Best Lightweight Hiking Boots (2026): La Sportiva, Salomon, Keen, and More
The guide reviews 12 lightweight hiking boots that all weigh under two pounds per pair, positioning them as viable alternatives to traditional, heavier models. La Sportiva’s Prodigio Hike GTX earns the best‑overall title for its Gore‑Tex protection combined with a runner‑like knit upper, while Hoka’s Mafate X is praised for plush cushioning and a carbon‑fiber plate. Adidas delivers the best‑value option at roughly $100, and Oboz’s Katabatic LT stands out for using recycled TPU and bio‑based EVA components. The article also outlines how weight influences fatigue and when to favor boots versus trail shoes.
Ep. 440: Turkey Stories - Bears, Bows, and a Pot Belly Pig
Episode 440 of the Bear Grease Podcast delivers a mix of wild turkey‑hunting tales from Arkansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Texas. A 15‑year‑old hunter recounts a close encounter with a black bear while stalking a turkey, highlighting the unpredictable wildlife overlap....
How the Artemis II Crew Trained to Observe and Photograph the Moon: A NASA Science Team Geologist Explains
Artemis II broke the Apollo 13 record, traveling farther from Earth than any human before and completing a far‑side lunar flyby. The crew operated at roughly 4,067 mi (6,545 km) altitude, capturing full‑disk images and detailed photographs of features like Vavilov Crater. NASA tested...
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This Greek Island Has Gorgeous Hiking Trails, a Butterfly Reserve, and Nearly Year-Round Sunshine
Rhodes, the largest Dodecanese island, is redefining its image from a nightlife hotspot to a multifaceted destination that blends historic Old Town charm, pristine beaches, and adventure sports. Travelers can stay in upscale properties such as the Melenos Art Boutique...
Reserve Announces New 30|XC Wheels with DT Swiss ‘Degree of Freedom’ Hubs
Reserve Wheels unveiled the 30|XC wheelset, a successor to its 28|XC platform, aimed at World Cup cross‑country racing. The wheels feature a 30 mm internal rim width, 28 spokes, and DT Swiss Degree of Freedom hubs that eliminate pedal kickback while keeping...
First Look: The $2,300 USD Giant Stance & Liv Embolden Take Aim At The Value Trail Bike Category
Giant Bicycles and its women‑focused brand Liv have unveiled the Stance and Embolden trail bikes, priced at $2,300 USD and built on a 130 mm FlexPoint single‑pivot suspension platform. Both models feature aluminum frames, 29‑inch wheels, a 65° head angle and a...
What’s the Most Compliant MTB Handlebar? We Tested 27 Bars
Pinkbike tested 27 mountain‑bike handlebars for compliance by measuring deflection under a 24 kg load and revisited earlier vibration‑damping data. The study confirms that 31.8 mm clamp diameters and higher rise angles generally produce the most flexible bars, while material (carbon, aluminum,...
Wyndham Will Pay You $20K to Live It Up Exploring Route 66 with Your Grandma This Summer
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is launching "The (Grand) Mother Road Trip," a summer contest that will pay a grandparent‑grandchild duo $20,000 (including a $5,000 travel stipend) to travel the 2,400‑mile Route 66 corridor. The winners will stay seven nights at various...
Review: Lem’s Trail Blazer Mid Hiking Boots
Lems’ Trail Blazer Mid hiking boots combine a zero‑drop platform with a lightweight, breathable design, weighing just 13.7 oz per shoe. The mid‑height collar offers moderate ankle support while the wide toe box encourages natural toe splay. Though not waterproof and...
‘The Vast Wooded Wilderness Doesn’t Look Like England’: Exploring Northumberland’s Kielder Forest
England’s largest forest, Kielder in Northumberland, spans 250 square miles of hand‑planted Sitka spruce, giving it a wilderness feel comparable to Canada or Finland. The forest, created after World War I to secure timber reserves, employs about 500 full‑time workers and...
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These ‘Picketpocket-Proof’ Quince Crossbody Bags Make Shoppers Feel Safer While Traveling—And Start at $52
Quince has introduced a line of “picketpocket‑proof” crossbody bags priced from $52 to $123, aimed at travelers who want affordable anti‑theft accessories. The collection spans nylon and Italian‑leather styles, each equipped with fold‑over or zip closures, RFID‑blocking pockets, hidden AirTag...
