Outdoors News and Headlines

Jordy Smith and Nate Florence Did a Mentawai Strike Mission
NewsMay 4, 2026

Jordy Smith and Nate Florence Did a Mentawai Strike Mission

Red Bull’s surf squad sent two of its top athletes, Jord Smith and Nate Florence, on a short‑term surf expedition to Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands. The duo filmed a high‑octane YouTube collaboration that showcases barrels, aerial maneuvers and the raw power of the...

By The Inertia
The 8 Best Swim Goggles of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
NewsMay 4, 2026

The 8 Best Swim Goggles of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure tested a wide range of swim goggles in pools, lakes, ponds and water parks to identify the best options for travel, training and open‑water use. The roundup highlights models that deliver a secure, pressure‑free seal, anti‑fog treatment,...

By Travel + Leisure
This Scottish National Park Has a Royal-Favorite Castle, Famous Distilleries, and a 90-Mile Scenic Drive
NewsMay 4, 2026

This Scottish National Park Has a Royal-Favorite Castle, Famous Distilleries, and a 90-Mile Scenic Drive

Cairngorms National Park, the United Kingdom’s largest protected area, blends rugged Highland scenery with cultural landmarks such as Balmoral Castle and renowned whisky distilleries. Visitors can experience a free‑roaming reindeer herd, wild‑water swimming, winter skiing, and a 90‑mile SnowRoads scenic...

By Travel + Leisure
20 Stunning Portugal Destinations Every Traveler Must See
NewsMay 4, 2026

20 Stunning Portugal Destinations Every Traveler Must See

The article showcases 20 must‑see Portuguese destinations, ranging from the rugged Peneda‑Gerês National Park and the volcanic Lagoa das Sete Cidades in the Azores to iconic coastal gems like Praia do Ursa and the sea‑cave Algar de Benagil. It highlights...

By Travel + Leisure
The 6 Best Drones, Tested by Popular Mechanics
NewsMay 4, 2026

The 6 Best Drones, Tested by Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics evaluated six drones ranging from entry‑level to professional, highlighting DJI’s Mini 4 and Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo as top performers for consumer and creator markets, respectively. The Mini 4 delivers a 4K/60 fps camera, 31‑minute flight time and 3.7‑mile range, while the...

By Popular Mechanics
Flash Review: 26/27 Kästle Sublime 93
NewsMay 4, 2026

Flash Review: 26/27 Kästle Sublime 93

Kästle introduced the Sublime 93 as part of its new Sublime all‑mountain line, targeting skiers who want a blend of lightweight feel and aggressive performance. The review highlights a carbon‑reinforced core, a 93 mm waist, and a progressive sidecut that delivers...

By Blister Review
Arapahoe Basin Extends Season With 15" Of Snow In the Forecast
NewsMay 4, 2026

Arapahoe Basin Extends Season With 15" Of Snow In the Forecast

Arapahoe Basin, originally slated to close on May 3 after a dry winter, received a late‑season storm that dumped 14 inches of snow in Summit County. The resort announced an extra weekend of skiing from May 8‑10, keeping lift tickets at...

By Powder
June and July Skiing Planned at Canada's Banff Sunshine Village
NewsMay 4, 2026

June and July Skiing Planned at Canada's Banff Sunshine Village

Banff Sunshine Village announced a two‑week summer ski extension, reopening on June 20 and running through July 5, 2026. The decision follows a record snowfall season that delivered nearly 1,000 cm (393 in) of snow, far exceeding the resort’s 600 cm average. Base depths currently...

By Powder
Stories From the Field: Caroline Gleich, McKenna Peterson, Anne Wangler, & Sierra Schlag (Ep.404)
NewsMay 4, 2026

Stories From the Field: Caroline Gleich, McKenna Peterson, Anne Wangler, & Sierra Schlag (Ep.404)

The Blister Review’s Episode 404 recorded a live round‑table at the Snowbird Blister Summit, featuring skier‑filmmaker Sierra Schlag alongside Caroline Gleich, McKenna Peterson and Anne Wangler. The conversation spanned personal trips to Alaska, Gleich’s ambitious climate‑action projects, and a deep dive into gender dynamics in...

