How to Book a Great National Park Campsite Every Time
Graham Averill explains how to consistently secure a top‑rated campsite in U.S. national parks by leveraging the six‑month advance reservation window on Recreation.gov, studying detailed campground maps, and mining site‑specific reviews. He warns that even seasoned campers can end up with undesirable spots—like a narrow pad next to a bathroom—if they skip the research. The piece also highlights third‑party platforms such as TheDyrt, Campendium and TripAdvisor as supplemental sources of candid feedback. By following these steps, campers can avoid privacy, shade, and noise issues and enjoy a more comfortable park experience.
The New Podcast ‘What to Carry, What to Burn’ Will Change How You See Survival
Blair Braverman, longtime Outside columnist and seasoned dogsledder, debuted the podcast *What to Carry, What to Burn* on May 12. The series examines iconic survival narratives—from Ada Blackjack’s Arctic ordeal to lesser‑known tales—through a lens that prioritizes emotional resonance and...
Never Just a Hike
Outside Online announced a summer‑time promotion offering a 30% discount on its Plus membership, which grants unlimited access to the brand’s editorial content, interactive maps, and community features. The limited‑time offer is displayed prominently on the site’s homepage and is...
This Gear Kept Me Warm, Dry, and Healthy During My Hike to Mount Everest Base Camp
The author recounts an 11‑day, 40‑mile trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, highlighting eight pieces of gear that proved essential in 2026. Lightweight yet sturdy La Sportiva boots, Darn Tough socks, and Fjällräven hoodies kept him warm and comfortable on...
A Yellowstone Grizzly Had a Fierce Standoff with a Wolf Pack. It Was Caught on Video.
Early May footage captured in Yellowstone National Park shows two grizzly bears battling a wolf pack over a drowned bull bison carcass. The smaller bear appears subadult, making the wolves seem relatively larger, but an adult male grizzly arrives and...
Is There a Good Way to Visit Our National Parks in 2026? It’s Complicated.
National parks are grappling with record crowds, with 2024 visits hitting 331.9 million and 2025 still around 323 million. Visitor fees now fund 80% of park operations, while the NPS budget remains flat at $2.14 billion for 2027, creating a growing fiscal gap....
The 4 Best Women’s Travel Pants for Summer Vacations
Lisa Jhung’s Outside column spotlights four women’s travel pants that blend comfort, style, and performance for summer vacations. The Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg offers ultra‑soft polyester‑elastane fabric and ankle coverage for cold‑weather travel. Roxy Oceanside Linen Pant provides a breezy...
These 7 Historic Resorts Are Now Epic Adventure Hubs
Historic U.S. resorts such as the Greenbrier, French Lick, and Glenwood Hot Springs are revamping their classic spa‑and‑relaxation formulas with adrenaline‑pumping activities like rafting, mountain biking, and ski packages. The shift reflects a broader traveler appetite for adventure that’s blended...
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...
What’s Behind the Rise in Deadly Hawaii Helicopter Crashes?
A doors‑off helicopter tour operated by Airborne Aviation crashed off Kauai’s Na Pali Coast on March 26, killing three of the five occupants. The NTSB’s preliminary investigation reported severe vibrations and loss of directional control, suggesting a possible tail‑rotor malfunction, but no...
A Critical Delay on Mount Everest Is Raising Anxieties Over Crowding and Congestion
A dangerous serac in Nepal’s Khumbu Icefall has halted the route‑fixing work that normally opens Mount Everest in early April, pushing the spring climbing season’s start back. The delay prevents climbers, guides and porters from moving beyond Base Camp, sparking...
Planning a Trip to Lake Powell? Here’s What You Need to Know About Historically Low Water Levels.
Lake Powell’s water level has fallen to 174 feet below its full‑pool elevation, the second‑lowest on record, prompting the National Park Service to warn visitors of exposed shorelines, shifting channels and heightened hazards. Only two of the reservoir’s 11 launch ramps...
Taron Egerton Tells Us What It Was Really Like to Film Netflix’s New Thriller ‘Apex’
Netflix’s new thriller *Apex* starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton premieres on April 24. The film follows Egerton’s charismatic psychopath Ben as he stalks Theron’s Sasha through Australia’s remote wilderness. Production demanded intense physical challenges, including kayaking, cliff drops and...
How to Make Your Rain Shell Last Forever
Rain jackets often lose their waterproof performance not because the membrane fails, but because grime, oil and dirt clog the microscopic pores of the durable water‑repellent (DWR) coating. A proper wash in a front‑loading machine using a technical detergent, followed...
Why REI, Decathlon, and Backcountry Are Winning the Gear War This Season
Outdoor retailers REI, Decathlon, and Backcountry are gaining market share by expanding their private‑label gear lines, which deliver 25‑35% price cuts versus comparable name‑brand items. Their advantage stems from vertically integrated, direct‑to‑consumer supply chains that bypass wholesale markups and keep...