In China’s 'Silicon Valley,' US Landmarks Stand in a Strange World Frozen in Time
Window of the World, a 48‑hectare theme park in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district, lets visitors stroll past miniature replicas of global landmarks—from a 108‑metre Eiffel Tower to a Mount Rushmore – for about $32 per ticket (night entry $15). The park,...
Why The Great Lakes Produce Ocean-Like Waves (And The Best Places To Surf Them)
The Great Lakes, holding about 20% of the world’s freshwater, generate ocean‑like waves of 3‑6 feet in winter thanks to long fetch and strong lake‑bound storms. Lake Superior boasts the region’s biggest recorded wave at 28.8 feet, while Lake Michigan offers the...
Want an Affordable, Trail-Ready MTB? 9 Hardtail Mountain Bikes for Every Budget
Hardtail mountain bikes remain the entry point for most riders, offering a lightweight, affordable alternative to full‑suspension machines. Bicycling’s editors evaluated a range of models—from budget‑friendly options like the Eastern Alpaka to premium carbon frames such as the Specialized Rockhopper...
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This Spanish City Offers 320 Days of Sun, Tapas Bars, and a Magical Vibe—All Without Breaking the Bank
Granada boasts over 320 days of sunshine, a rich Moorish legacy, and an affordable tapas culture that draws budget‑conscious travelers. Iconic sites such as the Alhambra and the historic Albaicín neighborhood provide world‑class cultural experiences without the price tag of...
The World's Longest Human-Made Fishing Pier Is A Gulf Coast Paradise To Fish With Galveston Bay Views
The Texas City Dike, extending more than five miles into Galveston Bay, is the world’s longest human‑made fishing pier. Originally constructed as a breakwater to protect the Texas City Ship Channel from silting, it has evolved into a premier recreational...
Nestled Between Boston And Worcester Is Massachusetts' Lovely State Park For Trails, Fishing, And Paddling
Hopkinton State Park, a 1,500‑acre public space located three miles north of Hopkinton’s downtown, offers year‑round recreation from hiking and snowmobiling to swimming and ice fishing. The park features 10 miles of mixed‑use trails, two sandy beaches, and a historic...
Arizona's 5 Most Scenic Lake Campgrounds In The White Mountains, According To Reviews
Arizona’s White Mountains, a high‑altitude forested region, host five top‑rated lake campgrounds that combine scenic shorelines with outdoor recreation. Fool Hollow, Rainbow, Hawley, Show Low, and Spillway campgrounds consistently earn four‑star reviews for water sports, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Each...
The Gear Upgrades That Make a Century Ride Faster and More Comfortable
The article outlines the top gear upgrades that can make a 100‑mile (century) bike ride faster and more comfortable. It recommends low‑friction chain wax, a top‑tube bag for easy nutrition access, aerodynamic helmets, and the Ekoi PW8 pedal system for...
First Climbers Arrive at Everest, While One Man Cycles There on a Vintage Bike
The 2026 Everest season has seen 73 international permits issued, with the first wave of climbers now reaching Base Camp despite high‑altitude jet‑stream winds delaying Icefall Doctor work. Two American climbers, Ryan Mitchell and guide Justin Sackett, are preparing a...
Squamish’s Stawamus Chief Backside Trail Reopens Following Rock Slide
BC Parks has reopened the Stawamus Chief backside trail after completing rock scaling and reclamation work that began in late February. The trail, the most popular descent for routes like the Buttress, Butt Light, and Angel’s Crest, was closed in...
Jay Peak Eclipses 400 Inches of Snow: Here Are 10 Western Ski Resorts With Less
Jay Peak in Vermont recorded a seasonal total of 400 inches of snow as of April 7, 2026, surpassing its 372‑inch average and outpacing most western ski areas. The resort’s early‑season storms and late‑season snowfall have created a deep base...
Snow Plants And Pussy Paws: A Guide To Spring Wildflowers In Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park’s spring wildflower display stretches from March through August, with blooming times dictated by elevation, rainfall, and lingering snowpack. Lower‑elevation trails showcase poppies, lupines, redbuds and a host of uniquely named blossoms, while high‑elevation meadows near Glacier Point...
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Discover the Top 10 Charming Colorado Towns for Summer
The article lists Colorado’s ten most charming summer destinations, from the music‑filled streets of Telluride to the vineyard‑rich Palisade and the family‑friendly Snowmass Village. Each town is highlighted for its unique outdoor pursuits—river tubing, mountain‑bike trails, hot‑spring retreats, and proximity...