By Blister Review
Idaho Angler Just Broke the State Record for This ‘Underappreciated’ Fish
NewsMay 4, 2026

Idaho Angler Just Broke the State Record for This ‘Underappreciated’ Fish

Idaho angler Caleb Wilson set a new state catch‑and‑release record for burbot, measuring 26.75 inches on the Kootenai River. The record was certified by Idaho Fish and Game on April 23 after Wilson used night trolling with glow‑in‑the‑dark jigs. Wilson, a...

By Outdoor Life
Asian Death-Reef Nearly Deletes Iconic Surf Photographer
NewsMay 4, 2026

Asian Death-Reef Nearly Deletes Iconic Surf Photographer

Renowned surfer Nathan Florence and his companion Ivan tackled a remote Asian reef dubbed the “Death‑Reef,” a wave likened to Tahiti’s infamous Teahupoo. Photographer Daniel Russo captured the session but was violently thrown across the shallow reef, sustaining severe cuts...

By Stab Magazine
The Case Against Backpacking
NewsMay 4, 2026

The Case Against Backpacking

Backpacking has shifted from a counter‑cultural adventure into a self‑help commodity, driven by social‑media hype, travel apps and post‑pandemic remote‑work trends. While travelers tout personal growth from discomfort, the author argues that prolonged low‑budget travel often narrows identity, fuels escapism,...

By TIME
The 7 Best Ultralight Tents of 2026
NewsMay 4, 2026

The 7 Best Ultralight Tents of 2026

The 2026 roundup of ultralight backpacking tents crowns Durston’s X‑Mid Pro 1 as the overall winner, praised for its 1‑lb weight and spacious interior. Six Moon Designs’ Lunar Solo earns the best‑value badge at $260, while Black Diamond’s Mega Light leads...

By Backpacker
Koreans Bag First Ascent of Sato Peak Near Kangchenjunga
NewsMay 4, 2026

Koreans Bag First Ascent of Sato Peak Near Kangchenjunga

A three‑person South Korean team led by Ahn Chi‑young completed the first confirmed ascent of Sato Peak, a 6,220‑meter mountain in the Kangchenjunga region of Nepal, after a five‑day, alpine‑style push up the southeast face. The climbers established three high...

By ExplorersWeb
How Everest Has Changed Since Into Thin Air
NewsMay 4, 2026

How Everest Has Changed Since Into Thin Air

Since Jon Krakauer’s 1996 book *Into Thin Air*, Everest has been climbed roughly 13,000 times, with commercial expeditions accounting for over 90% of ascents. Mortality has plummeted from one death per five summits to one per 173 by 2025, thanks...

By The Atlantic – Work
‘Nobody Has Surfed This Wave’: Dylan Graves and Blair Conklin Tackle a Bizarre Japanese Jetty Wedge (Video)
NewsMay 4, 2026

‘Nobody Has Surfed This Wave’: Dylan Graves and Blair Conklin Tackle a Bizarre Japanese Jetty Wedge (Video)

Dylan Graves and Blair Conklin broke new ground by surfing a previously untouched wave off a hidden jetty in Hokkaido, Japan. The makeshift wedge creates chaotic, imperfect surf that appeals to novelty‑wave enthusiasts. Filmmaker Ryunosuke Tomizawa captured the session, highlighting the duo’s...

By Surfer
Check Out These Gorgeous Travel Photos From São Tomé and Príncipe —Africa’s Lush Island Gem
NewsMay 4, 2026

Check Out These Gorgeous Travel Photos From São Tomé and Príncipe —Africa’s Lush Island Gem

Travel website Travel Awaits highlights a stunning new photo series of São Tomé and Príncipe, the twin equatorial islands off Africa’s coast. The images, captured by Swedish photographer Christoffer Åhlén for National Geographic Traveller (UK), showcase volcanic peaks, lush rainforests...

