
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Africa in 2026
Quartz highlights the 10 best African destinations for 2026, drawn from U.S. News & World Report rankings that weigh culture, affordability and experience variety. The list spans iconic natural wonders like Victoria Falls and the Serengeti, cultural hubs such as...
You Didn’t Miss Wildflower Season—You Just Need to Head for Higher Ground
The West’s wildflower season is migrating uphill as temperatures rise and snow melts at higher elevations, creating a second wave of alpine blooms that outlast lower‑elevation displays. Locations such as Utah’s Albion Basin, California’s Tuolumne Meadows, and Colorado’s Crested Butte...