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This 45-Mile Water Trail in Virginia Has Scenic Blue Ridge Mountain Views—And It's Perfect for Kayaking, Fishing, and Paddling
Virginia’s Roanoke River Blueway offers a 45‑mile water trail that weaves through urban parks, the city of Roanoke, and into Smith Mountain Lake. With more than 18 launch points, paddlers can customize trips ranging from short city loops to longer...
Outdoor Afro Made an App That's Building Black Community in the Outdoors
Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit that has cultivated Black outdoor participation for 17 years, launched its own mobile app to link hikers, campers, and nature lovers directly. The app replaces reliance on third‑party platforms by surfacing local, recurring events and allowing...
Grab Amazon’s Most Popular Telescope for Just $96 While Artemis II Orbits the Moon
As Artemis II circles the Moon, Amazon is slashing prices on entry‑level telescopes. The popular Gskyer 70 mm refractor is now $96.99, down from $129.99, offering a solid starter optic with a smartphone adapter. Celestron’s StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, a 130 mm Newtonian...
“One of My Hardest Flashes to Date” – Jorge Díaz-Rullo Flashes 5.14c
Jorge Díaz‑Rullo flashed the iconic La Novena Puerta (5.14c/8c+) in Santa Linya, marking the first ever flash of the route since its 2005 debut. The ascent follows his first‑ascent of Café Colombia (5.15d) completed after 240 projection sessions. Díaz‑Rullo’s flash adds...
Inside Earth’s Most Remote Island, Where Life Runs On A “Constant Balancing Act”
Tristan da Cunha, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, is widely recognized as the world’s most remote inhabited island, sitting roughly 2,700 km from South Africa and 3,700 km from South America. Its isolation has fostered a unique...
Easton Ups the Ante With an Uber-Strong, Uber-Light Gravel Crankset
Easton has launched the EC90 ALX, a 419‑gram gravel crankset that claims to be the market’s most durable, outperforming its nearest rival, SRAM Red XPLR, by 27 percent in strength tests. The crankset endured a peak force of 5,974 N before failure and features...
Tucson: A City for Outdoor Lovers
The Frugal Traveler’s piece highlights Tucson’s unique geography, where the Santa Catalina Mountains rise from desert floor to alpine peaks, allowing visitors to transition from saguaro‑studded deserts to pine forests within an hour. The city’s 350‑plus sunny days support a...
“We Found The Smallest Waves On The Island For This”
Channel Islands Surfboards unveiled a new round‑tailed polyurethane shortboard called The Solution, specifically engineered for weak, small‑wave conditions. The promo video highlighted riders Kian Martin and Reef Heazlewood mastering waist‑high surf in notoriously poor waves, defying expectations for a board...
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This Luxurious New Trekking Lodge Offers a Window Into One of the Most Stunning—And Spiritual—Regions in the Indian Himalayas
Travel + Leisure highlights Shakti Prana, a new luxury trekking lodge perched at 7,300 feet in Kumaon’s Indian Himalayas. Operated by Shakti Himalaya, the lodge replaces the dismantled Leti 360 and is reached via a multi‑day guided trek through remote villages. Guests...
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This National Park Is a ‘Waterless Sea’—And It Has Giant Sand Dunes That Glow Pink and Blue at Sunset
White Sands National Park in New Mexico protects the world’s largest gypsum dune field, covering roughly 275 square miles of sparkling white sand. The park charges a $25 vehicle entry fee and offers activities such as sand‑sledding, scenic drives on...
What Bluebonnets Mean to Coahuiltecan Descendants
The Indigenous Cultures Institute (ICI) in San Marcos is using the bluebonnet’s symbolism to revive Coahuiltecan heritage. It produced the play “Yana Wana and the Legend of the Bluebonnet,” now available for digital streaming with educator guides. A new mural...
Flash Review: 2027 RockShox ZEB
RockShox unveiled its 2027 ZEB fork, a fully reengineered air‑sprung model designed to feel like a coil. The redesign pulls chassis elements from the high‑performance Boxxer, delivering a smoother, more compliant ride. Early impressions highlight a buttery damper and refined...
Quick Strike Podcast: The Early-Season Salmon Bite Most Anglers Miss
Landlocked Atlantic salmon in New England, especially New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, become prime targets in early April when ice melts and shallow waters fill with spawning smelt. Guide Tim Moore advises anglers to abandon deep trolling and instead flat‑line live...