By TravelAwaits
A Day In The Park: Devils Postpile National Monument
NewsMay 4, 2026

A Day In The Park: Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument, established by presidential proclamation in 1911, protects a striking 100,000‑year‑old columnar basalt formation in eastern California. The 1.25‑square‑mile site features 3.5‑foot‑diameter columns up to 60 feet high, a 101‑foot lava cliff, and the 80‑foot Rainbow Falls. Located...

By National Parks Traveler
Must Watch: Kade Edwards & Finley Kirschenmann Team Up in 'Dude, Where’s My Axle?'
NewsMay 4, 2026

Must Watch: Kade Edwards & Finley Kirschenmann Team Up in 'Dude, Where’s My Axle?'

Kade Edwards and Finley Kirschenmann teamed up to produce the mountain‑bike video “Dude, Where’s My Axle?” filmed amid Queenstown’s rugged terrain. The project was backed by industry sponsors Trek, SRAM and Burgtec, and captured a mix of downhill, BMX and...

By Pinkbike
Explore the Best Travel Destinations for Every Decade of Your Life
NewsMay 4, 2026

Explore the Best Travel Destinations for Every Decade of Your Life

The article maps out ideal vacation spots for each decade of life, starting with budget‑friendly Costa Rica for 20‑year‑olds and ending with comfortable South African safaris for travelers 70 and older. It pairs each destination with the typical priorities of...

By Travel + Leisure
Hidden In Cuyahoga Valley National Park Is Ohio's Once-Thriving Village Now Largely Lost To Time
NewsMay 4, 2026

Hidden In Cuyahoga Valley National Park Is Ohio's Once-Thriving Village Now Largely Lost To Time

Boston, Ohio, a former canal town, was seized in 1974 through eminent‑domain to expand Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Residents were forced out, and demolition of the village lingered until 2016, leaving a patchwork of abandoned structures and legends. The area,...

By Islands
Washington's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Fishing And Boating Haven That Stretches Near The Canadian Border
NewsMay 4, 2026

Washington's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Fishing And Boating Haven That Stretches Near The Canadian Border

Lake Roosevelt, the 150‑mile‑long reservoir created by the 1942 Grand Coulee Dam, is Washington’s largest artificial lake, covering over 80,000 acres and 603 miles of shoreline. The dam’s turbines generate enough hydroelectric power for roughly four million residents each year....

By Islands
My Personal Picks: 12 Unique Places to Visit in Florida
NewsMay 4, 2026

My Personal Picks: 12 Unique Places to Visit in Florida

The article spotlights twelve distinct Florida destinations, ranging from the historic streets of St. Augustine to the wild wetlands of Everglades National Park. It highlights each locale’s signature attractions—snorkeling in the Keys, manatee‑watching in Crystal River, space‑center tours near Orlando, and...

By Travel + Leisure
Between Madison And Fond Du Lac Is Wisconsin's Scenic Lakeside City With Superb Fishing, Paddling, And Historic Charm
NewsMay 4, 2026

Between Madison And Fond Du Lac Is Wisconsin's Scenic Lakeside City With Superb Fishing, Paddling, And Historic Charm

Fox Lake, a historic town of about 1,800 residents in Dodge County, Wisconsin, sits on a 2,713‑acre lake renowned for its prolific walleye fishery, pulling more than 700,000 fish each year. The Fox Lake Preservation Organization maintains the lake’s health...

By Islands
The Best of St. Lucia: Where to Stay and What to Do
NewsMay 3, 2026

The Best of St. Lucia: Where to Stay and What to Do

St. Lucia is redefining its image from a pure beach getaway to a multifaceted destination that blends luxury, adventure, and a burgeoning culinary scene. Iconic resorts such as Jade Mountain, Anse Chastenet, and Sugar Beach deliver high‑end amenities like private infinity pools, organic farms,...

