Outside Magazine, May 2019

Features

Ask Your Doctor if Nature Is Right for You: A grassroots movement of physicians are prescribing time outdoors as the best possible cure for a growing list of ailments. Can they really convince big health care that free medicine is the way of the future? —Aaron Reuben

Show Up and Be Seen: Two years ago, the climbing photographer known as Nathan Smith saw no way out, after struggling for years with gender-identity issues in the outdoor industry. Then slowly, bravely, Nikki Smith introduced herself to the world. —Julie Ellison

He Trots the Air: The end was coming for Roany, a strong and beautiful horse who’d been at the center of Pam Houston’s life for 25 years on her ranch near Creede, Colorado. What she wanted for him was simple: a peaceful exit, lifted by the loving touch of human hands.

True Grit: In July, a group of Afghan women set out to climb 24,580-foot Mount Noshaq, their country’s highest mountain. Anything could’ve stopped them, from Afghan men who think that women shouldn’t exercise to a terrorist attack two days before the climb. —Theresa Breuer

Dispatches

Big Idea

Gear Policing: Busting people for outdoor-style miscues is a beloved pastime. Too bad it has us all dressing the same. —Marc Peruzzi

The Outsider

Iris Slappendel: Meet the Billie Jean King of cycling, the woman bringing gender equity to the women’s professional circuit.

Exposure

Portfolio: Brendan Burden’s images of Havana’s heavy hitters, the best boxers on earth.

Media

The River and the Wall: Ben Masters’s new documentary chronicles a wild journey down the Rio Grande.

Travel

Family Adventures: From a barrier island off the South Carolina coast to a remote ski town in British Columbia, we’ve rounded up the best spots for active vacations with the kids.

Base Camp: Myanmar’s Wa Ale Resort, in the 800-island Mergui Archipelago.

Fitness

Tech: Hydration-tracking wearables are finally close to hitting the market.

Laird’s Laws: How to fuel for an action-packed 24 hours.

Recovery: A wave of “nap bars” want you to pay to take a midday snooze.

Fuel: The recovery beer is getting a makeover, with less alcohol and more electrolytes.

Style

The Watch: The ultimate timepiece for aquatic adventurers is crafted with rubbish found at sea.

Gear

Watersports: Surf and SUP essentials, from paddle to leash.

Sports Bras: Comfortable, confidence-boosting support systems for exercising turbulence-free.

Rain Shells: Superior protection against spring showers.