Bavarian Premium Off-Road: Building an Expedition Vehicle From BMW X5 and X7
The article outlines how to transform BMW X5 and X7 crossovers into capable expedition vehicles, emphasizing thorough VIN history checks, air‑suspension lift kits, and drivetrain upgrades. It compares factory geometry across generations, recommending diesel powertrains for better low‑end torque and...
Earth Day Travel Ideas: Sustainable Cruises, Conservation Programs and Eco‑Friendly Experiences
Travelers are increasingly seeking purpose‑driven experiences, and three new offerings illustrate this shift. Ecoventura’s 20‑passenger yachts cruise the Galapagos while planting over 1,200 trees and partnering with local waste‑reduction programs. Casa Palopo in Guatemala blends luxury lodging with the Pintando...
Surly Sorceress Review: Trail Magic?
Surly’s 2026 Sorceress hardtail returns to steel with a 4130 Natch frame, 140 mm fork and aggressive 65° head‑tube angle aimed at trail riders. The bike features a patent‑pending DUH dropout that lets riders switch between a SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain and...
A Skier's Note To the Satellites
Reflect Orbital, a California startup, is seeking FCC approval to launch up to 50,000 solar‑reflecting satellites that would beam daylight to night‑time solar farms. A test satellite with a 60‑foot mirror could appear as bright as a full moon, and...
13 Desert Side Quests to Check Out Beyond Coachella
Coachella and Stagecoach attendees are now being urged to extend their desert experience beyond the music stages by exploring 13 curated side quests in the Indio area. The guide highlights natural attractions, local eateries, outsider art, and independent record shops...
Review: Showers Pass Cloudburst Hoodie
The Showers Pass Cloudburst Hoodie is a three‑layer, 15,000 mm waterproof jacket with an impressive 40,000 gsm breathability rating, targeting cyclists, trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. Weighing just 11.9 oz, it features athletic‑cut sizing, hip‑belt‑compatible torso vents that double as pockets, and a...
What It’s Actually Like To Go Truffle Hunting In Tuscany
Travel writer Faith Katunga experienced a guided truffle hunt at Castelfalfi, a restored medieval estate in the Tuscan countryside. Led by guide Matteo and his two trained dogs, Mosca and Bianca, the group trekked through 1,100 hectares of woods, vineyards...
Cape Fear Slab Explodes as Lucas Chianca, Lucas Fink and Dylan Longbottom Charge ‘Best Day Ever’ at Sydney Psycho Wave...
Surf documentary Tim Bonython captured a spectacular day at Sydney’s notorious slab wave, Cape Solander—dubbed “Cape Fear.” The wave breaks just meters from a rock ledge, sending wipeouts into the crag and producing massive, unpredictable barrels. Brazilian big‑wave surfers Lucas...
Is the World’s Most Outrageous David Bowie Experience Found in This Tiny Town in Outback Australia?
Carinda, a remote New South Wales town of 165 residents, hosts the two‑day Let’s Dance Carinda festival each October, celebrating David Bowie’s 1983 visit and the iconic music video filmed at the local hotel. The event draws about 500 fans...
Las Vegas' Ski Area To Expand With New Chairlift and Trails Next Season
Lee Canyon ski area near Las Vegas will open a new four‑person chairlift called “Chair 8” next winter. The lift spans 2,200 ft, rises 650 ft and can move up to 1,800 skiers per hour, feeding five new mixed‑difficulty trails in the West...
10 Family-Friendly Ferry Rides Worth Planning a Summer Trip Around
Motherly highlights ten family‑friendly ferry routes across the United States, ranging from short 15‑minute hops to multi‑hour historic crossings. The guide details costs, travel times, and seasonal tips for each route, emphasizing the spacious, screen‑free experience that appeals to parents...
Annapurna Climbers Are Ready for the Summit, But the Weather Is Not
Expedition teams on Annapurna have finished their second acclimatization round, spending a night at 6,420 m Camp 3, and are technically ready for a summit push. However, a major storm forecast for the coming days has forced climbers and most Sherpas to...
Stab High X Monster Energy Is Coming To Virginia Beach, USA
Stab High, the surf‑board competition backed by Monster Energy, will stage its ninth edition in Virginia Beach on May 15‑16, 2026. The event takes place at Atlantic Park Surf, featuring a 46‑module WaveGarden Cove that mimics ocean conditions. Stab Premium...