By Travel + Leisure
Sleek Swiss Capsule Camp Stove Adds 35% More Power and Loses Weight
NewsMay 3, 2026

Sleek Swiss Capsule Camp Stove Adds 35% More Power and Loses Weight

Optimus unveiled the Gemini II, a second‑generation capsule camp stove that delivers 35% more power per burner—4,600 W versus the original 3,400 W—while shedding 2 oz to weigh just 1.7 lb (760 g). The dual‑burner unit retains the original’s slim 12 × 2.8 × 4.1 in footprint, integrated wind protection, and...

By New Atlas – Architecture
5 Best Beach Towns in Georgia, According to Locals Who Love the Coast
NewsMay 3, 2026

5 Best Beach Towns in Georgia, According to Locals Who Love the Coast

Georgia’s modest 100‑mile coastline hosts five standout beach towns that locals swear by, ranging from the laid‑back, artsy vibe of Tybee Island to the upscale resort experience of Sea Island. The guide highlights Tybee’s festivals and fresh seafood, St. Simons’ historic...

By Travel + Leisure
Discover Texas Gulf Coast's Hidden Fishing Towns and Beaches
NewsMay 3, 2026

Discover Texas Gulf Coast's Hidden Fishing Towns and Beaches

The Texas Gulf Coast, spanning 3,359 miles, is emerging as a boutique‑style beach destination, highlighted by new properties like Galveston’s Hotel Lucine and Rockport’s Reel ‘em Inn. Travelers are drawn to historic towns, protected natural areas such as Padre Island...

By Travel + Leisure
How to Plan a Memorable Ski Adventure at Red Lodge Mountain
NewsMay 3, 2026

How to Plan a Memorable Ski Adventure at Red Lodge Mountain

Red Lodge Mountain in Montana offers a spring‑focused ski experience with 1,635 skiable acres, a 2,400‑ft vertical drop and an average 250 in of snowfall. The resort opens the day after Thanksgiving, peaks in March‑April, and provides eight lifts—including the high‑speed...

By Travel + Leisure
Gwynnik: Mike Lay's New Film Is a Love Letter to Surfing, Family, and the Joy of Staying Home
NewsMay 3, 2026

Gwynnik: Mike Lay's New Film Is a Love Letter to Surfing, Family, and the Joy of Staying Home

Professional surfer Mike Lay has released *Gwynnik*, the final installment of a three‑film series that turns the lens inward, highlighting his life in Cornwall with his young family. Filmed over two years across Cornwall and Brittany, the documentary blends modest...

By Surfer
10 Best Scenic National Park Drives Around the U.S.
NewsMay 3, 2026

10 Best Scenic National Park Drives Around the U.S.

The article spotlights ten of the nation’s most iconic scenic drives through its national parks, from Death Valley’s desert byway to the coastal route in Redwood. Each drive is paired with practical tips—seasonal road status, shuttle requirements, and key pull‑outs...

By Travel + Leisure
The Ultimate Guide to Après-Ski Style and Destinations
NewsMay 3, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Après-Ski Style and Destinations

Après‑ski is a cornerstone of ski culture, blending casual socializing with post‑run drinks and bites. There is no formal dress code—skiers typically transition straight from the slopes to a bar in jeans, boots and a beanie, keeping equipment off tables....

By Travel + Leisure
15 Stunning U.S. Mountain Ranges Perfect for Your Next Adventure
NewsMay 3, 2026

15 Stunning U.S. Mountain Ranges Perfect for Your Next Adventure

The article highlights 15 of America’s most iconic mountain ranges, from the mist‑shrouded Great Smoky Mountains to the volcanic Cascades and the towering Alaska Range. It details each range’s signature attractions—national parks, scenic drives, historic railways, and world‑class ski resorts—showing...

By Travel + Leisure
5 Off-The-Grid Surf Escapes To Chase In May
NewsMay 3, 2026

5 Off-The-Grid Surf Escapes To Chase In May

May delivers a sweet spot for surfers worldwide, with lingering northern swells and the Southern Hemisphere’s storm‑driven peaks. While famous breaks like J‑Bay and Fiji stay busy, lesser‑known locations such as Denmark’s Klitmøller, India’s Kerala, Oman’s north coast, Madagascar’s reefs,...

