Meet the Awe Scientist
Dr. Paul Piff, a social psychologist at UC Irvine, led a large‑scale field study at Lake Tahoe that surveyed more than a thousand visitors about the emotion of awe. Participants who spent just two minutes viewing the lake’s scenery showed measurable increases in helpfulness, ethical choices, and overall well‑being compared with a control group that visited a gift shop. The research demonstrates that brief, nature‑based awe experiences can trigger lasting prosocial and psychological benefits. Findings are highlighted in a three‑part video series, “Beyond Awestruck.”
The Best Trail Mountain Bikes of 2026, Tested by Experts
Pinkbike’s 2026 Trail Bike Field Test crowned the Revel Rascal X0 as the top trail mountain bike, highlighting its carbon frame, 130 mm rear travel and premium components at $7,199. The Specialized Stumpjumper 15 earned the best‑value title with an aluminum frame and...
Those with a Permanent Disability Can Get a Free Lifetime Parks Pass. Here’s How.
People with permanent disabilities can obtain a free lifetime Access Pass that waives entrance and day‑use fees at all 433 National Park Service sites and over 1,000 federally managed recreation areas. Eligibility requires a physician’s statement or other qualifying documentation...
I Ditched My Car For a Commuter E-Bike—And I’m Never Going Back
After a decade in Chicago, the author swapped his second car for an Aventon Abound SR commuter e‑bike, discovering that electric pedal‑assist can handle daily trips and family logistics. The cargo‑focused model supports up to 440 lb, including a removable child...
Comedian Matt Lyons Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Not Every Moment Was Hilarious.
Comedian Matt Lyons turned his 2021‑2022 southbound Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) attempt into the documentary *SOBO*, which premiered in New England theaters and will stream on Outside TV. The 2,600‑mile trek forced Lyons to battle injuries, isolation, and a mid‑trail...
Trump Admin Targets 1 Million Acres of California Public Lands for Drilling, Putting Yosemite’s Backyard at Risk
The Bureau of Land Management, under the Trump administration, has released two plans to open more than one million acres of California public lands to oil and gas drilling and fracking, including areas adjacent to Yosemite, Sequoia, and other national...
The Ski Midlayer Is Dead. Long Live the Ski Midlayer.
The author, a veteran Outside gear tester, praises classic breathable ski midlayers for their versatility in New Mexico’s cold mornings and lift rides, highlighting favorites like Black Diamond, Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Stio. After a decade of relying on these staples,...
Why Bigger Tires Might Be the Worst Overlanding Mod You Can Make
Overlanding enthusiasts often upgrade to larger, 33‑ to 35‑inch tires for off‑road looks, but real‑world testing shows the trade‑offs are steep. The author’s 2018 Toyota Tundra lost roughly 100 miles of range after swapping a 32‑inch stock tire for a 33‑inch...
Listen to Audio Stories From the Spring Issue
Outside magazine’s Spring 2026 issue now offers a text‑to‑speech audio version of its feature stories. The new audio library, available to Outside+ members, includes nine pieces ranging from a 21‑minute interview with Charlize Theron about climbing for a Netflix film to...
Beyond Awestruck
The Outside Online feature "Beyond Awestruck" spotlights Lake Tahoe as a premier adventure‑travel destination, detailing its year‑round outdoor activities from alpine skiing to high‑altitude hiking. The piece highlights the region’s dramatic scenery, burgeoning visitor numbers, and emerging sustainability initiatives aimed...
Pro Tips for Shooting the Night Sky (No Matter What Equipment You Have)
The Outside Online guide breaks down astrophotography basics for anyone, regardless of gear. It recommends a wide‑angle lens with f/2.8 or faster, or simply a smartphone in night mode, paired with a stable surface. Readers are urged to locate certified...
Listen to the Most Incredible Stories of Women Who Changed Outdoor History
Outside Online marks Women’s History Month by curating a playlist of audio stories that celebrate pioneering women who reshaped outdoor pursuits. The collection spotlights early aviators such as Louise Thaden, the 1977 creators of the sports bra, Olympian Wilma Rudolph,...
The Shoes I Wear on Ski Trips When I’m Not on the Slopes
The article reviews après‑ski footwear that bridges mountain performance and casual comfort. It highlights the Stio Colter Boot as the best overall option, the Columbia Venturetrot Boot as the top value pick for muddy conditions, and The North Face Thermoball...
Outside’s Spring 2026 Issue and How the Right Destination Unlocks Your Better Self
Kevin Sintumuang’s editorial in Outside’s Spring 2026 issue argues that choosing the right travel destination can unlock hidden facets of one’s personality, a lesson he learned during a week at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali. He contrasts forced discomfort...
Inside ‘Apex’ with Charlize Theron: How She Learned to Climb for Her New Netflix Movie
Charlize Theron learned to rock climb and performed the majority of the grueling climbing sequences in Netflix’s upcoming thriller *Apex* without a stunt double. She was coached by elite climber Beth Rodden and filmed on location in Australia’s remote Blue Mountains....