By Surfer
Sunday Watch: Mali Noyes Finishes Utah's Hardest Lines In Record Time
NewsMay 3, 2026

Sunday Watch: Mali Noyes Finishes Utah's Hardest Lines In Record Time

Mali Noyes completed skiing Utah's 93 most difficult Wasatch chutes in a record 47 days, a feat chronicled in her Project Rapid Fire web series. The final episode captures her last six lines—Monte Cristo, Directissimo, Hellgate Couloir, King’s Peak, and...

By Powder
This 160-Mile Drive Is One of the Country’s Most Scenic Roads—With Small Towns, Hot Springs, and Stunning Mountain Views
NewsMay 3, 2026

This 160-Mile Drive Is One of the Country’s Most Scenic Roads—With Small Towns, Hot Springs, and Stunning Mountain Views

The Salmon River Scenic Byway stretches over 160 miles through central Idaho, delivering dramatic mountain vistas, wildlife, and historic sites such as ghost towns and hot springs. The route is most popular from June through September, though autumn offers vibrant...

By Travel + Leisure
Montana's Underrated Beach State Park Has Sandy Shorelines, Swimming, And Birding
NewsMay 3, 2026

Montana's Underrated Beach State Park Has Sandy Shorelines, Swimming, And Birding

Somers Beach State Park, a 106‑acre day‑use beach on Flathead Lake, opened in 2022 and quickly earned a reputation for its expansive sandy shoreline, swimming opportunities, and prime bird‑watching habitat. The park’s beach size fluctuates with the lake’s water level,...

By Islands
Best Travel Tote Bags for Every Kind of Excursion (2026): Away, Le Pliage, Topo Designs
NewsMay 3, 2026

Best Travel Tote Bags for Every Kind of Excursion (2026): Away, Le Pliage, Topo Designs

Boutayna Chokrane’s guide ranks the top travel totes for digital nomads, highlighting the Away Everywhere Tote at $158 as the best all‑around option thanks to its water‑resistant nylon, laptop sleeve, and airline‑friendly dimensions. The review also spotlights Yardsale’s Day Bag,...

By WIRED – Gear
Hood Canal's 'Premier Fishing And Diving Gateway' Is A Washington State Park For Water Adventures
NewsMay 3, 2026

Hood Canal's 'Premier Fishing And Diving Gateway' Is A Washington State Park For Water Adventures

Triton Cove State Park, a 30‑acre waterfront site on Washington’s Hood Canal, serves as the region’s premier gateway for fishing and scuba diving. The park features an ADA‑accessible boat ramp, a seasonal 100‑foot dock, and limited amenities such as picnic...

By Islands
This Might Be The Most Iconic View In Yosemite National Park (And Getting There Is Easy)
NewsMay 3, 2026

This Might Be The Most Iconic View In Yosemite National Park (And Getting There Is Easy)

Yosemite’s Tunnel View remains one of the park’s most photographed vistas, showcasing El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel, Bridalveil Fall and the valley floor in a single frame. The viewpoint attracted roughly 4.3 million visitors in 2025, making Yosemite the nation’s most‑visited park. Accessible...

By Islands
Between Boston And Hartford Is Massachusetts' Camping Escape With Hiking, Pond Fun, And Serene Vibes
NewsMay 3, 2026

Between Boston And Hartford Is Massachusetts' Camping Escape With Hiking, Pond Fun, And Serene Vibes

Located midway between Boston and Hartford, Sutton Falls Camping Area offers a rustic yet well‑equipped retreat in rural Massachusetts. The campground features primitive tent sites, full‑hookup RV spots, and two upscale yurts, with nightly rates ranging from $62 for tents...

By Islands
10 Podiatrist-Approved Flats That Pack a Ton of Arch Support—Comfy Loafers, Mules, and More From $40 at Amazon
NewsMay 3, 2026

10 Podiatrist-Approved Flats That Pack a Ton of Arch Support—Comfy Loafers, Mules, and More From $40 at Amazon

Travel + Leisure highlights ten podiatrist‑approved flats available on Amazon, with prices starting at $40 and discounts up to 62 percent. The list includes Oofos Oomy Zen Recovery Shoes, Vionic Uptown Loafer, Spenco Siesta Gemstone, Dansko Merrin Mule, and Vivaia Izabel, each...

By Travel + Leisure
Every Flight Attendant I Spoke to Suggests Packing These 12 Genius Travel Staples From Amazon—Starting at $13
NewsMay 3, 2026

Every Flight Attendant I Spoke to Suggests Packing These 12 Genius Travel Staples From Amazon—Starting at $13

Travel + Leisure’s commerce writer Chaise Sanders surveyed multiple flight attendants to identify the most useful travel accessories available on Amazon. The roundup highlights twelve items ranging from podiatrist‑approved shoes and compression packing cubes to a foot hammock and Apple AirTag, with...

By Travel + Leisure
Michigan's Most Remote State Park Is A Wilderness Escape With Gorgeous Lake Views And Cozy Cabins
NewsMay 3, 2026

Michigan's Most Remote State Park Is A Wilderness Escape With Gorgeous Lake Views And Cozy Cabins

Craig Lake State Park, Michigan's most remote state park, covers 9,700 acres across Marquette and Baraga counties in the Upper Peninsula. The park offers rugged terrain, granite bluffs, hemlock and pine forests, and a 374‑acre lake that bans motorboats. Visitors...

By Islands
The Iconic Colorado Water Park That's Reopening In Summer 2026 With Brand New Attractions
NewsMay 3, 2026

The Iconic Colorado Water Park That's Reopening In Summer 2026 With Brand New Attractions

Colorado’s 70‑acre Water World, the state’s largest water park, will debut a new 3‑acre Summit Canyon area in summer 2026. The expansion adds four high‑speed slides—including a near‑vertical drop capsule—plus family‑focused pools, an obstacle‑course playground, and the Emerald Lake lounge....

By Islands
The Friendly US State Inviting Tourists To 'Visit Your Neighbors' In 2026 Has Quirky Cities And Outdoor Fun
NewsMay 3, 2026

The Friendly US State Inviting Tourists To 'Visit Your Neighbors' In 2026 Has Quirky Cities And Outdoor Fun

Minnesota’s tourism board, Explore Minnesota, unveiled a 2026 "Visit Your Neighbors" campaign to re‑energize travel after a contentious winter marked by ICE’s Operation Metro Surge. The initiative spotlights the state’s reputation for "Minnesota nice," quirky towns such as Two Harbors...

By Islands
25 Quirky 'World's Largest' Roadside Attractions You Have to See
NewsMay 3, 2026

25 Quirky 'World's Largest' Roadside Attractions You Have to See

America’s highways are dotted with quirky “world’s largest” roadside attractions that draw travelers seeking novelty and photo‑ops. Small towns like Casey, Illinois, host dozens of oversized items—from a mailbox to a rocking chair—turning modest populations into tourist magnets. These landmarks...

By The Boot
Cebu Highlands, Not Just the Beaches, Beckon to Tourists
NewsMay 3, 2026

Cebu Highlands, Not Just the Beaches, Beckon to Tourists

Cebu is being marketed as an active‑wellness travel hub, with Aboitiz InfraCapital highlighting the island’s highland trails as a natural extension of its airport gateway. The article showcases three key destinations—Mt. Manunggal, Mt. Mago and Badian Highlands—each offering distinct hiking...

By Philippine Daily Inquirer – Business
'America's Only Ski, Golf, And Lake Resort' Is A Family-Friendly Paradise North Of Boise, Idaho
NewsMay 3, 2026

'America's Only Ski, Golf, And Lake Resort' Is A Family-Friendly Paradise North Of Boise, Idaho

Located north of Boise, Idaho, Tamarack Resort spans 3,600 acres and markets itself as America’s only ski, golf, and lake resort. In winter it offers over 1,600 skiable acres, 300 inches of snowfall and a ski‑in/ski‑out village, while summer brings...

By Islands